lol
The Hat is indeed an old bastard, and I love it! Sitting around all year, then having to sing that stupid song before poking around in the heads of all those snot-nosed brats has got to be one of the worst jobs in history--especially since the Hat can't tell (as it did 200 years before) the best, most juicy secrets without getting into trouble.
I think this Hat would make a great teacher for young Harry.