We all know Slytherins got a bad rep, right? Right. Well hear me out. 

What if like little first year Slytherins are super duper excited to start life at Hogwarts because let’s be honest, we all would be. And in the midst of their freaking out and awe, they get told that they’re disliked by all other houses. 

And being the stubborn little tater tots they are don’t believe them and walk around Hogwarts trying to befriend everyone only to find out that they really were unliked. And when they run back to question why, the older Slytherins build them up and tell them how the other houses are beneath them, and how Slytherins are the purest to shield them from the feeling of abandonment and explain that Slytherins will always be there for Slytherins. And that’s why Slytherins are snobby and rude. 

Because if you think about it, Slytherins weren’t the only ones downing people. The other houses would talk badly about Slytherins as a whole too. I mean, it’s like a horrible thing to be sorted into Slytherin....and don’t you dare sit there and tell me that they didn’t make up jokes about them either. “You’re being awfully Slytherin today.” “Ugh, you’re sounding just like a Slytherin.” Wouldn’t you eventually get sick and tired of hearing all these insulting things about who you were as a person and your house turn sour? 

I see Slytherins as outsiders. They have this preconceived notion that they’re evil, mean, rude, and only care about purity. No one wants to be their friend because they seem shady and untrustworthy. They only have each other, the only people they can turn to. So, what’s your only defense when you’re cornered?