Pet peeve #293 (was: [the_old_crowd] Re: Truth, Lies and GIGO)

[susiequsie23]

Neri:
<snip list of series mysteries, solved & still unsolved> 
4. Why did the Sorting Hat want to put Harry in Slytherin?


SSSusan:
This one drives me nuts whenever I see it.  I never understand how it gets phrased this way -- that the Sorting Hat *wanted* to put Harry in Slytherin.  In my reading, the SH offered up the information that Harry would do WELL in Slytherin.  It seemed to me to be more of an invitation for Harry to consider where he wanted to go, what mattered to him the most, perhaps even playing devil's advocate.  But I don't see that it *wanted* to put him there.  

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"Difficult.  Very difficult.  Plenty of courage, I see.  Not a bad mind either.  There's talent, oh my goodness, yes -- and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting....  So where shall I put you?"

Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.

"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice.  "Are you sure?  You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that -- no?  Well, if you're sure -- better be GRYFFINDOR!" [US hardback, p. 121]
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If the SH "wanted" to put Harry into Slytherin, it sure gave up awfully quickly & easily.

Siriusly Pet Peevey Snapey Susan


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