Out of the Hat

"Neville here is now going to demonstrate what happens to anyone foolish enough to continue to oppose me," said Voldemort, and with a flick of his wand, he caused the Sorting Hat to burst into flames.

Neville screamed, the pain of the ordeal too much for him. Surely this was not the way he would die, set on fire by a hat. It was too horrible a way too die, and so painful. Neville decided that Cruciatus was preferable over this pain.

D'you think this is all a cup of tea for me, then, do you?

Neville heard the voice, but did not know where it was coming from.

Lordy, you'd think they'd have some respect for a thousand year old headpiece, but NO. No pity for the ruddy Sorting Hat!

He looked upward, then down again when he saw his hair beginning to catch flame. But down was no better, as his lapel was going to catch soon.

Well, what are you doing just sitting there, Mr. Longbottom? Can't you see there are giants to face around here!

"Forgive me, Mr. Hat, sir, but I'm a bit tied up at the moment."

Well then, you ought to get untied then, wouldn't you reckon?

"How can I do that! I can't beat Volde-"

Oh, you can bloody well say it - think it - oh, this idiocy confuses even me sometimes!

"Mr. Hat, if you could hurry up, it's starting to get particularly warm around here. How do I break the Curse?"

It just takes a little willpower, now doesn't it?

"Willpower?"

Yes, willpower! Now get me off of your scalded scalp and put me out…but no stomping! However, if you should choose to look inside of me…I feel rather sharp at the moment, can't imagine what it could be.

"Are you sure this'll work?"

I'm the Sorting Hat! Just listen to me. Griffindors…all the brawn and none of the brains to go with it…

Gathering up all his strength, Neville closed his eyes and broke free of the Body-Bind Curse. The Hat fell into his lap and shook the fire out of it, patting his own head to rid it of the flames residing there. He then looked inside of the Hat and saw something glittering in its depths.

A true Griffindor, indeed.