<P> From there , first - year students are accompanied by the `` Keeper of the Keys , Game and Grounds '' ( which was Hagrid during the first novel ) to small boats , which magically sail across the lake and get them near the entrance of Hogwarts . The older students ride up to the castle in carriages pulled by creatures called Thestrals . When the first - year students initially arrive at the castle , they wait in a small chamber off the entrance hall until the older students have taken their seats , and then enter the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony to determine their House assignments . As teacher Minerva McGonagall said in Harry Potter and the Philosopher 's Stone , `` 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 . '' After the Sorting Hat sings a song , each student in turn is seated upon the stool in front of the rest of the student body . The Hat is placed on the student 's head , whereupon it examines his or her mind and assigns them to one of the four Houses based on abilities , personality , and preferences . After the Sorting Ceremony , the students and teachers enjoy a feast , prepared by the Hogwarts house - elves . If Dumbledore is feeling cheerful , he will lead the students in singing the school song . </P>
<P> From there , first - year students are accompanied by the `` Keeper of the Keys , Game and Grounds '' ( which was Hagrid during the first novel ) to small boats , which magically sail across the lake and get them near the entrance of Hogwarts . The older students ride up to the castle in carriages pulled by creatures called Thestrals . When the first - year students initially arrive at the castle , they wait in a small chamber off the entrance hall until the older students have taken their seats , and then enter the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony to determine their House assignments . As teacher Minerva McGonagall said in Harry Potter and the Philosopher 's Stone , `` 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 . '' After the Sorting Hat sings a song , each student in turn is seated upon the stool in front of the rest of the student body . The Hat is placed on the student 's head , whereupon it examines his or her mind and assigns them to one of the four Houses based on abilities , personality , and preferences . After the Sorting Ceremony , the students and teachers enjoy a feast , prepared by the Hogwarts house - elves . If Dumbledore is feeling cheerful , he will lead the students in singing the school song . </P>
what is the name of the sorting hat in harry potter
what is the name of the sorting hat in harry potter
the Sorting Hat
the Sorting Hat