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No. 110488
>>110485
That always bothered me, but I stumbled across an interesting interpretation (that I've added onto) that fixes some of the problems. One of the big themes in HP, whether executed well or not, is the importance of choice. Harry chose to be in Gryffindor because of it's reputation for goodness. How many other students chose their house like he did? Once a house gets a certain reputation, then some students may just choose that house for its reputation rather than if they really fit.
Ravenclaw isn't necessarily for the intelligent; it's for those who value intelligence above all else or perceive themselves to be smart. Along with hardworking, loyal people, Hufflepuff probably draws in a lot of humble kids who could very well fit into other houses, but they've decided that the best they can do is Hufflepuff. People choose Gryffindor when they imagine themselves as courageous heroes. Hermione is smart, but her biggest trait is self-righteousness and she'd be more drawn to Gryffindor (I think she said so in Sorcerors Stone too). Likewise, Dumbledore had grand ambitions (he'd make an excellent Slytherin) and an immense intellect, but he saw himself as a hero doing the greater good. Peter Pettigrew was a coward, but he's attracted to hanging out with tough guys. He likely thinks he's this brave badass, but he just isn't. Sirius may have purposely chosen Gryffindor to get back at his family. Slytherin attracts it's fair share of evil assholes because it favors ambition, but I imagine Slytherin house cycles through periods of evil and calm. Before Voldemort, Slytherin was possibly just a house for movers and shakers (many who are likely pureblood bigots). After Voldemort makes his huge reputation, people who are drawn to Voldemort are drawn to his house while those against him avoid it. Thus Slytherin gets stuck in this period of just being Voldemort supporters. The only adult Slytherin we meet who never got involved with the Death Eaters is Slughorn who was a Slytherin before Voldemort set its new reputation.
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