It would be fair to say that the Hufflepuff house received the short end of the stick until quite recently. Though Rowling often remarks that she would love to be a Hufflepuff and that she does not understand what gave our house this rather unfair reputation, it is worth noting that the first time the house is mentioned in the books, it is mocked and the house is not shown in a positive light until Cedric begs for a rematch after Harry is knocked off his broom during a Quidditch match.
However, the Fantastic Beasts series has been a relative second chance for Hufflepuffs across the world as, this time, the main character is one of us. No longer will this wonderful house be stuck on the sidelines, for now, we have been given a chance to play on the field with the rest of the team. In this article we will explore some of the most inspiring and the most Hufflepuff things Newt has ever said (or has been said to Newt by close friends.)
10. On The Perils Of Worrying
Though Ravenclaws are the house most commonly associated with the more cerebral traits a person can possess, that does not mean that they have a monopoly on the mind. Many common Hufflepuff traits like kindness and fairness can easily lead to worry and overthinking.
However, Newt Scamander stops these useless emotions in their tracks with a simple quote that all Hufflepuffs can repeat to themselves when they find themselves getting lost in their own brains:
“My philosophy is that if you worry, you suffer twice.”
9. On His Future & His Fears
Sometimes our biggest fears are complex and born out of traumas that we struggle to process in healthy ways. And sometimes our biggest fears simply stem from the worry that we might not be worthy of the things that we truly want in life. For Newt, his biggest fear is mediocrity.
“What Mr Scamander fears most is having to work in an office.”
But fear doesn’t have to stop us in our tracks. It can motivate us to do extraordinary things. For Newt, this fear inspires him to travel the world and to never settle for anything less than his wildest dreams.
8. On Humanity And Human Nature
“They’re currently in an alien terrain surrounded by millions of the most vicious creatures on the planet. Humans.” Though rather bleak in nature, it is true that humans, on average, have tended to do the world more harm than good in the limited time that we have been on this Earth.
However, this doesn’t have to be a pessimistic message. We can use it to inspire us to do good and to do our part in making our small corner of the world better when we leave than it was when we first got here.
7. On Prejudice And Muggle/Wizard Relations
Newt has no time for prejudice and is not afraid to call it out when he sees it. “I know that you have rather backwards laws about relations with Non-magic people. That you’re not meant to befriend them. That you can’t marry them, which seems mildly absurd to me.”
Hufflepuffs seek to make this world a fair and kind place for all those who inhabit it. We strive to achieve true equality for all and the idea that some people are not allowed to marry each other based solely on traits that they were born with (and that are entirely out of their control) is truly absurd. Let this quote inspire you to stand up against injustice the next time you see it.
6. On Standing Up For Unpopular Causes
Sometimes the necessary steps one must take to enact positive change are not the most popular ones. Though we praise Newt Scamander for his innovative care for magical creatures guide, it was rather controversial when he originally began working on it, as one can see from the following quote. “…A guide to help people understand why we should be protecting these creatures instead of killing them.”
Sometimes the things that we believe in won’t be the most popular choice, but that does not mean that we should give up. Fight for the things that matter to you, the things that you know in your heart are right, and pay no mind to those who are too caught up in the way things are to see what they could be.
5. On Power & Popularity
Now, this quote was spoken by a friend as they were describing what they like about Newt, but it was truly an inspirational message that all witches and wizards could learn from.
“You don’t seek power or popularity. You simply ask, is the thing right in itself? If it is, then I must do it, no matter the cost.”
Popularity is such a fleeting noting and if one were to base their morals or personality on such things, then they would have to change them several times a day to suit the desires of each person they pass on the street. But Newt is not that kind of person. No, he is the kind of person that sticks by what he knows is right no matter what. And that is something we can all learn from.
4. On The Importance Of Choice
Pride can be a tricky thing. It can blind us and keep us from the people we love, especially when we’ve been hurt by them. But Newt is one of those special people that are willing to put all of that aside in order to do what is right.
“I’ve chosen my side.”
Sometimes we are going to have to defend our choices against those who do not understand where we are coming from. And sometimes were are going to find ourselves on the same side as someone that we have previously recognized as an enemy. It is important to know how to put such things aside in order to fight for the bigger picture.
3. On The Fear of The Unknown
The funny thing about humans is that they are inherently tribal creatures. This leads them to being rather intolerant of anything that is unfamiliar to them or that they do not understand. But Newt is not a fan of such people. “Sorry, but I can’t admire people whose answer to everything that they fear or misunderstand is ‘kill it!’”
When confronted with something that one does not understand, the best course of action is to open oneself up to it. Learn about it, study it, research it, and ask questions. Turn the unknown into the familiar and who knows what you might learn about the world, or yourself, along the way.
2. On Change
“People change after a while, and they’re no longer who you once knew.” This quote is a rather painful one as it touches on something that we have all experienced. Some people change into something entirely different than they were when we first met them over time and this new thing might not be the best for anyone involved.
And though it can be painful to admit that they have changed and that the person that you once knew no longer exists, it can do more damage, in the long run, to stick around someone who is causing you nothing but pain out of loyalty. This message is especially difficult for us Hufflepuffs to absorb as we tend to be rather loyal to those who matter in our lives but loyalty should never come at a personal cost.
1. On Protecting Those Who Cannot Protect Themselves
One of the most iconic moments in the Fantastic Beasts series is the moment where Newt pleads for the lives and safety of his creatures.
“Don’t hurt those creatures. Nothing in there is dangerous.”
Though heartbreaking, the inspiring nature of this quote comes from the fact that, when faced with certain death, Newt is only concerned with saving his creatures. And that is something that we can all learn from. Sometimes helping someone else will involve exposing yourself to certain unwanted things. And though that can be unpleasant and not ideal, doing so in order to protect someone you love is true bravery. And truly inspiring.
Next: Harry Potter: 5 Creatures We’d Want As Pets (& 5 We Definitely Would Not)
