The world of Harry Potter is amazing. I have loved reading the books ever since I was eleven and picked up “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. This book series actually helped me learn to read and actually make me want to read which is something I will always be grateful for. And just like I’m sure most of you have, I have done countless Harry Potter sorting hat quizzes both on and off Pottermore. For the majority of the time I get Slytherin as my house, with a couple of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws mixed in.
However, one part of the book always stands out to me: When Harry is getting sorted and asks not to be put into Slytherin. Part of me does get upset at the prejudice the house faces but the main point I try to take away is that, the sorting hat takes Harry’s feelings into account. Just like in life, you can choose who you become. So if I was up at the front of the Great Hall getting sorted (still waiting on that letter McGonagall), instead of asking the hat “not Slytherin, not Slytherin” I would say “please Slytherin!” and here’s why:
1) Cunning. The definition of cunning is: dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (such as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end – Merriam Webster. This does not necessarily mean cunning people are evil or deceitful. To me it means that anything you have in your arsenal of knowledge, whether it is book knowledge, art knowledge, social knowledge, etc. You have the capability of using it to face any task. That you have the ability to change and adapt according to your settings, goals, or who you’re around to still meet your end goal. I think that’s pretty amazing. And sure, people who are cunning may do bad things but that’s more on a person-to-person basis. It’s how you choose to use your ability that alters how you’re perceived.
2) Resourcefulness. Using anything, materialistic or not, to achieve your goals. I really like this trait. Being resourceful has allowed me to look into different aspects of life that I probably would’ve have tried or even known about. I’ve learned a little bit of everything from different art styles to doing electrical work and everything in between. Like a ‘jack of all trades’ I know a little bit of everything. This has really helped me not only to expand my mind and test the limits of what I can perform but also it has given me knowledge to apply to other situations. For example, my background in art has really helped me at work with gram-staining microorganisms. The cross-overs from different aspects of life that I would’ve never thought applicable in my own, have actually come in quite handy. It is also helpful to have these types of knowledge to connect with people that I would otherwise have nothing in common with.
3) Ambition. This is one trait I am working really hard to have become a habit; living with intent. Living to achieve. I am obsessed with trying to make my way up in the world. I love BossBabe posts or how to become a boss. It’s so inspiring and motivating. I love trying to improve my life and be happy. Having ambitions and goals give me a rush of excitement. Something to look forward to and strive for. The best part is, it doesn’t have to be anything big. Yes some of the time it’s wanting to conquer the world, but other times, it’s defeating a boss in a video game or finishing that book before your X days of work or school. Having ambitions to try new hobbies or food. Ambition to do anything that you want to in life.
Those are just the traits that are mentioned in the books. I feel (just like with the other houses) there are so many other things that define this house. To feel powerful, being organized, being self-reliant, and keeping some of your life private; I really could go on and on but I’ll stop there. I also love the courage that pretending in my head that in I’m Slytherin gives me. Especially when I have to give presentations and I’m trembling in my head but have a calm cool exterior on the outside, trying to do my house proud. Also the courage to not change my goals based on who I surround myself with, to not give into fear, to be the symbol of the snake eating its tail; creation out of destruction, the eternal cycle of renewal. Sorry, I did say I wouldn’t go on, I lied.
No hate on any of the other houses, I admire a lot of their traits as well. The courage, playfulness and honor of Gryffindors. The creativity, wit, and wisdom of Raveclaws. The loyalty, non-prejudice, hard-working, patient Hufflepuffs. All these traits are to be admired. However, I am a Slytherin, I choose to be a Slytherin, and will always choose to be a Slytherin.
Please let me know which house you would choose to be in, I would love to know!