The House System was Re: Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch. 4: Back

[ZaraG]

No: HPFGUIDX 191504

> Otto:
> Severus does not die in the battle, but is killed by Voldemort's snake. Admittedly he was Dumbledore's spy, but his loyalty is always questionable as to motive. Besides  he has nothing to do with the question which is the source of this present discussion between you and I, which is-- the mass treachery of Slytherin at the moment of decision at the Battle of Hogwarts. Snape did not, indeed could not stand up and lead his house to side with the others because he had to seem to be Voldemort's man. His treachery to Voldemort would, therefore, be revealed. But at the same time, it is to be noted that NO house leader urged their charges to fight. However, we are not discussing the leaders we are discussing the spontaneous decision by the individual members of the houses- the students, and in that Rowling is clear. Not one, where there were many of the other three who did fight. Severus Snape deserves honor for his long years of espionage and betrayal of the enemy, but it is really immaterial to the point at hand. That is, Slytherins to a man were treasonous.

Zara:
You mean, I presume, "Slytherin students attending school during what should have been Harry's final year, were to a man treasonous." Snape, as you grant, and also Slughorn and Phineas, were not.

Though I would dispute even that. The commander of the school's defenses (Professor McGonagall) requested that they leave while the rest of the school held them at wandpoint. Under those circumstances, the most effective way for them to join the fight would be to come back with reinforcements, establishing, as it were, the sincerity of their intentions to the commander and fighters who had already demonstrated their thorough distrust. As, indeed, Slughorn, with or without a selection of students from his House and others, did. (The text does not provide an exhaustive list of those who returned).

I'd also consider the word "treasonous here exaggerated at best. They did not stay to fight, just as about half of Ravenclaw and a portion of Hufflepuff also did not. I would call none of them treasonous.