Sorting Ceremony
The train ride to Hogwarts was not unpleasant, although Eris did find it a bit nerve wracking. She had slipped quietly into a random compartment, smiling shyly at the other students who were inside.
Throughout the journey, she had remained quiet, listening to the other new students exchange stories and mentally noted all the things they had discussed about Hogwarts.
She couldn’t believe it quite yet. To think that all the stories her mother told her were real and she was on her way to the magic school she dreamed of every night. It was surreal and she found it hard to remain calm. She had lied to herself on the platform when she said she wouldn’t be surprised.
When they finally arrived, having to use boats to get to the castle, Eris could only stare in total shock at the ancient and regal-looking structure in front of her.
Quickly, before she could get over her awe, the teachers ushered all the students into a massive hall and Eris studied the room, her shock increasing. It was impressively huge and she spotted the house tables stretched out across it, each one bustling with action.
They took their seats at a table and the headmaster began his speech.
She fidgeted with her hands nervously, trying to pay attention to what he said. She couldn’t help the stream of nervous thoughts racing in her head. I can’t believe this is happening, oh my gosh. I don’t know anything about Hogwarts, what shall I do? What house will I be sorted in? Did mother feel this nervous when she was sorted?
She felt the knot of worry twist more and more as the sorting began.
Finally, when her name was called out, she walked up to the professor who held the hat. She sat down and felt the sorting hat being placed over her, its massive size blocking out the others from her view. Which is just as well, she thought to herself.
Her mind was a nervous mess and she barely registered it as she heard the hat over her announce, “Ravenclaw!”
She took the hat off, feeling a strange sense of relief as she made her way over to the cheering Ravenclaw table.
She didn’t mind being sorted into the house people knew as intellectual and witty. And anyways, blue is my favourite colour, she thought, smiling lightly at the others.
She turned around to look at the other new students being sorted, a surge of excitement and curiosity filling her.
This actually might not be too bad….. she thought, glancing around the hall, still feeling a little out of place.
Her eyes settled on her seniors, whom she found quite intimidating, with their mature looks and serious expressions. When they all smiled kindly at her, most of her worries began to ebb away.
Yeah, mother was right….I’m going to fit in- sooner or later. she decided eventually and turned back to watch the rest of the ceremony unfold, wondering how much longer before the feast would begin.
Throughout the journey, she had remained quiet, listening to the other new students exchange stories and mentally noted all the things they had discussed about Hogwarts.
She couldn’t believe it quite yet. To think that all the stories her mother told her were real and she was on her way to the magic school she dreamed of every night. It was surreal and she found it hard to remain calm. She had lied to herself on the platform when she said she wouldn’t be surprised.
When they finally arrived, having to use boats to get to the castle, Eris could only stare in total shock at the ancient and regal-looking structure in front of her.
Quickly, before she could get over her awe, the teachers ushered all the students into a massive hall and Eris studied the room, her shock increasing. It was impressively huge and she spotted the house tables stretched out across it, each one bustling with action.
They took their seats at a table and the headmaster began his speech.
She fidgeted with her hands nervously, trying to pay attention to what he said. She couldn’t help the stream of nervous thoughts racing in her head. I can’t believe this is happening, oh my gosh. I don’t know anything about Hogwarts, what shall I do? What house will I be sorted in? Did mother feel this nervous when she was sorted?
She felt the knot of worry twist more and more as the sorting began.
Finally, when her name was called out, she walked up to the professor who held the hat. She sat down and felt the sorting hat being placed over her, its massive size blocking out the others from her view. Which is just as well, she thought to herself.
Her mind was a nervous mess and she barely registered it as she heard the hat over her announce, “Ravenclaw!”
She took the hat off, feeling a strange sense of relief as she made her way over to the cheering Ravenclaw table.
She didn’t mind being sorted into the house people knew as intellectual and witty. And anyways, blue is my favourite colour, she thought, smiling lightly at the others.
She turned around to look at the other new students being sorted, a surge of excitement and curiosity filling her.
This actually might not be too bad….. she thought, glancing around the hall, still feeling a little out of place.
Her eyes settled on her seniors, whom she found quite intimidating, with their mature looks and serious expressions. When they all smiled kindly at her, most of her worries began to ebb away.
Yeah, mother was right….I’m going to fit in- sooner or later. she decided eventually and turned back to watch the rest of the ceremony unfold, wondering how much longer before the feast would begin.
Sorting Ceremony
Campion entered the Great Hall in the puddle of nervous first years, though all nervous chatter fell silent as soon as the Headmaster began to speak. Campion listened to the speech, finding the description of the Sorting Ceremony to be thoroughly less intimidating than his older brother, Basil, had suggested. He did not, in fact, have to fight a troll to be sorted.
There were several friendly faces in the crowd already seated at the tables. The faces of his older brother and sisters smiled at him, spare Basil's teasing faces at times. All of them watched the Sorting Ceremony with appropriate attention until finally, finally Campion's name was called.
It seemed an awfully long walk up to the stool, where Campion took his seat facing the crowd. He eyed the tables anxiously, wondering what house he might belong to. He had siblings in every house but Slytherin, and hadn't heard good things, necessarily... Then again, several of his siblings were in Gryffindor, and Basil had a tendency to dramatize things.
The hat was placed upon his head, whereupon it began to speak, much to Campion's surprise.
"Well, well, well," it said. "Another of your family. How many is that now?"
Campion couldn't tell if that was rhetorical, but replied nonetheless. "I'm the seventh," he said.
"Ah, yes. You have siblings in three houses, I recall."
Campion looked around him at the three tables holding his siblings. He wasn't entirely sure which one he wanted to be in. Poppy was the nicest of his siblings: Maybe he wouldn't mind being in Hufflepuff with her.
It didn't take long for the Sorting Hat to finish shuffling through Campion's head.
Campion grinned as he took off the Hat and placed it back on the stool. He rushed down to his table, where he sat safely next to Poppy and her friends, ready to dig into a hearty feast.
WC: 317
There were several friendly faces in the crowd already seated at the tables. The faces of his older brother and sisters smiled at him, spare Basil's teasing faces at times. All of them watched the Sorting Ceremony with appropriate attention until finally, finally Campion's name was called.
It seemed an awfully long walk up to the stool, where Campion took his seat facing the crowd. He eyed the tables anxiously, wondering what house he might belong to. He had siblings in every house but Slytherin, and hadn't heard good things, necessarily... Then again, several of his siblings were in Gryffindor, and Basil had a tendency to dramatize things.
The hat was placed upon his head, whereupon it began to speak, much to Campion's surprise.
"Well, well, well," it said. "Another of your family. How many is that now?"
Campion couldn't tell if that was rhetorical, but replied nonetheless. "I'm the seventh," he said.
"Ah, yes. You have siblings in three houses, I recall."
Campion looked around him at the three tables holding his siblings. He wasn't entirely sure which one he wanted to be in. Poppy was the nicest of his siblings: Maybe he wouldn't mind being in Hufflepuff with her.
It didn't take long for the Sorting Hat to finish shuffling through Campion's head.
HUFFLEPUFF!
Campion grinned as he took off the Hat and placed it back on the stool. He rushed down to his table, where he sat safely next to Poppy and her friends, ready to dig into a hearty feast.
WC: 317
Last edited by Campion Taylor on 19 Apr 2026, 02:38, edited 1 time in total.
"I'll gently rise and softly call: 'Goodnight and joy be to you all!'"
| STAMINA: 7 - EVASION: 5 - STRENGTH: 8 - WISDOM: 6 - ARCANE: 4 - ACCURACY: 5 | |
Sorting Ceremony
Eban felt oddly well when he sat down on the train when it left nine and three quarters, and seeing his parents wave goodbye, he waved goodbye back. He found more new first years and ended up talking with them. They talked about what they expected when they arrived at Hogwarts, and what classes they were more excited about than others. For Eban he was more excited about potion class than any other classes. They ended up also talking about which house they hoped to end up in. ”to be honest, I hope I end up in Slytherin as my parents did. But they told me that they don’t mind if I end up in any other house. As they said, the sorting ceremony is never wrong. So I hope they are right about that.”He said calmly to one of the students there. They changed into the school uniforms, it wasn’t long before they ended up at the train station.
He just followed the stream of people before we ended up in boats for the first years that he didn’t expect at all, but he felt so excited to get to Hogwarts ground to see how huge the school was. He could already see it in the distance with the light flickering in the windows at night, and how beautiful it was. So he couldn't wait to get in the great hall where the sorting ceremony was held, but first all the first years got taken to a different location to get information and had to wait for a bit before getting to the great hall. But he didn’t mind at all, he could look around in the room and talk with the others. But he got interrupted to follow a teacher to the great hall.
They ended up two and two together in a line through the great hall and ended up in front in a half moon circle where a hat on a stool stands. After everyone got the information on how things worked, the hat just started singing, now he zoned out a bit, it was too much to look at in the room, and so many students. After so many students got their name spoken up, it was his turn to get on that stool. He said quietly to himself, please be slytherin, please be slytherin. He sat down, and got the hat on while saying in his mind that he wanted to be in Slytherin. The hat said in his mind “Slytherin ey? you could easily fit in there yes, but that isn’t right for you is it?” He asked and continued “you looking way up to your parents yes, I can tell. But that’s a good thing. But I also can tell that you are caring, want the best for others. You have respect for other people and their boundaries. But I can tell you have some traits being in Slytherin. . . . . Hmmm, oh I know now!! ” he was oddly surprised that the hat was so knowledgeable, he was right tho, he looked way too much to his parents that he didn’t think about himself at this point, and now he can. But he was so surprised that he could tell so much about him.
Finally the hat was finished pondering and called Eban out in his mind, Eban got a bit impatient sitting in that stool now, the hat shouted out “Better be Hufflepuff” Now the hat was finally off him, he wobbled his way to Hufflepuff table, the strange feeling that it was a right fit to be in the end. But he would be glad that his parents wouldn't be mad at him for ending up in a different house than what they were. But now he was so hungry that his stomach roared loudly when the food finally came to the table. But now he couldn’t decide where to start on the food, so he took a bit of everything. but not too much, he knew it would poop up desert later on.
And that was that, the night ended with getting to the common room for information before bed, even so he would probably forget some of the information later on. But then he could easily ask more questions afterwards.
WC: 715
He just followed the stream of people before we ended up in boats for the first years that he didn’t expect at all, but he felt so excited to get to Hogwarts ground to see how huge the school was. He could already see it in the distance with the light flickering in the windows at night, and how beautiful it was. So he couldn't wait to get in the great hall where the sorting ceremony was held, but first all the first years got taken to a different location to get information and had to wait for a bit before getting to the great hall. But he didn’t mind at all, he could look around in the room and talk with the others. But he got interrupted to follow a teacher to the great hall.
They ended up two and two together in a line through the great hall and ended up in front in a half moon circle where a hat on a stool stands. After everyone got the information on how things worked, the hat just started singing, now he zoned out a bit, it was too much to look at in the room, and so many students. After so many students got their name spoken up, it was his turn to get on that stool. He said quietly to himself, please be slytherin, please be slytherin. He sat down, and got the hat on while saying in his mind that he wanted to be in Slytherin. The hat said in his mind “Slytherin ey? you could easily fit in there yes, but that isn’t right for you is it?” He asked and continued “you looking way up to your parents yes, I can tell. But that’s a good thing. But I also can tell that you are caring, want the best for others. You have respect for other people and their boundaries. But I can tell you have some traits being in Slytherin. . . . . Hmmm, oh I know now!! ” he was oddly surprised that the hat was so knowledgeable, he was right tho, he looked way too much to his parents that he didn’t think about himself at this point, and now he can. But he was so surprised that he could tell so much about him.
Finally the hat was finished pondering and called Eban out in his mind, Eban got a bit impatient sitting in that stool now, the hat shouted out “Better be Hufflepuff” Now the hat was finally off him, he wobbled his way to Hufflepuff table, the strange feeling that it was a right fit to be in the end. But he would be glad that his parents wouldn't be mad at him for ending up in a different house than what they were. But now he was so hungry that his stomach roared loudly when the food finally came to the table. But now he couldn’t decide where to start on the food, so he took a bit of everything. but not too much, he knew it would poop up desert later on.
And that was that, the night ended with getting to the common room for information before bed, even so he would probably forget some of the information later on. But then he could easily ask more questions afterwards.
WC: 715
Should I? Purhapse. Will I? Nooo, Do I enjoy being difficult? Mooost deffently!
"I just want to live, is that so wrong? Why doesn't anybody else want that?"
Sorting Ceremony
Speech: #004d00Nerves shooting through her body, Demitria tried to pay attention to what the headmaster was saying. She glanced around at all the people around her, the scared and excited first years, the professors, and the older students at the tables. She schooled her expression to one of boredom, feeling anything but. Her new black robes felt like they were suffocating her. No matter what she was feeling, she had to keep herself under control. There were so many people watching, and the responsibility of making her family look good fell solely to her in this moment. She couldn't let herself go. She tipped her chin a little higher and carefully surveyed the room once more, looking dignified if not haughty to any onlookers.
Finally, the headmaster finished his speech and the sorting began. One by one, the first years sat down and the hat was placed upon their heads. Demi observed keenly. For some, it took a matter of moments, for others, it took quite a long time. I dearly hope it doesn't take too long for me, she thought. She swallowed her throat, which felt quite dry, and eyed the four tables again. Very soon she would be seated at one of those four very tables. But which one, was the question. She all but knew she wouldn't be sorted into Hufflepuff. But if there was in some way a mistake... Demitria didn't know if she would be able to handle the shame. Hufflepuff was the house for misfits, soft muggle-lovers. She didn't belong there. Gryffindor honestly wouldn't be much better, she decided. Full of rowdy dumb freaks who also accepted misfits. Demi didn't mind if she was a Slytherin or a Ravenclaw, either of the two would suit her just fine, she thought. Slytherin would obviously be preferred slightly, as it was the most superior house, and if she was one, she would be in the company of many high-society purebloods.
Her name was called loudly, and having been lost in her thoughts, she startled, then stepped forward, careful not to walk too fast lest she look desperate. She sat down on the stool and blink coolly as the hat was placed over top of her head. Her heart beat very fast. Hmm, interesting... she closed her eyes as she heard the voice. It must be the hat itself talking to her. I sense a great deal of determination and daring in you, but you seem to have strong opinions about Gryffindors, hmm? Demi shuffled a bit. Not Hufflepuff, she pleaded silently. Not Hufflepuff, eh? You seem quite intelligent, perhaps Ravenclaw. Demi breathed out in relief. But then... the hat paused. I sense a sliver of darkness within. An ache... something else... cunning, I'll say that much. Well, better be... "SLYTHERIN!" Demitria opened her eyes as the Slytherin table burst into applause. She stood up after the hat was removed, trying to hold back her smile, but she couldn't. She was simply so relieved. Taking her first steps as a Slytherin, Demi made her way over to the table decked out in green and silver. The young snake sat down near the end of the table, smiling at the students who congratulated her. Yes, she was very content indeed.ReducioWord count: 543
Notes: none
Sorting Ceremony
ReducioSpeech: df0c0cAlex stood in the Great Hall looking around. The decoration was mesmerizing, exactly like how his parents described to him. There were flying candles, and the roof was that of a warm sky filled with multiple stars awaiting the new students and future wizards and witches. Alex had never been away from his home for so long. He felt terrified about whether he would be able to survive in this place. But something about the warmth of the place made him feel that he wouldn't be as bad as he thought.
As he walked through the hall, he saw the four tables. The tables were where the students of the four houses, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff, resided. He looked around the four tables. The Gryffindor table was filled with students who didn't just look courageous but also noble, making him feel less noble due to his playfulness. The Ravenclaw table had students who looked like they already knew more than the Hogwarts professor. He felt as if he knew nothing against them. The Slytherin table was completely different. All the students had a look of judgement which, as far as Alex knew, was about who was a pure-blood and "deserved" to be in this school. But still Alex knew that Slytherin house is a very good house, as the students in that house are cunning and know how to use their resources and knowledge, which makes them great wizards. But lastly, the Hufflepuff table was filled with warmth. Warmth that was way too much, Alex thought. Alex thought to himself, "Godd!!! All four houses have both their good and bad... Which would be right for me??" But he decided not to stress about it and let the pointed hat sitting on the stool in front of the teacher's table think about it. The Hat on the stool was rather old and very wrinkly, but if observed closely looked like a mouth. It was the Sorting Hat.
Finally, Alex was called. He went up and sat on the stool. As the Sorting Hat was placed on his head, it said in rusky voice, "Ahhh!! Another student. Seems like he has a fine mind... I see curiosity!! Yeah, a lot of it. But there is also courage. But there is something more... Yeah!!! Loyal, Hard work, and Patience " There was a sudden pause, and suddenly the Hat shouted," HUFFLEPUFF!!!". I got off the stool happily and ran to the Huffplepuff table, or should I say my house's table. I was happy because I knew I had come into a house of warmth.
"It is the quality of one's convictions that determines success, not the number of followers."
~Remus Lupin
Sorting Ceremony
The new student walked through the hall amongst so many other new students, nervously as the other students watched them from their tables, some sniggering, some smiling and some just outright glaring, which did make him a little more nervous. He looked up at the ceiling amazed, all the stars in the sky, like a galaxy, with floating enchanted candles, it was nothing like he had seen before. All he could think about is how much he wanted to be in Slytherin, not just because his parents were Slytherin's in their school years, but mostly he felt a sense that he belonged in that house, just from the way his father explained what it's like to be a Slytherin, and what they represent just made him want it even more.
Finally stopping near the front, as he listened to the Headmaster give his introduction, he stood and listened, getting distracted by the starry sky again, he was very easily distracted and with all the visual distractions, it was hard to pay attention. His ears peeled at the mention of a 'Forbidden Forest' though, bringing his attention back to the Headmaster, strictly saying it was forbidden for every student, which Barry was obviously going to 'forget'.
Hearing name after name being called out, Barry got a sudden feeling of stage fright, just being in front of all these students just made him nervous all of a sudden, which was a rare occurence, considering he was such a performer and troublemaker at home. His hope was for Slytherin, mostly because that's the house both his parents were in, and has been spoken to about. The nerves came from the sorting ceremony itself, he just didn't want to be put in any other house, he knew deep down he belonged in that house. "Barry MacLeathe!" He heard being called out, he nervously moved between the crowd of students, his breathing got faster as he appoached the chair, a professor holding the sorting hat about it. Taking a breath, he quickly sat down, gripping his robes nervously, the professor placed the sorting hat on his head. Quiet took hold for a second, before the sorting hat burst into speech "AH! Ambition! and a sense to explore it seems! but wait..I sense wit! Hmm.... AHH! I know just what to do with you.." The hat stopped, and Barry's breathing picked up even more, his heart pounding against his chest as sweat soaked his hands. "SLYTHERIN!" Was called out, with the Great Hall erupting with cheer, a smile beamed on his lips as he got up from the chair, and walked down the steps, heading to the Slytherin table, he took a seat with the other first years. The overwhelming joy of him getting the house he wanted, he truly was meant to be in Slytherin.
Finally stopping near the front, as he listened to the Headmaster give his introduction, he stood and listened, getting distracted by the starry sky again, he was very easily distracted and with all the visual distractions, it was hard to pay attention. His ears peeled at the mention of a 'Forbidden Forest' though, bringing his attention back to the Headmaster, strictly saying it was forbidden for every student, which Barry was obviously going to 'forget'.
Hearing name after name being called out, Barry got a sudden feeling of stage fright, just being in front of all these students just made him nervous all of a sudden, which was a rare occurence, considering he was such a performer and troublemaker at home. His hope was for Slytherin, mostly because that's the house both his parents were in, and has been spoken to about. The nerves came from the sorting ceremony itself, he just didn't want to be put in any other house, he knew deep down he belonged in that house. "Barry MacLeathe!" He heard being called out, he nervously moved between the crowd of students, his breathing got faster as he appoached the chair, a professor holding the sorting hat about it. Taking a breath, he quickly sat down, gripping his robes nervously, the professor placed the sorting hat on his head. Quiet took hold for a second, before the sorting hat burst into speech "AH! Ambition! and a sense to explore it seems! but wait..I sense wit! Hmm.... AHH! I know just what to do with you.." The hat stopped, and Barry's breathing picked up even more, his heart pounding against his chest as sweat soaked his hands. "SLYTHERIN!" Was called out, with the Great Hall erupting with cheer, a smile beamed on his lips as he got up from the chair, and walked down the steps, heading to the Slytherin table, he took a seat with the other first years. The overwhelming joy of him getting the house he wanted, he truly was meant to be in Slytherin.
Sorting Ceremony
Adelia stood tall and calm among the other first years, although nerves were coursing through her veins with every step she took, bringing her closer and closer to her fate. She hoped for a house that would make her parents proud. Her father had been a Gryffindor; she wasn't afraid of disappointing him. She knew he would love her all the same no matter what house she was in. Her mother, however, she hoped she made proud. In fact, any positive emotion from her at all would be a success in Adelia's eyes. Her mother was a Ravenclaw, with a sharp mind and an awareness that made everyone around her shudder. Adelia hoped that she would take after her mother. Ever since Adelia's brother died, her mother has been distant and cold, unable to bear the sight of Adelia's face, so similar to her brother.
When it was Adelia's turn to be sorted, she took a deep breath and sat on the stool, watched closely by some of the teachers who had known her parents. The many eyes on her did not bother Adelia. It was the thought of disappointing her mother that terrified her the most. With shaking hands, Adelia closed her eyes as the Sorting Hat started muttering to itself as soon as it was placed on her head. After a few tense moments, the hat declared, "Ravenclaw!"
Adelia let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Relief filled her as she stood up, smiling slightly at the cheers coming from the Ravenclaw table. She walked to the Ravenclaw table and sat with the other first years. She watched the rest of the ceremony, filing away who had been sorted where, as well as the reactions from the House. This helped her understand the reputation of the other first years, as she sorted them into categories in her head: Who she wanted to befriend, who she should stay away from, and other who didn't fit either category.
Soon enough the feast began, and Adelia placed a few things on her plate, and then more, her appetite returning along with the lightness that had been absent for the entire lead up to the sorting. Adelia ate quickly before remembering her manners, although her mood was great and her spirit high. She even chatted with a few other first years, although she did not often socialize with others. Nevertheless, she felt amazing.
This was going to be an amazing year.
When it was Adelia's turn to be sorted, she took a deep breath and sat on the stool, watched closely by some of the teachers who had known her parents. The many eyes on her did not bother Adelia. It was the thought of disappointing her mother that terrified her the most. With shaking hands, Adelia closed her eyes as the Sorting Hat started muttering to itself as soon as it was placed on her head. After a few tense moments, the hat declared, "Ravenclaw!"
Adelia let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Relief filled her as she stood up, smiling slightly at the cheers coming from the Ravenclaw table. She walked to the Ravenclaw table and sat with the other first years. She watched the rest of the ceremony, filing away who had been sorted where, as well as the reactions from the House. This helped her understand the reputation of the other first years, as she sorted them into categories in her head: Who she wanted to befriend, who she should stay away from, and other who didn't fit either category.
Soon enough the feast began, and Adelia placed a few things on her plate, and then more, her appetite returning along with the lightness that had been absent for the entire lead up to the sorting. Adelia ate quickly before remembering her manners, although her mood was great and her spirit high. She even chatted with a few other first years, although she did not often socialize with others. Nevertheless, she felt amazing.
This was going to be an amazing year.
Sorting Ceremony
Standing in the group of her fellow first years, Alix felt strangely claustrophobic. She couldn't even raise her arms without bumping into someone, which, to anyone else, mightn't have been a very big issue, but for Alix, it was. Even with the attention of the Great Hall existing on those who were being sorted, Alix could still feel the phantom stares of her classmates. She kept her lips tucked between her teeth, even though she didn't have fangs outside of a full moon. She kept a tight grip on her school robes, as if letting go would somehow reveal the ugly bite mark on her shoulder.
Whenever she glanced around and accidentally caught someone else's gaze, Alix's first assumption was that they must have noticed something about her. Her scent? Her posture? Did she somehow have visible fur outside of her transformation? The very thought was maddening, so Alix pulled her school robes tighter around herself and ran a hand through her hair and along her neck, feeling a trickling relief as she felt the bare skin on her neck below her hair line. No fur. None at all.
Finally, her own name was called by the Headmaster.
He was tall, and Alix had been terribly nervous from the moment she saw him. She had no reason to believe it, but seeing the man in his armor at the door had filled her with the panicked thought of 'Is he going to capture me?' She had done her best to avoid his gaze when she entered the Great Hall, and she had managed to avoid his greeting, but she wasn't sure she had avoided his attention entirely.
Now, he was calling her name, and Alix found herself putting as much distance between herself and her classmates as she approached the sorting hat. She sat nervously on the stool, stiffening when the hat landed on her head. It was big - much too big for her. It almost seemed to cover her eyes as it rested on her crown.
"You're very nervous, girl," the Hat seemed to say. Alix hadn't a clue whether the hat was speaking aloud or simply in her head, and she didn't know if that made a difference anyway at Hogwarts.
"Wouldn't you be?" Alix whispered, checking to make sure her cloak was covering every inch of her below the neck.
"Your father wasn't," the Hat replied. "A proud Slytherin, was he. Just like your sister. Oh, but where do you belong?"
Alix froze at the mention of her dad and her sister. Proud Slytherins the both of them. She knew as much, and she knew how happy her dad had been when Elisabeth had been sorted into his house. Alix knew that more than anything, that was what she wanted right now. Slytherin. Her dad's house. Her family legacy. Something to be proud of, unlike this curse.
"Please," Alix whispered. "That's where I belong. Slytherin."
The Hat didn't seem to judge her plea, or the desperation that accompanied it. If anything, it only spurred the Hat into a deeper contemplation as it pondered her situations.
"You think ambition and cunning are what you need, but I'm not so sure," the Hat mused.
Alix's heart sank, but, more importantly, she was all too aware of the eyes on her from the other students. She wanted this to be over. She wanted to get off the stool. She wanted to go home. She wanted to be anywhere but here now.
"Please," Alix begged again, but she wasn't sure what she was even asking for anymore.
The Hat seemed unfazed by her begging, but maybe that was her imagination.
"No, no," the Hat continued. "What you crave most is a sense of belonging. Camaraderie."
Alix couldn't deny it. She felt like an outside from the moment she stepped onto Platform 93/4. She did want to belong. She wanted to be as excited as the other first years were. She didn't want to be scared. The Hat seemed pleased with this train of thought.
"Yes, indeed. Better be Hufflepuff."
Alix stood as soon as the hat was off her head and all but ran for the Hufflepuff table in the Great Hall. Her eyes were fixed on the floor in front of her as she tried her best to tune out the attention of the other students, but the Hat's words remained in her head. She didn't crave ambition or cunning, or, really, even her family legacy at Hogwarts. She just wanted to belong.
Sorting Ceremony
This has been such a long day already. This morning, I was in London saying goodbye to my mother and spent the majority of the day on a train. We arrived at the station in Hogsmeade and led down to the edge of the lake to wait for the boats that carried us First-years across to the immense castle that is Hogwarts. No description from my uncles came close to the magnificent grandeur and presence of the school. We didn't have time to stand and admire where we were, because we were quickly ushered up the steps to wait in the Entrance Hall while everyone else gathered in the Great Hall for the feast.
The Deputy Headmistress took a quick roll call and arranged us by our last names for our entrance and Sorting into what will be our Houses for the next seven years. Personally, I have no preference for which House I will be a part of, I am just excited to be here and learn. Headmistress Jensen opened the doors to the Great Hall and had us line up against the back wall to wait our turn to be Sorted.
Just as the last of us settled into the Hall, with hundreds of eyes staring at us, judging, smiling and whispering things to each other, a booming voice echoed announcing the commencement of the Sorting Ceremony. All eyes turned to the front of the hall and settled on an unremarkable, shabby pointed hat sitting on a stool in front of the Staff table. The room slowly became quiet as the many candles in the room flickered and dimmed slightly. The air became thick with anxiousness and importance.
From the stool, the hat began to stir and perk up slightly. Its folds parted and a surprisingly melodic voice began to sing. For a few minutes, this drab hat sang of the school founders and a history not told in any books. I began to lose myself in the story that was told. I felt a warmth I had never felt as its musical magic became a part of all of us. I felt for the first time a connection to something other than myself, a connection to my peers and the school. As this hat sang of the virtues of each house, I began to feel a slightly stronger connection to one. Virtues of creativeness and personal and academic excellence resonated with me somehow. I knew which house my heart was connected, and I began to desire that I would be sorted there. Just as I had my epiphany, the song ended.
The names of the first Sortees began to be called. One-by-one we began walking past the tables of upper year students, sitting on the stool, and hearing a House be called, Sorting each into their new homes. Some students would almost immediately be sent to one house or another, presumably based on familial history or obvious innate features. Some students would sit there for almost a full minute before a house was called. As everyone before me was sorted, they seemed to at least be content with the hat's decision.
The hat was removed from my head, and a finger pointed me toward a table that began cheering and jumping as I stood up. I walked over to the table and a couple of older students wrapped their arms around me in a hug. Someone placed a blue Ravenclaw scarf around my neck and welcomed me to sit at an open spot on the bench at the table. I truly felt it now; I am part of something bigger than myself. Not a team, but a new family of sorts.
WC: 734
The Deputy Headmistress took a quick roll call and arranged us by our last names for our entrance and Sorting into what will be our Houses for the next seven years. Personally, I have no preference for which House I will be a part of, I am just excited to be here and learn. Headmistress Jensen opened the doors to the Great Hall and had us line up against the back wall to wait our turn to be Sorted.
Just as the last of us settled into the Hall, with hundreds of eyes staring at us, judging, smiling and whispering things to each other, a booming voice echoed announcing the commencement of the Sorting Ceremony. All eyes turned to the front of the hall and settled on an unremarkable, shabby pointed hat sitting on a stool in front of the Staff table. The room slowly became quiet as the many candles in the room flickered and dimmed slightly. The air became thick with anxiousness and importance.
From the stool, the hat began to stir and perk up slightly. Its folds parted and a surprisingly melodic voice began to sing. For a few minutes, this drab hat sang of the school founders and a history not told in any books. I began to lose myself in the story that was told. I felt a warmth I had never felt as its musical magic became a part of all of us. I felt for the first time a connection to something other than myself, a connection to my peers and the school. As this hat sang of the virtues of each house, I began to feel a slightly stronger connection to one. Virtues of creativeness and personal and academic excellence resonated with me somehow. I knew which house my heart was connected, and I began to desire that I would be sorted there. Just as I had my epiphany, the song ended.
The names of the first Sortees began to be called. One-by-one we began walking past the tables of upper year students, sitting on the stool, and hearing a House be called, Sorting each into their new homes. Some students would almost immediately be sent to one house or another, presumably based on familial history or obvious innate features. Some students would sit there for almost a full minute before a house was called. As everyone before me was sorted, they seemed to at least be content with the hat's decision.
It was now my turn. I quickly walked up the aisle and took my place on the stool. The Sorting Hat was gently lowered over my brow, and slipped down just enough to cover my eyes slightly.Jason Graves?!
Ravenclaw!Ahhh! Jason Graves! I haven't seen one of you for nearly twenty years. Interesting. Now what is going on inside this head of yours? You have a very focused mind. Very studious. You're very independent, that is clear. Not many friends, but a devoted heart. Well, you would be well suited in Gyffindor, but I see a strong case for Ravenclaw, too. Hmm, tricky! Ahh! you perked up at Ravenclaw. I think that is a perfect fit then.
The hat was removed from my head, and a finger pointed me toward a table that began cheering and jumping as I stood up. I walked over to the table and a couple of older students wrapped their arms around me in a hug. Someone placed a blue Ravenclaw scarf around my neck and welcomed me to sit at an open spot on the bench at the table. I truly felt it now; I am part of something bigger than myself. Not a team, but a new family of sorts.
WC: 734
Sorting Ceremony
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With her hands neatly folded in front of her, Crystal Theodora awaited her turn. She made herself interlace her fingers tightly enough to prevent them from shaking. The Great Hall seemed excessively large. Too bright. Students who already belonged somewhere were seated at four long tables beneath the candles that hung overhead. Crystal remained motionless, allowing the surrounding warmth to pass through her instead of through her. She told herself to take a breath. She was surprised by how much her name echoed when it was called.
"Crystal Theodora."
She moved to the front. The world shrank as someone lowered the Sorting Hat onto her head. Shadows. Cloth. Then there was a voice. Ah. Hello there. Crystal refrained from leaping. She had prepared for this. Considerate thinker. The Hat sighed. Things are weighed. You keep yourself cohesive. Isn't that an acquired ability?.
Crystal ingested it. She didn't quarrel. In the mind, images flashed. Her parents' early departure, her own silent determination, and the pain she had learned to bear without letting it impede her progress. She didn't have courage. Nevertheless, she continued.
There's a lot of wit here. Patience. You might succeed where intelligent minds congregate. So, Ravenclaw... It was a light, almost comfortable thought. For Crystal, knowledge had always been a safe haven. When she was feeling down, she enjoyed losing herself in a good book. But then...
The Hat said, There it is. That tug. That unyielding spark, it's voice much softer now. Crystal sensed it as well. Even when she was by herself, the way she appeared, the way she repeatedly made the decision to move forward in spite of the silent fear in her chest. Not careless but steady.
The Hat said, You don't run from what hurts. Even when no one is around, you square your shoulders and face it. That requires bravery, More than you think.
Her throat constricted. "Gryffindor!"
There was a roar of applause. Startled by the sudden sting behind her eyes, Crystal blinked once, then twice. She refrained from crying. She didn't. However, she grinned as she walked to the Gryffindor table, where she was seated without being asked.
The sound softened as she sat down. She still felt a slight, familiar ache in her chest, but there was something new next to it. Feeling like she truly belonged. That day, Crystal allowed herself to believe for the first time that she wouldn't need to be brave by herself.
Reducio
- French to English translation: It's better than nothing...
- French to English translation: It's better than nothing...
Last edited by Crystal Theodora on 2 Feb 2026, 13:57, edited 1 time in total.