Closed The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019

Astra wasn't new to the Wizarding World but she still couldn't believe that she was enrolled to a Magic School. She didn't know anyone yet so she just stood alone admiring the view in front of her. She was staying next to maybe her new classmates? The inside of the castle was even more beautiful than the outside of it. She looked at the floating candles that were lighting the room, the tall walls who seem older than her parents and even the wood floor. Her eyes met all the older students who were analysing their every move wondering in which house are they going to end.
Astra didn't care about the houses, she didn't really care about the other students. She didn't need friends. She just wanted these 7 years to go faster so she could start living her life. Her wizard relatives were all different houses, she couldn't heelp but wonder, what was she? Her father was sorted into Ravenclaw, as well as her brother and her sister was a Slytherin.
Astra looked at all the tables in the room. Hufflepuff, the just and loyal, Gryffindor, the brave and daring, Slytherin, the cunning and ambitious and Ravenclaw, the wise and intelligent. She didn't know where she fitted in but she was determined to find out. She watched the scared kids walk to the Sorting Hat. She heard her name being called so she took a big breath and walked to the Hat. As it touched her head the hat started talking.
"Astra Goodwin "
Astra closed her eyes waiting for the hat's answer. She wasn't scared of the answer but she couldn't stand waiting.
"Let's see... You're a tough one, you are brave, kind, intelligent and also ambitious.."
"You can be anything you want, but the one thing that stands out is... your bravery"

"GRYFFINDOR!!!!"
Astra calmly opened her eyes looking around the room. She saw all the Gryffindors cheering happy that another one joined them. A smile covered Astra's face as she walked to her table. She knew that this was the start of a new beginning. She didn't want to admit it but she was happy to be here .

Annie's could hear her heart pounding in her ears. The pace quickened and her heart beat sounded loud as each student got called up and sorted.Thump. Thump. Each passing moment made her tense up until her name was called.

Morgan, Annie

Her palms because sweaty as she shakily walked up and felt the hat fall over her small head. She took a deep breath and glanced around the Great Hall, her eyes scanning over all four tables to see many unfamiliar faces looking back at her.

"Hmm.. you are very much like your mother. Clever and bold, yes you could be a nice addition to Slytherin or maybe Gryfindor or Ravenclaw?

Annie stiffened at the Sorting Hat's words and shut her eyes pleading silently to get out of the spotlight. She wanted to go sit down at a table, any table, it was nerve racking to stand up in front of so many people.

"Very well... you shall be Hufflepuff!"

A small chorus of applause could be heard after each student was called, but this time they were cheering for her. With a bounce in her step and a new purpose, Annie walked off quickly towards the Hufflepuff table where many witches and wizards covered in yellow and black robes waited to welcome her.

Alan was shaking uncontrollably, the young lad was terrible with crowds, being bunched up together with his fellow first years all he could do now is wait and breath heavily, the thought of being called out in front of everyone was nerve-racking as it is. As each name was called up, he was shocked to see the few people he met on the Hogwarts Express ended up into different houses, The young lad's body froze as he heard his name being called up.

"Noble, Alan!"

All the first years stood looking around while the professor calling him was already staring down, waiting for Alan to step forward, his face turning red as if he was in trouble he stood for a moment causing the professor to call his name again.

"Alan Noble, please step forward so we can move along quickly"

At the professor's second attempt, Alan finally stepped up almost stumbling on the small steps causing some of his fellow first years to snicker lightly. All Alan could do now is mutter to himself repeating "R...re..relax Alan...j..just g..g.et this done a..an..and you can breathe" finally parking his rear into the stool the professor finally placed the sorting hat on his head, coming to life as it spoke to the boy.

"A nervous one hmm... this will be interesting indeed. Well let me see what I can do for you boy, I see a lot of potential in you. but where shall I put you I see a bit of Hufflepuff in you but I also see Ravenclaw, you're quite smart as you have also good intentions but tell me, boy, where do you think you should go into?"

Alan pondered for a moment at the thought of a choice, the poor boy didn't think he had a choice in the matter, realising the friend he made on the train wasn't in either of those houses he possed an idea to himself as he muttered "I...I feel I..I need to spread my wings...b..but I don't want to be alone" The Sorting hat spoke once more at his thoughts.

"I see where I need to put you now boy, It's been the same thought since you put that hat on and I feel you'll be able to fly high when I put you in Ravenclaw!" The Hat announced to the great hall.

The roaring sound of applause is heard throughout the grand hall especially from the Ravenclaw table, before stepping off his seat the young lad asked before running off to the table "D..d..do you think s..so?" to which the hat replied "I've never been wrong before boy, now go you're holding the line" it chuckled lightly now waiting for the next student to place.

Alan finally making it to the table was greeted with open arms, The lad had not received this kind of welcome before in his life, picking an empty spot he looked between his fellow peers who shook his hand and continued to congratulate him into joining the right house. Finally, silence came as the next student was now ready to be called up.

Imogen clumsily recalled what the others mumbled upon arrival. Four houses, each to represent an individual. What a cute view of it, she thought. There were also books she managed to grab and read of these. It was shocking to see how all worked under such tidy rules and guides in this world. Humans- or well Muggles had it so complicated. Even laws were difficult to understand.

During her daydream of admiring the candles that danced above like shameless stars, her very own name was called. Obviously, she failed to hear it. Bright brown orbs still stuck to all around them, nude to the world beyond despite experiencing over an hour so far within it. Only when an unknown person nudged her hand had she reacted, hurrying towards the hat.

It was not heavy by any definitions, however to Imogen it felt so. Possibly due to the pressure wearing it caused to the bearer. The magic that allowed it to speak already sparked the questions such as how and by whom had the spell been cast. Floating off again she missed its speech, disturbed from her daydream thanks to the hat who lowered its fabric upon her vision frowning.

"Have you been listening?" It asked annoyed.

"Of course," Imogen answered in a much quieter tone. Inaudible to those who watched.

"Then which house are you?"

She thought for a moment, trying to asses herself. Then it clicked. After each announcement the crowd cheers, however, there had been no cheering yet or else she would've noticed it. Coming to the assumption and deeming it correct she smiled, confident in herself, "You haven't told me."

The hat nodded confirming it. She released a breath she hadn't been aware of holding back. But another one was to enter her as the piece of cloth finally readied itself to make the announcement.

"You're..."

Worry and concern rushed through her nerves. What if it is a house all dislike? Or maybe it is her who is the problem within it? Quickly she resampled the beginning venture of houses and their standings.

Gryffindor, brave-hearted lions. They are courageous but not for Imogen, she decided. Came in Slytherin, an instant no. Somehow the feel of them simply spoke to her in a wrong way and she chose to cast the option aside. Ravenclaw as well, they appeared to be a fine sort. Wise, as Imogen enjoyed following facts. One problem being they strive to show their knowledge. Too much attention is another no. And finally...

"Hufflepuff!"

The dumming from the dark haired boys heart was the only thing he could focus on with the faint voice from the hat telling which houses the first years were sorted into. He was biting the inside of his lip trying to stand as still as possible to not draw attention. The porsline skin and the height drew enought attention as it was. Anyone could tell that Mezarim was a Sterling without looking twice, if that was a good or a bad thing depended. The Sterlings had a rather big voice in the wizard society.

Becoming a Slytherin was not a dream Mezarim had, it was something he was going to be and there were no exceptions, breaking the long family tradition would be a shame to not only Mezarim but for the whole history of the family. He adjusted the collar on his shirt and just as he was told by his parents did he hold his head high. He knew that any minute now could the professor call out his name and it would be Mezarim walking up the steps up to the chair and get the dusty hat on his head. But there was not much he could do but to stand still and wait for his name. That would be the worst part after not being sorted into Slytherin the waiting.

After some more waiting did Mezarim look up at the professor as he was reading from the paper, there were not many first years left around him so the chanses were pretty high that it was his turn.

"Sterling..Mezarim"

A deep voice called out and Mezarim couldn't help but blink some extra times.. it was his turn.
He didn't pay too much attention to anyone around, but just as he was about to sit down on the chair did he throw a quick glance at the slytherin table. The green and silver theme could be seen being weared by everyone exept the new arrivers. He closed his eyes and sat down. Feeling his hair flatten down as the hat were placed on top of his head.

"Hmm A Sterling, that was some years ago, this should be fearly simple"

The hat said which made Mezarim ease up some that just had to mean what he was hoping it did. He swallowed and the hat continued.

"There is a lot of potential, if you are using it right."

Mezarim clenched his jaw he knew in some seconds was the hat going to call out the house...

"It would be rather stupid of me to not... SLYTHERIN"

Mezarim jumped.. Did he just say slytherin. Mezarim looked out to the slytherin table and saw the whole table jump up and clap their hands and calling his name, that was when he realised and a bright smile was spreading on his face. Never had the attention he just had been ever upon him. He jumped down from the chair and walked quickly to the table, smirking and with a proud facual expression, he wouldn't want people to think of him as an weakling like his father said.

The hall's walls reached all the way up to the stars, no, those were candles. Floating candles. Strung like fairy lights, scattered throughout the space and casting a warm light over the room. It was as strange as the robes he had been told to wear; apparently the uniform for Hogwarts. He had felt terribly silly as he changed from his graphic t-shirt to the long dark cloak, until he had realised everyone wore it.

Ahead of him, students names were called and they stepped up to the stool set at the front of the hall, an old scraggly-looking hat placed atop their head. Michael nearly jumped out of his skin when the thing moved, folds shifting as a mouth and eyes would. The new students were sorted between the houses, cheers greeting them as they sat beside their peers. Most of them were acting as if this was all very ordinary, just the beginning of another year. It occurred to Michael that, for them, it might just be.

"Glenanne, Michael."

He looked up as his name was called, frowning to the pointed hat right up until he sat on the stool and it was placed on his head.
"Ah, Sir Glenanne, first of your name I see."
"Huh?"
"The first to possess the gift of magic."
"Oh." The hat promptly ignored Michael's second interruption.
It hummed in thought, "you've got a ready mind, observant, good, witty, very good. You'd do well in Ravenclaw."
"Raven-what?"
"If not for that fire embedded in your soul." The hat chuckled lowly, "Oh, yes, I see, you are chivalrous too... You often seek out trouble, don't you?"
Michael shrugged innocently, "More like it seeks me."

"All the same." The hat mused, and Michael gained the distinct impression his fate was sealed. "Gryffindor!" The hat's booming voice was abruptly cut off as cheers erupted from one of the tables. Students donned in red and gold smiling brightly as they waved the young boy over. And, the moment the hat was removed from his head, Michael approached. Sitting beside several other first-years, Michael recalled the hats song; 'where dwell the brave at heart'. He looked over the faces surrounding him and scoffed. It was all so strange.

Vanessa watched as the first-years were being sorted. There weren't too many left in line. She was around the middle of the line, she hoped she wouldn't be next. She didn't understand the order of the Sorting, did they Sort first-years alphabetically? Well, they certainly didn't. She kept waiting for the calling of her name, though at the same time, she dreaded it. What if the Hat sorted her wrong? She heard it never did, but there was still a possibility. She didn't trust sentient objects. Even though she heard of a sentient friendly pot-

“Vanstone, Vanessa!”

She blinked twice before marching towards the stool. She put the Hat first, as instructed, and sat on the stool. She didn't know it was going to make any sound, she couldn't hear it before, and she didn't hear anything besides its song.

“Interesting, interesting..." the Hat said in her mind. “You're only a little close-minded...”

How about in Hufflepuff? Vanessa suggested in her head.

“Oho! Do you think that's the right option for you?” the Hat said. “You really want to prove yourself to others and fit in?”

“Yes, assuming you can read the contents of my mind and soul, Vanessa told the Hat. And it Hufflepuff, since people are loyal and hardworking, I can make plenty of friends there, right?”

“And since when have you valued having friends more than your own comfort and joy?“

[iEver since I went on the train...[/i]

“You enjoyed your time alone, reading History of Magic.”

Vanessa scowled.

Sometimes I forget you're a hat that can read my mind.

“Let's see, you're mostly open-minded, you think before you act, and occasionally you would include others in your mindful discussions with yourself.” the Hat said. “You have a ready mind, and you encourage originality and creativity.”

So- is that it? What's your verdict?

“Just note you would still have Hufflepuff friends, though giving you tips isn't in my job description. The verdict is- RAVENCLAW!”

As she went to the Ravenclaw table, which had erupted with cheers, only one statement was significant in her mind.

And since when have you valued having friends more than your own comfort and joy?

She had no idea how she could make friends in this wonderful school where she could belong, even among her fellow Ravenclaws.

Knowing she was now indeed a wizard, she knew she was going to experience some sort of culture shock. The train ride she had with her companion had already proved her that. But she was sure all she did was gawk at the interior of the castle

Candles floating in the air, giving the large hall a nice, calming ambiance. Four long tables, older students sat each with a different house color. It was certainly a nice change from her posh private school. Where everything was either glass or tile.

Red, Blue, Green, Yellow

Being nervous was an understatement. Only now, while hearing the names of other 1st years that were called out to the front that she realized how much these people are on a whole other level.

What if this was a mistake? What if the moment the hat comes to contact with her head, the hat will say something like " this girl was never a witch. Take her back, she doesn't belong here". She placed a hand on her chest and felt her heart hammering against it.

The only time she felt this nervous was when she auditioned for the lead role back in her old school.

Desperate to calm her racing thoughts, she forced herself to see the other 1st years getting sorted.

Some looked like they were ready to puke,
Some looked like they didn't care,
Some looked excited,
And some looked like they already knew what house they were going to be in with their confident strides and a smug smile.

She looked at the candles, watched as the wax drip down before disappearing into thin air. Magic defeats logic here she sees.

She looked up and she saw the night sky. Counted the stars that are yellow instead of pure white. It somehow turned into a countdown of when her name is called, encouraging her legs to shake, so she starting thinking about her current favourite song.

Anything to get her mind off-

" Tachibana, Fumiko !"

...

Nevermind.

The song she thought about before gave her some sense of comfort so she was able to walk towards the stool without tripping. She sat on the stool and felt being placed on her while she looked at her dangling feet.

She was going to celebrate the day she'll stop dangling from stools like this



Fumiko winched at the voice that definitely harmed her ears. The hat was really talking to her huh?

' Muggleborn....ah....and a very complicated one...I'll definitely look forward to future Tachibanas if they were as interesting as you '

Fumiko flushed at what the hat implied and was about to protest before he cut her off

' LIES! Very skilled at them yes.. you have a great talent...used it for you're own gain however..both good and bad...aaaaa..aaaaaahahahahahahah '

' god this is getting scary why did the hat have to laugh so dar- '



Fumiko almost jumped out of her seat


Running? Was that what she was doing all this time?



' I just want answers, damn hat...please '



'excuse me?'

' You rather like to be lied to than the hurtful truth. Stay in that safe den of yours than go explore the world...scared I see... Another reason why you're not a Gryffindor ' the hat explained

' You don't mind being unaware of something...as long as it doesn't hurt you. No...Ravenclaw is out of the question...you have Slytherin and Hufflepuff left! My my...what an odd pair...'[/size]

Fumiko was surprised at the result so far. They were two very different houses, how can she be stuck in between?



'...Sure? '



' Is this a trick question? '



By talent..did the sorting hat meant her acting? This question made her stomach lurch. Her acting? For a few honest people? What was the hat trying to say?



crap there just had to be a countdown. Her palms felt clammy. Her acting was everything. It was the reason why she's still happy now..how could...how could she...



Her lies protected her! If...if she gave it up her...she'll.. they..they'll hurt her again...



' PLEASE JUST GIVE ME A FEW MORE SECONDS!!!'

' I'll claim you were never a witch and have the teachers send you back to your home if you don't answer this second '

The dead tone the hat used to threaten her in her head made her mind blank.

S-she's going to be sent ...back?



' HONEST FRIENDS! I'll GIVE IT UP FOR HONEST FRIENDS PLEASE PLEASE DON'T SEND ME BACK!' she screamed in her head. Her hands shaking as she did and her mind felt dizzy from pressure.

She said the first thing that came to her mind. She wasn't sure if she just picked at random or if she was telling the truth but one thing for certain, she felt as if something heavy just lifted off her shoulders.

The Sorting hat was quiet for a while. For a moment, she swore she felt the hat slightly move to form a smile.

" Then...you belong in...'.

" H U F F L E P U F F !"

"Jerome Rich!"

Called out a professor with the list of names.

Jerome immediately walked forward. The thumps of his combat boots cast an even bigger light on him compared to his name calling. Many of the other students gazed at him carefully he felt like. But he didn't cower, grinning as he approached the chair. Finally, his first step into trying for his dreams. It was about to become a reality.

He had made it farther than both of his parents. Neither of them ever got into a school, or even reached a high paying career. He kept this thought alive and well. As soon as that hat came on, it meant complete pursuit of his goals. No turning back or rethinking things.

Jerome sat down on the wooden chair, a creak accompanying his arrival. He leaned slightly forward so his feet could touch the ground. There was a pause for a couple of seconds. The professor slowly placed the sorting hat on his head. Jerome started tapping his heel on the ground. His restlessness was hard to cover up at this point.

"Let's see here..." "Cunning, ruthlessness, ambition, quite a mixture of things going on in this brain of yours..."

"Say Slytherin...." he whispered.

"Gryffindor!"

Cheering and applause flooded the hall. Jerome nodded in agreement. Though what else could he do? He didn't let the announcement get to his head. This was only the beginning. He got out of the chair and made his way towards his new family. His journey starts here.

"Chapman, Xayvier!" He heard his name called and he felt everyone hold still in his mind. He silently stepped forward and looked at the Ravenclaw table to where the girl he had fought with on the train was. He averted his eyes and sat down as the hat was lowered onto his head.
"Hmm... difficult... very.. very.. difficult." He felt himself frown at the hat's attempt to make him feel anxious. The hat chuckled. "Ah, you've seen through that already have you? I can already see that you would do well in Ravenclaw, but what's this?" I could hear some rustling in my mind, as if the hat was looking at my memories as if they were typed out. "Oho, you've been against a bear? Incredibly stupid, and you didn't do well. If not for your magic, you would never have gotten here. But let's continue.... What?"
"Well hello." I heard the intimidator talking.
"An outside intruder? While I'm in here? No.. Your part of this student. Curious. Do you have any more parts?"
"Right here." I heard the playboy smiling and talking. How I heard him smiling, I will never know.
"Same." I shuddered as I heard The Killer part of me speak.
"Oh... my dear magic. This year's students are more and more odd than normal. But with these many parts, and so radically different. Hufflepuff is out, I don't think they would be able to handle you and you wouldn't fit there anyway. Same with Slytherin, they would be torn apart. Ravenclaw would sooner study you than help you. So that leaves one choice."
"GRYFFINDOR!!!" 
I sigh as the hat is taken off my head and I go sit down at the table.