The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizarding in the Harry Potter universe has a rich history, and it all began with the four Founders: Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin, and Helga Hufflepuff. The four came together with the goal of creating the best magic school.
And they left it in the hands of a Headmaster and a Sorting Hat. There is much fans don't know of their history together, much that hasn't been revealed. And of the things that have, some don't make much sense.
They Divided The Students
The Hogwarts Founders decided they would split the students depending on the particulars of their character, namely, the particulars they found most appealing. By letting their desires and agendas come between them, they also gave differences a bad name instead of being celebrated. They let their conflict impact the school negatively.
They lost the unity in diversity when they clumped students into categories and thought their cohort was better than the others. Their goal was to make the world's best wizarding school, but they focused on their own houses.
Rowena Ravenclaw's Unwise Decision
Helena Ravenclaw stole her mother's diadem and fled. Rowena Ravenclaw had fallen ill and she wanted to see her daughter one last time and make amends. She sent the Baron, a man who she knew loved her daughter, to find her and bring her back. "She sent a man who had long loved me, though I spurned his advances, to find me".
"She knew that he would not rest until he had done so." Was Rowena, wise as she was, unaware of the dangers of sending the Baron to find Helena? A man who was unstable in his affections. Was there no other choice?
A Sword Meant For Defence Against Muggles Was A Symbol Of Bravery
The Sword of Gryffindor appears to anyone who needs it, specifically a "true Gryffindor." But the Sword was originally owned by Godric Gryffindor in the times where wizards and muggles mingled.
The Sword was used for duels against muggles instead of a wand, although wands could still be used. Godric was one who met his opponent with the same weapon. But is this enough to be a symbol of bravery? A sign of a "true Gryffindor"?
How They Met
The four Founders of Hogwarts are all very specific, all skilled in their area of expertise, and all valuing different qualities and traits. How did they meet? It is said the Founders all wanted to create the best magical school, but did they know each other before then?
They were friends before falling out over what they wanted Hogwarts to be, but did they become friends during the process, or were they already friends before?
No Other Founder Knew Of The Chamber Of Secrets
Pottermore states that Salazar Slytherin created the Chamber of Secrets as a “place in which to instruct his students in spells of which the other three founders may have disapproved.” How did the other equally skilled and proficient Founders stay unaware?
How was a Basilisk under the school the whole time without anyone noticing through the aid of magic? Hogwarts is a huge place, a place with moving staircases and hidden rooms. Did the Founders make it and not go over its design a final time? Not even when Slytherin left with a grudge?
How They Chose The School Subjects
Hogwarts' only muggle related subject is the elective Muggle Studies. Other than that there isn't any literacy, maths, or economics. The core subjects are Astronomy, Flying, Herbology, Charms, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and History of Magic.
How did the Hogwarts Founders decide which subjects would be available at the school? Why didn't they put more muggle subjects when Salazar left? Was an awareness of the muggle world and how it worked not worth learning?
They Made Hogwarts A Dangerous Place
Right by Hogwarts' edge is The Forbidden Forest, home to magical creatures both dangerous and territorial. There are mountains surrounding the grounds, cliffs of great height leading to fatal falls, moving staircases with no rhyme or reason, invisible steps, dungeons, and secret rooms.
Hogwarts is impressive, yes, but it is also a place that has never been fully discovered and the surroundings seem just a tad too dangerous for young, untrained wizards to be around.
They Had Selfish Intentions Beside From Helga Hufflepuff
Helga Hufflepuff is the only Founder who said "I'll teach the lot and treat them just the same." All of the other Founders wanted specific traits from their students. Hufflepuff House is often neglected.
But it is the House that sought to give education to everyone and anyone who had the desire to learn. It is the House that focuses mainly on education, not what the students must possess to gain access to that education.
The Logic Behind The School Motto
The Hogwarts motto is the Latin phrase "draco dormiens nunquam titillandus," which translates to "never tickle a sleeping dragon." How did they come to choose the school motto? What was the wisdom behind it? Did they simply wish to add another lesson? A reminder for their students to remain always and ever alert. Or did they like how the phrase sounded in Latin? The phrase could be a reference to each house.
The wisdom of curbing impulses, no matter how trivial or exciting the possibility might be. The danger of a situation and the ability to assess. The apparent simplicity and ease of a circumstance, the false safety, and deception, that anything can change at any given moment. The wish to give joy to others but understanding another's' temperament and what they require.
How They Came Up With The Hogwarts Song
For Founders who took themselves seriously, they chose a school song that made them appear more relaxed. Did they choose the song? Who was the instigator? Was the song simply chosen because it made reference to the school name and Rowena Ravenclaw's dream of a warty hog leading her to a cliff?
Or were the Founders genuinely trying to bring more joy into the school? It might not make much sense, but then again, it could make all the sense in the Wizarding World.