Slytherin in Sorting Hat

[arielock at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 99328

 "theadimail" <theadimail at yahoo.co.in> asked:


"We know that The Sorting Hat has elements of all the four founders 

of Hogwarts in it. If Godric Gryffindor's element was his sword which 

Harry pulled out, true to Gryffindor's essential quality  which is 

supposed to be bravery, what could be the element of Salazar 

Slytherin that is hidden in it? Would this have to be pulled out to 

defeat Voldemort or at least tame him in one more battle? Even if its 

not used as a plot device I would even be interested in what  each of 

the founders put in the Hat."


Arianna replies:
    Isn't it obvious?  It's the shield Voldemort is holding in the final 
fight at the ministry in OOP (top of p815 Am Ed).  Maybe that is why he is the 
"heir" as opposed to simply the "last descendent."  He somehow (magically) 
inherited the Slytherin's shield.   Besides, it makes sense: racism stems from fear, 
the brave house has the sword, the self-preserving one has a shield.  

    Arianna

P.S. Maybe that is why Jo is disturbed when people consider Slytherin their 
spiritual home:  because she decided the unifying aspect of the students in the 
house is not evil, but fear.