Across the Lake and Into the Castle (First Years)

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The young girl started speaking to the Sorting Hat and Minerva gave one of her rare smiles. Most people were too shocked to understand that the Hat could see inside their heads. I took a few moments before young ms. Lewis was sorted into Hufflepuff and Minerva took hold of the Sorting Hat once again. Looking down at her list Minerva called forward the next person.
“Sita Mehadi.”

[Sita Mehadi H7]

The boat trip was fun. It met all of Sita's expectations and she grinned excitedly all the way across, transmitting her excitement as a beacon to everyone around her that was on the same wavelength as her, staring wide-eyed up at the castle that was getting bigger and bigger in front of her. Light glittered out of odd windows, reflecting itself on the lake in front of them, and she peered over the bow of the little boat they were in to see closer the jewel like specks of light and the seemingly endless depths of the gently undulating black waters around them. Everything was strangely still in her perception, everyone holding their breath with the sheer scale of the things around them which surely could only get even more spectacular when they reached the actual castle. It contrasted with the excitement she was fighting to contain within her, which was now back to its original level and building still further, rising up to the surface and trying to break out, but unable to because she knew there was still more to come and nothing was allowing her to relax.

The boats gradually came to a stop and Sita was caught amongst a burst of sudden movement; everyone getting out of the boats. She was still gazing at the castle in a last moment of stillness, her view having adjusted so steadily that she now found herself craning to try to see the top of the towers. It was impossible when they were this close, so she just submitted to their superior height and broke herself back into the real world, waiting to see more wonders inside this castle which shone so alluringly in the darkness of her first evening at Hogwarts. She hopped out of the boat after Ingrid, catching onto her best friend's arm as she wobbled slightly and grinned. Everyone seemed to be walking in such a lot of order! Sita had an enormous feeling of joy now, and she wanted to break free of these restraints which the behaviour of everyone else was placing on her and run wild along the side of the lake they had just crossed and up to the imposing doors she could see approaching now. Instead she settled for humming a tune both she and Ingrid loved under her breath, just loud enough so that Ingy could hear but hardly anyone else.

She stopped when they were dramatically greeted by a stern looking woman who looked to be evaluating them one by one. Sita didn't feel intimidated; she knew that every part of her was impeccable today. She never found it hard to look thoroughly presentable without too much effort, and every part of her was neat: her hair, her cloak, her shoes, her uniform - everything. She did however have to resist the temptation to giggle as she looked at Ingrid, taking a guess at her friend's thoughts. Probably trying to think of some reason as to why the teacher had such a stern look on her face. Sita's opinion was that it had something of the theatrical about it - sending a giant to make an impression on them to start with, and now handing them over to a woman who was imposing just by her presence. All it was missing was the background music. Maybe they would get that later too.

She wasn't disappointed by lack of grandeur as they were directed to follow the teacher, who still hadn't introduced herself, Sita noticed, into a huge space, splendid with different vividly coloured banners, the ceiling dotted with stars. She could make out the swirl of the Milky Way in it, and she stared up at that, her step becoming slightly uneven as she followed along in the stream of other first years. Then the woman they had been following placed a hat that looked just slightly the worse for wear on a stool, and a moment later, it burst into song. Sita listened intently to what it said about the different houses, before clapping with everyone else as it finished. It certainly had a good singing voice, that she wouldn't deny. Especially for a hat.

It seemed like an awfully long time she had to wait to get sorted, other people being sorted into all of the different coloured houses, but she took comfort in the fact that she was right next to Ingy and she wasn't here all on her own. When Ingrid's name was called out she bit her lip and crossed her fingers for her friend that everything would go all right. As it was, her friend made everyone laugh by talking to the hat. But why not? It was a talking hat. Ingrid was always making people laugh, and Sita supposed it was typical of her to do so now. She always had to stand out, after all. Sita didn't feel her friend had ever had any trouble standing out, in spite of having come from such a large family. Perhaps because she came from a family of so many nice people with lots of personality. It didn't take long for Ingy to get sorted, and then it was her turn. The start of the Ms. Sita stood up, her legs feeling slightly wobbly, and sat down on the stool.

The hat came down over her eyes just a moment later. She blinked and stared into the darkness, before shutting her eyes as she decided she really didn't want to much see the inside of a talking hat anyway. "Ah... a nice girl I see here. Friends are very important to you, once you're close to someone you'll stick by them for all you're worth. And you hope to get the same back too, because that makes you feel comfortable. Good smattering of courage in there, decent set of brains. Like to see the good things in life but aren't afraid to think about the bad and get rid of them with good things. Yes, I know where I'll put you..." Sita thought of Ingy apprehensively, hoping and hoping that she wouldn't be separated from her best friend. "Yes... I think you've got it. HUFFLEPUFF!" The last word was bellowed out to the whole school and Sita winced, her hands automatically going to her ears. "You enjoyed that, I know you did," she said quietly and reprehensively to the hat with its rather sly voice, slipping the blackness off her head and opening her tightly squeezed shut eyes. She paused, turning round and remembering to hand the hat back to the teacher politely before moving off to the yellow and black table which had erupted in loud roars with a bounce in her step, grinning at Ingrid and eagerly sitting down next to her. "Hufflepuff! We did it!" she said with excitement, savouring the moment as she looked around the new school and house to which she now belonged and was going to fit perfectly.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The Sorting Hat shouted out Hufflepuff after a bit of time and Minerva took the Sorting Hat back while looking at the list ion her hand to see who would be coming next and calling the next person forth to be sorted.
"Mirabel Meletti."

[mirabelmeletti]

Mirabel tried to enjoy the ride in the boat, but her mind kept traveling back to the attack on the train. She hoped the rest of her first year would be much less eventful. When the boats came to a stop she followed the others to where Professor McGonagall stood. Mirabel recognized her from the train when Aedan had pointed her out. Taught transfiguration, if she remembered correctly. She listened closely to the instructions the professor gave and her heart lept into her throat as all the first years were led into the Great Hall.

Mirabel looked around in wonder taking in the four house tables and all the students. She spotted her brother sitting with the other Gryffindors and gave him a small smile. Looking at the ceiling she gasped in awe. Aedan had told her it was enchanted to reflect the sky, but it was much more beautiful than he could ever describe. In front of the head table where the professors and headmaster were sitting sat a wooden stool. On top of the stool was perched a rather ratty looking hat. It must be the sorting hat, she thought to herself.

As the names were called one by one and it drew closer to her turn she became more and more nervous. When she finally heard her name she took a deep breath and walked toward the stool. Sitting down elegantly, her grandmother would have been proud, the hat was placed on her head, sinking down until it covered her eyes.

"Want to be in Gryffindor do you. Though most of your family has been in Ravenclaw and Slytherin. You would make a very fine Slytherin, but you have so much loyalty and a great desire to be near your brother. Very well then GRYFFINDOR!" Too excited for words Mirabel slipped off the stool, returning the hat to Professor McGonagall before running off to join her brother. She hugged him tight filled with relief that she would not be all alone anymore.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Young Meletti was sorted into Gryfifndor just like her older borther was in Minerva’s house. She moved off from the podium heading straight towards the Gyrffindor table while Minerva scrolled downwards to call forth the next person.
„Mia Mischalka.“

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Mia Mischalka was sorted into Hufflepuff and after removing the Sorting Hat from her head Minerva looked at her list to call forward the next student. Looking at the noticeably lessened amount of first years in front of her Minerva called out the next name.
„Pandora Munio.“

[pandora]

One by one, the first year students around Pandora were called away and sorted, taking their seats to the thunderous applause of their respective house. Pandora watched with detached interest, a look of vague boredom on her small face; soon enough, she had turned her attention to the Great Hall itself, her eyes drinking in the magnificent decorations and the sparkling diamond sky glittering above her. She knew the ceiling was simply an enchantment but it was impressive none the less. Pandora concentrated on these little details in her attempt to keep any emotion from her features. Showing her nervousness would be a sign of weakness before her future housemates, better they see her as strong right from the start to head off any problems later. The sound of her name echoing on the lips of Professor McGonagall brought Pandora’s focus back to the proceedings at the front of the crowd. By now, almost everyone else had been sorted and Pandora stood in the midst of only a few first years. Like a perfect little doll with dead, emotionless eyes, Pandora stared up at Professor McGonagall, having long ago learned how to hide her emotions; her hands clasped in front of her, chin held high, she slowly ascended to the stool as if it were a throne. She raised one slender black eyebrow at the sorting hat hanging limply in McGonagall’s hand, but climbed up onto the stool despite her doubts as to the efficiency of letting an animated piece of clothing determine her worth. She crossed her legs and folded her slender pale hands into her lap waiting for the hat to be placed upon her head.

Pandora’s small stature was suddenly made all the more obvious as the hat was lowered onto her head. Pandora had always been a little small for her age and the hat slipped down over her head, all but engulfing her eyes entirely. A small furrow creased her brow as she thought of how ridiculous she must look. “Do the opinions of others mean so much to you then?” a strange voice resounded in her head and Pandora tried not to jump. She certainly hadn’t expected this. No one had told her the hat was going to talk to her. “You have a definite need to prove yourself. So much anger for one so young. Intelligent and crafty. Only one place for you then. Better be….” The voice rang out clear and loud in the hall, “SLYTHERIN!” Pandora wasn’t sure how long that had taken but it couldn’t have been more than half a minute. The bright light of the Great Hall struck her eyes as the hat was lifted and Pandora could hear the applause coming from her new housemates. She rose delicately and strode without hurry to her table. A seat was quickly found near the other first years and Pandora lowered herself into it.

Now, if the rest of the first years would just sort quickly, perhaps she would not be bored for too long.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Young ms.Munio was sorted into Slytherin fairly quickly. Taking hold of the Sorting Hat once again Minerva looked at the few names still left before calling forward the next person.
"Modesty Rabnott."

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Modesty Rabnott was sorted inot Ravenclaw and MInerva nodded in assurance to her thought silently. Looking at the few students still left to be sorted Minerva called forward the next person.
"Padme Rendel."

[Padme Rendel S2]

They were getting into boats? Padme stared at the disastrous vessels floating on the water with distaste. Boarding into one never the less, Padme fought to keep her unstable motions under control. She was nearly gagging herself with excitement, her dislike for every other person around her multiplied by the fact that she was going to be in Slytherin at last made her fidget. No matter how hard she tried, her hands couldn't stop moving from a loose string on her blouse to a strange design on the wood for the boat. Hogwarts castle was seemingly larger then life to Padme, who had lived in a two-story house her whole life. With remorse, she knew that the other girl's from Slytherin were used to a mansion house, but this couldn't compare to anything Padme had even heard about. The windows blared their welcome across the vast lake and Padme waited impatiently in her small craft.

Finally, the boats docked and Padme jumped out, walking calmly with everyone else into the Entrance Hall, satisfied and delighted with everything she saw. She even ignored the obnoxious mudbloods that got in her way, since they didn't matter much once she got in her House. With a soft click to make all her footsteps heard, Padme followed the immense crowd toward a huge oak door. From there, she was taken to the Great Hall almost immediately. Gold caught her honey-brown eyes, the glint casting off all the lights. Everything adorning the tables was elaborately set, elegantly posed. The only thing amiss was the students which sat on the bench, all looking like ravaging monsters ready to dig in to a meal. Padme herself was hungry, but had forgotten long ago about food and what it was.

Padme cursed her bad luck at having such a last name as Rendel. She would be one of the last to be called on, inevitably. She sighed and stored her bundle of emotions behind an impassive face. She watched blankly as the students before her were called to the stool and had the old withered hat placed on their heads. There were many mudbloods this year, she noted with an irritated twitch of her hands. One girl - which she later recognized as Ingrid - actually talked to the hat. How the girl could do that and have poise afterward was beyond Padme. She glared at the blond head until it vanished in the mass of Hufflepuffs.

The line of children dwindled down to only a few. Padme was among them, much to her displeasure. Finally, her name was called forward. Padme walked calmly to the seat, sitting down with as much grace as possible. Her hands trembled slightly in her lap, but they were soon restrained from doing so. A soft noise above her and blackness met her eyes. The hat must have slipped over her. No surprise, since she was so small. At first, a small piece of silence until a voice began to speak slyly in her ear. "Clever, I see. A thirst to prove yourself and a passion of sticking to your beliefs....No hard choice here....." Anticipation gripped her for this second before the Hat shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" Announced to everyone this time. Padme jumped up after giving the hat back to the witch and went to the Slytherin table, joined her brother Jack, and smirked in great pleasure at the choice, glad to be finally where she belonged.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Young miss Rendel was sorted into Slytherin. Today relatives seemed to go into the same houses. Actually they went to the same house most of the time. Bllod and characteristics were very often similar after all.
Dismissing the young girl Minerva looked at her list before calling forward the next person.
"Xanthe Rothwell."

[Xanthe Rothwell S4]

Xanthe stepped gracefully off the Hogwarts Express. Despite the discredit the school did its most pure newcomers in requiring them to arrive in a dirty, smoky train far beneath their dignity, her appearance was still as impeccable as it had been when she stepped onto the train. It would not do for it to be otherwise, after all. She made her way over to the half-giant that was insisting they gather round him, her disdain for him shown clearly in her calm gaze, and stopped a little way behind a fairly small girl, who nevertheless held herself in a way appropriate for a Slytherin. She returned Ariane Dianne's courteous nod, noting disapprovingly the fact that Padme Rendel, who she and Ariane had shared a compartment with on the Express, had her arms folded protectively across her chest. Not exactly the mark of a true Slytherin. Xanthe's own hands were demurely positioned on either side of her body, held there daintily, as though there was not a care in the world to it but yet they were still perfect. As there should not be a care in the world to it for any well brought up, worthy Pureblood.

Xanthe eyed the boats the oaf had ordered them to get into with calm, but clear, distaste. Hogwarts might have the policy that it was best to humiliate their new arrivals in as many ways as possible, but that was no reason to be attempting to cause damage to the expensive, tailored garments she was wearing. It was just as well Xanthe had planned for this, deliberately wearing one of her school cloaks which were charmed to repel water and ensure none was left on the cloak. She stepped carefully into a boat, taking in the sight of the castle she would live in for much of the year for the next seven years. It had beauty to it, yes, although it was certainly not the most captivating sight Xanthe had ever laid her eyes on. But it was probably one of the only things about the school so far which had shown that it was worthy to receive Xanthe Adèle Rothwell.

Xanthe was hard pressed to disembark from the small boat as regally as she had stepped into it, but she managed to step clear of the water in one step, hardly bending. They should really have given the Purebloods worthy of it a gangplank to walk down or something of the sort. A carpeted, jewel studded one as well, of course. It was only for the Mudbloods to jump from the boats clumsily like a commoner. Xanthe followed the half-breed giant towards the entrance of the castle, her head held high with confidence, falling into step next to another girl who from her observance of their behaviour would make a fine Slytherin. She knew that her appearance was yet as perfect as it had been when she set off from Platform 9 ¾, the pattern of silver thread on her school cloak matching perfectly with that on her skirt. As the inferior giant left them, so a witch who must be McGonagall took charge of them, her hair tied in a severe bun. She really could have made a little more effort.

Xanthe's surname was quite low down in terms of the alphabet, so she had to wait a while while other first years were sorted. While this did at least have the effect of filtering out some of the worthless students who went to houses like Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, Xanthe disliked the fact that those of less than pure blood had been allowed in to slow the ceremony down at any rate. She noted with interest the names and her first impressions of all those who were sorted into Slytherin - she wouldn't be having need for the names of any others who were evidently worthless. Her attentions thus occupied, Xanthe was as calm and unmoved as she usually appeared as she walked across to the Sorting Hat, looking at its loose threads disdainfully. She sat down carefully on the stool and the Sorting Hat slipped down over her eyes, beginning to speak immediately.
"Ah, a very good mind here, I see, ambition aplenty, the will and discretion to fulfil it... sly, well-mannered when it suits your needs... talent too here, and a resolve to show it. Only one place for you... SLYTHERIN!"
The hat was removed from her head as it said the word and Xanthe rose from the stool, making her way towards the table she so obviously deserved to sit at, taking a seat by another first year who had struck her as having the correct self-control to be a worthy Slytherin.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The Sorting Hat continued doing it's job and in no time young ms.Rothwell was placed into Slytherin. Looking at the two remaning names on her list Minerva looked at the girl still standing before the podium before calling out the name.
"Rebecca Valamont."

[comix]

Mitch stepped off the train and let the the fresh ,cold air fill his lungs then he fell in behind the rest of the first years and followed them down to the boats that were to take them up to the castle . Mitch walked ans as he got closer to the water the colder he felt.
He climbed into the nearest boat and awaited them to begin the journey across the lake.

When ever one was seated the boat took off toward the castle and the cold air wiped his face, after the boats had come to a halt every one climbed out and made there way up to the big oak doors ,once there he made his way up the steps and seen as he was at the back he was just following the rest of the first years when they came to the great hall he felt a knot rise in his throat when he saw the whole school looking at him and the rest of the first years .

Once they had lined up and were being read out he got more and more nervous while he stood and waited for his name to be called out.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

((I’m very sorry Mitch, but since you weren’t there when the alphabet was at ’C’ so you could be called to the front I’m not calling you to be sorted in a separate post anymore.))

Minerva nodded at the small red head girl who got sorted into Ravenclaw and then avrted her eyes tot he last person to be sorted today. Stating the name loudly to everyone Minerva called the boy to the front.

“Thien Vasser.”

[thien]

One by one the crowd Thien was standing in has dwindled down to just him. Fear grew immensely within him. He stood knees shaking, “this is new.” Thien thought looking down at them. He was never this scared before and why should he?

Thien looked up to see Rebecca Valamont sitting on the stood with the ratter beaten hat covering her eyes. “Hmm what house will she be in?” But before Thien could choose the hat yelled, “Ravenclaw!”

It was now Thien’s turn to be sorted. He waited for her to join her house and for the professor to called his name. “Thien Vasser!” she read. Thien’s body froze the whole room was watching him now. Thien never have been the center of attention before and frankly it stupefied him, he stood there looking at the dangling hat. “It’ll be all over soon.” he told himself. Thien slowly took a deep breath and walked towards the stool. Turning around to see the students, “so many…”

Then it went black. Thien heard a voice, “ahh… splendid mind you have here.”
“Me?” Thien said blankly to the voice. “Yes you, brave and loyal too.” answer the voice. “But where to put you. Hmm you like to read, I do too, but silly me I don’t have eyes. But who really needs them when there other ways to read.”
“Other ways?”
“I’m reading you aren’t I?” Thien went quiet, he didn’t know what was happening. “Confused aye? Well no doubt you have a splendid mind good for Ravenclaw, just as brave for Gryffindor and loyal to Hufflepuff. But nothing for Slytherin, not even hate for it. Hmm, splendid like I said. But we still have the problem of sorting you.”
“What does it mean to be in a house?” Thien said to the voice.
“Patients boy. You will learn of that soon enough. Ahh patients that will be the your deciding factor. You will be going to Hufflepuff.”
“Hufflepuff…” Thien said under his breath.
“Right, HUFFLEPUFF!” the voice ranged throughout the room.

Light suddenly flooded back, almost blinding Thien. Squinting, Thien saw the whole Hufflepuff table rioting. Thien climbed down the stood and ran to join the table. Thien was overwhelmed getting hugs and handshakes. Thien looked back at the hat, it was smiling. Thien then realize that his question was answer, to be in a house is to be among family. The hat then winked at Thien while being carried away. Smiling bigger then ever Thien went back to join his new family.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The last boy was sorted into Hufflepuff and Minerva let one of the so very rare smiles be displayed on her features. Taking hold of the Sorting Hat and the high three-legged stood the first years had been sitting on Minerva left her position to safely put the Sorting Hat away. There had been many good and worthy people sorted into all of their houses. Minerva was a bit thrilled thinking of how she would be seeing all htese anxious young faces in classes when they would be starting their school lifes at Hogwarts.

Taking her regular seat on Dumbledore’s right Minerva let her eyes look over the students as conversations burst up and foods appeared on the tables. Goblets filled with pumpkin juice and ofhter drinks by students personal preferences. Chicken, meat, fish, potatoes, sphagetti and everything imaginable appeared on the huge dishes as students rushed to serve themselves. It wouldn’t be much later before the foods would be replaced with ice-cream, furits, all sorts of cakes and cookies and pies. The house elves had done an amazing job while preparing the feast as alwasy.

On more school year in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy had begun.