Chapter 059

The hat seemed to sense this, for Harry got the distinct impression it was amused.

"I was created by the Four Founders with the ability to enter a persons mind so that I might be able to sort them. The ability is not dissimilar to a skill known as Legilimency, which is the human art of delving into the mind and discovering the secrets contained therein."

"I see." Harry processed what he had just learned. "So invading the mind is possible."

"Yes, it is. Though people who are skilled in the art are very rare, even when I was first created. Given that you seem to already have a decent grasp on Occlumency, the art of defending the mind, without even knowing what that is, I suspect you will have an easy time learning Legilimency—provided you find someone to teach you, of course."

"Can you teach me?"

"Unfortunately what I know is not actually Legilimency, but an enchantment placed upon me by Rowena Ravenclaw that allows me to delve into the minds of the young," the hat answered, much to Harry's disappointment. He had been hoping the hat would be able to teach him something, or at least point him in the right direction.

"Such an inquisitive mind," the hat spoke again. "Such intelligence. You would do well in Ravenclaw Mr. Potter. Very well. But let us see what else makes you tick."

"Tell me," Harry spoke up suddenly. "Do you plan on informing anyone about what you find inside my head?" He had many plans that hinged upon them remaining a secret until he deemed them ready to be unveiled, and even if those plans had to be changed later on due to an added or subtracted variable, he didn't want others learning about his goals.

"Not at all," the hat replied. "The magics cast on me have also made it so that I cannot tell anybody about what I find within the minds of those I sort. If I could have done such a thing, the man you know as Lord Voldemort would have never been allowed to attend here."

"You seem perfectly capable of speaking about Voldemort," Harry countered.

"Indeed, but that is because Voldemort has already made his mark on the world," the hat answered. "The magic that keeps me from speaking only extends to those who are still attending Hogwarts. Not those who have long since graduated from these halls. Besides, you and everyone else know of him, and I did not inform you of anything incriminating."

"You may not have said anything, but sometimes it's what you don't say that allows people to make deductions they shouldn't have."

"Such an advanced and analytical mind for one so young," the hat chuckled. "Truly, Rowena herself would have been envious of your talents. That eidetic memory of yours is quite the boon."

"It's also quite the curse."

"Indeed, for one such as you, who has seen the horrors of this world at such a young age, it would be. Still, you cannot deny that your unique ability to remember everything has made you stronger than you would be otherwise."

Harry did not say anything, choosing instead to remain silent. Not that the hat needed an answer from him to know it was right.

"Now, while you have been gifted with an extraordinary intellect, you seem to have many other talents as well." The hat was silent for a moment. "You know, for such a young boy you are very ambitious. Few are the people who have already set themselves a goal that many have deemed unachievable in their lives."

"And few are the people who obtain greatness because they do not dare to try to reach for the stars," Harry countered. "Even if I should fail in my goal, at the very least I can have the satisfaction of knowing that I was not willing to shoot for mediocrity when I could achieve excellence simply because I was afraid of failing."

The hat chuckled. "You know, Salazar once said something very similar when he and the others were making me. Your ambitions definitely make you worthy of being a Slytherin. Rarely have I seen such drive to accomplish your goals. If the founders still existed, I suspect Salazar himself would have offered you an apprenticeship."

"Thank you."

"Though he may have been a bit disgruntled by your sense of honor. Your courage may have been tempered with your cunning, but I can already see the warrior you can one day become. You are much like Godric in that regard. He was never the kind of person who was willing to stand in the background when the going gets rough. The man was quite reckless, always leading the charge no matter the kind of battle he may face."

"A good leader is the kind who is willing to fight alongside those who serve under him," Harry defended. "It is the job anybody in a position of leadership to ensure the safety and well-being of his subjects. One cannot protect those who have placed their faith in him by hiding behind those he is charged with protecting."

"You are correct." Harry could tell the hat was enjoying their conversation. He sounded almost like Ollivander when the man found out Harry would need to have a wand made for him. "And it is not for the first time someone has compared me to the wand maker. Now, let me see here. What about Hufflepuff? Hmm... yes, you would do well there as well. You know the true meaning of hard work. You're dedication to learning and your lessons in hand-to-hand combat show me this. In fact, you work so hard I would almost call you obsessive. But what about loyalty? That seems to be a hard thing to earn with you. You are only willing to give loyalty to those you feel have earned it, and the only one who has earned it in your mind is that friend of yours."

"Loyalty not earned is loyalty that's easily betrayed," Harry informed the hat. He had read many historic events of great people who were betrayed at the height of their power. They did so not because they allowed themselves to trust, but because they trusted the wrong people. He would not make the same mistake. "I will not allow myself to be stabbed in the back."

"Yes, I can see that. I can also see that once earned, your loyalty is more fierce than a lioness defending her cubs. That Lisa girl is very lucky to have your friendship. I can see that you truly love the girl as your own kin."

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