Sorting Ceremony 2020-2021

Absentmindedly, Era wiped her slightly sweaty palms on her new robe. Wait, sweaty palms? Curious.
In the midst of the flood of bodies that was this years new students, the small girl used a moment for introspection. Racing heart, sweaty palm, urge to fuss around with her hair despite knowing she was comfortable with how it looked - Unlike normally, it did seem like Era was nervous. Or maybe more... excited? Definitely a mix of the two on closer inspection. This was a big step for her after all, the first one on her way to become a proper wizard herself, instead of just reading and hearing about them.

A sudden jostle from some other kid jolted her back into the present, and Era suddenly realized two things: One, her sister was no longer by her side, which was not that unusual, but still a little disconcerting. The normality of having her nearby certainly could have been useful. Two, the big doors had finally swung open to admit the first-years into the Great Hall. The sudden attempt at movement of an entire crowd was most likely what caused the earlier bump in the first place, as an entire swarm of eager kids tried to press forward at once - and dragged the less eager ones along.

Before Era really realized what had transpired she got swept into the grandiose hall, past an elderly man in armour that gave her a short nod and an even shorter shake of her hand, and into a new massing of bodies slightly further in. Now that the crowd came to a halt again Era could finally take a closer look at her surroundings. A vast Hall, the ceiling shrouded by magic, well lit and filled to the absolute brim with food and people. Quite an impressive sight. Certainly intentionally so.

The man that greeted her at the door earlier then proceeded to introduce himself as the headmaster in his speech - a little surprising, but on second thought, not too much so. After all, a little glance around already served to confirm what her mother had told her about Hogwarts. A whole lot of- ... Nutcases was probably too strong of a word. Eccentrics? That seemed fitting enough. Once she focused back on what was happening, the headmaster started calling the students forth one by one, luckily for Era in order of the alphabet. Because by now, it was definitely evident to herself that she was incredibly nervous. The exact reasons could be sorted out later. It... Would've helped more than Era was willing to admit to have her twin by her side at the moment, yet sadly her far more energetic mirror was nowhere to be seen. Not that her slightly beneath average height did her any fav-

"ERA VIVIAN RYDER!"

The headmasters booming voice tore Era from drifting off into her own thoughts once again, and with a deep breath she moved forward to take her place on the chair. The chair, where it would be decided. On the short way there the thoughts of the last year came back - Where would she be sorted? Ravenclaw, like her Mother? She certainly took after her. Studious, inquisitive, eager to learn about everything magic. Initially Era was certain that this was the only logical choice, but... The longer she thought about it, the less sure she was of that.

But as she sat down, and the talking - intelligent - "Thank you." hat was placed on her head, she knew what she truly wanted. "Hmm, yes, truly." She wanted to not only take after, but surpass her mother. Take the intellect she had, and do something momentous with it, not just be content in her little corner of the world. "This is crystal clear indeed." A great wizard? Writer of an extrodinary book? She didn't know what exactly - but it had to be... Something. And when Era opened her eyes again, she suddenly realized that the hat was already talking.

"Smarts paired with that kind of ambition - a powerful combination, that can only mean one house."

"SLYTHERIN!"

And with a satisfied nod Era rose again, ready to join her new house.

Jen was walking along with the crowd of first-years on their way to the great hall. While others were dawdling, gazing at the many wonderous sights around the school, or just being swept along in the stream of children, Jennefer Ryder was one of those actively pushing forward, eager to see more and get to what would be the culmination of this evening: the Sorting Ceremony. She had heard many stories, both about the Ceremony itself as well as about what it would mean, how it would set the course for much of the next years of her life.

Soon enough, she was standing in the Great Hall, only one small figure among many, her lower height combining with her unremarkable brown hair to make her hard to distinguish among all the others. With a jolt, she realized she had lost track of her twin sister Era - quite unusual for her, and a testament to how excited Jen was to finally be here, in this place of magic, where she would also learn to do magic of her own. While the first names were being called, Jen looked around, trying to see if she could spot Era at least, but she could not make her out. Just a few minutes later, however, she was completely focused on the Ceremony again, name after name being called, then sorted into their respective houses, until -

"Era Vivian Ryder!"

Jen held her breath when her twin sister was called to the front to be sorted into one of Hogwarts' four Houses. In their eleven years of life, the two had, while by no means inseperable, certainly grown accustomed to having the other nearby when they needed each other. This would be the first time in their lives that they might end up seperated by more than a few rooms, for longer periods of time - their seven years' worth of Hogwarts school life, to be precise. And so, while Jennefer rationally knew that their chance to be sorted into the same house was miniscule due to their widely different personalities, a part of her was yet hoping against all odds that they might end up together. Being the older one (despite only by a very short amount of time), Jen often felt responsible for protecting the more quiet and withdrawn Era. When, after a short but tension-filled wait, Era was loudly pronounced to be Slytherin, Jennefer felt a twist in her gut - if she was certain about one thing, she was not going to be sorted into Slytherin. She lacked both the drive for success and the ambition for greatness that defined so many of that House according to the tales her parents had told. Era on the other hand -

"Jennefer Claire Ryder!"

Oh. Of course, with the order being alphabetical, it was logical that Jennefer would follow immediately after her sister. A fact which she had utterly forgotten, caught up in the whirlwind of thoughts during the sorting of her sister. Now, a tingle of excitement took hold of her again, as she made her way in front of the crowd, took her place, and the hat was put on her head. She had heard the story of her mothers sorting so often and -
"Hello, another Ryder, I see."
There it was, the voice of the hat talking to her while listening in on her thoughts!
"Ah, yes, but you're quite different for the shared name."
According to her parents, the hat would now look through her most basic, deep-down personality, then sort her into the house most suited for her.
"You wouldn't be much of a Slytherin..."
Yes, she had guessed that.
"Though you're remarkably loyal, aren't you? Hufflepuff could suit you..."
Jen blinked involuntarily, the attribute coming as a surprise; She had not thought of herself as loyal before, though it was quite hard to deny it.
"But above all, you wouldn't back down from any challenge, now would you..."
That one really hit the mark. She certainly didn't have great ambitions of her own, but when she felt she was being challenged, her eagerness to rise up to the task had oftentimes bordered on the foolish - or passed the border, according to her mother.
"Yes, I think this makes you..."
Jen felt her heart beat once, heavily.



With a start, she realized that it was already over. The hat was taken from her head, and, still a tiny bit stunned after returning from the turmoil of her inner self, she started off, towards the other members of her house. Towards her new house. Gryffindor.

The floating candles dangling above Katherine's head were most certainly a fire hazard. However, when you happen to find yourself surrounded by many aspiring witches and wizards, the little balls of flame are truly breathtaking. There happened to be more food on the 4 long tables then Katherine had ever seen in her life, roast meats, pastries, gravies, soups; Everything anyone would ever want to eat! The 11 year old found herself crowded in with a bedazzled (albeit nervous) group of first years. All around them were students of the four houses, waiting for the sorting ceremony to happen so they could enjoy their meals. Katherine was excited.

Most of her family was made up of Ravenclaws and Slytherins, and Katherine herself felt that Slytherin would be a perfect fit for her. A booming voice echoed through the room. The sorting ceremony has begun. Once the introductions were made and the hat sang its song, the Headmaster called the first names.

Barlow, Mandy! (Gryffindor)

The list went on and on, and Katherine felt sure it would never end. Her hands were getting tired of clapping and her feet were beginning to ache. But at last...

Song, Katherine! She forced herself to stand up tall and make her way to the hat. When she got there, the Headmaster smiled kindly and placed the hat on her head. The hat's voice filled her mind.

Hmm... What do we have here? Ah yes, the intelligence and the thirst for knowledge of Ravenclaw... But I also sense a great amount of ambition... Well, so be it.

SLYTHERIN!

Katherine grinned, and made her way down to the clapping Slytherin table to wait out the rest of the list, proud that her prediction had come true.

Lauren walked along with the line of first years, slowly making their way to the front of the Great Hall. Lauren knew vaguely what to expect the sorting ceremony and great hall to look like because her dad had described it to her. However, nothing he had said could compare to the actual thing. The great hall was stunning with candles floating everywhere. Lauren had an urge to duck because of the fear that the candle wax would drip down onto her. However, looking around, no one else seemed to be bothered by it so she assumed it was fine.

She could see rows of students sat at four very long tables all staring at them. She looked from green to blue, to red, and then yellow. All of them seemed to be very excited to meet their new members. She will admit, however, that some of the Slytherins seemed a bit intimidating but she also wonders if it's just their reputation clouding her perception.

Lauren's mind wandered to thoughts of her family. Most of her family was made up of Slytherins and Gryffindors with the occasional Hufflepuff. She figured she had the most traits in common with Gryffindor. She really hoped that Gryffindor would be where she ended up. However, Lauren is soon jolted out of her thoughts as she hears her name called.

"Lauren Stonewood"

Lauren slowly walks up to the stool and sits down. She can feel the moment the hat is placed on her head. There is a beat of silence before it speaks.

"Ah, a Stonewood. Its been a while since I've had one of you."
Lauren giggles quietly.

"Certainly some ambition"
Slytherin, she thinks but the hat continues.

"You also have all the courage, bravery and heart of a Gryffindor"
Gryffindor, perfect, she thinks again to herself.

"However, I think that Hufflepuff will serve you well. It will teach you how to strengthen your weaknesses and will help you to find the friends you need."

HUFFLEPUFF!

Lauren has never been more confused in her life. She really thought the hat was going to place her in Gryffindor. However, when she wanders over to the Hufflepuff table and is greeted by all their friendly and warm faces she realizes that this maybe isn't so bad. Hufflepuff may not have been her first choice but she's definitely going to make the most of it.

There I was, taking my first steps in a famous school. My parents' school, my grandparents' school. All my family had gone through this school and now it was my turn to honour them. At least I wasn't alone. Other students looked as lost and panicked as I was. The big door opened and there was a huge room full of students and adults. My heart was gradually getting warmer and warmer. I didn't expect to find so many people behind that door.

I walked to the end of the room by the teachers' table. My steps were heavy, could you feel my fear through my footsteps?
I don't know. I' m not sure. I was now in front of the teachers and I was getting to know my future home, my future family.

The names scrolled in alphabetical order. And I waited patiently for my turn. The letter "A" was finished, the letter "B" had just finished, and then the others followed. Now it was my turn.

LOXAR... LOXAR Edward.

I didn't move for several seconds and then I finally looked up and walked towards this magic hat that scared me.
It was on top of my head, it seemed to take the time to think. Was he having second thoughts? Was he lost?
Then finally he cried out GRYFFINDOR!
I was surprised but not disappointed, I thought I was like my father and I had imagined I was in Serdaigle but I was wrong.

The shouts were heard at the gryffindor table and they now had a new member in their family.

Abbafa stat on the chair excitingly happy. She has waited for this day to come for as long as she could imagine.
Sorting hat; "Hmm, yes, this is very interesting, maybe, no. Or yes I know just the house for you.
She couldn't wait any longer and ask with enthusiasm.
Abbafa; "What is it!?"
Sorting hat; "GRYFFINDOR!"
Abbafa;"Wait, Gryffindor? "
She looked confused about this. Then she recalled a memory she had last year.
Jale; "Come on Abbafa! We don't have all day!"
Abbafa; "I'm coming!"
It was the day that they were exploring the forrest. They were looking for berries there.
Jale; "I hope we find some soon. My legs are getting tired."
Abbafa; "Well I herd that there's some that grow at the cave to the east."
Jale; "Great let's go!"
They quickly made there way to the den for an unpleasant surprise.
Jale; "Wolves!!"
Abbafa noticed that her best friend was surrounded by wolves. Suddenly without thinking she pelted to defend Jale. She grabbed a sharp stick and drove them off.
Jale; "Wow, thank you Abbafa, wait, your all scratched up! Are you ok?"
Abbafa; "Well, I am if you are."
Smiling they went home and patched up Abbafa and afterwards she felt very nice.
So when the flashback was over she didn't seem to confused any more. In fact, she looked even proud knowing that Gryffindor would be her house.

Cherri walked with etiquette through the Great Hall, despite the stares of those already seated at the four houses, after all she was a lady and it was important that she maintain her composure.
Cherri recognised the colours of each of the four houses, but there was only one house Cherri was really interested in and that was Ravenclaw, she looked towards their table, their robes printed with symbol of an eagle, and what a suitable symbol it was for their house, the eagle who sores high above sees everything.

Cherri listened to the headmaster speak with politeness, one by one they were called forward alphabetically to participate in the sorting ceremony. Cherri knew she would be waiting awhile given her surname but she remained a patient lady. At last she heard her name, and walked with the same etiquette she had displayed earlier towards the stool that layrd before her, she felt the expectations of her family weighing down on her heavily but she took her seat gracefully, and sat proper and tall. She felt the hat being placed upon her head and heard the hat speak to her.

"Walker, it's been a long time since I've sorted a Walker. Elliane's Daughter I see, how very interesting, how very interesting indeed."
"Very Academic I see."
"A bit of a deep thinker too."
"And confident, very confident."
"Outspoken as well."
"But where to put you?"
"RAVENCLAW!!!" Shouted the hat making Cherri jump out of her skin, but she quickly recovered her composure, and she calmly removed the hat of her head as Ravenclaw cheered.

A girl walked amongst her fellow first years, her small dainty palms clammy with worry. This was the part she was dreading. The sorting. The small girl had her long, dark, and straight hair pulled back by a small pearl pin, which her grandmother had put in her hair for good luck. She had come all the way from France to wish good luck to her favorite granddaughter.

"When you wear it, think of an old woman who loves you very very much."

Ophelia smiled in spite of herself before quickly wiping the smile away as the big double doors opened. It was beautiful in there, and it was giving her a false sense of comfort. The room had four different long tables, each of them adorning different colors. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. All of the students turned to stare at the new students, probably commenting on how fragile they looked. Ah, a new target for bullying. Or at least that's what Ophelia thought. She was prone to overthinking things, mostly because of how anxious she was all the time. She heard the whispers of the older students, who were picking some of the kids out of the large crowd and betting who would go where. Ophelia wanted to get into Slytherin. I mean, it wasn't like it was her choice, anyways. Johnathan, her brother, was in Slytherin, and he was going into his sixth year. Plus, if she didn't, her parents would be extremely disappointed in her, and she really didn't want that.

Ophelia gasped slightly as she heard the sorting hat sing it's song. She'd never seen such a thing, even if she was a pureblood. She saw some of the first people go up. She knew that'd she'd be going up soon, that's if, they did it by last names. Which they did.

"Bordeaux, Ophelia!"

Ophelia's eyes widened, but she kept a straight face the whole time. It may not have looked like it, but the girl was extremely nervous. She walked up to the stool with grace and perfect posture, and sat down. The hat was placed down on her head, and it slightly covered her eyes. She was such a small girl.

"Hmmm difficult, very difficult. Bordeaux, huh? I've had a lot of you, you see, all of them Slytherin, even before I touched their head. But you, my child, you're very different. I could see you in Ravenclaw, my dear, for you are quite intelligent. No? You don't want that? Very well.....

"SLYTHERIN!"

The hat cried, and Ophelia stood up and joined the clapping, green clad table, walking right over to her brother who engulfed her in a big hug. "I knew you'd get in, I just knew it!" he said. Ophelia let out a quiet giggle. She had done it. She wasn't going to dishonor her family. Not again.

Akari walked into the great hall with wide eyes that were scanning her surroundings. She had been waiting for this moment since she knew what hogwarts was. She inhaled nervously as all the students stared at her and the other first years. Her petit figure was trembling slightly as names were being called. She knew there was nothing to be nervous about but she couldn’t help it, the long awaited moment had finally come.


“Akari Kato” she heard a voice call out. She gulped and took a step forward then hesitated for a second before continuing to walk towards the hat and then sat down and shot a glance up at it before looking out to all the rows of students. She quickly averted her gaze to the ground as the sorting hat started talking.


“Hmmm... you’re a feisty one...I can tell you have some traits of a slytherin, or possibly a ravenclaw... yes you could do well there... but I sense something else...”

Akari impatiently waited on the edge of her seat, the suspense was killing her.

“I sense, that you’re strong willed... but loyal, yes very loyal... better be... GRYFFINDOR”

The Gryffindor table roared and clapped welcoming her happily. She had a huge grin on her face as she hopped of the chair and made her way to her new house. She sat down and sighed in relief as the pressure of the sorting was finally over.

Aoife was all nerves and excitement as she waited in the queue of First-Years all waiting their turn to be sorted into their respective houses. She could only wonder where she'd end up part of her thought she'd be a good Gryffindor like her brother Liam she was pretty brave and she definitely liked a good adventure. Or maybe she'd be in Slytherin like Moira she wasn't the most cunning but neither was Moira and she seemed to get by just fine. She rocked on the balls of her feet as she drew closer and closer toward the front of the line. Each First-Year sorted was greeted with near-deafening applause from the house they'd been placed into. As the line grew shorter she could hear the headmaster's booming voice echo out across the hall calling the name of students, Followed shortly after by the sorting hats choice of house for the student in question.

She could feel all the excitement she'd felt give way to pure nerves as only one student remained in front of her. As the girl stepped up toward to be sorted Aoife took a deep breath to calm herself. This would be simple all she had to do was sit down and the hat would scream out where she'd belong. Nothing to worry about right? That was what Aoife tried to tell herself as she watched the hat's expression shift seemingly in thought of as to where to place this girl. Finally after what seemed like an eternity to Aoife the hat made it's decision calling out with a might voice that carried out across the large room.

“I sense, that you’re strong willed... but loyal, yes very loyal... better be... GRYFFINDOR”

The room once more erupted into deafening applause as the Gryffindor table cheered and hollared in welcome to the newest addition to their house. She watched the girl hop off the chair and make her way past on her way to join her new housemates. From what she could tell the girl seemed quite content with the hat's decision she could only hope that she would feel the same.

"Aoife Lovett!!"

Aoife jumped as she heard the headmaster call her name aloud her eyes widening as they shot up toward the headmaster who seemed to offer a somewhat apologetic smile for having given the 11-year-old such a fright. For a moment she felt like someone had attached lead weights to her feets rooting her in place.

"C'mon Aoife you can do it!!" She heard a voice call out across the hall from the Gryffindor table. It was the voice of her brother encouraging as always. Seizing the courage while it still lasted Aoife took a step forward quickly making her way to the seat placed in front of the professor's table and turning on her heel to seat herself upon it. Though the moment she turned she blinked as she was faced with hundreds of eyes all upon her at once. She could feel her heart thudding in her chest as it quickened she'd never stood up in front of this many people like this before. And if she was honest it was an intimidating experience. Her eyes darted across the crowd at the many faces all watching expectantly.

But before her nerves could be frayed any further she felt the sorting hat fall softly upon her head. The rim falling low enough to shield her eyes from the crowd before her. She blinked as the hat encompassed her vision leaving her in a world of darkness. This however didn't seem to scare her nearly as much as having so many eyes upon her at once had.

"Ahhh yes much better...Muddled thoughts are such a chore to sort through wouldn't you say, dear?"

"Y-You felt that?" Aoife stammered aloud.

"But of course young lady, Such is what I do feel, understand, learn...Indeed I would say I may understand you far better than you might even understand yourself! But enough of me this is about you...Lets see what your made of yes?"

Aoife could hear the sorting hat make a variety of curious hums and the like it felt so strange that this object could so easily delve so deeply into her mind and soul. With such ease that she'd have never even known it was happening if the hat had not been kind enough to inform her of what it was doing.

"Hmmm I can see in you a good deal of bravery a quality one can find in any good Gryffindor...But I see...This bravery of yours isn't without reason you venture forth to understand...To learn..." The Sorting hat's chuckle filled her ears. Even now you wish to understand "How can he do this?" and "Is it alive? Or is it some sort of mimicry of life?" You seek answers..."

She could hear the Sorting Hat hum contemplative for a long moment before with a loud bellow that filled both her ears and the hall it called out.

RAVENCLAW!!

Aoife could only hear a ringing noise but it quickly faded giving way to the applause that filled the hall. It took her a moment to pinpoint the source but with her eyes still shrouded by the hat's brim she couldn't exactly see them.

"I hope you find your answers~" The hat spoke one last time before she felt it lift up off her head.

She blinked as her eyes readjusted to the light and when she was finally able to see again she looked over the hall. She could see the entire Ravenclaw table applauding some had even stood up on their benches whilst others waved her over gesturing for her to come to join them making room at their table. Her eyes drifted from her new house seeking out her brother or sister amidst the sea of faces and against all odds she found them. Her sister Moira having broken away from her paramour for a moment to give Aoife a smile, Whilst her brother Liam was far more vocal in his congratulations as he stood upon the bench clapping loudly whilst hollering her name.

She blushed as she stepped down and made her way to join her new house a smile curling the corners of her lips as she was warmly welcomed.