“Harry Potter” and “Divergent”: Erudite

At age 11 in Harry Potter, a piece of magical clothing makes a decision for you. At age 16 in Divergent, a decision is left to you. The third installment of our Harry Potter and Divergent series has arrived as we continue to speculate which characters from the Potter series would choose which faction in the Divergent series. This time we will look into Erudite and who would indulge themselves to a life full of knowledge and query. Who would choose to bleed over water and accept this faction as their new home?

Erudite is dedicated to knowledge, intelligence, curiosity, and astuteness. Those in Erudite value the virtues of intelligence and wisdom. Throughout their time, members are educated in sociology, psychology, mathematics, science, communication, and history. They follow a manifesto containing four main truths:

1. “Ignorance” is defined not as stupidity but as lack of knowledge. Lack of knowledge inevitably leads to lack of understanding.
2. Lack of understanding leads to a disconnect among people with differences.
3. Disconnection among people with differences leads to conflict.
4. Knowledge is the only logical solution to the problem of conflict.

Therefore, we propose that in order to eliminate conflict, we must eliminate the disconnect among those with differences by correcting the lack of understanding that arises from ignorance with knowledge.

According to Erudite, leaders are to be chosen not based on charisma or popularity but as a demonstration of who understands society most and is capable of controlling it. Intelligence should be used as a benefit and not a detriment to society. Intelligence is not a right or a weapon but a gift that should be used to better others.

So who from Potter would choose a life of knowledge at age 16? Our picks are below:

1. Hermione Granger

It is without a second thought that Hermione would choose to surround herself with all the books she could dream of. While it is possible she could have been raised Erudite and given the option to transfer to another faction, we think Hermione would choose to continue her education in hopes of bettering the world. On Pottermore it was revealed that the Sorting Hat took nearly four minutes to decide whether to place Hermione in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. While the Sorting Hat may have seen the hidden bravery in her, Hermione would have gone with her heart to pursue intellect. Our favorite heroine has a thirst for knowledge throughout the series as seen by her extra reading outside of coursework, interest in taking all the classes available (remember that time with the Time-Turner?), and her dedication to her academic success. She is a bookworm with hopes for a brighter future, which she helps create by pushing Harry to lead Dumbledore’s Army in Order of the Phoenix. Hermione is a character who believes that knowledge is a powerful tool that can help others understand the larger issues in society. If that’s not enough to convince you, Dumbledore even leaves her books in his will in recognition of her wit. She would be the Erudite to stand up for justice and stand by the belief that intelligence can end all conflict.

2. Draco Malfoy

Draco is one of those characters we can envision taking Erudite by storm. The decision to join Erudite would not be a difficult one for Draco since the rest of the factions would appear beneath him. He’d consider the Dauntless moronic to put themselves through so much physical training, the Candor’s honesty would be a weakness to him, the Amity would be too laid back and silly, and he would view the Abnegation as pushovers. Many forget that Draco is highly intelligent. He earned several OWLs for himself – proving that he would be up to par with the requirements to live in Erudite. We know Draco to be an elitist. He would consider his intellect above all other factions, much like the Erudite believe. The availability of faction information could lead to Draco becoming more arrogant, similar to his Slytherin ways. Draco would be the most partialed to the first statement of the manifesto: “‘Ignorance’ is defined not as stupidity but as lack of knowledge. Lack of knowledge inevitably leads to lack of understanding.” A cunning fit for Erudite, Draco would find solace in no other choice.

3. Severus Snape

Though self-proclaimed, he earned the title of the Half-Blood Prince. One of Erudite’s purposes is to create teachers, and Severus Snape is easily one of the most influential professors for Hogwarts students and Potter fans alike, not only in Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts but also in selflessness, loyalty, and integrity. Based on his extensive knowledge in potions and well, everything, Snape demonstrates the product of an Erudite upbringing. He created the riddle under the trap door in Sorcerer’s Stone, which was full of clever wit and demonstrated how understanding a problem can lead to a solution. A keen observer from a young age, Snape discovered Lupin’s furry little problem when they were students. Later on he used his intellect and skills to act as a double – sometimes triple – agent with the hope of bettering society by aiding the fall of Voldemort. Snape is a character that always speaks in an eloquent, matter-of-fact fashion that demonstrates his high intellect. Severus Snape would have undoubtedly chosen to bleed over the water of Erudite on his Choosing Day.

4. Albus Dumbledore

As the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore clearly encourages learning and understanding. He is an expert in psychology, as seen by his understanding of Voldemort and Harry’s connections. Dumbledore is capable of leading because he comprehends how people act within society. The man never takes action without extensive logical thought, even if it means deferring the problem until he is certain of the best solution. Dumbledore would align well with the belief that understanding others is the way to connect with them. He is an expert in psychology and tries to help not only Harry but Severus, Draco, and a young Tom Riddle as well. A member of the Order of Merlin, Dumbledore has proven his intellect over the years and is renowned for his curiosity and work in alchemy. At 16 Dumbledore was ready to pursue a mission with Grindelwald for the greater good. It is this curiosity that leads him to investigate the Deathly Hallows and acquire one of the Hallows for himself. Dumbledore demonstrates all of the qualities that make him a natural candidate for Erudite and ultimately is the epitome of what a leader from this faction should become.

5. Tom Riddle

Oh, where would a teenage Tom Riddle find himself on Choosing Day? We imagine his train of thought would be similar to Draco, sharing the same views of the factions. In Potter, Riddle came to Hogwarts from the Muggle world, becoming obsessed with learning all that he could about his new home. The same would occur in post-apocalyptic Chicago, anxious to discover everything about the faction system. Erudite would be the best place for him to do so. The unlimited access to a wealth of information would become a treacherous indulgence for young Tom. He would undoubtedly seek out the most dangerous and powerful knowledge, as he did at Hogwarts with his research on Horcruxes. Tom would be confident that being educated in multiple subjects would arm him with the power to make everyone else understand his beliefs. Trouble would arise as Tom would become more and more like Jeanine Matthews, using his intelligence for his own benefit to take over society. A young and ambitious Tom Riddle would definitely see himself fitting into the Erudite faction.

Honorable mention: Percy Weasley

The third oldest of the Weasley children, we see him growing up in an Abnegation lifestyle desperate to break free at the Choosing Ceremony. He is not like his older brothers since he is more reserved, definitely curious and eager to learn more than Abnegation could offer him. Percy would choose Erudite as an individual with a desire to comprehend the world he lives in, not as an attention-seeking know-it-all or cunning go-getter. He would identify with the fourth statement in the manifesto, “Knowledge is the only logical solution to the problem of conflict.” His time as prefect and Head Boy demonstrates his dedication to using his smarts to problem-solve on the spot. Viewing Amity and Abnegation as lesser factions, and Dauntless too radical, he would fit in nicely with the Erudite crowd. It would be a tough choice between Erudite and Candor, but eventually we feel Percy would pursue intellect as the highest form of the truth. He fell for Fudge’s beliefs… so we hope he’d resist following Jeanine Matthews as well. Even if he did, we’re sure he would end up realizing that sometimes blood may be more important than faction.

Next up is Amity! Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments.