Sorting Ceremony
1st September 2025 - 30th June 2026
September 1st 2025 would mark the arrival of a fresh generation of wizards. This is also the day older students return to an oh so familiar scene. This story is of course not for the older students. They had already been here... done that. The Sorting Ceremony is a tradition that has remained unchanged for generations. There was still excitement too be found in ceremony and routine. who among the throng of fresh-faced, wide-eyed children would share their dormitory, their house, their tables?
These first years were about to embark on a novel journey. For those with a magical family; older brothers, parents or even friends, they might know what this gathering was all about. For others, specifically the muggle-borns, this might be a more stressful day as their 'normal' muggle life is finally truly over and the world that they are now a part of is entirely unlike their own. At this sorting ceremony each new student with the help of the sorting hat would be placed in one of four Houses -- Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor.
Hufflepuff for the loyal and the hard-working.
Slytherin for the cunning and ambitious.
Ravenclaw for the studious and the clever.
Gryffindor the the prideful and the brave.
Slytherin for the cunning and ambitious.
Ravenclaw for the studious and the clever.
Gryffindor the the prideful and the brave.
As they say, the Sorting Hat is never wrong and while for some the Sorting Hat may pick a House that is unwanted or unexpected, it simply means that the House saw something in you that you failed to see within yourself. In the years that would surely follow, you will learn about yourself, make friends, enemies, and rivals. You might have seen yourself as bookish, ambitious, brave or kind, but became so much more given time and opportunity.
The room itself was grand. Four long dining tables stretched the length of the room with benches on either side. As it always was on the first day -- it was standing room only. A feast was laid out family-style down the center of each of the four tables, the children would gorge themselves on every sort of food one could think of in the shared space. Goblets full of cheery, fruity drinks and large, full plates of hearty dishes sat in front of each student. The walls were lined with massive living portraits that chatted among themselves and with some of the more curious students. Overhead lit candles hovered, illuminating the great space and the high vaulted ceiling above. It was loud, the roar of conversation as well as the excitement and anticipation of many of the students as they waited and they wondered where they were going to be sorted. Many had a preference, one that the hat often, but not always, honored. Many came back exuberant, but there were a few that would slink back to the crowd after they were sorted astonished or even dismayed that they were placed in the house that they were.Out of Character Note: The sorting ceremony that you enjoyed is a weight-based algorithm that chose your house based on the answers you have chosen. This is not randomly assigned. We hope you took care in picking your answers because this is the House that you will be in for the next several years while you attend this school!
To reiterate, despite it being mentioned in the welcoming letter I feel it is important to say once again: we do not allow players to re-attempt the sorting ceremony, nor do we forcibly sort players into their desired houses. An unexpected house can serve as a great tool for character development. Please utilize the unexpected outcome to your fullest ability.
Solomon Lear, the Headmaster was there. He was a curious, unexpected figure for most. He met most of the students at the door as they entered the Great Hall although there was always a wily one that would slip past. Somewhat imposing, standing a bit over six foot, six foot - two inches to be exact and wearing armor. The armor was a strange characteristic of the grey haired wizard with a full beard and dark, stormy eyes - heavy metal plate wrapped in an embossed leather that while definitely worn with evidence of repair and appeared to be well cared for. He was more pleasant than he would appear on first impression, his expression certainly not stern, his words for the most part the common platitudes one would expect from a Headmaster laced with the occasional dad-joke. However there was something about his features that suggested illness or disability. While he appeared fuller about his cheeks and his armor appeared to fit him snugly, he had this sickly pallor that would remain unexplained. He was alert, interactive and friendly but he was not animated or vibrant, his blue eyes appeared dead and his gaze distant. This was for the most part pomp and circumstance, a ritual to start the school year as it always had, one could not waver from what was tradition. At his side or at least nearby, always a Head of House but they appeared to rotate their presence near the Headmaster. Those with a keen eye might notice that the older man had a slight limp.
Once the students were all inside, the doors would close behind the last student as if on its own. Solomon would quietly make his way to the front of the room, this awkward period of time as he traversed the length of the hall. His movement for the most part demanding without requesting silence. With the assistance of the Amplifying Charm his voice boomed. "Welcome first year students. I am Solomon Lear, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As it is our tradition here we are going to engage in our first ceremony known as the sorting ceremony. The sorting hat has been a part of our school's tradition since the time of Godric Gryffindor, one of this institution's founding wizards. This hat is very much sentient."
Sentient, I am intelligent
A voice chimed in from... It did not come from the Headmaster nor did it come from any of the other Professors that elected to participate in this year's sorting ceremony. None of the Professors seemed even remotely surprised although one rolled their eyes a bit, they made the same joke every year it seemed. In the hands of one of the Professors, a pointed witches hat that was tattered and worn moved about on its own accord. Yes, the voice came from the hat itself.
Solomon let out a bit of a cough, as if he was making sure that the hat was going to let him continue to speak. "Ah yes, the intelligent" he eyed the hat. They had done this exchange before, it was nice having a sense of normalcy once again. A shame that the hat had not come up with a new joke in the past year but he had not come up with a new speech either. The hat was in a lot of ways similar to Headmaster Lear, making things appear as normal as possible which was never easy, a farce in the best of circumstances. Headmaster Lear gave a slight smile to the sorting hat and said in a low voice that the study body could not overhear. Neither of us are terribly funny anymore I say. Which is fine, they will pretend to laugh anyways. During the school year, the Sorting Hat spent the rest of the year in the Headmaster's Office. Renovated the summer of 2019 with better security than before, there had been a restless peace the past year as they both kept to themselves.
"Sorting Hat will be placed upon your head. It won't hurt one bit. The Sorting Hat will look into your heart and mind and determine the best place for you: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. As most of you must know, each of those houses possesses their own characteristic, their own values and their own Head of House." He would gesture towards the present four Heads of House and the Deputy Headmistress and announce each of their names in order before continuing his instruction. "The house that will be chosen for you shall represent qualities that are truly present within each of you. Your future house shall be like a second family. You will also be able to gather points and once we reach the end of the year, the house with the most house points shall win the House Championship Cup. What you need to know is the Sorting Hat is never wrong, once you are sorted your House will not change for the duration of your time in Hogwarts."
Solomon would pull a scroll from his waist and open the tightly bound parchment. The list was long this year, even longer than last year. There was a bit of nervousness within him as the long scroll hit the floor, one end still in his hand and rolled several feet away. There were names, so many names. This was going to take awhile he thought to himself. It was as if the list got longer and longer every single year, the wizard baby boom was not over yet.Out of Character Note: You should have a letter from your Head of House upon completing the sorting ceremony that gives you some basic information regarding where to go and where to start. If you have any questions or concerns, they are a great resource, please use them.
As if on queue, the Sorting Hat would be placed on a small stool and would start moving and singing:
The Sorting Hat then sang his song :
" A thousand years or more ago
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
For were their such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor.
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
As Slytherin and Gryffindor.
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones, they had to teach.
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones, they had to teach.
While still alive they did divide
Their favorites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When were they dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!
Their favorites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When were they dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've got a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends. "
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've got a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends. "
Once the Sorting Hat was done, most of the students applauded the sorting hat. It was technically the Deputy Headmistress' duty to grow hoarse listing off all of the names. He had tried to pawn the role of Deputy Headmaster off on one of his Heads of House in 2018, all of them ridiculously competent and smart enough to say "no." Eventually @Hjørdis Jensen, better known as "Nora" would be conned convinced (typos are truly a terrible thing) to accept the mantle. Solomon sometimes wondered if he was even needed as Headmaster. They had managed the school admirably in his absence during 2019. Never the less, the old armored man would start to recite each name on the list and one by one the students would be summoned to the front of the room where the Sorting Hat would be placed on their head. It was time to start their journey.
This is a RPG topic where all new first year students are welcome to post.
All RPG rules apply. Word count per post is 200 words of your own work, not including quotes, ooc chat or other people's words. Any flood type (posts under 200 words) of message will be deleted after a warning owl is sent. If you are having a hard time meeting the 200 word count expectation try to be descriptive: How was the trip here? How are you feeling? Are you hoping for a certain house, if so why?
Very minor god-modding is allowed here because there are hundreds of you and only one of me. Please be respectful of this fact and keep most of your post about you. You know that my character called your name, they might give you a kind smile and a word of encouragement but in character he is also seeing hundreds of students in a single day. He would not be spending a lot of time on a single student, this ceremony goes on for hours. As for the sorting hat, again please respect the cannon. The sorting hat would see something in you, they would not decide because you are someone they 'especially hate' for instance that they would place you in the 'wrong house.' Think about what traits you do have that make you a suitable fit for the house you got and have the hat give that as a delivery for instance. Or if you cannot think of anything, the hat never tells you their reasoning as they declare your house.
We have a Prefect Staff that moderates this forum and this thread in particular. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a Prefect or other staff member.
There is something about ambition, how it not only propels you but also defines you.
Sorting Ceremony
Under the Sorting Hat
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
Monday 1st September 2025, evening
With Solomon Lear, [sorting hat, & the rest of the staff and students]
The Great Hall was just as described in Hogwarts: A History, though Perrin found that seeing it in person forced him to slow down and observe the magnificent scene. The room was even larger than what the descriptions had let him to imagine. Four long dining tables stretched the length of the hall with benches on either side, packed with older students in full black robes and pointy hats.
As it always was on a witch or wizard's first day, Perrin was standing with the other first-years, gathered at the front. Above, the enchanted ceiling showed the clear dusk of early September, flickering slightly as candles floated beneath it, casting warm, shifting light across the high stone arches. The walls were lined with massive, living portraits, many of them already deep in conversation with one another, their voices drowned in the ambient noise, accompanied by clinking cutlery, shifting feet, and the undercurrent of anticipation.
The man who had welcomed them was unlike any typical headmaster Perrin would have imagined. Solomon Lear was wearing a worn, embossed armour, more fitting for some ancient duelist half-resting between wars. Yet his voice carried clearly when he addressed the hall. His presentation on the four Houses ended with a short preamble about their purpose, concluding: "This hat is very much sentient," before a voice called out from the stool at centre stage: "Sentient? I am intelligent." Some students laughed faintly. Perrin grinned, but most professors didn’t react or rolled their eyes.
The Headmaster went on, explaining the Sorting’s role: how the Hat would peer into mind and heart, seeking where one most belonged. One by one, names were called. Perrin waited, posed and still, but picking at the edge of his left thumbnail with quiet precision, and a jaw too tight – as usual. A thin line of blood marked the skin before he stopped. He was not nervous, but he was anticipating. His parents had prepared him for this moment in a way. They had spoken about their Houses – his mother in Ravenclaw, his father in Slytherin. But like many magical families, they had left the Sorting itself unspoken.
When his name was called, he stepped forward in the same quiet manner, though now his jaw was clenched, visible to the students nearest him. He sat; the Hat came down; and it thought for quite some time before shouting: "Ravenclaw !"
The word rang out, and the table to his right burst into applause. Blue-lined robes and scattered silver glinted across the students seated there. As he rose from the stool, Perrin’s own uniform subtly re-coloured, shifting to match his new house. He walked with a faint, steady ease showing at the corners of his mouth.
As the Sorting continued, Perrin’s gaze remained fixed on the called-out students, but his thoughts lingered elsewhere. Yes, his mother had worn blue. His cousin too, now entering her second year. Even his paternal grandfather had sat under the Ravenclaw banner. But that wasn’t why he belonged here. The choice had come from more than blood. It had come from the long summers solving problems in his muggle grandfather’s garden, from his father’s high expectations, and from his mother’s affection for her structured work.
He thought about how close he was now to the library, one even older than most of the castle itself; how a few books might have been touched by Rowena herself. And though he would do his outer best to be a model student, his ambition had already begun to stir as he watched his peers. He would not stop at what was assigned; he would ask, search, and follow the questions beyond the syllabus. That, he suspected, was what would truly matter to him – to make a difference by putting his capacities to work, although he did not yet know in what exact manner.
As it always was on a witch or wizard's first day, Perrin was standing with the other first-years, gathered at the front. Above, the enchanted ceiling showed the clear dusk of early September, flickering slightly as candles floated beneath it, casting warm, shifting light across the high stone arches. The walls were lined with massive, living portraits, many of them already deep in conversation with one another, their voices drowned in the ambient noise, accompanied by clinking cutlery, shifting feet, and the undercurrent of anticipation.
The man who had welcomed them was unlike any typical headmaster Perrin would have imagined. Solomon Lear was wearing a worn, embossed armour, more fitting for some ancient duelist half-resting between wars. Yet his voice carried clearly when he addressed the hall. His presentation on the four Houses ended with a short preamble about their purpose, concluding: "This hat is very much sentient," before a voice called out from the stool at centre stage: "Sentient? I am intelligent." Some students laughed faintly. Perrin grinned, but most professors didn’t react or rolled their eyes.
The Headmaster went on, explaining the Sorting’s role: how the Hat would peer into mind and heart, seeking where one most belonged. One by one, names were called. Perrin waited, posed and still, but picking at the edge of his left thumbnail with quiet precision, and a jaw too tight – as usual. A thin line of blood marked the skin before he stopped. He was not nervous, but he was anticipating. His parents had prepared him for this moment in a way. They had spoken about their Houses – his mother in Ravenclaw, his father in Slytherin. But like many magical families, they had left the Sorting itself unspoken.
When his name was called, he stepped forward in the same quiet manner, though now his jaw was clenched, visible to the students nearest him. He sat; the Hat came down; and it thought for quite some time before shouting: "Ravenclaw !"
The word rang out, and the table to his right burst into applause. Blue-lined robes and scattered silver glinted across the students seated there. As he rose from the stool, Perrin’s own uniform subtly re-coloured, shifting to match his new house. He walked with a faint, steady ease showing at the corners of his mouth.
As the Sorting continued, Perrin’s gaze remained fixed on the called-out students, but his thoughts lingered elsewhere. Yes, his mother had worn blue. His cousin too, now entering her second year. Even his paternal grandfather had sat under the Ravenclaw banner. But that wasn’t why he belonged here. The choice had come from more than blood. It had come from the long summers solving problems in his muggle grandfather’s garden, from his father’s high expectations, and from his mother’s affection for her structured work.
He thought about how close he was now to the library, one even older than most of the castle itself; how a few books might have been touched by Rowena herself. And though he would do his outer best to be a model student, his ambition had already begun to stir as he watched his peers. He would not stop at what was assigned; he would ask, search, and follow the questions beyond the syllabus. That, he suspected, was what would truly matter to him – to make a difference by putting his capacities to work, although he did not yet know in what exact manner.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland | Monday 1st September 2025, evening
| Perrin Crayford – Hogwarts, Rav. | #0C077F ║♣ | ||
Sta 7 | Eva 4 | Str 2 | Wis 10 | Arc 5 | Acc 7 ║PC |
Time Zone: GMT+2 |
PC║ Acc 2 | Arc 2 | Wis 10 | Str 4 | Eva 4 | Sta 8 |
Sorting Ceremony
Date: Monday, September 1st, 2025
Time: Evening
“Deeeee, this is so exciting!!” Hecate said, fiddling with the edge of his robe. “I’m finally gonna be a Slytherin!”
“And if you’re not? Besides, other houses are okay. Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw’s okay.” Pyce said, though not completely focused on their brother. They were rather distracted by their surroundings. The Great Hall was massive, magical, and loud. It held most of their attention.
“Yeah, but Ravenclaw doesn’t have Mori!” Hecate whined, tugging on his brother’s arm. Pyce shook him off.
“You’ll live.”
“No I won’t.” Pyce chose to ignore their twin. They instead turned their full attention to the sights and sounds of the Great Hall. Older students were chattering away at their tables, ghosts floated through the air. Pyce had never met a ghost before. They’d probably be fun to talk to later. Later once they were in Ravenclaw, of course.
The Great Hall continued being a bustling noisy place until the Headmaster, someone Pyce had heard about a couple of times in passing, spoke up. He welcomed the new students and pulled out-
“The hat!!!” Hecate whisper-shouted, shaking Pyce’s arm. Pyce smiled brightly at their brother, words lost somewhere in their head.
The Headmaster kept speaking before pulling out a parchment. The twins, and the rest of the Great Hall, watched the end of scroll unfurl. And hit the floor. And roll. And roll. And-
“Please tell me they go by first names.” Pyce gulped. “We’re gonna be here all night! And most of tomorrow!” Hecate whisper shouted. Before he could say anything else, the Sorting Hat began to sing. The two listened as the fabled sorting hat sang its song and applauded loudly once it had finished.
It was some ungodly period of time later before the twins had made it roughly three quarters of the way to the front.
“Why couldn’t our name start with something else? Like- Like a B, or a C, or, and hear me out, an A.” Hecate grumbled as more names were called up and sorted. His excitement had died with each passing moment, leaving him bored. And Pyce was stuck with him.
“Honestly? I’m fine right here.”
“Of course you are,” Hecate snarked. Pyce sighed.
“Why don’t you try looking for Mori?” They suggested, curious themself as to where the Slytherin was. It just so happened that such a goal would also serve as entertainment for the bored blonde. Hecate gasped.
“Best idea you’ve ever had!” Hecate scanned the tables for the white-haired teen. Mori typically stood out in crowds, but for once, they didn’t. Pyce watched as Hecate squinted, removed his glasses, cleaned them. Or- tried to clean them, they just got more smudged, but Pyce wasn’t particularly inclined to help. And put them back on his face, still squinting.
Pyce gave the Slytherin table a look over. Mori was short, the twins would likely never find them, with many taller students at the table. Second-years were probably taller than them. It wasn’t a hopeless endeavor, but it was a pretty unlikely one.
Until-
Hecate sharply tugged on Pyce’s sleeve. “Over there!” He pointed. Pyce looked where Hecate’s finger was pointed and sure enough.
"Mori!!" Both twins called, jumping and waving excitedly. The now fifth-year looked over and saw the twins. They smiled widely and waved before turning to talk to someone at their table. They looked back to the twins and gave them a thumbs up.
“Doesn’t that make it all worth it?” Pyce asked. Hecate shot them a look.
“We’re going to sit with them anyway.” He sounded so sure. It almost made Pyce nervous.
“What if we’re not in Slytherin?”
“Of course we’re going to be in Slytherin!” Someone with an M last name was called. Their sorting got ever closer. Pyce listened for a house. Ravenclaw. Another M name and- Hecate waved a hand in front of Pyce’s face. “Look at me Dee, we’re going to be in Slytherin.” Pyce coughed.
“Um yeah, of course.” They didn’t voice their doubt but- What were the chances, really? Hecate was reckless, loved adventure, was the bravest person Pyce knew. He had Gryffindor written all over him. And Pyce? Well, they were a nerdy bookworm far more suited to the halls of Ravenclaw than any other house. It made them queasy thinking about being in a different house than Hecate, but that was what was most likely to happen anyway. They were too different. Sure, Pyce had heard stories of twins being sorted into the same house, but those twins were not these twins, and these twins were too contrasting.
Pyce focused on the surrounding chatter. Someone talking about older siblings in different houses, someone regretting the sweets on the train, someone talking about dragons. Pyce liked dragons. Dragons were cool. Dragons were fun. Dragons were less stressful than standing around waiting in the giant magic hall with super interesting sights and a magic sorting hat and-
“Rotanski, Hecate!” Pyce snapped back to the present. Hecate had slowly been dragging them forward amidst their distraction. And now they were at the front. They turned to their brother. Pyce grabbed his sleeve just before he slipped away.
“Good luck,” They said. Hecate smiled at them like nothing could possibly go wrong. Pyce tried to smile back. They didn’t think they succeeded. And then Hecate was up there. Hat being placed on his head.
There were a few nerve wracking moments before-
“SLYTHERIN!” Pyce let out a cheer at the same time as the Slytherin table. When the hat was removed, Hecate was beaming as bright as Pyce had ever seen. He skipped towards his new table as Pyce was called up.
“Rotanski, Pyce!” They took a deep breath before finally stepping forward. Pyce saw their brother shoot them a double thumbs up before the hat was placed over their head.
“Twins, are you?” Pyce, despite knowing that it would speak, startled. They recovered quickly and responded.
“Yeah.”
“Mm. I remember your mother as well. Cunning and clever, the lot of you.” Pyce hummed in response. “Quick wit and a charming tongue. You wouldn’t be out of place in Slytherin. Most every Rotanski I’ve come across goes there.”
“Charming?” Pyce questioned softly.
“Quite booksmart though, are you?” The hat asked.
“I like to think so.”
“Hmm. Yes. And here, there is far more in you than you believe there is. A strong spirit. A brave heart.”
“Not really.” Pyce barely whispered.
“There certainly is. I can see it. You are destined for great things. I see exactly where you belong.” Pyce held their breath. “Best put you in GRYFFINDOR!!” They choked on said breath. The hat was removed. The Gryffindor table was cheering loudly. There was a whoop and holler from the Slytherin table. Mori. And. Pyce looked through stinging eyes at their brother. They didn’t cry. Not in front of everyone, anyway. They barely resisted the urge to press their palms to their eyes.
They made their way over to the Gryffindor table and sat down. They felt…Numb. They didn’t belong here. The hat- The hat couldn’t be wrong but. Gryffindor was a house of heroes! Of brave and strong people! People who were so vastly different than Pyce.
Sitting there, alone (in a metaphorical sense. Pyce was actually feeling rather squished right now. A lot of people. No one they knew.) Pyce listened to the remaining names get called. Listened to the joyous cheers of houses and happy cries from the students who got placed where they wanted.
They wanted to cry.
1253
ReducioPyce is going over to the Gryffindor table if you want to find them over there. Can’t promise they’re doing particularly well. If you want to have met them before their sorting, they will be in Diagon Alley on the 14th. The first place you’ll be able to meet them is Potage’s. If you want to have known Pyce earlier, just send me an owl so I know.
Also, second additional note; Dee is the evolution of one of Pyce’s old nicknames
ReducioSchool uniform with a red sweater vest over a collared shirt under the robe. There is a red dragon pin on their robe where their house crest will be
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
Sorting Ceremony
Alaric wasn't nervous. That's what he kept telling himself. He came from a long line of witches and wizards, and he knew he had a place here. He'd been sent his invitation, he'd had magic come out of the wand his grandfather bought him at Ollivander's shop in Diagon Alley, and he had been told, over and over through his life, that magic was his birthright. He wasn't nervous. Definitely not. His stomach was probably tied up in knots because of all the treats he ate on the train, nothing more. Certainly.
As he kept trying more and more desperately to convince himself that he wasn't nervous he also kept one ear on the Headmaster's speech. It wouldn't do to fall behind before he had even been sorted. He wasn't even sure which house he wanted. His grandfather had been certain he'd be a Slytherin like him and his grandmother, and his siblings had said he could be great in Ravenclaw like themselves. Only his mother had smiled and told him that whichever house he was in, he would make great by his presence there.
When Alaric turned to give his full attention to Headmaster Lear he accidentally jostled a boy next to him. "Sorry," Alaric mumbled under his breath, but the boy only gave him a dark glare in response. Alaric shuffled away to put a few people between them and then let it slip from his mind as the Sorting Hat began its song.
It took quite some time for the Hat to cry out, "Smith, Alaric!" In the process was a wide range of reactions to their sortings from his fellow first years. While many seemed composed and calm and several more were exuberant, clearly joining tables with friends or family, there were a handful that left melancholy or confused. Alaric hoped that wouldn't be him. He wasn't necessarily opposed to any of the houses, but it was true his family tended to favor Slytherin and Ravenclaw.
As Alaric made his way across the room to the Sorting Hat he felt those chocolate frogs squirming in his stomach more. He took a deep breath and sat on the stool, hunching his shoulders as he felt the Hat rest on his wild curls. He closed his dark brown eyes and exhaled.
"Hmmm, yes, I see..." mused the Hat. "A desire to prove yourself. To not let down a family that's counting on you. I also see a desire to prove it to yourself. You could do well in Gryffindor."
Alaric squirmed, but said nothing.
"Not interested? Well then, what about Slytherin? Two sides of the same coin, those houses. You've got ambition. You've got the blood status to fit in. What about it?"
Alaric hummed, still not trusting himself to say anything to the Hat. He knew from experience that sometimes being silent was the best way to get what he wanted.
"Well. You're a tough one, that's for sure. You've also got dedication. That could serve you well in Hufflepuff, where you could make many friends."
At Alaric's snort the Hat began to sound amused. "Oh, not Hufflepuff, then? Finally found something to make you break that silence.
"I just want to learn. That's what I want. I want to learn everything I can so I don't let my family down."
The Hat hummed and seemed to settle more firmly on Alaric's head. "Well, then," it mused, "better be... RAVENCLAW!"
As the Ravenclaw table burst into applause, Alaric waited for the Hat to be removed from his head before slipping down off the stool and making his way over. He sat between another first year, newly sorted, and a boy whose freckled face reminded him of his older brother, Corwin. He gave them each a brief smile before waiting patiently for the end of the sorting ceremony.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland | Monday 1st September 2025, evening
word count : 640
As he kept trying more and more desperately to convince himself that he wasn't nervous he also kept one ear on the Headmaster's speech. It wouldn't do to fall behind before he had even been sorted. He wasn't even sure which house he wanted. His grandfather had been certain he'd be a Slytherin like him and his grandmother, and his siblings had said he could be great in Ravenclaw like themselves. Only his mother had smiled and told him that whichever house he was in, he would make great by his presence there.
When Alaric turned to give his full attention to Headmaster Lear he accidentally jostled a boy next to him. "Sorry," Alaric mumbled under his breath, but the boy only gave him a dark glare in response. Alaric shuffled away to put a few people between them and then let it slip from his mind as the Sorting Hat began its song.
It took quite some time for the Hat to cry out, "Smith, Alaric!" In the process was a wide range of reactions to their sortings from his fellow first years. While many seemed composed and calm and several more were exuberant, clearly joining tables with friends or family, there were a handful that left melancholy or confused. Alaric hoped that wouldn't be him. He wasn't necessarily opposed to any of the houses, but it was true his family tended to favor Slytherin and Ravenclaw.
As Alaric made his way across the room to the Sorting Hat he felt those chocolate frogs squirming in his stomach more. He took a deep breath and sat on the stool, hunching his shoulders as he felt the Hat rest on his wild curls. He closed his dark brown eyes and exhaled.
"Hmmm, yes, I see..." mused the Hat. "A desire to prove yourself. To not let down a family that's counting on you. I also see a desire to prove it to yourself. You could do well in Gryffindor."
Alaric squirmed, but said nothing.
"Not interested? Well then, what about Slytherin? Two sides of the same coin, those houses. You've got ambition. You've got the blood status to fit in. What about it?"
Alaric hummed, still not trusting himself to say anything to the Hat. He knew from experience that sometimes being silent was the best way to get what he wanted.
"Well. You're a tough one, that's for sure. You've also got dedication. That could serve you well in Hufflepuff, where you could make many friends."
At Alaric's snort the Hat began to sound amused. "Oh, not Hufflepuff, then? Finally found something to make you break that silence.
"I just want to learn. That's what I want. I want to learn everything I can so I don't let my family down."
The Hat hummed and seemed to settle more firmly on Alaric's head. "Well, then," it mused, "better be... RAVENCLAW!"
As the Ravenclaw table burst into applause, Alaric waited for the Hat to be removed from his head before slipping down off the stool and making his way over. He sat between another first year, newly sorted, and a boy whose freckled face reminded him of his older brother, Corwin. He gave them each a brief smile before waiting patiently for the end of the sorting ceremony.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland | Monday 1st September 2025, evening
word count : 640
“I’d want to know if I were wrong - so why shouldn’t they?”
Sorting Ceremony
Anemoi took her seat in the smooth wooden chair, glancing down at her lap instead of out over the crowd. She hated being the center of attention like this, hated stages. Mercifully, the hat seemed to sense this and it started talking immediately.
“Ahh child, you want accomplishment but not spotlight… you mask your pride. And you are brave, but not the type to want adventure… not right for Gryffindor…”
Anemoi gave a small nod at the hat’s words. She liked adventure, at least in her novels… but she didn’t want trouble, and the Gryffindors and Slytherins had been glaring at each other all day. The serpent house was next, in the list the headmaster had given. She tried not to fidget with her robes.
“Intelligent but not cunning. You wouldn’t do well with tricks… absolutely too honest… Couldn’t be Slytherin.”
Good. The only houses left were Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. The Hufflepuffs seemed sweet. She could see herself liking that house. And Ravenclaw, well— The Hat spoke again, cutting off her thoughts.
“I see…” It hummed “You love justice, and very loyal, helpful to any in need… Perhaps a Hufflepuff?” Anemoi started to smile, but the ceremony wasn’t finished.
“You are not patient, child. No you will not go to Hufflepuff; Although with those pupils you could get along… Your toil has been over books and thoughts, not solid things…Wise for one so young… You came to this place because you want to know more about magic and about yourself.”
The hat was right of course. There was only one house left and Anemoi breathed a sigh of relief as it was announced.
“A student dedicated to knowledge and exploration… Curious and clever. Yes, you, Anemoi, will go to…
Ravenclaw!”
Note: This is a repost. I think I posted in the wrong year’s forum before.
Sorting Ceremony
Monday, September 1st, 2025
Esyllt stood among the other first years as the headmaster seemed to be welcoming them. She felt excited, but also nervous. Too much to be able to listen with attention. She had never been this nervous. She couldn't stop fidgeting with her robe and slightly moving her feet. Everything was so new and foreign to her, it only made her miss her mother's cosy house more.
Esyllt wanted to cut the waiting down and finally know her fate, the house she would end up in. Or maybe she didn't ? She didn't know what to expect after all. She felt lost, but mostly exhausted.
Her attention was reclaimed by the old hat when it began to sing a song about Hogwarts and the houses. She applauded with the others at the end of it, but she still apprehended the beginning of the actual sorting. And even more so when names started to get called.
What if there had been a mistake ? What if Esyllt wasn't magical at all ? Or worse, what if the hat didn't find any qualities worthy of this school in her ? Would she be sent back home ? Would her memories of everything she had seen so far be erased ?
“Priddy, Esyllt.”
She made her way to the front, trying not to trip over her own legs that seemed to have adopted the consistency of jelly. She hoped no one could see her shaking, either. Once the hat took place on her head, she felt like someone had adorned it with an unnecessarily heavy helmet.
“I'm awfully sorry to see I'm such a weight on you, miss. Relax, there is no reason to worry, really. Mistakes are not easily made regarding new students at Hogwarts.”
Esyllt's eyes widened as the hat spoke in its reassuring, yet malicious, tone. She was too impressed to respond and only wished the hat went faster.
“Ha ! Now, let's get to it, shall we ? After all, the faster, the better. Hmm…”
Esyllt was frozen as she noticed how every pair of eyes seemed fixated on her for the few. She was looking straight in front of her, not daring to move even an eyelash, and she barely listened to what the sneaky voice was saying about her. She wasn't even sure she wanted to know. At least the hat spoke, and it didn't seem to think she was worthless.
“Don't worry, miss, I will not prolong your agony any longer. You see, I already know where your gifts will shine the brightest. Yes, no doubt, your spirit tells me you'll perfectly belong in…”
“RAVENCLAW !”
The hat's voice echoed loudly through the hall. Immediately, the students sitting around the table covered in blue began to cheer loudly, and Esyllt felt much better. Confidence came back to her, her limbs defrosted as soon as the hat no longer sat on her head, and she hurried towards the Ravenclaws, anxious to meet her new family.
Esyllt wanted to cut the waiting down and finally know her fate, the house she would end up in. Or maybe she didn't ? She didn't know what to expect after all. She felt lost, but mostly exhausted.
Her attention was reclaimed by the old hat when it began to sing a song about Hogwarts and the houses. She applauded with the others at the end of it, but she still apprehended the beginning of the actual sorting. And even more so when names started to get called.
What if there had been a mistake ? What if Esyllt wasn't magical at all ? Or worse, what if the hat didn't find any qualities worthy of this school in her ? Would she be sent back home ? Would her memories of everything she had seen so far be erased ?
“Priddy, Esyllt.”
She made her way to the front, trying not to trip over her own legs that seemed to have adopted the consistency of jelly. She hoped no one could see her shaking, either. Once the hat took place on her head, she felt like someone had adorned it with an unnecessarily heavy helmet.
“I'm awfully sorry to see I'm such a weight on you, miss. Relax, there is no reason to worry, really. Mistakes are not easily made regarding new students at Hogwarts.”
Esyllt's eyes widened as the hat spoke in its reassuring, yet malicious, tone. She was too impressed to respond and only wished the hat went faster.
“Ha ! Now, let's get to it, shall we ? After all, the faster, the better. Hmm…”
Esyllt was frozen as she noticed how every pair of eyes seemed fixated on her for the few. She was looking straight in front of her, not daring to move even an eyelash, and she barely listened to what the sneaky voice was saying about her. She wasn't even sure she wanted to know. At least the hat spoke, and it didn't seem to think she was worthless.
“Don't worry, miss, I will not prolong your agony any longer. You see, I already know where your gifts will shine the brightest. Yes, no doubt, your spirit tells me you'll perfectly belong in…”
“RAVENCLAW !”
The hat's voice echoed loudly through the hall. Immediately, the students sitting around the table covered in blue began to cheer loudly, and Esyllt felt much better. Confidence came back to her, her limbs defrosted as soon as the hat no longer sat on her head, and she hurried towards the Ravenclaws, anxious to meet her new family.
Sorting Ceremony
Ria entered the Great Hall with the biggest smile on her face. She had spent all summer waiting for this moment to arrive and she finally was there, looking at the magical ceiling and the floating candles her mother always talked about.
The sorting was going to take place in alphabetical order, which only made Ria even more nervous because she was going to be one of the first students to get sorted. After a boy and a girl, who ended up in Ravenclaw, "RIA CAVE" was called. She walked slowly but firmly and took a seat feeling all the eyes in the Great Hall on her.
She suddenly felt the weight of the sorting hat in her head and then she heard: "Oh a great mind I see... thriving for knowledge and recognition...". Ria felt uneasy at something being able to see her deepest thought as the hat continued: "A huge amount of curiosity and logical thinking, such attributes would be perfectly suited for Ravenclaw. Maybe that is where your future lies, among those eager to learn as much as you do..."
For a moment the hat stopped talking and Ria thought it had reached a decision. After all Ria's mother always told her she seemed such a Ravenclaw. Then, all of a sudden the hat continued: "However it seems that your thirst for knowledge comes from a deeper wish. The dream of achieving great things, of being the best and knowing more than anyone else. You love to know things to be able to use them. You like being recognised, I see...". Ria realized the hat was right, and it was stating facts she hadn't even admitted to herself. "Big dreams, I see... Slytherin would also be the perfect match for your ambitious brain... However, old Salazar was not too keen on having in his house those who did not comply with his blood-status standard, such as yourself..."
The hat kept going back and forth, at some point it even said: "You are also a hard-working young girl and kind when needed, maybe even Hufflepuff would be good for you...". Ria felt she had been sitting there for half an hour when all of a sudden the hat said:
"You may be a half-blood, but your mind is as ambitious as they come... So better be...
She headed happily to her new house's table thinking of sending an owl to her mother telling her that she was now a Slytherin too, just like her.
The sorting was going to take place in alphabetical order, which only made Ria even more nervous because she was going to be one of the first students to get sorted. After a boy and a girl, who ended up in Ravenclaw, "RIA CAVE" was called. She walked slowly but firmly and took a seat feeling all the eyes in the Great Hall on her.
She suddenly felt the weight of the sorting hat in her head and then she heard: "Oh a great mind I see... thriving for knowledge and recognition...". Ria felt uneasy at something being able to see her deepest thought as the hat continued: "A huge amount of curiosity and logical thinking, such attributes would be perfectly suited for Ravenclaw. Maybe that is where your future lies, among those eager to learn as much as you do..."
For a moment the hat stopped talking and Ria thought it had reached a decision. After all Ria's mother always told her she seemed such a Ravenclaw. Then, all of a sudden the hat continued: "However it seems that your thirst for knowledge comes from a deeper wish. The dream of achieving great things, of being the best and knowing more than anyone else. You love to know things to be able to use them. You like being recognised, I see...". Ria realized the hat was right, and it was stating facts she hadn't even admitted to herself. "Big dreams, I see... Slytherin would also be the perfect match for your ambitious brain... However, old Salazar was not too keen on having in his house those who did not comply with his blood-status standard, such as yourself..."
The hat kept going back and forth, at some point it even said: "You are also a hard-working young girl and kind when needed, maybe even Hufflepuff would be good for you...". Ria felt she had been sitting there for half an hour when all of a sudden the hat said:
"You may be a half-blood, but your mind is as ambitious as they come... So better be...
SLYTHERIN!!!
She headed happily to her new house's table thinking of sending an owl to her mother telling her that she was now a Slytherin too, just like her.
- Ria Lillian Cave
Sorting Ceremony
Monday, September 1st, 2025
Great Hall, Hogwarts, in the eveningIvory Stubbs, sorting ceremony.
Nerves shot through her body like electricity, making it feel extremely light. She has probably never been this nervous before, and with good reason. Walking into the great hall was close to a fever dream to her. It was greater than she ever could've imagined, greater than all the books she had read that even tried to describe its glory and fame. She took in her surroundings - savoring the excited feeling that was actively brewing in her stomach as she noticed that the same, particular looking man that greeted ( whom she instantly recognized as the headmaster ), now stood before them at the end of the hall. He spoke, his heavy voice booming against the walls of the incredibly large room , louder than Ivory had expected which caused her to slightly flinch. yet her warm, enthusiastic smile hadn't disappeared.
Headmaster Solomon went on to welcome the group of first years a final time, taking the opportunity to introduce himself for those who didn't know who he was. Ivory squeezed herself between some of the other students to get a better look at man himself, softly apologizing as they gave her a frowned look in return. The infamous sorting hat soon came into view, students scattering into conversational whispering as some of them saw the hat only for the first time. But the whispering stopped abruptly as the hat declared in a scratching tone that it was more then sentient, but intelligent. Ivory saw that it visibly made Mr. Solomon pause with an unpleasant cough, eyeing the sentient object with what could be described as hesitancy.
The split second of tension made Ivory snicker out of nervousness; her face pulling into a smile. She absolutely couldn't wait until she knew which house she would be apart from. She's been questioning it before she arrived here, and during. Of course it didn't help that time seemed to pass slowly ever since she had arrived and she almost couldn't bare the painful wait. Though impatient, she didn't miss a single word uttered from the Headmaster , it yet being difficult because of a few students murmuring a few feet further.
Soon when the Headmaster stopped his speech, the sorting began. He slipped a roll from his waist, rolling it open as it confinity spread across the floor. The young girl almost audibly gulped along with the Headmaster; ' this is going to be a long evening. ' And as Ivory had guessed before, she witnessed a bunch of students being sorted before her, in various houses. She noticed that most were quite content with their picked option, yet there were some who were visibly disappointed. Though that didn't stop the students of other years, whom were already seated, to applaud loudly and congratulate their newly made housemate.
Eventually her name was called, and all eyes were on her now. The sound of her heartbeat rung in her ears. She sat down, excitement overwhelmingly pooling around in her green eyes as she watched the hat being placed onto her head. It started mumbling shuffling around on her hair before yelling with a stern voice; " Certainly, Ravenclaw! ". As it also did for the other students, the Great Hall shuddered in cheer and applause. First years whom were also picked for Ravenclaw patting her encouragingly on the back as greeting when she sat down. Gracing them with her warm, thanking smile when she sat. Soon enough the next name was called, and another student slowly stepped up towards the sorting hat.
She was happy, incredibly happy with the house she was given. Her father had lived in the same common room as she was about to when he enrolled in Hogwarts, and it filled her with pride to share that with him.
- “I like watching people when they’re not trying to be impressive and all. That’s when i know they’re the most real.”
Sorting Ceremony
First-Year Entrance ...revisit his past...
The walk from the boathouse that connected the Great Lake and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was long and tiring, but it was a journey that Luca would likely make hundreds of times over the next seven years. The stairs were wide enough for three students to share a step, and after the first few steps, they realized on their own that putting a little distance between each group would keep the climb comfortable and less crowded. Throughout the walk, Luca exchanged and responded to casual comments from the students he walked with.
Speech | Thoughts
In truth, he never even tried to learn their names and was too distracted by the grandeur of Hogwarts to remember their faces at the time. Luca knew that the chances of encountering them during his time at school were significant, given that the castle was only so big. There were a limited number of classes, and the likelihood of sharing a class with one of them was only slightly less than running into them somewhere on the grounds again over the next several years. As the climb neared its end, the massive structure of the castle seemed even more imposing than it had from the train or the boats.
Luca absorbed the scenery around him as he passed through the courtyard at the top of the stairs that led to the Great Hall. He noted the old stone structure forming the square courtyard where vines were overtaking the formations. The castle's natural beauty was breathtaking; he had seen pictures in books, but the structure itself was awe-inspiring. Luca walked through the massive double doors into the Great Hall, which was standing room only for the first years.
He had made one of the later boat rides, so he was near the middle of the Great Hall. He listened intently to the Headmaster, but eventually lost interest as the names of other students were called to the Sorting Hat. Luca almost became entranced by the room around him and didn't hear his name being called, but he did pick up on the unique sound of his last name being called.
"Luca Corranado!" a voice called from the front of the room.
That's me, the boy thought for a moment. That's me! he thought, his mind becoming alive and excited.
"Excuse me," Luca said as he made his way to the front of the Great Hall. For the most part, everyone was as polite as they were excited for their turn to be sorted into a house. The voice from the front of the room noticed the sea of students parting slightly, indicating that Luca had heard their call. As soon as he reached the front of the room, the boy slowly and nervously sat down on the stool, his eyes darting upward without movement from his head as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head.
"Ah, yes, very interesting. Bravery flickers like a flame within you, bold and unyielding in the face of danger. But wait! There's ambition lurking just beneath the surface, a desire to rise and make your mark on the world. And then there's cunning—sharp and clever, always thinking two steps ahead. And intelligence sparkles in your mind like a thousand stars. You thirst for knowledge, always eager to learn and grow. Hmm...better be...SLYTHERIN!"
Luca smiled brightly as the hat was taken off his head, and everyone began clapping for him just as he had clapped for them when their sorting was complete. As he walked to the Slytherin table, students from year one to year seven greeted him warmly, and his mind replayed the words spoken by the Sorting Hat. Internally, he started comparing his chosen house to those of his mother and father.
His story continues: Final Concoctions
Last edited by Luca Corranado on 22 Jun 2025, 02:19, edited 1 time in total.
STA: 7 • EVA: 10 • STR: 0 • WIS: 7 • ARC: 2 • ACC: 9 Parselmouth • Evasive Maneuvers PC: Luca Corranado | OOC Notes: Always open to interactions. "His story continues" means Luca is no longer there! iNPC: Silvio Accardi |
Sorting Ceremony
Hufflepuff.
...
Robin smiled as she walked to her new table. It wasn't the house she had wanted, nor was it the house her mother had hoped she would get. A knot formed in her gut and her eyes stung slightly. As she went to sit she was surrounded by her house mates. They smiled, welcomed her, and started recommending their favorite foods for once the feast started. She was welcomed into the conversations near her, and before long the sinking feeling left. She looked out over her new table, her new house, and felt her smile become more genuine. It wasn't Ravenclaw, but it was a house full of people who valued loyalty and kindness. Just like she did. She thought she valued Knowledge more, but perhaps it is a compliment to be told that despite your brains, your kindness and loyalty is what speaks from your soul. Her parents will be proud no matter what, and if she gets to spend the coming years surrounded by these awesome welcoming people, then maybe it wont be so bad.
...
Robin smiled as she walked to her new table. It wasn't the house she had wanted, nor was it the house her mother had hoped she would get. A knot formed in her gut and her eyes stung slightly. As she went to sit she was surrounded by her house mates. They smiled, welcomed her, and started recommending their favorite foods for once the feast started. She was welcomed into the conversations near her, and before long the sinking feeling left. She looked out over her new table, her new house, and felt her smile become more genuine. It wasn't Ravenclaw, but it was a house full of people who valued loyalty and kindness. Just like she did. She thought she valued Knowledge more, but perhaps it is a compliment to be told that despite your brains, your kindness and loyalty is what speaks from your soul. Her parents will be proud no matter what, and if she gets to spend the coming years surrounded by these awesome welcoming people, then maybe it wont be so bad.
It's all leading to success, even if it currently looks like failure. Don't give up.
Robin_Grim