So. You don’t like your Hogwarts house. Well, someone was bound not to.

Getting sorted can be a real eye-opener to your personality. However, some of us may look in that metaphorical mirror and not see what our heart desires the most. But guess what? This may be down to some negative stereotypes that exist about the house you’ve been placed in.

What you have to remember is that every house is unique and wonderful in its own way. Don’t listen to what the haters say (and Harry Potter sometimes, but we all know he’s biased). Whether you’ve been sorted on Pottermore, a Buzzfeed quiz or ‘dubbed’ by your other Potterhead pals, we’re here to dispel some myths, and reinstall some faith into your Hogwarts house placement.

Let’s begin, shall we?

Slytherin

It’s obvious to start here. We all know the famous “not Slytherin” line, as Harry desperately begs to not be put in the house that only allegedly breeds Death Eaters and racist elitists (sorry, Malfoy). Common insults about this house are that its members are evil and selfish, and that it’s generally the house you DON’T want to be in.

We know this house has produced some bad eggs, but that does NOT mean that its core traits are terrible. Slytherin values are ambition, determination and resourcefulness. That means that if you have a dream or goal that you want to work towards, and you’re determined for it to be successful, then Slytherin is a perfect choice for you.

Snakes are also exceedingly clever. It’s not about absorbing all knowledge (as the wise Ravenclaws do) but rather it’s taking the knowledge that can specifically help you become the best person you can be. Being resourceful, if you will. They’re also street-smart and able to network in conversations very successfully.

I must confess, I am a Slytherin myself. And when I found out, I had the immediate knee-jerk reaction of “NOIAMNOTVOLDEMORTBLERGH.” However, as I researched the house and reflected on my own personal life, I realised that I belonged in this wonderful house. I have big ambitions, and I want to see myself achieve them.

And guess what? There are some amazing celebrities in Slytherin. Some you would say are the most successful people in their field:

Lin Manuel Miranda
Stephen Fry
Ariana Grande

Hufflepuff

The second most sh*t on house out there, as once again Hagrid calls every student in it “duffers.” Not to mention that if you’re a Starkid fan, you’ll remember the whole “what the HELL is a Hufflepuff” joke.

I did love it. I still do. BUT NOT AS A SERIOUS INSULT.

They are stereotyped as the ordinary, the leftovers and the house that took you because you weren’t brave, smart or ambitious. The ones with no talent. And this is just UNTRUE. Hufflepuff is the house with the sweetest beans in it. Like, no joke. Their qualities are hard work, loyalty and dedication. They are wonderful qualities to have in a human being.

J.K. Rowling herself – despite being a Gryff – said that her favourite house is Hufflepuff. They are the most pure house, who fight for what is right. They’ll also be the friend that someone can turn to for anything, and Merlin knows those people are hard to come by. I know for a fact that some of my kindest friends IRL are Hufflepuffs.

Luckily, with the rise of the Fantastic Beasts series, Hufflepuff is finally getting some time in the spotlight thanks to Newt Scamander and Eddie Redmayne’s amazing rants about his badger house. His character is certainly not a coward, he’s done pretty well for himself so far, and he’s also darn knowledgeable about those beasts. If anything, Hufflepuffs are probably the most well-rounded of any house.

Here are some other Puffs to take inspiration from:

Jennifer Lawrence
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Deadpool (obviously)

Ravenclaw

The most common insult I hear about Ravenclaw is “stuck-up,” and being obsessed with grades. This is the house that would be stereotyped as nerdy, and, perhaps, as pretentious, because they value knowledge about everything. “Know-it-all” is another insult that is tossed around.

There are also a lot of people out there who will say that Eagles only take the logical route, thinking solely from the left side of their brain. This could lead people to believe that Ravenclaws are aloof, and not in tune with their emotions as much as other houses are in comparison.

Once again, all of it is (pardon my French) b*llocks. Ravenclaw is the home of intelligence and wisdom yes, but you know what else? It’s home to creativity. This is such an amazing trait to have. The artsy folks of this world are the ones who bring us the best stories, the wonderful culture and entertainment that we enjoy. They are the innovators of this world.

Combine this with some big brains, and you’ve got a pretty formidable house, TBH. The eccentrics of this world are Ravenclaws, and they are about as far from “stuck-up” as it gets. They’re incredibly open-minded and accepting of all new ideas and personalities. You’re guaranteed to have some of the best debates and conversations with a Claw, that’s for sure.

Still don’t believe me? Take a look at these fellow Ravenclaws and see if my argument is backed up:

Darren Criss
Stephen Colbert
Halsey

Gryffindor

I’ll be honest here, of all the houses it’s rare to hear someone not happy with being a Gryffindor, considering its role in the books. BUT this in itself can be a negative. Gryffindors can sometimes be accused of favouritism, and only picking that house because it’s Harry’s, and that they aren’t a “true” Potterhead for identifying elsewhere.

I also believe that the most common negative traits associated with the house are brashness and recklessness. I’ve seen lots of people roll their eyes at something, exclaiming, “Gryffindors!” Whilst yes, it’ll be in jest, it could be implied that people in this house don’t think things through, and are almost bordering on stupid.

Once again, all of the above are nonsense. Gryffindors are the heroes, the brave and the chivalrous. The ones who are outspoken, and will seek to do everything that is right. If you’re sorted into Gryffindor, then that’s where you belong! It doesn’t make you any less of a fan in any way.

Gryffs are also the life of the party. You can bet that as soon as they walk into a room, you’ll know they’ve arrived. They’ll have endless energy, and have the best social gatherings of all the houses. They are the biggest personalities, and will be the friend that you always want to hang out with for endless laughter. Sure, they may be a little more daring than others, but what’s life if not an adventure?

See below for some fellow Lions:

Selena Gomez
Kit Harington
Margot Robbie

So, my fellow witches and wizards, I do hope I’ve put your mind to rest when it comes to settling into your Hogwarts house. Remember, if you’re still looking for more information, just search the house you’re in, with the word “pride” after it, on Tumblr. There are some truly magical posts out there that can keep you researching for hours.

And remember, if you truly don’t feel like you belong, then know that whatever sorting quiz you took isn’t gospel. It’s what you FEEL that is right. However, every house is worth being proud of, in its own unique way. I’m also certain that lots of people will embody traits across all four groups, it’s just what qualities you feel are the core of your personality that will determine your house.

And all those qualities, from every house, are pretty darn awesome. ❤️💛💙💚

Related: This two-question Sorting Hat quiz simplifies the entire process