The fourth year Hufflepuff rolled her eyes as she heard the Weasley in the compartment across from hers tell the Boy Who Lived how brilliant Griffindor was and how evil Slytherin was. Idiot.
The scared looking first year sitting across from her kept fidgeting in her seat.
Mandy sighed. It was important to be there for the young ones. She spoke in a soft voice,
"Hey, what's bothering you?"
The blonde girl sniffled,
"Is Hufflepuff really that bad? Everyone has been saying its for the weak and the leftovers."
Mandy bristled. She'd had just about enough of everyone making fun of her house! She said in a cautious voice, once she had worked out what to day,
"What is Hogwarts?"
The little blonde girl looked a bit confused but answered anyway,
"A school."
Mandy nodded,
"And what is the purpose of attending a school, do you think?"
The small first year thought for a moment, probably wondering what she thought the purpose was.
"To learn and make friends?"
Mandy nodded, smiling proudly, before saying,
"Hufflepuff is the house of loyalty and hard work. The epitome of schooling. We work hard to learn, and love to make friends. Isn't that what school is really about? Doesn't that mean we're the best house?"
The small first year seemed to think about it,
"But what... what about being courageous to save others?"
Mandy shook her head,
"That might be important in the real world, but no one should even be endanger in a school."
The blonde girl twisted her lip slightly in thought, still wondering,
"And... Ravenclaw is for the smart, right? More focused on learning? You said school is about learning?"
Mandy nodded, pleased this little one had a strong will and wasn't just giving in to her ideals,
"That is correct, and I'm not saying there is necessarily anything wrong with any of the houses. But, Ravenclaw is more about intelligence and wisdom, which is learning, but many of them can become recluses. All Griffindors aren't that bad either, but they aren't as important in a schooling system since bravery... might not be needed here. Slytherin, cunning and manipulation, is more for the political world than a school of children. Perhaps Hufflepuff isn't the best either, but... I like to think that friends and dedication are more important than personal goals, knowledge, and courage. Since... life is all about happiness for me, happiness for my friends, and a contentment in what I do, I suppose other people want other things... I simply think Hufflepuff is better."
The first year giggled,
"Hufflepuff loyalty?"
Mandy nodded.