Duffers

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 188545

Catlady:
> 
> However, in one of the Sorting Hat's songs, Helga declared that she would take all the students that none of the other Founders wanted. That means, some of her students are just rejects. 
> 

Potioncat:
I went to the HP Lexicon so I could look at all the Sorting Hat songs at once. Here's the link. 
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/hogwarts/sorting_hat.html


The Sorting Hat changes its tune as the years go by, staring out with a simple description of the houses and ending with something of an essay on the whole system. (OK, so some of you picked up on that a long time ago.) The last song is all about what each of the Founders based their decisions upon. None of the criteria have anything to do with magical ability or potential. The first song does a better job of describing the houses while the last song is concentrating on the founders. 

Hufflepuff House starts out as just, loyal, patient, hardworking; moves to hardworking only; and ends as merely accepting all the ones not chosen by the other three houses. We call that inclusion in modern education. At least, that's what it reminds me of. 

I keep bringing up whether readers see Hufflepuff as duffers because I'm not sure what really comes across about the house. I don't see them as duffers, or as second rate. If we look at the basic criteria for the houses I think Hufflepuff is as worthy as any of the other three. After all, in the RW we may want brave policemen, but we also want just judges.

I think the most recent sorting hat song, "Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest and taught them all she knew," makes the house seem dummed down to many readers. Helga, it seems, did not judge her students on bravery, wit or blood status. She was willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn. Again, bravery, wit and blood status have nothing to do with magical potential. Hers is a "just" method of teaching. Hufflepuff's standards aren't low, they are just and patient and welcoming.

Bible alert!
The description of Hufflepuff reminded me of something familiar. I found it in 1Corrinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Yep, I'll take Hufflepuff.
;-)