Sorting Ceremony 2019-2020 Archived

Matilda fought to stay still and composed as everyone’s names were called. Being a Rooks, she’d be one of the last to go up, so her nerves were eating away at her. What if she went to Gryffindor? It seemed unlikely, and her father certainly wouldn’t fuss if that’s what happened, but she could hear her mother complaining now. The woman couldn’t tolerate the idea of her daughter being reckless or impulsive!

‘So messy and uncouth,’ Victoria Rooks would say. It had been one lecture after another on how to act while waiting, what houses were acceptable, what families to avoid and what families would make good friends. Matilda had wanted to take notes, but her mother accused her of not listening properly when she tried.

Matilda picked a piece of imaginary lint from her sleeve as she tried to clear her thoughts. There were only a handful of students left now, everyone else having joined their new houses at their tables.

”... ROOKS!” Matilda blinked, unsure if there was anyone else named Rooks. Pay attention, dummy. No one else moved forward, so Matilda walked to the stool on shaky legs.

“Hmm... Matilda Rooks? I remember your father.” Matilda tried not to flinch at the sudden voice in her head. Hufflepuff through and through. Your mother was a real piece of work though.

Matilda grimaced. That was rather rude, but perhaps expecting manners from an intelligent hat was a little much. The hat chuckled in her ear.

I’m sorry, that was rude of me to think. It was strange to be apologizing to a hat.

Quite alright. We won’t talk about them anymore... An ambitious young lady... So very well mannered and bright. Don’t want to go to Gryffindor, huh? No matter, I know exactly where you belong....

”SLYTHERIN,” it bellowed.

Matilda blinked against the bright candlelight when the hat was lifted. She could work with Slytherin. Mother should be pleased at least.

"First years, this way." A stern voice rang out from the front of the group. The excited murmurs simmered down as the figurehead leading the way pushed open two immense oak doors. As majestic as the outside of the castle was in the moonlight, it did the inside no justice. Stone walls lit up by flickering torches seemed endless, flights of spectacular marble staircases danced ahead from floor to floor, and the many portraits that lined the walls were alive. Hundreds of voices behind a door ahead of him drained out the excited chatter of awe-struck first years. Instead of joining the rest of the school ahead - the professor leading the group showed them into a small room to the right.

Once the crop of first years crowded into the room their introductions began, "Welcome to Hogwarts," The professor said with a pause as she studied the face of every student. "Before you join your tables at the Welcoming Feast, you will be sorted into your houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin are the four houses; your sorted house will be your home and family during your stay here at Hogwarts." Oliver already knew of Gryffindor - his fathers old house - the house his father presumed his boy would be in. Fantasying about life in each house and what his friends would be like, Oliver drained most of the professors welcoming speech.

"The Sorting Ceremony will now begin in a few moments in front of the rest of the school." The statement that brought Oliver back to reality. Even at this pace everything felt like it was happening all too fast. The butterflies flying in his stomach faded away as the group was led into the Great Hall. Oliver had no words for the atmosphere he had just entered. Thousands of candles hovered above, illuminating the great space and the seemingly endless vaulted ceiling. All eyes were on the group as they walked down the aisles between long tables stretched the length of the room - but their eyes were every where. Many pointed out the ghosts that roamed down the aisles between the tables, the all types of different food the occupied the table space, and others waved to older siblings or friends.

An imposing giant loomed at the end of the aisle peering over all the students who sat and stood in the hall. His presence was felt by the rest occupying the hall as much as it did Oliver as the once roaring voices died down to a silence. "Welcome first year students. I am Solomon Lear, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." His voice echoed throughout the Great Hall. As the professor before him had done a greeting was giving. Except, a small, raggedy looking pointed hat near the front of the room interrupted. An excited murmur picked up again amongst the first years as the sorting hat was explained, and the Head of Houses were introduced - which Oliver made sure to take a mental note of each. Nervously each first year had their eyes locked on the sorting hat. The Headmaster pulled out a scroll, and not knowing would be called first - they were all on edge. Anticipating a name to be called out as the sorting hat was placed in front of them, a song erupted catching them all pleasantly off guard. Oliver let out a sigh of relief, and the butterflies that started to resurface fluttered away again.

As the song ended, and the applauses from the students died down, the sorting began. The various conversations behind them had ended, the greeting was over, and now names were being called out one by one. "RAVENCLAW!" The sorting hat shouted, and a cheer from the Ravenclaw table erupted as a pink faced first year girl ran over to her table. Each house mimicked the same behavior as new student was added to their ever growing family. Oliver had lost track of time and how many names had been called out before his own, but the large group he came in with was now down to its last few members.

"Oliver Simmons." Finally, his name was called. The Sorting Hat hid the magnificent room in front of him as it was placed on his head and dropped below his eyes. "Ahhh yes, I see" Oliver jumped as the Sorting Hat talked in his ear catching him off guard. "Nervous aye? They all are in your place, scared of the unknown, eager to know more. Hmm it's all here though," The Hat continued. Oliver really didn't know what the hat was talking about, but he answered on instincts. "I'm not scared." He replied trying to sound as stern and sure of himself as possible. "Of course not, Gryffndor is a place certainly fit for the brave." There it was, his fathers house. Oliver felt that fate was finally coming full circle. " But there is more to you, yes, interesting you are...HUFFLEPUFF" The hat rang out, and for a second time froze. What? Oliver's expression said it all. Nonetheless the newly made badger jumped from the stool, and made way towards the Hufflepuff table as the group cheered and high-fived the fresh faced badger. Finding a sit, Oliver plopped down and immediately grabbed a plate.

“This must be a dream” Leilani muttered to herself. She hadn’t even gotten over the lantern lit boat ride. Yet as they approached the castle, Lei wasn’t able to keep her mind off her family. She missed them so much already, and wished they could be here to see it.

As soon as we’re settled, she thought, I’ll have to write them a letter.

Everything about the school was entirely awe-inspiring. She had read through her textbooks in the preceding weeks, but nothing could have prepared her for the castles expansive charm.

Living paintings, moving staircases and every detail beautifully integrated. It was hard to follow the group when Lei was entirely transfixed. She couldn’t help but notice how big her class was. Each one of them, just like her, and she was so excited to get to know as many as she could.

Now wasn’t quite the time for that though, she thought. Arriving to a set of large castle doors, the group finally came to a stop. Leilani couldn’t contain her excitement As they made their way into the dining hall. Everyone around her fell into a sudden attentive silence. For good reason, the dining hall proved to be the most beautiful sight yet.

Lei’s attention immediately was drawn to a large man wearing ornate armor with a welcoming smile. This must be the Headmaster, she thought. As she passed by he offered a pleasant, “Welcome to Hogwarts!” as he shook her hand. “T-thanks Headmaster” she muttered, half in awe and half fear.

Soon after the group had gathered, everyone in the room had stopped and watched the new arrivals attentively. Lei could feel her stomach turning in anticipation.

Slowly their group made their way to the front of the dining hall. They listened to the headmasters welcoming speech, and were serenaded by a hat. Then the sorting ceremony had begun. Leilani watched and listened with unbreaking focus as they made their way through the long list of new students.

“Leilani Lukela.”

That was her cue, she took a quick breath and steadied herself. She then carefully made her way through the now slightly smaller crowd, trying not to brush shoulders with too many of her peers. Quickly she made her way up the stairs, and settled in the stool at the top. Her heart skipped when the hat was placed on her head and began to wiggle in place.

The sorting hat was silent for a few moments, and let out a low Hmmmm that Leilani was able to feel through her head.

“I see, yes.. an old soul. Skeptical yet not pessimistic, no.. I see that you care very much for justice. But it seems nothing is ever truly fair. You see this and still hold empathy and kindness in your heart. Well it’s settled! In that case, it’ll be.. HUFFLEPUFF!”

Leilani couldn’t hold back an ear to ear grin as she made her way to the wildly cheering table. She was already feeling better, but when she saw the elaborate dinner set up for them, she knew she was home.

Nikolas would walk into the great hall for the first time. His eyes widened as he saw the enchanted ceiling and floating candles. A broad smile crossed his face. "Now tha's magical..." he whispered as he filed in with the rest of the first years. They were soon brought in their little huddle around to a stool. On it sat a very warn looking wizards cap. As it spoke, he could not keep his eyes off it. A rather nice song about the houses. He would think of the lyrics as students were called up to be sorted.

'Brave and strong? No I don't think I'm very brave. Cunning? I mean I do play harmless pranks on me mates, but I never try an' use any sort of cunnin' thing to my advantage. Wit an' learning, now there's somethin. I do like learning. Ooh Hufflepuff...Loyal an' hard-working? I guess that'd be me. But we'll see what the hat says.' he would think to himself.

"Nikolas Collins" he would hear the Professor call. Nervously he made his way to the front, and sat down upon the little stool.

The hat would speak:


"Ah, first in your family, I see. Quite a nice boy but you've been that way all your life. That being said, being new here it's time to challenge yourself. So that being said you will be..."

Nikolas would squeeze his eyes shut as he waited for the sorting hat to announce his house. His heart raced a mile a minute.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat would shout. He would beam, his heart racing in glee. The announcement of his house would be followed by applause from the Ravenclaw table. He would make his way down the aisle and quickly find his seat.

“Marchonné, Piérre Luigi!”

Piérre’s gaze snapped to the front of the hall. He had hardly notice the the line in front of him was swiftly dwindling, and it it hadn’t been until he had heard his middle name that he finally locked eyes with the headmaster, Solomon Lear. The Sorting Hat, its animated fabric rippling, raised an ‘eyebrow’, as if waiting for the child to step forward and take his seat on the stool.

“You can do this, Piérre. I believe in you.” Romeo whispered behind him, smiling. The simple action caused Romeo’s sky blue eyes to sparkle, and Piérre returned the grin, pacing his way towards the seat and taking his place in it.

It was still warm from the previous student, and Piérre felt his mind racing faster than the Hogwarts Express had. This was it! This was the moment he had waited for for four years. The Ministry had promised for four long years, and now, here he was, at Hogwarts, about to be sorted into his house!

Piérre hardly had a moment to look out over the four tables, before the warm leather fabric of the ?Sorting Hat was placed on his head. It was so large, that its brim easily dropped over Piérre’s eyes, making him look more comical than he had before, what with his wild, mussed chestnut hair and piercing green eyes.

’Ah-ha... Yes... You re already an interesting prospect, Marchonné, was it? Strong Italian blood I sense in you. Flighty and frivolous as always, and never without a ditty to boot.’ The low voice of the Hat echoed everywhere in Piérre’s head and he could help but let his jaw drop in awe.

”You really can talk!” He exclaimed aloud.

Chortles from the audience at Piérre’s sudden outburst, and Piérre cheekily smiled, kicking his feet above the floor. This was fun already. He couldn’t wait for it to talk again. It sounded so cool!

There was a small chuckle form the hat as well as it continued, ’That I can, Luigi Marchonné, and I shall make it my task to sort you into your house like all the others. Now, my how muddled your mind is! Ravenclaw does not seem to be your first house in my mind. Scatterbrained much?’

”Very.” Piérre said aloud, nodding and forgetting that the hat was speaking telepathically to him.

”Yet you have quite a list of comebacks! I’ll be sure to keep Ravenclaw in mind!”

More laughs.

”You are extremely bubbly and outgoing too. I sense a powerful Hufflepuff. No such thing as too many allies, correct?”

Once again, Piérre nodded as the hall began to murmur to themselves that Hufflepuff would gain yet another member.

”And yet...” The Hat mused. ’I sense there is more to you than what first met my mind. You are holding something back, young Marchonné. You are quite safe under my care. Please, allow me to delve into that lockbox you keep under that rather intriguing key.’

Piérre tipped his head in confusion. He was hiding something? His mind was like a book on display, written in English and not Italian, no less! What more was there to search for?

’O-okay...’ He told the hat, taking a deep breath and trying to calm his heartbeat.

Piérre had never been still for more than a few seconds at a time, and fidgeting on the stool was no different. There was so much around him that he wanted nothing less to explore and discover, but he supposed that for this very special occasion, he could make an exception. He focused on the darkness that the hat’s leather provided him, attempting to drown out the outside world and search within his own self.

”Much ambition. I can see that you are willing to sacrifice anything for the sake of self discovery. A rather Slytherin trait... You are making this quite difficult for me, you know.”

’Sorry?’ Piérre apologized, confused.

”However, ambition and desire such as yours is quite expected, you know not of your family tree or heritage. Quite a noble cause...”

’I’m happy wherever you put me.’ Piérre thought to the Hat, willing it to make its choice. ’The school is my family now too. Just, please let Romeo come along for the ride too.’

Piérre sensed a lightening of the mood the hat exuded, as if he thought that the young twin’s comment was amusing. There was a pause before it spoke again. ’I will see what I can do.’

”GRYFFINDOR!”

The hat was gently lifted from Piérre’s head and be blinked a few times to temper the sudden bright light. A small smile beginning to form, Piérre stood shakily, turning to the rippling red table as they stood and shouted with all their might.

Piérre passed Romeo, and he felt his twin pat him on the back before his name was called. “Marchonné, Romeo Giovanni!”

Piérre plopped down at the red table, only feeling slightly out of place in his bright emerald green vest. These were the brave and noble of heart, they would accept him no matter what he wore.

Like before, the Hat was placed on Romeo’s head. It was silent for a while, as if mulling its options. Every second felt like a painful eternity. Had the hat taken Piérre’s wishes to heart?

At the end of an eon, the hat finally shouted its judgement. ”GRYFFINDOR!”

The hat was removed from Romeo’s head and Piérre let out a gasp of surprise and relief, almost sprinting up to the stage to hug his twin. Romeo beat him to it, jumping off the platform and diving into Piérre.

The twins laughed as the whole table cheered for their two newest members. Piérre felt warm tears coming to his eyes. He and his twin would never be parted. Nothing could match the peace and pure joy they felt in the moment.

They were finally home.

”I believed in you, Romeo.”

Haleigha stood and listened intently to Headmaster Solomon's speech about the Sorting Ceremony. She wasn't sure what house she would be good in. Quite honestly she wasn't exactly sure what house she even wanted to be sorted in into. From the moment she stepped of the train she was starting to regret being so excited to come here in the first place. Maybe she could owl her parents and just go home. That was a brilliant idea.

She pivoted slightly to look around her and survey the Great Hall. She had to admit the shear size of it was stunning. She looked at each of the Professor that stood with Headmaster Solomon, and then she started to silently size up each of the students. After all some of them would be her Housemates. She froze as soon as she heard the first name called and watched as one by one students were sorted into their houses.

"Keziahis (Kez-EE-US), Nyalah (Nah-Luh)

Her head snapped up and she looked around. When no one else stepped forward she knew it was her name that was called even though it was mispronounced. She wasn't sure if she should correct the pronunciation or just step forward. She took a few steps forward and mumbled. "Nyalah (Nye-Aye-Luh) Keziahis (Keh-z-eye-us). Before walking up to the stool and placing the sorting hat on her head.

She sat stock still and waited. She was starting to loose hope that anything would happen when all of a sudden she heard something. "Ah Yes I see you are a very studious one, who is eager to learn all that she can. Nyalah hadn't realized she was holding her breath or that she had even closed her eyes until she heard those words. She took a deep breath and looked realizing nobody else but herself could hear what was being said at that moment. "A shy one that isn't opposed to a bit of adventure. Though your eagerness to learn and study wins over all else.

Nyalah sat patiently waiting to see what house she would be in. She felt like she had been on the stool hours when it reality it was like only a minute or so.

"RAVENCLAW"

At Nyalah breathed a sigh of relief quickly taking the Sorting Hat off her head and placing it back on the stool. She walked over to join the rest of the Ravenclaws with a smile. She wasn't sure what the year would hold for her but in her heart she knew that Ravenclaw was the right house for her.

It would seem that @Piérre Marchonné has quite the imagination. The sorting hat placed upon his head by Solomon Lear, just like he had so many before him. Small talk from the hat as the sentient object delved into the depths of his mind, his heart and his soul. Within each and every one of us is housed a great, inconceivable potential and the sorting hat only got a whisper of it all.

Delusions of grandeur perhaps? Likely so. Ties to the founder Salazar Slytherin? No, that would mean that he was associated with a canon character. The Sorting Hat made its decision, and it was never wrong, it was as if it was his first moderated experience -- "Gryffindor!" The hat declared. Solomon did not usher the boy off without sorting, that was not how this would have went. No, this was a normal sorting like all others, except for the story left in the boy's head.

The boy perhaps a bit dramatic, expecting Slytherin and hearing Gryffindor. If the world did indeed go black, the Headmaster would check for a pulse and give a look to the Professors and Heads of House that were in attendance. He would mouth hospital wing and then with an awkward chuckle announce to the student body, "he is fine... just a bit overexcited. Next..." he read the name with a furrowed brow. He had no chance of getting this name right. He would try anyways, announcing it was time for Keziahis (Kez-EE-US), Nyalah (Nah-Luh) to be sorted. Did he get it right? Maybe. A girl responded and he doubted that the name was popular enough for there to be more than one with a similar name.

Reminder:
- Please do not godmod me. I am a player just like the rest of you. I do allow for minor god-modding to facilitate things like this ceremony. For those that do not understand the concept of godmodding, consider links such as this for additional information.
- There are no associations with canon characters. A player here does not get to be a reincarnation, possessed by, etc. a canon character. This is explained in the welcoming owl, please reference this. 

Duna looked around her in awe as she stood in line, waiting to be sorted. Candles floated in the air, bright golden warm light engulfed the extravagant dining hall. Duna was curious how wax didn’t drip down, but she decided it was simply magic.
She looked at the four long dining tables packed full of kids who were laughing and joking with each other. Old friends reunited. There were also large banners hung around the room. Duna couldn’t pick a favorite. The yellow badger was cute, but Duna loved snakes. Cats were also pretty cool and she had deep love for birds as well.
Duna had no idea what any of this ment, although she had had it roughly explained on the train ride over.
Kids began getting called up one by one, a large hat was placed on their head. Duna’s eyes nearly popped out of her head when the hat began to talk. Her jaw actually dropped slightly.
“Griffindoor!” The hat boomed for the child whom it was sitting on top of. One table full of kids in black robes cheered while another booed.
This must have been what the houses were!
Duna’s excitement only increased as she got closer and closer to being sorted. Eventually the girl in front of her was sorted and it was her turn.
“Nixis, Duna.”
Her name was called. Duna timidly walked up to the stool and took a seat, looking out over the sea of people in front of her. They all watched her expectantly, she hoped she wouldn’t let them down.
“I see great imagination and love.” A voice spoke in Duna’s head. She froze, not moving a muscle. The hat lightly chuckled. “A bit timid, eager to please. Not Slytherin.”
Duna’s nervous smile wavered slightly, had she done something wrong?
“I’d say with your kindness... HUFFLEPUFF!”
Duna beamed as a table cheered for her and the hat was removed from her head. She hopped off the stool and turned around, singing “Thank You” to the hat. She quickly ran over to the table and plopped down next to her new classmates, happy to be in the house of the badger.

Iris looked around the Great Hall with wonder. Hundreds of candles hung suspended in midair, and the ceiling must of been enchanted, because it looked exactly like the night sky. Four banners hovered above tables, one for each house. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slythorin, Ravenclaw. Iris had given a lot of thought to wish house she wanted to be in. Most of her siblings had been Ravenclaw, but her mother had been in Gryffindor. Ravenclaw was for the smart and clever, so there was a change, Gryffindor was for the brave and determined so maybe… then again, Hufflepuff was for the kind… A voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Iris Pythonissam!" Iris hurried to the stool, anxious to finally find out which house she was. Sitting down she felt the hat being placed on her head. Immediately a voice began to speak in her ear. "Hmm, I see determination, bravery… but also kindness. A desire to help others before yourself. Hmm…" Iris felt her heart quicken. This was it. "Hufflepuff!"
Iris stood up and made her way over to the table with the badger banner, a smile plastered on her face.

Beatrice had been minding her own business, whispering to two blonde-haired girls - whom she had paired with on the boats - whilst they were sailing across the Great Lake, on their way to the Great Hall to commence the Sorting Ceremony. They were telling her how they had heard that, last year, a second-year student had fell of their broomstick and remained  in the hospital wing for numerous weeks with a three fractured ribs and a broken femur. The sheer thought of breaking a bone made her wince in pain.

But, before she could voice her concerns about the injured, she was interrupted by the holler of the Sorting Hat. What a strange thing it was. A turret of rough fabric, which he visibly worn with age, with a thick rim - it looked like something her grandmother might keep, hidden away in the confines of her garage. And, if it hadn't been brushed, Beatrice could imagine it to be laden of dust. 

It's youthful tone sounded, calling forwards a girl, whom she guessed to have a friendly demeanor;

“Iris Pythonissam!”

A Hufflepuff. Beatrice began to wonder which house she may be placed in: would she be witty enough for Ravenclaw? Or brave and sporting enough for Gryffindor? Or maybe-

She had no time to recollect her thoughts, as soon, the frayed hat was beckoning her.



Her nerves had got the better of her: her feet felt as if they were rooted to the ground, her head seeming to be heavy. The entire hall was silent, gazing her way, eager to recruit her as one of their own. With heavy and lumbersome steps, she approached the three-legged stool and perched atop it. The hat sat on her head, a weight that held over her eyes.


So it talked? She was much perplexed. However, nowadays she had learnt to except any reality that faced her - even if it was talking hats, shouting frogs or flying snails. Not wanting to speak loudly, to share her converse with the hat to the whole of Hogwarts, Beatrice resolved to whispering her reply - hoping that the hat could understand her. As for Raynott, she had heard the name somewhere.. She could've swore it was something her mother'd said.






This made Beatrice beam.












The hat was lifted from her eyes. Her head felt light and clouds swam into view as her eyes adjusted to the candlelight.

The cheering and the swells erupted at the Hufflepuff table, and Beatrice never felt so welcomed in her life. As she moved towards the large, wooden table, she burst into an infectious grin - maybe Hogwarts wasn't that bad after all.