Why Hermione isn't in Ravenclaw

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 6178

Well, I was listening to GoF on tape today, and I had a thought
about sorting.

We all have wondered why Hermione isn't in Ravenclaw because of her
focus on scholarship and knowledge (You're the cleverest witch of 
your age I've ever met..said Lupin). 

Chamber of Secrets
"So I SHOULD be in Slytherin." Harry said looking desperately into
Dumbledore's face. "The Sorting Hat could see Slytherin's Power in me 
and it-----"

"Put you in Gryffindor," said Dumbledore calmly. "Listen to me, 
Harry.... "Yet the Sorting Hat placed you in Fryffindor. You know why 
that was. Think."

"It only put me in Gryffindor" said Harry in a defeated 
voice. "because I asked not to go in Slytherin..."

"Exactly" said Dumbledore beaming once more "Which makes you very 
different from Tom Riddle. It is our choices, Harry, that show what 
we truly are, far more than our abilities."

I think we have all assumed that the sorting hat placed students into 
houses based on their abilities. I would suggest that it places the
students in part based on their abilities, in part based on their 
characters, but that the final decision is based on what they truly 
want. We have been confused because Hermione -- obviously an 
outstanding student who is bright, is focused and works hard -- is 
not in Ravenclaw. Well, deep down, Hermione values being brave, 
daring and chivalrous over being smart -- hence she is in Gryffindor.

There is a big difference between people who want to be scholars and 
those who wish to be warriors.

Let's look at Cedric Diggory. At the end of GoF, he turns his back on 
the type of glory that Hufflepuff has not seen for...how many years 
(when we think about how Harry's choice to share the glory with 
Cedric ended in Cedric's death, we must also remember that it was
Cedric's choice as well). Cedric looks pale, yet resolute. When I 
read that the first time....I remembered..you might belong in 
Hufflepuff where they are just and loyal......The hardworking 
citizens belong in Hufflepuff....

So, my thought is that it's where the students really want to be that 
ultimately determines their house placement.

What do others think?

Susan

(whose 3 year old son says every other day..I put you in prison! I 
taking you to Azkeban!)