As depicted in the various Harry Potter films based upon the book series, and taken in large part from the traditions practiced by English boarding schools, students attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are divided into four (4) separate resident houses. These houses are communities within themselves, as all students attend classes with their housemates of the same grade level and share dormitories and common rooms.
The decisions of who lives where are made by a Sorting Hat in a special ceremony. Shortly after arriving at Hogwarts, this hat is placed upon the head of a new student. The hat then announces the house chosen for that student, based upon its interpretation of the student’s energy. The Sorting Hat is capable of actually conversing with its wearer when necessary, in order that the student’s preferences may be considered.
Per instructions from the Sorting Hat, Harry is assigned to the Gryffindor House. When competing in athletic events such as quidditch, he wears the house colors of gold and dark red. The crest of the Gryffindor House depicts a male lion, symbolic of the trait of bravery and the Fire element. One may remember that in the zodiac, the astrological sign of Leo is also depicted by the lion, and also represents the Fire element.
The magical elements of the Harry Potter books extend to the architecture as well. Gryffindor House has password protected doors and transforming staircases. Harry’s father was a resident of the Gryffindor house, along with Albus Dumbledore and other magical luminaries.
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