Fidgeting terribly as she stood at the foot of the dias, Bay worried about what was about to transpire. The hat had already sorted several others into houses and while some had been happy others had seemed disappointed. Honestly, she didn't know which house she preferred. Her one true fear was getting up there, putting the hat on, and nothing happening. That would mean this had all been a mistake, she wasn't a witch, and would have to go back to the orphanage.

Bay Turner

Her heart rate kicked up as she slowly slunk up the steps and sat gingerly onto the stool. She closed her eyes as the enormous hat was placed on her head. The 11 year old started shaking. Please do something, please do something, please do something....

I don't just do something dear, I do the most important thing in this castle. I will sort you into your house which will be your family and home for the next seven years.

Green eyes snapped open in surprise as the voice sounded in her head. Her little shaking body took on an excited quality. She was a witch! That hat was talking to her so she belonged here!

Hmmmm....a deep seated need to prove yourself and be excepted. A bit shy but some courage lies beneath. Interesting. A fair amount of cunning and intelligence and a strong set of values. And where to place you......hmmmmm....

Bay waited with more than a little anticipation and listened as the hat talked about her. How did he know these things? From what it was saying she could be placed anywhere!

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

A squeal of delight issued from her lips as the hat was whisked away and Bay jumped off the stool. The first year Hufflepuff! did a happy dance right there in the middle of the hall and then skipped down to join her house at their table!