Out of all the Hogwarts houses, Ravenclaws are the most likely to say no (in a good way).
It’s not to be contrarian, but because their instinct is to think before agreeing. Their default mode is “evaluate first, agree second,” so a request often gets filtered through logic, independence, and precision. That internal vetting process makes them question unclear ideas, resist group pressure, and reject anything that feels sloppy or unexamined.
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…Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind. – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
A young witch or wizard is sorted into Ravenclaw when their mind is their defining feature. It’s not just about intelligence, but the way they think, question, create, and approach the world. Ravenclaw traits show up early and consistently, even if the child isn’t academically “gifted” in the traditional sense. The house’s founder, Rowena Ravenclaw, prized the following traits:
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Gryffindors are known for their boldness, but their bravery isn’t just about charging into danger. It’s about choosing to say yes when something feels new, uncomfortable, or uncertain. They’re the “step outside your comfort zone, do it scared, try the hard thing anyway” crowd.
Saying yes isn’t automatic for them; it’s intentional. It’s a decision to lean into courage, to grow, and to meet the moment with heart.
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People love personality quizzes because they make identity feel simpler and more understandable. Like all true Millennials, Patti and I have mapped out our Enneagrams, Myers-Briggs, astrological sign, the list goes on and on. So to keep it fun this Halloween, we picked a truly controversial topic: What Hogwarts House is my kid in?
Most of us fans were placed in our houses years ago thanks to the official Pottermore quiz, but our kids are just getting into the Wizarding World and just beginning to explore who they are.
…There’s nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can’t see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be. – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
My first fundraiser was in kindergarten. Our school was selling candy bars, and I don’t remember if I volunteered to take a box or was voluntold. But they were chocolate almond candy bars and I really liked those.
When I got home, that box of candy bars sat on the counter for a month. My mom had no clue why they were there and, in the end, she paid the minimum $20 just to cover it. Obviously, I didn’t win any top-seller prizes, but I did get to enjoy the candy bars.
Over my childhood, I had to sell Girl Scout cookies, pocket calendars, magazine subscriptions, pizza kits, program ads, and sponsored race miles. I went door-to-door by myself at 7 and never again after that. I’ve done phonathons, ran car washes, and organized parents’ weekends for my club teams.
Now with an advertising degree and a work history that includes actual advancement fundraising, I have the mad skillz take my daughters’ money-raising requirements to the next level. However, you still won’t catch me knocking on doors and cold-calling businesses.
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