Firefly, Lord of the Rings, Pirates, Lost, Star Wars
1. Name: Meredith
2. Age: 24
3. Gender: Female
4. What are your hobbies/interests outside of HP? How do you feel these hobbies/interests contribute to your personality?
Beyond Harry Potter, I am very extensively interested in several facets of life. I am interested, first and foremost, in books, literature, and the production thereof. That is to say, I am interested primarily in writing; I write more than I read, but I write less than I'd like. I own more books than I could read in the next year, and it is less than fifty. But I enjoy words, the endless combinations of syllables used to evoke emotion. I think that this has shaped my personality considerably: I am obsessed with communication (would make sense why I went to school for Linguistics) Second, at a very close second, mind you, is music. I have been playing the piano and reading sheet music probably since before I realized my first obsession existed, but I also play guitar, and most frequently, drums, and hope that my current incarnation of a rock band will actually stick this time. I love performing and creating music and I love the people that want to be on the journey with me. I think music has contributed to my creativity a lot over the years. I feel most drawn to people who are musically inclined or at least artistically so, and so I gravitate towards others who play guitar or sing or something of the sort, though that's not solely what I base my friendships around. Last, and probably most surprising - to me, as well - is cosmetics, specifically, the creation of. Lately I have been diving into the world of perfumery and soaps, and though nature has always been that of a DIY-er, most don't think I'm "girly" enough to want to produce perfumes, but I think they're crazy. Anyway, I like hobbies that help me create something, most importantly. When I find a hobby (like knitting) that escapes me completely and I end up simply destroying things instead, I get bored easily and drop it quickly.
5. Which Harry Potter character do you feel you can relate to the most? Explain. Which character is your favorite? Again, explain.
Right now, I'm going to say Professor Snape, if for anything because of my obsession with chemistry and modern-day "potion-making". When I am working on new blends, surrounded by drams and 5ml's of all sorts of scents I sometimes feel like I should have my own potions lab that I envision would look much like Snape's, dark, dingy, the only light being the glowing whatever present in the bottles around. However, besides that, I find myself extremely ambitious. When I find something that I want, I go after it. I had similar experiences as he seemed to in school - I was the underdog and the geek, and picked on. Not many people understood me, but I was a bit of a snob regardless of the fact that I was the underdog. I held my head high and had my own weird sense of pride (that I still carry). I am extremely picky about whom I associate with. I won't base friendships on certain traits but there are qualities that I uphold more than others, and if you exhibit them, it's likelier that I'll give you a better chance than others in getting to know me.
6. Give us explanations and reasons for and against you being sorted into each house.
a. Gryffindor I am extremely independent. I take my independence very seriously. I worked very hard to get where I am: able to afford living alone in a nice apartment in my favorite city in the world, and being financially independent from my family as well as whatever other debts at my age, is one of the most valuable things in my life. On another note, I believe that independence equals freedom, and I am extremely proud of my freedom - be it freedom to vote, marry whom I choose, work where I want, or think as I please, the ability to make the most of my independence is something that I think really defines my personality.
For: Against: I keep trying to think of all of these traits that are Gryffindor that I am *not* and it's hard. I could go on about my passion, or on about my courage, or like I just did about my independence. I guess the one thing that I could say that is very un-Gryffindor of me, is that I am somewhat of a recluse. I am not entirely sociable, though I do well in social situations (now as an adult). I will blow off plans with friends on a whim, just to stay home and read a book. I don't like to go out all the time, though I do have fun when I do. I don't eat up every opportunity to be around other people, because in general, I am a misanthrope, and more often than not, keep to myself.
b. Hufflepuff
For: Determination! I am extremely determined. Few obstacles are too big, but no task is too small - don't worry, I'll tell you, I'll handle it. I know first hand how to deal with the pressure of succeeding in something that is difficult, how to persevere. I almost put this in my Gryffindor traits and then realized, wait a second, I'm starting to sound Hufflepuff-ian here. So yes, I'm a little worker bee, if you will, when it comes to getting my stuff done. It doesn't matter what it is, something for work or something for play, but you won't find a task unfinished in my to-do list if it's really important to me.
Against: Disloyalty. Unfortunately, if I feel as if something unjust is happening against me, I'll side with myself regardless if I'm right. It is hard for me to be fair, and it is hard for me to stick by someone - especially if I think that they are betraying me in some way. In some cases, I will find small, insignificant excuses to drop friendships or relationships. While I will defend friends to the death, there are very, very few who really gain my loyalty, and few who receive such defenses.
c. Ravenclaw
For: I am extremely obsessive compulsive. I don't mean this in a bad, psych ward sort of way, now, so don't get any ideas. I just mean that I like my routines. I prefer my routines to all others, in fact, and when those details that I have been obsessing over and analyzing over for weeks to make sure that, when the moment comes that I have to turn over a project, or even something as simple as clean my apartment, I know exactly what needs to be done in every single speck of time or space allotted, and I will fine-tune each aspect until I have perfection. I like things in their place and on time.
Against: I don't consider myself to be book-smart (yes, despite that I love literature). I am not a chemistry-whiz even though I make perfume. I can't do math to save my life. I am intelligent enough to follow recipes and learn things on my own, plus I can communicate, but I couldn't pass the SATs above 1000, even now. I know that intelligence isn't solely based upon this, but I feel it's a stereotype of Ravenclaw house. And sometimes, I just do really, monumentally dumb things.
d. Slytherin
For: As stated earlier, I am extremely ambitious. I am ambitious to the point that if I have not met a particular goal I start to beat myself up over it, and I will do anything to figure out why I haven't reached that goal until I am satisfied with my current state of being. This is especially true in my professional life ( I work for a really large computer company and produce a really, really big web site ) and sometimes I don't know how I'd gotten here if I hadn't been as ambitious as I have. I also think that I am cunning, and that I can use other people to my advantage. I rarely do in a bad way, but if it is going to help me get somewhere I need, I don't mind playing the game once in awhile.
Against: Though at one time in my life I was one of those who would snub another out of prejudice, I would like to think that I have overcome that. I grew up in the South in a Baptist household as a liberal, bisexual female, so now that I am in much more liberal part of the country, I simply try to treat everyone with the respect that they deserve because I know how it is to be looked down on, simply for something you believe in. Also, while I live to better my own self, it is rarely at the expense of others.
7. What was your least favorite moment in HP?
Dumbledore's death. While I understand the merit of the event in the propulsion of the series to its climax, next to Sirius, Albus was my favorite character -- and then to have lost both, I felt as Harry did, abandoned and crushed and completely thrown off guard. Albus, after the loss of Sirius, was sort of the crux crutch on which my faith in the fate of the wizarding world really stood. And then to have Snape, whom I also love, kill him was just sort of shocking. I literally through HBP across the room after I finished it, I was so mad at the ending. But I think that's exactly what JKR intended, so I give her kudos in actually having the balls to kill off a major plot character just at the climax of her novel series that way, and even though I hate the thought of no more Dumbledore more than just about anything in the series, it also tremendously excites me to see what JKR is going to pull next.
At a close second, comes anything relating to Harry/Ginny. Completely out of the blue, and completely inconsequential to anything else happening. Does not compute. At a very close third, comes Remus/Tonks. *brain explodes*
8. What about HP appeals to you (e.g. the romance, the adventure, the friendships, the fantasy, the mystery)?
Originally, it was the mystery. I picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone early in its first printed form and there was no Harry Potter Lexicon or sorting community and no one knew what this whole "Harry Potter" business was about. I have always been a fan of fantasy, being a Tolkien reader from a very early age, and so my mom bought it for me one Fall. I ate up every inch of mystique in the first novel very quickly, the idea that this little unknown boy was the hero of his world he knew nothing about is such an intriguing idea, something every kid dreams of being. As I grew with the books, it became the characters, their backgrounds, their relationships with one another and how all of it intertwined to form very elaborate and very detailed plot for a children's book. The complexity of the relationships enchanted me.
9. What would you do if your friend was in danger? What would you give up in order to save them? Would you lay your life on the line?
I've given up a lot for the few friends who have really meant anything to me in the past, and now, that things have come to be the way they are (i.e., I got screwed), I honestly can't say there's one friend in my life that I would give up something for. I have given up almost everything for everyone else, and gotten nothing in return, and I am sick and tired of it. My family is a different story, however; I would do anything for my parents or my brother, even though sometimes I do pretend that I moved 2,400 miles away from home just to spite them. That's not true.
10. If you could only store one memory in the Pensieve to visit over again, which one would it be? Why?
As a most recent memory, New Year's Eve, 2006, spent in a quiet cabin in the middle of Seattle, down by the locks, whilst firework explosions rang out in a barrage of color and sound and smoke and ecstacy in the sky as the midnight hour approached. High on life, intoxicated by whatever it was we were drinking, and having an, erm, marvelous time of slight debauchery with the guy I am dating.
11. What excites you the most in life? Where do you get the most joy and fulfillment?
Creating. I find the most satisfaction from making something tangible. Whether it's food for myself for the evening or a new scent, or a simple sketch, or a poem, if I can see it and touch it and it was made by me I feel as if I somehow contributed to life. (Cue speech from High Fidelity here.) I don't like destruction; it makes me sad and I hate it. I like it when things organically are produced and I feel as if I have a part of that in most of my hobbies.
12. If you were in Harry's position during the "Snape's Worst Memory" incident, how would you view Peter, James, Sirius, Lily, Remus, and Snape differently? Why?
I would really question what I knew about the Mauraders. Here were four figures, well, minus Pettigrew, that I had been regaling as these heroes of mine and then I see how cruel even they can be. I would feel sorry for Snape, and maybe feel more pride that Lily was my mother for the way she stood up to him, though confused as to why she wasn't loyal to James to take his side on the matter.
13. If you had access to a time turner without worry of not being able to return, nor any other restrictions, what would you use it for and why?
I would use it to return to different, significant points of history and watch them as they unfold: the building of the great pyramids, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the fall of Communist Russia. I would be interested in documenting human history and writing the real History of the World (not the one just according to Mel Brooks. I would love to meet a few famous political figures, rock musicians, authors and poets, as well, and get their ideas on what was happening around them at the time. I guess I'd turn into the Time Traveling Historian, which would make a great special on The History Channel.
14. In the Philosopher’s Stone (AKA Sorcerer’s Stone) Neville had a choice: he could let his friends go out at night when they weren’t supposed to and potentially they could lose points for his house, or he could confront them and stop them from breaking the rules. What would you have done in his situation?
Exactly the same as Neville did. I am usually the one to put my foot down and stand up to my friends and be stubborn, in these situations. I am usually the voice of reason, the pestering, nagging voice in the back of your head telling you that you know what you're doing is crazy and wrong. I enjoy spontaneous acts of rebellion, but more often than not I like the records to show that I was the one trying to do the right thing.
15. Who (dead, alive, or fictional) do you most admire? This can be someone from real life or from Harry Potter.
I admire my dad the most. Though we've had our differences, his determination and just general damn-smartness always amazes me. His ability to see both sides of every picture and always provide a just response fascinate me, and the fact that he has always been there fore me through everything (and I do mean that with a heavy-handedness) means so much to me. Non-sentimentally, Lou Reed, lead singer of the Velvet Underground, and my favorite musician of all time - I am just awestruck every time I put on a Velvet Underground record to this day, and they never cease to surprise me. Beyond the VU, Lou became a talented songwriter on his own and there are few who can do the solo thing and just be fantastic at it. I always admire people who can do things I like to do way better than I can do them.
16. What is your favorite book outside of Harry Potter? What is it about this book that endears it to you?
The question I have been staring at for the longest time. *sigh* Favorite book, favorite book, favorite book... oh but there are too many gems to choose from! I could no sooner choose a star in the night sky than to choose my favorite book! But for you, dearest readers of this sorting application, I shall try. I have done my best to narrow it down to two: Anthem, by Ayn Rand, and Moskva-Petushki, by Venedikt Erofeev. Anthem was one of the first books I read and really and truly could not stop thinking about. Its vivid imagery of a strict communist society and the rebellion that occurs among intelligent members really romanticized the world at large for me, and I became a devout objectivist (until I discovered Communism later on, but that's a whole entirely different story). Moskva-Petushki is an inventive circular novel that was a dissident self-published work in the 70's under Communist Russia that has some very fanficul elements to it, and is entirely set between one train station (Moscow) and the next (Petushki). I fell in love with the the characters, plot twists, and just in general insanity of this novel and it has held a very soft spot in my heart ever since. Lately, I have been barreling through Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer and Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins and they are quite quickly taking the cake. I must also mention other, long-time favorite authors include Tolkien, Burroughs, Murakami, and many, many others that I could not even begin to list.
17. In Goblet of Fire, Harry was chosen for the Tri-Wizard Tournament even with the age-line. Ron was unable to enter because of the age restriction even though he really wanted to be a part of the Tournament. Was Ron right to be jealous/angry at Harry? Were Harry's reactions appropriate? Why?
I don't believe that Ron was right in his reactions toward Harry; however, Ron's hot-headed, impulsive nature would logically lead him to such conclusions. Besides, I can understand how he feels, being an "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" sort of character that being a sidekick always demands.
18. Which class would you look forward to the most at Hogwarts? Which classes do you/did you excel in most at school?
Oh, without a doubt it would be Potions. With my newfound love of perfumery and DIY cosmetics, I want to learn the ins and outs of all sorts of brewing techniques. Besides that magical recipes are oft-times the best, most natural ways to cure any ailment, the chemistry and science involve fascinates me and I would want to own every single ingredient imaginable. It's odd, as chemistry in school never excited me as much, but the thought of using what I know in Potions to create wonderful, redolent concoctions that have magical abilities as well would just be fascinating.
In school, I was best at English and any sort of Communications or Language classes. In college, I received my degrees in Russian Languages and Linguistics, and the science and art of communication has always come very naturally to me (despite that I received a crocodile in Spelling).
19. In the wizarding world, all 5th year students are required to pick a career to focus on going into their 6th and 7th years at Hogwarts. What career path would you choose? Why? How does it relate to what you wish to do (or are currently doing) in the future?
Though I would love to be a Potions Master, I don't know if I'll ever make perfumery a career. I would probably focus on Magical History and then, like most I know, end up doing something entirely different with it. However, since that's not really the point of the question, here's my answer: more than likely, with my love for books, I would end up owning something along the lines of Flourish and Blotts or running a publications house like Obscurus. I have always wanted to own my own press, and while I don't know quite how I would study for this at Hogwarts, I think this would be a fascinating wizarding career. I'm sure I'd start out working for some publication like the Quibbler and then work my way up.
20. In the Wizarding world, some pure-blood wizards consider Muggle-borns "filthy" and "horrible." In our world, people are categorized by their wealth, racial background, and appearance. What are your opinions on Muggle-borns? What are the qualities that you value in others?
I don't look down my nose on them or consider them to be "filthy mudbloods." I try to treat everyone with respect, and I expect them to do the same for me. I try not to discriminate in my own life, but it's hard. You get used to certain types of people, certain social circles, certain lifestyles, and then people from other circles & lifestyles attempt to enter your comfort zone and you are displaced, and sometimes forced to make snap judgments. While I consider myself judgmental, I am not to the point of cruelty. I most like surrounding myself with other ambitious folks, or at least, folks who are doing something to better their lives and the lives of those around them. I consider people who aren't trying to better their own lives lazy and disrespectful and it is hard for me to think of bums or poor as anything but lazy, though I know in the rational part of my brain that it's not always the truth. As I also stated earlier, I appreciate others who create, and especially, who create music. I love all forms of creativity really, but music is what I appreciate most, probably because I am always looking for inspiration in my own art.
21. You have stumbled across five magical wells. One is the Well of Common Sense and Logic, the second is the Well of Creativity, the third is the Well of Optimism, the fourth is the Well of Physical Strength, and the fifth is the Well of Beauty. You can only drink from one well, but once you do you will be endowed with that ability for the rest of your life. Which well do you think you would definitely not need, and which do you think you would want to drink from?
I would drink from the Well of Beauty. One thing that frustrates me most in this world is my looks, and even though I know I am not ugly, I want others to see that I am not ugly. I have some self confidence issues when it comes to my body (who doesn't?) and to have these melt away would be freedom from a burden, truly. I would not drink from the Well of Common Sense and Logic, the Well of Creativity, because I feel as if I already possess these abilities. While I am not physically strong or optimistic, I like my petite nature and my cynicism.
22. If you had to make 5 Horcruxes, who are or what objects would you choose and why? Meaning, what means the most to you and why what significance does it have that you would want to put your soul into it?
Some of these are going to seem shallow, but here goes.
23. What would your boggart form be and why?
A very high cliff. Hell, even a step stool. I hate heights. I get very shaky on anything that is too high up (though I can fly without any problems now). It could also take the form of: deep water (insane fear of drowning), or a wedding ring (insane fear of commitment/rejection/relationships). A very interesting thought that just popped into mind, if something were to walk out of a closet (like Snape in Neville's grandmother's clothes), I suppose the scariest thing that comes to mind is a bum who looked just like me. The idea of poverty also scares me to no end.
24. Anything else you want to tell us before we sort you? Also, please tell us where you heard about this community. (Members who refer new applicants receive points, so please try to be as specific as possible.) Not really :) Think I covered everything! I found this by searching "sorting" on LJ, and I have been a member (and still am) of some other sorting comms, but I'd like to see where you all think I belong. *Shamelessly edits her application:* Also, I like to sing in the shower!
2. Age: 24
3. Gender: Female
4. What are your hobbies/interests outside of HP? How do you feel these hobbies/interests contribute to your personality?
Beyond Harry Potter, I am very extensively interested in several facets of life. I am interested, first and foremost, in books, literature, and the production thereof. That is to say, I am interested primarily in writing; I write more than I read, but I write less than I'd like. I own more books than I could read in the next year, and it is less than fifty. But I enjoy words, the endless combinations of syllables used to evoke emotion. I think that this has shaped my personality considerably: I am obsessed with communication (would make sense why I went to school for Linguistics) Second, at a very close second, mind you, is music. I have been playing the piano and reading sheet music probably since before I realized my first obsession existed, but I also play guitar, and most frequently, drums, and hope that my current incarnation of a rock band will actually stick this time. I love performing and creating music and I love the people that want to be on the journey with me. I think music has contributed to my creativity a lot over the years. I feel most drawn to people who are musically inclined or at least artistically so, and so I gravitate towards others who play guitar or sing or something of the sort, though that's not solely what I base my friendships around. Last, and probably most surprising - to me, as well - is cosmetics, specifically, the creation of. Lately I have been diving into the world of perfumery and soaps, and though nature has always been that of a DIY-er, most don't think I'm "girly" enough to want to produce perfumes, but I think they're crazy. Anyway, I like hobbies that help me create something, most importantly. When I find a hobby (like knitting) that escapes me completely and I end up simply destroying things instead, I get bored easily and drop it quickly.
5. Which Harry Potter character do you feel you can relate to the most? Explain. Which character is your favorite? Again, explain.
Right now, I'm going to say Professor Snape, if for anything because of my obsession with chemistry and modern-day "potion-making". When I am working on new blends, surrounded by drams and 5ml's of all sorts of scents I sometimes feel like I should have my own potions lab that I envision would look much like Snape's, dark, dingy, the only light being the glowing whatever present in the bottles around. However, besides that, I find myself extremely ambitious. When I find something that I want, I go after it. I had similar experiences as he seemed to in school - I was the underdog and the geek, and picked on. Not many people understood me, but I was a bit of a snob regardless of the fact that I was the underdog. I held my head high and had my own weird sense of pride (that I still carry). I am extremely picky about whom I associate with. I won't base friendships on certain traits but there are qualities that I uphold more than others, and if you exhibit them, it's likelier that I'll give you a better chance than others in getting to know me.
6. Give us explanations and reasons for and against you being sorted into each house.
a. Gryffindor I am extremely independent. I take my independence very seriously. I worked very hard to get where I am: able to afford living alone in a nice apartment in my favorite city in the world, and being financially independent from my family as well as whatever other debts at my age, is one of the most valuable things in my life. On another note, I believe that independence equals freedom, and I am extremely proud of my freedom - be it freedom to vote, marry whom I choose, work where I want, or think as I please, the ability to make the most of my independence is something that I think really defines my personality.
For: Against: I keep trying to think of all of these traits that are Gryffindor that I am *not* and it's hard. I could go on about my passion, or on about my courage, or like I just did about my independence. I guess the one thing that I could say that is very un-Gryffindor of me, is that I am somewhat of a recluse. I am not entirely sociable, though I do well in social situations (now as an adult). I will blow off plans with friends on a whim, just to stay home and read a book. I don't like to go out all the time, though I do have fun when I do. I don't eat up every opportunity to be around other people, because in general, I am a misanthrope, and more often than not, keep to myself.
b. Hufflepuff
For: Determination! I am extremely determined. Few obstacles are too big, but no task is too small - don't worry, I'll tell you, I'll handle it. I know first hand how to deal with the pressure of succeeding in something that is difficult, how to persevere. I almost put this in my Gryffindor traits and then realized, wait a second, I'm starting to sound Hufflepuff-ian here. So yes, I'm a little worker bee, if you will, when it comes to getting my stuff done. It doesn't matter what it is, something for work or something for play, but you won't find a task unfinished in my to-do list if it's really important to me.
Against: Disloyalty. Unfortunately, if I feel as if something unjust is happening against me, I'll side with myself regardless if I'm right. It is hard for me to be fair, and it is hard for me to stick by someone - especially if I think that they are betraying me in some way. In some cases, I will find small, insignificant excuses to drop friendships or relationships. While I will defend friends to the death, there are very, very few who really gain my loyalty, and few who receive such defenses.
c. Ravenclaw
For: I am extremely obsessive compulsive. I don't mean this in a bad, psych ward sort of way, now, so don't get any ideas. I just mean that I like my routines. I prefer my routines to all others, in fact, and when those details that I have been obsessing over and analyzing over for weeks to make sure that, when the moment comes that I have to turn over a project, or even something as simple as clean my apartment, I know exactly what needs to be done in every single speck of time or space allotted, and I will fine-tune each aspect until I have perfection. I like things in their place and on time.
Against: I don't consider myself to be book-smart (yes, despite that I love literature). I am not a chemistry-whiz even though I make perfume. I can't do math to save my life. I am intelligent enough to follow recipes and learn things on my own, plus I can communicate, but I couldn't pass the SATs above 1000, even now. I know that intelligence isn't solely based upon this, but I feel it's a stereotype of Ravenclaw house. And sometimes, I just do really, monumentally dumb things.
d. Slytherin
For: As stated earlier, I am extremely ambitious. I am ambitious to the point that if I have not met a particular goal I start to beat myself up over it, and I will do anything to figure out why I haven't reached that goal until I am satisfied with my current state of being. This is especially true in my professional life ( I work for a really large computer company and produce a really, really big web site ) and sometimes I don't know how I'd gotten here if I hadn't been as ambitious as I have. I also think that I am cunning, and that I can use other people to my advantage. I rarely do in a bad way, but if it is going to help me get somewhere I need, I don't mind playing the game once in awhile.
Against: Though at one time in my life I was one of those who would snub another out of prejudice, I would like to think that I have overcome that. I grew up in the South in a Baptist household as a liberal, bisexual female, so now that I am in much more liberal part of the country, I simply try to treat everyone with the respect that they deserve because I know how it is to be looked down on, simply for something you believe in. Also, while I live to better my own self, it is rarely at the expense of others.
7. What was your least favorite moment in HP?
Dumbledore's death. While I understand the merit of the event in the propulsion of the series to its climax, next to Sirius, Albus was my favorite character -- and then to have lost both, I felt as Harry did, abandoned and crushed and completely thrown off guard. Albus, after the loss of Sirius, was sort of the crux crutch on which my faith in the fate of the wizarding world really stood. And then to have Snape, whom I also love, kill him was just sort of shocking. I literally through HBP across the room after I finished it, I was so mad at the ending. But I think that's exactly what JKR intended, so I give her kudos in actually having the balls to kill off a major plot character just at the climax of her novel series that way, and even though I hate the thought of no more Dumbledore more than just about anything in the series, it also tremendously excites me to see what JKR is going to pull next.
At a close second, comes anything relating to Harry/Ginny. Completely out of the blue, and completely inconsequential to anything else happening. Does not compute. At a very close third, comes Remus/Tonks. *brain explodes*
8. What about HP appeals to you (e.g. the romance, the adventure, the friendships, the fantasy, the mystery)?
Originally, it was the mystery. I picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone early in its first printed form and there was no Harry Potter Lexicon or sorting community and no one knew what this whole "Harry Potter" business was about. I have always been a fan of fantasy, being a Tolkien reader from a very early age, and so my mom bought it for me one Fall. I ate up every inch of mystique in the first novel very quickly, the idea that this little unknown boy was the hero of his world he knew nothing about is such an intriguing idea, something every kid dreams of being. As I grew with the books, it became the characters, their backgrounds, their relationships with one another and how all of it intertwined to form very elaborate and very detailed plot for a children's book. The complexity of the relationships enchanted me.
9. What would you do if your friend was in danger? What would you give up in order to save them? Would you lay your life on the line?
I've given up a lot for the few friends who have really meant anything to me in the past, and now, that things have come to be the way they are (i.e., I got screwed), I honestly can't say there's one friend in my life that I would give up something for. I have given up almost everything for everyone else, and gotten nothing in return, and I am sick and tired of it. My family is a different story, however; I would do anything for my parents or my brother, even though sometimes I do pretend that I moved 2,400 miles away from home just to spite them. That's not true.
10. If you could only store one memory in the Pensieve to visit over again, which one would it be? Why?
As a most recent memory, New Year's Eve, 2006, spent in a quiet cabin in the middle of Seattle, down by the locks, whilst firework explosions rang out in a barrage of color and sound and smoke and ecstacy in the sky as the midnight hour approached. High on life, intoxicated by whatever it was we were drinking, and having an, erm, marvelous time of slight debauchery with the guy I am dating.
11. What excites you the most in life? Where do you get the most joy and fulfillment?
Creating. I find the most satisfaction from making something tangible. Whether it's food for myself for the evening or a new scent, or a simple sketch, or a poem, if I can see it and touch it and it was made by me I feel as if I somehow contributed to life. (Cue speech from High Fidelity here.) I don't like destruction; it makes me sad and I hate it. I like it when things organically are produced and I feel as if I have a part of that in most of my hobbies.
12. If you were in Harry's position during the "Snape's Worst Memory" incident, how would you view Peter, James, Sirius, Lily, Remus, and Snape differently? Why?
I would really question what I knew about the Mauraders. Here were four figures, well, minus Pettigrew, that I had been regaling as these heroes of mine and then I see how cruel even they can be. I would feel sorry for Snape, and maybe feel more pride that Lily was my mother for the way she stood up to him, though confused as to why she wasn't loyal to James to take his side on the matter.
13. If you had access to a time turner without worry of not being able to return, nor any other restrictions, what would you use it for and why?
I would use it to return to different, significant points of history and watch them as they unfold: the building of the great pyramids, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the fall of Communist Russia. I would be interested in documenting human history and writing the real History of the World (not the one just according to Mel Brooks. I would love to meet a few famous political figures, rock musicians, authors and poets, as well, and get their ideas on what was happening around them at the time. I guess I'd turn into the Time Traveling Historian, which would make a great special on The History Channel.
14. In the Philosopher’s Stone (AKA Sorcerer’s Stone) Neville had a choice: he could let his friends go out at night when they weren’t supposed to and potentially they could lose points for his house, or he could confront them and stop them from breaking the rules. What would you have done in his situation?
Exactly the same as Neville did. I am usually the one to put my foot down and stand up to my friends and be stubborn, in these situations. I am usually the voice of reason, the pestering, nagging voice in the back of your head telling you that you know what you're doing is crazy and wrong. I enjoy spontaneous acts of rebellion, but more often than not I like the records to show that I was the one trying to do the right thing.
15. Who (dead, alive, or fictional) do you most admire? This can be someone from real life or from Harry Potter.
I admire my dad the most. Though we've had our differences, his determination and just general damn-smartness always amazes me. His ability to see both sides of every picture and always provide a just response fascinate me, and the fact that he has always been there fore me through everything (and I do mean that with a heavy-handedness) means so much to me. Non-sentimentally, Lou Reed, lead singer of the Velvet Underground, and my favorite musician of all time - I am just awestruck every time I put on a Velvet Underground record to this day, and they never cease to surprise me. Beyond the VU, Lou became a talented songwriter on his own and there are few who can do the solo thing and just be fantastic at it. I always admire people who can do things I like to do way better than I can do them.
16. What is your favorite book outside of Harry Potter? What is it about this book that endears it to you?
The question I have been staring at for the longest time. *sigh* Favorite book, favorite book, favorite book... oh but there are too many gems to choose from! I could no sooner choose a star in the night sky than to choose my favorite book! But for you, dearest readers of this sorting application, I shall try. I have done my best to narrow it down to two: Anthem, by Ayn Rand, and Moskva-Petushki, by Venedikt Erofeev. Anthem was one of the first books I read and really and truly could not stop thinking about. Its vivid imagery of a strict communist society and the rebellion that occurs among intelligent members really romanticized the world at large for me, and I became a devout objectivist (until I discovered Communism later on, but that's a whole entirely different story). Moskva-Petushki is an inventive circular novel that was a dissident self-published work in the 70's under Communist Russia that has some very fanficul elements to it, and is entirely set between one train station (Moscow) and the next (Petushki). I fell in love with the the characters, plot twists, and just in general insanity of this novel and it has held a very soft spot in my heart ever since. Lately, I have been barreling through Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer and Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins and they are quite quickly taking the cake. I must also mention other, long-time favorite authors include Tolkien, Burroughs, Murakami, and many, many others that I could not even begin to list.
17. In Goblet of Fire, Harry was chosen for the Tri-Wizard Tournament even with the age-line. Ron was unable to enter because of the age restriction even though he really wanted to be a part of the Tournament. Was Ron right to be jealous/angry at Harry? Were Harry's reactions appropriate? Why?
I don't believe that Ron was right in his reactions toward Harry; however, Ron's hot-headed, impulsive nature would logically lead him to such conclusions. Besides, I can understand how he feels, being an "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" sort of character that being a sidekick always demands.
18. Which class would you look forward to the most at Hogwarts? Which classes do you/did you excel in most at school?
Oh, without a doubt it would be Potions. With my newfound love of perfumery and DIY cosmetics, I want to learn the ins and outs of all sorts of brewing techniques. Besides that magical recipes are oft-times the best, most natural ways to cure any ailment, the chemistry and science involve fascinates me and I would want to own every single ingredient imaginable. It's odd, as chemistry in school never excited me as much, but the thought of using what I know in Potions to create wonderful, redolent concoctions that have magical abilities as well would just be fascinating.
In school, I was best at English and any sort of Communications or Language classes. In college, I received my degrees in Russian Languages and Linguistics, and the science and art of communication has always come very naturally to me (despite that I received a crocodile in Spelling).
19. In the wizarding world, all 5th year students are required to pick a career to focus on going into their 6th and 7th years at Hogwarts. What career path would you choose? Why? How does it relate to what you wish to do (or are currently doing) in the future?
Though I would love to be a Potions Master, I don't know if I'll ever make perfumery a career. I would probably focus on Magical History and then, like most I know, end up doing something entirely different with it. However, since that's not really the point of the question, here's my answer: more than likely, with my love for books, I would end up owning something along the lines of Flourish and Blotts or running a publications house like Obscurus. I have always wanted to own my own press, and while I don't know quite how I would study for this at Hogwarts, I think this would be a fascinating wizarding career. I'm sure I'd start out working for some publication like the Quibbler and then work my way up.
20. In the Wizarding world, some pure-blood wizards consider Muggle-borns "filthy" and "horrible." In our world, people are categorized by their wealth, racial background, and appearance. What are your opinions on Muggle-borns? What are the qualities that you value in others?
I don't look down my nose on them or consider them to be "filthy mudbloods." I try to treat everyone with respect, and I expect them to do the same for me. I try not to discriminate in my own life, but it's hard. You get used to certain types of people, certain social circles, certain lifestyles, and then people from other circles & lifestyles attempt to enter your comfort zone and you are displaced, and sometimes forced to make snap judgments. While I consider myself judgmental, I am not to the point of cruelty. I most like surrounding myself with other ambitious folks, or at least, folks who are doing something to better their lives and the lives of those around them. I consider people who aren't trying to better their own lives lazy and disrespectful and it is hard for me to think of bums or poor as anything but lazy, though I know in the rational part of my brain that it's not always the truth. As I also stated earlier, I appreciate others who create, and especially, who create music. I love all forms of creativity really, but music is what I appreciate most, probably because I am always looking for inspiration in my own art.
21. You have stumbled across five magical wells. One is the Well of Common Sense and Logic, the second is the Well of Creativity, the third is the Well of Optimism, the fourth is the Well of Physical Strength, and the fifth is the Well of Beauty. You can only drink from one well, but once you do you will be endowed with that ability for the rest of your life. Which well do you think you would definitely not need, and which do you think you would want to drink from?
I would drink from the Well of Beauty. One thing that frustrates me most in this world is my looks, and even though I know I am not ugly, I want others to see that I am not ugly. I have some self confidence issues when it comes to my body (who doesn't?) and to have these melt away would be freedom from a burden, truly. I would not drink from the Well of Common Sense and Logic, the Well of Creativity, because I feel as if I already possess these abilities. While I am not physically strong or optimistic, I like my petite nature and my cynicism.
22. If you had to make 5 Horcruxes, who are or what objects would you choose and why? Meaning, what means the most to you and why what significance does it have that you would want to put your soul into it?
Some of these are going to seem shallow, but here goes.
- A moleskin journal. I write a lot, and I try to keep everything in tangible paper form.
- An ornate, Russian perfume bottle that my mother bought me for graduation.
- A large silver "M" that hangs on my wall. I've been obsessed with wall letters for a very long time (I blame Mary Tyler Moore) and while it'd be an obvious horcrux, well, that's kinda the point.
- A necklace that my grandmother gave me; it's an old family heirloom with diamonds and gold. I love my grandmother more than just about anybody on the planet.
- The contract I signed for my current job. It sounds strange, but I have no idea where I would be without this employment, and I am so thankful to my bosses and employers for giving me a chance.
23. What would your boggart form be and why?
A very high cliff. Hell, even a step stool. I hate heights. I get very shaky on anything that is too high up (though I can fly without any problems now). It could also take the form of: deep water (insane fear of drowning), or a wedding ring (insane fear of commitment/rejection/relationships). A very interesting thought that just popped into mind, if something were to walk out of a closet (like Snape in Neville's grandmother's clothes), I suppose the scariest thing that comes to mind is a bum who looked just like me. The idea of poverty also scares me to no end.
24. Anything else you want to tell us before we sort you? Also, please tell us where you heard about this community. (Members who refer new applicants receive points, so please try to be as specific as possible.) Not really :) Think I covered everything! I found this by searching "sorting" on LJ, and I have been a member (and still am) of some other sorting comms, but I'd like to see where you all think I belong. *Shamelessly edits her application:* Also, I like to sing in the shower!