A Good Guy Slytherin Scene

Aaron was a larger student. As he walked his way through, some would step aside, others would describe him as lumbering. Slytherin House put some stock in things like breeding and many expected that he would associate himself with some well established family.

The culture of Slytherin House was difficult to adapt to, at first. It seemed to have a myriad of expectations about how to do things. But, Groyle was an interested, if not avid, student of House history and philosophy.

He quietly stepped around the trio of Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle having a conversation that, mainly, amounted to Draco complaining about something and the other two mutely agreeing. That is what House Slytherin looked like to other people.

Aaron didn't even shake his head anymore. At times like this, he kept his head down... which was difficult given his size.

The history was of people accomplishing big things, often-times accomplishing big things for other people. Slytherins had very few Prime Ministers of Magic, for instance. But, they did have a proud history of ensuring the right person got the job. Slytherin history was one of selflessness, the kind that doesn't go easily noticed.

"It's a betrayal," insisted Draco. "Harry Potter could be forgiven. He was raised by that muggle family. And, Hermione, well she is what she is."

Aaron paused. Another part of what everybody saw in House Slytherin.

Slytherin culture seemed to bely that, judging by the families that so often reined in Slytherin Dorms. But, Aaron liked the philosophy. It was simple. In his mind, it came down to a single declaration. Slytherins do what it takes.

"But, those Weasleys," continued Draco, "those Weasleys that know and betray us by associating with the likes of those kind." Draco sneered like he thought his sneer meant something. "And, I can't even get away from that kind of betrayal in my own House's dorm. You!"

Aaron slowly turned.

Slytherins are encouraged to be thoughtful and take slow deliberation. Each one, the ones that take the time to read Salazar's biographies as Aaron had at least, was invited to carefully consider how they would, had they the power, shape the world. Once you have that in mind, consider the various methods one could take and, of course, whether or not those methods would actually work.

Slytherins that did best managed to see to it that good people were able to be good.

"You, Rachel Fontana. That's a muggle name isn't it? Why are you in my House, Mud Bl-"

Salazar Slytherin had written that each characteristic, each habit was a tool. A tool was neither inherently good or bad, only appropriate for the task or inappropriate. Subtlety and guile were tools. So was brute force and clarity of communication.

Aaron's hand was at Draco's throat before he could finish the offensive phrase. "You two sit down and shut up." He didn't yell the command. He just stated it with conviction. That was another tool he'd picked up from his reading.

Rachel Fontana was furious. "I don't need protection from anybody, certainly not-"

"My name is Aaron Jones," Aaron explained to Rachel and Draco alike. The look on Draco's face was worth it.

As Salazar Slytherin had done in the creation of Hogwartz, declaring that a world of well-educated magic-users would be more to his liking than one in which the magic users were desperate and lacking in options, Aaron had his own ideas on his preferred world.

"That thing you were about to say. I don't ever want to hear it in my dorm. You are stupid enough, Draco, that I actually have to ask if you understand me. Do you understand me?"

Draco mutely nodded.

Aaron released the blond boy's neck and stepped away, ready to return to his room.

"I'll report this," said Draco in what he must have thought was a strong tone.

Aaron shrugged. "Go ahead. I won't do anything about that." A part of doing what it takes is paying the price.

Rachel smirked. "Oh, please do! Tell everybody in Hogwartz that nobody in Slytherin likes you, either. I wonder what people will do when they find that out."

Aaron raised a brow. He hadn't thought about that. Neither had Draco, by the look on his face. The pure blooded boy quickly recovered, though. "I can be forgiving. You are what you are, after all."

Aaron slowly brought his gaze directly to Draco. Size meant that he was sometimes intimidating to other students. It wasn't his fault, but it was his tool to use. "You thought that was a good thing to say, huh?"

Draco stood up and, with firm declaration said, "I think I'll have better company in the dining hall." With that, he, Crabbe, and Goyle took a brisk pace out of the room.

"Thank you," Aaron said to Rachel. Manners cost nothing and allies are valuable, friends more so.

"I'm not going to go out with you or anything, just so you know. I don't date because I owe someone."

Aaron nodded. "I was actually thinking of asking Margaret Hornfeather out... And you don't owe me anything. That was all for me."

Rachel nodded. Aaron nodded again. "I was about to watch this anime series, called Trigun, with some friends. You want to join us?"

Aaron smiled.