Slughorn: a different look at Slytherin

[templar1112002]

No: HPFGUIDX 133193

Sue / xirene101 at c wrote:
> One thing I noticed in HBP, and rather enjoyed, was the fact that 
Horace Slughorn represents a departure from the usual "evil" 
Slytherin students and alumni we have seen. He's not potrayed as 
evil, just ambitious. He is more than ready and willing to use his 
contacts for his own personal benefit. But he has been on the run 
for a year to avoid the DE's, which implies he does not want to 
choose their "side" in the war. 
> This "new" look at Slytherin house is a welcome change. Thanks, Jo!


**Marcela: I loved Jo's portrayal of this new character.  Especially 
in the After the Burial chapter.  I thought that Jo was at her best 
with characterization of Hagrid and Slughorn.  I was laughing to 
tears in this scene:

"...'I had him from an egg, yeh know,' said Hagrid morosely.  'Tiny 
little thing he was when he hatched. 'Bout the size of a 
Peckingese.' 
"Sweet," said Slughorn. 
<snip> 
Not long after this, Hagrid became tearful again and pressed the 
whole unicorn tail upon Slughorn, who pocketed it with cries of, "To 
friendship! To generosity! To the Galleons a hair!" 
And for a while after that, Hagrid and Slughorn were sitting side by 
side, arms around each other, singing a slow sad song about a dying 
wizard called Odo. ..."

I know it's a strange scene to laugh at, but I just thought that it 
was great of Jo to show us how two friendly Gryffindor and Slytherin 
guys can maintain a conversation: only when drunk and/or in pain 
(Gryffindor) or need/greed (Slytherin).

Marcela