“Atreyu-Rehman, Aryan!”

Despite being prepared to hear his name ringing across the Great Hall shortly after the Sorting began, he still started slightly. He looked quickly at Bry and Drake then hurriedly made his way to the stool and Hat. But not before giving Bry a quick, small smile and Drake a discreet pat on his hand; it was a touch of reassurance because Ary knew all too well that Drake was feeling anxious.

The eleven year old kept his eyes lowered at all times, knowing that the entire Hall was watching him. When he sat and pulled the Hat over his head, it mercifully fell over his eyes so that he was forced to stare at the inside rather than out at the Hall.

“Another Atreyu-Rehman. Hmmm. It seemed like yesterday I was Sorting your fathers and siblings.”

Ary said nothing because what was there to say? He just sat there calmly, tapping his fingers on his legs while the Hat continued to chatter away.

“There’s great ambition, I see. Determination, resourcefulness. My, my. You can tell where this is heading already, can’t you? There is a huge mass of patience and loyalty. So much loyalty to your family and friends. Where to place you, I wonder?”

Still Ary said nothing, not at all having a preference about what House he got into.

“Well, it better be…

SLYTHERIN!”

With a decision made, Ary removed the hat to head off towards the Table cheering the loudest for him. Already his fingers were crossed; he was hoping with all his heart that Bry, Drake and Gilly were Sorted into Slytherin too. It was a lot to hope for, the realist in him knew that much.

Also, how cool was it that Dad Adi and Papa Benny had four children and each were Sorted into a different Hogwarts House?

"Montmorency, Emma"

Emma had been staring in awe as she was ushered along with the other first years... the boat ride and the ceiling in the great hall being everything she could have dreamt about while Malachi and Ambrose were at Hogwarts. It seemed weird, for as long as she remembered, wishing to be here at school with her brothers and missing them something fierce while they were off learning magic. Yet now here she was, awaiting her fate from the old hat without her brothers still. It was kind of unfair that they got overlap at school for a few years and she had no time with even Malachi.

At least she had friends from St Woboldo's and those who she'd yet to meet. She looked onward applauding something fierce when Aryan got Slytherin. Several sortings go by until the M surnames. Her name coming just before Arienne's and she gave her friend a hopeful look as she took a seat on the stool, the room going black a moment later when the hat was placed on her head and covered her eyes.


Ah yes... another Montmorency... I remember your kind... your brothers... your father was a quidditch captain. Yes you have that same sense of ambition and drive that your father had... you would do well here but wait...

The hat fell silent as if it was contemplating its decision and Emma wondered if it took a nap. She'd heard of sortings taking awhile and while she had a feeling it was gearing her toward Slytherin as her father and eldest brother, there was something about the way it muttered 'wait' that caused her to roll her eyes upward curiously. She wouldn't mind Slytherin. Aryan was there and Bryony's mama was head of slytherin house, but the was the wait that gave her pause.

Ah yes I can see it... that drive ... the ambition, but you also care deeply for friendships. A good mind... Yes... well then... better be ... Hufflepuff!

Wait what? Dizzy when the hat came off her head as the light filtered into her eyes, the blonde nearly knocked the stool over as she looked towards the house of yellow and black. How bizarre was it that her father who once disliked Hufflepuffs, had two of his offspring sorted as such? Her head was spinning as she barely made her way towards the Hufflepuff table, barely hearing Arienne's name mentioned after hers

Rowan stood at the back, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed defensively as she watched the proceedings of the sorting ceremony. All these first years.. Her, a fourth year. There were a few other older students dotted around, but not many, and she was too anxious to try and make conversation with any of them while they awaited their fate.

It would have been nice to have been given the option to sort privately and not have to go and sit at the front of the hall with all eyes on her. She did feel awkward being older.

Still, at least it would be over and done with soon as they had already reached the surnames beginning with F.

And there it was. “FAIRFAX. ROWAN.” Her name was called. She pushed off the wall and headed up to the front, sitting and trying not to look at anyone as the hat was placed on her head, her expression stoic.

Would she be a Gryffindor like her mum? A Slytherin like her blood father? Or something else entirely.

She remembered that girl from Diagon Alley saying you could influence the hat if you really had your heart set on a particular house. But Rowan didn't. She had already decided to leave things entirely up to fate as she really didn't mind where she ended up.

The hat began to speak. It felt a bit like being initiated into a cult. She kept still, trying to look serene and relaxed, her eyes focused on the back of the hall.

“A fourth year. How interesting.” It said smoothly. “Let's take a look, shall we?” She took a small shaky breath.

“A clever mind. Logical and driven with a keen need to learn. An knowledge of muggle and magic. I wonder.. would you make a Ravenclaw?”

Well.. would she? She didn't know. She wanted this hat to tell her that. That's why she was sitting here.

“But no.. I don't think that would be a good fit for you. Determination. I see it. Absolute focus to achieve your goals – tunnel vision no matter what gets in your way.” Rowan's eyes widened a little. She knew what that meant. But.. but.. the hat was right. “Such ambition, persuasiveness and resourcefulness will get you to high places in life.”

“SLYTHERIN!”

And that was it. Off came the hat and off she went to join the Slytherin table.

________________


Sorting time!

Ezra Greenwood waited with the new students, himself a year above the mass influx of firsties. He wasn't much taller, however, so he stealthily blended in and didn't stand out like the an ogre's sore thumb.. which would have felt very awkward for the twelve year old.

BUT he was ELATED he didn't have to wear a silly pointy hat and it hadn't been compulsory on his second year's supply list.

The sorting was alphabetical so he wouldn't have too long to wait. Being 'G', - not at the top, but just far enough down the list to give him enough time to process what was going on and to prepare. He knew about the sorting hat, of course, but it was interesting to see it with it's creepy mouth wrinkles and hollow eyes and the looks on the first year's faces - especially those who were obviously muggleborn and new to magic. What did it feel like? What did it sound like when on your head? How much of you could it actually read?

Eli, his brother, was right before him, and it was no surprise which house he was sorted into. Ezra created his own inner dialogue for the hat as it sorted him. 'Ambitious, determined, grumpy.. clever clogs... mean to his brother.. half goblin.' Hah! Slytherin of course! Called it!

Next was the bright little boy who was struggling to keep still in a haze of nervous excitement. Ezra cautiously made his way up to the front and sat, and the hat was placed upon his head. He jumped when it began to speak to him alone, even though he knew it was coming. It was an odd experience indeed.

“Well well.. what do we have here?” It pondered. Ezra tried to look up at it. “What an enigma you are, my boy. You're from a long line of Slytherins. Oh yes. Very old fashioned they are, but you are not? A free thinker. A boy who knows his own mind despite all those who try and pull him in other directions. A brave trait indeed. You would make a respectable Gryffindor. But no.. no-no.. You also know what you want and how to get it. Slytherin could certainly be your home. It would please your family greatly, would it not? But I don't sense ill-meaning manipulation. A deft mind and an understanding is your helping hand. ..But ah, I see now.. that passion – that curiosity of those muggle contraptions with that screwdriver of yours.. Hmm..” ”

Ezra was getting fidgety. This felt like it was taking far longer than anyone else. Eli had been down and up again in what seemed like seconds.

“Gryffindor.. Slytherin.. Ravenclaw.. What do you think?” Ezra was giving no input to this monologue from the hat. What did he know anyway? “Empathetic, accepting, independent.. A yearning to make sense of it all. Oh and you're obsessive too, aren't you dear boy? I know exactly what you are..”

There was a pause and then a shout from the hat which caused another jump from the boy.

“RAVENCLAW!”

The hat was removed and a bewildered Ezra stood.. he took a little bow because he didn't know what else to do when applause and cheers erupted.. and with a grin, made his way to his new housemates at the table embellished with blue.

Sohrin fiddled with his fingers as he waited to be called to the stool in the middle of the Great Hall. His mother had told him stories about Hogwarts, but she had never explained how the sorting took place. He hadn't given it much thought at first, but on his way to school by boat, he became intrigued.

Sohrin looked up at the dark ceiling after noting that a staff member had been calling from an alphabetical list of names. He was taken aback when he noticed the night sky above him and immediately wondered how that was possible. Was it a spell? Was it something that the castle created on its own?

"Solberg, Sohrin"

The eleven-year-old looked down quickly and inadvertently hurt his neck. As he walked to the front and sat on the stool, he rubbed it.

Sohrin looked around as the sorting hat was placed on his head, and the brim of the hat slid down further, covering half of his vision. "Hmm, I see"Sohrin jumped in his seat. Had that been his imagination? "I had the honor of sorting your mother. A fiery Gryffindor if I'm not mistaken." Sohrin smiled and nodded his head.

"However, I doubt you'll find a home in Gryffindor's House." said the hat. "I see you value originality and creativity" Sohrin remained silent and resumed fiddling with his fingers. He wasn't sure whether he should respond. "I sense you have a lot of questions up here that you want answered." The hat laughed. "I believe this House will assist you in discovering them." There was a brief pause before the hat exclaimed.

RAVENCLAW"

Ravenclaw...Ravenclaw! Sohrin removed the sorting hat and jumped off the stool. He smiled brightly and walked over to the table with the green and silver banners, only to be embarrassingly redirected to the correct house table.

Etta shivered with anxiety waiting for her name to be called upon. Her hands were clammy as she fidgeted with her robes, her eyes shifted around the room as students were individually summoned by the hat.

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. The eleven year old’s mind was racing.

”Henrietta Han!”

Oh snap…it was time.

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.

Etta made her way and sat on the stool that was by now, warm, from the students before her. Clenching her jaw and wringing her hands, the old hat was placed on her head.

The hat hummed, figuring out this nervous child. The humming of the hat oddly felt soothing and Etta loosened her jaw and her shoulders relaxed.

”Hmm, I sense you are quiet and observant...yes very observant. A resourceful and determined mind to seek answers and power. You must be SLYTHERIN!”

Etta’s lips curled into a small and prideful smile.

”Thank you.” She bowed to the hat before booking out there!

Shy didn't cry. Thank Merlin!

Kenneth was relieved when the group of new students was finally ushered into the dining hall. He was so hungry. He had forgotten to eat lunch thanks to being too engrossed in a book, and then he'd only had a snack because he didn't want to spoil his dinner. Trying to ignore his hunger, he looked around wide-eyed as they all went to the front of the hall. There were a lot of students here...more teenagers than he'd ever seen, in his whole life, he thought. And he thought there'd been a lot of people in the Diagon Alley!

Luckily all these people were sitting at tables and not all crowding around. Since his personal space was intact, he was able to notice that there was no ceiling at all in this hall! Jaw gaping a bit, he adjusted his glasses as he stared up, directly at the sky. Wait... no, that wasn't the sky. Was the ceiling enchanted? If that was what everything at this magic school was going to be like, Kenneth thought he could manage the crowds.

He gathered with the others and waited patiently as they started calling students up to try on...a talking hat. Being a Mills, he knew he'd be called right in the middle, which was a relief. He thought both being first and being last would be awful. He didn't want to ever be that memorable. After what felt like an eternity, his name was finally called.

"Mills, Kenneth!"

After a deep breath, the eleven-year-old ambled up the steps and sat on the stool. Hat on his head, he peeked up at the brim as soon as it started talking.

Ahhhh, a bibliophile, hmmmm, yes, your love of books and reading is impressive. More books than friends, is that how you live?

Kenneth squeezed his eyes closed at that biting comment. It wasn't his fault he had no friends. Books were just more readily accessible, and, and they were always there for him, and they'd be there when he went home as well. People were nice, he supposed, but he just didn't know many. Yet.

Well, you might do well in Ravenclaw, but I know you'll do well in Hufflepuff.

And Kenneth thought either of those sounded just fine, so long as he could be in a house and not have to have everyone staring at him anymore.

Very well, head on over to HUFFLEPUFF!

The hat bellowed the last word, making Kenneth wince before he returned the hat and hurried over to table of students bearing the yellow and black of his new house.

"This was it..." Mathius thought as he was lined up with the other first years. The entire gaggle of students were paraded up and on display like meat in a hall of dogs. All the other students looked at them, weighing and measuring them as the new students waited to be sorted.

"Mathius Slever!" was called, "Oh bugger" was all he could think as he sat on the stool and the hat lowered almost over his nose.

"Hhmmm... odd" remarked the hat. "Um... Whats odd Mr. mind reading, kinda creepy hat?" The cloth of the hat seemed to bunch up in a smirk, like a teacher about to let a student in on the joke. "I find not the finest mind, but a deep thirst for understanding..." Mathius scowled "cheeky... cheeky bonnet..." he muttered. "I find neither a courageous heart nor the heart of a lion, but i see a kind of confidence there..." Mathius was glad the brim of the hat cover the top half of his for his brow was scrunching in agitation. "Those with the light inside them will shine through seven layers of muck, while some won't sparkle no matter how much you buff them..." The hat paused, almost like it was building to somthing. "But your place in these halls where you belong is... RAVENCLAW!" The sorting hat yelled to the hall"

Still in a state of anger, the hat was pulled off his head and returned to the stool. It seemed like the hat may have made a jab or two at him, and he privately wondered if it was allowed to do that. All in all he was still excited, to meet his new "family" as it were. He took a seat at the Ravenclaw table, looking at the new faces before returning his gaze to the stool. His friend Alyx should be sorted soon, "I wonder if she'll be in my house too?"

It was a little bit annoying that her surname came later in the alphabet, especially when it seemed like there were SO MANY students here to be sorted. Florence wanted to know SO BADLY what house she would be in.

But, at least in this instance, that wasn't going to make it happen any sooner. There was nothing she could do except pass the time by keeping an eye on her brother Sammy, who was moving about like a cruppy with a new toy. Business as usual really, and she didn't blame him. She'd be bouncing off the walls too, but she was a proper lady, like her gran.

She was also a lady who glared at anyone who looked at her brother funny for his behavior. At least one of them should be allowed to show how thrilling this momentous occasion was.

"Schultz, Florence."

Wait. It was time?

It was time!!

Fighting the urge to skip, Florence instead walked very calmly - and, in her mind, very gracefully - to the stool and sat down, back straight, hands in her lap. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head and partially covered her eyes.

"Ah, yes, another Schultz, I see. I have seen many members of your family come through here, very talented people all. And now for you...yes, an inquisitive mind, a desire for knowledge, but ambition! Oh yes, a great drive and determination to prove yourself... And yet...hmmmm..."

The hat fell quiet, muttering to itself but not loud enough for her to make out the words. Which was odd because it still felt like she could hear it in her head, but somehow the hat was keeping it hidden from her. She didn't appreciate that.

Hello?

The hat did not respond. She frowned, but tried to maintain her composure instead. Perhaps it was unwise to rush the hat in its decision.

And so she waited.

...And waited.

...And waited??? How long had it been? Was this...??

Hello???

"...yes... Yes, yes, quite right. A difficult decision, but I have reached one. You belong in..."

She held her breath.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The grin lit up her face as the hat was taken off her head. Flo hopped off the stool (not very gracefully but never mind that), glanced back at Sammy to see his reaction, and then headed for the green and silver table to watch his sorting next.

As soon as the sorting started, Roman was glad his name wasn't too early or too late; it was just right. He'd be in the beginning of the middle, probably. He kept his hands clasped in front of him as he calmly watched the proceedings, not moving much or whispering to Charlie or trying to find Kenneth or Phoebe. Where would his new friends be placed? Hopefully at least one of them would be a Slytherin with him.

Well, assuming he'd be a Slytherin. But Roman felt like it would be the best fit for him without needing a hat to tell him so. How could a hat know him better than he knew himself? He supposed there might be some repressed ideas or feelings that the hat could tap into, but he tried not to think about that because it was a frightening thought. A magical entity seeing his deepest desires and secrets?

Not to mention that the hat seemed to be talking to each student quietly before shouting the chosen house. Roman didn't want to speak to the hat. He was shy; what did one say to a hat? Maybe he would be one of the kids whose head the hat barely needed to touch before calling out a house. That seemed to be happening sometimes, but other times the hat reaaaaally was chatting it up with the person in the hot seat. Roman didn't think he'd have anything to say to a hat.

Eventually, his name was called, and Roman Gellar shuffled forward to sit atop the stool and have the hat placed delicately on his head. The hat was a bit heavier than he expected, and it slipped down over one of his eyes. Out of habit, Roman fixed the hat. When the hat spoke, it seemed to be almost in his head. Like, inside his head. Not just near his head. It was an odd sensation.

I see you want to be in Slytherin, like your parents and your sister. I remember sorting them. I suppose Slytherin would suit you, but I see you'd be a good fit for Ravenclaw, Mr. Gellar. Roman wanted to scoff, but held it in and merely closed his eyes. He didn't like the hat's voice because, to him, it sounded like someone was crumbling parchment together, grating. I agree. Slytherin would fit you better. Ambition and a great amount of loyalty lies with you, but Ravenclaw would satiate your curious side, my boy. No? Roman supposed Ravenclaw wouldn't be all bad, but he really felt like his heart was set on Slytherin. And he thought so, in his head.

The voice grew silent, and for a second, Roman wondered if the hat was irritated enough to make Roman wait for an official answer. That was when the hat's announcement came, and Roman nearly jumped off the stool from the suddenness. "SLYTHERIN!"

As soon as he hear the S, Roman had pulled the hat off his head, returned it, and skated towards the Slytherin table with anticipation. Anxious anticipation, but anticipation nonetheless.

It was done. HE WAS A SLYTHERIN.

Okay, so, this was taking FOREVER.

Natasha nervously waited, her stomach doing weird flips and turns - she just hoped she wasn’t going to vomit. Wouldn’t that be a great start at her new school? She wanted to bite her nails so badly, which she usually did when she felt anxious but it was a habit she was trying to get rid of. She just wanted to be done with this. Also. Her last name starting with an S was turning out to be so problematic, ugh.

Shenoy, Natasha.

Finally. She quietly walked over to the stool - prepared to have a conversation or even an argument with the Hat - she had to be in ravenclaw, just like her parents. Plus, blue was her favourite colour. So logical, right?

She sat down, straightened her back and crossed her legs. This was the moment. The Hat was finally placed on her head and —

SLYTHERIN!!!

WAIT, WHAT??? That’s it? Nooooo. How- what- the eleven year old felt so perplexed. She was so sure that she could convince the Hat but that was quick. Like, barely a second.

Right, so slytherin it was.. and she was stuck in it for the next seven terms. She stood up slowly and made her way to her table, putting on a smile and trying so hard to not show her disappointment.

Alyx Stone walked into the line of first years that were crowding outside the great hall and then followed them inside to wait to be sorted. As the the professor called the students names, Alyx's tension got more and more pent up inside of her until finally, "Stone, Alyx". She heard her name and she was so nervous. She walked up and sat on the little stool.

"So loyal, I see. You are a hard worker and friendships are the most important thing to you." the hat said to Alyx.

"HUFFLEPUFF" the hat chortled, and cheers came from the Hufflepuff table.

Alyx went to take her seat and hoped she would meet some other first years who were being sorted.

At the beginning of the sorting, the eight Grimaldi children that were Hogwarts age had been huddled together as those with surnames before theirs went. But then the G's came. And then one by one Maebry lost four of her siblings to the tables surrounding them. With each loss, she felt more exposed. Summer had been fun because they'd been wearing disguises and no one knew exactly who they were... but right here? Everyone knew. The press had been at the train station. The press had been everywhere. She knew that Freddie had probably been on the lookout for anyone in this hall that wasn't supposed to be there, but it didn't matter to Maebry.

With the press, she felt somewhat safe. She knew lots of them. Cel taught her lots of their names and told them things about their families. Here... well, she only knew her siblings. Seven of the eight most important and special people she had ever and would ever know. She was proud of be one of them. Proud to be their sister.

She found herself watching the other students, catching them watching her, catching them whispering, catching them just as Grey glared back at them. Throughout the Grimaldi sortings, she held the hand (feelings flower hand of course) of the sibling up next as tight as she possibly could, sending them off with an 'I love you' as they made their way up to the stage stool and hat. And then Cyprien was sorted into Hufflepuff and for the briefest moment, Maebry cheered. The press had been dead set on her being sorted into Hufflepuff and having Cyp there would make everything so much easier. But then she caught sight of Alexei's face and then her brothers hugged and her heart squeezed out the surge of tears she didn't realise that she had left after crying for most of the day.

Maebry had never been away from her Mum.

But Lex had never been away from Cyp and that broke her heart. The twins were soulmates. They were a whole when they were together and Maebry had never thought about a world where Cyp and Lex weren't together. Her understanding of the Hogwarts house system was not extensive, but she knew it meant that they might have separate classes, they'd sleep in different parts of the school and it wasn't fair. Maeb backed into Grey and Win as close as she could possibly get and shut her eyes tight thinking of home. Home with Gen and Edie and Esme and SP. Home with Alexei and Astrid and Bronwen and Celinde and Cyprien and Melodia and Rhapsody and Winifred.

Her name was called while she was crying and took her by surprise, but she smeared what was left of the tears on her cheeks onto her sleeve and hurried her way forward. Everyone had seen her cry. On the platform, on the train, just before this. But this was her unveiling to her peers. This was her on her own. Maebry Aralyn Grimaldi, youngest daughter of Genevieve Grimaldi.

"Hi, I'm Maebry..." She whispered to the hat as it was lifted from the stool and she was able to sit herself down underneath it. The problem was... Maebry didn't know how to focus on things that were being said when her heart was pounding, her brain was crying and all she could do was beg in her thoughts to go home. Which is exactly why she looked between Lex, Bron, Cel and Cyp and then back to the trio of Grimaldis left to be sorted after her.

The hat, of course, talked about her gentle nature, her overwhelming love for the people she loved, her nickname 'the daisy' and how she would do anything for her people to be happy. But it also talked about her desperate need to be liked, how she did things, liked things and said things because she knew her siblings did them, liked them or said them. The hat touched upon the sortings of her parents, both mother and father.

Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff.

That was where she was going. She knew it, the hall knew it, the press knew it, her siblings knew it.

Maebry locked eyes with Cyprien, giving him the best smile she could manage and praying he'd saved a seat beside him for her to cuddle in next to him.

And then her world ended.

"You need more than a house that you fit into on the surface. You need to be pushed and challenged.

It's time to be brave, Maebry.

Gryffindor!"

As if on cue, Maebry burst into tears all over again and ripped the hat from her head. "No no no no no no no nO!" It wasn't time to be brave. It wasn't time to be anything but Maebry. It was time to go home. HOME. HOME NOW. It was time to wake up and this nightmare to be over and to sneak between three houses and pick a sibling to sleep with and to have family breakfast and to water the plants in their big garden. The first year Gryffindor threw the hat onto the floor and tore the shoes and socks she had been forced to wear on top of it before running barefoot towards Celinde at the Gryffindor table.

Alissa's feet hurt. She hadn't set a timer but now she sort of wished she would have. It seemed like everyone's sorting was taking forever. For the most part, it hadn't interested her all that much. It was mostly first years, as was expected. The only interesting part was toward the middle, when all eight Grimaldi's were sorted, one after another. She'd been hoping to be in the same house as one of the fourth year girls, as part of her master plan to become besties. There was Bronwen, who she'd met in Diagon Alley, who went to Slytherin. And in all of her speculation about her own house she'd never really considered Slytherin. Though of course it was a possibility. Then Celinde went to Gryffindor, and she had a 50/50 shot of rooming with a Grimaldi. With Alexei and Cyprien, there was a fourth year Grimaldi in each house. Even if she didn't end up rooming with one of them she would at least share a house with one of them. But being roomies would be the coolest.

After that there was more waiting, watching the crowd around her dwindle as kids were sent off to one of the four house tables. And then, finally, it was her turn. She heard the call of Rhodes, Alissa and eagerly stepped up onto the dais. A moment later, the hat was placed over her head.

If anyone looked closely enough, they would notice that Liss was holding a small pin between her hands, fidgeting with it. It was a golden gordian knot. At Ilvermorny, everyone wore one to fasten their robes around their necks. Even though it wasn't part of her uniform anymore, she carried it with her everywhere. It had been in her pocket up until now, but when she sat down and the sorting hat settled over her head she took it out to fidget with it. She didn't want to admit it, but she was nervous. Nervous about starting at a new school where she barely knew anyone. Nervous about having to make new friends and fit in. The knot brought her some small measure of comfort, a reminder of home.

Liss couldn't help but think back to her sorting at Ilvermorny three years prior. It had brought a similar feeling of nerves, but the actual procedure was much different. Students were called to stand on a large symbol of the gordian knot inlaid into the stone floor. Surrounding them were carvings of the four house mascots; Horned Serpent, Wampus, Thunderbird, and Pukwudgie. When it had been her turn, the Horned Serpent's head had glowed, and the Thunderbird had beaten its wings. So it had been up to her to choose, and she'd ultimately gone with Horned Serpent. She'd been reading about the houses at Hogwarts, and Ravenclaw seemed like the most like Horned Serpent, but she knew that it wasn't exact. And since two houses at Ilvermorny had fit, it would make sense if it wasn't easy here either. Sorry to anyone hoping to get to eat soon.

Approximately three and a half minutes after the hat had touched her head, it reached its decision. During that time, Alissa listened to it debate her traits and where she would fit best. Predictably, Ravenclaw was at the top of its list. It dismissed Slytherin nearly immediately, and briefly considered Gryffindor because of its similarity to Thunderbird but dismissed that one fairly quickly as well. Which meant most of the time was spent between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. But in the end it went with what Alissa had been expecting this whole time.

"RAVENCLAW"

The hat was lifted off her head and she let a small smile settle on her face as she made her way toward the cheering Ravenclaw table, where three Grimaldis and several new first years sat.

"Dupont, Phoebe."

Phoebe stood frozen in the group of other kids. She was- she was panicking. Probably everyone knew that the Duponts- probably everyone knew that her family- probably everyone hated her already. And she was so terribly scared about it. Someone nudged her forwards, and she stood like a deer in the headlights like that for at least thirty seconds before an older student took pity and guided her further towards the stool. She gathered up her courage and sat down- her feet barely touched the floor- she was so afraid, looking at all the faces- she gathered up her thoughts and wishes and put the hat on.

HiMyNameIsPhoebeCalypso. I don't want to be in- "Slytherin!"

Wait!!! No!!! This was a- it didn't even listen to her- she COULDN'T be a Slytherin- her mum was a Slytherin and- Phoebe was scared and upset and bewildered, looking between the teachers and the table of friendly, welcoming Slytherins cheering for her. She headed that way, overwhelming painful and guilty feelings already starting to bubble up within her, but she tried to keep her composure.

All of a sudden, she stopped, and looked back towards the teachers, judging that they were rather far away. Tears welling up in her eyes, and starting the shake a little, she sprinted out of the great hall as fast as her very short legs would take her. She wasn't sure where she was going, but she was going away. She was going where she would be safe, and she didn't have to remember that she was in the same house as her mother.

Catch me if you can.

None of Charlie's siblings had mentioned the Sorting Ceremony taking long. He had worked out for himself that there was no set length, given how sometimes the Hat would sort instantly, and other times - so many other times - it would take several minutes, so he supposed there was really no predicting it. His twelfth birthday, and he'd spent it on a train, and then in what seemed like an hour-long queue, as though waiting for the dullest ride ever. He was getting antsy; at least there had been plenty of opportunity for conversation on the train.

Charlie paid attention for a while, specifically watching out for the different reactions. Smiles, tears, and not-so-great escapes. One of the latter didn't surprise Charlie must; he caught another first year's eye in that moment in a silence exchange, and looked away again. The main thing he was learning here was that people really did take this house stuff seriously, and maybe that was why it ended up mattering more than might be reasonably expected otherwise.

Des was up long before he was, and soon after them, Charlie watched as Roman was sent off to the Slytherin table, and he knew he'd be please. Soon after, Eli joined him there - big surprise - but the boy who came next - who Charlie supposed was the brother and the foil of his Durmstrang attendance - was placed in Ravenclaw. Eventually. Afterwards, a whole chain of Grimaldis - and it was about halfway through their hat-hogging that he lost interest in the whole affair, and decided he didn't have the energy to pretend otherwise. In fact, the energy situation in general was taking a nosedive.

Charlie backed up through the crowd of students yet to be sorted, letting them swallow him up, and slipped out the back of their ranks. There was an empty space at the very end of the nearby Ravenclaw table, and he went ahead and sat down, head propped on his hand, tapping his other fingers on the surface of the table, drained and restless both.

More sortings, more tears, more minutes stretched by, until at long last, they called for 'Upstead, Charlie', and he looked around, got to his feet, and pushed through what remained of the crowd.

But on his way to the stool, it occurred to Charlie that he'd waited all that time for this moment, his moment, and what if it just yelled out a house immediately? He knew where he was likely to be placed, probably very quickly, and that all who knew him suspected the same thing, and he knew he'd be perfectly content with that house in spite of the predictability of it all. He also knew he ought to receive more than a cursory glance and an immediate decision. Call it a birthday gift.

So as Charlie turned his back on the staff, perched on the stool, and looked out over the rest of the students, he thought one thing as hard as he could, beamed the one word from his mind into the cerebral fabric of the Hat, with all of his not inconsiderable force of will: HUFFLEPUFF.

He thought he felt it move, like it had been ready to make its proclamation, only to reconsider. And of course, once he thought that, Charlie was inclined to believe he really had exerted his will on it in some way, this ancient artefact with all its subtle power. Not physical power, but there was no doubting the decisions it had made had impacted the course of history who-even-knew-how-many times. Still did. Maybe always would. Because people made sure that houses mattered.

Whether or not he really had sensed anything, the Hat - way too big for him, by the way - was set down on his head, falling down over his eyes so that he saw only patchy candlelight through the threadbare fabric. He felt the power in it, he knew he did. And it did nothing. Stunned, maybe.

Just kidding.

The Hat spoke - inside his head. I see...

There was another pause, before the Hat started its work, providing a running commentary as it rifled through his mind. Upstead, was it? Naturally... A shrewd mind, if a slight propensity to get in your own way... Bold, very much so... Calculating, and yet... impetuous? ... Oh, I see, yes... yes, that does make sense...

And on, and on, and on. Charlie didn't hurry it along. Now he was the one being Sorted, the length of the ceremony ceased to matter.

Fearless, oh yes, but can one be courageous if he lacks fear? Certainly, he can be reckless, impulsive. There is no denying you have faced adversity, though I'm not sure you truly understand it yourself just yet.

For several minutes, the Hat had been making all kinds of remarks, but that was the first that sparked a small flare of irritation in Charlie. That he might not understand something, specifically about anything he had faced. About those things, he was the only expert.

An interest in power... but a need for it? Perhaps not in the traditional sense... Though I see it very clearly, a manipulative streak, a tendency to pull the strings... You like to play games, I see... There was another pause, and then, quieter. No moral compass to speak of. Naturally. Not a dealbreaker, of course, but there's no denying it's made you resourceful... determined... you'd let nothing stand in your way. Yes, it does seem to be clear...

And yet, the Hat shouted nothing, but lapsed into silence. Charlie didn't know how long he'd been sitting there - a few minutes at least - but he was reasonably satisfied he'd got what he wanted out of the process. So. Slytherin, then?

Pause. Perhaps. But I wonder... if Gryffindor might serve you better. Light up the paths you might overlook. You would not be out of place there.

Serve him? Sure, Charlie didn't mind the sound of that. He considered the idea, but didn't respond, though obviously the Hat could pick up on what he was thinking all the same.

You would do well in Slytherin, the house would fit you like a glove, and your values are theirs. They would help you along the path to greatness- ...

I don't need help for that.

... but I can see here... you are at a crossroads. Every day, every decision, crucial. Moments of great importance. I've seen what can become of your ilk when I place them in Slytherin. Another Upstead, for instance...

My brother. The same brother, in fact, who had advised Charlie to avoid Slytherin, if he could... but not for the same reasons the Hat was getting at, as far as he could tell.

Again, he hadn't meant to communicate that to the Hat, but it knew anyway, perhaps could bear witness to the entire conversation by digging through his hippocampus. No, but he wasn't wrong. For some, it makes all the difference, and you've had a head start. Another pause. Any preference?

Charlie didn't need to think about it. No. He sent back. No preference.

No, I thought not.

More silence, but Charlie sensed they were reaching the end of it. He drummed his fingers against the knuckles of his other hand, ready to be done with this thing now, to move along to pastures new, and whatever filled those pastures - venom, or claws.

Well, it said at last - still in his head. Variety is the spice of life.

And in the next moment, Charlie heard the Sorting Hat roar its verdict to the Great Hall - five minutes and thirty-two seconds after it had been placed on his head.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The Hat was lifted from his head, and light streamed into his eyes. Charlie let them adjust for a second before getting to his feet, and headed for the table on the left-hand side of the Hall.

"Vance, Emmeline!"

Emmie knew that her surname wasn't at the top of the list so she stood and twinned her thumbs and worried as peer after peer was called to put a seat under the hat. She dreaded that the hat would refuse to sort her because she hadn't until recently been enrolled to start Hogwarts because of tragic reasons.

When finally it was her turn just before her brother Emmie shot him a quick look for support before walking the short distance over to sit down on the stool in front of the whole school and within seconds the rugged old sorting hat was placed on her head and everything went dark.

"Another member of the Vance clan I see. I've sorted you mother, your aunt Laurel and your cousin Cole recently too. But you my dear girl is a hard nut to place. I see curiousity, empathy for your friends, a love for books, a good mind, but also a strong will and wish to prove yourself, and fiery feelings. Hmm, Slytherin would fit you well, but also Gryffindor." Suddenly the hat went quiet and Emmie held her breath as she silently begged please, please, please put me in my mothers house, I can be kind and loyal and everything a true badger is.

"RAVENCLAW!" It took one minute for Emmie to register what the hat had bellowed out before she yanked the hat off her head, jumped off the stool and cried out as she sprinted towards the doors of the great hall without looking back and out as a tears started to fall down her face "NOOOOOOOOOOOO! No I don't want to be in that house! I refusssssssse!"

The train ride had been rather uneventful, although that wasn’t exactly unwelcome. Sloane had heard mention that some children of famous celebrities had been spotted on board the train but that interested her about as much as the scenery did outside. That was to say not an iota. Although, for the briefest of moments, she had been worried that someone might have recognised her. The passing of her parents had been in the muggle newspaper, although no one had let her see it. Deep down, she was glad. She couldn’t bare reading the nasty, yet accurate words that were no doubt wrote about her parents.

Staring out the window on the train, the passing of trees seemed like it would never end, and whilst that did allow her to lose herself in day dreams, it also allowed her more time to think, something she’d been trying to avoid. Ever since she’d left her parents and her siblings behind, she felt life she’d been thrown around from place-to-place life a helium balloon that had escaped the clasp of a child and was now floating off into the sky. Into the unknown, being dragged in every direction by the wind, around and around with no choice but to see it through to the end. When it did end however, she was quick to escape into the thick of the crowd, alone and unnoticed, just how she liked it. That was until she was forced into a boat with a few other children.

Whilst somewhat refreshing, the boat ride across the lake had left Sloane feeling cold, but that didn’t stop her from leaning over so that her fingertips could trace patterns in the water. For a moment, she even though she saw something underneath the water but just as quick, it had vanished, back into the obsidian water. Taking her hand out, she dried it in her new robes and quickly shoved it into her pockets. Her new robes didn’t help the situation either however, despite drying her hands. Rubbing against her skin, her neck was beginning to feel raw as she tugged at it in an attempt to stop it from aggravating her skin. She was pleased to have new clothes, but it had been so long she’d forgotten how annoying it could be. Still, she was pleased that Faith and Zoryn has been nice enough to buy them for her, although it wasn’t like they had a choice. They’d agreed to look after her and whilst she was relieved to have a place to stay, she still missed her brothers. In the few short weeks that she’d been living with them, life had been monumentally better, somewhat normal, boring, and for the first time, Sloane had felt the first trace of what loneliness was. Despite the tough times at home, she’d had her brothers for company. Now, she had Zoryn and Faith but it just wasn’t the same. She could never talk to them about her night terrors or how she felt both abandoned and like she’d abandoned them, at the same time. The thought caused a shiver down her spine but luckily for her, the ride didn’t last too long. Before she knew it, she was stepping out of the old, wooden boat onto the ancient, stone grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

As the doors opened and her eyes fell upon the Great Hall for the first time, she couldn’t help but feel somewhat overwhelmed by it all. Hundreds of eyes on her, staring at her as if they could see into her very soul and pull of her every fear. Taking a breath to compose herself, Sloane clenched her fists in the pockets of her robes and forced her head towards the table at the front of the hall. She desperately wanted to look for Mika and the rest of her other two brothers but taking her eyes from the front to the crowds around her might have caused her to just curl up into a ball. Another obstacle in the way of her finding her siblings was also the fact that she had no idea where they were sitting or what house they were in. Were they in Slytherin? Or Ravenclaw? Someone mentioned Hufflepuff on the train but that didn’t sound right either. And then she actually had to find them amongst the crowd.

The chance to look for them had been quickly ripped out from under her however. Much to her chagrin, the sorting had begun and the old, musty hat that had been sitting at the front of the hall on the stool had started calling out the names of her fellow first years. This was the one thing she’d remembered above all else, mainly because it was her last chance at being in the same house with her brothers. Sure, she couldn’t remember which house they were in but hopefully, with a bit of luck ,something she’d never had an ounce of in her life, she’d land in the same house as one of them at least. Sloane waited with baited breath as name after name was called out in front of her. She wasn’t sure if it was always this long but it felt like it almost lasted forever before her name was called. She wouldn’t have been surprised if there was blood dripping from where her nails had been digging into them by the time her name was called. Determined not to let the eyes staring at her win, she gritted her teeth and stepped forward. She would not cry in front of everyone like the girl that got sorted not long before her.

Finally sitting on the stool, she sat there, uncomfortable and rigid, waiting for the hat to finally rest on her head. What she didn’t anticipate was the size of the hat and the way it would slide down over her eyes. Her breath hitched as everything went black and she froze, waiting for something to happen so she shouldn’t have been surprised when the hat spoke in her ear. That still didn’t stop her from squeaking and almost ripping it from over her eyes.

“Aha…another Knott. The same, and yet, so very different. You have a propensity for self-preservation,” the voice whispered in what it must have thought was a calm and soothing voice. Sloane found it eerie and slightly creepy however. “What do you know about my brothers?” she whispered, but it just seemed to ignore her.

“You try your utmost to manipulate others and to hide so not to be seen or heard. You shift attention from yourself seamlessly, but I sense that here, in the right house, that could change. For better or worse, it remains to be seen. Only the future will tell. But where to put you?” She was about to complain when the hat mentioned where to put her and froze, waiting for the decision. It sure did like to take its time or simply, enjoyed the sound of its own voice. Although that wasn’t necessarily true. Some of the children had found out straight away!

“You would do well in Ravenclaw, you know? I also sense a thirst to learn. To prove yourself. To…aha. I see.” After the briefest of pauses, the hat boomed out…

“Slytherin!”

Ripping the hat off, Sloane looked around desperately as the crowd that had briefly vanished before her eyes appeared again. Jumping up off of the stool, she ran towards the group of children that were cheering and slammed herself down onto the table. She quickly shoved away the empty plate and cutlery from in front of her and put her head down on the table as she struggled to hold herself together.

Waiting with all of the other students to be sorted was perfectly okay with Bryony. That was until the moment Aryan had left her side to take his turn upon the stool and have the hat placed on his head. She gave him a warm smile and watched with bright eyes and baited breath. It wasn't very long before the hat stated that he was to be heading over to the Slytherin table now. As she watched him go, that could only mean one thing for her, she HAD to be placed into Slytherin too. No offense to any of the other houses, she loved them all but wherever Ary went, she went too.

It was a mere matter of seconds before the calmness that Aryan had brought her with having him at her side was gone to be replaced by extreme excitement. Instantaneous bouncing on her feet occurred and bright sparkling blue eyes began to scope out all the others waiting to be sorted now. Several of her friends were still waiting their turns as well as many many others she didn't know yet. Turning away from all of them for a moment she looked to her mama who was sitting at the staff dias and gave her a bright smile, then turned to seek out each of her three siblings. Hi Nova, Melody and Logan, hi! A lot of her cousins were there too. It was easy not to be nervous when those she loved most were watching her.

"Paton, Bryony!"

Merlin's soggy wet socks! That was her! It was her turn! The tiny blonde half skipped, half bounced her way over to the stool and climbed up onto it. There was no time for her to make eye contact with anyone as the Sorting Hat was placed atop of her head, not that it would have mattered any as it promptly slid right down over most of her face anyhow.

"Ah, yes, another Paton. This will be very easy indeed after sorting your siblings, parents and their parents I know just where y-

Now Bryony knew all about the sorting hat and exactly what to expect. She knew that it could speak with her and that she in turn could ask where she would like to be placed. And this is why she immediately interrupted the hat before it could shout out anything. "Wait! Stop! I need to be put in Slytherin. That's the house I have to be in. Slytherin. That's where she had to go. It's where Aryan was. So think twice Sorting Hat because she was prepared to pitch a fit if she had to in order to get what she wanted.

"I see a great sense of bravy, having things your way, very protective and quite cunning as well.. The hat went on as if it hadn't even heard her.

Bryony shifted on the stool. "So? I have to be in Slytherin. I HAAAAAAVVVVE to." Tears were going to happen if she was placed anywhere else.

"Shush child. I've known all along where you belong. Better let it be, SLYTHERIN!!!

The newly sorted snakette had opened her mouth ready to object once again but the hat was too quick this time in sealing her fate. It took a split second for it to sink in that she was sorted where she wanted to be and not because she asked to be, but because that's where the hat was going to place her anyhow!

Bry lifted the hat off of her and placed it onto the stool as she got up, beaming brightly, twirling and bouncing the entire way over to the Slytherin table to the sound of applause.

Waking up in another place and another time can make you feel untethered. weightless. and the ground beneath desi’s feet was as unfamiliar as it gets.

When they weren’t home, they could count the kilometers back. but Hogwarts was on no map, and having fallen asleep in the train they could only assume how long the ride had really been and could not properly calculate. They were restless. they were hungry. they were annoyed by how many people seemed to know Charlie. it made their stomach twist up and shrink until it was the size of a walnut and just as hard.

Their fingers itched. they reached up and grasped their tie, tugging at the knot until it hung loose around their neck. Desi felt better immediately, their shoulders which had been very stiff relaxed- not completely but some and they stopped gritting their goblin teeth.

It was not long that they had to stew. their name was one of the first to be called and they rushed through the small crowd to reach the dais, the stool and the sorting hat. The hall was huge, but from here? it looked even bigger. the sea of faces all aimed their way brought a mixture of pleasure, frustration and self-consciousness to swim to the surface and they grinned nice and wide the way they often did when faced with a particular treat, edible or not. They sat, feet crossed at the ankles and waited for the hat- they knew what was to come next, the voice- the questions and they were ready to get it well and over with. And then food- and night time- and under the cover of velvet black night time they would explore the castle unimpeded by adults and rules and ghosts.

The hat settled over their eyes. Desdemona reached up to feel the roughened edges. They wanted to bite it.

No. No biting.

Why not? it's not like you can feel it. Desdemona thought back, tugging on the brim, their thumbs brushing over the fabric again and again. It was not smooth. They liked it.

You'd be surprised. Now then...

The hat was quiet. Des was unimpressed so far.

I remember. clever. both of them clever. eager to learn. hungry.

there's much of them within you.

And your brother too...
different but the same.

Now Des was listening.

Explain.

reckless. you would do anything if it meant achieving your goals. anything if it meant learning the truth. You could do well in Slytherin... but..

But what? Slytherin was Des' first choice. The house of the cunning. the mischievous. Living in the dungeons and watching the mermaids with their webbed hands and sharp teeth as they studied. It was easily the place for them.

The hat continued on. Seemingly in debate with itself. At times the thing seemed to question Des, only to pass by their opinions in favor of distant musings on morality and desire- loyalty and needs- curiosity versus the quest for wisdom. One question came at last.

what is a legacy?

Des was as impassive as ever, but the question almost annoyed them.
A legacy? it's nothing. it's something that happens after we die. it's a legend. a mismatched list of facts and things we pretend to be true of a person who is no longer around. It only matters to someone who has nothing worth living for.

This seemed to only further confuse the hat. who grumbled thoughtfully about the choices made and two hearts beating as one. About the changeling and the prince. about the seer and the gremlin and their fates entangled. Desi didn't understand. It should have been obvious by now. Everything was there. Could it not be clearer? It not Slytherin then-


"RAVENCLAW!!"


stunned? confused? Des stared at the hat as it was taken from their head- a long, piercing gaze as if trying to read the thing's mind- but no answer would be found there. They knew that. So they moved to the blue and bronze table, their thoughts rumbling about in their head like a brewing thunderstorm.

Did she want to be here? It was a fair question, though it was one that Bronwen hadn't given much thought to. She didn't seem to harbor strong opinions either way. It was new, which was exciting. But it took her away from her youngest sister, Lark, and her mums, which was unfortunate. More than unfortunate, really.

But because she didn't like to-- 'Grimaldi, Bronwen.' The voice that called her name sounded agitated, impatient, angry. In truth, she hadn't been paying attention. And this time, she had only heard the voice because one of her siblings had nudged her in warning. She hadn't missed the entirety of Lexi's sorting, had she?

She looked around, disoriented, as she landed upon the stool. And while the sorting hat was being lowered onto her head, her focus went to finding Lexi, to know which house he was sent to. To determine where she would have to tell the hat to place her. It wasn't until she found him that she relaxed. The blue house, that is where she would need to go. Then Celi, Cyps, Maebs, Melo, Rhaps, and Wini could follow. She glanced back their way, the sight of her siblings huddled together brought her a sense of warmth, something so easily startled when the hat on her head began to speak to her.

Not knowing how to speak back to it, Bronwen said nothing. 'Another Grimaldi, eh?' Did all the objects speak at this school? Assuming so, Bronwen was most curious to know what the doorknobs had to say.

'There's only one house for you .... SLYTHERIN!"

NO!

She looked back at her family as she was ushered off the stage and towards the house that would be taking her in. Though her eyes were vacant, they would know the fear. No, no, no, no.