James the Berk?

[charme]

No: HPFGUIDX 105629

> Amey:
> The point here is that he wasn't sorted into Slytherin. (I hear 
people shouting here... listen to me fully people). What I mean is 
if he was so interested in Dark Arts, he must have Wizard 
background, and must have heard about the Hogwarts houses and their 
qualities? If he had choice (like Harry), why didn't he choose any 
other house? (Ravenclaw would have suited him surely) So it is as 
much question of choice. So he decided to go that way, and chose his 
friends, peers himself. That is the difference between him and 
Sirius (considering they have similar Dark background).
> 
> And as for punishment, I doubt anything less than Dementor's kiss 
would be enough in Snape's opinion.

charme:

First let me say I am SO happy I found this group! :)  This is my 
first post here, so bear with me while I get my bearings, eh?

Remember in JK Rowling's World Book Day Chat on 3/4/2004, she 
answered a question which supports your argument, Amey.  She 
specifically did NOT say that the sorting hat was "accurate," but 
instead merely defaulted to the hat being "certainly sincere."  
There's also reference to James stating to Lily in the Pensieve 
memory that it was the mere fact Snape existed which caused the 
friction betwix the 2 of them; what if the initial first year 
sorting for Snape was remarkably similiar to Harry's?  Potter, 
Black, Lupin all would have already been sorted, because canon 
supports an alphabetical sequence of events in that regard. Could 
you imagine how freaked the Gryffindors would be hearing Snape, of 
all people, having a choice?! This also could be part of the reason 
he hates Harry so - Harry made a decision that Snape himself could 
not.