Sorting Ceremony
It was the start of the sorting ceremony, eliane was excited and nervous. She definitely didn't want this end up is slitheryn, as it wasnt like her
Gryffindor? Well it does sound nice as she is brave and strong!
Hufflepuff? Elaine is kind to others (as long as they are too!)
She heard a loud voice call
"ELIANE RAMEL"
She got up, she nervously walked to the centre and sat on the chair..
She looks around everyone was looking at her, people who were sorted and people who were not. She heard them murmuring and guessing which house she would be in. The sorting hat was put on her head, a d she sits there as the sorting hat talks about her, ALOT about her.. she sits there begging "please not Slytherin, please not Slytherin" she closes her eyes hoping she goes in the right house for her
It finally screamed......
"RAVENCLAW"
She opens her eyes with a big smile on her face, "yes, yes ravenclaw, it's perfect!" she says as she looks at the ravenclaw table cheer and applaud, she runs over there excited to see her new pals, roomates
And she is ready for the future in this house she is proud of!
Gryffindor? Well it does sound nice as she is brave and strong!
Hufflepuff? Elaine is kind to others (as long as they are too!)
She heard a loud voice call
"ELIANE RAMEL"
She got up, she nervously walked to the centre and sat on the chair..
She looks around everyone was looking at her, people who were sorted and people who were not. She heard them murmuring and guessing which house she would be in. The sorting hat was put on her head, a d she sits there as the sorting hat talks about her, ALOT about her.. she sits there begging "please not Slytherin, please not Slytherin" she closes her eyes hoping she goes in the right house for her
It finally screamed......
"RAVENCLAW"
She opens her eyes with a big smile on her face, "yes, yes ravenclaw, it's perfect!" she says as she looks at the ravenclaw table cheer and applaud, she runs over there excited to see her new pals, roomates
And she is ready for the future in this house she is proud of!
Sorting Ceremony
Jay waited patiently, admiring the floating candles and the sky roof, she had never seen anything like it. Jay didn’t know what house she wanted to be in, her mum had been a Hufflepuff but she had told Jay to be whatever she was sorted into, to be herself, it didn’t matter to her.
Maybe a Slytherin or a Ravenclaw? Jay thought watching as the sorting hat shouted out names and houses and she got closer and closer to it being her turn.
JAY VALKYRIE!
She jumped at her name being yelled out. Jeez they yell loud, Jay walked up and sat in the chair and closed her eyes listening to the murmuring of students and the fires cracking.
The sorting hat murmured a few things in her ear and Jay breathed in and out, calming herself down.
“So…your mum was a Hufflepuff huh? I remember her bright eyed and ready to take on the world, you on the other hand, you want to do whatever it takes to be acknowledged and respected… I know exactly where to sort you!”
Jay held her breath, her heart racing.
“Slytherin!” The sorting hat shouted and Jay stood up, ripping the hat off her head and putting it down on the chair. She walked down to the Slytherin table drinking in the cheers as she sat down with her classmates.
Maybe a Slytherin or a Ravenclaw? Jay thought watching as the sorting hat shouted out names and houses and she got closer and closer to it being her turn.
JAY VALKYRIE!
She jumped at her name being yelled out. Jeez they yell loud, Jay walked up and sat in the chair and closed her eyes listening to the murmuring of students and the fires cracking.
The sorting hat murmured a few things in her ear and Jay breathed in and out, calming herself down.
“So…your mum was a Hufflepuff huh? I remember her bright eyed and ready to take on the world, you on the other hand, you want to do whatever it takes to be acknowledged and respected… I know exactly where to sort you!”
Jay held her breath, her heart racing.
“Slytherin!” The sorting hat shouted and Jay stood up, ripping the hat off her head and putting it down on the chair. She walked down to the Slytherin table drinking in the cheers as she sat down with her classmates.
My shop: The Garden Of Forgotten Dreams✦━━━━━━✦━━━━━━✦ “I’m not about to do whatever you tell me just to protect your ego.”
Sorting Ceremony
Acelia stood nervously in the great hall, fiddling with her rings as she thought about what her parents told her, “Just be yourself” but that felt to unprofessional to do in the midst of her peers. As student names began to be called, Acelia thought about what house She’d be put in and that really made her doubts worse. Her mother was put into Ravenclaw house, but Acelia wasn’t someone who prided herself on Knowledge. Maybe she’d be put into Gryffindor like her father and Brothers however she highly doubted that, she was always the calm one containing her brother’s “Enthusiastic” ideas. Her mind drew a blank when she heard the speaker call out, “ACELIA WILLOW” her head snapped up to the awaiting stool. She slowly walked up to the seat and sat, she gripped her robes tight when she felt the hat placed in her head… “Ah, a Willow? I remember…your family is a long line of Gryffindors….yet you..don’t have the blatant spark most of your ancestors did…where to put you… where indeed..” she watched as the students whispered and she focused on herself. “Brilliant yes…but you have pride…Kind at times but fairly sarcastic in tone…I see…I know right where to put you…” she held her breath as the Sorting hat roared,
“SLYTHERIN!”
The table cheered, and Acelia finally realized…She was different…But for once? It felt right…
“SLYTHERIN!”
The table cheered, and Acelia finally realized…She was different…But for once? It felt right…
Acelia W.
Sorting Ceremony
Caelum sat at one the tables in the great Hall, fiddling with the silver ring around his index finger, he wore it everywhere twirling it when he felt panicky. He looked around taking in the sight of the Great Hall, he would be the first from his family to attend Hogwarts it made him nervous, he'd need to excel at everything to make sure he left behind good impressions on the professors.
He was lost in thought going through all the scenarios, what if he failed exams, or blew something up by accident, what if he accidentally killed himself with a potion? With how many times he'd messed with his mother's wand and faced the consequences such stupidity wasn't completely off the chart for him. He was busy in his thoughts when he heard
"Caelum Warner!"
The head master called his name. He got up quickly, nearly tripped on his robes. He walks towards where the chair and that hat was, he was sweating bullets as he sits down, closing his eyes tightly as the hat is placed on him and then he hears it that slightly creepy voice
"hmm,quite the imagination eh? RAVENCLAW!"
Caelum let out a sigh of relief, Raven claw was the smart people house right? Does that mean he was smart? Either way he relaxes shoulders getting up and walking to the Raven claw table.
He was lost in thought going through all the scenarios, what if he failed exams, or blew something up by accident, what if he accidentally killed himself with a potion? With how many times he'd messed with his mother's wand and faced the consequences such stupidity wasn't completely off the chart for him. He was busy in his thoughts when he heard
"Caelum Warner!"
The head master called his name. He got up quickly, nearly tripped on his robes. He walks towards where the chair and that hat was, he was sweating bullets as he sits down, closing his eyes tightly as the hat is placed on him and then he hears it that slightly creepy voice
"hmm,quite the imagination eh? RAVENCLAW!"
Caelum let out a sigh of relief, Raven claw was the smart people house right? Does that mean he was smart? Either way he relaxes shoulders getting up and walking to the Raven claw table.
Sorting Ceremony
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
Monday 1st September 2025, evening
The minute Ashlyn walked into the Great Hall besides her fellow first years, she felt a certain sense of awe that was provided not only from the grandeur of the room, but also the knowledge it contained; generations of witches and wizards had walked through this hall.
She wondered if perhaps those before her had felt the same sliver of dread that hummed relentlessly all throughout her body. Ashlyn was unsure of where the sense of impending doom she felt came from. Unsure of whether it was just nerves or a real instinct.
Nerves, probably.
Ashlyn saw her fellow first-years gaping in shock – especially the muggle-born ones – around the room. It did not surprise her, but it was certainly a site to behold. It was packed, for one thing. Full of students of all different types. Tweens and teens of all different genders with unique looks and completely different backgrounds. It was almost… inspirational, how Hogwarts was a crossroads of sorts. A place where all sorts of magic could mix freely.
It was not only the people that left Ashlyn in awe. The ceiling was lined by candles just floating there. Although she’d seen many sites like it (the portraits that lined the walls were no different than the ones at her house) having grown up in the magical world, it was still impressive.
It was hard to take it all in, truly, mostly because of the weird feeling in her stomach. The one that warned her the Sorting Hat wouldn’t see her as a good fit for Slytherin – it wasn’t that her family was opposed to none-Slytherin houses. Moreover, they were opposed to Gryffindor.
And she was a perfect fit for the house of lions and scarlet.
What scared her the most though? She actually wanted to be in the one house that would bring shame onto her parents. Lydia, her sister, had been a Ravenclaw, and no one had cared. But Ashlyn was not going to be a Ravenclaw.
So, when a voice shocked her out of her dreary thoughts, she had to stop herself from flinching.
"Welcome first year students. I am Solomon Lear, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,” the man’s voice said. Ashlyn couldn’t help but think silly of her foolishness. Of course the headmaster himself would speak. At the fancy events her parents were always giving, if you were of some importance you simply had to give a speech.
“As it is our tradition here we are going to engage in our first ceremony known as the sorting ceremony. The sorting hat has been a part of our school's tradition since the time of Godric Gryffindor, one of this institution's founding wizards. This hat is very much sentient." Headmaster Lear continued.
He was a formidable man, Ashlyn decided, with a full beard and an imposing figure of height; the armor he wore did not help his impression of intimidation. In fact, Ashlyn would’ve been quite intimidated if not for the fact she’d seen him greeting her other first years as they’d walked into the hall – he’d even given her a smile and a ‘hello’.
But something was not quite with him; for lack of better words, it was almost as if he was frail or ailing. Ashlyn pushed those thoughts aside for another time, someone other than the Headmaster had spoken. Or rather, someone.
“Sentient, I am intelligent.” With little shock – her siblings had spoken of this spiel to her – Ashlyn realized it was the Sorting Hat that had spoken. Someone gave a little snort of surprise near her – quite undignified – and a few of her fellows jumped back. Not her. She stood taller, if anything. Which was saying something, as she was quite tall for her age.
Ashlyn blocked out the rest of the exchange, and then the Sorting song (she already knew what it would contain, descriptions of the houses) in favor of trying to figure out how she’d break the news to her parents that she was a Gryffindor.
By mail?
In person? Would she even be allowed to see them to break it to them? Or would she have to wait until break?
By the time the Hat called her name, she was, quite simply, a bundle of nerves. “Morris, Ashlyn!” It shouted, its voice ringing clear through the echoey room. A pity, she’d liked to have been able to fake not having heard it; maybe buy herself some time.
Petrified, she tried to walk confidently towards the Professor who held the hat. Just as confidently, she put it on. She tried to calm the nervous movement of her knee as she stood in place, but failed.
Don’t show weakness. You are a Pureblood. You must be collected at all times.
It was Ashlyn’s mother’s voice that intruded into her head. That prodded at her, reminding her to straighten her posture. To fix the Hat’s angle.
“You’re a Pureblood?” The Hat asked, and mutely Ashlyn thought Yes. She knew she didn’t need to say anything out loud, as the Hat was able to read thoughts that were on the surface of her brain. Her old tutor, Lani, had drilled it into her head among other things.
“I’m not surprised, your type tends to have a healthy dosage of fear.” Ashlyn bit her lip. She hated waiting. “You think you’re suited to Gryffindor? I do see it… yes… but, I don’t think so…perhaps Ravenclaw? No. You aren’t the type who’d succeed in that house, although you hold hunger for knowledge that benefits you. Not very Gryffindor or Hufflepuff of you.” Ashlyn was confused. Was it really saying she wasn’t meant to be in Gryffindor? That Slytherin might actually suit her? And she hadn’t even needed to beg!
“Recklessness is not what makes a Gryffindor, child,” The Hat whispered, reminding her that it was able to see what she was thinking – for the most-part. “You have interesting times coming ahead, beware of yourself, beware of yourself.” Before Ashlyn could process, the Hat shouted out:
“Slytherin!” And she was left to wonder if it did that for every student.
Monday 1st September 2025, evening
The minute Ashlyn walked into the Great Hall besides her fellow first years, she felt a certain sense of awe that was provided not only from the grandeur of the room, but also the knowledge it contained; generations of witches and wizards had walked through this hall.
She wondered if perhaps those before her had felt the same sliver of dread that hummed relentlessly all throughout her body. Ashlyn was unsure of where the sense of impending doom she felt came from. Unsure of whether it was just nerves or a real instinct.
Nerves, probably.
Ashlyn saw her fellow first-years gaping in shock – especially the muggle-born ones – around the room. It did not surprise her, but it was certainly a site to behold. It was packed, for one thing. Full of students of all different types. Tweens and teens of all different genders with unique looks and completely different backgrounds. It was almost… inspirational, how Hogwarts was a crossroads of sorts. A place where all sorts of magic could mix freely.
It was not only the people that left Ashlyn in awe. The ceiling was lined by candles just floating there. Although she’d seen many sites like it (the portraits that lined the walls were no different than the ones at her house) having grown up in the magical world, it was still impressive.
It was hard to take it all in, truly, mostly because of the weird feeling in her stomach. The one that warned her the Sorting Hat wouldn’t see her as a good fit for Slytherin – it wasn’t that her family was opposed to none-Slytherin houses. Moreover, they were opposed to Gryffindor.
And she was a perfect fit for the house of lions and scarlet.
What scared her the most though? She actually wanted to be in the one house that would bring shame onto her parents. Lydia, her sister, had been a Ravenclaw, and no one had cared. But Ashlyn was not going to be a Ravenclaw.
So, when a voice shocked her out of her dreary thoughts, she had to stop herself from flinching.
"Welcome first year students. I am Solomon Lear, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,” the man’s voice said. Ashlyn couldn’t help but think silly of her foolishness. Of course the headmaster himself would speak. At the fancy events her parents were always giving, if you were of some importance you simply had to give a speech.
“As it is our tradition here we are going to engage in our first ceremony known as the sorting ceremony. The sorting hat has been a part of our school's tradition since the time of Godric Gryffindor, one of this institution's founding wizards. This hat is very much sentient." Headmaster Lear continued.
He was a formidable man, Ashlyn decided, with a full beard and an imposing figure of height; the armor he wore did not help his impression of intimidation. In fact, Ashlyn would’ve been quite intimidated if not for the fact she’d seen him greeting her other first years as they’d walked into the hall – he’d even given her a smile and a ‘hello’.
But something was not quite with him; for lack of better words, it was almost as if he was frail or ailing. Ashlyn pushed those thoughts aside for another time, someone other than the Headmaster had spoken. Or rather, someone.
“Sentient, I am intelligent.” With little shock – her siblings had spoken of this spiel to her – Ashlyn realized it was the Sorting Hat that had spoken. Someone gave a little snort of surprise near her – quite undignified – and a few of her fellows jumped back. Not her. She stood taller, if anything. Which was saying something, as she was quite tall for her age.
Ashlyn blocked out the rest of the exchange, and then the Sorting song (she already knew what it would contain, descriptions of the houses) in favor of trying to figure out how she’d break the news to her parents that she was a Gryffindor.
By mail?
In person? Would she even be allowed to see them to break it to them? Or would she have to wait until break?
By the time the Hat called her name, she was, quite simply, a bundle of nerves. “Morris, Ashlyn!” It shouted, its voice ringing clear through the echoey room. A pity, she’d liked to have been able to fake not having heard it; maybe buy herself some time.
Petrified, she tried to walk confidently towards the Professor who held the hat. Just as confidently, she put it on. She tried to calm the nervous movement of her knee as she stood in place, but failed.
Don’t show weakness. You are a Pureblood. You must be collected at all times.
It was Ashlyn’s mother’s voice that intruded into her head. That prodded at her, reminding her to straighten her posture. To fix the Hat’s angle.
“You’re a Pureblood?” The Hat asked, and mutely Ashlyn thought Yes. She knew she didn’t need to say anything out loud, as the Hat was able to read thoughts that were on the surface of her brain. Her old tutor, Lani, had drilled it into her head among other things.
“I’m not surprised, your type tends to have a healthy dosage of fear.” Ashlyn bit her lip. She hated waiting. “You think you’re suited to Gryffindor? I do see it… yes… but, I don’t think so…perhaps Ravenclaw? No. You aren’t the type who’d succeed in that house, although you hold hunger for knowledge that benefits you. Not very Gryffindor or Hufflepuff of you.” Ashlyn was confused. Was it really saying she wasn’t meant to be in Gryffindor? That Slytherin might actually suit her? And she hadn’t even needed to beg!
“Recklessness is not what makes a Gryffindor, child,” The Hat whispered, reminding her that it was able to see what she was thinking – for the most-part. “You have interesting times coming ahead, beware of yourself, beware of yourself.” Before Ashlyn could process, the Hat shouted out:
“Slytherin!” And she was left to wonder if it did that for every student.
𝒹ℴ𝓃'𝓉 𝓁ℯ𝓉 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓌ℴ𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔ℯ 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓂𝒾𝓁ℯ, 𝓁ℯ𝓉 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓂𝒾𝓁ℯ 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔ℯ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓌ℴ𝓇𝓁𝒹
Sorting Ceremony
Great Hall, Hogwarts
When she entered the Great Hall with the rest of the first years, her mouth opened on its own. The incredibly beautiful ceiling stretches above them. It looked like a bright starry sky, and the flying candles created an atmosphere of celebration and magic. Four long tables under the banners of the faculties were filled with young wizards who stared at them with all their eyes. The ceremony was a miracle for everyone, and every student warmly remembered his sorting. It left a great impression in the life of everyone in this hall. She felt it too. There was a pleasant excitement in the pit of my stomach, and her fingertips were cold, as they always are before an important event.
Actually, she haven't gotten used to magic at all yet. Everything was new to her here. She thought that after Diagon Alley, she wouldn't be surprised by anything anymore, but she realized that she was wrong when the Sorting Hat sang her song... with an old raspy voice. It even made her smile a little. The other children also looked at each other with a smirks. However, this only added a certain mystery to the atmosphere and impatience to find out which faculty will become your new home for the next seven years.
By the time the Hat called her name, she was, quite simply, a bundle of nerves.
"Violet Arden"
It shouted, and she almost flinch.
Despite this, she stood up quite calmly and sat down on a stool. The Hat came down on her head. It was as if her mind was covered with a light haze through which the Hat was sorting through her memories, thoughts like the pages of a book.
"Hmm," An old women's quiet voice says in her ear. Only she can hear her. "An interesting case. Very interesting." Her sly and knowing voice made Violet worried.
"You're a walking contradiction, honey. The enthusiasm of a researcher, but the laziness to put effort into something that does not ignite." The Hat falls silent, and she feels the Hat digging deeper, reaching into the darkest corners.
"Selfishness? Yes, you have. But not one that forces you to betray others for the sake of gain. Rather, it's a healthy self—love and an unwillingness to disappear into the crowd. You won't sacrifice yourself just because "it's the right thing to do." But for those you really love, you'll go into the fire without even thinking. It's just that the circle of these people is very narrow, right?" Hat pauses for a second again.
"Do you know what gets me?" The Hat suddenly asks. "Your honesty. Not the loud one from the stands. And the inner one. You know who you are. You don't even pretend to yourself. It's rare."
The pause becomes agonizing. It seemed to her that the Hat was hinting at something.
"But there is a place where they value not only knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but the ability to think outside the box. Where freedom, wit and the right to be yourself are valued as you want... RAVENCLAW"
The Hat has already shouted to the whole hall. Ravenclaw's table erupted in applause.
When she entered the Great Hall with the rest of the first years, her mouth opened on its own. The incredibly beautiful ceiling stretches above them. It looked like a bright starry sky, and the flying candles created an atmosphere of celebration and magic. Four long tables under the banners of the faculties were filled with young wizards who stared at them with all their eyes. The ceremony was a miracle for everyone, and every student warmly remembered his sorting. It left a great impression in the life of everyone in this hall. She felt it too. There was a pleasant excitement in the pit of my stomach, and her fingertips were cold, as they always are before an important event.
Actually, she haven't gotten used to magic at all yet. Everything was new to her here. She thought that after Diagon Alley, she wouldn't be surprised by anything anymore, but she realized that she was wrong when the Sorting Hat sang her song... with an old raspy voice. It even made her smile a little. The other children also looked at each other with a smirks. However, this only added a certain mystery to the atmosphere and impatience to find out which faculty will become your new home for the next seven years.
By the time the Hat called her name, she was, quite simply, a bundle of nerves.
"Violet Arden"
It shouted, and she almost flinch.
Despite this, she stood up quite calmly and sat down on a stool. The Hat came down on her head. It was as if her mind was covered with a light haze through which the Hat was sorting through her memories, thoughts like the pages of a book.
"Hmm," An old women's quiet voice says in her ear. Only she can hear her. "An interesting case. Very interesting." Her sly and knowing voice made Violet worried.
"You're a walking contradiction, honey. The enthusiasm of a researcher, but the laziness to put effort into something that does not ignite." The Hat falls silent, and she feels the Hat digging deeper, reaching into the darkest corners.
"Selfishness? Yes, you have. But not one that forces you to betray others for the sake of gain. Rather, it's a healthy self—love and an unwillingness to disappear into the crowd. You won't sacrifice yourself just because "it's the right thing to do." But for those you really love, you'll go into the fire without even thinking. It's just that the circle of these people is very narrow, right?" Hat pauses for a second again.
"Do you know what gets me?" The Hat suddenly asks. "Your honesty. Not the loud one from the stands. And the inner one. You know who you are. You don't even pretend to yourself. It's rare."
The pause becomes agonizing. It seemed to her that the Hat was hinting at something.
"But there is a place where they value not only knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but the ability to think outside the box. Where freedom, wit and the right to be yourself are valued as you want... RAVENCLAW"
The Hat has already shouted to the whole hall. Ravenclaw's table erupted in applause.
there is always a choice.
Sorting Ceremony
The Great Hall was impressive and spectacular in every aspect. Kennedy was embarrassed to admit that her mouth hung wide open as she first entered. But if she had glanced around at her fellow classmates, she would have noticed they had similar reactions. Floating candles lit the room, and she could see all the way up into the clear starry night. The crowd of first years collectively surged forward, getting over the initial shock, and Kennedy found herself stumbling with them. She was met face to face with a large portrait of an older woman as she tried to regain her footing and plant herself.
"Excuse me, mind yourself, young people have no respect for their elders these days."
The woman complained with a huff. Kennedy yelped, having momentarily forgotten that the paintings could talk. This earned her several stairs and odd glances, and caused her cheeks to turn a burning red.
"I'm sorry"
She mumbled so quietly only the portrait could have heard her. The woman gave a huff before turning her back to the hall. Kennedy glanced toward the imposing head master just as he began to start the ceremony.
"Welcome first year students. I am Solomon Lear, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As it is our tradition here we are going to engage in our first ceremony known as the sorting ceremony. The sorting hat has been a part of our school's tradition since the time of Godric Gryffindor, one of this institution's founding wizards. This hat is very much sentient."
Kennedy scanned the filled hall to find her brother, sitting at the Gryffindor table. Him and his group of friends where whispering amongst themselves, not bothering with listening to the ceremony. Robbie's popularity always left Kennedy in awe, he was so much different than her. He was confident and commanded every room he walk into, he was funny too. She often wished she was him, how much easier her life would be if she knew how to actually talk to people. She was brought back from her thoughts by the sound of singing, and mentally scolded herself for not paying attention. The song was coming from a scruffy hat sitting on a stool in front of the headmaster. The sorting hat. It didn't appear impressive at all, and its singing voice was mediocre at best. But its booming voice covered the room, and everyone in the hall hushed to listen.
Everyone politely applauded when the hat finished its ballad, and Kennedy swore she saw the hat bend slightly as if it was taking a bow. The headmaster then unrolled a never ending scroll and began to read out the names. Kennedy watched as each of them stepped up to the stool and had their fates decided. Some took longer for their houses to be decided, others took a fraction of a second. Kennedy was suddenly aware of how close it was to her turn, as the last name Chazz was called. Her wiped her hands on her dress and took a deep breath in.
"Cheek, Kennedy"
Her name was called, and her legs went into autopilot carrying her forward towards the stool. Kennedy didn't have a fear of being in front of large crowds, it was the possibility of messing up in front of all those people that made her nervous. She gently picked up hat, and placed it on her head, then took a seat on the stool. Almost immediately a voice whispered in her ear.
"Lets see, what do we have here?"
No one of importance, she thought to herself.
"Then definitely not a Slytherin, even though there is a desire for glory in you."
She twitched slightly at the realization that the hat could hear her.
"A bit to jumpy for Gryffindor, are we?"
With out realizing Kennedy slumped her shoulders, disappointed. Her brother was a Gryffindor, and she had hoped that maybe a part of her was just like him, and her life would be as easy and carefree as his.
"A great mind, quite impressive, Ravenclaw could be an option."
Now this was no surprise to Kennedy, she had always loved learning new things, and her parents had even expressed their suspicions that Ravenclaw would be where she was sorted.
"But, there may be a better option."
Kennedy tensed, knowing that a final decision was coming soon.
"Yes, a family of people to love you and for you to love. I can see it very clearly. The only place for you is...
HUFFLEPUFF"
Kennedy let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She stood up and took the hat back off, before hurrying down to the Hufflepuff table. People congratulated her as she passed, but she didn't really know what to feel. Should she be happy or disappointed? No matter how she was supposed to feel, a little spark of joy had taken hold in her chest.
Word count: 1028 (With quotes)
"Excuse me, mind yourself, young people have no respect for their elders these days."
The woman complained with a huff. Kennedy yelped, having momentarily forgotten that the paintings could talk. This earned her several stairs and odd glances, and caused her cheeks to turn a burning red.
"I'm sorry"
She mumbled so quietly only the portrait could have heard her. The woman gave a huff before turning her back to the hall. Kennedy glanced toward the imposing head master just as he began to start the ceremony.
"Welcome first year students. I am Solomon Lear, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As it is our tradition here we are going to engage in our first ceremony known as the sorting ceremony. The sorting hat has been a part of our school's tradition since the time of Godric Gryffindor, one of this institution's founding wizards. This hat is very much sentient."
Kennedy scanned the filled hall to find her brother, sitting at the Gryffindor table. Him and his group of friends where whispering amongst themselves, not bothering with listening to the ceremony. Robbie's popularity always left Kennedy in awe, he was so much different than her. He was confident and commanded every room he walk into, he was funny too. She often wished she was him, how much easier her life would be if she knew how to actually talk to people. She was brought back from her thoughts by the sound of singing, and mentally scolded herself for not paying attention. The song was coming from a scruffy hat sitting on a stool in front of the headmaster. The sorting hat. It didn't appear impressive at all, and its singing voice was mediocre at best. But its booming voice covered the room, and everyone in the hall hushed to listen.
Reducio
" A thousand years or more ago
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
For were their such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor.
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones, they had to teach.
While still alive they did divide
Their favorites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When were they dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've got 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 folks use any means
To achieve their ends. "
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
For were their such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor.
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones, they had to teach.
While still alive they did divide
Their favorites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When were they dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've got 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 folks use any means
To achieve their ends. "
Everyone politely applauded when the hat finished its ballad, and Kennedy swore she saw the hat bend slightly as if it was taking a bow. The headmaster then unrolled a never ending scroll and began to read out the names. Kennedy watched as each of them stepped up to the stool and had their fates decided. Some took longer for their houses to be decided, others took a fraction of a second. Kennedy was suddenly aware of how close it was to her turn, as the last name Chazz was called. Her wiped her hands on her dress and took a deep breath in.
"Cheek, Kennedy"
Her name was called, and her legs went into autopilot carrying her forward towards the stool. Kennedy didn't have a fear of being in front of large crowds, it was the possibility of messing up in front of all those people that made her nervous. She gently picked up hat, and placed it on her head, then took a seat on the stool. Almost immediately a voice whispered in her ear.
"Lets see, what do we have here?"
No one of importance, she thought to herself.
"Then definitely not a Slytherin, even though there is a desire for glory in you."
She twitched slightly at the realization that the hat could hear her.
"A bit to jumpy for Gryffindor, are we?"
With out realizing Kennedy slumped her shoulders, disappointed. Her brother was a Gryffindor, and she had hoped that maybe a part of her was just like him, and her life would be as easy and carefree as his.
"A great mind, quite impressive, Ravenclaw could be an option."
Now this was no surprise to Kennedy, she had always loved learning new things, and her parents had even expressed their suspicions that Ravenclaw would be where she was sorted.
"But, there may be a better option."
Kennedy tensed, knowing that a final decision was coming soon.
"Yes, a family of people to love you and for you to love. I can see it very clearly. The only place for you is...
HUFFLEPUFF"
Kennedy let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She stood up and took the hat back off, before hurrying down to the Hufflepuff table. People congratulated her as she passed, but she didn't really know what to feel. Should she be happy or disappointed? No matter how she was supposed to feel, a little spark of joy had taken hold in her chest.
Word count: 1028 (With quotes)
Last edited by Kennedy Cheek on 12 Mar 2026, 21:49, edited 1 time in total.
Sorting Ceremony
It had definitely surprised Blossom when she heard that magic was real. Every now and then, Blossom would see kind and wrinkly eyes smiling at her as she passed on the street or owls that would Hoo on a fence post.
As a child, Blossom had loved reading fairy tales. One of her favorites was the Beauty and the Beast. The enchanting castle was intriguing, and all of the little details were so amazing.
When she had received the letter about her acceptance at Hogwarts, she was definitely skeptical at first. But when a staff member from the magical school came to visit, she knew it was more than just a joke.
And now she was finally standing in front of the Great Hall, along with the other first years. The four tables seemed to glow from the magic surrounding the area. The floating candles amazed Blossom and she grinned to herself.
The great hall grew quiet as the headmaster spoke and finally, the sorting hat spoke a ballad unlike any that Blossom had heard before. Names were called and nervous students would shuffle towards the stool with the hat on top. Sometimes the hat would take minutes to decide, and sometimes only seconds.
Blossom considered the different houses. She obviously was not fit for the daring and brave Gryffindor's. She could potentially be fit for Hufflepuff, but there was something that didn't quite feel so right. Slytherin was an interesting house, but Blossom felt as if the house wasn't meant for her. There were many others that would join its ranks. All that was left was Ravenclaw. At that moment, she decided that was the house she hoped for the most.
"Blossom Grace"
To Blossom, it seemed as if her name rung through the hall and she winced. It was now time for her to walk towards the front. She shuffled nervously, sat down on the stool, and placed the hat on her head. To her, it seemed as if everyone was staring, but when she peered closer, she realized that mostly everyone was chatting amongst themselves and a few witches and wizards were watching the first years.
"Hm, interesting. Very interesting," the Hat said.
Blossom waited for what seemed like an eternity. In a loud cry, the hat said, "RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers as Blossom gently set her hat down for the next student and walked over to her table. She found a seat slightly towards the back, away from everyone else.
Word Count: 424/200
As a child, Blossom had loved reading fairy tales. One of her favorites was the Beauty and the Beast. The enchanting castle was intriguing, and all of the little details were so amazing.
When she had received the letter about her acceptance at Hogwarts, she was definitely skeptical at first. But when a staff member from the magical school came to visit, she knew it was more than just a joke.
And now she was finally standing in front of the Great Hall, along with the other first years. The four tables seemed to glow from the magic surrounding the area. The floating candles amazed Blossom and she grinned to herself.
The great hall grew quiet as the headmaster spoke and finally, the sorting hat spoke a ballad unlike any that Blossom had heard before. Names were called and nervous students would shuffle towards the stool with the hat on top. Sometimes the hat would take minutes to decide, and sometimes only seconds.
Blossom considered the different houses. She obviously was not fit for the daring and brave Gryffindor's. She could potentially be fit for Hufflepuff, but there was something that didn't quite feel so right. Slytherin was an interesting house, but Blossom felt as if the house wasn't meant for her. There were many others that would join its ranks. All that was left was Ravenclaw. At that moment, she decided that was the house she hoped for the most.
"Blossom Grace"
To Blossom, it seemed as if her name rung through the hall and she winced. It was now time for her to walk towards the front. She shuffled nervously, sat down on the stool, and placed the hat on her head. To her, it seemed as if everyone was staring, but when she peered closer, she realized that mostly everyone was chatting amongst themselves and a few witches and wizards were watching the first years.
"Hm, interesting. Very interesting," the Hat said.
Blossom waited for what seemed like an eternity. In a loud cry, the hat said, "RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers as Blossom gently set her hat down for the next student and walked over to her table. She found a seat slightly towards the back, away from everyone else.
Word Count: 424/200
Sorting Ceremony
The Great Hall was truly massive, beyond anything she’d ever seen before in her life. Ellaine should’ve expected this, what with her mother’s own forewarning; and this thought she held for a precious few minutes upon her entrance into the Hall.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland Monday, 1st September 2025
She remembered the Headmaster’s greeting to her by the door — Headmaster Solomon Lear? She had faltered for a moment before returning a slight bow to him. Ellaine remembered trying to muster a response. Instead, it emerged as a mutter. She dearly hoped he got what she was trying to say. He struck an intimidating figure, and Ellaine spent quite some time eyeing the armour he wore wistfully, along with not a small amount of curiosity. Though she’d never ventured much into the wizarding world beyond the occasional trips with her family, she’d always found them to be wearing some kind of robes, or even muggle clothes; never an actual armour.
Ellaine wasn’t one of the first students to enter the Hall, nor was she one of the last. She prided herself on her ability to blend in, and that she did well. Almost too well, as Ellaine soon found herself floating aimlessly between the crowds of first-years. Ellaine spent quite some time lingering there. Every so often, a student or two would introduce themselves to her, and she tried to take notice of their faces and characteristics.
Once the last gaggle of children (quite rich of you, Ellaine) passed through the doors, it shut close smoothly. The Headmaster walked up to the front of the room. Her eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to the slight limp following his steps. Ellaine knew she ought to look away, yet she couldn’t help but wonder how that came to be. A magical injury? That would be most likely.
Headmaster Lear started talking... introducing himself, the sorting ceremony, and... a hat.
...Was this what her mother had hidden from her? Why she’d been vague about the Sorting? A hat?
“…This hat is very much sentient.”
“Sentient, I am intelligent.”
...?
Ellaine did not understand that bit, but considering that none of the professors seemed to react, the hat must’ve been doing this regularly. She stared at the hat. It looked odd, time-worn, and— antique. A professor held it in their hands. What were they going to do with it? Put it on their heads?
Apparently, yes, and Ellaine watched the Headmaster pull out a scroll. A long, long, scroll. She wondered just how long it would take.
As the Sorting Hat began its song (and it sang— why does it sing?), Ellaine finally allowed herself to entertain thoughts of her own Sorting. Although a part of her longed to get in Slytherin, or even Ravenclaw, Ellaine was fully aware of herself... She predicted Hufflepuff.
Everyone clapped. Instinctively, Ellaine joined in. It appeared that the Hat had finished its song. The Headmaster started to talk... Last names first, it seemed. Ellaine looked around at the crowd... Her mother had said that what she affectionately called the ‘baby boom’ was nowhere near over yet; something around 200 new first years! If, on average, each student takes at most a minute, that would be at least three hours. More.
Ellaine paused and contemplated her name. W.
…This was going to take a while.
***
“Weatherby, Ellaine.”
The Headmaster’s calling of her name would’ve made Ellaine look at him, if she hadn’t been doing so already. Reluctantly, Ellaine walked up to the front. She made sure her back was straight (as her mother and grandmother were wont to remind her), her steps steady, and her head looking front. She felt weird. Ellaine despised being stared at by eyes, much less hundreds of them. Nevertheless, she reached the Headmaster’s side. He gave her a kind smile (a customary one, it seemed, the one he gave to everyone— and she wondered if he ever got tired of that.) before ushering her to the seat.
***
Almost half a minute later, the Hat made its decision. Quite an easy matter, and Ellaine thought that she should be grateful hers was so quick.
“Loyal, I see… trusting— too trusting, at times… well, you’d surely do well in—
“Hufflepuff!”
Ellaine wasn’t surprised. She knew herself well, unfortunately. Oh, how she longed for Slytherin— or even Ravenclaw. (Ellaine knew she’d be devoured within minutes of entering either Houses, but the longing was still there.)
Badgers. Hmm. They’re cute. Yellow is pretty. Ah— Didn’t mum say something about kitchens as well?
Years later, Ellaine would look back, reflecting that Hufflepuff was truly the best match for her. There was no other option, really. In the present time, Ellaine delicately gave the Hat back to the professor before heading off to the Hufflepuff table.
──────────────────────────────────
Sorting Ceremony
She wasn’t nervous at all. She knew the Jenkinses were Slytherins, and she was certain she belonged to that house as well. A Hufflepuff probably wouldn’t have summoned lightning as their first burst of accidental magic. And she knew well enough she wouldn’t be sorted into Ravenclaw — not that she hated them exactly, but she’d never taken much of a liking to their sort. After all, the man who had insulted her so badly the day Lydia first used magic had been from Ravenclaw.
And Gryffindor — well, that was more a matter of principle than dislike. Uncle Oscar often told her stories of his days at Hogwarts, and Gryffindors didn’t come out looking grand in most of those memories. Though, to be fair, his best friend was a Gryffindor. Still is, in fact. Lydia liked him well enough. She used to stay at his place whenever Uncle Oscar wouldn’t take her along on one of his more dangerous expeditions.
As a matter of fact, when she had that awful Sorting Hat pulled down over her head, it muttered about Gryffindor for far too long, and Lydia began to feel a flicker of nerves creeping in despite herself.
The Hat went something like this:
“Hmm… perhaps you’d do well in Gryffindor too. You’re brave — reckless, even — and ambitious besides. You know, Slytherins and Gryffindors are more alike than either would care to admit. It’s often hardest to choose between the two.
But tell me this — where would you draw the line in pursuit of what you want? How heavy could the sacrifices be before you’d hesitate?
Mhm… many great witches and wizards came from Gryffindor House, that’s true. But your mind — oh, it’s twisted in the most curious way. I can only hope I won’t regret this.
SLYTHERIN!”
It was a relief, sure it was.
Still, after she made her way — more stunned than smiling — to the Slytherin table and was greeted with cheers and clapping, a small, unwelcome what if? stirred somewhere in the back of her mind.
But it didn’t linger long. The girl beside her let out such a piercing shriek for her friend — who had just been sorted into Slytherin as well — that Lydia’s thoughts scattered at once.
It had been a long day. Longer, and far more nerve-wracking, than she’d expected.
The food better be as good as Uncle Oscar always claimed it was.
And Gryffindor — well, that was more a matter of principle than dislike. Uncle Oscar often told her stories of his days at Hogwarts, and Gryffindors didn’t come out looking grand in most of those memories. Though, to be fair, his best friend was a Gryffindor. Still is, in fact. Lydia liked him well enough. She used to stay at his place whenever Uncle Oscar wouldn’t take her along on one of his more dangerous expeditions.
As a matter of fact, when she had that awful Sorting Hat pulled down over her head, it muttered about Gryffindor for far too long, and Lydia began to feel a flicker of nerves creeping in despite herself.
The Hat went something like this:
“Hmm… perhaps you’d do well in Gryffindor too. You’re brave — reckless, even — and ambitious besides. You know, Slytherins and Gryffindors are more alike than either would care to admit. It’s often hardest to choose between the two.
But tell me this — where would you draw the line in pursuit of what you want? How heavy could the sacrifices be before you’d hesitate?
Mhm… many great witches and wizards came from Gryffindor House, that’s true. But your mind — oh, it’s twisted in the most curious way. I can only hope I won’t regret this.
SLYTHERIN!”
It was a relief, sure it was.
Still, after she made her way — more stunned than smiling — to the Slytherin table and was greeted with cheers and clapping, a small, unwelcome what if? stirred somewhere in the back of her mind.
But it didn’t linger long. The girl beside her let out such a piercing shriek for her friend — who had just been sorted into Slytherin as well — that Lydia’s thoughts scattered at once.
It had been a long day. Longer, and far more nerve-wracking, than she’d expected.
The food better be as good as Uncle Oscar always claimed it was.