As long as there are Horcruxes, we won't be out of business.
01. Name: Misty
02. How did you find out about Hogwarts Elite? Someone on my friendlist posted about it, and I decided to look into it more.
||MIRROR OF ERISED||
03. What do you wish to accomplish in life?
I feel that my aspirations are fairly modest. What I seek the most revolves around people; I'd like to get married to someone that I love madly. I would like to have children and raise them well enough that as adults, they'll be glad to have me for a mother. I also have goals relating only to myself; I enjoy writing a great deal, but haven't quite managed to completely finish a book yet, something I sorely wish to manage before my time is over. I'm also intent on, someday, publishing something - whether a poem, short story, or novel - just to satisfy my own personal conviction that I am a capable author. I'm not particularly interested in the fame of being published, but I would love to create something that matters to people.
04. Describe exactly what you would see in the Mirror of Erised. (This is not the same question as #03.)
I would see myself in the sitting room of an attractive, cozy home, surrounded by friends and loved ones. We would be enjoying ourselves heartily - laughing together as we shared stories over coffee, or perhaps playing some sort of group game. I'd be older as well, with the arm of a loving spouse draped comfortably over my shoulders, and there would be not a single ounce of unhappiness in the entire room.
05. What makes a person deserving of your respect?
My respect for others revolves around how they treat those around them. I'll treat strangers with the respect demanded by common courtesy, and only revoke that if they behave shamefully. But true deference begins when you display the traits that I feel best represent what humans are capable of. Compassion, empathy and consideration of others will get you tremendously far with me. However, I'll also admit that, as shallow as it may be, I have a tendency to automatically award esteem to anyone who can present him or herself in an educated, intelligent and articulate manner.
06. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Dishonesty. Whether through outright lying, deliberately withholding important knowledge, or even telling partial truths, nothing smacks of disrespect for those around you more than misleading them. I believe that dishonesty is more capable of hurting those around you than almost any other trait, and it's only made worse by the fact that people lie so casually, they often don't even realize what kind of effect it can have on those they deceive.
07. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would make myself more intelligent. I like to think I'm reasonably smart as it is, but so often, I feel like there's much more I could do, much more I'd understand, if the limits of my own mind didn't hinder me. Psychology and a general understanding of human thoughts and behavior are a source of particular frustration, and I am sure that if I only understood these fields better, I could have much better relations with those around me. There's also a certain selfishness behind this answer; I love the feeling of elation that accompanies solving problems and figuring things out, especially when I have seen someone else struggling to find the same solution. If I could make that happen more often, I think I would be very happy with the results.
08. If you could do any one thing and suffer no consequences, what would it be?
It's very difficult for me to pick only one thing. I hope I'm not cheating too much by rolling several into one, because they're all related interests, and all for the same reason. What I'd dearly love to do would be to go out and experience all the things that I'm too afraid to presently. Sex, drugs, skydiving, spelunking - all the wild experiences and adventures there are to be had. I am unable to bring myself to do anything that poses serious risks, and for that reason, there are a great many experiences I haven't had, and most likely won't. But to be able to enrich my life by broadening my scope and seeing how all these different things feel, would be, I think, one of the greatest opportunities I could ever dream of.
09. What do you think are your top five positive characteristics?
01. I think I have a healthy balance between brain and heart, so to speak. I love logic, testing the limits of my mind, and expanding my knowledge as much as I can. But I also try very hard to be emotionally aware of those around me. I make a great effort to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of those I care about, and I think by having a bit of both of these characteristics rather than too much of one or the other, I can use each to complement the other.
02. I am a very enthusiastic person. When I develop interest in something, it doesn't merely become an interest, but a passion. Because of this, when I take on projects, I will pour my full efforts into seeing them through. More often than not, in group efforts, I end up being the person encouraging others, reminding everyone of the payoff that awaits us when our project is finished, and how great it will feel to know that we've succeeded.
03. I am also very creative. I devote a great deal of my time - possibly even most of it - to the pursuit of creating things. It's a wonderful feeling to look at something and think, I made that, and that people can possibly gain an insight into my mind just by looking at it. I feel that creativity is an especially useful quality to possess, because it opens up so many more opportunities to express something, whether a feeling, idea, or message. Creativity can also help reveal unorthodox solutions to problems that might otherwise boggle someone who only ever takes the traditional approach to things.
04. I'm a fast learner. Even something I've had no exposure to doesn't end up taking too long for me to become comfortable thinking about and discussing. I am able to look at new things and find traits in common with things I already understand in order to more quickly ascertain how they work. I also like to immediately put new knowledge to practical use, because it's much easier to retain information if I connect it to memories of actually using it. I have amassed a fair deal of knowledge this way, and arrogant as it might be to say, I think I've proved myself fairly useful for it.
05. Self-awareness is the last I'll mention. I make a concerted effort to be completely aware of every aspect of myself, and completely honest with myself about what I see. I'm always sure to be aware of what I can and cannot do, and will never be found rushing into a task that I am thoroughly incapable of just because my desire to be competent has convinced me that I actually am. Nor will I let fear and self-doubt preventing me from doing something that is well within my grasp, because I already know that it is.
10. What do you think are your top five negative characteristics?
01. I tend to be very emotionally driven. Even though I generally know how I should be acting logically, if I am upset I will just as likely act on my feelings instead. Because of this, I sometimes say and do things in the heat of the moment that I don't mean and come to regret later. if I'm lucky, it'll be a little tough to patch things up, but at its worst, this characteristic has permanently cost me some things that I could have had, if I had only kept a cool head.
02. I am more than a little vain. I love it when people recognize my abilities, and have been known to play them up as being more significant than they are. I am not terrific at genuine modesty, but I sometimes pretend a bit, in the hopes that others will be quicker to compliment me. In discovering that people can't always tell the difference between a little bit of talent and a lot, I have worked at becoming a jack of all trades, just to get recognition for as many things as possible.
03. I have a definite pessimistic streak. I like to call it realism, or preparedness, but in actuality, I just tend to look for worst-case scenarios. I have extrapolated the worst possible meanings of things people said, and I often think of the most likely outcomes as being the more unpleasant ones.
04. I am incredibly stubborn. In intellectual or philosophical debates, I have a horrible tendency to continue defending my position, even when I feel as though I've already been proven wrong. I really don't like to change my mind on things, or give up even when I know there's no point in continuing down the path, and have wasted a lot of time and energy on fruitless pursuits because of this.
05. I am a materialistic person. I like to wear nice clothes, eat good food, and own lots of fun, if completely useless, items. I'm terrible at saving, because I'd rather be buying things that interest me, and my desire for things has more than once overcome my desire to be generous. While it's not too hard for me to donate time and effort to helping others, sacrificing money and goods for charitable purposes is a lot more difficult for me.
||HOGWARTS, A HISTORY||
11. Who is your favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
Hermione, by far. At every turn, she defies expectations and rises above the niches that people try to sort her into. The fact that she is the brightest witch in her class despite being muggleborn, is sorted into Gryffindor despite her intellect, attracts Victor Krum despite her oft-teased appearance, all demonstrate a strong-willed, powerful young woman who is not afraid to be who she is, and won't let anyone get in the way of that. I also like to think I identify with her in a certain way - I, like her, was teased as a child for being something of a teacher's pet, I tried too hard to get people to like me, and I was never much good with my own appearance. She's always been something of a role model and kindred spirit.
12. Who is your least favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
Peter Pettigrew takes the cake, for me. The series is full of villainous people who do bad things, but I think what hits me the hardest about Peter's actions is that he wasn't just doing horrible things to people he didn't know - he betrayed the people who cared about him and trusted him. He was responsible for the death of a man who'd considered Peter one of his best friends, and pinned it on yet another friend. The fact that he could do this to people who'd offered him friendship and love is what makes him absolutely unforgivable.
13. What was your favorite plot or character revelation in the Harry Potter series?
I have to say Book 7's revelation of Dumbledore's family history. I feel tremendously guilty for saying so, but before, I had always seen Dumbledore as a bit of a dull character. Sage wisdom, hidden behind a comfortably silly mask, topped with a healthy dose of "most powerful wizard alive" made him seem just a bit too perfect to take seriously. But that glimpse into his past, which allowed us to see his flaws, mistakes and regrets (not to mention the revelation that a great deal of his power was simply due to the wand he carried), made it much easier for me to like and admire his character.
14. Describe the canon qualities for each house that accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: I think that Gryffindor chivalry resonates strongly with me. I have a default perspective of respecting everyone I encounter (unless given reason not to), and I believe very strongly in making sure that I can be proud of my behavior. I also have a fair bit of the stereotypical impulsiveness-bordering-on-recklessness, and will often prioritize doing what's right over doing what's wise.
• Slytherin: I think I possess a certain degree of cunning. When faced with a situation that I am not directly involved in, I will often carefully consider it and determine what actions will work out the best for my own purposes.
• Ravenclaw: The intelligence for which Ravenclaw is so well known is something I identify with very strongly. Not only do I already think of myself as smart, but I love opportunities to challenge and expand my mental horizons. Mental acuity is something I value very strongly.
• Hufflepuff: Loyalty is definitely one of my most overwhelming traits, and I place no small amount of important on honesty. In all truth, I think these two traits define a greater part of who I am than almost anything else.
15. Describe the canon qualities for each house that do not accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: I am certainly not a daring person. I am intimidated easily, and don't relish dangerous opportunities to prove myself. My nerve is almost nonexistant in truly challenging situations.
• Slytherin: I don't think I am really all that ambitious. While I do like being recognized for accomplishments, the idea of actually becoming well-known or famous terrifies me. I value my privacy, and if that means not living quite up to my full potential, I won't hesitate to make that trade.
• Ravenclaw: Intellect I may have, but I find myself lacking in any kind of long-term wisdom. Whatever I do have, I certainly don't act upon often enough to say that I am in any way representative of this quality. Sadly, my emotional nature wins nine times out of ten over the wise course of action.
• Hufflepuff: I am very much not a patient person. I'm always in a bit of a hurry, and I absolutely hate finding myself in a situation where there isn't an alternative to waiting. I'm also not that much of a hard-worker - I do spend a lot of time looking for shortcuts and ways to lessen the amount of effort required to accomplish things.
||HOGWARTS EXPRESS||
16. Age: 20
17. Optional: Link us to where you have promoted this community in your personal journal to earn your future house five points. I don't really post anything in my journal that's not friends-only, and then I like to stick to posting things about myself or my fandoms, rather than specific communities.
EDIT: I should give IWANTASODA credit for getting me to come over here :3
02. How did you find out about Hogwarts Elite? Someone on my friendlist posted about it, and I decided to look into it more.
||MIRROR OF ERISED||
03. What do you wish to accomplish in life?
I feel that my aspirations are fairly modest. What I seek the most revolves around people; I'd like to get married to someone that I love madly. I would like to have children and raise them well enough that as adults, they'll be glad to have me for a mother. I also have goals relating only to myself; I enjoy writing a great deal, but haven't quite managed to completely finish a book yet, something I sorely wish to manage before my time is over. I'm also intent on, someday, publishing something - whether a poem, short story, or novel - just to satisfy my own personal conviction that I am a capable author. I'm not particularly interested in the fame of being published, but I would love to create something that matters to people.
04. Describe exactly what you would see in the Mirror of Erised. (This is not the same question as #03.)
I would see myself in the sitting room of an attractive, cozy home, surrounded by friends and loved ones. We would be enjoying ourselves heartily - laughing together as we shared stories over coffee, or perhaps playing some sort of group game. I'd be older as well, with the arm of a loving spouse draped comfortably over my shoulders, and there would be not a single ounce of unhappiness in the entire room.
05. What makes a person deserving of your respect?
My respect for others revolves around how they treat those around them. I'll treat strangers with the respect demanded by common courtesy, and only revoke that if they behave shamefully. But true deference begins when you display the traits that I feel best represent what humans are capable of. Compassion, empathy and consideration of others will get you tremendously far with me. However, I'll also admit that, as shallow as it may be, I have a tendency to automatically award esteem to anyone who can present him or herself in an educated, intelligent and articulate manner.
06. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Dishonesty. Whether through outright lying, deliberately withholding important knowledge, or even telling partial truths, nothing smacks of disrespect for those around you more than misleading them. I believe that dishonesty is more capable of hurting those around you than almost any other trait, and it's only made worse by the fact that people lie so casually, they often don't even realize what kind of effect it can have on those they deceive.
07. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would make myself more intelligent. I like to think I'm reasonably smart as it is, but so often, I feel like there's much more I could do, much more I'd understand, if the limits of my own mind didn't hinder me. Psychology and a general understanding of human thoughts and behavior are a source of particular frustration, and I am sure that if I only understood these fields better, I could have much better relations with those around me. There's also a certain selfishness behind this answer; I love the feeling of elation that accompanies solving problems and figuring things out, especially when I have seen someone else struggling to find the same solution. If I could make that happen more often, I think I would be very happy with the results.
08. If you could do any one thing and suffer no consequences, what would it be?
It's very difficult for me to pick only one thing. I hope I'm not cheating too much by rolling several into one, because they're all related interests, and all for the same reason. What I'd dearly love to do would be to go out and experience all the things that I'm too afraid to presently. Sex, drugs, skydiving, spelunking - all the wild experiences and adventures there are to be had. I am unable to bring myself to do anything that poses serious risks, and for that reason, there are a great many experiences I haven't had, and most likely won't. But to be able to enrich my life by broadening my scope and seeing how all these different things feel, would be, I think, one of the greatest opportunities I could ever dream of.
09. What do you think are your top five positive characteristics?
01. I think I have a healthy balance between brain and heart, so to speak. I love logic, testing the limits of my mind, and expanding my knowledge as much as I can. But I also try very hard to be emotionally aware of those around me. I make a great effort to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of those I care about, and I think by having a bit of both of these characteristics rather than too much of one or the other, I can use each to complement the other.
02. I am a very enthusiastic person. When I develop interest in something, it doesn't merely become an interest, but a passion. Because of this, when I take on projects, I will pour my full efforts into seeing them through. More often than not, in group efforts, I end up being the person encouraging others, reminding everyone of the payoff that awaits us when our project is finished, and how great it will feel to know that we've succeeded.
03. I am also very creative. I devote a great deal of my time - possibly even most of it - to the pursuit of creating things. It's a wonderful feeling to look at something and think, I made that, and that people can possibly gain an insight into my mind just by looking at it. I feel that creativity is an especially useful quality to possess, because it opens up so many more opportunities to express something, whether a feeling, idea, or message. Creativity can also help reveal unorthodox solutions to problems that might otherwise boggle someone who only ever takes the traditional approach to things.
04. I'm a fast learner. Even something I've had no exposure to doesn't end up taking too long for me to become comfortable thinking about and discussing. I am able to look at new things and find traits in common with things I already understand in order to more quickly ascertain how they work. I also like to immediately put new knowledge to practical use, because it's much easier to retain information if I connect it to memories of actually using it. I have amassed a fair deal of knowledge this way, and arrogant as it might be to say, I think I've proved myself fairly useful for it.
05. Self-awareness is the last I'll mention. I make a concerted effort to be completely aware of every aspect of myself, and completely honest with myself about what I see. I'm always sure to be aware of what I can and cannot do, and will never be found rushing into a task that I am thoroughly incapable of just because my desire to be competent has convinced me that I actually am. Nor will I let fear and self-doubt preventing me from doing something that is well within my grasp, because I already know that it is.
10. What do you think are your top five negative characteristics?
01. I tend to be very emotionally driven. Even though I generally know how I should be acting logically, if I am upset I will just as likely act on my feelings instead. Because of this, I sometimes say and do things in the heat of the moment that I don't mean and come to regret later. if I'm lucky, it'll be a little tough to patch things up, but at its worst, this characteristic has permanently cost me some things that I could have had, if I had only kept a cool head.
02. I am more than a little vain. I love it when people recognize my abilities, and have been known to play them up as being more significant than they are. I am not terrific at genuine modesty, but I sometimes pretend a bit, in the hopes that others will be quicker to compliment me. In discovering that people can't always tell the difference between a little bit of talent and a lot, I have worked at becoming a jack of all trades, just to get recognition for as many things as possible.
03. I have a definite pessimistic streak. I like to call it realism, or preparedness, but in actuality, I just tend to look for worst-case scenarios. I have extrapolated the worst possible meanings of things people said, and I often think of the most likely outcomes as being the more unpleasant ones.
04. I am incredibly stubborn. In intellectual or philosophical debates, I have a horrible tendency to continue defending my position, even when I feel as though I've already been proven wrong. I really don't like to change my mind on things, or give up even when I know there's no point in continuing down the path, and have wasted a lot of time and energy on fruitless pursuits because of this.
05. I am a materialistic person. I like to wear nice clothes, eat good food, and own lots of fun, if completely useless, items. I'm terrible at saving, because I'd rather be buying things that interest me, and my desire for things has more than once overcome my desire to be generous. While it's not too hard for me to donate time and effort to helping others, sacrificing money and goods for charitable purposes is a lot more difficult for me.
||HOGWARTS, A HISTORY||
11. Who is your favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
Hermione, by far. At every turn, she defies expectations and rises above the niches that people try to sort her into. The fact that she is the brightest witch in her class despite being muggleborn, is sorted into Gryffindor despite her intellect, attracts Victor Krum despite her oft-teased appearance, all demonstrate a strong-willed, powerful young woman who is not afraid to be who she is, and won't let anyone get in the way of that. I also like to think I identify with her in a certain way - I, like her, was teased as a child for being something of a teacher's pet, I tried too hard to get people to like me, and I was never much good with my own appearance. She's always been something of a role model and kindred spirit.
12. Who is your least favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
Peter Pettigrew takes the cake, for me. The series is full of villainous people who do bad things, but I think what hits me the hardest about Peter's actions is that he wasn't just doing horrible things to people he didn't know - he betrayed the people who cared about him and trusted him. He was responsible for the death of a man who'd considered Peter one of his best friends, and pinned it on yet another friend. The fact that he could do this to people who'd offered him friendship and love is what makes him absolutely unforgivable.
13. What was your favorite plot or character revelation in the Harry Potter series?
I have to say Book 7's revelation of Dumbledore's family history. I feel tremendously guilty for saying so, but before, I had always seen Dumbledore as a bit of a dull character. Sage wisdom, hidden behind a comfortably silly mask, topped with a healthy dose of "most powerful wizard alive" made him seem just a bit too perfect to take seriously. But that glimpse into his past, which allowed us to see his flaws, mistakes and regrets (not to mention the revelation that a great deal of his power was simply due to the wand he carried), made it much easier for me to like and admire his character.
14. Describe the canon qualities for each house that accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: I think that Gryffindor chivalry resonates strongly with me. I have a default perspective of respecting everyone I encounter (unless given reason not to), and I believe very strongly in making sure that I can be proud of my behavior. I also have a fair bit of the stereotypical impulsiveness-bordering-on-recklessness, and will often prioritize doing what's right over doing what's wise.
• Slytherin: I think I possess a certain degree of cunning. When faced with a situation that I am not directly involved in, I will often carefully consider it and determine what actions will work out the best for my own purposes.
• Ravenclaw: The intelligence for which Ravenclaw is so well known is something I identify with very strongly. Not only do I already think of myself as smart, but I love opportunities to challenge and expand my mental horizons. Mental acuity is something I value very strongly.
• Hufflepuff: Loyalty is definitely one of my most overwhelming traits, and I place no small amount of important on honesty. In all truth, I think these two traits define a greater part of who I am than almost anything else.
15. Describe the canon qualities for each house that do not accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: I am certainly not a daring person. I am intimidated easily, and don't relish dangerous opportunities to prove myself. My nerve is almost nonexistant in truly challenging situations.
• Slytherin: I don't think I am really all that ambitious. While I do like being recognized for accomplishments, the idea of actually becoming well-known or famous terrifies me. I value my privacy, and if that means not living quite up to my full potential, I won't hesitate to make that trade.
• Ravenclaw: Intellect I may have, but I find myself lacking in any kind of long-term wisdom. Whatever I do have, I certainly don't act upon often enough to say that I am in any way representative of this quality. Sadly, my emotional nature wins nine times out of ten over the wise course of action.
• Hufflepuff: I am very much not a patient person. I'm always in a bit of a hurry, and I absolutely hate finding myself in a situation where there isn't an alternative to waiting. I'm also not that much of a hard-worker - I do spend a lot of time looking for shortcuts and ways to lessen the amount of effort required to accomplish things.
||HOGWARTS EXPRESS||
16. Age: 20
17. Optional: Link us to where you have promoted this community in your personal journal to earn your future house five points. I don't really post anything in my journal that's not friends-only, and then I like to stick to posting things about myself or my fandoms, rather than specific communities.
EDIT: I should give IWANTASODA credit for getting me to come over here :3