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Torino's Tuesday Question

melusin

7/15/08 07:50 pm

We often complain that Slytherin gets the short end of the stick. What are the positive characteristics of Slytherin house? Are there examples? (Of course one must wade through the anti-Slytherin bias to find them.) You may keep the discussion general or make it more Snape specific if you wish.

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• Re: Friendship (1/2)

  alexandripearl

  7/17/08 08:11 am (UTC)

  

  Harry is content with the trio bond that he needs and has, and all the other people around (even those he likes) are just there as an abstraction of "nice people" in his eyes, most of the time.
  
  I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks this. I've always thought Harry had two friends and everyone else were just people he chose to associate with when the occasion arose. This always seemed strange to me because Harry had always been denied friendship, yet when he's presented with the chance to make genuine friends, and a network of them besides, he only makes two. I guess that's why it always surprises me in fic when a character other than Ron or Hermione refers to Harry as a friend because he doesn't choose to spend time with anyone but the two of them.
  
  And most important of all, the nuclear-shaped friendships of the Gryffindor House seldom seem to grow into a larger web of social interactions with a genuine feeling of closeness.
  
  I've also never understood why Ron and Hermione were so friendless. Ron is the most personable of the three and not exactly shy so he should have been much more popular. Hermione should have at least found some friends among the Ravenclaws because of their shared interest in learning. They all seem so removed from Hogwarts at large. It's a shame really.

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  • Re: Friendship (1/2)

    (Anonymous)

    7/18/08 11:07 am (UTC)

    We know Luna regarded the 5 Gryffindors as her friends, but then she was even more isolated - bullied by her own Housemates for years.
    
    Hermione must have shared classes with Ravenclaws - I bet there were quite a few of them in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, but I guess she valued her adventures with Harry and Ron, and even mothering the two boys over hanging out with those who were more into academics for their own sake.

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    • Re: Friendship (1/2)

      (Anonymous)

      7/23/08 05:59 pm (UTC)

      In some ways, Hermione IS more aware of the other kids than Harry and Ron - so I think she did interact with others whenever she was in those classes the boys didn't take.
      
      But Harry was pretty oblivious to everyone's existence until the DA. I remember being amazed that Hermione had to tell Harry the Slytherin boy's name in the library (Nott). Harry had been to almost 5 years of Potions classes with that kid and had no idea of his name. Especially telling since it seems most 'probable' that he was the same kid whom Harry noticed at the beginning of the year that could see Thestrals - yet he never bothers to ask his name until he sees him talking to Draco.
      
      Alternatively, Hermione's self-value seems wrapped up entirely in her 'smarts'. The idea of 'pretty girls' makes her quite defensive (hence her dislike of Fleur, who may not have been as much of a challenge in the Tri-Wizard as Cedric, but yet whom must have been one of the 'best' Beaubatons had to offer) And remember her 'boggart' - the fear of failing ALL her classes and her reaction to Harry's sudden improvement in NEWT Potions? Hermione might have associated with Ravenclaws, but I doubt she liked to admit anyone might be her equal in intelligence. I can't imagine that her attitude would win her many friends in Ravenclaw. -- Hwyla

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