Sorting Ceremony 2019-2020 Archived

To say that Cecelia was afraid would certainly have been an understatement.

True, almost all the First Years waiting impatiently for their fates to be delivered were shivering from pointed hat to foot, but none quite as much as the young girl hiding someplace near the back. It wasn’t that she was terrified of the hat itself, after all, she knew she would be a Slytherin... but it was the part of her that was hesitant she was afraid of. What if she wasn’t? What would her mother and father say if she was sorted into Hufflepuff or Gryffindor, for example? She knew there was little to no chance of her being a Ravenclaw, what with her rather low magical skill, but as for the other two...

Serena looked around the Great Hall in awe. While her mother had described it to her many times, the descriptions paled in comparison to the real thing. The ceiling looked just like the outside sky that Serena had seen not too long ago while crossing the lake. The floating candles added a beautiful glow to the hall. And the talking portraits! While her family home had one of her late grandparents, Serena had never seen so many in one place before!

As the Headmaster began to speak, the blonde girl forced her attention to the front. She would have plenty of time to view the Great Hall. But there would only ever be one Sorting Ceremony for her. Serena wanted to soak it all in and not miss a moment.

She giggled as the Sorting Hat made itself known. The battered old thing was just like her mum had described. Serena listened intently as Headmaster Lear introduced the Heads of the four Houses. They all seemed nice, even though the two women seemed quite solemn. As she listened to the Sorting Hat’s song, once again, Serena’s mind wandered to which House she belonged in. From her mother’s descriptions, Serena always thought that she might be a Hufflepuff or a Ravenclaw. Instead of dwelling on her worries, she took a deep breath. This was something she couldn’t control. The Sorting Hat would make the decision, not her.

As Serena listened as all of the names were called, she was glad her last name was close to the beginning of the alphabet. It seemed as if no time had passed at all when the Headmaster shouted out the next name.

“Serena Bowen!”

Serena quickly walked over to the front of the room, looking down to make sure she didn’t trip on the edge of the platform. Plopping herself onto the stool, the room darkened as a professor placed the hat on her head.

“Well!" The hat whispered into Serena’s ears. “You must be Sarah Finley’s daughter.”

Serena gave a small nod, not sure if the hat could actually see it.

“Although I suppose it’s Bowen now isn’t it. You know, your mother is quite brave. She makes a great Gryffindor. But that’s enough about her. Let’s focus on you,” The hat said before pausing, as if in deep thought.

Serena fidgeted on the stool, eager to hear what the hat had to say. Finally, the hat’s voice came back.

“Yes, I can see a desire to learn in you. You would make a great Ravenclaw. However, there is also a deep desire to make friends. And you will be loyal to these friends until the end. Yes, there is no doubt in my mind…” Suddenly, the hat’s voice roared out to the rest of the hall. “HUFFLEPUFF!”

Serena’s face broke out into a big smile, relief that she had been right about where she belonged. After returning the hat to the professor, Serena hopped down from the stool. She practically skipped her way over to the table full of students waving their hands and cheering for her. Serena was glad that this was the House that she would call home.

Nick walked into the Great Hall with the other First Years. He wasn't exposed to much of the Wizarding World even though he was a pureblood, but even he heard of the amazingness that the Hogwarts Great Hall was. The stories of it did not even begin to encapsulate how truly amazing.

The Great Hall itself was extremely grand but the hundreds of candles and the ceiling looking like the infinite sky make it look even larger. Nick already loved this school. He would finally learn about the world that for the most part, his mother wasn't able to talk about.

Nick found it a bit funny that he had to travel from Stoneywood to London, even though the Highlands were closer to his house. It didn't really matter either way though since he was just able to use the Floo Network.

"Bloom!"

Stewart was pretty far down the list so Nick got to see most of the Sortings in the line. It did seem pretty nerve-wracking to sit in front of everyone as the Sorting Hat assesses you, but it's not like you're speaking or the hat is revealing your deepest, darkest secrets.

"Landon!"

Nick was kind of curious as to why the hat was so big. Half the students' couldn't even see past the hat. It probably had some rich history, past that little jingle, but it was still funny to think about. If this hat was made to pick the houses of small children, then why choose such a big hat.

"Stephens!"

Well, it was almost time for Nick to get called up. He never really thought about it. He didn't really think he belonged in any of the houses. He may not necessarily be "bland", but he didn't feel like he was that smart, brave, friendly, or cunning. Nick didn't really care what house he got in as long as the Sorting Hat didn't say he didn't belong in any of them and got kicked out.

"Stewart!"
As soon as he heard his name called Nick heard a little voice in his head. Slytherin. He was used to this voice it always said the most random things for reasons Nick didn't know of. He blew out a puff of air before walking up towards the little stool the Sorting Hat was on. He quietly sat down as the professor placed it on his head.

For a couple of seconds, the hat didn't do anything. "Uh hullo, min?" Nick asked a bit confused.

"Well that was quite informal towards a hat as grand as me
I wasn't talking because it is clear to see
That you already know what house you're meant to be
For your mind says Slytherin louder than anybody"

Everybody started clapping and it took Nick a moment to realize he been chosen for Slytherin. He quietly stood up a went to the table, giving a small smile to the other students. He didn't really think he belonged in Slytherin, but then again he didn't see himself in any of the houses. It was curious how that voice in his head had said the right house. I guess his mind knows him better than he does.

As the headmaster called out 'Pines, Willow' she felt as doe she would burst out of the room in tears of fear, Willow slowly paced up to the Sorting Hat and sat down on the stool. 'hmm.......Likes her Quiddetch......yes.......yes smart........kind and friendly.........but is very brave at heart.......No not that house or that one' the hat went on for about five minutes before coming to the two houses it wanted to choose from. 'Gryffindor or Ravenclaw?it asked itself please be Gryffindor thought Willow 'So you think you'll be in Gryffindor do you? the Sorting hat exclaimed 'Um mabey I don't know.... Willow replies. Well you better be in................GRYFFINDOR! the hat bellowed. Willow took the hat off and walked over to the clapping Gryffindor table, she sat down and waited for the food to appear like her brother who had left Hogwarts told her would happen. 'S'cuse me? asked a voice behind her, she turned around. 'Yes?' she pushed the words out of her mouth. 'Um could I um sit beside you? the boy asked. 'Yeah sure you can' she whispered back. 'Thanks' he told her. 'Im Willow Pines by the way Pureblood, old wizarding family but that does not matter how about you?' she added.

If your a boy and a Gryffindor be happy to reply

Young Tally Frink walked amidst the first years, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She had grinned and laughed far too much in the way to Hogwarts and the muscles on her face were sore. But the excitement had never died down; in fact, it filled the air to the point in which she could hardly breathe.

Her eyes danced along the many faces, some solemn, others gleeful. Everyone had their own mixed feelings about beginning a new school year at a magic school. All the new experiences could be a bit overwhelming, though not so much for a Tally. She was actually calm with the occasional flutter of her stomach. The butterflies were acting funny today.

They passed many portraits, statues, and other pieces that made up the history of Hogwarts. Most of it she already knew about, since she had scoured of her many school books out of pure curiosity, soaking in the information like a sponge. Trivia facts and history were her forte, and these people were just repeating things she already knew. She tried to feign interest on what the prefects and professors were saying but her mind would constantly wander to the Sorting Ceremony. It was because of a conversation she had just the other day with her grandfather.

He told her that her mother never went to Hogwarts, only her father, and he had been a Gryffindor. Her mother had been Russian and she went to school there, but Papa Frink felt she would've been a Ravenclaw because it was the equivalent of what she had actually been in. He himself had been a Gryffindor and it made sense for Tally and her sister to become one, too.

But what if she became a Ravenclaw? She had never really thought about her parents before, she had always drowned out any solemn with muggle activities she had to focus on. But now she was going to magic school and her parents had been magic, supposedly. It was all she could think about sometimes.

They finally approached the Great Hall. In front of it stood the greeters, which included Headmaster Lear. He was pretty interesting, with his armour and greying hair, but also a little intimidating with his stature. She wondered if she'd ever have the opportunity to talk to him, though she hoped it was never for something bad.

Her smile widened as she entered the Great Hall. Despite the daunting amount of eyes casted their way, it was exciting to see everything, from the famous four tables, the floating candles, the ceiling that mirrored the sky, and the professor's themselves. Tally knew she probably wouldn't be feeling this way in the upcoming months, or even days, but she relished this feeling for now, soaking it all up as much as she could. Besides, she had to cook up interesting things to write about to her family back home so she'd start with the sights.

The first years filed down the middle of the room, waiting for their names to be called and the infamous Hat to be placed on their heads. She grinned sheepishly as the other first years, since some had began to whisper nervously amongst each other.

After a lot of thinking Tally realized that she didn't really care which house she got into, as long as nobody tried to treat her a certain was because of it. She honestly liked each one of them but she was focused on Gryffindor, since it fit her personality perfectly. She couldn't really she herself as any other house anyway, especially not Ravenclaw.

Probably. Besides, Papa would be get upset hearing that his oldest granddaughter was in any other House. He's such a prideful man, she thought, just as her name was called.

“Frink, Tally.” With a toothy grin she made her way towards the stool, plopping down daintily as the hat was lowered onto her head. She braced herself, though she was entirely sure why.

“...a Frink? Well, I can't say I've heard that name in a while.” She felt a strange sensation as if someone was going through something. “Oh, poor, poor you, your parents have long been gone. Now, Jacoby Frink I do remember, a fiesty, fearless boy. Yes, I almost put him in Slytherin, if it weren't for that irrational behavior of his. And maybe for his own safety, for the Purebloods and that boy would have a very difficult time getting along.”

My father was almost a Slytherin...?

“Yes, yes, for he never lacked in ambition, but he was prideful to a point in which he fell closer to being a lion. He never once lacked in honour for who he was, but I would guess that trait lies in every true Frink...”

Tally considered, but almost instantly her mind wandered over to her mother. Do you know anything about her?

“No, for she never step foot in this castle, and I've never touched a hair on her head. Your father didn't meet her until after her graduated from this institution, but I presume...” He paused, lost in her memories, Tally assumed. “...from what I've gathered from your...Papa—I do remember this man of grandeur and chivalry—your mother could've been Ravenclaw...but I think that's not your case, my dear.”

Tally sucked in her cheeks, gripping the sides of the chair hard. After what he said, the word 'Slytherin' has replaced any thoughts of Ravenclaw in her mind, and it was really beginning to bug her out—

“GRYFFINDOR.”

She exhaled louder than she meant and leapt up from the chair. Beaming, she made for the red-clad table, but remembered that she had the Hat on her head. She turned around, mumbling an apology, but just as she was taking it off, the Hat whispered one last thing, something she'd never forget:

“Be who you are, even if it's not to be.”

Thomas was confused.

He'd been immensely confused since his arrival, bombarded by excited chit chat between two of his close friends along the boat ride. Something about houses, sorting, family lines, and honor? While not fully understanding the conversation, in fact barely understanding much at all, the boy smiled and nodded as long as he could manage. If there was one thing he hated beyond anything else, it was the perception of ignorance. Tommy wanted nothing more, pretty much all the time, than to appear intelligent and competent.

Even as he sat in his chair, impatiently awaiting his turn, Thomas cast stern glances to those near him who were jittery. He sat as still as possible, seemingly more mature than some of the others in the room. In truth, Tommy was just as scared and nervous as his peers, possibly even more so due to his inherent fear of failure, but he'd grown more reserved and less overt with his emotions as he got older.

"BAINES, THOMAS!"

Go time. After Thomas made his way to the front, sitting unmoving in his seat, he waited for what felt like eons for something to happen. Silence seemed to be the only thing the hat had to offer him, but after a few agonizing seconds of anticipation, he experimentally tried to reach out. He thought as hard as he could, unsure of exactly how to communicate to a sentient hat capable of reading minds, trying to broadcast a hesitant, Hello?

"OH! Good morrow Ser Baines. I have been waiting for the next of your line for quite some time." Startled by the formality, and by the fact that there was suddenly a voice in his head, Tommy hesitated before reaching out again, Line? What do you mean by that? "Let's not bog ourselves down with family business. That's not why you're here, is it Thomas? Let me see..." The hat was silent for another bout of seconds, which felt like hours. Growing more and more agitated, Thomas shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

"An impatient boy, then. Much like your father, and his brother. You've got a lot of passion in that heart of yours. Don't try to hide it now, I know your drive for success runs deep." Thomas didn't understand how the hat even knew that he'd been mildly affronted by the accusation. Baffled, and mildly curious, he decided to take a bit of a backseat at the hat prattled on and on. He wanted to know how the thing worked, how telepathy was even possible (though, in the realm of magic, he presumed there were few limits anyways). As the boy contemplated, the hat seemed to reach its conclusion abruptly.

"There it is! What sets you apart from your line, and what defines you. That intellectual curiosity, the desire to know more about anything and everything. You want to grow strong, yes, but you also want to expand your periphery. To see new horizons, to learn as much as you can. I do believe I have your placement properly sorted." The hat laughed mirthlessly at its own joke, making it difficult for Thomas to take the moment seriously. However, before he could totally process what the living headgear had to say, it exclaimed loudly into the Great Hall, words seemingly filling the room:

"RAVENCLAW!"

He recognized the enthusiastic cheers from some of his friends, looking over to the table that was apparently his new home. The Ravenclaw's table seemed to have the most subdued response to new members, still visibly excited, but not as brash as Gryffindor and not as overwhelmingly friendly as Hufflepuff. Tommy noted idly as he made his way there, perhaps this was a good fit after all.

[quote][quote]Was it hot in here, or was it just Sylvie?

She felt a bead of sweat roll down her temple. She quickly wiped it away, taking a deep breath in, then out. In, then out.
Come on now, O'Niell, pull yourself together. What, are you afraid of a hat? Don't be a wimp! She bounced her leg in anticipation as the Sorting Hat went through was sounded to her like role-call. L names and M names, N names and then... Oh, dear. The moment was fast approaching. It was approaching a little too fast, actually. Why did she feel so nervous? It was only house sorting.

"O'NIELL, SYLVIE!"

Go time. There was literally no turning back. Sylvie quietly wiped her clammy hands on her black robe and approached the hat with a confident expression. She sat on the stool and the large hat was placed on top of her head. She'd mentally prepared herself for this moment. At least she thought she did. She was freaking out, just a little bit. Let's do this.
"As I thought. There's a nervousness deep within you. A nervousness, though there's no true sense of caution to go with your jitters." She messed with her fingers as the hat spoke to her... Telepathically? She wondered if she was able to do that too, being a witch and all. Was there a spell for that? "Inquisitive. There's a drive within you. An almost chivalrous want to do good in the world, it seems. To make things right, much like your father wanted." My father? "Your father was a young man with a kind soul last I saw of him. But we have unfinished business to attend to, Miss O'Niell." Right! Right, of course. "A passion for knowledge, though you don't quite fit as a Ravenclaw. The kindness of a Hufflepuff, but... That wouldn't suit you, now would it? You have bravery inside of you and you take great pride in that. To me, your house is clear." Sylvie scrunched up her nose to hide her excitement. What felt like hours had only been about a minute in passing.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Gryffindor. That was it. That was her house. She could see her father's cheeky grin in the back of her mind. She could see her mother's disappointed gaze. She had so badly wanted her child to continue the line of Slytherins in her family. Sylvie began to sweat again as she stood up from the sorting stool and started the walk to her new table. The Gryffindors had erupted into applause at the announcement of their new housemate with as much rowdiness as she'd seen in a while. But the hard pats on the shoulder and tight squeezes from strangers- Or rather, new friends, made her feel excited. Like maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

     This place was...massive! It had to be the biggest room that Maxon had seen in his entire, yet short, life. His grandfather spoke of this hall. The wonderful ceremonies that took place, the great food his tongue would taste. Maxon couldn`t believe such a great room could exist. Yet, here he was, in the Great Hall. The young boy looked around the massive room. There were so many people here...all waiting expectantly for the new students to be sorted into their houses. Maxon couldn`t wait to know what house he would be in, but he was also a little nervous. What if the people in his house didn`t like him? He couldn`t imagine being in a house with people who didn`t like him for the rest of his time at Hogwarts.  He could only hope the sorting hat would put him in the right house. 

     Maxon listened to the headmaster as he made his speech. The boy shivered for a second, remembering the way the headmaster looked at him as he entered the room. His grandfather never told him that the headmaster wore armor! Though, his grandfather`s headmaster may have been different...

     Once the headmaster was done, and the hat had sung, it was finally time to start sorting. Maxon a pang of nervousness and anxiety. It was finally time! He waited patiently for his turn. He listened in and clapped whenever someone was sorted. Gyffin\dor...HufflePuff...then Slytherin...and finally Ravenclaw. So many people to sort, when would his turn arrive?

"Charris, Maxon!"

Maxon jumped a little when he heard his name called. He didn`t expect to be called so soon. Slowly, but surely, he walked to the front of the Great Hall, noting all the eyes that were watching him. He took a deep breath. Everything would be just fine. It had to be. Arriving at the front, he sat on the sorting chair. As the sorting hat was placed on his head, Maxon felt excited. This was it! He was being sorted!

"Ah! A Charris...a name I haven`t heard in years...."

Was the hat talking about his grandfather?

As if hearing his thoughts, the hat blurted, "Ah! Your grandfather! He was a bright young man. He was already thinking of his future. Oh, how he desperately wanted a legacy, to pass on his future knowledge of the magics to his descendants. But he was not selfish. Nay, he was loyal and brave, he was. Gryffindor made a fine house for him."

Maxon felt a sense of pride as the hat talked about his grandfather. He wondered if he would be sorted into Gryffindor as his grandfather was.

"But, I sense something different in you, young Charris. I sense loyalty in you, yes. But, I sense you may need to work on your bravery. However, I sense a hard worker in you. Someone willing to better themselves. Yes... Yes... I think it would be best to place you in a house that could fulfill your potential. You are not a Gryffindor like your grandfather...you are a..."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Maxon got off the chair with a smile. Hufflepuff. What an interesting name... He looked towards the table of cheering Hufflepuffs and smiled even harder. As he walked towards them he thought, `Maybe this won`t be as bad as I thought...'

Sophie was not scared, no, she was absolutely terrified. Not that you could tell just by looking at the blonde haired girl, in fact she made an effort to look calm and confident. Sophie knew that there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Her mother and father had been sorted into Ravenclaw and, very clearly, were sensible enough of people to not be upset by something as minuscule as her house. Yet the small voice at the back of her head saying that her parents wouldn’t love her anymore if she wasn’t a Ravenclaw made her queasy.

“AMOUR, SOPHIE!”

The small girl’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her name. Sophie took a silent yet deep breath before almost reluctantly making her way towards the the ratty, old hat.

“Another Amour I see...” A strange voice that she assumed came from the hat muttered inside her head, “If I remember correctly I sorted your father into Ravenclaw.” Sophie nodded, yes. “Very interesting... I see a lot of similarities between you two...” The grey eyed girl’s heart leaped as she was compared to her father, she had looked up to the wise yet humorous man ever since she could speak. “And yet you are so different from him. You truly have a desire to prove yourself, to be great. But also such creativity and intelligence... Not to mention your loyalty.. In fact, none of the houses would be awful to you. I think one of them sticks out between the four though. Your father could have been a Slytherin you know, with his cunning and ambition.”

‘Impossible.’ Sophie thought, her father was a Ravenclaw through and through.

The sorting hat chuckled making Sophie blush in raw embarrassment, “I see those traits in you too yet even more pronounced. Yes, I think I have decided where to put you.” The ratty hat finished, “Better be SLYTHERIN!”

The blonde girl stood up, still awestruck by what she had learned about her father, before walking slightly more confidently to her new table as the Slytherins cheered. Who cared if she wasn’t a Ravenclaw? Sophie still could and would make her parents proud of her.

This is the place where the road stops. Hogwarts. A huge castle, even more impressive when you face it. It's not a drawing in a school book, it's not a photo taken at the end of a Quidditch championship – my father was Keeper at the time; he has shown me this picture where his team holds a trophy and on which we can see the castle in the background –, it's not a miniature like the one my parents built with me. No, this time it is the real Hogwarts, of which I can only view a small area.
We soon enter the Great Hall, this very large room. I must admit I'm quite impressed, so impressed that my eyes open widely, my face can't remain expressionless. Rare enough to be mentioned. Yes, that's right, I'm pleased to discover Hogwarts. I feel like I was entering one of the miniatures I have in my bedroom. I'm reduced to a little figurine.

The professors and older students are looking at us, First-year children still unaware of the place where they will sleep tonight. Still not wearing any house colors.
Well, we are not totally in the spotlight, the Headmaster holds a great position. He even wears an armor, quite uncommon. The assembly is soon totally quiet. Especially when he begins his speech.
I pay attention to what he says even if there are some points I already knew thanks to my parents. I stand straight, hands behind my back. I keep in mind my parents' pieces of advice. Be irreproachable. Respectful. Remain silent when someone is talking. Don't draw attention to yourself except when the Sorting Hat will call you.

Then the Sorting Ceremony starts. Names are called one after another. Houses are given one after another. Students acclaim their new comrades one after another. Sometimes it's pretty long and the Hat seems hesitating, sometimes it nearly doesn't touch the child's head and instantly shouts out the house. I'm waiting patiently.
After two boys who were sorted in Slytherin, it's my turn.

PHINNEY, ANGUS! Right. I stay stoic, walking towards the hat in the middle of all these people. I'm not nervous but I'm not used to so much attention on me. I take the Hat carefully, sit on the chair and put it on my head. Beyond the fact that it is too large, it gives a strange sensation. I startle when I hear its voice talking in my head.

Let's see... A Phinney, well, I sorted both your parents in Ravenclaw, right? I don't have to answer, the Hat already knows everything. It knows my parents better than I do. Don't overestimate me. I read hearts, not biographies. You're a bit naive, more than your parents, for sure. I just listen. Barely thinking about what it says. As always, my head seems empty. I feel some confidence – you give easily your trust uh? I could sort you anywhere, you wouldn't ask any questions. How funny, your parents were much more curious about me, themselves, this sorting. I'm waiting for its judgment. My parents said I would be a perfect student for Ravenclaw. However you don't know if you are actually like your parents. And the answer is.. not really. You don't look further ahead than the present moment. You trust very easily, as I said earlier. You are also more naive, not questioning what people tell or command you. Before I can understand this as "you are a dumb little boy", the Hat continues. These are not faults, and you are not dumb. I would even say you are quite wise. But keep in mind that it's not a fault either to be different from your parents. I don't understand if it is still sorting me or moralizing me. Let me do my job. What was I saying... Wise, yes, and calm and hard-working... You could have your place in Ravenclaw, that's right. But your parents can't see what I see. You have a kind heart and the desire to help others... Moreover, you don't particularly want success or great knowledge. You would certainly feel pressured there, while it's not in your nature... Do you agree? At this stade, maybe the most important part of the sorting, I'm not able to understand the whole speech of the Hat anymore. I'm listening but I'm not sure if I'm the one in this description. Actually, I never thought of it before. I can't agree or disagree. Trust me. It shouldn't be difficult for you. I have no doubts anymore, the best for you is
– HUFFLEPUFF!

I stand up as I hear people applauding. After removing the Hat, I can see from which table comes the biggest clapping: the yellow one. Hufflepuff.
I have a slight smile as I walk towards my new fellows. I don't know if it was long but it seemed so. Yet I thought it wouldn't difficult for the Hat to sort someone not arguing. Actually, it was embarrassing how it jumped on each tiny thought I had. Sure, it was a very special moment, but not so great.

My parents didn't tell me many things about the houses, in order to let me form my own opinion. The consequence is... I don't know if they'll be okay with the fact that I don't follow in their footsteps.
At least, I guess Hufflepuff will be a nice house where spending seven years.