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.