Let's burn down the Houses

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 106890

> Del wrote:
> I disagree strongly on both points. IMO, the Houses are not supposed
> to substitute for the kids' family in any way (where are the 
parents ?
> Are Snape and McGonagall supposed to be substitute parents ?),
(snip)

Ginger adds:  
I'm afraid I must disagree, if I understand what you are saying.  
McGonagall tells Harry's class, right before they are sorted, 
that "while you are here, your house will be something like your 
family within Hogwarts."  Heads of Houses act as the parents.  I know 
the legal term for that is something like "in loco parentis".  Sorry 
if I got that wrong.  

If you meant that they were not supposed to *replace* the family, 
then I agree with you.  They are a "family away from family", so to 
speak.  The Heads will never replace the parents as those one can go 
to for anything, but are only there for big things.  Otherwise the 
Heads would have no time to teach :o)

(snip a lot more)

I would also like to add that the house system does help make kids a 
bit more comfortable upon arrival.  They know they will be with 
people like them.  That is usually a big worry about starting a new 
school.  What will the other kids be like?  Will they like me?  Will 
I fit in?  

Just the psychological aspect of the sorting would give relief.  
Knowing that there are others who are brave, or ambitious, or loyal, 
or smart (or whatever- I'm still miffed about the "I'll take the lot" 
thing.  As though we were rubbish!  I'm a 'Puff, can you tell?)

It's also much less traumatic to have to become roomies with 4 other 
kids rather than 40 (give or take).  Getting to know people takes 
time.  I remember at camp, we were split into 6 groups.  We got to 
know our group, and then branched out to get to know the others 
through mutual friends (siblings, returning campers, those who knew 
each other in RL).  It was much easier than having to remember 60 or 
so names at once.  

In the part I snipped (which I did due to length, not due to 
content.  I assure you it was well put) Del expressed concern about 
kids sorted into a highly prejudiced atmosphere in Slytherin.  I have 
to agree on that point.  

Ginger, who rather likes the house system