14th Nov―

Courage

Words: 215


The raven-haired boy moved to sit on the stool when his name was called by Professor McGonagall. He put the mended hat on his head and waited to be sorted.

"Huuummm," the boy heard inside of his own head. "A truly brilliant mind, maybe Ravenclaw would suit you . . ." the hat mused. "But what is this that I see? Ambition, the need to prove yourself, refinement, cunning . . . a true Slytherin, indeed!"

The boy stood still, clinging onto the bench and waiting for the Sorting Hat's decision. He looked at the tables, and it took no time at all to locate the two boys from the train. Gryffindor.

"Not Gryffindor, please not Gryffindor," the boy begged the hat.

"Oh, but you are fiercely loyal and infinitely brave, maybe Gryffindor would be the best choice, after all . . ."

"Not Gryffindor, not Gryffindor."

"Are you sure? You would be well received there, with your courage and mind, you would find great friends . . ." the hat tried one last time.

The boy snorted. 'Yeah, right.'

"No? Very well, then, I shall say―" the hat conceded, "Slytherin!"

The Great Hall broke into applause.

McGonagall approached him and pointed the farthest table, "Come, come, Mr. Snape, to the Slytherin table."


I think courage and I think Snape . . . JKR really did a number with him. =]