What other traits would you give Slytherins?
This will probably be a long winded answer. I’M JUST SUPER IN LOVE WITH SLYTHERIN OK.
Albeit a tad hard pressed, as I think the interesting thing about we Snakes is how dynamic we are. I would struggle to say ‘it’s for sure a Slytherin thing to possess *this* quality or that *characteristic* for certain’ because in my opinion, and mind you it’s just canon for me, that the only definitive traits we have are ones that attest to the fact that we’re forever changing.
What I mean by that, is that we’re pretty fluid beings all together. Our likes, dislikes, wants, needs, goals, kinks and curiosities are continuously growing as we do - which is ironic really, as we are known to be quite stubborn. When it comes to arguments you’d have a hard time trying to talk around the theories and passionate wit of a Slytherin, but the good thing about us is that we’re not one to shut down an opposing opinion if it’s factually accurate for the sake of our own feelings. We’re not afraid of adapting and one of the things that makes us so interesting is our ability to do so. I think many Slytherin’s are social chameleons - able to be whomever or whatever they need to in order to achieve their ends…many people would say that’s a deceptive quality but I find it rather a fascinating and skilled advantage, as it speaks to our ability to tap into our empathy and experiences in order to relate to others.
I would say we’re Ambitious in mind, even if not always in actions. Because of how intuitive and empathic and self aware we are, we’re more susceptible to succumbing to the more crippling bouts of depression and mental health breakdowns that can lead us to committed hibernations and hiding away under duvets…but that’s not to say that we don’t long for things, ache for things and aspire to be certain things whilst doing so. I think the downfall of our stubbornness and ambition is how hard we’re capable of being on ourselves. Slytherins can go stir crazy quite easy, can panic when feeling stagnant and can enable their own anxieties if not stimulated by something else, we’re dangerous when left inside our own minds for too long and I think that’s because of the expectations we hold ourselves to regarding success.
I would say we’re mostly Ambiverts - here me out. I know plenty of introverted slytherins and plenty of extroverted slytherins but most of us, as far as I’m aware of, teeter somewhere in between the majority of the time. We can thrive in social environments given the right place and time and circumstances, and we can thoroughly enjoy ourselves doing so….but I think we burn out a bit easier, as well. Like personally, I used to manage bands professionally and run large events and go on tours and whatnot and I could go days in crowded venues with people to please, I could ‘turn it on’ and talk ears off and socialize with strangers and network for nights on end….but after about 3-5 days, I needed to recoup and diffuse and get a minimum of at least 48 hours of self care and alone time in or I’d go crazy. I feel like we have these gusts of extreme energy and excitement and the want to get out into the world and be productive - but we also have these sudden but predictable bursts of anxiety if we aren’t allowed to revel in being alone and without others, expectations and responsibilities for enough time to regenerate. We are dedicated and downright dangerous when we’re focused on completing something or achieving something, but once we’re done we need ample time to reboot and rest. Sometimes we’re Go, Go, Go! And other times we’re very No, No, No! When and for how long we get like that varies by person.
We’re rather capricious creatures, don’t you think? We can be independent and self sufficient but also incredibly needy or vying for affection. We can be intense and overwhelmingly passionate but also go with the flow and handle what others may find difficult with grace and composure (if we *choose* to). We can be hard, ruthless and compartmentalize when the situation calls for it, but we can just as easily be nurturing, forgiving and vulnerable when we have to (and allow ourselves) to be. We can be competitive but we can be all inclusive. Etc.
The most special thing about Slytherins, in my opinion, and perhaps the most unwavering characteristic - is that we’re passionate when it comes to our relationships. Whether we’re highly social or keep to a trusted two people; when we love, we love HARD and when we feel that’s threatened in anyway we fight just as hard. You hurt someone we care about? Merlin have mercy on you because we won’t. You come between us and the person we care about? Merlin have mercy on you because we won’t. Godric forbid the person we care about betrays our trust? It’ll be a cold day in Hell before we forget about it, even if we (for our sake, mostly) forgive them. We’re fiercely, protectively passionate, which is not only why I refuse to believe that we allowed ourselves to be locked away in the dungeons during the battle of Hogwarts, but why I’m immensely proud to be of the green and silver Snake House.
We’re also intimidatingly tight knit and value our togetherness - whereas a Gryffindor might side with any underdog because it’s the ‘right thing to do’, we’ll back one another no questions asked if the need be, and if for some reason they’re wrong we’ll still go to bat for them, but that’s not say we won’t rip them a new arsehole about it once behind closed doors. We define loyalty a little differently than the other houses but perhaps, in a way, it’s a bit more honest. It’s kind of the mafia concept of “I can call another Slytherin a Bitch, but no the fuck you cant”.