CHAPTER SEVEN
rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering
about nervously.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” said Professor McGonagall. “The
start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your
seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your Houses. The
Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here,
your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts.
You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your
House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common
room.
“The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw,
and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has
produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hog-
warts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule-
breaking will lose House points. At the end of the year, the House
with the most points is awarded the House cup, a great honor. I
hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes
yours.
“The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front
of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as
much as you can while you are waiting.”
Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville’s cloak, which was
fastened under his left ear, and on Ron’s smudged nose. Harry ner-
vously tried to flatten his hair.
“I shall return when we are ready for you,” said Professor Mc-
Gonagall. “Please wait quietly.”
She left the chamber. Harry swallowed.
“How exactly do they sort us into Houses?” he asked Ron.
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