Canada for Ravenclaw all the way~ (Also, Ravenclaw's in 2nd place on PM, woot!)
The Sorting Hat doesn't get very much love, I don't think. So... yeah...
I hope you enjoy!
Matthew sat down on the stool, facing out at the four endless tables of students and the little litter of Firsties who'd yet to be assigned. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head and the brim went right over his eyes, obscuring his vision.
He took a deep breath and listened to what the Hat had to tell him.
"You're a shy one, Matthew. Very shy, but not an introverted one. You crave friends who will see past your quiet nature and give you lasting friendship."
The Hat muttered something undistinguishable and then said, "You're very cunning, Matthew, very cunning indeed. It's the quiet ones, they always say after all. But you're smart. And you want to learn as much as you can in your stay here.
"Not very outstandingly brave, I have to say. Not everyone is, don't worry. Honourable, now that's a different thing completely. You're brother is brave and his intentions are honourable, but he's just like the rest of those Gryffindors; running through life with no set plan, just taking what may come as it comes."
Matthew listened quietly, wondering how long he'd been sitting up there on the stool. He could hear other mutterings, beside the Hat and he worried he would not be place-able at all.
"Don't worry, kid. I've yet to meet a person I can't Sort. Some people just take more digging.
"Now, Hufflepuff wouldn't be very beneficial. They're nice, definitely, but you need more than just friendly faces. Slytherin would do you no good. And that leaves just Ravenclaw. But not just Ravenclaw, Rowena's House is just as important as the other Founders'. I think you will find the right kind of balance of life in that house."
And with that, Matthew heard the Hat shout "Ravenclaw!" and a quarter of the room burst into cheers.
Professor McGonagall lifted off the Hat and Matthew scurried over to the blue-decked table. He was greeted by the Prefect and Head Girl and Boy and then he sat quietly with the rest of the Hall as the next person went up to be Sorted.