The Complexity of Sorting: Snape and Lily's Choices

Severus Snape and Lily Evans are two of the most iconic characters in the Harry Potter universe. Their choice of sorting houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry plays a pivotal role in shaping their characters and the future of the wizarding world. While the Sorting Hat does consider a student's personal choice, it ultimately weighs their inner thoughts and desires. This article delves into Snape’s decision to be sorted into Slytherin, comparing it to Lily's choice to be sorted into Gryffindor, and explores the implications of what would have happened if the Sorting Hat were to grant a wished-for sorting.

Severus Snape’s Choice and Motivations

Severus Snape’s decision not to choose Gryffindor during the sorting can be understood through a combination of his complex feelings and motivations. The Sorting Hat, while considering a student's choice, also weighs their inner thoughts and desires. Snape, deeply influenced by his upbringing and his ambitions, leaned towards Slytherin, the house that aligns with his desire for power and acceptance within that environment. His strong identification with the darker aspects of magic and a sense of belonging to the eliteTagName influenced his decision.

Identity and Ambition: Snape's experiences growing up in a difficult home life drew him to the darker aspects of magic. He was more inclined towards Slytherin because it offered an environment where he could achieve power and acceptance. His ambition to become a powerful wizard made the immediate emotional desires of staying with Lily less significant.

Fear of Rejection: Snape was acutely aware of his social status and the potential for rejection. Gryffindor, associated with bravery and camaraderie, offered a challenging environment for a child of his background. He feared that even if he chose Gryffindor, he would not be accepted there due to his family's stigma and his own insecurities.

Lily's Choice and Its Impact

Lily Evans, on the other hand, chose Gryffindor due to her strong values and desire for bravery and camaraderie. Her choice was influenced by the Sorting Hat's considerations and her inner thoughts. Conversely, Snape's later calculations and actions were significantly shaped by his complex feelings towards Lily.

Lilys Choice: After Lily was sorted into Gryffindor, Snape might have felt that he would not belong there without her. He may have calculated that aligning himself with Slytherin would give him an edge in gaining power and influence, making it more likely for her to see him in a favorable light.

A Modern Twist: A Boy and a Girl at Hogwarts

Now, let’s consider a modern twist: a boy and a girl meet at a playground, and the girl tells him she is a wizard. She wants to be sorted into Gryffindor, while the boy gets into Slytherin. The girl asks the Sorting Hat to put her in Slytherin “for the boy's sake.”

Codependency and Submission: This scenario raises questions about codependency and submission. Does the girl prioritize the boy's desires over her own? Does this decision reflect a lack of self-esteem? This scenario would indeed lead to significant criticism, particularly from the standpoint of self-empowerment and female agency.

Embracing Diversity and Independence

It is crucial to appreciate and understand the choices and beliefs of individuals, especially in a challenging environment. If Hogwarts is a training ground for future wars and one house is openly despised, it is not the fault of an eleven-year-old child. It is the responsibility of the adults and the institution to ensure that all students are treated with care and equality, regardless of their choices.

Long-term Goals and Survival: In such a harsh environment, students may indeed prioritize their long-term goals for survival and success over immediate emotional desires. This choice is not a sign of codependency but a survival strategy under difficult circumstances.

Ultimately, both Severus Snape and Lily Evans made choices that were informed by their complex personal histories and motivations. Their decisions, whether to stay together or to follow their inner desires, reflect the challenges and complexities of growing up in a magical world.