Harry Potter, #1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
The Sorting Hat
Overview
The first years are Sorted by the Singing Hat; Harry, Ron, and Hermione join Gryffindor while Draco Malfoy enters Slytherin. During the feast, Dumbledore issues key warnings, including the forbidden third-floor corridor. Harry’s scar briefly burns when Professor Snape looks at him, hinting at deeper tensions, before Gryffindors reach their tower.
Summary
Professor McGonagall receives the first years and explains the Houses and the importance of the Sorting. As they wait, ghosts pass through, underscoring Hogwarts’s strangeness. The students enter the Great Hall beneath an enchanted ceiling, and the Sorting Hat sings about each House’s traits before beginning the ceremony.
Students are called in turn. Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones join Hufflepuff; Terry Boot and others join Ravenclaw; Lavender Brown goes to Gryffindor; Millicent Bulstrode and then Draco Malfoy go to Slytherin. Hermione Granger becomes a Gryffindor. When Harry Potter is called, the Hat debates Slytherin but, at Harry’s insistence, declares Gryffindor. Dean Thomas and Ron Weasley also join Gryffindor.
During the feast, Harry meets Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (Nearly Headless Nick), hears about House rivalries, and sees the Bloody Baron at the Slytherin table. Conversation among the new students reveals family backgrounds and anxieties about magic. When Professor Snape looks toward Harry, Harry’s scar burns briefly, leaving him uneasy. Percy identifies Snape and hints at Snape’s knowledge of the Dark Arts and interest in Quirrell’s post.
Professor Dumbledore welcomes everyone, issues notices about the Forbidden Forest, Quidditch trials, corridor magic restrictions, and warns students to avoid the right-hand third-floor corridor. After an eccentric school song, the Gryffindor first years follow Percy through shifting passages. Peeves the poltergeist harasses them until threatened with the Bloody Baron.
At the Fat Lady’s portrait, the password “Caput Draconis” grants entry to the cozy Gryffindor common room. The boys settle into their dormitory. Harry falls asleep quickly and dreams of Quirrell’s turban urging Slytherin, Malfoy’s laughter, Snape, and a flash of green light, then sleeps on, forgetting the dream by morning.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterAnxious about Sorting; rejects Slytherin and is placed in Gryffindor; scar stings when Snape looks.
- Professor Minerva McGonagallGreets first years, explains Houses and points, conducts the Sorting ceremony.
- Albus DumbledoreHeadmaster; welcomes students, gives key warnings, leads the school song.
- Ron WeasleyNervous about Sorting; becomes a Gryffindor; chats with Harry at the feast.
- Hermione GrangerEager and well-read; Sorted into Gryffindor; discusses lessons enthusiastically.
- Severus SnapePotions Master; glances at Harry causing scar pain; rumored to want the Defense post.
- Rubeus HagridSeated at the High Table; encourages Harry with a thumbs up.
- Nearly Headless NickGryffindor ghost; introduces himself, displays his near-decapitation, urges winning the House Cup.
- Draco MalfoySorted instantly into Slytherin; sits near the Bloody Baron, displeased.
- Percy WeasleyGryffindor prefect; guides first years, explains rules, password, and identifies Snape.
- Neville LongbottomNervous and clumsy; Sorted to Gryffindor; shares family story about late-blooming magic.
- Professor QuirrellDefense Against the Dark Arts teacher in a purple turban; speaks with Snape.
- PeevesMischievous poltergeist; harasses first years with flying sticks until threatened with the Baron.
- The Fat FriarHufflepuff ghost; greets new students and cheers Hufflepuff Sortings.
- The Bloody BaronSlytherin ghost; fearsome presence, the only one who can control Peeves.
- The Fat LadyPortrait guarding Gryffindor Tower; admits students with the password “Caput Draconis.”
- The Sorting HatSings the House traits; debates Harry’s placement; assigns him to Gryffindor.