Sure, stereotypically Slytherin qualities mean that a slightly-higher-than-average number of house members become Dark wizards – but haven’t we all felt that temptation in the past? Here’s why we think you should have a Slytherin bestie…

They’re good leaders, and every squad needs one

As everyone knows, there’s nothing worse than having a best friend who is just as indecisive as you. (‘What movie do you want to watch?’ ‘I don’t know, what movie do you want to watch?’)

You’re unlikely to ever have this problem with a Slytherin BFF. Slytherins are the ones who will take charge and help order for the table at a share-plate restaurant. Gryffindors, on the other hand, might spend too much time arguing to order anything, Ravenclaws will obsessively research the best takeout places on Yelp, and Hufflepuffs, who just want to be kind to everyone, will probably end up buying everything on the menu and then going bankrupt.

Yes, Slytherins have been known to take ‘strong leadership’ into Dark, dictatorial territory – but most of the time you’ll be glad that your Slytherin best friend is around to make the tough decisions.

They’ll help plot against your arch-enemy

Slytherin’s house emblem is a snake for a reason, people. Even before Draco Malfoy was old enough to officially join the Dark Lord, his constant plotting against Harry, Ron and Hermione was basically like his training wheels.

But cunning isn’t a personality characteristic that can only be used for so-called ‘evil’. Think about it. Cunning also comes in handy when you’re trying to strategise in many areas, whether that be writing a Five Year Plan for the future, or playing a particularly difficult board game. When you have a Slytherin best friend, they’ll help you get ahead – because they care about you. And what do friends do for each other when they care?

Take down their arch-enemy, of course!

Or perhaps in Slytherin
You’ll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means to achieve their ends.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

They will push you to achieve

Ambition is a loaded word. It’s got more baggage than Hermione’s seemingly bottomless beaded bag. But, really, what’s wrong with someone knowing their strengths, taking pride in what they can do well, and wanting recognition for that? Remember, before Harry Potter arrived at Hogwarts, the Slytherins were on a six-year winning streak for the House Cup. Six. Years.

Slytherins are often self-assured and confident of their own competence, but we like to think that this also means that they can be confident on your behalf. They’re good at recognising when someone excels, and will push you to keep excelling.

While not always warm and cuddly, Slytherins could in fact be your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to achieving your goals.

And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

They have a certain disregard for the rules

There’s an old saying that goes ‘A good friend will bail you out of jail, a best friend will be sitting right beside you laughing’ – or something to that effect. We’re not trying to convince you to go and break into Gringotts or anything. But your Slytherin best friend will most likely be up for a bit of good, clean rebellion when you hang out. You only live once, after all.

‘Listen to me, Harry. You happen to have many qualities Salazar Slytherin prized in his hand-picked students. His own very rare gift, Parseltongue ... resourcefulness ... determination ... a certain disregard for rules,’ he added, his moustache quivering again.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

They can be just as loyal as Hufflepuffs

The way that Harry is internally screaming ‘please not Slytherin’ into the Sorting Hat during Philosopher’s Stone, you’d be forgiven for thinking Slytherin are a bunch of monsters. But Harry, who keeps getting nearly murdered by a previous Slytherin student, was never going to have the greatest opinion on this matter.

Take Professor Horace Slughorn, who – while he may have played favourites with the students – was a genuinely passionate teacher and wanted to help promising students from every house live up to their potential. There’s also Narcissa Malfoy; when it came down to it, she cared more about finding her son than following Voldemort’s orders, and she also saved Harry’s life.

And, of course, there’s Severus Snape who had his flaws and foibles, like everyone does. However he also spent almost two decades of his life trying to atone for past sins, and all for a long abiding love of a woman he would never see again.

Just try telling us that Slytherins can’t be as loyal as Hufflepuffs.