Closed The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019

Katey looked around at the magnificent hall as she walked through the heavy oak doors. The lights above her shimmered like thousands of stars and reminded her of all the times she used to sneak out late at night to the field behind her house in Exeter and lie down looking for constellations.

Home.

That's what if felt like. She followed the other students from her class further into the hall and closer to the large podium where the headmaster was standing. Katey continued looking around, her eyes falling upon each portrait for a few seconds, and then excitedly moving on to the next. She knew that in her future she would be spending many hours examining each one in further depth while eating meals with the many friends she was eager to make after the ceremony.

She looked around at her classmates now as they grouped around the sorting hat. Next to her, a tall girl with curly red hair and freckles fidgeted with her fingers. Across the circle, a boy about her height was frantically glancing around the room and making a conscious effort to push his shaggy brown locks away from his eyes. Katey remembered him from the train - Oliver, that was his name. He had excitedly purchased a plethora of sweets from the trolley, and then shared a chocolate frog with each student in the car. It was the students like Oliver that Katey hoped to become friends with.

Focusing back in to the ceremony, Katey realized they were almost to her name. He heart began beating louder and louder and her palms began to sweat, but she wasn't nervous. Only excited for the adventure that lied ahead.

Sage Calloway walked nervously up to the stool, her heart hammering in her chest and her palms sweating. She was nervous, even though she knew where she would be placed: she'd read all the course books over and over, and from Hogwarts: A History, she knew that she would be in Ravenclaw; she simply didn't fit anywhere else.

Sitting down on the stool and pulling the hat over her head, she waited. "Well," said a voice in her ear. "What to do with you, eh..." Sage bit her lip, glancing around the room, trying to keep a brave face on because she knew that people would be watching her get sorted. "You seem to fit into Ravenclaw perfectly well... you even want to be in that house too, I see. But that would be just too easy, wouldn't it? You're clever, you like to be challenged... the biggest challenge I could give you would be to place you in Slytherin..."

From what she knew about Slytherin, she was not welcome there. She was a Muggle-born! She'd read all about how Salazar Slytherin didn't want... her kind... in his house, and from the whispers she'd heard on the train, a lot of other Slytherins didn't want her there either. Please don't, was all she could manage to think, before the hat opened it's mouth again to shout SLYTHERIN! at the top of its voice.

Holding back tears, Sage stood up, knees weak. If she was crying when she sat down at the table, she was certain that her life would be made hell. So she tried to keep her head up, and her brave face on - but obviously she wasn't brave at all, else she'd have been put in Gryffindor.

Isaiah could feel the nervousness in the room.

His fellow First Years were emitting it like sweat, eyes darting back and forth, taking everything in, unnecessarily straightening their robes, or clutching their hands together to stop them from shaking. Some tried to hide it, of course. Putting on brave smiles, and chatting to the person next to them, not a care in the world. Others didn't bother, and just stood there, sweat gathering at their foreheads. Some weren't nervous at all - a statement that confused Isaiah. Their house was to be everything for the next couple of years, and there they stood, exclaiming loudly at the floating candles, or hungrily gesturing at the golden plates, soon to be filled.

Isaiah didn't know if he was nervous or not. He had thought about the Sorting Ceremony for a while now, contemplating on the four houses, and which one he would be chosen for.

He had crossed off Hufflepuff first of all. He was neither kind, caring, empathetic or patient, all traits of a person from the house. Isaiah could fall asleep listening to people's sob stories.
There was Ravenclaw - and Isaiah could be chosen for that house. He was creative, independent and quick-thinking. But, Isaiah was horrible at school. His grades never made anyone jealous, and he was often ashamed of them. Although these were Muggle subjects, at a Muggle primary school, Isaiah would bet that he wasn't going to be the smartest student at Hogwarts. He was horrible at standing still and listening.
Gryffindor was the house of his brother - Ejaz. Ejaz was everything Isaiah wasn't - funny, intelligent and amazing at girls. But Isaiah did hold some of the traits of a Gryffindor. Brave, athletic, courageous, and sometimes a bit too much of a risk-taker. Gryiffindor was definitely a possibility.
But Isaiah was also like a Slytherin. Resourceful, cunning, and determined. Slytherin was the house of his older sister, Keisha, as well.

So, in the end, it was between these two houses. And as he watched the stream of students walk up to the hat and receive their house, he decided that he had over thought the Sorting, and it was best not to think about it.

"Lewis, Isaiah!"

Squeezing his hands tightly together, Isaiah walked through the jumble of waiting students at stepped up to sit on the seat. The weathered old hat was placed on top of him, and Isaiah took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down.

"Ah... you're an interesting one," the Hat told Isaiah, voice old but certain. "Your father a Hufflepuff, your mother a Ravenclaw, your brother a Gryffindor, and your sister a Slytherin. Interesting indeed."
"Well, you're not a Slytherin... to good. But not lawful enough to be a Hufflepuff. You're witty, that's true, but not smart in the same way as a Ravenclaw. Well, that leaves us with one I guess. GRYFFINDOR!" he shouted, magnifying his voice to the whole hall, which erupted with cheers and claps.

Not knowing what to think, but glad that it was over, Isaish took the hat off, walked back down, and found is way to his new house. Gryffindor.

Standing in no particular order in line, Isabella could feel all the emotions with her fellow first years with her.

The first years stood in line, shaking in fear. They shook while they stood, anxiously waiting to find out where they would be placed for the next seven years of their life, and what reputation would follow them. Some kids, though, bravely smiled and were not scared at all.
Isabella, though, was with the crowd that was shaking. She just could not wait to find out who was her new family. On the other hand, she was nervous to find out where she would be. What if she did not like her house? What if she did not click with the kids in her house? Many of the kids were relating with the kids who they had sat with previously on the Hogwarts Express. She could hear people reassuring others, telling the stories of their siblings or parents that had come before them. She, though, could not.

Isabella, being a naturally shy person, could not bring herself to sit with anyone else on the Hogwarts Express. Either they sat with their former friends, siblings, or strangers. So instead of finding somewhere to sit, she sat alone. Being alone gave her plenty of time to think about what house she could be in.

There was Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw, the house for the intelligent, quick-thinking. Ravenclaw was also her parents' house when they attended Hogwarts. Isabella longed to be in Ravenclaw, as people often described her as highly intelligent. On the other hand, though, she wasn't very quick thinking and gave up quite easily.

There was also Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff was the house for the loyal, empathetic, caring. Many people had told Isabella that she is a very loyal friend, and cared a lot for family and friends. Maybe she could be a Hufflepuff.

But there is also Gryffindor. Gryffindor, the house for the brave, athletic, and risk takers. It was also the house of the great Harry Potter, a wizard whom Isabella looked up to and admired. Sure, she could put on a brave face, but in reality, she would rather take the safe road than the risky one. In addition to that, running killed her.

Then, the last house, Slytherin. Her parents had always told her to beware of Slytherins because they could be a Dark witch or wizard. From Isabella's research, though, she found that they could be resourceful and cunning. In case of emergency, Isabella may have a couple of band-aids up her sleeves, but she was not really that sly.

In the end, though, it was not her decision, it was the Sorting Hat's job. Thankfully, for once, she wouldn't have to make a life-changing decision for herself.

"Holland, Isabella!"

Wiping her hands on her robes once more, Isabella walked up to the podium. The old hat that had once been placed on many people before, two of them being her parents.

"What a surprise we have here! Another Holland. I remember your parents being 11 and coming here." The hat said to Isabella. His voice was old and worn but still sounded wise. It reminded her of her grandfather, being old but still sounding smart.

"Let's see, your roots run deep with Ravenclaw blood, just like your parents. But are you really like them? The hat questioned Isabella.
Isabella did not know the answer to the question, so she silently thought in her head.

"I see a child who values hard work, is dedicated and patient. They have lots of loyalty, and fair play rather than a particular aptitude in its members," The hat said to Isabella.

"My final answer, Hufflepuff!"

The hat was removed from her head, and all the weight that was on her shoulders was lifted. Maybe it was not the house her parents hoped for her to be in, but now it was home. She proudly walked towards the cheering crowd.

The crowd she was proud to call her new family.

Eden shuffled into the Great Hall with the flock of other first year students. Some were chatting with friends they had made of the train or childhood friends they knew before Hogwarts. They all looked so excited but Eden was beyond nervous. She picked at the edge of her sleeves as they were lead up to the front of the Great Hall, in front of the professors' table. The other students at their house tables watched in silence as an old, worn hat was set on a stool.

Then the hat spoke. Well, it sang really. Eden, who hadn't really been exposed to much magic until recently, gaped at the singing hat. When it was finished, a professor came forward with a list of new students. Being that her late name started with F it didn't take long for her name to be called.

"Eden Fraye."

Taking a shaky breath, Eden walked up the small set of stairs and sat stiffly on the stool. There was a moment of silence from the Great Hall as it was placed on her head. A hum reverberated on her head.

"This shall be an easy sorting. I see loyalty and sweetness in you." The hat said to her, it's voice a whisper only for her.

"Hufflepuff!" The Sorting Hat roared and applause broke out.

Eden was ushered off the little staging area and towards a table of beaming students. A few clapped her on the back gently the back and some offered hugs. Finally, she was shown to as seat with the other first years. They all looked at her with friendly faces and Eden realized something.

She was home.

So many first years, was her first thought as she took her first step into the Great Hall. Doris, along with many of the many other students in her year, gazed around in wonder at the grandeur of the room. Forget the terrible amount of students—the Great Hall was spectacular!

It was full of four tables of students, a long table for the professors, and ceiling was decorated with floating candles and the famous ceiling that mirrored the sky. At the moment it was night so stars could be seen twinkling and a silver crescent glowed brightly above.

Doris was thoroughly enchanted, and not just because she was suspicious about a hex someone might've put on her earlier. So far Hogwarts was great physically, but she was still worried. She wanted to be liked, do well in her classes, and just be happy in general, but she had a strong case of the first-year jitters.

Glancing around nervously, Doris caught the eye of one her sisters; Brooke, who was sitting comfortably at the Ravenclaw table, waved at her, giving her a toothy smile. She only did that for her family, and especially not in public, but Doris knew to appreciate the brief gesture. Her sister turned away and she followed suit, facing forward as things seemed to commence.

One of the professors announced that the Sorting Ceremony was going to start, since all of the first-year students had filed in. Doris felt her heartbeat quicken. She managed to keep herself looking cool and collected but inside she was bursting to know which house she'd get into. Ravenclaw or Gryffindor would be most likely, especially the later, but what if she got one of the other ones, the two her other siblings so far were never sorted into?

Doris cleared her throat quietly as the Sorting grew a name closer to her own. She tried to distract herself by half-heartedly attempting to count the candles that she almost didn't hear her name being called.

“Solmon, Doris?”

Startled slightly, Doris brushed her hair behind her ear and brushed pass the students in her way, uttering out a tiny ‘excuse me’. She walked over to the chair and sat down, feeling the hat being lowered onto her head.

Doris slid her hands underneath her thighs and secretly crossed her fingers. She had a faint idea that the hat could read minds so she wished as indiscreetly as she thought possible: make me be unique.

“Unique? I fear that's not in our agenda—GRYFFINDOR.”

Doris shoulders sank, along with her excitement, but she wasn't truly in a bad mood, at least not yet. One of her brothers shared the same House. Though he was a fifth year, and really arrogant, he was a kind enough person to help out his younger sister.

As she made her way towards the Gryffindor table she made him out almost immediately since he was standing on his chair cheering with a great show of excitement. He even pulled out some exploding crackers, which threw confetti everywhere.

Slightly embarrassed, Doris sat near him, shrinking as much as she could into her seat so the attention would quickly move away from. It soon got quiet again as the next student came along. But she still pondered over what the Sorting Hat said; what did it mean by unique not being in her agenda?

Aideen watched each child get sorted nervously. A old ripped talking hat didn't sound too appealing. When she heard her name- "Ryan, Aideen,"- she squared her shoulders and marched up to sit on top of the stool. The dusty pointed Sorting Hat was placed on her head. What house do I want to be in? I don't really care that much. Just the place that will help me keep a low profile and get my work done.

She visibly jumped when she heard a voice whisper in her head.

Aha, that helps. You are a difficult one.

I-I don't care what house I'm in. she stammered, answering the voice. I just want to learn magic so I can help my family, then go home. Does that make me Hufflepuff?

Not neccesarily. You'd fit in any of the houses. But I belive that with your goal in mind it better be...

"RAVENCLAW!" the house roared out loud.

Aideen stood up, uncertain. She took the hat off and slowly walked to the Ravenclaw table. At this point, she'd seen older siblings clapping on their younger brother or sister. Right now, everybody was strangely silent.

This might take some getting used to. But then, I don't mind.

Airlia was practically bursting from excitement. Her heart hammered in her chest like a hummingbird. She felt so free and somehow even reborn. No one knew her here and that was the best part. She could be whoever she wished, do as she wished and go onto many great adventures in the castle. No more etiquette lessons or watching kids play from her window when she wasn't allowed to join.

In Hogwarts, she would fly a broom even though she could already tell she'd be horrible at it. She could wander the halls and meet new friends. She could join competitions, play Gobstones and doodle in her notes in class without getting a stern look from her mother.

She stood among the first years eagerly awaiting her turn.

"Airlia Winter!" As her name was called out her hands trembled and she had to clench them into tiny fists so her fingers wouldn't quiver. She walked over to the three-legged stool and sat down feeling the hat pressed to her head.

"Hmm... Both your parents were Gryffindors and while you do have some of their qualities you don't fully fit. Well-" The hat suddenly stopped as if it had an epiphany or something: "-what do we have here?" The hat wondered and she felt it move around on top of her head.

"I'm Airlia. Nice to meet you Mr. Sorting hat." She said with a smile suddenly as she misunderstood his words that were more a statement than a question.

With a chuckle, the hat said: "That certainly clears it up, Hufflepuff!"

With a smile, Airlia pranced to the table of the badgers happy to have found a house suitable for her.

A cold chill swept down Keaton's hunched spine. He'd been watching the other First Years line up to be sorted and only feared for his own judgement. He guessed it was just him. He'd never liked being placed upon a pedestal.

"Reed, Keaton."

It was time. He slipped his feet from under the black cloak and slowly staggered over to the ragged threads that held together the wisecrack of a hat that faced him. This was, for all intensive purposes a test, right? The attempt at comfort only caused him to despair further. But before it could even brush his mess of dull yellow hair, the hat erupted into a chatter of exaggerated questioning.

"A sorry sight we have before us, eh? It seems you lack the strength or confidence of the Gryffindors, and the ambition of those rival Slytherins. You like your trinkets, don't you. I see, you spend so much love into your craft, some would say you're a hard worker. And yet such a while without a word."

It paused. The flap held itself still for much too long for poor Keaton's liking. Maybe seconds. Maybe a minute. Maybe even two. But it all seemed liked hours to the young boy. But then, all a splutter, the hat made it's verdict.

"I guess that tight jaw leaves you as not a Hufflepuff, but a RAVENCLAW!"

He threw the hat back to the chair and skulked his way over to the welcoming cheer of the Ravenclaw table, finally out of the spotlight. Safe and sound.

Completely ignoring her question, the hat went on. "Now, now, where to place you. Maybe you belong with the Ravenclaws where most your ancestors have been."

Julie glanced over to the blue table where her eyes met a handful of friendly ones. She gave a smile before the hat began to talk once more.

"No, no. You belong somewhere else. Perhaps the Hufflepuff who stay loyal to their allies?'

Julie didn't mind the sound of that, but, never-the-less, the hat kept going.

"Ah, I know just the place."

Julie glanced at the two other tables, one with students decorated in red robes, the others in green. The green table seemed intimidating and cold, something that she wouldn't like. The red, however, seemed to be having a grand time chatting with each other and making jokes.

"GRYFFINDOR!"