Y43 Sorting Ceremony

[Matt Alcott-Ward]

The sky overhead looked cloudy tonight, and occasional moonlight through the clouds added to the candlelight in the Great Hall. Matt had been here many times before, was only the second time he stood here like this at the start of a new year. He felt a little more steady than he had last year, though he still felt a few jittery nerves. He stood at the podium and waited for the hall to quiet down so he could make his speech. His gaze moved from table to table, feeling a sense of pride. All these young minds would learn so much in the upcoming school year. Matt was honored to be a part of it.

He nodded and smiled in greeting, then cleared his throat as he started his speech. "Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Welcome back," he started, looking at the house tables in turn. "And welcome, to the new students joining us today. Today marks the start of your journey as witches and wizards. For some of you, the first step into the magical world. Hogwarts will be your home for the next seven years. A place to learn and grow into full-fledged witches and wizards." He said with a smile. Then he put his serious face on as he continued. "There are a few housekeeping rules to mention for the new students or those who might need a reminder. The Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to any students unless they're supervised by a professor or a member of the staff. The forest is dangerous and this rule is set up for your own protection. Anyone who breaks the rule will be punished accordingly."

Matt paused there to let it sink in, though he knew that real troublemakers wouldn't be deterred by his words. Then, he continued on. "It is now time for the sorting ceremony. Each of you will be sorted into a house, and that house will be your home for the duration of your time here. The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. They are each named after one of the founders of this school." He said, watching the banners of each house unfurl as he named the houses in turn. "You will be sorted based on the values of each of the founders, which means you will be placed with students with similar values. First years, once I call your name you can step forward and take a seat on this stool." He said, gesturing to the stool which was in view of all the students and teachers in the hall. "Once you sit down, the Sorting Hat will be placed on your head. It will decide which house suits you best and sort you. After that, you can join your new housemates at one of the tables." He paused, smiling slightly. "But first, the hat has a little song for us," He said, gesturing to the hat to start singing. Once the song was done, Matt unraveled the roll of parchment in front of him and read the first name.

 

[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.

 

[Holden Marshall]

Holden hadn't expected what a relief it would be to actually be at Hogwarts. The suffocating presence of his dad flailing to learn how to be a parent, and his half-brothers fighting each other at any given opportunity had made the last year beyond overwhelming without Penny to keep things cool. Finally, Holden could breathe. He wasn't looking forward to his older sister breathing down his neck at school and no doubt telling him off constantly, but anything had to be better than his dad.

Plus, the school itself was massive. Much bigger than Holden had expected. He had to pause for a moment as the group of first years entered the Great Hall, just taking in everything he was seeing. The enchanted ceiling, the floating candles, the hundreds of faces sat at tables. He caught Penny's eye at the Hufflepuff table and gave her a quick smile before looking away, not wanting her to fuss over him from a distance. As much as he loved his sister, Holden already knew he did not want to be in her House.

The ceremony itself quickly drew his attention as the Headmaster spoke and the hat began to sing. Having heard about this was one thing, but seeing it himself was another entirely. Holden couldn't help thinking this was all actually... pretty cool, even if he wouldn't admit it to anyone. His classmates began to be called one by one and Holden grew impatient, frustrated at how far down the alphabet his name fell.

"Marshall, Holden."

And there it was. Taking a breath to steel himself, Holden stalked up to the stool and sat down, gut twisting with discomfort as he saw the hundreds of faces staring. At him. It was an uncomfortable feeling, knowing there would be such a large audience to the probing of the deepest depths of his mind. But then the hat slid down far enough to cover his eyes, and he was alone with nothing but his thoughts and the hopes that this would be over quickly.

"Don't you worry, I might be probing into your mind in front of all these people, but I won't tell anyone. Better, too, as you hope this will be over quickly since, this is very clear. You could have adapted anywhere, but enjoy..... Gryffindor,"

 

[Jupiter Ascot]

Jupiter had been waiting for this moment his whole life. Ever since he was little he had been told stories of Hogwarts. He'd spent countless nights sitting in his bedroom window staring up at the stars daydreaming about what it was going to actually be like and now, he was finally standing there himself. Just thinking about it was enough to ignore all the nerves, proudly puffing his chest out as he quietly followed the other first years in a little parade through the Great Hall towards the Sorting Hat waiting for them.

Even as he stood there it was hard to contain the nerves, but he tried his best. He knew where he was going to be sorted. He just had to be a Ravenclaw like his mum and his dad. Ravenclaw just like Mercury was going to be in a couple of years as well so they could be together. Though he wasn't left thinking about the future for long, with a name starting with A he was one of the first people to be called, almost jumping slightly as he heard his name.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Jupiter awkwardly wrung his hands as he squeezed through the crowd and slowly rose the steps, turning to perch on the very edge of the stool. And, as the hat was lowered over his eyes he couldn't help but squeeze them tight one word repeating like a mantra in his head.

Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw.

"I hear your mantra… I see that's what you desire. Know that you could've done really well in Hufflepuff, but there's no doubt in my mind where you should go…the view of the stars from here will amaze you every day..... Ravenclaw"

 

[Rion Pendleton]

Rion twined her hands to keep them from shaking. If her heart beat any faster, she was going to see stars - and not the ones that occasionally twinkled in the enchanted, overcast sky. She had no cause to be this nervous. It didn't matter where the hat sorted her. But she hadn't slept in a day and a half, and it had been a long and exciting train journey, and all of her nerves had caught up to her at once.

Ainmere was somewhere in the crowd. Rion longed to look for her, to catch a glimpse of a kind, familiar face, but she kept her gaze steadily on the Headmaster. Plenty of the children stood beside her didn't even have siblings in the castle, and they were coping just fine. They weren't being babies. All she had to do was make it through the ceremony without cracking, and then she could excuse herself to the nearest toilet and have a bit of a cry.

Nobody had to know.

"Pendleton, Rion."

Already? Better to get it over with sooner than later, she supposed. Glancing at Ruby, she stepped forward and sat down. She gripped the edges of the stool. There was no form to fill out, no quiz, no score, but still she felt as if the hat was testing her. Testing for what, she couldn't imagine. But testing for something. And though it was the easiest test she'd ever taken in her life, inexplicably she was terrified she was going to fail.

"This is not a test you can fail. No matter what happens, it'll be the right choice for you. I see you could make a good fit in Hufflepuff, that would suit you well…but I believe from looking just a little deeper that there's something that would suit you better… Ravenclaw,"

 

[June Davenport]

The day was finally there and now that it was time to step foot in Hogwarts June couldn't wait any longer to get sorted. The train ride was interesting and the blonde was glad to have met some students from her age already. It was good to have contacts and people who knew her. June had faith that she could play people and wrap them around her finger, make them feel important so that they would hang out with her. She needed people around her, although being popular wasn't the most important thing for her. June needed to have the focus on her study and getting good grades. But she was confident that she would not fail. Gabriella and Lauren both had failed her parents, but she would not. Her father had confidence in her and she would not let him down, she could not. But first the house she would be sorted in would decide something. Both of her parents had been sorted into Slytherin, even Gabriella was. The only house June especially didn't want to be in was Hufflepuff. But there was no chance that was gonna happen. She was not Lauren.

As June walked into the castle she smiled as she looked around. It was an old castle it seemed and exactly like the pictures she had seen. June had read and heard all about Hogwarts and people here what she could find, so she was well prepared. One thing she almost forgot was that she had to share an dorm, and that was the one thing she wasn't looking forward to. What if she had the most annoying roommates? It would be an challenge to keep up her act to be nice than. But her determination for achieving her goals was bigger she believed. As she followed the rest into the Great Hall she already saw the place she had to be. And when they walked to the front and the headminister started speaking she watched him. It was good that the headmistress who helped Lauren wasn't around anymore. When the hat started to sing June tried to hide an eyeroll. Get on with it, it was taking long. And June wanted to get sorted. Like now. When it was finally done she knew she didn't had to wait so long since her lastname was kind of the front. And when it was finally her time she smiled. Not nervous at all, she made her way to the sorting hat. Noticing Misha sitting with the professors, giving him an look.

'' Davenport, June.''

It felt strange to have the hat on. June watched the crowd with an smile and waited. Just tell it already, she thought. Although it was no problem if the hat liked talking about her and tell everyone how good she was.

"I don't appreciate being asked to go quickly, this is usually a tricky process, where I need to look deeply within and decide. However, this is rather simple, so I'll tell you already..Slytherin,"

 

[Conan Elliott]

Conan was all nervous smiles and stuttering words the closer and closer he actually got to Hogwarts. He was still trying to come to grips with the idea that he was finally here in the castle. He was following his mother's footsteps and was moments away from getting sorted and actually being able to learn some magic. And while he was excited, deep down he was also terrified. His heart was still aching being away from his family for so long, and it wasn't easier knowing he wouldn't get to see them until the holidays. And even now he couldn't help but think about his father, how the man had just strolled back into his life recently like nothing had happened. He was just going to have to write a really long letter home tomorrow to try and make himself feel better about it all.

His heart was hammering loudly in his chest he was sure that everyone else could hear it as they were led through the Great Hall. His Mama had told him what it was like, but it was completely different actually being able to see it all for himself. His eyes widened as he stared up at the enchanted ceiling, mouth hanging ever-so-slightly open as he fixed his gaze. He was so busy staring at it that he nearly bumped right into the back of the person in front of him when they finally came to a stop in front of the Sorting Hat. Now, it was just an anxious waiting game to hear his name. Thankfully, with a surname near the beginning of the alphabet, he didn't have to be standing around and waiting for very long.

"Elliott, Conan!"

Trying not to look as nervous as he felt, Conan slowly rose the steps on wobbly legs. He almost hesitated as he came to the stool, trying not to think too hard about it as he took a deep breath and slowly sat down. It was only now he was looking forward did he realize all eyes were on him. It just made the nerves jump back to the surface no matter how hard he tried to hold them back, desperately trying to control his breathing as the brim of the hat was lowered over his eyes. And now it was just his brain and the hat, anxiousness twisting in his gut. "Please, not Slytherin," he murmured under his breath, wrapping his fingers tightly around the sides of the stool as he pressed his eyes closed, "I want to be a Gryffindor. Like my Mum. Please."

"I can certainly assure you that Slytherin is not the house for you. There's a strong argument for Hufflepuff, but I think where you will strive best, is where you would like..that adventurous spirit cannot go to waste....Gryffindor,"

 

[Oswald Brambleheart]

Oz shifted a little on the spot as he milled around with all the other kids. It was easy for him to disappear into the crowd - compared to the others he was pretty short. He always felt resentful about that - his parents had never been tall so it wasn't like he was going to grow to tower over everyone. Oz felt pretty resentful about a lot of things, as it was, but at least being at Hogwarts wasn't one of them. Not really. Maybe a little - mostly that he'd not had the opportunity to meet anyone else. And that their first impression was going to be his name, which was bound to get some odd looks. He thought it was perfectly normal for a wizarding name, though. Maybe it was weird muggleborn kids who'd think it was silly. What did they know, anyway? Clearly nothing about magic, given some of the gawping some kids were doing. A few seemed to have some idea of what was going on, though, and Oz...had his aunt and uncle told him about this? If they did, he didn't remember. Clearly it wasn't important. He couldn't have even told you what houses they were in, as he hadn't been listening.

"Brambleheart, Oswald!"

Oz sighed, ignoring a couple of snickers about his name and shoving his way through the students. "Outta the way," he groaned, not even bothering to add a 'please'. Though he knew his mother would've been so disappointed, and hung his head a little as he half-jogged up to the sorting hat. He was early in the alphabet, but at least a couple of kids had gone before so he had some idea of what was happening - though he had had trouble seeing. The hat was lowered onto his head, covering his eyes, and Oz twiddled his thumbs on his lap, quietly wondering what the hat would see in him. Hopefully, something. Hi, magic hat, he thought. Thanks for sorting, and whatever. He had to at least try to make up some kind of politeness, though it was exceedingly awkward.

"Hmmmm...you're a little tricky. There's enough to make you either a Gryffindor or a Hufflepuff, but which…There's some desire for adventure and some creativity, a desire to prove yourself, but that's quieter....Hmmmm…. Hufflepuff,"

 

[Eliza Reynolds]

In all honesty, Eliza had a mix of emotions about attending Hogwarts this year. While she was excited about this amazing and fun opportunity, she was a little nervous. She didn't like the fact that she was leaving her dad behind at all, though she knew he'd be okay without her. But she was excited to learn about the magical world that she wasn't really exposed to while growing up. She knew bits and pieces but not that much, as her dad didn't really have the information he wish he had.

Eliza stood with the rest of the first year, nervousness and excitement buzzing throughout her body. She didn't really know many people around here, which made El a little more nervous. She looked around the great hall with amazement, trying to keep herself distracted from being too nervous. Eliza thought that the floating candles were cool. Though she was shocked to find out that there was a talking hat and one that sorted you into your house. Maybe this magical place isn't so bad after all.

She clapped with everyone as each person got sorted. Since the letter 'R' was further down the alphabet, it was going to be ages until Eliza got her turn. It was forever when her name was finally called up. El looked around nervously, as well as gulping a little. She whipped her sweaty hands on the robes a little, before making her way up towards the front, and took a seat, as she felt the hat being placed on her head.

"Don't be nervous, this is all very easy and over in a second. You've got a good head on you, where all but one of these houses would suit you - though you'd manage anywhere. But I know where you'll do best....Gryffindor,"

 

[Ruby Maeve Louw]

Ruby was beyond excited to finally be here. She had had an amazing train ride, and the Castle was more stunning than she could possibly imagine. Ruby stood amongst the other students, closest to her new bff, Rion, buzzing as they were allowed to enter the Great Hall. Her cousin definitely hadn't done this place justice; though she had loved this school, Ruby Maeve was certain she was going to love it more.
The young blonde listened to the Sorting Hat's song, but barely took any of the words in. She was too excited to get started, her eyes gazing around the Hall. The Headmaster finally began to call out the names, and Ruby started to get impatient waiting for her turn. Why couldn't she have been at the beginning of the list? Finally, Ruby heard the words "Ruby Maeve Louw." With a quick squeeze of Rion's hand, Ruby moved quickly to the stool, a big grin on her face as she sat down, the big hat placed on her head.

"This may be one of the easiest sorts I've ever had...There is no shred of doubt over where you should be. So, have fun...Gryffindor,"

 

[Astraea Vale]

It had been an interesting train ride, but Astraea was grateful that it was over. Of course, it being over meant that she had to stand amongst a bunch of students, but she was able to move her way to the back of the crowd, finally feeling a sense of relief when she had no elbows touching her, or mouths breathing down her neck. Astraea would be one of the last ones called anyway, she knew that they went alphabetically by surname. The dark haired girl used the time to observe the students around - both the newly sorted ones and the old ones. She was glad that there seemed to be such an interesting mix of people around. Astraea recognized the boy from the train and the girl from the ice cream shop. Both of them seemed very interesting. Her eyes gazed over to the Professors, trying to figure them out as well, as the group in front of her slowly got smaller.
Finally, it was Astraea's turn. She made her way to the stool, her eyes looking, unblinkingly at the Hall before the hat was placed on her head.

"It's never easy to be one of the last sorted. Though I see that, it likely doesn't bother you much. I'll be quick. You have a keen desire to learn and an intelligence too, but there is so much ambition here. Better be...Slytherin,"

 

[Santiago Torres]

Santiago didn't want to be here. No matter how beautiful the castle was or how excited the other kids around him seemed, he refused to enjoy even a second of it. And how could he? He had forcibly been sent to the other side of the world because his parent didn't want to deal with him. How was that fair? He didn't even want to go to wizard school. He just wanted to go to the same middle school the rest of his friends were going to this year. With a sigh he thought of his old friends and how, considering the time zones, they were probably sitting in math or English or whatever boring subject they had ended up taking. No matter how boring they had seemed to him once Santiago would kill to be there now. Would his friends even remember him when he came home from the summer? Or would he be stuck on the ranch with his mom? After the stunt he pulled he doubted he'd ever get to see them again. Even if it had been all his idea.

He did his best not to listen to anything the headmaster was saying. But the bit about the forbidden forest managed to makes its way through despite his best effort. Maybe if he broke enough rules here they'd have to send him home after all? But his parents would probably just send him to a school even farther away. If one even existed. Even thought his mom's family and all of his uncles on his dad's side were wizards he didn't know that much about magic. He'd lived a pretty normal muggle life and he wasn't sure if he wanted any part of it. But as the hat in front of them started to sing, he figured it might not be such a bad idea to at least learn a little bit. He had trouble following it's song but he had learned enough about the Hogwarts houses not to really care where he ended up. He thought it was all dumb anyways.

As the names started to be called Santiago's stomach began to do a flip each time even though he knew his name would be closer to the end. He didn't want to look like an idiot in front of the whole school. This whole process was embarrassing and he just wanted to get it over with, just like the next seven years. Finally his name was called and for a moment he forgot to breath. But he shook it off quickly and strode up to the front of the hall with a confidence that was mostly fake. "Let's get this over with." he grumbled to himself as he took a seat and waited for the hat to be placed on his head. He grimaced as he felt the hat make contact with his head and he waited for his fate to be decided.

"Let's get this over with, indeed. You've certainly travelled a long way to be here, though you'll find you are not the only one who has. It seems to me a good split between the hard-working Hufflepuffs and the brave Gryffindors, and I think between the two you'll manage best in…. Gryffindor,"

 

[Evianna Angel]

Evi felt so nervous for the first time in his life and facing his destiny and standing in front of it he was afraid. She knew that she was brave enough to defend her friends and also very smart at the same time. "Hi, I also have a brother Adrien Angel! I would like to be with him in the vier house. My name is Evianna Angel" She stated with a bright smile on her lips and waited for an answer where she would be placed.

"I do not take requests for other people, I sort you and will sort anyone else after. For you, there is a fairly obvious choice. You'll do best in...Hufflepuff,"

 

[Horror Zhefarovich]

Horror Zhefarovich made his way into the Great Hall for the first time and knew that he would be among the last ones to be sorted. His last name was the reason why. It was a Z. So, Horror made sure that he stood near the back of the line, and listened to the Headmaster speak, and then the hat speak. Or rather, sing. Horror tuned it out side it was not his type of music, but it was over the houses. He knew all about them from his parents and his brother already so he did not need to. After so long, he heard his name. His eyes looked up as he let out a sigh. He made his way to the front of the Great Hall and sat down on the podium. He felt the hat upon his head, as he let out a sigh. He just wanted to be done and over with. He didn't care where he ended up. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or kicked out, he truly did not care.

"Well, isn't that an interesting name. And though you do not care, I can tell you there are only two options here, and neither of those is Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. You have a desire to be at the top and a good intelligence to back it up…hmmm…okay…this may seem unsurprising, but it will suit you best…. Slytherin,"​

 

[Loki Styx]

Loki Styx walked with the other first years into the Great Hall. Some seemed impressed. Some seemed surprised. Loki himself was indifferent. He knew that if he did not succeed here, there were other institutions that would love to have a Burke and Styx bloodline mix. These prideful thoughts were not voiced out because he had to carry the family name as well. The Headmaster laid down the ground rules, and the song of the sorting hat filled the hall with its words, though most of it he didn't pay any mind to. He remained where he was, looking straight as the names were called out, one by one. Each joined the house that they were fated to. It took a little bit before he was called, so he walked up and sat down on the podium. He felt the hat on his head. His parents were both Slytherins, and once Head of Slytherin house here once upon a time. Would he want to be in Slytherin? Sure. Would he want to be in other houses? Why not? Truth be told, he did not care where he went, so long as people left him alone.

"I see what you would like, and there's no doubt that you would do well there. But I think you will do much better, find your own successes in… Ravenclaw,"​

 

[Ralph Easterling]

He had quietly, imperceptibly, and without any particular external distinction, blended into the crowd among the future students, who were brighter and more vocal personalities than himself. Just look at his brother Christopher, who will also be sorted into one of the four houses. But despite his anxiety about sorting, Ralph wouldn't give anything to finally sit down at his desk and continue to study the undiscovered properties of his lunoscope in solitude, or to sketch the structure of a thestral skeleton on a sheet of grids in his notebook.

As a polite and timid boy, Ralph waited his turn, first letting many others sit under the hat. Until now, he had only heard about the appearance and magical properties of the Sorting Hat. In reality, the old hat looked even older and patched up in many places. Oh, that's what the Sorting Hat looked like...
In order to get into the Ravenclaw, he should probably fill your hat with countless questions, then it might think that the boy is extremely curious. However, with the expression of a silent sufferer on his face, the boy finally sat down on the chair and pursed his lips, waiting for the hat to bend on his head and shout the name of the house. Behind his pursed lips, thoughts ran through his mind: Excuse me, but is there a possibility that I could be a Ravenclaw? My brother just graduated from school as a Ravenclaw. I want to follow in his footsteps. My sister and cousin Kiara - you remember them, don't you? – were also sorted into Ravenclaw. I like encyclopedias and mathematics, reading a lot and solving riddles. I also collect lichens and plants for my herbarium. Please say my house. So he thought and reasoned in his mind until the hat decided.

"It doesn't matter where your family are or have been, all that matters if where you should go. What suits you best. For you, I can see the makings of a great Slytherin. Though you do have a striking intelligence. Better be… Ravenclaw,"

 

[Airen Gates]

Airen was eager to get to school. She'd meet some new friends on the train, and now she was walking into the castle, looking everywhere with wide, eager eyes. She'd heard so many stories about school, from her father and mother and some of her extended family. She couldn't wait to get started on writing her own story. She was lost in thought, staring up at the ceiling and looking around at everyone else when her name was called.

She jumped, letting out a nervous giggle before hurrying up. She rushed up, sitting on the stool. As the hat slipped over her eyes, she couldn't help but smile. Hello, hat! Thank you for taking time to help me. Are you having a good day? That was such a lovely song, did you make that up all on your own? Does anyone ever make ribbons for you? You'd look lovely in a ribbon! She chattered in her mind, just happy to be there.

"I would look lovely in a ribbon, and no has ever put me in a ribbon. I see what you would desire, and I know that will be the very best place for you...Hufflepuff,"

 

[Wyatt Choi]

Wyatt didn't need to get the letter to tell him he was going to be attending school, he just knew. He accepted his fate with a resigned sigh. He would rather stay home, but he knew he had no choice in the matter. So, here he was, standing in a large group of students he didn't know. He kept to himself, his uniform immaculate and his new wand in his pocket. He kept his hands folded behind his back, waiting patiently for his turn. When his name was announced, he walked silently to the stool, taking his seat. Hello, sir or ma'am. Thank you for taking the time to sort me. He greeted politely before waiting silently for his placement.

"No problem, it's my job. The only thing I do besides song writing...This is tricky, your desires do lie in being here. But you need a place to go..Best be...Hufflepuff,"

 

[Marcus Ross]

A day that he has been waiting for finally arrived. Marcus was feeling a little anxious, although he was ready to show his style to Hogwarts. He understood that whatever this hat will decide, boy won't have a chance to complain about it anyways. Marcus realized that he probably will be sorted to Gryffindor just like his mother and Diana always said that he definitely will be a Gryffindor.. although he really hoped that he won't. Hearing Diana talks about "how awesome" Gryffindor is just made him realize that it definitely wasn't a house for him. Marcus was ready to file a complaint against the hat if it decided that the right fate for Marcus would be Gryffindor.

There were three other options. Ravenclaw for the smart ones, Slytherin for the stupid ones, and Hufflepuff for... everyone else who didn't belong anywhere else. Marcus didn't know where he would end up and just as he was thinking about all the possible choices and rethinking his whole life while standing and waiting for his turn, it came closer and closer to him, when all of sudden Marcus heard what he hoped he actually won't hear

"Ross, Adrian Marcus"

Marcus looked around the Great Hall. It took him just a few more seconds until he finally moved from the crowd and went to the seat as the hat was lowered onto his head. Okay, this feels awkward... Marcus thought and hoped that the hat won't actually hear his thoughts as people thought it did. Just don't make another stupid choice.. and don't forget I'm not as dumb as you might think I am. Marcus told the sorting hat, in case it actually could hear his thoughts and read his mind. Could that even be possible for this old hat to do that?

"I don't make incorrect choices, not once. I certainly do not think you dumb. No..I see a lot here, nothing that indicates that. You are pretty adventurous, and there is a lot of intelligence, but I can see where you should go...You'll find you excel best, in...Slytherin,"

 

[Darlessa Karlsen]

Darlessa was smiling like the sunshine in May because there were so many students, both current and future, around her. And the professors... She should have smiled because it will be a great opportunity to make friends with several people. No one liked grumpy people, especially if you were a stranger. Her father said she would probably be a Hufflepuff, but her mother bet Ravenclaw. Who knows which house she will be sorted into... Only she didn't want to be a Slytherin, because it had a snake on its coat of arms and Slytherin students lived underground. It must have been a dark and lonely place to live. Anyway, Darlessa didn't think much of it now as her mind was occupied by the Sorting Hat standing on the chair. The hat looked so old...

Many had already been called and sorted into different houses until Miss Karlsen was called as well. Her heart did somersaults from the beginning, but then her legs danced and brought her to the seat, where she sat down under the hat. She had been waiting for this moment for so long! And here it had come, she smiled and waited excitedly in front of the whole hall, feeling many eyes on her. She felt like a movie star.
The hat felt heavy but soft as it landed on her golden haired head. The feelings were funny, but the girl remembered not to think anything bad and to greet the Sorting Hat. Hello! She knew that the hat had its own thoughts and the final word that would affect her next seven years at school. All she wanted was to make a lot of friends, be loyal to them and work a lot.

"Hello there, I will quick, the answer sits easily in front of me. Though I sense a competitive spirt inside of you, it is not enough to win out against that hard working nature...Hufflepuff,"

 

[Georgia Astor]

Georgia was feeling absolutely all over the world. She was actually there in Hogwarts, just about to sort in the house that she was supposed spend the next seven years at and it was just magical and unbelievable. She tried to notice her sister in all the crowd but in the end she just ended up being in front of all the hall just waiting for her turn to go up. She was one of the first to be called up so as she went on, she tried to keep her posture and make it at least a little elegant as she sat down the hat. She knew that she wanted to be a Ravenclaw but she was okay with anything, she didn't mind any turn out.

"I see what you would like, it is a choice I will agree with, you are intelligent and eager to learn all you can. But know, that you would've made a good Gryffindor, but no matter, in another life perhaps for this one....Ravenclaw,"

 

[Christopher Easterling]

Chris followed Evianna and Ralph with his arms crossed, he just wasn't sure if he wanted to be there or not exactly. And now he was leaning towards not wanting to be there at all, especially in front of all the people that were there. But he played it off cool and just pay attention to the sorting. In the end, it was a decision that could be quite important for the next seven years, not more or less. So basically, he just waited for his turn to be sorted and get over it faster. He just wanted to eat.

"While sorting likely does feel like it's taking forever, you'll look back on this in even a year and see that it passed with a blink. I can see in you a desire for adventure, an intelligence too, I think you'd manage well in any of our dear houses, but where you will manage best…hmmm, oh okay….Slytherin,"

 

[Eloise Aster]

Eloise didn't think much of going to Hogwarts. Receiving her letter, getting on the train. Those were just things that were supposed to happen and they did. Which meant life was moving along as it should. Her conversation with June on the train had been interesting but it hadn't changed much regarding her views. She could understand that people who had ties to the school might have a preference as to which house they would be sorted in and she was curious to see if June ended up where she wanted to be. Yet, personally, she didn't think anything of the houses. Both of her parents had attended different schools so there was nothing that tied her interest to a specific house. Nothing that made her feel like she belonged in one more than she did another. Whichever house she ended up in, she would strive in. Keep being the model child she was supposed to be.

While her governesses and tutors had told her about Hogwarts and what it was like Eloise had to admit she was the tiniest bit impressed when they were lead into the great hall. It wasn't like she hadn't seen big rooms before. She had been at mansions, seen ballrooms. Yet this was different and she was intrigued by the idea of the entire student body of the school being housed in the hall at this very moment. Eloise glanced around as she made her way towards the front of the hall, looking over the different house tables as she did and almost wondering what made each kid be sorted into their house. She didn't give it too much thought though as it likely would only be a matter of minutes before she'd be sat at one of them herself. Her surname did start with an 'A' after all. Just another privilege she lived with. Eloise listened as the Headmaster spoke and the hat sang a tune, trying to take in what it sang about each house and whether that corresponded with what she had been taught before. Once the ceremony started it didn't take long before her name was called and she walked up to the stool like she was supposed to, waiting for the hat to be placed on her head and come to a decision.

"Hmmm....I would this is immediately trickier than most...there's enough here for any of our houses, though at first glance none of them stand out on top...though digging a little deeper, I can see a little something....yes...That'll be it then....Ravenclaw,"

 

[Hugo Stark-West]

Hugo entered the great hall. His first impression was how big the space was. His second impression was how many people there were. Not that he could see much. He was in the middle of the group of first years he listened to the headmaster talk and the hat sing. The had actually did sing. He wondered where the song came from. Was it one song that they did every year or did someone compose it each time. He watched as the sorting began. Names being called. People going to sit on the stool and then the hat calling out the house. Slowly the crowd around him thinned. As people were assigned their houses. this girl joining Hufflepuff that boy Gryffindor, a couple of Slytherins then a Ravenclaw. Being a stark-west he had a while to wait before his name was called.
Eventually, he was making his way up towards the stage and sitting on the stool. As the hat was placed on his head the world turned into darkness as he awaited for his future house to be decided.

"Another interesting student! I can see a lot here, but there's a desire to learn, stronger than anything else. You'll find the library has one of the best collections of books in the world…they'll certainly keep you very occupied….off you go then… Ravenclaw,"

 

[Angel Gates]

They were finally here. Despite the many stories told by her family, Angel still marveled at the massiveness of the castle. The view from the outside with the castle looming was already astonishing, even more so when they entered through the huge doors. They were ushered through the center aisle, passing the four long tables, the older Gates unnerved by the eyes watching them. They reached up the front, Airen by her side, already giddy with excitement. She chuckled, allowing the excitement to rub in on her. The ceremony began with the headmaster's speech followed by the hat singing what seemed to be an old but catchy song. Soon enough, names were called one by one. It seemed that they were called alphabetically and with that, Airen would go before her. A few more names and her twin were called up and ended up in the same house as their mother. She clapped her hands and before she could wave at her sister, she heard her name being called.

"Gates, Angel."

Angel stepped forward and climbed the few steps before she sat on the stool, putting the hat on her head. As much as she wanted to talk to the hat in her mind, her thoughts were already on the chalk art that she could do all over the school. She wondered if they were allowed to do those. Her train of thought ended with debating if she wanted to be in the same house as Airen and her mother, or in Slytherin like her dad. Or maybe a different one, maybe Ravenclaw like Slate. Perhaps Gryffindor too like Soren and Sadie. Any of those would be fine by her.

"Any of those would be fine. I can see that you would manage and settle in any of them with some ease. There's lots of intelligence and creativity, but also a good hard-work ethic and a determination to stand out.....hmmm...no...that's it...Gryffindor,"