How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Quote #7
HERMIONE GRANGER: The Heir of Slytherin has returned to Hogwarts. The question is, who is it?
RON WEASLEY: Let's think. Who do we know who thinks all Muggle-borns are scum?
HERMIONE GRANGER: If you're talking about Malfoy...RON WEASLEY: Of course. You heard him. "You'll be next, Mudbloods."
HERMIONE GRANGER: I heard him. But Malfoy, the Heir of Slytherin?
HARRY POTTER: Maybe Ron's right, Hermione. I mean, look at his family. The whole lot of them have been in Slytherin for centuries.
So the heir of Slytherin has to have a family connection. Why couldn't it be Malfoy? Hermione's right. That's a bit too neat of a solution. Just because someone's family has been in Slytherin for generations doesn't mean they're the descendants of the Salazar Slytherin. Besides, if he were the heir of Slytherin, you just know Draco would be bragging about it non-stop.
Quote #8
HERMIONE GRANGER: Harry, listen to me. There's a reason the symbol of Slytherin house is a serpent. Salazar Slytherin was a Parselmouth. He could talk to snakes too.
RON WEASLEY: Exactly. Now the whole school's going to think you're his great-great-great grandson.
HARRY POTTER: But I'm not. I can't be.
HERMIONE GRANGER: He lived a thousand years ago. For all we know, you could be.
This is a fair point. Why does the heir of Slytherin have to be a present day Slytherin? Who knows how that long and twisting family tree works? Maybe Harry is a distant relation? The whole talking-to-snakes thing isn't helping his case.
Quote #9
TOM RIDDLE: I had to see for myself if the rumors were true.
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE: I'm afraid they are, Tom. They are true.
TOM RIDDLE: About the school as well? I don't have a home to go to. They wouldn't really close Hogwarts, would they, professor?
This reminds us of someone doesn't it? Harry can really relate to Tom being worried about closing down Hogwarts and not having anywhere to go. If school closes, Harry will have to go home early to his aunt and uncle. Looks like Tom Riddle is in the same boat.