I’m not certain, but I’m guessing that Slytherin was the only dorm left undamaged after the battle of hogwarts seeing as it’s in a hard-to-get-to place, being under the lake and all.
can you imagine all these little first year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors and Ravenclaws all crashing in the Slyth common room because they have no where else to go. Sure, the majority would have been evacuated before or during the battle so as not to get injured or in the way, but it’s unlikely that all would have been able to leave on such short notice.
imagine them all sitting huddled together because they’re afraid of these people who are supposed to be evil, who most of the school are apparently fighting a war against.
imagine the older Slytherins keeping their distance because they k n o w that the kids don’t trust them, but still sorting out beds for them, making sure that they’re all hydrated and fed, casting spells to make little floating candles that change colour like a nightlight for the kids who are scared of the dark. the more experienced kids casting silencing charms around the first years so that they can’t hear what is happening outside.
these tiny first year kids from different housing wondering how these people can be ‘evil’ at all.
I LOVE SHIT LIKE THIS
Oh man oh man oh man
The older Slytherins sitting up through the night to try and hear what’s happening outside
Slytherins taking up guard positions in the common room without quite realizing they’re doing it. Still in their pajamas, wands in their hands, looking up sharply every time they hear something explode
Slytherins hearing unforgiveable curses flying, mixed with the screams of their fellow students, realizing that the Death Eaters (family friends? their own relatives?) aren’t showing mercy to children
Slytherins knowing that any moment now they could be the only ones protecting these innocent little kids, as the sounds of battle get closer and closer
Slytherins rolling up their sleeves, gritting their teeth, throwing themselves into the battle for the sake of these poor tiny kids who didn’t ask for this shit