Assembling a proper bullet-proof squad can be challenging. Friend groups change all the time, people come and go, drama divides some, and sometimes people just grow apart. But having at least one person from each Hogwarts house in your friend group is one step closer to perfection.

The group will have all sorts of strengths and weaknesses, areas to help each other learn and grow. The group will have different perspectives and ways of thinking. Each person will have a unique set of values. It’s good to have things in common with people, but having differences can be just as important to sustainable, healthy friendships.

Just remember the love and honesty are nonnegotiable in all relationships, no matter what house.

Hufflepuff

According to Pottermore, the definitive guide to all things Harry Potter and Wizarding World, “Hufflepuffs value hard work, patience, loyalty, and fair play.”

You need a Hufflepuff in your squad. She’ll be the one you can turn to when you need someone, when you just need someone. Someone to talk to, someone to listen to you, someone to give you advice, someone to lean on for support.

You can always go to her when you need a straight answer. She’ll be unwavering and dependable. Hufflepuffs are the truest friends, funny but not mean, dedicated and understanding. Have tea with her, she likes tea chats.

Gryffindor

According to Pottermore, “Gryffindor is the house which most values the virtues of courage, bravery and determination.”

Gryffindors are a squad staple. You need this friend to push you to be daring. You need someone to be brave with, to do adventurous things, to grow through experiences, through mistake making.

You need to have someone that will go with you when you want to find the Campus Observatory at midnight, even though it’s in the middle of the woods somewhere and it’s dark and cold as heck.

Your Gryffindor will do things with you that are scary. You’ll have amazing stories, life changing expeditions. She’ll coax you through the fear – accepting that comes with being courageous. Don’t hold back, don’t be afraid to fail and make mistakes and get dirty and lost – that’s the best part.

Ravenclaw

“Ravenclaws prize wit, learning, and wisdom.”

Treasure the Ravenclaw in your group. She’ll try to be calm and focused, patient and logical. She’ll be there to listen to every problem and brainstorm a solution. She’ll always have an answer for you, even if the answer is “I don’t know.”

She’s curious and funny. Her wit is sharper than a knife, and she wields it well. You can geek out with her. Find something to be passionate about together. Watch Voltron. Friends that challenge each other’s beliefs are the strongest – the are wrought in hard tested steel.

Slytherin

“Slytherin produces more than its share of Dark wizards, but also turns out leaders who are proud, ambitious and cunning. Merlin is one particularly famous Slytherin.”

Love the Slytherin in your group. He’s a natural born leader. He knows what he wants, and you feel honored to have been chosen as a friend. He’ll defend you until his death, and stand proudly by your side. He’s always there when you need him.

He’ll be there to make you smile with that sly remark of his. He’s quick, smart and bold. He’ll work harder than anyone else, and he’ll win. Slytherin’s are driven.

It’s also important to remember that people are not limited by their houses. People are complex and dynamic. They can hold conflicting ideas, they can be messy. Slytherins can be kind. Hufflepuffs can be smart. But someone’s core values are important, their beliefs will guide them – do they most value kindness, intelligence, bravery, or ambition?