Since the first “Harry Potter” book, Slytherin has had a bad reputation among Potterheads. If you hear an innocent 11 year old boy desperately chanting “Not Slytherin, Not Slytherin,” it’s only natural to think that house is the bane of all evil.

Despite this terrible first impression, here are some reasons why you should be really proud if you’re sorted into Slytherin:

1. Ambition

Slytherins are known for their ambitious streaks which makes them more successful. So if you are a Slytherin, chances are you're going to be more successful than your fellow wizards.

2. Self-preservation

One of Slytherin's more admirable qualities is their ability to prioritize themselves over others. No matter how long it takes, a Slytherin will always find a way to stand up for themselves.

3. Loyalty

Talking about priorities, another admirable Slytherin trait is their loyalty. While wizards of most houses have loyalty to other wizards belonging to their own house, the kind of loyalty Slytherins have is fierce. You mess with one Slytherin and you will have to answer to them all.

4. Alumni

While Slytherin will forever be tainted by its dark alumni, such as Voldemort, it also birthed various other badass wizards such as Snape, Professor Slughorn, Andromeda Tonks, and above all, Merlin! That's right. One of the greatest wizards of all time was a Slytherin.

5. Courage to defy

Slytherins aren't afraid to defy the norm. While it took each of them their own time and hurdles, Snape, Andromeda and Malfoy defied their pure blood evil brewing families to ultimately stand with the good.

6. Common room

The Slytherin common room is arguably the coolest common room. I mean, it's underwater!

7. They are winners

Slytherins won the house cup two out of three times on Pottermore and mostly rule quidditch, too.

8. Snakes and Parseltongue

Okay, I accept that having a giant snake looming the halls is slightly terrifying. But imagine if you could speak in parseltongue and tame it?

9. House Colour

Who can look bad in green?

Bonus: Here's a video by Buzzfeed showing true Slytherin pride.

(video credit: Buzzfeed)

Editor's note: I do not condone the Hufflepuff shaming in this video.