9 May 2019, 00:55
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
[quote]
[quote]Blaire’s heart skipped a few beats as she was herded into the Great Hall with the rest of the first years. Her eyes scanned the room, trying to take it all in. There was no possible way she could fully comprehend all that was going on. It was as if Blaire was walking around in a daze. Her head was on a swivel. Looking along each house table, all of the students sitting around the tables starring back at them. The ceiling was just as her sisters had described it, enchanted to resemble the nights sky. How absolutely magical.
Everyone watched the large group of first years file in, and make their way up towards the front. Blaire couldn’t make out what all the Headmaster had said. She couldn’t hear anything anyone was saying for that matter. The girl next to Blaire tried to tell her something, she just smiled and nodded at her.
Turning her attention back towards the front, she watched as the Headmaster sat down. That’s when she saw the Sorting Hat for the first time. It was old, and dingy. It looked like just over a million kids had put that thing on. She wondered if it smelled… That was probably blasphemes to even think. This was where her mother and father had stood before her. And her maternal grandparents. And generations of Turner’s before that. All of them had been sorted into Slytherin. Blaire chewed on the inside of her cheek. What if she was placed somewhere else?
That would be the final nail in her coffin, as far as her mother would be concerned. The last smudge on their families already tarnished name. She couldn’t think like that. From what her sisters had said, the Hat would take that into consideration. Blaire needed to focus on the house she knew she was destined to be in, Slytherin. Those ambitious, cunning folks. She could hear the names being called. Blaire watched as the rest of the students sat on the stool, one by one, placing the hat on their heads. Sometimes the hat called out a house name quickly. Other times, it pondered for a minute. Sometimes the children looked thrilled. Other times frightened and concerned.
Blaire shuffled about as the throng of kids around her got smaller and smaller. Both of her sisters had been placed in Slytherin. They both did extremely well there as well. Twisting her hands together in front of her, she thought of the look her mother had given her when she dropped her off this afternoon at platform 9 & ¾’s. Beatrice had looked Blaire directly in the eyes and said,”Don’t bring shame to the family name.” Blaire wasn’t sure what would be her mother’s reaction if she didn’t get into Slytherin.
Before she knew it, she heard her name being uttered. ”Blaire Cordelia Newton.” Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward. Looking out over the crowd, she finally sat atop the stool. Pulling the frumpy Sorting Hat onto her head, she could feel her pulse quicken. ”My, my, your roots run deep in Slytherin. But don’t you want to make a name for yourself? You could do well in Ravenclaw with a mind like yours. Ahh, but that isn’t what is truly in your heart. Oh well, better be Slytherin!” Blaire hadn’t realized she had been holding her breath the entire time. Letting out a long sigh she smirked, hopping off the stool she made her way over to join the Slytherin table.
[quote]Blaire’s heart skipped a few beats as she was herded into the Great Hall with the rest of the first years. Her eyes scanned the room, trying to take it all in. There was no possible way she could fully comprehend all that was going on. It was as if Blaire was walking around in a daze. Her head was on a swivel. Looking along each house table, all of the students sitting around the tables starring back at them. The ceiling was just as her sisters had described it, enchanted to resemble the nights sky. How absolutely magical.
Everyone watched the large group of first years file in, and make their way up towards the front. Blaire couldn’t make out what all the Headmaster had said. She couldn’t hear anything anyone was saying for that matter. The girl next to Blaire tried to tell her something, she just smiled and nodded at her.
Turning her attention back towards the front, she watched as the Headmaster sat down. That’s when she saw the Sorting Hat for the first time. It was old, and dingy. It looked like just over a million kids had put that thing on. She wondered if it smelled… That was probably blasphemes to even think. This was where her mother and father had stood before her. And her maternal grandparents. And generations of Turner’s before that. All of them had been sorted into Slytherin. Blaire chewed on the inside of her cheek. What if she was placed somewhere else?
That would be the final nail in her coffin, as far as her mother would be concerned. The last smudge on their families already tarnished name. She couldn’t think like that. From what her sisters had said, the Hat would take that into consideration. Blaire needed to focus on the house she knew she was destined to be in, Slytherin. Those ambitious, cunning folks. She could hear the names being called. Blaire watched as the rest of the students sat on the stool, one by one, placing the hat on their heads. Sometimes the hat called out a house name quickly. Other times, it pondered for a minute. Sometimes the children looked thrilled. Other times frightened and concerned.
Blaire shuffled about as the throng of kids around her got smaller and smaller. Both of her sisters had been placed in Slytherin. They both did extremely well there as well. Twisting her hands together in front of her, she thought of the look her mother had given her when she dropped her off this afternoon at platform 9 & ¾’s. Beatrice had looked Blaire directly in the eyes and said,”Don’t bring shame to the family name.” Blaire wasn’t sure what would be her mother’s reaction if she didn’t get into Slytherin.
Before she knew it, she heard her name being uttered. ”Blaire Cordelia Newton.” Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward. Looking out over the crowd, she finally sat atop the stool. Pulling the frumpy Sorting Hat onto her head, she could feel her pulse quicken. ”My, my, your roots run deep in Slytherin. But don’t you want to make a name for yourself? You could do well in Ravenclaw with a mind like yours. Ahh, but that isn’t what is truly in your heart. Oh well, better be Slytherin!” Blaire hadn’t realized she had been holding her breath the entire time. Letting out a long sigh she smirked, hopping off the stool she made her way over to join the Slytherin table.
“No colors anymore I want them to turn black"
Strength-8 Agility-6 Control-10 Stamina-6
Strength-8 Agility-6 Control-10 Stamina-6
9 May 2019, 11:54
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Penelope walked in the Great Hall being filled with joy and disbelief that she was in Hogwarts. The hall. There was four long tables one for each houses She looked to the front seeing group of first years going to the front putting on the sorting hat and the sound of clapping and cheering erupt in the hall when they were sorted.
Penelope looked at the Sorting Hat, it looked strange and quite scary yet wise to her. She couldn't place where she get the feeling of wisdom from the hat, perhaps from sorting people? Penelope thought. She look up seeing candles floating in midair and the ceiling looking like the night sky. She couldn't help but indulge to the ceiling thinking what house she'll be in.
Penelope heard her name being called but she was so distracted looking at the ceiling she thought it was in her mind until she heard a yell for the second time. "PENELOPE KELLER!" Penelope was embarrassed and forgotten that there was many people in the hall making her feel very shy when she was making her way to the Sorting Hat and muttering sorry when she feel she bump to some people along the way. When she finally made onto the stand she sat onto the stool and letting the hat placed on her head.
"Hmm... Your quite loyal and stand up for your friends when they can't protect themselves and you have an ideal of your own that you believe is right, very understanding, you can tolerate waiting but only for while. honest but lie depending on the situation. Creative and passionate about learning, Hufflepuff will be suitable for you but you wouldn't be entirely happy there as you seek adventure more then helping others despite your lack of bravery. Hmm..."
The Sorting Hat ponders for a moment. Penelope was sitting putting on a fake calmness on her face but was confused, was she that difficult to be sorted? But yet she was glad that someone knows she seek adventure even if it is a hat, it was a secret that even her parents didn't know. While the hat was still pondering, deep down Penelope was hoping to be Gryffindor even though there are other houses she wouldn't mind being in, she feel she belong more to Gryffindor then others.
"Gryffindor seems to be the perfect fit for you, and since your quite eager to be one then..."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Penelope saw the Gryffindor table cheering and looked at her robes to see they were no longer plain black but in a red and gold colored. She smiled and left her seat to join the Gryffindor table filling with happiness.
Penelope looked at the Sorting Hat, it looked strange and quite scary yet wise to her. She couldn't place where she get the feeling of wisdom from the hat, perhaps from sorting people? Penelope thought. She look up seeing candles floating in midair and the ceiling looking like the night sky. She couldn't help but indulge to the ceiling thinking what house she'll be in.
Penelope heard her name being called but she was so distracted looking at the ceiling she thought it was in her mind until she heard a yell for the second time. "PENELOPE KELLER!" Penelope was embarrassed and forgotten that there was many people in the hall making her feel very shy when she was making her way to the Sorting Hat and muttering sorry when she feel she bump to some people along the way. When she finally made onto the stand she sat onto the stool and letting the hat placed on her head.
"Hmm... Your quite loyal and stand up for your friends when they can't protect themselves and you have an ideal of your own that you believe is right, very understanding, you can tolerate waiting but only for while. honest but lie depending on the situation. Creative and passionate about learning, Hufflepuff will be suitable for you but you wouldn't be entirely happy there as you seek adventure more then helping others despite your lack of bravery. Hmm..."
The Sorting Hat ponders for a moment. Penelope was sitting putting on a fake calmness on her face but was confused, was she that difficult to be sorted? But yet she was glad that someone knows she seek adventure even if it is a hat, it was a secret that even her parents didn't know. While the hat was still pondering, deep down Penelope was hoping to be Gryffindor even though there are other houses she wouldn't mind being in, she feel she belong more to Gryffindor then others.
"Gryffindor seems to be the perfect fit for you, and since your quite eager to be one then..."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Penelope saw the Gryffindor table cheering and looked at her robes to see they were no longer plain black but in a red and gold colored. She smiled and left her seat to join the Gryffindor table filling with happiness.
14 May 2019, 23:20
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Though Martyn had prepared himself mentally as best he could, managing to take the floating candles and indoor weather floating around the ceiling when he entered the Great Hall in stride, as soon as the hat started singing he felt his jaw drop involuntarily.
Living with his father, he had seen magic to be sure, but never anything like this. Never so much, all at once. He tried to process the range of emotions he was feeling now; excitement, awe, a little bit of fear to be sure, but in the end his biggest emotion was, like normal, anxiety. Based off of what he saw happening as each student stepped forward once they heard their name called, he would soon have to sit down before the entire student body as this living hat - the Sorting Hat he believed it had been called? - announced what house he would be joining.
This mess of emotions and the cheers of the various houses was the Sorting Ceremony, and though this was one of the few things his father had actually explained to him a bit, Martyn knew he was not as ready for it as he'd hoped he might be.
So instead of focusing on what was happening around him, or thinking about how many eyes would soon be on him, Martyn thought back to what his dad had told him about his own time at Hogwarts, and the House he had been sorted into.
"There's Gryffindor, a nice enough sort I suppose, though in the end they're a bunch of self-righteous prigs if you ask me," Adrian was saying, looking more animated than Martyn had seen his father behave in a long time. His eyes looked distant, as if recalling a fond memory of long ago.
Which, he supposed, was very likely.
"Then there's Slytherin. They're... ," his father paused here, his expression twisting with pain, and Martyn's eyes widened at the sight of it. What was wrong? Before he could ask, though, his dad recovered and pressed on, trying to act as if he had not paused at all. [color=##8e7cc3]"Just don't worry about Slytherin. You won't end up with them. You... you won't,"[/color] he whispered. Then, like a man who'd just won the lottery, his entire demeanor changed.
Suddenly, Adrian was leaning forward in his chair, giving his son a brilliant grin.
"Then, there's Ravenclaw. My House. The best of the best, if you ask me. Brilliant, focused, determined. Everything I wanted to be," Adrian declared, and from the way he spoke the thought of House Ravenclaw brought back very fond memories indeed! "Let's just say, that if you end up in Ravenclaw, you're in the right place!" his dad finished, quite proud of his proclamation.
As Adrian leaned back, crossing his arms as a self-satisfied smile split his face, something prickled at the back of Martyn's mind. Something he recalled from one of the few passages he'd been able to find about the school among his father's books.
"Da, aren't there four Houses? What about the last one?" he found himself asking, as the vague recollection entered his mind. At this his father raised a brow, as if he'd forgotten this fact for himself.
"Oh yes, I suppose that there is a fourth House. I must say, I had quite forgotten Hufflepuff, for a moment there. Don't worry though, my boy. There's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff, I suppose, or the other houses, but you're a Ravenclaw legacy. I was a Ravenclaw, just like my father, and his father before him. You won't end up in Hufflepuff," Adrian replied. Then, as if hearing a joke, his dad laughed.
"My son, in Hufflepuff? Hah! Now that would be interesting," he continued, chuckling all the while.
Martyn found himself shrugging at his father's laughter. After all, he did not know much about the Houses or Hogwarts as a whole. Why shouldn't he trust what his dad said and aim for House Ravenclaw?
Yet still, Slytherin and Hufflepuff remained in the back of his mind, as he wondered why it was his father might reacted so strangely when mentioning Slytherin, or why he had seemingly forgotten about Hufflepuff entirely. Questions, he realized, he would probably carry for a long time.
"Martyn Rand!"
He was so caught up in his own thoughts, that he missed it when his name was called. It was the murmuring as students looked around, trying to see why no one was approaching the Sorting Hat, that caught his attention.
That, and the fact that the Deputy Headmaster had to repeat himself.
"Martyn Rand?" he called. Immediately, facing turning crimson, Martyn moved, realizing what had happened. He stepped through the remaining students, stumbled - resulting in a round of laughter that, while he knew was not meant to be cruel, only furthered his embarrassment - and then reached the chair where the Deputy Headmaster waited with the Sorting Hat.
Taking a seat as quickly as possible, and looking down at his feet in a lame attempt to hide his awkwardness from the other students, he had nearly forgotten why he was up there until the hat was placed on his head and the Great Hall grew quiet.
"Oh ho ho, now aren't you an interesting one?" the Sorting Hat remarked, drawing Martyn's attention from his feet upwards to his head. The choice of words confused him. Interesting? Him? What could that mean?
Luckily, the hat currently seemed to be speaking only loud enough for Martyn himself to hear as it pondered its decision.
"Not Gryffindor for you, I think. Not your style," it muttered, and he wasn't sure if he should be offended by that or not. The Sorting Hat spoke again before he could decide on that.
"I see that you could do quite well for yourself in Ravenclaw... Much of your father's family were members. The Rands are a Ravenclaw Legacy, after all," the Sorting Hat continued. At these words, Martyn felt his pulse spike, knowing this was the House his father hoped for him to join. He would be very happy indeed if he learned his son had been chosen for Ravenclaw.
Yet the hat's next words made his blood suddenly run cold, sending a shock through his system as even his mind froze, unable to process what he was hearing.
"But Legacy doesn't mean everything. You're a Slytherin Legacy as well, after all, on your mother's side. A powerful witch, to be certain. Yet it's obvious to me you don't belong in Slytherin. Nor, do I think, you belong in Ravenclaw. So... yes... it must be..."
Martyn could not believe what he had just heard. He barely understood what it was the Sorting Hat said next, shouting it through the hall so all could hear, and only stood and moved along towards his House because their table stood and cheered as it was announced, making it obvious even in his stunned state.
He was a member of Hufflepuff.
And, for the first time in his life, he knew something about his mother.
She had been a member of Slytherin.
Living with his father, he had seen magic to be sure, but never anything like this. Never so much, all at once. He tried to process the range of emotions he was feeling now; excitement, awe, a little bit of fear to be sure, but in the end his biggest emotion was, like normal, anxiety. Based off of what he saw happening as each student stepped forward once they heard their name called, he would soon have to sit down before the entire student body as this living hat - the Sorting Hat he believed it had been called? - announced what house he would be joining.
This mess of emotions and the cheers of the various houses was the Sorting Ceremony, and though this was one of the few things his father had actually explained to him a bit, Martyn knew he was not as ready for it as he'd hoped he might be.
So instead of focusing on what was happening around him, or thinking about how many eyes would soon be on him, Martyn thought back to what his dad had told him about his own time at Hogwarts, and the House he had been sorted into.
-------
"There's Gryffindor, a nice enough sort I suppose, though in the end they're a bunch of self-righteous prigs if you ask me," Adrian was saying, looking more animated than Martyn had seen his father behave in a long time. His eyes looked distant, as if recalling a fond memory of long ago.
Which, he supposed, was very likely.
"Then there's Slytherin. They're... ," his father paused here, his expression twisting with pain, and Martyn's eyes widened at the sight of it. What was wrong? Before he could ask, though, his dad recovered and pressed on, trying to act as if he had not paused at all. [color=##8e7cc3]"Just don't worry about Slytherin. You won't end up with them. You... you won't,"[/color] he whispered. Then, like a man who'd just won the lottery, his entire demeanor changed.
Suddenly, Adrian was leaning forward in his chair, giving his son a brilliant grin.
"Then, there's Ravenclaw. My House. The best of the best, if you ask me. Brilliant, focused, determined. Everything I wanted to be," Adrian declared, and from the way he spoke the thought of House Ravenclaw brought back very fond memories indeed! "Let's just say, that if you end up in Ravenclaw, you're in the right place!" his dad finished, quite proud of his proclamation.
As Adrian leaned back, crossing his arms as a self-satisfied smile split his face, something prickled at the back of Martyn's mind. Something he recalled from one of the few passages he'd been able to find about the school among his father's books.
"Da, aren't there four Houses? What about the last one?" he found himself asking, as the vague recollection entered his mind. At this his father raised a brow, as if he'd forgotten this fact for himself.
"Oh yes, I suppose that there is a fourth House. I must say, I had quite forgotten Hufflepuff, for a moment there. Don't worry though, my boy. There's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff, I suppose, or the other houses, but you're a Ravenclaw legacy. I was a Ravenclaw, just like my father, and his father before him. You won't end up in Hufflepuff," Adrian replied. Then, as if hearing a joke, his dad laughed.
"My son, in Hufflepuff? Hah! Now that would be interesting," he continued, chuckling all the while.
Martyn found himself shrugging at his father's laughter. After all, he did not know much about the Houses or Hogwarts as a whole. Why shouldn't he trust what his dad said and aim for House Ravenclaw?
Yet still, Slytherin and Hufflepuff remained in the back of his mind, as he wondered why it was his father might reacted so strangely when mentioning Slytherin, or why he had seemingly forgotten about Hufflepuff entirely. Questions, he realized, he would probably carry for a long time.
-------
"Martyn Rand!"
He was so caught up in his own thoughts, that he missed it when his name was called. It was the murmuring as students looked around, trying to see why no one was approaching the Sorting Hat, that caught his attention.
That, and the fact that the Deputy Headmaster had to repeat himself.
"Martyn Rand?" he called. Immediately, facing turning crimson, Martyn moved, realizing what had happened. He stepped through the remaining students, stumbled - resulting in a round of laughter that, while he knew was not meant to be cruel, only furthered his embarrassment - and then reached the chair where the Deputy Headmaster waited with the Sorting Hat.
Taking a seat as quickly as possible, and looking down at his feet in a lame attempt to hide his awkwardness from the other students, he had nearly forgotten why he was up there until the hat was placed on his head and the Great Hall grew quiet.
"Oh ho ho, now aren't you an interesting one?" the Sorting Hat remarked, drawing Martyn's attention from his feet upwards to his head. The choice of words confused him. Interesting? Him? What could that mean?
Luckily, the hat currently seemed to be speaking only loud enough for Martyn himself to hear as it pondered its decision.
"Not Gryffindor for you, I think. Not your style," it muttered, and he wasn't sure if he should be offended by that or not. The Sorting Hat spoke again before he could decide on that.
"I see that you could do quite well for yourself in Ravenclaw... Much of your father's family were members. The Rands are a Ravenclaw Legacy, after all," the Sorting Hat continued. At these words, Martyn felt his pulse spike, knowing this was the House his father hoped for him to join. He would be very happy indeed if he learned his son had been chosen for Ravenclaw.
Yet the hat's next words made his blood suddenly run cold, sending a shock through his system as even his mind froze, unable to process what he was hearing.
"But Legacy doesn't mean everything. You're a Slytherin Legacy as well, after all, on your mother's side. A powerful witch, to be certain. Yet it's obvious to me you don't belong in Slytherin. Nor, do I think, you belong in Ravenclaw. So... yes... it must be..."
Martyn could not believe what he had just heard. He barely understood what it was the Sorting Hat said next, shouting it through the hall so all could hear, and only stood and moved along towards his House because their table stood and cheered as it was announced, making it obvious even in his stunned state.
He was a member of Hufflepuff.
And, for the first time in his life, he knew something about his mother.
She had been a member of Slytherin.
MARTYN RAND EXITS THE THREAD
17 May 2019, 17:08
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Kyle sat nervously among the other students. What happened today would determine everything, his home, his friends, his future. The right house could set him towards the great path he wanted, lead him to renown and glory to make his parents proud. or doom him into obscurity where he wallowed in mediocrity.
his leg bounced with nervous energy, he chewed on his nails, he would feel himself breathing faster. then suddenly in a booming voice
"KYLE DEROOK"
it was time
He walked up infront of everyone in the great hall and he sat perfectly still on the stool as the hat was placed on his head, his shoulders rising some with unease as the hat moved about on his scalp. He didnt know how this worked, would it read his mind? ask him questions? guess?
"Hmmmm. you are an interesting one arent you boy? Want power and greatness do you? fame and respect? to see yourself standing above everyone else? No...I dont think so. "
Kyle shivers. so it could see into his mind. see what he really thought and felt, so it was going to decide like that. he clenched his eyes shut and began to anticipate the worst.
"Bit nervous aren't you. Yes you aren't a stranger to fear, we both know that. And yet...it doesnt keep you from doing, does it hm? It's for the best...without fear what do we need bravery for? hm...better be..."
GRYFFINDOR
He opened his eyes and heard the cheering coming from the Gryffindor table. Gryffindor huh? the house of rebels and heroes. Trouble makers and protectors. From the stories he heard there wasn't a Gryffindor alive who didn't go on to do something of note.
The hat was taken off of his head and he strode confidently over to his new house mates, finding a seat as he gets jostled and his hair mussed. he looked around with a grin at everyone at the Table.
his leg bounced with nervous energy, he chewed on his nails, he would feel himself breathing faster. then suddenly in a booming voice
"KYLE DEROOK"
it was time
He walked up infront of everyone in the great hall and he sat perfectly still on the stool as the hat was placed on his head, his shoulders rising some with unease as the hat moved about on his scalp. He didnt know how this worked, would it read his mind? ask him questions? guess?
"Hmmmm. you are an interesting one arent you boy? Want power and greatness do you? fame and respect? to see yourself standing above everyone else? No...I dont think so. "
Kyle shivers. so it could see into his mind. see what he really thought and felt, so it was going to decide like that. he clenched his eyes shut and began to anticipate the worst.
"Bit nervous aren't you. Yes you aren't a stranger to fear, we both know that. And yet...it doesnt keep you from doing, does it hm? It's for the best...without fear what do we need bravery for? hm...better be..."
GRYFFINDOR
He opened his eyes and heard the cheering coming from the Gryffindor table. Gryffindor huh? the house of rebels and heroes. Trouble makers and protectors. From the stories he heard there wasn't a Gryffindor alive who didn't go on to do something of note.
The hat was taken off of his head and he strode confidently over to his new house mates, finding a seat as he gets jostled and his hair mussed. he looked around with a grin at everyone at the Table.
“I live my life free of compromise, and step into the shadows without complaint or regret.“
Stamina: 10 Evasion: 4 Strength: 15 Wisdom: 2 ArcPower: 5 Accuracy: 4
18 May 2019, 03:57
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Desdemona shivered as she sat in her seat, anxious to be called up. Despite being a witch herself, her mother had never told any of her children, even those with magic, about the wizarding world. She may have been a halfblood, but this first year was stepping into a completely alien world. As her new classmates were sorted on the stage before her, she began to wonder what house she'd be sorted into. Her mother was...Well, she couldn't remember which one. Hopefully she'd be sorted into the same house as her mother, whichever house that was.
There was Gryffindor, the brave and chivalrous house, Slytherin, the clever and ambitious house, Hufflepuff, the kind and loyal house, and Ravenclaw, the smart and creative house. She had been informed of this several times by her mother prior to boarding the train and then again by the chattering children in her compartment who seemed to know all about Hogwarts.
She fiddled with her hair nervously, unable to shake the feeling that she was going to someone get sorted into the wrong house or the worst house, whichever that may be. She jumped when her named was called loudly, but she shuffled over to the stool and sat as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. Her vision went dark as the brim of the large hat fell over her eyes. Then, causing her to jump once more, a voice began to speak, not out loud, but instead in her mind:
"Ah, I see. Yes, yes. Not afraid to speak your mind, blunt, and you follow your heart. I think there's a rather obvious choice here. It has to be..."
And then, out loud, the hat announced,
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Desdemona was a bit taken aback by the hat's choice. She didn't really think of herself as a brave person. But the hat knows best, right? She hoped her mother was proud of her; she made a mental note to write her as soon as she got the chance. She made her way over to the Gryffindor table and found a seat near the end. This was her home now. These students would be her family for the next seven years. The thought seemed crazy to Dee, but she knew it was true.
There was Gryffindor, the brave and chivalrous house, Slytherin, the clever and ambitious house, Hufflepuff, the kind and loyal house, and Ravenclaw, the smart and creative house. She had been informed of this several times by her mother prior to boarding the train and then again by the chattering children in her compartment who seemed to know all about Hogwarts.
She fiddled with her hair nervously, unable to shake the feeling that she was going to someone get sorted into the wrong house or the worst house, whichever that may be. She jumped when her named was called loudly, but she shuffled over to the stool and sat as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. Her vision went dark as the brim of the large hat fell over her eyes. Then, causing her to jump once more, a voice began to speak, not out loud, but instead in her mind:
"Ah, I see. Yes, yes. Not afraid to speak your mind, blunt, and you follow your heart. I think there's a rather obvious choice here. It has to be..."
And then, out loud, the hat announced,
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Desdemona was a bit taken aback by the hat's choice. She didn't really think of herself as a brave person. But the hat knows best, right? She hoped her mother was proud of her; she made a mental note to write her as soon as she got the chance. She made her way over to the Gryffindor table and found a seat near the end. This was her home now. These students would be her family for the next seven years. The thought seemed crazy to Dee, but she knew it was true.
18 May 2019, 21:45
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
The Great Hall was, well, great. Ardis just wasn't quite sure what to do. There were so many students behind her, waiting to see who would be placed where. It was sort of nerve wracking to think about all of them. She clutched her black robe and glanced at the sea of faces around her. There were so many first years. Surely some of them had to be as nervous as she was. But some of them looked so calm and collected!
They must have grown up knowing all about Hogwarts and its houses. She wasn't quite sure which house she wanted to be sorted into. Her mother had been in Hufflepuff, and had turned out well. But... her mother never really spoke of her time at Hogwarts. Her mother had never even mentioned she was a witch!
Ardis shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Everyone looked pretty happy with where they had been sorted. That was good! So naturally, the hat would sort her into the house she'd be happiest with. How is it that a hat can sort you properly? she wondered. I wish mum had told me more about this. But things will be okay! Surely that hat's never steered anyone wrong before.
"Ardis Byrne!"
Ardis jolted to attention at the sound of her name, and made her way to the headmaster. She flashed him a nervous smile, then glanced to the hat before sitting down on the chair provided. As the hat was lowered onto her head, she was surprised by its weight. Ardis took a small breath and closed her eyes. This was it. This was the moment that would define the rest of her school years.
"Mm, let me see... a rather reserved one, aren't you? I sense an admiration for nature. A dedication to friends. It looks like you're a hard worker... no discernible bravery, nor ambition. You are the creative type, though. Yes, the answer is clear."
Ardis cautiously opened an eye to look up at the brim of the Sorting Hat. Her shoulders hunched in nervous anticipation.
"Hufflepuff!"
A smile made its way to her face and she relaxed. At least she knew what she was getting into with them! Just and loyal. Not to mention, it was the house her mother belonged to! How wonderful! She thanked the headmaster and the Sorting Hat before making her way to the dedicated table, where she was greeted with smiles and handshakes.
Yes, Hufflepuff was definitely where she belonged.
They must have grown up knowing all about Hogwarts and its houses. She wasn't quite sure which house she wanted to be sorted into. Her mother had been in Hufflepuff, and had turned out well. But... her mother never really spoke of her time at Hogwarts. Her mother had never even mentioned she was a witch!
Ardis shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Everyone looked pretty happy with where they had been sorted. That was good! So naturally, the hat would sort her into the house she'd be happiest with. How is it that a hat can sort you properly? she wondered. I wish mum had told me more about this. But things will be okay! Surely that hat's never steered anyone wrong before.
"Ardis Byrne!"
Ardis jolted to attention at the sound of her name, and made her way to the headmaster. She flashed him a nervous smile, then glanced to the hat before sitting down on the chair provided. As the hat was lowered onto her head, she was surprised by its weight. Ardis took a small breath and closed her eyes. This was it. This was the moment that would define the rest of her school years.
"Mm, let me see... a rather reserved one, aren't you? I sense an admiration for nature. A dedication to friends. It looks like you're a hard worker... no discernible bravery, nor ambition. You are the creative type, though. Yes, the answer is clear."
Ardis cautiously opened an eye to look up at the brim of the Sorting Hat. Her shoulders hunched in nervous anticipation.
"Hufflepuff!"
A smile made its way to her face and she relaxed. At least she knew what she was getting into with them! Just and loyal. Not to mention, it was the house her mother belonged to! How wonderful! She thanked the headmaster and the Sorting Hat before making her way to the dedicated table, where she was greeted with smiles and handshakes.
Yes, Hufflepuff was definitely where she belonged.
18 May 2019, 23:11
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Bridget's mouth gaped open as she entered into the Great Hall. She had never seen something so--sublime. There were four long tables running the length of the room, each packed with older students. She felt slightly uncomfortable with them all watching her but reminded herself they had all once been in her position--a scared, confused First Year.
There were candles--hundreds of candles suspended magically in mid-air and giving the room a soft orange glow. And the ceiling was the most sublime thing she had ever seen with a beautiful starry night painted across it. She couldn't believe how amazing this school was. Her Muggle school, as she had learned it was called on the train, paled in comparison to Hogwarts; it was boring, plain, and quite frankly... mundane.
Her legs trembling slightly, she walked down the aisle towards a raised platform, at the back of which was another highly polished wooden table where the teachers, in all their assorted robes and pointed hats sat, gazing down at them.
Finally reaching the front, Bridget listened to the Sorting Hat's song. She had heard different things on the train--that Gryffindor was home to all the best people (including someone people reverently referred to as Harry Potter, although she had no idea who he was), Hufflepuff was decent (or for the goody two-shoes, depending on who you asked), Ravenclaw was okay, and all Slytherins were evil. Personally, Bridget highly doubted Hogwarts would have one House that was bettered than all the others, and figured they all had their own pros and cons.
After the Sorting Hat finished, excited thoughts rushed through her head. What house would she be in? Not Gryffindor--she was only brave when she had to be and did NOT take unnecessary risks. She had loyalty, but that was really her only Hufflepuff trait, and she supposed she was really only loyal to those who had earned it. She had the feeling she would be a Ravenclaw, as she had always been one of the smartest in her class, actually liked learning, and could be quite witty with her friends. But she could be a Slytherin... after all, Bridget had always set high goals for herself and had loads of determination.
She waited as several first years, so more nervous than she was and others exuding confidence were sorted. She knew she would be close to the top of the list.
After Byrne, Ardis was sorted into Hufflepuff, the Deputy Headmaster called out, "Collins, Bridget!"
Her heart skipped a beat, and she tried to look calm as she walked through students towards the stool with the Sorting Hat, in all its raggedy glory, sat waiting for her.
She pulled herself up onto the stool and held her breath as the hat was placed on her head, drooping so that it covered her eyes.
'Ah, where should I put you? Let's see... very intelligent, loyal... yes, extreme loyalty to those you trust... ambition and determination...'
She waited, her neck hairs prickling from everyone staring at her. Bridget felt that she had been sitting there a long time, and she silently urged the hat to hurry up so she could be out of the spotlight.
'Well, better be... SLYTHERIN!!!
Bridget sprang up from the stool as a wave of relief washed over her. She skipped over the the Slytherin table, which was full of clapping, smiling, welcoming students.
She grinned. Despite all the bad things she had heard about Slytherin on the train, Bridget had the feeling this house had more to it. She knew she belonged in Slytherin.
There were candles--hundreds of candles suspended magically in mid-air and giving the room a soft orange glow. And the ceiling was the most sublime thing she had ever seen with a beautiful starry night painted across it. She couldn't believe how amazing this school was. Her Muggle school, as she had learned it was called on the train, paled in comparison to Hogwarts; it was boring, plain, and quite frankly... mundane.
Her legs trembling slightly, she walked down the aisle towards a raised platform, at the back of which was another highly polished wooden table where the teachers, in all their assorted robes and pointed hats sat, gazing down at them.
Finally reaching the front, Bridget listened to the Sorting Hat's song. She had heard different things on the train--that Gryffindor was home to all the best people (including someone people reverently referred to as Harry Potter, although she had no idea who he was), Hufflepuff was decent (or for the goody two-shoes, depending on who you asked), Ravenclaw was okay, and all Slytherins were evil. Personally, Bridget highly doubted Hogwarts would have one House that was bettered than all the others, and figured they all had their own pros and cons.
After the Sorting Hat finished, excited thoughts rushed through her head. What house would she be in? Not Gryffindor--she was only brave when she had to be and did NOT take unnecessary risks. She had loyalty, but that was really her only Hufflepuff trait, and she supposed she was really only loyal to those who had earned it. She had the feeling she would be a Ravenclaw, as she had always been one of the smartest in her class, actually liked learning, and could be quite witty with her friends. But she could be a Slytherin... after all, Bridget had always set high goals for herself and had loads of determination.
She waited as several first years, so more nervous than she was and others exuding confidence were sorted. She knew she would be close to the top of the list.
After Byrne, Ardis was sorted into Hufflepuff, the Deputy Headmaster called out, "Collins, Bridget!"
Her heart skipped a beat, and she tried to look calm as she walked through students towards the stool with the Sorting Hat, in all its raggedy glory, sat waiting for her.
She pulled herself up onto the stool and held her breath as the hat was placed on her head, drooping so that it covered her eyes.
'Ah, where should I put you? Let's see... very intelligent, loyal... yes, extreme loyalty to those you trust... ambition and determination...'
She waited, her neck hairs prickling from everyone staring at her. Bridget felt that she had been sitting there a long time, and she silently urged the hat to hurry up so she could be out of the spotlight.
'Well, better be... SLYTHERIN!!!
Bridget sprang up from the stool as a wave of relief washed over her. She skipped over the the Slytherin table, which was full of clapping, smiling, welcoming students.
She grinned. Despite all the bad things she had heard about Slytherin on the train, Bridget had the feeling this house had more to it. She knew she belonged in Slytherin.
Phyllis Stanwood (iNPC) • Aislin Darragh (2nd gen) • Alejandros Espinosa (2nd gen iNPC)
19 May 2019, 04:47
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Eileen couldn’t keep still. She didn’t know if it was out of excitement or fear. The butterflies felt more like wasps stinging her insides. She stood in the line where the rest of the first years stood in anticipation to be sorted into their houses. Eileen did do some research before entering the magical world, but not as much as she should have. She was a muggle born. There was nothing wrong with that, however she had a harder time understanding this strange new world, however no challenge would scare this young adventurer.
The kids she was standing next to would be here classmates, roommates, friends, or enemies for the next few long years. She was excited to be here in the magical castle of hogwarts but also felt the sharp pain of homesickness. Her little brother, Alex would be SO jealous. If he was here, he would probably point out the ghosts flying around, or the floating candles lighting the hall, or the obvious, a talking hat. She chuckled at what she thought he would say. She definitely had to write about this to her brother.
Time seemed to pass so slowly as each student stepped up and placed the sorting hat upon their heads and wait for the magical object to decide which house they will be in for the next long years of their lives.
“Ahhhh... yes.... SLYTHERIN”
Applause from the slytherin.
“RAVENCLAW”
Applause from Ravenclaw. Finally, it was Eileen’s turn. The great hall seemed to be even quieter, even though it was not in reality. But in her mind. all she could hear was the beating of her heart and the flutters of the wasps in her stomach.
“Ah... Of course...” The voice seemed louder when it was coming from the top of her head. “I see great things... great things indeed....”
“GRYFFINDOR”
And the applause from the table of the Gryffindors cheered for Eileen as she proudly walked over to her new family. The stinging wasps turn back into fluttering butterflies that tickled her insides and made her smile. She was missing home, but she knew she could find a new home among her fellow students. She found a spot at the long table and waited patiently as the rest of the first years get sorted into their houses.
The kids she was standing next to would be here classmates, roommates, friends, or enemies for the next few long years. She was excited to be here in the magical castle of hogwarts but also felt the sharp pain of homesickness. Her little brother, Alex would be SO jealous. If he was here, he would probably point out the ghosts flying around, or the floating candles lighting the hall, or the obvious, a talking hat. She chuckled at what she thought he would say. She definitely had to write about this to her brother.
Time seemed to pass so slowly as each student stepped up and placed the sorting hat upon their heads and wait for the magical object to decide which house they will be in for the next long years of their lives.
“Ahhhh... yes.... SLYTHERIN”
Applause from the slytherin.
“RAVENCLAW”
Applause from Ravenclaw. Finally, it was Eileen’s turn. The great hall seemed to be even quieter, even though it was not in reality. But in her mind. all she could hear was the beating of her heart and the flutters of the wasps in her stomach.
“Ah... Of course...” The voice seemed louder when it was coming from the top of her head. “I see great things... great things indeed....”
“GRYFFINDOR”
And the applause from the table of the Gryffindors cheered for Eileen as she proudly walked over to her new family. The stinging wasps turn back into fluttering butterflies that tickled her insides and made her smile. She was missing home, but she knew she could find a new home among her fellow students. She found a spot at the long table and waited patiently as the rest of the first years get sorted into their houses.
I am what I am and I’m not ashamed
19 May 2019, 21:38
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
The moment Roxanne stepped through the wall and into the boarding platform for the hogwarts express is when she was convinced this was no longer all some crazy dream. She was really going to a school called hogwarts. A School for Wizards and Witches. She held her suitcase close, hid behind her bangs and stood as far away from others she could, keeping her gaze frozen to her pristine buckled flats. Then it was time to board. She found an empty car and sat silently the whole trip, hugging her case. She had never been away from home before. Never been around strangers or kids that weren’t family. How long until she was corrupted and made bad like her brother. What if everyone hated her? What if it was all a fluke and they made her leave? She tried hard not to cry. It would ruin her make up and her mother would be cross with her.
She was ushered off with the huge crowd of kids and she tried very hard not to bump into or touch anyone as they made their way inside the castle and Into the huge dining hall. She looked around amazed at all the colors, the floating candles, the food. She would have pinched herself if she wasn’t sure she’d bruise from another pinch. She found a place to sit and did so as one by one kids were called up and sorted. Until finally
“Roxanne Durand”
Her body tensed and her blood ran cold and she slowly made her way up to the front. She could feel people watching her and it made her skin crawl. What she wouldn’t give to hide under one of the tables. Then she sits down and the hat was placed upon her head. She gripped the sides of the stool tightly and recoiled in on herself as the hat began to move around in her head.
“Muggle born eh? Never knew magic was real...yet here you are huh child? Scared and unsure aren’t you? But clever too. Not one for failure either...the choice is clear. You belong in...”
RAVENCLAW
She blinked, in awe of the entire process and she slowly got to her feet and made her way to her table. She offered slight nervous smiles and nods to her new house mates as they welcome her to the table. One step down...only countless left. Could she do this?
She was ushered off with the huge crowd of kids and she tried very hard not to bump into or touch anyone as they made their way inside the castle and Into the huge dining hall. She looked around amazed at all the colors, the floating candles, the food. She would have pinched herself if she wasn’t sure she’d bruise from another pinch. She found a place to sit and did so as one by one kids were called up and sorted. Until finally
“Roxanne Durand”
Her body tensed and her blood ran cold and she slowly made her way up to the front. She could feel people watching her and it made her skin crawl. What she wouldn’t give to hide under one of the tables. Then she sits down and the hat was placed upon her head. She gripped the sides of the stool tightly and recoiled in on herself as the hat began to move around in her head.
“Muggle born eh? Never knew magic was real...yet here you are huh child? Scared and unsure aren’t you? But clever too. Not one for failure either...the choice is clear. You belong in...”
RAVENCLAW
She blinked, in awe of the entire process and she slowly got to her feet and made her way to her table. She offered slight nervous smiles and nods to her new house mates as they welcome her to the table. One step down...only countless left. Could she do this?
When you look back and say "if" you know you are in trouble.
There is no such thing as "if".
All that matters is what really happened
20 May 2019, 06:21
The Sorting ceremony 2018-2019
Too busy staring at the ceiling, Rowan almost missed his name being called the second time. After looking around to regain his bearings, he let out a small chuckle accompanied by a shy wave, then, blushing, bounced up the stairs and plopped lightly into the seat awaiting him and continued bouncing. His legs swang in anticipation, and his grin never left his face.
As the hat was placed onto his head, it nestled itself into a more comfortable position, tickling Rowan slightly as it did so.
"Quite a lot going on in here!" said a voice in his ear, "So many interests, so little time! How do you ever get anything done?"
Quickly, I guess, thought Rowan, or sometimes never. Before he could form the words, the hat replied:
"Slytherin would help you accomplish a great many things, perhaps that is where you belong. You have a wild ambition that could get you far if it were tempered."
Oh, I don't mind unfinished things! There's so much to do, anyways. What's with the ceiling? And the candles? And where does everyone sleep? How do they get all the food here? When did— Rowan began to look around the room, and the hat abruptly adjusted itself and spoke to interrupt his thoughts.
"Okay, boy. You're rather inquisitive aren't you?"
Inquisi-what?
"I think I know just the house for you... Ravenclaw!"
Rowan plopped off the chair, almost missed a step on his trot towards the Ravenclaw table, and sat next to the first students who made room and had the biggest smiles.
As the hat was placed onto his head, it nestled itself into a more comfortable position, tickling Rowan slightly as it did so.
"Quite a lot going on in here!" said a voice in his ear, "So many interests, so little time! How do you ever get anything done?"
Quickly, I guess, thought Rowan, or sometimes never. Before he could form the words, the hat replied:
"Slytherin would help you accomplish a great many things, perhaps that is where you belong. You have a wild ambition that could get you far if it were tempered."
Oh, I don't mind unfinished things! There's so much to do, anyways. What's with the ceiling? And the candles? And where does everyone sleep? How do they get all the food here? When did— Rowan began to look around the room, and the hat abruptly adjusted itself and spoke to interrupt his thoughts.
"Okay, boy. You're rather inquisitive aren't you?"
Inquisi-what?
"I think I know just the house for you... Ravenclaw!"
Rowan plopped off the chair, almost missed a step on his trot towards the Ravenclaw table, and sat next to the first students who made room and had the biggest smiles.