After

Minerva had finally turned the portrait of Dumbledore back the right way, but only after a lot of prodding from Filius, Pomona, Poppy, Septimia, Horace, Sybil, and Hagrid… and the Ghost of Sir Nicholas DeMimsy Porpington…and the portraits of Headmaster Dippet, headmistress Worthington, Headmaster Nigellus-Black, Headmaster Levorisantwists, and Headmistress Ludlow-Green. She did not, however, take the silencing charm off. She was fine with that arrangement and so were the rest of the portraits inhabiting the office; they had heard quite enough from him while he was alive. 

The Sorting Hat had been found relatively quickly and returned to his space on the shelf in Minerva’s office, though a bit more threadbare than he’d been before. They had shared a few remarks in the last few weeks, including the hat asking for some details about what had happened that fateful night, but as usual he was a hat of few words on any night except September first. 

So it was much to Minerva’s surprise when he exclaimed, “Aha, I think I’ve done it,” And she rather jumped in her seat. 

“Done what?” She asked exasperatedly.

“The song of course,” He answered, “I’ve only had a few months to work on this one, so I wouldn’t expect the usual quality if I were you.”

Minerva rolled her eyes, “I’m sure it’s fine, you have yet to disappoint.” She had always had a relatively good relationship with the hat, of course, she’d been in charge of the sorting for nearly fifty years, so they’d had this conversation before… And Minerva knew where it was going.

“Thank you. Would you care to hear it… for critiquing purposes, obviously,” The hat asked, seeming as if he knew that Minerva knew that he wasn’t looking for a critique. She’d made that mistake before. Who knew hats could get so grumpy.

“I don’t suppose I have a choice,” Minerva said sarcastically, putting down her quill, “Let’s have it.” 

The hat began 

“Each and every year I split the crowd

Into four good houses, each unique

For founders Gryffindor, Ravenclaw

Slytherin, and Hufflepuff I speak.

I have had the job these many years,

Of calling you to new homes

But with this task comes many fears

Of spilt blood, and broken bones.

You will know that Hogwarts, mighty school

Has been through deep tragedy 

Brought on by one blood thirsty fool

Who sought false magic purity.

But you will know that he did not win.

And you will know that there are those 

Who would not sit idly by, but stood to fight.

You know that among you walk heroes.

There were the brave Gryffindors who fought valiantly

Of course they stayed in the greatest number

And the Hufflepuffs, loyal and proud

Fought and would not be put asunder.

Ravenclaws, those who stayed to win,

Had strategies that were crystal clear

And the Slytherins who crept back in

Knew not doubt nor fear.

These are the brave the just 

The clever and the cunning

Working for the self same goal - 

To send the enemy running.

They saved our School, all those and more

And it cost many a young life.

And it proves what I have been singing

Through all of this school’s strife.

Together we are better, together we’re a whole.

Four houses, put together, are stronger than apart.

So I hope that they have taught what I never could

I hope their stories have touched your heart.

When I split this group before me,

Though I still have reservation,

I hope togetherness will not rot and fester,

For the sake of this world’s preservation.”

“If there were another hat that could do your job I would pitch you out the window too,” Minerva said sarcastically. “Does it still have to be depressing? The War is over you know.” She sighed and turned back to the work on her desk, trying not to be overwhelmed by the memory.

“Yes, and I intend to do what I can to keep it that way,” The hat answered solemnly , “even if it’s just a warning.”

“Well, in that case, it’s very good,” Minerva said, picking up her quill again, “But I never want to hear another one like it.” 

“And I think that is finally possible, headmistress.”