6 reasons to get excited if you’re sorted into

Ravenclaw

Ravenclaw is the house that champions those with a ‘ready mind’, yet it has lived a
little in Gryffindor's shadow. But there’s a lot more to Ravenclaw than its reputation
for intelligence. Here’s why…

1. Ravenclaw is famous for welcoming eccentric people

Ravenclaw hasn't half produced a band of fascinating minds, many of which touched
Harry's life. From Cho Chang and Moaning Myrtle, to the never-ending abstract
charms of Luna Lovegood.

Intensely intelligent, Ravenclaws are also unique and think outside the box. This is
usually a good thing, unless by ‘thinking outside the box’ you mean stealing other
wizards’ stories and erasing their memories, like a certain Ravenclaw called Gilderoy
Lockhart.

2. Getting into the Ravenclaw common room sounds like a lot of fun

For a house that thrives from bountiful brains, it is not at all surprising that to get into
Ravenclaw Tower, one must complete a riddle.

Harry discovers this when accompanying Luna Lovegood to her common room. She
answers the deep question ‘Which came first, the phoenix or the flame?’ with an even
deeper response: ‘a circle has no beginning.’ So every time a student wants a bit of
kip, they have to engage in a philosophical debate first. Classic Ravenclaw.

3. Ravenclaws aren’t just in it for the glory

Most of Ravenclaw house threw their support behind Cedric Diggory rather than
Harry during the Triwizard Tournament. Like Ron, many of them thought Harry had
worked some trick to get himself into the competition.

With the exception of Professor Lockhart, Ravenclaws are usually a little more
demure when it comes to seeking glory.

4. They speak their mind

For such clever people, Ravenclaws can also be surprisingly outspoken. The
spokesman for unwittingly blunt statements is, of course, Luna, who is often so
matter-of-fact about things she could be a successful stand-up comedian in another
life.

From announcing that Harry, Ron and Hermione's beloved friend Hagrid is ‘not a very
good teacher’ to telling Ron that Padma Patil didn't enjoy being his date at the Yule
Ball very much, can we please hire Luna to tell people things we're too polite to say?

5. Their house emblem is awesome

With a triumphant eagle as their emblem and a glorious blend of blue and bronze as
house colours, anyone Sorted into Ravenclaw is going to look automatically fabulous.

As well as being able to adorn oneself in a rather flattering hue at Quidditch matches,
Ravenclaws can also take solace in the fact that their house animal, the eagle, is
probably one of the coolest birds out there. The eagle is a symbol of strength,
immortality and closely linked to gods Zeus and Odin. Ever-so-slightly more regal
than, say, a badger.

6. …and their founder has the most tragic and intriguing backstory

Rowena Ravenclaw's story is the saddest and most enchanting of the Hogwarts
founders. She built Hogwarts alongside the other three founders. Her daughter Helena
is the Grey Lady, ghost of Ravenclaw Tower. Harry learns her sad story while
tracking down the magical artefacts that Voldemort made into Horcruxes, including
Ravenclaw’s lost diadem.

The Grey Lady drifts silently down Hogwarts corridors with no explanation for many
years. We finally learn that the reason this ghost never cracks a smile is due to a grave
secret. Out of jealousy of her mother’s cleverness, Helena stole Rowena’s diadem – a
powerful object that gives the wearer wisdom.

Despite Helena’s theft, a fatally ill Rowena Ravenclaw sent the Bloody Baron to track
her down, which he did, but with further tragic consequences.