Summer Skies and Moonlight
LUMOS SORTING APPLICATION
Name: Sora
Age (13 or up; we stick to LJ rules): Twenty-one
Location: Kirkland, Washington, USA
Where did you hear about this community? (Please tell us which lj user recommended you for he/she shall be given a point.) eyes_of_nymphus.
How much time are you willing to invest in this community? That depends entirely on how much enjoyment I get out of reading and responding here... Which seems like it could be a good fair bit. (This would be why I'm putting in the application.)
PART 1 - Canon
1. Have you read all the books?
I'm actually in the process of rereading all of them before cracking open my shiny new copy of HBP, which I pre-ordered from Canada. I'm about about in the middle of GoF again; should be on to HBP by Sunday or so. I am so tempted to start just with HBP, but I want everything to be fresh in my mind when I do so. Plus, you pick up so much more when you reread!
2. Give us your personal interpretation of each Hogwarts house (in terms of atmosphere, mentality, intra-house relationships et cetera - these are just a few examples).
Oh, god. Here we go.
Gryffindor: Boisterous and filled with camraderie, they place their strongest emphasis on upholding their values and beliefs -- sometimes at the expense of other things they hold dear. Definitely the most impatient of the houses, they're the type to MAKE something happen, loudly and publicly, if it doesn't happen on its own. They're not exactly what one could call "subtle," but they are the type you want fighting on your side, and they'd most likely want to be in the front lines. Inter-House relations are fine on their side -- as long as you don't go against their beliefs. Slytherin do this simply by existing. They're generally fine with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, though.
Hufflepuff: It's hard to say much about these guys. They remind me a lot of cocker spaniels -- faithful, loving, giving, always willing to give it their all, and entirely spineless except for where it concerns their loyalty to their friends. Nevertheless, they are fiercely, blindly loyal to those friends, and will do anything it takes for them. Anything at all. They're a great support network. Inter-House relations are also fine from their end -- as long as you don't go against their friends. Slytherin terrify and terrorise them and they aren't too keen on Ravenclaw's air of superiority.
Ravenclaw: The intelligent ones, they're bookish and do their homework -- in every sense. If you've got a problem, go to Ravenclaw; they're likely going to be the ones to fix it. But it's more than just book learning; they think outside the box and more to solve an issue. They don't do blind loyalty -- not to people nor to causes. They think everything out, rationally, logically, and make their decisions based on present circumstances, not prejudice. They can tend to hold themselves a bit above the rest, because of how they think, but it's not necessarily arrogance so much as confidence in their abilities. They do, however, have a tendancy to study life, rather than LIVE it. Inter-house relations are generally a bit distant -- they tend to think Gryffindor foolish and Hufflepuff stupid. They have no real problem with Slytherin as a whole.
Slytherin: Cunning, ambitious, and a bit self-centred. Slytherin gets a bad rap in the books, but they're not "all evil," any more than Gryffindor are "all good" (Peter Pettigrew, anyone?). They're also very rational and logical, but they do have a lot of loyalty to their ideals -- they differ from Gryffindor largely in that, while Gryffindor's ideals are very community-based, Slytherin's are more centred around the self. They have no moral objection to others' happiness; they just want their own first. Slytherin are arrogant, though, and tend to look at others' lack of concern for themselves as weakness, which they can't abide. This is why they dislike Gryffindor and Hufflepuff so much -- they view them as weak. As such, their Inter-House relations are generally strained, although they don't mind Ravenclaw most of the time; they also prize the analytical assessments.
3. What would be your favourite flavour of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and why (note: as the name implies, all possible flavours exist)?
Uh. Good question, really. This sort of question varies a lot for me, depending on my mood. Right now, I'm thinking Apple Pie a la Mode, with extra cinnamon, because the apple/pastry/cinnamon/vanilla/cream combination sounds incredibly soothing and tasty. The sweetness of the apple combining with the slight spice of the cinnamon, mellowed out by the vanilla and pastry, and finally given a full richness by the cream. Lovely!
4. If you were on your House’s Quidditch Team, which position would you preferably play and why?
Uh. Spectator? I don't much like sports. Nevertheless, were I to be on the team, I would likely take a role of lead Chaser: I do well in teamwork situations, particularly when I'm allowed to have my say in directing the outcome. The Chasers work together to score the goals with the Quaffle which, while not as glamourous as the Seeker position, can be exceedingly important in turning the tide of a game.
5. (Optional) What HP conspiracy theory do you hold true unless it is textually proven otherwise? (i.e. Snape is a vampire, Ron is Dumbledore, etc. -there are loads of these theories. Feel free to contribute your own)?
Oh, lord. So many possibilities! I am a hardcore Remus/Sirius 'shipper, if that counts; I think it's totally canon, and rereading PoA has only strengthened that belief. I'm hearing whispers that it's even more confirmed in HBP, and I can't wait to find out. I love the (sadly few) interactions between Remus and Sirius we get to see, the working in concert that speaks strongly of massive amounts of time spent together -- far more than even Harry and Ron (also best friends) have.
6. (Optional. If you can't answer #5, make sure you answer this one.) What is your favorite book aside from HP and why?
I adore reading. I'll cite The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, because that's my favourite book by my favourite author. It's a superlative novel, and it shaped a lot of my beliefs on relationships, personal freedoms, the rights of governments, and personal accountability. A quote from that book: "I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do."
7. What would your Room of Requirement look like?
"Apart from it looking exactly like Hagrid's Hut..."
Rule's been followed. heh. My Room of Requirement? I imagine that this would, by necessity, change frequently, depending on what I needed at the time. Nevertheless, were I to be using it as my personal hideaway or somesuch, it would have thick, plush carpeting, a fireplace, a few comfy chairs, a comfy couch, and a big, comfortable bed. Also, the walls would be completely lined with books of all sorts; mostly fiction, but a good percentage of nonfiction as well. It would be lit comfortably; if I were reading, it would be reasonably bright, but otherwise softly. Blue being my favourite colour, it would largely be that, with black, and silver as well.
8. Describe your wand and tell us why you picked that design.
Hawthorne, 10 inches, with a phoenix-feather core. Hawthorne because, according to the Celtic moon signs, that is my tree, and it fits me very well according to this (and also, that's how JKR chose the Trio's):
In general, Hawthorn individuals are charismatic, creative and full of innovative ideas. Being multi-talented people, they possess an ability to adapt easily to any change in circumstances. They have personal qualities which are akin to those of the ancient Celtic Bards and Druids, often excelling in the performing arts. They also have a gift for influencing others while still remaining sympathetic. Lively and spontaneous with good communication skills, the Hawthorn individual has an abundance of self-confidence and makes for a great leader. They are honest and sincere as friends, given their natural sympathy and ability to be good listeners. There is a tendency, however, toward a volatile temper and bursts of anger. The Hawthorn person is adept at devising the most brilliant of plans and schemes. Generally, the great strength of the Hawthorn comes from knowledge regarding the weaknesses of adversaries or any opposing force. However, the Hawthorn individual is not a ruthless character, merely a clever strategist.
Hawthorn individuals often participate in a variety of sporting activities. They possess a sharp sense of humor which is brimming with innuendo...a talent which frequently attracts them to writing and journalism. Due to the Hawthorns low bordeom threshold, they frequently have trouble forging a permanent relationship. However, they do make wonderful parents who cannot be fooled by their "clever" offspring and often lead a colorful and exciting lifestyle. Easily bored, they crave mental stimulation and challenges. With a desire to try a "little bit of everything," the Hawthorn person often seems to be almost ageless in appearance and character.
I chose ten inches, because that seems a very comfortable length to worth with -- not so long as to be cumbersome, but not so short as to not feel like a wand.
The phoenix feather is because I am a person focused on growth and the rebirth of an individual, because I always believe that "everything will be okay in the end, because if it isn't okay, it isn't the end." I'm also a very Air individual (communication, logic, etc), and a feather is definitely an air symbol.
PART 2 - You
Please go here and fill out the short Myers-Briggs test.
9. Paste the URL of your results (TOP 5) including its description here.
I don't think the URL will do you much good, but here you go. Here's the results:
Your #1 Match: INFP -- The Idealist
You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world. Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships. It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close. But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop.
You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.
Your #2 Match: ENFP -- The Inspirer
You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends. You are also unconventional, irreverant, and unimpressed by authority and rules. Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives. You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're qutie the storyteller!
You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.
Your #3 Match: INFJ -- The Protector
You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them.
You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.
Your #4 Match: ISFP -- The Artist
You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now). You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children. Simply put, you enjoy bueaty [sic] in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life. Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.
You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.
Your #5 Match: ENFJ -- The Giver
You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.
You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.
10. Who[m] do you admire most and why?
If I can use a fictional character, I'll say Hazel Stone, from The Cat Who Walks Through Walls, because she's amazing. Confident, competent, gorgeous, intelligent, she's long been my role model in some ways. She is self-assured without being arrogant, witty and gregarious while still keeping true to herself, sensual and loving even in trying situations.
11. What would you like to have accomplished at the end of your life?
Having created a happy home with my husband and raising our as-yet-unconceived children to be confident, competent adults. A bit anachronistically feminine, but true.
12. Would you sooner commit a crime against your kin or your countrymen?
Against my countrymen; I feel a much stronger bond to my family than to this nation.
13. What would your animagus be and why?
Honestly, I have no idea; I don't see any traits of any one specific animal in myself. I guess I'd say "cat"? The qualities I see in them that I like in myself/want to enhance are independance, intelligence, aloofness, playful, well-mannered, and the whole image of steel under velvet (or claws in soft paws? I dunno.).
14. What would your patronus be and why?
Probably a dragon; they've always made me feel safe and comforted, and I have an affinity for beings with wings. A patronus is a semi-physical embodiment of your joys and what you feel will protect you, so that makes a lot of sense for me. (And, really, if you have a DRAGON defending you, how can you NOT feel safe?)
15. What career would you consider if you were indeed part of the wizarding world and why?
Honestly? I would adore teaching at Hogwarts -- obviously in whatever subject is best of mine, but I'm thinking either Charms or Arithmancy. I liked most of my subjects in school, honestly, so it's difficult for me to decide on just one.
So, um, that's it. Go me! (Sorry I'm so verbose. :X)