"Thornton Baines?" The voice rang out, but Thornton wasn't exactly sure where it had come from (too short to see!)

Thornton timidly stepped up and sat on the stool and wiggled as he sat. Hit bit his lip at the hat was placed over his head and came down so far it blocked his vision.

Hmmmm. Potential. Ambition. Caring. Strength of Character. Wit. Where to put you, where to put you. Thornton squirmed, hearing the hat whisper in his ear. What did that mean, where to put him?

A bead of sweat trickled down his neck. I just want to do well here, he thought. I want to study hard, learn a lot, and just do well.

He looked up, as if he could see inside the hat, to urge it to just decide.

The wheels are turning, I see, he heard. A quick mind. We'll put you in..

RAVENCLAW!!

Thornton smiled as the hat was removed from his head and he hopped down from the stool. Ravenclaw! Now, what exactly did that even mean?