If your children read Harry Potter, they might have been talking about Houses and a certain hat which seems to be talking in verse a lot.
No, they're not crazy - this is yet another Harry Potter issue.
This is what happens in the books: At the start of each school year, each of the new students is sorted into a particular House.
That's where the hat comes in; by the way, its job is to declare which House the new pupil will best fit into.
There are four houses, each with their own names and characteristics: Hufflepuff •Colours: canary yellow and midnight black •Mascot: the e badger •Founder: Helga Hufflepuff •House Ghost: tee Fat Friar During the series, the Head of House is Professor Sprout, who teaches Herbology.
The Hufflepuff Common Room is located close to the kitchens in the basement.
The dormitories are connected to the Common Room by small tunnels, just like a beaver nest.
Hufflepuffs value above all loyalty and hard work.
They are known for their fair play and tolerance.
Ravenclaw •Colours: blue and bronze •Mascot: the eagle •Founder: Rowena Ravenclaw •House Ghost: The Grey Lady Charms Professor Filius Flitwick is Ravenclaw Head of House.
Their common room is situated in Ravenclaw Tower at the west corner of Hogwarts school.
Ravenclaw is the home of the most intelligent and studious students.
They also value wit and creativity.
Slytherin •Colours: green and silver •Mascot: the serpent •Founder: Salazar Slytherin •House Ghost: The Bloody Barton Until late in the series, Potions Master Severus Snape is Slytherin's Head of House.
He is replaced by Horace Slughorn.
The Slytherin Common Room lies in the dungeons, under the lake.
Slytherin is well known for housing ambitious wizards who are cunning and often think that the end justifies the means.
They are resourceful and natural leaders.
Many dark wizards have emerged out of Slytherin, most notable Lord Voldemort.
Gryffindor •Colours: scarlet and gold •Mascot: the lion •Founder: Godric Gryffindor •House Ghost: Nearly Headless Nick Throughout the many books, Transfigurations professor Minerva McGonagall is Gryffindor's Head of House.
Their common room lies in Gryffindor Tower, the castle's highest tower at the east corner.
Gryffindors are brave and chivalrous.
They are sometimes thought to be naïve since they tend to believe in the good in others.
They're loyal and courageous.
The main trio in the books, Harry, Ron and Hermione, belong to Gryffindor.