Philospher's Stone Question - and Sorting Hat second guessing

[vmonte]

No: HPFGUIDX 132577

I vmonte wrote:
It doesn't work because Fred and George did not give Ron a real
spell. I think this scene was meant as a joke. JKR told us right away
that Wormtail was a coward. Ron did not have to turn the rat "yellow"
because the rat was already "yellow."

davenclaw wrote:
And yet, when I said that Pettigrew didn't belong in Gryffindor, but
instead in Slytherin, everyone objected that he was brave for
cutting off his finger. To me that isn't brave. Ability to endure
brief physical pain and sacrifice a finger doesn't qualify when it
is done to avoid facing the consequences of your actions by framing
someone else and hiding as a rat for 13 years. Facing your fears
and accepting the consequences of your actions is actual bravery.

I also disagree with those who contend that Percy belonged in
Gryffindor because he was brave enough to defy his family. He had
two choices: defy his family, or his boss. He didn't do the
more "brave" option, he did the one that was best for his career.
Ambition, ambition, ambition. He should have been a Slytherin.

vmonte again:
I have a feeling that Percy and Wormtail are going to redeem 
themselves in some form or another. Perhaps the Sorting Hat is able 
to see the potential in people. Or, maybe the hat can tell that Percy 
and Wormtail will eventually find the courage to do the right thing. 

By the way, I agree with you that Wormtail is (at present) a big 
coward. He is just disgusting! Percy is either an idiot or just 
really misguided. He will probably realize the error of his ways.

Vivian