Y40 Sorting Ceremony

[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 its 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.

"Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. 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. "You will be sorted based on the values of each founder, and placed with students who embody similar values. 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 unraveled the roll of parchment in front of her and called up the first name.
​

---

Out of Character: Please Read

As stated in the Information About Sorting thread, you must fill out the sorting form entirely and properly, and proceed to fill in an RP as exemplified in the post. To be sorted, you must have submitted your sorting form, and your RP must leave room for the Sorting Hat to edit your post and sort you - you cannot roleplay the hat's decision in your post. You can edit your post to include a reaction once you are sorted, but be sure that you only reply to this topic once. 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

 

[Isadora Novak]

Isadora was grinning so much, her cheeks were starting to hurt. She looked around the castle in amazement, her eyes wide. Even though she knew the sorting ceremony was important and she really needed to stay, she was pretty tempted to run off and explore the castle right away. She restrained herself, barely. As they entered the great hall, Isadora immediately looked at the ceiling. It was one of the few things her sister had told her about. It really was pretty. Then she scanned the crowd, her gaze lingering on the Slytherin table. She spotted Natalia, who wasn't looking at her. Somehow, it still hurt a bit.

Then the hat started to sing and Isadora was immediately distracted. She listened to the song, and then watched in amazement as the first person was sorted. She jumped up and down a bit in excitement, glancing around to look at Margo and Cameron. "You'll go first." She hissed at Margo, as it seemed to go by last name. She waited impatiently until they made it to the 'N', cursing her family for not having a name starting with an 'A' all the while. When it was finally her turn, she stepped on someone's toes in her haste to move forward. After a hurried apology over her shoulder, Isadora sat down on the stool. She closed her eyes and waited for the hat to place her. She didn't care where, if only it wasn't with her sister.

"There is little doubt in my mind where you should end up...certainly not slytherin, certainly no where other than....Gryffindor!"

 

[Kiara Thompson]

Kiara had been excited about going to Hogwarts ever since her cousins had started attending. A feeling that had only grown when her own brother had gone as well. She could almost recite all of the stories Zay and the rest of her family had told her over the years, ranging from wild adventures to descriptions of the castle and the great hall. It had been hard to imagine it all but she would soon enough find out what had been true and what had been over-glorified.

Saying goodbye to her dads had been a little harder than Kiara had imagined but the positive of it all was that she wasn’t heading off alone. She had Elijah with her after all. And her brother and cousins who had been attending the school for multiple years now, which meant that there was always someone she could turn to should she have any trouble. Plus, she had already met a few girls who would be heading to school this year too and had planted her hopes on hanging out with them some more. She just needed to spot them in the crowd of first years first. And if she didn’t, at least she’d see them once they were up on the podium to get sorted.

Walking into the castle with the other first years Kiara had been a little awestruck. She had been told it would be big, but she hadn’t imagined it would be this big. There was no doubt in her mind she would get lost the second she was set free to roam around. As they entered the great hall and were greeted by the entire study body looking at them Kiara could feel her hands starting to shake slightly as the nerves started to set in. Keen for some reassurance she stuck close to Elijah, her eyes moving across all of the older students at the Gryffindor table until she spotted Zay giving them an excited thumbs up. Taking a deep breath, she watched as the ceremony begun and they got called forward one by one, clapping a little louder for the girls she knew. Well, sort of knew anyways. Trying her best to stay patient Kiara kept clapping for the other students, now clearly seeing the downside of having a last name that started with a ‘T’. She nervously watched as Elijah was called up, curious as to where her brother would end up and nervous knowing she was next in line. She clapped loudly when Elijah was sorted and slowly made her way up to the podium once her name was called. Kiara looked at the floor after she had taken her place on the stool, not too keen on seeing almost every student in the hall look her way as she waited for the hat’s decision.

"Hmmm, this is a little difficult, you could easily succeed in Hufflepuff, you would fit in well amongst those students....but I see a little something in you, the intelligence....and perhaps you'd do even better in......Ravenclaw,"

 

[Aika Chen]

Aika honestly didn't really care about the sorting. She knew where her place was. She had to be in Slytherin, she had no other options. She would never suit in other houses as well as in her brother's house. However, she boringly waited for her turn being pretty happy that her last name started on C not on like Z or anything like that. When it was finally her turn, she came up to the Hat and just waited for it to be over. She was searching for Akihiro's face in the crowd knowing that he will keep a place for her, so she wanted to know where she had to go after the Hat was done.

"Not to worry, you'll find who you were looking for soon enough.....Slytherin,"

 

[Cameron Roswell]

Cameron twisted his hands in the material of his cloak, trying to ignore Isadora's excited energy next to him as they jostled into a line in the hall. Part of him had been convinced he'd never make it to this point and now that he was the whole thing was making him feel a bit like he was going to throw up. He caught himself glaring at the hat the entire time during its song. He was quietly furious at himself for never asking Mum more about his dad's time at school. He wasn't even sure if Dad had come to this school, but if he had and Cameron ended up in the wrong house, it'd just be another nail in the coffin to convince his mum and dad's family that Cameron was still a screw up. Why'd they have to do this in front of the whole school too. Couldn't they be sorted in another room and then come sit down? It was all so dumb and Cameron wasn't sure he wanted to do anymore. The train ride over it had all seemed exciting, but now Cameron had started to dread what the hat might say.

He lurked behind Isadora and Margo, half-relieved they had to go first until they were leaving and he was stuck standing in the slowly dwindling line on his own. Finally they'd reached far enough down the list that Cameron's name was called and he stiltedly walked up to the front, mouth set in a grim line as he tried to ignore the rest of the school. He fidgeted when the hat was placed on his head. What was he supposed to look at while this was happening? Why did they have to face the rest of the school anyway, couldn’t they have faced the other way? Cameron hated being a spectacle and hoped the hat would be quick. He glanced over at where Margo and Isadora had ended up, hoping he might be able to sit with them before training his eyes on the far wall, catching himself holding his breath as he waited for the hat to speak.

"If you did face the other way, I don't think anyone would mind....but not to worry, I'll be very quick.....Slytherin,"

 

[Margo Fox]

Margo's emotions had been bouncing back and forth between giddy excitement and nearly paralyzing fear. She stayed close to Isadora and Cameron, not wanting to be left behind and get swallowed up by the rest of the crowd of first years. She glanced up at the ceiling and was momentarily stunned as she took in the beauty of the charm. She knew about magic and grew up around it but it was always simple charms and potions. This was something she had never seen before and was excited once more. As the Headmistress spoke the reality of the situation came back to her. She would be stuck at this school till Christmas and she had never been away from her grandmother that long in years.

Margo was about to panic again when the hat started to sing. It was a nice distraction and then the sorting began. She nodded mutely when Isadora said she would go first. She knew her name came first alphabetically but the thought of walking up to the front of the hall before them made her knees shake. When her name was called it took her a few moments to remember how to move her feet and she tentatively made her way to the front of the hall and tried to not focus on the fact that everyone was probably staring at her. She took a seat on the stool and tensed her shoulders as she waited for the hat to be placed on her head. It was the last few moments of waiting that were the worst and she just wanted this to be over with.

"It'll be over with soon, I've just got to decide where you'll go. A solid option for you would be Ravenclaw, you've a thirst for reading that would suit there..but I think you'd find a better path in.....Hufflepuff,"

 

[Ngawaiata Martin]

Somehow, despite everything her family had said about it, the Great Hall managed to be even bigger than Ngawaiata had imagined. It was enough to freeze her in her tracks for a moment, staring out across the seemingy endless faces filling the hall. She knew Manaia would be looking for her, but how was she supposed to even begin looking for him? Her eyes wandered up next, jaw dropping at the sight of the ceiling she had heard so much about over the years. It was stunning, absorbing her attention enturely as she gazed upwards in wonder. It wasn't until the Headmistress began speaking that Ngawaiata was pulled back to herself, taking the reminder to search the teachers table. Thankfully it wasn't nearly as crowded as the rest of the hall, and she was able to easily spot Auntie Kahu and give her a small, nervous smile.

The singing hat was another element of all this that she knew to expect, but it was strange to actually witness all the same. Her instinctive thought was that it was a little like a radio, though those weren't sentient. It was nice though, reminding her of home in a strange way. Once it was done, the real thing began. Sorting. She watched her future classmates step up to the hat and have their fate decided, one by one. She knew Manaia was hoping she would join him in Hufflepuff, knew Auntie Kahu would love to be her Head of House, but Ngawaiata couldn't help hoping to disappoint them. If she was going to discover this place properly, better to do so on her own terms, at her own pace and in her own way. And soon, the time had come. Ngawaiata took a deep breath but otherwise kept her face impassive as she stepped up to the stool, determined not to let the butterflies in her stomach show on her face. Sure, the hat would know how nervous she was, but her future schoolmates wouldn't get that same satisfaction, and that was the best she could hope for. As Ngawaiata sat down she tried and failed to make peace with the thought of something reading her mind, digging through all the deepest, most private parts of who she was. The whole process felt invasive and uncomfortable, but what other choice did she have? It was too late before long, a sinking feeling in her stomach as the hat slid down and settled over her eyes, blocking the rest of the hall from view.

"I only read what I need to, never more. Though you could probably make those other houses work, you'll succeed more, and likely be happier in.....Slytherin,"

 

[Zagreus Kohler]

Zagreus was stunned to silence as he saw the Great Hall for the first time. A small part of him was still convinced this was all some silly prank someone was trying to play on him, but the sight of the floating candles and a talking hat was enough to put those fears to rest. But the boy still didn't really know what to think, nervously shifting from side to side, wringing his hands as he glanced anxiously at his new classmates. Some of them had to be as feeling as nervous and as scared about things as he was, right? He couldn't be the only one feeling his hands start to sweat.

Hearing his name called out in front of the whole school only had him sweating more. He felt like he was about the faint as he nervously started to make his way through the crowd. Why did this have to be done in front of the whole school? It was embarrassing. He was going to be sick.

It was a miracle that he actually managed to make it to the stool in one piece, legs somewhat wobbling as he slowly sat down, quickly gripping the sides of the stool so tight his knuckles started to turn white. And when the hat was lowered over his eyes it was all he could do to quickly screw them shut, almost trembling as he waited to see what the hat was going to say. Maybe it would just say this was a mistake and he should get back on the train and go home again.

"No, this is no mistake, you definitely belong here with us...and you'll find the friends and belonging you want in....Hufflepuff,"

 

[Soren Gates]

Soren strutted into the Great Hall, @Sadie Gates and @Slate Gates by his side. He didn't look to see how close his brother was, but he stilled with the crowd. He didn't pay attention to the other kids being sorted, looking around the Great Hall instead. The ceiling alone was enough to be breathtaking. He was going to rule this school, he just knew it. He pouted as his siblings were called before him. But finally, at last, it was his turn. He held his head high and sauntered up to the stool. He turned and sat, crossing his legs and folding his hands in his lap, smirking as the hat slid over his eyes. Well, hello, He thought, curious where he'd end up.

"Well, hello to you too. Hmmmmm....curious indeed...a fair Slytherin you'd make, but your desire to stand out...to be seen...recognised....Gryffindor,"

 

[Valerius Bianchi]

Valerius followed the others into the Great Hall. He may have been tempted to gawk about like the other children, but he simply could not do something so childish. He had his hands folded perfectly behind his back, watching the Professors with a cool demeanor. He didn't even bother looking around the room for Blair. He could do this on his own. Thankfully, he was called up before too long. He walked up and sat down, waiting to be told where to go.

"You'd make a very typical Slytherin...but, I think with that intelligence you'd be much better suited to...Ravenclaw,"

 

[Slate Gates]

With his brand new Hogwarts: A History to his chest, he followed Soren and Sadie into the massive hall. What he read in the book was exactly how he imagined it though better. He looked around in amazement from the high ceilings to the floating candles. However, at the sight of the older students staring at them, he felt embarrassed, prompting him to hurry closer to Soren, almost bumping into his brother. Sadie was beyond herself, the delight evident on her face. Soon enough, they were lined up in front of a wooden stool with a tattered hat on top. The headmistress started reading off the names, Slate spacing out again. It wasn't until Soren nudged him that he looked to the front that he realized it was already his turn. He did not realize that Sadie was not there anymore. "Gates, Slate." The headmistress called again. He gingerly stepped forward and sat on the stool. His wide eyes were only on Soren now, he could not even dare to blink, afraid that his brother would disappear. If he looked around, he would faint. He could already feel his cold sweat as he waited forever for the hat to speak out.

"Hmm, there are a lot qualities of all the houses here...You could probably manage just fine in any of them, but I can see there's one you want, and I can see you doing well there so.....Ravenclaw,"

Slate's heart was pounding as he slowly made his way to the Ravenclaw table, gingerly taking a seat at one end. He glanced at Sadie seated at the Gryffindor table and gave her a weak smile. He quickly looked to the front to see Soren about to get sorted. His knee was jumping in anxiety as he waited for the hat to decide. It did not take long though as it shouted Gryffindor. Slate did not know whether to cry but his lips were trembling as both of his siblings were in the same house. It would have given him comfort if they were in different houses. His eyes never left Soren, hoping the other boy would meet his gaze.

 

[Elijah Thompson]

Elijah had always figured that Zay and the others were overselling the castle to them in order to get them as excited as they could possibly get, but upon entering the castle and following the line of first years toward the podium at the front of the great hall, he realised that they might have been telling them the truth about the immense size of the castle and its surroundings. He was never one to get lost quickly but even he had his doubt about that now, which made having family at the castle already something he was very thankful for since there was no doubt in his mind that he was going to need their help to navigate through the castle. And thankfully he also had Kiara still who was just as new to it all as he was. It was nice to know that he wouldn't be entirely alone in this.

He thought that he was going to be the one who'd be nervous about the whole thing but one glance at his sister told him that it was actually his sister who was nervous about it. Elijah smiled reassuringly at Kiara and kept close to her so that they didn't lose each other in the crowd. He let himself be distracted as the Headmistress began her speech, looking around the hall for his brother instead. Even though Zay had answered every single question Elijah had before going to Hogwarts, he already had a hundred more, and they all needed to be answered. He appreciated the excited thumbs up once he had spotted his brother and returned them just as excitedly before turning his attention back to the woman on the podium. She had started calling students forward by their surname which meant that it was going to take a while before he and his sister were going to be sorted into one of the four houses. After a while, Elijah was called forward at last. He made for the stool almost immediately, as he was very keen to get sorted, but stopped to give Kiara one more smile. He sat down quickly and waited patiently for the hat to do its thing, hoping that he could make it to his house table in time to see his sister get sorted as well.

"You'll have plenty of time to watch your sister get sorted. A quiet sort you are, a decent Hufflepuff, a good worker really. But there's an ambition here, behind all that work....better be....Slytherin,"

 

[Abigail Payne]

Abigail was really nervous and a tiny bit excited about coming to Hogwarts. She didn't really have much information about Hogwarts. As she walked inside the great hall with the rest of the first years, Abby looked around the great hall with amazement. She had no idea that the castle was going to be this huge. She knew it was big, but it had been this big. Abigail then noticed the hundreds of eyes of the older students staring at her, and she had become intimidated by it all. She barely knew anyone, only meeting a few first-year students before Hogwarts, which she had hoped she'd be in the same house with them.

As they reached the other end of the hall, Abigail stood near the end of the group of first years, awkwardly and shyly with the rest of the new students, not really knowing what to do as they were being stared at. But it wasn't long till the ceremony began. She had realised that they were being called out alphabetically of their last name, which then made her realise that it would be a while till her name was being called as the letter "P" was near the other end of the alphabet. The young girl clapped politely as each student had been sorted into the house they would be in for the next seven years. The young girl became more and more nervous as it seemed that her name was coming closer and closer to be called at. They had finally made it to the letter P, and Abigail mentally braced herself.

"Payne, Abigail"

Abigail's eyes widened from surprise. She looked around nervously, before slowly making her way out of the small crowd of first years and making her way towards the stool, but not before she tripped on her way up, thankfully not faceplanting in front of everyone.

"Hmmm...well, this is a bit tricky, you are creative, adventurous and hard working...there's only one house really that I wouldn't put you in...but hold on, there's a bravery in here, a quiet one, one that I cannot ignore and that will be best nutured in......Gryffindor,"

 

[Silas Broomhead]

Silas felt a tad overwhelmed by his long train ride without Blanche and now, he had to go through this whole sorting process solo, too. It wasn't that he couldn't do it, but Silas felt he was the best version of himself with his twin sister by his side. Maybe he could speak with some people in charge and convince them to let Blanche join a little earlier. Was there really a difference letting someone in that was 4 1/2 minutes younger than the youngest student here?

The woman in front of them was stunning, and Silas listened intently as she told them what their next steps would be. Thankfully, he wasn't the first to go, but he was quite close to the beginning of the alphabet and knew his time would come soon. His parents had explained this whole sorting thing to him, and while he knew it was historically a big deal, all he hoped was that the people in his house were nice. When his name was called, Silas moved to the front of the crowd and took a seat where many had before him, wondering what this dusty looking hat would say to him.

"There are a good many things I could say to you. But the only thing that you'd want to hear from me is where you'll go and that's.....Hufflepuff,"

 

[Newt Stewart]

Newt always was a big heart to animals and everyone who needed help. He always was there for them. Her family qas teaching him some good maners and him kind heart. Newt was sure that he wanted truly be part of Hufflepuff house. " My name is Newt Stewart and i have big heart to animals. Plesse sorted me to Hufflepuff house" He smiled and close his eyes for the moment


"You'd like Hufflepuff? Well...let's take a look. Hmmm...yes...there is a lot of ambition here, but a hard working nature too....hmm, okay then.....Hufflepuff,"

 

[Anna Nedakh]

"My name is Anna Nedakh, i am from Austria" she told silly old hat with her accent. She was here first time and looked around. It was like a big dream for her came out. She looked to everyone and hoped that is not a fake dream.

"Silly...old..? I'm wise and definitely a couple of hundred years young....Not to worry here I'll do this quickly and you can start the big dream soon....You're creative for sure, but you've also an adventurous spirit too...hmmmm....yes....Gryffindor,"

 

[Amelia Middlebrooke]

Amelia could not believe this wasn't all one big prank. She was almost sure it was when she heard the news that she had magic. Who even has magic? Was this some fairy tale story coming to life? She certainly was not the princess sort so it would make sense why she was a witch instead. It was utterly crazy. The young girl could not stop taking in everything around her. Amelia followed the other wide eyed students into the Great Hall. She looked up at the sky reaching above her. "Whoaaa" she said aloud not to anyone in particular. Her excitement only grew when the Headmistress began to explain a thing or two. Of course Amelia should have did more research, but up until she boarded the train, she thought someone was just going to jump out and yell 'gotcha!' Apparently that was not going to happen now.

Amelia's eyes grew even wider as her mouth fell open when a hat, a hat that normally would probably be found at the good will, began to sing a song. The eleven year old listened carefully to the hat's words, not sure what such of nonsense words it was sprouting about houses. All the names seemed made up. But of course, like everything else around it, it was real. Amelia watched as other students were called up to the front of the Great Hall and sorted into the four silly house names. The Sorting Hat had mentioned a few things about each, but honestly Amelia did not know where she would land. Maybe a new house just for her. I'd happily join the rejects She thought smiling as her name was finally called.

"Middlebrooke, Amelia"

Amelia walked, well almost ran, up to the stool. She managed to bump into another student, tripping a little over her own feet. She stumbled only catching her balance at the last moment. She let out a loud laugh, shrugging her shoulders. That was nothing new. Magic or not, she was still a little clumsy. The young girl composed herself as she sat down, the hat being placed on her head. It was definitely an odd feeling. She could feel the eyes of everyone around her. That didn't bother her much. More so she was a little nervous about being grouped in a house. She sat there, tapping her fingers on her legs, wondering if she was supposed to do anything else but wait.

"You don't need to do anything else, just wait and I'll make all the necessary decisions. You are a complex person, ambitious and adventurous, a keenness to learning, and you'll manage that best is....Ravenclaw,"

 

[Sadie Gates]

Sadie was excited to get sorted, honestly, she was waiting for this moment for her whole life. And it was FINALLY happening! She entered the hall with her brothers right next to her, they always had stuck together and she hoped that nothing will change this year. After all, Soren would be great by himself, he has always been the one to get in the lead but Slate... Sadie just hoped that he won't be separated from her and Soren, however, she was the first one to get up to the Hat. She would have asked to get with at least one of her brothers but honestly, she was the first one to get sorted out of them, Hat couldn't do anything. Eyo, Haaat! How are you? Could you do it all faster? Not only for me but everyone, I am kinda starving, she tried to get Hat's attention hoping that she won't get ignored.

"I will agree to nothing. You'll have to just wait however long it takes for me to get there.....Well, I can certainly see what you like most, any of the houses really could accommodate that, but paired with that adventurous drive......Gryffindor,"

 

[Danielle Kane]

Danielle was waiting for her turn to get under the Sorting Hat. She honestly had no idea where she would end up and honestly, she didn't care either way. She would rock it all anyway, no matter if it was in Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. When Dani heard her name being called, she immediately ran towards the hat excitedly, not even bothering to look at the person who held the Hat. She just waited for her house to be called.

"You are certainly eager....and there's a bit of an obvious choice here with you....Slytherin,"

 

[Naomi Wu-Maxwell]

Naomi stood there waiting for them to enter a room. Her mother had told her that her father was a former Ravenclaw, she said it was a typical Maxwell house but she was in Slytherin. And her mother always says that she was confused at what her father had seen in her. Her mother would giggle at the thought and would just suddenly burst into tears. Maybe it was the thought that he was gone. Making her think about her dad is making her eyes wet a little bit and it was supposed to be a happy day or rather, night.

Looking around, she didn't recognize anyone she knew or she thought. Naomi couldn't tell if the boy on the two rows in front of her was the boy she had met recently. She could only see the back of his head. But is he a muggle or a Wizard? I'm confused She thought. As the doors opened to the said room they were instructed to line up, it didn't faze her. The vast room was the dining hall. but as they started to walk forward and inside the room, she was in awe about the ceiling. It was then that she almost collided with the person in front of her as they stopped in front of a podium.

Her mother hadn't not prepared her for sorting, Naomi had no clue what is to come. The Headmistress' introduction was nice and abrupt. And then their names were called one by one as they get subjected into scrutiny by an old hat. "Wu-Maxwell, Naomi!" Called the Headmistress. The girl jump at the sudden mention of her name but managed to had walked in the front without tripping. Naomi sat on the stool as the hate was placed upon her head. Oh god, the hat feels cold and surprisingly fit me perfectly, too. What's up your sleeves, hat? I've heard you read minds? Want to hear a joke? A Priest, a Rabbi ... Nah, I talk too much. Naomi could tell she's nervous. She wanted some water, wish the hat will make its decision faster.

"I've would've loved to hear the end of that joke...but I guess we both have more important things to do than exchange jokes...for you, it is joining your housemates in......Hufflepuff,"

 

[Thyme Chatwin]

Thyme had heard a lot of stories about what was to come. Rosemarie and Lynn were both already attending and Thyme had never expected to be the third. Muggleborns were rare and two in one family was exceptionally rare. So he hadn't thought he was also going to attend this Magical School. At first he didn't want to go, Rosemarie hated the school and he usually followed his sister. After a while she started to love everything about it and Thyme felt bad he could never attend except for the graduation party.

Today was the day and he softly brushed his hand over the poison ivy that Rose grew in the garden. He wasn't going to see the garden anytime soon. His feelings were mixed, it felt weird to explain that he was off to some boarding school and on the other hand Thyme was excited for what was to come. Every night Thyme was asking his sisters questions about the school. What were the most important things and which Professors should he watch out for. The stories of his sisters were different, which wasn't a huge surprise.

He was going to make his own memories and he packed his trunk with all the items he might need a the school. Then it was time to go and Thyme excitedly walked towards the door with Rose and Lynn in tow. The train ride had been uneventful and then it was read to see the castle. It was immensely big and Thyme looked at the various mosses that covered the castle walls. A Professor led them inside and then it was time to go into the Sorting Ceremony. He didn't mind the House, each house had its qualities and he just wanted to learn everything there was. He wasn't going to waste any minute of his precious seven years at the castle. The doors opened and Thyme walked in the grand hall that was completely decorated with candles, banners and a big fireplace on either side of the room.

He looked around and spotted his sisters sitting at their appointed house tables. The Professor started to call about everyone's name and Thyme waited patiently for his to be called. ''Chatwin, Thyme'' That was his cue and Thyme walked over to the stool. Thyme wondered how it was possible that the hat seemed to fit everyone's head perfectly, but magic wasn't something to question.

"Asking questions is good...and it certainly seems that you're an inquisitive fellow....well...I know exactly where this mind should go....Ravenclaw!"

 

[Alexander Woodlock]

Alexander had a very nice travel here with his brother, they haven't met that much people yet but was wishing they could. So that this whole sorting wouldn't be that awkward for all of them. He stood in front of the many students there with his brother Damien. Some ready to be in their new home and some watching who will be their new housemate. He had heard that some of the Maxwell studies here as well but with him of not meeting any of them yet, he and Damien would just had to scavenge for them some other time.

Names were being called for sorting and all of a sudden, they found one of the Maxwell and she's not what they expected. She was Asian. Alexander was curious because of all they had heard about the family, they're all Caucasian. They all clapped as she got sorted and went to her respective house table. "Woodlock, Alexander!" Called the Headmistress. The boy walked to the stool and sat. The hat landed on his head like a glove. He didn't know what to do, his eyes looking around the big room.

Alexander can feel the stares the people was giving him. The last name he had was noticeable as some of his family members are once a student in these walls as well. These is uncomfortable. The stares are just burrowing inside me. Can't this be faster or something? He thought to himself. He was getting a bit impatient and uncomfortable.

"I'll be as fast as I need to be...this is your future after all. But lucky for you this choice is not too difficult....Ravenclaw,"

 

[Anais Chenevert]

Anais awkwardly stood with the rest of her soon to be classmates or rather, soon to be housemates. She hasn't had any clue what to expect on a sorting. She had four other siblings, two of them had graduated from Beauxbatons and had no idea what sorting means while the other two are currently students of Ilvermorny. They gave Anais some insight about sorting as the process was the same as the Hogwarts one does. But then again, she was nervous about the whole process. The families who had gone to a wizarding school that had houses tends to be sorted into Slytherin.

She thinks that if she doesn't get the same house, it reflects toward her parents. She didn't even had time to talk to her schoolmates on the ride here. Anais was busy learning musical notes and language books in German, she had already managed learning Italian. Her parents had noticed that she liked listening to opera and Anais wanted to try singing an aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute. The only thing that was stopping her was she didn't know how to speak German nor she doesn't know how she could pronounce the words.

Her family was more the prodigal of arts in Louisiana. Mrs. Chenevert is a former Soprano for Fort Worth Opera, Mr. Chenevert is a former Principal Dancer for Paris Opera Ballet and is now a Professor at Juilliard School of Dance. While there are five of them, no one was exempted from not being in the arts. Etoile, the oldest followed their mother's footsteps and became an Alto for Metropolitan Opera House. Steven is a conductor for Philadelphia Opera House. Andrea and Jessica are both studying Ballet while still in school.

The pressure that she was dealing with was a no joke, even this sorting needs to be perfect. Her heart raced once the name calling was up. She clapped as one by one her schoolmates were getting sorted and when it was her turn, she hesitated a bit before deciding to walk up to the stool and sat on it. The pressure of the hat being put on her head calmed her instantly. I just wanted somewhere to belong but somewhere where my parents would agree. Help me, hat. You decide if I'm worth to be in the house my parents had been sorted before. Begging, she hates it. But if it will make her parents happy, then she would be too.

"I don't know where your parents were sorted, I can only sort you, and that'll have to be enough...You're a loyal sort, but feel the pressure of legacy....For you....you'll be best in....Hufflepuff!"

 

[Damien Woodlock]

Damien was getting worried about his plants back home already and the farm, who would take care of them? He's sure their mum would hire somebody to take care of them but him there was much different. But he had to come to this school to learn how to control his magic but then again, their uncle could just teach them at home. Having a muggle mother has disadvantages as well and when your father passed away before you're even born isn't bad enough.

The boy looked around the big hall with his brother beside him. None of the people here he knew, his sister Lauryn had graduated a long time ago. She had told them what it's like to live inside the castle but she forgot to mention that it was huge as well. Damien had mixed emotions having been accepted here. He didn't want to leave their mum and dealing with their family business alone.

Dealing with the sorting, he heard his brother's name being called. Alexander looked nervous and to ease that, Damien did a thumbs up to him. It'll be alright, like it usually does. Once Alexander got his house, his name was called upon. "Woodlock, Damien!" The identical twin came up in front and sat on the stool. The hat was placed on his head gently. For some reason he wasn't nervous, he was calm and ready for his house to be revealed. I think being in this school would be good for us. I wanted to learn more about plants and maybe being here would be my crowning glory to be a wizarding botanist. He would make sure that his time here would be spent wisely.

"This school is one of the best in the whole world, and certainly the herbology department is pretty great too, and you'll be able to pursue all your desires while in......Gryffindor!"