Squib

From HOL Wiki

Professors have the option to be house-neutral if they don't wish to be involved in house affairs, but as a student you don't - you will be sorted instantly after registration. However, there HAVE been cases of students in the past who were unhappy with their house and wanted to switch.

Instant defections (changing from one house to another) are no longer possible at HOL. Defections were rare to begin with, since in order for a defection to be valid, both the Head Office and the two heads of houses must approve of the student's move.

But if you are, for whatever reason, unhappy with your house and you want to leave, you can choose to be a SQUIB and be houseless. You will not be able to join another house instantly anymore. You will have a similar "house neutral" status as professors can have, and stay as active members of the community. You can still participate in everything (classes, clubs, contests, win points, etc.), but not in house affairs.

Typically, the wait time (as a Squib) is one term. However, the Head Office maintains the Squib list and will discuss with you the proper amount of time it takes for you to switch houses (depending on when in term you wish to drop out of your House).

As a word of caution, however, your points won't count for the house cup, but only in your individual student file, nor will you be able to participate on an HOL quidditch team. Being a SQUIB is no fun!