Item from harry-potter-deathly-hallows by
Thousand-year-old sentient hat containing the founders' intelligence -- Voldemort set it on fire on Neville's head, and Neville pulled the Sword of Gryffindor from its burning depths.
In the Battle's climax, Voldemort placed the Sorting Hat on Neville's head as a punishment and a message -- then set it on fire. Neville, standing alone, defiant, the hat burning on his head, reached inside and drew the Sword of Gryffindor. The Hat knew. It always knew. Neville was a Gryffindor. The Hat doesn't make mistakes.
Extremely old, patched, frayed pointed wizard's hat. A rip near the brim serves as a mouth. Burned and smoking after Voldemort's fire -- but functional. It contains the Sword of Gryffindor for any true Gryffindor in need.
Also known as: the Sorting Hat, Sorting Hat