On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you missed the first post on “Shopping for School Supplies” or are otherwise here by mistake, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Finally, Krysta and I would like to thank all the lovely guest posters who contributed to this part of the adventure! Once you’re finished reading, consider checking out some of their blogs!
I was one of those kids who always loved school, so it’s probably not a surprise that many of the Hogwarts parts of Harry Potter were my favorite. It was a school where you not only learned, but learned magic. Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology–you got to learn it all. I would re-read some of the class scenes over and over(though never any scenes that took place in Potions) and wish I could be there too. As I’ve gotten older, my appreciation for the Hogwarts scenes of Harry Potter has evolved from being focused on the learning to the community aspect. While it’s true that the house system Hogwarts employs has its drawbacks, I think there’s something to be said for being known for your best quality. (Ideally. Poor Slytherins get a bad rap in the books because it’s from Harry’s perspective, but I do think ambition can be an admirable trait.) There’s some comfort in knowing, when you’re in a hard spot, that you’re brave or loyal or clever or cunning.
To me Howards is a symbol of diversity and acceptance (yes, even with Slytherin House!). Its mass appeal stems from knowing that it’s ‘okay’ to celebrate who you are and that by working together we are stronger. Durmstrang, Beaubatons and the seven other smaller wizarding schools each have their limitations or ‘restrictions’ – including some not even allowing muggle-borns to attend. The fact that Hogwarts is not perfect but strives for the ideal understanding for everyone to be able to work side-by-side highlights the goal of most progressive nations. Hogwarts is a symbol of equality among all: races, abilities, genders, personalities, beliefs. My Hogwards strives to be the best humanity has to offer (flaws and all) – and sometimes it takes a bit of creative imagination to have hope and believe in the fruition of those ideals.
Author M.J. Moores is an avid reader and writer of speculative fiction and the journey of self-discovery. www.mjmoores.com
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you’re ever lost, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Congratulations! You have graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and have successfully chosen your magical career. Follow the directions below to determine where you will live as you pursue your new career path.
Where you will be able to purchase your home depends on your accomplishments during your past seven years at Hogwarts. Add up the points you have earned based on your achievements, then see which houses are available in your price range. Good luck house-hunting!
Tally Your Points
Adventure Points
2 points if you made no enemies at Hogwarts
1 point for becoming an Auror, Ministry Official, Headmaster, Ambassador, or Spy
1 point for being a good pet owner
1 point if you never went to detention
-1 point if you ever made a bad impression on Professor McGonagall
Class Points
1 point for each Muggle Studies question you answered correctly
2 points for passing Herbology
1 point for attending Care of Magical Creatures
1 point for attending Divination
O.W.L. Points
4 points for passing the O.W.L. exams
1 point extra for each question you got right beyond the minimum to pass (8)
15 points total (ignore the previous two bullet points) if you answered every O.W.L. question correctly. Congrats! You are valedictorian!
Housing Options
Choose any location that is within your range of points or below your range. Let us know what house you’re going to buy in the comments, so others witches and wizards will know if you’re going to be in their neighborhood!
1-5 Points: Cottage
6-10 Points: Suburban House
11-15 Points: Beach House
16-20 Points: Victorian Mansion
21-26 Points: Castle
Housing Poll
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you’re ever lost, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Congratulations! You have completed your seventh year of Hogwarts! Graduation is just around the corner, so make sure you stock up on Hogwarts-inspired gifts for your friends, or peruse some of the options below so you can make some broad hints to your own friends and family!
Link them to their House with a beautiful bracelet (from Hot Topic)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her. The photos of Harry Potter items in this post below to their respective owners. Please follow the links to view/purchase any of these items from their original stores.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you’re ever lost, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Welcome, witches and wizards! It’s your sixth year of schooling and time to start thinking about what you would like to do after graduation. Today Hogwarts is hosting a career fair, and several Hogwarts alumni have stopped by to tell you about their magical careers. Be sure to stop by all their booths, and when you’re done you can also check out their blogs. You can also let us know who has the most convincing career pitch in the comments below!
“Gossip, gossip and more gossip. Who doesn’t like a good rumor? This is the best way to be the first one to know anything about everything! No secret is safe with us and it is our duty to share them with our people. So, if you have writing ambitions that you want to use for the benefit of our Wizard world, you are the one we are looking for.”
Charter School for Elementary Wizard Education (Zita @ Pages Unbound, Hufflepuff)
“Greetings, young witches and wizards! Now, I saw many of you stopping by the ‘professor; table just a moment ago. Truly, being a Hogwarts professor must be one of the most rewarding and exciting careers available. But the key word there is ‘available.’ If you plan on living in Britain, Hogwarts is your only chance at a professorship. And the slots are limited. But what if your only dream is to be a teacher? Don’t worry! I’m here to tell you about an alternative.
“Most of you from Muggle families attended public schools in your days before Hogwarts. You learned reading, math, and a dash of history. But how do young wizards learn to read? All of you from magical families know that your parents taught you. In rare cases, you may have had a tutor. But there are currently no magical grammar schools! This has been a long-standing problem in the magical world. We send you off to Hogwarts at the age of eleven with no concept of homework or classroom courtesy – and more often than not poor reading skills – and expect you to thrive. Furthermore, families with two hard-working parents struggle to educate their children themselves. No more!
“I come to you as a founding member of the First Charter Schools for Magical Children. We need enthusiastic young witches and wizards to join our ranks. Our schools cannot teach magic, of course, but we will be instructing young magical folk in the arts of reading, writing, math, science, and history. We also plan to offer electives in Muggle studies, taught exclusively by the Muggle-born. We are partnering with respected Half-Bloods who have experienced Muggle teacher training, and work with an advisory board that includes some of your respected professors. Further schooling will be necessary if you choose to pursue this career, but scholarships are available. Come join the future of wizarding education!”
Do you hate the idea of spending all your life behind a desk?
Do you want to travel to exotic locations and be able to see the results of your work first-hand?
Do you enjoy a challenge and an adventure with a little bit of danger?
If yes, a career as a curse breaker could be for you!
There is no such thing as a “typical day” in the life of a curse-breaker. They travel to places like Egypt, China and Greece and we disable curses and hexes placed on ancient tombs and burial sites, some are as old as 6,000 years. They bring the treasure they find on those sites to Gringotts.
Curse breakers have a genuine interest in what they do. It’s a very exciting and rewarding profession, and travelling is a big part of the job. However, it can also be dangerous – ancient curses are not to be taken lightly. Therefore, a curse breaker needs to be very skilled in charms, jinxes and hexes, as well as Arithmancy. Knowledge of Ancient Runes is an advantage.
If you believe you have what it takes to be a curse breaker, please come talk to a representative from Gringotts at the careers fair to learn more!
Marketing & Advertising for the Department of Magical Games & Sports (Author Michael Mullin @ Gemiknight Press, Ravenclaw)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you’re ever lost, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
It’s your fifth year at Hogwarts and time to take your O.W.L. exams. Read the questions below carefully and select your answers. Be sure to mark them down on a piece of paper. Record your score when you finish, as well; you’ll use this later during the adventure. You need 8 questions correct to pass. Good luck–and no cheating!
The Exam
1. What type of wood is Harry’s wand?
a.) ash
b.) holly
c.) oak
d.) rowan
2. What language do goblins speak?
a.) Gobbledegook
b.) Gobblish
c.) Gobhoblin
d.) Gobble
3. What is Hermione’s Patronus?
a.) rabbit
b.) falcon
c.) otter
d.) sea horse
4. To whom did the Sorting Hat originally belong?
a.) Slytherin
b.) Ravenclaw
c.) Hufflepuff
d.) Gryffindor
5. Who became Minister of Magic after Rufus Scrimgeour?
a.) Fabian Prewett
b.) Cornelius Fudge
c.) Kingsley Shacklebolt
d.) Hermione Granger
6. What does Ginny Weasley do after graduating from Hogwarts?
a.) join the Ministry of Magic
b.) join the Holyhead Harpies
c.) run a shop in Hogsmeade
d.) become a housewife
7. What is the name of Draco Malfoy’s son?
a.) Scorpius
b.) Orion
c.) Polaris
d.) Castor
8. How do you enter the Hogwarts kitchens?
a.) bow to the knight statue
b.) tickle the fruit on a painting
c.) follow a house elf
d.) stomp on the floor of the Great Hall
9. What did Quirrel teach before becoming DADA professor?
a.) Astronomy
b.) Arithmancy
c.) Ancient Runes
d.) Muggle Studies
10. The Draught of Living Death releases steam of what color?
a.) blue
b.) violet
c.) red
d.) green
11. How does Dumbledore see Harry under the invisibility cloak?
a.) homenum miraris
b.) obvio persona
c.) objecto revelum
d.) homenum revelio
12. What subject does Neville Longbottom teach at Hogwarts?
a.) Defense against the Dark Arts
b.) Herbology
c.) Care of Magical Creatures
d.) Flying
13. Where are the Hufflepuff rooms?
a.) near the one-eyed witch statue
b.) by the Room of Requirement
c.) near the kitchen
d.) by the headmaster’s office
14. What does waddiwasi do?
a.) remove a stuck object
b.) make a voice louder
c.) create water
d.) fold an object
The Answer Key
1. b
2. a
3. c
4. d
5. c
6. b
7. a
8. b
9. d
10. a
11. d
12. b
13. c
14. a
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you’re ever lost you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Congratulations! You’ve made it through another year at Hogwarts, and now it’s time for summer! Feel free to head out and explore the rest of the wizarding world with this curated list of Harry Potter inspired blog posts. Let us know about your favorites, or if you have any other link suggestions, in the comments!
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you missed the first few posts, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
You didn’t think you could get through school without attending classes, did you? Below you’ll find some of the magical classes on your schedule. Complete as many as you can because these classes will be worth points at the end of the adventure!
Muggle Studies
It’s time for a pop quiz in your Muggle Studies course! See if you can answer these questions about Muggle entertainment, in order to judge how well you’d be able to blend into the Muggle world. Be sure to make a note of how many questions you get correct, as this will be important later in the adventure. Answers are below the questions in white. Just highlight the text to read.
1.) Who was the top-grossing actor/actress of 2014?
2.) What Shakespearean character name should you never say in a theatre?
3.) What Marvel Movie was released on July 17, 2015 in North America?
4.) Who was the top-earning musician of 2014?
5.) Who is the author of Twilight?
Muggle Studies Answers
1.) Jennifer Lawrence (source) 2.) Macbeth 3.) Ant-Man 4.) Dr. Dre (source) 5.) Stephanie Meyer
Care of Magical Creatures
This year in Care of Magical Creatures, you’ll be entrusted with taking care of your own creature! To find out which one you will be assigned, please refer to the chart below. If you’d like a larger view, just click on the image.
Herbology
You can’t recognize magical plants if you don’t start with regular plants! See if you can identify the five plants below. You can click on the image for a larger view. You need three right to pass Herbology; passing will earn you points later in the game so remember to make a note of how well you did. Answers are below the plants in white. Just highlight the text to see them.
Herbology Answers
1.) hydrangea 2.) oak 3.) sunflower 4.) snapdragon 5.) maple
Divination
Tea leaves aren’t the only way to learn things! You can discover a lot of things about a person just by examining his or her handwriting! Try writing out one of your favorite book quotes on a piece of paper in your normal handwriting, then look at the list below to see what it says about you!
If your letters are large, you have confidence.
If your letters are small, you are good at keeping secrets.
If your letters slant to the right, you are often in a hurry.
If your letters are straight, you enjoy balance in your life.
If your letters slant to the left, you like to stop to smell the roses.
If you dot your i’s a little to the right, you are optimistic about the future.
If you dot your i’s right above them, you are a perfectionist.
If you got your i’s a little to the left, you are reflective.
If you close all your o’s, you like to finish what you start.
If your o’s have an open spot in them, you are open to new ideas.
If the crossbars on your t’s slant up, you are ambitious.
If the crossbars on your t’s are straight, you have a strong sense of ethics.
If the crossbars on your t’s slant down, you like to notice details.
If your letters are rounded, you are content with life.
If your letters are a bit squished, you’re always looking for new opportunities.
If you put a lot of pressure on the paper, you enjoy sharing your opinions.
If you write lightly, you like to evaluate all sides of a debate.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you missed the first few posts, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Now that you’ve been Sorted, it’s time to start exploring the school! Choose the correct flowchart based on your House, and begin making decisions about how you want your school career to go! This chart is a one-stop adventure that will bring you through to graduation. You should record the career you end up with, as this will be important at the end of the event. However, if you don’t like your career, don’t worry because you’re not stuck with it yet! Some guest posters will be hosting a career fair near the end of the event, introducing you to some other options for magical jobs.
To begin the adventure, you will have to remember whether or not you “gained a friend” during the Diagon Alley flowcart posted yesterday. Note that the UPPERCASE words instruct you to go to other places of the chart, or even to another House’s chart! The diamond symbols mark the end of your path. If you want a larger view of the charts, just click on the images.
Gryffindor
Hufflepuff
Ravenclaw
Slytherin
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you missed the posts from Day 1 or are otherwise here by mistake, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Sorting Quiz Instructions:
To take the quiz, choose the best answer to each question. Write down the letter of the answer you pick for each question, or simply keep a running tally of how many of each letter you pick. After the last question, count the letters and see which you chose most often. Check the answers to see which Hogwarts House you are destined for. Be sure to share your result with us in the comments! You should also remember your House, as this will be important to the rest of your wizarding school adventure!
Disclaimer: This quiz is just for fun, and Pages Unbound makes no claim to know much about your personality at all.
The Quiz
1. Which flower would you most like to grow in a garden?
a.) roses
b.) sunflowers
c.) lilies
d.) marigold
2. If you had one, what would be on your coat-of-arms?
a.) a flower
b.) a hand
c.) stars
d.) a sun
3. Pick a hobby.
a.) reading
b.) writing
c.) crafts
d.) sports
4. If you were a cake, you would be:
a.) carrot
b.) chocolate
c.) vanilla
d.) strawberry shortcake
5. Pick a class:
a.) Ancient Runes
b.) Arithmancy
c.) Potions
d.) Defense Against the Dark Arts
6. Pick your favorite sandwich:
a.) tomato
b.) ham and cheese
c.) finger sandwiches
d.) egg salad
7. You most fear:
a.) compromising your morals
b.) missed opportunities
c.) being misunderstood
d.) being passive
8. Which club would you join?
a.) S.P.E.W.
b.) Quidditch Team
c.) Wizard’s Chess
d.) Dueling
9. How would you describe yourself?
a.) surprising
b.) clever
c.) open-minded
d.) friendly
10. Which would you most like to do?
a.) see a unicorn
b.) swim with the mermaids
c.) fly a hippogriff
d.) tame a dragon
11. What element are you?
a.) earth
b.) water
c.) air
d.) fire
12. What are you most likely to collect?
a.) friends
b.) networking contacts
c.) unusual words
d.) enemies
13. What House would you choose?
a.) Hufflepuff
b.) Slytherin
c.) Ravenclaw
d.) Gryffindor
On July 27-Aug. 1, 2015, Pages Unbound is hosting a week-long celebration of Harry Potter! The event leads readers on an interactive journey through their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and features a variety of activities, quizzes, reflections, and guest posts. You’ll want to read the posts in order, so if you missed the first post on “Shopping for School Supplies” or are otherwise here by mistake, you can head back to the event introduction post, where you will find a schedule and links to all the event activities.
Finally, Krysta and I would like to thank all the lovely guest posters who contributed to this part of the adventure! Once you’re finished reading, consider checking out some of their blogs!
It’s your first year at Hogwarts! You don’t know many other students yet, so you find an empty compartment on the train and stow away your bag. In a moment, the train starts filling up, and a few older girls come into your compartment. When they realize you’re a first year, all of them want to convince you to join their House.
The first introduces herself and holds out her hand for you to shake. (Author M.J. Moores, Ravenclaw)
While I know that the Sorting Hat will ultimately “pick” the best House for you, if you had a choice I’m telling you Ravenclaw is the best House there is at Hogwarts!
1. We love diversity! No matter what, you will be accepted for who you are – quirks and all. Never in the history of the House has a bully come from Ravenclaw.
2. No idea is a bad idea. 🙂 We all have to start out somewhere and whether you prefer to work alone on a project or invite others to experiment with you, someone will always be there (even the House ghost The Grey Lady) to help you along the way.
3. Someone will always “get” you. Whether you prefer to have a lexicon as standard vocabulary or you happen to speak narwhal or see the world in terms of formulae there will always be someone who understands where you’re coming from (and going to).
4. You are bound to do great things! Wizards and witches from Ravenclaw have been a part of amazing inventions, new discoveries, cutting edge insights and miraculous happenings. We work with wonder and look beyond the expected… even if you don’t think it’ll happen – it will.
5. You’re not limited to a dress code. You can truly express yourself and enjoy the ability to make choices in all aspects of your school life. We believe in self-expression and some of our members can get quite creative!
MJ’s friend, a fellow Ravenclaw, agrees. But being a Ravenclaw, she also wants to make sure you have all the information you need and that you’re aware of all your options! (Kaitlin @ Reading Is My Treasure, Ravenclaw)
First of all, poor Gryffindor. Everybody gets so EXCITED over Slytherin and Ravenclaw–and occasionally Hufflepuff–but I don’t see many people proudly declare themselves Gryffindors, And I don’t really understand why. I may identify more with Ravenclaw, but Gryffindor always has and always will be my favorite Hogwarts house! In no particular order, here’s why you should join this House:
1. You’ll Love the Common Room
It’s warm and inviting and circular. There are really comfy chairs as well as a big window. You get to be in a tower with big windows instead of in a dungeon or basement. And sure, Ravenclaw has a cool common room in a tower too, but it doesn’t have the Fat Lady guarding the entrance, does it?
2. There are Great Alumni
If you would like to be in a House where some pretty amazing wizards were in, look no further. I’m not talking about Harry Potter here (I feel like that wouldn’t sway you). I’m talking about Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, and all the Weasleys. These are all great characters who a lot of Harry Potter fans love.
And all these great characters were in Gryffindor. If you join this House, maybe you’ll be as great as them…
3. The House Traits are Something to be Proud of
I don’t mean proud in the arrogant way, but the feeling-pride-in-yourself-because-you-are-Gryffindor-worthy way. Being Gryffindor worthy means you have courage and chivalry, and aren’t those fantastic traits to have?
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart
~ The Sorting Hat
4. The Quidditch Team Has a Great History
Gryffindor did such a good job in quidditch in the books! Great players included Oliver Wood, Harry Potter, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny Weasley, You wouldn’t get to play with them, but I bet the Gryffindor team is always determined to beat the other teams and live up to its history.
Thank you to Briana and Krysta for hosting his event and for letting me guest post for it!
Gryffindor is starting to sound pretty good. You love Quidditch, and it would be great if you’re House had a winning team. Maybe you can even try out! You still have two other Houses to consider, though. (Simoa @ The Ellie Badge, Hufflepuff)
I’m guessing Hufflepuff wouldn’t be your first choice for Hogwarts House. It’s mysteriously acquired a negative reputation. I suppose it’s because our house is for everyone who isn’t clever, brave, or cunning enough. Or so everyone else thinks. Want to know why you should join Hufflepuff? I’ve got five wonderful reasons.
1. Our common room is located right next to the kitchens. Late study night? Need some nourishment? You’re just a skip away! The house elves are always so helpful and generous. Even if you’re not studying, a midnight snack is always a good idea. The Slytherins down by those cold, drafty dungeons? Oh no, you need a warm, cozy spot, and our common room and dormitories just happen to be it!
2. Our Head of House is none other than Professor Pomona Sprout, Herbology professor. Does a sweeter woman exist within Hogwarts’ walls? I should think not! Professor Sprout is tough when she needs to be, and she teaches what may be the best subject in the school. You’d be surprised to learn about how exciting plants are. (And dangerous too).
3. Hogwarts is filled with all sorts of ghosts, and which House has the friendliest of them all? Hufflepuff! The Fat Friar is his name, and never was there a more gracious, cheerful, and kind fellow. The Fat Friar is always eager to help and often has the best stories about Hogwarts and Hufflepuff history.
4. Hufflepuffs are hardworking. Truly everyone should be, yet we Hufflepuffs are committed to working hard because that’s what gets you ahead in this world. Do you honestly expect to coast by on natural talent alone? You’ve got to put the work in. If you get sorted into this house, you’re someone who isn’t afraid to get your hands a little dirty, someone who isn’t going to cut corners. “Good results stand or fall depending on how you achieved them.” At Hufflepuff, we stand tall.
5. But being hardworking isn’t the only prized trait at Hufflepuff. What else are we? Just, loyal, and patient. Those are the qualities I look for in a friend, and the most important ones I strive to cultivate in being a friend to everyone else. You see, Hufflepuffs don’t judge. We’re fair, and we stick by our friends no matter what. Our mighty founder Helga Hufflepuff (who had a flair for yummy food spells) knew just what she was doing when she said she would teach “all the rest.” She didn’t mean she was going to take in all the rest who had been rejected by the other founders, who weren’t brave or smart, but all the rest who were, and still held something far greater in esteem. Being a good person. Helga Hufflepuff wanted to include everyone. She knew and I know, no witch or wizard is better than anybody else, whether based on intelligence, Quidditch playing ability, or blood status. We’ll welcome you with open arms at Hufflepuff.
So at the Sorting Ceremony, remember: black and gold!
“It’s true Hufflepuff is near the kitchens,” a third girl dressed in blue robes observes, “but if you plan ahead that isn’t too much of a problem. I think you should still consider Ravenclaw! (Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts, Ravenclaw)
1. There’s no memorization skills needed to get into the common room. That is, until you have a brain fart and just want to sleep. Problem: Isn’t sleeping the last thing we do?
2. In a tight snitch, you have an excuse for taking your time. Meanwhile, a Gryffindor is expected to take the blow or buy time. “Well… I’m just thinking about the best way to get us out of this…” Meanwhile…
3. There’s a reason to carry a bunch of books around, even if it’s just for fun and pleasure. Maybe Hogwarts should start allowing tablets.
4. You don’t have Harry Potter in your house. It might be really cool to have Harry Potter in your House, but it can get annoying…
Now all three Houses sound really fun! But a girl in Slytherin robes sweeps into the corridor at that moment, interrupting the conversation and insisting you really ought to join her House (Wren @ Books in My Suitcase, Slytherin):
1. You’re a pure-blood. Why dirty yourself with those half-breeds? *scoffs* The other Houses have mudbloods and half-breeds. You’re too pure to frolic with dirty bloodlines.
2. You are cunning and clever. And the other Slytherins are cunning and clever. You can surround yourself with people like you.
3. You would look wonderful in Slytherin’s silver and green. The silver accentuates your smile, and the green highlights your eye color. The red of Gryffindor, blue of Ravenclaw, and yellow of Hufflepuff would look disastrous on you.
4. You may be able to speak Parseltongue (aka you can speak to snakes). They are some of the best conversationalists. And such juicy gossipers! (Who knew about Cho and Harry? Crazy!)
5. You’re allowed to make jokes like “Let me Slytherin your bed with you” because you’re in Slytherin, and it would be awkward if anyone else said it.
You frown. You’re not sure you’re ready to give up associating with Muggleborns, but the girl has a point; you do look great in green! And the girl sitting next to her seems to agree. “That’s right,” she says, “Slytherins are the best.” (Alexia @ Adventures in Reading, Slytherin):
So you’re still debating where you should go? I don’t totally understand why but let me help clarify the matter. If you want the simple answer, then here it is: join Gryffindor. If you don’t believe me now then you may never but let’s just go over a few things before you pass us over.
1.We have an excellent reputation.
We’re known for our bravery and courage. Sure, some people might thing we’re a little arrogant. Perhaps we are, but only when necessary. We respect the rules but sometimes they have to be broken and Gryffindor always knows when the rules need to be broken. Dumbledore is known as one of the greatest wizards to have ever lived; he was in Gryffindor.
2.We aren’t easily deterred.
Reputation aside, we have nerve. Don’t worry about what we think because we’ll either tell you to your face or show you. Does that make us mortal enemies sometimes? Sure. But every witch and wizard needs rival. Personally, I would recommend Slytherin if you’re shopping around for one.
3.We’re symbolized by a Lion.
Lions don’t let anyone hunt on their turf; anyone who does finds themselves in a great deal of trouble. And just like the lion, we don’t take crap from anyone. Not to mention, the lion is much more interesting than snakes (ick) or badgers.
4.Harry Potter was Sorted into our House.
Perhaps the most famous wizard of our time, Harry Potter has practically immortalized Gryffindor house. While I may not agree with everything he ever did or said, a lot of it perfectly depicts what it is to be a member of the house of Gryffindor. He faced the most evil wizard of our time and won. He outsmarted the great Voldemort and is the reason we no longer fear the name.
5.Our common room is in a tower.
If none of that is good enough for you then you have reduced me to our common room location. We get to stay in a tower; if that isn’t everyone’s dream then pinch me. Yeah, Ravenclaw does too but they have to answer a riddle every time they want to get in. No one wants to have to think that hard in the morning. All Gryffindors have to do is remember a single word and we’re good to go! We prefer things to be convenient.
If none of this is enough to convince you, then I’m afraid you’re lost my dear friend and there is nothing we can do to help you. Enjoy Slytherin.
Finally, with all these suggestions swirling in your mind, you reach your destination, Hogwarts! Be sure to come back to Pages Unbound tomorrow, July 28, to enter the school and get Sorted. Just a brief window of time left to think about what House you hope to join! Let us know which student was most convincing in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Hogwarts belong to J. K. Rowling. This event is a fan-created adventure meant to celebrate Rowling’s wizarding world and is in no way endorsed by her.
The first introduces herself and holds out her hand for you to shake. (
MJ’s friend, a fellow Ravenclaw, agrees. But being a Ravenclaw, she also wants to make sure you have all the information you need and that you’re aware of all your options! (
Gryffindor is starting to sound pretty good. You love Quidditch, and it would be great if you’re House had a winning team. Maybe you can even try out! You still have two other Houses to consider, though. (
Now all three Houses sound really fun! But a girl in Slytherin robes sweeps into the corridor at that moment, interrupting the conversation and insisting you really ought to join her House (
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