Sorting Ceremony 2019-2020 Archived

Katie Mare walked into the Grand Hall. She couldn't believe it! She only learned about magic a little bit ago, and it still amazed her. Katie was nervous. She read up on all of the astounding things that happened at Hogwarts, but she couldn't believe that this was all actually real! As the headmaster started talking about the different houses, and how the sorting works, she was surprised to hear a singing voice coming out of the old hat sitting on a stool. Katie looked around at her classmates and saw that some of them were surprised as well. Another one of the wonders in this beautiful place.

Katie focused. She realized that many other were missing their cues to walk up to the odd singing hat. She didn't want to miss her own! All Katie wanted was to fit in at this new school. She then hears her name called, "Mare, Katie."

Katie grasps her necklace and walks carefully up to the stool. "Don't trip Katie..." she mutters to herself. Tripping in front of the entire school would NOT be a good first impression. After making it safely up to the front, Katie sits and puts on the hat.

"Hmm... Katie Mare... where should I put you? You would do well in Ravenclaw... no, Hufflepuff. You are very loyal to your friends. But I also see a sense of bravery... I know where to put you... better be GRYFFINDOR!!!"

Katie heard the hat call out her house, and she happily skipped over to the red and gold table. This was going to be a great year.

The imposing architecture of the Grand Hall impressed Albert. Zoning out the din of voices, and staring at the ceiling, he noticed myriad candles hovering in the air.

Wow, magic, he thought to himself.

Although he had heard a little about magic from his overzealous father, he had never realized to what degree magic could enhance things, despite the hovering candles' frivolity.

Suddenly, the headmaster, Solomon Lear, presented himself to the podium. He did not remove tension from the air, but instead added to it, with his tall stature and leather. As he spoke, the walls reverberated, and the candles floating in the air appeared to tremble at the sound of the Headmaster's voice.

The Headmaster, after a little bit, seemed a lot less imposing and more friendly than Albert had thought. Albert's prior experiences in school had not been as good as Hogwarts. As he was speaking, however, Albert was not listening to the words or understanding them so much as letting them ring through him. He was overwhelmed by the intricacies of the architecture and the apparent magic. He noted that the Headmaster's voice could probably only be as loud as it was with some sort of charm applied to it, however that worked.

Words drifted through his head as he gazed across the table at the lavish feast prepared for him.

Well, he thought, if this school is magic, they must magically create the food, must they?

In a moment of hunger, he reached his hand toward a juicy thigh of turkey. He felt its warm presence in his hand - and snapped it back instantly. The man at the podium commanded respect, even at the subconscious level.

The phrase "sorting ceremony" echoed through his head for several seconds after Headmaster Lear uttered it. Slowly emerging from his trance-like state of mind, he recalled his father saying this was the most important day of his life. He sat up straight, like the military men he had observed walking outside his house a few weeks before his admission to Hogwarts. He was going to prove his mother wrong, he was going to erase his mother's influence from himself, he was going to be a Slytherin just like his father.

He zoned off again as the hat began singing some comical jingle about the houses of Hogwarts or something. He was about to fall asleep, as people's names were being read, when he heard an announcement.

"Brt kov!"

He went back into his trance. A much louder, booking voice, echoed through the walls.

"ALBERT PESHKOV."

He apprehensively walked towards the hat. He steadied his mind. He would act like his father, and get put in his rightful house, Slytherin. He could not, however, seem to push the prying questions from his mind. He needed to learn how everything worked at Hogwarts.

The hat was placed atop his head. He had been expecting a weight, but it was light, almost silken. Already, he was wondering how the hat worked. He tried with all his will to push the thoughts out of his head.

Slytherins are decisive, not inquisitive.

The hat screamed,

"RAVENCLAW!"

Albert quickly smiled at whoever he could, he was here to rise to the top and make his father proud. He needed to make a good impression.

Dejectedly, he walked to the Ravenclaw table. As he sat down, he mused that maybe Ravenclaw wasn't the worst house, after all. Maybe, he would meet some interesting people, and learn the ways of magic.

Lovely.

He went back to observing the Hall, there was so much to look at.

"Fox, Lucia!" called out the Headmaster, Professor Lear.
Lucia gathered her nerve and stepped out of the crowd of first years toward the hat, which seemed to be staring at her. Shivering, Lucia glanced at the Slytherin table for comfort. She would be there, sitting at that table, soon enough. She was sure of it.
As she sat down on the stool and placed the Hat delicately on her head, she thought about how the Slytherins would cheer when they saw that a Fox was at their table once again...
"Slytherin, eh?"
A voice boomed into her ear and Lucia jumped slightly, her cheeks burning as what seemed like the whole school giggled at the tiny first year's reaction to the Hat.
"Of course," Lucia whispered, "It's where I'm meant to be."
"You don't have to whisper, you know dear," the Hat chuckled.
"Sorry," whispered Lucia.
The Hat laughed in her ear.
"Where you're meant to be, hm? I'm not to sure..."
Lucia gripped the side of the stool and cleched her teeth. "Of course it is,"
"Why is that, then?" the Hat asked in a kindly voice.
Lucia had been prepared for this, but all her carefully-structured answers went out of her head as if to make way for the Hat.
"Because - because all of my family has been!"
"That doesn't mean you will, you know," the Hat reminded her, "You are your own person,"
"But - but... But I don't want to let Ebony down... I don't want her to not love me anymore..." Lucia whispered.
The Hat's tone softened.
"She will love you whatever house you are in," the Hat told her gently. "And that house is..."
Lucia drew a deep breath.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the Hat shouted.
"What? No!" Lucia thought, and sat there stunned until someone pulled the hat off her head and gently pushed her towards the Hufflepuff table. They were cheering.
As if in a daze, Lucia walked slowly towards the table and sat down. Someone tried to high-five her.
"Welcome to Hufflepuff!" they said cheerily, but Lucia didn't hear.
What will Ebony say?

Aurelia gasped as she and her fellow first-years entered the Great Hall. Her brothers have told her about the Great Hall, but it was much prettier and bigger than she thought. She saw her oldest brother Ben at the Ravenclaw table giving her a thumbs up. Aurelia smiled. You are going to be fine. Mum and Dad won't care which house I am in. They will love you just the same. Thoughts filled her head as she walked with the first-years. Her family is all in different houses so she is extremely anxious to find out where she will be sorted. Her mum is in Gryffindor, her dad in Hufflepuff, her oldest brother Ben in Ravenclaw, and her other brother Jack in Slytherin. She noticed the enchanted ceiling she had read about and the many floating candles. The four house tables were decked with students, all of them looking towards the first-years. Aurelia glanced away and looked towards the front. Before the headmaster's chair was a small stool with a wrinkly old hat on it. The sorting hat! Ben told me all about it and Jack said it can read your mind. I wonder if that is true... One after another, first-year students were sorted into their houses. Aurelia noticed that each of them was greeted by their house with a large cheer. And then, it was her turn "Aurelia Roberts!", the professor shouted. Aurelia walked forwards happily, she couldn't wait to be sorted. The sorting hat was placed on her head and it slipped over her eyes immediately.
Ah, a Roberts. Yes, quite hard sorting your family, all different personalities. Hmm... I see... no not Hufflepuff. Ah, but there is great loyalty, and thirst for Adventure. Intelligent too, hm very hard. You want to become a Quidditch player?
"Er... yes", Aurelia replied. She was thinking about what the Sorting hat was saying but it was all a bit confusing.
Yes, I feel great and brave things from you. I think I have found the house for you young lady. Best be... GRYFFINDOR!
Aurelia smiled. Gryffindor... like mum. I wonder what she will say! She took off the hat and sat down at Gryffindor table that was cheering loudly for her. At this moment she knew she had found her home. This is where she belongs.

The Great Hall, it's elaborate and lustrous design would make even a caveman stop in their tracks to admire it's beauty. From the ghastly floating candles and the long rows of tables, Emmanuel felt overwhelmed. He suddenly felt extremely small, compared to the Island he called home the former years of his life, he felt vastly out of place. Not to mention the fact his knowledge of what was really going on being that of muggle, well heck, he technically was! A letter told him he was welcomed to this school — Hogwarts, his familia immediately broke out into celebration that night threw a three day long party. Though he had to admit it was some good eating, probably gained at lease 10lb from that weekend alone.

But now here he was, sitting and waiting, hearing each students name being called off and being 'sorted'. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, the amount of students were surprisingly a lot, he didn't think they'd even get to him in time for bed. Misjudgment on his part indeed, since in the next moment his own name was called.

[Hat]: " Requiza, Emmanuel!"

Summoned from his thoughts, the young carribean wizard got up, slowly walking towards the front to sit upon the stool. Each step caused a new stand of nerves to combine with the bundle knotted in the pit of his stomach. ' Oye-Oye! Legs, don't fail me now! Don't make a fool of youself, it's you who supposed to fool them!' Tryingnto give himself a pep-talk, Emmanuel finally sat upon the stool, a seas of students staring in his direction.

GULP

Well needless to say, the pep-talk didn't work. though on the outside nothing seemed wrong, he'd pushes up his glasses and await the sorting.

[Hat]: " A Trickster at heart, and hard working... Gryffindor?? No no, you seek something more thrilling, solitary fulfillment.. Peculiar indeed.."




Slytherin? wasn't that the snake house? A look of confusion was on his face, though it didn't stop him from getting up and letting the next student to find which house they were sorted to. In all honesty, Emmanuel had no idea what to expect from this school, but one thing the hat and himself did agree on — he wanted thrill.

"Ah, another Averell? You'll perhaps have the same fate as your father."

I am a Slytherin. Like my father.

As she sat on the chair, she spotted Parker sitting down at their table, giving her a brief wink then proceeded to plaster a blank face. Her cousin looked terribly like her father. She would even mistake them as brothers. And seeing Parker there, was like seeing her father, she felt safe.

"You are quite, a different Averell. You have your father's blood, but it is not the only one that flows through you, I hope you don't forget that." the sorting hat went silent.
Why is he having a hard time? I'm a Slytherin! Just the same as my father was.

"Hmm, fair amount of wit and creativity. Ravenclaw might be a possibility. Will you do anything for friends and family? Yes. Hufflepuff? Hmm." the sorting hat snickered. "Miss Averell, I see no reason as to not place you on Slytherin. You are very ambitious, cunning and very much like your father. But I see much more to you, and you have something more than that inside of you. You are quite both, I must say."

What does the sorting hat mean? Am I not being placed on Slytherin?

"You tend to act before you think, and you have a great deal of courage in you, therefore, Gryffindor!"

Her eyes widened, breathing halted. Not Slytherin?

Fear built up inside her. Of course! A muggle-born sorted in Slytherin is rare! But she was so sure she'll be like her father, given that her magickal affinity came from him.

I don't only have my father's blood, but as well as my mother's. I must've been a sorted into Gryffindor because of her. I could've have gotten her traits that reflect well on Gryffindor! Then what is it?

Her thoughts dispersed when the Gryffindor's stood up and clapped, she looked over them and they were smiling, some were even whistling, and some were motioning her to come over.

Some of the sorting leading up to him had been really interesting. He watched as some kids held full-on conversations with the hat on their head. Others appeared to be playing mind tricks with it to get what they wanted. Some looked ecstatic at where they were placed while others looked like their world had just ended. One girl had even pushed past him, charging out of the room in tears.

But there were a lot of students and as the evening drew on, and his feet began to ache from standing Clifton had become so busy staring at his mind-bending surroundings--and trying to figure out why the kid in front of him smelled so odd--that he almost didn't hear them announce that it was his turn.

"--oublefield!"

Clifton's nerves kicked in and he looked around, wondering if they meant him or if there were any other Troublefields in the group. There was really only one way to find out. With a surrendering shrug, Clifton began to make his way through the clearing students and was relieved when no one else did the same. He stepped up to the front, feeling every single even somewhat interested eyeball in the room.

It was a lot of people to make a good first impression for. So naturally, Clifton knocked over the stool with his foot, causing it to tumble down and roll toward the students. There was a small rumble of laughter and some stepped out of the way as he chased it down.

Feeling color rush to his face, Clifton apologized, grabbed the stool, and hurriedly came back.

"Probably not Slytherin," the hat grinned as Clifton put the stool back in its place. Whatever that meant. He'd only just learned about the houses on the ride over and there was no way he was going to remember them now what with the rumble of laughter growing louder. The professor motioned for silence then smiled encouragingly at Clifton who, more carefully this time, took his seat.

He felt the hat drop partially over his eyes. Then it began turning his head slightly on its own accord as it "thought". This, by far, was the weirdest personality quiz Clifton had ever taken.

"Hmm..." it mused. "A strong vein of courage and charm, but you abhor the spotlight...A good head for learning and yet an inability to focus. Most interesting...Hmm, my my. You are an avid explorer of your physical world, which might suggest a couple houses. Except that you do it to escape your overwhelming inner world. That does change things."

Thank you for shouting this sort of stuff out to everyone. Really appreciate it. Clifton thought. I also once had to go to the hospital for getting a lima bean stuck up my nose. Don't forget to add that bit.

The hat chuckled at this, though it didn't comment.

"You are an impulsive free spirit who wields a wand intended for steady, durable wizards. My we are a wild card, aren't we Troublefield?"

Clifton sighed. He wished the thing would stop analyzing and just tell him which lunch table to sit at already.

"But you do have some quality, dominating traits that I can see. The best house for you is clearly...HUFFLEPUFF!"

Huffle-what? What did that even mean? The crowd erupted into cheers and Clifton automatically smiled at their response, but he was relieved it was over. He went toward the table that had the most kids applauding and waving and sat down.

What had he gotten himself into?

The first years were made to line up just outside the huge doors leading to the Great Hall. The doors creaked loudly as they opened, and the students were ushered to get inside.

Aeri grew up hearing stories about the wonders of Hogwarts. Despite hearing her parents' own experiences over and over again, Aeri still found herself gaping at what transpired before her eyes. It was a spectacular sight! The huge room was illuminated by countless of floating candles. It was filled with music and cheers. Everyone looked so joyful to see the little children marching down the aisle.

The first years were led to the front, and they were gathered before the rugged sorting hat sitting on a simple wooden stool. Someone cleared his voice, loud enough to make everyone fall silent. But Aeri couldn't see who it was, because the boy in front of her was way too tall. His head even moved from side to side, making it impossible for Aeri to know what was going on.

The sorting hat began to sing:


Aeri began to tune out because she was struggling to crane her neck in a certain angle, so that the boy's head wouldn't block her view. Aeri's efforts were fruitless, however, and she realized she should just let it go. So the sorting hat kept singing, until its song came to an end.


The sorting then began.

"Aeri Vento!" She was finally called. She shimmied herself away from the freshmen crowd and approached the stool. Aeri felt the sorting hat placed on top of her head, and as if almost immediately it bellowed, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Aeri smiled as she got off the stool and made her way to the Hufflepuff table. Not at all the house she expected. Her mum was a Gryffindor; and her dad, a Ravenclaw. Regardless, she knows they'll both be very proud.

Akina walked into the Great Hall, eyes sparkling at the sight of the floating candles and the numerous students in the hall. Her heart started to beat faster and faster and student after student got called. Names called and houses sorted, the imaginary line getting shorter and shorter to her spot. Her eyes watches as she kept trying to get further and further from the hat that would be placed into her mind.

Trying to distract herself from looking like a fool before even standing before the hat, Akina looks towards the crests for each house. Eyes catching each creature and ponder what each could mean. "A lion is usually is talked about their bravery. I don't really think I'm all that brave." She looks at her fellow students and tries the think which one of them would be considered brave. She shakes her head and looks back at the crests. "A snake and a raven? I've heard stories about them both, maybe I'll be a Raven for my cunning wit?" She laughs at herself internally right before her name is called.


Akina goes ramrod straight, walking like a robot towards the teacher with the hat. "It's just a hat, nothing to be scared of." She thinks before looking out into the crowd. It was odd how scared she was before waiting, but looking at the crest while waiting for the hat to be put on her had an adrenaline rush pour through her. "Why that seems like a pretty badger." She quickly thinks as the hat is placed on her.

"A badger you say?" Says an unknown voice, it brings a chill to Akina as she turns her head looking for it. "Why yes, a curious little thing you are." The girl looks up at the hat and her eyes widens.

"Yes a badger Mr. Sorting Hat. They are shy and timid but will fight thing bigger then they are for a friend or themselves." She blinks, wondering why she wanted to defend herself. She loved badgers, in fact she wanted one as a pet once. "They are one of the closest animals to humans."

"A smart and inquisitive mind, much like a Ravenclaw, however you do not seem to have to appitute that I look for in one. Yes, yes much like the badger you belong to-" There was a pause in what the hat said, as if dramatic.



The crowd cheered as Akina, completely confused as to what happened is released from the Sorting Hat and guided to the Hufflepuff table. She bows to the teachers before looking dazed at the new family she has obtained. She tries to bow again when she get to the table but falls, head first into the food. Getting back upright and laughing off her embarrassment. "Sorry."

Adelyn had been prepared by her parents for the sorting ceremony, but nothing could prepare her for the seemingly endless rows of young witches and wizards. The girl sat with a straight back, her eyes focused purely on the hat, avoiding the conversations around her. It was not due to her disliking any of the children, but simply she was used to being her own company. This change was a bit rattling.

"Adelyn Barcleey-Barclay..." resounded through the hall, and suddenly, Adelyn felt very small.

However, Adelyn was also used to being paraded at the few of her parents functions she had attended, so she imagined it was another event. She stood from her seat, brushed the imaginary dust off from her chest, and began her march towards the chair.

She was a little perturbed by the hat, pondering if it was alive or if it really was just magic. She was even more shocked when it began talking above her head, squeezing her hands together as the nervousness kicked in.

"Haha! She ponders if I live! A broad mind on this one, however condescending thoughts it may give. Hmm, a spoiled child in deed, luckily, not yet rotten with greed. I see a wild mind, but a lonely heart, her and her dog have never been this far apart!

Adelyn felt her cheeks flush at that, internally scolding the hat for being so rude in front of so many new faces.

The hat continued without a beat,"A spirit of fire, but not gone wild with desire. Collected thoughts, something not even money could have bought. Hmm, the silver of her tongue is not true to a lion, perhaps a raven, as such is attracted by shiny objects? Adelyn Barclay, you belong to Ravenclaw."

Adelyn was happy with this result, a small smile worming its way to her lips. Ravenclaw was where she was sure she could be educated, and hopefully meet someone calmer than the toad hiding children she had met on the train.