Four Houses united in one - has it already happened?

[Ellen]

We all know that Hermione seems more like a Ravenclaw in some ways than a Gryffindor. We also know that she said on the train in book one that she wanted to be in Gryffindor. Whether or not she told the Sorting Hat this, she is a Gryffindor who seems to embody many of the traits most prized by another House.

Neville half expected to be in Hufflepuff. Like Harry, the Hat spent a long time with him. We don't know whether or not Neville was having the same kind of discussion Harry did. However, although Neville later proves as brave as any Gryffindor could want, his courage still shows many of the Hufflepuff traits - his hard work in the DA and his loyalty to Harry and Dumbledore.

In the movie, the Hat barely had to be near Ron before it put him in Gryffindor. Although sometimes intimidated by Fred and George and by Snape, Ron is in many ways a Gryffindor's Gryffindor.

That leaves Harry for Slytherin. Although Harry hates to admit it, the Hat wanted to put him in Slytherin first. Dumbledore himself admitted that Harry has many traits Salazar Slytherin looked for in his handpicked students.

Now, I know that choices are what matter in Rowlings books. I'm not saying these characters don't belong where they are. What I'm saying is that there are four main characters who started in the same year who are united in one House and who also embody the traits of the other Houses. If the Houses have got to come together, this seems like it will be critical.

Also, if they have to come together, Harry's inability to admit to his tie to Slytherin House or to think there might be people in it who would make worthwhile allies, much less friends, could be a major problem up ahead.

[perseus]

yeah, i noticed all that too... I'm certain that it's a sign that these four will have a major part in bringing unity to the school, as well as being excellent students

[Katze]

There's more to the hat than we know. It can change it songs whenever it wants. It can listen to people, and no doubt watch people (especially in Dumbledore's office?). So It isn't that far fetched to believe that the Hat saw something great coming out of the grouping.

Well done!

[lanifiel]

Ellen (http://www.cosforums.com/member.php?u=2123), thats a great theory and terrific insight, I can say that I'd never really thought about it like that. I do think that you could have something but theres also a part of me which thinks everyone is put where they belong.

Still, it might be a thought that the Hat, in knowing the coming trials, decided to create the friendship between the Trio (+ Neville) in order to combat the darkness of Voldemort. Again, good thinking :tu:

[Dedalus]

I don't think many of the characters will only have the traits of the one House ... some will, but not all so I don't think these characters having traits that could be prized in another house means anything. There will be a lot of hard-working Ravenclaws, or cunning Gryffindors or bookish Slytherins.

Hermione is clever, bookish and could be a great Ravenclaw ... but the traits that make her a great Gryffindor over-power them. Or perhaps in some characters, a single trait can mean more to the hat than several others, because it's that one that shapes the character the most, or the one that comes to the character's aid in desperate situations.

[Elidor]

Your right! Great thread. You could just see it;

Hermiony (with the help of Ravenclaw DA members) = rousing the Ravenclaws
Neville (with the help of Huffelpuff DA members) = rousing the Ravenclaws
Ron - stiring up the Gryfindors

But Harry? And Draco? Some wounds go too deap. It will be like the days of the founders. The three houses united against Salzar.

Just a theory. :huh:

[Tirwen Lupin]

Very good thinking, Ellen! Great theory. The Hat may have decided that more unity among the houses was needed, so put four people with strong traits from all four houses into Gryffindor. But I do think that all of them really do belong there; Gryffindor traits are their strongest, and they vary with what house they're most smiliar to otherwise.
After OotP, I thought a lot about how current characters were similar to the founders, but you've said it very well.
But Harry? And Draco? Some wounds go too deap. It will be like the days of the founders. The three houses united against Salzar.
That bugs me too--I can't really see the two of them teaming up any time soon. But it's possible that in the future, Voldemort will do something that will cause Draco to turn himself around. Possibly something with his family, but I don't know...

[SnowyOwl]

Well put, Ellen. Further, I think we almost had complete unity when the students, teachers and Peeves banded together to make Umbridge's reign unpleasant.
If only those dang Slytherins would have been a little less power hungry...

[Fortescue]

And if you think about it, there are also people in other houses with traits belonging elsewhere. Interesting theory! Luna, for instance, has a lot of traits of a Gryffindor; she insisted on accompanying the gang to the Department of Mysteries and (we think, at least) took charge of the situation when Harry, Neville, and Hermione were not there. Then there are people like Cedric, who probably would have fit in Ravenclaw, even if their loyalties and determination over powered those traits. I think it's based on what you value. Hermione was smart due to books and cleverness, but her true values were elsewhere.
"Me? Books! Cleverness! There are more important things... friendship, bravery..." ~Hermione Granger

[daz]

they will never all band together because some wounds run to deep susan bones uncle,aunt,and cousins were killed by kids dads in slytherin then thairs neville and harry and dont forget cedric so if the school renight they wont do it with slytherin because thay have caused to much pain(or rather thair familys have)

[lupe]

wow this is a great thread.Everyone has put in so many ideas that are relevant.When the D.A was created they were fulfilling the sorting hat's desires though they did not recongize it. Then you guys mentioned that possibly the sorting hat had already done that with where it sorted the people.
Elidor, you are so right about Hermione bringing in the ravenclaws and what not.That is true.Each seemed to bring in someone from a different house that seemed to have similar qualities.Hermione, like Ravenclaws, is intelligent so she found it easy to bring them in. Perhaps that was the sorting hat's plan.It sorts students into houses to create a mix when all along the students think they are all alike.(sorry if that doesn't make much sense)Harry is a lot like a Slytherin.Fred and George probably could have been in Slytherin.They don't mind breaking the rules to get what they want and they sneak around quite a lot.(of course they are too full of pride to accept being a Slytherin).Anyways maybe the sorting hat separated the students so if they mingled with the other houses they could find some common ground and unite like they did in the D.A.

[Prof.Aze]

I didn't notice that... Very good point Ellen... Very well said...

As for my opinion... I think that it is true... Becuase since JKR wanted to unite the houses then i think thats her clue of telling us that houses are united already since the beginning of, we don't know since when... Maybe since Dumbledore took place as Hogwarts Headmaster. :)

[Doggy]

Very good point, Ellen.

About the whole "the rest against Slytherin" not everyone who are in Slytherin have to be absolute jerks and Voldemort supporters. The ones we know are horrible yes, but there are more people in Slytherin. Like Snape (and please, lets not start a discussion here about his Slytherin qualities, it's an example) did actually choose Dumbledore in front of Voldemort in the end.

[dobby_rocks]

That is a very good theory, and quite true. I also agree that its possible that people have qualities of all the houses, but that it’s the one that’s the most that decide what house you’ll be in I have to imagine that not all the Slythirens are like Draco and his Gang . I mean if you think about even when the Marauders were in school , you have Sirius who youd think be in Slythiren cause of his family, Remus seemed to be the smart one , ravenclaw, James in Gryffindor

It probably come into bigger play since I have to guess Nivelle will play a bigger part in the last 2 books

[viktorija_hp]

Really great and interesting theory. I'm sure we'll find about that more in books 6 and 7!

[Perdita]

Posted by Ellen (emphasis by Perdita):
Now, I know that choices are what matter in Rowlings books. I'm not saying these characters don't belong where they are. What I'm saying is that there are four main characters who started in the same year who are united in one House and who also embody the traits of the other Houses. If the Houses have got to come together, this seems like it will be critical.

Also, if they have to come together, Harry's inability to admit to his tie to Slytherin House or to think there might be people in it who would make worthwhile allies, much less friends, could be a major problem up ahead.

Hi Ellen,

I think you’ve made some good connections here. What I particularly like is the last statement from your post, that Harry’s tendancy to deny knowledge that he doesn’t like to agree with could be his achilles’ heel in the next book, or even the last one (uh-oh!).

However, I think what Dedalus said is more likely (emphasis by Perdita):
There will be a lot of hard-working Ravenclaws, or cunning Gryffindors or bookish Slytherins.

Hermione is clever, bookish and could be a great Ravenclaw ... but the traits that make her a great Gryffindor over-power them. Or perhaps in some characters, a single trait can mean more to the hat than several others, because it's that one that shapes the character the most, or the one that comes to the character's aid in desperate situations.

And to add, looking at OOTP and the characters that we’ve gotten to know at a deeper level:

All the members of the DA – they have all shown tremendous bravery simply by going to the meetings and learning from Harry, let alone facing DEs in a real-life battle situation.

Marietta – one could say that she’s shown some Slytherin tendancies by ratting out on Harry and the DA. That is the type of thing that Malfoy does.

Luna – no doubt that she is very loyal to her moral values, and she displayed this when she went to the DoM with the others, knowing that LV was after Harry, which meant that there would be DEs present and that she would have to enter into a battle with them. These are evidence of her Hufflepuff traits.

Malfoy – he has shown in all the books that he is extremely cunning and based on COS, he is also very smart and gets high marks. In this way, he has considerable Ravenclaw traits.

In other words, a blending of the distinctive character traits within the four (Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville) is not exclusive to them. Quite possibly, this is the Sorting Hat’s point, that perhaps the students of Hogwarts should not be defined according to one character trait and placed in the respective House. That only generates stereotyping, inter-house rivalry, and general divisiveness. I admit that having distinctive Houses also builds comaraderie and pride in who you are. However, at this time, perhaps it’s better to change some things and let everyone try to work together without those boundaries.

[Puffskein]

I think a character that only had the traits of one house would be extremely flat and unrealistic. Most (if not all) HP characters aren't like that. But they do place higher value on the trait of a particular house, whatever the rest of their personality is like, and that seems to be what the Hat goes by.

[Sabine]

About the whole "the rest against Slytherin" not everyone who are in Slytherin have to be absolute jerks and Voldemort supporters. The ones we know are horrible yes, but there are more people in Slytherin. Like Snape (and please, lets not start a discussion here about his Slytherin qualities, it's an example) did actually choose Dumbledore in front of Voldemort in the end.

I deeply agree with you Doggy.

I think, as I posted in some other thread, there is some real prejudice going on.

Its like convicting the kids for the faults their parents did.

Would you like to be held responible for all the things your parents do/did?

Your name is Nott - you're a Slytherin - your father is/was a death eater .... lets put him in the drawer together with all the bad guys?????

So is it young Notts fault that he is son of his father? What about the choices everyone can make?

It always seems to me, that Ron f.e. is judging the whole pupils in Slytherin on the fact how Malfoy and his little gang is going about.

I really do hope so much, that there will be some Slytherins that will show up on the "good side" in the last two books.



Sabine

[chop]

I deeply agree with you Doggy.

I think, as I posted in some other thread, there is some real prejudice going on.

Its like convicting the kids for the faults their parents did.

Would you like to be held responible for all the things your parents do/did?

Your name is Nott - you're a Slytherin - your father is/was a death eater .... lets put him in the drawer together with all the bad guys?????

So is it young Notts fault that he is son of his father? What about the choices everyone can make?

It always seems to me, that Ron f.e. is judging the whole pupils in Slytherin on the fact how Malfoy and his little gang is going about.

I really do hope so much, that there will be some Slytherins that will show up on the "good side" in the last two books.
Sabine

I admit there can be some prejudices against Slytherins, but you have to admit the books give always a very dark picture of them as a whole. Their attitude at the Quidditch games, about mudbloods, about Hagrid, all the Weasley is our king thing, I mean, there weren't only Malfoy and his gang in these actions. On the other hand, we haven't seen a single passage of the books where a member of Slytherin shows any "good" action or expresses doubts about the general Slytherin ways.

I agree a Slytherin "defection" to the "good side" could be an excellent starting point for a subplot in the next two books, but we haven't seen any clues about this by now, so we can base this hope only in some kind of faith. (I would be only too happy to see it happening)

[Sabine]

I admit there can be some prejudices against Slytherins, but you have to admit the books give always a very dark picture of them as a whole. Their attitude at the Quidditch games, about mudbloods, about Hagrid, all the Weasley is our king thing, I mean, there weren't only Malfoy and his gang in these actions. On the other hand, we haven't seen a single passage of the books where a member of Slytherin shows any "good" action or expresses doubts about the general Slytherin ways.

I agree a Slytherin "defection" to the "good side" could be an excellent starting point for a subplot in the next two books, but we haven't seen any clues about this by now, so we can base this hope only in some kind of faith. (I would be only too happy to see it happening)


I am not so sure about all that. First of all we read some "Harrys point of view". Then there is the fact, that Harry was biased against Slytherin even before he had a chance to make his own decissions regarding Slytherin.

And then ... kids are terrible in some ways. I really don't know how to make that clear, but .... suppose you would be sorted in Slytherin. And you would see that all the kids of the other houses sort of draw back from you just because you where sorted there? How would you react? I don't know how old you are, but try to think about that from your 11-year old self.

Doesn't it seem clear that they look for support and understanding in their own house then (than?) [I really should work out when to say than or then - sorry]

Being accepted is really important for kids at that age. And the simplest way for the Slytherin kids is to really stick together for just that reason.

When there is a "horde" Slytherins they may be terrible, but see them as a single person and try to approach them, one might find that there is not everyone in Slytherin really bad.

I don't know if this makes sense :)

Sabine

[chop]

I am not so sure about all that. First of all we read some "Harrys point of view". Then there is the fact, that Harry was biased against Slytherin even before he had a chance to make his own decissions regarding Slytherin.

And then ... kids are terrible in some ways. I really don't know how to make that clear, but .... suppose you would be sorted in Slytherin. And you would see that all the kids of the other houses sort of draw back from you just because you where sorted there? How would you react? I don't know how old you are, but try to think about that from your 11-year old self.

Doesn't it seem clear that they look for support and understanding in their own house then (than?) [I really should work out when to say than or then - sorry]

Being accepted is really important for kids at that age. And the simplest way for the Slytherin kids is to really stick together for just that reason.

When there is a "horde" Slytherins they may be terrible, but see them as a single person and try to approach them, one might find that there is not everyone in Slytherin really bad.

I don't know if this makes sense :)

Sabine

I agree to some extent, specially with the fact when you're eleven group acceptance and recognition are very important for you, but anyone with personality would have overcome this at 15, not talking about at 17. On the other hand, the only Slytherins we have been able to see as individuals would be Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy and those two doesn't make a very good case. Of course there is a lot of Slytherin we don't know anything about, because books are written from Harry POV and Harry doesn't have much relation with Slytherins.

Anyway, Harry bias against Slytherin has two origins (in PS/SS), first his first meeting with Draco Malfoy at Diagon Alley and his plead about pure blood (which Harry doesn't like even before knowing what a pure blood was) and Hagrid explanation about all wizards going to the dark side coming from Slytherin. Later on, all Heir of Slytherin developments in CoS doesn't help much for Harry changing his view of Slytherins. PoA wasn't helpful in this way too, because of Slytherins fight against Hagrid (one of Harry's best friend). GoF couldn't be worse, with all "Potter Stinks" badges and so and OotP with the Inquisitorial Squad didn't help a lot to change his view of Slytherins. Snape been the Head of Slytherin house with all his hate against Harry is another point to add to the equation.

In all these developments we haven't seen a single student (either from Slytherin or from other houses) going to Harry and telling him "Not all Slytherins are this way" or "I understand it can't be easy living with this scar and what it means" or "I have a friend from Slytherin and he isn't that bad".

All that may change? Sure it can, but we haven't seen it coming yet.

[ArmachiA]

Hey! this is an awesome theory Ellen! I never even thought of it like that, but maybe that is the case. It does seem that Neville is getting more and more important in each book. In the 7th book it can safely be assumed he's going to be a major part.

As for the whole biased agianst Sytherin... I think there are good kids and bad kids in every house, but the sytherins just have a bad rap. After all, Siruis was NOT the nicest guy, niether was James, and they were both in Gryffindor. I think the Sytherin children all have the same ambition and drive and that's what the common thread is, not being evil and mean.

[layla+lupin]

That is such a great theory Ellen! It makes a lot of sense. Although all the charactrs are 3-D and have multiple traits, the sorting hat did have other houses in mind for Harry and Hermoine (definitely) and Neville (maybe since it took so long to place him). Very cool :cool:

[Twinkly eyed]

good point , but the only reason the sorting hat considered putting harry in slytherin is because the curse of the defeated speel which connected him with voldemort, not because harry has a bad will

[PlaceboAddict]

Twinkly Eyed - The sorting hat doesn't sort Slytherins by evilness, it distinguishes and recognizes them by 'cunning and determinedness', if that's a word.... neither of which are automatically bad. Cunning can be interpreted as sly, or 'delicately pleasing' (www.dictionary.com). Determined isn't a bad thing either, in fact it's good. Harry has both these qualities, and for that reason the sorting hat considered putting him in Slytherin.

I think that although the book has been written from Harry's point of view, there must be a few Slytherines who are in there simply because of those two qualities, not because they're evil. We know of the unpleasent one like Bulstrode or Malfoy, but what about the no name one's who are just sort of there? I'm sure in at least 50 people, there are a few who aren't evil.

I think it's more than likely that the houses will become more close in the next two books - hell it's already happening, really. Ginny's been dating outside of Gryffindor, Luna's already fairly integrated with the Gryffindors, Ernie MacMillan(Sp) is friendly with all of them, and as someone mentioned before, the DA brought the houses together any more. We'll just have to see whether one or two of the Slytherins actually start growing up and getting to know some of the other houses...

[FawkesBox]

good point , but the only reason the sorting hat considered putting harry in slytherin is because the curse of the defeated speel which connected him with voldemort, not because harry has a bad will

But look at the way that Harry behaved all through OOtP and to a lesser extent in other books. He misbehaves! constantly! I, personally, found his behavior unbearable in the last book. He needs to know when to cut his losses and bite his tongue!! Indeed, I don't see his behavior as that of a Gryffindor but rather of Slytherin who had a "Certain disregard for the school rules."

[chop]

good point , but the only reason the sorting hat considered putting harry in slytherin is because the curse of the defeated speel which connected him with voldemort, not because harry has a bad will

I disagree with both aspects:

1) The Sorting Hat doesn't sort students into Slytherin by cause of bad will, but for other reasons, we can identify in the Songs:

- Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends. (PS/SS)
- And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition. (GoF)
- Said Slytherin, 'We'll teach just those
Whose ancestry is purest.' (OotP)

2) Also DD tells to Harry why he could have been a Slytherin.

Listen to me, Harry.
You happen to have many qualities Salazar Slytherin prized in his handpicked students. His own very rare gift, Parseltongue -
resourcefulness - determination -- a certain disregard for rules,"

The only thing he has from LV is Parseltongue, the rest of qualities are Harry's own.

Lateral remark: I've never thought about that before, but if the Sorting Hat even considered placing Harry in Slytherin means it considered Harry 'pure blooded enough' to be a Slytherin.

[Sabine]

Lateral remark: I've never thought about that before, but if the Sorting Hat even considered placing Harry in Slytherin means it considered Harry 'pure blooded enough' to be a Slytherin.

I think there is no way to be "enough" pureblood. Either you are pureblood or you are not.

Not only the pureblood counts. Dumbledore told Harry that he indeed has many of the quality Salazar Slytherin prizes in his pupils:

Parseltongue, resourcefulness, determination, a certain disregard for rules.

Each one of them isn't a "bad" Quality. What one chooses to do with them is what counts. Its as you said ... the hat doesn't differ the good people from the bad people.

Sabine

[dumbleedore]

Three of the four houses are already united, though they haven't really realised it.

They are all united against the Slytherins. Look at the Quidditch matches that Gryffindor have played Slytherin: 3/4 of the school supported Gryffindor. And I suspect that the same happens when Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw play Slytherin.

Students from these three houses have no trouble becoming friends between houses. This doesn't mean they don't have house loyalty, it means that they know that they all must be united, even if it just subconsciously.

[NANEL]

Griffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff and err maybe Slytherin as much as i hate to say it

[UselessCharmMaster]

Am I mistaken or in one of Sorting Hat songs it says that Godric G. and Salazar S. were once good friends?
I must say I don't like the way Slytherin kids are portrayed. House of Evil Gits. Even their names sound bad. I'd really like to see some nice Slytherins.

[PhreneticInc]

There are lots of slytherins (I have no clue how many, but over 50 anyway), and not all them have a DE mother/father... Harry only knows Slytherins with death eaters for parents. What about the rest? Some might be "peer pressured" (quoted because I don't beleive in peer pressure :)) into being one, but there's gotta be good Slytherins.

I can't see *everyone* uniting though. But if Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff unite, maybe some Slytherins will chicken out and join the good side, and the 'DE kids' will form some group against them.

[deadlocked]

Am I mistaken or in one of Sorting Hat songs it says that Godric G. and Salazar S. were once good friends?
I must say I don't like the way Slytherin kids are portrayed. House of Evil Gits. Even their names sound bad. I'd really like to see some nice Slytherins.

No your not wrong.

[Terrilein]

Well, I am curious as to what the Sorting Hat's song will be in the next book. It seems to know quite a bit, therefore the warning in the last book. So I wonder if it knows about the DA? Maybe something will be mentioned? It does seem curious that Hermione is all up in arms about S.P.E.W., the others about cross-breeds, and Mudbloods, but none of the kids really gives a hoot about slandering all members of Slytherin. I expect them to be thoroughly persecuted in the next book.

ETA: I almost expect JKR to tsk, tsk us at the end of the series for *our* dislike of the Slytherins. It just seems so odd to be waving banners on all these issues and then egg us on in our dislike, even hate of Slitherin.

[jordmundt6]

I think it knows what Dumbledore knows or gets presented to him in the office. Yes the four in one does seem to have occurred, but who stands for Gryffindor here--Ron? Huh. I do like the theory, except possibly you could refne it by saying Harry is the fusion of two houses--He has the bravery of gryffindor and the resourcefulness and tenacity of Slytherin. What it looks most like is that Harry ends up with traits of ALL 4 Houses and it's his choice where he goes. And that choice will determine how he turns out.

[Jim Gamma]

Posting here because the mods closed THIS (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=25718) thread I started about uniting the houses...

I think that you're right, many magic-folk display the traits of several Houses. Perhaps the best way to unite the Houses is to find the traits of all four within each character, or at least to recognise the good points about being in a certain House?

[wavy]

I don't think many of the characters will only have the traits of the one House ... some will, but not all so I don't think these characters having traits that could be prized in another house means anything. There will be a lot of hard-working Ravenclaws, or cunning Gryffindors or bookish Slytherins.

Hermione is clever, bookish and could be a great Ravenclaw ... but the traits that make her a great Gryffindor over-power them. Or perhaps in some characters, a single trait can mean more to the hat than several others, because it's that one that shapes the character the most, or the one that comes to the character's aid in desperate situations.

Yeah - I agree. I'm not sure there's any special significance here, beyond the fact that your house is not necessarily an indicator of your entire personality. There still has to be a literal unification of the 4 houses, right? So what does it matter of these particular 4 Gryffs each have some personality traits of the other houses?

[Tane]

Those similar traits from the other houses that are exhibited in Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville are probably important as each house has followed there successes and been able to see for themselves that they could have gone in any of the four houses.

What does Dumbledore describe when awarding the extra points at the end of PS for that house cup? What he states are events overcome where someone from every house could have achieved what those four in Gryffindor accomplished.

1st Ron: Cunning a Slytherin trait with the chess game or bravery Gryffindor.
2nd Hermione: Logic a Ravenclaw trait and bravery Gryffindor.
3rd Harry Potter: Bravery and courage a true Griffindor.
4th Neville: Bravery and standing up to his friends in the face of danger is a Hufflepuff trait as they unafraid to face danger head on. Neville is very Hufflepuff like in my eyes even though he is brave he faced Bellatrix head on fearless and that is Hufflepuff traits.

In a way those four have been an example to the rest.

[ravenclaw02]

I really like this thread! Good job!

I have to say, I think that the Sorting Hat's song was a lot more significant than people have been giving it credit for. Of course a lot of these kids embody the traits of more than one house - no one exists in a vaccuum, everyones personalities are multifaceted, etc. I think that Hogwarts might be headed for dissolving the houses all together.

[Julia Thorne]

One of my absolute biggest pet peeves about HP in general is the blatent prejudice shown against the Slytherins. Since one of the main themes of Harry Potter is the wrongness of prejudice i can't help but think it's either a very massive oversight by J.K. or it is an inaccurate assumption based on the actions of a few (Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson do NOT make up the whole of Slytherin House). I really don't think it's the former and the latter makes more sense when you take into account the Sorting Hat song of OoTP.

However, if it is true that we may see some half decent Slytherins emerge, why hasn't it happened before now? Is J.K. making us hate the Slytherins to the extent Harry does only to pull the rug from under us and reveal a very different side to them? Wouldn't put it past her. But there hasn't even been a hint of a good Slytherin, which i find perturbing.

Having said that, i still believe what the Sorting Hat said was important. There is always going to be faction of a students who will fight on the wrong side (that would be Malfoy et al) but i think there will be plenty from Slytherin House who will not make the wrong choice. As i said, Malfoy doesn't speak for everyone and there are a few we don't know anything about. What Harry said after hearing the song is probably going to come back to haunt him.

I think all the houses will unite. It is the only thing that makes logical sense. And that's my two knuts worth ;)

[faded264]

One of my absolute biggest pet peeves about HP in general is the blatent prejudice shown against the Slytherins. Since one of the main themes of Harry Potter is the wrongness of prejudice i can't help but think it's either a very massive oversight by J.K. or it is an inaccurate assumption based on the actions of a few (Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson do NOT make up the whole of Slytherin House). I really don't think it's the former and the latter makes more sense when you take into account the Sorting Hat song of OoTP.Teens always take the actions of a few as an indicator of what the rest of the group is like. Yes, one of J.K.'s biggest themes is prejudice but she is just portraying the way Harry sees the Slytherins, since it is from his PoV. Some of the teens in this story, like Harry and Ron, are not yet mature enough to realize that some of the Slytherins may actually be good. Hermione, on the other hand, is mature enough to realize that not everyone in Slytherin acts like Pansy and Draco. That's why she keeps on saying that they should try to make friends with them. This isn't a massive oversight by J.K. She is only portraying how teens think and act. The same goes for the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs prejudice against the Slytherins. If they have a few enemies in another house who act like total jerks, and if they do not know the rest of the occupants, teens are automatically going to assume that the rest of the occupants are also total jerks. I have no doubt in my mind that J.K. is going to make one of the Slytherins do something good in the war, just to get her point across about prejudice and show Harry and Ron that not all people they percieve as bad are actually bad. Maybe Snape. He was a Slytherin afterall.

[pixie]

Maybe Snape. He was a Slytherin afterall.
I was actually going to mention Snape myself & what he is doing to help fight for (unite) Hogwarts- he, the Head of the Slytherin House has done more than either the Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw heads have done. He is there, alongside both Dumbledore & McGonagall in all the books. He might not like Harry & the rest of his group, but he has put that aside (for the most part-the taking of points nonwithstanding) in order to stand for the school, & to protect everyone (even Harry) in it.

The school is already united, it's just some of the students don't realize it yet.

[Julia Thorne]

Teens always take the actions of a few as an indicator of what the rest of the group is like. Yes, one of J.K.'s biggest themes is prejudice but she is just portraying the way Harry sees the Slytherins, since it is from his PoV. Some of the teens in this story, like Harry and Ron, are not yet mature enough to realize that some of the Slytherins may actually be good. Hermione, on the other hand, is mature enough to realize that not everyone in Slytherin acts like Pansy and Draco. That's why she keeps on saying that they should try to make friends with them. This isn't a massive oversight by J.K. She is only portraying how teens think and act. The same goes for the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs prejudice against the Slytherins. If they have a few enemies in another house who act like total jerks, and if they do not know the rest of the occupants, teens are automatically going to assume that the rest of the occupants are also total jerks. I have no doubt in my mind that J.K. is going to make one of the Slytherins do something good in the war, just to get her point across about prejudice and show Harry and Ron that not all people they percieve as bad are actually bad. Maybe Snape. He was a Slytherin afterall.

Very true. I agree about Harry and Ron as well - i think it could actually be a good way of showing a great error in judgement by them and the rest of the Houses to have the Slytherins turn out to be a lot better than they had previously assumed. There are those that we don't much about, we only know about the ones with which Harry has interaction with and they happen to be the antagonistic Slytherin students.

I really wouldn't think J.K. would overlook something like this, i was just puzzled about why the issue of everyones prejudice against Slytherin had not really been addressed. OoTP could well be the start of a change though.

[Ellen]

We can't actually say it's the attitude of the rest of the houses or even of all of the Gryffindors. For example, in GoF, when Harry becomes the extra champion, the other houses support Cedric. During a Slytherin-Gryffindor Quidditch game, someone from Hufflepuff might cheer for a team because they have friends or relatives on it, because they think if one team wins it will better their house's chances for the cup, or because of how they feel about one house winning (do they feel Slytherin or Gryffindor wins too often? and so on).

If Rowling had included Malfalda Weasley, even though she was supposed to be extremely annoying, she would still have been passing information on to Ron and apparently hanging out with her Gryffindor relations. Without her, we may have to wait a bit for a Slytherin we like.

Right now, though, I think we see more of Harry's prejudice than that of the Gryffindors in general. They have a rivalry with Slytherin (and the pro-Weasley faction doesn't get along with the pro-Malfoy faction), but we don't know what Padma or Lavender would do if Draco had asked them out before he joined Umbridge's goon squad (after that, I assume they wouldn't give him the time of day).

[Friend]

Very good discussion. I have noticed a lot of what you said, but never really fully thought it out. It'd be great if all the houses could unite somehow, but it's those pesky Slytherins that wouldn't permit it.

[padfootgrim]

interesting..

or the unity could be luna (ravenclaw), susan bones (hufflepuff), harry potter (griffindor), malfoy? (slytherin)

[HarryPotter]

I think that the union of the four houses is about coming soon... we will start seeing important clues in the book 6, to finally find out in 7...

[Mrs Black]

Now this is a very interesting discussion!

About the unite of the houses:
Yuu know, the symbols of the four houses are: serpent, lion, raven and badger.
Together they complete the image of the dragon.
In the celtic mythology, the head of the lion, the tail of the serpent, the wing of the raven and the claw of the badger form together a dragon.
And the dragon is the main symbol of Hogwarts... so only united, Hogwarts can work the right way.
There is also this credo of Hogwarts: "Never tickle the sleeping dragon."
But maybe the dragon had to be tickled? Maybe it should be awoke? Because only together Hogwarts can be strong.

[MsPaulie]

I really like what Mrs. Black brought up about the house mascots and the dragon. That is a neat connection. I think that all the houses will have to unite in order to defeat Voldemort. I don't recall any Syltherin DA members, so we can assume the other houses are already united. I also agree that JKR will unite Slytherin and Gryffindor through Malfoy helping Harry in some way. That way she can make the point that predjuce can be overcome. :tu:

[Tarasind]

After reading the preceeding post I have several thougts that I will try to tie together logically.

1. If the Hat can be taken at its word than it has really done more harm than good in sorting the students, and the students must unite in order to defeat Voldy.

2. The Hat however doesn't "make" the decision about where to place a student. As we see with Harry the student makes the ultimate decision. So the Hat may act as more of filter to allow one to see themselves more clearly. Harry before he goes before the Hat was dreading being put in Slytherin and due to his time with the Dursleys isn't exactly brimming with self confidence. However he was ultimatley sorted into Gryffindor (perhaps the hat let him see his inner strengths). The same can be said for the other students that had a long time under the Hat (Neville - riddled with self doubt about his abilities, Ron - afraid he would come up short when compared to his brothers, Hermione - hides insecurity behind reading and knowing everthing, so that she will be more excepted.

3. As was mentioned before each student probably embodies the traits of many houses (we see repeatedly how Hermione is called the cleaverest witch of her age which would be more fitting of a Ravenclaw) and the sorting is reallly forced on them, they have to be put on ONE house

4. Once they are in their house we see how seperated and insulated they are. Through the house competition and quiditch they reinforce the tension and competion between the houses, a tension which might otherwise not be there

So it seems to me that all that would be needed to "unite the houses" is for the students to finally recognize they they are more alike than different, and that their differences are more surface than anything . And yes this also includes Slytherin house. As others have mentioned the very one dimensional view of that house may be due to Harrys POV

(sorry for the length of the post)

[red_fairy]

Very good discussion. I have noticed a lot of what you said, but never really fully thought it out. It'd be great if all the houses could unite somehow, but it's those pesky Slytherins that wouldn't permit it.

I don't think it's just the Slytherins. Harry has an attitude that they are all bad like Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. He has a little prejudice too. I think they can. Not total unity of course. That's difficult in lots of situations. But it's not like there ae only Death Eaters in Slytherin. Some had to also be in the other houses too.

Maybe Blaise Zabini can do it. Now that we know his gender anything can happen! (Just Kidding!!) :p

[Shauna]

Ellen, you bring up some really good points. However, I think that the purpose of "uniting the houses" is defeated if all the people are put in Gryffindor. This makes it sound like Gryffindor is superior to the other houses, and that is not united at all.

Now, in relation to this:

About the unite of the houses:
Yuu know, the symbols of the four houses are: serpent, lion, raven and badger.
Together they complete the image of the dragon.
In the celtic mythology, the head of the lion, the tail of the serpent, the wing of the raven and the claw of the badger form together a dragon.
And the dragon is the main symbol of Hogwarts... so only united, Hogwarts can work the right way.
There is also this credo of Hogwarts: "Never tickle the sleeping dragon."
But maybe the dragon had to be tickled? Maybe it should be awoke? Because only together Hogwarts can be strong.

Mrs. Black, fantastic post! In relationship to that analogy, it would seem that right now the dragon is sleeping. As negatively as the Slytherins are portrayed in the series, I don't think that even they would want to see Hogwarts shut down. Perhaps the threat of Voldemort shutting down Hogwarts would be enough to "tickle" the dragon into action against him?

Great ideas, everyone!

Shauna

[Katarzyna]

The school is already united, it's just some of the students don't realize it yet.
We never do get to see the end of the year feast at Hogwarts, do we? Harry was busy talking to NH Nick, and doing other things--iirc, he never made it to the feast. I wonder if Dumbledore mentioned something about all the houses uniting, or if, like at the end of GoF, there was no individual house decorations or house cup.

[Atana]

Now this is a very interesting discussion!

About the unite of the houses:
Yuu know, the symbols of the four houses are: serpent, lion, raven and badger.
Together they complete the image of the dragon.
In the celtic mythology, the head of the lion, the tail of the serpent, the wing of the raven and the claw of the badger form together a dragon.
And the dragon is the main symbol of Hogwarts... so only united, Hogwarts can work the right way.
There is also this credo of Hogwarts: "Never tickle the sleeping dragon."
But maybe the dragon had to be tickled? Maybe it should be awoke? Because only together Hogwarts can be strong.I agree with the thought that not all Slytherin's are bad. I agree that they feel they are superior to everyone else and that they are conceited and power hungry and for the most part conceited snobs.

But.... that doesn't mean that some of them don't have a sense of self preservation and fair play. If presented properly... I'm sure that some of the Slytherin's could be convinced that Voldermort ruling the world would be a very bad idea. If for no other reason than Voldermort seems to have an "you're either with me or against me" sort of personalitly. In other words if you aren't actively following him you are his enemy and should be distroyed.

Now all Death Eaters seem to be parents of Slytherins.... but all Slytherin parents aren't Death Eaters. Nor has it been stated that all Slytherin's love "Lord Thingy" If it were presented to the Slytherin's that they either have to join Voldermort or die... then I can see some of them chosing to join the DA (or in thier parents case The oder of the Phoenix)

And with all four worthing togeather you've got the makings of the perfect warrior

Lion=Bravery
Raven=Intelligence
Bager=Ferocity
Serpent=Cunning

Voldermort wouldn't stand a chance.

[Remus Black]

I must congratulate you. I have heard a sort of version of this theory, but I didn't believe it. You have much more evidence. This theory is very possible.
Thank you for enlightning me! :)

[Spikey]

Very good Theroy. :clap: But I can see 3 of the houses united and as has been said before they all ready seem to be. I just don't see how Slytherin will be able to get along with the rest of them. Thier just too "different" plus thier is too much between some Slytherins and people from other houses from them to forgive and forget.

[red_fairy]

I think that the Slytherins can unite along with the other houses. People in other houses can support Voldemort and people in Slytherin can support Dumbledore. You would never get universal support, but you would get some.

[SquibOnline]

As dumbledore said, it is our choices that matter more

[Spikey]

As dumbledore said, it is our choices that matter more

Quite right and has anyone EVER chosen to be IN slytherin I know harry chose NOT be to.

[Creatively Evil]

Well, nobody is ever just has totally their own house's traits. I think Fred and George also have Slytherin's traits, because they're very cunning with all the tricks and stuff they make, but still were placed in Gryffindor.

[GodricHollow]

Blimey! I'd not even payed the slightest attention to the crest! But then again... if my memory is correct there is a description of the crest in PS, how much of that is a uncovered until recently clue?

I agree, much as Malfoy hates to admit it even he'd hate to see the best wizarding school in Europe shut, LV may make him see what gits DE's (and his Dad) are.

[stupiddeer]

i think we find out the sorting hat's other powers in HbP

also, why wasn't wormtail in slytherin. he turned out to be a dark wizard and i thought only dark wizards came from slytherine. many people will argue that when this was said, it was unknown that wormtail was a dark wizard, but what a bout sirius. everyone thought the was bad, and he was in gryffindor. whal house was regulus black in?

also, it seems every weasley could be in slytherin, and their cousin who didn't end up in the books would have been a slytherin. i think percy could also have been in ravenclaw

[Asara]

Everyone seems to think the twins would have fitted into Slytherin but surely Percy would have been a better candidate. He deserted his family because of his ambition, such a Slytherin thing to do. Hmm

Anyway, I like the theory. It is true that all people will have bits from each house but you can split those 4 (the four main gryffindors that we know) into such definite other houses. The hat has spoken, the houses will eventually unite though I doubt all of Slytherin will come over. I think it's unlikely that it'll be Harry that rallies them when they do, it would be more likely for them to do it for Dumbledore.

[AlbusDumbled0re]

I think that if the houses do unite, it would be only Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Slytherin would never unite with the other houses.

[SugarQuills]

The key to unity in the school is the Slytherins. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are already grouped together as the "good" houses and have united against the "bad" house which would be Slytherin. Instead of being prejudiced and hateful towards the Slytherins they should start working on convincing them to come over to the light.
Logically speaking, the children of Death Eaters have more reason to hate Voldemort since he basically used their parents as peons and gave them nothing in return. All that has to be done is to convince the majority of the Slytherin house that this is the case and the school will be able to band together from within.
It's all quite simple to figure out when you aren't a character in a book.

[angel_e_riddle]

Yes, they did. At the very beggining of Hogwarts they were all united, until Salazar broke the bond.

[aggiefan1206]

Thats a very good theory about all of the Gryffindores that could be in other houses, but i dont think the houses are united yet. I think in order for that to happen the whole school has to come togather not just those 4. I believe 3 of the 4 houses have united i think its just a matter of what the slytherins or at least some of the slytherins decide to do. Im sure there are some slytherins that are good and dont want to do bad things.

[clairey]

The key to unity in the school is the Slytherins. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are already grouped together as the "good" houses and have united against the "bad" house which would be Slytherin. Instead of being prejudiced and hateful towards the Slytherins they should start working on convincing them to come over to the light.
Logically speaking, the children of Death Eaters have more reason to hate Voldemort since he basically used their parents as peons and gave them nothing in return. All that has to be done is to convince the majority of the Slytherin house that this is the case and the school will be able to band together from within.
It's all quite simple to figure out when you aren't a character in a book.
I think that the person who is supposed to swap to Slytherin will do it to unite the houses.

[papilion]

Fascinating thread. I've been wondering about why Harry, Hermione, and Neville were diliberately sorted into Gryffindor, even though they show noticeable traits of the other three houses.

I wonder whether there is a more literal and direct connection between the four main characters and the House founders? We've known that Harry has been doubted to be the Heir of Slytherin, a senario, though not turned out true in CoS, might come back to account for Harry's mysterious abilities and connection with Voldemort. Ron, as many have suggested, might produce a lion-shaped Patronus, even though this point seems to be diliberately held back in OoP. This implies that the shape of Ron's Patronus might be a significant point, relating him to the founder Gryffindor. Hermione has shown that she is the most intelligent of her generation, and that might well make her to be the Ravenclaw heir. Neville is the other boy who might fit the Prophesy, and might well turn out to be a role of magnitude, like the Heir of Hufflepuff. Their joining forces might bring back some ancient bond of the Hogwart, produing kind of dragon-related strength that is key to defeat Voldemort.
These are still wild guesses. But think that I'm just going to throw it here. The four characters' House-related traits could mean anything, but it couldn't be random and must play an important role in the denouement.

[skistar123]

I thinkthe only stargglers are Slytherin. On the other hand, there is major conflict between gryffindor and slytherin and i think that in lots of cases, the other two houses sometimes support one and sometimes support the other, don't they?

[crumseekerlynch]

That's one of the most far out ideas I've ever heard!

[soccergoddess24]

hufflepuff, gryffindor, and ravenclaw will probably all come together very easily...it's slytherin that seems to worry everyone...i've seen a few thread that say that blaise from slytherin (possibly the other kid in the CoMC class that could see the, oh man i can't spell, thestrals (sp!)) could be a "good" slytherin, and maybe he could start changing some of the other slytherin's minds...yeah, i know that's a tad far fetched, but you just never know!

[marauderlupin]

I've been reading way too many reincarnation, time travel, and heir of this that and the other theories so I got to thinking: What if Harry, Neville, Ron and Hermoine all have the souls of the founders in them? If they work together against LV, they will have recreated the unison of the houses. This will trigger a strong ancient magic which protect Hogwarts during the second war.

[GodricHollow]

I read somewhere on this thread about "How could Peter be in Gryffindor? He betrayed the others" Well, that's not hard to answer, no one knew what Peter was going to do, not even the Sorting Hat can regularly predict the futre, just as some else mentioned that "only Slytherins go bad" that's not true, it's just that there WASN't a bad wizard that came from Slyhterin, I don't think Grindlewald was at Hogwarts really, and just because a house has a bad reputation dosn't mean everyone meets that reputation, for all we know (and I'm just using this as a example, stupid as it sounds) Malfoy could turn out to have traits of a Gryffindor when Voldemort shows up, by throwing himself in front of someone (Pansy for example) to save them and get himself killed (Not a bad thing I'm sure.)

[atherella]

Elf posted a brilliant thought over in the Slytherin equivalent of the DA thread about how the four houses may be united. I'm going to copy it over here, but remember, it's Elf's thought, so all credit is to go to her. :)

First we had this:
original post by Serpentine
And in a BBC interview before OotP JKR mentioned two more Slytherin girls, Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davies.

Here's Elf's post
Hmmmm...Daphne Greengrass? Everyone knows the old addage: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill." Wonder if her name is a clue that she will switch sides from the more generally accepted views of many of her Slytherin housemates?

I also checked into the name "Daphne" which means "laurel tree". There is some interesting meaning and mythology behind the laurel tree. In Greek myth, Apollo, having slain the Python, an ancient serpent, fled for the purification of the laurel groves. Here he fell in love with the nymph Daphne who turned into a laurel when he pursued her. Note the serpent imagery here.

Laurel is used as an emblem of truce (sounds like she could bridge the gap between the Slytherins and the other houses). The burning of the laurel was used as a means of divination (perhaps she is a seer who knows that it is better to be on the good side). The fruit of the Cherry Laurel though insipid is perfectly harmless (perhaps a Slytherin with morals). Laurel was said to offer protection against lightening (hmmm, Harry's scar? Maybe she'll protect someone from getting AK'ed). In any case the name Daphne, meaning "laurel" could tie into the story in many ways.

I also researched the name "Tracy", which apparently means "warlike" or "fighter". Sounds very suitable for a Slytherin, but could could also be indicative of bravery like the Gryffindors. Wonder if she is related to Roger Davies who is a Ravenclaw, is he not? This would give her a connection outside of Slytherin.

I also discovered that the name "Theodore" means "God's gift." Rather strange name for Theordore Nott if he is actually evil. I was also curious about Blaise Zambini, and I found out that "Blaise" means "lisping" or "stammerer". Sounds like he might not be the most confident of Slytherins if he has difficulty speaking. Interesting that a person who lisps has trouble pronouncing the letter "S". Snakes hiss, and in order to hiss one has to be able to make an "Sssssssssss" sound. Could this be a clue that he's not a true Slytherin seeing as his name defies the snake imagery? At the very least we can probably assume he's not a Parseltongue if he can't hiss! Again, perhaps this is stretching, but who knows?

Anyway, I just wanted to look at those names a little closer seeing as Serpentine mentioned them and I just wanted to agree that so little is known about Blaise Zambini right now that I don't want to assume he is going to play such a vital role as uniting the Slytherins to the other houses, or at least that he will be the only one to do this.

[SeekerLynch]

That's one of the most far out ideas I've ever heard!
I hear you, crumseeker.
But anyway, I think the reason that those four people seem to each have the personalities of each of the houses is coincidence. JKR gave each of the houses different qualities, but she has to do that with people, too. If all the Gryffindors had the same personality, it would be a boring book. Since the houses pretty much cover all personality traits, and the characters have to have different personalities, they naturally would seem to fit into the different houses.

[hpcrazybillybob]

Does anyone know who did the artwork for the crest? It's cool. I heard a story about j.k.r. designing it on a sick-bag on an airplane, but she didn't draw it, did she?

[C8H10N4O2]

I hear you, crumseeker.
But anyway, I think the reason that those four people seem to each have the personalities of each of the houses is coincidence. JKR gave each of the houses different qualities, but she has to do that with people, too. If all the Gryffindors had the same personality, it would be a boring book. Since the houses pretty much cover all personality traits, and the characters have to have different personalities, they naturally would seem to fit into the different houses.This would be a good tool for her to use to increase the conflict among the main and slightly-not-so-main characters of her book, but as we have seen time and again in the series, no coincidence is beyond a second, third or fourth look.

[Alhanalasa]

Lovely thread! Great ideas!

I love the imagery of the four houses being already united in Harry/Ron/Hermione/Neville, but I don't think it's enough to fulfill what the Sorting Hat is asking. Harry would have to embrace his Slytherin qualities, and I don't think that is as likely as a Slytherin joining the DA, or in some other way uniting with the other Houses.

Here's why

1. Until the very end of OotP, there was no offical acknowledement that Lord Voldemort was back. No reason to change the status quo.

2. As far as we've seen, Malfoy seems to be a "leader" among the Slytherin students, due to his family's status, I'm sure. Lucius' status as a DE may contribute to this among the other students whose parents are DEs, but it's hard to say what was common knowledge. The Slytherin instinct for self-preservation would prevent a background student from rocking the boat without a really good incentive.

At the end of OotP, and we can assume that this will still be the same at the beginning of HPB, not only do we see the actual admission by the MoM that LV is really back and out to wreak havoc, we see Draco's father put in jail, which puts a damper on Draco's usual strutting.

Some Slytherin who has been keeping his/her head down until now may be moved to actually do something. I find it hard to believe that no Slytherin student lost a close family member or friend to LV. Surely at least one of them can find some Gryffindor-ness and join the fight.

Also, this way of resolving the unity would break the prejudice against Slytherin in general. I agree that it's hypocrital to preach about prejudice regarding blood, etc while characterizing all the people in Slytherin as evil. It's been said in the books "The world is not divided between good people and Death Eaters," but we have not seen that proved amongst the students yet.

Tickle the Dragon, JKR!

[Atlantra]

terrific insight! I bet ur dead on that this is critical

[Egla]

DD said it's not about what you are (muggleborn, halfblood or pure blood) it's about the choises you make that define you.

And about house unity, Harry and Hermione together resemble all the houses. Hermione Ravenclaw/Gryffindor, Harry Slytherin/Gryffindor and both of these two people have an abundance of loyalty which is the strongest trait of Hufflepuff.

i think we find out the sorting hat's other powers in HbP

also, why wasn't wormtail in slytherin. he turned out to be a dark wizard and i thought only dark wizards came from slytherine. many people will argue that when this was said, it was unknown that wormtail was a dark wizard, but what a bout sirius. everyone thought the was bad, and he was in gryffindor. whal house was regulus black in?

You have to remember who said that every dark wizard came from Slytherin, this was said by Ron so you can't assume this is the truth. JKR has said this many times that things said by charaters other than DD have a chance of being wrong.

[Im Mental]

Ahhh well I found this really old thread, cause people are really against making new ones (for some odd reason)

But as a chapter named after the sorting hats new song about the four houses, I feel its important! Now a lot of people have said that it is about OOTP. I feel it is foreshadowing. The hat says "never since the founders four were whittled down to three, have the houses been united......."
So to me, is it that there was no slytherin HOUSE, or no Salizar Slytherin? Anyway, could a possible solution to Hogwarts be..... no more Slytherin?

[LexiBlack]

I think that the sorting hat's message was a little more than for just four students being in the same house. I am under the impression that the whole school must be united.
So to me, is it that there was no slytherin HOUSE, or no Salizar Slytherin? Anyway, could a possible solution to Hogwarts be..... no more Slytherin?
Hmm... I think that Slytherin is included in the whole uniting thing. All the houses must come together. And if none of the Slytherins unite then that could be a problem. Besides I am sure that there are some good Slytherins in the bunch who do belong in Slytherin.

[Briar Filth]

Perhaps the four mascots (the lion, serpent, badger and raven) unite into a dragon, metaphorically(sp?) speaking. the dragon that should not be tickled. the war is come, this 'tickles' the sleeping dragon, therefore the houses must unite to form this dragon which is about to wake up and face the approaching war.

crazy theory, but there you go *shrugs*

[Kevin]

Dumbledore told Harry why he was put into Gryffindor. The reason being that Harry asked the sorting hat to not put him in Slytherin. Dumbledore has said that it is our choices that show who we truely are and not your bloodline or your ablitys.
Neville has a different kind of Bravery. He stands upto his friends, while others (Lupin for example), sit by and let them get away with things that do not bode well for the future. Hermione has shown her bravey. She started calling Voldemort by his name. Ron showed his bravey in the first book etc. Malfoy went into slytherin because he believed that is where he was destined to be.
As for the houses coming together and joining forces ? It could happen, to turn the tide of the battle for Hogwarts. You only need to a few people to change sides who have important information that can if used correctly enable you to win. Though i would'nt be too shocked if students other than slytherins support Voldemort. Choices are important in this story.

[tarachristwen]

harry was considered to be put into slytherin house cos he also has the qualities valued by the slytherin salazar..the same thing occured to hermione..people do have more than one trait and it's up to them whether they want to be in that house and which trait is stronger..though neville looks like he should be in hufflepuff with his timidity, he has the bravery to stand up for his friends and ron is very loyal to his friends.

i don't think the students from slytherin will all turn into dark wizards. just because lord voldemort came from that house..it's only the tendency to become dark wizards as it values cunningness..

in the future i think the houses will be united though i'm not too sure about slytherin..