Alice Jane's Sorting Ceremony

The hat was placed on her head, and it's dark flap fell over her eyes to obscure view of the Great Hall and her watchful audience. There was a contemplative quiet for a moment, then the hat spoke in a voice only she could hear:

'Hmmm. Right then,' it said. 'An interesting one, I see. Ambitious and eager too, yes.'

A pause.

'You would do well in Slytherin,' the hat said. 'There's no doubt about that. It's all here, it in your head...'

Another pause, punctured by a few hmms of consideration as it took everything into account.

'Bravery too, I must say. And adventurous, no doubt,' it added. 'Perhaps Gryffindor?'

Either house suited her, but in which did she truly belong? The hat awaited her reaction, and any thoughts or desires Alice had regarding the two options, as those would tip the scales in determining exactly which house she'd soon call her own.

'Hmm,' the hat said. 'Gryffindor, eh?'

She was quite focused on one of the options, having either made up her mind or having her heart set on it. The hat knew which, of course, though it took a moment to linger on the decision.

'Well, if you're sure...' Its voice then rose for the entire hall to hear:


Professor McGonagall removed the hat from her head, giving Alice a brief nod. The students at the Gryffindor table broke into a loud applause, and beckoned her to join them at what was now her house table as well.