It was a real shame for the Hufflepuffs who were celebrating their 'Badgerness,' but the unseen force would not be stopped by anyone or anything, regardless of their level of festivity.

The locking happened so suddenly, and quietly, but it happened all the same: everyone in the Common Room, whether they had been lounging there for hours or had just walked in the door, was suddenly evicted.

All Hufflepuff students were repelled from their Common Room and attached areas as an unseen force locked all entrances and exits to the rooms with one resounding, echoing, ominous CLICK.

The Common Room was officially locked and sealed to all.