This may surprise people but it is the truth, in many many ways Hufflepuff is my favourite house. There comes a point in the final book where each house has the choice whether or not to rise to a certain challenge, the Slytherins for reasons understandable decide they’d rather not play. The Ravenclaws - some do, some decide they won’t. The Hufflepuffs, virtually to a person, decide to stay. As too do the Gryffindors. Now the Gryffindors comprise a lot of fool-hardy and show-offy people, that’s just the way it is - I’m a Gryffindor I’m allowed to say that. You know there’s bravery and there’s also show-boating, sometimes the two go together. The Hufflepuffs stayed for a different reason - they weren’t trying to show off, they weren’t being reckless, that’s the essence of Hufflepuff house.

Now my eldest child, my daughter Jessica said something very profound to me not very many days ago, she said to me - and she by the way was not sorted into Hufflepuff house - she said to me, “I think we should all want to be Hufflepuffs.” I can only say to you that I would not be at all disappointed to be sorted into Hufflepuff house so I’m a little upset anyone does feel that way.