Sorting Hat considerations & Neville

[lilmissiz at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 23506

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., caliburncy at y... wrote:
And most people would say the Hat MUST take into 
> account characteristics to some extent, which is likely true.  
> Aspirations could be a factor as well.  Such as in Neville's case, 
> though this, too, I think sells him short since he does possess his 
> own special kind of bravery.  So we're back to characteristics 
again 
> in some capacity or another.
> 
> But (and here's where I get into the real part of my discussion) I 
do 
> not think existing characteristics are the biggest factor.  I 
believe 
> (with no evidence from canon) that the Sorting Hat makes it 
decisions 
> based largely on another option: potential for growth (I would 
benefit 
> from being with the brave).  Clearly several characters have been 
made 
> better for the House they ended up in.  Neville is more assertive. 
> -Luke

  ~ I believe the Sorting Hat knows what qualities a person possesses 
even if the person himself does not know they exist.  Such would be 
the case with Neville and bravery.  I believe that is how people are 
sorted - based on qualities they have - be it now or in the future.  
As for Neville, many people do not think he should be in Gryffindor.  
He is often viewed to be a "scaredy-cat".  I believe he deserves much 
more credit.  I believe that he is very brave, but we do not see it 
because of what happened to Neville's parents.  I think that the 
attack on Neville's parents has had a profound impact on Neville (ex. 
Moody's class during the unforgivable curses lesson)and that is why 
he is not particularly brave at the moment.  I think that as Neville 
gets older, his bravery will indeed show itself.

 - Elizabeth  (who feels very bad for Neville)