Chapter 6- The Keeper of the Secrets *Sorting Hat*

Well this is new; it's not been a year already. I may be an old hat but I know that much. I can feel Dumbledore's magic nearby as he moves me, but there are others here that are not familiar, and I guess they are students waiting to be Sorted. Must be pretty special, this has never happened before.

I feel the mind of the person sitting beneath me… they've met me before! It's confusing, I remember everyone I've ever Sorted and I know I haven't met this person yet. Harry Potter, hmm.

Just as I'm about to dive into the mind, he pushes a memory at me, so unexpected all I can do is watch.

A scared first year, waiting to be Sorted, pleading with an old hat to be anywhere but Slytherin. I hear myself telling him he would do well in that house, they could help him on his way to greatness. I finally make the decision to put him in Gryffindor, the only other house the boy is suited for.

A second memory, much later than the previous, explains much more. A time travel potion, taken accidentally and sending the wrong people to the wrong time entirely. Now I understand- he's from the future!

I've been quiet for too long, I can almost feel the impatience.

I see you've caused quite the little problem, Mr Potter. He huffs and I know he is getting annoyed. I cut to the chase; you aren't the same person you were when I first Sorted you, I see. You don't have the Slytherin in you that I felt back then, but you are much more intelligent. Perhaps…

"No! We both know I don't belong there. There's only one place for me."

You wouldn't consider it?

"Never."

Well, looks like I have no choice. I see you are brave and proud. A history like yours can only lead to one future in this school, and that is with

"GRYFFINDOR!"

I'm taken away from the Potter boy, and placed onto another; Hermione Granger. This must be the girl who accompanied him into the past. Looking into her mind, I see that she would be an incredible Ravenclaw- she seems to do nothing but study!

"Do try not to split us up."

I see. You wish to be a Gryffindor as well? I had another like you a few years ago; fiery, determined and quite suited to the studious Ravenclaws or the brave Gryffindors.

"I think I know who you mean."

Indeed she does. Such a waste, if the memories I have seen are anything to go by. A sudden request, just a flicker of a thought, passes through the connection; she does not want the Headmaster to know about their pasts. Or futures. Of course, it would do incredible damage for anyone to know what fate has in store. Your secret is safe with me, I won't say a thing. I love time travellers! I feel relief.

"Ok, now could you sort me please?"

Ahh, forgot about that. Yes, I have no other option. Just like the girl who came before you, better be

"GRYFFINDOR!"

And she's gone. I can't be bothered to start thinking of a new song for the Sorting next year already, I think I'll take a good long nap…