The Gryffindor House Thread

You might belong to Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry, set Gryffindors apart.

This is version 2 of the Gryffindor House Thread. The first thread can be found here.

This thread is for discussing the house of Godric Gryffindor - it's role within Hogwarts, the typical traits of Gryffindors, the characters from this house in the HP series, and everything else related to Gryffindor House.

It is open to everyone, but more importantly, it is not a chat room. Remember that this is a discussion, so all regular VTM rules apply, especially the one liner rule, the chat rule (that's what the Owls system is for) and the pseudo mod'ing rule. If you want to have a look at the rules again, you'll find the link in my signature.

Thanks, and enjoy!

Yay, ty Capricorn!

I belive before I passed out we were talking about the important of Fawkes to Harry?

Aside from the healing power of his tears what other specific details might make Fawkes a good pet for Harry, can anybody think of anything?

I'm not entirely sure if this was actually mentioned in the books (probably book 5), but Fawkes can instantaneaously travel right? I think he was sent to deliver a message to somebody from Dumbledore, and when Dumbledore told him, he instantly vanished in a plume of fire. I suppose that would help, wouldn't it?

Uhyesszzir Barto. (excuse my Hip Hopness)

He can do that, you just grab his tail and in a swooping ring of fire you're off. Although Dumbledore's the only one to have done it, I daresay anybody else to try it would just get burned, unless it was Harry lol.

that'd be nice to do, haha, get caught on fire and burn, ohwell, might be the same way as they flew through the air in CoS or like apparating.

Fawkes would be a tremendous asset to have.. Hmm.

Anyways, I noticed something. Myself, Spencer, and Albus have all been on for a very long time I've noticed. Since at least noon my time, it's 3:30am now. I've been gone half the time and playing The Sims 1 on GC most of the time. I'm way too lazy to do my laundry today so I just haven't even left the house lol. Why bother?

I've heard rumors of Goyle(not Gregory, but big Goyle.. I mean Gregory Goyle's father, the death eaters)... I mean Gregory Goyle's brother being sorted into Gryffindor in book seven.. Anybody else heard as such?

Haha, no, I dont know, Im confused by what you just said. Oh wait, no. Never heard of that. Hmm weird, maybe he could be an important part in Book 7.

May I change the topic? Oooh oreos...Sorry, ok James focus! In book 1 McGonagall says that each house has its own history and uniqueness. Do any of you think that we will find out more of this in book seven and could it possibly help Harry some way with like ancient prophecies or magic or do hickey things?

Oh my goodness, its james, remember me? Long time no see. Back on topic here, I definately think were gonna find more about Rowena, Salazaar, Helga and Godric.. I was reading a non canon fanfic, and Harry was related to Godric through blood. If you know what I mean. It will be great significance.

Before HBP came out, I was absolutely convinced that Harry (nor anyone else in the books) was the heir of Gryffindor. From what I have read, JK does not recycle plots. The heir of a founder was already done. It becomes an old story.

After reading about Hepzibah Smith, I am no longer certain. JK has set it up nicely that she can make Zacharias Smith Hufflepuff's heir. If she writes about two heirs, why not complete the set and identify all four? Of course, we do not know that Ravenclaw or Gryffindor ever had an heir. (But they probably did.)

Even so, I would not want Harry to be Gryffindor's heir. Yes, it would be a charming story, but I fail to understand why it would be interesting. The idea of Gryffindor vs. Slytherin is a little too tried.

And besides, Harry being the heir of Gryffindor would be obvious, I mean the book is not supposed to think like that but Im probably guessing it could be a Weasley, they got a long line of them through. I wouldnt be surprised if it was Sirius or Lupin. God only knows from this point on.

It couldn't be Sirius. The entire family was in Slytherin for centuries. I would feel terrible if that was the fate of Gryffindor's heirs. (Note: I mean being crazy, pureblood maniacs. I having nothing against our Slytherin friends.)

If we see an heir, I suspect they would be a student. Maybe Hermione? I know her parents were muggles, but why couldn't his line have been mingled with muggles? I am still not convinced why she is in Gryffindor and not Ravenclaw.

I know i have said this a thousand times all ready but i deep down truely believe that dumbledore is the gryffindor heir..you just can't get any more gryffindor then him...

but i do see the possability of the weasly's being the heir i mean the whole family is in gryffindor...if identical twin (the patils) can be seperated then why is the whole family in the same house.

I agree that we may identify the other two heirs. Let's face it, the magical community is a small one even Hagrid mentions (I think) that if wizard kind did not marry muggle kind the magical community would have been bred out. Therefore I also agree that the heirs of the last two houses could very likely be mixed blood. It may be funny if Dumbledore turns out to be heir of Ravenclaw but I seriously doubt it. He may have the mind of a Ravenclaw but definately the spirit of a Gryffindor. I do shades of the other houses in him though but aren't we all that way? It is our dominate traits that sort us but I believe that we all run the full spectrum. Dumbledore for instance is loyal and hard working like the Hufflepuffs and can make decisions best for himself at times like a Slytherin which may be why he understands Severus so much. One Slytherin example is when he decided not to tell Harry about the prophecy from the beginning.

But Dumbledore's given reasoning is that he loved Harry too much to put him through that pain and mental trail. Not that I'm saying it was a great idea waiting for like 4 years when someone is obviously trying to kill him because of that little detail. Then again maybe that is why he thinks that love is a greater power than anything else, because it will make you do things you know you shouldn't (entering the chamber of secrets, rescueing s hippogriff and releasing an escaped convict) and keep you from doing things you want to do (telling Hermine that you like her and that you can't stop fighting with her because it's the only way to show her attention without telling her you like her (o/t) . Sorry can't think of any better examples than the prophesy secret but there has to be more, probably something about telling Ron or Hermione what the other one said about him/her during one of their numerous arguements, or punching Dean for kissing Ginny.

yes that was Dumbledores reason for not telling harry...that he loved harry much.. but i think the reason he say's love is the most powerful thing of all is because love is pure and when you have love you will fight for it till the end...for hate or revenge you get over it (or obsessed by it and that leads to self distruction)

In another forum, the topic of trustworthiness has come up. Specifically, how much can we trust the opinions of Gryffindors concerning non-Gryffindors? For example, Sirius said that Snape was jealous of James. Since they were enemies, how much can we trust Sirius's assesment of James and Snape's relationship?

weren't the potters always in gryffindor?harry can be the heir of gryffindor!why not?and he is perfect for this part cause he resembles the conflict between gryffindor and slytherin(according to the sorting hat).what do you think?

Well, it's kind of like my mother always used to say, "Opinions are like noses; everybody has one." That's what I think of when I read about how Snape, Sirius, and even Harry feel towards one another.

It's Sirius' point of view that we're given. And of course, Snape would say differently. The only thing that we can take from that is a deep sense of loathing on each parts which has nothing to do with fact.
As far as James Potter and Snape's relationship (if-you-will), all we really know is that James, together with Sirius, bullied Snape. It was sheer high school politics for lack of better terms. Look at how Harry reacted after seeing Snape's memory; it just goes to show you that you can't allow other's views, or opinions to sway your ideas.

All we know is that James, Lily and Harry were (are) Gryffindors. Nothing has been said (to the best of my memory) about Harry's relatives being placed in that house as well. And for the whole debate about Harry being the heir of Gryffindor, JKR herself dubunked that (didn't she?... hmm.. I'll have to find where she said it....). Besides, we know she doesn't like to recycle ideas or plots, so it's been done already with Tom Riddle being the heir of Slytherin...

I vaguely recollect JK saying that Harry was not the heir of Slytherin. I tried to find it, but came up with nothing. Oh well.

Why can't we trust what Sirius said? Almost anyone should be able to recognize jealousy. Snape would never admit it. He would be adament that he was picked on by James and Sirius. I think that it completely true. But I would also bet that, more than once, Snape wished he had the ability to make James and Sirius suffer as he did. I think he was jealous of the happy life James lead.

I know that alot of people would be jealous of james i mean him being a big Qudditch player and all sorts but snape wasn't into Qudditch..so why would he be jealous of someone who is good at things he couldn't really care less about...i will tell you why...james was dating lilly potter as the theory goes snape loved lilly...i think Jo put in that little snipit of snape being jealous of jame so that it can come up when they find out that snape loved her! but hey it's only a theory i could be wrong! ( but i don't think i am)

Maybe during their seventh year. James and Lily did not begin dating until then. I never meant to imply that Snape was jealous of James' skills on the Quidditch pitch. I think Snape believed he was a better wizard than James. He was jealous that the arrogant, less talented Gryffindor was more popular and loved by the school because he could play Quidditch. I think Snape felt that James was not worthy of adoration.

Yes i agree with you..i don't think Snape was jealous of James's Qudditch skills..thats what i was tryiong to say...maybe i didn't come across clear enough...Sorry
i was just trying to make an example of the thing's snape wouldn't be jealous of if you know what i mean...but now that you mention it Snape would be jealous that a "less talented" gryffindor was more popular then he was...then again i don't think snape really cares about popularity i mean he doesn't exactly go out of his way to make friends does he...i just think that he was angry that james always got the upper hand on him in front of everyone..making a fool out of him.

I think part of it is that Snape knew that the Marauders were up to something constantly (at least monthly) and they never got caught and when they did they still kept at it. I think part of it was the jealousy of a 'good' student that isn't popular gets when he sees the popular kids misbehave and get away with it all the time. It just doesn't feel fair and at that age fairness is important. After that though I don't know if Snape really hated him enough to turn him over to LV which would be near execution but you know that kid in school would you want to be friends with them if they showed up now and tried to be nice to you? Even better you never reconciled with them and they picked on you most and now you're expected to be nice to their son? You know he did nothing to you but its like the entire concept of blood guilt and family honor.

Lol at this point I don"t even know why anybody is thinking of an heir but it isb;t Harry- no reading interest there- no surprise. Draco, Ron?

Yes i think that Snape felt that James was just a stupid prankster. He also could have been jealous because the school loved the people (like Sirius and James) who played pranks on people and not the smart people, like Snape (or so he thought he was). He could ALSO be jealous of James because Lily liked him, but that is just a thought many people have not me. i personally don't think that Snape would love a muggle-born, like Lily Evans.

i don't think jealous is the right word..more frustrated...that he didn't get noticed the way that james did when james was just a stupid gryffindor (GRRR)....

Sorry if anyone has already said all this. I haven't read all the new posts.

James was everything Severus wanted to be. James was a pure-blood, he was wealthy, he was talented, he was much beloved,he was popular amognst teachers and had led a comfortable enjoyable life. That's enough reason to be jealous of someone. But I don't think that's why James and Severus were enemies. Afterall, Lucius Malfoy is one of Severus's closest friends and he fits James' profile (except for the Death Eater ). It is my belief that it was James' constant bullying that made them both enemies. Just look at Wormtail. He fits the Snape profile (with the exception of pride) and yet James befriended him. 'Course he then got James killed...

Which makes you wonder, your enemy sets someone to kill you but not targeted to you personally. (Snape told LV about the prophecy not necessarily knowing who LV would target after that.) But one of your supposed best friends becomes the only person in the world who can sell you out just so that he can deliver you to LV. And then your enemy saves your son on multiple occasions, I can't recall him raising his wand against Harry to do anything other than clean his cauldron and give him zero points for a lesson. Oh and that 'best mate' of yours well he doesn't care one way or the other about your son and would kill him if it benefitted him to do it (if he could at this point).

I like how she makes characters that arn't purely good or evil because noone is really. I bet if we knew more about DD there would be some questions really there already are alot of questions but I mean more direct questions than What on earth was he thinking freezing the only person who could help him?

I spent two nights worth of sleep wondering why anyone would do such a thing and other then conspiracy theories the only thing I came up with was "for Draco's protection." Let's look at things from Albus's point of view (or any reasonable person) here we have a boy who has made his hatred of Draco a publicly known, has been involved in a series of fights with him and only a few weeks ago had seriously wounded him. Albus has always put the safety of hius students above all else including his love of Harry. Harry flipping out and killing Draco was not a risk he could take. Or maybe he just wanted him out of the way...

Lmao I can't belive you guys are seriously debating why Snape hated James.

Let me put an end to this everybody.

The reason is that it is ESSENTIAL to the storyline that Snape hate James, it ties into so many things that the REASON behind it is to be later established, as we go along. Hmm?

Severus Snape hates James Potter.

That's the first thing, the second thing is that the reason why is to be established after the first. Get it?

There really is no debate on why Snape hated James. Even Harry cannot question that now after what he saw in Snapes Worst Memory. What James did to Snape and what happened in the past is enough to say what he did, I think atleast.

Yeah, I mean he tortured him lol.

So did Sirius.

But Snape was a conniving slimy git. So forget him.

This is why we are debating. James and Sirius tortured Snape, but that was not the beginning of their feud. We want to know what started the animosity between Snape and James. Since we do not know, we are guessing why.

Lol After that is exactly what I was talking about...

The reason it STARTED was because it was important to the story line, the details are established afterwards...

Do you think the details have been sorted out already? To be clear, I mean the details on what began the fight between James and Severus. I do not think those details are clear. This is why I want to hear theories. It allows me to speculate about details that I think we do not yet know. I believe we will learn much more in book 7. Until that time, I would like to hear theories.

Whatever you wanna hear, speculate away.

Delta away, no? Don't get mad, get even. A common theory.

I am not familiar with this expression. What does it mean?

It's a saying.

What I meant was that no matter how mad Snape got at James, it made no difference. James was always the one with the good breaks and what not right? So, he had to get even, something which always seemed to turn around on him so, that's my theory as to why Snape hated James. He could do nothing about the way things worked.

Ah, thanks for the clarification.

So you are saying that Snape was not jealous of James, but resented that he got the "good breaks?" That makes sense. The Mauraders seemed to get away with a great deal of mischief. For good or ill, most of the school loved them for this. Snape would have been right to condemn their behavior.

Well that is what I meant but I wasn't saying instead of being jealous, he was of course jealous but you know what I meant, you said it perfectly.

I think he had the syndrom of the "good-but-ugly-and-boring-student-who-is-a-freak-and-hates-those-who-are-not-like-him".
And he may have been jealous because of his secret love for Lilly. This is just a theory but people tend to fall in love with those who protect them, especially if they are pretty.

I am so glad that we have a new thread but it can be kind of hard to find, don't you think?

Anyway back on subject. I personally think there is more to James and severus' hate for eachother than jealousy or revenge. I think it is what has formed them into who they really are. James clearly did some changing and I think his turning point was when he saves Snape from Lupin. There was a lot of resentment for James to over come I'm sure for him to save Snape's life. I also think that Snape still hasn't gotten over his ill feelings of James. (maybe Severus letting the past go will be a major break through in Book 7. I know!) Back to the point. Their hate for eachother clearly corrolates with Harry's and Malfoy's relationship. The only way to break the cycle is to unite. (sounds like the sorting hat huh?)

I know that quite a few people support the theory that Snape loved Lily. For those of you who do, I would like to ask a question. Why would Snape hate Harry so much? Yes, he is the son of James and Snape hated James. Given the theme of the power of love, shouldn't love be more powerful than Snape's hate?

This has always seemed the most glaring hole in the theory to me. Perhaps someone has a plug to fill it?

Guys, I just want to ask to please mind your tone. It's coming off a bit harsh.

Anyhoo, After the Burial, here's a few threads you might want to check out in reference to your ideas: Thread 1 and Thread 2.
The first one is an archive, but it's still good for ideas and theories.
And you can always read the debate here in the Great Hall.

I am not sure...for a person like snape with his unfair upbringing it would be much easier to hate someone then love them...i think snape saved harry's life in PS/SS because he was lilly's son and she died to protect him...i am sure the reason snape hates harry so much is he looks exactly like james...and he doesn't have lilly's potions talent so snape see's him more as james then lilly i think it would be a much different story if he looked like lilly (if he was a girl obviously).

and i would like to add something....why would Snape like a muggle-born. because if my memory serves me right didn't Snape call Lily a ***blood! personally i son't think that that is a sign of love and affection.

If I have sounded harsh to anyone, I apologize. I have not written anything with the intention of ridiculing or insulting anyone. As suggested, I read the threads on the Snape Loved Lilly Theory. I read a bit about why Snape hates Harry. But my question was not answered, why wouldn't Snape's love of Lilly overcome his hate of James?

If anyone is worried about straying off-topic or if you don't want to discuss this here, I also posted to the proper forum for this. Feel free to reply there.

i have all ready answered burial's question why i think Snape's hate of james over come his love for lilly so i wont go there agian because i will just repet myself but i do have something i want to ask...do you think harry and ron would still be alive if they didn't befriend hermione...she has helped them out of so many situations and they didn't like her at first...untill the whole troll thing...so either hermione would be dead coz the troll would have killed her or harry and ron would be dead with out all the helpful infomation hermione has provided.

Well the thing about that is[the troll] is that Hermione had been in the bathroom crying all evening because of the "Hermione-Has-No-Friends" thing and that is what lead her to go there, if Harry and Ron had not befriended her and mellowed her out she would have very very very few friends, so the whole breakdown in the bathroom would have happened much earlier, thus eliminating the troll incident.

As for Harry and Ron I think of course they'd still be alive, if not Hermione there would always be a third person saving the other two's butts, and vice versa.