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! And a very Happy 20th Birthday
to the story that started this amazing world “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s
Stone”!
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