-SCRIPT-

Welcome to the Script of the Hogwarts Magazine, Issue #2. This section features a script from one scene of The Second Generation of Harry Potter for students to act out as they please, whether it’s in real life or as a role-play in the chat. if you would like to view the script for the scene prior to this, click here.

SCENE 2 – THE SORTING

Characters Involved:

ALBUS
POTTER

SCORPIUS
MALFOY

JENNA
MCLAGGEN

ROSE
WEASLEY

LORCAN
SCAMANDER

LYSANDER
SCAMANDER

PROFESSOR
ROXANNE DANE

JACK
MCLAGGEN

THE
SORTING HAT

Also extras for students, James Potter and Teachers (including Minerva McGonagall)

The scene opens as
the first-year arrivals flock in the entrance hall of the castle that holds the
stairs and entrance to the Great Hall. They are awaiting the presence of the
deputy headmistress: PROFESSOR ROXANNA DANE.

ALBUS: (looking around) Is this it?

ROSE:
No, you daft dimbo, this is the entrance hall. The great hall’s through there.

ALBUS:
I was actually commenting on the welcome. You’d think we were of a bit more
importance.

ROSE:
We’re first years, Al, we’ll be welcomed soon enough when the sorting comes
round.

ALBUS:
Have a nice chat with Scorpius?

ROSE:
Yes, actually. He’s all right.

ALBUS:
Fancy him, do you?

ROSE scoffs.

ROSE:
Leave it Albus, you’re more unpleasant than him at the moment. Does he always
irritate you this way?

LORCAN:
(appearing) Uh huh.

ALBUS:
I can answer myself, Lor.

LORCAN:
I can see what Rose means, you know. Cool down buddy.

LYSANDER:
Yeah, we’ve got the sorting up next; keep your energy for then.

ALBUS:
I’m dead nervous, so the more energy I can get rid off, the less nervous I’ll
be.

JENNA:
(coming from another part of the group) Why’re you so nervous?

ALBUS:
Because I don’t want to let anyone down.

LORCAN:
Ah, buddy, you won’t let anyone down. Whichever house you’re in, we’ll still be
your friends.

ROSE:
He wasn’t talking about us, Lor, he’s talking about James and his parents.

ALBUS:
Well, sort of.

ROSE:
I thought your Dad already told you, Al, Slytherin’s a fine and noble house to
be in.

ALBUS:
It’s a fine and noble house that I don’t want to be in.

SCOPRIUS:
(coming from another part of the group) You lot, you’re so prejudiced. Why is
Slytherin always given such a hard time? I mean, Gryffindoor has housed
bullies, Hufflepuff wimps and Ravenclaw annoying know-it-alls, so why the hell
do you always presume Slytherin is the worst house?

ALBUS:
I don’t know, because you’re in it.

SCORPIUS:
Look at Jenna here. Her Brother’s in Slytherin, and she’s a nice person. You’ve
already made friends with her, as have I. She could be in Slytherin, she could
not. But if she is, will you just immediately abandon her?

ALBUS stays silent.

ROSE:
(after pause) Of course not! We-

JENNA:
Scorpius, can you just go, please?

SCORPIUS:
Why? What have I done?

ALBUS:
You’re even more stupid than you look.

SCORPIUS:
Really, is that all you can think of?

ALBUS:
Better than what you-

LORCAN:
Guys, guys! Teacher alert!

The group goes silent
as PROFESSOR DANE enters, carrying a scroll and smiling as she turns to address
the group of first years.

PROF.
DANE: Greetings, first years! Now, before you go into the Great Hall to be
sorted, let me introduce myself and prepare you for this grand occasion. I am
Professor Dane, Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts, and teacher for Potions. In
preparation, I suggest you tidy yourselves up a bit – Miss McLaggen, one of
your hair pins has just fallen to the floor; Scott, the clasp of your cloak is
undone; Mr. Scamander, your-

LORCAN:
Which one?

PROF.
DANE: Excuse me?

LORCAN:
You said Mr Scamander, but which one of us are you talking about?

PROF.
DANE: Ah, I see. Which one are you, then?

LORCAN:
Lysander

PROF.
DANE: And you? (Nods at LYSANDER)

LYSANDER:
Lorcan

PROF.
DANE: Well, I was talking about you, Lysander, as you appear to have a smudge
of what looks to be mud on the left side of your face.

LORCAN:
(putting his hand up to his cheek) Oh, dear me. Mud it does not seem to be,
Professor.

PROF.
DANE: I am not particularly interested in what it is, Lysander, I only ask for
you to remove it. (She turns to survey the rest of the group) Now, once Mr
Scamander deals with his tarnished cheek, we will proceed into the Great Hall
for your sorting. For those of you who are slightly confused by the concept,
the sorting hat will tell you all you need to know about the houses through a
simple song.

LORCAN:
(whispered as he scrubs at his cheek with the sleeve of his robe) Blimey, a
singing hat!

PROF.
DANE: Are you done with cleaning your face, Mr Scamander?

SCORPIUS:
(said in a low voice to one of the students near to him) He never will be.

LORCAN sticks his
tongue out at SCORPIUS before answering to the Professor.

LORCAN:
Almost, Professor.

PROF.
DANE: (eyes LORCAN) Good. Now, as I was saying, the sorting hat will explain to
confused students what the concept of the sorting is. After it has sang it’s
song, names of new students will called in Alphabetical order to the surname,
and when your name is called out, you will make your way to the platform where
I and the sorting hat are located. Is that clear?

GROUP: (Nodding) ‘yes’

PROF.
DANE: Ok, well, if Mr Scamander has dealt with the stain, we can move on. (She
turns her head to look at him)

LORCAN:
Done!

PROF.
DANE: Then, let us proceed.

The
PROFESSOR opens the large doors with the help of the caretaker, who is on the
other side, before leading the first years down to the other end of the hall.
They gather in a group to the left of the platform and she moves to place the
sorting hat, who opens it’s mouth and begins to sing.

SORTING HAT:

A thousand years or more ago,


When I was newly sewn,


There lived four wizards of renown,


Whose names are still well known;

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,


Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,


Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,


Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.

They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,


They hatched a daring plan


To educate young sorcerers


Thus Hogwarts School began.

Now each of these four founders


Formed their own house, for each


Did value different virtues


In the ones they had to teach

By Gryffindor, the bravest were


Prized far beyond the rest;


For Ravenclaw, the cleverest


Would always be the best;


For Hufflepuff, hard workers were


Most worthy of admission;


And power-hungry Slytherin

Loved those of great ambition.

While still alive they did divide


Their favorites from the throng,


Yet how to pick the worthy ones


When they were dead and gone?

'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

He whipped me off his head


The founders put some brains in me


So I could choose instead!

Now slip me snug about your ears,

I've never yet been wrong,

I'll have to look inside your mind

And tell where you belong!"

There is clapping from the whole hall before PROFESSOR DANE holds out a
scroll and calls:

PROFESSOR DANE: Atkins, Tabitha!

LYSANDER: (whispering within their group) Did that song help any of you?

LORCAN: Not at all, buddy.

ROSE: It’s for muggle-borns who are confused.

LYSANDER: It confused me and I’m meant to be clever. Seriously, if he
just said; ‘Slytherin’s for the sly, resourceful and ambitious, Ravenclaw’s for
the clever and weird ones, Hufflepuff’s filled with kind but very dull souls
and Gryffindoor’s for the brave and chivalrous’ that’d be great!

ROSE: (chuckling slightly) It’s not that simple, Ly.

LYSANDER: Sounds like to me.

JENNA: (looking up at the headmistress) Doesn’t McGonagall look fierce!
I wouldn’t like to cross her.

ROSE: Apparently she’s actually really nice, just strict. She does look
very wary, though.

ALBUS: Probably because she knows we’re here

LYSANDER: Probably because she know Lorcan’s here, you mean. You stink,
man.

LORCAN: Yeah, unfortunately that was probably crap on my cheek.

ROSE: Lor I would advise you not to swear at this time.

LORCAN: Crap isn’t a swear word, so I’m fine.

ROSE: Really? It sounds like one.

LYSANDER: My girl, you disrespect history here!

ROSE: What?

LORCAN: Thomas Crapper
invented the toilet, and a bloody good thing he did, so don’t say his name
sounds like shit.

ROSE: Lor! Now that is a swear word.

ALBUS: Er, guys, remind me again who’s going first out of all of us.

LORCAN: What?

ALBUS: We’ve reached M.

All
heads turn to look at JENNA

JENNA: (nodding back at the platform) Malfoy first.

All
heads turn back to look at SCORPIUS making his way up to the stool and sorting
hat. The scene (or camera) then moves to observe SCORPIUS and his conversation
with the sorting hat.

SORTING
HAT: Ooh, a Malfoy! I haven’t had one of you in years…what’s it to be, eh?
Hmmm, I’m thinking Ravenclaw or Slytherin, my boy.

SCORPIUS:
Slytherin – please let me be in Slytherin.

SORTING
HAT: Keen on that, aren’t we? Want to follow in you’re father’s footsteps?

SCORPIUS:
Not…exactly.

SORTING
HAT: Well, what do you want? A fresh start or a chance to prove them wrong?

SCORPIUS:
Them?

SORTING
HAT: You know who I mean.

SCORPIUS:
You’re talking about-

SORTING
HAT: Them, her, it doesn’t matter

SCORPIUS:
Yes?

SORTING
HAT: You know who I mean.

SCORPIUS:
You’re talking about-

SORTING
HAT: Let’s not go through this again, laddie. I have decided and decided I
have. (Announcing) SLYTHERIN!

There’s clapping from
the Slytherin table, and with a glance at the group and reactions from the five
other second-generation first years. SCORPIUS then goes to the Slytherin table
and seats himself.  PROFESSOR DANE then continues.

PROF.
DANE: McLaggen, Jenna!

Jenna begins to make
her way through the crowd and towards the platform

ALBUS:
Good luck!

JENNA smiles at him and
then continues to walk towards the platform. Upon reaching the stool, she sits
down and PROFESSOR DANE place the sorting hat on her head. A private scene
between JENNA and the SORTING HAT then begins.

SORTING
HAT: Hmmm, this is interesting…Gryffindoor or Slytherin, mm? Quite Fascinating…

JENNA:
Please hurry up.

SORTING
HAT: Eager are we? Or is it impatience? Nervousness?

JENNA:
All three, I think.

SORTING
HAT: Quick-witted, aren’t we? And there’s no lack of courage, although you
could do with a little more compassion…Oh, but that ambition! You really want
to be the best, don’t you? Prove that you can do well..

JENNA:
Yes.

SORTING
HAT: Ah, so you admit it. Not ashamed of your dreams, are you?

JENNA:
No.

SORTING
HAT: Well, that’s settled it – SLYTHERIN!

JENNA immediately turns
her head to look at her group of friends, who all react differently. This
choice is left more open to actors, but ROSE is the most accepting of the four.
JENNA is unhappy and walks to the clapping Slytherin table in low spirits after
removing the hat. She takes an empty seat next to SCORPIUS.

SCORPIUS:
Congratulations!

JENNA:
Thanks.

SCORPIUS turns his head
to look at ALBUS, ROSE, LORCAN and LYSANDER, who are still watching the
sorting.

SCORPIUS:
They don’t like it, do they.

JENNA:
I don’t know.

SCORPIUS:
Albus doesn’t seem to.

JENNA:
How do you know?

Slight pause.

SCORPIUS:
Don’t let them spoil it for you.

JENNA:
Ssh. It’s Albus’ turn.

SCORPIUS scowls as he
watched ALBUS walk towards the stool and seat himself before the sorting hat is
placed on his head. The scene then moves to observe the conversation between
ALBUS and the SORTING HAT.

SORTING
HAT: Another Potter! I would say you’re easy, but instead you’ve got me all
mixed up…hmmm.

ALBUS:
Please just tell me.

SORTING
HAT: Another eager one! It’s not as easy as you think, my boy. At this moment
I’m toying with two.

ALBUS:
Which two?

SORTING
HAT: Why, I believe you know.

Slight Pause.

ALBUS:
Is Gryffindoor one of them?

SORTING
HAT: Might be, might not.

ALBUS:
My Dad said I could choose.

SORTING
HAT: Of course you can. Unfortunately for you, however, I’ve already chosen.

ALBUS:
What! Wait-

SORTING
HAT: SLYTHERIN!

The whole hall is
silent for a pause. The reactions of ROSE, LORCAN, LYSANDER, JENNA, SCORPIUS,
MCGONGALL, JAMES and PROFESSOR DANE are all shown. Then JENNA begins to clap
from the Slytherin table and the students there register, clapping and cheering
as ALBUS makes his way to their table (mood chosen by actor). The Slytherin’s
are obviously pleased they have ALBUS, who sits next to JENNA in silence.

JENNA:
Congratulations.

ALBUS:
Can’t you say something else?

JENNA:
(after a slight pause) Bad luck?

ALBUS:
To right it is.

PROFESSOR
DANE coughs and the hall becomes silent once more. She holds up the scroll and
reads:

PROFESSOR
DANE: Scamander, Lorcan!

LORCAN makes his way to
the stool solemnly, still looking at ALBUS. However, a few seconds into his conversation
with the hat (not heard), he seems to be enjoying himself, chuckling and
grinning. After a short amount of time, the SORTING HAT announces:

SORTING
HAT: RAVENCLAW!

LORCAN the rises and
takes the hat off his head to hand to PROFESSOR DANE. As he does so, the
PROFESSOR raises an eyebrow.

PROFESSOR
DANE: I thought you were Lysander…

LORCAN:
I’m very forgetful. Sometimes I even forget me name. Causes a lot of problems,
that does.

PROFESSOR
DANE: Really?

LORCAN:
Mhm.

Slight pause.

PROFESSOR
DANE: (still eyeing him) Off you go then.

LORCAN winks then makes
his way to the Ravenclaw table grinning.

PROFESSOR
DANE: Scamander, Lysander!

LYSANDER approaches the
hat with a concerned expression he tries to hide, but two seconds after he’s
placed it on his head the hat announces:

SORTING
HAT: RAVENCLAW!

The Ravenclaw table
applauds once more and LYSANDER makes his way over there with a smile. The
scene then moves to observe JENNA being congratulated at the Slytherin Table by
her elder brother, JACK MCLAGGEN.

JACK:
Sis! Congrats!

 JACK holds out hand for a high five, which
JENNA accepts it dubiously.

JENNA:
Thanks, Jack. I hoped I’d be here.

ALBUS:
No you didn’t

JACK:
(looks at ALBUS) Mmm?

JENNA:
(cutting across ALBUS as he’s about to speak) Jack, this is Albus Potter,
Albus, this is Jack, my elder brother.

ALBUS:
I noticed.

JACK:
Wassup? Has my little sister done something to you?

JENNA:
What? No!

ALBUS:
Not really.

JACK pauses, looks from
JENNA to ALBUS, then laughs to the surprise of his sister and ALBUS.

JACK:
(pats JENNA’s head) Congrats again sis. Glad to see ya in good old Slytherin!

JACK returns to his
place further along the Slytherin table. As soon as he’s gone, JENNA turns to
ALBUS angrily.

JENNA:
What was that for?

ALBUS:
What? (Sullenly)

JENNA:
(JENNA looks at him with disbelief) Albus, why’re you being so selfish? Just
because you don’t want to be in Slytherin doesn’t mean you have to make me feel
guilty for being here too!

ALBUS:
I’m not-

JENNA:
Yes you are, whether you’re trying to or doing it without thinking. Why do you
hate Slytherin so much?

ALBUS:
I…

JENNA:
Because you think that all Slytherin’s are evil, right.

ALBUS:
You didn’t seem to keen when you got sorted.

JENNA:
That’s because I knew you were already condemning me. But look at you – you’re
already more Slytherin than me!

Before ALBUS can speak,
JENNA gets up and moves to sit by SCORPIUS, which makes ALBUS even angrier. He
then quietens, as if reflecting on JENNA’s words. In a moment, however, ROSE’s
name is called.

PROFESSOR
DANE: Weasley, Rose!

ROSE nervously makes
her way to the hat and stool, receiving a smile from JENNA, who is observed by
ALBUS, and thumbs up from LORCAN and LYSANDER. After a small amount of time,
during which ROSE looks indignant and seems to have an intense conversation
with the SORTING HAT (not viewed or heard), the hat speaks:

SORTING
HAT: GRYFFINDOOR!

ROSE beams and removes
the sorting hat quickly before eagerly making her way towards the table where
the students are cheering and clapping loudly. JENNA, LORCAN and LYSANDER are
all grinning, and JAMES congratulates his cousin at the table. ALBUS, however,
watches ROSE with bitterness, jealousy, wistfulness or other emotion (s) the
actor can choose. The scene ends with him looking at ROSE celebrating at the
table, and JAMES watching his brother but unnoticed by ALBUS.

CHARACTER DISCUSSION:

ALBUS POTTER:

Albus in this first appears to be quite innocent, but when Scorpius shows up he seems to show his bitter and more Slytherin side, and the way that transition is brought across is important. In appearance, green eyes are not necessary, but a boy with dark hair should play this role. Glasses are not necessary but can be added as he may be visionally impaired like Harry. For costumes, simple muggle wear or robes should be sufficient, and of course a wand will be needed.

ROSE WEASLEY:

Rose is very like Hermione Granger, her mother was, at that age. She has strong opinions and expresses them fairly as well as considering many options. In appearance it is classical for her to have red hair, but brown and blonde like Hermione would also be suitable. For costumes, simple muggle wear or robes should be sufficient, and of course a wand will be needed. I would suggest smart and neat clothes.

JENNA MCLAGGEN:

As a new character, it's important Jenna is portrayed in the right way. She seems to be quiet at first then sort of unintentionally flares up and shows she's very like Rose, although she shouldn't quite be acted in the same way. She's more Slytherin than Rose and also always says what she thinks. In looks, Jenna can have any variety of features, but is  quite attractive even at eleven. For costumes, simple muggle wear or robes should be sufficient, and of course a wand will be needed.

SCORPIUS MALFOY:

Scorpius, in this scene, plays the good guy, but there is something subtle underneath not yet revealed. He isn't as snide or sneering as his father was, and most definitely not in this scene, but looks like Draco. A guy with fair hair and skin will be needed to play Scorpius, and as for costume, smart black robes or muggle clothes are the sort of thing he would wear.

LORCAN SCAMANDER:

Lorcan Scamander is a very wacky soul, like his mother Luna. He's more confident than his twin and seems to be more talkative as well. Lorcan and Lysander both speak with Irish accents, adding a comic element to the scene. In looks, fair hair is presumed but dark hair is also suitable, as is fair skin presumed. He and his twin dress weirdly, maybe some strange scarf or badges, weirdly coloured clothes or robes, hats. The choices are in huge variety.

Lysander is a little quieter and less confident than his brother, and more dreamy, also being interested in divination as well. He is more like his mother in that department, and often argues with his brother because of his attitude. In looks, fair hair is presumed but dark hair is also suitable, as is fair skin presumed. He and his twin dress weirdly, maybe some strange scarf or badges, weirdly coloured clothes or robes, hats. The choices are in huge variety.

JACK MCLAGGEN:

Jack, Jenna's brother, is not the brightest of sorts, but is quite friendly when it comes to members of his own house. He presumed muscly and tall in appearance and is a beater on the Slytherin quidditch team. Jack will be wearing robes for this scene and maybe some other accessories.

PROFESSOR DANE: 

Professor Dane is a moderately strict but younger teacher and has a sharp sense of humour that is often displayed to her students. Her appearance can be of anything, but her age is presumed in the twenties-thirtie department. However, if the actress is mature enough, the Professor can be played by a seventh or sixth year student. Her robes could be anything, just not to bright or flashy. She can also wear a hat and needs the prop of a piece of parchment of which she reads of the names of the students for sorting.

-Script written by Lilia Le Fay