Across the Lake and Into the Castle (First Years)

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Minerva stood before the big doors leading to the Great Hall. One of her arms resting on the railing by her side Minerva’s fingers tapped at the railing. Fixing her hair that had been pulled back tightly and her dress robes Minerva thought about the Sorting ceremony. It would commence like always with the new years coming up to try the Sorting Hat on one by one. Things had been going this way for centuries and this Hogwarts tradition would not be changing even in the light of the attack on the Hogwarts Express. A worried frown creasing her lip Minerva sadly thought about young ms. Pennington and all the wounded students who had been taken to the Hospital Wing.
The first years entered the castle and Minerva cleared the frown from her face as she nodded to Hagrid. “Thank you, Hagrid,” Minerva told the Groundskeeper and the professor of Care Of Magical Creatures Professor as he arrived with the first years.

Minerva sent a stern look at the first years who had crowded together before her. This would be the future of Hogwarts. Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Slytherins and Gryffindors. Would the differences between houses influence them or would this generation be the one to final unity the school once and for all? Minerca’s eyes stopped at one girls disheveled hair and on a boys untied shoe-lace for a momet before she raised her arm from the railing.
“Welcome to Hogwarts! In a moment you will enter the Great Hall where you will be sorted into your respective houses. There are 4 houses in Hogwarts and each house has it’s own glorious history. The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. I hope you will make your house proud during your years in Hogwarts as it will be like a second home and family to you. Your triumphs will earn your house points and any rule-breaking that is not tolerated in Hogwarts will loose you points. At the end of each year the house with most points will be awarded with the House Cup and shall receive Great Honor.”

Minerva’s eyes swept over the first year students once again as she leaved time for her words to settle in their minds before she continued:”The Sorting Ceremony will begin now in front of the rest of the school. Wait here quietly while we are ready for you. Follow me.” Minerva turned and stepped through the doors to the Great Hall first and led the band of nervous students down the isle between house tables.
The great hall was large and brilliant. Hundreds of candles sat on the four long house tables and hovered around in the air high above the heads of the students. When a student looked instead of seeing a ceiling they saw the cloudy sky of the night. The clouds were large and ominous, not quite ready to rain yet but steadily approaching to that. The candles and the occasionally appearance of the moon wasn’t the only things giving light to the great hall. Torches lined the wall and not a inch of the great hall was thrown into shadow. The tables that lined the hall were adorned with candles and empty gold goblets, pitchers, and plates.

Letting the first years get used to the Great Hall for a moment Minerva placed the Sorting Hat and a high stool before the staff table and took a step back. All whispers quieted as the Sorting Hat began it’s song for this year. Clapping politely to the Hat after the Song was finished Minerva stepped forward once again and opened the scroll with the names of all first years as her gaze swept over them once again.
“If I call your name, step forward and you will be sorted. Gavin Armstrong.”
Minerva took hold of the Sorting Hat and waited for the boy to step forward and take a seat on the high stool before placing the Sorting Hat on his head.

((The description of the Great Hall has been written by Pyro Blackfire))

[Gavin Armstrong H6]

Gavin sat in the shaky boat watching the calm dark water slip away beneath them; rippling from the touch of his immersed finger. But as he looked up in wonder as a giant castle loomed above them making him feel exceedingly tiny and all he could do was gape up at it. He had gotten off of the train and followed some giant man into a boat with Ingrid whom he had been sitting with, wanting to stay with someone he knew. Now though he didn’t register anything but the large form approaching. The lights shone down on them from the windows and reflected off the water but Gavin still couldn’t see a thing in it – testifying to the depth of the lake. Soon enough though they came into an alcove in the rocks and everyone started stepping out of the boats.

They were lead around some before Gavin finally got to stand still a few moments. He didn’t take much pleasure in this though because he felt like all the hundreds of people in that giant room were staring at him. Not to mention he was in the strangest place he had ever imagined. His eyes darted around as the sky above was visible through the ceiling somehow and a hat of all things was singing. None of it was really registering and he was called up to the front.

He climbed up on the three legged stool and waited as the singing hat was dropped on his head. All went black as it covered his eyes and Gavin heard it begin to speak. “Ah an intelligent one. Courage too though you usually like someone to back you. Your brother isn’t here to do that though. Loyal though. Very loyal you are. The place you most certainly belong is Hufflepuff!” he said only the last word out loud.

Gavin felt disoriented but stumbled over to the table that seemed to be cheering the loudest. As he went though he saw Payton sitting there and his face split open into a sheepish grin. He broke into a sprint stopping about five inches short of slamming into Pay and started jumping up and down. “Pay! Pay! I'm here! Pay my family let me come! And it looks like we are in the same house! We are in the same house right? You said you were in Hufflepuff right? And… and that hat said I am in Hufflepuff too, right? Pay I'm here; can you believe I am here?” Gavin said excitedly without a thought before looking around and blushing crimson. So many people were watching him Gavin just wanted to fall through the floor. He quickly took the nearest seat and sunk down as low as he possibly could trying to keep from prying eyes before looking up to see someone else under the hat.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Minerva watched as the boy climbed up to the Sorting Hat and too a seat on the three-legged stool. She placed the Sorting Hat on the boys head and took a step back. Watching he Sorting carefully Minerva tried to guess what house would the boy go to. It was a bit of a hobby of hers. She always tried to guess where the students being sorted would go to. After years of practice Minerva had gotten rather accurate at some guesses too. This boy she couldn’t place anywhere right now.
She didn’t really have to either as a few moments later the Sorting Hat shouted out Hufflepuff and stepping forward Minerva picked the Hat up again.
The boy took off towards his house and Minerva read the next name from her list loudly: “Emma Blake.”

[quidditchgirl]

Emma gasped quietly as her name was called out. Her time already? Stilling her shaking hands before anyone could notice, she rose from her place and walked over to the stool. Professor McGonagall was standing by the stool, towering far over Emma. Almost tripping on her robes, Emma stumbled over to the Hat.
Wishing with all her might that her owl Armani was with her, Emma sat down. The stool was suprisingly comfy, though she was slightly anxious about the fact that the whole school was focused on her. What if she wasn't chosen? What if she had to go back on the train, return her wand and owl, and become an accountant?
Grimacing at the thought, Emma closed her eyes tight as the hat was lowered on her long sleek black hair. She almost felt in her head how old the hat was-generations of knowledge ran through it like sugar. She heard the trembling voice before it truly spoke out-
"RAVENCLAW!!!"
Emma snapped open her eyes, to see the whole of the Ravenclaw table cheering. She had done it! With an emormous smile on her happy face, Emma took off the hat, sept off of the stool and ran gracefully to the Ravenclaw table, grinning to her friends as she went.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Emma Blake steppe forward and tentatively seated herself onto the high stool while Minerva placed the Sorting Hat over her head and took a step back to let the Sorting go on in peace. It didn’t take very long however before the Sorting Hat yelled out the girls house which turned out to be Ravenclaw.
Minerva briskly took the Sorting Hat off from the girls head looking down at the long list of names still to go.
“Aaron Byers,” Minerva stated out loudly while waiting for the boy to sit before she placed the Sorting Hat over his head.

[Aaron Byers H4]

It was a beginning of a whole new world for Aaron Byers. Nothing like beating Jimmy Shorts in a little league baseball game or even entering another year at a muggle school. Hogwarts was very different from sitting in a classroom and learning about grammar or some other stupid stuff like that. Though all Aaron did was look at the clock and wish class could end and when it was the time for his prank to be pulled. This new experience could be the beginning of a great life for Aaron. Heck he could learn all the wizarding potions and stuff like that to create the ultimate prank or even hit a home runner without even swinging that bat. The dream to become the best like Babe Ruth from United States was a big as ever. But maybe this new experience will give him another impute on life. Hey it was hard to make it to the big leagues not just any eleven year old kid could dream that far....no wait his back up career was to be a spy. Yep Aaron could feel it now...Agent Aaron Byers here to save the day. *POW* *POW* *POW*

Aaron entered the castle walking next to his best friend Gavin Armstrong. They were going to be legend of Hogwarts someday....well maybe not but you couldn't crush Aaron's dreams. His light green eyes sparkled at each of the house banners. One red, another green, third yellow, and fourth blue. Lenora had told him about what each house stood for. Personal he wanted to be a Gryffindor just like his big sister. But nobody knew that. But there was this old lady leading the group. She had what looked like grey hair and seemed quite stern. Many words to descride the women popped into Aarons head. Why was he joking at a time like this!

A noise soon interupted Aaron's thoughts. Something or someone was singing. Looking ahead at the staff table Aaron stared blankly at the old beaded up hat. What was he suppose to do with that thing! The Cancan! Feeling buttflies flutter in his stomach Aaron turned his head in the direction of Gavin. He looked nervous as well along with the rest of the first years. But that hat was singing! But that has to be against the laws of nature of what ever. No it was magic. But seriously a musical hat!

Once it had ended all the students at the table clapped. Feeling even more nervous Aaron watched as his best friend walked toward the stool. The guts Gavin had! Fiddling with a lose string Aaron watched as the Hat sorted Gavin into Hufflepuff. His relieved friend walked toward the table happy it was over. "Aaron Byers." the old lady called to him. Gulping he stepped forward and felt every eye in the room watching him. Taking a seat on the chair he looked up as the hat was placed on his head. It was lifeless for second than moved making Aaron almost jump out of his seat. "Aw we got another troublemaker on our hands. Let’s see...I see courage. Yes, yes... many dreams that seem unreachable. But very loyal....Where to put you.....I know....HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat finally answer. Letting out a big sigh of relief Aaron jumped off the stool and ran toward the table with the yellow and orange banner above. "Gavin were in the same house!" Aaron told him leaping forward to bring his friend into a hug. There were so many promises for the future ahead.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Byers boy walked forward and Minerva recalled that he had a relative going to Hogwarts. A girl in her own house named Lenora. Very artistic, so Minvera found herself wondering if this boy would share the same talents. He seemed nervous right now, but which first year didn’t? They were always gathering together trying to find comfort in others just like them before they would be called forward to be sorted into their respective houses.

Placing the Sorting Hat over Minerva waited for it to call out the next house which at this case was Hufflepuff . Taking the Sorting Hat off form his head Minerva called forward the next person in her list. “Ariane Phyllis Dianne.”

[ariana]

Ariane glided forward after the bulking man carrying the lantern and examined the small boats for a moment. Just one glance at the boats had been enough for Ariane to shrug off her outer robe, not wanting to get water-droplets on it and therefore ruin the expensive piece of clothing. Holding the robe held over one arm Ariane reached the other out as she stepped into the boat and settled calmly into the back of it and folding the robe over her lap.
It was chilly out here without the robe, but Ariane would rather bear the chilliness than have her clothing spoiled. First impressions mattered a lot. So Ariane just settled back and with her back completely straght drew the sight of Hogwarts in thirstily. Oh, she had seen pictures of the castle and heard different descriptions. But the sight was breath-taking none the less. The looming shadow, the brightly lit windows mirroring back over the cool surface of the Hogwarts lake. It was something amazing.

The boat ride didn’t end too quickly however. It wasn’t that warm so Ariane didn’t even think too much of walking quickly and carefully. She merely gave a small jump landing with a slight crouch before straightening out. Unfolding her cloak Ariane was grateful to slip into the fabrics warmth again as they were led into the Great Hall. They were met with an elderly woman and Ariane droned her out, already knowing about the different houses. She used the time to fit the robe better, makign sure the small silvery threads of Ivy on the hem, collar and sleeves of her robe were displayed with tactful subtly, but still displayed the best way.

Ariane didn’t bother clapping while the few people before her were sorted. 2 Hufflepuffs and a Ravenclaw weren’t worthy of it. In no time her own name was called forward and with a pleasant smile on her face Ariane sauntered forwards to the high three-legged stool. She didn’t try to sit on the stool as it would only make one look clumsy. Besides look who had sat on it before her! Ariane settled for leaning slightly against the chair as the Sorting Hat covered her head.
“My, you certainly are interesting aren’t you. Yes, I see ambition here. Big ambitions. And talent of course. But there is only house to fit you. SLYTHERIN!“ the house said into Ariane’s ear shouting the last word out loudly. A smile still adrning her features Ariane was pleased to note that her sorting had not taken much time. 20 seconds perhaps or 25, but no more. She rightfully belonged to Slytherin and she was proud of it.
Turning Ariane walked straight towards the house that was politely clapping with the silver and green decorations and took a seat her house table.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The girl sauntered forward and Minerva placed the Sorting Hat over her head. This sorting was fairly quick. This girl seemed to have true Slytherin nature in her. Minerva sometimes kept herself wondering if it was good or bad. Would the school ever unite as one considering all the tensions between Slytherins and other houses in Hogwarts. The girl left the podium and Minerva looked over the long list in her hand once again.

Looking at the group of first year Minerva stated the next name out loudly. “Zachary Grey.”

[sean]

A gust of wind carrying a few auburn and yellow colored leaves blew gently across the black tops of his new school shoes, rustling gracefully through the willow trees and rippling the once calm waters of the lake. It carried the tone of both excitement and anxiety along with it, announcing that the first of September had come and something was about to happen. It dance playfully upon the hairs of the young first years standing nervously, waiting for whatever was ahead of them. Some of them knew what was coming, others did not, but all were impatient, cold and anxious.

He stood rubbing his palms together, feeling the sweat he was creating sliding underneath his fingertips. It was a chilly night, the wind blowing the coolness from the lake all around the grounds, and he longed for the warmth of the inside that appeared to be flowing from the windows of the great hall. His sister had told him about the crossing of the lake, the sorting hat, the long wooden tables filled with cheerful faces and the magnificent feast. He had dreamed of this day for two years and now that he had crossed the lake and was standing in front of the large castle doors he was speechless. The sounds of laughter rang from inside the large castle, he thought of his sister... was she waiting for him? As impatiently as he was waiting out here?

A small creaking noise rang in his ears as the huge wooden doors opened slowly filling him with excitement, like a child on Christmas eve dreaming of their lovely gifts beneath a tinsel laced tree, it was finally time. His feet shuffled quickly across the concrete floor as he and several other first year students were led into a large hall by an old woman, Professor McGonagall was how she introduced herself. The hall was large and magnificent, smelling of old papers, used ink bottles and dusty old armor. It had enormous worn out portraits of people and animals, both old and young, that appeared to actually move! There were large stairs cases that moved from wall to wall, creaking quietly as they did so. There were chandeliers of all shapes and sizes hanging gracefully from the large domed ceiling above them. His eyes grew larger in his head as he examined the magnificent place before him, it was everything he had imagined... and more.

The old women led them to another set of large wooden doors and pushed them open, revealing hundreds of faces - all older than himself. He gazed around the large dining room, take note of the floating candles and the sky like ceiling. He searched wildly for the familiar faces of his sister Elizabeth and her best friend Katheryn. Finding them almost immediately he smiled and waved frantically at them, making sure they would spot him. They were led up to a small wooden stool at the front of the hall and then everyone was hushed, it was time for the sorting. He watched calmly as one by one the small and nervous students were called up to the stool. They were sorted into one of four house, all depending on their personality, he had known this before and was determined to get any house other than Slytherin. He stood quietly going over the scene when it was his turn in his mind, ' Sean Rain,' she would say, and then it would be his time to shine.

[Seth Wright]

Zachary couldn't help but gape at the castle as they neared it. Mason had told him plenty to make him long for the mere sight of it and here he was. It was massive. Far bigger than he'd ever expected, at any rate. And the boats! They were brilliant. He knew it wasn't so hard to charm a boat to row itself, but Zachary was caught up in the pure magic of Hogwarts and every simple spell seemed to amaze him. He watched the giant man, Hagrid, or something like that, where he sat in his own boat at the front. Mace had told him about Hagrid too. The oaf, he'd called him.

The boats finally reached the other end of the lake and Zachary made ready to get off. He was nervous. This was it. This was the moment he'd been waiting for. He was finally at Hogwarts, the one place he'd always wanted to be. Even mum couldn't help but to like it, and that was something.

The boats stopped and Zachary hopped out, glancing around him. There were too many people, so it was hard to make out, but it looked like they were in some kind of cove or something. He hid a smile and looked up to Hagrid, awaiting further instruction. "The Oaf" had led them to a door where the most formidable woman he'd ever seen (or at least that was what Zachary thought), stood, glaring sternly about them. He shrank back unconsciously, suddenly a little apprehensive. That must be Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House. Mace said she was strict. Well,[i/] he thought, she certainly looked it...

McGonagall led them into the castle, beginning where Hagrid left off. It was amazing. The ceiling of the Great Hall had been bewitched to resemble the night sky. Zachary wondered if maybe he could do something like that to his room. Probably not.

The sorting was going fairly quick. Zachary bit his lip. He was up soon. He had to be in Slytherin....He tried to imagine Lucan's face if he got anything but. It wasn't a pleasant image. A girl named Ariane Phillis went up and Zachary frowned. He was next. SLYTHERIN! If anything, the word only increased his anxiety.

"Zachary Grey!"

He stepped forward, doing his best to look confident. The hat was too big. It slid right over his head. Zachary clenched his fists on either side of the stool, breathing heavily.

Zachary Grey, is it? Ahhh yes, I sorted your brother, Mason Grey! He was a Slytherin from head to toe, that boy. Let's see if you'll be the same, shall we? Hmmm....You're intelligent, yes....Courage enough, if need be....Not very friendly, are you?

"Please put me in Slytherin. Please...." Zachary whispered frantically, clenching the stool harder. "Please..."

Already got your mind made up, have you? That's been the case before....You'll do best in....SLYTHERIN! Yes! He jumped off the stool, handing the hat to McGonagall and ran to the green and silver-clad table, smirking. Thank Merlin.....

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Zachary Grey walked forward and Minerva took a step back as he was sorted. It didn’t take very long before the Sorting Hat yelled out Slytherin. Stepping forward Minerva took the Hat from the boys head and watched him run to his respective house. Looking down at the list in her hand Minerva turned her eyes back at the group of first years and read out loudly. “Hayden Hinson.”

[haydenhinson]

Hayden stood, waiting impatiently, along with the other first years. She squirmed around, as she watched the other first years being sorted. Hayden peered over the taller students, looking anxiously to the children, as the great Sorting Hat was placed over their head. Hayden didn't think that she liked the idea of a talking hat, very much, but Hayden shrugged, as she began to prepare herself to be called up. Of course, she knew the routine by now, from watching the other students, but she didn't want to accidentally trip, fall, or end up looking quite awkward and odd in front of the whole entire school.

Finally, 'Hayden Hinson' was called, and Hayden smiled broadly: This was it. She walked up to the platform, as the children in the small crowd waiting to be sorted, made a small passageway for her to walk through. She reached the stool, and plopped down, quite hard on the hard wooden stool, that it made her rear end hurt a bit. She grimaced as the hat was placed upon her head. In a few moments, all she saw was black. Great, the hat was so big, that it covered the small girl's eyes. What if her robes were all lopsided? What if she looked really odd and the whole school was laughing at her?

Suddenly, a voice filled the hat, making her ears ring.... "Hmm.... let's see here..." the hat began, making Hayden jump. Okay, she didn't like this much anymore... The hat went on, talking about her personality, and everything else about the girl. With each word the hat said, Hayden wished more and more, that this whole thing would just be over. Finally, the hat shouted out, so loud that Hayden thought that it might have popped her eardrums... "HUFFLEPUFF!!!" Hayden sighed with relief, as the hat was taken off of her head. She had been sorted into Hufflepuff house! Yay! That was what she had been hoping for. As her ears still rang, she walked down, a bit dizzily from all of the loud noise, and nervousness, she took a seat next to another first year that had been sorted into Hufflepuff as well.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Hinson girl was sorted into Hufflepuff after a bit of time so Minerva stepped forward to remove the Sorting Hat from her head. The girl left the odium as Minerva unrolled the scroll in her hand once again her eyes following the list of names. The name of their house had appeared behind every student already sorted so Minerva had not problems seeing who would be called to the front next.
“Iseo Ingersoll.”

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The small Ravenclaw girl came up to front and Minerva placed the Sorting Hat over her head. After a period of time Ravenclaw was called out and Minerva looked down at her lis to see who to call to the front next. "Adalia St. John."

[Adalia St John S5]

Adalia followed the crowd onto those squalid little boats with a smirk from her eventful trip until she realised she would have to sit in that tiny little thing. She grimaced and picked her robes up delicately before stepping into the boat and stretching out, relaxing, forcing the other two to squish together just so she could be somewhat comfortable. They crossed the lake at a terribly slow rate for Adalia’s taste and she sat there drumming her fingers on the side of the boat attempting to look unimpressed by the imposing castle across the way. Eventually though they made it into a little cavern and Adalia swept out of the boat in a very regal way and followed the ogre up the steps where they were greeted by some stern looking woman who brought them into the Great Hall.

She watched with apathy as students were put into their respective houses; caring only about the Slytherins. Adalia had been taught by her mother just who was important and who was not since she was five years old and was now using this as a sort of test to her knowledge. First person of any worth was the Dianne girl Ariane and everything her mother had said about that family seemed to be right as the girl was placed in Slytherin immediately. Adalia smirked as she refused to get on the stool and was allowed to just rest on it so as not to contaminate herself. Adalia knew just then that she would at least have some good company in the dorms. Next was the little Grey boy, were her eyes deceiving her or did he seem apprehensive? Hopefully a term in Slytherin would sort that out; a Slytherin should never be anything less than arrogant. ‘Running’, Adalia thought with a sigh, ‘another poor trait. Excitement should not be obvious lest it be used against you. He will have to learn.’

Next came some Hufflepuff 'gag' then a Raven before Adalia was finally called up. She sauntered up to the stool slowly betraying neither nervousness nor excitement; her mother had trained her well. She had been informed prior that she almost seemed like she had no emotions, she was so cold in everything she did. 'Cold, cunning, cruel, and calculating – the four C’s of a Slytherin' her mother had always told her and Adalia did try to live by it. She had to get up on the filthy thing because if she refused she would look like she was copying Ariane and that was certainly not acceptable. You are nothing if not an individual. Princess Adalia, her father called her, and he was perfectly correct. She was nobody’s fool, nobody’s sidekick, she was in charge forever and always. "Ah another one out to take over the world I see." whispered the hat into her ear as it was slipped onto her head. “Oh don’t be foolish just say Slytherin and get on with it. Honestly.” Adalia said back to it silently. 'Patience is a virtue you know. What if I wanted to put you into Gryffindor instead? They have some lovely red and gold rooms you know’ “Well then you wouldn’t be doing your job and you know it. Sorting please.” 'Oh all right. "Slytherin"' he said finally speaking the last word out loud. The hat was taken off her head and Adalia took the same measured steps over to the Slytherin table where she took a seat next to Ariane preparing to watch the next person come up.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

The young girl was sorted into Slytherin respectively adn Minerva removed the Sorting Hat from her head watching for a moment as she walked towards her chair. Sometimes you could tell the house of the first year just bet he way they acted. St.John seemed like a ood addition to SLytherin as Minerva averted her eyes and called forth the next person.
"Rowen Kerr."

[rowen]

They had them crowded into the great hall like they were animals, all huddled together with everyone staring at them. What kind of school made their first year students go though such a public display of initiation?!
Rowen looked around the massive room and focused down the long rows of tables, separated by colors. He was by no means an expert in his new school, but he was at least mildly away of the houses--and it seemed to follow the normal order of life and its usual separations. First, there was Gryffindor, the students in red he guessed by the fact their mascot seemed to be a lion and by the Griffin was the only creature who had any lion connection. The Gryffindorks were suppose to be the pride and joy of Hogwarts. The house of their beloved Harry Potter. He didn't know much about the school, but there wasn't a witch or wizard out there who didn't know something about this wonderful Harry Potter everyone thought was so important. Then, there was Ravenclaw, home of the brains. They had to be the students in blue with the Raven on their banner. On the far end there was Slytherin, represented by green and a large silver serpent. They were the end-justifies-the-means house of Hogwarts. Ambitious to the point of standing on the edge of evil. And finally, there were the rejects--the Hufflepuffs. Even the name sounded like it belonged on a muggle box of cereal. They were suppose to be the patient little pushovers of Hogwarts. To make the house look even worse, it was was the banner his new foster brothers sat under.

"Rowen Kerr" a voice called, reminding him that he was here for some sort of decision making on the house he would be put in. He knew it was a hat that would make the decision. It was rumored outside of Hogwarts, but he saw it brought out, even if he stopped paying attention to it after that. He sighed deeply and pushed his way up through the crowd and to the stool and overlooked the rest of the hall. He turned around so that he faced everyone, making sure to give his best scowl before sitting down and promptly having the hat, which he now noticed smelled like the old broom closet at the orphanage, placed on his head.

"Hmmmm...." the hat immediately, almost making him jump. He knew full well it talked and had some sort of its own personality, but somehow, it caught him off guard anyway. "Now you are an interesting one. You have a mean streak, but you use your head. Brave...yes...you learned that along with that nasty side of yours...Yes...yes...hmmm...you would be a fitting addition to any house...."

"Oh would you just get on with it" Rowen snapped, thinking the hat was better at babbling on than it was at being decisive about placing students.

"Oh just be patient, I know its in there. Oh! Thats it! Its in there under everything else. You belong in HUFFLEPUFF!"

The one house he wasn't ready for. He would have taken Gryffindor in stride, even Ravenclaw. He could have handled Slytherin, but instead, he went to the house where everyone else not good enough to make it into the rest went to. He pulled the hat off his head and made his way toward the table, noticing his foster brothers, Thing One and Thing Two both calling to him as if it was a privilege to be a badger.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Kerr was sorted into Hufflepuff and Minerva noted curiously that unlike most who seemed happy or relieved to leave the podium after being sorted, this boy looked almost glum. He walked off towards the direction of his house and Minerva looked at hte cluter of first years that were yet to be sorted and stated hte next name.
"Ingrid Lewis."

[Ingrid Lewis H4]

They were to get into boats. Boats. Ingrid loved boats. She loved the water and she loved being in a boat on water even more. The sky had turned black with light stars dotting the sky, and the water looked like it was ink from an ink pot instead of water. But she was sure that if she dipped her hand in the water it would be freezing cold. The large man with the fluffy beard who could very well pass as Santa Clause if he had dyed his beard white and wore a red jumpsuit, told them to get into the boats. Four to a boat. He said. Ingrid nodded and got into an empty boat, finding that Gavin, Sita, and Aaron were sitting with her. She smiled and waited. Finally the boats moved. They glided across the lake elegantly and headed toward the great beacon of light a few distances away.

The castle before them glowed brightly against the night sky, and it looked magical. It was magical. Ingrid let her breath escape her lips in awe. Her blue eyes got wide the closer they got, and she found herself gripping the edges of the boat so she wouldn't topple over and into the icy water. When the boats stopped, Ingrid got out and stood still. Her neck craned upward and she stared at the castle. It was larger now that they were closer to it, and Ingrid felt very small. She bit her lip again and walked forward- following everyone. Soon they were led by an old woman, she didn't look to nice. In fact she looked like she could use some happiness in her life. Ingrid listened to her give instructions as best as she could. She explained the four houses, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin and then explained about the sorting ceremony.

They were then led into a large room with lots of other students. There were four long tables, each decorated in different colours. Red and gold, green and silver, blue and bronze, and yellow and black. Hufflepuff. Ingrid felt butterflies flow through her as she thought she spotted Nattie. She shook her head and looked away, there was no way he was at Hogwarts. He was just a muggle. Ingrid stayed back away from everyone else, and watched as some man gave a speech. Now he could be Santa Clause. She then watched as the first person to get sorted was Gavin. She smiled reassuringly at him as he made his way up. It wasn't that much longer when the hat placed him in Hufflepuff. Ingrid jumped up and down and clapped enthusiastically. Others were then sorted, then it was Aaron. He also got sorted into Hufflepuff. Another one! Ingrid clapped again. Finally it was her turn.

She bit her bottom lip nervously as she walked up to the stool. She placed herself on it, then felt the hat dropped on her head. It covered her eyes, and she was surrounded by complete darkness. Ingrid then decided to have some fun; "Hello, how are you?" She asked cheerfully. She heard a soft murmur of giggles erupt through the Great Hall but she didn't mind. The hat then talked back to her, "Hello little one. You are quite cheerful aren't you? Yes, you have lots of optimism running through you. You're loyal to those who prove themselves worthy of your loyalty and you're sweet to everyone. You have a motherly appeal to you. Yes, there's only one place to put you..." Ingrid smiled.

"Huffleuff right?" She asked. And in response, the hat shouted- "HUFFLEPUFF!" Ingrid hopped off the stool and removed the hat, but not before saying; "It was a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Sorting Hat." Ingrid handed the hat back to the old lady and ran toward the yellow table where everyone was clapping. She slammed right into Aaron and threw her arms around him, "We're in the same house! We're in the same house!"