Chivalry was Re: Salazar & Slytherin - Quality of Qualities.

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 121996


Carol:
> I'd say it's fair to state that "a certain disregard for the
> rules"--not necessarily in a noble cause--is at least as much a
> Gryffindor trait as a Slytherin one.
> 

Pippin,chiming in late:

The Sorting Hat says, "Their daring, nerve and chivalry/Set 
Gryffindors apart..."

Chivalry is the code of  knightly behavior, so respect for rules *is* 
something the Hat looks for in potential Gryffindors, but it is also 
looking for the spirit of chivalry; basically, that the strong should 
protect the weak. Harry sometimes breaks the rules but does so 
to uphold the chivalrous ideal, and when he does he is praised 
by Dumbledore, and even McGonagall.  But when he is caught 
breaking rules for his own purposes, he is punished.

I think Slytherin's disregard for rules could be its saving grace. 
Slytherins might find it easier than the other houses to abandon 
ideals that had become outmoded.

Pippin