OOC Seminar: House Traits
When: July 25, 2003
What: A seminar about what are and aren't the House Traits
Logger: Pixie
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You say "There has been a -lot- of confusion lately about what exactly it
means to be a member of one of the houses at Hogwarts. The actions of
particular characters in the books have somewhat obscured the fact that the
traits are minimal and do not really dictate a code of behavior."

Ariadne bounces into the room and plops onto the floor like a little kid in
preschool.

Black pats Harry on the head, "That's our Harry."

You say "Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs can be mean, Slytherins can be brave, and
yes, even occasionally Ravenclaws can be idiots."

Amiya snickers.

Amanda acts mean. Then shuts up.

Jonathan is a first year so he does nothing but stays still and listens.

You say "What I've done is to copy down exactly what the Sorting hat said
about each house in book 1, 4 and 5, which are the Sortings we've seen in
the books. Those are, in essence, -it-. That is what people are sorted based
upon. Yes, it is true that posession of certain traits often brings others
-- Slytherins, with their ambition and ruthlessness, are often going to be
out for themselves and willing to squash people on their way to the top. But
those are also traits you may find in a dedicated researcher who is
absolutely determined to find an answer to the problem he's working on."

You say "Gryffindors, as we've seen, are brave. But they can also be careless
and callous and overall quite jerky. *eyes Sirius*"

You say "So, without further ado!"

Viviane says "Hey!"

Nathan says "Or even plain reckless. *eyes self.*"

Jenny peers intently at Sirius.

Book 5: Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those With brave deeds to their
name." ... While the bravest and the boldest Went to daring Gryffindor.
Book 4: By Gryffindor, the bravest were Prized far beyond the rest.
Book 1: You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their
daring nerve and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart

Black mmms. Jerky.

You say "So, there's a theme. Gryffindors are brave. They are daring. They
tend to be chivalrous. And... that's really it. They may be good, they may
be bad. They may be stupid, they may be smart. The things they believe in
may be wrong. But none of that matters to the Sorting Hat: it's looking for
brave people with a bit of a tendency to reckless behavior."

Caitlynn snickers.

You say "Onward! :)"

Book 5: Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those Whose ancestry is purest." ...
For instance, Slytherin Took only pure-blood wizards Of great cunning, just
like him.
Book 4: And power-hungry Slytherin Loved those of great ambition.
Book 1: Or perhaps in Slytherin You'll make your real friends, Those cunning
folk use any means To achieve their ends.

Amanda says "Slytherin Took. That's a funny image. :)"

Pixie laughs.

Lucius snerks.

Nathansnickers

Nathan says "a purebred hobbit schemer?"

Amanda pictures a snape-hobbit. Then shuts up.

Nathan erks. "You're evil, Amanda. I like it!"

Amiya says "now that's a HP/LotR crossover I never would have thought of."

You say "So Slytherins are cunning, ambitious, and not muggleborn. But that
doesn't really imply anything about their motives, or exactly what the
ambitions -are-. Again, they could be good or bad, right or wrong. They're
not all bullies, they're not all friendly. A lot of times, people who are
cunning and ambitious will have a lot of self-confidence and be quite
charismatic. Sometimes they won't. But it doesn't matter to the Sorting Hat:
it wants people who are ambitious and cunning and willing to do what it
takes to get what they want."

Ariadne screws up her face in disgust, "There's one I wouldn't want to have
ever thought of."

Pixie would definitely have pegged the hobbits for Hufflepuffs. :)

Nathan says "soo... Both Churchill and Hitler could've sorted Slytherin"

You say "If they hadn't been muggles. :)"

Tessa always felt Lockhart would have been Slythie

Jenny nods at Tessa.

Ariadne says "Your not the Sorting Hat Nathan!"

Lucius nods in agreement re: Lockhart.

Pixie agrees about Lockhart also.

Nathan says "no. But by that definition, those two could've. And I missed the
? on the end."

You say "That's also why we made Fudge one. Slytherins make excellent
politicians and businessmen. That's why so many of them are rich."

You say "Zipping along -- we'll discuss after we get through them all --"

Book 5: Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."
... Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest And taught them all she knew.
Book 4: For Hufflepuff, hard workers were Most worthy of admission
Book 1: You might belong in Hufflepuff Where they are just and loyal, Those
patient Hufflepuffs are true And unafraid of toil

Jonathan cheers for the Hufflepuffs!

Jenny says "Go us. :)"

Amanda claps.

Amanda does a standing ovation.

Ginger says "We get the leftovers. o_o"

Caitlynn giggles.

Nathan snickers

You say "Hufflepuff is really a mixed bag. The admins like to think that they
-do- have some defining qualities and aren't just the random leftovers as
book 5 implied. To take everyone -is- a Hufflepuff trait (fairness)."

Jenny baps Ginger.

Amanda nods

Black says "Hufflepuffs make the best partners. Business or otherwise. :)"

Nathan snerks

Lucius says "Bah. Too many of my friends are Hufflepuffs. ;>"

Amanda giggles. "then why can't Amanda get a date, huh?"

Amanda glares at Ariadne

Nathan grins. "You're referring to the "leeetle ex-flufflepuff," right?

You say "Hufflepuffs are just, loyal and hard workers. Again, it doesn't imply
anything about their level of friendliness, though typically people who are
fair-minded wouldn't judge someone without evidence. They make good minions,
as Lucius and Sirius are attempting to point out. ;)"

Black says "Minion? I just wanted someone to kiss. :)"

Nathan snickers

Elazar smirks.

Tessa bites her tongue so haaard!

Jenny /hides/.

Amanda knows what they say about Hufflepuff girls. :P

Nathan says "boy... Ten years in Azkaban... Yeah, I can see how that would
have that effect..."

Lucius says "Minion? Weeeeeell.... you -could- put it like that...."

You say "But just because you're a Hufflepuff doesn't mean you're -not- brave,
or ambitious, or clever. It just means that those aren't your uppermost
qualities. So the sorting hat is looking mostly for people with integrity
for Hufflepuff."

Nathan says "dangit. Now I have to make a rendition of "California Girls""

Elazar thinks integrity is a good word for Hufflepuffs.

Amanda nods

Nathan says "is that moral, or structural?"

Pixie passes that information along, Black.

Black hides behind Harry.

Nathan says "hiding behind your own godson? Have ye no shame? I thought /you/
were supposed to protect /him,/ not the other way 'round? :P"

Pixie tells Harry about that candy. See if he keeps hiding you.

You say "Okay, and last but certainly not least:"

Black says "When did I ever protect him from anything?"

Amanda has structural integrity

Book 5: Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose Intelligence is surest." ...
And only those of sharpest mind Were taught by Ravenclaw.
Book 4: For Ravenclaw, the cleverest Would always be the best.
Book 1: Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, If you've a ready mind, Where those of
wit and learning Will always find their kind

Ginger says "The Nerds! =D"

Amanda hey!s

Jonathan :has seen Revenge of the Nerds way too many times to be making fun of
them.

Caitlynn grins

You say "This one is about as clear as Gryffindor. Ravenclaws are smart.
Period. It doesn't mean they're bookworms, it doesn't mean they study a lot
-- though they can, as can anyone from the other houses. They're just smart.
This does not mean they possess common sense, necessarily."

Nathan snickers, thinking of Robin Williams in Flubber

Jenny coughs. "Kerwin." ;)

Caitlynn didn't think common sense came hand in hand with intelligence.

You say "And just because people have a high IQ doesn't mean they're always
going to behave like it. In terms of social interaction, a high IQ doesn't
necessarily give you a leg up."

Nathan says "again, nerds."

Caitlynn hates to say this, but I'm seriously falling asleep. The week is
catching up to me.

Amanda grins

You say "So: I hope that clears up some of the confusion, and that's the end
of the lecture bit. I'm not going to open it up to a free for all, but a
directed discussion would be good. So if you'd like the floor, please give
me a page."

Jenny says "Not even necessarily nerds. I know a lot of really smart people
who can't deal with people their own age - but can deal with adults."

Amanda raises hand

Caitlynn waves. "Thanks, Pixie.

You say "Nerds does have a connotation beyond 'smart'. See you, Caitlynn!"

Amanda amens

You say "Amanda?"

Amanda says "nope..agreeing with Jenny. I'm just sitting here listenin' :)"

You say "Oh, okay. :)"

Nathan says "I'm gonna havta blast off. It's been... Illuminating. And someone
keep the girls away from Sirius."

Amiya casts eyes at Sirius. Oh, the allure of the dark and dangerous types.

Amanda would glomp, but fears the mini-aragogs.

Nathan says "g'bye, all."

Caitlynn says "Nerd can also be a rather ignorant person. "Smart" is
completely something else. The reason why people have placed the two
together is because, in colleges, they equated those actions intelligent
people would do to those of what a nerd - or someone outside normal society
- would think of. Sooo.. you could say we are all nerds for playing on the
internet and roleplaying, because most people don't find this "normal"! ;)"

Viviane looks at Harry and puts her hand out, "Aheeeemmm...my survey"

Jonathan :agrees with Cait and waves good night to everyone. "I am going to
watch Gangs of New York, later."

Black whispers to Harry, "Give her a chocolate instead."

Elazar raises hand.

Caitlynn says "Okie..night night all!"

You say "Elazar?"

Amanda waves to all the leaving people

Harry hasn't ICly finished it, Viv.

Viviane smiles... "Just teasing :)"

Elazar says "What kind of relevancy do you think Houses have for those after
graduation? Just wondering peoples thoughts on whether it was still
important to the adults or not. Or maybe just some adults?"

Amanda raises hand

Amanda waves it

Amiya says "I expect that quantifying your house helps you think about what's
important in your character's nature."

Elazar nods, "I mean in an IC manner ..."

Lucius would imagine those traits still carry through after graduation, since
they would form a part of the character's basic personality.

Lucius says "Taking the example of Lockhart again and potential Slytheriness.
Or even my wonderful self. ;>"

You say "That's an interesting question. My personal take on it is this: The
Sorting Hat sorts as much based on potential as actual deeds. An 11 year old
hasn't had much life to -do- things in. Spending 7 years in a house tends to
reinforce those traits that the Hat was looking for. But the more time you
spend away from Hogwarts, the more time you have to grow and change in other
directions. So a 60 year old Slytherin may not be the archetypal Slytherin
anymore, but they will still certainly have those traits in them."

Elazar nods, "Yeah I get it about character's traits. I'm talking about the IC
relationship between adults. Do you think they reall care anymore after
graduation?

Amiya says "And it may be the 'old school tie' thing. You feel a
fraternity/sorority with those who were in your old house."

Pixie nods.

Elazar nods to Pixie.

Amanda's mum and dad are Slyth and Gryff - besides having some
house-decorating issues (The place looks like d@mn Santa's Workshop - There
really is no issue. They don't harbor too many anti-Huffle sentiments when
it comes to Amanda :)

Tessa thinks some families care more than others, like the Malfoys

Amanda agrees

You say "School friendships and dislikes can really carry through into
adulthood, depending on the person. And obviously you know best those with
whom you spent the most time."

Ginger puts up a hand.

Lucius nods. Individual choice, rather than a standard answer to the question,
I think, Elazar.

Black says "I have a Slytherin for a landlord. :) And I hate Peter more than
Snape. So.... :)"

Elazar nods, "Okie ... just thought it an interesting topic to discuss."

You say "Ginger?"

Ginger says "I'm not sure about now, but, the only real solid iffness between
houses was between Gryffindor and Slytherin? Or do Slytherins tend rub
shoulders with the other two too? Or... Is it all just Harry's fault?"

Amanda says "basically everyone looks down on 'Puffs :)"

You say "There isn't any 'solid iffness' between any of the houses. It's all
between individuals. It's not a Gryffindor trait to hate Slytherins, nor is
it a Slytherin trait to hate Gryffindors."

Ariadne pats Amanda on the back.

Elazar has the impression that the Slytherins were the odd ones out for the
most part. The other three would generally band together against the
Slytherins ... however Hufflepuffs everyone made fun of too.

Amiya is going to bamf, all. Ta!

Jenny says "House rivalry exists, but only because individuals make sure it
does. :)"

Elazar says "In the books during Quidditch matches wouldn't it point out that
Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs would cheer on the Gryffindor team rather than
Slytherin team?"

Amanda nods. "Poor Slythies. Sorta."

Elazar says "I might have read it wrong."

Harry says "I think you're right, Elazar."

Ginger thought that was just because Slytherin had won for seven years
straight? Or something.

Amanda nods.

Lucius notes that his friendship group at school consisted of predominantly
Slytherins and a Hufflepuff or two.

Pixie nods. They were tired of losing and wanted to see -anyone- but the
Slytherins win.

Elazar nods.

Elazar must idle a bit, but is logging :)

You say "It wasn't really that they had a specific grudge against Slytherin.
They were annoyed with certain Slytherin individuals who were insufferable
about the fact."

Ginger says "Does Snape qualify as one of those? o_o"

Pixie smirks. Well, Snape's smugness seemed more directed at the professors,
not the students. Why would he bother to be smug at them?

Black says "Slytherins also tend to play dirty in their Quidditch games.
Hufflepuffs wouldn't like that. :)"

Amanda agrees :)

You say "Hey now, Black. Stereotypes again."

Black says "Deny it!"

You say "Still, dirty != cheating necessarily."

Pixie doesn't. But just because the Slytherins do doesn't mean the Ravenclaws
and Gryffindors didn't also.

Black never, ever, ever cheated. Or broke a rule. Nope.

Amanda laugs out loud. Then her sense of decency forces her to laugh out quiet.

Pixie looks around for Black's halo.

Ariadne searches high and /low/ with Pixie.

Tessa hangs a towel off Black's horns

You say "Okay. Any other discussion? The main point of this was to remind
everyone that while there -are- traits important to each house, they are
much fewer than people tend to realize. And they aren't mutually exclusive.
You can be a clever, brave, ambitious Slytherin and a cunning Gryffindor.
The sorting hat doesn't mis-sort, but the students of each house aren't
cookie cutter replicas of one another."

Black says "Hey, James was the one with the horns."

Harry angsts.

Ginger says "-Almost- related: What sound do badgers make? o_o"

Echidna says ""

Echidna says "At least, so far as I know. :)"

Ginger says "Thanks. ;)"

Hagrid says "I think they grunt or shriek or something."

Amanda has no idea.

Jenny would go with grunt. :)

Jenny says "Or whuffle."

Amanda says "that sounds right."

You say "Okay.. I think we're all done then. Thank you all for coming. :)"