Slytherin House
"Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness"
"Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness"
Slytherin is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Salazar Slytherin. The house values ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness. Members of Slytherin are known for their determination to achieve their goals and their strong sense of self-preservation.
Common Room: Located in the dungeons beneath the Black Lake, accessible through a concealed stone wall. The common room features greenish lamps and carved chairs.
Ghost: The Bloody Baron
Founder: Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, who lived over a thousand years ago.
Salazar Slytherin was one of the most accomplished wizards of his age. He came from the fen and was particularly famous for his ability to speak Parseltongue, the language of serpents. This rare gift has been passed down through his descendants, though it has become increasingly uncommon.
Slytherin had strong views about magical education. He believed that Hogwarts should only teach pure-blood students, as he distrusted Muggle-born wizards and witches. This disagreement with the other founders, particularly Godric Gryffindor, eventually led to Slytherin's departure from the school. Before leaving, he constructed the Chamber of Secrets, a hidden chamber within Hogwarts.
The Chamber of Secrets: This legendary chamber was said to house a monster that only Slytherin's heir could control. The chamber remained hidden for centuries until it was opened by Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort) in the 1940s and again in 1992.
Despite its controversial founder, Slytherin House has produced many accomplished witches and wizards who have made significant contributions to the wizarding world. Not all Slytherins follow dark paths; many use their ambition and cunning for positive purposes, becoming successful in various fields such as politics, business, and magical research.
After the Second Wizarding War, the house began to shed some of its darker reputation, with a renewed focus on the positive aspects of ambition and resourcefulness.
Current Head of House: Professor Horace Slughorn
Position: Head of Slytherin House, Potions Master
Background: A talented potion-maker and collector of influential connections. Known for his "Slug Club" where he nurtures talented students. Despite his house's reputation, Slughorn fought against Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Position: Former Head of Slytherin, Potions Master, Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor
Background: A complex figure who served as a double agent. Despite his allegiance to Slytherin, his true loyalty was to Dumbledore and protecting Harry Potter.
Position: Former Headmaster (as portrait)
Background: The least popular Headmaster in Hogwarts history, but his portrait still serves the school, demonstrating Slytherin loyalty.
Achievement: Most famous wizard in history
Yes, the legendary Merlin was a Slytherin! He became the most famous wizard of all time and served King Arthur. Member of the Order of Merlin, which was named after him.
Achievement: Double agent, The Half-Blood Prince
Master of Potions and Occlumency. His complex loyalty and ultimate sacrifice showed that Slytherin ambition could be channeled toward the greater good.
Achievement: Potions Master, fought in Battle of Hogwarts
Demonstrated that Slytherins could choose the right side. His love of comfort and connections didn't prevent him from fighting Voldemort when it mattered.
Achievement: Broke from pure-blood traditions
Though born into the dark Black family, she chose love over blood status by marrying Muggle-born Ted Tonks, showing Slytherin's capacity for change.
Achievement: Discovered Horcrux secret, turned against Voldemort
Initially a Death Eater, he ultimately sacrificed his life to help destroy Voldemort, proving that even those who make mistakes can find redemption.
Achievement: Chose not to identify Harry Potter
Despite his prejudices, when it truly mattered, Draco couldn't go through with murder and later refused to identify Harry, showing character growth.
Achievement: Lied to Voldemort to save her son
Her maternal love proved stronger than fear of the Dark Lord, directly contributing to Voldemort's defeat.
Achievement: Senior Undersecretary to the Minister
Rose to significant power within the Ministry. While controversial, she demonstrates Slytherin ambition and political cunning.
Achievement: Sacrificed herself for others
Overcame her troubled past and family name to protect Newt Scamander and Theseus Scamander, showing that Slytherins can be selfless.
Achievement: Friendship across house lines
Draco's son who became best friends with Albus Potter, representing the new generation of Slytherins moving past old prejudices.