The Virtues of Hufflepuff House and Cedric Diggory (Was: Snape and . . .cour

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No: HPFGUIDX 106553

Hickengruendler and HunterGreen have been discussing Hufflepuff House 
in ways what seem to be reductive terms, though I admit I may simply 
be misunderstanding them.  

If anything Hufflepuff House, described by the Sorting Hat as a sort 
of catch-all for the otherwise uncategorizable, seems to reflect an 
egalitarian Everyman, if you will.  As such, it should and does seem 
to reflect a noticeable diversity as its dominant trait, including 
the beautiful (Cedric), the mundane (Ernie and Justin), the seemingly 
arrogant insecure (Zacharias), and the reliable (Susan Bones).

If glory comes slowly and seldom to their house, it seems more a case 
of the Tortoise and the Hare, a natural consequence of their innate 
diversity.

True, their Head of House, Professor Sprout teaches Herbology, but I 
would hardly call the subject less taxing than Transfiguration, 
Charms, or Potions.  Whoever says so clearly slept through botany, a 
subject that calls for not only academic acumen but at least as much 
continual alertness as Care of Magical Creatures (remember those 
Blast-Ended Skrewts?).

Finally, we are reminded that the Hufflepuff mascot is the badger.  
According to the on-line Encyclopedia Britannica site, there are 6 
species of badgers, differentiated according to "size, habitat, and 
coloration," supporting my theory that they are intended to reflect 
diversty. 

These creatures share several physical traits in common, however, 
including the following:  "all possess anal scent glands, powerful 
jaws, and large, heavy claws on their forefeet," suggesting that 
despite their seemingly placid appearance, they can prove to be 
dangerous foes when roused in defense of that which matters to them.  
Thus I agree with Hickengruendler's assertion that the Hufflepuffs 
are likely to prove significant allies in WWII (the second wizarding 
war).

I disagree, however, that Helga Hufflepuff's open school policy is 
intended to reflect poorly on the other founders or houses.  We see 
similar traits in all the other houses, including Slytherin, if we 
include Snape as a representative of said house.  After all, his 
willingness to defy Voldemort seems a sign of courage and his 
obedience to Dumbledore despite his evident loathing of all 
associated with the original Marauders, (especially the current 
generation of Harry and the Weasley twins,) seems a fair example of 
loyalty.

>From Gryffindor we see Hermione and before her Lily Potter as 
examples of egalitarian intellectuals who are loyal even unto death.

>From Ravenclaw we see Professor Flitwick, who is clearly a sweetheart 
as a teacher, yet who is also characterized as a champion dueler in 
his day, reflecting his kindness of heart and his courage.  His 
loyalty we see in his quiet support of Dumbledore and McGonnagall in 
the face of Umbridge's outrageous edicts.  Likewise Luna Lovegood 
reflects a courage not necessarily immediately recognizable and 
loyalty, both to herself and family and to Harry and his friends.

Through these these enumerations I intend only to refute the 
accusation that these other houses are racist or otherwise biased.  
The founders, I think, are remembered for valuing and encouraging 
particular traits, but that does not mean that they necessarily 
rejected others out of hand.  Neville, for example, is clearly a work 
in progress.  To be fair, we all are, regardless of age or origins.