Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the associated characters... I just 'borrowed them' for a short while to write this...

So, I was writing out an assessment for Uni, and the next thing I know? Boom, this came to mind... I wrote it in like, 5mins, so please don't be too harsh in critiquing it.

The Untold Story: as Told by SaiorSilvanesti/Phoenix Fire

ENJOY.

I KNOW BEST

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The clammy hands gripped the edge of the Sorting Stool, heart of the First Year pounding so loudly it was definitely becoming a distraction as he attempted to reach the boy's mind, to see what he was made of…

"Calm down, young man. I do not bite… unless you really irritate me!" chortled the hat, resulting in a small cracking noise as the clammy hands clutched the wood far tighter than before, "P-please, Mr Hat, don't put me in Slytherin… I think they'd kill me!" whispered the nervous child, fidgeting. Time passed on as Professor McGonagall watched on, probably wondering in passing if this would be the fourth Hatstall in Hogwarts history…

The Sorting Hat actually paused to consider the request, and nodded slightly, it was true this child would not fit well with those of Slytherin… he was simply far too kind and loyal… Loyal. Perhaps he should go with… "Well, if not Slytherin then, perhaps Gryffindor, young master Longbottom?" he said softly back.

Neville went rigid, "I, uh, I'm not that brave I mean… couldn't you just put me in Hufflepuff, with the nice students? I like flowers and things like that, I'm not brave or daring or anything you said in that song!" the voice rose a little in panic. The Hat sifted through the boy's mind once again, to be certain and finally concluded, "Trust me, I've been doing this for years…" he raised his voice slightly, "GRYFFINDOR!"

An eruption of applause was almost as loud as that for Harry Potter, it was very rare for a hatstall to occur, much less for a student who was obviously gifted enough to cause deliberation over, to end up in Gryffindor… the table of students was ecstatic!

Neville flushed as McGonagall reached for the hat, "I hope you know what you're doing, Mr Sorting Hat, I don't feel like a Gryffindor…" he mumbled, sliding off the stool; the Hat looked at the back of the child as he slipped off to join his new House's table… remaining steadfastly silent, a knowing grin on his face.

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~*7 years Later*~

With a cry and the soft, wet slick sound of the Sword of Gryffindor sliding through the gigantic serpent's flesh, the sound of Voldemort's anguished demise echoed around the ruins of the castle; almost as loud as the cheering applause rendered by those who had been watching on.

The Sorting Hat was leaning precariously off it's shelf to look fully out the Tower window and into the courtyard, watching the proceedings with unfettered pride… if, that is, hats could feel pride… Sure felt like he was proud right now. As Neville Longbottom retreated into the cheering crowd of remaining students, well…more like 'was enveloped by…', the Hat smirked and whispered, "I was right to pace you in Gryffindor, Master Longbottom… and now I must say a hearty, 'told you so!' is in order."

As if hearing his words, Neville paused in the courtyard, turned about and looked directly through the Tower window… as if looking dead at the Sorting Hat; with a sexy grin, the hero gave a magnificent thumbs up the magical garment and walked away, beaming like a madman.

Upon witnessing such a thing, the Sorting Hat merely laughed and laughed and laughed…

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THE END

P.S. If you know how to make him stop, PLEASE visit Hogwarts, it's unnerving the First Years…

Review if you liked it!

~*SailorSilvanesti/Phoenix Fire*~