YOU get an invite, and YOU get an invite, and YOU. . . well, you don't get an invite. And neither do you, nor you, or you, and definitely not you, no offence dear lad. The Slug Club is quite an exclusive group, not everyone can get in. Membership is very picky; good luck to all those aiming to get in.
Hi there friends, it's Katie_slytherin here, with another addition of 'Chatting With . . . '! This month we are getting the inside scoop on the going ons in the infamous Slug Club. What happens during those ever-so-exclusive meetings? What delicious delights can be found? What activities are hosted? Let's find out these answers, shall we?
Katie: Alright, my SOUP readers, this month we have fellow housemate Blaise Zabini joining us to talk about the whimsical wonders of the Slug Club. So Blaise, what qualified you to be an invitee to this magnificent club?
Blaise: I'll admit I was rather surprised when I received the invite. Being in Slytherin, nonetheless, there were many notable students to choose from. My mother is a well-known witch, and we are rather 'well off', so I believe that's what he was interested in; however, after our initial meeting, he seemed to be more interested in me as a person.
Katie: I see. So, would you say that you and Slughorn are on good terms?
Blaise: People definitely have their opinions on Slughorn, but he really is a good person at heart. Knowing I'm a bit shyer than most of my peers, Slughorn takes the time to check in on me in private. He truly cares about the well-being of his students, both Slug Club members and non-members. While we aren't as close as he is with some of the other members, I would say we are on good terms, and I look up to him in a way I didn't expect I would.
Katie: That's lovely to hear! So am I correct to assume you like being a part of the Slug Club?
Blaise: I do; we have some nice get-togethers. Slughorn hosts some really great events. I usually don't opt into social gatherings, but Slughorn's gatherings are unlike usual parties; they're much more structured and quieter. His parties are a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle of the castle.
Katie: We don't often get to hear about Slughorn's soft side, could you tell us more about that?
Blaise: The stigma surrounding Slytherin is something we snakes live with every day as students, whether it's at a school club or even simply wearing school robes in public. Apparently, this lovely clout follows into the adult world. People are always looking for Slughorn's motivation when he's having a conversation with someone, but sometimes, he's simply trying to be a good friend. When Emily Parker, the veteran Quidditch Player, got into that nasty accident three years ago, people were gossiping that Slughorn would cut off communication with her because she could no longer get him free fame tickets. Despite the rumours, Slughorn still keeps in contact with her, and they are still merry friends. I don't think people give him enough credit for how caring he is.
Katie: That's wonderful to hear; hopefully, in the future, people will get to know him themselves before judging him. What has been your favourite club meeting or event so far?
Blaise: Slughorn likes to have themes for our meetings; my favourite theme was definitely international cultures. Slughorn has friends from around the world, and he owled them to get their favourite recipes from them, and each of them wrote a letter to the Slug Club telling us about why they chose their dishes and interesting facts about where they are from. They also sent us photos. It was a really interesting night, I enjoyed learning about the countries from a native perspective and trying new foods. Throughout the evening, we compiled recipes and such of our own to write letters back to them.
Katie: That sounded like a wonderful meeting! I also enjoy learning about different cultures through my friends. What are some other themes you've had? What typically happens during a meeting?
Blaise: We've had classic holiday themes, a Quidditch theme, a garden and plant one; one time, there was a casino theme which was interesting. Meetings are usually Slughorn giving us the latest news, checking in on us, dinner, and maybe a small activity every now and then. It's mostly just Slughorn talking; no one really talks to each other during meetings unless Slughorn initiates it. It's certainly nice, but those who aren't invited shouldn't feel terribly bad; it's usually very casual.
Katie: Interesting; thank you for sharing the inside scoop with us! I know you have an event to prepare for, so I won't keep you any longer; thank you for chatting with me today!
Well, you heard it from a Slug Club Member themselves! I hope that answers some of your queries! If you have any other questions about the Slug Club, let us know in the SOUP thread, Blaise has kindly agreed to let us send them an owl or two with questions from SOUP fans.
Until I reemerge from my cave again, this is goodbye from your favourite socktastically pureblooded Slytherin!
- Katie_slytherin