LUMOS SORTING APPLICATION
Name: Jennifer ("Jen" for short, "Jenni" for family, "Jennifer" when I introduce myself,
and professionally)
Age (13 or up; we stick to LJ rules): 27
Location: Michigan
Where did you hear about this community? (Please tell us which
lj user recommended you for he/she shall be given a point.) Random exploration of Livejournal
How much time are you willing to invest in this community? As much as necessary, but not
more than I can spare. I'm definitely a LJ junkie, but a fairly recent one.
PART 1 - Canon
1. Have you read all the books?
Read them all, listened to 1-5 on Audiobook to and from work. Sad to say, I haven't been with
Harry since the beginning, though. A friend had the first four books sent to me in a boxed
set...then I was hooked.
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).
Gryffindor-- Gryffindor seems like a rowdy, happy, lively place. Though Gryffindors have their
prejudices, they seems to be open and friendly to everyone. They're lion-hearted, courageous,
heroic, good and kind. They're obviously Rowling's favorites. They and the Slytherins are the
movers and shakers of the world, which may be why they are at such odds. There is a fine line
between being a Gryffindor and a Slytherin, as we have seen with Harry's sorting. It's not a far
leap from fighting the good fight to becoming a vigilante. As Neville has proven, the courage and
heroism need not be grand. Merely standing up for what you believe in in small circles,
vocalizing unpopular beliefs...these are Gryffindorian attitudes, too.
Ravenclaw-- Ravenclaw, though it is rather full of giggly girls, seems a much more serious place
than Gryffindor. Ravenclaws are studious and thorough, responsible and deep. They seem to be very
emotional, probably in part because they are studious and pensive. I envision the Ravenclaw
commonroom as more of a cosy library--not as stringent at Mme. Pince's library, but warm and
inviting, with large communal tables and big comfey chairs. It seems that no one really is fond
of the Slytherins but themselves, but Ravenclaws (and Hufflepuffs) seem to have less of a rivalry
with them than Gryffendors. Of the four houses, I would be most likely to ask a member of
Ravenclaw to babysit for me! ;) They're dependable and resourceful, much like Hermione, but with
less gumption. Hermione is too outspoken to fit in well in Ravenclaw, I think. I sense that
Ravenclaws would not be so quick to answer every question a teacher posed. They are much more
reserved and mysterious than she.
Hufflepuff-- Ahh...the best of the rest. Hufflepuffs are a mix of those with less pizazz than the
rest. They are fair and open to new ideas. They're smart and sly and courageous, just not to the
extent that places them elsewhere in another house. They're fun-loving, hard-working,
down-to-earth people, kind of you're "Average Joe". They're not the type of person to make
headlines alone, they're more the type of person that makes sure all the pieces fit into place.
They're the backup band, the assistant coach, the CEO's assistant. Without them, everything would
fall apart, but you wouldn't realize it until they were gone. They get the thankless jobs that no
one else thinks about but that still need to be done. And they know it, and they're proud of it,
because it isn't the recognition that matters, it's the satisfaction of a job well done. They're
caring and loyal and goal-oriented. Of the houses, I'd mark a Hufflepuff as most likely to strike
up a friendship with a Slytherin.
Slytherin-- Slytherin seems like an awfully dark and dank place to me for the sort of people who
are in it. I'm not sure how many of the ambitious people I know would like to admit that they
live in the cellars, no matter how swanky the decorating scheme is. However, it does seem fitting
, too. I see Slytherin members as those who are not afraid to do whatever it takes to get
something done. They are potential Gryffindors that take things one step over the line. How far
is one willing to go to get results? Do the ends justify the means? Torture for the greater good,
after all, is still torture. Slytherin isn't just filled with nasty people who cut in front of
you in line, talk about you behind your back and bully you to make themselves feel better. They
are also people who believe that in order to get results, you must eliminate choices, that in
order to capture a rapist, you must extract his current location from his uncooperative brother
by threatening his family. The fine line between Gryffindor and Slytherin is what causes such
friction between them.
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)?
That would have to be Meijer-brand Bordeaux Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream. And no other brand of
similarly flavored ice cream will do! Why? Because it is absolutely the best taste in the world.
I have made many outrageous claims as to what I would be willing to do for a bowl of the stuff.
Because it is cheap ice cream with real cherries and huge chunks of chocolate and not too much
creamy taste.
4. If you were on your House’s Quidditch Team, which position would
you preferably play and why?
Chaser. I'm not nearly observant enough to be a seeker, and a Keeper has too much pressure on.
The beaters, well, I'm not much for violence, so I'd much rather be trying to avoid the bludgers
than aiming them at people! I am also a big fan of teamwork. Having a couple other Chasers to
back me up is a nice thought.
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)? I just read the K2K theory (parts 1 & 2) and I find it very compelling...not sure
I fully subscribe to it, but like I said, the arguement's very well made.
Personally, I think that the big production made about Voldemort choosing his adversary hints
that potentially Neville will finally have his moment of glory and sacrifice in book 7, saving
the day.
6. (Optional. If you can't answer #5, make sure you answer this
one.) What is your favorite book aside from HP and why?
All of them? Seriously, it depends on my mood. I have to say though, the books that have stayed
with me since the first time I read them were Madelaine L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time series. That
and the Drak is Rising series. I read the Phantom Tollbooth so many times it fell apart. Maybe I
was more impressionable then, but I can't think of books that have made such lasting memories,
since. Authors/Books that have come close: David Eddings multiplicitude of series, Tad Williams,
Mercedes Lackey's early works, Sheri S. Tepper. (Hmm...interesting that none of the general
fiction or chick-lit books I read have entered in, here...and, of course, non-fiction can't
compete. I love reading biographies, but I have yet to read one that has the same resonance as a
fantasy.)
7. What would your Room of Requirement look like? Aside from looking like Hagrid's
Hut...rather like Henry Higgins' study from My Fair Lady (the movie set): Two stories of books,
lovely wood bannisters, comfortable couches--including a recamier (such as this one which I
adore!
http://www.kohlerinteriors.com/baker/1_1_5_0_coll_prod.jsp?brand=Baker&coll_id=324050&category=&s ubcategory=&prod_id=10250&prod_num=2551&index=31&browse_key=Baker%21324050%21%21), a writing
desk...but of course, you would always find the exact book you were looking for, no matter what
shelf you looked at. THere would be a master chef in one corner, so that I could try new and
various cuisines while I read, and, of course, a permanent connection to the internet so that I
could look up obscure quotes and references while I read, visit author websites, etc. In the
opposite corner of the room from the chef would be a conservatory with lovely smelling flowers
and plants, and, of course, there would be a craft area with a working sewing machine (mine never
does), an antique but accurately sized dress dummy (mine is antique but slightly lopsided), all
kinds of fabulous fabrics and trims to facilitate historical costuming, an easel and all the
right brushes and colors of paint, and a huge drawing table, the likes of which I have not had
since college. Oh, and a radio that could play whatever song I was currently wishing to hear. No
more digging up a cd just for one song, or searching through music files on the computer. Oh, and
there should be a game cupboard so that when I brought someone to my room (because sharing is
important!) and we would have something else to do when we tired of eating good food, playing
with paints and crafts or dancing.Oh...and there would have to be at least three cats.
8. Describe your wand and tell us why you picked that design.
I suppose that if we follow the Celtic wand idea that Rowling had, the wood of my wand would be
Ash. It would have to be pliable for transfiguration, and of moderate length--nothing too flashy.
The core should be dragon heartstring for strength of character and stubbornness.
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.
Your #1 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 #2 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 #3 Match: ISFJ
The Nurturer
You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.
A good listener, you excell at helping others in practical ways.
In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.
You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.
You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.
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 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.
What's Your Personality Type? 10. Who do you admire most and why?
I admired my grandfather, an extremely intelligent and kind-hearted person. My mother tells me he
was a bit of a bear when she was growing up, but as a grandfather, he was very easygoing. One
quiet stern word was all it took to make my brother and I feel the deepest shame for having
disappointed him. He had many varied interests: collecting music, amature photography, boating,
architecture (he was a dentist, yet he drew up blueprints for the house and office building that
he owned) and stamp collecting, among other things. When I was young, I had an obsession with
dinosaurs and he and I would sit for hours building skeletons out of balsa wood. He never did
anything huge to change the world, but he was good and generous to many people and had many
friends. I want to be able to be that kind of good friend or family member--to help when it is
needed, offer advice, aid, humor.
11. What would you like to have accomplished at the end of your
life?
Oh...um...see the above? In addition: I want to have had a family, to be a grandmother. I want to
have forged friendships that withstand the changes and ravages of time. I want to have given my
husband all the love and devotion that he deserves (plus a little), and I want to have aided my
parents in their old age as much as they were able to aid their own. I would like to have sung in
a band, traveled to Great Britain, Spain, China, California, Nevada and Alaska (I have already
achieved my other travel goals--Africa, Austria, France and Italy, and others). I would like to
own a sailboat and sail on the Great Lakes, I would like to learn to fly an airplane, run (or
walk) a marathon for charity, and stop worrying about money.
12. Would you sooner commit a crime against your kin or your
countrymen?
I would sooner commit a crime against countrymen since kin are closer. Your family is part of who
you are more than your country. Although national pride is important, it is much easier to flee a
country than your relations, You owe your ancestors and your heritage more than you do your
neighbors.
13. What would your animagus be and why?
I would love to have an animal form that was flashy and exciting like a dragon or a lion, but I
just can't imagine that being very practical. I would probably be a large stoic looking cat,
preferably a patched tabby (part orange tabby, part brown tabby, part grey tabby, part
white--rather like a calico cat with stripes--so pretty!) because I could practically sit in
plain sight and not be seen. Cats have a wonderful way of only being seen when they wish it. This
makes for great disappearing acts, secret-gathering, and, well, no one knows how to relax like a
cat!
14. What would your patronus be and why?
Patronus...hmm...a heron. They are a symbol of patience, peace, and curiosity. I always pause
when I see a heron in flight or statue-still in the water. They seem to be such graceful birds,
and I always feel a bit spiritual when I see them.
15. What career would you consider if you were indeed part of the
wizarding world and why?
Oh, I would definitely be a purveyor of magical animals. As much as I would love to work at
Fluorish and Blott's, the Magical Menagerie would be much more interesting to be in day in and
day out. But of course, I would own my own shop, and go on excursions to find rare and wonderful
new specimens to bring back.