[HPforGrownups] A defence of Slytherin House (was Purity of Bloodline)

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 2761

Caius Marcius wrote:

> But even Harry is aware that the Sorting Hat first pointed him to Slytherin.

Or did it? I know Harry thinks so, and JKR has gone to great lengths to have
*us* think so, but he's the one who brought it up first, thinking, "Not
Slytherin!" The hat was responding, and simply said he'd have done well there.
That he could be great. If Harry had truly been of Slytherin bent, wouldn't he
have then thought, "Yeah!" or something? And thus prompted the hat to choose
Slytherin.

Gryffindor was a true placement, not a second choice. The dialogue with Harry
was part of what the hat took into consideration for a valid sorting; I don't
think it really ever wanted him in Slytherin at all. Probably---presumably---the
hat has similar dialogues with all its wearers. And we've had several posts
about how most of the characters exhibit some or all of the prominent
characteristics of the Houses.

--Amanda