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"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, RAGE against the dying of the light!" - Thomas Dylan
Courage is the one word that comes again and again to describe the Gryffindor House. Courage, however, comes in many shapes and measures such as: daring, boldness, nerve, or even recklessness if it is at its worst. It can take such forms as Neville's courage when he stood in the way of the Golden Trio, Remus' strength to endure when he faces the horrid pain of transformation every month for years without end, or Hermione's passion to stand up and speak amid the crowd when nobody else shares her point of view but she knows it is the right thing to do. It can also be the false courage or recklessness that leads to a fall from grace.
Etymology will tell you that the word "courage" cannot be explained without "heart" and heart is the core trait of the noble lion which represents this fine house. Others may call it passion, spirit, or even rashness yet the bottom line is that when they have to make a choice, they will always follow their heart. Maybe that makes them impulsive, but any Gryffindor will tell you that sometimes it is more important to do what feels true and right than to listen to cold reason. They do what they feel must be done and when at their pinnacle, a Gryffindor's heart will shine with the brilliance of the sun - even if it means getting burned. Sometimes it is the only way to keep the darkness at bay.
Gryffindors look at things in a different light from the other houses. Their passion and brio is seldom wasted on such shallow goals as showing off. Gryffindors have great goals and noble causes. They care for high ideals, for honor, and for nobility of heart and know that the world does not always move in these ways. Gryffindors considers one's behavior in order to discern his or her value, not the results that they achieve.
To those of the Gryffindor House, let it be your guide that true courage is not about brute force and it is much more subtle than roaring and boasting. Courage is solely about your willingness to stand in front of adversity. To stand, to hold, and never back down no matter what. Why? Because it is the right thing to do, because someone has to, and because even if you are doomed you can still bring someone salvation. This is what Gryffindors do, this is how you make a difference. When the darkness comes - and darkness always comes - you will not give up. You will keep raging against the dying of the light. I know that if you are to fall then you will go down holding forth the light of all that you believe in and hope for. You can be killed but you will never be broken.
"Wisdom, intelligence, and memory - with their kindred right opinion and true reasoning - are better and more desirable than any pleasure." - Socrates
Before and above all, Ravenclaws are known for their brains and wit as stated by the Sorting Hat. It is their brilliance which sets them apart from the other houses. They are brilliant not just because of their intelligence quotient, but also because they hold education, facts, and wisdom above all else. They value not only the answers but also the process and steps taken to reach that conclusion; the equation or formula is just as exciting as discovering the response.
Furthermore, Ravenclaws are highly analytical and detailed-oriented; they look at the detailed parts just as much as they look at the whole. Ideas, thoughts, and information are often pieced together by studying what makes them up and what defines them as complex or simple. Basically, Ravenclaws observe and study in order to understand the world around them and because of this eager pursuit they are avid readers. Their love of reading leads to a well developed skill with the pen or quill. It is merely fact that those who are readers are also very skilled writers. However, not all Ravenclaws are writers, some prefer to express their creative genius through song, dance, and art.
Ravenclaws' high standards, coupled with them being highly analytical can cause others to view those of the Ravenclaw House as cold and uncaring. It could be due to their hesitancy to befriend others who do not share their value for education. Plus, it is fairly common for intellectuals to surround themselves with people of their own mental caliber. However, the true reason that Ravenclaws seem distant is due to the fact that they love to step back and observe the natural way of things with an open mind without their own personal interference.
To those of the Ravenclaw House, you are made up of individuals who embody a myriad of traits, which include not only intelligence but tendencies of being analytical, open-minded, and curious. You are all noteworthy individuals who make your mark in ways that the other houses do not. You use your head by thinking things through to choose your destination. When you find yourself or others in the midst of conflict you take time to discern the best path. With your gifted perspective you can assess any situation. With your undeniable logic you come to a precise conclusion can only be described as immaculate. You may be wrong every now and then but you never stop trying to understand.
"Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if you wilt always look there." - Marcus Aurelius
Slytherins are often considered "punk" or "gothic" but this is as far from the truth as possible. The Slytherin's House is a realm of old and prominent all-wizarding families. With this, it is also the house of well developed traditions. A Slytherin's battle cry cannot be "rip the system" because the Slytherins are the system. Besides, Slytherin's know that you cannot succeed in this world alone, you need friends but not just any friends. Their friends must also be driven and cunning but also trustworthy. This is the reason that Slytherins are so focused on the need to be pure-blood. They see other purebloods as having the same interests and family history. These connections are based on strong but calculated lines of trust; they can be cut at any time.
All of the traditional Slytherin characteristics, such as subtleness, cunning, and ambition, cannot be developed without a healthy sense of self. A Slytherin is not inherently selfish, but they are ferociously independent. The fact that one may lead to the other does not change the fact that there is a distinct difference. They know themselves in every aspect, from the dominating characteristics to the subtle nuances. If one knows their weaknesses they may correct them and if they know their strengths they can apply them. This is the only platform for which a truly successful and goal-driven individual can be based.
Of course, the internal world is not everything. A person too focused internally is not motivated to accomplish much of anything worthwhile. One important thing to address that affects a person's ability both to know themselves and their environment is intelligence. Where the Ravenclaws value the process of learning, Slytherins are only concerned with the result of "street smarts" and to them the ends justifies any means".
To those of the Slytherin House, no man is an island but your kind is as close as one can get. Also, though this world lacks any form of perfection you are constantly trying to better yourself and your surroundings in order to achieve that unseen perfection; a commendable ideal. However, a word of caution, your lack of restraint coupled with your belief that physical facts carry an unwavering set of ideal could prove to be your downfall just as Gryffindors can become senseless martyrs, Ravenclaws can become so detached that they lose focus, and Hufflepuffs can waste talent on meaningless projects. Temperance and patience are the key and with it you will find that life becomes much easier to handle, especially if that life is in danger. In the heat of battle we find that you are one who can quickly adapt so that you can neutralize danger before it devastates others.
"If I can work hard to stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." - Emily Dickinson
"Hufflepuff" may be a warm and fuzzy name but there is nothing to suggest that they are excessively nice or sweet. Helga Hufflepuff's decision to allow all students into her house defines the house as committed to the egalitarian belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.
Hufflepuffs tend to keep their feet on the ground and their eyes on the path ahead of them. This does not mean they do not dream big, that they do not take risks, or that they do not think outside the box. It means they see the problems and they fix them; it means they take the time to look over their own shoulders to assess the progress of the entire group, to lend a hand to pull someone else up. It means what they value in others is not always virtue or bravery, cleverness or ambition, but the potential that each person has. Should it come as a surprise that the academic discipline of Professor Sprout, the head of Hufflepuff house, involves making things grow? Huffflepuffs care about potential, they care about creating the best conditions for people to thrive, and they care about having faith in the common good.
Connected to the idea of potential is the value of loyalty and loyalty definitely involves a concern for others. True, loyalty also involves other elements that are critical to the Hufflepuff identity: a certain amount of faith and optimism, and respect for others as well as respect for oneself. These elements of faith and respect are not easily won or haphazardly given; Hufflepuffs are not indiscriminately loyal or hardworking, contrary to popular belief. Because Hufflepuffs value hard work, effort is often used as a criterion for earning trust and loyalty, and Hufflepuffs will certainly reciprocate in kind.
To those of the Hufflepuff House, your very being holds a fierce protectiveness for all that you care so much about. Your qualities and traits tend to be undervalued, but these qualities and traits provide the necessary balance that makes society run, the house system work, and any operation succeed. You are the overwhelming force that keeps life flowing and all forces in check. If ever the moral coil was in danger, you may not have the answers like the Ravenclaws, you may not have the respect like the Slytherin, nor may you have the flair of the Gryffindors, but you are the one who does all the hard work. You justly fulfill all requirements to get the job done. If you become marred the scars that are left behind show your sacrifice for those that you love deeply.
A special thanks to Margaret Clinch and Hogwarts Elite who help in the research of these essays.