The good Slytherin - More Shades of Grey

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 131417

>>bboyminn:
<snip>
>The conflicts between house can easily be understood in the childish 
confines of the schoolyard. Houses are rivals, Slytherins are 
arrogant, the other House take a certain joy in knocking Slytherin 
off their high horse. But these are petty House Cup/Quidditch Cup 
rivalries that make great sense and instill great passion in 
schoolboys. But later on in life, in order for society to function, 
the pettyness of the rivalries has to be dropped.<
<snip>

Betsy Hp:
I think it's telling that we rarely get told what house adults in the 
WW belonged to.  We're left to guessing based on behavior, but we 
never really know for sure.  I think it shows that after graduating 
most wizards and witches *do* move on.

I think it's also interesting that the rivalry that does exist at 
Hogwarts seems so Gryffindor vs. Slytherin oriented.  Ravenclaw and 
Hufflepuff seem willing to swing their allegience either way.  Has 
Slytherin been winning far too often?  Then we'll cheer for 
Gryffindor.  Does Gryffindor Harry seem to be unfairly stealing the 
spotlight from a fellow Hogwarts student?  Then we'll wear pins 
designed by a Slytherin.  But they also don't seem to have any 
underlying dislike for each other.  We don't see Hufflepuffs hissing 
at newly sorted Ravenclaws, for example.

It's part of the reason I think there *must* be some sort of change 
in the Gryffindor/Slytherin relationship before the series is over.  
I don't think it'll be a *huge* part of the last two books.  But I do 
think it'll be an important aspect, like the DA club was in OotP.

>>bboyminn:
<snip>
>So, in my eyes, I see that JKR is clearly setting up a sorting out 
of Slytherins. She is setting the scene for the uniting of Hogwarts 
House against a common enemy. When that time comes, we will see the 
appearance of ambitious cunning Slytherins who think Draco is an 
obnoxious prat, and Voldemort is the worst thing that could possibly 
happen to their personal plans for success. They will run the range 
of good, to so-so, and to not nice, but by the same token, not evil.<
<snip>

Betsy Hp:
I agree.  Except, of course, I'm crossing my fingers that *Draco* 
will be the one to lead the Slytherins to Harry's side.  (Seems to 
fit the classic school days story line, doesn't it? Doesn't it?  Am I 
crazy here?)  I don't think Draco will suddenly cease to be 
obnoxious, but I'm hoping he'll step out of his father's shadow and 
be a little less toxic.

Betsy Hp