Harry Potter Theory: Is the Sorting Hat ALWAYS right? 

Regulus was right to be sorted into Slytherin. A characteristic people tend to forget about Slytherins is "fraternity" or brotherhood. Slytherins are actually very loyal but, unlike Hufflepuffs, they're selectively loyal. They have a small group they care about, and are willing to go to great lengths for those they call their "own." That's why all Slytherins who are shown to act, have only done so in defense of someone close to them. Regulus - Kreacher, Snape - Lily, Narcissa - Draco, even Bellatrix was shown to side with her sister when it mattered. When Dumbledore said they sorted too early, I felt that he just showcased how poorly he understood Slytherin House. After all, when Snape gives his motivations ('Always') Dumbledore is shocked, because that's not a Gryffindor's motive. That's not something he relates to. (Side Note, but "brotherhood" is also why the Death Eaters worked so well amongst Slytherins. And why Slughorn created such a thing as the Slug Club and it flourished. Give a Slytherin a family and you'll have the loyalty of someone who will break any rules to protect you.)

For Neville, I do feel like Neville was actually the most Gryffindor-ish character in his year. I feel this because despite the fact that he was a loyal and hard-working student, he not only had two Gryffindor parents, he has two parents who were tortured to insanity while defying Voldemort but he had the bravery to see his parents in their insane state despite knowing it would make him sad and would tether him to a reality in which he can't escape with the fact that he has two parents that are alive but will never be able to recognize him or be there at the milestones of his life such as his wedding or even his prideful Gryffindor moment of killing Nagini. My second reason is that to not only face your biggest fear everyday of your life, but have them picking on you for no reason at all (P.S I love Snape) is the most courageous thing I can imagine, Ron doesn't have to face spiders everyday of his life, Harry doesn't have to face Dementors everyday of his life either. My next reason is that Neville not only went back to hogwarts for seventh year. He continued an underground rebellion against Voldemort in a school run by Voldemort's followers. He also back talked with his "Professors" who definitely had the green light to Crucio defiant students. Which brings me to my next and last point. Neville was not only tortured by a psychopathic killer (Bellatrix Lestrange) he was tortured by the same killer that put his parents into their unhealthy mental state of not even recognizing Neville, their own son. That concludes my reasons for Neville being 100% Gryffindor (minus a few other personal theories.)

I think that the personality qualities someone has as an eleven-year-old, probably change a lot as they grow......

I always thought everyone knew why hermione wasn’t in ravenclaw. ravenclaw value creativity, wisdom and originality. yes, hermione was probably the smartest witch in the whole series but she values learning for a different reason. ravenclaws value learning because it’s their passion, but hermione values it because she likes being in the top. (I could expand on this if you guys don’t understand this part, it’s not meant to sound rude lol) luna lovegood was a true ravenclaw and hermione never understood her. this is because she doesn’t value creativity and originality, like a true ravenclaw would. hermione also was never good at divination because she couldn’t understand there was more to something than just pure facts, thus not making her a ravenclaw.

My Hatstall: Pottermore buffering for 6 minutes while waiting for my results.

Hufflepuff scarf deserves a like

One thing I will always go to when it comes to why Hermione couldn't be a Ravenclaw is due to the fact that she's not very accepting of different/eccentric people(for example Luna and Trelawney), she is also all about booksmarts while Ravenclaws are known for more outside the box thinking. I actually think Hermione could have fit pretty well into Slytherin.

To quote Slughorn: “We Slytherins are brave, yes, but not stupid.” Explain Regulus And Snape?

Percy Weasley was a complete git before the battle of Hogwarts. But don't forget that after he came back to fight, watched his brother die and sought out the death-eater that killed Fred. Overall the Gryffindor aspects of him came back when it was most important.

I always interpreted the Sorting Hat as sending you to the House you 'need' to be in rather than just by the character traits you embody. Hermione, for example, is incredibly intelligent much like a Ravenclaw but she most prospers around headstrong, courageous characters. Neville is very shy and submissive, sharing a lot of traits with Hufflepuffs, but as seen by his development by the Deathly Hallows, he needed to grow around people in Gryffindor to overcome his trauma and nervous disposition. Of course a lot of the time certain traits match up with certain Houses, and certain houses accumulate a lot of people with said traits, which is proven by entire family lines being in a certain house like the Weaselys or the Malfoys. But overall I think the idea of it judging you on currently dominant personality traits is a bit nonsensical if it's going by the mental and emotional state of 10 year olds. That's just my explanation tho

Sorting Hat: I've never been wrong! Also Sorting Hat: *places Peter Pettigrew in Gryffindor*

With the Puff scarf you look like an angry Cedric Diggory just saying

Professor Flitwick was also a hatstall. He and professor Mcgonagall were in the same year. They both struggled in between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Flitwick was placed in Ravenclaw, while Mcgonagall was placed in Gryffindor.

Your pride for Hufflepuff is admirable. I enjoy your dedication! You made great points here.

Neville is a 100% a gryffindor cuz in the deathly hallows 2 only a true gryffindor could pull out the sword of of the sorting hat sooooooooooooo ya that’s my point

" ratting out his friends" ha

You'd kind of have a really 2D personality if you fit into only one Harry Potter house

"He ratted out his friends." Oml I laughed so hard.😂 Nice, just nice.

Harry's sorting has always fascinated me, largely because I've been trying to figure out why he was even considered for Slytherin to begin with. I haven't looked deep into the lore on this, but I have a feeling that the Sorting Hat was able to pick up on the soul of Voldemort inside Harry's scar, and that influence made the hat nearly put Harry into a house that he otherwise had no qualities of or valued as a prospective student. I don't know if Voldemort's mark would've been so strong that the hat would genuinely think Harry was a "true" Slytherin under its influence, but that's the only thing that makes sense to me. And that's because Harry doesn't fit the Slytherin mold, as he shies away from the spotlight, doesn't care to have great ambitions, isn't necessarily cunning and certainly has a habit of putting others far before himself a a general character trait. I could only ever see Harry put into Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, actually, for both the qualities he has and what he values as a person. In many ways, it was being put into Gryffindor that really prepared Harry for his ultimate destiny, and showed him the kind of person he could be when all the chips are down. In that way he earned being a Gryffindor, and became a prime example of what a "perfect" Gryffindor specimen can be: someone who has all the traits needed to be brave, with none of the desire for glory and a selflessness that is truly admirable beyond words. It's that mix of traits that make Harry the leader that was needed to take down Voldemort, someone who understood the risks of facing such dangers and who valued the lives of those who were fighting with him as much as the ultimate mission itself.

Snape could literally fit into any house except Hufflepuff, He can be as brave as a Gryffindor, He's ver obviously as smart if not smarter then some Ravenclaws and is a cunning and calculating as a Slytherin. I have no doubt that if he had not ruined his life with the death eaters he would have had a flourishing career being one of the youngest potion masters.

I think the sorting hat has been wrong. J.K Rowling is even more stubborn than the sorting hats when it comes to admitting to anything, so anything she says is void. The sorting hat has the ability to see into your mind, and therefore see what you truly value most. How your sorted was presented clearly in the first book, and despite whatever Potter-more says, the Sorting hat was originally going to sort Harry into Slytherin based of his abilities, despite a clear value for bravery over anything else. It was only his insistence to be sorted into Gryffindor that got him into Gryffindor. By that logic Neville should have been sorted into Hufflepuff, purely based on his determination to stop Harry, Ron and Hermione going after the philosophers stone out of loyalty of his house, and as they say at Hogwarts; "your house will become your home, and your housemates like your family". Or at least something like that. I can't really remember it. But, to be specific, the sorting hat was made to sort students into houses which were representative of the values the founders had. This is why the perpetual cycle of dark wizards Slytherin has hasn't been broken, and why Peter Pettigrew should have been in Slytherin, along with Harry Potter. I don't care what he thinks, he can hang with his friends out of house time. I imagine the events of the Harry Potter series would have turned out much better if Harry Potter had been in Slytherin, because Harry would have spread his morale point of view to his housemates. By chamber of secrets Malfoy could have told Harry about the diary, Harry could have told Ron (or a teacher) about the diary, and the monster would have never been released! Malfoy could have gone to fight the death eaters in the Ministry in the Order of the Phoenix! His dad could have been converted from a dark wizard by Draco's friendship with Harry, and he could have... helped the good guys! I prefer that version of events. Imagine is all the barbed comments Draco threw at Harry was actually just playful banter? Harry wouldn't have fallen out with Ron during the goblet of fire. Okay, butterfly effect, you get it, I think Harry should have been a Slytherin, Ramble over. Goodbye, thanks for reading.

I like this guy.

I agree that pretty much everyone could fit into two or more houses. The way I like to put it is to sort people into two houses, a primary and a secondary. For instance, Hermione would be a primary Gryffondor and a secondary Ravenclaw, for obvious reasons. =D

Lockhart WAS EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT BUT ALSO JUST KINDA LAZY.

Ok you said that snape didn't have the traits of hufflepuff but all the other houses, but he was extremely loyal to dumboedore, hogwarts , lily Potter,protecting Draco (well .... it was an unbreakable vow) , and Lily potters death wishes(protecting Harry ) so he kind of did in fact ( in my opinion) have the loyalty (depending on the situation) of a hufflepuff. And as a second opinion, I think everyone would have qualities of every house. Like Hufflepuff: being loyal to certain things/people or in certain situations (like snape) Ravenclaw: wanting to learn everything you can about a certain subject ( like you with the Pixar theory and Harry Potter and etc. ) Gryffindor: you could be brace when facing certain things but not everything (like spiders , scary movies , failing grades) and like Slytherin: when you might be a super sweet person if someone makes u mad u might be devious and plan their death or something *Seamus if you read this it's not anything against your theories ( which I love it my fav RU-vidr) and plz overlook the grammar thx!!*

Seamus please please I'm begging you do a "what's going on inside they're head" vidoe but with harry potter characters!! Please!!!

So that's why I got sorted into Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw. I was shocked before but this theory makes sense why pottermore sorted me into Gryffindor

I,M a proud Slytherin

GUYS OMG your house is based off of what traits you VALUE and NEED not NECESSARILY traits you HAVE.

were my ravenclaws at 💙

Peter Pettigrew managed to frame Sirius Black for the murder of the Potters, faked his own death for over a decade - all while hiding in the home of Dumbledore's most loyal supporters - escape from capture multiple times, seek out and find the Dark Lord, assist him in the creation of a homunculus, brew the potion to regain Voldemort's body, survive the reformation of the Death Eaters, and then betrayed the Dark Lord in a key moment to save Harry's life. That shows courage, intelligence, subtlety, and loyalty (admittedly, not enough to last, but still about the same amount as Ron Weasley). Everyone gives him crap because his form is that of a rat, but rat zodiac signs are associated with being quick-witted, resourceful, and versatile. Lacking command skills and opportunistic. Perhaps he should have been in Slytherin, but he did have a hidden supply of courage.

Pottermore said i'm Ravenclaw but if it's what i value i would be Hufflepuff, but if i was in two houses i would probaly be in both :)

so... they fit into multiple houses... THE ONLY OPTION IS ONE DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS

I'm a cunning slytherin! Where all my Slytherin's at?!?!

"Ratting out his friends!" That one was really funny actually XD

Your lisp is so beautiful. It's really soothing to listen to. Please never change.

Crabbe and Goyle did fail, though! In HBP, Snape mentions that they're having to retake their Defence Against the Dark Arts OWLs

I had a Hat Stall. I was between Ravenclaw and Griffindor, but I chose Ravenclaw.

You are my favourite Harry Potter RU-vidr after this video (I've seen some others but this one omg! ) keep being great at this 💪💪

Your channel is AMAZING, will watch all your videos in one sitting

I personally think that Percy Weasley is more of a Ravenclaw than a Slytherin despite showing ambition and resourcefulness. 1) He stepped on his family to get what he wanted. Slytherins don't do that. The aspects of fraternity & traditionalism (including traditional views on family) are constantly overlooked characteristics of Slytherins. They stay loyal to their families and (carefully chosen) friends. Sure, there are exceptions like Voldemort. But then again Voldemort was a psychopath and could feel remorse. If you are unable to feel remorse like that, it is of little importance what house you're in when you murder your own family. And look at Narcissa Malfoy who, for the slightest chance of being able to get Draco out of the battle alive, lied Voldemort right to the face. She chose her family over the cause/goal of pureblood superiority & wizard domination. 2) Through the series Percy is shown to be a very studious and curious person with a thirst for knowledge and wisdom. That's definitely a very Ravenclaw-ish mindset. 3) Look at the circumstances. I believe Percy to be that quiet middle child who never draws negative attention to him, but in reality they feel very overlooked and underappreciated. But they hide these feelings and negative emotions until one day there is this last straw that is drawn and they explode and - for a lack of knowing better/being overrun by their emotions - they slip into a rebellious phase. I guess, Percy was jealous and felt constantly overlooked. His older brothers already live on their own and abroad/in different countries than the rest of the family, so whenever they're around its always something special. Fred & George are twins and the biggest pranksters of their generation. So, they're obviously a handful and require lots of attention. Ron became friends with The Boy Who Lived and as a result faces great peril and oftentimes he gets almost killed a the end of the year. So, that's a lot to worry about for parents. And Ginny simply gets attention for being the youngest AND the only girl. So, I can see how Percy might feel overlooked and as a consequence becomes very jealous (even if he doesn't say so). And then there is the issue of poverty and the way people look down on poor people. And Arthur's choice of a job that isn't paid very well and deals with a somewhat eccentric issue (befitting Arthur's own eccentricity) doesn't exactly help here because eccentricities are usually regarded as weird and are often looked down upon as well. And kids notice that sort of treatment. Especially smart and sensitive kids (which is very much what Percy seems like to me). So, Percy might have noticed how his family and his father in particular are treated and - on top of feeling overlooked by his family - he also feels looked down upon by the Wizarding World. That mixed together might have caused the "the suffering in silence until it's too much" reaction. That was just Percy screaming "Notice me ! I'm important, too ! And if you don't help me turning around our reputation, I'll do it on my own !". You don't have to be a Slytherin to have this type of reaction. #SlytherinPride

Honestly, the sorting into houses shouldnt really be based on personality, it should be based on something else, like a bunch of diverse people balancing each other out

The sorting hat CAN be wrong I’m really nice and the “overly nice friend” and I’m kinda smart im a coward tho The potter more sorting hat put me in slytherin Not that there’s anything wrong with being a slytherin I’m just not cunning or determinant enough to be a slytherin I’ve taken the quiz four times and got each hogwarts house once

The fact that the beginning was TDCC made me so happy. Love the video!

I like how you put captions thanks very much

The Sorting Hat sorts based on values, not personality traits. Peter Pettigrew valued the Bravery in his friends even though he was a coward. Snape was always fascinated by the dark arts and valued cunningness even though he was one of the bravest. Hermoine definitely valued bravery over knowledge in that quote "Books! And Cleverness! There are more important things! - Friendship! And Bravery!" Lockhart valued knowledge even though he was a complete dumbass. I think Regulus was a tough example because we really hear about him first from Sirius (who never knew his brother switched sides) and then from kreacher. Wait now you brought up this theory and used these examples but i already typed it up so i'm commenting it anyway

I've taken about 6 quizzes and I mostly got Gryffendor. I am anything but brave.. Rip

Especially when you retake the pottermore quiz and change. I changed from Griffindor to slytherin.

You should do a video to see what house the hat would be in. Maybe?

Seamus Gorman + MatPat + Super Carlin Bros = Awesome Vid. Seamus Gorman + x = Great vid. {x|a RU-vidr mentioned in this post}

Great theory, thanks! I've wondered so much about this, especially about Peter.

This is very interesting. After giving this some thought, I do think there is something to this, where the Sorting Hat puts students predominantly into houses whose qualities they value as opposed to what capabilities they already have. Which isn't a bad thing, because if you are sorted into a house that matches your personality all that will happen is you'd be placed with more people who are very much like you (which is basically just an echo chamber). But if you are put into a house that possesses qualities that you aspire to have, you'll be put into an environment with people who are different from you, and that will give you the chance to really grow as a person. Hermione is a great example: she's Ravenclaw all over to a frightening degree, but if she'd have been put there she'd have just been another overachiever in a house known for it. Having someone of her brilliance and academic drive in Gryffindor, a house not known for those qualities, makes her not only stand out but also allows her and those around her to become inspired by each other and their vastly different traits. Harry and Ron were able to stop the many plots against them and others while at Hogwarts often because Hermione was the brains that worked perfectly with their more daring traits. Without Hermione, the basilisk would've never been uncovered and Harry would have never been able to "save the day," but in the same token Hermione's knowledge about time turners would be useless without Harry being willing to risk it all to help her save Buckbeak and Sirius from certain death. So in a very beautiful way, as flawed as the Sorting Hat's methods appear on the surface, its choices ultimately inspire a lot of personal growth that otherwise would've never occurred in the students. Hermione and Neville grew to be the kinds of brave people they maybe never would've had the chance to be in a different house, and I think Harry being placed into Gryffindor helped to prepare him for his ultimate destiny since it was necessary for him to be selfless and courageous even in the face of certain death to finally defeat Voldemort.

Pettigrew was a case of hatstall where the hat deliberated between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Which leads me to think that it decided on Gryffindor for somewhat the same reason Harry didn't go to Slytherin. Pettigrew's mother was a witch but nothing is said about his dad, so I'll assume that he was at least a halfblood (either his father being a muggle or muggleborn, and possibly the same with his mother) and that they weren't in Slytherin. Pettigrew therefore wouldn't have had a very good impression of Slytherin and would, like Harry, tell the hat not to place him there. Why the hat would later claim to still have made the right decision would be because he could've gone to either house as both would've right for him. Direct quote from harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Sorting_Hat : "It seems that the Sorting Hat tends to place students based on qualities they value rather than qualities they personify. This is never more apparent than with Peter Pettigrew, who was Sorted into Gryffindor but ultimately turned out to be quite cowardly, self-serving and corruptible. He was probably placed there because at the time, he admired strong, brave individuals like James Potter and Sirius Black. Though it is possible Pettigrew was placed in Gryffindor because he aspired to these qualities." Idk why I just defended Pettigrew's Gryffindorhood.. :/ I haven't even read the books or seen the films recently so my memory is a bit weak

HUFFLEPUFF FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!! I love my house even though people say it's the worst

I'm late on watching this video, but I'm a new subscriber. I was hoping you'd mention that theory!!! When I heard it, it sounded so right and explained so much that it became canon in my head. Most characters (and people) do end up having the traits that they value most, but not all. It perfectly explains why people like Hermione (and myself) are in Gryffindor- she's smart, so she could easily fit into Ravenclaw, but she values bravery and loyalty more so she'll CHOOSE that over intellect.

I haven’t finished the video but I’ve also seen that theory or a similar one about the characteristics you value. When it comes to the pottermore quiz irl I will definitely say that is the case.

I understand the Peter Pettigrew thing, but I don't think Peter fit any other house. He wasn't smart, he wasn't loyal, and although he was kind of ambitious, I don't think he's 'cunning'. i think the Sorting Hat puts people into houses if they value the qualities. That way, they might learn those qualities. In some ways we even see this with Harry. The Sorting Hat thought he was right for Slytherin, but Harry valued the qualities of Gryffindor, so that's where he was sorted.

Ah, yes! I had been wondering how Peter could have possibly been sorted into Gryffindor, and now it makes so much sense! Great theory, Seamus!

Great points! That sounds like a great way for it to work.

That actually explains my situation on Pottermore quite well. Every time I have ever taken the Sorting Hat quiz, maybe 7 or 8 times, I am always sorted into Gryffindoor though I do not consider myself that brave, I low-key have social anxiety and am afraid of heights, confrontation, etc. However, while I do value all the other traits shown by all the other houses, I strongly admire bravery and courage above all and would also always wish to be more brave myself. I think that this theory also implies that we, as humans, can be whatever we want to be and I just think that's a nice thought.

What about Albus Severus Potter? He valued the traits of Gryffindor above all but was sorted into Slytherin!

Percy Weasley is an interesting one. Regulus Black is a similar situation to Severus Snape. Also Lockhart is exceptional at memory charms, which is really the only magic he is good at.

I was on that website a couple of days ago searching the houses and stuff with Pottermore sorting houses and you went on the same website!

I like your sweater!

Harry actually belongs in Slytherin for getting his way Hermione belongs in ravenclaw for smarts and Ron's a Hufflepuff for being loyal to his friends, they were all put in Gryffindor tho because anyone can choose to be brave and they all did we especially get to see this with Harry saying not Slytherin and Hermione being tortured by Beatrix but still not talking and of course Ron coming back to his friends even tho they could hate him.

Snape wasn't necessarily brave. I don't think he used immense courage going against Voldemort, I think it was his cunning nature that gave him the confidence and skill to hoodwink Voldemort. Same with Regullus

You've made a lot of great observations and let me add one that will enrage a few, Remus Lupin. Even Remus admits he was made a prefect to be a good influence on James & Sirius, hardly brace. How about on the train, how sound asleep could anyone be to wait till Harry's soul is in danger before jumping up and THEN doing the Patronus charm. But you point out CHOICE is everything, Remus wanted to be more like his 2 friends while the ratty Peter 'wished' w/o any muscle to make it a "want", to be more like James & Sirius.

You are my favorite youtuber

That also expalins Sirius as he wasn't necessary brave, although reckless but he did want to be different than is family

I'm glad that your so prideful in being a Hufflepuff! #AWESOME

All I know is that my family would be chaos if we were sorted. My eldest sis in Slytherin, my older sis in Gryffindor, and I in Ravenclaw. Mom would probably be a Slytherin and my dad a Ravenclaw. Good videos Seamus. I like Harry Potter explanation/theory videos more than the actual movie. Fans like you really make it interesting.

Ahhh old intro chills!!!

I think the reason why Snape's bravery in being a quadruple(??) agent is because his reason was very self serving (his obsession with lily)

All my proud hufflepuffs comment I'm a proud hufflepuff

You look great in that sweater Seamus!

4:09 There are mentions of Crabbe and Goyle repeating the OWL level DaDA (HBP) "I would’ve had Crabbe and Goyle with me if you hadn’t put them in detention!” “Keep your voice down!” spat Snape, for Malfoy’s voice had risen excitedly. “If your friends Crabbe and Goyle intend to pass their Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L this time around, they will need to work a little harder than they are doing at pres -”

I'm intelligent, loyal, hardworking, determined, ambitious, curious and adventurous. I get a different house every time I take the test. Also why allow people to choose, that means they will probably crack under peer pressure?

AHAH! That’s why my “friends” say that I will never belong in Gryffindor, yet I took the test 5 times (once ravenclaw, 4 times gryffindor). I don’t know why I called them “friends”. They aren’t, they think they are... but they aren’t.

3 years today this video came out ❤️

2:04 is a great freeze frame

Love the video!! What if a dumb dumb valued learning and knowledge above all? If they were then sorted into Ravenclaw, would they ever be able to enter the common room?

that moment when you realize that the biggest house prejudices are pottermore and jk rowling...

Ive done the sorting quiz many times and have either been placed in Ravenclaw, Gryffndor or Slytherin. But over everything I most value Gryffndor traits which is probably why I am sorted into that house more than the others.

I have a question about something I swear I used to know but forgot. Haven't there been some four-way (rather than just two-way) hatstalls? I just know I read that somewhere, but I've been searching Google and Pottermore; and the only four-way sort I found was Seraphina Picquery, the head of MACUSA. And *she* attended Ilvermorny.

IS ANYONE ELSE COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW WE WATCHED A F**KING TWENTY MINUTES TO GET TO THE QUITTICH BUT DON'T GET TO SEE A F**KING MINUTE OF IT!! Also does anyone ​else think it would be funny if Crabbe and Goyle ended up in ravenclaw?!?

Early crew where you at!

Fred and George were also very ambitious--they wanted to open a joke shop and that was what they focused their time, money, and passion on.

4:40 ohh yeah i forgot about this thanks :D

I fit into Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. I am smart and I value learning but I value everything a Hufflepuff is. I have taken the Pottermore test (twice because I had to make a second account) and both times I got Hufflepuff. So, if I went to Hogwarts, I might have been a hatstall

Some of my unpopular opinions: Dumbledore should have been in Ravenclaw or Slytherin. He and Grindelwald dreamed of being the master of death in their youth, and in the first book, Harry and Ron think Dumbledore is mad, but Percy explains that Dumbledore was a genius, fitting two of the qualities that are associated with being a Ravenclaw (Uniqueness and being Intelligent). He is also unique because in the books, at some of the feasts, Dumbledore is spotted wearing all sorts of hats. Snape could have been in any of the houses. He could have been a Gryffindor because he was brave, and was a spy for Dumbledore all along. He could have been a Ravenclaw because of his interest and knowledge of potions. He could have been a Slytherin because he was cunning and ambitious. I actually believe that he could have been a Hufflepuff because of his loyalty to Lily. After all, he hated Harry and his father, James, but still tried to keep Harry safe, because that’s what Lily would have wanted. Percy Weasley could have been in Ravenclaw. He was ambitious, and had really good test scores. He also payed very good attention to his studies. I know this was really long, so props to you if you read it! Also, like if you are a fellow Ravenclaw!

this would also explain why the majority of people in the same family get sorted into the same house (E.g., all the Weasleys are in Gryffindor) because the parents would pass on values they find important and learned growing up onto their children. This makes more sense than if it were based on personality since evidently not every Weasley has the same personality and not every Malfoy has the same personality, they all value the same attributes since they were taught them by their parents, who were probably taught the same from their parents and so on.

So. The hat was imbued with Legilimency, so I always took the sorting as a kind of clairvoyant reading of people. And regarding not fitting into any houses, I always took it to be the traits that most define you to guide into which house you are sorted. Also, students may possess only one trait out of their house? So collectively, over the years, all of the most common traits inform the house and henceforth each house's reputation assures the perpetuation of those traits?

I dunno, I can see one Hufflepuff trait in Severus Snape. “Always”.

♥️All gryffindors are not brave Peter Pettigrew 💙All ravenclaws are not smart Gilderoy Lockhart 💛All hufflepuffs are not weak Cedric Diggory 💚All slytherins are not evil Regulus Black

I like that u said “always” in the title😂

I’d also like to point out that they sort out the kids at 11, making what you quote from Dumbledore you said near the beginning very interesting.

The sorting hat also probably sorted Percy into griffindor because he was a weasly

J.K. Rowling actually said the Sorting Hat made 7 mistakes and one of them was putting Snape in Slytherin

Honestly you make a good point, I sometimes feel like I fit into more then one house which makes me wonder 'which house do I really belong in' I value loyalty bravery and intelligence I can't really think of a trait I value that is from slytherin but I know there is I just can't think of it.

you make so much sense.