Hagrid in Slytherin??? & in defense of Slytherin and mankind in general

[Lumen]

No: HPFGUIDX 20203

Catherine wrote in reply to my speculation:

I don't think that it's been mentioned in the books, but it has 
certainly come up in interviews and JKR has said that Hagrid was in 
Gryffindor.

I was most perturbed to find that it could cross anyone's mind that 
Hagrid should belong in Slytherin.  I just don't see what qualities 
he has which fits in there - for me, he has the qualities of a 
Gryffindor (bravery) and of Hufflepuff (unswavering loyalty and 
hardworking) and although, like Harry, he isn't averse to 
disregarding rules, he certainly isn't ambitious, and he would not do 
anything to attain his own selfish ends.  His giant blood may come 
out in his rather bloodthirsty love of scary and dangerous creatures, 
but his almost killing Karkarof I put down to losing his temper, and 
not knowing his own strength.  We don't look at Harry when he loses 
his temper, and say "Oh dear, lost his temper again, maybe he should 
belong in Slytherin."  Likewise with Hermione when she slaps Draco 
across the face.  It's just that Hagrid, being half-giant, probably 
has more to control - I don't think he intended to kill Karkarof - 
just shake him up a little.

Finally, the giants may have an affinity with the Dark Side, but I 
don't think that it is said anywhere that they have any magical 
powers.  Hagrid is not a pureblood wizard - he is half and half, and 
also he is only half human.  The Slytherins pride themselves on being 
pureblood, therefore I can't see that a half giant would be 
acceptable to them, or sorted into their house.

Catherine

First let me thank those who assure me that JKR has said in at least one interview that Hagrid is in Gryffindor.  Your word is good enough for me.  It definitely is not in Book I; I just finished reading it through to check.  I am, needless to say, happy that he is there for I do like him and like people I like to be in "my" house...

That being said, I must go on to play the Devil's Advocate in regard to some remarks made about my theory:  Melanie finds it humorous and Catherine is "perturbed".  I'm beginning if I don't have some type of hex upon me, but here it goes point by point:

1)  Hagrid is courageous.  Well, so is Snape, one of the most courageous we seen so far.  Draco is cowardly to be sure, but the Slytherins are not excluded from this gift.  Neither is HufflePuff since Cedric was from that house. Courage is not exclusive; you have to have it in an outstanding degree.  Whether his propensity for wrestling with trolls is real courage or just a lack of good judgment I will leave to those who dwell in Ravenclaw....

2)  "like Harry, he isn't averse to disregarding rules.." hmmm, but that was Dumbledore's line when at the end of CoS he is pointing out the similarities


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