People think we think we have no weaknesses. People think we think we're invincible. People think we think that we're better than they are. The last part is nearly true...we know we are better than they are. But that doesn't mean we think we have no weaknesses.
We have the type of friendships where you are friends because people are social creatures...unless they're like Lord Voldemort. But even though you are friends, and you know each other better than anyone else could ever possibly dream...even to each other, you just don't admit you have weaknesses.
Your parents learned long ago to stuff away their own hopes, dreams, and desires. The goal of purity of blood is more important than individual needs and wants. And you're sure, or at least you hope, that your friends are just like you, with their emotions and real feelings stuffed in little boxes.
All the urges that you had to follow the stereotypical good were quashed long ago, and you would never ever dare admit such doubts and thoughts to those who are supposed to be your friends, to those who are supposed to love you. If you slipped away from the ideal, it would be over. You would be one of those whose names aren't spoken, but you know who they are...Andromeda Black, Sirius Black...and others.
Slytherins should be cunning and have ambition, but when is really the only time you use those? Survival.
But you never admit you aren't happy. You never admit you feel like you're drowning. You could never tell your parents you think their choices have ruined your life...but it's true.
And you wonder, you always and ever wonder, if being mean now is enough. If insults will be enough. Or, when the time comes, and you have to take that step from which there is no turning back, if you'll fail.
Draco failed. His facade of hatred and malice was just that: a facade. His father can use the Cruciatus on children. His aunt can kill her cousin without a second thought. But Draco couldn't do it. And his mask was one of the best...so real-seeming you thought it was truth.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the Harry Potter universe...even the often biased attitude towards the Slytherins. This was my attempt to make things less black and white...and more the gray they usually are.
