The Sorting Ceremony

IT was there final I wil be sorted but I am nervous just take A deep breath Melissa I Saïd To My self great first trains then boats and now I am here we were All waiting To let iT happend we were going To the great hall I was nervous iT was like I would pass out any minute then slowly slowly iT was time

Lelij Melissa

I was walking To the wooden stool everyone and I mean everyone was watching me iT kinda Creepy if You ASK me I wanted To get out of there I am not so confident You See but then I sit there with the hat on My head and iT Saïd........

"Slytherin!"

"Sylhava Versailles"

Ava, though her face may not reflect her inner emotions, was scared out of her mind. It takes one decision from a miserable old hat and his miserable song and her life would be different, so much so from the life she'd lived before. Hogwarts was both a dream and a nightmare and if she fails, she'd have no choice but to go back to the shackes that would be willing to bind her again. She was 11 and freedom was supposed to be a good thing, so why is her heart beating as fast as the steps she's taking?

Ava, a proud Versailles, one who was supposedly taking classes in Beuxbatons, rebelled and applied to Howgarts by herself. Cause if her parents said one thing, the other would most definitely be good for her. As she sat on the stool, the cool leather of the singing hat caused her to blank her thoughts on instinct. She could hear a weird voice in her head but Ava tried focusing solely on her palpitating heart.

"I'm not weird. I'm magical. Just like you, no better than you actually because I've got the magic of the founders flowing through me that help me place you in your house. For you, that house is SLYTHERIN!"

Rioghan was giddy. Her Grandmother was far away, she was free where she wanted to be. She could be friends with who wanted.

'Finally, no Grandmother hovering behind my back!'

She kept in mind that she was in a new environment. A place with a different culture and different norms. She just had to watch and observe to learn how to blend in. She already knew social niceties, she thought, she just needed to learn how to use her tongue to keep people from thinking they can step on her. Flashbacks of bullying filled her head and fear and doubt began to eat her.

'No. This is a new start. Things will be different this time. If I can stand up against adults, I can learn to stand up to my peers.'

"Scairbhín, Rioghan Benikaze!"

The call shook her from her thoughts. She had never been more greatful that she learned how to act like she was listening when her mind was actually wandering off. Keeping her eyes on the stool, she walked with the quiet confidence and grace her Grandmother drilled into her. She sat on the stool and as the Hat was setteled on her head, she waited for the Hat to speak to her.

"Gryffindor!"

Mark wasn't feeling any emotions at all. He tried not to speak to anyone the whole first day. All Mark wanted to do was just eat and sleep and explore the castle for the next day on his own. He didn't really feel like talking with everyone. Mark just wanted to meet someone like him, someone who just wanted to talk about everything, share everything and just study together. Mark didn't know if he was ready for this new part of life to begin. He kept looking at all the people around him all the day and seeing that a lot of them were talking and just because Mark haven't talked with anyone yet, didn't make him feel bad, it made him realise that he probably haven't found a person suitable for his "best friend" position as he liked to call it.

When entering the Great Hall, he was looking at all the decorations, all the people inside the hall already. Mark knew that this ceremony would take a while, making him yawn a little bit, although he was fast enough to put a hand on his mouth, so others didn't really could notice that. Ceremony started and Mark just couldn't wait for the sorting hat to sort him. He wasn't really excited about being here and knowing that he would have to spend few years here, although Mark wanted to know the house, he will be sorted in.

"Ross Mark"

When headmistress said his name, he didn't move. Mark was too concentrated on watching others get sorted, he didn't even notice that his time has came. He walked to the stool with a poker face and waited for the hat to be placed on his head. His dad always said that the sorting hat had magical powers that Mark only could imagine about, so he wanted to put the sorting hat to a test. Can you really read my thoughts? If so, do you think I can be a Gryffindor or am I not brave enough? I know I'm not smart enough to be Ravenclaw, right?

"The houses have many qualities, though yes, Gryffindor was known for his bravery and Ravenclaw for her wisdom. You'll get to learn the many qualities of your house once you're there, so I won't keep you waiting much longer. You are a... Gryffindor!"

Chloe stepped through the large doors into the Great Hall. This was it. She had dreamed of this ever since she was a little girl and it was finally happening.

The Great Hall was just as beautiful as she had imagined it - hundreds of floating candles filled the air, glowing softly and bathing the students faces in light.

Chloe clenched her fists. Butterflies were fluttering in her stomach. She had no idea which house she was going to be in. On the train, she had asked some fourth years about the houses. An intelligent looking girl had explained it to her in detail and then offered to lend her a copy of Hogwarts: A History. Chloe had poured over it, reading about the house founders, buildings and past headteachers.

The teacher who had led them into the hall began calling out names. Students walked up and sat down on the stool timidly before the Sorting Hat called out their house. People applauded as new students joined their house.

Finally, Chloe's name was called out. Quickly, she walked to the stool and sat down. Her heart was racing as the hat was placed gently on her head and the hat began to think...

"Ravenclaw!"

Daniella was nervous. She knew what sorting was, had heard all about it from her father who had attended Hogwarts back when he was a young boy. This was when she would be put in a house that she would supposedly belong it. That she hoped she would belong in. School was not new to her. She had attended muggle school up until a few months ago wherein she finally managed to get her mother to agree to her admittance in Hogwarts New Zealand. She was going to go with or without her mother's permission to be honest - it had been her dream since years ago to attend magic school after all, and she had Daddy's permission anyways - but it was nice to go with it. This school, however, was different from muggle school. For one thing, there were floating candles. And the uniform was certainly different. But it was different because for once she felt like she had a chance of belonging. In this crowd, where she stood with other first year students to be sorted, she knew that some of them were half-bloods like her. That all of them had magic running through their veins, whether as a muggle-born or a mixed-blood. She was different and then not. Perhaps, this time around she could actually make a friend. Daniella smiled at the thought.

It wasn't long until her musings had to be cut short. The number of students around her dwindled significantly as they were all called and sorted into different houses.

"Walker, Daniella Jade,"

Daniella had to swallow the lump in her throat from the sheer nervousness that was resonating within her. She trudged slowly to the stool before the sorting hat was put on her head. It had a funny smell, she thought. Smelled of old cloth, leather and parchment all the same time. Curious, she thought. Perhaps he lived in the library, she shrugged inwardly. It was slightly better to think about the hat on her head than it was to think about all the eyes on her - waiting to hear what house she would be put in after all.

"Gryffindor!"

Xio marvelled at the Great Hall once she entered, soaking in her surroundings as if she was the most porous of sponges wishing to take everything in at once. The school was something to revere, and revere she would as she threw her head side to side, scanning as far as her eyes could see. She only stopped once she saw the student behind her glance at her rather oddly, as if to say "What are you? A bobblehead?" And Xio was decidedly not a bobblehead.

Instead, she chose to focus on the rows of older students peering on this traditional ceremony, cheering for students accordingly as they were sorted into each different house. She managed to meet eyes with her older brother amongst the Hufflepuffs, and then quickly looked away in mortification once she saw him wave excitedly at her. Although Xio adored her older brother, he knew she wasn't a fan of attention. She glanced back to see his smile still bright, signing to her good luck before turning his attention back to the front. Good luck for what, she did not know... Did the Sorting Hat feed on brain power to work? She had read nothing to support the hypothesis but then again, she read nothing to deny it either.

"Havoc, Xio!"

Xio didn't have much time to wonder about what house she even wanted to end up in before she was called to the front. Of course, she had thought about it before: she supposed Hufflepuff would be nice for she would be in her brother's house, but she knew that each house had its good qualities.

Squaring her shoulders and straightening her back, she strode up to the stool and took a breath as the sorting hat was placed upon her head. She took a moment to silently reflect on how old the hat was and how some of them probably had – God forbid – lice, and how this hat was stored when not in use. She hoped it was cleaned... Focus, focus! Xio stopped her thoughts from running too far ahead. Hello, Mr. Hat, sir. Hope you are swell; well, as swell as an old hat can be. This seems like it's a boring job. Well damn, did she just think that? How did one go about censoring their own thoughts?

"A difficult choice, you'd do well in any of the houses, but I think you'll excel best in.......Slytherin!"

Rosemary heard the Headmistress say her name, but didn't begin to move until she felt a small shove to her back, some other first years snickering at her slow response. She stepped forward, her breath coming out in small pants as she ascended the few steps to the stool. She looked at the Headmistress and then the stool and sat slowly, full of apprehension. Her parents knew nothing about the wizarding world and it is completely different from the muggle world where she used to live before coming to hogwarts. The long tables filled with students consumed her vision for only a moment, however, before she found herself in darkness, the hat slipping over her hair and eyes. The eleven year crossed her fingers, hoping the hat would sort her into the house she wanted.

"Ravenclaw!"

This was it. Finally get to go away away from her parents. Holz got to go away from the parents who taught her under strict circumstances. She was ready for the year ahead. She knew what she'll be facing but she didn't let that stop her. She smiled a sinister smile as she knew what fun she'll ha be her. She would make sure nobody wouldn't stop her from doing what she wants. She will prove to be independent without her parents. She walked up to the stool and sat down. Sending a deathly glare to those who looked a her. There in her pocket was a spider. No that's like anybody could see it because it was that small...

"Slytherin!"

"Gryffindor,"

I still can't believe I'm actually here. After a little wait we were invited inside the Great Hall. And my was it great. The ceiling seemed non existent, looking like the dark night sky and with the candles floating around it looked truly magical. The four large tables filled with students were mostly quietly looking at us, walking between them. We stopped in front of some stairs which led to a creaky looking chair with a old hat on top. People were called out one by one and asked to sit on the chair with the hat on their head. Then after a while, the hat screamed out either Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, which we learned are the four houses.

Finally it was my turn and after a bit of hesitation had passed I walked forward and got up on the chair. The hat was placed on my head and I shyly looked down, not wanting to see all those students. Suddenly I heard a voice in my head and I quickly assumed it must've been the hat. After listing of some of my traits it called my new house out loud.

"Hufflepuff,"

Freya, waited excitedly as other first years were sorted, hoping no matter what house she’d be in, she’d be accepted for who she is and that everyone would like her. She didn’t like to judge people by their house but by their hearts instead.

"Hufflepuff,"

Emma glances around the room in awe. It's even better than what her brothers had described, with the floating candles, and the other years chatting amongst themselves. Humming to the beat of an old muggle song, she struts up to the front of the hall, excitement filling her. This was going to be a great year.

Finally the time comes and the professor reads out her name, "Cameron, Emma" she smile to herself... it's time. With the hat placed upon her head, she holds her breath, a voice enters her mind and she soon realizes it's the Sorting Hat talking to her. After reading Emma's thoughts and discovering her trait, the hat finally makes up its mind...

"Gryffindor!"

It was his turn at long last. Hades Styx the third strolled into the Great Hall, his silvery eyes looming at each detail, taking it all in. It was exactly as his father described it. Smirking slightly, he blended in with his peers, curious to see what houses they would belong him. A big part of him wanted Hufflepuff, just because of his father. He also wanted to make a name for himself, so houses did not matter. It did not take too long for the young Styx to be called. He walked up to the stool, and sat down. He held his expression, calm and collected, well. The hat lowered onto his black hair. He awaited his judgment, curious to see what the hat would say about him.

"You'll make a great Hufflepuff!"

It was so weird to be finally in Hogwarts. Jai Edogawa-Raven had heard many of his parents' stories about their time in this school and he wondered if his own experience would ever be that chaotic. He sure hoped not. But then again, it could also be exciting. Especially when Misa, Feli, Dai and Corey enter Hogwarts next year. Merlin, that would be a riot. For now though, he'd actually have to do well in school. Or well, at the very least get sorted first. It sure was a curious thought which house he would be put in. He'd always thought that he was more like his dad - Liam - rather than his biological father. So perhaps Slytherin rather than Gryffindor? Or maybe he would prove to be his mother's son and be a Hufflepuff? Jai was so lost in thought that he almost notice his name being called. He kept his cool however and waited calmly as the Sorting Hat was finally placed upon his head.

"You'd probably be a good hufflepuff....but it's not quite the best for you. That would be Slytherin!"

Adorah followed the mass of first year students in to the Great Hall. Other than her visit to purchase her school supplies, this was really her first and only experience with magic that she could remember. As the ceiling changed colors, she noticed the four tables that lay beside her as they filed to the front. Adorah slid her robe over her hands and brought her arms closer to her body. She began taking in all the Great Hall had to offer, vaguely hearing a disclaimer about the Forbidden Forest (which slightly peaked her interest) and noticed the students in front of her were beginning to take their place on the stool that would soon become connected with the famously tattered hat that she had read about in Hogwarts, A History. She wondered if the hat had ever been cleaned or if there had ever been an outbreak of lice due to the sharing of the clothing item.

"Zumwalt, Adorah."

She was so busy acquainting herself with the building that Adorah took a second before she realized the Headmistress was looking directly at her. She shook out her sleeves and made her way through the sea of students left to be sorted and plopped herself directly onto the stool, almost falling backwards. She took a deep breath as the hat was placed on her head and closed her eyes, waiting for what would happen next.

"Ravenclaw"

"Pratt, Ignotus."

Ignotus' mouth went dry as he heard his name called. Confident as he was that he would be fine wherever he ended up he was afraid that the entire castle would hear the Sorting Hat say something about him that would make him a leper. He coughed and although he hesitated he could not wait much longer. He took cautious steps up to where everyone before him and everyone after him would be sorted at this school, feeling both like all eyes were on him and like a small cog in a larger machine at once. Upon taking a seat the boy looked out onto the crowd ahead of him whilst he pleaded to the hat who could apparently read his mind, "Hello Hat. I'm nice please put me where nice people are." Surely this request wouldn't be too strange and he did not want to offend but he really just wanted to make friends with those that were around him. His thoughts derailed shortly after this, wondering primarily how the whole lot of first years didn't end up with lice every sorting but being apologetic even as the thought came into his mind because he didn't want to offend a hat as strange as that may be to anyone not in the position he was in at present.

"Hufflepuff!"

Eavan glanced around the room giddily and nervously. There were so many people and she was so excited to be there. She awaited her name to be called by the Headmaster. Once she was called, she sat down and allowed the hat to be placed on her head. She patiently awaited the decision.

"Hufflepuff!"

Skylar was very nervous about the sorting ceremony and also about her house she's gonna be sorted with. As Skylar heard her name being called, she immediately stood up and went forward.

It was very quiet as she walked forward.....

As the woman placed the sorting hat on her head, Skylar became more nervous and became to get pale. Finally, the sorting hat shouted.....

"Gryffindor!"

Axelia fidgeted in her seat as she waited for her name to be called. She was so excited to attend Hogwarts, but she knew tough times were ahead of her. She stared at the sorting hat anxiously, she didn't like how this old raggedy hat was about to determine her future for the rest of her time here.

"Lynx! Axelia Lynx!"

She jumped up from her seat, maybe a little too fast, and shuffled up to the chair and sat down. The hat was heavier than she expected, a little smelly too. "Please please please be Slytherin..." She whispered underneath her breath. "Hmmm..." replied the hat and she held her breath as she waited for the hat's final decision.

"Not Slytherin no.....Ravenclaw"

The woman said the names out loud, “Adams, John!” I decided to let my mind wander while waiting for my name to be called. The thought of entering Hogwarts was so surreal that I wanted to absorb everything immediately. If I were to do that, my brain would no doubt explode. So I decided to just focus on what House I might be sorted in. The problem is, I really don’t know. My dad was a Slytherin, while my mom was a bright Gryffindor. An unlikely pair if I say so myself. Some of my cousins said I might go to Ravenclaw because of my academic standings and my will to learn. Some said Gryffindor because I was a stubborn little (I laughed at that) brat, an adrenaline junkie and “a person who is willing to stand up for what is right,” whatever that meant. Dad said I might end up in Slytherin because I was an ambitious and hard-working young man, sometimes achievement -oriented. My mom said she had no preference whatsoever, “All that matters is that you’re happy and that you’ll grow into a fine young man. Whatever house you end up in, remember that mom and dad loves you.” Somtimes, I wonder why she wasn’t a Hufflepuff.

“Gank, Fred!”

I was suddenly brought back to the present. My hand started to feel clammy. It’s almost my turn. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. There’s nothing to worry about. He trusted the Sorting Hat he will be in the house where he belongs.

“Grandeur, Samuel!”

I saw the woman’s eyes twinkle, like she knew something I didn’t, which probably, most likely, was the case. I sat and she placed the Sorthing hat on my head.

"Gryffindor!"

Louise walked into the Great Hall, looking around in admiration. It was a beautiful space, very open and full of shadows and light. It was very different to New York.
Slowly, she followed the group of first years to the stage, where she came to a stop. She didn't really want to be here, she reminded herself. She was thousands of miles away from her beloved father, surrounded by other students whom she knew none of them.
Louise held back a tear. She had to spend several years here, alone. She was so scared of being alone again. But she'd never ever made a friend before, she simply didn't know how...

"Louise Evelyn"

Louise walked to the stool. Her insides were tying themselves in knots. She didn't even know what to do...

She was very surprised when an old battered hat was placed on her head. "Please tell me that Hogwarts is no place for me..please send me back to America..." she silently wished.

"Unfortunately I cannot tell you that, I can however tell you, Slytherin,"

Marta listened as names were called out. She saw them become excited, then rush to embrace their friends. She saw them cross their fingers, hoping for a particular house. Marta twirled her sun bleached hair around her finger, thinking of how not too long ago, she was simply a ‘muggle’ and now she was at one of the best wizarding schools in the world.

‘Greenstone, Marta’

She took a deep breath as she sat down on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head. Marta waited as The Sorting Hat pondered what house to put her in. She spoke in her head to the Sorting Hat. ‘I’m really not sure how any of this works, but I trust you’ll sort me well... just please don’t take too long to decide... I’m anxious enough to find my place here and I can’t wait to get started with classes, although of course you don’t control when those start and- sorry I’m rambling aren’t I? I’ll stop now’

"Ravenclaw!"

Selene was jumping out of her skin. She had been waiting in anticipation for this day ever since her parents had sat her down years ago and told her stories from their time at Hogwarts. Her entire family had been in Slytherin for as long as she could remember, and Selene couldn't help but wonder if she would be able to live up to the family name and make her parents proud. She knew that there had been those from families before her that hadn't been in the same house as their family and that it was okay, but still. The nerves were making her jumpy.

Standing in the Great Hall was completely overwhelming. She had heard stories and seen pictures of Hogwarts and was aware of the beauty of the castle, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality of its magnificence. Floating candles, enchanted ceilings, and thousands of young witches and wizards just like her, lined on the tables in the hall. The professors sat on one large table at the head of the hall, and she looked upwards at them in awe. She knew that each and every one of them were refined and talented witches and wizards, and she felt extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to be taught by them.

Eventually, joined by her year mates, Selene reached the front of the Great Hall where the sorting was to begin. Names were starting to be called and with each and every child that was sorted, Selene grew more and more nervous. She knew that whichever house she was put in, she would be proud and would still strive to be the best student she could be, and besides, everyone has traits from each of the houses, it's just which of those traits are the strongest within you. Too quickly, Selene's name was called. "Selene Rowle". On shaky legs, Selene did her best to look as confident as she usually felt, and ascended the steps towards the Sorting Hat. As she sat on the stool and allowed the hat to be lowered onto her head, she tried to remember what she had been telling herself each and every day leading up to her first day at school. No matter where she was put, every student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would one day come to know her name.

"Oh! This is nice and easy, Slytherin!"

Hi


"Hello! Ravenclaw!"