The problem is, Ron Weasley reckons, is that everyone know how his sorting is going to turn out. He's nobody interesting, just another Weasley and not even a cool one at that.

Bill's the oldest, with a cool job and crazy clothes; Charlie works with dragons and was the best Quidditch captain Gryffindor's ever had; Percy's a boring prat but he has his grades; the twins are the pranksters and Ginny's the youngest and a girl, which automatically makes her his mom's favorite.

He knows that he's no one special and that's why it doesn't matter what happens next. He's going to be just like the rest of his siblings- get Gryffindor, some mediocre applause because he's a Weasley, and end up forgotten in the shadows.

"It doesn't have to be like that, Mr. Weasley." A voice says in his head.

Ron jumps, hat temporarily airborne before it flops on his head again. "Are you the hat?"

The voice seems almost tired this time. "Yes, Mr. Weasley. Now, be quiet and let me take a look at you."

Still slightly green at the thought of someone poking around in his brain, Ron attempted to sit still. He couldn't help but shift a little bit, especially since time was still going and he was getting hungry.

"Er- Hat? Could you hurry it up?" Ron asked. Then, realizing he had forgotten his manners, he added in a quick, "Please?"

The hat's voice returned. "For someone making a choice that will decide the next seven years of his life, you are awfully impatient, Mr. Weasley. Now, from your awful study habits, we can clearly rule out Ravenclaw. You are fairly loyal, Mr. Weasley, but you lack Helga's work ethic."

"Ya, ya, I know. Mum complains all the time. Now, could you sort me into Gryffindor already since we both know I don't belong in any other house?"

"Now, Mr. Weasley, you should know by now that Hogwarts has four houses." The hat said amusedly.

An immediate wave of disgust swept over Ron at the thought of being in the same house as the slimy, snakes- just look at Malfoy!

"But did you not tell me you wanted to be more than the shadow of your brothers? Slytherin would provide you the opportunity to accomplish things of your own doing. As well, Mr. Weasley, you possess more of Slytherin's attributes then you imagine." The hat stated.

"How am I anything like those snakes?" Ron demanded, face scrunching up in horror.

"You are prideful of your accomplishment, aren't you? Your chess skills- you're capable of planning ahead, yes. Cunning is a very Slytherin trait. And ambition for the sake of ambition: your desires are still ambition, regardless of your motivation."

Ron felt like he was going to be sick but the hat had triggered his curiosity.

"And er, um, well- I would be great in Slytherin?"

The hat laughed. "Yes, Ron Weasley you would be great in SLYTHERIN!"

The last part had been screamed out for the entire great hall to hear and Ron winced as he saw the looks on his brother's faces as he went down the hall.

The Slytherins looked disgustedly at him before returning to their meals. He saw the snobby Granger girl from the train- Hermy something- and sat hesitatingly beside her. She didn't say anything but her eyes were darting around, taking everything in. He sat in silence.

As the last first year was called, Ron looked down at the food and cringed. Somewhere along the way, he had long since lost his appetite.