The Sorting Ceremony Y34

[Katherine Alicastell]

Vivid stars twinkled through white wisps of cloud overhead of those entering the Great Hall, shining brightly against the velvet darkness of space that blanketed the entirety of it's ceiling, dominated by a single pale moon that bathed the room's entrants in a silvery light. The hall itself was further illuminated by flickering candle flames that appeared to sway and float in mid-air as if held aloft by invisible threads, bathing the building's lengthy tables adorned with shining dishes in a warm glow. Katherine herself stood positioned behind a podium at the forefront of the hall, greeting the youths who entered with a silent nod and a small smile. A sea of faces both new and old, from those here for their first year, to those here for their last. ​

"Welcome," Katherine began, her eyes sweeping over the sea of faces already gathered at the house tables, and those waiting to join them. "To those of you returning for another year, and to those of you joining us for the first time today. For many of you, this day marks the start of your journey as young witches and wizards in the magical world. The castle and its surrounding grounds will be your home for the next seven years - a place for you all to live, to learn, and to grow. That being said, I must remind the older students, and caution those of you who are new, that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off limits to students unless supervised by a professor or member of staff. It may look enticing to some of you, but many dangers lurk within the forest. It is restricted for your safety, and any rule breakers will be punished accordingly."​

The woman let her warning linger for a moment, eyeing those in particular who appeared more than willing to break that rule, before continuing on. "Now, let's begin. Each of you will be sorted into a house, which you will remain in for the duration of your time here. These houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, named after each of the original founding members of this prestigious school." As she spoke each name, banners rolled up against the farthest wall suddenly unfurled, depicting the colours and crests of each individual house, matching the silk cloths adorning each table. "First Years, as I call your name, step forward and seat yourselves here." Katherine gestured toward the short stool at the front of the hall, situated in perfect view of everyone present. "Once seated, I will place the Sorting Hat upon your heads, after which your future house will be decided and you are to move on to your table and join your new housemates. This decision is final, and houses cannot be changed once the Sorting Hat has made its decision. Now, let us begin." Ending it on that note, the woman unravelled the roll of parchment in front of her and called up the first name.​

---

As stated in the Information about Sorting, 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 not receive your sorting form: you will not be sorted. Follow instructions and: you will be sorted!

You can edit your post once your 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]

The time has come now once again,
To greet you all in song.
New year, new friends, and all new faces,
In amongst the throng.

But who am I? The Sorting Hat!
I'm here to sort you all.
I'll tell you soon where you should go,
Be you great or small.

The bravest of you might become
Old Gryffindor's new pride.
Your bold, courageous housemates
Will always have your side.

Or Ravenclaw might better suit
Those clever of the mind.
Your wisdom will grow far here
if you're scholarly inclined.

In Hufflepuff the fair and true
Will find their closest friends.
A house made strong by working hard
To achieve their ends.

In Slytherin a cunning heart
Will see your goals succeed.
Your ambitions will be fostered
All subtle in your deed.

So try me on! I never bite
And hardly ever dither.
Your house awaits, as does the feast
So call the students hither!

 

[Connor Holland]

Even after hearing Eric talk about it, Hogwarts seemed bigger than Connor had ever imagined it could be. He didn't think he had seen such a big building or so many people all together ever in his life. It was overwhelming, being surrounded by so many classmates all at once. Who would be his friends? Who were the bullies? He would be spending seven whole years surrounded by these people, and it was all a lot to take in. He wondered how Eric had felt in his shoes a year ago. Probably just fine - Eric never had any trouble in a crowd. And Connor was sure everyone in Eric's year loved him already. Connor was grateful to have already made a few friends in his year, sticking close to Emma and Iris as he waited for the headmistress to call his name to take his place at Hogwarts.

"Holland, Connor!"

It seemed to take no time at all, and Connor barely felt as though he had begun to get his bearings in the incredible hall before his time had come. He stared like a deer in the headlights at the tables and tables full of students as he made his way up to the headmistress - how could there possibly be so many people here?! Connor had hoped to pick his brother or cousins out of the crowd but it quickly became clear that that would be impossible, so he dropped his eyes, staring at the ground to try and hide his face as he scuttled up to the stool and sat down, gripping the seat for dear life as the hat's brim slid in front of his vision and he settled in to await his fate.

"You'll find your place in...HUFFLEPUFF!"

 

[Jenna Jusantrea -Maxwell]

Today, however, there was no place or time for other thoughts.Train, boat ride, new school members, castle... A heart out ofdelight or delight from a tho racicclosure! The first steps in the room were relatively slower, allowing thebright eyes to capture the saturation sky ceiling of magic and a low cry of admiration, but thepace of movement quickly adjusted to Jenna's pace.


It seemed like an eternity had passed while she was finallycalled. Looking forward, she could,and wondering about which to she was going to be sent soondidn't help. But, oh, with some happiness-filled exhalation, she hurried to take a seat in the chairafter hearing her name, feeling likeher breath was blown away. In her own thoughts, she could think of Hufflepuff and never mind anything but this tower. Her heart quickened, but as her excitement subsided, she smiled at the who lehall, looking for ward to hearing the name Hufflepuff.Hello, lovely sorting, can we be friends? She asked with a smile.

"No, but you'll certainly make friends in your new house...Hufflepuff!"

 

[Daniel Remdond]

The day had finally arrived. Daniel walked through the doors of the Great Hall and gasped. It was much more incredible than he had thought it would be. In the group, he'd lost sight of the few fellow students he knew. He felt lost without someone familiar by his side, but continued with the group. They finally reached the front and Daniel waited to his name to be called.

"Remdond, Daniel!"

Daniel walked in front of the school and sat down. There were a lot more people than he thought there'd be. He ignored them and crossed his fingers, hoping he'd be sorted into a house that was good for him, and that he knew someone in the house. He took a deep breath and waited for the Sorting Hat's verdict.

"Your desire for knowledge makes you a perfect fit with RAVENCLAW!"

 

[Rosalind Lockwood]

Rose was ready. She sauntered into the Great Hall, head held high. She caught sight of her sister immediately. She moved to the far right of the student body entering the room and stopped next to her sister, letting the other students file past her. She grinned to Lily and dismissed Elliot. She wanted to glare but Mother had spoken to her about being nice to the cinnamon roll before she'd left. She understood Mother's point- Lily would be upset if Rose didn't play nice. For now. She crossed her arms and waited for her name to be called. She let her eyes scan the room, seeing Ren at the last table to the right, but he wasn't paying attention. She rolled her eyes. Of course.

She looked up as her name was finally called. "Finally." She muttered, strutting up to the stool. She spun with flair and sat down, crossing her legs. The sorting hat came down over her eyes and Rose tapped her foot. Hurry up and put me with my sister already.

"I don't know your sister, but I do know where you belong and that's Gryffindor!"

 

[Elisabetta Domenici]

Elisabetta let out a huge breath as she walked into the Great Hall with the rest of her fellow first-years. It was finally time for what she had been waiting for most of all--the Sorting. In all honesty, it really didn't matter to her which house she was placed in (this despite the fact that her mother (a former Hufflepuff) and her father (who had been a Ravenclaw) both hoped she got Sorted into their house); she was just glad to finally be here at Hogwarts.

After what seemed like an eternity, the first years reached the front of the Great Hall. Elisabetta stared at the Hat that was perched upon the stool and listened carefully as it called out the names of students before her and talked to them. She gradually grew restless, wondering when it would be her turn to put the hat on. Finally:

"Elisabetta Domenici!"

Trembling slightly as her name was called, she made her way up to the stool and sat down on it. The hat was placed on her head; Elisabetta waited breathlessly for her house to be decided.

"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Jacinta Ingo]

Jacinta entered the Great Hall and tried not to look amazed. Show nothing, she told herself. It was important not to look scared or impressed. Everyone would be making assumptions the minute they saw the new kids, so it wouldn't do to make a fool of yourself. She waited at the front of the Hall with her classmates, realising she didn't have a clue about what house she wanted to be sorted into.

"Ingo, Jacinta!"

Too late now. She walked up and sat. Nerves hit her, when she saw the amount of students in the Hall, all watching her. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and sat up straight. Come on, she said to herself. You'll be fine.

"You have a lot you want to prove, to yourself and others. The house that'll help you most with that is...Slytherin!"

 

[Arthurian Taylor]

Arthur had been silent but pleased the entire way here. He had already started off his school days properly- that stink bomb in the loaded train car had been perfect. He watched the other students walked around him. She would make an easy target. Too easy. He was big and burly- fun to hit, hard to run from. He observed everyone until the stepped into the Great Hall. Then his eyes diverted to the table with all the blue scarves. Was that Ravenclaw? He had a sister there, maybe. From what his mother had told him. He looked at each of the girls, wondering who it could be. There was one that sort of looked like him, but she didn't look his way. His eyes moved along, nearly passing by a blond, but stopped when he saw her eyes widen a smidge. He turned his gaze back to her, grinning a little at the clear surprise on her face. He made note of her features, he would need to find her later.

He didn't have time to think of much else, however, as it was at that moment that he heard someone call his name. He looked up and silently made his way to the stool and the hat. That was the... sorting hat, wasn't it? It slid over his nose. He waited patiently for it to make a decision.

"Gryffindor!"

 

[Amari Kent]

Amari had had a good start to her adventure at Hogwarts already. She could only imagine it would get better. The young girl was happy to finally be at Hogwarts, and she couldn't wait to see her room and make it her own. She knew that there was going to be a lot of extra work, and she was going to have to work hard to keep up with her dancing, but she figured it wouldn't be hard to find someone to do all her homework for her. As the students were lead into the Great Hall, Amari glared down the girl that accidentally bumped into her - she hated being in such a crowd of people, shoving and bumping into each other. Amari was used to always having her space, and people moving out of her way. Rolling her eyes, Amari made her way to the front of the crowd, standing proud and tall, waiting for her name to be called - another tedious wait. She didn't know why she couldn't have just been called first. Amari used the time to check out the Great Hall and the other students, before finally it was her turn. Plastering on her best smile, Amari made her way to the front, before gracefully sitting down on the dirty stool.

"Gryffindor!"

 

[Nicole Fisk]

Nicole felt like she'd been sitting on pins and needles since she'd gotten on the train. She'd had to wait and whole extra year than a lot of the kids her age since her dumb birthday was a few weeks late, but now she was finally grown up and at Hogwarts. Stepping into the hall with the rest of first years, she tried not to let herself be too nervous by all the people as they filed up towards the front of the hall. She was glad she'd managed to make a few friends before school and had recognized some kids on the train and in line. With any luck, she'd have a head start making friends no matter which house she was sorted in. She'd already rehearsed a few ice breakers for when they got their dorms, and she really hoped the hat would pick a good fit for her. It would be dreadful if she got stuck with a bunch of girls she hated for seven years.

Brushing her fingers through her hair, Nicole straightened up when her name was called, pulling her shoulders back and looking forward in what she hoped was a confident looking walk. It was almost a relief when the sorting hat was dropped onto her head, blocking out the surrounding hall, though Nicole couldn't help but spare a thought for whether it got washed regularly or not.

"Where to place you? Where to place you? No, that won't do. You're logical but don't love learning for the sake of it. Alright, I know where to place you. It better be...Slytherin!"

Out of Character:

Nicole was a near hatstall and you may RP as such.

 

[Evan Ross]

The day has finally came. A lot was going through Evan's mind, although he was pretty sure that he wasn't patient enough to wait for him to be called out by the headmistress. He has heard quite a lot about the sorting ceremony and how it is happening, he has even talked to his brother about that. Evan still hoped that he wouldn't get in the same house as his brother, because even if Mark was shy and not that confident in himself, Evan was pretty sure that he would still want to take control of Evan and make him feel higher and better than Evan. Evan went inside the great hall with a stoned face as he didn't want to show anyone his emotions. Evan wanted to show himself as a confident young man, who is ready to take everything from Hogwarts that it has to offer. He wasn't feeling excited about all the lessons they were going to have in the next year and the amount of studies he'll have to take part of, it was the adventures that he was looking forward to. Exploring the forbidden forest, wandering around the castle while everyone is sleeping. He had heard his dad talk about all these stories of his time in Hogwarts and Evan wanted to make sure that he'll make every year to remember too.

As the sorting started to begin, Evan stood in the group with other first years, not talking to anyone and not even watching the sorting process as the other first years did. Looking at all the faces around him, Evan noticed so much happy and excited faces waiting for them to be called out, for them to be sorted and future for their next seven years to be known. He looked only at the first person who was called out, to be sure that he knows how everything is done and to make sure he doesn't looks like an idiot. After that, Evan was looking at all the professors and then turning to all the tables and seeing so much people. All these people meant so much chances to make new friends, so much possibilities to try something new, connect with people. It was definitely a start of something new - a journey that no one will forget. This was the moment. Evan couldn't concentrate on sorting as there was so much going through his head in the moment.

More and more people knew their fate and Evan was still waiting. His blue eyes looked at the headmistress for a moment and just when she called the next first year who wasn't him, he continued looking at everything around the hall. People around probably thought that he was in the wrong place or he didn't care at all, but it wasn't like that. Evan did care, it's just that he didn't think this moment was that important. Of course, it was a little important, but he didn't want his experience of Hogwarts to be based on how he felt in the sorting. He finally started thinking about all the 4 houses, 4 possible choices for the sorting hat to make. Which will it choose?

Will it be Gryffindor? Evan was kinda brave.. although was he brave in a good way or just brave when it came to sneaking out and so on? He couldn't imagine him being in Gryffindor, maybe even because Mark was there and he didn't feel like seeing him every single day in the common room, in the dormitory or somewhere in the great hall in the meal time. His father, Hunter, was also a Gryffindor, although was that enough for him to also be in that house? Evan hoped that it wasn't the house for him..

"Ross, Evan!"

Just as he were going through all of this in his mind, headmistress stopped his thoughts and Evan stood still for a moment. After headmistress repeated his name, Evan confidently walked near the headmistress, faced everyone with a poker face and sat on the stool near the headmistress. As she put the sorting hat on top of his head, Evan waited for it to being speaking.. - Do what you want, just don't put me in Gryffindor..

"Slytherin!"

 

[Professor Wendall Layton]

Wendall had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever. His cousins had been giving him tips here and there on what to expect, but he could never have prepared himself for what he actually saw. It was more than he expected to even see in a movie! The new first year was stood at the entrance of the Great Hall, arms behind his back and he marvelled up and around the room and the magic that was actually happening right there in front of him.

They were off! Wendall followed as his classmates were led to the section of the hall that they would actually find out what house they’d be in. He praised himself on not tripping on the way up to the hat, and on route sent one of his new friends a smile in confidence. He wondered if he would be placed with anyone he knew, he hoped so.

Suddenly his name was called, moving through the crowd, Wendall began to ascend the stairs, but his shoe got caught on the top step and the first year fell forward, part of his body pushing the stool that a few students had already used slightly back in an awkward squeak against the wood that was exaggerated by the size of the room. He clambered back up to his feet, trying to nudge the stool back into place and ignoring the familiar burning of embarrassment that was on his face, and did his best not to look at anyone in particular in case they thought him stupid. He concentrated on the hat, asking nicely for it to make a good choice for him, and where he’d spend his time at Hogwarts.

"Hufflepuff!"

 

[Adelaide Honeysett]

Adelaide felt like she was walking through one of the watercolour picture books her sisters had read to her as a child. She wished her sisters were here with her now. She'd never spent even a single night away from them before. When the rest of her class had taken school trips, Adelaide had always stayed behind, scared to be without her familiar comforts - her soft toys, her blanket, the smell of her room, the presence of her sister in the bed across the room. And now everything was changing. She wouldn't see her family again for months. The homesickness had already hit, and hit hard.

She let the crowd carry her along through the vast great hall, looking out for the boy she'd met at the platform. Poor Wendall. He must have been terrified, stuck between the platform and the train like that. And anybody who saw would probably make fun of him for it. Well, Adelaide wouldn't let that happen. She'd already decided they were going to be friends - it was a matter of when, not if, she convinced him to feel the same. She grinned as his name was called, then cringed with second-hand embarrassment as he knocked the stool. This really wasn't going very well for him.

Once he'd been sorted, it was only a matter of time before Adelaide was called. The nerves that had been fluttering around her gut all day suddenly concentrated in the pit of her stomach. Somebody nudged her. Right. She had to move. Nervously she weaved through the crowd and sat down on the stool, careful not to repeat Wendall's mistake. The hat was lowered onto her head. It was heavy, and still warm. She held her breath in anticipation, looking out at the rows of tables and trying to memorise which was which so that she didn't walk off in the wrong direction once she was sorted.

"Gryffindor!"

 

[Oona Macaulay]

It still hadn't sunk in. Not only did witches actually exist, Oona was one of them. She'd always known there was something a little bit special - a little bit witchy - about her, though she hadn't been able to put her finger on it. Now here it was, clear as day. She'd done lots and lots of research before she'd arrived, buying witches' handbooks on the internet and studying how the different seasons and moon phases could help give power to her spells. Some of these books claimed to have been written by real witches, so she was sure some of the information would come in handy. She'd also bought herself a dozen pairs of striped stockings, decorated her bag in pins that said things like 'Witch Please', and 'Resting Witch Face', and bought a black cat, who she'd named Voodoo.

She was ready. She just hoped this 'Hogwarts' place was ready for her.

First impressions were good. She actually shook with excitement as she caught her first glimpse of the castle that was for the next seven years to be called home. At any minute now she was convinced she would wake up and find herself back in bed at her dad's house, just a regular, boring eleven-year-old in a world where magic was really just fantasy. But if it was a dream, it was the longest and most realistic one she'd ever had. She could smell the stone as the entered the castle, feel the warmth of the torches on her face, smell something cooking somewhere in the kitchens. She jumped up and down a bit as they waited outside the hall, trying to burn off some of her excess adrenaline. Her chances of falling asleep tonight were very, very slim.

Suddenly the doors opened. Oona was one of the first inside, pushing forward to get the best view of her new surroundings. This place was just absolutely enchanting. She couldn't believe her luck that she was here to experience it. She stopped when instructed and listened to the headmistress. The forbidden forest sounded very interesting indeed. She was a bit confused about how a hat could decide which house they were going to be in, but only until it opened its mouth and started to sing. It was a talking hat! Could this be any cooler?! Oona clapped excitedly, and then spent the next ten minutes willing the hat to hurry up and get to her already. Finally it did. She raced up to the stool and planted herself down on it, ready for whatever life was about to throw at her. She was a witch, for God's sake. Nothing could ever touch her now.

"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Emma van Houten]

Emma had trouble standing still in the best of times, but today it was a completely hopeless case. What she wanted to do was run around all the house tables, probably high fiving several students on the way, but she had promised Iris to behave. So instead of running around, she was just kind of stepping from side to side in an attempt to get some of her energy out. It wasn't really working. The great hall was as beautiful as Lars had described it as, and Emma looked around with wide eyes. She wasn't usually someone who appreciated that sort of thing, but the pretty stars overhead were hard to ignore. Suddenly, Emma felt a little nervous. She had only been excited so far, but standing here with everyone else, the reality of it started to sink in. Emma's hand found her sister's almost automatically, and she didn't have to look at Iris to know her twin was here for her. Instead, she scanned the heads in the great hall until she spotted Fleur and Lars at their tables. Emma felt a little reassured at the sight of them, and waved at them both. She hoped she and Iris would sit with Fleur soon at the Gryffindor table. She felt a little bad for Lars, being on his own, but he usually liked being alone to paint and stuff, so maybe it was for the best.

Emma jumped a bit when the hat started singing, even though she had prepared for that. She listened to the song, still holding her twin's hand. It was a pretty nice song, she had to admit. But it could be a bit better if it was faster, like something you could dance to. She glanced at Connor, who was standing near them, and then over at Nicole. She hoped they would all be together, but she suddenly realized how unlikely that was. They couldn't possible all be in Gryffindor. if she had to guess, poor Connor wouldn't be. But maybe he would be in a good house too! And they could still all be friends. Names were being called, and Emma cheered for her friends especially. But then it was suddenly her turn, and she glanced at Iris. "See you soon." She said with a small smile, then she practically ran up to the stool. She nearly knocked it over as she sat down hastily. As the hat was lowered on her head, she closed her eyes. Please put me with Fleur, and Iris too, hat.

"You are certainly a Gryffindor!"

 

[Iris van Houten]

Iris was standing with her twin, looking around with wide eyes. Lars had explained what the great hall looked like to her and Emma in great detail, but seeing it in real life was even more impressive. She was excited about what the future would bring, and her attempts at reading her tarot cards about what today's sorting would bring had mostly given her a positive feeling. She glanced over at Emma, who was as usual, very excited. She wondered if Emma would be too disappointed if they weren't in the same house together. It didn't seem to be something her older sister even considered, but Iris knew it was likely the case. Fleur and Lars were in different houses, and Emma and Iris were just as different from one another. Iris wasn't too worried about being separated. They were still twins, and that would never change. She knew Emma would make many new friends, but also knew Emma would never forget about her. That knowledge steadied her a little and it calmed her nerves to focus on that.

The hat started to sing its song, and Iris listened with a small smile. It was nice to get a small summary of each house. Iris looked over at Jenna, her friend. It had been somewhat of a surprise to make a new friend so quickly herself, but she really liked Jenna. If she couldn't be with Emma, she would like to be with her. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw both sounded like nice houses to her, personally. Names were being called, and Iris watched the process with curiosity. The hat was placed on someone's head, and then a house was called. It stood out to her that not everyone seemed to take the same amount of time. She wondered what the difference was between the students who took longer and those who were immediately sorted. When it was Emma's turn, she turned to Iris and told her she would see her soon. Iris just smiled a little sadly, and let go of her hand. She watched her sister get sorted, and then it was her own turn. She walked up to the stool and took a seat. It was time to hear what her future would bring.

"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Apollo Bixby]

After the conversation with his godfather, Apollo thought that he would be a little more prepared for the world he was about to step into. It was still crazy to think that wizards and witched had been living amongst them Muggles for years and years without them even realising it. As he entered the Great Hall his jaw dropped in astonishment. It was a lot bigger than Mitchell told him it'd be and there were also a lot more students present to watch the ceremony happen. If the hall was this enormous, he wondered how big the entire castle would be like and if he'd ever find his way through it - that would be something future Apollo had to deal with, though. There was so much to take in that he scanned the entire room without paying much attention to where he was walking. He jabbed Juno in her side to get her attention and pointed his finger at what seemed to be a ghost. ''I didn't know ghosts were actually real?!'' the boy whispered to her, both amazed and scared at the same time.

He followed the other soon-to-be-sorted students to the front of the hall and listened to what the woman as she welcomed everyone. He furrowed his brows at the mention of the Forbidden Forest and almost immediately started to wonder what would be inside of said forest if the Headmistress had to warn the students that it was strictly off-limits to them. What kind of terrible things would he encounter inside the forest? Perhaps he should ask one of his new housemates once he'd be placed into one of the four houses. He then waited for the woman to call his name. His godfather had told him that they would be called out alphabetised by last names so knew that he would probably be one of the first students to be sorted into a house. When Apollo's name was called out he turned to Juno, gave her a look that said 'Is it too late to go back to the train' and then preceded to walk to where the woman was standing because she was trying to nudge him forward. He sat down on the stool and waited for the hat to be placed upon his head. Hopefully, his godfather would be proud of the house he would be sorted into in a moment.

"You'll uncover your best self in Gryffindor!"

 

[Juniper Steele]

Ever since the day in Obsidian, Juno had barely left Apollo’s side unless their family insisted they had other plans. The blonde wouldn’t have said she was nervous to join a new school at all, in fact she’d joined over eight schools in the last five years, but this would certainly be different to those she’d already tried and she was enjoying having someone close by to experience everything new with. After she’d caught up to him on the Hogwarts Express, they’d been able to find out a little more about one another, she even though she didn’t know if she’d have called him a friend yet, although at least she knew she wouldn’t be leaving the school any time soon. She was so accustomed to not making any friends at all as she’d only get to know people for a few months before they were left behind, and it was surreal experience to talk to someone that would be around for the next few years.

As she waited alongside Apollo for the ceremony to start, she was peering around the room like most of the first years, realising which bits of the school she’d been told about my her family were actually truths. She heard him whisper into her ear, and following Apollo’s eye-line she spotted a semi transparent ghost floating along one of the house tables, “I guess so..” she trailed off, her eyes glued to the figure as she watched it move, wondering if everyone who died around here got turned into one. She liked the idea of Hogwarts but she didn’t want to stay there forever.

It wasn’t long before Apollo’s name was called out, although he didn’t seem that keen to move. “Go!” She mouthed, trying to nudge him in the right direction before he held them all up. She knew he was nervous but the sooner they got this over with, the sooner they could start exploring the castle together. She watched with a small smile as he was sorted into her house, before her own name was called and she took a seat at the front of the hall, hoping she could be reunited with him in a moment.

"Slytherin!"

 

[Ajaccio Skey]

Ajaccio couldn’t much believe that he was here for school, for so long this had been some distant event that he would do and now it was here. He would be entering a school and be unable to travel around as he had before. He had never lived anywhere, as far as he could remember for longer than two months and this would be more than that. He was essentially living in New Zealand. Ajaccio was admittedly nervous, having never had to settle in a place he was sure how it would go for him. He had always managed to make friends in the places that he went, but that tended to be at the expense of knowing he wouldn’t have to be there long enough for the friendship to ever face anything difficult. What kind of friend would he be now? Now that leaving shortly after meeting was no longer an option. Ajax would manage, he was sure, it would just be a long few years if he struggled. The young boy had found the journey to Hogwarts tiring, but not unlike the journeys he was used to, but he felt still a little out of sorts. In all of his travelling with his father he had never been so surrounded by magic, his father being a muggle had meant he’d always been surrounded by muggles, muggle people, muggle transport, muggle life. Though the train had been magical, it had been muggle enough, the people on the train and the school they were now in, were anything but muggle. Ajaccio glanced at the different students, spotting Nicole in amongst them, she seemed exactly how he remembered her from those months ago at the playground when he’d been in New Zealand last. Ajax grinned towards her and gave a little wave. He half hoped he might be in the same house as her, just so he would know someone. ​

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The boy had begun making his way over to her when the entire class moved. He would have to wait until later he guessed. Ajax nervously followed behind, running his hand through the unruly curls, making them inevitably more unruly, but perhaps it wouldn’t be too noticeable against the mess that was already there. He couldn’t help but glance around at the different tables, at the different people. Would he enjoy his time at the school, would he grow bored of the classes, he’d never been particularly good at school learning. He’d never really tried too hard when he was at a specific school since he’d leave no too long after and the differing curriculums and languages could make things tricky for him to keep up, but maybe here he’d like it. The tanned boy figured that so long as the grounds were big enough and there were few limitations on what he could do in them he would make sure he could handle it. Even if he had never really excelled at in class learning. The ceremony got started, with the headmistress welcoming them to the school and then introducing the hat and all that would happen. The hat then sang a song. His mother, the magical half of the family hadn’t attended Hogwarts but she had told him to be prepared for this, for the hat to sing a song. Ajaccio found himself easily enjoying it, hoping it was the same every year so that he could learn it and sing along. Eventually the song ended and Ajax cheered loudly. His worries about the future, school and houses vanishing for a brief moment and then the first name was called. He hadn’t given much thought to where he wanted to end up, though his learning was maybe a little lacking in terms of in class book learning, Ajaccio liked to think he was smart, he hoped maybe ravenclaw. But he applauded as the first person got sorted, and again for the next and the next. He applauded loudly for Nicole and get new house and eventually his name was called.​

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”Skey, Ajaccio,”​

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His name called out. He felt like it echoed off the walls as he pushed himself through the remaining students to the stool. He attempted to flatten down his hair before the hat was placed on, he was nervous. Even if he didn’t really mind where he ended up, it would just be so final, confirm so much that he wouldn’t be able to leave, that his nomadic lifestyle with his father was over.​

"Rowena Ravenclaw valued learning for its own sake, and you know well that learning comes in many different forms. You'll be well suited to expand your knowledge in Ravenclaw!"

 

[Chase Warrick]

Hogwarts had always seemed like an abstract concept for Chase, he had been so young when his brother went through schooling he hadn't really experienced being around him as a student so when the day finally arrived for him to attend the school himself it felt almost surreal. Everything was as described by his brother right down to the broom closets that lined the Great hall. Felix once told him he'd come to understand their importance when he was older. At the time Chase had shrugged his shoulders and now walking past one of them he was still none the wiser of their purpose to him.

The entrance hall echoed with the noise of excited students, all discussing potential house placements, clubs to join, lessons they were looking forward to and ones they were dreading, the kids from a magical background anyway. The muggle borns were more obvious in their current setting as they were the ones not speculating about Hogwarts but rather taking in its majesty. Chase stuck close to the kids he had met on the train and followed everyone into the Great hall once the doors opened.

As students began getting called up to the stool for their sorting Chase settled in for a wait. He knew he'd be among the last to be sorted and sure enough when his name was finally called the group of first years had dwindled to only a handful. "Warrick, Chase," Chase stepped up and took his seat on the stool. His family had a proud tradition of no fixed house loyalty. Relatives on both sides of his lineage had graced all houses both at the Scotland and New Zealand schools so Chase had no idea where he was heading, but he had did have a preference.

"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Kara Munn]

Kara couldn’t believe she was actually in the castle for the first time. She has been waiting nearly her whole life for this moment and clung desperately to the tales of Hogwarts from her parents. Of course, they went to Scotland, she would be the first of her family at Hogwarts New Zealand.

She had spent countless hours dreaming and talking about this moment with her mom, dad, brother, grandparents, and her newest friend. Kara looked around The Great Hall, it was filled with a sea of black robes and shining faces. As the headmistress began to speak, she listened intently. Already taking mental notes of the rules, wishing she was able to write in her journal, she had no desire to enter that forest.
The nervousness began to sink in, she wished she had something to hold on to. Curling her fingers into a fist, to ease her nerves, it was time to get sorted.

“Munn, Kara”

Kara took multiple deep breaths and made her way to the stool. She closed her eyes as the hat was placed on her head, Kara did not want to look at how many people were looking at her. She hoped for Ravenclaw, so she could follow in her dad's footsteps. I’m nervous.

"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Chloe Thompson]

Chloë couldn't believe how quickly the past year had gone by and much less how fast the journey to the castle had gone. Her father had told her all about Hogwarts, and from his stories she knew that it would be nothing like her brother's school. She secretly wished he would have attended Hogwarts as well, then at least she would have someone to guide her through and help her out. But he wasn't here, so she was going to have to do it on her own. Not that she minded, she had always done fine on her own and she was sure that attending this school wouldn't change that. Still, it would have been nice to have a friend at her side right now. The young girl had met some other kids before and she had spotted one of them in the crowd of eleven year olds, but she wasn't quite sure whether she should go over and say something. ​

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Chloë watched the group grow thinner as the other kids were called forward one by one, all taking their respective seat on the stool and having the hat placed on their hats. She enjoyed watching their faces as they were being sorted. They seemed enthusiastic, or at least some more than others. Chloë had always liked her surname, but in this case having a name starting with a 't' caused her to slowly grow a bit impatient. However, sooner than she figured her name was being called out and she made her way over to the front, wondering what fate awaited her. ​

"You're smart, but it's your interest in friends and loyalty that make you a Gryffindor!"

 

[Scott Baker]

Scott adjusted the robe on his shoulder and then scratched the side of his neck. It felt like he was in a dream and finding out he was a wizard felt even more unreal. He stood nervously with the rest of the unsorted first years and listened to the Headmistress. Trying to wrap his head around magic classes was hard enough and now there was talk of a Forbidden Forest. Scott thought about how many plants he might find there and hoped maybe he could get permission to go some time.

"Baker, Scott"

It wasn't long before his name was called and he made his way to the stool in front of the whole school. He looked carefully around at the different tables, each represented by different colors. As the hat was set on his head, he took in a deep breath awaiting his fate.

"Hufflepuff!"

 

[Thomas Jusantrea]

It was the sorting ceremony that Thomas was waiting for with his anxiety in his chest. Everything seemed like a dream, because in the last few months he only saw himself sitting on a chair with Sorting Hat in his head, but couldn't get syllables over his lips and Sorting Hat said he didn't fit in a single house. Thomas stood beside Jenna. At one point he touched his sister's hands with his fingertips. Then his name came out:

''Thomas Jusantrea.''

He took a deep breath, then picked up the steps in the steps of Sorting hat, sat on the bench and put a hat on his head. Thomas looked at his sister. He wanted to be Hufflepuff because he thought Jenna would be there. The idea began to blend together, but Jenna's smile made her think more sensibly. '' I want to be with my sister and a place where you can get lots of friends with friends. It is important for me. '' he was waiting for what will be the decision ..

"Better be Gryffindor!"