OK OK OK SO. I think I am definitely in the minority in my opinion with this, but in my humble opinion, this is where Raven Reyes belongs.
Not Ravenclaw. This seems to be popular opinion, and I cannot? For the life of me understand it. I know people sort her there because she is smart, and talented, and the youngest zero G mechanic, but it isn’t the core of her character. Raven is not passionate about intelligence or knowledge; she has never shown any interest or investment in originality or individuality. I am not at all downplaying how brilliant she is, but she doesn’t care about that for intelligence-sake; the only times she is invested in her smarts are when she’s no longer “the best” or when it is a life or death situation. There is no focus on acceptance or particular wit, from her, so Ravenclaw is definitely out.
The other houses, I really don’t mind seeing her in as much, because I can see the arguments for each, but I feel she goes best with one in particular. I would say Slytherin does not suit her either, although her fierce dedication to Finn, even when he fucks her over, is very Snake-like; he is her brother, and she will do things that aren’t necessarily right and that he doesn’t deserve (extreme willingness to give up Murphy, although that has to do with Murphy paralyzing her as well) just because he is her family. And she does have some Slytherin traits: leadership qualities that have not manifested in her truly leading the 100, definitely resourcefulness and cleverness. But she isn’t interested in power or particularly ambitious, and when she is, it is for the good of their entire group; Raven’s heart is a little too all-encompassing to pass for Slytherin, to me, due to how she convinces Bellamy to stay and help the 100 because they need him, how Clarke kills Finn in front of her after promising she wouldn’t let anything happen to him and Raven cares for and later hugs her, how she gets Bellamy to focus and does not pin the fact that he was misled to believe Octavia was safe on Clarke, etc. She doesn’t care for just everyone, but she is very dedicated to the larger group, even when individuals hurt her or the people she loves; she still cares for and protects them, and that is less “fraternity” and more “tolerance” to me.
And then there were two. I’m sure you can guess how I feel about her, and while I can definitely see Gryffindor traits in Raven, I do not see that as the best house assignment for her. No doubt Raven is brave and daring and courageous, but I have to say, a good portion of people on the show are. My biggest hang-up with Gryffindor for Raven is the “chivalry” and “just” and “courteous” aspects. As with the Murphy thing, Raven doesn’t really care about doing what is “right” there, although one could argue it’s “fair” to trade Murphy after all he’s done…but then, what about Finn? And how many Grounders he killed? Where’s the justice or honor in that? Maybe it’s “just” because Finn spared her life once, but I think she repayed him already in coming to earth, especially after all he did to her while he was on the ground. Raven point black does not give a fuck about being polite or courteous ; she can be acerbic, and she is much more worried about working hard and pushing through the pain (which could be strength of will) and getting things done. I don’t think Raven holds any preconceived dispositions about honor, and she doesn’t really operate with any “honorable” intentions in mind; she reacts sometimes rashly, sometimes working for the good of the group and others willing to sell one of their own up the river if it saves someone she needs.
Which is why I love the thought of Raven in Hufflepuff. First of all, since it’s a house that always seems to be filled with “precious cinnamon rolls” in fancasting, and secondly because I love, love, love the idea of gruff Raven Reyes, biting off some dude’s ear(?) and making ammunition and bombs, having sex just because she feels like it and cursing like a sailor and ready to fight someone, in Hufflepuff. It goes against the stereotype, and I live for that. But the house traits really works for her too. Raven is nothing if not absolutely dedicated, sometimes to a fault - her dedication to Finn was upsetting because of how much he did not deserve that devotion, and her dedication to the larger group and individuals has led her to push herself past her limits - another display of exactly how ‘unafraid of toil” and “hard-working” she is. Basically single-handedly, she created explosives and ammunition for the group; attempted to climb the radio tower with a leg that hardly functioned, was completely dedicated to the mechanic program in space that it crushed her when her heart condition kept her from it.
Now, the “fair play” aspect could be up for debate, especially with what was mentioned earlier, but I feel ‘fair” and “just” are different things. Fair, to me, is more subjective, where I could see it’s “fair” to give Murphy up in Finn’s place because of what he did - it’s more of a balance, one for another, where “fair” could be “We’ll trade Murphy, because it’s fair,” just like something else could have been a fair trade. Fair has multiple options, and just, on the other hand, seems to have one looming truth to it. What’s “just” is the end decision, one answer to the question that seeks justice.
And Raven is kind and patient, even when people shouldn’t get that from her. When the entire camp is tripping, she cares for her people, even after Clarke kills Finn, Raven works “for” her, almost, though she definitely calls that bullshit out, hugs her, and wishes her luck and tells her to be safe. Doesn’t make anything Clarke’s fault, even when Bellamy discovers Clarke lied about where his sister was. And oh my god, is she tolerant. And loyal. Don’t forget that’s a Hufflepuff trait! Lest it need to be said again: Finn. Clarke. Her responses to all of them after what they’ve done show e x a c t l y how tolerant Raven is, of the bullshit, of people treating her poorly, and, to be honest, it’s one of her flaws. Her tolerance and loyalty with people who deserve to be pushed away; instead, she continues keeping them close and safe.
Aside from Ravenclaw, I could see Raven in other houses, especially Gryffindor, but the traits and opportunity to have a character this brash and viciously tough and flawless in a house that’s generally used as the catch-all for “sweet, precious” characters is too good to pass up, for me. Raven Reyes is a Hufflepuff, through and through, and I wish more people would acknowledge her capacity to be in gold and black.
