Harry Potter: Hufflepuff House Members Ranked By Likability

Of all the Hogwarts houses, perhaps none is as overlooked as Hufflepuff. Besides the name itself being just plain silly, Hufflepuffs are often the brunt of jokes in the Harry Potter fandom. They may not be as bright as Ravenclaw, or as courageous as Gryffindor, but don't count out the strength of their character. Kindness, loyalty, and compassion are the traits that round out this underrated house, and each of those values are just as important (if not more so) as any others.

As one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Helga Hufflepuff's goal was to make Hogwarts a place where all witches and wizards would feel welcome and safe. Unlike her fellow founders, Helga insisted that no special traits should be required to study magic other than hard work and dedication. There are several members of Hufflepuff in the Harry Potter movies and books deserving of recognition — and even a few that deserve our loathing. Here is a definitive list of the most prominent Hufflepuffs from the Wizarding World, ranked by likability.

Honestly, it's a mystery as to why Zacharias Smith (Nick Shirm) was ever sorted into Hufflepuff. Nothing of his personality fits the Hufflepuff's attributes of kindness, loyalty, and friendship. Though he's reduced to a background character in the films, the books tell a whole other story.

In Book Five, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Zacharias attends the secret meeting of Dumbledore's Army with the other students. However, it quickly becomes clear that he isn't there to learn how to defend against the dark arts. Instead, Zacharias badgers Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe, in the movies) for information about the death of Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), which occurred the previous year during the Triwizard Tournament. He then proceeds to challenge Harry's leadership, finding any opportunity he can to undermine and criticize him.

Besides that, Zacharias is just plain insufferable. He's a bully on the Quidditch field, he pesters Harry's friends, and he mocks Harry incessantly. The kid is probably just jealous, but he's easily the most unlikeable Hufflepuff in the whole of the series.

While she only appears in one chapter of the Harry Potter novels, Hepzibah Smith certainly leaves an impression — and not a particularly good one. In the book version of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and Harry (Radcliffe) view a memory of Tom Riddle visiting the Hufflepuff alumnus at her home.

Our first impression of Hepzibah is that she is remarkably frivolous and shallow. She cares a great deal about material wealth, and is eager to show off her prized treasures to Riddle. She is also a snob about her ancestry, claiming that she is a descendent of Helga Hufflepuff herself. Hepzibah is easily flattered by the attentions of the handsome young Riddle, so much so that she doesn't think twice about showing him her most valued possessions: Helga Hufflepuff's cup and Salazar Slytherin's locket. In the end, her pride ends up being her downfall — Riddle kills her, taking the items to be made into Horcruxes.

Hepzibah may not be particularly cruel or nasty, but her superficial nature makes it difficult to feel any sympathy towards her inevitable downfall. If she had placed virtue over social standing, perhaps things would have turned out differently.

A Hufflepuff in the same year as Harry Potter, Ernie MacMillan (Louis Doyle) is another character whose role is severely reduced in the films. Ernie would often be seen hanging around with his own group of Hufflepuffs — namely Justin Finch-Fletchley (Edward Randell), Hannah Abbot (Charlotte Skeoch), and Susan Bones (Eleanor Columbus).

Though Ernie is a fiercely loyal friend, he is also a bit of a rumormonger. In the book "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," Ernie accused Harry of being the Heir of Slytherin after Harry spoke Parselmouth during a wand duel. To his credit, Ernie did apologize to Harry after he realized his mistake. Ernie was also guilty of harassing Harry in "The Goblet of Fire" book, when he believed that Harry put his name into the Goblet himself. Along with other students, Ernie wore a magical badge that transformed between "Support Cedric Diggory" and "Potter Stinks."

It wasn't until Harry's claim that Voldemort had returned (and the death of Cedric Diggory) that Ernie finally let go of whatever reservations he had about the Boy Who Lived. He later joined Dumbledore's Army, and fought bravely at the battle of Hogwarts in "The Deathly Hallows" novel. He might not be perfect, but Ernie showed incredible loyalty and a willingness to protect his friends when it really mattered.

Hannah Abbott (Skeoch) is more than just the first person to put on the Sorting Hat in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." With her friends, she joined Dumbledore's Army in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." According to author JK Rowling, she would also later marry fellow Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom.

Hannah had her imperfect moments, too, however. In the book "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," she was convinced by her friend, Ernie MacMillan, that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin, and thought Harry was responsible for the attacks on Muggle-born students. She and Ernie later apologized to Harry when Hermione Granger was petrified, as they realized that he would never harm one of his closest friends. However, in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Hannah was one of the Hufflepuffs who donned a "Support Cedric Diggory/Harry Potter Stinks" badge, believing that Harry had put his name in the Goblet of Fire in order to take more glory for himself.

Though some of Hannah's actions in the books could be blamed on mob mentality, her flighty nature isn't the most admirable of qualities. Still, Hannah ultimately lived up to her Hufflepuff status by demonstrating loyalty to her friends and fighting against injustice.

Most fans will probably remember Justin Finch-Fletchley (Randell) as the boy who mistakenly believed that Harry tried to sic a snake on him in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Thanks to his Muggle background, Justin was a prime candidate to be a victim of the Heir of Slytherin. In the novel, after being cured of his petrification, Justin formally shook Harry's hand and apologized for the misunderstanding.

When we first meet Justin in the books, he is a friendly, agreeable young man who gets along fine with Harry and his friends. We can forgive his suspicion of Harry in "The Chamber of Secrets," because frankly, in Justin's position, anyone would be be freaked out. Justin is a bit naive, however, and perhaps too easily manipulated. He was openly an avid admirer of Gilderoy Lockhart, stating in the book that it was thanks to Lockhart's published works that his mother allowed him to attend Hogwarts. Justin also believed the rumor that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin, even before the snake incident during Dueling Club.

As the years went on, it seems that Justin eventually found his courage and strength. Along with fellow Hufflepuffs Ernie MacMillan, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott, Justin joined Dumbledore's Army in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Justin also helped defend Harry from Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy on the train home at the end of the novel, hurling jinxes at the trio. Justin grew to be a loyal friend, and a good example of an ideal Hufflepuff.

Yet another character who barely made an appearance in the movies, Susan Bones (Eleanor Columbus) had quite a bit in common with Harry Potter. The books tell us that many of her family members, including her parents, were killed by Death Eaters during the First Wizarding War. She was fostered by her aunt, Amelia Bones, who worked as head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Madam Bones also oversaw Harry's disciplinary hearing in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." She was later murdered by Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Susan would often be seen hanging out with her Hufflepuff pals Hannah Abbott, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Ernie MacMillan. In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," when the Death Eaters who killed Susan's uncle escaped from Azkaban, the other Hogwarts students kept pestering her with questions. This led Susan to tell Harry that she was able to understand how he felt when Harry had been harassed by his peers after Sirius Black escaped the wizard prison. Susan then joined Dumbledore's Army, and would later come to Harry's aid on the Hogwarts Express when Harry was accosted by Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle – hexing them and turning them into slugs.

It's easy to write off Susan as a minor character, but that doesn't diminish her actions. Susan is sympathetic and kind — and like others of her house, she stands up for what is right.

It is truly a shame that the Fat Friar (Simon Fisher-Becker) was only featured briefly in the first film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," because the character is such a joy in the novels. One of the ghosts that haunt the halls of Hogwarts, the Fat Friar was a former member of Hufflepuff house during his living years. According to the Wizarding World website, after joining the church later in life, he was executed by his fellow clergy for such suspicious activities as "his ability to cure the pox merely by poking peasants with a stick, and his ill-advised habit of pulling rabbits out of the communion cup." Okay, it would have been fun to see that.

The Fat Friar is easily one of the most likable ghosts at Hogwarts. He has a warm, friendly disposition, and the ability to see the good in everyone. During Harry Potter's school days, the Fat Friar would often be seen giving a warm welcome to first-year students. In the book version of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," the Fat Friar also helped to organize a party for fellow ghosts, Sir Nicholas and Erling, who shared the same Deathday. Also in the novels, when the ghosts would meet to decide whether or not to allow Peeves to attend the Start of Year Feast, the Fat Friar would always vote to give the pesky poltergeist a chance — in spite of his past transgressions. Having been taught by Helga Hufflepuff herself, the Fat Friar is a wonderful example of what a Hufflepuff should be: kind, compassionate, and always there to help.

You can't talk about Hufflepuff without mentioning its delightful Head of House, Professor Pomona Sprout (Miriam Margolyes). As the Herbology teacher at Hogwarts, Sprout is not only responsible for teaching students the importance of properly potting baby mandrakes, but it was thanks to her medicinal knowledge that the children who were petrified in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" were cured of their affliction and returned to normal. She was also in charge of patching up the Whomping Willow after its run-in with Ron Weasley's enchanted car.

Just as she nursed the plants in the Hogwarts greenhouse, Sprout nursed and cared for the young minds at the school. She is an empathetic, nurturing character, and a steadfast and loyal friend of Dumbledore. Just don't let her kindness and sweet nature fool you — Sprout will fight hard to protect those most important to her. In the Battle of Hogwarts ("Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"), she stood bravely with her fellow teachers against Voldemort's Death Eaters, even using some of her more deadly plants to fend off their attack.

So what is it that makes Pomona Sprout so likable? Well, if you look at the Hogwarts faculty as a big happy family, Sprout definitely fills in the role of the crazy aunt. She is someone who pulls no punches, but is there to give support whenever it's needed.

Cedric Diggory (Pattinson) was named the Hogwarts champion in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" for good reason. He was immensely popular with his fellow students, gifted in both athletics and academics. While he holds the Hufflepuff traits of loyalty and hard work, he also carries the Gryffindor aspect of bravery.

Fairness is incredibly important to Cedric, as he first demonstrated in the book version of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." When Harry fell off his broomstick during a Quidditch match against Hufflepuff, Cedric managed to catch the Golden Snitch and win the game. However, when he learned that it was the Dementors that caused Harry's fall, he offered to play a rematch to give Harry and the Gryffindor team a chance to win fair and square. When everyone else gave Harry the cold shoulder in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Cedric continued to be kind to him, even though the young wizard was his rival.

Cedric met his tragic end when the Triwizard Cup — secretly a portkey — transported Harry and him to a graveyard where Voldemort and Peter Pettigrew were waiting. At Voldemort's command, Cedric was murdered by Pettigrew right in front of Harry's eyes. The young Hufflepuff's death was the catalyst that convinced the teachers and students at Hogwarts that the Dark Lord had indeed returned.

Perhaps it was Cedric's status as a martyr that made him such a beloved character in the world of Harry Potter. Yet even if he hadn't died, Cedric should be recognized for his kind and generous nature.

As the youngest member of the Order of the Phoenix, Hufflepuff alum Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena) is one of the most fascinating characters in the Harry Potter universe. She bridges the generational gap between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and the older members of the Order. She also impresses the younger Hogwarts students with her abilities as a Metamorphmagus. Only a few years out of Hogwarts, Tonks is fun, fiery, and friendly — not to mention  a very skilled, powerful witch. She chose a career in the Ministry of Magic as an Auror, and studied under the tutelage of Alastor "Mad Eye" Moody.

Tonks is the cousin of Sirius Black, yet like Sirius, she and her family were the black sheep of the Black lineage. She helped to protect Harry and his friends on numerous occasions, including in the Department of Mysteries alongside her fellow Order members ("Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”). She later married Remus Lupin, and together they had a son, Ted Lupin.

Tonks is a favorite amongst Harry Potter fans for good reason. In addition to being effortlessly cool, her loyalty and strength against adversity make her a steadfast friend and ally. When she and Lupin were killed in the Battle of Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," it was hard to not feel devastated by the loss.

Although his character was created for just a small pocket of the Wizarding World, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) easily tops the list as the most likable Hufflepuff. Introduced in name only in the Harry Potter novels as the author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," Newt eventually became the star protagonist of his own film franchise, with the newest installment set for release in 2022.

In the sequel film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Crimes of Grindelwald," Newt is approached by a younger Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) for help in tracking down Credence (Ezra Miller) — the Obscural who went into hiding after the events of the first film. In spite of the danger to himself — thanks to the Ministry of Magic placing a travel ban on him — Newt agrees to help. Joined by friends Tina (Katherine Waterston) and Jacob (Dan Fogler), Newt finds more than he bargained for when the group faces the most dangerous dark wizard of them all, Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp).

Intrinsically shy and socially awkward, Newt's eccentricities are what make him so endearing. As many introverts can relate to, he feels most comfortable interacting with magical creatures rather than people. In spite of the dangers that come with handling wild magical beasts, Newt shows tremendous bravery and knowledge in the face of peril. Though he is not a natural fighter, Newt does what he must to protect his loved ones against the evils of the wizarding world. Demonstrating the best attributes of his House, Newt Scamander is possibly the most exemplary Hufflepuff who ever lived.