The Good Slytherin

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 127080


>>Dan: 
>I have seen many people refer to a quote from JKR regarding 
a "good" Slytherin, so I was wondering if somebody provide the exact 
quote. I have searched for this quote for quite some time and I have 
yet to find anything. I don't want to not believe Jo said this, but 
I would feel much better if I was able to see the quote myself (or 
at least know what interview/chat session it came from). Thanks in 
advance.<

Betsy:
I second Potioncat that the "good Slytherin" is based on theory, not 
an interview.  I believe the original source of that theory (or at 
least a very strong support for it) is the Sorting Hat's song in 
OotP, especially the end.

"Though condemned I am to split you
Still I worry that it's wrong,
Though I must fulfill my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether sorting
May not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
>From external, deadly foes
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you...
Let the Sorting now begin."  (OotP hardback Scholastic ed. pp. 206-7)

The song is heavy foreshadowing in and of itself, but then we have 
this from Harry, further on:

" 'And it wants all the Houses to be friends?' said Harry, looking 
over at the Slytherin table, where Draco Malfoy was holding 
court. 'Fat chance.' "  (ibid p. 209)

And if that doesn't smack of "famous last words" I don't know what 
does. *g*

We've already been introduced to a Hufflepuff champion with Cedric 
Diggory, and with Luna Lovegood, we meet a Ravenclaw champion.  
(Interesting that both characters completely break the stereotype of 
their houses.)  We also get further fleshing out of other Ravenclaws 
and Hufflepuff students.  Slytherins are notably absent, and the 
Slytherin stereotype goes unquestioned.

The song also specifically mentions the strong friendship between 
Gryffindor and Slytherin, before "discord crept amoung [them]" (ibid 
p. 205).  All of this seems like fairly strong foreshadowing that 
Harry must join forces with a Slytherin to succeed in defeating 
Voldemort.  I think the "good Slytherin" theory is pretty widely 
accepted.  The big discussion is usually on who the Slytherin will 
be.

Betsy, who has her fingers crossed! =)