Right before the battle of Hogwarts commenced, Minerva McGonagall gathered all of the students into the Great Hall. The candles were lit and floating low over the tables in a way that cast only a small amount of warm light as the students of the four houses took their seats.

There was a choice to be made, a choice that would decide the fate of their fair school. Who would stay? Who would go? How many children could conscience allow into the fight?

Minerva spoke her words and watched in silence as Slytherin left the Hall, as Ravenclaw filed away, as parents wrestled young Gryffindors through the door, and as Hufflepuff sat in quiet readiness.

Always steady, and always ready to do what needed to be done. Hufflepuff fought, protected, and cared for the people in battle, ultimately saving not only the school, but the wizarding world as we know it.

Nymphadora Tonks, Pomona Sprout, Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander, and me, y’all.