Blue and Bronze: The Real Ravenclaw

The theme for the Hogwarts Houses series is, quite frankly, one of honesty, with member of each house taking to disclosing the true nature of their House. Whether dispelling stereotypes or proving them, each writer seeks to get to heart of each House.

So, naturally, a Ravenclaw accepts the challenge with tenacity.

To start, let’s look at the negative aspect of the Ravenclaw name. According to Slytherin prefect Gemma Farley, Ravenclaws are so competitive when it comes to academics that they are known to backstab each other, and other students, in order to get the grade. Hufflepuff prefect Gabriel Truman observed that they are so proud of the success of famous members, such as Laverne de Montmorency, that they claim any intelligent wizard as a member of Ravenclaw, such as Bridget Wenlock, who was in fact a Hufflepuff. So, we can see that, yes, pride in intelligence is a bit of an issue with Ravenclaws.

Basically.

Yet, I would like to make an argument from a case study, if you will. I would assert that the the real Ravenclaw, the one person that embodies the true nature of what a Ravenclaw is to be, is arguably one of the most underrated yet crucial characters in the entire Harry Potter series.

I am, of course, speaking about Luna Lovegood.

Yes. THAT Luna.

“The girl gave off an aura of distinct dottiness. Perhaps it was the fact that she had stuck her wand behind her left ear for safekeeping, or that she had chosen to wear a necklace of Butterbeer corks, or that she was reading a magazine upside-down.”

When Luna first appeared on the scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, she was certainly different than the rest. Up to the point, there were no significant characters hailing from Ravenclaw (Come on, Cho Chang? A brick wall has more character development ). So Luna’s entrance made a statement: “You guys are outsiders? Me too.”

Her uniqueness is indicative of her brilliant, if eccentric, mind. Often it was this fact that isolated her from other students. Even Harry and his crew weren’t sure how to react to someone who placed their wand behind their ear, let alone know what to make of someone wearing a necklace of corks. Yet, as well all know, Luna quickly became someone Harry and company grew to appreciate.

“Luna did not seem perturbed by Ron's rudeness; on the contrary, she simply watched him for a while as though he were a mildly interesting television programme.

 ‘Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure,’ said Luna in a sing-song voice.”

Her mind allowed her to see past a person’s faults. Despite the way many treated her, she only saw the good. If you go back and read, you may find that Luna was never heard uttering a foul thing about anyone. She never returned evil with evil. Only ever evil with good. In fact, when Harry sees the Thestrals for the very first time, she’s the ONLY one that doesn’t think he’s crazy.

Look at the pretty Death Horse, Harry!!!

 “‘Oh, yes,’ said Luna, ‘I've been able to see them ever since my first day here. They've always pulled the carriages. Don't worry. You're just as sane as I am.’”

Luna could have easily played to the ravenclaw stereotype. She could have pushed the idea that Harry was mad, while keeping the knowledge that the Thestrals existed all to herself. True ravenclaw as she is, Luna shared in Harry’s experience, which later proved to be a moment of comfort as well as bonding. Call me optimistic, but Luna knew what she was doing in sharing that information.

I believe this sets the stage for Luna’s finest moment. The one where she literally enables Harry to defeat Voldemort. Harry has no real clue where to find Ravenclaw’s Diadem, and has a brash Gryffindor moment when Luna tries to help him. Luna knew she couldn’t back down. Though different than the book, Luna literally saved them all with information in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2:

Luna: Harry, wait! I need to talk to you!

Harry: I'm a bit pre-occupied at the moment, Luna.

Luna: You don't know where you're going. You're wasting your time!

Harry: Look, we'll talk later, okay?

Luna: Harry?

Harry: Later.

Luna: Harry Potter, you listen to me right now! Do you remember what Cho said about Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem? There is not a person alive who's seen it. It's obvious, isn't it? We have to talk to someone who's dead.

"Come on, Harry, get your head out of your butt."

She wouldn’t stop until Harry listened to her. It wasn’t pride that pushed Luna ot insist on sharing knowledge. It was love. Love for a friend that she knew could die in the vain pursuit of the diadem. This feat, along with others, was so influential that Harry and Ginny named their daughter, in part, after Luna.

Luna is the true embodiment of what a Ravenclaw should be.

Eccentric. Unique. Intelligent. Creative. Innovative.

Ravenclaws endeavor to gain knowledge. Real Ravenclaws go on to use that knowledge to better others. To spur themselves to action, and help guide their peers to achieve the impossible. This is the core of what being a Ravenclaw is all about.

Fellow Ravenclaws, if you want to know what our House stands for, then you need to watch Luna. Carefully.

Who knows? You might learn something.