Gryffindor -- The "Composite" House?

[toomanyideas at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 20528

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Dave Hardenbrook <DaveH47 at m...> wrote:
> There's been a lot of talk about why isn't Hermione in Ravenclaw,
> why wasn't Hagrid in Hufflepuff, etc...  Well, I was wondering if
> maybe Gryffindor is a house for people who are so multi-faceted
> they can't be classified into any other house?  So for example,
> Hermione (who is smart, but is brave and loyal too) goes into G,
> and Percy (who is ambitious, but is smart as well) goes into G?
> 
> Also, in regard to Gryffindor glasses, I stand by my theory from
> way back that there is something significant about the spectacled
> Gryffindors, something that goes all the way back to Godric
> himself (whom, I believe, also wore glasses).
> 
> 
>                          -- Dave

I couldn't bring myself to believe that Gryffindor is a "composite" 
house.  All people are multifaceted, and the beauty of the sorting hat 
is that it recognizes the persons most significant strengths (and in 
Harry's case recognized his strong will NOT to be recognized for his 
S-like potential).  Hermione might well be the smartest person in the 
school, but she is also certainly one of the very bravest--the kind of 
bravery she displays is far more unique and powerful than her 
intelligence.  Even if her bravery is compelled by the more H-like 
trait of loyalty to her friends, not everyone has the kind of bravery 
to pull it off.  And she certainly is brave to go her own way in GoF.  
Think about how much bravery it takes to think for yourself at that 
age! Percy hasn't shown much bravery yet, but he hasn't found himself 
yet, even though he should be older and wiser.  His inner bravery 
doesn't make him less naive.  And Hagrid--yes, loyal would describe 
him well, but it takes a lot of bravery to put up with all the teasing 
he has dealt with his whole life.  And his way with those cute little 
dangerous creatures must from an inner bravery (that many might find 
stupid, but....)  It takes a lot of bravery to stand up to such awful 
abuse--and even imprisionment!  And we all know how brave Neville is 
now, even if the other kids at Hogwarts won't see it yet.  Anyway, 
this is my first posting.  Sorry for rambling on.  Just happy to have 
found this outlet for