Also, Dude, Horcrux is not the preferred nomenclature.
01. Name: Leslie
02. How did you find out about Hogwarts Elite? We have a very large convention for geeks of all stripes here in my hometown of Atlanta. Some of you probably know of it. It's called Dragon*Con. I always attend and sometimes even run a panel. I'm a huge HP fan, yet I've never cosplayed as anyone from the HP universe. I'm planning to remedy that oversight this year. I stumbled across Sorting Elite while collecting costume ideas from a member's LJ.
||MIRROR OF ERISED||
03. What do you wish to accomplish in life?
I wish for academic, professional, and personal success. I wish for good friends to share that success with. I wish to travel and to learn things. I like kids and they tend to like me, but I've never really send myself creating a family of my own. Instead, I want to work hard so that I have the means to play hard.
04. Describe exactly what you would see in the Mirror of Erised. (This is not the same question as #03.)
I see a Time-Turner that somehow survived the battle at the Department of Mysteries. It has my name engraved on it. A bit of a cheeky answer, I know, but I mean it sincerely! I rarely get four hours' sleep a night. I wish I could say it's because I'm out having fun, but the truth is that I've got a very busy job and I'm in a demanding Master's degree program. Even before my life became one cup of coffee after the next, I've always wished for the ability to manipulate time.
05. What makes a person deserving of your respect?
Those I respect most in life are honest, but never brutally so -- their honesty is tempered by kindness. They are dependable; you never have to doubt them for a minute. They are unafraid to be different. And the have an active intellect and inquisitive nature.
06. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I cannot stand irresponsible people. I understand that we're all different, and we all bring different skills to the table in a given situation. But it drives me up the wall when someone can't be counted on, whether in the context of a group project at school, a work team at the office, or even a group of friends. I am a very hard worker, but that doesn't mean I like to do the work of others.
07. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would care much less what others think of me. Sometimes, I describe this as being "adaptable": I can geek out with my geeky friends, I can impress others with my polished professionalism at work, I can be "cool" at a party. But when it comes down to it, I don't feel a strong sense of self. I'm afraid I try to be what I think people want me to be.
08. If you could do any one thing and suffer no consequences, what would it be?
Just one thing? There are so many things I would do but for the consequences. Probably pick up and move somewhere very different and exciting, maybe in a foreign country. I moved frequently throughout my childhood and was always jealous of classmates who'd known each other since primary school. Once I became an "adult," I put down roots, but I've always been tempted to experience something new.
09. What do you think are your top five positive characteristics?
01. 01. I'm an overachiever. I was never really "preppy," and in fact was a pretty rebellious teen, but at the same time I've been a very driven individual since my grade school days. I was my high school salutatorian, and if you look at my senior yearbook photo, you'll find the name of a dozen clubs listed underneath it. I completed my undergraduate degree on a full scholarship. And now here I am, working full time while doing a full-time Master's degree program.
02. I care deeply about others. Sometimes, my level of empathy is almost embarrassing -- for instance, I have been known to cry at those Greyhound commercials they play around the holidays where kids take the bus home to see mom and pop.
03. At times, I am completely selfless. I will empty my pockets, exhaust myself mentally and physically, and put my own busy life on hold every time if it will help someone through a tough spot. This occasionally gets me in trouble, like when I had three railroad-hopping hobo kids over for a home cooked meal... at my dorm room in college. My roommates were not happy.
04. I'm sociable and fun. I work hard, but I love to have a good time, too. I'll never say no to a good movie, a punk rock concert, or trivia night at the local bar. If nothing's on the agenda, I'll take charge and create a fun night.
05. I'm got a hugely varied range of interests, which can be extremely helpful when it comes to forging new relationships. I like math and science, but I'm a communicator by trade. I live in the South, but I could talk your ear off about cold-weather sports like snowboarding. I love to read. I can teach you to make homemade sushi. I drive a stick-shift car and know how to fix it. I like being a jack of all trades.
10. What do you think are your top five negative characteristics?
01. I have no work/life balance.
02. I care deeply about what others think. (This relates to the earlier question about the one thing I would change about myself.) I know in my heart that it should not matter what others think, but I am prideful and hate to be embarrassed or thought poorly of. I combat this as best I can by surrounding myself with a gaggle of eccentric friends who truly COULDN'T care less what others think.
03. At times, I am absolutely selfish. Sounds a bit contradictory to my strength of being selfless, doesn't it? Ah, but that's how life is. At my best, I will give you the shirt off my back. At my worst, I am single-minded in the pursuit of my own goals. Typically, I don't even realize what a selfish brat I'm being until someone points it out to me, or until much later. I'm also very selfish about my personal freedom. This may be why I've been dating the same guy for six years and refuse to get married. I want my own name, my own finances, and my own house, thank you very much.
04. I have a rebellious streak that sometimes drives me to make rash decisions. I've chosen many a bad boy over Mr. Nice Guy, and I've done things that would make my mother cringe. I wish I could say that I live by the "no regrets" motto, but believe me -- there are things I would do differently if I could go back in time!
05. I can be bossy. I recognize it and try very hard to keep my bossiness in check, but I can't deny that it's there. This may be related to the fact that I find it very hard to delegate work to others -- I simply don't trust that they will do things as well as I could do them myself. There are exceptions! Certainly, I respect many individuals as being more talented or skilled than myself.
||HOGWARTS, A HISTORY||
11. Who is your favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
It's a close competition between Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. I love nearly everything about Hermione, and I see much of myself in her bookish ways, but I must admit she is somewhat predictable. Snape, on the other hand, is anything but predictable, at least on the first read. Long before the truth is revealed, you know there must be a story behind his torment (plus, pardon the fangirl gush here, but OMG I love Alan Rickman!). I also quite liked Lupin.
12. Who is your least favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
Oh, God. I'm going to catch hell for this. But here is is: Ron Weasley. Children will be children, and I ought to understand and forgive his occasional pig-headedness, but I was often frustrated by his treatment of Harry and Hermione
13. What was your favorite plot or character revelation in the Harry Potter series?
Learning that Snape is actually a "good guy" is a major revelation... unless, like me, you decided to put your faith in him much sooner. So for me, it was actually a crazier plot twist when Snape was revealed as the Half-Blood Prince and murdered Dumbledore. I felt betrayed! I knew in my heart Snape was good -- what was going on?
Runners up would be the Elder Wand story arc and the fact that Neville turns out to be decently competent. :)
14. Describe the canon qualities for each house that accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: Chivalry indicates operating based on a code of principles, and I certainly believe there are wrong and right ways to treat people. I am also occasionally daring, in frivolous ways, anyway -- I like adventure, heights, etc.
• Slytherin: I am certainly resourceful. I often demonstrate leadership skills such as strategic thinking and the ability to organize people. I can sometimes act selfishly and carefully consider decisions; I guess this could be described as "self preservation."
• Ravenclaw: I'm an all-around nerd and high academic achiever. I also enjoy being creative through a variety of outlets (writing, visual design, cooking).
• Hufflepuff: There are few terms that describe my approach to work and school better than hard work and dedication, both of which Hufflepuffs are known for.
15. Describe the canon qualities for each house that do not accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: I wish I could claim to be truly brave or courageous, but the fact of the matter is that I will almost always choose the safe, certain route over the risky one. Like anyone else, I occasionally act on a whim, but when it comes to important decisions, I am very conservative in my decision-making. Sometimes I have decided against moving or taking a new job or ending a relationship because I lacked the bravery to do so.
• Slytherin: Except when it comes to things like work habits, I am anything but traditional. I am as liberal as they come, a punky dresser, and a social rights crusader.
• Ravenclaw: I am extremely competitive when it comes to academics, but I can't imagine ever backstabbing anyone over grades -- something Ravenclaws are reported to sometimes do. I would rather fail by my own limitations that win by cheating.
• Hufflepuff: I lack patience in a big way. It is a major shortcoming in how I deal with others.
||HOGWARTS EXPRESS||
16. Age: 26
17. Optional: Link us to where you have promoted this community in your personal journal to earn your future house five points. [PLACE ANSWER HERE]
02. How did you find out about Hogwarts Elite? We have a very large convention for geeks of all stripes here in my hometown of Atlanta. Some of you probably know of it. It's called Dragon*Con. I always attend and sometimes even run a panel. I'm a huge HP fan, yet I've never cosplayed as anyone from the HP universe. I'm planning to remedy that oversight this year. I stumbled across Sorting Elite while collecting costume ideas from a member's LJ.
||MIRROR OF ERISED||
03. What do you wish to accomplish in life?
I wish for academic, professional, and personal success. I wish for good friends to share that success with. I wish to travel and to learn things. I like kids and they tend to like me, but I've never really send myself creating a family of my own. Instead, I want to work hard so that I have the means to play hard.
04. Describe exactly what you would see in the Mirror of Erised. (This is not the same question as #03.)
I see a Time-Turner that somehow survived the battle at the Department of Mysteries. It has my name engraved on it. A bit of a cheeky answer, I know, but I mean it sincerely! I rarely get four hours' sleep a night. I wish I could say it's because I'm out having fun, but the truth is that I've got a very busy job and I'm in a demanding Master's degree program. Even before my life became one cup of coffee after the next, I've always wished for the ability to manipulate time.
05. What makes a person deserving of your respect?
Those I respect most in life are honest, but never brutally so -- their honesty is tempered by kindness. They are dependable; you never have to doubt them for a minute. They are unafraid to be different. And the have an active intellect and inquisitive nature.
06. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I cannot stand irresponsible people. I understand that we're all different, and we all bring different skills to the table in a given situation. But it drives me up the wall when someone can't be counted on, whether in the context of a group project at school, a work team at the office, or even a group of friends. I am a very hard worker, but that doesn't mean I like to do the work of others.
07. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would care much less what others think of me. Sometimes, I describe this as being "adaptable": I can geek out with my geeky friends, I can impress others with my polished professionalism at work, I can be "cool" at a party. But when it comes down to it, I don't feel a strong sense of self. I'm afraid I try to be what I think people want me to be.
08. If you could do any one thing and suffer no consequences, what would it be?
Just one thing? There are so many things I would do but for the consequences. Probably pick up and move somewhere very different and exciting, maybe in a foreign country. I moved frequently throughout my childhood and was always jealous of classmates who'd known each other since primary school. Once I became an "adult," I put down roots, but I've always been tempted to experience something new.
09. What do you think are your top five positive characteristics?
01. 01. I'm an overachiever. I was never really "preppy," and in fact was a pretty rebellious teen, but at the same time I've been a very driven individual since my grade school days. I was my high school salutatorian, and if you look at my senior yearbook photo, you'll find the name of a dozen clubs listed underneath it. I completed my undergraduate degree on a full scholarship. And now here I am, working full time while doing a full-time Master's degree program.
02. I care deeply about others. Sometimes, my level of empathy is almost embarrassing -- for instance, I have been known to cry at those Greyhound commercials they play around the holidays where kids take the bus home to see mom and pop.
03. At times, I am completely selfless. I will empty my pockets, exhaust myself mentally and physically, and put my own busy life on hold every time if it will help someone through a tough spot. This occasionally gets me in trouble, like when I had three railroad-hopping hobo kids over for a home cooked meal... at my dorm room in college. My roommates were not happy.
04. I'm sociable and fun. I work hard, but I love to have a good time, too. I'll never say no to a good movie, a punk rock concert, or trivia night at the local bar. If nothing's on the agenda, I'll take charge and create a fun night.
05. I'm got a hugely varied range of interests, which can be extremely helpful when it comes to forging new relationships. I like math and science, but I'm a communicator by trade. I live in the South, but I could talk your ear off about cold-weather sports like snowboarding. I love to read. I can teach you to make homemade sushi. I drive a stick-shift car and know how to fix it. I like being a jack of all trades.
10. What do you think are your top five negative characteristics?
01. I have no work/life balance.
02. I care deeply about what others think. (This relates to the earlier question about the one thing I would change about myself.) I know in my heart that it should not matter what others think, but I am prideful and hate to be embarrassed or thought poorly of. I combat this as best I can by surrounding myself with a gaggle of eccentric friends who truly COULDN'T care less what others think.
03. At times, I am absolutely selfish. Sounds a bit contradictory to my strength of being selfless, doesn't it? Ah, but that's how life is. At my best, I will give you the shirt off my back. At my worst, I am single-minded in the pursuit of my own goals. Typically, I don't even realize what a selfish brat I'm being until someone points it out to me, or until much later. I'm also very selfish about my personal freedom. This may be why I've been dating the same guy for six years and refuse to get married. I want my own name, my own finances, and my own house, thank you very much.
04. I have a rebellious streak that sometimes drives me to make rash decisions. I've chosen many a bad boy over Mr. Nice Guy, and I've done things that would make my mother cringe. I wish I could say that I live by the "no regrets" motto, but believe me -- there are things I would do differently if I could go back in time!
05. I can be bossy. I recognize it and try very hard to keep my bossiness in check, but I can't deny that it's there. This may be related to the fact that I find it very hard to delegate work to others -- I simply don't trust that they will do things as well as I could do them myself. There are exceptions! Certainly, I respect many individuals as being more talented or skilled than myself.
||HOGWARTS, A HISTORY||
11. Who is your favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
It's a close competition between Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. I love nearly everything about Hermione, and I see much of myself in her bookish ways, but I must admit she is somewhat predictable. Snape, on the other hand, is anything but predictable, at least on the first read. Long before the truth is revealed, you know there must be a story behind his torment (plus, pardon the fangirl gush here, but OMG I love Alan Rickman!). I also quite liked Lupin.
12. Who is your least favorite character in the Harry Potter series?
Oh, God. I'm going to catch hell for this. But here is is: Ron Weasley. Children will be children, and I ought to understand and forgive his occasional pig-headedness, but I was often frustrated by his treatment of Harry and Hermione
13. What was your favorite plot or character revelation in the Harry Potter series?
Learning that Snape is actually a "good guy" is a major revelation... unless, like me, you decided to put your faith in him much sooner. So for me, it was actually a crazier plot twist when Snape was revealed as the Half-Blood Prince and murdered Dumbledore. I felt betrayed! I knew in my heart Snape was good -- what was going on?
Runners up would be the Elder Wand story arc and the fact that Neville turns out to be decently competent. :)
14. Describe the canon qualities for each house that accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: Chivalry indicates operating based on a code of principles, and I certainly believe there are wrong and right ways to treat people. I am also occasionally daring, in frivolous ways, anyway -- I like adventure, heights, etc.
• Slytherin: I am certainly resourceful. I often demonstrate leadership skills such as strategic thinking and the ability to organize people. I can sometimes act selfishly and carefully consider decisions; I guess this could be described as "self preservation."
• Ravenclaw: I'm an all-around nerd and high academic achiever. I also enjoy being creative through a variety of outlets (writing, visual design, cooking).
• Hufflepuff: There are few terms that describe my approach to work and school better than hard work and dedication, both of which Hufflepuffs are known for.
15. Describe the canon qualities for each house that do not accurately reflect you.
• Gryffindor: I wish I could claim to be truly brave or courageous, but the fact of the matter is that I will almost always choose the safe, certain route over the risky one. Like anyone else, I occasionally act on a whim, but when it comes to important decisions, I am very conservative in my decision-making. Sometimes I have decided against moving or taking a new job or ending a relationship because I lacked the bravery to do so.
• Slytherin: Except when it comes to things like work habits, I am anything but traditional. I am as liberal as they come, a punky dresser, and a social rights crusader.
• Ravenclaw: I am extremely competitive when it comes to academics, but I can't imagine ever backstabbing anyone over grades -- something Ravenclaws are reported to sometimes do. I would rather fail by my own limitations that win by cheating.
• Hufflepuff: I lack patience in a big way. It is a major shortcoming in how I deal with others.
||HOGWARTS EXPRESS||
16. Age: 26
17. Optional: Link us to where you have promoted this community in your personal journal to earn your future house five points. [PLACE ANSWER HERE]