Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
but don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
a smarter hat than me.


You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.


There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.


You might belong in Gryffindor
Where dwell the brave of heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;


You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
These patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;


Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;


Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.


So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!