The Sorting Ceremony (1st year)
There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust
This is a place where I don’t feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home
The train began to slow down and an announcement rang out, informing the passengers to leave their belongings behind so they could be taken to their dorms separately. The four boys exited their compartment and headed towards the corridor, pushing through the other students. They disembarked from the train and were instantly met with the chilly air. Excited whispers echoed in the silent night as the first-years glanced at their surroundings with increasing wonder. Suddenly, a giant man appeared, with a wild mane of shaggy black hair and dark, beetle-black eyes. Despite his somewhat intimidating appearance, his face was kind as he looked down at the youngest students.
“Awright, firs’- years! Ower here! Ah’m Rubeus Hagrid. Just Hagrid fer ye!”
The first-years followed him down a narrow path paved with cobblestone until they reached the lake. James watched Hagrid closely and realised with surprise that his moleskin coat could serve as a tent for a small family.
The moon hung high in the sky, bathing everything in a soft, silver glow. On the far shore, the castle of Hogwarts stood proudly. Its turrets stretched towards the stars; sentinel, like guardians watching over the school.
Hagrid helped the students into small boats allowing no more than four to sit in each one. Once everyone had settled in the wooden planks, the boats started moving, rocking gently on the lake’s surface. They pushed through a curtain of ivy and entered a dark tunnel. When they finally reached an underground harbour, the boats abruptly stopped moving, and the students hopped off, gathering in the cave at the bottom of a marble staircase that led to a large door.
The door opened and a witch in her mid-thirties appeared, carrying an air of both strength and elegance. Her face was framed by gentle, brown curls, loosely pulled back with a simple hairpin to reveal her high cheekbones. Her eyes were her most captivating feature—large, almond-shaped, and a brilliant shade of green.
“Merlin, she’s hot,” Sirius muttered under his breath. James made a choked sound, trying to hold back his laughter.
Someone scoffed behind them. “Superficial imbeciles. Having one of the greatest witches of all ages in front of them and the first thing they can think of, is that she’s hot,” a female voice whispered.
James turned around and came face to face with a young girl, with fiery red hair and the brightest green eyes he had ever seen.
“Don’t worry, you’re quite attractive yourself,” he said, the words flying out of his mouth before he even had the chance to think twice. Sirius let out a loud snort. The girl frowned and a deep red spread across her face.
“You shut your mouth,” a boy, with dark hair snarled at James, moving close to the girl.
“Oi! Get your boyfriend on a leash,” Sirius said, facing her.
The other boy was fuming with fury. Remus quickly intervened before things escalated while Peter stayed behind them, though he held Sirius’ arm lightly to keep him grounded. The girl too, grabbed her friend’s arm, holding him back. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at James and Sirius.
“Leave them, Sev,” she said. “They’re not worth it.”
“Students!”
James’ head snapped towards the entrance. The witch stretched her arms towards the first-years, her loud and stern voice echoing through the cave. “Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor Minerva McGonagall.”
Whispers erupted in the cave. McGonagall was one of the brightest witches in the last centuries; employed as a teacher at Hogwarts only at twenty-two years old, a master at Transfiguration and a close friend of Hogwarts’ Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. James couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect towards her.
“You will soon enter the Great Hall and take your respective places among your fellow warlocks. But before that, you will be sorted into your Houses. There are four of them. Gryffindor, for the ones who value chivalry, bravery, and courage, above all—”
James felt himself grinning, leaving behind his confrontation with the young girl and her friend.
“—Ravenclaw, for those whose curiosity urges them to seek wisdom and knowledge,” Professor McGonagall went on, “Hufflepuff, for the hardworking who treat others with fairness and kindness, and Slytherin, for the ones whose determination and resourcefulness drive them to succeed every goal. Your House will become your chosen family for the next seven years. In all the ways you excel your House will be awarded points, whereas, with any ill behaviour, points will be removed. When the school year ends, the House that has collected the most points will be appointed as the winner of the House Cup. I hope each one of you will live up to the honour of representing the four noble Houses.”
Whispers rippled again through the crowd and Professor McGonagall raised a hand in a silencing gesture. “The Sorting Ceremony will soon begin, attended by your classmates and the other professors. I shall return once we complete the formalities.” She turned around and disappeared behind the large door that closed behind her.
“I think I’m gonna faint,” Peter said weakly.
James threw an arm around his shoulders, smiling reassuringly. “No need to. Everything’s gonna be all right.”
“I guess this is where we bid farewell guys,” said Sirius.
Remus frowned. “What are you talking about?”
James expelled a sigh. “The fool here is convinced he’ll be sorted into Slytherin,” he said.
“Oi! I’m not a fool! I just have a hunch,” Sirius protested.
“Well then, in that case, I would have said it was a pleasure to meet you,” Remus said.
“But let me guess, you won’t,” said Sirius.
Remus smirked. “No, I won’t.”
Just when James was about to say something, Professor McGonagall appeared again. “The Sorting Ceremony shall now begin,” she said. “Please, form a line and move along.”
Everyone started following her through the large doors. James gaped at the sight before him once he stepped into the Great Hall, and a soft murmur spread through the room. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the clear, starlit night sky outside, the constellations moving as if alive. Candles floated above the rows of the four long House tables, and the torch-lit walls were covered with each House’s banners; emerald and silver for Slytherin, red and gold for Gryffindor, blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, and yellow and black for Hufflepuff. Different emblems represented each House; a lion for Gryffindor, a badger for Hufflepuff, an eagle for Ravenclaw, and a serpent for Slytherin.
Professors discussed in hushed voices at the staff table at the head of the Hall. The students, dressed in their school robes, awaited eagerly as the Sorting Hat, perched on a rickety stool before the staff table, prepared to announce the fate of each new student.
“I will call your names and each one of you will approach,” said Professor McGonagall. “The Sorting Hat will be placed upon your heads, and it shall determine the House you will be sorted into.” She stepped forward to begin the Sorting Ceremony and silence fell over the Great Hall. The first-year students kept glancing around with anticipation as the Sorting Hat came to life.
“There was a time I was brand new
The cause I’d serve I already knew
And now my friends, I’m not pristine
But secrets deep within me gleam
I see right through you; I see it all
And you shall answer to my call
For let me tell you a great tale
Where fates entwine and truths prevail
In shadows deep, there was a light
When founders sought to win this fight
They hatched a plan to save our folks
And that’s how history unfolds
They formed a home built out of stone
And in these walls, an oath was sworn
Godric swore to help the brave
The daring ones who don’t behave
The ones who seem to have a nerve
His noble cause they shall too serve
Rowena swore to guide their paths
Of those who seek comfort in arts
The ones with wit and minds of awe
And those who shall create the law
Helga swore to care for all
For fairness sees past big or small
To nurture those in need of love
To endure even the greatest storm
Salazar took this oath at last
To help them reach among the stars
If they possessed a spirit shrewd
A cunning mind, a line that’s pure
And that’s my path to reach their ends
To help you grow your magic, friends
And you shall live by all these truths
And work as one to ensure their truce”
As the Sorting Hat finished its song, great applause broke into the Great Hall. The older students from the tables shouted, cheered, and whistled with their fingers. Professor McGonagall stepped forward and cleared her throat. She held a piece of parchment and once she unrolled it, it hit the floor.
“Okay, now I’m definitely gonna faint,” Peter said in a low whisper, a bead of sweat running down his forehead. Remus shushed him.
“Abbot Lucien!”
A young boy with blond hair and a soft expression came forward and sat on the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head and stepped back.
“HUFFLEPUFF!” the Hat exclaimed.
The Hufflepuffs erupted in cheers and some students stood up to greet Lucien as he approached the table of his new House.
“Allen Magnus!”
An Asian boy with sleek black hair approached. Professor McGonagall repeated the procedure.
“RAVENCLAW!”
The table on the left cheered loudly, welcoming their new member.
“Bones Amelia!”
“RAVENCLAW!”
The Ravenclaw students rose to their feet, clapping hands, as they claimed their second member in a row.
“Black Sirius!”
Sirius’ breath wavered and a lump formed in his throat. James patted his shoulder and Remus did something Sirius wouldn’t have expected; for mere seconds he took Sirius’ hand in his own, squeezing it reassuringly. Sirius whirled around and Remus immediately let go of him, turning his head to stare ahead.
Sirius took a deep breath and walked briskly to the stool, feeling the weight of all eyes upon him. He sat down and the Sorting Hat was gently lowered onto his head, almost covering his eyes.
“Ah, another Black, I see,” the Hat said. “But this one’s different. Rebellious and bold, with a thirst for adventure.”
Sirius’ heart was racing. He waited anxiously and tried to keep his leg from bouncing. After what seemed like an eternity, the Hat finally declared:
“GRYFFINDOR!”
For a moment, stillness took over the Great Hall. Students started whispering from all the tables and even the teachers looked flabbergasted. A seventh-year girl from the Slytherin table, with familiar sharp and aristocratic features, fixed her light brown eyes on Sirius, a slow smile curling at the corners of her lips.
Sirius glanced around, his heart skipping a beat, wondering if he had heard the Hat correctly. Just then, James, Remus, and Peter shattered the silence as they started cheering and shouting. As if on cue, the Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and applause. Sirius grinned like a maniac. He removed the Hat and hurried over to join his new housemates, feeling a sense of liberation he had never felt before.
Professor McGonagall came forward and cleared her throat as she tried to conceal her own astonishment.
“Evans Lily!”
James watched the fiery red-haired witch he had previously met as she stepped forward with determination. The Hat rested on her head.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
Everyone cheered again and the Gryffindors laughed mockingly towards the Slytherins who had claimed no students so far. Lily rushed towards the Gryffindor table with a broad smile. Her friend, Severus, smiled proudly.
Several names followed: Ewin Chloe in Ravenclaw, Fowler Maximillian in Gryffindor, Gibson Margaret in Gryffindor, Hornborn Isaac in Hufflepuff, and Jones Alicia in Ravenclaw. No Slytherins still.
“Lupin Remus!”
“Here goes nothing,” Remus muttered, and James gave him a thumbs up. Remus approached the Sorting Hat with an almost lazy stride and sat down on the stool.
“Interesting. Quite interesting,” the Hat contested. “I see a great mind, with a brilliance that belies your youth.”
The Ravenclaws leaned forward eagerly, ready to claim another student.
“Yet, I can sense an unyielding spirit with fiery determination,” the Hat continued, its brim twitching in contemplation. “But where should I place you?”
Remus started to feel uneasy by all the attention directed towards him. He just wanted to be done with it. He fixed his eyes on Sirius who smiled faintly at him and nodded, letting him know that this torture would soon be over. But the Sorting Hat kept stalling as it tried to decide Remus’ fate.
“A Hatstall,” students started whispering. Remus’ sorting process was becoming unusually prolonged since he possessed qualities and traits that could fit well into several Houses, making it challenging for the Hat to determine his best match. Remus just wanted to disappear. He squeezed his eyes shut, his brow knitting together in distress and frustration.
“For Merlin’s sake, it’s not rocket science, just put me somewhere, please,” he muttered.
“A sharp tongue you possess, fitting to your sharp mind,” the Hat said.
Remus with his eyes still pressed closed could imagine Sirius smirking at this comment and he fought the urge to roll his eyes.
“Perhaps your brilliance is overpowered by your bold spirit and outspoken personality.”
Remus was about to throw hands but the Sorting Hat finally decided:
“GRYFFINDOR!”
The Gryffindor table went feral. Sirius abruptly rose to his feet, cheering loudly. James and Peter held each other as they started bouncing with excitement. Remus’ muscles began to relax and he approached his House in a hurry, relieved to disappear from the prying gazes of his classmates.
“Macdonald Mary!”
The girl approaching had an athletic appearance. She had dark skin and her curly hair didn’t reach past her neck.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
Professor McGonagall called for the next student. “McKinnon Marlene!”
Another girl with a slender, athletic figure appeared. Her warm smile reached her brown eyes and her dirty blonde hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
James looked around the Great Hall. “Look at the Slytherins’ faces,” he said with a smirk.
“They look quite frustrated,” said Peter.
“We’re almost there. Feeling any better?”
“No, not really. My legs are burning.”
“Hold on,” said James. “In a few names, she’ll call us.”
McMillian Alexander, Mcnair Walden, and Mulciber Benedict were all sorted into Slytherin.
“Meadowes Dorcas!”
A black girl stepped forward, her ebony skin glowing under the candlelight. Her long, dark dreadlocks were styled with silver jewellery.
“SLYTHERIN!”
Dorcas approached the Slytherins with a casual stride. Some stood to shake hands with her while others sneered at the Gryffindors.
“Parvis Bayer!”
A boy with an angular face and dark hair approached. His eyes gleamed with intelligence, and it looked like they were shifting between green, brown, and yellow.
“RAVENCLAW!”
“Parvis Bilancia!”
A girl resembling Bayer stepped forward, with the same eyes and tan skin, but her hair was light brown. She must’ve been his twin sister.
“RAVENCLAW!”
Bilancia rushed towards the table and her brother greeted her with a playful punch on her shoulder
“Pettigrew Peter!”
James pushed him lightly. “Peter, move, your turn.”
Peter felt like vomiting. His palms were sweating and his heart was about to explode. The only thing grounding him was the thought of his mother’s spaghetti. He reluctantly approached Professor McGonagall and she placed the Sorting Hat on his head. After a few seconds, it exclaimed its decision.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
Peter yelped but slightly recovered, moving towards Remus and Sirius. James clapped his hands cheerfully but a knot of anxiety began to form in his chest. What if he ended up alone in a different House while his new friends were all sorted in Gryffindor? Or worse, what if he was sorted into Slytherin? His mind was reeling and he barely heard Professor McGonagall calling his name.
“Potter James!”
James stepped closer, increasingly anxious and quietly praying that the Sorting Hat would grant him his wish and place him in Gryffindor. Professor put the Hat on his head. It barely even touched his hair before it exclaimed:
“GRYFFINDOR!”
James cried triumphantly and raised his hand in a fist. He practically ran towards the Gryffindor table and winked at the other boys.
“What’s up, housemates?” he said with the silliest smile.
“I almost believed I could find peace in our dorm and, of course, you had to shatter my dreams,” Sirius teased.
“What happened, Black? Didn’t you get into Slytherin?”
“You jinxed it.”
“No, my manifestation actually saved you,” said James. Oh, you have no idea, Sirius thought.
James’ eyes fell upon the red-haired girl. She was chatting with Marlene McKinnon and Mary Macdonald. He moved past his friends and awkwardly extended his hand to her. “Er, I think I didn’t properly introduce myself before…”
Lily raised her eyebrow. “No,” she said firmly.
“Well, I’m—”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to encourage you,” Lily said.
“Then what—”
“I meant, no, don’t even try.” She shot him another indifferent glance and turned to continue the conversation with the two girls next to her. Remus and Sirius, watching the whole scene, were losing it.
“Way to start, James. Your first rejection,” Remus teased as James approached them.
Sirius batted his eyelashes playfully. “What happened Potter? Your charm didn’t work?”
James sat down at the table next to Sirius. “Oh, shut up,” he said. He pretended to feel dizzy, the back of his hand resting on his forehead as he fell on Sirius. “At least you’re bonding over my broken heart.”
Sirius laughed and shoved him away. The last name echoed in the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall snapped her fingers and the long parchment caught fire, disappearing to ashes.
“Snape Severus!”
Lily’s friend came forward, looking seemingly nervous. Lily leaned forward with anticipation and Severus fixed his eyes on her, giving her a faint smile. The Hat was placed on his hair.
“SLYTHERIN!”
Severus’ smile instantly dropped. No, this isn’t possible. There must have been a mistake. Professor McGonagall touched his arm firmly yet with gentleness, urging him to move towards his new House. As he passed by the Gryffindor table, Sirius raised his chin mockingly. Severus returned it with a hateful expression and entirely ignored Lily’s eyes.
The Sorting Ceremony came to an end.
“At least you won’t have competition while trying to claim the ginger’s heart,” Sirius muttered to James.
James nodded as he kept staring at Severus who made his way to the Slytherin table. Severus sat down with his fellow housemates and his eyes drifted to James. He didn’t try to hide his expression; his eyes were filled with resentment.
“A Black in Gryffindor, huh? This year’s already shaping up to be interesting.” A boy with auburn hair and brown eyes leaned forward from across the table. His broad shoulders and arms appeared strong despite being covered by his robes. “I’m Gideon Prewett, sixth-year and Gryffindor’s Prefect. Welcome to our House,” he said with a friendly smile. “If you need anything, feel free to come to me.”
“Thank you,” said Remus.
“And the guy over there,” said Gideon, pointing at another boy with the same auburn hair and strong build, “is my brother, Fabian. He’s a fifth-year, but he’s an idiot so you shouldn’t bother asking him anything.”
The boys chuckled.
“Do you know if, by any chance, we’ll have something to eat? I’m starving,” Peter said shyly, thinking about his mother’s spaghetti again. And meatballs.
Gideon’s grin widened. “Just wait.”
The grand doors of the Great Hall burst open, causing heads to turn in surprise. A veil of translucent figures emerged above them, moving at an incredible speed. Ghosts. Through the swirling mist of the entrance, their ethereal figures appeared more clearly, holding big silver platters filled with delicious-looking food. They floated gracefully down the aisles between the long rows of tables, placing the platters on the tables as they passed. Roast chicken, savoury pies, mountains of mashed potatoes, and colourful vegetables that most students seemed uneager to try filled the air. Peter exclaimed in delight and his stomach began to growl loudly.
Students reached for their plates and began serving themselves. Laughter and chatter exploded in the Hall. The ghosts, glowing faintly in the candlelight, watched with satisfaction the Hogwarts students celebrating the beginning of another school year.
Remus hesitantly tried to reach for his silverware. As his fingers slightly brushed his fork, he felt a sharp, piercing sensation shoot up his arm. He instantly dropped it with a frustrated groan. Peter was too preoccupied gulping down the lamb chops and the sausages on his plate so he didn’t notice, but James and Sirius shot Remus a curious glance. Remus turned his head the other way.
A female ghost appeared next to him. She leaned over Remus and discreetly handed him a metal fork and a knife under the table. “I believe this is for you,” she whispered in his ear.
Remus nodded, relieved, and glanced at the High Table where the staff was seated. The Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was observing him with a curious smile. Remus watched him rise slowly from his seat and walk over to the podium.
“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!” Dumbledore called, his voice carried magically throughout the Hall. The students stopped chattering and turned their heads to him.
“Nothing brings me more pleasure than seeing you all here tonight. But before we begin the school year, I should point out a few things for our newcomers. First of all, the forest around the school premises is off-limits. Under no circumstances should you go there alone, as we aspire to ensure your safety and the safety of all magical creatures inhabiting the forest. Next week, the trials for the Quidditch teams of each House shall begin. Every student interested in participating in the tryouts should contact Madam Hooch. Parties and festivities in your dormitories are typically not allowed.” He glanced knowingly over at Fabian Prewett whose eyes lightened up with mischief and he grinned proudly. “But should you decide to hold one, please be sure to cast a Silencing Charm, to prevent the noise from spreading through the castle. Finally, there’s a curfew after nine-thirty in the evening, except for the students studying in the library or attending the Astronomy class. That will be all, for now.” He raised his glass towards his students. “To another year of magic and friendship!”
Everyone cheered loudly.
The boys kept discussing with Gideon, asking about the teachers and their classes. James and Sirius were particularly interested in the Quidditch tryouts, and they became entirely disappointed when Gideon informed them that usually students from the third year and up were accepted into the team.
Time passed, the students finished their dinner and they gradually exited the Great Hall, heading for their dorms. Remus, Peter, Sirius, and James joined the other first-years and followed Gideon to the upper floor. James didn’t even realise how many stairs they had to climb until they reached the Gryffindor Tower but he could feel his legs burning from exhaustion. Gideon stopped just before a large wooden door with a portrait hung on it.
“That’s the Fat Lady, everyone,” he said, gesturing at a woman with a plump face and medieval features. “Our House’s guardian. To enter the common room, you have to say the password and she will open the entrance.”
“For the last time young boy, I’m not fat, I’m curvy,” the woman in the portrait said firmly.
“Whatever you say, my dear,” Gideon replied with a charming smile. “Ignis.”
The Fat Lady crossed her arms with a sulking expression but still opened the door. James and the others slowly entered the Gryffindor common room. The walls were covered with tapestries in scarlet and gold, and scenes of knights in battle and lions roaring. Armchairs and sofas were arranged around the room, a fireplace made of large deep red bricks was in one corner, and several bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and magical texts. Remus’ eyes widened and he felt the urge to grab every single one of them and start reading.
James looked up at the ceiling. His father had told him that it mimicked the night sky, enchanted to reflect the weather outside, whether sunny and clear or stormy and rainy. Older students had already gathered, some playing wizarding chess while others were chilling near the fireplace.
Gideon extended his hands to show off the place. “Here it is. Pretty neat, right?” He stepped forward and pointed towards the stairs at the front of the room. “The stairs on the left lead to the boys’ dorms and those to the right to the girls’. You’re probably too young to hear this but if I catch any of you troublemakers in the girls’ room I’m gonna turn you into hideous frogs. Same applies to the ladies.” The first-years giggled and he clapped his hands. “All right, I’ll leave you to it, then. I suggest you hit the hay early tonight since you’ve got an early start tomorrow. Sleep tight.”
Gideon left to sit with his fellow sixth-years and the boys climbed up the stairs to their dormitory. Their belongings were already arranged beside four-poster beds with scarlet curtains.
“I’m taking the far left!” Sirius said, already rushing to claim his bed.
James approached the one next to Sirius. He lay down on his back with his hands behind his head, thankful for the soft mattress as he stared at the enchanted ceiling. His thoughts drifted to his parents and how he couldn’t wait to write to them.
Peter also tucked himself under his covers. “I can’t believe we’re really here,” he whispered. “Imagine all the magic we’re gonna learn.”
“Magic, mischief, and mayhem, you mean,” said Sirius.
James laughed. “I like the sound of it. It should be our new mantra.”
“I think you lot should focus on learning something useful first,” Remus said. He was already sitting cross-legged on his own bed with a worn-out book in his hands. “Besides, you’d have to master some decent spells before mischief is managed.”
Sirius threw his pillow at him. “Don’t try to wiggle out of it, you insufferable know-it-all.” He grinned. “You’re stuck with us now.”
Remus groaned and threw the pillow back at him.
“We’ll make this year legendary,” James whispered.
The fire in the common room below had reduced to embers and the castle finally settled into a peaceful rhythm. Their exhaustion finally took over and they all drifted into the arms of slumber, preparing for the day that awaited them.