“We Slytherins are brave, yes, but not stupid. For instance, given the choice, we will always choose to save our own necks.”

“We can't choose our fate, but we can choose others. Be careful in knowing that.”

“But if it matters to you, you'll be able to choose Gryffindor over Slytherin. The Sorting Hat takes your choice into account.""Really?""It did for me," said Harry.He had never told any of his children that before, and he saw the wonder in Albus's face when he said it.”

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

“Hmm,” said a small voice in his ear. “Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There’s talent, oh my goodness, yes — and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that’s interesting. . . . So where shall I put you?”Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.“Not Slytherin, eh?” said the small voice. “Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it’s all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that — no? Well, if you’re sure — better be GRYFFINDOR!”

“Curiosity is not a sin.... But we should exercise caution with our curiosity... yes, indeed.”

“Destiny is a name often given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences.”