Sorting Ceremony
My mother used to tell me wonderful things about Hogwarts, especially because she had been sorted into Ravenclaw, as she described her common room as the most beautiful of the four. Those are my first thoughts as I get down from the boat, looking up at the castle that Hogwarts is. I go up the stairs silently, admiring the architecture of it all. Truly beautiful, I am most sure Rowena Ravenclaw helped in the creation of it.
I watch as names are called once inside the Great Hall, not minding the first as I watch the door close on its own. *I want to learn the spells to do so*. I wandered off on my thoughts.
I listen to a girl being sorted into Hufflepuff. Somehow, I cannothelpl but pity the girl, as the best houses are the ones that search for knowledge, as my mother once said to me.
My thoughts then wander off towards Beauxbatons. I wonder how the sorting ceremony was for my father. I must ask him as soon as I can owl him, though he might refuse. After all, I still wish I were there.
My name is called a couple of times before I finally catch on and walk over there, letting the Hat rest on my head.
The Sorting Hat blabbers in my mind, taking him six minutes to get my attention.
"Please, please let me go into Ravenclaw," Is the one thing I think about over and over.
"Ravenclaw? Why Ravenclaw?"
"Because..." *Because I can only think that the intelligent belong there, and the intelligent are the powerful.*
"I see..." The Sorting Hat mutters and continues talking.
"I have seen where you are fit..."
I smile in excitement.
"***SLYTHERIN!***"
The Slytherin table applauds.
I go still, my smile frozen not because of contentment.
*.... What...?*
Before I know it, I am rushed off the sorting hat, and I am sitting at the table. I successfully hide my disappointment, but barely.
I feel numb. I wonder.
I look towards the Ravenclaw table.
*What do I lack?*
I watch as names are called once inside the Great Hall, not minding the first as I watch the door close on its own. *I want to learn the spells to do so*. I wandered off on my thoughts.
I listen to a girl being sorted into Hufflepuff. Somehow, I cannothelpl but pity the girl, as the best houses are the ones that search for knowledge, as my mother once said to me.
My thoughts then wander off towards Beauxbatons. I wonder how the sorting ceremony was for my father. I must ask him as soon as I can owl him, though he might refuse. After all, I still wish I were there.
My name is called a couple of times before I finally catch on and walk over there, letting the Hat rest on my head.
The Sorting Hat blabbers in my mind, taking him six minutes to get my attention.
"Please, please let me go into Ravenclaw," Is the one thing I think about over and over.
"Ravenclaw? Why Ravenclaw?"
"Because..." *Because I can only think that the intelligent belong there, and the intelligent are the powerful.*
"I see..." The Sorting Hat mutters and continues talking.
"I have seen where you are fit..."
I smile in excitement.
"***SLYTHERIN!***"
The Slytherin table applauds.
I go still, my smile frozen not because of contentment.
*.... What...?*
Before I know it, I am rushed off the sorting hat, and I am sitting at the table. I successfully hide my disappointment, but barely.
I feel numb. I wonder.
I look towards the Ravenclaw table.
*What do I lack?*
Even if up or down for thou, in the search of all knowledge and power for my soul I thrive.
Sorting Ceremony
From the boat ride to the opening of the Great Hall double doors, Scarlet had been overwhelmed by how massive and historic everything was. She had never dreamed of seeing such beauty and grandeur in her life, and yet here she was, about to spend the next seven years in a castle! Being Muggle-born, Scarlet was still not used to the idea of a magical world, but nothing convinced her more that magic existed than the Great Hall. Just the architecture alone could have sufficed, but on top of that, there were so many remarkable... no unbelievable... no impossible... no magical!... things occurring all around her. From the "open sky" ceiling, to the floating candles, to the talking portraits, to the lively ghosts! All of it was so new to her and yet felt so familiar.
Without realizing it, she had walked all the way to the front, where the professors were lined up in front of a long table. They were all smiling proudly at us first-years, with hope in their eyes. In the center sits a worn, wrinkly hat that looks like it has been around for hundreds of years. The Headmaster then announced that the first-year students would use the hat to be sorted into one of the four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. The sorting hat then sat up and began singing about the houses. From what Scarlet gathered, it sounded like she would love Hufflepuff, but she wouldn't get her hopes up. As names began to be called and students started to be sorted, Scarlet found herself growing anxious. She let her mind race with all types of questions as she was twisting the sleeve of her robe. What if I end up in the wrong house? What if I don't find a place I belong? Maybe this was all a bad idea. As if on cue, "Scarlet Payne" is called out, and she slowly walks up the stage. Scarlet sits down on the stool as the sorting hat is placed on her head. She gasps when she hears a voice in her head.
"Hmmm, you're a bit of a mix, aren't you?"
Unsure if she should answer, the Sorting Hat continues to talk.
"You have a very curious mind. And a quiet bravery."
Hearing him describe her like this was not what she had expected.
"You desire to belong, but not necessarily gain power."
All true so far.
"You value kindness and are known for your loyalty to the ones you love. Yes, I see where you belong now."
All of a sudden, the voice disappears. Was that it?
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Scarlet let out a gasp of relief. Even though she was new to this world and still wasn't sure how this would define her, she somehow felt like this was the perfect choice for her. As she got up and walked towards the Hufflepuff table, she saw all of the kids in black and yellow cheering for her. That was something Scarlet had never experienced before, and it warmed her heart. Here she was, in a strange new world, and there were already people who saw her. That was more than she could ever ask for.
Reducio
Word Count: 537 words
Kindness does not equal weakness - in fact, it is my biggest strength.
Sorting Ceremony
I wanted to throw up. I needed to throw up.
My mom once said that The Great Hall was, well, pretty great.
I didn't think I had ever seen something bigger in my life.
When I walked into there, the first thing I noticed was the light. There was so much light. I didn't like it.
'Breathe.'
But how, with so many people? I was sure my heart definitely should not be beating this fast right now. I had read a book about it. I could have a heart attack, just like my mom had.
I shook my head. Not the time for ghosts, Mikaela.
But breathing wasn't enough now. I felt my head heavy when all the people in the room stood up and looked at us when we walked in.
My mom once told me that, whenever I felt overwhelmed, I started counting.
So I counted the students at the tables. I counted the candlelights. I counted until the beating in my chest eased down.
Finally, I didn't notice when the hat started singing but, when I snapped back into reality, someone was reading out the names.
The Sorting.
My mom had been a Hufflepuff. Would I be one, too? It would be great.
"Mikaela Hendricks!"
I almost, almost threw up when the room went silent for a split second.
With heavy steps, I tried not to fall when I walked towards that hat and they put it on me. I closed my eyes as I felt it muttering something.
Count the seconds. Breathe.
A minute. Two.
And then...
"Ravenclaw!"
Oh.
Not Hufflepuff, but at least it was something.
I opened my eyes as the next student was called, and headed towards the blue table.
Ravenclaw. The smart ones.
Well, it made sense, now that I thought of it. After all, my parents once said I was a prodigy.
I sat on the edge of one of the benches, trying to make myself small.
I had no chocolates left. I had already counted everything I could.
Now I only had to breathe.
My mom once said that The Great Hall was, well, pretty great.
I didn't think I had ever seen something bigger in my life.
When I walked into there, the first thing I noticed was the light. There was so much light. I didn't like it.
'Breathe.'
But how, with so many people? I was sure my heart definitely should not be beating this fast right now. I had read a book about it. I could have a heart attack, just like my mom had.
I shook my head. Not the time for ghosts, Mikaela.
But breathing wasn't enough now. I felt my head heavy when all the people in the room stood up and looked at us when we walked in.
My mom once told me that, whenever I felt overwhelmed, I started counting.
So I counted the students at the tables. I counted the candlelights. I counted until the beating in my chest eased down.
Finally, I didn't notice when the hat started singing but, when I snapped back into reality, someone was reading out the names.
The Sorting.
My mom had been a Hufflepuff. Would I be one, too? It would be great.
"Mikaela Hendricks!"
I almost, almost threw up when the room went silent for a split second.
With heavy steps, I tried not to fall when I walked towards that hat and they put it on me. I closed my eyes as I felt it muttering something.
Count the seconds. Breathe.
A minute. Two.
And then...
"Ravenclaw!"
Oh.
Not Hufflepuff, but at least it was something.
I opened my eyes as the next student was called, and headed towards the blue table.
Ravenclaw. The smart ones.
Well, it made sense, now that I thought of it. After all, my parents once said I was a prodigy.
I sat on the edge of one of the benches, trying to make myself small.
I had no chocolates left. I had already counted everything I could.
Now I only had to breathe.
Sorting Ceremony
...
.....
"Whoa..." Poppy muttered beneath her breath as the dark corridor opened into a magnificent hall. Blue-green eyes squinted, adjusting to the sudden imposition of light as she stepped forward with the others.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...
Out in the Scottish Highlands, a large and looming mass set against the evening sky. The small girl was in awe of its architecture and the brilliant ceiling that mirrored the heavens beyond it. She tried to take it all in stride, but suddenly, she was overwhelmed. The scale of what she was stepping into struck her at once. There was a long table full of strangers atop of dais, dressed well for the evening as they looked on at a sea of students. Chatter rose high from the four tables below, a banner hanging above each.
"S--Sorry!" she stuttered when her abrupt stop caused the person behind her to run into her back. Poppy shuffled out of the way as best she could, her eyes lingering a moment longer on each banner.
A snake, a badger, a lion, and an eagle.
What were they for? What did they mean?
As she gazed on, she could feel something powerful but unknown stirring in her chest. It told her, without the need for explanation, that each symbol held weight and history far beyond anything her simple farm upbringing would allow her to comprehend.
Was it a school or a fairytale? It was hard to say. Poppy had never been to school. She and her siblings had all been homeschooled, taught 'the right way', given sound doctrine and essential skills right up until secondary school, when their mother allowed them to travel on their own. She'd been looking forward to that day herself. Rowan, Evelyn, Thorne, and Isla all spoke about their adventures at secondary and all the friends they'd made. It would've been her turn next had the letter not come.
Did this count? Was it still a school if it looked like a fantastical castle where knights and kings belonged?
From somewhere beyond her focus, the names began to ring out, the voice of the headmaster fading in and out as her mind freely wandered about the Great Hall.
Aderyn...Annwyn...Cave...Corranado...Darragh
She finally turned her attention to the sort. Poppy gnawed anxiously at her lower lip, her hands wringing and fussing at her tie while she listened.
What would she do if it were a mistake? If her name was never meant to be on the list in the first place, then what? Her parents had already dropped her off at the station without so much as a goodbye, and home...was a long way away. What would she do if she were sent home? Faced with the laughter and mockery of her siblings, who would've known all along that there was nothing truly special about her...she knew it, too, somewhere not so deep down.
Poppy knew she was strange, but...a whole witch?
...Edwards...Eversley...
Oh god, she was going to be sick. They would move through "G" without so much of a mention of her. Persephone, who? Her stomach turned violently, bile rising up the back of her throat. They'd all walk by her, and have the hat say a name. In the end, she'd still be standing there, confusing everyone with her presence.
Oh god, oh god, oh god. Breathe, Poppy, breathe.
She squeezed desperately at the wrinkled tie, unable to stop the explosions taking place inside her chest. They might have her name. It could be there. Would the hat acknowledge her? Did she have a place at one of the tables? What happened if it decided she was too...too...what was the word...Muggle?
"Persephone Grimsbane."
OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD.
She was going to pass out. She couldn't breathe. Poppy sucked in a comically large breath of air, her shoulders and chest rising with the effort. Suddenly, the little girl couldn't remember how to walk. Her feet turned to lead beneath her, anchoring her in place. The man with the scroll cleared his throat. Her heart flew into her throat when she realised he was looking at her. A few other eyes turned to her, wondering if she was this Persephone Grimsbane who didn't know how to respond to her own name. Her entire face flooded with colour as the man offered her a small, encouraging smile.
Oh god.
Poppy stiffly walked to the chair, feeling robotic in her movements as she sank onto the stool. Her muscles drew taut as the hat was placed on her head.
My, my, what have we here?"
She twisted on the stool, looking over both shoulders. Where...where had that voice come from? She hadn't heard it throughout the ceremony.
"An inquisitive mind...but a little timid."
"M--Me...?"
"But who else, my dear? It's a whole new world for you, so many adventures and so little time."
"I...oh...um..." Her voice rose barely above a whisper before tapering off. How strange she would look to be caught speaking with a hat, one she was beginning to suspect no one else could hear. Was this...was this more magic? How did it work? Was the hat born that way? Were hats born at all in the wizarding world?
Curious.
"Curious, indeed."
Poppy squeaked, not having expected to have the hat even inside her thoughts.
"A mind like yours would be fit for Ravenclaw, but you've so much doubt and no real passion for its pursuit. Loyal and hard-working without a doubt, Hufflepuff would welcome you with open arms."
She didn't understand. Those names had been bellowed several times since the start of the ceremony, before each respective table burst into applause. With time, she'd gathered that the blue was Ravenclaw, the yellow Hufflepuff, the red Gryffindor and the green Slytherin. Beyond that, she wasn't sure they were meant to mean anything. Was a Ravenclaw mind a good thing? Did all Hufflepuffs like hard work?
"Mmm, but those won't do. There's a quiet strength in you, young one, yet to be seen. You don't look brave, but there's a lion in you silently roaring."
A...lion...?
"Must be....GRRYFINDOOORRRR!!!
Was...was that...was that good...?
Before she could question it, the table of scarlet and gold erupted with cheers, and a gentle hand at her back nudged her from the stool, perhaps concerned over a repeat of her earlier inability to move.
Gryffindor. Gryff...in...dor....
Huh.
In the blink of an eye, her uniform went red, matching that of the students already sat at the table. It was another wonder, one of several she'd seen in the last week, but she was no less awed as she made her way down the staff dais to find a seat.
.....
"Whoa..." Poppy muttered beneath her breath as the dark corridor opened into a magnificent hall. Blue-green eyes squinted, adjusting to the sudden imposition of light as she stepped forward with the others.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...
Out in the Scottish Highlands, a large and looming mass set against the evening sky. The small girl was in awe of its architecture and the brilliant ceiling that mirrored the heavens beyond it. She tried to take it all in stride, but suddenly, she was overwhelmed. The scale of what she was stepping into struck her at once. There was a long table full of strangers atop of dais, dressed well for the evening as they looked on at a sea of students. Chatter rose high from the four tables below, a banner hanging above each.
"S--Sorry!" she stuttered when her abrupt stop caused the person behind her to run into her back. Poppy shuffled out of the way as best she could, her eyes lingering a moment longer on each banner.
A snake, a badger, a lion, and an eagle.
What were they for? What did they mean?
As she gazed on, she could feel something powerful but unknown stirring in her chest. It told her, without the need for explanation, that each symbol held weight and history far beyond anything her simple farm upbringing would allow her to comprehend.
Was it a school or a fairytale? It was hard to say. Poppy had never been to school. She and her siblings had all been homeschooled, taught 'the right way', given sound doctrine and essential skills right up until secondary school, when their mother allowed them to travel on their own. She'd been looking forward to that day herself. Rowan, Evelyn, Thorne, and Isla all spoke about their adventures at secondary and all the friends they'd made. It would've been her turn next had the letter not come.
Did this count? Was it still a school if it looked like a fantastical castle where knights and kings belonged?
From somewhere beyond her focus, the names began to ring out, the voice of the headmaster fading in and out as her mind freely wandered about the Great Hall.
Aderyn...Annwyn...Cave...Corranado...Darragh
She finally turned her attention to the sort. Poppy gnawed anxiously at her lower lip, her hands wringing and fussing at her tie while she listened.
What would she do if it were a mistake? If her name was never meant to be on the list in the first place, then what? Her parents had already dropped her off at the station without so much as a goodbye, and home...was a long way away. What would she do if she were sent home? Faced with the laughter and mockery of her siblings, who would've known all along that there was nothing truly special about her...she knew it, too, somewhere not so deep down.
Poppy knew she was strange, but...a whole witch?
...Edwards...Eversley...
Oh god, she was going to be sick. They would move through "G" without so much of a mention of her. Persephone, who? Her stomach turned violently, bile rising up the back of her throat. They'd all walk by her, and have the hat say a name. In the end, she'd still be standing there, confusing everyone with her presence.
Oh god, oh god, oh god. Breathe, Poppy, breathe.
She squeezed desperately at the wrinkled tie, unable to stop the explosions taking place inside her chest. They might have her name. It could be there. Would the hat acknowledge her? Did she have a place at one of the tables? What happened if it decided she was too...too...what was the word...Muggle?
"Persephone Grimsbane."
OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD.
She was going to pass out. She couldn't breathe. Poppy sucked in a comically large breath of air, her shoulders and chest rising with the effort. Suddenly, the little girl couldn't remember how to walk. Her feet turned to lead beneath her, anchoring her in place. The man with the scroll cleared his throat. Her heart flew into her throat when she realised he was looking at her. A few other eyes turned to her, wondering if she was this Persephone Grimsbane who didn't know how to respond to her own name. Her entire face flooded with colour as the man offered her a small, encouraging smile.
Oh god.
Poppy stiffly walked to the chair, feeling robotic in her movements as she sank onto the stool. Her muscles drew taut as the hat was placed on her head.
My, my, what have we here?"
She twisted on the stool, looking over both shoulders. Where...where had that voice come from? She hadn't heard it throughout the ceremony.
"An inquisitive mind...but a little timid."
"M--Me...?"
"But who else, my dear? It's a whole new world for you, so many adventures and so little time."
"I...oh...um..." Her voice rose barely above a whisper before tapering off. How strange she would look to be caught speaking with a hat, one she was beginning to suspect no one else could hear. Was this...was this more magic? How did it work? Was the hat born that way? Were hats born at all in the wizarding world?
Curious.
"Curious, indeed."
Poppy squeaked, not having expected to have the hat even inside her thoughts.
"A mind like yours would be fit for Ravenclaw, but you've so much doubt and no real passion for its pursuit. Loyal and hard-working without a doubt, Hufflepuff would welcome you with open arms."
She didn't understand. Those names had been bellowed several times since the start of the ceremony, before each respective table burst into applause. With time, she'd gathered that the blue was Ravenclaw, the yellow Hufflepuff, the red Gryffindor and the green Slytherin. Beyond that, she wasn't sure they were meant to mean anything. Was a Ravenclaw mind a good thing? Did all Hufflepuffs like hard work?
"Mmm, but those won't do. There's a quiet strength in you, young one, yet to be seen. You don't look brave, but there's a lion in you silently roaring."
A...lion...?
"Must be....GRRYFINDOOORRRR!!!
Was...was that...was that good...?
Before she could question it, the table of scarlet and gold erupted with cheers, and a gentle hand at her back nudged her from the stool, perhaps concerned over a repeat of her earlier inability to move.
Gryffindor. Gryff...in...dor....
Huh.
In the blink of an eye, her uniform went red, matching that of the students already sat at the table. It was another wonder, one of several she'd seen in the last week, but she was no less awed as she made her way down the staff dais to find a seat.
Encyclopaedia ✿ Metamorphmagus ✿ If the sun shines, that's reason enough.
Sorting Ceremony
Kiki stood, surrounded by all the other first years, waiting for the sorting to start. She wasn’t exactly nervous- no, something stronger. She was excited. Extremely excited! She never knew any of this existed until 6 years ago. Okay now that actually seems like longer than she anticipated…
Kiki waited, head in the clouds, for her to hear her name. She was almost unaware of the Headmaster, Solomon Lear, talking. Until another voice caught her attention.
”Sentient, I am intelligent.”
She chuckled lightly at the remark. A brown, patched up witch hat was brought in a teacher’s hands and sat on a stool. She noticed Professor Lear and the hat exchange a glance for a split second as the hat was being carried. Kiki couldn’t believe what she was seeing. A talking hat! The shock wore off after a few seconds. She was never consistent, as her mother said.
The Headmaster continued to speak, but she was busy skimming over the Professors sitting before her. Her father had said that his ‘house’, as they call it, was Slytherin. Maybe she would get Slytherin too. She could be a snake. His favorite class was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Sounds interesting.
Her father always said her mother would’ve been a Hufflepuff if she ever went to Hogwarts. Hufflepuff… Kiki thought, testing the word. It reminded her of the vanilla cupcakes her mom taught her to make.
She suddenly felt quite home sick. She never felt this way before— never thought she would ever feel home sickness. It was a foul, horrible feeling.
Kiki took a gulp of breath and turned her attention to the ceiling, to keep her mind off her parents. It was enchanted to look like the sky. There was floating candles and stars and clouds. It looked beautiful.
Suddenly, the hat started to sing. It sings? Kiki pinched her nose bridge, similar to how her mom did when she asked for the hundredth time what the age limit for sky diving was. “16, Kiki.” Is how she would reply every time, always with a tone of exasperation.
She was thinking about her mom again.
Thoughts were racing across her mind. Maybe she was nervous. Or atleast, now she was.
Breathe.
Kiki slowed down, realizing she was fidgeting with the pin on her robes. It was a smiley face. She sighed and glanced around, finally taking in her surroundings.
The Great Hall was.. well, grand. She couldn’t exactly remember what her parents had told her, but she remembered the feast part. Yum.
Suddenly, Kiki heard her name.
“Morrow, Kiki!”
Her eyes widened. How much time had passed? There was so many letters— she figured it would take hours for it to be her turn. Her estimate must’ve been off.
She approached the stool and reluctantly sat down, the hat being placed on her head.
The hat hummed. ”Hmm… you sure are a cunning one, aren’t you? Yes, determined to achieve your goals, and a great leader.”
Kiki looked up hopefully. If she was being completely honest, she was longing for Slytherin. Like her father. Or maybe Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw… not so much. Gryffindor was okay. Not bad atleast. Aren’t they the ones who start fights and have huge egos? Thats what Dad told her.
“You want Slytherin, Eh? I’ve seen many who’ve wished opposite.”
Kiki flushed faintly. “Thank you?” She assumed that was a compliment.
The hat wasn’t bothered. ”Bold, surely. I also sense loyalty. You’re quite a mix, aren’t you?”
Kiki sat up straight, waiting for the Sorting Hat to make its decision. She was pretty confident. Then, there came the part she didn’t expect.
”GRYFFINDOR!”
Kiki was shocked. Gryffindor? How? She paused, thinking it over, and then stood and walked over to the house table, where the other Gryffindors were cheering deafeningly. She sat down in an empty spot near the middle and looked up and down the table.
The brave ones. Maybe this year could be okay…
If only her brother was here.
Kiki waited, head in the clouds, for her to hear her name. She was almost unaware of the Headmaster, Solomon Lear, talking. Until another voice caught her attention.
”Sentient, I am intelligent.”
She chuckled lightly at the remark. A brown, patched up witch hat was brought in a teacher’s hands and sat on a stool. She noticed Professor Lear and the hat exchange a glance for a split second as the hat was being carried. Kiki couldn’t believe what she was seeing. A talking hat! The shock wore off after a few seconds. She was never consistent, as her mother said.
The Headmaster continued to speak, but she was busy skimming over the Professors sitting before her. Her father had said that his ‘house’, as they call it, was Slytherin. Maybe she would get Slytherin too. She could be a snake. His favorite class was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Sounds interesting.
Her father always said her mother would’ve been a Hufflepuff if she ever went to Hogwarts. Hufflepuff… Kiki thought, testing the word. It reminded her of the vanilla cupcakes her mom taught her to make.
She suddenly felt quite home sick. She never felt this way before— never thought she would ever feel home sickness. It was a foul, horrible feeling.
Kiki took a gulp of breath and turned her attention to the ceiling, to keep her mind off her parents. It was enchanted to look like the sky. There was floating candles and stars and clouds. It looked beautiful.
Suddenly, the hat started to sing. It sings? Kiki pinched her nose bridge, similar to how her mom did when she asked for the hundredth time what the age limit for sky diving was. “16, Kiki.” Is how she would reply every time, always with a tone of exasperation.
She was thinking about her mom again.
Thoughts were racing across her mind. Maybe she was nervous. Or atleast, now she was.
Breathe.
Kiki slowed down, realizing she was fidgeting with the pin on her robes. It was a smiley face. She sighed and glanced around, finally taking in her surroundings.
The Great Hall was.. well, grand. She couldn’t exactly remember what her parents had told her, but she remembered the feast part. Yum.
Suddenly, Kiki heard her name.
“Morrow, Kiki!”
Her eyes widened. How much time had passed? There was so many letters— she figured it would take hours for it to be her turn. Her estimate must’ve been off.
She approached the stool and reluctantly sat down, the hat being placed on her head.
The hat hummed. ”Hmm… you sure are a cunning one, aren’t you? Yes, determined to achieve your goals, and a great leader.”
Kiki looked up hopefully. If she was being completely honest, she was longing for Slytherin. Like her father. Or maybe Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw… not so much. Gryffindor was okay. Not bad atleast. Aren’t they the ones who start fights and have huge egos? Thats what Dad told her.
“You want Slytherin, Eh? I’ve seen many who’ve wished opposite.”
Kiki flushed faintly. “Thank you?” She assumed that was a compliment.
The hat wasn’t bothered. ”Bold, surely. I also sense loyalty. You’re quite a mix, aren’t you?”
Kiki sat up straight, waiting for the Sorting Hat to make its decision. She was pretty confident. Then, there came the part she didn’t expect.
”GRYFFINDOR!”
Kiki was shocked. Gryffindor? How? She paused, thinking it over, and then stood and walked over to the house table, where the other Gryffindors were cheering deafeningly. She sat down in an empty spot near the middle and looked up and down the table.
The brave ones. Maybe this year could be okay…
If only her brother was here.
• “She’s beauty, she’s grace— she’ll punch you in the face!” •
Sorting Ceremony
Gaia was anxious. A lot.
Around her many kids was waiting for their turn to be sorted by the Hat. She didn’t look at them, because was so afraid. She didn’t want to chat or complain with anyone. In the train she didn’t make any new friend… and because of that she was feeling also alone, in the middle of all that amount of people.
Maybe have a friend with to chat and keep hands together would help her to feel less scared, but now was too late.
- Gaia Spiral!
She was frozen, but anyway started to walk, like hypnotised, and sit down under the Hat.
The hat started to whisper to her ear: - I see, you are afraid a lot, little one.
Gaia had her gaze pointed in front of her, without see nothing for real.
- But you have a big heart and soul. You desire to be useful and help others. Yes, I see you are surely a person who deserves truth.
Gaia was smiling a bit. Yes, she wanted be a person who others truly trusted for. Not for some peculiar reason. She loves to be useful and helpful.
- Hmmm, I see you agreed with me, little one.
Gaia tried to don’t think at nothing at all. She wanted run away soon as possible, but inside herself, she was feeling happy.
- I have no doubts, you will be sorted in… Hufflepuff!
The little girl didn’t know if be really happy or disappointed. What she was aspiring? Gaia didn’t know.
She walked away, to the table of her new house, wheee many students was celebrating her.
Around her many kids was waiting for their turn to be sorted by the Hat. She didn’t look at them, because was so afraid. She didn’t want to chat or complain with anyone. In the train she didn’t make any new friend… and because of that she was feeling also alone, in the middle of all that amount of people.
Maybe have a friend with to chat and keep hands together would help her to feel less scared, but now was too late.
- Gaia Spiral!
She was frozen, but anyway started to walk, like hypnotised, and sit down under the Hat.
The hat started to whisper to her ear: - I see, you are afraid a lot, little one.
Gaia had her gaze pointed in front of her, without see nothing for real.
- But you have a big heart and soul. You desire to be useful and help others. Yes, I see you are surely a person who deserves truth.
Gaia was smiling a bit. Yes, she wanted be a person who others truly trusted for. Not for some peculiar reason. She loves to be useful and helpful.
- Hmmm, I see you agreed with me, little one.
Gaia tried to don’t think at nothing at all. She wanted run away soon as possible, but inside herself, she was feeling happy.
- I have no doubts, you will be sorted in… Hufflepuff!
The little girl didn’t know if be really happy or disappointed. What she was aspiring? Gaia didn’t know.
She walked away, to the table of her new house, wheee many students was celebrating her.
I want to know who I am. I want to survive this world. I am here now, and I want to live also after my death, through my knowledge and abilities.
Sorting Ceremony
Elwyn entered the Great Hall, looking around with curious eyes. The Hall was huge, he never saw anything like it. He was so caught up with the place he didn't realize they had stopped and bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention." He apologized sheepishly. The girl didn't seem hurt or mad, she just smiled and looked back at the professors. He tried to focus on the speech of the Headmaster, fiddling with his robe.
As the first person was called to get sorted, he watched, excited. It didn't take too long for them to get sorted, so he thought it would be done in an hour or so. Well, he was wrong. It took so long for him to be called his leg was starting to hurt.
Finally, his name was said. He anxiously stepped forward and the Headmaster placed the Sorting Hat on his head. His father told him about the Hat, how nervous he was before he got placed in Hufflepuff. He thought, if his father was a Hufflepuff maybe he would be sorted into that house too. But again, his sister is a Gryffindor, so who knows.
The Hat didn't say anything at first, startling the boy when it spoke up. "Hmm…quite a curious boy…" That was right, his mother always said it would get him into trouble one day. "Thirst for knowledge, I see…but also adventurous and loyal." And clumsy, what house allows clumsy people? He's sure he needs to be in that. — The Hat was silent for a while, thinking. After a minute or so, it shouted so loud Elwyn flinched. "RAVENCLAW"
Elwyn wasn't sure what that meant, or what that tells about him. He's the only Ravenclaw in his family. He waited for the Hat to be lifted from his head and walked towards his table. Everyone was clapping or cheering, welcoming him. They seemed nice. That's all he could figure out for now. They all seemed very happy for them. His father's best friend was a Ravenclaw but they don't meet often now..
Once every kid got sorted, the tables filled up with food and everybody started eating. As he began eating, he made a note that he should write to his parents. He was content and very excited to explore the castle.
As the first person was called to get sorted, he watched, excited. It didn't take too long for them to get sorted, so he thought it would be done in an hour or so. Well, he was wrong. It took so long for him to be called his leg was starting to hurt.
Finally, his name was said. He anxiously stepped forward and the Headmaster placed the Sorting Hat on his head. His father told him about the Hat, how nervous he was before he got placed in Hufflepuff. He thought, if his father was a Hufflepuff maybe he would be sorted into that house too. But again, his sister is a Gryffindor, so who knows.
The Hat didn't say anything at first, startling the boy when it spoke up. "Hmm…quite a curious boy…" That was right, his mother always said it would get him into trouble one day. "Thirst for knowledge, I see…but also adventurous and loyal." And clumsy, what house allows clumsy people? He's sure he needs to be in that. — The Hat was silent for a while, thinking. After a minute or so, it shouted so loud Elwyn flinched. "RAVENCLAW"
Elwyn wasn't sure what that meant, or what that tells about him. He's the only Ravenclaw in his family. He waited for the Hat to be lifted from his head and walked towards his table. Everyone was clapping or cheering, welcoming him. They seemed nice. That's all he could figure out for now. They all seemed very happy for them. His father's best friend was a Ravenclaw but they don't meet often now..
Once every kid got sorted, the tables filled up with food and everybody started eating. As he began eating, he made a note that he should write to his parents. He was content and very excited to explore the castle.
Sorting Ceremony
Reed wasn't nervous. He wasn't really excited either. He couldn't see how Hogwarts would be much different from home. Strict teachers, no friends, and of course, his little "jokes". With magic he could probably make his "jokes" much less little of course.
He stood in the line with the other first years. They all looked scared. They clearly weren't as certain as he was. He was going to be a Slytherin, or maybe a Ravenclaw. That was just a fact. Everyone he'd ever talked to about it, which was admittedly a very small number, agreed on that. There just wasn't a chance of him being in the other houses. But he supposed most people weren't that certain. Most people hadn't known from the age of 8 that he could only be in those two houses.
He watched with little interest as each person got called up. After what seemed like forever, it was his turn. He walked up and sat down. He didn't listen to what the sorting hat said. What was the point. He knew what was going to happen. He zoned out. The hat talked for ages. He wasn't listening though. He would never know what it had said. He would never know why it made the choice it did.
"GRYFFINDOR"
There was cheering from one of the tables. But it was the wrong table. Why were they cheering. He got up from the chair and started walking towards the Slytherin table before stopping and realizing the truth. He wasn't a Slytherin. Or a Ravenclaw. Somehow the sorting hat put him in Gryffindor. He wanted to sit back down and demand that it explain itself. He wanted to know why it had picked that but it was too late now.
He walked over to the Gryffindor table numbly. He had never voiced the thought to himself because he was afraid it would never come true but he'd always hoped that he'd be able to find someone to accept him at Hogwarts. Someone who might like him. But now that desperate hope was gone. In Gryffindor he would certainly find no one. Any hopes of finding happiness at Hogwarts were gone before the end of the first day.
He felt a sudden flash of deep anger at the sorting hat. Why was it allowed to ruin him. Why was it allowed to make such a terrible decisions with such a big affect on his life. He vowed to himself that he would prove that stupid hat wrong. He would be himself, and who he really was, wasn't a stupid Gryffindor.
Sorting Ceremony
The massive oak doors didn't just open; they swung wide with a heavy, rhythmic groan that echoed through the stone entrance hall. The first years were led through a second set of double doors, and Denisse's breath hitched.
Four long tables stretched toward a high dais, each packed with students of different houses. Pearly-white, translucent figures drifted through the air, waving at the newcomers with airy grace. Denisse looked up and gasped. There was no roof. Only the vast, starlit sky she had seen from the train, with thousands of candles floating in mid-air as if held by invisible threads.
At the front of the hall, a simple wooden stool sat holding a patched, frayed wizard's hat. The headmaster unrolled a long scroll of parchment. For a moment, the room fell silent. Then, a rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth, and the hat began to sing. It sang of bravery, wit, ambition, and loyalty.
After some students were called in alphabetical order, then came the name that made Denisse's heart hammer against her ribs.
"De Vera, Denisse!"
She walked forward, the eyes of the entire school on her. She felt the weight of her own expectations on her shoulders. As she sat on the stool, the hat was lowered onto her head.
Everything went dark as the brim slipped over her eyes.
"Hmm," a small dry voice whispered in her ear. "Interesting. Plenty of courage, yes... and a very curious mind. But there's a protective streak here... Better be... Hufflepuff!" the hat bellowed the house to the entire hall.
The table with Hufflepuff students erupted into a roar of cheers and rhythmic stamping. Denisse felt a massive wave of relief wash over her, so potent it made her knees feel like jelly as she stood up. She made her way toward the table.
It felt different from the others; it didn't have the sharp, competitive edge of the Slytherin table or the studious silence of the Ravenclaw one. It smelled like fresh-baked bread and sun-warmth earth.
Four long tables stretched toward a high dais, each packed with students of different houses. Pearly-white, translucent figures drifted through the air, waving at the newcomers with airy grace. Denisse looked up and gasped. There was no roof. Only the vast, starlit sky she had seen from the train, with thousands of candles floating in mid-air as if held by invisible threads.
At the front of the hall, a simple wooden stool sat holding a patched, frayed wizard's hat. The headmaster unrolled a long scroll of parchment. For a moment, the room fell silent. Then, a rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth, and the hat began to sing. It sang of bravery, wit, ambition, and loyalty.
After some students were called in alphabetical order, then came the name that made Denisse's heart hammer against her ribs.
"De Vera, Denisse!"
She walked forward, the eyes of the entire school on her. She felt the weight of her own expectations on her shoulders. As she sat on the stool, the hat was lowered onto her head.
Everything went dark as the brim slipped over her eyes.
"Hmm," a small dry voice whispered in her ear. "Interesting. Plenty of courage, yes... and a very curious mind. But there's a protective streak here... Better be... Hufflepuff!" the hat bellowed the house to the entire hall.
The table with Hufflepuff students erupted into a roar of cheers and rhythmic stamping. Denisse felt a massive wave of relief wash over her, so potent it made her knees feel like jelly as she stood up. She made her way toward the table.
It felt different from the others; it didn't have the sharp, competitive edge of the Slytherin table or the studious silence of the Ravenclaw one. It smelled like fresh-baked bread and sun-warmth earth.
༘⋆
Sorting Ceremony
To say she was nervous was an understatement.
Stepping into the Great Hall, Kael's little fingers tightened on the sides of her robes, nearly threatening to tear a hole with the pressure of her grip.
Eyes as wide as saucers, she looks around in awe. Sure she'd heard stories about Hogwards from her mother and father, but this...this was nothing in comparison to the visions she'd painted in her head. The ceiling above shimmered with starlight, and the quiet murmur of hundreds of students seemed to press in from every side. Kael kept her posture straight, as she halted with the other first years.
Much to her dismay, and the cursing of her name, she knew she would be one of the last to be called. As one after another, each and every student is called up, the air ringing with, "Slytherin" and "Hufflepuff" a few "Ravenclaw" and far too many "Gryffindor", the announcement followed by cheers from the respected tables and housemates, welcoming in the new students.
Before she knew it, her name is called, not once, not twice, but three times. Blinking quickly, she realizes, embarrassingly, that she'd zoned out as most of the students hand been called up and sorted.
"Threll, Kaelyra"
Her cheeks burned as she heard her name a forth. She willed her feet to move, her head bowed slightly in apologies as she takes a seat on the stool, smoothing her robes as her spine straightens into a board. Breathing in deeply through her nose, she's greeted by hundreds of curious gazes and a few snickers.
A moment later, the Sorting Hat drops over her eyes.
Darkness.
Then a voice -- quiet, thoughtful -- stirred in her mind.
"Well now... curious, very curious. Sharp mind. Careful. Observant. You think before you act... but when you act, you aim to win."
Kael remained still, fingers tightening around the edge of the stool head.
"Plenty of intelligence here... you could do well in Ravenclaw. But no... there's ambition too, a desire to prove yourself. To rise."
The hat paused for a moment that seemed far longer than what it was.
"Yes... I know exactly where you'll thrive"
The hat lifted slightly as it called out to the hall:
"SLYTHERIN"
Applause erupted from the green-draped table as Kael stood up, her expression calm, but her eyes quietly gleaming. Without hesitation, she turned and made her way to the Slytherin table, the first steps in her hopefully thrilling life at Hogwarts.
Stepping into the Great Hall, Kael's little fingers tightened on the sides of her robes, nearly threatening to tear a hole with the pressure of her grip.
Eyes as wide as saucers, she looks around in awe. Sure she'd heard stories about Hogwards from her mother and father, but this...this was nothing in comparison to the visions she'd painted in her head. The ceiling above shimmered with starlight, and the quiet murmur of hundreds of students seemed to press in from every side. Kael kept her posture straight, as she halted with the other first years.
Much to her dismay, and the cursing of her name, she knew she would be one of the last to be called. As one after another, each and every student is called up, the air ringing with, "Slytherin" and "Hufflepuff" a few "Ravenclaw" and far too many "Gryffindor", the announcement followed by cheers from the respected tables and housemates, welcoming in the new students.
Before she knew it, her name is called, not once, not twice, but three times. Blinking quickly, she realizes, embarrassingly, that she'd zoned out as most of the students hand been called up and sorted.
"Threll, Kaelyra"
Her cheeks burned as she heard her name a forth. She willed her feet to move, her head bowed slightly in apologies as she takes a seat on the stool, smoothing her robes as her spine straightens into a board. Breathing in deeply through her nose, she's greeted by hundreds of curious gazes and a few snickers.
A moment later, the Sorting Hat drops over her eyes.
Darkness.
Then a voice -- quiet, thoughtful -- stirred in her mind.
"Well now... curious, very curious. Sharp mind. Careful. Observant. You think before you act... but when you act, you aim to win."
Kael remained still, fingers tightening around the edge of the stool head.
"Plenty of intelligence here... you could do well in Ravenclaw. But no... there's ambition too, a desire to prove yourself. To rise."
The hat paused for a moment that seemed far longer than what it was.
"Yes... I know exactly where you'll thrive"
The hat lifted slightly as it called out to the hall:
"SLYTHERIN"
Applause erupted from the green-draped table as Kael stood up, her expression calm, but her eyes quietly gleaming. Without hesitation, she turned and made her way to the Slytherin table, the first steps in her hopefully thrilling life at Hogwarts.
Kaelyra Threll, First Year.