Horace Slughorn: Character Analysis

Slughorn has been one of my favorite characters since I first read HBP. On the one hand he's a very typical Slytherin - self-motivated and ambitious, on the other hand he has a great capacity for genuine affection and a willingness to do the right thing when push comes to shove.

Some discussion questions to get the thread started:

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?


Please remember that this is a discussion thread. All criticism should be constructive. You can say "Slughorn made a mistake by doing such and such" but not "Slughorn is a stupid fat slob". Posts that are considered bashing may be deleted by staff.

Slughorn appears to be trying to stay neutral. He didn't want to come to Hogwarts and be associated with Dumbledore, and he hindered Dumbledore's work significantly by refusing to give him the true memory. But it's clear he dislikes Voldemort and the Dark Arts too. He won't have anything to do with Draco, despite Draco's efforts to get noticed, and he is clearly ashamed of his previous association with Tom Riddle, even changing the memory in an attempt to hide the evidence.

I think if Voldemort took over the whole world, Slughorn still wouldn't do anything to stop him unless it affected his supplies of crystalised pineapple!

Slughorn has been one of my favorite characters since I first read HBP. On the one hand he's a very typical Slytherin - self-motivated and ambitious, on the other hand he has a great capacity for genuine affection and a willingness to do the right thing when push comes to shove.

I really enjoy Slughorn as well. I like how he, as a character, demonstrates that not all Slytherins are evil. He's the character, that in my opinion, breaks the Slytherin sterotype. I think that prior to Slughorn, we the readers, found it easy to see the Slytherins as rather one dimensional because, prior to Slughorn, we had only seen Slytherins who went bad. I like that he can embody the Slytherin ideals of cunning, self-motivation, ambition, and yes, a desire for greatness, while still having the ability to do the right thing when he must.


1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego?
I think that he does feel affection for these students. When Harry bring Lily up in the conversation in Hagrid's Hut, we see an emotional reaction from Slughorn. I think that in the end, it was his affection for Lily that led him to give Harry the memory about the Horcruxes. His feelings led him to do the right thing, even when I'm sure his self-preservation instinct was telling him to do otherwise.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?
I think it's the self-preservation thing on both counts. He feels safer not having an open allegiance to one side or the other. Perhaps he thinks that by not allying himself with Dumbledore, he won't be a target of Voldemort, and by not allying himself with Voldemort, he won't be a target of the Order. However, I do think that he won't ally himself with Voldemort because he knows that Voldemort is bad and he doesn't want to be a part of it all.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?
When he initially told Riddle about the horcruxes I don't think that Slughorn ever thought that Riddle would attempt to create horcruxes on his own. I think Slughorn saw a bright young student, with great talent and ability, who was curious to learn all that he could about magic and the wizarding world. Slughorn wanted to see Riddle learn all that he could so that in the future Riddle would be able to help him out, give him gifts, and perhaps slip him a tin of his favorite crystallized pineapple.
Later, when Riddle became Voldemort, I do think that Slughorn realized what he had done when he told Voldemort about Horcruxes. I think he felt guilty and ashamed by his actions. And, I believe that we saw the evidence for this when we saw the memory that had been tampered with. Slughorn didn't want people to know that he had given Voldemort that information, however innocent Slughorn's motives in doing so were.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?
I think Slughorn is a good person. When the choice between what is right and what is easy was given to him, in the form of teach at Hogwarts (right) or stay in hiding (easy), he chose Hogwarts. I also think that his feelings towards Lily show that he was a good person. He liked her, he found her talented. And, he was clearly shaken when Harry began to tell him about the events leading up to her death. He chose to help Harry, even if that knowledge would get him into trouble, which was the right thing to do.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?
I hope to see Slughorn again in book 7. I like him. I think there is alot he can teach Harry. He seems to have a good knowledge of magic, what with his obscure knowledge of Horcruxes and his potion brewing ability. Harry can learn from him.

I think Slughorn is a good person. When the choice between what is right and what is easy was given to him, in the form of teach at Hogwarts (right) or stay in hiding (easy), he chose Hogwarts.
Yes, he chose Hogwarts, but only after Harry persuaded him it was the safest place to hide from Death Eaters.
"Well, yes, it is true that He Who Must Not Be Named has never sought a fight with Dumbledore," he muttered grudgingly. "And I suppose one could argue that as I have not joined the Death Eaters, He Who Must Not Be Named can hardly count me as a friend ... in which case, I might well be safer a little closer to Albus ... I cannot pretend that Amelia Bones's death did not shake me ... if she, with all her Ministry contacts and protection ..."

Yes, he chose Hogwarts, but only after Harry persuaded him it was the safest place to hide from Death Eaters.
"Well, yes, it is true that He Who Must Not Be Named has never sought a fight with Dumbledore," he muttered grudgingly. "And I suppose one could argue that as I have not joined the Death Eaters, He Who Must Not Be Named can hardly count me as a friend ... in which case, I might well be safer a little closer to Albus ... I cannot pretend that Amelia Bones's death did not shake me ... if she, with all her Ministry contacts and protection ..."


Ahh...good point. I think I had that conversation between Harry and Slughorn a bit confused with the conversation where Harry got the memory. I was thinking that Harry told Slughorn to teach at Hogwarts to help Lily's son. My mistake. I had forgotten the part about Harry telling Slughorn that Hogwarts would be the safest place to be.

So, maybe Slughorn choosing Hogwarts over hiding out in Muggle houses was part of his self-preservation instinct.
None the less, I still think Slughorn is a good person. He could have continued to withhold the memory to protect himself, but he eventually was pursuaded to turn it over to Harry, albeit with a little help from alcohol and Felix.

Ahh...good point. I think I had that conversation between Harry and Slughorn a bit confused with the conversation where Harry got the memory. I was thinking that Harry told Slughorn to teach at Hogwarts to help Lily's son. My mistake. I had forgotten the part about Harry telling Slughorn that Hogwarts would be the safest place to be.

So, maybe Slughorn choosing Hogwarts over hiding out in Muggle houses was part of his self-preservation instinct.
None the less, I still think Slughorn is a good person. He could have continued to withhold the memory to protect himself, but he eventually was pursuaded to turn it over to Harry, albeit with a little help from alcohol and Felix.


That's what I like about Slughorn. He's very flawed and very self centered but he still winds up doing what's right. He was terrified to give up that memory but in the end he recognized that he needed to give it up to atone for his mistakes.

I think he wants to do what is right but a lot of the time he lets his self-absorption get in the way of this.

So, maybe Slughorn choosing Hogwarts over hiding out in Muggle houses was part of his self-preservation instinct.
None the less, I still think Slughorn is a good person. He could have continued to withhold the memory to protect himself, but he eventually was pursuaded to turn it over to Harry, albeit with a little help from alcohol and Felix.
I don't think he is a bad person. But he's too self-centred and lazy to do much. He's very passive about everything. When Harry went to him for help with Ron his first reponse was to turn them away. And he spent a long time resisting Harry's attempts to get hold of the memory, and probably doesn't remember giving it to him now.

Slughorn is a likeable bloke, (and plotwise a useful source of loads of information) but not the sort to be much use in a war.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in school and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego. I think Slughorn does feel genuine affection for some of the students he favors (Lily being an obvious one) but I also think that while he doesn't dislike any of them, some just served their purpose by providing him with good connections throughout the wizarding world.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts? I believe the refusal to choose sides and living on the run are both motivated by self preservation. Not aligning himself with one group, or hiding from them both as he did until Dumbledore caught up with him put Slughorn in an interesting position, I think. By going on the run he managed to remain neutral enough that both sides seemed to want his allegiance.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort? I don't believe Slughorn had any idea what Tom Riddle would do with that information about Horcruxes, but I'm quite certain that once Voldemort came back in OOTP he figured out how that could have been possible.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person? I think he's a good person, but like all of us he has flaws and weaknesses.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose? I think Slughorn will have a big role in book 7. He's a common factor when it comes to the relationships between too many characters.

On the one hand he's a very typical Slytherin - self-motivated and ambitious, on the other hand he has a great capacity for genuine affection and a willingness to do the right thing when push comes to shove.I question if Slughorn is so willing to do the right thing. It's not until Harry points out that he'd be safer at Hogwarts that he agrees to return in the first place. I don't believe he would have given Harry the horcrux memory if not for the Felix. Lastly, at the end of HBP when there is a question of whether the school will re-open isn't Slughorn reluctant in agreeing to come back?

I definitely think Slughorn is basically a good person, albeit an incredibly self-serving one. I hope he'll play a role in Book 7 that will involve aiding Harry in his quest.

I have a funny relation to Slughorn's character. For some reason, I really like him. Yet, when I try to analyse him more in detail, only things that I don't like come up, but it doesn't stop me liking him. I would even say that I like him not despite but for his flaws and imperfections. Weird? :p Perhaps I see some similarity to my own person...

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.I tend to think that, subjectively, Slughorn genuinely likes these students. However, he may like them only for them being 'interesting' in one way or another. He them 'cheats' himself to belive he likes them as without an arrière pensée so that he doesn't need to feel bad.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?This is probably the key to understanding his character. He likes comfort too much to risk it for being involved in any conflict. This leads to him lacking backbone, but doesn't make him evil.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?For the first part of the question, Slughorn maybe genuinely didn't realise what he was doing at thet very moment (but very shortly after that, yes). I see him as a person who loves to tell what he knows; it kind of flatters his ego to be able to appear well informed and knowledgable. So, even if he knew the subject was banned, he couldn't resist showing himself as someone who knows such dark secrets. How the scene is written gives me an impression he was bursting to tell.

He certainly realised the impact later, which is why he tried to tamper the memory. I reckon he did it more to forget it himself than to purportedly hide important information from Dumbledore; he convinced himself that it wasn't that important.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?As I said, he is a person with no moral backbone. Inherently, I think he is good, but he is not able to live up to it.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?I think his major purpose was served already, but I hope he has some role still, so that we'll see him in book seven.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.
Some are definitley included to flatter his own ego. He can't seem to help doing that. Slughorn likes to be in the know, and he seems to enjoy exclusivity. Creating a mystique about himself to garner recognition in society. He surrounds himself with those who will succeed or who have great potential. He certainly had great affection for Lily when talking to Harry.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group?
Slughorn wants to ensure that he is impartial so he will not give anyone an excuse to target him. He is afraid of Voldemort, and to stay out of his way he makes himself inconspicuous.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?
No I don't believe he knew the implications of imparting that knowledge. I think he feels guily in a lot of ways. He is embarrassed and doesn't want to tarnish his reputation, which is why he modified the memory.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?
He's overall a decent person. I think he has some issues but that doesn't make him a bad person.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?
I think he served his purpose in HBP. He will probably try to stay out of the spotlight as long as Voldemort's around.

Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.I think he feels affection. It's like Dumbledore explained Harry he collects the students. He's fascinated by their talents and likes to help them grow.
Of course - the same time he's probably addicted to the feeling of being important. Being responsible for these fabulous persons and feels good by knowing that they are a bit in his guilt. He so expects little things - but as we see by looking a examples like candies, he doesn't expect an equal pay. To get something back is important, but not the most important thing. He loves to be in the middle of all and to know what's going on - that was one of the reasons why he returned to Hogwarts in my opinion.

Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?He's the person in the second row in any matter. This kind of persons don't like to make clear what theyselve think in public. It's a game he plays - maybe his whole life is some kind of game.



I'm happy I can come to better sites of Slughorn with the last two questions (although the characteristics I described above are not necessarily bad in any case).

Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?He knew he shouldn't tell him, because you even didn't tell the good ones how these kind of magic works. So I'm convinced he didn't know what he did the time he did it. But the way JK described the scene let me assume that he maybe began to think of Tom Riddle in different ways that time for the first time. He saw a wish to get knowledge about Darl Arts what couldn't fit to the nice Tom. Maybe there were slight doubts since then.

The same time I haveno doubt he knew later - why else should he have been so scared to tell Dumbledore about it? It fits to his character (question 2 - not to tell where his opinion is) that he didn't want to share his memory about any conversation about Dark Arts with anyone. But he's smart also and probably knew at some point why Voldemort asked him.

In my opinion that's the reason why he was (and is) scared of the Death Eaters - not because they could try to recruit him.


Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?He's a good person in Potter world. I would tend to say he would be a good person in reality too, but the same time dangerous with his way of managing all thebest for him... but - he already showed that he knows where he is and whom he has to help the moment Dumbledore died. He did all to help the school out the last days in HBP.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego?
I think at first his intention is to use the students to feed his own ego and to build a base of future influential people. So at first, his intention is purely for self-betterment. However, I believe that through getting to know these students better by having them attend various dinners and such, he may come to feel genuine affection. Like with Lily, he seemed to genuinely like her, as he speaks pretty highly of her, and it was only the mention of Lily that got Slughorn to open up to Harry about the horcrux memory. I actually think Slughorn has a bit of a soft spot for Harry as well, whether or not that’s due in part to the fact that he’s Lily’s son and the fact that he appears to be a genius at Potions.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?
I think he’s a bit afraid of being on the losing side, because that would be a whole group of influential an important people who would never ever be allied with him. As was mentioned, this is his sense of self-preservation kicking in and his desire to remain neutral so that he won’t be considered an enemy by either group. By living on the run, I suppose he was trying to hide from making a decision either way and from getting involved in any way once again. By hiding he was taking the easy way out, but in the end he chose the right way by coming to teach.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?
Tom Riddle was a very cunning and charming boy as we are shown. He has the gift of subtly being able to ask the questions he wanted to in order to gain answers without people knowing exactly which answers he was really looking for. Many of Slughorn’s reactions in themselves told Riddle much of what he was looking to find out, I believe. So I don’t think Slughorn knew what Riddle was after, and if he had, he probably wouldn’t have been quite as forthcoming. Later on when Riddle became Voldemort, Slughorn must have known what he’d done, because he tries to overwrite his memory to reflect the fact that he was ashamed that he’d told Riddle all that information. And he was ashamed that he’d admitted he liked Riddle.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?
As FirefightingMuggle said, Slughorn is the only example of a good Slytherin, besides Phineas Nigellus. Sluggy’s got some good and bad qualities. For instance, he is against Voldemort, so that’s got to count for something. And he was willing to teach Potions even though he was hesitant to come out of hiding (though it’s true he only came to Hogwarts because he felt it was safer there). But he is a bit self-centered and manipulative, trying to become associated with influential people or people he believes will be influential and important in the future. But all in all I think he’s a good person.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?
I believe Slughorn will play a role in book 7. He may be someone to help get Slytherin to unite with the other Houses within Hogwarts. He’ll likely stay on as Potions Master as well, and he may still have a thing or two to teach Harry.

I too like Slughorn. He seems like the only likable Slytherin we've met, and is a more curious character than some might think.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.

Dumbledore says that Slughorn prefers the back seat when it comes to this matter ("more room to spread out"). He does seem to respect said select students a great deal, but this is a hard question to answer.

The true answer may lie in his little "incident" regarding Tom Riddle and Horcruxes. He was having a Slug Club party when this happened, and was commenting to Tom how he could become Minister of Magic. Then, just after everyone heads to bed, Tom asks him for an expanded definition of the most evil magical invention ever made. This is certainly not something a Minister of Magic would want to know. As we know, Slughorn was also appreciative of the crystallized pineapple Tom had given him. We are told by Dumbledore that Slughorn is a skilled Occlumens. If he truly admired Tom, and hoped he would achieve great things, why would he tell him this? Did he really think that it would help him positively? How could he think he was only curious if he asked him about the consequences of making more than one Horcrux?

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

I refer to a quote from dear old Phineas Nigellus to help answer this:


"...we Slytherins are brave, but not stupid. For instance, when given the chance, we will always choose to save our own necks."

This is a similar situation to Slughorn. Slughorn knew from experience, that he could be easily seduced into horrible things (the Horcrux incident, for example). Dumbledore says that Slughorn is an "extremely capable" wizard. Slughorn says that he doesn't fancy the mortality rate of the Order. From this, considering Death Eaters lately tend to be locked up rather than killed, it seems deducable that it would be easier for Slughorn to be swayed to the Dark side than the Order. Slughorn seems to be his own worst enemy - he was on the run because he knew that if the Death Eaters captured him, he would be unable to resist joining them.

But, then again, Slughorn doesn't seem to fancy fighting at all - he wasn't present during the Battle of the Tower, his only role was to alert the Ministry as to what happened.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

See question 1. I think he realized what he had done in June of 1995, when Dumbledore and Harry started to say that Voldemort was back. Slughorn says "I've been on the run for a year, ever since he came back." (paraphrased) It was at that point that he realized that Voldemort had Horcruxes. He evidently was one of the few who believed Harry.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

Slughorn is a good man who has made bad mistakes. He is a mostly innocent man who allowed himself to be manipulated.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?

Well, this is a good question. Someone has to act as Potions Master...but then again, if Harry isn't at Hogwarts, what difference does it make? Slughorn initially came out of retirement because he felt more secure at Hogwarts than he was on the run (and so he could reform the Slug Club). With the death of Dumbledore, which seems to have affected Slughorn as immensely as everyone else, Hogwarts no longer appears secure.

I think that Slughorn will stay at Hogwarts, though. Voldemort probably knows he is there, and he is likely on Voldemort's hit list for obvious reasons (reasons that should become apparant once he figures out Harry is after his Horcruxes). Still, Hogwarts is safer than where he was. I have a feeling he might know even more about Riddle.

And now, I have a question that I will propose....

7. Dumbledore intimates that Slughorn is a much more powerful wizard than he lets on. He tells Harry that Slughorn is very skilled at Occlumency (to the point where he could keep secrets from even Dumbledore.) Will this play any role? Could he be hiding talents that he is too cowardly (for lack of a better word) to use?

I genuinely thought Slughorn would be the new DADA teacher, and was surprised that Snape got the job. Looking back, though, it makes sense; an enormously fat walrus-like old man certainly does not appear the type to be a DADA expert. Yet his Occlumency skill intrigues me. I can't provide a satisfyinf answer to this question.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.

I think it is a bit of both. I do believe that Slughorn has a nack for picking out talents, but of course, some people like Mr. Weasley and Ron never make it to his ranks of Slug Club membership. This is where I think it is in his interest, because although Mr. Weasley is incredibly smart, he didn't make a lot of money outside of Hogwarts, and could not benefit Slughorn in the long run. However, I do believe, such as in Lily Evans's case, Slughorn truely liked her, and wanted what was in her best intrest to excell.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

I think he choose to live on the run because he knows about horcruxes, and about Tom Riddle, and he could be capured by a Death Eater and be forced to give away information that could highly help the side of the Death Eaters. I believe he doesn't join the Death Eaters because he knows they are wrong, and he doesn't join the Order, because he wants to stay neutral and low key, and not have a lot of attention drawn on him, because of his relationship with Tom Riddle.


3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

No. Although Slughorn knew the capacity of what Tom Riddle was capable of, I don't believe that he believed that Tom Riddle would later use the horcruxes to do what he did with them, and to the extent to which he did it.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

I believe that all in all Slughorn is a good person, and although a typical Slytherin, he does have a good heart, and cares about people. The only part about Slughorn that I wouldn't trust would be him giving away information for an incentive or a prize for him. Maybe Slughorn doesn't tell secerts away much, but if you did what Harry did, it could be possible that he could leak out some important information.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?

I think Slughorn will be in book 7, as I don't think his role is complete. I believe he will stay teaching at Hogwarts, especially since Snape is now gone, and he is the Slytherin head of house again. I also believe he might be an important sorce of information to Harry about horcruxes, and more about the history of Lily Evans, Snape, and even Regulus A. Black and Tom Riddle.

I think perhaps I can answer this the best as Sluggie loves me the most...

*Puts sensible hat on*

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.
Horace is what he is written as: a good Slytherin. Jo realised she had yet to introduce a 'good' Slytherin (if we make the assumption for argument's sake Snape is 'bad') and so wrote Slughorn. He has a rather large ego, is greedy, indulgent, but generally fair, as he wouldn't indulge Malfoy and his ego. He's very cunning, so I do think that whilst he picks these students for his own ego, he also picks them for future benifits he could call upon, as we've seen.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?
I think it's another Slytherin trait personally; cowardice. He wants to bury his head in the sand, refuse to jump over either side of the fence and that way he's no danger to anyone else. I do have a feeling this may change in the 7th book though; I think he genuinely cared for Lily and Dumbledore, and I think DD's death will have an impact on him.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?
He knew Riddle would become powerful, but at that moment when he told Riddle about horcrux's I think Slughorn was caught up in Riddle's flattery of his own ego. Again, I do think he realised; he's not stupid, but again chose to bury his head in the sand, afraid. I think that's evident in the way the memory was tampered with out of his own shame. Imagine the lives he could have saved, had he not told him that bit of information. I suspect Riddle would have found it out eventually, again that's evident through finding out how to actually create them through incantation - whatever. But Horace would feel that it was his fault somehow, hence why he never said anything.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?
He's good, just a coward. I hope he'll be magnificant in the final book though.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose? Oh whilst we only have two books with him in, I suspect he'll have a tremendous part to play....Horace knows a lot...and both Harry and Voldemort know he does...

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose? Oh whilst we only have two books with him in, I suspect he'll have a tremendous part to play....Horace knows a lot...and both Harry and Voldemort know he does...

That's a key point I think. Slughorn is the one person who has given both our hero and our villian information about Horcruxes this far. He's important to both sides, perhaps more important than what some of the other characters who have disappeared have been.
However, while the value of Ollivander was seen by both the Death Eaters and the Order, I don't think that any of the Death Eaters or Order members realize how crucial Slughorn is. Only Harry (along with Ron and Hermione), Voldemort and Slughorn know with 100% certainty that the Horcruxes exist.
What is suprising to me that when the Death Eaters were allowed into Hogwarts, they only went for Dumbledore and left Slughorn alone. Maybe at that point, Voldemort didn't know Sluggy was at Hogwarts, or perhaps he didn't want Slughorn?

I can't quite figure out why Voldemort hasn't come after Slughorn yet.

I think perhaps I can answer this the best as Sluggie loves me the most...

Pfft! I say to you!

What is suprising to me that when the Death Eaters were allowed into Hogwarts, they only went for Dumbledore and left Slughorn alone. Maybe at that point, Voldemort didn't know Sluggy was at Hogwarts, or perhaps he didn't want Slughorn?

Interesting! I think it's likely that they want him for more than just the memory. We've seen what Voldemort can do with a potion in the cave.

I can't quite figure out why Voldemort hasn't come after Slughorn yet.Has Voldemort really had a chance to go after Slughorn yet? He's been on the run, hiding out, and then under the protection of Hogwarts (and Dumbledore) I think Voldemort might see his best opportunity being now.

Interesting! I think it's likely that they want him for more than just the memory. We've seen what Voldemort can do with a potion in the cave. :agree: I keep remembering what Dumbledore said to Slughorn about the Death Eaters wanting to recruit him for his talents. What other kinds of talents (besides potions) might Slughorn have?

:agree: I keep remembering what Dumbledore said to Slughorn about the Death Eaters wanting to recruit him for his talents. What other kinds of talents (besides potions) might Slughorn have?

I think that Slughorn is very knowledgeable, and is very skilled in Potions, and some other areas as well. He could be a great use to eiether side.

I think that Slughorn is very knowledgeable, and is very skilled in Potions, and some other areas as well. He could be a great use to eiether side.
What I'd like to know is how he got that knowledge. I mean he knew about Horcrux's! Not even Dumbledore knew about them in such detail I don't think...I would love to know where our friend got such information...

I think at first his intention is to use the students to feed his own ego and to build a base of future influential people. So at first, his intention is purely for self-betterment. However, I believe that through getting to know these students better by having them attend various dinners and such, he may come to feel genuine affection. Like with Lily, he seemed to genuinely like her, as he speaks pretty highly of her, and it was only the mention of Lily that got Slughorn to open up to Harry about the horcrux memory. I actually think Slughorn has a bit of a soft spot for Harry as well, whether or not that’s due in part to the fact that he’s Lily’s son and the fact that he appears to be a genius at Potions.I totally agree in all accounts. Also, not only do I think he can feel affection by his students, as I also believe that he sometimes risks getting manipulated by those students he likes because he cannot refuse them anything. He couldn't refuse Riddle an anwer to his Horcrux question and he wasn't able to refuse Harry the memory. It's not just becase they were clever in the way they did it - it's also because he liked them so much.

About Harry, I think he is exactly the kind of student Slughorn likes the most and that is why he tries so hard to "collect" him. He is charismatic and very famous already, he is excellent at his classes and his mother was also one of his favorite students. Dumbledore knew all this, of course (except the Potions part) and that is why he asked Harry to help him hire him, And later trusted him with the mission of getting the memory.

What I'd like to know is how he got that knowledge. I mean he knew about Horcrux's! Not even Dumbledore knew about them in such detail I don't think...I would love to know where our friend got such information...Dumbledore also knew about Horcruxes. And the best proof of that is that he did his best to keep the students from having access to this type of information. Even Slughorn told Riddle that Dumbledore wouldn't want them to know about that subject.

Dumbledore also knew about Horcruxes. And the best proof of that is that he did his best to keep the students from having access to this type of information. Even Slughorn told Riddle that Dumbledore wouldn't want them to know about that subject.
I know DD knew about them, but I don't think he knew about them in such detail, otherwise he woulds have clicked about Riddle more quickly. Anyway, whether he did or didn;t know, I'd still love to know where both of them got the knowledge!

Remember that Dumbledore had no way to know that Riddle was researching the issue. We don't really have a timeline for all Dumbledore's discoveries about Riddle/Voldemort. We do know he questioned Slughorn about it because he got that fake memory.

Slughorn is to play a huge role in the 7th book. After Snape took the vow with Narcissa, he went to Dumbledore and told him about it. {I believe Snape is under direct orders from Dumbledore to stay undercover at all cost even if it means killing Dumbledore}. Knowing that he and Snape would be gone from Hogwarts he had to find somebody to help Harry in his quest against Voldemort. The only person that fit this role was Slughorn. He has two very strong qualifications:

1. He is very good at occlumency and legilimency in which he can teach Harry.
2. He knows about some really dangerous Dark Arts {Horcruxes} which will help Harry defeat Voldemort.

I expect a lot of slughorn in the next book, helping harry getting by the horcruxes, and teaching him new and interesting things.

Slughorn is to play a huge role in the 7th book. After Snape took the vow with Narcissa, he went to Dumbledore and told him about it. {I believe Snape is under direct orders from Dumbledore to stay undercover at all cost even if it means killing Dumbledore}. Knowing that he and Snape would be gone from Hogwarts he had to find somebody to help Harry in his quest against Voldemort. The only person that fit this role was Slughorn. He has two very strong qualifications:

1. He is very good at occlumency and legilimency in which he can teach Harry.
2. He knows about some really dangerous Dark Arts {Horcruxes} which will help Harry defeat Voldemort.

I expect a lot of slughorn in the next book, helping harry getting by the horcruxes, and teaching him new and interesting things.


I agree with this completely. In fact I'm going to go further and speculate on the exact role that Slughorn will play in book 7 - I believe the school govenors are going to appoint him as the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. Until now everyone has assumed that McGonagall will be headmistress of Hogwarts in book 7. I think that it's possible she won't be. Here are my reasons:

1. Consider that with the events in book 6 the governors of Hogwarts are going to be considering whether or not the school should re-open. The obvious main concern is that if Hogwarts does re-open then it will once again be a target, especially if McGonagall is headmistress. What better way to reduce that risk than to put someone in charge who is as close as possible to "neutral". The governors don't know about Slughorn's memory so as far as they can see he is neutral - neither strongly supporting Voldemort and not in the Order of the Phoenix.

2. There will also most likely be ministry pressure regarding the conditions under which the school can re-open and no one on the Hogwarts staff has more influence and ministry support than Slughorn. According to them he would seem like the ideal choice.

3. It would strongly support the plot. In the headmaster's office Slughorn will be exposed to and possibly influenced by the portrait of his very close friend Dumbledore who can gently encourage him to give Harry the help he needs to destroy Voldemort.

4. As a former Slytherin who has favourites from all the houses he would also be seen as having the least amount of house bias, thus encouraging unity amongst all the Hogwarts houses.

5. JKR likes springing these sorts of surprises on us. And this one seems right up her alley.

Whatever his role is in the next book, I definately think it will be significant!

In fact I'm going to go further and speculate on the exact role that Slughorn will play in book 7 - I believe the school govenors are going to appoint him as the new Headmaster of Hogwarts.Remember how Dumbledore described Slughorn though:
"He has never wanted to occupy the throne himself; he prefers the backseat-- more room to spread out, you see..."I think becoming headmaster of Hogwarts would be too high profile for Slughorn. He likes his trophies and his creature comforts, but he seems to be content with being in the background.

I believe Dumbledore and Slughorn where both tought about Horcruxes at Hogwarts before it was banned, Dumbledore went there over 150 years earlier and he isn't much older than Slughorn. Thats why I think Slughorn knows alot of dark magic, back then they taught it, and he can teach Harry some really cool stuff, So he can face and defeat Voldemort.

Horace Slughorn at first read, reminded me strongly of a classic movie version of a mafia boss.

At first I think he was one of those genius teachers.....knew a little about everything, but at some stage this changed and he became the 'mafia boss' as well. Now, as well as the knowledge, he also knows all the right people, has contacts everywhere - good and bad, and therefore is able to appear neutral.

By staying at Hogwarts, he has chosen to rest for a moment, knowing that he has protection and also the ability to get to know the death eaters -snape and malfoy, and also get to know Harry. I think he is widening his web of contacts, and laying an each way bet.

I think, like Mundungus, he will go with the winning side. I don't admire him as a person, as if he chose a side, he would be of enormous benefit to them, but he doesn't choose, and therefore is helping both. I see it as a confidence thing.......he wants to be accepted by both.


When he gave info on the horcruxes to Tom, I still see it as a 'please like me' moment. I think he is a lonely person

Has anyone else noticed the similarity of physical descriptions between him and Vernon? (I'm not sure that it goes anywhere, but it would be a good moment to see him introduce himself to Vernon)

I thought JKR did a good job of showing us a "good" Slytherin. He is driven by self-interest, but he is basically good. He takes advantage of his position to establish contacts with influential (or future influential) people. And he brags about these contacts. He makes money on the side with Unicorn hair and Acromanta venom (and he doesn't share the profits with Hagrd). He does have some prejudices, but he usually manages to set them aside. He treats muggleborns as well as others, but does express surprise when they excel.

I thought JKR did a good job of showing us a "good" Slytherin. He is driven by self-interest, but he is basically good. He takes advantage of his position to establish contacts with influential (or future influential) people. And he brags about these contacts. He makes money on the side with Unicorn hair and Acromanta venom (and he doesn't share the profits with Hagrd). He does have some prejudices, but he usually manages to set them aside. He treats muggleborns as well as others, but does express surprise when they excel.

I wouldn't call that a "good" but a normal or not bad Slytherine. I agree to the fact that he is good in the comparative study of other slytherines and him but he not all that good. He can be selfish and self ridden at times and that is not good but all in all he is an excellent person who IMO will help Harry in his horcrux hunt. ;)

Horace Slughorn at first read, reminded me strongly of a classic movie version of a mafia boss.Don Slugheorne… :lol:

I believe Dumbledore and Slughorn where both tought about Horcruxes at Hogwarts before it was banned, Dumbledore went there over 150 years earlier and he isn't much older than Slughorn. Thats why I think Slughorn knows alot of dark magic, back then they taught it, and he can teach Harry some really cool stuff, So he can face and defeat Voldemort.You may well be right. I don't know who was responsible of banning the horcrux subject (I suspect the Ministry), but I think it was a stupid decision. Any good rarely comes out from banning discussion topics – I mean completely, I'm not suggesting the students should be given details on how to perform horcrux spells, but completely denying such thing exists means only the most evil people will know about it, and can develop their wicked pursuits in tranquillity.

While I can imagine Dumbledore would indeed be a kind of person who disregards rules he finds silly, I'm not sure about Slughorn. In a way, I imagine that for Horace, the topic being forbidden makes it even more tempting to appear knowledgeable in front of a clever student.

I wouldn't call that a "good" but a normal or not bad Slytherine. I agree to the fact that he is good in the comparative study of other slytherines and him but he not all that good. He can be selfish and self ridden at times and that is not good but all in all he is an excellent person who IMO will help Harry in his horcrux hunt. ;)I certainly agree he is not evil, but whether he is particularly good even in relative terms in the Slytherin subset, I'm not completely convinced. We don't have many examples of good Slytherins (apart from Snape if we believe he is good), but having ambition cannot automatically lead into immorality, so I hope we'll see some better examples in the last book.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in school and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.

I see Slughorn as a person who is firstly concerned with his own well being. He never showed any real interest in his students, unless he can get better from it. For instance, he only agreed to come to Hogwarts, when Harry showed him that he would be safer there then anywhere else. He invites people to his Slug Club because they are well connected. When Tom Riddle asks about the horcruxes, Slughorn seems more concerned about what could happen to himself, if anyone would find out he told Riddle about them. So I don't think he has a lot of feelings for anyone except himself.


2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

Because he isn't the person for active involvement in battles, his posture doesn't agree with that. Besides if he joined one group and the other would win, he would be in danger of losing his position as "society leader".

He was on the run because he knew Voldemort might come for him. Voldemort isn't stupid and must have remembered that he asked Slughorn about the Horcruxes. Voldemort also knows that Slughorn was a friend of Dumbledore, which could have made him tell things. As former head of Slytherin, Slughorn knew Voldemort well enough. So instead of waiting for him, Slughorn thought it better to run.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

I don't think Slughorn knew what Riddle was planning to do. Tom was already very secretive at that moment in his life. It's very possible that Slughorn just thought that Riddle was only interested in all sorts of magic and he was rather blinded by the bribe Riddle used.

I guess Slughorn must have thought about horcruxes when Voldemort disappeared after the attack on the Potters. But he would never have said anything to Dumbledore, because it would have jeopardized his comfortable position.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

He is a selfish person, who thinks about his own position first before anything else. That's not really bad, but not entirely honest and right either.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?

I think he has served his purpose. I am sure that if he had known more, he would have come up with it. Certainly after Harry retrieved the horcrux memory. Slughorn was easy to approach and talked a lot at that moment, he must have seen the importance of it all.

He might also think that all the stuff about horcruxes and everything else that has happened is none of his business and just keep his mouth shut. If he keeps a low profile, nobody would bother him and that's his biggest wish.

It's nothing extremely important, but after reading HBP again, I couldn't help but be amused in the chapter "After the Burial" when I realized that Slughorn outdrank a half-giant. No wonder he has such a huge bar tab.

I guess Slughorn must have thought about horcruxes when Voldemort disappeared after the attack on the Potters. But he would never have said anything to Dumbledore, because it would have jeopardized his comfortable position. :agree:
I think Slughorn would have considered horcruxes once again after Voldemort made his first public appearance at the end of OOTP. I've always believed he's a lot smarter and more cunning than he appears to be. Perhaps he knows more about horcruxes than he told to Tom Riddle, and now that Voldemort seems to be actively looking for him Slughorn doesn't want to be made to divulge any additional knowledge.

Perhaps he knows more about horcruxes than he told to Tom Riddle, and now that Voldemort seems to be actively looking for him Slughorn doesn't want to be made to divulge any additional knowledge.

It's very possible that he did know more. Tom Riddle was very skilled at hearing people out, so maybe Slughorn remembered just in time that horcruxes were forbidden at Hogwarts and kept more information to himself.

If Slughorn stays at Hogwarts I am sure he will try to avoid Harry again or he must suddenly start becoming unselfish, which is a thing I can't imagine.

i'm not particulary fond of slughorn, but here are my thoughts:
1) i think he surrounds himself with students/people he doesn't even know that well becasue he feels that he needs attention from people that do not really know him so his motives can be left secretive
2) i think he didn't side with either becasue he knew that if he did, he would be pushed and pulled by those who are against his choice and those who aren't; for example, if he had become a death eater, slytherins would trust him, and everyone else wouldn't, therefore eliminating many of his "groupies" -furthermore, the death eater's would probably have kicked him out for his behavior anyways, as would the order
3) no, he is too ignorant to know what he was doing at the time that he told riddle about the horcruxes, but upon his rise, he probably figured it out, thus his need to run from those who want him dead/taken out..just a thought

1. I think Slughorn is very much about connections. He doesn't really see himself becoming powerful on his own account, so he attatches his name to "promising" students so that they can elevate his status. I mean, he was the person to take an interest in them first, so he probably thinks he's entitled to some of their success. I don't think he has any real affection for them. He talks about Lily like he did, though. He might've just been playing that up if she were still alive, but as she isn't he doesn't have any gain for himself in doing so, I'm lead to believe he genuinely admired Lily.

2. I think there's a very simple answer to this one: Slughorn is all about himself. He obviously doesn't want to go against Voldermort by joining the Order, but he isn't Death Eater material either. He was on the run because Voldermort certainly hasn't forgotten their past. Voldermort might want Slughorn to use his "connections" to persuade others to join him? I think he went into hiding because he didn't want to be pressured into joining, because then he wouldn't really have any choice but to. By running away before he was asked, he could avoid putting himself in the position.

3. I don't think Slughorn knew. He's just very indulgent. He liked telling students little tips like he was something of a mentor. It only made his link to them that much stronger in his mind, I'd expect. He probably just thought Tom was exercising some harmless curiosity.

4. I love this bit! Slughorn is definitely not the typical "evil" Slytherin with no redeemable qualities. He's not by any stretch of the imagination selfless, but I don't think Slughorn has bad intentions at all. He's more likely to save himself than someone else, but many would do the same. He's cunning, but he doesn't really try to hurt other people, he just uses it to better his position. He's always stuck in a sort of middle point, I think, not wanting to get himself in trouble with either side. I don't think this makes him "bad".

5. Hmm.. I don't think we've seen the end of him. I hope J.K. has put him in Deathly Hallows, even if it's only for a short part.

Slughorn is a great character. I am fascinated by multi-dimensional characters like this. If I were to compare him to Snape, I would say Slughorn is a good-character with dark shading (Snape being a dark character with highlighting). They are both a little of each, but different measures of light and dark.

I do think Slughorn cares about his students, but Slughorn doesn't mind getting favors back either...as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. I believe we have seen that, heard it in his voice as he talks about Lily and about other students pasts. He's a Slytherin with a conscience, and the first one of those we've met in the book so far. Horace feels shame, guilt and regret over mistakes. He does have his own set of moral principles. They may not be the same as, say, McGonnagal's, but they are there just the same. He doesn't appear to wish harm on anyone. I don't believe we've ever seen him break the law or even rules of the school ...okay, maybe bend them now and then, but he seems to like to live "clean" (no one bothers him that way--don't want any trouble!). He's very social...a social butterfly, I guess. He loves parties and is comfortable in large groups of people. He's intellegent and perceptive, and yes, does gravitate toward power like magpies to sparklies! He also is a wee bit vulnerable if you catch him at the right time, the right way. That gives him a bit more endearing, I think.

I think his one defining flaw is "not a risk taker". He doesn't want to get involved, doesn't want trouble, and wants to be left out of any conflicts. He wants to be safe. Horace doesn't do conflict well and seems to avoid it. I think that may be one of the reasons he hasn't gone out and made his own glory and riches...it's a risk. It's rough out there! Like a football coach he'd rather pick and train players, then send THEM out onto the field to get banged up. He can take credit for their win, but not get hurt himself. He's found his comfort niche, content to glean a few luxuries and pleasures from the crops he raises, and boast about his "players'" wins on the field of life. I think this comes from both a cowardly side (not willing to take the risk himself), a touch of ego and a smidgeon of a nurturing side of him, as well. He's not bad, he's "slick" lol.

I see Slughorn taking over Slytherin house next year, if the school reopens of course. I actually think this may be a good thing. Despite his shortcomings, he does know right from wrong and that there are ways to achieve power without becoming "evil", be a leader without being masochistic, and be a Slytherin while still being a nice guy. If the sorting hat sings true, the houses are going to have to unite against a great threat. As Slytherin was before Snape left and Draco and his goons were their top kids, there would have been no chance of Slytherin being involved in any form of unity between the houses. Now, I think it has a chance...and hopefully will save the school .

I believe Horace knows a lot more about horcruxes and other dark magic than he says. He doesn't want trouble, though...and I think it's going to be difficult to get at it in some ways, but I think Harry will. After all, even if Horace doesn't like to be on the frontlines of a fight, I think in the end he'll know what's at stake and step up (reluctantly, maybe) and do the right thing against his better judgement.

I do think Slughorn cares about his students, but Slughorn doesn't mind getting favors back either...as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. I believe we have seen that, heard it in his voice as he talks about Lily and about other students pasts. He's a Slytherin with a conscience, and the first one of those we've met in the book so far. Horace feels shame, guilt and regret over mistakes. He does have his own set of moral principles. They may not be the same as, say, McGonnagal's, but they are there just the same. He doesn't appear to wish harm on anyone. I don't believe we've ever seen him break the law or even rules of the school ...okay, maybe bend them now and then, but he seems to like to live "clean" (no one bothers him that way--don't want any trouble!). He's very social...a social butterfly, I guess. He loves parties and is comfortable in large groups of people. He's intellegent and perceptive, and yes, does gravitate toward power like magpies to sparklies! He also is a wee bit vulnerable if you catch him at the right time, the right way. That gives him a bit more endearing, I think.
Excellent post! I think Slughorn does indeed care about his students - or at least "his" students - he doesn't seem to care much for Ron, for example! However, as we saw with the memory, he puts himself first. He must have known how much was at stake and that Dumbledore and Harry really needed that memory, but he still offered only a fake one, and spent a lot of time avoiding Harry. Slughorn will help his favourites cheerfully - as long as helping them doesn't cost him anything. And, as we saw on the train with Belby, he will drop people unmercifully if they turn out to be less useful to him than expected.

I agree, and that's the very same reason why Slughorn represents the full of the Slytherin house, doesn't he? We often stereotype Slytherins as erm...evil. It's more of ambitious, really, and putting themselves first. That's what Phineas Nigellus' portrait told us, at least. Perfect Slughorn portrait, don't you think? Powerful and always around those who are or might be in the future, as well as caring more for his own neck than the others'.

He cares for 'his' students in an odd way, though. He cares about them because of him, because he dreads what the consequences for him will be if something happens to them. Not anything else. I should like to see if Slughorn does the same thing to relatives or intimate friends, it'd be interesting...he did risk it for Dumbledore, at least, and that talks a bit more highly of him.

But as for students welll...thoes are pretty much my thoughts. Cares for them, but not that much.

As a former teacher, I can say from experience that teachers love to see students with promise because teachers usually have alot of knowledge on the subject and sometimes they don't get to show alot of it because they spend their time trying to get some of their students up to speed. So when a more gifted student comes along, the teacher is able to bring out more of their knowledge to the student. They still like their other students though.
That being said, they also are human and sometimes they get duped into answering questions that they think are sincere questions and turn out to not be. This is very unfortunate because it makes them feel more guarded when answering people. They always have that doubt in the back of their mind.
With Slughorn also being Head of Slytherin, he is around alot of those types of students.
I think he is a geniuinely good guy who hates LV, loves DD, but is more on the timid side. Not a very good Slytherin. Sometimes it seems that being in no company is better than being in bad company. I think Snape probably learned well from Slughorn's passiveness. When Snape was Head, he presented more of a strong will about him.

Look at this line in the Prince:
They stood back to back, the tall thin wizard and the short round one, and waved their wands in one identical sweeping motion.

Do you get the feeling JKR is portraying a "good-ol' buddies" pictures here? ( Perhaps subconsciously? )

Here is what I see as important about Horace:

1) His knowledge of magic is extensive ( from his knowledge of Horcruxes ).

2) He is one of the five people who know( the rest being Dumbledore and the trio ) that Voldemort made six Horcruxes. And he was the first person to know this, he knew it for a long time, while others only got to know it recently( though Dumbledore had guessed. ).

3) He knows about Dumbledore's past. Horace and Abeforth are probably the only wizards who know about Dumbledore's past.

4) He knows about Tom Riddle's school days.

5) He knows about Snape/James/Lily s' school days.

Horace Slughorn is a wonderful source of information - both about the past and about magic.

Slughorn is not stupid. He is a very clever, but also very lazy, wizard. But there are exceptions to his laziness too - he created a nice little disaster-scene in just 2 minutes!

Now, no Death Eater in his right mind is going to recruit Slughorn as a Death Eater. When has he ever shown he is capable of torture and murder? No, the reasonable thing any DE is going to do is to put him under the Imperius curse and use his knowledge and skill for their advantage. Could he have been under the Imperius curse during Voldemort's last rise to power?

And secondly what about the Felix Felicis? It takes six months to brew it. Surely he could not have brewn it while moving from place to place in hiding? Did he find an already brewn stock at school? But he did say
However, if brewed correctly, as this has been...
He seem to gurantee that this Felix Felicis has been brewn correctly. Can he make such a gurantee about a stock of potion he found at the school when he arrived? And is Felix Felicis likely to be brewn ( by Snape ) in large quantities and kept at Hogwarts? Polyjuice potion and Veritaserum - yes, but Felix Felicis? Did Snape prepare it to be used by the Order in an emergency?

The possibilities I see are

1) Snape brewed it for use by the Order and kept it at Hogwarts. [ Then he gurantees it has been brewn corectly because he trusts Snape's skills at potions. ]
2) Horace brewed it ( for an emergency ) a long time ago and kept it with him. [ Then he gurantees it has been brewn corectly because he brewed it himself. ]

I like the fact that while he is a Slytherin he favoured Harry over Malfoy. He was also very fond of Lily who was in the same year at school as Lucius, who was also Slughorns favourite.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego?

He feels affection for those that will go far and grant him favors in life because of it. However, he still likes them to a certain extent. He "works" for them while they're at school and for a while after, and then they "pay" him back for all he did for them and flatter him.

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

I think he doesn't want to be allied with any group until he is sure they'll win, and then after they win and he supported them, he's a nice little hero for helping them and believing in them. He doesn't have many morals, and he's a bit greedy, so that plays in, too.
He lived on the run because he is afraid of Voldy, and he doesn't want to get mixed in the cross-fire between the two sides. Also, he doesn't want to be sought out by either group because he doesn't want to ally himself. He wants only what is best for him, being safe, and to be in favor with all groups.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

I think he knew what he was doing but was charmed by Voldy, and thought Voldy was only a bright student wanting to know more from a wise teacher that he looked up to. Also, Voldy bought his favor, so he had to repay Voldy.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

He does what will pay him the most. He doesn't ally himself. Sometimes, he seems to be both. I think he's good at heart, but is fooled easily and is sort of weak in some aspects.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?

Maybe he will play a role in it, but I think he won't take the center stage. He might be a bearer of information that Harry needs, however.

I think he feels affection for some of his favorites. He really did seem like he was fond of Lily.

And secondly what about the Felix Felicis? It takes six months to brew it. Surely he could not have brewn it while moving from place to place in hiding? Did he find an already brewn stock at school? But he did say
However, if brewed correctly, as this has been...
He seem to gurantee that this Felix Felicis has been brewn correctly. Can he make such a gurantee about a stock of potion he found at the school when he arrived? And is Felix Felicis likely to be brewn ( by Snape ) in large quantities and kept at Hogwarts? Polyjuice potion and Veritaserum - yes, but Felix Felicis? Did Snape prepare it to be used by the Order in an emergency?



I have ALWAYS wondered this from the first time I read HBP! I have always wondered what Slughorn was doing with a full cauldron of Felix Felicis, and it made me think him a more shady character. I never thought about Snape keeping a cauldronful however, and I think that it makes more sense that Snape had it brewing for his sixth years, if it's a typical N.E.W.T. level potion.

On to my analysis...

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego?

I think he's probably just using them to flatter his own ego, and like it's said in HBP (I forget by whom), he likes to be the one to set up these networks, then reap rewards for it; "Stretch out in the backseat" I think someone puts it.


2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

I think he embodies the typical Slytherin: he looks out for himself. He doesn't want to swear allegiance to any side but his own. He probably thinks it would be easier to watch out for his own neck this way and not make either side his enemy.


3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

Deep down, probably he knew that Tom had less than honorable intentions, that Tom was either going to make Horcruxes himself or he was going to tell someone else, because Slughorn hesitated while telling Tom. But I think he told himself that Tom was a prefect, that he *knew* Tom, and couldn't believe that Tom would do such a thing, and thus convinced himself to tell anyways.

As far as if he knew that Riddle became Voldemort...well I guess that depends on if the two maintained a relationship after Tom finished at Hogwarts. Perhaps Slughorn could see the red glint in Riddle's eyes and realized that he'd made a Horcrux, and made the connection to Voldemort. On this, I'd say we don't have enough information.


4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

Overall, I think he's a good person, because he helped Dumbledore. He may be out for himself, but I think in general, he is a good person.


5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?

I personally like Slughorn, so I hope he comes back :) I think he will though, I think he'll return to Hogwarts and teach Potions again, and be Head of Slytherin House. I think, given how he was ashamed at giving Tom information about the Horcruxes, he will help clear his own conscience about it (he did give Harry the memory, but I think he might do more)

Slughorn has in the past been very self-centered. he was on the run beecause he thought that the death eaters would find him usefull. I think that he places a much higher than actual value on his own life. But, like I said, this is the past. i believe that Harry's confrontation reguarding Lily may have awakened some bravery. After all, now he's going to be the head of Slytherin House. Reguardless of the house, this puts him in a position to protect the students. He will probably be involved in setting up new protections for Hogwarts.
Also, since riddle was in the slug club, old sluggy might have a few more useful memories.

Curious about something...

JK frequently uses etmology for characters and objects in her books. JK also in several cases mentions a particular thing in one book only to have it (or another form of it) show up again in either the same book or in a later book, for example the Anglia crashing into the Whomping Willow and it turned up in another book wild in the forest saving Harry and Ron from the spiders. (this may be a poor example).

I got to thinking about the character Slughorn and wondering if he is good or bad. Slugs have been mentioned twice in COS. First... conversation between Harry and Hagrid in Knockturn Alley. "I was lookin' for Flesh-Eatin' Slug Repellent," growled Hagrid.

Second when there's a confrontation between Harry/Draco, and their Quidditch teams about their brooms. Ron attempts to curse Draco and his own (broken) wand backfires and Ron is hit with the curse. Shortly afterRon opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dribbled out of his mouth onto his lap. Hermione says"That's a difficult curse to work at the best of times, but with a broken wand--"

Now we have a character named Slughorn show up in HBP. Most slugs have protuberances extending from their heads that resemble horns. Slugs macerate their food. (macerate means to soften or break into pieces with liquid) Wikipedia mentions that in the case of fruit, they are often sprinkled with sugar then left to sit and release their own jucies. Makes the food more flavorful and easier to chew and digest. Reminds me of crystalized pineapple.

Anyway, can the first two mentions of slugs; repellents and vomiting slugs give us a clue that Slughorn may not be so good?



P.S. BTW did anyone notice that when Ron was attempting to curse Draco in COS US pg 112...Ron never said "Eat Slugs" he just pointed his wand and the wand backfired and hit Ron instead. Did Ron use a non-verbal spell or was it just a mistake in the book.

Horace Slughorn is a wonderful source of information - both about the past and about magic.

Slughorn is not stupid. He is a very clever, but also very lazy, wizard. But there are exceptions to his laziness too - he created a nice little disaster-scene in just 2 minutes!Very good points! I'm not sure I believe he's lazy however-- just reluctant to get involved because it means putting himself in danger. I think Slughorn's knowledge about the past is going to be very important to Harry in book 7. With Dumbledore gone there aren't too many other people Harry can get information from.

Although some of his choices make his character questionable (staying in hiding and refusing to give up the horcrux memory) I don't think Slughorn is evil. He seemed to have genuine regret over what happened to Lily and did the right thing by Harry in the end by handing over the memory.

Curious about something...

JK frequently uses etmology for characters and objects in her books. JK also in several cases mentions a particular thing in one book only to have it (or another form of it) show up again in either the same book or in a later book, for example the Anglia crashing into the Whomping Willow and it turned up in another book wild in the forest saving Harry and Ron from the spiders. (this may be a poor example).

I got to thinking about the character Slughorn and wondering if he is good or bad. Slugs have been mentioned twice in COS. First... conversation between Harry and Hagrid in Knockturn Alley. "I was lookin' for Flesh-Eatin' Slug Repellent," growled Hagrid.

Second when there's a confrontation between Harry/Draco, and their Quidditch teams about their brooms. Ron attempts to curse Draco and his own (broken) wand backfires and Ron is hit with the curse. Shortly afterRon opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dribbled out of his mouth onto his lap. Hermione says"That's a difficult curse to work at the best of times, but with a broken wand--"

Now we have a character named Slughorn show up in HBP. Most slugs have protuberances extending from their heads that resemble horns. Slugs macerate their food. (macerate means to soften or break into pieces with liquid) Wikipedia mentions that in the case of fruit, they are often sprinkled with sugar then left to sit and release their own jucies. Makes the food more flavorful and easier to chew and digest. Reminds me of crystalized pineapple.

Anyway, can the first two mentions of slugs; repellents and vomiting slugs give us a clue that Slughorn may not be so good?



P.S. BTW did anyone notice that when Ron was attempting to curse Draco in COS US pg 112...Ron never said "Eat Slugs" he just pointed his wand and the wand backfired and hit Ron instead. Did Ron use a non-verbal spell or was it just a mistake in the book.

That is an interesting analysis, but I don't really believe Slughorn to be evil, because of several reasons that are beeing discussed in this thread....Slughorn - Good Or Evil? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=60117&highlight=Slugho%2A)

He cares for 'his' students in an odd way, though. He cares about them because of him, because he dreads what the consequences for him will be if something happens to them. Not anything else. I should like to see if Slughorn does the same thing to relatives or intimate friends, it'd be interesting...he did risk it for Dumbledore, at least, and that talks a bit more highly of him.

But as for students welll...thoes are pretty much my thoughts. Cares for them, but not that much.

It seems to me he risked it as much for Harry and the memory of Lily Evans as for Dumbledore. Both were his students.

I have a question! I'm rereading the series and I'm finally on Half-Blood Prince. When Dumbledore and Harry go to first meet him, they find the house disheaveled. Dumbledore proceeds, thinking that Horace is still there and finds him. A conversation follows like this:

Horace: What gave it away?
Dumbledore: ..if the DE really had come to call, the Dark Mark would have been set over the house
Horace: ...Knew there was something..ah, well...Wouldn't have had time anyway [...]

Does this infer Slughorn knows how to make the DM? And if he does, WHY?!

It does indeed infer that he knows how, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he's evil: after all, even Harry knows how to conjure the Dark Mark.

Remember: Slughorn is a man who loves gossip and little titbits of rare information. He also has many contacts. No doubt he found out the incantation from one of his many students.

Overall, I feel that Slughorn is a very underestimated wizard. Lets just look at some of the skills that he possesses:

1. Expert at potions. He taught Snape and Lily, he was the Hogwarts' Potions professor for decades, he can brew Felix Felecis.
2. He is an expert of Human Transfiguration, the hardest part of the Transfiguration branch of magic. He was, after all, able to transfigure himself into an armchair flawlessly, and under pressure.
3. He's no slouch at Charms either: able to clean a room from looking like a bombed out disaster-area into a neat and tidy living room in one sweep of the wand.
4. He is an Occlumens, and a good enough one to prevent Dumbledore from using Legilimency on him.
4. He has a vast and deep knowledge of the Dark Arts, shown by his knowledge of horcruxes.

So we can see that he is highly accomplished in all areas of magic. His weight does not inhibit him either, as shown by his quick reaction to Dumbledore and Harry tripping is proximity spells.

As for tha part he may play in DH, I feel that it could be very important. Let's face it: Harry has no idea how to find the horcruxes, and even if he does find one, no idea how to destroy it. Slughorn is the man most likely to hold this knowledge. He may be crucial in the defeat of Voldemort, though no doubt he will be a reluctant participant. He also has a longer teaching record than Minerva Mcgonagall. It is not beyond the realms of speculation that he become next headmaster of Hogwarts rather than her.

1. Slughorn surrounds himself with select students and helps them get ahead in exchange for favor both in schoold and beyond. Does he feel genuine affection for these students of is he just using them to flatter his own ego.

Slughorn is a brilliant, but self-serving character. He isn't evil, but has no aversion to the dark or dangerous among his students. Tallent, charisma, or good connections are his only real discriminating criteria. I think those traits actually engender a real affection for the students he favors more than just a flattering of his ego. From the sounds of it Lily didn't flatter him much, but he liked her an awful lot. The fact is he just likes who he likes and is generally generous and flattering to them. As a former head of Slytherin House, he is a good example of the traits without being too bound to some of the less appealing ideology. (No real adversion to non-pure-bloods).

2. Slughorn refuses to join both the Death Eaters and the Order. Why do you think he refuses to side with either group? Why do you think he chose to live on the run before deciding to work at Hogwarts?

Slughorn is addicted to breathing and comfort. Both would be comprimised if he were to pick a side in an obvious war. He seems to have no desire to torture, kill, or do anything evil like that, but the threat of having them done to him outwieghs any desire to possibly act to stop the DEs and VM. He says bravery and nobility are admirable, but the mortality rate doesn't appeal to him. That pretty well sums it up.

3. Did Slughorn know what he was doing when he told Riddle about the horcruxes? Did he realize later when Riddle became Voldemort?

I think it dawned on Slughorn that it wasn't just curiousity from a very clever student when Riddle asks him about having more than one horcrux. Up to that point, he seems to consider it simple curiouslity and even remarks that wizards of a certain caliber have always been drawn to that type of magic. I believe the point at which he realizes the potential danger is when his look changes toward Riddle. At that moment he becomes very closed off on the subject and expresses some disgust at what Tom was asking. He also invokes some damage control by trying to get an empty assurance tht this was just academic curiouity and nothing more.

4. Is Slughorn a good person? A bad person?

Slughorn is a good person. He is a generally descent and pleasant person, he just has some weaknesses that can be exploited by those less scrupled. He wouldn't actually do anything to harm or damage anyone intentionally, he just wouldn't stick his neck out to help someone else unless it would benefit him in some way that was worth it.

5. Will Slughorn play a role in book 7 or do you feel that he's served his purpose?

Slughorn isn't a member of the Order yet and unless he joins them, which Snape's actions might dictate his doing, he will likely go back into hiding and avoid being detected by either side. Of course under the right circumstances Harry might seek him out for assistance. His affinity for Harry, Hermione and Ginny could be used to exact some begrudging help from a potions genius if the need arose.

I am not particularly comfortable with Slughorn's behavior/character. It just bothers me that anyone can be that self-serving in such sneaky, duplicitous ways. He may not intend to do harm outright, but he really hurts people's self-esteem, especially Ron's. No one should be denied merit because they are an ordinary individual, not even outside of Harry Potter books. It makes me wonder if Slughorn is doing his shunning intentionally.
For the most part, it seems that he doesn't care much for the students he "favors" except in regard to what they can do for him. There isn't much reason for him not joining the Order or the DEs except for the fact that he is obviously terrified of death and anything related to it (in HBP, he's horrified when Harry says Voldemort's name). On this basis, I don't think he gave Riddle the Horcrux information with the full awareness of the consequences.
Slughorn is neither good nor bad. He's just a typical Slytherin who likes to have some control without actually doing anything outright harmful. I think we'll see more of him in Book 7.

I enjoy Slughorn because he's not your typical Slytherin. He may have his flaws, but I do enjoy the character and think of him as a nice Slytherin.