The crease in the Sorting Hat opened and the first years in front of it gasped. The deep raspy voice came from within,

"Now the battle's lost and won

And Hogwarts born anew,

It's time to have a little fun

and learning for all of you.

Last year there was a unity,

Even I did not expect.

So here you sit with impunity,

With none of you suspect.

And in the depleting darkness

We strive towards the light,

We walk towards the morning,

And out of darkest night.

So though I am spelled to part you

You must remember all one thing

You already know the power

Such unity can bring.

So whether you belong in Griffindor,

Or beloved Hufflepuff,

Just remember your times of strife,

Together in the rough.

And whether you're in Slytherin,

Or daring Ravenclaw,

We care for you, all the same

All equal without flaw.

On a solemn note-

Quite unusual for me-

Just look around this hallowed hall,

It's quite empty, you will see.

This school was once amazing

With great companies of you,

Now there are few and far between,

With many condolences due.

But there is one person here,

Who stood out among the rest

Who fought with brilliant valour

And came out among the best

This boy, he sits among you

Twice judged, he was, by me.

He pulled the Sword of Griffindor,

Whatever can that mean?

He may not be great at wand-work

And charming goats to trees,

But know, he is the greatest man,

A man can ever be.

So listen, note and take heed

Of what he has to say

For if you listen carefully,

He might just know the way.

He brought you all together

He took you all the same

He led you all to battle

And he would do so once again.

My song this year is different,

As most of you will know,

Never before have I singled out

A boy with such bravo.

And now the unsung hero

Has a song all of his own,

I must warn the first years

To never walk alone.

This year it is your job

To teach them what they know

To tell them what their house means

And where they have to go.

But now the Sorting Hat is here

And you all know the score

I'll sort you into houses,

Because that is what I'm for.

All you here in front of me

Will find what house you're in,

So hurry up and put me on

Let the Sorting now begin."

Thunderous applause did not begin immediately. Rather, everyone was looking at one boy in the room. A tear slid down Neville's face.