I waited as a brazen and enthused first year made his way towards me. I found his attitude to be slightly disconcerting, as everything about the boy merely showed his complete lack of nerves, a trait which so few lack in their sorting ceremony. I was intrigued.
He took a seat on the shabby old stool as tradition foretold, as I was gently placed upon his head, with the great responsibility of deciding his future in so many aspects. It was indeed a nerve racking thought for a hat. But nerves aside, I now needed to make such a decision.
Within I could see so much ambition, such a desire to succeed, and to prove himself. Such determination was rare, and the trait marked him apart from that of his peers.
I also immediately locked onto the rather cunning nature of the boy, and the thin line that existed for him between cunning and true cruelty. This boy was an interesting puzzle to solve.
Behind the brazen exterior that he presented to the outside world, I could also sense a certain vulnerability. A desire to be wanted, and a desire to be loved. The boy was very adept at hiding what he considered to be the weak links in his chain, but I, the sorting hat, can see all.
He had such a thirst for knowledge, so much want for learning, and I could sense the interest, curiosity, acuteness and great intelligence that was yet to come from him. Yes, this boy was going to do great things. So many great things.
The boys traits marked his as a very competent Slytherin, or possibly a slightly out of the ordinary Ravenclaw. It was for me to decide.
Should I bank on his finer points, or those which some may consider less so? Should I go with what may suit him more at the present moment, or what may help him grow into a far more prosperous and altogether nicer young man? Slytherin or Ravenclaw?
I decided to include the boy in the proceedings.
'Such a thirst for learning... Ravenclaw would suit you well my boy'
He seemed extremely alarmed at such a thought and immediately began to protest vigorously, obviously attempting to appeal to my better nature.
'Not Ravenclaw!' he murmured loudly, yet determinedly, to my disappointment.
'Why ever not...? You have many of the traits which those of Ravenclaw hold most dear. You would fit in well there' I replied with an air of discontent.
'Slytherin is where I want to be... I need to be in Slytherin!' He continued displaying his complete and utter disregard for the Ravenclaw house, which I have to say was also a disappointment as I hold so many of the Ravenclaw house in such good esteem.
'Are you sure of this?' I asked in an uncertain tone, as he had me rather stumped, which I admit does not happen often. I was still extrememly reluctant to consider Slytherin as an option for him.
Even with his obvious Slytherin nature, I was sure with a little tender love and care he could have great potential as a Ravenclaw.
'Please...'. He uttered this word with desperation and obviously as a last resort for a battle which he thought he was close to losing.
I also get the sense that he believed pleading was an extremely distasteful thing to do, especially with a hat.
In that moment I was becoming rather tired of this particular sorting, and the time which it was wasting. His pleading convinced me of his utter desperation to be in Slytherin, and however much I wished for his place in Ravenclaw, I knew he would not be happy there.
'Slytherin!' I roared, trying to muster my usual enthusiasm.
Tom Marvolo Riddle walked away, amidst many rousing cheers from the Slytherin table.
It was only years later I realised my grave mistake, and the events which I could of perhaps prevented, if only I had possessed more foresight.
I have only myself to blame.