Sophia Brandt and the Ilvermorny Fountain of Youth

The Sorting Ceremony

Sophia's father had once explained the Sorting Ceremony to her. It was a long time ago, but she remembered everything he'd said.

She and the other first years would gather outside the castle and wait there until a professor came to lead them in. Ilvermorny is huge, her father told her, and you might get lost if you're on your own. But she wasn't worried about this day, her first day, when she would have someone guiding her every step of the way. 

Once they were inside the castle, the professor would bring them into the hall where the Sorting Ceremony would take place. There, she would wait alongside her classmates for her name to be called. 

He'd been nervous too, she remembered. He wanted to be in Wampus like his father, the strongest man he'd ever known. But when he stepped onto the gordian knot in the center of the room, it was the Horned Serpent's jewel that stung his eyes first, and then the sound of beating wings that caught his attention -- the sound of the Thunderbird.

He chose Thunderbird: house of the adventurers. He'd become one of the foremost experts in magical beasts, seeking out the most elusive manticores and helping rebuild sanctuaries for magical beasts across America. That was, before he disappeared. 

"Hi, I'm Rosie." 

A girl suddenly appeared next to Sophia, who'd been awkwardly standing off to the side, unsure how to start up a conversation. She was pretty, with dark hair and pale skin, and her Ilvermorny robes seemed to fit her perfectly (unlike Sophia's). Rosie's hand was outstretched, and Sophia shook it firmly. 

"I'm Sophia." 

Rosie was now the second first year she'd met, but Sophia could already tell that she liked her. Rosie immediately started rambling about the textbooks and things she'd bought in Mayflower Landing this morning. Even though Sophia didn't have much to contribute, she still felt grateful that someone wanted to talk to her. 

Sophia heard the castle doors creak open and a man approached the group of first years. His presence almost immediately put an end to all their conversations, but he didn't have many words of his own. 

"First years," he said authoritatively, "come with me."

Sophia fell into line beside her new friend Rosie as the first years funneled into the entrance hall. As she entered, she could hear the whispers of people above her, and looked up to see a balcony full of the older students. She caught Grace's eye, who smiled at her encouragingly.

The professor who had led them into the entrance hall came to stand by a smiling woman. Sophia recognized her immediately: she was the headmistress of Ilvermorny. Her name was Phoebe Calderon-Boot.

"Welcome to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," she began, looking over the cluster of students. "For those first years who do not already know, we are about to begin what is known as the Sorting Ceremony. Here at Ilvermorny we have four houses. The Horned serpent represents those who are studious and determined." As she spoke, Sophia peered around to see the famed Sorting statues behind her. She could've sworn that the Horned serpent statue, upon hearing its name, glowed a little brighter than the rest. 

The Headmistress continued. "Wampus chooses the strongest among us. Thunderbird is for those who seek adventure in their lives. And finally, the Pukwudgie is for those who have an affinity for medicine and healing."

Sophia felt equal parts excited and nervous. Which of the four houses would want her? 

"I will read your names in alphabetical order. When your name is called, come to stand in the middle of the room on the gordian knot. There, you will be sorted into your houses." Headmistress Calderon-Boot turned to the professor who had led them in, and he handed her a thin sheet of paper with what Sophia assumed were names on it. "One more thing before we begin: if you are chosen by more than one house, you will have the option to decide which house you belong in."