Five Reasons to Be a Proud Slytherin

My grandmother introduced me to the Potter world back in 2000, when I received the first three books for my ninth birthday. I immediately got lost in the magic, imagining myself hanging out in the Gryffindor common room and joining the trio to fight the forces of evil that were awakened in the wizarding world. When Pottermore went live in 2012, I jumped at the chance to be officially Sorted into the Gryffindor House once and for all. Much to my horror, I got the exact opposite of what I expected: Slytherin. I’ll admit that I, a 21-year-old college senior, cried for a good two days over the news. Here are five reasons I can now say without a doubt that I am a proud member of the Slytherin House.

Slytherins are a loyal and tight-knit group. However, as Phineas Nigellus explained, we are “not stupid. For instance, given the choice, we will always choose to save our own necks” (Order of the Phoenix 495). We’re a selective bunch, and part of caring for those in our group is caring for ourselves first and foremost. As seen in the Battle of Hogwarts, Slytherins also know when to step back and accept that no response is the best course of action. While we often get flack for not fighting in the Battle, I don’t think the students, children who knew there was a good chance they would have to go up against their own families in a fight to the death, receive the credit they deserve. Sometimes silence is the best answer.

Slytherins know what they want and they’re not afraid to go get it. Whether it be the House Cup or a top score on the next exam, we don’t shirk away from hard work. That being said, a true Slytherin also knows that sometimes it is better to work smarter than to work harder. Being a jack of many trades is wonderful, but knowing when to focus so you can truly succeed is a skill all on its own.

Tradition is a big deal with the Slytherin House, but with that comes a stigma that we value old ways and old ideals to a degree that can be detrimental to our well-being and those around us. While that can happen, I have found that, more often than not, we continuously look toward the future and strive for progress while still respecting and preserving the best of the past. Slytherins strive for balance and realize that the past and the future are not mutually exclusive.

I will admit that Slytherin is a flawed House, but I am also a flawed person. I’m a human being trying to figure out a maddening and magical world, and I’m not afraid to admit that. Slytherins have a slew of stereotypes thrust upon us, something I encountered when a little girl at work expressed her surprise at learning my House. She insisted I could not be a Slytherin because “you’re so nice!” Others assume we are cruel and hard-hearted, not because of our actions or words, but because of our House. Despite this, we don’t change who we are. We learn to adapt and bounce back to achieve the great heights we know we can reach. The Slytherin House is one that prevails.

Yes, we have THAT Merlin. The Merlin, who is one of the most well-known and beloved wizards in both the wizarding and Muggle worlds, who has awards “for acts of outstanding bravery or distinction” (Pottermore) given out in his honor, is a Slytherin. 

Slytherin is a complicated House filled with complicated people, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are evil. Sure, we’ve had more than our fair share of bad eggs, but every House has them. Rather than judging us snakes off our representation in the books, which took place two decades ago, why not go out and talk to those of us who are around today? See how the House has evolved and we proud Slytherins may surprise you.