Unveiling the Most Cunning and Memorable Slytherins in Harry Potter

In the magical world of Harry Potter, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry places its students into four distinctive houses. While the majority of these houses have a reputation for producing exceptionally talented and skilled witches and wizards, Slytherin House is often associated with individuals carrying a malevolent nature.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that not all Slytherins possess evil inclinations. In fact, numerous Slytherins have contributed positively to the magical world depicted in Harry Potter, despite occasionally making choices that may be deemed unfavorable. Ultimately, these exceptional Slytherins have risen to the occasion, offering assistance to others and striving to improve the enchanting realm they inhabit, if even on a singular occasion.

8 Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy initially exemplified all the negative traits associated with Slytherin House. He exuded haughtiness, pride, arrogance, vindictiveness, and outright cruelty. He held disdain for anyone he deemed inferior or failed to idolize him as he believed he deserved. However, when he attempted to follow his father's path as a Death Eater, glimpses of his redeeming qualities emerged.

Despite being assigned the task of killing Albus Dumbledore by Lord Voldemort in the sixth book, Draco proved unable to carry out the act. In "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," when Harry and his friends were captured and taken to Malfoy Manor, Draco had the chance to reveal their true identities but chose not to. While far from perfect, he displayed certain commendable characteristics.

7 Salazar Slytherin

Despite producing some of the most notorious witches and wizards in magical history, Slytherin House also gave rise to some of the finest. Thus, it becomes indisputable that Salazar Slytherin's contributions have contributed to the enhancement of the magical world. The likes of Regulus Black and Leta Lestrange, both from Slytherin, selflessly sacrificed their lives to combat dark wizards.

Undeniably, Slytherin held a skewed perception of morality and harbored prejudice against Muggles and Muggle-born magic users. His actions were largely responsible for the negative reputation associated with his house. Nevertheless, Slytherin exhibited strength and value, albeit not reaching the same caliber as the other three founders of Hogwarts.

6 Horace Slughorn

Professor Horace Slughorn, a social climber, always yearned for proximity to renowned individuals. Although he was driven by ambition, he acknowledged his subordinate role, destined to thrive off the brilliance of others. Nevertheless, he did possess moments of heroism.

Maintaining a favorable rapport with Albus Dumbledore, Slughorn reentered Hogwarts during the second Wizarding War. In a manifestation of his admiration for Harry's mother, he surrendered his unaltered memory to aid in the search for Voldemort's Horcruxes. Committing himself to the cause, he valiantly fought against Voldemort in the climactic battle that concluded the series, remaining steadfast at Hogwarts.

5 Andromeda Tonks

Andromeda, the forgotten member of the Black family on the family tree, made a courageous decision by choosing to marry Ted Tonks, a Muggle-born wizard, rather than adhering to her family's pureblood traditions. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Nymphadora, who grew up to become a highly esteemed auror and an invaluable member of the Order of the Phoenix. Throughout the Harry Potter series, Nymphadora proved herself to be one of the most remarkable Hufflepuffs. Additionally, after the tragic deaths of her husband, daughter, and son-in-law, Remus Lupin, in the second Wizarding War, Andromeda lovingly raised her grandson, Teddy Lupin.

4 Regulus Black

Initially, Regulus Black appears to be a typical, cowardly Slytherin as mentioned by Sirius. He reveals that his brother joined the Death Eaters shortly after leaving school, but eventually had a change of heart and was killed, presumably by Voldemort or under Voldemort's orders. However, Harry's mission to find the Dark Lord's Horcruxes completely alters the perception of Regulus.

Through Kreacher, it is revealed that Regulus uncovered Voldemort's plans and took it upon himself to destroy one of the Horcruxes. In an act of self-sacrifice, he gave his life to save his loyal house-elf, Kreacher, while also attempting to dismantle the protective barriers surrounding Voldemort's immortality. In doing so, Regulus proved himself to be one of the most remarkable Slytherins, as he fought against the very worst of his own house.

3 Merlin

Merlin is a renowned wizard in history and mythology, primarily known for his association with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, along with various other fantasy tales. In addition, he is featured in the Harry Potter series through references to the Chocolate Frog cards and the esteemed "Order of Merlin."

Additional information uncovers Merlin's advocacy for a peaceful coexistence between wizards and muggles, with the prohibition of casting spells on muggles. In the Harry Potter universe, his triumph over Morgan Le Fey is depicted as his valorous act of safeguarding muggles while embodying the traits of a heroic Slytherin.

2 Leta Lestrange

Although the Lestrange family is notorious for producing wicked Slytherin wizards, Leta Lestrange stands out as one of the more admirable characters in the Fantastic Beasts series. While attending Hogwarts, she compassionately tends to a wounded raven alongside Newt Scamander, showcasing her kind-hearted nature.

However, her most courageous act occurs during Grindelwald's Paris rally. Leta selflessly creates a diversion, enabling Newt and his allies to escape. Fully aware of the peril she faces at the hands of Grindelwald, she sacrifices her own life to ensure the survival of the heroes and their ongoing fight against darkness.

1 Severus Snape

Severus Snape stands as the ultimate embodiment of dichotomy within the Harry Potter universe. Once a Death Eater and instructor of potions at Hogwarts, he switched allegiances, becoming a spy for the Order of the Phoenix before Voldemort's initial defeat. Even after Voldemort's resurgence, Snape continued teaching while secretly aiding the Order.

Throughout the second Wizarding War, Snape's role as a double agent was paramount, providing crucial insights into the activities of the Death Eaters to the Order. He astonishingly committed the act of killing Dumbledore, yet it was later disclosed that he carried out this deed under Dumbledore's instruction. Snape undertook these actions driven by his unwavering love for Lily Potter. Despite his past transgressions, Snape astonishingly rose to the occasion in the most crucial moments, when the forces of good required him the most.