What if Harry Potter Was Sorted into Slytherin?

In J.K. Rowling's world of Harry Potter, the house Harry was sorted into has significant implications. Would Harry have fared better if he were sorted into Slytherin? Let's explore this intriguing scenario.

The Sorting Decision and Initial Challenges

First and foremost, Dumbledore once expressed that Harry possessed qualities that the House of Slytherin admired. However, the outcome of his placement in Slytherin would not have been a picnic for young Harry. He would have faced intense pressure, intimidation, and bullying from both his peers and the entire student body.

As a half-blood and the Boy Who Lived, Harry would have suffered rejections and hostile remarks. Even the fact that he could speak Parseltongue would bring further scrutiny, as it might have been seen as a Slytherin trait. Despite this, the House of Slytherin would have needed to defend Harry in public, standing as a united front to help a fellow Slytherin caught in the same circumstances.

Private Challenges in the Slytherin Common Room and Dorms

However, the situation would be quite different inside the Slytherin common room and dorms. There, Harry would have faced a hostile environment, with many Slytherins actively opposing him, including powerful figures like Severus Snape.

Severus Snape, in my opinion, would have had no choice but to tackle the terrifying prospect of having a descendant of James Potter in his house. Yet, his vow to protect Lily Potter's son would have compelled him to guard Harry. If Harry had been sorted into Slytherin, Snape likely would have done a better job protecting him.

Broader Impact and Friendships

Harry's friendships would have been severely tested. He would have stayed friends with his other housemates but would have found it increasingly hard to convince his peers that he deserves their trust. He would have no Slytherin friends and probably only Hermione, Luna, and Ron, if that. However, this scenario would likely have a profound impact on Harry's journey, making it much more difficult to confront and overcome Voldemort.

Harry's Miserable Existence

Harry would have been relentlessly miserable in the Slytherin environment, surrounded by peers who dismissed or ridiculed anyone who did not fit into their rigid mindsets. This would have made the magical world seem less of an escape from the Dursleys and more of a battleground for survival and conformity.

Harry would have formed close bonds with Draco and his cronies, leading to a tragic "accident" in which he would have been fatally injured. This hypothetical incident would have allowed Voldemort to return with a mysterious and sudden resurgence, much to the horror of the wizarding world.

Harry's Behavior and Corruption

Before his fatal 'accident', Harry would have mimicked the behavior of the Slytherins, using and mocking others for whatever justifications he and Draco thought up. This decision would have altered his very essence, making it harder for anyone outside Slytherin to consider him a friend.

The truth is, Harry would not have been immune to the influence of his peers. He would have been corrupted by the environment in which he spent most of his time. Those who believe that Harry's presence in Slytherin would magically turn the Death Eaters into allies are deluding themselves. The reality is that Harry would be shaped by the environment he was in, leading to a dark and sad ending for him.

Conclusion

While the idea of Harry in Slytherin is intriguing, the reality is far bleaker. His experiences would have been far more challenging and his journey would have been significantly altered. The film series SuperCarlinBrothers explores this scenario in depth, offering a compelling look into what might have been.

Conclusion: Harry Potter's journey in the wizarding world would have been vastly different if he had been sorted into Slytherin. The experience would have been fraught with challenges, leading to a much darker and bleaker outcome.