Courageous Gryffindor

by · August 8, 2013

Dear Professor McGonagall,

I was wondering whether the Sorting Hat can ever be wrong. Like, if a true Gryffindor liked the sound of Hufflepuff, and asked the Sorting Hat to put them in Hufflepuff, and it did, would that particular student fail in certain subjects that Hufflepuffs usually thrive in? Could this or has this ever happened?

Thanks so much,
Courageous Gryffindor

Dear Couragious Gryffindor,

House affiliation has no bearing on areas of magical talent. It is possible to achieve even Master-level competency in any subject, be it Herbology, Potions, Tranfiguration, Charms, or other areas of the curriculum, whether ones House is Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin.

As to whether the Sorting Hat has ever been wrong, Professor Dumbledore occasionally expressed the opinion that sometimes we Sort too soon. However, never fear. You are as you sign yourself, a true Gryffindor. If you question this, I encourage you to look within to find your true courage and loyalty.

Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry