I actually think an argument can be made for Slughorn fitting in Hufflepuff. I think his way of accepting people, regardless of their background and based primarily on their merit and ability to look past everything else just to recognize talent. I think that could be considered similar to a Hufflepuff ethic of treating everyone equally (at least to a certain extent, but I feel like every time Slughorn meets someone they are, to him, a blank slate until they show him what he can do). He does, so long as they've proven themselves to him (similarly, Hufflepuffs don't just give their loyalty to anyone, even though that happens to be a trait they have. They're very big on earning things and working for them) and sure, Slughorn sometimes takes family ties into account, but he'd just as easily disregard them when it looks like the student isn't as promising talent- or skill-wise. Afterward, Slughorn kind of takes on the role of a nurturer and mentor. He provides a supportive environment for the Slug Club members to help them succeed, and focuses on the good they can do when he does it.

Evyclaw//194 words