By Jayden Lukas
It is another year and another sorting has come and gone. For the first years who have found themselves newly inducted into the House of the Lion, you might be experiencing a wide range of emotions. Maybe some have even questioned if the Sorting hat makes mistakes.
What are the qualities that are said to embody those in Gryffindor? Daring, nerve and chivalry. These are just a few qualities that come to mind. A house where dwell the brave at heart. Bravery is not just about being loud, boisterous and reckless. Sometimes the bravest person can be the one who might on first glance seem quiet and timid. Bravery can mean standing up to your friends when you see them endangering themselves. It can mean continuing to fight when you are exhausted and facing seemingly impossible odds.
The Sorting Hat does not make mistakes. It has seen within each of you and seen the potential within. You have been selected to be one of the pride of lions here at Hogwarts. That means that for the next seven years the pride will protect and guide you. Each of you is part of a family that will help to reveal that potential that was seen within you on your very first arrival to Hogwarts. That potential will develop and grow stronger with each passing day.
Many of you may be feeling homesick being away from your families and beloved pets for the very first time. This is normal and while it is difficult, especially for the first months that you are here, you will find that your homesickness will be eased by those who are older and have been through it themselves. There will be bonds and new friendships made on this journey. By the end of this first year many of you will find that leaving Hogwarts for the summer will be heart wrenching as well as plans are made to stay in touch and get together with your new friends over the summer months.
Being a new lion cub comes with certain duties and responsibilities. None of us has a right to bully those in other houses or speak badly about the other houses. They hold the same feelings for their house that we hold for our house. After all your best friend may even come from one of the other houses. Ultimately all of the houses are part of the same school. Each of us should do our best to reflect the noble qualities that embody our House. Dare to be different. Be brave enough to follow your dreams whatever they may be. Have the nerve to stand up for others who are weaker. Fight for justice. Respect and honor your Professors. They are here to help us learn what we need to survive in the wizarding world once we graduate from Hogwarts. Some of the best and brightest have come from Gryffindor. Be proud and know that you really do have this. This is your destiny.
About the author
Saffron Foxclaw is Hogwarts graduate, previous Head Girl & Owl Post Editor, currently working for The Daily Prophet. Now, her slightly dotty Hufflepuff, Leonora Clements, is sharing her ..interesting insights with the Owl Post too
