First, we will start with what is widely ‘known’ about
members of the four Houses, based on how they typically present themselves to
the world at large.

HUFFLEPUFFS value and often embody hard work, patience,
loyalty, and fair play. They are also sometimes known for stubbornness,
stagnancy, laziness, and a tendency to avoid confrontation.

RAVENCLAWS value and often embody intelligence, lust for
knowledge, and wit. They are also sometimes known for a lack of connection with
the real world, emotionlessness, and eccentricity.

GRYFFINDORS value and often embody bravery, daring, nerve,
pride and chivalry. They are also sometimes known for arrogance, recklessness,
and lacking common sense.

SLYTHERINS value and often embody ambition, cunning,
intelligence and resourcefulness. They are also sometimes known for Cruelty,
intolerance, and greed.

To those who have studied the classical Greek teachings of
the great philosophers; Pythagoras, Plato, et al – this will ring some bells of
recognition. The four basic elements, of which they thought everything in the
universe was made, were Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These gathered a welter of
associations over the centuries, but stayed more or less true to their original
concepts even to this day.