"Not Slytherin. Not Slytherin"
I hear the children cry;
Every year the call grows louder,
But no one asks them why.
Why do they fear to bear the badge
Of one of the Founders, four?
They know it defines how others see them,
They're 'evil Slytherins' forevermore.

"Please, you know I like to read
"Ravenclaw will do."
And searching through their memories
I know this to be true.
But fear it is, which drives their choice,
Not desire to, knowledge, share.
And self-preservation is Slytherin
So I must send them there.

"I'm a hard worker, whatever it takes
"You know I'll do my part."
They're quick to prove the qualities
Hufflepuff held to heart.
But fear it is which drives their claim,
They not yet, for loyalty, care.
And self-preservation is Slytherin,
So I must send them there.

"If you give me green, I'll turn you red
"Set fire to your brim."
The red and gold of Gryffindor
They're pleading for within.
But fear it is which drives their threat,
Not courage, but despair
And self-preservation is Slytherin,
So I must send them there.

No one asks for Slytherin
They know what, there, they'd face.
The scorn and ire of a whole world;
Why would they, themselves, abase?
It's not from fear they make their plans,
But knowing life's not fair.
And self-preservation is Slytherin,
So they'll not let me send them there.