Appeal, please!

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Name: Valerie
Age: 22
House you were sorted into: Hufflepuff
Link to original application: Right Here.

Are there any questions you would like to elaborate on? A bit hard to say, I just received a lot of straight House-name responses and things along the lines of "Hufflepuff if I ever saw one!" and things of the sort. I'm not sure what it is that pulled me so hard toward Hufflepuff. Admittedly, when I filled out the application, I was new to the HP fandom (still am, really) and I hadn't fully grasped what each house meant. I hadn't even stumbled upon the "cheat cards" for sorting until after my application. So of course, on the surface my answers are still ME, and still reflect me and are still completely true, but I think I will pick a few responses to explain/further elaborate on.

What makes a person respectable? — I would like to elaborate to say that it's not just honesty I value, though that is important. I also think taking risks is important as well. I value people who fight for what they believe in (which I mentioned a little later on in the application when I defined courage) I think in the realm of Potter, all the characters I feel close to have been the ones to take chances and aren't afraid to gamble. I think part of me looks down upon those who are too cautions, too worrisome. Sometimes you have to take that chance and jump -- sometimes with both eyes closed. I also think people who believe in themselves are respectable. I don't mean egotistical and snooty, I just mean they trust themselves and who they are. They're firm in their beliefs and have strong values. That's respectable in anyone, even if I don't agree with their values or views on a subject.

As far as my strengths, I will admit I had a hard time with the question. I didn't really know which strengths of my personality to pick. I feel that perhaps my musical ability wasn't one I should have chosen. It doesn't even seem to fit with the rest of my application, really. I do stand by my responses as a whole, but I think I would like to add that I value my intelligence, which ranges from the "book" smarts to "street" smarts. I have a strong grasp of common sense, and I think I'm not fooled into seeing the "good" of all people. Which really sounds horrible, but I don't intend for it to sound that way. Perhaps, I'm not gullible. I know people are "looking out for #1" and I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. I'm rarely wrong about someone. Very rarely.

Also, one of my weaknesses I only briefly mentioned in the "weaknesses" question (I think I try to skirt around it, because.. well, I don't really know why) was that regarding my temper. I think I try to avoid it because I know Which i think you might see a bit of if you poke around in my journal long enough. I can be a bit on the explosive side and I get incredibly angry when I feel I'm being taken advantage of or if I feel someone is treating me badly or spreading lies about me. I think I tend to seek revenge at times.. but I don't think as far as to hurt someone. I just want people to know they can't take advantage of me and push me around. I think this stems to my being quite defensive. I'm always looking to protect myself from harm (as well as protect my friends) and I think maybe that's why some people say they're "scared" of me (even if the comment did hurt my feelings initially, I think I understand why). I've been told I'm intimidating, though it's completely unintentional. I think I've built up a lot of walls in my lifetime, and I don't trust people like I should, perhaps. And I think it's hurt me in some ways, and helped me in others.

Explain why you feel misplaced in your current House! I want to mention, for the record, that I have absolutely nothing against the Hufflepuff House. I think it's very respectable, and houses many warm, friendly, beautiful people. However, I just don't FEEL right in the House. I, for one, have never really fancied myself a 'Puff, it just never really entered my mind. I know I possess some of the 'Puff qualities (I think we all do, really) but I never thought I "screamed" Hufflepuff. It's hard to put my finger on exactly why I don't feel right about the sorting. As I mentioned in my initial appeal email, I was holding out on appealing because I openly wanted to give the House a chance. So once I was approved, I went through the posts in the common room, and I just wasn't grasping something about the House. I felt like an outsider. The people posting were having to ask for participation (I want a House overflowing with activity that buzzes with excitement!) and post after post asking "where is the House Pride?" "why are we not active?" and that just made me INCREDIBLY apprehensive about committing myself to the House for good. I know 'Puffs are hard workers, so I couldn't figure out why it was so hard to get the participation, to find 'Puffs who wanted to be active and enjoy it all! But I admittedly go on first impressions, and I couldn't shake this feeling, no matter how nice and supportive the members of the House seemed.

I went back to look through applications of other Hufflepuffs in platform_934. This helped me see what some of my 'Puff traits were, but I didn't feel like I was agreeing with things a lot of the applications were saying. I know I'm loyal and honest, but I just felt like that was the one thing that was screaming out to people from my application. Perhaps it's on my head for not being thorough enough, or elaborate enough, or offering up the other dimensions of my personality. I'm not sure. But I just feel out of sorts about the whole thing.

What would you see in the Mirror of Erised? Be exact with your descriptions! In the Mirror of Erised, if I looked tonight, I would see three things. (1) Myself. I would be happy, healthy (physically and mentally - how would you tell? A broad smile upon my face I suppose) This in itself would convey that I had been successful personally. I am happy with my life. I have found peace within myself. I'd like to be laughing, really. I find that a sign of true peace and happiness. (2) Those closest to my heart standing around me. All perfectly healthy and happy as well. My life wouldn't be complete for me without those people around me. This includes my parents, looking proud as ever. Proud of the paths I've chosen, decisions I've made. Free of judgment or criticism over wrong choices and mistakes I've made. Supporting me. (3) My college diploma. I'm working so hard to finally graduate and make something of myself professionally. I want to see me SURE of myself. Ready to face the world.

However, I would like to add that I think that it's really difficult in youth to understand what will ultimately make you happy in life, or what your true desires are. Such as Ron sees himself as Head Boy, Quidditch Captain, etc. when he looks in the Mirror, you know that wouldn't be the image he sees when he's 25, or 40, or 50. Our desires change as life changes; as we change and grow as people. Like right now, materialistically, I'd love to win the lottery, pay off all my bills and student loans, help my parents build their home and still have cash left over for fun and charity -- but I may not want that even a year from now. If you can be happy with yourself as a person and the life you lead (the choices you've made, your mistakes, your faults, your strengths -- everything as a whole), then I believe that will bring complete happiness for you. True peace and happiness is, I think, everyone's one true desire in the end.

What makes you unique? Tough question. I never know how to convey my unique qualities with words. My friends all say I have a very special sense of humor. I use it to handle life obstacles and make my friends feel better in a situation. Laughter really is the best medicine I think. Even if it only lasts a few moments. I think I have so many dimensions to my personality. I have a creative spirit, I think. From music to my graphics and web design -- I love to MAKE things. To put a little bit of myself into these lifeless creations. I have a giving spirit. I think I'm a little crazy, which goes along with the creative mind and such. I mentioned before my ability to get a reading off people - I make extremely accurate first impressions. I know not a lot of people are able to do that, and in turn find themselves in the wrong crowd -- I have NEVER been in the wrong crowd. This isn't really something to be proud of, but I'm pretty good at cooking up lies (for skipping class and the like) and having people completely believe me. I think I have a trusting face, which is good when you're bending the truth slightly, you know.

Comments

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

1. What are you studying in college and why?

2. What character in the HP books do you think you are most like and why? (*NOT* who you like the most, but who you are actually the most similar to)

3. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

(1) What are you studying in college and why? I am studying Broadcast Management, a branch of Communications studies. I spent part of my college career feeling out what I wanted to do with my life. I started out as a Psychology major, and found that wasn't something that I wanted to dedicate my life works to, no matter how much it interested me. Since I was little, I had always wanted to be a teacher. (Of course, during summer vacation, I would always play "school" with my friends and little brother, and demand to be the teacher myself. I'd much rather give homework assignments than do them, and I always loved writing on the chalkboard!) I did a little bit of student teaching and found that although I do love children, I didn't check off enough in the "pro" column to outweigh the "cons". So I decided to try my hand at communications, primarily broadcast management. Mostly, for three reasons. One, it was radio, and had to deal with music and the entertainment industry, which I adore. Secondly, the term 'management'. I would get to be in charge, and that is ALWAYS appealing. And third, the radio industry is an open door into any aspect of the entertainment field, should I wish to broaden my horizons. There may not be a great deal of money right away, but the opportunities to learn different skills and advance in the field are limitless.

(2) What character in the HP books do you think you are most like and why? (*NOT* who you like the most, but who you are actually the most similar to) This is always a hard question for me because I think I find bits of myself in several of the characters in the series. Additionally, people see my username or whatnot and think I'm just making it up. But really, it's the truth. I think I'm a lot like Sirius Black. My friends have echoed this thought. I was one told that "whilst you have great intentions, sometimes you can be a bit hypocritical" -- which I think is completely true. I can be a bit on a high horse and times, and tell you what you SHOULD or SHOULD NOT do in an ideal situation or ideal world, but that doesn't mean I follow my own advice. I'm a bit on edge when it comes to temper. I tend to overreact to things sometimes, and I think with my heart and my emotions, not always my head, as I think I probably should sometimes. I would also do anything in the world for my friends, including put myself on the line. I value my small group of tight friends and I see each of them as family. And, much like Sirius, I will not tolerate betrayal. I think it is one of the worst things a "friend" can do. I rely heavily upon my best friend, who is like my sister -- no, she IS a sister to me. I actually live with her and her mother while I attend college (as Sirius lived with the Potters once he moved out at 16. Something, actually, that just occurred to me while answering this question) I do think I tend to worry more than Sirius did, however. I do put a little more thought into my actions, but that doesn't mean I don't jump into things with both feet.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

And since it cut me off for length!


(3) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Oh so many places, really. I love travel and I love seeing new things. But I think I would have to go with London. Or, England in general. I've wanted to live in London since I was little. I've had a long-lasting obsession to The Beatles, and I think that is a strong part of it (the desire to live in/visit). Potter, of course, has only made it stronger. Not to mention, I seem to be the only one of my friends to find British comedies (television and movies alike) amusing. I even like British film, from what I've seen. I've always been interested in History, and much of my childhood summers were spent on vacations to various "historical" places with my family in the States. I think London has so much beautiful history to offer. I'm interested in the British way of life. I adore the accents and the neatness and tidiness of the view of the country. (from stereotypes, I suppose, as horrible as that is). I love the rain, and I've hardly ever seen snow. They have a different way of doing everything and I think it would be such a culture shock and learning experience. There would be so much to do and to see and I think I would love it there. In part of my mind, it's still this magical, distant fairytale place I'd love to see for myself.

[dear-prudence.livejournal.com]

If we were to decide to KEEP you in Hufflepuff and not sort you into another house, what would you do?

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

I would try to stick it out, to be honest. Try to find a place of my own in the House. I really do love the idea of HiH, and I want to be a part of it. Being sorted in the "wrong" (I use the term loosely, of course) House isn't the end of the world. I was still accepted, I'm still part of the community. But I do think it would be hard for me, personally, to feel as involved when the rest of the Hufflepuff House has a hard time becoming motivated and participating. I think it would be more enjoyable to be in a House where I feel more comfortable and more strongly about the people and the "vibe" there, but you never know. The tides could change and a surge of energy could come through the 'Puff House and change everything. However, if I never find my place, I might have to pull away from it -- even if the House DOES become more active. I don't want to keep participating only to feel incomplete about the whole thing in the end -- like I'm a stranger in my own House.

[ledbylove.livejournal.com]

What do you see as the major defining traits of each house and how do you feel you do and do not fit these traits. Please be specific with your examples :)

Which house do you think you belong in, since you say you've studied the cheat sheets and you seem so adamant about not being a Puff.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

What do you see as the major defining traits of each house and how do you feel you do and do not fit these traits. Please be specific with your examples :) I suppose I will start off by naming four key traits of each House, and touch on a few more through elaboration. Seems fair and even.

Gryffindor --- Brave, Leadership Ability, Humor, Charisma. // I feel in my own way, I'm quite brave. Brave enough to speak up for myself and voice my ideas and opinions, but I have been hesitant to take certain risks, I sometimes think about things too much and end up backing down. But this usually only relates to being physically daring or trying new things. Not really idea-wise. I don't Gryffindors think so much about acting, they just DO IT. I've always valued my leadership skills, and I've been placed in leadership positions many, many times. I feel I thrive in that environment -- being able to direct people as to the way I feel we would reach our common goal, whatever that may be. I always get the job done, and I like to have a part in helping others get the work done and achieve a goal together. I am quite humorous, I think. I rely heavily on my humor to connect with people and get them to open up a little bit to me. We may not have meaningful conversations all the time, but we'll definitely have some laughs together, which I think is sometimes more important. I think my humor is what gave me the idea to perhaps go into radio and have my own morning show (Still a strong possible career path, I think). Which leads me into the charismatic trait in Gryffindors. I think I have a good bit of charisma. I think people are drawn to me and the way I express myself. People have often called me "fun" and say I'm fun to talk to. They enjoy when I tell stories and generally make myself the center of attention. But I'm not sure I have quite as much charisma as many of the famous Gryffindors we know, but I think I have a fair share more than others.

Hufflepuff --- Loyal, Accepting, Trustworthy/Honest, Even-tempered. // I am most definitely loyal. I stick by my friends no matter what. I would do anything in the world for them and I would never think of turning on a friend or betraying them. But I have to say, once someone has done me wrong, very rarely am I accepting enough to give them a second chance. Not to say it never happens, but it is rare. I tend to burn bridges once I've been burned by someone. I think the Hufflepuffs are generally so accepting they allow people more opportunities, I think they see the goodness in people, and accept that they can change. Quite an admirable quality, however not one I possess myself. Hufflepuffs are also very trustworthy and honest. I have to say I am honest, almost to a fault at times. But I have been known to bend the truth on many occasions, but never in a "when it counts" situation. I'm by no means a cheater, but I have told a few white lies for small reasons like skipping class or why I arrived home so late. But I would never lie about something incredibly important or serious. I'm a "little white lie" sort of girl. I've never gone TOO far out of line. I also feel Hufflepuffs, in general, are quite even-tempered. I only wish I was. I have a horrible temper, and when I'm set off, that's pretty much it. Once I'm angry, I'm angry for a while. Sometimes days. I'm not as cool and collected as a Hufflepuff. My temper gets the best of me more times than not and sometimes it springs me into doing some not-so-smart things. Like sprouting my mouth in anger (if you read through any of my journal, you'll notice I did it quite recently, and I don't regret it) I don't think Hufflepuffs react this way at all.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Ravenclaw --- Intelligence, Level-Headed Nature, Independent, Mature. // I think I've always respected the Ravenclaw House from a distance, I've never felt I was quite on the same level as the Ravenclaws I associate with. Of course, everyone knows Ravenclaws are wonderfully intelligent. I've always been "the smart one" but I don't think it's on the same level as "Ravenclaw Smart", if that makes sense. I've always made good grades in school, but since college I've let myself start to slip and slack, and I'm not quite on the "Honor Roll" as I was in grade school/high school. I love to learn, but I don't crave it like a Ravenclaw does. Sometimes it's flat out a chore to learn. I think Ravenclaws are also very level-headed, which I think comes with intelligence. They have the knowledge to think things through and know what's a good move and what's a bad move. I do admit to thinking more than some people before I leap, but I don't always think all the way through. I've also always thought of Ravenclaws as quite independent. Not only in thinking, but in ... general. Ravenclaws are quite secure enough to go at things alone. I, on the other hand, always need a group around me. I find strength in numbers. I do, however, enjoy my alone time and doing some projects and things on my own, so I am in total control. Ravenclaws are also very mature. They have very mature ideas (even some very young 'Claws are quite well spoken and have very mature views on things) and act on a level of extreme maturity. I don't think they tolerate any "funny business". I go with that to an extent, I don't like people goofing off instead of working, and I cannot stand people who act immaturely -- whether it be in expressing themselves or their views, or through "childish" acts and ploys for attention.

Slytherin --- Cunning, Driven, Proud, Intimidating. // Slytherins are very, very cunning. They know what they have and they know how to use it. And this could range from skills, to riches (in the case of say, the Malfoys), to power, to intimidation. They will undoubtedly trip you up and turn you upside down in a masterful way, leaving you wondering when you lost track of what was going on. And I don't think that always has to be a negative thing. Sometimes you need to use what you have to twist things in your favor. I myself am not all that great with this. It usually ends in some misunderstanding or a verbal war of some sort. They are also very driven. Slytherins work hard for what they deserve, what they want. I find I am quite like a Slytherin in this aspect. I'll stop at nearly nothing to get what I really want. Slytherins MAKE things happen. I also feel they are a proud house. Of course every House is proud in itself, but Slytherins are outwardly proud. You just FEEL they have complete pride in who they are and each and every thing that they stand for. They will defend their House and their ideas and way of life. I'm like this in a way, I think. I am proud of myself and will be proud of my house and its efforts. I also find Slytherins to be very intimidating. I think this can be blurred slightly into the "proudness" factor. There is a certain air about Slytherin, perhaps through stereotype, that they know exactly how "good" they are. They know they intimidate, their reputations precede them. (I hope I am not offending any Slytherins reading this) I am like this in the fact that I enjoy holding the upper hand over someone. I enjoy knowing I have the edge. But I think Slytherins will ALWAYS feel they have the edge -- they're entitled to it!

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Which house do you think you belong in, since you say you've studied the cheat sheets and you seem so adamant about not being a Puff. I've always thought of myself as a Gryffindor. It's possible people will disagree. I've always felt a pull towards Gryffindor House since Book 1. I feel close to what they stand for as a House. Specifically, I feel myself to be quite a good leader, which is a strong Gryff trait. I have been placed by teachers and elders in leadership positions throughout my entire school career. I always get the job done, and I've had many tell me that they don't know "what they would do" without me. I'm also very passionate -- about everything I do. I jump into things with both feet and I throw myself into projects whole-heartedly. I try to make the best of every project I embark on. I always want it to the best it can be. I have a great sense of humor (I'm always making my classmates laugh. My best friend and I almost "put on a show" and people are always telling us how funny we are, even if we are a bit of a distraction) and I think I am QUITE friendly. I've never been one to not make a friend in a situation, or find someone I can connect with and talk to. And most times, I make that connection with a joke. I hardly have any enemies (of course we all have a few, but outside of the petty internet situations that can spring up, I can't think of anyone I'm at odds with, really) and on the whole I think people like me. I'm a strong person emotionally and I don't break easily. I don't like to let people see me crack. In fact, I think I keep my emotions bottled up more than anything else, which isn't exactly a healthy practice, I've been told. I perform better under pressure and pushing deadlines and boundaries, and once I'm sprung into action, it's very difficult to pull me back down and ground me.

But of course none of this means that I don't equally value the traits from other Houses. I don't think anyone is really 100% of any one House. Everyone has a bit of themselves in each of the Houses. I did mention the cheat sheets, but I don't want that to be mistaken for the idea that I'm "avoiding" any certain House or "pushing" for Gryffindor. I would be equally happy in another House. Coming in I had nothing "against" Hufflepuff House, I just felt I didn't belong once I got in and saw the extended qualities and mental frame of the House. I think I just mentioned them (the "cheat sheets") because I think I now have a better understanding of the Four Houses than I did when I applied -- not through just the sheets, but by surfing around and reading up more on the Houses and people's views of them seperately. Therefore, I think that now I feel that perhaps I was placed in the wrong House. I just wanted to clarify that a little to avoid any misunderstanding on that point.

PS. Apologies for all the replies, my comments were just too long for livejournal to handle it seems!

[intotheheart.livejournal.com]

1. Pick one of JKR's decisions as an author and challenge it. (Don't worry about challenging it for 500 words or anything!!)

2. If you were an animagus, what do you think you'd be and why?

3. Pick a character from each of the houses and explain traits that you wouldn't be able to STAND about the character if you met them in real life. (Or, if that's too tricky, pick 4 characters -- but I recommended from each of the houses so we could see from both the stereotypical "good" and "bad" characters.) Explain how you are different from them -- or if you hate the traits because you recognize them in yourself.

Make sense? Any questions feel free to ask.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

(1) Pick one of JKR's decisions as an author and challenge it. (Don't worry about challenging it for 500 words or anything!!) This is the question that has kept me from a speedy reply. I have been thinking, and thinking and thinking and I've had the hardest time coming up with anything.I think one thing I disagree with is the way that JKR chose for Sirius Black to die. Not the actual fact that he died, I can see why she did that, but the fact that it was such a fleeting moment and done almost haphazardly. However, we don't know a lot about the Veil, so it's hard to say what else might come of it, or what it really means at this point. I just always pictured Sirius dying a heroic death. He sacrificed so much of himself and he hardly got to fight in the battle for his own life. He was in hiding for so long, kept in the dark to play housekeeper in his own home while the rest of the Order "fought the good fight" and went out and became "useful". I always felt like she treated him, truly, as a bit of a dog. Sit boy, stay. Good, dog. Don't cause any trouble now. Sirius is notorious for acting without thinking, but he gave up 12 years of his life for something he didn't do, he was trapped for crimes he didn't commit and was never given the chance to fight for his own life. His death by the hand of Bellatrix was practically anti-climatic. It just hit you like a load of bricks. I would have even felt better about it if Sirius had been allowed a gut-wrenching duel or something of the sort, but it was hardly mentioned until Sirius was actually hit by Bellatrix. I just think with all Sirius had been through, and as a character close to the heart of so many fans, he might have deserved a hero's death, not a death that seemed to be more of a case of luck on the side of Bellatrix.

(2) If you were an animagus, what do you think you'd be and why?
I've always wondered what I would choose my animagus form to be. Part of me always went with a dog, I think because it was familiar. But I decided to do a little research and find something different. If the wizard chooses the animagus, I would choose my animagus to be a Raven. I wanted a bird, firstly. I think the bird is a very intelligent and brave creature. It can often swoop in and out of situations, and be sent for help when no one else can. Birds bring messages (especially those from the deceased), knowledge, are known as prophets, spell-casters, and are sometimes seen as a connection to deities and "other worlds". In Ireland it was once domesticated for use in divination practices, bringing about the idea of "Raven's Knowledge", or second sight. Some cultures see them as "magical birds" because of this connection. I have a good bit of Native American blood on my dad's side, and found this to be really interesting. On the lighter side, I've always been a fan of Poe's "The Raven". I think it's a haunting story and the Raven is basically an all-knowing messenger, or so it seems. He's always been an intriguing character.

In Native American culture, the Raven is "sometimes considered a trickster like the coyote. It is also known to be a teacher and hoarder. The raven is also the mark of a shape shifter." I thought the shape shifter reference was really interesting, since I was looking into becoming a certain animal for animagus form. I decided to pursue that and found this quote -- "Animals can take on human form without a second thought (although Raven is the greatest shape shifter of them all, being able to change into anyone and anything to get what he wants)" If that doesn't sound like a sign of power, I don't know what does. The Raven, to me, seems to be a respected leader among other animals.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

(above continued)

I kept seeing references to the Raven as a mysterious and intelligent bird. I was hesitant with a term like "trickster" appearing so often throughout the cultures, but then I happened to stumble upon this site (http://www.angelfire.com/id/ravensknowledge/ravenmythology.html), where it mentions Howard Norman, who had a different take on the term -- "His presence demands, cries out for, compassion and generosity toward existence itself. Trickster is a celebrator of life, a celebration of life, because by rallying against him a community discovers its own [resilience] and protective skills." I think this is exactly what I was looking for in an animagus form. I also had a little chuckle from the conclusion at this site (http://myths.allinfoabout.com/feature130.html) -- "Never shoot a crow or raven or there will be serious consequences. Your gun will cease to work, your cattle will die, and you will be wounded yourself. You have been warned." I thought that could be applied to mistreating a Raven, or stabbing one in the back (as friends, that is). And a few more quotes that support my decision --- "Although its reputation is dubious, it is an oracular bird. It often represents the upsets and crisis of life that are necessary for new creation" -- source (http://www.tylwythteg.com/tylwythteg/sacred.html). I think this is a sign of rebirth, of moving forward. Ravens have the reputation of being birds of death, but I think there's more to them than that. It also seems that there is a struggle with the dichotomy of the Raven. In some cultures, he can be as much as the Creator of the World, and in others, he is nothing but a Trickster, or a messenger. I think that leads a lot of mixed ideas as to what the Raven is, and that makes it incredibly interesting. -- "The raven symbolizes filial gratitude and affection, wisdom, hope, longevity, death, and fertility. In alchemy, it represents change and the advanced soul dying to this world. It remains a frequently used symbol in modern magic, witchcraft, and mystery." (source (http://death.monstrous.com/ravens.htm))

That was a really long answer. And probably more than a bit overindulgent. My apologies for that. I think I got a little more than carried away! I like to share things when I found out information, apparently.

(3) Pick a character from each of the houses and explain traits that you wouldn't be able to STAND about the character if you met them in real life. (Or, if that's too tricky, pick 4 characters -- but I recommended from each of the houses so we could see from both the stereotypical "good" and "bad" characters.) Explain how you are different from them -- or if you hate the traits because you recognize them in yourself.

• Hermione Granger (Gryffindor) --- There are several things that would drive me crazy about Hermione. First of all, she's quite condescending. Although she may mean well, she's incredibly bossy and it takes too much to convince her you're right about something. I myself, am a little bossy, but not to this extreme. I'm don't consider myself a bossy leader. Hermione almost always refuses to take her gut feeling for what it is. She has to have facts and proof about every little detail, unless she sees something for herself. She also harps on people about what they should do, such as getting assignments done. You'd constantly feel like you'd have to compare to her as well, because even if you're not directly competing, I think in the back of her mind, that Hermione is. This is one of the traits I don't like about myself, it's like I feel almost everything is a competition, I'm out to beat someone. So that irritates me at times in myself, so it irritates me in Hermione, but not on an especially visible level.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

(and continued once more)

Cedric Diggory (Hufflepuff) --- We don't know too much about those Hufflepuffs we've come to recognize, but I admire a lot about Cedric, he has great 'Puff qualities. He was a good person, he was fair and I think he was a fine choice for Hogwarts Champion. But to me, he was never exciting. He was just a bit.. there. Even through reading GoF, I was never that taken with him. He almost seemed boring at times. I think you need to make a statement of yourself. True, we don't really know all that much about him, so it's hard to say more. I just never liked him all that much, for whatever reason. I don't think he had an extremely high level of bravery, despite obviously being a talented young wizard. I kept hoping he would do a little more of something, showcase himself a little more. But sometimes he was just going through the motions, which I think I'm guilty of at times, but it seems with him it was all we got.

Cho Chang (Ravenclaw) --- Firstly, it's with her choice of friends. She had to bring her reluctant friend Marietta into the DA because she was afraid to go at it alone, and then had the nerve to defend Marietta, after knowing she betrayed the DA to Umbridge, only to find some way to blame Hermione for it in the end. I fully believe my character judgment is tuned well enough to prevent having friends who would betray me in the first place. Not to mention -- All. The. Crying. I understand the situation of course, but I thought it was horrible that she accepted a date with Harry while obviously still mourning over Cedric. Needing someone to talk to is one thing, but stringing Harry along is another. I just did not like her as a character at all. I always thought she was wishy-washy and just such a complete... well, GIRL. I've always liked that I seem to not be in the "girly girl" group. I don't concern myself with boys all the time, and I don't string people along -- romantically or otherwise. She's almost a puddle of goo with no strength or backbone (despite her Quidditch skills). She toyed with Harry, tried to make him jealous and just ended up making a mess of things. And in the end, thus far, she's never tried to smooth things over with Harry, proving she probably never really cared about him all that much in the first place. I know if I ever cared about someone, I at least make an effort to make the final break on good terms, and with civil words.

Draco Malfoy (Slytherin) --- Oh, Mr. Malfoy. There are a few things I dislike in this character. He is so incredibly whiny. He's just a little twit who is a classic case of "all talk, no action." I cannot stand it when people don't back up what they say. He's always shouting empty threats and warning that he's going to "tell his father" about something. He never fights his own battles, (all the way down to HBP mind you.) and has yet to prove himself once. He even bought his way onto the Quidditch Team for crying out loud. If you can't fight for yourself, what good are you to your own existence? You're not always going to have someone there to help you. I think you have to have at least a little backbone, a little independence. I think I have that. He constantly needs to be the center of attention -- and most of the time it's to facilitate his "mudblood" hate -- and strives to be the leader of a group of "yes-men" who do nothing but fluff his ego. I don't like people who surround themselves this way. I prefer to surround myself with those like me - my equals - not a lot of admirers. . I don't think he's really done one respectable thing, really. He has adopted nothing but the ideas he has been taught and makes no effort to try to learn any sort of acceptance or form his own opinions about the wizarding world around him. He basically knows he's skirting through life on a free ride (or was) and doesn't care one bit about being his own person or clearing his own path through life. What Daddy has done is good enough for him. I'm one who wants to do what I want to do, for me. I don't want to do what my parents did, I don't want to be just another person in a line of tradition. I want to be different. I want to think for myself and be my own person.

[weemumlessmngrl.livejournal.com]

Million dollars - What would you do with it?

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Well, first thing's first. Set aside at least $2,000 for "fun money", right from the start. I refuse to let the entire lump sum go to business and responsibility-driven things. Even if I have things left to pay off I will not touch that money for any other purpose than to spoil myself and my friends and family. Secondly, I would set aside another.. probably $5,000 or so specifically for travel. Primarily, my dream trip to England. I might have to adjust that number, depending on what I would want to see and where all I would like to go. Aside from that, I would purchase a new car (the one I have now is used, and can be QUITE a pain). I would completely reimburse my parents for my college education, and then some. I want a chance to spoil my parents as they have undoubtedly worked hard to spoil me all these years! I would also help my best friend pay off all her student loans and share the money with her and her mom to pay off their debts. Another good chunk would go to at least three charities -- an animal rescue/support charity, children's medical research charities (especially kidney related, since my brother has had three kidney transplants), and another that I'm not sure about just yet. I would take another small chunk and put it into savings so it's always there in case of an emergency. And what I had left over, I would just use however I see fit. You never know what's going to come up in life. I wouldn't want to drain the lot of it right away, though. But those are the things I for SURE know I would want to do.

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

You say that you want a house that is buzzing with activity... What exactly about your current house's activity is it that you find inadequate?

Would you rather be a member of a house that has an incredibly active common room, where members chat frequently, make lots of discussion posts, and tend to befriend each other with ease--but consistantly place last in points totals? Or a common room that tends to be quiet and inactive, but the house is always first place in point totals?

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

What I think I find "inadequate" is that the House is rather low on energy at this point in time. (I don't know that it has always been that way.) As I mentioned, out of the last page of posts I had viewed, a good number were practically begging for participation ("what's wrong? where is the House spirit? getting points is so easy, this is all you have to do, please!" paraphrased, of course). Why should it ever have to come to that at all? Shouldn't there be at least enough members eager to participate so that it's not to a point where you have to beg for activity from the House?

For me, it's not about the "totals", it's not about the winning, it's about being involved with your House, period. I love and very much enjoy the chatty activity, discussion posts, theories, ideas and House cheer. In my opinion, it's hard to distinguish between "talkative common room/last place" and "quiet common room/first place"; I think they sort of go hand in hand. I think the participation and excitement to work together spurs that "chatty" atmosphere the majority of the time. You start getting used to seeing the same names in community/House activity, and you start to feel comfortable about chatting with the people you tend to pass by in comments and participation. To be quite honest, I'd just like a House that tries and makes an effort without having to be spurred into action. I want a healthy amount of "bonding" in the common room, some House spirit. I want a House that participates in the community itself and is excited to do so.

I am extremely competitive, this I've mentioned. But losing while being able to say "you know, we worked hard, the other House was just better" is a far cry from having to say "you know, we didn't try as hard as we could have... but maybe next time." I just want to be around people who love the buzz and the spirit and the community as I would. People just itching to participate in challenges, discuss, chat, become friends and just be a member of the House Family that we are.

[shayuko.livejournal.com]

You recently joined the Hufflepuff common room again. If you take a look at the posts that have been made in the last month, and compare them to the ones that were made when you joined before, what is your reaction?

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Actually, this is the first time I've joined. Once I was sorted I took a small break from it and then came back, deciding I should join the common room and look around before deciding if I wanted an appeal or not -- because I've been wrong in the past and it's possible I was wrong about being a Hufflepuff. So once I was approvbed, I spent time going backwards through the community and reading the posts and replies and things. I think right now things are starting to take a slight upward turn -- there is a bit more participation, but I still feel like there's a "begging" sort of undertone to it all.

I do constantly enjoy how supportive the Hufflepuff House is of its members. That is wonderful to see. Looking at just the period from August 17th to September 17th I see several things (1) those trying to kick the House into action, pointing out what's going on and asking for participation (2) "motherly/modly" posts about the ease of voting and how everyone should be able to do it, yet currently the LARGE majority are not, or about how a behavior needs to be changed specifically (such as the post about bickering over voting) (3) supportive "go 'Puffs!" posts (4) people apologizing for being inactive and then a post about not wanting to be "pushed" to participate.

I have noticed that the Common Room is becoming more organized and I think that is wonderful and very helpful. And again, I'm not in any way trying to be rude or insult Hufflepuff or its common room activities. I just feel that for me specifically, it doesn't feel like the House I should be a part of, and the common room activity is just one reason why.

[sffl.livejournal.com]

The judges have decided, and are okay with moving you to Gryffindor. You can join your new common room at gryff_lions.

Kristi, Ravenclaw
Voting Manager / Appeals Mod

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Thank you very, very much!