Sorting Ceremony
Brushing away the hair from his eyes, Maximus let a low sigh. It had been a long day. After nerves and anticipation had made sleep hard to come by last night. An early wake up for the drive to London hadn't helped his cause. Being around so many people made his discomfort rise. What he wouldn't give for a little quiet place to hide away and nap for awhile. A low rumble from his belly reminded him how hungry he was. His parents descriptions of the Hogwarts feast always sounded so amazing, except for pumpkin juice. Uck pumpkins are made for pies not juice, apples, grapes or oranges now that juice material.
"Oh pardon me" some dark haired girl said shyly after her nerves seemed make her foot step on his. "Oh um yeah no worries" Maximus stuttered out as his musing was broken by the accidental encounter. After a quick look around Maximus couldn't seem to locate the interesting group he met on the train. In fact he hadn't seen anyone he had known since the hustle and bustle of unboarding the train. The boat ride across the lake he rode with few kids he never was introduced to. Was the girl beside him one of em, he wasn't sure. How could anyone focus on anything else with this grand castle in sight. He had seen castles before of course his dad and uncle took him on a tour a few years ago. Not one like Hogwarts obviously, a magic castle which he would spend the next 7 years calling home.
With that thought the grand doors that lead to the great hall opened slowly. The wait was over life at Hogwarts was about start. While most were nervous about the sorting this part didn't faze Maximus, he was going to be like his parents a proud Ravenclaw. Now being the center of attention in front of all the school even so briefly, didn't sit right in Maximus's empty stomach. As the crowd flowed in the hall and Maximus finally entered. He was immediately greeted by a tall man covered in armor. With wide eyes he took a brief moment to take this man in. Though he was not much taller than Maximus own father, this man seemed to command attention and respect. Was it his magical power or the armor that made him feel this way. The headmaster himself, how great of a wizard must he be to get this role. Maximus had heard his parents discuss the almighty Dumbledore and even McGonagall whom his mother adored. While contemplating how headmaster Lear compered to his legendary predecessors. The first years had made it the front of the hall.
Looking around the room it was magnificent. Before he could fully take in and appreciate the wonders one thing that drew his attention and made him feel slightly sick. Four tables full of upper classman seemed to study or even judge them all. Looking back to the front a another long table filled up adult wizards. The professors of Hogwarts, wow this group was a mix of friendly and foreboding looking witches and wizards. With a gulp, Maximus closed his and took a deep breath. After a moment the head master took his place and began his speech. Gasp and other noises of surprise could be heard as the sorting hat began to speak. Maximus chuckled under his breath, he was prepared for this part seems others weren't as informed.
After a few moments the sorting hat was finished with his proformance. Without much delay the first of many 1st years started to learn their destination. One name after another the sorting was underway. Maximus seen a many people filled with joy and a few with disappointment. He seen two of the people he had met on the train get sorted into Hufflepuff. He didn't get a good look to see their reactions. Good luck to them he thought he'd see them in classes at least. The girl he seen on the platform with purple streaks in her hair went to Ravenclaw. Maximus smiled nervously it'll be my turn soon and I can finally relax. "Maximus Thorne" Maximus stepped forward and could feel the weight of all the eyes on him as he sat.
"Hmmm interesting an intelligent mind" The voice of the sorting hat being in his head was a weird feeling "Yep mom was strict with education" Maximus thought. "Creative, and hard working also" The years of drawing and teaching himself to play his guitar crossed his mind. "Some self confidence but a reclusive nature too" once again the voice rang in his head. "I think I know what to do with you" Maximus broke a small grin at this "Yeah Ravenclaw like mom and dad" With a small chuckle the sorting hat exclaimed for all to hear.
"HUFFLEPUFF"
With the hat pulled off his head Maximus got right up took two steps and froze solid. Wait what did it say? The shock just immediately made his whole being numb. Turning to look back the hat seemed to grin at him. A clearing of the throat and the look of the professor told Maximus to move along. Hearing the applause from the Hufflepuff table, Maximus headed in that direction. His body felt cold, feet heavy, stomach sick and mind a mess. "Why" Maximus asked himself with no answer. As he was warmly greeted upon arriving at the table. Maximus seemed to be on auto pilot returning greetings with a nod as he sat. With on uncomfortable glance at the Ravenclaw Maximus sighed deeply "I'm a Badger" Whatever that means I'll see shortly.
"Oh pardon me" some dark haired girl said shyly after her nerves seemed make her foot step on his. "Oh um yeah no worries" Maximus stuttered out as his musing was broken by the accidental encounter. After a quick look around Maximus couldn't seem to locate the interesting group he met on the train. In fact he hadn't seen anyone he had known since the hustle and bustle of unboarding the train. The boat ride across the lake he rode with few kids he never was introduced to. Was the girl beside him one of em, he wasn't sure. How could anyone focus on anything else with this grand castle in sight. He had seen castles before of course his dad and uncle took him on a tour a few years ago. Not one like Hogwarts obviously, a magic castle which he would spend the next 7 years calling home.
With that thought the grand doors that lead to the great hall opened slowly. The wait was over life at Hogwarts was about start. While most were nervous about the sorting this part didn't faze Maximus, he was going to be like his parents a proud Ravenclaw. Now being the center of attention in front of all the school even so briefly, didn't sit right in Maximus's empty stomach. As the crowd flowed in the hall and Maximus finally entered. He was immediately greeted by a tall man covered in armor. With wide eyes he took a brief moment to take this man in. Though he was not much taller than Maximus own father, this man seemed to command attention and respect. Was it his magical power or the armor that made him feel this way. The headmaster himself, how great of a wizard must he be to get this role. Maximus had heard his parents discuss the almighty Dumbledore and even McGonagall whom his mother adored. While contemplating how headmaster Lear compered to his legendary predecessors. The first years had made it the front of the hall.
Looking around the room it was magnificent. Before he could fully take in and appreciate the wonders one thing that drew his attention and made him feel slightly sick. Four tables full of upper classman seemed to study or even judge them all. Looking back to the front a another long table filled up adult wizards. The professors of Hogwarts, wow this group was a mix of friendly and foreboding looking witches and wizards. With a gulp, Maximus closed his and took a deep breath. After a moment the head master took his place and began his speech. Gasp and other noises of surprise could be heard as the sorting hat began to speak. Maximus chuckled under his breath, he was prepared for this part seems others weren't as informed.
After a few moments the sorting hat was finished with his proformance. Without much delay the first of many 1st years started to learn their destination. One name after another the sorting was underway. Maximus seen a many people filled with joy and a few with disappointment. He seen two of the people he had met on the train get sorted into Hufflepuff. He didn't get a good look to see their reactions. Good luck to them he thought he'd see them in classes at least. The girl he seen on the platform with purple streaks in her hair went to Ravenclaw. Maximus smiled nervously it'll be my turn soon and I can finally relax. "Maximus Thorne" Maximus stepped forward and could feel the weight of all the eyes on him as he sat.
"Hmmm interesting an intelligent mind" The voice of the sorting hat being in his head was a weird feeling "Yep mom was strict with education" Maximus thought. "Creative, and hard working also" The years of drawing and teaching himself to play his guitar crossed his mind. "Some self confidence but a reclusive nature too" once again the voice rang in his head. "I think I know what to do with you" Maximus broke a small grin at this "Yeah Ravenclaw like mom and dad" With a small chuckle the sorting hat exclaimed for all to hear.
"HUFFLEPUFF"
With the hat pulled off his head Maximus got right up took two steps and froze solid. Wait what did it say? The shock just immediately made his whole being numb. Turning to look back the hat seemed to grin at him. A clearing of the throat and the look of the professor told Maximus to move along. Hearing the applause from the Hufflepuff table, Maximus headed in that direction. His body felt cold, feet heavy, stomach sick and mind a mess. "Why" Maximus asked himself with no answer. As he was warmly greeted upon arriving at the table. Maximus seemed to be on auto pilot returning greetings with a nod as he sat. With on uncomfortable glance at the Ravenclaw Maximus sighed deeply "I'm a Badger" Whatever that means I'll see shortly.
Sorting Ceremony
It was growing late. The ceiling, which one of the other first years had explained was enchanted to look like the outside sky, was dark and slightly cloudy at times. If Elspeth was to write letters to her mom and aunt, it would have to wait until tomorrow, after class. Tonight, this ceremony was already beginning to drag on, even if it was exciting, and the feast was coming after that.
It was a boon, Elspeth realized, that she wasn't called to the stool first. She had no fear of magic, since her aunt wasn't shy about using it around her, when muggles weren't around, but she did have a fear of having so many eyes on her. Seeing what the ceremony was all about before she was called up was a blessing.
A handsome boy with light brown hair and blue eyes was sorted into Hufflepuff, the house of loyalty, justice, and patience, if the hat was to be believed. Elspeth clapped like many of the other students as the boy approached his table, seeming disappointed, if she was reading him right. Maybe he was just nervous, like her?
Then, her own name was called.
"Wynn, Elspeth."
She hesitantly stepped forward, wishing she could have just a few more minutes to watch others be sorted first. She was still building her own courage, after all. Then again, if she was gathering courage forever, she would never have enough, she supposed. She took a few more steps, but not far. Then, another student she didn't see well enough to identify shoved her from behind. Not hard, but just enough to force her to walk the rest of the way.
She reached the stool, eyeing the headmaster nervously.
He made her a little uncomfortable with his dull eyes and well-worn armor. This was a place of education. Why would he need armor here, she wondered.
She lowered herself onto the stool offering a pleasant, quiet "thank you" as the hat was lowered onto her head. It was too big. Far too big. It was drooping over her eyes, and she wanted to take it off, just so she could see. Not being able to see what was around her was unbearable for little Elspeth. But she didn't. She had to be patient.
Well, well. This is going to be easy.
The voice seemed to fill her mind. She didn't know if the hat was speaking out loud, or if it was projecting its voice into her head, but she heard it clearly. She was pleased that sorting her would be an easy feat, since she didn't want to be trouble, but at the same time...
"Why?" she asked, her innate curiosity burning in her chest.
Why would she be an easy student to sort? Some of the other ones had taken quite a bit of time. It had apparently been very difficult for the hat to find a place for them. So why was she different? She wasn't offended, but she wanted to know.
You have a mind that's always seeking answers. Seeking wisdom. Knowledge is the most precious of rewards for you. You simply cannot bear the very thought of ignorance, can you?
The hat spoke so confidently about her. She loved knowing things, yes. Every child was curious. Right? But could her very essence be so easily summed up in such a small sentence? She supposed it wasn't wrong.
"I suppose so," she agreed reluctantly.
The hat felt pleased atop her head as it belted out, "Ravenclaw!"
As the Hat was lifted from her head, Elspeth stood quickly, hurriedly walking over to the Ravenclaw table, where she sat on the first empty spot on the bench she could find. Despite her curiosity, and questioning of the hat, Ravenclaw would have been her first choice, anyway.
It was a boon, Elspeth realized, that she wasn't called to the stool first. She had no fear of magic, since her aunt wasn't shy about using it around her, when muggles weren't around, but she did have a fear of having so many eyes on her. Seeing what the ceremony was all about before she was called up was a blessing.
A handsome boy with light brown hair and blue eyes was sorted into Hufflepuff, the house of loyalty, justice, and patience, if the hat was to be believed. Elspeth clapped like many of the other students as the boy approached his table, seeming disappointed, if she was reading him right. Maybe he was just nervous, like her?
Then, her own name was called.
"Wynn, Elspeth."
She hesitantly stepped forward, wishing she could have just a few more minutes to watch others be sorted first. She was still building her own courage, after all. Then again, if she was gathering courage forever, she would never have enough, she supposed. She took a few more steps, but not far. Then, another student she didn't see well enough to identify shoved her from behind. Not hard, but just enough to force her to walk the rest of the way.
She reached the stool, eyeing the headmaster nervously.
He made her a little uncomfortable with his dull eyes and well-worn armor. This was a place of education. Why would he need armor here, she wondered.
She lowered herself onto the stool offering a pleasant, quiet "thank you" as the hat was lowered onto her head. It was too big. Far too big. It was drooping over her eyes, and she wanted to take it off, just so she could see. Not being able to see what was around her was unbearable for little Elspeth. But she didn't. She had to be patient.
Well, well. This is going to be easy.
The voice seemed to fill her mind. She didn't know if the hat was speaking out loud, or if it was projecting its voice into her head, but she heard it clearly. She was pleased that sorting her would be an easy feat, since she didn't want to be trouble, but at the same time...
"Why?" she asked, her innate curiosity burning in her chest.
Why would she be an easy student to sort? Some of the other ones had taken quite a bit of time. It had apparently been very difficult for the hat to find a place for them. So why was she different? She wasn't offended, but she wanted to know.
You have a mind that's always seeking answers. Seeking wisdom. Knowledge is the most precious of rewards for you. You simply cannot bear the very thought of ignorance, can you?
The hat spoke so confidently about her. She loved knowing things, yes. Every child was curious. Right? But could her very essence be so easily summed up in such a small sentence? She supposed it wasn't wrong.
"I suppose so," she agreed reluctantly.
The hat felt pleased atop her head as it belted out, "Ravenclaw!"
As the Hat was lifted from her head, Elspeth stood quickly, hurriedly walking over to the Ravenclaw table, where she sat on the first empty spot on the bench she could find. Despite her curiosity, and questioning of the hat, Ravenclaw would have been her first choice, anyway.
Sorting Ceremony
Juliette stood with the other first year students as the headmaster was welcoming them. Juliette looked around where older students were already at their respective tables. It was a little bit intimating to see the four tables. As her eyes wander to the wall and the ceiling, seeing the living portraits, the lit candles, she suddenly felt out of place. Everything was new, and a sense of excitement suddenly coursed through her veins.
As the headmaster introduced the Sorting Hat, her mind flooded with so many questions. As a Muggle-born, she had never been in the presence of such magical artefact and it was a little bit intimidated, especially when the sorting hart started to sing.
Juliette kept her eyes low, watching the other first-years get sorted one by one. Gryffindor cheers, Ravenclaw applause, Slytherin smirks. Seeing so many people in one place, the size of the Great Hall, everything was a little bit much for her. When her name was called, she stepped forward and sat on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head and everything felt surreal, an enchanted hat on her head that was about to sort her into one of the four houses? It was exciting her slightly intimidating. Everything was quiet when suddenly…
“Well now,” the Hat murmured in her ear, its voice like wind rustling through old pages. “What do we have here? A sharp mind, yes… curious, observant. You’d do well in Ravenclaw, no doubt.”
Juliette stayed quiet, the didn’t know how to react…
“Hmm… but there’s more. You’re not one for the spotlight, are you? Prefer quiet corners, books, and—ah! Horses? How quaint. You’ve a gentle soul, Juliette. Loyal, thoughtful. You read well… always trying to make others feel at ease.”
Juliette stayed quiet, her body slowly relaxing as she got used to the Sorting Hat being on her head.
“You’re shy at first, but once you trust someone, you shine like a summer meadow. You don’t seek glory, but you work hard, and you care deeply. That, my dear, is Hufflepuff through and through.” The Sorting Hat continued. And after a few seconds…
“HUFFLEPUFF!” the Hat bellowed.
The table in black and yellow erupted in cheers. Juliette slid off the stool, cheeks pink, and made her way to her new housemates. She smiled shyly as she sat down next to a first-year who just got sorted into Hufflepuff. She could already tell—these were her kind of people. She could tell these people would help her adjust to the wizarding world, and suddenly, she was excited to have her first meal at Hogwarts and start her journey into the wizarding world with her peers.
word count: 447
As the headmaster introduced the Sorting Hat, her mind flooded with so many questions. As a Muggle-born, she had never been in the presence of such magical artefact and it was a little bit intimidated, especially when the sorting hart started to sing.
Juliette kept her eyes low, watching the other first-years get sorted one by one. Gryffindor cheers, Ravenclaw applause, Slytherin smirks. Seeing so many people in one place, the size of the Great Hall, everything was a little bit much for her. When her name was called, she stepped forward and sat on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head and everything felt surreal, an enchanted hat on her head that was about to sort her into one of the four houses? It was exciting her slightly intimidating. Everything was quiet when suddenly…
“Well now,” the Hat murmured in her ear, its voice like wind rustling through old pages. “What do we have here? A sharp mind, yes… curious, observant. You’d do well in Ravenclaw, no doubt.”
Juliette stayed quiet, the didn’t know how to react…
“Hmm… but there’s more. You’re not one for the spotlight, are you? Prefer quiet corners, books, and—ah! Horses? How quaint. You’ve a gentle soul, Juliette. Loyal, thoughtful. You read well… always trying to make others feel at ease.”
Juliette stayed quiet, her body slowly relaxing as she got used to the Sorting Hat being on her head.
“You’re shy at first, but once you trust someone, you shine like a summer meadow. You don’t seek glory, but you work hard, and you care deeply. That, my dear, is Hufflepuff through and through.” The Sorting Hat continued. And after a few seconds…
“HUFFLEPUFF!” the Hat bellowed.
The table in black and yellow erupted in cheers. Juliette slid off the stool, cheeks pink, and made her way to her new housemates. She smiled shyly as she sat down next to a first-year who just got sorted into Hufflepuff. She could already tell—these were her kind of people. She could tell these people would help her adjust to the wizarding world, and suddenly, she was excited to have her first meal at Hogwarts and start her journey into the wizarding world with her peers.
word count: 447
Sorting Ceremony
Here he was. Hogwarts!
Dan had told him about the Great Hall, but no amount of description could prepare him for this. It was WAY bigger than he was expecting!
Older years were everywhere. And in four tables, just like Dan described. Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green. Brutus felt a twinge of nervousness. He and Dan had already had a conversation about houses.
Reducio
"I hope I get Slytherin, like you did! The rest of the houses sound dumb."
"Oi, they en't dumb, mate! They're just lesser. Not everyone can get into Slytherin, Brute. The ones that don't have the personality fer it go to other houses. An' don't let me be hearin' about ye makin' fun of them fer their misfortune, neither. 'S not their fault they don't have the mind fer it."
Dan had assured him there was no shame in not making Slytherin, but he really wanted to. He had heard so many cool things about Slytherin, he would HATE to miss out on them.
He listened as names were called, and children were sorted one after another.
"GRYFFINDOR!!"
"SLYTHERIN!!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!!"
"SLYTHERIN!!"
"RAVENCLAW!!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Until finally, he heard his own name.
Brutus walked up, and sat on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and Brutus tried to steady his breathing.
"Ahh, another Palmer. You however, are of a different mind. Far more sure of what you want than your cousin. A researcher of Muggles... But your true passion does not lie there... No, you know precisely what you want, and the lengths you would go to in order to get it. I know where you belong.
SLYTHERIN!!!"
Brutus could not contain his excitement, and hopped down almost before the hat could be removed. He ran to the Slytherin table, bare feet smacking, before he took a seat.
He was a Slytherin! Just like he had hoped!!
Dan speaking
Brutus speaking
Sorting Hat speaking
Sorting Ceremony
September 1st, 2025 |
After arriving at Hogsmeade station the first years were gathered to head to the boats. Ashrael wanted to get away but was herded like cattle to the boats. She got in one with another kid. It magically took off and slowly but surely made its way to the castle. She had to admit she was impressed. She loved seeing the lights of the castle from a distance as she sailed closer to it. Maybe she will stay for a little bit to see how things are done here. She thought to herself. When they docked they were ushered inside the castle. They were heading to what appeared to be the Great Hall of the castle. A tall man with a long gray beard and armor on had greeted them. Ashrael thought he looked quite strange and really didn’t know what to think. He seemed ok but to Ashrael he looked a bit ill as she stared into his dead blue eyes. She almost shivered or maybe she was feeling sorry for him. She wasn’t sure but listened as he spoke.
The doors of the Great Hall closed and the armored man went to the front of the room. Ashrael was looking around as she saw the four house tables with the students. She turned as the Headmaster introduced himself as Solomon Lear. The Headmaster told them about the tradition of being sorted and that the sorting hat was sentient. Right after the old brown witch hat started to speak. Ashrael looked amazed and curious on how it was talking. The Headmaster resumed speaking, explaining the sorting hat and the houses that are represented in the school, as well as house points earning toward the House cup to the house who got the most points. She could hear whispering around her as the students were nervous and eager to know what house they will belong in. The Headmaster took a scroll and opened it up. It was very long hitting the floor, while the sorting hat was placed on a stool.
The sorting hat started to do a little song about what each house represented. It was weird but interesting at the same time. Ash continued to listen until it was done. The students at the tables applauded at the end, then the names of the first years were being called. She watched as one by one each first year sat on a stool and the hat placed over their head. Sometimes the hat was fast to say what house they were in and other times it took awhile. She was getting a bit nervous and hoped she wouldn't get dizzy before she headed to the stool. That’s all she needed was to faint in front of the whole school. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes while she waited for her name to be called. She almost missed it but she heard her name ”Denmark, Ashrael”
She opened her eyes and right away started to feel dizzy and nauseous. She tried to calm herself down as she walked slowly to the stool. She could see all the students staring at her. She wanted to run as far away as she could. She didn’t want to be here. This isn’t fun at all. She thought when the sorting hat was placed on her head. She could barely see the hat covering her eyes because it was so big on her. She could hear the hat thinking going “Hmm I see hmm…ah ok.” Honestly she was starting to get annoyed at the hat. Although she didn’t know what house she would be in. She wondered if there was even a house for her. She couldn’t see herself fitting in anywhere. The sorting hat finally spoke after a good while of thinking. “You are brave and even resourceful. You are more difficult than most. But I see that you are quite clever and much wiser than you may think. So better be ……. RAVENCLAW!” The hat was taken off her head and Ashrael got up from the stool and headed to the Ravenclaw table.
A light in the darkness
Sorting Ceremony
| date: september 1, 2025 | @The Hat @whatever the headmaster's name is |
The congregation of first-years in the Entrance Hall was overwhelming. Cori swore she had never been in a crowd as packed as this one, not even in London, where her parents took her sparingly. She could clearly see that she was one of the shortest—no surprises there, unfortunately. Some were chatting with their neighbors, but Cori found that she had little words (yet), only nervous anticipation and excitement.
As she approached the doors into the Great Hall, she eyed the headmaster greeting them. Of course, her parents hadn’t been able to tell her much of anything about him, so this was her first impression of the headmaster. Cori suppressed a scowl as it became apparent that he absolutely towered over her and directed her attention to his other features. Curiously, he didn’t look completely well, but Cori wasn’t terribly bothered. Among the many novelties she had seen and would see tonight, this ranked low on her list of “very curious things.” She exchanged a polite smile with him as she passed, her attention already being pulled away by the brilliance beyond the open doors.
The first thing that hit her was the sheer noise. The chattering of hundreds of students was no small matter, and Cori swore she felt her ears shudder (she discreetly lifted a hand to them to make sure they didn’t accidentally change—phew, still normal human ears).
The second thing that greeted her was the ceiling. She had of course heard about it from her parents (she had cracked open Hogwarts, A History, read two pages, and quit), but no description could’ve prepared her for the wonder of the real thing.
Cori had always been rather taken with the sky; she had spent many a night sitting in the garden or laying on a picnic blanket, just gazing up at the stars. Nature always had a way of communing with her in a way nothing else could, and those nights were some of the few where her mind, body, and magic could just settle. Nothing but her soul and the sky, her body a distant but comforting thing, her magic offered to the world around her.
This, though—this was something she had never seen, could never have dreamed of. It was the night sky, yes, the same familiar one she had fallen asleep under, only slightly different in the Scottish highlands, but it was housed within a grand, towering hall. Not housed—it seemed the other way around to Cori, like the Great Hall opened up to the sky, like it welcomed it in just like she did. I belong here.
It took effort to drag her eyes away from the ceiling, where she had been staring with her mouth slightly ajar. The hall had hushed into silence save for the soft footfall of the headmaster. Cori noted his slight limp, which wasn’t quite as curious as his pallor—an ex-Auror, perhaps? She had to admit that she tuned out most of his speech after the first few words; she did in fact know everything he was communicating, thank you very much.
It was only when he pulled out the list of names that Cori’s eyes unglazed. Scrutinizing the scroll, she figured anyone who tried to walk by even remotely close to the headmaster—what was his name again? Larry or Lair or something—would trip over that ungodly length of parchment. As the Sorting Hat began its annual serenade, Cori figured this would be the most interesting thing for a while (she was after all sure to be toward the bottom of that list of first-years) and made an effort to pay attention.
“Of whose?” That doesn’t really sound grammatically correct… but I guess no one’s going to be policing it on its grammar.
Even as she listened to the Hat’s descriptions of the houses, Cori had little clue where she would “belong.” Maybe in Slytherin, like her mum, or Ravenclaw, like her dad. Possibly in Hufflepuff, although she wasn’t very just, and she definitely wasn’t patient. Perhaps even in Gryffindor, although she doubted it; she wasn’t particularly brave, and the Gryffindors in her parents’ stories had always seemed brash and reckless to her (although her mum always tried not to instill any house bias in her).
Everyone that underwent the sorting seemed to have a unique experience. Some took a long time, others barely a second. Some spoke, and others remained silent—whether by choice or not, Cori had no way of knowing. The Hat itself was more animated than she had expected; she liked that. At first, she stood at attention, examining each first-year’s face and clapping politely at each announcement of their house. However, as the minutes ticked by, her eyes slid toward perusing the hall instead, clapping appropriately as if on autopilot. She took in the long tables, the incredible diversity of students, the moving portraits, the hovering candles. But by the time Headmaster Leer—she was pretty sure; or was it Lear?—had reached the S’s, Cori barely had the motivation to clap anymore, and she had grown tired of the hall, the waiting, the standing, the Hat’s long pauses, everything.
It seemed a miracle when the headmaster finally called out her name.
Cori darted forward quickly; the sight of the tiny girl dashing up with a spring in her step might have been funny if there hadn’t been dozens of kids who had gone before her already. She had to hop onto the stool; her feet dangled as she waited impatiently for the professor to place the old Hat on her head.
The Hat was so wide—or perhaps her head was so small—that it flopped over her eyes, plunging her into a semi-darkness, only flickers of the Great Hall’s light seeping in from below. Now her impatience faded, replaced by her curiosity from earlier as she waited for the Hat to speak.
“Hmm, intellect enough for Ravenclaw, and lots of wit and creativity in you too—you don’t really seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge, though, do you?”
Cori was a little offended by that. I do sometimes!
The Hat let out a low chuckle. “True as that may be, I think you’ll find something much more valuable elsewhere. Yes… you’ll find your best home in– HUFFLEPUFF!”
She almost jumped at the Hat’s sudden burst of sound and the subsequent explosion of applause as the Hufflepuff table cheered for their newest member. Instead, her body moved as if by its own accord, hopping down from the too-tall stool, lifting the Hat carefully from her hand, and handing it back to the professor before dashing off to the Hufflepuff table. Cori barely noticed as her robes shimmered into lively yellow trimmings. Her sorting was unexpected—not altogether unpleasant, but simply unexpected. She would have a lot to think about tonight… or maybe tomorrow. With the adrenaline of waiting and anxiety of her conversation with the Hat over, she found that her energy was quickly fleeing from her.
“Home.”
Reducio
TLDR: Cori takes in everything; it's a lot. She thinks the headmaster is kind of weird. She has a brief convo with the Hat, wherein it considers her for Ravenclaw but ultimately decides on Hufflepuff. This sorting is unexpected but not unpleasant for her.
| word count: 1160 | hex code: #3c236d |
Last edited by Corinna Starling on 5 Aug 2025, 14:58, edited 1 time in total.
| finding my sistine chapel ceiling | ☆ metamorphmagus ☆ |
| ★ ency • repository ★ | sta: 4 • eva: 7 • str: 3 • wis: 6 • arc: 5 • acc: 5 |
Sorting Ceremony
Leave it to Emilie to almost fall out of the boat as she leaned over trying to see the squid her cousins had told her lived in the lake. She didn't know if she believed them, but she had to try and see for herself.September 1st, 2025
As the group of first years shuffled into the Great Hall, Emilie watched as the wizard in armor greeted students. As she walked past, she gave him a small wave and nearly tripped on her feet. Focusing on the path ahead, she could feel the excitement and nervousness radiating from the students. She felt worried. Her cousin Rogue had told her about a student who sat on the stool, put on the hat, only for it to shout, 'LIAR.' According to Rogue, they had dragged off the student and thrown them into the lake for the squid to eat. 'Not me', Emilie chanted in her head. There was no way her father wouldn't put up a stink if she went missing on what was to be her first day, right?
Various students were called up, 'GRYFFINDOR... RAVENCLAW'. She took a deep breath as the waiting pool of students dwindled. What if they forgot her name? 'Emilie Towers'. She almost yelped as the Headmaster called her forward. 'No running now,' she thought as she walked what felt like a mile to the hat. She had to do a little hop to get on the chair, and the hat covered her view of the rest of the student body.
'I remember your grandmother, vicious little thing when riled up, but loyal to no end. Gryffindor was a good fit for her.'
'Oh hello'
'A heart like your mother, very Hufflepuff''
'That mischievous spirit could get you in trouble, but that mind will find you out again. Yes, I see it now, a mind that craves to know more, an urge to learn everything. Yes, the only true choice is...'
'RAVENCLAW'
STA4 │ EVA 4 │ STR 2 │ WIS 7 │ ARC 7 │ ACC 6
Speech | Thoughts
Sorting Ceremony
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The trip from the boat up to the great hall was already an amazing sight for Katelyn. Long, grand corridors that felt like they'd been there for hundreds of years. Pictures on the wall that moved and talked, staircases that moved all on their own. Not to mention the various ghosts that wandered around, one nearly scaring the crap out of her when it popped up out of nowhere.
Now, the large group of first years stood before a pair of large wooden doors. She could hear the chatter of other students in the Great Hall. Katelyn's heart pounded in her chest as the doors creaked open, the sight greeting her, easily stealing her breath away. Four long tables stretched the length of the room, filled with students in black robes, their house crests stitched proudly onto their robes. Above them, thousands of floating candles bobbed gently in the air, casting flickering candlelight throughout the Great Hall. Above them, the enchanted ceiling was charmed to mirror the dusky twilight sky outside. The stars above were beginning to twinkle, distant and calm, while inside, the Great Hall buzzed with excitement. It was amazing, all of it was. Katelyn imagined this moment a hundred times on her journey here and now that it was happening...she was both excited and utterly terrified about what was going to happen. The students shuffled forward to the front, where the Sorting Hat was held up by one of the professors. One by one, students were called up to be sorted.
"What if I don’t belong here? What if I mess up? What if I’m the only one not sorted? Katelyn's mind raced with all the possible worst scenarios her mind could think of. She gripped the sleeves of her robes hard, her knuckles white at this point. One by one, the names were called. The Sorting Hat's voice rang through the hall—sometimes loud and triumphant, sometimes contemplative. Katelyn’s name loomed closer with each student sorted. Her stomach twisted in knots.
And then finally: "Katelyn Magnolia!"
Then she froze in place, her heart dropping into her stomach. "Oh god...this is it." Katelyn didn't move for a few moments before Pyce gave her a gentle nudge forward. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she hesitantly stepped forward. Taking her seat on the stool, the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. She could feel hundreds of eyes on her, the pressure she felt forcing her eyes down to the ground. The Sorting Hat let out a murmur as it thought. "Hmm... It seemed the Sorting Hat was taking its time to decide on a house for her. "Ah… a quiet one, you fear not fitting in. But thoughtful. Loyal. Kind-hearted. And more courage than you think, though not the loud, flashy kind. You’re not here to prove yourself. You’re here to find a place to belong. You’re looking for a place where kindness matters, where loyalty is prized above ambition. Somewhere steady and warm. I see it now, better be…"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The word echoed through the hall. Katelyn felt the Hat lift from her head, and for a second, she just sat there, stunned. There was applause, far louder than she expected. Then the table on the far right, draped in yellow and black, burst into cheers. The cheering pulled her out of her stunned silence as she slipped off the stool. Surprised her legs are still working, she managed a small, uncertain smile as she made her way to her new house table. The anxiety and uncertainty in her chest finally eased up as she felt welcomed and accepted into her new house.
Maybe, just maybe…she was going to be okay. Maybe everything will be okay after all.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
Sorting Ceremony
He still didn’t understand all of this. He didn’t want to be here, with these stupid, restrictive, boring clothes and these strange wizards who were so isolated from reality here in their weird ancient castle. No technology, none of his friends, no way to leave when he wanted — this place felt like it was going to be a prison. Were they still stuck in the 1700s? All of this was ridiculous and he kind of resented his dad for allowing him to be subjected to this shit.
Arms folded, he glanced around the room critically. Many of the other first years in the line with him seemed so in awe and excited and he didn’t understand why. He just wanted to leave — to go home, back to his mates, back to his city — and never return to this place, forgetting about it forever. He was still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that his mother went here, though. Being closer to her and possibly finding out more about her world and life were the only possible good outcomes of this that he could see.
He was barely listening to anything going on around him, although the headmaster did make it kind of hard to not pay attention. Every now and then, a phrase would stick out for Silas, the first being “the Sorting Hat will look into your heart and mind”. Wasn’t that a bit creepy…? He didn’t want some old, manky hat poking around in there. And what was it to determine? His “values” that fit some category dividing all the students? Well, good luck to that hat, he supposed.
“Your future house shall be like a second family.” He scoffed. He neither needed nor wanted a “second family”; his own was bad enough already. And just when he thought this place couldn’t get any weirder, the hat started singing. Silas’s eyebrows raised. God, what a fucking insane introduction to a school. Did wizards genuinely think this was normal?? He began paying slightly more attention when the hat sang about the characteristics of the houses. So what was this, the wizarding equivalent of some BuzzFeed personality quiz? None of the options really sounded like him, making him wonder where he would end up.
After what felt like days of waiting, Silas’s name was finally called and he looked up, feeling the first small tinge of nervousness since being here before he quickly shook it off. Don’t be stupid, none of this really matters. Taking a seat in front of the whole school was… interesting. He had the urge to do something — make a joke, cause problems, utilise the brief moment in the spotlight while the staff would be somewhat hard-pressed to intervene — but, for once, he ended up holding his tongue. The ceremony had been going on for a long time by now, anyway, so there weren’t that many people still paying attention out of the crowd of students in front of him.
The hat was placed on his head. It felt comically large with its wide rim and he had to push it backwards slightly to see out around it. What was he supposed to do now? The idea that a stupid hat could actually see into his heart was ridiculous. And yet…
“What have we here?”
Can we agree to make this quick? I’m already so fucking bored, this ceremony has been dragging on foreeeeever…
“Come, now, child, patience is a virtue.”
Not one I’d like to recognise, but sure, whatever you say, o’ magic hat.
“Not Hufflepuff, then, eh? Besides, you’re hardly loyal, just, or hardworking.”
Cool, whatever, fuck off.
“There’s no need to be rude.”
Then just hurry the fuck up so we both won’t have to listen to each other anymore.
“Hmmm… well, definitely not Ravenclaw.”
Sounded like a bunch of fucking swots anyway.
“Brave, maybe — more like foolish — more prideful than is justified, and you certainly have some nerve, but you’re far from chivalrous.”
Are you finished fucking insulting me? Can you just pick a damn house so we can be done with this? Please???
“You look out for yourself first — you’d betray whoever you needed to in order to save yourself or get what you want. Perhaps you do have a subtle sort of cunning — deceptive, cleverer than you seem. You have an unquenchable thirst for more, never satisfied. Do learn how to apply yourself; you could be great someday. Yes, I think it must be… SLYTHERIN.”
Silas was frowning slightly when the hat was removed. Standing up, he rolled his eyes and made his way to the correct table. It could have been nice to have been in the other house, Gryffindor, with the girls from the train, but he didn’t care that much. He was sure all the houses would be pretty much equally bad, simply because they were in this stupid school. He just had to survive until he could convince his dad to pull him out…
Arms folded, he glanced around the room critically. Many of the other first years in the line with him seemed so in awe and excited and he didn’t understand why. He just wanted to leave — to go home, back to his mates, back to his city — and never return to this place, forgetting about it forever. He was still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that his mother went here, though. Being closer to her and possibly finding out more about her world and life were the only possible good outcomes of this that he could see.
He was barely listening to anything going on around him, although the headmaster did make it kind of hard to not pay attention. Every now and then, a phrase would stick out for Silas, the first being “the Sorting Hat will look into your heart and mind”. Wasn’t that a bit creepy…? He didn’t want some old, manky hat poking around in there. And what was it to determine? His “values” that fit some category dividing all the students? Well, good luck to that hat, he supposed.
“Your future house shall be like a second family.” He scoffed. He neither needed nor wanted a “second family”; his own was bad enough already. And just when he thought this place couldn’t get any weirder, the hat started singing. Silas’s eyebrows raised. God, what a fucking insane introduction to a school. Did wizards genuinely think this was normal?? He began paying slightly more attention when the hat sang about the characteristics of the houses. So what was this, the wizarding equivalent of some BuzzFeed personality quiz? None of the options really sounded like him, making him wonder where he would end up.
After what felt like days of waiting, Silas’s name was finally called and he looked up, feeling the first small tinge of nervousness since being here before he quickly shook it off. Don’t be stupid, none of this really matters. Taking a seat in front of the whole school was… interesting. He had the urge to do something — make a joke, cause problems, utilise the brief moment in the spotlight while the staff would be somewhat hard-pressed to intervene — but, for once, he ended up holding his tongue. The ceremony had been going on for a long time by now, anyway, so there weren’t that many people still paying attention out of the crowd of students in front of him.
The hat was placed on his head. It felt comically large with its wide rim and he had to push it backwards slightly to see out around it. What was he supposed to do now? The idea that a stupid hat could actually see into his heart was ridiculous. And yet…
“What have we here?”
Can we agree to make this quick? I’m already so fucking bored, this ceremony has been dragging on foreeeeever…
“Come, now, child, patience is a virtue.”
Not one I’d like to recognise, but sure, whatever you say, o’ magic hat.
“Not Hufflepuff, then, eh? Besides, you’re hardly loyal, just, or hardworking.”
Cool, whatever, fuck off.
“There’s no need to be rude.”
Then just hurry the fuck up so we both won’t have to listen to each other anymore.
“Hmmm… well, definitely not Ravenclaw.”
Sounded like a bunch of fucking swots anyway.
“Brave, maybe — more like foolish — more prideful than is justified, and you certainly have some nerve, but you’re far from chivalrous.”
Are you finished fucking insulting me? Can you just pick a damn house so we can be done with this? Please???
“You look out for yourself first — you’d betray whoever you needed to in order to save yourself or get what you want. Perhaps you do have a subtle sort of cunning — deceptive, cleverer than you seem. You have an unquenchable thirst for more, never satisfied. Do learn how to apply yourself; you could be great someday. Yes, I think it must be… SLYTHERIN.”
Silas was frowning slightly when the hat was removed. Standing up, he rolled his eyes and made his way to the correct table. It could have been nice to have been in the other house, Gryffindor, with the girls from the train, but he didn’t care that much. He was sure all the houses would be pretty much equally bad, simply because they were in this stupid school. He just had to survive until he could convince his dad to pull him out…
Second student character of Ruby Cazares | Staff account: Taros Quintero | iNPC: Valeriy Viktorovna Reznikov
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Sorting Ceremony
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
Monday 1st September 2025
Evening
Elspeth was a bundle of nerves, an unfamiliar state for someone who was usually more brazen than bashful, more cool than cautious. Even on the little boats that carried the first-years across the black, glassy lake, she’d been fidgeting with her sleeves, mind looping through all the ways this could go wrong.
This was it, the Sorting Ceremony.
If that damned Hat weighed her family name too heavily, she’d be sent straight into the House that had claimed every Foxglow for generations. The thought made her stomach knot. She wanted Slytherin, oh how she wanted Slytherin, but she’d settle for Ravenclaw. Scrolling through the rolodex, Gryffindor? She scoffed inwardly. She couldn’t see a single one of their traits in herself, aside from the occasional lapse into misplaced courage.
One by one, names were called. First-years shuffled forward like sheep to be counted, the Hat announcing each house in its booming voice. Friends she’d met on the train were scattered to every corner of the Great Hall, vanishing beneath the enchanted ceiling’s night sky.
Finally:
"Foxglow, Elspeth."
A ripple of glances passed between the other first-years, trying to match the name to the girl. Elspeth stepped out from the cluster with careful calm, crossing the stone floor toward the waiting stool. The seat felt deliberately uncomfortable, whether by design or simply from the weight of a thousand anxious children who’d sat there before her, she couldn’t tell.
The Sorting Hat was lowered onto her head
“Ah. A Foxglow.” The voice bloomed in her mind, rich and knowing. “And not just any Foxglow—Hufflepuff stock, through and through. Your grandmother’s scarf is practically still warm on your neck.”
Not if I can help it, Elspeth thought sharply.
The Hat chuckled. “Oh, I see. You’d turn away from loyalty, from patience, fro-”
From boredom, she cut in.
That earned her a sound halfway between amusement and a scoff of indignance. “Boredom? You insult the badgers, girl. Many great witches and wizards have worn yellow and black. Steady hands, true hearts, those who’ve changed the world for the better, without lofty ambition for blazing grandeur and glory.”
I’m not steady. I’m not selfless. I’m… She hesitated.
“Cunning.” It peered down at her.
And I’m clever enough to know I’d do better where I can use it.
“Ah, there it is,” the Hat murmured. “You’ve a keen mind, that cruel talent for persuasion, and the nerve to bend rules if and when it suits you. We know exactly which house would make use of that.”
Then put me there.
“Hmmm… you’d do well in Ravenclaw, too, and yes, you’d survive Hufflepuff,perhaps even thrive.”
No… She pleaded.
The Hat chuckled again, low and approving. “So very certain. Well, then… better be~”
The Great Hall erupted into cheers from the table draped in green and silver.
Elspeth pulled the Hat from her head and set it down, feeling an unexpected jolt in her chest, a cold spike of fear. She’d done it. She’d broken the family pattern. What would her parents say? What about cousin Tod? Would they still see her the same way? Would they let her get away with the same quiet schemes, or would they start watching her more closely now?
She crossed to the Slytherin table under the usual fanfare, her grin firmly in place. But inside, she was already bracing for the owl she knew would arrive soon. At least she could send that ugly yellow scarf straight back home with her reply.
Monday 1st September 2025
Evening
Elspeth was a bundle of nerves, an unfamiliar state for someone who was usually more brazen than bashful, more cool than cautious. Even on the little boats that carried the first-years across the black, glassy lake, she’d been fidgeting with her sleeves, mind looping through all the ways this could go wrong.
This was it, the Sorting Ceremony.
If that damned Hat weighed her family name too heavily, she’d be sent straight into the House that had claimed every Foxglow for generations. The thought made her stomach knot. She wanted Slytherin, oh how she wanted Slytherin, but she’d settle for Ravenclaw. Scrolling through the rolodex, Gryffindor? She scoffed inwardly. She couldn’t see a single one of their traits in herself, aside from the occasional lapse into misplaced courage.
One by one, names were called. First-years shuffled forward like sheep to be counted, the Hat announcing each house in its booming voice. Friends she’d met on the train were scattered to every corner of the Great Hall, vanishing beneath the enchanted ceiling’s night sky.
Finally:
"Foxglow, Elspeth."
A ripple of glances passed between the other first-years, trying to match the name to the girl. Elspeth stepped out from the cluster with careful calm, crossing the stone floor toward the waiting stool. The seat felt deliberately uncomfortable, whether by design or simply from the weight of a thousand anxious children who’d sat there before her, she couldn’t tell.
The Sorting Hat was lowered onto her head
“Ah. A Foxglow.” The voice bloomed in her mind, rich and knowing. “And not just any Foxglow—Hufflepuff stock, through and through. Your grandmother’s scarf is practically still warm on your neck.”
Not if I can help it, Elspeth thought sharply.
The Hat chuckled. “Oh, I see. You’d turn away from loyalty, from patience, fro-”
From boredom, she cut in.
That earned her a sound halfway between amusement and a scoff of indignance. “Boredom? You insult the badgers, girl. Many great witches and wizards have worn yellow and black. Steady hands, true hearts, those who’ve changed the world for the better, without lofty ambition for blazing grandeur and glory.”
I’m not steady. I’m not selfless. I’m… She hesitated.
“Cunning.” It peered down at her.
And I’m clever enough to know I’d do better where I can use it.
“Ah, there it is,” the Hat murmured. “You’ve a keen mind, that cruel talent for persuasion, and the nerve to bend rules if and when it suits you. We know exactly which house would make use of that.”
Then put me there.
“Hmmm… you’d do well in Ravenclaw, too, and yes, you’d survive Hufflepuff,perhaps even thrive.”
No… She pleaded.
The Hat chuckled again, low and approving. “So very certain. Well, then… better be~”
"SLYTHERIN!"
The Great Hall erupted into cheers from the table draped in green and silver.
Elspeth pulled the Hat from her head and set it down, feeling an unexpected jolt in her chest, a cold spike of fear. She’d done it. She’d broken the family pattern. What would her parents say? What about cousin Tod? Would they still see her the same way? Would they let her get away with the same quiet schemes, or would they start watching her more closely now?
She crossed to the Slytherin table under the usual fanfare, her grin firmly in place. But inside, she was already bracing for the owl she knew would arrive soon. At least she could send that ugly yellow scarf straight back home with her reply.