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Helga Hufflepuff, one of the founders of Hogwarts, was born in the tenth century and was originally from Wales. She was often described as a plump woman, and was known to have red hair and shining eyes. Hufflepuff believed in admitting students to her house that showed characteristics of loyalty, fairness, and being hard-working. She was an innovator for bringing people from different backgrounds together and having them work cohesively. In fact, she used this ability to bring people together to help build Hogwarts.

A good friend of Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff was best known for her charisma and abilities with food charms. Her recipes are still used in Hogwarts today, though some have been modified throughout the years. Quite the activist for house-elf rights for the time, Helga created positions for house-elves within Hogwarts and let them have control over the kitchen. This gave house elves a safe place to stay and work so that they would not be abused. Thus, Helga was renowned for her compassion and kindness.

Though it is unknown when she died, Hufflepuff left quite the legacy at Hogwarts for being egalitarian as well as giving her surname to one of the four houses of Hogwarts. She did not leave many heirlooms when she passed, but one heirloom, a cup, was passed down to her descendents until it was stolen from Hepzibah Smith. This cup was said to have magic powers bestowed on it by Helga Hufflepuff herself. It was unfortunately made into a Horcrux by Voldemort and was destroyed in order to kill the piece of soul within it.

Helga Hufflepuff has several portraits hanging in Hogwarts. One portrait, depicting Hufflepuff holding her famous cup and wand, hangs in the Hufflepuff Common Room. Another portrait depicts her with the other founders and conceals a passage to the Entrance Hall from the Grand Staircase. It is thought that the Hufflepuff Common Room is near the kitchens due to Hufflepuff’s ability with food charms.