---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It matters', said Hermione, speaking at…"
description: "\"“It matters', said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed voice, 'because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin was famous for. That'..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae7/j-k-rowling-86_harry_it-matters-said-hermione-speaking-at-las_783583.png"
---

#  It matters', said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed…

![“It matters', said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed voice, 'because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin was famous for. That's why the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.' Harry's mouth fell open. 'Exactly' said Ron. 'And now the whole school's going to think you're…” quote by J.K. Rowling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae7/j-k-rowling-86_harry_it-matters-said-hermione-speaking-at-las_783583.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae7/j-k-rowling-86_harry_it-matters-said-hermione-speaking-at-las_783583.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae7/j-k-rowling-86_harry_it-matters-said-hermione-speaking-at-las_783583.png)

> ““It matters', said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed voice, 'because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin was famous for. That's why the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.' Harry's mouth fell open. 'Exactly' said Ron. 'And now the whole school's going to think you're his great-great-great-great-grandson or something -' 'But I'm not', said Harry, with a panic he couldn't quite explain. 'You'll find that hard to prove', said Hermione. 'He lived about a thousand years ago; for all we know, you could be.””

[J.K. Rowling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-k-rowling/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Hermione explains that Slytherin’s identity is tied to serpents, affecting Harry’s perceived lineage and causing anxiety.

**In simple terms:** Slytherin’s symbol links to snakes and Harry’s family doubts.

Key Takeaway

Understand how symbols shape identity and fear.

Themes

identity heritage anxiety symbolism myth literature

Mood

curious thoughtful

Type

literary conversational

When to use this quote

- school
- family discussions
- self‑esteem
- peer pressure
- historical research

Key Concepts

mythic archetype family legacy

Questions to Reflect On

- How do symbols influence personal identity?
- Can heritage be redefined beyond symbols?

A Different Perspective

Relying on ancient symbols can create unfounded expectations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Hermione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hermione/) [Thousand years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thousand-years/)

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