[HPforGrownups] On Why Hermione is a Gryffindor

[Erika Lachapelle]

No: HPFGUIDX 55053

Carolyn wrote:
I think Hermione could fit easily into either Ravenclaw or 
Gryffindor, just as Harry could fit easily into Gryffindor or 
Slytherin.  Just because Hermione is very smart and values wisdom, 
she values bravery more, just as she says.

Just as Dumbledore says in CoS, Chapter 18, page 333, "It is our 
choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our 
abilities."  That's when Harry is wondering why he wasn't put in 
Slyterin.


Me:

I agree that Hermione values more than just wisdom. However, I would also like to add another quote from PS/SS from when we first meet Hermione on the Hogwarts Express:

"Do either of you know what house you'll be in? I've been asking around and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best, I hear Dumbledore himself was one, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad..." p79-80 Canadian edition

We hear right from Hermione's mouth that she _wanted_ to be in Gryffindor. If choice is as important as Dumbledore says it is in the famous abovementioned CoS quote, then Hermione's desire to be in Gryffindor should have had some weight with the Sorting Hat. After all, Ravenclaw was only her second choice. I can't help but picture her sitting on the stool with the Sorting Hat on her head chanting "Gryffindor, Gryffindor" just as Harry was chanting "Not Slytherin, not Slytherin..." It seems to me that she chose to be in Gryffindor house just as much as Harry did.

Erika (Wolfaven)


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