[Hogwarts Between] First Year's Entrance

[Patrick McCartney]

> The room they entered was very small, almost too small for everyone
> to
> fit.  The dark haired witch waited on the side for everyone to cram
> in.
> 
> "Welcome to Hogwarts," she finally said after everyone was silent,
> "You
> will be attending the start-of-term banquet in the Great Hall
> shortly. 
> Before you are seated you will be sorted into your houses.  A house
> will act as your family while you are attending Hogwarts.  You will
> have classes with(sic) all of the houses, but you will study with
> your
> house, sleep in your house's dormitory, and spend your free time in
> your house's common room."
> 
> "The names of these houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and
> Slytherin," she continued.  "Each is these houses have produced
> glorious and outstanding witches and wizards.  Each has its own long
> and noble history.
> 
> "Each house competes for house points.  Your triumphs will add points
> to your house, while rule breaking will loose points.  When the
> school
> term ends, the house with the most points wins the House Cup."  She
> put
> her head up high.  "This is a great honor.  I know that you will live
> up to the reputation of the house you join."

"The Sorting Ceremony," she continued, "will begin soon in front of the
entire school.  You all look as fine as I could have hoped."

She surveyed everyone.  Her gaze moved from student to student as if
trying to look into the eyes of each one.

"Please wait here quietly.  I will return when we are ready."

She turned and left the room.