September 2017 - The Sorting Ceremony

First years (11 years old): Jenny Addler, Scorpius Malfoy, Albus Potter, Robbie Ridge, Molly Weasley, Rose Weasley.
Second years (12): James Potter, Fred Weasley, Louis Weasley (all gryffindor), Isabella Mortane (slytherin), Damien Orchid (ravenclaw), Ruth Ackerley (hufflepuff).
Fourth years (14): Joshua Addler (ravenclaw), Edgar Ackerley (hufflepuff).
Fifth years (15):  Dominique Weasley (gryffindor).
Sixth years (16): Jimmy Addler (slytherin), Becca Ridge (gryffindor).
Seventh years (17): Amelia Ackerley (gryffindor), Victoire Weasley (hufflepuff). 

Professors: Pavarti Patil (divination), Minerva McGonagall (headmistress/ transfiguration), Neville Longbottom (herbology), Rose Sprout (muggle studies), Aurora Sinistra (astronomy), Orion Orchid (runes), Druscilla Mortane (potions)

It had already been a long day, but really things were just starting. All of the anticipation that had bubbled up during their journey on the Hogwarts Express and during the boat rides over the lake - it was all about to come to a climax with the sorting ceremony itself. Rose Weasley and her cousin Molly had spent the train journey together and, of course, the subject of which houses the two would end up in was one of their first topics. Molly hoped the pair of them would be in Gryffindor together, and Rose had quietly nodded. Really, though, she was hoping for Ravenclaw. It wasn't that she had anything against Gryffindor, of course not, but knowing what her mother, Hermione, had gone through as the 'clever' girl, Rose was hoping to be placed with bookish minds like herself. She didn't want to stand out as the know-it-all anymore. She just wanted to fit in.

Professor Patil met them at the entrance hall and after a short, nervous wait,  they were escorted up the stairs into the Great Hall.

A collective gasp worked its way through the first years. The hall was huge, and no amount of stories about the ceiling could have prepared Rose for the actual sight. She was glad that the castle had survived the battle all of those years ago and been returned to its former glory.

Professor McGonagall, the headmistress, introduced the sorting and suddenly the moment that she'd been waiting for was here! Well, not quite. Rose Weasley was pretty sure she would be the last to be sorted, so instead she eagerly watched as the other first years stepped up to the front one by one.

The first was a girl that Rose had spoken to briefly in the entrance hall - Jenny Addler. She had two older brothers already at Hogwarts and as her family lived in Hogsmeade, she was already quite familiar with the school. The hat was placed on her head and after a short pause, it declared 'RAVENCLAW!' Rose watched enviously as the dark-haired girl made her way to the Ravenclaw table.

Next up was Scorpius, who, of course, Rose knew of. Only that morning her father had told her to beat him in every test. She knew the history of the Malfoy family and so it really wasn't a surprise when the hat immediately declared the boy a Slytherin.

The next name called was Rose's cousin Albus. James had been teasing him all day about which house he would be placed in, and Rose had spoken with him on the train about it. "The hat knew best." she'd told him, "just let it happen...". The hat was placed on Albus' head and remained silent. The seconds ticked by. Rose wished she knew what was going on under that hat - apparently the sorting hat actually spoke to you - but finally, it broke the silence. "Slytherin".

Rose's mouth fell open. She really hadn't expected that, despite her words of encouragement to her cousin earlier. Gryffindor was the assumed house of choice, maybe even Ravenclaw as he had a good mind... but Slytherin? Albus looked over at her as he made his way to the applauding Slytherin table and as he caught her eye gave her a shrug.

Next was a boy that Rose didn't know at all, Robbie Ridge. The hat deliberated for a moment before announcing that he was to join Hufflepuff.

Robbie seemed rather pleased with this outcome.

Now they were finally on to the 'W's and Rose gave her cousin an encouraging smile as Molly made her way to the front. Within seconds the hat shouted out 'GRYFFINDOR' and a beaming Molly flashed her the thumbs up before heading to her table.

Finally it was her turn. Taking a deep breath she sat on the stool, shivering slightly as the hat was placed on her head. "Ah, another Weasley," it muttered. Rose closed her eyes and silently repeated 'Ravenclaw' to herself. "If you're sure about that?" the hat questioned. 'Yes, yes!' she thought hard, clenching her fists in concentration. "Alright then: RAVENCLAW!"

Opening her eyes, a wide grin spread across Rose's face. Thank Merlin! She was going to fit in. She was going to a house where she'd be normal! Avoiding Molly's eyes, she made her way to the Ravenclaw table, taking the seat next to Jenny Addler.

The Professor gave a brief speech, welcoming them all back and announcing the new prefects and Head boy and girl. Rose was thrilled to hear that Victoire, another of her cousins, was Head Girl this year and she looked over at the Hufflepuff table to see the blonde haired girl smiling proudly.

And finally the feast was underway. With relief, Rose turned to chat to Jenny.

Looking around the room, she could see that Albus was chatting to Scorpius. With a light smile, she wondered what their fathers would think if the two became friends.

And Molly was of course settling in to the Gryffindor table, surrounded by her cousins James, Fred and Louis. Rose decided that Molly would be fine without her. They'd still see each other in classes, after all.

 Over on the Hufflepuff table, Victoire was being congratulated for her position as Head Girl.

After the feast, the Ravenclaws were escorted by the prefects back to the Ravenclaw tower. Rose was exhausted, but her mind was racing and she was far too excited for bed! Jenny seemed exactly the same and on the way to the tower, the two chatted about their new House.

Their dormitory was large and filled half of the tower, sitting just underneath the common room. Rose and Jenny sat chatting quietly well into the night. Now she was here, Rose was eager to get started with classes! A new chapter was starting and she couldn't wait!

Gameplay Notes

Because I had a definite plan for how the sorting should go, I played this with autonomy off.
The sorting hat was an accessory that I had each of the first years wear and Robbie and Rose's reactions to their House were their reactions once I'd changed their appearance to take the hat off them. I thought it was cute, so included it in the story.
I wanted to get on with playing, so I decided to play this session even though I haven't finished 'filling out' the houses yet, so that's why there aren't many students!
And once again I have a shot with Victoire out of uniform. Her 'head girl' position is a teen career and the car pool turned up during the feast, and she automatically changed her outfit before I could cancel it.

Next Gen decisions

I always liked the idea of Albus being a Slytherin, to shake up the stereotypes that go along with it.
Likewise, I wanted to see Rose in Ravenclaw to avoid putting all of the next generation into Gryffindor together.
Parvati Patil went on to become Divination professor as it was her favourite subject at school and Trelawny had hinted she might be a seer. Incidently, I had her twin sister Padma marry Dean Thomas, and they have three kids which aren't included in this story as I created them afterwards.

September 2017 - A few starting classes, and drama in Herbology!

In and around Hogwarts

Second years (11): James Potter, Louis Weasley, Fred Weasley (all Gryffindor), Isabella Mortane (Slytherin), Damien Orchid (Ravenclaw), Ruth Ackerley (Hufflepuff), Fourth years (14): Edgar Ackerley (Hufflepuff), Joshua Addler (Ravenclaw), Fifth year (15): Dominique Weasley (Hufflepuff), Sixth years (16): Becca Ridge (Gryffindor), Jimmy Addler (Slytherin), Seventh years (17): Amelia Ackerley (Gryffindor), Victoire Weasley (Hufflepuff)

Professors: Orion Orchid (Runes/Music/Art), Minerva McGonagall (Headmistress, Transfiguration), Neville Longbottom (Herbology)


Art isn't strictly a part of the curriculum, but Professor Orchid, who teaches Runes, is keen to expand the creative minds of the younger students, so the second years start their week with a laid back art class. Isabella is over the moon, although her friend Damien seems to think it's a waste of time. Sometimes she wonders what the two of them have in common besides the fact that they're both related to professors. In fact, maybe it's the fact that his uncle is taking the class that means Damien isn't so sure. This is the first time that Uncle Orion is actively teaching him.

Meanwhile, older Gryffindors Becca and Amelia have a NEWT study session with Headmistress McGonagall.

With the threat of exams looming already in even the first week back at school, both girls aren't looking forward to the stresses of the year ahead. No lazy art classes here!

Herbology

The next day though, the second years are into the 'proper' lessons, starting with double Herbology in the greenhouses.

Herbology isn't Damien's strong point, but of course he'll sit at the front anyway - saving the seat next to him for his best friend Isabella.

Ruth Ackerley sits behind with housemate Robbie [who is actually a first year, but somehow sneaked into this class x.x], and boys Fred, James and Louis are at the back of the class [Louis just out of shot] where they seem to think they can get away with chatting more.

Prof. Longbottom doesn't actually mind chatting as long as they're getting on with their work. As the new term is just starting up, the first job is to make sure that all of the beds are properly fertilised, ready for the new plants.

The second years scatter around the greenhouses, working on various beds. Hufflepuff Ruth Ackerley is so happy to be back at the greenhouses. She missed this over the summer - Herbology is her best subject.

Soon the second years head off to have their lunch and the older students start turning up for their afternoon class.

The class starts with more talks about how serious they should be taking everything. Becca and Amelia can't help but exchange glances and roll their eyes - as if they don't already know that they have to work hard.

Victoire, however, is anxiously taking notes. She hopes to train as a healer after graduating, and needs a good Herbology grade to get into the academy.

But something seems wrong. Does this class look a little emptier than the lower years to you? Mmmh. It looks emptier to Neville too...

And that's because two of his students are skipping class and chatting behind the greenhouse instead. Strange, because Dominique really loves Herbology, but where Jimmy is concerned, she's easily led astray...

And although these guys are just best friends, Jimmy can't stop thinking about Dominique.

Meanwhile, the rest of the class get on with the practical work in pairs - Becca and Amelia working together on one patch, Victoire working with housemate Edgar, and Joshua is left working by himself as Prof. Longbottom catches sight of something in the glass of the greenhouse and wanders off to investigate.

It's Dominique. Neville can't understand how she thinks she'd get away with skipping class and then loitering just around the corner - does she think he's stupid? She protests that she lost her timetable, although that doesn't explain her lack of uniform, and Neville doesn't believe her story for one minute. Honestly, he's disappointed. She's usually a good student - hard working and talented. Nosy Edgar watches through the glass! hehe.

 ...and if you were wondering where Jimmy had gotten to - he's in the greenhouse. With the professor out of the way, Jimmy takes the opportunity to pick on his younger brother.

Neville returns in time to split the pair up and give Jimmy the full extent of his rage. Why isn't he in class? It's bad enough him skipping, but also encouraging Dominique into bad behaviour...

First Herbology class and first detention for the pair of them - having to sit at separate tables while Neville gives them the lesson they missed. Not really the start to the term that Neville was hoping for! He prefers teaching the younger ones ;)

Gameplay Notes:

First year Robbie snuck in because I wasn't sure which year I'd placed him in! I decided on first year in the end to even the numbers out a bit. 

I had a few students turn up out of uniform because I'd last played them at the weekend. This teleporting-in trick is new to me, so a bit of a learning curve.

When Dominique and Jimmy turned up, not only were they both out of uniform, but they also both wandered off together and started playing punch-me autonomously. I decided to roll with that, sending all the other students into class and leaving those two to see what happened. I was half expecting some flirting action behind the greenhouses, but alas, it didn't happen, and I don't want to force it, so I'll wait until one of them rolls a want, or it happens autonomously.

Slytherin House

I'll detail the sims bios in their family groups, but this is just a quick introduction to the current Slytherins. =)

James 'Jimmy' Addler

age 16 | 6th year

Quidditch team - beater.

Jimmy is the eldest of three kids, and he's always been more physical than academic. He plays as beater on the Slytherin quidditch team and generally favours the hands-on classes rather than those involving loads of writing.

He likes throwing his weight around and making sure the younger kids know who's boss, and he's best friends with Hufflepuff Dominique, who also has a penchant for trouble.

 [picture of Dawn to come]

Dawn

age 15 | 5th year

Prefect, Quidditch team - Keeper.

Dawn is the fifth year Slytherin prefect.

 

[picture of Cara to come]

Cara

age 13 | 3rd year

Quidditch team - chaser.

Cara is an active third year Slytherin who plays chaser on the quidditch team.

Isabella Mortane

age 12 | 2nd year

Isabella happens to be the niece of Slytherin's Head of House, which is sometimes a blessing and sometimes a curse. She's artistic and ambitious - even though she's only a second year, she'd like to make something of herself at Hogwarts and maybe even make it to Head Girl one day.

Her best friend is Ravenclaw Damien Orchid - who is also the nephew of a professor, so they can bond over the highs and lows of their situation together.

Albus Severus Potter (canon)

age 11 | 1st year

In my game, Albus is a Slytherin. He's quiet and fairly reserved, but has a fierce determination to prove himself. To start with he wasn't sure of the idea of being a Slytherin, but he's made fast friends with Scorpius and is settling into the dungeons nicely. The snakes aren't really as bad as he thought - although he tries to avoid Jimmy wherever possible as the older boy can have a sadistic streak.

Scorpius Malfoy (canon)

age 11 | 1st year

The only son of Draco and Astoria Malfoy - Scorpius has the reputation of the Malfoy family resting on his shoulders and given his family's colourful past, he can often feel the pressure. Perhaps it was a streak of rebellion that led him to befriend Albus - a Potter - although whatever the initial motive, the boys have become good friends.

You can't really see in this picture, but when I generated Scorpius using his parent's genetics, he turned out with a lop-sided mouth, almost like a corrected hare lip. It actually really suits the way he looks, so I kept it like that.

The Burrow sneak peek

Another sneak peek at a lot that's still in progress, The Burrow.

Again, not really following the film version, partly because building roofs over other roofs in the sims gets really tricky. Think I still managed to get the general effect here.

The house has a small apple orchard to the front and, to the side, a large barn (garage) and outbuilding. The small outbuilding at the back used to be the outhouse and is now the broom shed.

At the back of the house is a pond, garden and vegetable patches. The garden isn't quite as big as it should be, but I really hate running huge lots on the sims as they get so slow to play.

The Burrow is currently home to Molly, Arthur, Percy, Audrey and Lucy. Also Charlie until I build him his own place. Molly II, known as Molly Tess in my game, is at Hogwarts, but lives here in the summer.

Godric's Hollow - St Michael's Church

In the video game, this church is called St Clementine's, and looks a lot different, but I decided to do my own interpretation of the Godric's Hollow Church.

As it's just a tiny church (which I probably won't end up playing much), it just has a small vestry and a ladies' chapel as well as the main room with aisle, pews and altar.

The graveyard behind the church holds the graves of the potter family. In the background, you can see the village pub and post office.