More Than Meets The Eye
by Ashley
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter; I'm just playing in the sandbox.
Neville Longbottom trembled as he placed the sorting hat on his head. He squeezed his eyes shut as the brim of the hat covered his face, and he twisted his hands nervously in his lap. "There isn't any place for me… Everyone says I'm practically a squib anyway," he thought sadly, when a few moments had passed and the hat had yet to call out a house for him. "Gran is going to be so disappointed when they have to send me home..."
"Ah, a Longbottom! Alice and Frank's son, I suppose. You come from good stock, boy, but I don't quite know where to place you."
Neville jumped with fright, nearly falling off the stool as the hat spoke in his ear. "H-hu-hullo," he stuttered anxiously, his hands twisting more furiously. "If… If I may say so, sir, Hufflepuff is probably the best place for me. I'm not brave, or cunning, or smart… I don't think I belong here at all, but when I got my letter Gran was so excited that I didn't say anything."
"Hufflepuff, aye? Hmmm… I see. Let's take a closer look inside your head before I choose, Longbottom." There was silence for a few moments, and then the hat began to speak again. "You are braver than you know. Your parents would be proud, if they could see what I see in you. There is more to you that meets the eye. You'll understand this better one day, and you might even thank me… GRYFFINDOR!"