On Harry Potter’s birthday, die-hard fans answer the most divisive question, ‘If you had to pick a Hogwarts house based on your personality, which would it be?’
Every year, Harry Potter's birthday is celebrated on July 31. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement
The Harry Potter universe has captured the imagination of millions across the globe. This literary phenomenon has transcended not just generations, but cultures, languages, and even realities. Be it the bestselling books, record-breaking cinema, or sold-out musicals, the fantastical world of Harry Potter continues to enchant fans with its magic and coming off age themes.
So, on the titular character’s birthday (which he shares with writer J.K. Rowling), mid-day spoke to die-hard fans the most divisive question in the fandom: “If you had to pick a Hogwarts house based on your personality, which would it be?” Is it a tie between Gryffindor and Slytherin?
'Slytherins observe, calculate, protect their own, and get things done'
“Honestly, fans belong in all houses-- all four of them signify very peculiar traits. Anyone who resonates with courage and determination would be willing to choose Gryffindor. The creative and the intellectuals would go for Ravenclaw. The kind and hardworking ones could be sorted into Hufflepuff. For people who love power and are cunning and ambitious would root for Slytherin. Basically, each house reflects different versions of personality, and Hogwarts brings them together,” explains therapist Era Tripathi.
Interestingly enough, Tripathi would proudly pick Slytherin. “If I had to be sorted at Hogwarts, I’d proudly choose Slytherin. Slytherin’s are not evil--they are just real. Slytherin has had some of the greatest characters including Snape-- my favourite character, who chose to protect even when nobody cheered for him. He was deeply committed, loved in silence, a complex but fiercely loyal character. Draco, who always liked Harry but had to pretend to be arrogant, to hide the fact that he was actually scared. Narcissa Malfoy literally saved Harry by lying to Voldemort. Slytherins observe, calculate, protect their own, and get things done,” she animatedly adds.
Tripathi concludes by reminding us, “Harry himself was going to get sorted into Slytherin, he just asked to get sorted into Gryffindor because of legacy. Slytherin never got a fair chance. Though, Albus Severus Potter did get sorted into Slytherin, after all. Beneath the serpents and secrets, Slytherin represents strength and a surprising heart.”
'It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard'
Harry Potter is more than just a story, it’s a world that grew up with me. It taught me about courage, friendship, loss, and the power of choice. It showed that even ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they choose love over hate. It’s grown with me, comforted me, and constantly reminds me that magic isn’t just in spells — it’s in the values, the friendships, and the quiet moments of courage we carry with us,” says trainee public relations executive Samiksha Gondane.
“What always draws me in are the characters who aren’t easy to love at first — like Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape. It’s hard to choose just one, not because they’re perfect, but because of their depth and growth. Both of them are layered, complicated, and go through massive internal battles. Draco, especially, shows us what it’s like to be raised in a world of expectations and still struggle to find your own path. Their journeys are layered, conflicted, and incredibly human. Draco’s quiet internal struggle and Snape’s painful loyalty show that bravery doesn’t always look heroic on the outside. That kind of character growth stays with you,” she says of her favourite characters.
Even though Gondane speaks fondly of two Slytherin members, her heart beats for Gryffindor. “I’ve always felt connected to Gryffindor. It’s about standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s not easy. I try to be someone who acts with heart, whether that means speaking up, supporting others, or stepping outside my comfort zone when it matters. It’s not about being the loudest or the boldest, it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. Whether it’s standing up for a friend like Neville did, or choosing kindness when you could choose silence, that’s Gryffindor at its core. And that’s the kind of person I try to be.”
'Is this sly behaviour not a trait of Slytherin?'
“The most obvious answer would be to choose Gryffindor, and I have done that multiple times in the past. Even deliberately changing my answers on Pottermore to get the results to be Gryffindor. But at the end of the day, is this sly behaviour not a trait of Slytherin?” asks Khushi Mittal, a strategic communications student at Columbia.
The Mumbai native continues, “Over time, while growing up, my personality has shifted from a straight do-good courageous hothead to a more calculated version of it - showing only certain aspects of myself to some and different aspects to others. I grew up thinking I could be Hermione, but I think my personality is closer to Draco minus all the death eater stuff and bullying obviously, and I’ve started accepting it. Being a Slytherin isn’t so bad after all.”
People often think Slytherins are just the bad guys, but that’s far from the truth
“I’ve always loved the Harry Potter series. It’s not just about magic, it’s about friendship, bravery, making tough choices, and finding where you belong. Every time I read the books or watch the movies, it feels comforting, like revisiting an old friend,” says Monika Patil, public relations executive at Samsarra PR.
She has a special place for a Slytherin in her heart. She explains, “My favourite character is Draco Malfoy. I know he gets a lot of hate, but I think he’s one of the most interesting characters. He’s not perfect, and he makes mistakes, but deep down, he’s just a boy trying to deal with pressure and expectations. He’s smart, proud, and has more depth than people give him credit for.”
When asked which Hogwarts House she would pick based on her personality, “It would definitely be Slytherin,” she quips. “I love how it represents ambition, strategy, and doing whatever it takes to reach your goals. People often think Slytherins are just the bad guys, but that’s far from the truth. We’re loyal to those we care about, we think smart, and we don’t shy away from standing out. There’s something powerful about embracing your inner drive and pushing boundaries—and that’s exactly what Slytherin stands for. Plus, the cool green vibes and the mystery of the dungeons? Total win.”
'I’m a person who values courage and loyalty'
“Did you know that Harry Potter shares his birthday with writer J.K. Rowling?” asks Niraj Bomma, client servicing executive at Star India Private Limited.
Bomma believes most die-hard fans who have read the books multiple times would surely pick Gryffindor as their preferred house. “It’s interesting for all Harry Potter fans to reflect on who we are and what we value. If I had to pick a Hogwarts house based on my personality, I would say Gryffindor too. I’ve always believed in standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy, and I’m a person who values courage and loyalty. Gryffindor represents bravery and also heart: qualities I try to live by every day,” he shares.
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