I've heard many and I repeat many people spout worse about the Slytherin House, because we're cunning or we tend to breed dark wizards. Not that the other houses don't, they just cover up their little secrets and move on with their lives. But here in Slytherin, there is no way to cover up our little "mistakes," as they are so deemed, and instead we live with the retaliation especially with the war that happened with Lord Voldemort.

Did our classmates ever wonder whom we would be fighting? It seems so black and white to them, that there wouldn't be a whole substantial amount of grey. They locked some of our students in the dungeons because we wouldn't fight with them. But who did they actually think we'd be fighting? The bad guy? I mean to them, we would be fighting the bad guy, the dark side, but to us? We'd be fighting parents, and brothers, aunts and uncles, sisters, grandparents. We'd be fighting our very own family as they'd be whirling around, flinging curses under dark robes. How would we recognize them? It might be by the body language, catch laughter and small words, or it might even be by the color of their shoes. But we'd know even then. You can't blame us for not wanting to throw the killing curse at ol' mummy and daddy now would you?

And to think, to think I saw Hufflepuffs comment on our little "mistakes," as if we are so beneath them. You see, I've always found that the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs are overlooked. Gryffindors are cheered on for their bravery, and Ravenclaws for their brains and wit. But Hufflepuffs are overlooked because, well, who would want to be a Hufflepuff? At least that was the standard a while back, it certainly isn't anymore. Hufflepuffs I consider to be one of the strongest houses of them all (besides Slytherin of course).WE get along great with Hufflepuffs and try to be warm and enthusiastic and affectionate. And most of the time we succeed and when we don't Hufflepuffs just make us into a sushi roll and shower us with Hufflepuff kindness. They're the ones who look past your family, who accept you for you and stand up for you in front of it all. Hufflepuffs are a Slytherins true best friend, and they will help you every step of the way. And Slytherins. Slytherins are looked down upon because why not? We produce more dark wizards than any other house. Our 'characteristics' are those that are seen as not good, not great even. And our portrayal. Never has Slytherin house needed more pride than ever before. I mean the Hufflepuffs have a hero in Newt Scamander for merlin's beard, who do the Slytherin house have? (and yes, I do understand that Severus Snape counts but that is beside the point...)

Now Ravenclaws we get along fine with. Towards ravenclaws we may seem cold and aloof and standoffish however we revel in excitement with what they bring to the table. They are the ones who are curious, and not just book smart mind you, but smart in what ever subject comes their way whether it be music, art, or random sensical nonsense like trivia facts. And they always push us Slytherins to achieve great things, to reach farther, to try harder, Slytherins and Ravenclaws have always had a wonderful friendship, and never underestimate a Slytherin and a Ravenclaw working together. Things will be accomplished.

And finally there are the Gryffindors.We're competitive and daring towards them for reasons even unbeknownst to me. I cannot say that I despise them, because despise is such a strong word. It is simply more of a hate. Whether this comes from the fight between our two founders I could not say, but Gryffindor's have always known how to rile up a Slytherin. But I am not being entirely truthful. I do have friends in this house, and while sometimes they are annoying (I imagine as much as I am annoying to them) we get along seemingly well, though our traits be rather different. Gryffindors are impulsive, Slytherins plan. We have different ways of dealing with the same problem which ultimately is our downfall. A friendship between these two houses is quite advantage, if one can make sure not to rile the other one up to much.

Now, another known fact is that before he died Salazar Slytherin made a secret chamber in the castle. It was called the Chamber of Secrets, as I'm sure all of you know because you've been privy to such information. Well, what if the other founders also made secret things hidden around the castle? For example, Ravenclaws are privy to much information, the astronomy tower would fit for them. Gryffindors are very impulsive creatures, the secret passages around the castle would be great for them. And Hufflepuffs? Why I saved the best for last. What kind of room would Helga Hufflepuff create that would help all students, regardless of house affiliation or purity of blood? Why, the room of requirement of course. If one only knows where to find it.

What I guess I should say is this: during the war, we all fought together. WE all stood regardless of our houses. Hufflepuffs laid down their lives, cunning Slytherins protected the young from the war, Smart Ravenclaws used every trick they ever knew and brave Gryffindors fought alongside them all. In the war, regardless of who we are, or what house we came from, we were united.

I should remind you all that houses only show our traits, not who we will turn out to be. Keeping that in mind, before you slash down a house and the people within I should remind you, that you shouldn't judge them by the traits of their house or the others who have been there before them, but rather the individual as a whole, because if not, well...you just won't know what you're missing!