A/N: The information regarding Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is based on new information from J.K. Rowling's website, Pottermore.


Discover the Gordian Knot

"Well, Paladins, I'd say that we all know some valuable things about each of you now," said Crio, which was slightly obvious.

"Actually," said Jim, "it might not be over yet. Hogwarts exists in Scotland, which is over the ocean from our home country. And the Sorting Hat is exclusive to Hogwarts School, too. But I've heard more recently that there was another school of witchcraft and wizardry in our own country, America, called Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Crio blinked. "It sounds like you really know your stuff about this Wizarding World, Paladin Jim," he said in astonishment. "I wasn't aware of a second wizarding school any more than I was of the first, but come to think of it, there is something in another antechamber, adjacent to this one, shaped like some sort of symbol on the floor."

"I wouldn't mind seeing it myself," said Jasmine. The other Paladins nodded their agreement.

"Well then, let us check it out," said Crio.

They walked into another room which was right next to the one they were just in, and found themselves in a chamber with a symbol on the floor, and four intricate carvings on a nearby wall.

It instantly clicked for Jim. "Apparently, this must have traveled between the worlds, too!" he exclaimed. "This is an imitation of the Gordian Knot, and those carvings on the wall must be enchanted! You just stand on the symbol, and wait until at least one of the carvings indicates it wants you for its House. Then, if more than one wants you, you get the free choice between the two (or more) Houses."

"Fascinating," breathed Crio, "But what exactly are these Houses, and what do they stand for, in contrast with the Hogwarts Houses?"

"I don't have the full story of all their traits right now," Jim replied. "But I do know a few of their traits. The Houses are named after mythical creatures from the North American continent: Wampus, Pukwudgie, Thunderbird, and Horned Serpent."

Leticia spluttered for a second on her laughter. "Pukwudgie? What kind of name is Pukwudgie?"

Jim shrugged. "Search me, Leticia. I just know that it's the name for a particularly unusual mythical beast that looks part man, part animal. But the Houses stand for the following: Horned Serpent represents a witch's or wizard's mind, and tends to favor scholars and other learned men and women within its ranks. Pukwudgie represents the heart, and presumably love, and favors healers. Wampus represents the body, and favors warriors. And Thunderbird represents the soul, and favors various adventurers."

"That seems to make sense," said Crio, "At least, from a lucky guess point of view. I suppose you might like to try getting sorted into these Ilvermorny Houses, as well?"

"Yeah, why not?" said Bonnie. "I'd like to know my traits based on a system a little closer to home than Hogwarts, myself, although I still enjoyed being sorted into Hogwarts, too."

Crio smiled. "Let's get to work, then!"

The Paladins all nodded.