The Seven Cores

September 1, 1991 A Hat, a Letter, and a Burning Bracelet

The second we arrived at Hogwarts, we were ushered into a hall. Because I had been a first year before, I knew what was going to happen. However, most of the other first years didn't. Rumors were flying throughout the huddle of students, many of them incredibly ridiculous. Thinking back on it, I may have started 90% of them.

Of course, once I suggested that you had to try on a talking hat, nobody believed me.

After what seemed like years, Professor McGonnagal made a dramatic entrance into the room by singing the Llama Song.

Just kidding.

She entered the room very boringly with a strict look on her face. Too bad it wasn't the first option. Professor McGonnagal then said, "Now form a line, and follow me."

We walked into the Great Hall. Even though I had seen it billions of times, I was still amazed by the sight. Millions of candles floated above us. (I have always wondered why they don't drip wax. They must be magic.) Also, there were the four long student tables, one for each house, and the staff table that was at the front of the room, Hundreds of students, all wearing black robes and black pointed hats sat at them. Looking up, I saw the ceiling, that I knew was bewitched to loo like the night sky.

Next, Professor McGonnagal placed a stool in the middle of the room, and upon it, the Sorting Hat. I already knew what would happen, but obviously the other first years didn't.

For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then, a rip near the brim of the hat opened wide like a mouth, and the hat began to sing:

"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)