Peter Pettigrew?

Question

We know that Peter Pettigrew was in Gryffindor, yet all we ever see from him is cowardice. Why do you think he was ultimately sorted into Gryffindor rather than another such as Slytherin?

Also if you do answer dont just right down like two words really tell me with a good answer!

Thanx
~~~ AAA

Answer 1

I doubt we know the entire story of Pettigrew. However, to find out that one of your best friends is a Werewolf, and not blab about it, support him and even romp around with him while he's a Werewolf, suggests more that a bit of courage, regardless of what he later became..

wl

Answer 2

The Sorting Hat is not infallible, it can make a mistake, and J.K. uses the fact that characters vary from their house expectations to show that people can change over time, can be more complicated than simply having one trait which automatically leads to them eing placed in one house as opposed to another, and ultimately to provoke children into thinking that because someone belongs to a group, it doesn't define them. The best example is Snape, who shows many traits that would see him fit well into any of the houses (he is brave, hard-working, intelligent and also, in his youth at least, personally ambitious). True we see very little good in Pettigrew, but bear in mind, apart from becoming an animagus, he has shown very little skill at magic, and would be out of his depth in a battle against any half-competent wizard. Even Stan Shinpike could probably take him. He is the blip on the Gryffindor report card for sure, though.

Answer 3

I think Pettigrew's problem was that he never really knew who he was. His idea of himself always came from his esteem of who he was with. Now, at the age of 11, when they were being Sorted into Houses, I would guess that Pettigrew only wanted to be with the best, the most good, the bravest, so that he can be like them. And, looking at how the Sorting Hat reacted to Harry's wish of "Not Slytherin", I would guess that the Hat did the same thing for Pettigrew: to put him in a House that would bring out the best in himself.

Answer 4

I personally think that Peter Pettigrew does show his own form of bravery every now and then. In book 7 could be a definate reference (I won't say what it is for fear of spoiling) but I think that even though he favors people in power, he does have some bravery. I also think it's partially that he WANTED to be in Griffindor.

Answer 5

Dumbledor did say in one of the pensive memories (bk7) that they might sort too early, Peter may well have started out as a good person, but after school he was attracted to Voldemorts power and became a evil Death Eater

Answer 6

Although he acts like a coward lots of the time, he is brave when he needs to be. The guy cuts off his own hand for his master - sure, he's on the wrong side, but I'd say that shows bravery, don't you think?

Answer 7

Well.. maybe the sorting hat isn't as good as we think, or maybe he lost his courage.

Then again.. maybe you are WAY to into Harry Potter LOL