The Sorting Ceremony

[William West]

William West was the first of his family to enter the school, and he hoped he would be the last. The muggle-born had been plucked from his brumby ranch and dropped in a foreign land and culture, without so much as a pamphlet to show him around. New to magic, he was still considering it a curse, as gone was the crisp air that hung over the fields, and the fluffy clouds hanging low over the mountains - and was replaced with a huge, stone castle with ghosts, and witches - weren't they supposed to be all burned a couple hundred years ago? He sighed. There were crazy tall people, and really small people, and people with crazy long beards, and robes - he had no idea how he was going to adapt here with his messy mop of hair, and cheap robes that didn't fit him properly and bunched up in all the wrong places. He wanted to go home, back to the ranch and his family, but there was nothing to it.

With a defeated sigh, Billy trudged up the steps to the stool, and took his head. Magic was weird, and he was getting weirder by the second just hanging around it. There was a talking hat, for God's sake - his parents would never believe such a thing. He took a deep breath as the hat was placed on his head and obscured his vision. Hopefully they would realise it was some sort of mistake, and he could catch the first plane home.

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"You think this is weird. You haven't seen anything yet. GRYFFINDOR!"

 

[Louisa Clark]

Louisa Clark should have been excited. She had been a year ago, or four, when her Dad had told her about attending school here. When he'd painted pictures with his words of a place full of possibility and excitement, a world where she wouldn't have to hide her magic, but could flourish and study. She'd loved the idea, had been anxious to receive her letter. Her Dad had laughed when she asked if it was possible to start school a year early in the days leading up to her tenth birthday. That had probably been the last time she'd heard him laugh. But no, she would not think of that. She was here now. She'd simply have to deal with it. Mum thought it was a good idea, said she needed to learn how to control her magic. She though Louisa needed to make some friends, since she'd lost contact with her old ones.

Thinking of Mum didn't help either, she mused as she entered the Great Hall. She was too worried about her. How would she cope on her own? What would she do? Louisa didn't like to think of her all alone in their little house by the water; the house she'd loved, but that held too many memories now. A year ago, Louisa would've marvelled at this room, with the enchanted ceilings, and the big benches. It looked like a place where people were happy, but Louisa couldn't picture herself being happy anymore, not really. Content maybe, or not unhappy, but her "happy" days were behind her. It wasn't a pleasant thought, and she couldn't help thinking that her Dad would hate her to think that way. Still, he wasn't around was he? He had no say in what she thought or how she felt anymore. He'd left her. No, not a good thought either, and one she preferred to avoid, especially in a public setting such as this one with all the other first years milling about her. The sorting had begun. She hadn't even noticed. Her name was called relatively early; as usual, "C" was a pretty handy number when it came to roll calls. She walked up the big steps, not liking the feeling of all those people looking at her; it felt too much like the funeral, all those eyes; too much like school, where everyone stared. She sat down on the stool, completely ambivalent. She didn't care where she was put. She just wanted the next seven years to be over. Maybe she'd feel better at the end of them.

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"Oooh...there's a lot going on up here. You enjoy adventure, but Gryffindor isn't quite right. No, I think you will do best in...Slytherin!"

 

[Lucas Soares]

No words existed to describe the excitement of the curly-haired boy standing in the middle of the group of first years waiting to be sorted. He wanted so bad to start exploring and a visit to the lake was already in his stuffed bucket list. It was the first time after a long time that Lucas felt genuinely happy and safe. He had enough of his parents' constant quarrels and he was glad he was far away from his always absent mother and short-tempered father. Finally he could make friends and not be afraid that he might do something wrong that would incense his father.

When he heard his name finally be called, he smiled broadly, oblivious to the uncertainty that dominated most first years. He bounced and twisted on the stool a couple of times in excitement before the hat was placed on his head, pressing his tufted curls down on his forehead. He impatiently blew the unruly locks of hair that persisted in falling over his forehead and waited to hear his house.

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"Gryffindor!"

 

[Oona Tuuri]

Oona had two large pigtails on her head, and the young duck was confident in her new robes. The pint-sized first year was one of the shortest among her classmates - but her keen eyes spotted another like her soon enough. However, it would be impossible for her to squeeze through the mess of legs and robes, and so she waited with all the patience she could muster for the crowd to thin a little. Her last named started with T, so she knew that she would have a bit of a wait on her hands, but she was quite happy enough to do it. Her teeth kneaded her bottom lip, trying not to jump up or duck down in order to see the goings on. She could only just see the familiar faces of her family members, and turned this way and that to try and get them to see her waving - but they were very small, themselves, and to her knowledge, they didn't wave back.

Finally, her name was called, and Oona hopped through the crowd, excusing her way up until she broke free. Her little legs carried her up the stairs, and with the enthusiasm of a jumping jack, the as-yet to be sorted eleven year old planted her bottom onto the stool and began playing with her hair eagerly.

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"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Attila Kodaly]

Attila was shivering with excitement. He looked around at the other students who seemed as excited. For them, it was probably the newness of the school that was making them nervous but for him, it was also the newness of having so many other people around him. He spotted his twin sister at the front, looking as always composed and hard to understand. He thought that she was probably too busy thinking of how good she had to become and excel in everything. Their mother was really expecting too much from her, poisoning her mind with delusions of grandeur and self-importance. He felt kind sorry for her but she seemed to be really into her supposedly fate. Attila was relieved that he was actually sidelined from their mother who seemed to have a soft spot for Ilona. He was the kind of person that didn't like being pressured and dictated of what he should do.


Before he knew it, the professor had arrived at the K's, causing Attila's heart to skip a beat. Although he was aware that his name had been called out, he stood stock still for a few moments. Then, he bit nervously his lower lip and scurried forward hoping that he wouldn't trip. He believed that everyone's eyes were on him and his cheeks flushed. He quickly scrambled onto the stool and caught a last glimpse of the Great Hall before the hat obscured his vision. Staring into the darkness, he realized that he hadn't thought about which House he wanted to be in. Hoping the Hat knew what it was doing, he gripped the sides of the stool, waiting for the verdict.

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"Hufflepuff!"

 

[Ilona Kodaly]

Ilona stood at the front of the crowd expressionless with her arms folded against her chest. It was time for sorting and this day had been the main subject of her thoughts for he past few days now. Becoming a Hogwarts student was really important to her. She wanted to make her mother proud and become ready to fulfill her lot. She wanted her name to be called out soon so that she could get away from all the other children that seemed to be around her, whispering and making a fuss over what was going to happen. She knew exactly what was going to happen. Her twin brother had read a whole book about the school and he had told her that they had just to wear that old hat standing on the stool. Ever since she had jumped off Hogwarts Express, Ilona had put as much distance as possible between her and her brother. She was really competitive and wanted to leave her mark. She wanted to be known as Ilona and not as one of the Kodaly twins.

Names were finally started to be called and Ilona watched carefully each person walk up and get sorted. She couldn't deny that she was curious to find out the house that her brother was going to be sorted to. He was going to be sorted first and when he was called, her narrowed eyes followed him as he stepped out of the crowd to sit on the stool. Her brother looked relieved as he ran to his new house's table and she got prepared as the next name was hers. She took a deep breath and confidently walked forwards. She didnt want to look nervous in front of all these people. How would that make her look?

As she sat down on the stool the old sorting hat was placed on her head. It didn't fit well but then again she didn't expect it too. She wasn't really fond of wearing things that other people had. She waited impatiently for her new house to be called out to her while wishing it wasn't the same one her brother was sorted.

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"You'd do well in Ravenclaw, but if Slytherin is what you want...Slytherin!"

 

[Eerika Morland]

Eerika was focused in her own world as always, even though it was about time to wear as well the Sorting Hat. Everything in the room felt so magical and welcoming. She couldn't help but smile softly as she looked around her, lost in her own thoughts, thinking of the time she was going to spend in this glorious castle... but suddenly she was paying attention as she heard her name being called out, her smile faded and everything had gone... her mind was blank. Eerika stood for a moment before she realized that was her name and she was next. She walked quickly up to the hat and sat down upon the old wooden stool.

Looking out upon the other students she felt her cheeks burn as everyone looked at her. She had always felt uncomfortable when people were staring at her and she felt scared. Mostly it wasn't for a good reason. Usually she could tell what people were thinking about her. Weirdo, freak, ghost.
At least these people were like her, wizards and witches. Eerika flinched slightly as the hat was placed upon her head. She sat silently, feeling frightened but she pushed the feelings away, hoping for the best and trying to forget about everyone around her. She squeezed the edge of the stool until her knuckles turned white and waited for her house name to be said ...

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"Ravenclaw!"

 

[Amber Chou Wilson]

Amber had a big grin on her face as she stood in line with the other first years, surveying the great hall. The floating candles and magic ceiling were nice and all, but what excited her more was the sea of faces she could see at the long tables. There were so many people here! She couldn't wait to make a few friends. The house she had grown up in had been far away from the bigger cities, so she wasn't used to seeing this many kids in one place.

She tore her eyes away from the older students and looked at her fellow first years. She tried to catch someone's eye but they either didn't notice or ignored her. Oh well, there would be plenty of time for that later. Once she had been sorted into her house.

Returning her gaze to the tables, Amber found herself wondering which of the houses would suit her best. She had no real preference, she just wanted whichever house had the nicest people and the best Quidditch team to root for.

As the names continued to be called, Amber felt herself get a little impatient. She hadn't realized just how many people had last names that came in the alphabet before hers, and she couldn't wait to find out what her house would be.

When her name was finally called, she did an involuntary little jump in anticipation and unexpectedly felt some fear pool in her stomach as she looked at the hat. The fear was quickly drowned by the larger feeling of excitement, however, and she was smiling again as she sat down. She closed her eyes in anticipation as the Sorting Hat was lowered onto her head.

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"You'd manage in any of the houses, but you'll thrive in...Hufflepuff!"

 

[Ryker Blackwell]

Blackwell, among the other students wearing plain black robes, shuffled through the crowded Great Hall, his lips a straight line and eyes shifting from one wall to the next and across the enchanted ceiling. His cousin walked at his side, a girl he hadn't known about until recently, but had gotten to know since meeting his father. He was grateful that he wouldn't have to endure the seven years of schooling completely alone, even if he preferred to be by himself more often than not, having a relative in his classes was a small comfort. She had also told him that her mother and uncle both worked at the school, and he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if his mother or father were professors where he attended. Uncomfortable, most likely.

The Sorting Hat had began its song, but halfway through, Ryker couldn't help but tune out its voice, his eyes lowered to his feet as he impatiently shuffled from one foot to the other. It was taking too long, and he simply wanted to know where he would be placed, and whether or not he'd have to share a room. Finally, he heard it; his name being called.

"Blackwell, Ryker."

Exiting the crowd of students and leaving Frost's side, the boy walked up to the stool situated at the front of the hall and took his seat, avoiding eye contact with the hundreds of faces surrounding the four tables, instead looking to the ground while the hat was placed on top of his head.

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"Slytherin!"

 

[AnaMikhaila]

This woman named Professor Sprout introduced herself telling us " in a few short moment you will each be sorted into one of Hogwarts four houses" i zoned out i don't care what they are . i was glad when she stopped talking and left the room. Hogwarts seemed great when i was riding on a boat and saw it,it's so large will i get lost. Professor Sprout returned a moment later pulling me out of my thought. I wonder though how they will determine which house you get put into. Professor Sprout tells us to form a line and when she opens the doors to another room everything changes. I remember walking behind a tall red haired boy as i entered the room ( the great hall) i see that there is the rest of the school sitting in four very long tables and all staring at us first years.I see professor Sprout again with this dirty hat. I realize that the Hat must have something to do with the ceremony as everyone else is looking at it too. The most shocking thing was the hat moved and began to start singing " "New students of this great old school now put me on - it is the rule I will decide where you belong and I have never yet been wrong In Ravenclaw you may be put if you are smart and love the books. If about facts you're never wrong Then Ravenclaw's where you belong. Gryffindor might be your home. It's where the bravest people roam.
If you dare what others fear you will find friends and equals here. In Slytherin you will belong if you are the cunning one. If Power matters most to you,
then Slytherin will suit you too. Finally there's Hufflepuff if you play fair and never bluff. If kindness is what matters most, then Hufflepuff will be your host." I felt as confused as ever but am relived that i only have to put a hat on. I confidently walk forward and put the hat on the hat mumbles something to me which i cant make out before shouting....

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"Ravenclaw!"

Out of Character:

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Also, please note that this is Hogwarts New Zealand, and Professor Sprout does not work here.

 

[Deshaun Arlett]

Deshaun didn't really know what to expect before he walked into the sorting hall. He'd heard all sorts of rumours on and off the train about what this school was like and his own relatives had told him things, though some of them he wasn't quite sure he believed. Still, he supposed it would be kind of cool to see for himself what all of this was really like, after all he had been excited to finally be able to see magic with his own eyes that wasn't just general spells that his mother and siblings used. Finally being able to see what all the fuss was about would be exciting he was sure.

"Arlett, Deshaun"

Deshaun was the odd one out in his family, except for maybe Aethlinde who was pretty quiet herself, but she was really artistic, where the only artistry that Deshaun knew was his calligraphy and his mother thought he was weird for that. He walked up to the sorting hat and waited patiently for his sorting. He didn't know where he would go, though he would like to be separated from his family as much as was possible given that he wanted to try and be on his own a little, still, he wouldn't complain too much if he was in the same house either.

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"Hufflepuff!"

 

[Raiden Hitachiin-Starr]

Raiden Hitachiin-Starr wandered through the hall quietly as students were being sorted into their houses. He had family in Ravenclaw, which was essentially the only reason he wanted to go there. Otherwise, he didn't especially care where he ended up, as long as he could get through everything he planned to for the next seven years and not be bothered too much whilst doing so. He gave a look at Jakobe, shrugging his shoulders as the names slowly began filing down until the H's were being called. Hitachiin-Starr was a relative mouthful, but not especially far down in the list of alphabetical names, and so he didn't have long to wait as he wandered up the stairs after his name was called.

Raiden sat down on the stool silently and waited as the hat was dropped onto his head. He took one final breath as an unsorted student, and braced himself for his new seating arrangement.

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"Gryffindor!"