Harry Potter is one of the most beloved fictional characters in history. The boy who lived has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions worldwide. A huge part of Harry’s appeal is his underdog story. He begins as an orphaned boy living under the stairs and discovers he is actually a wizard destined to fight the evil Lord Voldemort.
Throughout his journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry is defined by his placement in Gryffindor house. The house of the brave and chivalrous perfectly suits Harry’s courageous heart. However, the sorting hat initially wanted to put Harry in Slytherin before Harry asked it not to. This begs the fascinating question – what would have happened if Harry Potter had been sorted into Slytherin house?
Harry’s Character Development
Harry Potter’s identity is deeply intertwined with Gryffindor house. The house colors even match his green eyes and dark hair. Harry grows tremendously over his years at Hogwarts, developing confidence, leadership skills, and strong friendships. If Harry had been sorted into Slytherin, his growth journey would have gone down a very different path.
Slytherin house values ambition, cunning, leadership, and self-preservation. Under Professor Snape’s mentorship as head of Slytherin house, Harry would likely have become more shrewd and developed cunning magical skills. Harry always had a disregard for rules, which would have flourished in Slytherin.
However, Harry’s kindness and heroic instincts would have been suppressed. The Slytherin common room and dormitories are located under the Great Lake in the Hogwarts dungeons. This cold, dark environment would have dampened Harry’s spirit over seven years. Harry thrives when surrounded by the warmth of his friendships. Sadly these would be hindered as a Slytherin.
Harry’s Friends
As a proud Gryffindor, Harry’s closest friends are fellow housemates Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. This iconic trio goes on countless adventures together and their loyalty to each other is unbreakable. If Harry had been sorted into Slytherin, he may have never become close friends with Ron and Hermione.
Ron holds an intense prejudice against Slytherins when he first comes to Hogwarts. Although this lessens over time, the divide between Gryffindor and Slytherin would have kept Ron and Harry from bonding early on. Hermione as a brilliant muggleborn would also have been scorned by aristocratic Slytherin purebloods.
Instead, Harry would likely become friends with fellow Slytherins Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle. Draco extends a hand of friendship to Harry in Madam Malkin’s shop before they even arrive at Hogwarts. Their rivalry is rooted in Harry’s rejection of Slytherin house. As dorm mates for seven years, Harry and Draco would have potentially become close confidantes.
Relationship with Hogwarts Professors
As a Gryffindor, Harry forms a strong relationship with Head of House Professor McGonagall. Their bond deepens over the years as Harry proves himself again and again in feats of bravery. Professor McGonagall recognizes Harry’s talents on the Quidditch pitch and shows concern for his safety.
Professor Snape is relentlessly harsh to Harry as a Gryffindor given his rivalry with Harry’s father. As a fellow Slytherin, Snape would have likely mentored Harry more compassionately. He still would have maintained his cold demeanor, but Snape is infinitely more patient with Slytherins. Harry could have learned cunning potions skills and Legilimency under Snape’s guidance.
Professors Slughorn and Dumbledore would’ve been eager to collect Harry Potter regardless of his sorting. Both Teachers recognize Harry’s extraordinary talents and are not biased toward a particular house. Harry likely still would have been invited to Slughorn’s club and received private lessons with Dumbledore.
Hatred from Gryffindors
Harry was adored by all Gryffindors as their star Seeker and hero. The Weasley twins took Harry under their wing like a little brother. Percy Weasley as Gryffindor Prefect respected Harry for following rules…sometimes.
As a Slytherin, Gryffindors would have bullied and scorned Harry Potter. Imagine fellow Quidditch players Fred and George ruthlessly beating Bludgers at Harry during a match. Percy would have docked points from Harry at every chance as a Slytherin Prefect. Younger Gryffindors like Colin Creevey would fear rather than idolize Harry.
Neville Longbottom suffered at the hands of Slytherin bullies for years. Harry’s kind heart likely would have compelled him to defend weaker students like Neville from harm. This would have put Harry at odds with his own housemates. He would gain hatred from Gryffindor but lukewarm acceptance at best from fellow Slytherins.
Reputation at Hogwarts
Harry was initially despised as the Heir of Slytherin when the Chamber of Secrets was opened. But most of the school eventually realized Harry was innocent and returned to adoring him. As an actual Slytherin student, Harry would have faced much greater ostracization.
Every time disaster struck at Hogwarts, the rest of the school would have suspected Harry Potter. His Parseltongue abilities and affinity for trouble would make him a scapegoat. Teachers like Snape may have protected him some, but no one would give Harry the benefit of the doubt.
Harry draws strength from being the underdog and rebel who breaks rules for good. As a distrusted Slytherin, Harry would tap into more of his defiant side. He gained a bit of a rebellious reputation from the Tri-Wizard Tournament and Ministry showdown in books 4-5. This would have started much earlier for Slytherin Harry.
Relationship With Voldemort
Lord Voldemort is the heir of Salazar Slytherin. If Harry Potter had joined the same Hogwarts house, their dynamic would gain a fascinating new dimension. Throughout the series, Harry proves himself in Gryffindor traits of courage, honor, and sacrifice. As a Slytherin, Harry would need to show Voldemort his cunning and ambition.
Voldemort may have sought out Harry earlier to groom him as a potential ally rather than targeting him as an enemy. Harry could have gathered insider information by pretending to join forces with the Death Eaters. In the end though, Harry’s good heart would have turned him firmly against Voldemort.
Harry might have tapped into more morally grey magic as a Slytherin. The Sorting Hat said Harry would do well in Slytherin, perhaps using this magic against Voldemort. Harry’s destiny was always to defeat the Dark Lord, regardless of his Hogwarts house.
Romantic Life
Throughout the books, Harry crushes on popular Ravenclaw Seeker Cho Chang and forms a romantic relationship with Gryffindor Chaser Ginny Weasley. If Harry had been sorted into Slytherin, his options for dating within Hogwarts would have looked quite different.
As a Slytherin, Harry probably would have developed a close dynamic with housemate Pansy Parkinson. Pansy is described as having a “pug-like face” but clearly cares for Draco Malfoy deeply. With Draco as Harry’s friend instead of rival, Pansy and Harry may have bonded. Dating a fellow Slytherin would also help Harry avoid alienation from his house.
Harry could have also pursued studious Ravenclaws like Padma Patil or Luna Lovegood. Both girls look past surface judgments to see people’s true selves. Luna in particular has an open mind toward Slytherins. She and Harry may have still developed a tender friendship.
How Would the Plot Change?
If Harry had become a Slytherin, the entire trajectory of the 7 books would be radically altered. Some pivotal plot points might have happened similarly, while others would unfold in fascinating new ways:
| Plot Point | As Gryffindor Harry | As Slytherin Harry |
|---|---|---|
| Sorcerer’s Stone Showdown | Hermione and Ron assist Harry through challenges | Draco, Crabbe & Goyle help Harry figure out challenges |
| Chamber of Secrets | School suspects Harry as Heir. Harry & Ron investigate. | School immediately assumes Harry is Heir. Harry investigates alone. |
| Prisoner of Azkaban | Harry learns truth about his parents from Lupin | Harry distrusts Lupin and learns truth from Snape |
| Goblet of Fire | Ron grows jealous of Harry’s fame | Draco helps Harry prepare for Triwizard Tournament |
| Order of the Phoenix | Harry forms secret D.A. meetings with friends | Harry has conflicted loyalties between D.A. and Umbridge |
| Half-Blood Prince | Harry obsesses over Draco, learns about Voldemort’s past | Harry helps Draco mend Vanishing Cabinet, learns Dark magic from book |
| Deathly Hallows | Trio searches for Horcruxes together | Harry pretends to join Voldemort while secretly hunting Horcruxes |
The possibilities are endless! Some moments play out surprisingly similar, while others take Harry down a darker path. The richness of JK Rowling’s characters is highlighted, since Harry transforms but his inherent courage and loyalty shine through.
Conclusion
Harry Potter’s Gryffindor sorting paved the way for his heroic journey and triumph over Voldemort. This was clearly the right path for him. However, imagining Harry sorted into cunning Slytherin house adds depth and nuance to the story.
Harry in Slytherin allows us to appreciate the true complexity of his character. His relationships with friends, professors, and rivals all transform in fascinating ways. Harry treads a tighter line between right and wrong. He develops grittier skills while still choosing good at the end.
The Sorting Hat saw Slytherin potential in Harry, even though Harry disagreed. This speaks volumes about Harry’s multifaceted character. His choice not to take the easy path proves the courage and conviction that made Harry Potter the greatest wizarding hero of all.