Hermione's place

[pjaponica]

No: HPFGUIDX 59843

Koticzka said:

>  If Hermione's main feature is the hunger for knowledge, saying 
that she was
> destined to be a Gryffindor because of her bravery denies the 
bravery of
> Ravenclaws.  Looking at Hermione's behavior and respect for school 
rules it
> is hard to say she is "more brave than wise and clever", isn't it? 
So
> perhaps it is not her bravery but other features that landed her in
> Gryffindor?  Or maybe it was the Sorting Hat Emergency Policy 
(SHEP???
> ;-) )?


Pyrus responds:

One thing I think you're overlooking is something emphasied over and 
over in HP: choice.  We know that Hermione wanted to be in Gryffindor 
because she said so to Harry and Ron when she first met them - "I 
hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best".  It's entirely 
possible that Hermione would have done well in Ravenclaw, just as 
Harry "would have done well in Slytherin" according to the Sorting 
Hat in CoS.  But even if she didn't ask specifically to be placed in 
Good 'Ole Gryff, surely the Hat knew where she wanted to be placed.  
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that a good deal of what the Sorting 
Hat does has to do with finding out where the student *wants* to be 
placed.  For example, Draco "got his wish" (SS) to get into Slytherin 
right away.  Just a thought.

(And yes, I'm a lurker posting for the first time.)

PJ