Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone: Chapter 7 Summary.
The Sorting Hat
In Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, titled “The Sorting Hat”, Harry and the other first-year students arrive at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Along with the others, Harry experiences the Sorting Ceremony, where they are assigned to their respective houses, and Harry begins to understand more about the school and its traditions.
Arriving at Hogwarts
The first-year students cross the lake in small boats, led by Hagrid. The castle looms impressively in the night, lit by a multitude of windows. They are met by Professor McGonagall, who seems stern and authoritative. She explains that they will soon be sorted into one of the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin.
The Great Hall
The students are led into the Great Hall, a magnificent room with a ceiling enchanted to look like the night sky. Four long tables are filled with students, and a fifth table at the head of the hall seats the teachers. Harry notices various enchanted decorations and feels both nervous and excited.
The Sorting Ceremony
Professor McGonagall places a stool and a tattered old hat in front of the first-years. The hat, known as the Sorting Hat, comes to life and sings a song describing the qualities valued by each house.
One by one, the students are called forward to sit on the stool and wear the hat, which then announces their house. Harry is anxious as he waits his turn.
Sorting Begins
Hermione Granger is sorted into Gryffindor, which is met with a groan from Ron, who is also assigned Gryffindor. Draco Malfoy is sorted into Slytherin, as expected. Neville Longbottom is called, and after quite a while of debating, the Sorting Hat places him in Gryffindor.
Harry’s Sorting
When Harry’s name is called, the hall falls silent and whispers about his fame spread among the students.
Harry nervously puts on the Sorting Hat. The hat considers placing Harry in Slytherin but ultimately assigns him to Gryffindor after Harry pleads against it.
Harry joins Ron and his other new friends at the Gryffindor table, feeling relieved and happy.
The Feast
After the sorting, the tables magically fill with a grand feast. Harry is amazed by the variety and abundance of food. He enjoys dishes he has never had before and converses with other Gryffindors.
Albus Dumbledore takes the opportunity to address the students with a few words (“Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!”). During the feast, the ghosts of Hogwarts, including Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost appear and introduce themselves.
End of the Feast
Dumbledore, the headmaster, gives a welcoming speech, mentioning a few rules and making cryptic jokes. He warns students to stay away from the Forbidden Forest and to specifically avoid the third-floor corridor. The school song is sung, led by Dumbledore. Everyone sings to their own tune, creating a cacophony. Harry feels his scar hurt for the first time, but it goes away instantly.
Professor Snape is briefly introduced. He teaches Potions, is said to be after Quirrel’s job, and allegedly knows a lot about the Dark Arts.
Gryffindor Common Room
Percy Weasley, a Gryffindor prefect, and Ron’s elder brother, leads the first years to the Gryffindor Tower.
They enter the common room through a portrait of the Fat Lady, who requires a password.
The common room is cozy and inviting, with comfortable armchairs and a roaring fire. Harry feels a sense of belonging as he heads up to his dormitory.
First Night at Hogwarts
In the dormitory, Harry shares a room with Ron, Neville, Seamus Finnigan, and Dean Thomas. They all chat excitedly about the day’s events before falling asleep. Harry lies in bed, reflecting on his first day and feeling content, knowing he has finally found a place where he belongs. He has a nightmare revolving around Quirrel, Snape, and a green flash of light that wakes him up, but he rolls over to sleep again.
This chapter is crucial as it marks Harry’s formal introduction to Hogwarts. It highlights the significance of the house system, establishes initial relationships, and sets the tone for Harry’s school life.
