I maybe tattered and shabby looking,
But do not give up on me yet,
Once you place me on your head
You will admit, that I am the smartest hat you've ever met.
I have a brain and it works well,
I maybe old, but I do not smell.
My looks are rather deceiving,
But look past my plain weaving.
I was made by the very best,
Greater than all of the rest.
Do not be intimidated by my smarts,
For I used to be a plain old hat that knew of no arts.
I sat on Godric's head for what seemed like years,
Until the day when they all started up a brawl.
The founders of this school so old,
Used to be best friends and so it's told.

They all valued different traits,
And so now I'm here to this very date.
I choose which house you belong to,
Tis my purpose and my goal,
That's why I'm sewn with a mouth hole.
Ravenclaw insisted the smartest should be taught,
Slytherin disagreed and so he fought,
He knew the cunning folks were much better.
But mighty Gryffindor had a different thought,
Bravery and daring must be on the top.
Kind Hufflepuff wanted to take the rest,
For loyal and caring are by far the best.
Their minds were made and they were done,
And this is where it gets to be fun!
Place me on your fine young heads,
And I will determine what is said.
I have done this for years and years past,
No other sorting hat can ever be this fast.
My decisions are final and they are what count,
I thoroughly enjoy coming off of my mount.
This is the one time of year,
When I get to come out and sit here.
I take my job quite seriously,
Don't worry though I charge no fee.

My decision will determine the rest of your life,
Although sometimes I have a great strife.
I always put you in the place where you belong,
So come up here it won't take very long.
All I need is one good look in your mind,
To see if you are brave or kind.
If it's craftiness or intelligence you possess,
I will sort you better than you may guess.
Don't be afraid, I don't bite,
(I've already had my dinner for tonight.)
I'm not only a hat, but also a helpful tool,
Highly more intelligent than your typical fool.
Now as my song comes to an end,
I wish you all the best of luck.
Every house will grow to care for you,
And then you will grow to care for them too.
Never was their a person I sorted with regret,
No man that I have ever met,
Has forgotten to thank me yet,
For the decision I made for them while in school.
Because I am the sorting hat (I rule)!

Now walk up to me when your name is called,
It's not as hard as you may think.
As I sink onto your head,
I will search through your mind until it is well read.
I talk, but only you can hear,
I'm not just a hat so mere.
When my final thought is made,
And I did my final raid.
I will shout the house out loud,
I guarantee that you will be proud.
Your new house mates will cheer,
Then you will know that you'll have a wonderful year.
My song is coming to a close,
I must add it is very distracting,
When you shake from your head to toes.
I maybe only a sorting hat you see,
But really you are no different from me.
Now take a deep breath your time is due,
You're school year shall start now anew.
I sang my song, I did my part,
Now let this sorting ceremony start!

05/01/11 - 2