Based on the fan theory that Harry wasn't the only member of the Golden Trio to opt out of the House best suited for him. Oneshot.

o-o-o-o-o

"Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione approached the stool, her limbs shaking from a combination of nerves and excitement. She practically sprinted the last few feet to the stool, jamming the hat onto her head and taking a seat.

Gryffindor, she thought. I want to be in Gryffindor.

"That's not how it works, honey," a voice crooned in her ear. Hermione nearly jumped off the stool in shock. "It's been a long time since I saw a mind this bright… I think Ravenclaw might be the one for you…"

Hermione tried to reign in the crushing sense of disappointment. Ravenclaw wasn't so bad- but she'd been so sure-

"Oh, I see. You have something to prove," the hat said. "You think you're cut out for Gryffindor, do you? Well, I say Ravenclaw's the best bet… You would most defiantly do well there… But I suppose, since you're sure… Better be GRYFFINDOR!"

The last word was shouted for the whole hall to hear, and Hermione, beaming, pulled off the hat and went to sit with her new house.

And if she ever thought that she had indeed ended up in the wrong house, she never said anything.

o-o-o-o-o

"Weasley, Ronald!"

Ron knew his face had probably gone an unflattering shade of green, but he couldn't worry about that now. All of his energy was on trying not to throw up.

The Sorting Hat slipped down over his eyes as he sat down on the three-legged stool, and waited.

"Hmm," the voice muttered in his ear. "Let's see, let's see… Oh, here's an interesting one… Fiercely loyal, my goodness, yes… There's really only one choice, then, I think…"

It's going to put me in Hufflepuff. Ron couldn't end up in Hufflepuff. He'd never hear the end of it from his brothers- his parents would be so disappointed- everyone knew Hufflepuff was a bunch of losers-

"Not too keen on the idea, are we?" the Sorting Hat asked. "Want to be as good as the rest of the family, do we? You'll do better in Hufflepuff, I can promise you… But if it's what you really want… Let's make it GRYFFINDOR!"

Ron removed the hat, trembling with relief, and sat next to Harry at the Gryffindor table. Never again did he consider the Sorting Hat's words.

o-o-o-o-o

The Sorting Hat turned around on its shelf, pointing its tip at the Headmaster. "It's been a while since any student rejected their house. This year, there were three. Almost four- I had to talk the Longbottom boy into Gryffindor."

"I have no doubt he belongs there," Dumbledore said, not looking up from the pile of papers on his desk.

The Sorting Hat didn't respond. Very few wizards knew that the Sorting Hat could do more than just see which house was best suited for a new Hogwarts student. Its decisions were guided by the brief visions of the future it saw as it rested upon the head of a child. There was no doubt that the students he had sorted today would have been better off in other houses.

There was also no doubt that had the Sorting Hat put them where they belonged, the world would end.

"Who else?" Dumbledore asked, and the Sorting Hat refocused its attention on the elderly wizard.

"Hermione Granger could have been the brightest Ravenclaw student in this school's history. Ronald Weasley would have done decidedly better in Hufflepuff House. And Harry Potter would have thrived in Slytherin."

"I'm not surprised," the Headmaster mumbled. "What changed your mind?"

The Sorting Hat chuckled to itself, turning away again. "Because I'd like to continue my existence, thank you very much. Everyone is where they need to be."

Dumbledore nodded, but didn't bother to ask for clarification. They'd all find out soon enough, anyway.