Is Salazar Slytherin related to Harry Potter?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

Salazar Slytherin is not directly related to Harry Potter. However, there is a distant connection between them. Let me explain.

In the wizarding world, Salazar Slytherin is one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was known for his belief in pure-blood supremacy and his ability to speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes.

On the other hand, Harry Potter is not a direct descendant of Slytherin. His ancestry can be traced back to the Peverell family, who were famous for their involvement with the Deathly Hallows. The Peverell brothers were the original owners of the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak.

Voldemort, on the other hand, is a descendant of both Slytherin and the second Peverell brother. This connection is revealed in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” when Dumbledore explains the history of the Deathly Hallows to Harry.

To be more specific, Voldemort’s mother, Merope Gaunt, is a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin. She married Tom Riddle Sr., a muggle, and gave birth to Tom Marvolo Riddle, later known as Voldemort. This makes Voldemort the heir of Slytherin and a distant relative of Harry.

On the other hand, Harry’s connection to the Peverell family comes from his father, James Potter. James is descended from the third Peverell brother, who was gifted the Invisibility Cloak. This means that Harry is a distant relative of Voldemort through their shared connection to the Peverell family.

It’s worth mentioning that the connection between Harry and Voldemort goes beyond their blood relations. As seen throughout the series, they share a unique connection through Voldemort’s failed attempt to kill Harry as a baby. This connection, known as the “horcrux,” plays a significant role in the events of the series.

So, in summary, while Harry is not a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin, he is distantly related to him through his connection to the Peverell family. This familial connection adds an extra layer of complexity to the already intricate relationship between Harry and Voldemort.