Revised to more detail.
I had planned to change this as soon as it posted but was in the process of coming home for Christmas yesterday. These are some more detailed responses (since I know that's smiled upon) that I prepared. Having received a bit of a backlash from my comments on "why I don't think I belong in Slytherin" I'd also like to apologize for using a word as strong as "evil," when the words I use here--ambitious and, yes, self-promoting, ie seeking power, are more accurate in my mind. I have read the books, all of them, so that's just the general impression I got from Slytherin. I don't want to start my time here by getting on anyone's bad side. That said, on with the sorting.
Name: Amy
Age: 18
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? I wish people were less concerned with body image. Americans could take the food they don't eat and easily end world hunger. I feel like so many people take for granted the things that they have, and it's ridiculous. Selfishness is far too widespread. This kind of becomes a recurring theme throughout my application although it was not my original intent.
Who is your favorite Hogwarts teacher? I have a soft spot for Flitwick, and Lupin seemed to know what he was talking about. I don't know why Flitwick seems so endearing; perhaps it's how he's described and how he looks in the movie--this tiny little man standing on a stack of books to teach, very caring and seems to know his subject well. Lupin is the same with course knowledge; none of the other Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers had a clue. Plus Lupin is admirable for his choice to leave when he realised what a threat he was to the students (or what threat he could pose). As much as it sucked, it was a smart move.
Who is your favorite character in Harry Potter? Hermione reminds me of me; however, I may have to say Dumbledore, as he's just awesome. I'm very academically inclined like Hermione, and she seems to care about causes and be really overcommitted like myself. But Dumbledore is one of those characters you just love because he's got so many quirks and whatnot. He always has an answer, admits his mistakes, and is tough enough to stand up for the good cause. He also tries to protect his students at all costs.
Who is your least favorite character in Harry Potter? It's strange, I have to say Fudge. I should say Malfoy or Voldemort or someone but at least they're interesting. Fudge is self-absorbed and a bit of a coward--like Dumbledore says, "blinded by the love of the office [he holds]." I also don't like Umbridge, for the same reasons of self-righteousness and self-promotion through hurting others. As an aspiring teacher, her methods appalled me. You cannot teach by making students read and expect them to learn. (And I’ve always disliked my teachers who tried that method. It’s no good.)
What makes a person respectable? Doing the right thing, even when it's not the easiest thing to do. Lupin, as an example, see question 2 for elaboration on that. It's admirable to take responsibility for your wrongs and amend them, and to stand up for what you believe in.
What is your take on religion? I'm not into organized religion so much because I saw so much hypocrisy in it. I do believe there's a higher power at work in the world. If I had to choose a denomination I'd lean toward Quakerism, because of their politically active tendencies and their informal services. That's the sort of thing I think I'd appreciate after some of the rigidity of my previous religious services.
What do you think about house elves? I think they're cool, I'd like one--but not to treat like Dobby was treated. I think they're happy because it's all they've ever known, it's a steady job, and they genuinely like to help people. I don't think they really want to be "saved" from their lives, because they like it. What I wonder, though, is how did the house-elves become enslaved in the first place? Was it a choice? Was it always like that? Did someone enslave them? I get the impression that it's a choice at some point along the line. That's what I think makes them happy to do it.
What do you look for in a friend? Loyalty, kindness, honesty, makes me laugh, doesn't talk about me behind my back. That sort of thing. I enjoy people who can hold an intelligent conversation and follow my train of thought, which is often difficult to do. A sense of humor is vital, because I am very sarcastic. I like friends I can tell secrets to and know they won't turn around and tell someone else.
Would you rather have friends and family or money and success? Friends and family are far more valuable. Money and success are fleeting things--you could have all the money in the world, but without love, you are nothing. Also, I think that if you have friends and family, you ARE successful in some respects.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would not worry so much. I worry all the time, about everything. I'm very obsessive about things, and panic about things I know I can't change. There's a good Tibetan proverb that I wish I could follow, but it's so hard..."If the problem can be solved, there is no need to worry. If the problem cannot be solved, worrying will do no good." That's definitely what I wish for.
What do you feel is your best quality? I'm a very good listener and I think I give good advice. I'm always willing to listen to people's problems, and I care more for others than myself. Sometimes I feel that can be a detractor--I don't give enough time to myself. But in most cases there isn't anything wrong with caring for others.
What are your hobbies? Reading, singing, watching movies, visiting web sites, sleeping, philosophical debates, etc. I'm not very athletic, because I'm simply not good at land sports. I used to swim until I developed a chlorine allergy. I think I could get into Quidditch. I could be a decent Chaser, I think. I enjoy quiz bowl, chess, trivia, and other academic pursuits (and yes, I really do). I also, as weird as this is, enjoy editing papers. I play piano, guitar, and bass, and am attempting to learn violin-music is one of my passions, as is theater. I love to act and to sing.
Do you want to have children? Yes I do; I like kids. I'd like to have four. I don't really know how to elaborate on that one, except that family is one of the most important things in my life.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity? Yes; I used to be really involved in the Interact Club at my high school, and I participate in a tutoring program with Hispanic kids in my community. I've done Relay for Life three times, twice as a team captain, and volunteered at the Red Cross disaster relief shelter last winter. I really like knowing that I've helped someone. There's such a great feeling involved.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do? Call someone more capable of handling the situation and try to help them out; if there were no time, I would do whatever I could to help immediately. I'd like to think that I would run over and pull them out of harm's way, or maybe throw a rock or something to distract the attacker and divert its attention away from the both of us.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish? I'd like the "ideal" family situation. Kids, a house, a husband, maybe some pets...that sort of thing. I'm a very family-oriented person, and having children and watching them grow up is something I'd really love. Secondarily, I'd like to get a solid job teaching...I go into that on the job question though.
Who is your role model? I can't pinpoint one role model in particular; I have a lot of influence from teachers in the past. My English teachers in high school, my Stat teacher, a few others along the way. I'm very affected by the intellectual influences in my life. I'd also say that my mom is a role model for me. We have a great relationship and she's a very understanding person and gives good advice.
What trait most annoys you about other people? Trying to make themselves seem better by putting other people down. I really, really hate that. That's why I hated Umbridge in the books; that's something I try to avoid in people. It's a form of hypocrisy--why I'm not a big fan of church anymore. I think you should be judged on your own qualities, not the faults of others.
What do you want to do for a living? Be a teacher...high school or college English, hopefully world literature. I love working with people and teaching them new things, and I have a weird love of editing things. So I'd like to proof papers and such. Teaching is really underappreciated, and as a smaller note there's always a need for teachers.
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason? If my life or someone else's was on the line, I'd hit the bad guy with something awful. Oh, my word, that would not be tolerated. I wouldn't use pre-emptive strike though, in any case, and if someone simply looked threatening or acted threatening toward me, a simple jinx would probably do the trick. It'd have to be big to use an Unforgivable Curse. And I can’t think of a single condition short of fighting off Death Eaters where I’d EVER use Avada Kedavra.
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.) Slytherin. I'm not very ambitious or self-promoting, I'm not big on power, and I don't have any interest in practicing the Dark Arts, which seems to be a trait that more Slytherins are drawn to than the other houses. I've never felt a kinship with a Slytherin character in the books, but I can choose one from any other house that I've sympathised with. (Again, apologies for my previous response.)
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities? Intelligence, listening skills, good memory, empathy, patience. (Again, don't know how to elaborate that so much...)
Where did you find out about us? Cleolinda
Name: Amy
Age: 18
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? I wish people were less concerned with body image. Americans could take the food they don't eat and easily end world hunger. I feel like so many people take for granted the things that they have, and it's ridiculous. Selfishness is far too widespread. This kind of becomes a recurring theme throughout my application although it was not my original intent.
Who is your favorite Hogwarts teacher? I have a soft spot for Flitwick, and Lupin seemed to know what he was talking about. I don't know why Flitwick seems so endearing; perhaps it's how he's described and how he looks in the movie--this tiny little man standing on a stack of books to teach, very caring and seems to know his subject well. Lupin is the same with course knowledge; none of the other Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers had a clue. Plus Lupin is admirable for his choice to leave when he realised what a threat he was to the students (or what threat he could pose). As much as it sucked, it was a smart move.
Who is your favorite character in Harry Potter? Hermione reminds me of me; however, I may have to say Dumbledore, as he's just awesome. I'm very academically inclined like Hermione, and she seems to care about causes and be really overcommitted like myself. But Dumbledore is one of those characters you just love because he's got so many quirks and whatnot. He always has an answer, admits his mistakes, and is tough enough to stand up for the good cause. He also tries to protect his students at all costs.
Who is your least favorite character in Harry Potter? It's strange, I have to say Fudge. I should say Malfoy or Voldemort or someone but at least they're interesting. Fudge is self-absorbed and a bit of a coward--like Dumbledore says, "blinded by the love of the office [he holds]." I also don't like Umbridge, for the same reasons of self-righteousness and self-promotion through hurting others. As an aspiring teacher, her methods appalled me. You cannot teach by making students read and expect them to learn. (And I’ve always disliked my teachers who tried that method. It’s no good.)
What makes a person respectable? Doing the right thing, even when it's not the easiest thing to do. Lupin, as an example, see question 2 for elaboration on that. It's admirable to take responsibility for your wrongs and amend them, and to stand up for what you believe in.
What is your take on religion? I'm not into organized religion so much because I saw so much hypocrisy in it. I do believe there's a higher power at work in the world. If I had to choose a denomination I'd lean toward Quakerism, because of their politically active tendencies and their informal services. That's the sort of thing I think I'd appreciate after some of the rigidity of my previous religious services.
What do you think about house elves? I think they're cool, I'd like one--but not to treat like Dobby was treated. I think they're happy because it's all they've ever known, it's a steady job, and they genuinely like to help people. I don't think they really want to be "saved" from their lives, because they like it. What I wonder, though, is how did the house-elves become enslaved in the first place? Was it a choice? Was it always like that? Did someone enslave them? I get the impression that it's a choice at some point along the line. That's what I think makes them happy to do it.
What do you look for in a friend? Loyalty, kindness, honesty, makes me laugh, doesn't talk about me behind my back. That sort of thing. I enjoy people who can hold an intelligent conversation and follow my train of thought, which is often difficult to do. A sense of humor is vital, because I am very sarcastic. I like friends I can tell secrets to and know they won't turn around and tell someone else.
Would you rather have friends and family or money and success? Friends and family are far more valuable. Money and success are fleeting things--you could have all the money in the world, but without love, you are nothing. Also, I think that if you have friends and family, you ARE successful in some respects.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would not worry so much. I worry all the time, about everything. I'm very obsessive about things, and panic about things I know I can't change. There's a good Tibetan proverb that I wish I could follow, but it's so hard..."If the problem can be solved, there is no need to worry. If the problem cannot be solved, worrying will do no good." That's definitely what I wish for.
What do you feel is your best quality? I'm a very good listener and I think I give good advice. I'm always willing to listen to people's problems, and I care more for others than myself. Sometimes I feel that can be a detractor--I don't give enough time to myself. But in most cases there isn't anything wrong with caring for others.
What are your hobbies? Reading, singing, watching movies, visiting web sites, sleeping, philosophical debates, etc. I'm not very athletic, because I'm simply not good at land sports. I used to swim until I developed a chlorine allergy. I think I could get into Quidditch. I could be a decent Chaser, I think. I enjoy quiz bowl, chess, trivia, and other academic pursuits (and yes, I really do). I also, as weird as this is, enjoy editing papers. I play piano, guitar, and bass, and am attempting to learn violin-music is one of my passions, as is theater. I love to act and to sing.
Do you want to have children? Yes I do; I like kids. I'd like to have four. I don't really know how to elaborate on that one, except that family is one of the most important things in my life.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity? Yes; I used to be really involved in the Interact Club at my high school, and I participate in a tutoring program with Hispanic kids in my community. I've done Relay for Life three times, twice as a team captain, and volunteered at the Red Cross disaster relief shelter last winter. I really like knowing that I've helped someone. There's such a great feeling involved.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do? Call someone more capable of handling the situation and try to help them out; if there were no time, I would do whatever I could to help immediately. I'd like to think that I would run over and pull them out of harm's way, or maybe throw a rock or something to distract the attacker and divert its attention away from the both of us.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish? I'd like the "ideal" family situation. Kids, a house, a husband, maybe some pets...that sort of thing. I'm a very family-oriented person, and having children and watching them grow up is something I'd really love. Secondarily, I'd like to get a solid job teaching...I go into that on the job question though.
Who is your role model? I can't pinpoint one role model in particular; I have a lot of influence from teachers in the past. My English teachers in high school, my Stat teacher, a few others along the way. I'm very affected by the intellectual influences in my life. I'd also say that my mom is a role model for me. We have a great relationship and she's a very understanding person and gives good advice.
What trait most annoys you about other people? Trying to make themselves seem better by putting other people down. I really, really hate that. That's why I hated Umbridge in the books; that's something I try to avoid in people. It's a form of hypocrisy--why I'm not a big fan of church anymore. I think you should be judged on your own qualities, not the faults of others.
What do you want to do for a living? Be a teacher...high school or college English, hopefully world literature. I love working with people and teaching them new things, and I have a weird love of editing things. So I'd like to proof papers and such. Teaching is really underappreciated, and as a smaller note there's always a need for teachers.
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason? If my life or someone else's was on the line, I'd hit the bad guy with something awful. Oh, my word, that would not be tolerated. I wouldn't use pre-emptive strike though, in any case, and if someone simply looked threatening or acted threatening toward me, a simple jinx would probably do the trick. It'd have to be big to use an Unforgivable Curse. And I can’t think of a single condition short of fighting off Death Eaters where I’d EVER use Avada Kedavra.
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.) Slytherin. I'm not very ambitious or self-promoting, I'm not big on power, and I don't have any interest in practicing the Dark Arts, which seems to be a trait that more Slytherins are drawn to than the other houses. I've never felt a kinship with a Slytherin character in the books, but I can choose one from any other house that I've sympathised with. (Again, apologies for my previous response.)
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities? Intelligence, listening skills, good memory, empathy, patience. (Again, don't know how to elaborate that so much...)
Where did you find out about us? Cleolinda