The Houses of Hogwarts

The Houses of Hogwarts
Gryffindor


Gryffindor values courage, daring, nerve and chivalry above all else. Its mascot is the lion, and its colours are scarlet and gold. According to Rowling, Gryffindor corresponds roughly to the element of fire. The founder of the house is Godric Gryffindor.
Though Gryffindor is commonly regarded as the protagonist house, not all Gryffindors are protagonists. Cormac McLaggen is the negative qualities of Gryffindor personified. He is bad-tempered, arrogant, and does not like it when he doesn't get his own way. He does not like the fact that Ron Weasley beat him at keeper tryouts, and does not admit defeat easily. Romilda Vane is another example. She is underhanded, and displays a deceptive and devious nature by trying unsuccessfully to ply Harry with love potion. On the Hogwarts Express she is somewhat condescending towards Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. However both Cormac and Romilda certainly are bold, and show confidence, two very Gryffindor qualities, and were therefore sorted into the house. The legitimacy of Peter Pettigrew to join Gryffindor is, however, highly doubtful. He displays nothing but cowardice and obsequiousness throughout the series, and is the lone Gryffindor Death Eater.
The Gryffindor common room is located in one of the castle's highest towers, the entrance to which is located on the seventh floor in the east wing of the castle and is guarded by a painting of the Fat Lady, who is garbed in a pink dress. She permits entry only after being given the correct password, except for in the sixth book, where she permitted entry to Harry Potter after he told her that Professor Dumbledore had died.
A few notable Gryffindors (for a complete list, see List of characters in the Harry Potter books):
• Harry Potter
• Ron Weasley (Also see The Weasley Family)
• Hermione Granger
• Neville Longbottom
• Albus Dumbledore
• Rubeus Hagrid
• Sirius Black
• Remus Lupin
• Peter Pettigrew
• James and Lily Potter
• Minerva McGonagall is the current Head of Gryffindor House.
• Nearly Headless Nick is the house ghost.