Oh you may not think me 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 unfraid 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)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!

Welcome to Hogwarts!

Returning students, please be seated at your house tables and prepare for the sorting.

New students, please follow me to the front of the hall, where you will be sorted into your houses. While you attend Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. Your conduct, class-participation, and involvement in extracurricular activities will earn points for your house. Concurrently, any bad behaviour or rule-breaking could cost your house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points wins the coveted House Cup.

As I call your name, please take a seat on the stool and place the
hat on your head.