Halfbloods had been rare enough in Slytherin to be notable. Professor Snape, the Dark Lord. He had no idea if the hat would take a muggleborn if there were no other options. Could the hat be reasoned with? How sentient was it?
"We could always talk to the hat," he shrugged. "I don't know how much say it has, compared to what the founders wanted."
Life or death and Quidditch. That painted a very vivid picture of Potters life. He stepped a little closer and brushed his fingers against the back of Harry's hand.
"I cam give you space. When you need it. But I could also help you get used to it." There was a wicked glint to his smile. "Touch shouldn't be just for life or death. And quidditch, of course."