Why Hermione isn't in Ravenclaw

[Brandgwen G.]

No: HPFGUIDX 6248

Susan wrote:
>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.

Absolutely.  You'll remember, when the hat was sorting Harry, its
main concern was which house would help Harry the most.  While it 
looked closely at his different strengths, its reason for wanting to 
put Harry in Slytherin was the realisation of Harry's potential. 
"You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and 
Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness..."  No matter how 
much natural ability you have, unless you are following the path
which best suits your character, you will never excel.

Ask not what you can do for your house, but what your house can do
for you.

Milz wrote:
>I have the tendency to think that Hermione's "smarts" are acquired 
and not inherent.

I have to disagree.  I think we got the best look at the three's 
natural abilities while they were looking for the Stone.  They 
couldn't have prepared for that - they didn't know what they would be 
facing.  However, Hermione was able to defeat Snape's barrier with 
very little trouble.

This, however, doesn't necessarily mean that cleverness and knowledge 
is what she values most.  Certainly, she studies a great deal, but I 
think that is an easy way for her to distinguish herself.  Goodness 
knows, she shows off about it enough (as much as I love her,
sometimes I wish Ron would just go to the library, borrow "Hogwart's: 
a History", and hit her over the head with it).  However, what she 
values most, as is alluded to in the PS, are courage, loyalty and 
friendship.  It is possible she studies so hard to compensate for
what she sees as her weaknesses.
 
drpam wrote:
>But she's not just book smart, she often uses her knowledge in the 
service of others, to help them, to right wrongs or fight injustice. 
And these are the aspects that she values in herself and how she sees 
herself, so this is why she is in Gryffindor. 

I'm not sure she does see this in herself, particularly toward the 
start of the books.  During the beginning of the PS, she is described 
as a notorious goody-two-shoes.  However, it is said that after the 
incident with the Troll, she becomes far more relaxed about rule 
breaking.  I think that, deep down, she would always have liked to 
have been a reckless rule breaker - someone who stands up for what
she believes in, in spite of the establishment.  However, this isn't 
in her nature.  Recklessness scares her, as is seen by her reaction
to most of Harry and Ron's stupid ideas.  However, having defeated
the Troll and lied about it, she realised that neither God nor 
Dumbledore was going to strike her down, so she let up a bit.

As the series progresses, she continues be become more reckless.  
Hitting Malfoy and walking out on Trelawney were two great examples
of this.  When Ron voices his astonished admiration, she is pleased 
with herself.  I think she is realising that part of her nature she 
had wished to see.  Part of this, I believe, is due to Ron and
Harry's influence.  Nice job, Sorting Hat.

As for putting her in Ravenclaw, what use would Hermione have for a 
bunch of Ravenclaws?  She's smarter than most of them and she doesn't 
need the good influence to help her study.  She has already made the 
most of that part of herself, so, Ravenclaw wouldn't help her in the 
least.

The interesting extension of this, of course, is that the house you 
are placed in really does reflect your personality.  If it were only 
based on ability, your house would be as much a product of your DNA
as your character.
Gwen.