15 Hogwarts Characters Fans Believe Belong In Different Houses
Some characters at Hogwarts seem perfectly placed, yet fans can’t help imagining how differently their stories might unfold in another house.
Traits like ambition, loyalty, wit, or quiet bravery often shine through in surprising ways, hinting that the Sorting Hat might have had a few alternative options up its brim.
Debates about where each character truly fits have become part of the fun, inspiring endless discussions about personality, growth, and hidden potential.
1. Hermione Granger – Many Say Ravenclaw
Bookworms everywhere felt a kinship with Hermione the moment she recited Hogwarts: A History on the train. Her encyclopedic knowledge and love of learning scream Ravenclaw more than Gryffindor bravery.
Sure, she’s courageous when it counts, but her first instinct is always to hit the library. Academic excellence defines her character throughout the series, making fans question if the Sorting Hat overlooked her true home.
2. Neville Longbottom – Often Considered For Hufflepuff
Before pulling the Sword of Gryffindor from the Sorting Hat, Neville embodied every Hufflepuff virtue imaginable.
His unwavering loyalty to friends and incredible work ethic in Herbology class showcase classic Hufflepuff traits.
Patience and dedication define his journey from clumsy first-year to Nagini-slaying hero. While his final acts prove undeniable bravery, his foundational qualities align perfectly with the badger house.
3. Peter Pettigrew – Frequently Argued As A Better Fit For Slytherin
Cowardice and betrayal aren’t exactly hallmarks of Gryffindor house, yet Wormtail somehow earned his place there.
His cunning manipulation and self-preservation instincts align perfectly with Slytherin’s ambitious nature.
Selling out his best friends to Voldemort demonstrates the darkest form of cunning resourcefulness. Gryffindors value bravery above all, but Peter valued only his own survival.
Perhaps the hat saw potential that never materialized into true courage.
4. Harry Potter – Some Believe He Belongs In Slytherin
Remember when the Sorting Hat literally told Harry he’d do well in Slytherin? That wasn’t just dramatic flair – Harry possesses genuine cunning and ambition throughout the series.
His determination to defeat Voldemort, resourcefulness in tight situations, and Parseltongue ability all hint at snake house qualities. Only his personal choice kept him from the green-and-silver common room.
Sometimes who we choose to be matters more than our natural talents.
5. Minerva McGonagall – Sometimes Suggested For Ravenclaw
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Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure, and McGonagall certainly possesses intellectual brilliance in spades. Her mastery of Transfiguration requires exceptional intelligence and creative problem-solving skills.
While her fierce protection of students shows Gryffindor courage, her sharp mind and logical approach suggest Ravenclaw tendencies. She values both bravery and wisdom equally in her teaching methods.
6. Luna Lovegood – Many Think She Fits Hufflepuff
Quirky Luna’s open-minded acceptance of all creatures and people radiates Hufflepuff’s inclusive spirit. Her kindness toward outcasts and nonjudgmental nature embody the house’s core values beautifully.
While Ravenclaw claims her for unconventional wisdom, her loyalty to friends during dangerous times shows badger house dedication. She never abandons Harry, even when others doubt him.
Acceptance and loyalty often matter more than intellectual pursuits alone.
7. Gilderoy Lockhart – Often Viewed As A Slytherin
Ambition and cunning define Lockhart’s entire fraudulent career more than any Ravenclaw wisdom.
His elaborate schemes to steal others’ accomplishments show classic Slytherin resourcefulness taken to narcissistic extremes.
Ravenclaws value genuine knowledge, but Lockhart only craved fame and recognition without actual skill. His willingness to Obliviate children to protect his reputation proves his self-serving nature.
8. Remus Lupin – Some Think Ravenclaw Suits Him
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Scholarly Lupin’s exceptional teaching skills and deep knowledge of defensive magic suggest a Ravenclaw intellect. His thoughtful, analytical approach to problems differs from typical Gryffindor impulsiveness.
While certainly brave, his greatest strength lies in wisdom and careful planning rather than reckless courage.
Students remember him as the most intellectually engaging Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
9. Newt Scamander – Fans Argue He Belongs In Hufflepuff Or Ravenclaw
Already a Hufflepuff, Newt’s placement still sparks debate because his encyclopedic creature knowledge rivals any Ravenclaw scholar.
His groundbreaking research and scientific approach to magical zoology demonstrate exceptional intelligence.
However, his compassionate treatment of misunderstood creatures and loyalty to friends cement his badger credentials. He works tirelessly to protect beasts others consider dangerous or worthless.
10. Draco Malfoy – Occasionally Suggested For Ravenclaw
Beneath all that sneering superiority, Draco demonstrates genuine intellectual capability and strategic thinking.
His potion-making skills and ability to repair the Vanishing Cabinet show remarkable magical aptitude.
While ambition drives him initially, his later moral struggles reveal a more complex, thoughtful character. Perhaps Ravenclaw’s emphasis on wisdom could have shaped him differently from birth.
11. Sirius Black – Some Fans Place Him In Gryffindor Despite Family Slytherin Pull
Actually sorted into Gryffindor, Sirius’s placement remains fascinating because his entire family occupied Slytherin for generations.
Choosing values over family expectations proves his Gryffindor heart completely. His reckless courage and fierce loyalty to friends define his character far more than Black family cunning.
12. Severus Snape – Often Considered For Ravenclaw
Potion mastery and spell invention require extraordinary intellectual brilliance that rivals any Ravenclaw achievement. Snape’s creation of advanced spells as a teenager demonstrates exceptional magical innovation.
His strategic double-agent work demands careful calculation and intelligence beyond simple cunning. While Slytherin ambition drove his youth, his adult life showcases remarkable wisdom and planning.
13. Tonks – Fans Often Place Her in Gryffindor
Reckless bravery and bold personality define Tonks far more than Hufflepuff’s careful loyalty, though both houses could claim her. Her Auror career requires the kind of daring courage Gryffindor celebrates constantly.
She rushes into danger without hesitation, fighting Death Eaters with fierce determination. While loyal to the Order, her impulsive nature and love of adventure suggest lion house tendencies.
14. Dolores Umbridge – Some Argue Slytherin Doesn’t Fully Fit Her
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Pure sadistic cruelty sets Umbridge apart from typical Slytherin ambition, making her house placement genuinely puzzling.
While cunning and power-hungry, her enjoyment of torture seems darker than mere ambitious cunning.
Slytherins value self-preservation, but Umbridge risks everything to inflict pain on children. Her bureaucratic tyranny combines the worst traits of all houses without their redeeming qualities.
15. Ron Weasley – Sometimes Considered For Hufflepuff
Steadfast loyalty to Harry through countless dangers defines Ron more than reckless Gryffindor bravery ever could.
His willingness to sacrifice himself in chess and face spiders despite terror shows Hufflepuff dedication.
While insecure about his abilities, he never permanently abandons his friends when they truly need him. His consistent presence and support embody badger house values beautifully.
