Closed The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019

Robin was still amazed of what she was seeing. First seeing first handed Diagon Alley and its magic, floating candles and now an old pointy hat that was speaking... this thrilled her with enthusiasm. Even after the Sorting Hat finished his song and a teacher started calling one student after another, Robin continued observing the great hall with open eyes and a small smile. To think that a muggle like her met a different world in just a matter of days, it was making her excited to ler how everything worked!

"oConnel, Robin."

Until she heard her name being called, horror bloomed over her heart and mind, and started questioning if she would be able to fit in any house there... what if she didn't belong anywhere? Robin slowly went to the chair while she counted the reasons why she suddenly felt like she was there for error. She finally felt the hat in her head, and then, her eyes were covered.


"Hmm", the hat mubbled, "Another brave heart lies here, ready for any adventure that is in front of them... but also kind for those friends that need help... even so, curiosity remains victorious. You shall be in RAVENCLAW!"


She sighed tiredly, knowing that now she was going to start a school year to learn magic and new things. Now sure of herself, Robin advanced to the dining room of Ravenclaw, smiling that great feats and new friendships would be found through the following years.

Ember nervously bit her bottom lip, trying to focus. It was wonderful here, right? The floating candles... the ceiling showing a full moon, passed by small clouds every now and then, bright stars above her... and the hundreds of students seated at the long table, carefully surveying the group of new first years. Including Ember. 
She told herself it was no problem at all. She didn't mind attention, right? But all she could think about was the Sorting Hat, about to announce what would be her fate for the next seven years. In front of every single student living in this castle. 
Ember took a deep breath, finally managing to look around and regard the other students. Most of them seemed to feel as nervous as she did herself while random names, houses and cheers echoed through the Great Hall without any of them really reaching the young witch.
She tried to decide on what house she'd like. Gryffindor, she mulled, would be perfect for her fiery spirit... and braveness, she hoped to be brave, she wanted to... but was she? Then there was Slytherin, the slender girl shuddered as she thought of them. Cunning, witty, of course, and some fantastic wizards and witches had originated from there - but it certainly had a Dark, snakelike touch which Ember immensely disliked. Please not Slytherin, please not Slytherin... And then, Ravenclaw came to her mind. 
With each of the aforesaid houses, Ember had only lingered for a moment, but as she thought of Ravenclaw, an undistinguishable warmth spread through her, and for a moment, she could imagine it all... long nights of studying in the common room with new friends, a straight O graduation, a house where people who loved school were exactly right instead of being nerds, geeks or whatever the girls at her Muggle school had called her. 
For a moment, Ember panicked when the teacher standing at the front called out: "Jones, Elena!" But as she watched the girl being sorted into Slytherin, slowly the feeling overcame her that she was ready. And ready she was, when her name came. "Jones, Ember!" 
The hat softly muttered into her ear, she liked its voice, she liked its soft leather on her fiery red hair, and she trusted it to Sort her into the right house. "Ravenclaw!" it called out, this word heard by all, and cheers arose, and Ember took off the hat and sashayed towards her house table with a broad grin. Thank you, Sorting Hat. 

December's name being called forward jolted her with a start as she lagged behind the group that was heading towards the Sorting Hat. She almost felt as if this was some kind of call for her destiny, that this was about to make a difference. She had known that her brother before her had been a Hufflepuff, as he always bragged to her they were a fun lot who acted like a real family, and his little group had been the pranksters of their year. Her father before her had been a Gryffindor, a strong man who had cast spells with the confidence like no other. She was anxious because she felt as if she could not live up to these expectations, that she would have to crawl home admitting that she was sorted into no house, that the house she was chosen for was below average. Slytherin. Something that her father and brother had both spoken poorly of. She couldn't believe how bad her hands shook as she waited in line, keeping her eyes down everytime the Headmaster addressed them. She didn't want to suddenly burst in front of tears in front of everyone. She was better than that.

She did not listen as they went through procedures and the song, she knew it by heart as her brother and father excitedly recalled their ceremony at the Platform 9 3/4. What she didn't know what how nervous she would be as she walked up, her hands shaking as she held onto her skirt, her face growing pale as she sat onto the stool in front of the large pool of students. She kept her eyes and her mouth tightly closed as she tried to focus on her breathing before she felt the weight on her head and the voice in her ear...

"You're not one of the Faust men... what a unique case. And so many thoughts running through your head, how timid you are..."

The voice took her aback as she opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, the Hat interrupted her.

"Tell me Ms. Faust, do you have what it takes to make sacrifices? Do you have the will to be as cutthroat as the ones before you?"

The voice's hat was strong and insistent. December paused as she slowly opened her eyes to look at her feet. "No," she said softly in reply, but the voice in her head was strong as it boomed in her eyes.

"Now, we both know that wasn't true Ms. Faust... I suppose that red and yellow would suit you, but I believe that you need those who will keep up with you. You have a bright future ahead of you. SLYTHERIN!"

The voice boomed across the hall as December refused to let her face drop. She couldn't help but feel the hot shame well up in her chest as she stood, putting the hat back onto the stool as she nervously walked towards the table. She heard the cheers, the congratulations but all of that scared her. This house scared her. And what she had heard of this house scared her too. She took a seat, quietly next to the other first years as she continued to keep her eyes down, head bowed as she wished that this ceremony would pass as quickly as possible.

Of everything David had experienced since starting his magical journey, nothing could have possibly topped the moment he stood in the Great Hall, waiting to be sorted. Diagon Alley, Platform 9^3/4, and the tranquil ride towards the castle had been phenomenal experiences; experiences he would never have had if he abstained from attending Hogwarts. How many millions or billions of people would live their whole lives without seeing the wonders David had seen within the past few weeks?

The Great Hall was something else entirely to those wonders. This wasn't just happenstance magic happening in an otherwise mundane or weird looking setting. The Great Hall was crafted. The impossibly tall chamber, the floating candles, the majestic banners that exuded pride and power. Looking up yielded not a sloped ceiling like you'd expect, but an infinite starlit sky. Hundreds of black-clad children lined each of the tables, color-coded with the banners that hung above them. At the end of the room sat a table of adults, all looking proud and dignified and each visually distinct from the other.

The kids standing beside him, unsorted first-years like himself, seemed to be struck with the same reverie that he was experiencing. He didn't know if they had known magic all their lives or were just experiencing this world for the first time, but it didn't seem to matter. Who couldn't be overwhelmed by the sheer presence the room exuded. Was this what it meant to be a part of the Magical World? Was this the potential of magic? Was this the limit? Was magic capable of even more than this? David couldn't imagine what could top what he was feeling right now, but somewhere deep inside of him he could feel something tugging at his mind, telling him that much more was possible.

But something else demanded his attention. The Sorting Ceremony was taking place, and he was steadily moving up the line. He wasn't even surprised anymore when the hat suddenly started talking. It certainly wasn't the craziest thing he'd seen so far and, at this point, it honestly couldn't have made more sense that there was a talking hat. It also helped that his parents had told him about the hat ahead of time.

It was in charge of sorting people into the school's four houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. They weren't listed in any order of importance. At least they weren't important to David. He had no attachment to any of them. His mother was in Ravenclaw, so he guessed he would want to be in Ravenclaw. It would make her proud, probably. It didn't help that most of his impressions of the houses were from other students' like himself. The textbooks he had taken the liberty of reading ahead of time about the History of Hogwarts and its Houses didn't really elaborate in the way he would like about what each house represented of its members.

Going by the other kids' gossip, Gryffindor was definitely the most popular house. Only the bravest, most courageous witches and wizards were sorted into the house. It was represented by a proud lion instead of a griffin, which David had thought would have been the most obvious choice. They were associated with heroes such as the famous Harry Potter, whose exploits David was not at all familiar with. It generally seemed to be a house of prestige. This meant that David very much did not want to be in Gryffindor.

Heroism? Bravery? Those were good qualities to have. David wouldn't argue with that. But David couldn't be more different. He was focused on just trying to survive right now and he didn't think he'd be able to live up to the pressure that seemed synonymous with the House. It wasn't his goal to be hero.

The next big name was Slytherin. This House could probably win easily if it was an aesthetic contest. David himself was partial to the color green, however, the rumonrs he heard abotu Slytherin were often elss than pleasant. Slytherin only churned out dark witches and wizards. Slytherin dances with the Dark Arts. Slytherin is ruthless and cruel. David wasn't sure he believed all that. Slytherin seemed to be a house associated with resourcefulness and ambition. They surely couldn't all be bad. Every house had to have its own bad apples. Maybe Slytherin just had the mistfortune of churning out a really bad apple somewhere along the line and everyone just maligned them for it.

If Slytherin was really so dangerous, then surely the school would have made a change to the house altogether. If there was something inherent to Slytherin that made its members do evil things, then the school would clearly have done something about ti by now. David couldn't help but think that, if Slytherin did churn out evil witches and wizards like clockwork, maybe it was because the rest of the school always accused them of being evil from the start. Maybe they were just doing what was expected.

However, David didn't feel it was the best house for him. He was certainly not very ambitious. He didn't even know what he wanted to do with what he'd hopefully learn at the school. He chose to come because something in him told him to come. He didn't want to become powerful or some kind of leader. Slytherin was certainly not for him.

Hufflepuff. Well... David had heard next to nothing substantial about Hufflepuff. They were kind, loyal, and worked hard. That was about it. It kind of seemed like the leftover house from all the things he had heard. Honestly, it didn't sound so bad.

"Gryffindor!"

The shout snapped David out of his train of thought. He focused again on his surroundings The line had moved him up considerably and he was shocked to see there was only a few students in front of him. A girl was leaving the hat and moving over the the red table: Gryffindor's. Did she get the house she wanted? Was she happy? Disappointed? Another student was sitting in the seat now, having the hat placed on their heads.

The last house was Ravenclaw. His mom's house. Smart. Intelligent. They pursued knowledge. His mom said that was him. He was ahead of his classmates in school. His grades were near perfect. But was that because he was naturally gifted? He didn't hang out with his peers throughout his normal school life. He didn't feel like he belonged with them, so he devoted his spare time to studying. Was that because he wanted to? Was he more interested in learning than anything else? It would make sense if he was.

"Ravenclaw"

The hat shouted again. David noticed he was several spaces up from before. Only one person was in front of him. He felt his heart begin to race. Was he ready for this? In only a few moments, it felt like his entire future could be decided by the single spoken word of a hat. Should he turn and run? No. He couldn't. The scene he would make would be unbearable. He'd never be able to live it down. He'd never be able to face his parents if buckled under the pressure now. He had to go through with it.

The girl in front of him had the hat placed on her head. It was at this moment that David finally noticed the moment of silence that fell over the room when the hat was placed on a student's head. There was a rising anticipation in the room. The hat was clearly deliberating over which house to select. Or maybe it was just playing the room for theatrics.

"Slytherin!"

The shout punctuated the silence. The table in green cheered for their new member. Was she doomed to become a dark witch? No. Those were the rumors. David had to calm down and focus on what was about to happen to hi-

"David Moore"

His name was called and he immediately began walking, his first steps slightly robotic as he shook off the rust that seemed to have formed over his legs. He approached the stool and sat and felt the hat placed over him.

Silence. The room had fallen silent again, but it was a different kind of silence than before. It was like the hat was actively drowning out any outside noise, leaving David alone in his own head space.

Not sure what you want, eh?. The voice echoed in David's head. It was the hat's voice. The hat was talking to him. It asked him a question; an easy one.

"No," He whispered. "I don't know what I'm doing here." Pausing for a moment, he worked up the courage to ask: "Can you put me in Ravenclaw?" It was a bold question, but he had gone for it.

Yes, you are certainly devoted towards pursuing knowledge. You take some level of pride in excelling where others, don't That line kind of stung. But that part of you is something you don't take pride in. That was... true? It didn't ring false. David devoted his time to studying because he didn't have much else.

You're neither ambitious nor brave, a terrible fit for Gryffindor and Slytherin, but I sense in you a wanderlust. A desire to experience the unknown, to know more about the unknown. You want to work hard to claim your place in the world. Not one of prestige, but a place nonetheless; and you show concern for how others are treated. Deeper in you, I can sense something more." The hat paused for what felt like eternity. Truly, the best house for you to find youself in is-

"Hufflepuff!"

The hat was removed form his head and the yellow table cheered. David found himself breathing hard. He had been holding his breath ever since he asked the Sorting Hat to place him in Ravenclaw. He descended down the steps and towards the Yellow Table, the badger on the banners suddenly more vibrant than before. He wasn't disappointed in not being placed in Ravenclaw like his mother, surprisingly enough. If Hufflepuff was the House for people that didn't fit some kind of exemplary quota, then it was probably the best house for someone that didn't want to stand out too much. He took a seat next to some students, some of whom whispered a Congratulations to him before everyone's attention turned to the next student.

Something like excitement began to flood through David's veins. He was officially a student of Hogwarts now. His magical education had officially begun and he finally had a place given to him that he could belong to. Maybe this year would be better than he imagined.

As the students were each called by their name it was a dreadfull wait. Where would he be sorted? Erik knew in which house he belonged, but would the hat agree? He was nervous, but still held his composure and made sure his body language showed that he was confident. He had never been outside of Norway before. He could have gone to Durmstrang Institute as all the other members of his family before him, but the feud between his family and the Jordahl family had reached a boiling point. Not even the schoolgrounds were safe anymore from the feud. As recently some of the Jordahl members were skulking around the perimeter. So his parents had looked for a school overseas. Far away from the feud so he could start his school carreer in peace. When he heard his name called he walked with purpose towards the stool. When the hat was lowered on his head it spoke to him:

Oh, what have we here? Yes, yes. Pure of blood, mischievous, cunning and do I sence a hint of superiourity as well? You've got the potential to do great good or harm. That choice will inevitably lie with you... Well it seems you tick all the boxes for... SLYTHERIN!!!

Applaus and cheers filled the room thanks to the students in deep green. Erik was content. Thank you! I'm glad to hear you feel the same way, he said with a cheecky grin. After that remark he made his way towards his fellow Slytherins and some moved out of the way to make some room for him at the table.

Liliafix was shaking. Nerves had got the best of her. Being surrounded by so many loud people didn't help either. She had no idea which house she would be put in. Her mother had said something about her stepfather being a Slytherin, maybe she'd be put there. But what if she wasn't put into a house at all? What if it was just a mistake? What if-



She felt glued to the ground. She eventually made her way over to the stool, but not before throwing up in her mouth a little. As she placed the worn, patched hat on her head, she froze.

"Oh, don't be so shy, Liliafix. I do remember your father, filled with ambition. He went into Slytherin, of course."

He's my stepfather.

"Yes, I suppose that makes sense. Jerome never was one to want to start a happy family. I know which house to put you in immediately, of course. But seeing as you are so unsure of yourself, I think I'll list your personalities. You are cunning and clever, very fit for Slytherin. But you do not have the ambition- no, you wouldn't do well there. Gryffindor is out of the question. You do have the loyalty of course, but that's where it ends. Loyalty leads us to Hufflepuff, where I can see you doing well. You're kind, sweet, and always want to help others out. Yes, you'd do well there. Of course, Hufflepuffs are quite social, whereas you are not. No, I see something different in store. You have such an want to learn- and you're filled with so much wit. Yes, that's what it'll be.

"Ravenclaw!"

Liliafix let out a breath she didn't know he was holding. Cheers rang out from the Ravenclaw table, and Liliafix gave a tiny smile as she slid down on the bench. She was glad to be welcomed in such a way. She applauded the next student's placement and cheered as loud as her fellow Ravenclaws once another one joined their table.

It was a tiring journey to the train station, many words going unspoken between Viviana and her father as she struggled with something to say. His eyes mirrored her own, the emotion blinding and visible to anyone who dare peered into them. His gentle guidance pushed her through the brick wall, into the enchantment that separated the Muggle station from the Hogwarts Express and she choked on her voice.

"Dad..." She sounded, hesitant and vulnerable and too young for separation from one of the only people she trusted. He was her best friend- her solid rock when her mother had died. She didn't think owling him would simply suffice as a replacement. The only reason she hadn't accepted his proposal to homeschool was that her thirst for knowledge was greater than even her own fears.

Bastian Ambrosi smiled as his daughter, placing a tender kiss on her forehead as he smoothed down her hair. "I know. I know what you're trying to say. You'll do your mother and me proud, Vivi. I'm certain of it."

She startled when the train whistle blew loudly, quickly rushing to give her father a hug."I will be sure to owl you frequently! I'll do our family proud as your heiress... no, as your daughter! And..." Her voice lowered into a whisper, "I promise to keep family secrets just that. A secret." Her father simply shook his head, savoring the hug before he ushered her into the train so she would find a compartment. His look spoke for him.

There was no way she could ever disappoint her father.

She honestly hoped that was true. She'd think nothing but that even after she had stumbled onto a mostly empty area that she settled down in with tired motions. She brought out a book to occupy the times and soon enough the students were departing the train to begin their magical experience at Hogwarts.

The first-year student's gathered to hear the Headmaster's words. Ackerley Blackburn was younger than Viviana had expected but no less impressive to a group of impressionable eleven-year-olds far away from home and soon everyone was absorbed in his speech, hanging off every nuance that parted his lips. This was it, this was the start of their adventure. Their place of education and home for the next seven years... Everyone wanted to know where they'd be sorted, though few were certain.

Viviana herself was uncertain. Her family had no specific house traits beyond that of a Hufflepuff but members of the Ambrosi line have been sorted into every house a few times over. He own father was a Hufflepuff and her mother was a Griffondor, but that didn't mean she'd end up in one of those two. She could be a Slytherin for all she was ambitious as one! Though she'd always been pegged as a Ravenclaw by her own mother who'd use terms on endearments such as, "My darling little professor."

The sorting hat sang it's tradition and students got more nervous by the second as they looked at the crowd they'd soon have to be sorted in front of. Viviana resisted the urge to groan, unluckily to be at the beginning of the list due to her last name.

"Ambrosi, Viviana."

She sucked in a sharp breath and began a careful trek up to the stool. Once she sat down, the hat was placed precariously on her head, tilted sideways and covering her eyes.

"Ah, yes," the Sorting Hat began, "Another Ambrosi! Welcome, welcome! It's always a treat to sort such a dynamic family... hm, you have strong determination, good values, and you're very loyal. You're timid but unafraid if you set your mind to it or wish to accomplish a goal... your need for knowledge is great, but your compassion may just rival that. No, I know- you'll be sorted into-- RAVENCLAW!"

Viviana winced at the cheering and clapping, sure by now that her ears were positively ringing due to the noise. She got up for the stool, carefully placing the hat on top as she gave it a polite smile. "Thank you. You've proven my mother correct."

She left after that, sitting with her fellow Ravenclaws as she observed one by one, students getting sorted into all of the houses. Though she felt homesick, she tried to enjoy the well prepared feast that appeared shortly after everything had settled. She was a Ravenclaw now. This was her new home.

With the other students, Neculai was being lead into what was called the Great Hall. What an enormous castle, I'm sure going to get lost a few times before I'll be able to navigate through this labrinth, the boy thought to himself. He looked around to see what the Great Hall had to offer and boy what a sight it was! Floating candles and a display of clouds and a moon in the ceiling! "What spell would they have used for this?", but then his gaze fell upon the most remarkable thing. A hat that was able to talk! Yes! It was the sorting hat! He had read up on it on the train to Hogwarts. It was rumored that the Sorting Hat never made a mistake and thus Neculai hoped the sorting hat would choose correctly.

While lost in thought and pointing around to things, to no one in particular, he recognised from books he had read on his way to Hogwarts, he suddenly noticed everyone was looking at him.
"Neculai Lazar! Would you please step forward so you can be sorted?" The Deputy Headmaster called out at him. "Of course! Apologies!", he said whilst almost running towards the sorting hat. As soon as he started running he slowed his pace again when it suddenly dawned to him. This is it, Neculai. After this there is no way back. After you are sorted you will have to be a wizard. A knot formed in his stomach when he took a seat and the Deputy Headmaster placed the Sorting Hat on his head.

Neculai Dragos Lazar, the third. Your family is no stranger to Hogwarts, no. Would it make your father and mother proud, if you were sorted in Hufflepuff? Yes, the loyalty you posses, but the social aspect... Not so much. No, I don't think that would be a good fit. Let's see, what else? Ravenclaw? Hmmm... The wit, the eager to learn and the intelligence. Words that are as much a fit for Ravenclaw aswell as your own character. Yes, that will be it!

RAVENCLAW!!!

A smile crept upon Neculai's face as the Sorting Hat chose Ravenclaw for him. Mom and dad would've been prouder to have a son in Hufflepuff, but Ravenclaw was what he would've chosen himself aswell. So it was true after all... The Sorting Hat is always right. With that Neculai stood up and walked to the Ravenclaw table to take his seat and listen to the next student.

May bounced with excitement as she entered the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the very first time. Her earrings and bracelets jingled as her head turned to look at everything the group of first years passed by. The portraits, the armor stands, even the furniture! It was a magical school, so anything could happen, at least in the young witch’s mind.
A new adventure officially began now, and it was entirely overbearing. What was the future to hold? This question both exhilarated and frightened her significantly. There was no way to know for certain, but she knew for sure she would be just fine.
The group of first years reached the great hall, and as soon as the door opened they were overwhelmed with color and light. May smiled brightly and studied her surroundings expansively as she waved at all those sizing up the first years. New school, had to make an good impression on all the other years.
After the grand entrance, names were called and people were sorted. May cheered loudly for each in turn, until at last her rather short and simple name was called, “May Lee.”
The young witch stepped forward with a spring. Her stride was filled with assurance, even as her earrings and bracelets jingled happily. She sat on the stool and the fabled sorting hat was placed upon her head.
“Ah, May Lee. A noble heart and a sound mind, is that an adventurous spirit I see? There is no question here, Gryffindor!” The sorting hat made its decree to the school’s occupants with gusto, and suddenly the hall was awash in loud cheers, the loudest of which came from Gryffindor. The newly sorted Gryffindor witch smiled gleefully and went over to her table, sandwiching herself between two other first years.