The Sorting Hat is one of the most iconic aspects of the Harry Potter series. When Harry first arrives at Hogwarts, he is unsure where he belongs. The Sorting Hat looks into his mind and considers placing him in Slytherin. However, at Harry’s request, the Hat instead sorts him into Gryffindor. This raises an interesting question – was Harry actually supposed to be in Slytherin? There are arguments on both sides of this debate. In this article, we’ll look at evidence from the books and movies to determine whether Harry was truly meant to be in Slytherin House.
Evidence That Harry Was Meant for Slytherin
There are several pieces of evidence suggesting Harry was initially meant for Slytherin:
The Sorting Hat Strongly Considered It
The most obvious evidence is that the Sorting Hat itself deliberated over whether to place Harry in Slytherin. When the Hat is placed on Harry’s head, it says “Hmm…difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage I see. Not a bad mind either. There’s talent, oh yes, and a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?” (Sorcerer’s Stone). The Hat senses Slytherin-like qualities in Harry – a thirst to prove himself, ambition, talent – and seriously considers putting him there. It is Harry’s choice that changes the Hat’s decision. This suggests he inherently possesses Slytherin traits.
He Can Speak Parseltongue
Being able to speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes, is a rare gift and one closely associated with Salazar Slytherin. Harry is a Parselmouth, which means the Sorting Hat likely detected that affinity with Slytherin’s abilities.
Harry Has a Piece of Voldemort’s Soul
Due to Voldemort’s failed killing curse when Harry was a baby, Harry has a literal piece of Voldemort’s soul inside him. This is the reason for his Parseltongue ability and his mental connection to Voldemort. It likely influenced the Sorting Hat to consider putting another piece of Voldemort in the founder’s House.
He Purchased His Wand From Ollivander’s
Harry’s holly and phoenix feather wand from Ollivander’s chose him – the only other wand with that core came from the same phoenix and belonged to Voldemort. Wands often represent the wizard’s character and are somewhat sentient, so Harry’s wand could be another sign of his Slytherin-like qualities.
The Prophecy Said He’d Have “Powers the Dark Lord Knows Not”
The prophecy about Harry and Voldemort stated that Harry would have powers the Dark Lord lacks. Voldemort was a Slytherin, so the Sorting Hat may have thought Harry’s difference would come from being in Slytherin unlike his nemesis.
He Opened the Chamber of Secrets
Though not intentionally, Harry managed to open the Chamber of Secrets in his second year, which only Slytherin’s heir could do. The Sorting Hat possibly identified the latent potential in Harry.
Evidence That Harry Was Meant for Gryffindor
Despite the signs pointing to Slytherin, there are also good reasons why Harry ended up in Gryffindor:
The Hat Took Harry’s Choice Into Account
Even though the Hat considered putting him in Slytherin, it wanted Harry to end up where he felt he belonged. When Harry asks it not to put him in Slytherin, the Hat listens and puts him in Gryffindor instead. Its initial instincts may have leaned Slytherin, but the Hat went with Harry’s own preferences, suggesting he’s a better fit in Gryffindor overall.
He Was Divergent From Tom Riddle
Harry begged the Hat to not put him in Slytherin because he learned Voldemort was a Slytherin. Though Harry held pieces of Voldemort’s soul, he still developed into his own divergent person with a different nature than Tom Riddle’s. The Hat recognized their personalities had split.
He Valued Friends and Bravery
The qualities Harry prizes most are courage, loyalty, friendship, and willingness to sacrifice himself for others – classic Gryffindor traits. He was appalled by what he knew of Slytherin’s darker history and didn’t want to follow that path. His values aligned more closely with Gryffindor.
He Was Dumbledore’s Chosen One
Dumbledore believed strongly in Harry and his role in defeating Voldemort. As a former Gryffindor, he likely thought Harry belonged in his old House. The Hat may have sensed Dumbledore’s faith in Harry as a Gryffindor and chosen accordingly.
The Hat Senses the Future
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Dumbledore tells Snape that the Sorting Hat placed Harry in Gryffindor because it saw the potential in him to do what is right rather than what is easy. It seems to predict he will embrace courage and make the ultimate sacrifices out of love in the future.
His Choices Solidified His Place
As Dumbledore notes, it is ultimately our choices that show who we are. Regardless of Harry’s initial qualities, each brave choice he made cemented his belonging in Gryffindor House. The Hat may have had doubts at first, but Harry proved himself a true Gryffindor in the end.
Key Events Symbolizing Harry’s Gryffindor Destiny
Certain pivotal moments in the books serve as turning points that steer Harry on the path of Gryffindor instead of Slytherin:
Meeting Ron Weasley
Harry’s first friend at Hogwarts was Ron Weasley, a Gryffindor, on the train. Their bond led Harry to request Gryffindor, hoping to stay with Ron. This early act set the stage for Harry siding with his new friend over Slytherin House.
Winning the House Cup
In Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, his actions at the end of the book earn Gryffindor enough points to win the House Cup, beating Slytherin. This cements a friendly rivalry between Harry and his House versus Slytherin.
Destroying the Diary Horcrux
When Harry destroys Tom Riddle’s diary in the Chamber of Secrets, he proves his divergence from the Slytherin path of his nemesis. This big choice is a pivot toward following his own path.
Facing the Hungarian Horntail
During the Triwizard Tournament, Harry demonstrates incredible bravery and nerve by succeeding in the risky dragon task. Facing the Hungarian Horntail shows Harry’s Gryffindor daring and courage emerging.
Dueling Voldemort
In Goblet of Fire, Harry duels Voldemort, further casting his own identity as separate from the Heir of Slytherin and cementing his choice to stand against Voldemort despite their connected pasts.
Conclusion
There are compelling reasons on both sides of the debate about whether Harry was meant to be in Slytherin House. The Sorting Hat saw much potential for Slytherin, likely sensing Harry’s connection to Voldemort through the Horcrux in his scar. However, Harry diverged onto his own path that ultimately aligned better with Gryffindor House. Through the bonds he built, the choices he made, and the courage he displayed facing Voldemort, Harry proved himself a Gryffindor despite the Hat’s initial thoughts. The debate will continue, but in the end, Harry found his rightful place among the brave at heart in Gryffindor.
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