Sorting Ceremony (Y13)

[Cyndi Kingsley]

Professor Weasley sat at the staff table, chatting happily with one of the new professors. She enjoyed meeting new people and she spoke easily to the new hire about the castle, the students and the schedules. As she spoke, she kept an eye out towards the tables where the returning students were filing in. Some seemed eager to return while others looked like they would have been happy with another month off. Nevertheless, it was time for another year of magical learning to begin.

One of the many new additions to the school was a new headmaster. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the headmaster had not yet arrived and Cyndi had been asked to stand in his place to begin the sorting ceremony since she was the Deputy Headmistress. Excusing herself as the first years filed into the Great Hall, Cyndi stood and brushed down her wizard's robes. Her gaze fell over the first years, wondering which of the students before her would be sorted into her house. She held up her hand, and then waited a moment for the students to go silent before she began to speak.

"Welcome to the castle, first years. For the next seven years, you will be calling Hogwarts New Zealand home, and I hope you treat it as such." The young woman allowed herself to smile briefly at the students before growing serious once more. "In a moment, I will begin calling your names one by one. You will come forward and the sorting hat will be placed on your head. Once it has determined where you belong, you may head to the appropriate table to join your new housemates." Knowing it would take a while, Cyndi got right to work calling the students forward one at a time. The sorting hat was ready to go as well, getting right to work after giving its own speech of sorts. The sorting took a while, but eventually every student had been sorted into one of the four houses and was seated at their new table.

"Congratulations and best of luck. I was told to inform all of you first years, and remind several of our older students, that you are not to enter into the Forbidden Forest, for any reason." Professor Weasley said these words as sternly as possible, hoping that they would heed her warning. "Now, we can get to the feast."

Out of Character: Important Information

As stated in the Information about Sorting thread, you must fill out the sorting form entirely properly and fill in an RP as exemplified in the post. If your RP does not leave room for the sorting hat to sort you: you will not be sorted. If the sorting hat does notreceive your sorting form: you will not be sorted. Follow instructions and: you will be sorted.

You can edit your post once you are sorted, but be sure that you only reply to this topic once and it is through the sorting form provided. Thank you.

 

[Sorting Hat]

It comes but once, but once each year,
When, I, the sorting hat appear.
I appear to sort the latest batch,
To look within and find a match.
To seek the person who does reside,
Beneath the skin, deep down inside.

Rest assured, I do take care,
To avoid mistakes and always be fair,
Because I know my duty is very great,
The decisions I make affecting fate.
So do not approach with a sense of fear,
Embarrassed when seated upon your rear.
And when I’m placed upon your head,
Your thoughts should not be full of dread.
Approach with confidence, pure and true,
Give me the chance to honour you.

Those who step forth brave with pride,
Likely in Gryffindor they will reside.
Fire and Lion, scarlet and gold,
A house of friends, strong and bold.

Hard working kids who value fair play,
May find that Hufflepuff is where they stay.
The Earth and Badger, yellow and black.
Loyalty and tolerance, keep them on track.

Creativity and intelligence will help some soar,
Above the rest to Ravenclaw’s door.
Air and Eagle, bronze and blue.
The wisdom to make dreams come true.

And finally those, resourceful and cunning,
Ambitious and powerful are in the running.
They’ll join the house of silver and green,
Where water and serpents stage the scene.

Now, one last thing, please take heed,
Here is some advice that you may need.
This school has grown in a short time,
So have mistakes and heinous crime.
A challenge to all present, to look within,
No matter the house I've placed you in.
To do your best and persevere,
To use your strengths and face your fear.

The time has come, no more delay,
I call you forth, come on, let’s play

 

[Katy Slick]

Katy walked into the Great Hall, and she was amazed. There was so many students, and it looked absolutely beautiful in every way. The tables were very long, and in front there was professors seated. No wonder they called it the Great Hall! She waited in the group of first years and heard the new student's names called out. She saw her older brother and waved his way. Then Katy heard her name, and stepped up to the Sorting Hat, and it was placed atop her head. It felt weird, but she couldn't wait to be sorted.

"Your honest and friendly nature suggests you'll do best in HUFFLEPUFF!"

 

[Auden Lefevre]

Auden bit her glossy lips anxiously as the group of Unsorted Students made their way into the Great Hall of Hogwarts New Zealand. Sorting seemed like such a big deal and it made her start to wonder if she should start to be nervous about this. At first she had been excited. Then she actually got onto that stupid train and next thing she knew, kids starting freaking out about what House they would get sorted into. Was house a big thing at this school or something? The whole time they panicked Auden just sat in her seat with her eyes the size of golf balls. Occasionally she even offered them a bite of her chocolate or carrot sticks because she heard that food sometimes helped to calm people down, and they really needed to calm down. 'I hope not everyone at Hogwarts panics this much.' The platinum blonde thought to herself as she gazed around at her future peers. This whole thing was surreal and Auden felt bubbles of nervousness and excitement flutter their way around inside her thin stomach. Auden wasn't as worried about where she would be placed. Her mentor Danielle said that any house holds a potential over the others. Despite that woman being a supporter of the Dark Arts and probably one of the most viscous women Auden have ever met, she held good advice. Every house held an advantage over another house so no matter where she was placed she would do well for herself. Auden didn't know much about the houses either so she had no idea where she would be perfectly placed either. She was a pure blood and came from a dark family. But Auden wasn't like they were, yet. Auden was spoiled, she loved girly things and baking, oh and flowers and making friends. So where did that put her? With a shrug of her shoulders and a roll of her bright blue-green eyes she pushed past a few laggers and finally they stepped into the Great Hall. It was so much bigger than she even imagined it being. It was going to take some getting used to. It reminded her of the main foyer of the Lefevre Manor, except there was a bunch of kids sitting at tables and staring at them. They knew what this was like so she wondered if they were judging her and all the others that were unsorted at the moment.

The group stopped in front of this stool and an old looking witch's hat. Auden knew that to be the sorting hat. Being from a magical family had it's advantages from time to time. At least she had some type of idea about magical items. They were going to be called up one by one and have the hat placed on their head. Then they would be sorted. It sounded easy enough but Auden wasn't sure if they should all feel like they were out of the water yet. One by one she watched as children were called up to the hat and sorted into various houses. Soon it would be her turn as well. Her last name started with an 'L' so luckily she was able to watch others so she could get an idea on how she should act once up there. About ten or fifteen minute's into the sorting she noticed a boy that she had met while shopping before school started. She gave him a shy wave before she returned her gaze back up to the front. Finally she heard her name called out and glanced around for a moment. The blonde excused herself as she made her way up to where the hat was and gave the Headmistress a shy smile. The hat was placed on her head and immediately Auden stiffened up. 'Oh my god, I think I felt it move! Err wait....can the hat read thoughts too? Perhaps I just need to be quiet before he yells at me or something.' The hat probably got tired of his job from time to time. Auden wondered if the hat had ever bitten anyone out of annoyance or something. If she was a hat, that's what she'd be doing to people. Waiting patiently for the decision of the hat she tried to remain perfectly still and poised, just like a little lady.​

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"I'd love to know how i would be to sort you without moving or seeing in to your mind at all. Pureblood, are you? Doesn't seem like it from this mess of a mind. Barely know about Gryffindor's hat. Sad, really. No matter, better put you in HUFFLEPUFF!"

 

[Lynette Ferguson]

Lynette wiped her shaking, sweaty palms on her cloak as the 'A's were called up to be sorted. She knew it wouldn't take long for her name to be called out, especially as her surname began with F. She ran her fingers nervously through her hair as she smiled sheepishly at her friend, who would have to wait a long time to be sorted. Lynny wasn't sure if she was trembling with fear or excitement - or even a bit of both, but she sat on her hands to stop them from wobbling. The people next to her were being called up. It wouldn't be long now.

'Ferguson, Lynette!'

Lynette jumped up, surprising herself, and shuffled passed the other students, before slowly making her way up to the sorting stool. All eyes were on her, and Lynny wanted to run away from them all. Everybody was quiet, except a few murmurs from what seemed to be the hopeful Slytherin's at the back of the class. Lynny tried not to roll her eyes as she perched precariously on the small stool. The sorting hat was placed on her head, and she swallowed back her fear. What if they put me in Slytherin? Lynette's mind raced as the sorting hat began to spoke.

"...Put you in Slytherin? Why would that happen? You're the spitting idea of a RAVENCLAW!"

 

[Evelyn Mosca]

After months of preparation, a day-long train ride, and a short boat trip across the beautifully eerie lake, Evelyn Mosca had finally reached her destination - Hogwarts New Zealand. Having spent the last five years in an average Californian elementary school, even a holiday to NZ would have been amazing. But the prospect of attending such a stunning boarding school, let alone a magical one, was simply unbelievable. Eve had the biggest smile on her face, and it didn't look to be going anywhere soon, as she stepped into the Great Hall with the sea of other excitable eleven-year-olds. She dizzily took in the scenery, having never seen anything remotely like it - not even in her vast and colourful imagination. Magic sure was rad.

As child after child was called up to the stage and sorted, Eve watched on in amazement. This had to be something out of a storybook; where else on earth did you see a freaking talking hat?! Soon enough, the Professor reached the M's, and it was Evelyn's turn to be the one with hundreds of eyes upon her. This didn't really faze the young girl, as she strode towards the stool, her new black robes swirling around her ankles. With bouncing knees, Eve felt the musty hat drop onto her head, and move as if the material breathed life just as she did. She had come to understand that the Sorting Hat had the ability to read minds, so did not bother whispering or asking anything in particular of it. Evelyn had faith that it would do its thing, and took a deep breath as she anxiously awaited the verdict.​

"I think I'm a little more than a talking hat. No matter, go join your house: GRYFFINDOR!"

 

[Troxa Matthias]

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Troxa Matthias knew absolutely nothing about the Hogwarts Houses because his big brother and like everyone else went to Durmstrang. Some might wonder, hey why did Troxa not go? Tristane recently moved him to New Zealand and that was why because he had to ensure that his brother got the best education. Hogwarts was good for it, and Troxa did little to no research before he came here. He bit his lip as he stood with some other soon-to-be first years. Troxa was a little nervous, but he was not too nervous. He wondered how in the world people were sorted, and then his amber eyes caught the look and appearance of this really old hat, and he raised an eyebrow when he saw that the hat was talking, and then that was how people were sorted. If he understood a lot of English, he would have heard what each quality of the houses were that were in the song. Troxa waited for the Deputy Headmistress to call his name, and then once it was called, he realized just how weird of a first name he had. He did not care though, he thought it sounded pretty awesome - more awesome than most of the kids he heard before him. Troxa cut through the crowd and sat down on the stool. He felt the hat cover his head and also hide his amber eyes. This is pretty cool, thought Troxa. He hoped that the hat did not mind Russian students, but he really did not know what a hat thought about people. He sat and waited to be sorted, to see - once the hat was lifted - who his classmates would soon be.​

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"SLYTHERIN!"

Out of Character: Sorting Note

Although I fail to see how his honesty is a "10" but he would congratulate his friend for cheating.

Out of Character: Answer

He is blunt and honest, but he wouldn't tattle on his friend, unless a professor asked him and then he would say "My friend cheated".
He is kind of weird, and I was half asleep, give me a break.

 

[Jasmine Smith]

The great hall loomed up before Jasmine and she gulped, her nerves swiftly returning to the front of her mind. She had enjoyed the boat ride over, and had been delighted that some people she had met before were also witches and wizards and would be in her year. This thought had been encouraging, but as she waited for the doors to be opened, her heart felt like it was just behind her lips. Wanting to run and hide, she struggled to stay in the same spot, but clenched her fists together and prepared herself to go and be sorted. She knew the basic idea of what would happen, but she was still scared. The doors opened finally and a lot of students began to make their way in. Hovering until the back, she gulped and slipped inside with the others, not wanting to stand out. The head did a small talk, and she listened carefully, taking in her surroundings. Maybe her brothers had been right, maybe she was a squib and didn't deserve to be there. Maybe the letter had been a mistake. What would she do if her name was never called out and she was just made to stand there. Would something be done, or would she just be banished from the grounds. Swallowing the lump that appeared in her throat, she tried to not even think of what would happen when she got home. Ready to slip out, she began to turn. The first name was called though, and turning back to try and savour as much of the school as she could, she listened patiently. The A's were called first, and her surname being an S, she had to wait for a while. Trying to concentrate, she watched with an amazement as the different students were sorted into the different houses. Looking around for someone she would possibly know, she waited patiently and quietly.

"Smith, Jasmine."

This was it, her name being called, a couple of people turned around to see her. Feeling the eyes of the school on her as she headed towards the front, she swallowed again and again, trying to calm herself. The tips of her ears died themselves a very deep red as she stepped up the stairs. Seeing the stool in front of her, she sat down cautiously and then the hat was placed on her head. Please Mr hat. I don't really mind where i go, as long as i will fit in. I know you will make the right choice, so please let this be over. Her heart beating loudly as she thought these words in her head, she waited for the verdict to be said so she could jump off the stool and head to her house. Crossing her fingers, she began to wonder where she would go. I think hufflepuff would be good, im not good enough for anywhere else Biting down on her lip, she hoped it would be a single word. But for now, she would just have to wait.

"As you wish. HUFFLEPUFF!"

Out of Character: Posting Note

Remember to close all BBCode tags that you open.

 

[Julian Hain]

Julian was clearly visible in the crowd of 11 year olds, he was the one bouncing up and down with excitement. Finally the day had come! He was at Hogwarts! Julian was sad that his friends were not there with him, but right now that didn't matter. He was finally going to be able to learn magic! Julian looked around, a lot of the kids looked nervous. What was there to be nervous about? He wondered. Everyone had to get sorted, and everyone did get sorted. Worrying about this kind of thing was silly. As more and more people got sorted Julian became extremely impatient. When would his name be called?! Finally though they got to the h's and Julian was the first one called. The excited little boy tried to run through the crowd and just as he was breaking free he tripped on his robes and did a face plant right in front of everyone. People began laughing but it didn't bother him. He just stood right up gave a thumbs up to the crowd and went to go sit on the stool. The sorting hat was placed on his head and it fell down past his eyes so he could no longer see. Hello there Mr Hat! I really can't wait to be sorted. I know you'll put me in the right house! Julian thought excitedly.

"Wait no longer! GRYFFINDOR!"

 

[Poppy Bloxam]

It had been a long and tiring journey in many ways, but now she had finally arrived at the great, looming castle. It was to become like a second home for the next seven years. A shiver struck the young girl's spine as she shuffled in amongst the crowd of first year students. A shiver of excitement. The thrill alone of just learning about the place had been enough for a whole lifetime, but actually being there, in amongst her fellow pupils, being shepherded through the entrance and to the Great Hall, well.. Poppy Bloxam wondered if she would ever need to use her imagination to escape, again. She was a witch. No-one could take that single burst of light away from her.

Another surprise awaited Poppy in the Great Hall as she passed through the doors; the ceiling mimicked the weather outside, and candles burned dimly as they rested upon thin air. Older students lined the tables, observing the newcomers. Some of those watching appeared cheered up my the fresh blood. Others seemed to glower in a way that suggested they thought a new batch of students was a bad idea. This strange world had made itself known to Poppy in the form of a letter, and she welcomed it with open arms. And as the crowd came to a halt somewhere near the front of the hall, she couldn't ignore the slight nervousness that struck her. It joined the drive to go through with the sorting ceremony, and was weakened by the shear anticipation of what was yet to come.

She knew not how long she stood in that part of the building, listening to students stepping forward to take a seat upon the stool. She couldn't really see what was going on, either, but she could hear a voice shouting out one of four different words as each student reached the front; Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. Poppy had no idea what each house stood for, though she had heard there was a library at Hogwarts, and that it was packed full of wizarding books. She had the feeling that she would probably need to trawl through a few historical ones before she could gain any real understanding of this magical new world.

"Bloxam, Poppy."

Poppy's heart skipped a beat. She felt like her feet were gluing themselves firmly to the ground in an attempt to stop her meeting her fate. "You'll be okay," she breathed to her shoes, "I'm going to do this." That first step in the direction of the stool was one that nearly stole the breath from her body: Students turned and shifted to allow Poppy to pass through the gaps, to gradually make her way to the beginning of the rest of her life. She sat stiffly upon the stool, looking around at the many faces as they awaited her result. Her heart, though it beat slightly harder than normal, bracing her for the worst, could not wait to dive head-first into this new life. Her posture remained straight, but strong. She forced herself to meet the eyes of each person she could. A single thought found its way into her mind where it gripped the edge of its seat.

I'm ready.

"Don't know what the houses mean?! That takes out half my fun! Did you not listen to a word of my song? Come now, I don't sing my heart out for my own good pleasure. Well, I do. But that's not the only reason why. No matter, I suppose calling out a house might mean little to you now - but you'll thank me later, and your mates will thank me now. GRYFFINDOR!"

 

[Gracie Williams]

Gracie Willliams waited patiently for her name to be called. She held her hands behind her back and swung quietly back and forth on her feet. Her blonde hair was full of bounce and cheer. She smiled her bright white teeth as her name got called. Her name was close to the end of the list. She skipped up to the stool and sat down. The hat began speaking to her but, her smile never faded. In her head she kept telling herself that she is so happy and grateful now that she is in Hufflepuff. It was a trick her mother had taught her. She had to say that to herself to be what she wanted.

"No offence to your mother, but that trick doesn't work on magical hats as well as you might think. In fact, I think you'll be a splendid Ravenclaw!"

 

[Angus Hooper]

Angus walked into the mighty stone castle that is Hogwarts. The looming staircases and it's high ceilings were a awe-inspiring factor for Angus. He stood almost impatient but quietly behind the other students, looking on at the hat that would make one of the most important decisions for him in his life at Hogwarts. He watched as one by one, the students in front had the hat placed on their head and giving them their houses then joining their tables. Then the two words that enhanced his excitement echoed out over the hall.

"Angus Hooper"

He looked around, then walked up to the classic three-legged stool, on which the brown crumpled leather hat sat on top. It seemed to be watching it, through the dark brown slits that were it's eyes. The tension inside him rose out, then the Professor placed the hat on his head. Angus waited for the answer.

"Your love of learning and desire to excel in school puts you squarely in RAVENCLAW!"

 

[Adam Collins]

Adam walked into the Great Hall of Hogwarts New Zealand, and he was amazed. Unlike the others, he wasn't nervous about what the Sorting Hat would choose because he knew that whatever it said, it would be for the best. He heard his name called, and he walked up to be sorted. As the hat was on his head, he couldn't wait for the response.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

 

[Alexis Pettit]

Alexis Pettit had never been as amazed as she was now. Hogwarts Castle in all of it's glory, and she had never seen anything that was more beautiful then what now stood in front of her. She wanted to explore every single inch of the castle, she wanted to learn everything that she could inside of it's walls, but most of all she wanted to find that one person that she knew that she would be able to trust forever and ever. She wanted to find the one friend that she knew would never desert her. Alexis wasn't going to ask for much in the seven years that she would be at this school, she was only going to ask for a friend, or two, or three, or maybe even four.

As they now passed through the door into what looked like a giant hall, he watched as the Professor signaled for them to stop and wait while she went to check on something. Alexis looked around the hall they were in, everything was just so beautiful here. There were candles suspended in mid air, and she wanted to know what did it. Alexis heard the Professor come back and turned to see her there now. She smiled at this, it meant that they would be sorted soon. She followed the rest of the group as they now walked into the 'Great Hall'. Yeah, she was definitely excited for something, for the first time in her life.

She now split ranks with the others and stood by her own at the back as she watched everyone else have their names called to be sorted. Some went to Gryffindor, some to Ravenclaw, others to Hufflepuff, and the rest to Slytherin. Alexis already knew which house it was that she wanted. She wanted to be in Gryffindor, maybe the hat would listen to her if she asked it too place her in Gryffindor? Possibly, but she doubted it highly. The Sorting Hat was the kind of thing that looked like it didn't listen to anyone.

"Pettit, Alexis."

Before she knew what was going on, it was her turn to go up there and have her future for the next seven years decided. Would she be placed in Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw? She didn't know, but she did know that she wanted to find out quickly so that she could take her seat and just get ready to celebrate on her own, maybe write a letter to her Uncle. She didn't know what she would do yet. She walked up to the stool, and placed the Sorting Hat on her head, awaiting his decision.

"Your calculating and self-preserving nature lead me to believe you will do quite well in SLYTHERIN!"

 

[Ariadne Reinhold]

Ariadne strode in to the Great Hall with the others, her head held high and proud. She looked at some of the other kids, who all looked pretty nervous, and scoffed silently, her lips widening in to a frightening grin. Why would people be scared? It was just a hat, for crying out loud! It wasn't like it was going to eat them or something. No, it just yelled out what house they were going to be in. Why was that something to be frightened of? Ariadne would never understand these wimps.

The worst thing about being so late in the alphabet, though, was having to wait! Ariadne wasn't the most patient person. And seeing all these lame, miserable kids shuffle to the hat and be sorted in to houses was so boring! Some of them were excited, too, she supposed, but they were the ones who got sorted in to dumb houses like Hufflepuff. Ariadne would've rather died than been sorted in to such a stupid house!

"Reinhold, Ariadne!"

Well, finally! Her grin widening, Ariadne sprang up to the hat, eager to find out what house she'd be in. Making sure to give the entire Great Hall a smile first, she jammed the hat on to her head, barely able to wait for its decision.

"Given how far on your head you've jammed me, some of those poor first years may well think I do want to eat you instead of just, as you so simply put it, yell out a house. But I resent being called 'just a hat'. I'd challenge you to find any other hat like me. Regardless, you're quite a SLYTHERIN!"

 

[Astrid Foley]

Astrid looked the absolute picture of neatness. Not a bead of sweat on her brow, not a hair out of place, not a single wrinkle in her dress, and not a sign of fear or hesitation visible in her expression. She was nothing if not well-presented.

Truthfully, she was worried sick, but she would have rather died than let that show. Her mother always told her that it was important for one to look their best at all times, and Astrid took that to heart, to the point of obsessing over her appearance to make sure she was always at her neatest. It helped that she was naturally a very tidy person - she didn't run wild, she didn't let herself get sullied - but it was probably detrimental to worry so much. At least she had her very well maintained books, to keep herself from getting to wrapped up in her own appearance.

That wasn't to say Astrid was vain - no, indeed, she hardly thought herself very pretty at all. But she had to appear neat and tidy. After all, if she appeared as such, she might start to think as such.

Her thoughts, as it were, were running wild. What if the hat says I don't belong? Oh, I'll never hear the end of it.... Astrid was normally calm, but she had a tendency to fall to pieces at the first sign of stress. She never looked like she did, but it always happened.

"Foley, Astrid!"

Swallowing, Astrid walked calmly up to the hat, smoothing her skirt as she sat down in order to prevent any rumples, and looked straight ahead, expressionless. Surely it didn't matter to the hat how she looked when she was in a state of panic over what house she'd be in and whether or not she'd be accepted, but it mattered to her.

"Don't belong? Everybody belongs in one of the houses. You, for instance, are a RAVENCLAW!"

 

[Ezra Catchlove]

The marble steps were large. She held the small purple flower in her hand as she walked up them. Murmurs of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin could be heard amongst the students. She was alone. She hadn't even realized that her train car had been occupied by her and a bunch of giggly 7th years. She had had her eyes glues to the book that her mother had given to her as she was leaving Platform 9 3/4. It contained something very odd, and something she would never from expect from her scientific mother. It was a book of inspiration. There were flowers, cloth samples, colors, words, poems, and quotes all scrap booked into the book. The last page contained the flower, and a note attached that said "I gathered the things for this book all throughout my years at Hogwarts. You should do the same."

Ezra didn't really understand it, but somehow she knew she would at sometimes during her life. As Ezra walked up the white staircase her heartbeat started to grow. It was a natural thing to be nervous, but she knew that her life depended on this. What if she were to be sorted into the wrong house? What if she ended up with a horrible dorm-assignment and hated all the girls in her room? She quickly closed the questions out of her brain, and told herself "there are a million what ifs, but not a million answers." She would just have to believe in the power of the sorting hat, and hope for the best.

Ezra didn't exactly know which house she would like to be sorted into. She saw qualities she liked in each of them, and most were on an equal level. In Gryffindor she would surely have friends, but she didn't like the arrogance they held. In Hufflepuff she would be caring to all and learn how to work with others; but may not have an exciting life. In Ravenclaw she would learn, and learn some more. But, what if it was too much? Then there was Slytherin, where she would get good connections, but may not end up right.

Everything was up in the air at the moment. Her life was dangling like a rag doll, and the sorting hat was the player. She kept walking. One. Two Three. The steps all seemed to be a blur. With each step her heart pace increased, and the butterflies started to fly faster and faster around in her stomach. Then, suddenly, the stairs ran out. She landed on the top of the stairs, and somehow managed to stay calm while she was clustered into a space with about one hundred kids. The murmuring got louder and louder, until she couldn't hear herself telling a blonde-headed girl hello. She gave up on talking to others and when she did, she didn't regret it. A tall woman stood up in the front of the room she told them to be quiet as they entered the Great Hall. You could hear all the "shhs" coming from arrogant students that had probably been talking the loudest in the first place. All eyes were upon the woman as she led them into the great hall; this is where the games would begin.

In rows of four to five the first year students ushered into the already-filled great hall. When it was her turn to go in she instantly had her eyes glued to the ceiling. She walked slowly, absorbing every bit of the moving ceiling she could. It showed a picture of the sky, the night sky. It was as if it didn't have a roof, but despite disbelief, it did have a roof. Long wax candles hung in the air, and so did the stars. She then realized she was at the front of the room. There were four tables with students in them, and another with the staff. She sat with the other unsorted students, and waited for their next instructions.

The lady that had ushered them in also spoke to them about their sorting. She said she would call them up by name to receive their house. They would then sit upon the wooden stool and the hat would take over from there. When Ezra realized that she would probably be one of the firsts, due to her last name starting with a C, she tensed up even more. She sat, mesmerized by the talking hat while she awaited her life-changing moment. The A's were sorted. Each time the sorting hat called out a house one of the tables would cheer, screech, and almost die. She thought it was a bit out-of-hand, but then her name was called.

"Catchlove, Ezra"

She stood up and walked over to the stool. She could feel the students eyes all over her, and that just made everything worse. She stood in front of the stool, put her hair out of her eyes, and sat down. This was it; she took a deep breath and let the sorting hat do its thing.


"Oh, come now. There are great things about Slytherin, too. Any house's traits can lean to corruption. But you needn't worry of that - you're a RAVENCLAW!"

 

[Lysandra St. James]

Lysandra fiddled with her blonde curls as she stood quietly in the queue beside another girl that she had met on the train ride over to the put out for the boats and as she walked through the extravagant corridors that her blue orbs drank in she wondered why magic would be only in this building and not use some sort of magic carpet or something to take them all to Hogwarts. It would just make more sense but even a little bit of magic would be enough to keep her happy for the rest of her life considering she hadn't even known that those fairy tales her mother would tell her about Harry Potter were real. She could only assume they were now but more important things were happening to her at this moment. Things like her entire future being decided by a hat, she wasn't quite sure how that worked out because she hadn't asked her mother the mechanics of it so it would be a surprise and what person on this earth did not like surprises? Even people who said they hated them, truly did like them - or Lysandra thought they did.

Another thing the freckled eleven year old thought was 'Wow' when she entered the, aptly named, Great Hall. Being in a family where Christmas and Birthdays were simple events, Lysandra was very overwhelmed by this in the very best of ways. She felt like bouncing on her tiny feet so she could try to see more but it would have done no good, so she peered through the crack between the pair in front of her to see a singing hat she assumed was called the 'Sorting Hat'. It was magnificent. A singing hat. 'I'll have to tell my friends about this when I go back home. They'll ever believe me, though!' she thought, as she listened to the hat sing and explain each of the songs. Lysandra had to admit, Ravenclaw did sound the best out of all of them and hoped she would be deemed smart enough to be a Ravenclaw, even if Gryffindor sounded like the house that had the most fun. Slytherin also seemed applicable to her, though. She had to be resourceful inorder for her life to go on with ease because for a person who was just under three feet tall, it was hard to do a lot of things without asking and that was not something Lysandra St. James liked to do. She had her pride. Now that she thought about it, Hufflepuff was also a good idea because she would get acceptance there and although she didn't dish it out very easily, it was all she wanted out of life so far. Ultimately it wasn't her decision but she would have liked to have a clear preference but she was stumped on where she would be placed so she waited for her name to be called.

It took a little longer than Lysandra would have liked as the anticipation was killing her. She wanted to go out and explore the castle and it's grounds as a proper student of Hogwarts New Zealand but when "St. James, Lysandra" was finally called, she waddled over to the stool and chuckled anxiously, her palms only beginning to sweat now as she was infront of the whole student body and had to climb onto the stool that was a little too high for her. Pushing her hair out of her eyes as she faced the crowd and put both feet up onto the foot rest and pushed up from there and let her little legs dangle from over the side as she awaited sorting. 'I wonder how the hat reads your mind? That is so weird,' she thought absently, trying to relax herself by taking note of certain things in the room and inquiring silently about them as she often did.​

"Gryffindor."

 

[Diedra Vogler]

As Diedra walked into the castle, and finally the Great Hall a nervous sensation ran through her body. Her parents hadn't told her how big the castle actually was when they put her on the train. She tried to take it all in but was left in a state of awe. She patiently stood in line waiting to be sorted. Having the last name Vogler meant she'd be one of the last to be sorted. This made it awkward for her. As she saw the various kids being sorted to the houses, she pondered which house she'd be placed into. It would most likely dictate the friendships and connections she'd make for the next 7 years.

After what felt like an eternity, Diedra's name was finally called. She took a deep breath and slowly made her way to the stool. The professor picked up the hat from the stool as Diedra took a seat. Her stomach felt like it was kinked beyond repair. She just wanted to jump from the chair and run back home. As excited as she was to be going to Hogwarts hours earlier, all of those happy thoughts had turned negative. She closed her eyes and calmed her mind. Relax girl. Relax. This isn't just for your parents. This is for you. The professor placed the hat on her head and Diedra felt as if her world was going to come to an end. Don't kill me, please.

"I've yet to hear of Hufflepuff killing anybody."

 

[Gabriel Neidhart]

Gabriel was nearly bouncing with excitement as he followed the line of first years into the Great Hall. This was it. Finally. After all the stories and the imagining of what it would actually be like, he was finally going to Hogwarts. The school was huge and the other students looked so interesting, he couldn't wait to see where the Sorting Hat was going to place him. Too excited to be nervous, the eleven year old chose instead to shamelessly observe his peers. Most of the older students looked as if they had something better else to do. The Professors varied between austere looking and kind, and Gabriel was quite sure that from his fellow first years, he could hear a few knees knocking.

How anyone could be scared of being sorted was beyond him. The Sorting Hat looked harmless enough and he doubted the thing had teeth. Perhaps it as the being in front of the whole school that was bothering them but to someone that liked to be the center of attention as much as Gabriel did, he felt right at home.

"I wonder what happens if your not sorted," Gabriel asked to a nearby boy, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips as he blew his dark fringe out of his eyes, "I mean, do they send you back home or what? Maybe they'll let you stay on as the assistant Groundskeeper or something?" Chuckling at his own joke, the eleven year went back to waiting to hear his name being called. It was just taking so long.

Neidhart Gabriel!

Finally! Jogging up to the stool, Gabriel plopped down with a soft 'oof' and jammed the hat onto his head impatiently. "All right there hat," he thought quietly, "Put me somewhere good, kay?"

"Nothing but the best, here - and the best for you is GRYFFINDOR!"

 

[Micah Adams]

Micah Adams, brother of Eli Adams the Ex-Astronomy Professor here at Hogwarts New Zealand, was here at last. This was the real thing, the big castle that made everything or broke everything in your life. What you did here decided what could happen in the future, and what opportunities you could have in the long run. While he was here, he had to make sure that he learned everything he could, and understood it all. From now until his NEWTs, he was on his own except for what he learned.

Micah now followed the rest of his soon-to-be year into the Great Hall, and stopped when he reached the bottom. After the Sorting Hat went through his song it was time for the business end of the cermony. The sorting. The thing that everyone here had been invited for. He was here, and he was ready. He wanted to be a Gryffindor. But at the end of the day, he would go wherever he was chosen to go. He sighed, he really just wanted to get this over and down with now.

"Adams, Micah."

That was all he heard, and all he had to hear. He ascended the stairs in front of him, and sat down on the stool. He placed the hat on his head and merely sat there and waited for his fate. He was still hoping for Gryffindor, but he didn't care where he was placed as long as it wasn't in Slytherin. He would hate to be in Slytherin. His cousin Alexis was here, and he had watched her get sorted into Slytherin. She must have hated that.

"As you wish - GRYFFINDOR!"

 

[Emmy Petit]

Emmy shyly looked up at the castle, feeling smaller than she ever felt possible. It wasn't unusual for Emmy to feel alone in a big crowd. It was something that she felt a lot, especially in the orphanage she just left. No matter how hard Emmy tried, the boys teased her and the girls ignored her. Emmy hoped that this would change at Hogwarts, but even on the train ride to Hogwarts, Emmy sat by herself. She heard laughter, and saw happiness, something she wished for her whole life. While some excitement moved through Emmy's body, most of her emotions were a mixture of sadness and anxiety. As she walked into the Great Hall with the other students, more nerves ran through her veins, and she started to shake in fear. Emmy was not prepared for getting sorted in front of so many people. With each step she took, she felt her cheeks getting redder, and her body growing hotter. While she wanted to impress everyone in the Hall, she knew it was not possible, making her wish she could be anywhere but here. Emmy stood with her shoulders slumped in the midst of the other First Years, waiting for her name to be called out.
Upon hearing it, Emmy jumped, looking up at the hat which sat upon a stool; on a raised platform which many would call a stage. Emmy gulped and slowly took a few steps forwards, and before she knew it, she was sitting on the stool, a hat too big being lowered onto her head.

"Hmmm, the founder that would have you is HUFFLEPUFF!"

 

[Karyna Rykiel]

There wasn't much doubt in the mind of the young girl that this day would be one of the most significant days of her life. In all cases it was just a matter of walking and being sorted into a different place. Moving from place to place had taught Karyna one simple thing, confidence. Confidence was key. And without that it was silly to discuss anything. Her parents line of work, and Karyna's was the way in which the young girl had managed to gain any form of confidence. She had to smile, and be photographed, and not show that it was odd and somewhat uncomfortable to have a variation of different people staring at her and being antical of her every movement. It was something that she had learned to grow acustom to. Karyna, did not mind her line of work, instead she enjoyed, more and more over the different years and jobs she'd had. It wasn't an easy thing to enjoy, but Karyna loved fashion, and she loved seeing her parents at work. It also helped that her parents knew that once she left school, she would be able to join them on a more full time basis, not necessarily as a model. But for any of that to become in the remotes sense true she had to go through school. Karyna was not too intellegent, why she really wondered where she would end up, but she did understand the importance of a school career.

Hogwarts in the eyes of the girl was just going to be amazing. Both her parents had attended Durmstrang, and while she had wanted to go to the school, there was still a part of her that thought she'd be better suited for Durmstrang. But she was here, Hogwarts New Zealand. It was a good school, she could tell. There were so many happy stories, she heard from people who went and people who had siblings who had gone. It was funny, that even the Slytherins seemed to have a good time at the school. Walking through the hall with all the others in her year, she couldn't help the smile as she walked. She would be pretty late on but Karyna didn't mind, watching and listening to the others would be good fun. She stood around waiting, as it came to the name she was waiting for.

"Rykiel, Karyna Aemilius"

A smile was on her face as she walked up to the stool and took a seat. The hat was placed on her head, and Karyna just waited. Soon she would have her home for school, and everything would be amazing.

"You could do well in Gryffindor or in Slytherin. Hmmm, I suppose the best choice is SLYTHERIN!"

 

[Bridie Cortez]

Bridie stared at the Castle in front in awe. Her fingers were itching to draw what she saw in front of her; she knew she was not going to sleep tonight. There were so many things that had inspired her on the way to Hogwarts, but many of them were pushed to the back of her mind after she saw the beautiful castle. Her eyes were moving super fast, unable to linger on anything for too long, but wanting to catch every little detail for future paintings.
Bridie tripped a little, realizing a bit late the the group had started moving into the castle. She regained her balance and quickened her pace to keep up with everyone. Her mouth dropped when she entered the Great Hall. There were so many people, and so many candles. The roof above them that was bewitched made Bridie grin; excitement flooded through her at the thoughts of all the different types of magic there was. Even at the front of the hall, Bridie's eyes were zooming around, again trying to catch every possible detail. Don't stress too much, Bridie told herself. You have seven years to paint all of this. Bridie blinked out of her stupor when she vaguely heard her name being called. She noticed that a few eyes were on her, so she quickly made her way up to the hat. Bridie smiled with excitement when she sat on the stool, and eagerly awaited the Sorting Hat's decision.

"You're tricky. Quite tricky. But something tells me you'll do amazingly in RAVENCLAW!"

 

[Janey Pascot]

Janey smiled as she made her way into the great hall, along with her fellow unsorted students, and took a seat on a large table to wait. She knew her name would take a while to be called out, but she had more enjoyment from watching other people's reactions to their own houses anyway, and was content to wait. Her Mother had taught her that patience was a valuable lesson. One by one, students were called to the front of the hall, some were nervous, some cocky, and they were placed in their houses. People cheered, people boo'd, people clapped. Janey was deep in thought of how they would react to her placing when she heard Poppy's name. Was there another Poppy Bloxan? Janey wondered, trying to peer over the eager heads of other students to take a look. It was Poppy! Janey resisted calling out her name or waving, and decided to keep it a surprise. When Poppy was put into Gryffindor, Janey's heart skipped a beat. That was where she wanted to be, too, and the time trudged by even slower waiting for her own name. She hadn't even suspected anything of Poppy, though now she though about it more it made sense.. all the strange things that seemed to happen to the two of them when they were together. Had Poppy suspected anything of Janey? Had she even known she was magical until she got her letter? Janey's mind raced as more and more people were called up, until finally;

'Pascot, Janey'.

Janey jumped, and then slowly stood up, aware that all eyes were on her. She glanced at Poppy and grinned, before making her way slowly to the front. Her stomach was filled with butterflies, which was strange for her, but she was worried about being put in a different house to Poppy. First, she had found out her best friend was going to Hogwarts too, and now she had found out the house she had been put in was the same one she wanted to be in. Surely two miracles at once was too much to ask for?

Janey turned to face the sea of faces and perched on the edge of the sorting chair, waiting for the warmth of the sorting hat to be placed on her head. She tucked her hair behind her ear and closed her eyes as he was lowered on. This was it. She was about to find out if all of her dreams were going to come true, and she'd never felt more excited and nervous in her whole life. As the sorting hat began to speak, Janey found herself begging inwardly for Gryffindor. Please, she thought deeply, Gryffindor..? She felt like bursting into tears at that moment, but held herself together. She never cried, even at tough moments in life. She always held her tears back and pretended that everything was ok. And this was just the same.

"Not very bright, I fear. I'd hardly find you scheming and selfish, and you don't strike me as hardworking either. I suppose your blind courage and perhaps foolish desire for adventure leaves but one true house for you. GRYFFINDOR!"