Sorting Hat, a Forgotten Relic

[Alon van Dam]

No: HPFGUIDX 133283

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Alina <mysticowl at g...> wrote:
> > I never had a problem with it considering putting Harry in
> > Slytherin.  But then, I don't think Slytherin = evil.
> > 
> > bibphile
> > 
> Sorry I didn't make myself clear there. I thought that maybe its
> attempt to put Harry in Slytherin can be used as some sort of canon
> proof that the Hat is an Horcrux already. Though it's probably 
better
> proof that Harry is one if anything.
> 
> Alina.

Hmm, I'm going to have to agree with Bibphile here and say that I'm 
not too bothered by the hat wanting to put Harry in Slytherin. I 
think Dumbledore himself probably gave the best explanation of that:

"'Listen to me, Harry. You happen to have many qualities Salazar 
Slytherin prized in his hand-picked students. His own very rare gift, 
Parseltongue ... resourcefulness ... determination ... a certain 
disregard for rules,' he added, his moustache quivering again 'Yet 
the Sorting Hat placed you in Gryffindor. You know what that was. 
Think.'" (CoS p.245)

I think that entire scene goes to introduce one of the most important 
themes throughout the entire series (which returns quite strongly 
with young Malfoy near the end of book 6): "It is our choices, Harry, 
that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." (or 
backgrounds, as Dumbledore proves by his correct trust of Snape, 
Lupin and Hagrid, to name a few).

My 2 cents.