DISCLAIMER: Nope, the setting isn't mine. The story and characters, however, are until further notice.

NOTE: The Homes are Cherokee words of the four natural elements. According to JKR, all American wizards received a wand permit with the purchase of their wand.

TITLE: Violet Murray and the Nocturnal Whispers

AUTHOR: V.

As soon as they step foot into the castle and the students showed their wand permit, Violet and James and the other students put their bags and suitcases in a separate room. Then the students entered a huge dining room.

James, who had read all about Ilvermorny, stared in awe at the sight. There were five large tables with chairs on either side. At the very back of the dining room stood a table not as large as the rest. Violet presumed it was for the staff. "The Dining Hall, otherwise known as the Grand Café." James explained next to her.

The First Graders were seated at one of the five tables. James chattered excitedly about how the ceiling changes according to the weather outside, which explained why it was full of stars. Before he could finish telling a fascinating story of the time in rained in the Dining Hall, the entire room hushed.

Violet and James looked to stage, where an old woman in with long raven hair stood with a tattered wizard's hat in her hand. Next to her stood a younger boy, way older than Violet but way younger than the witch. In his hand was a long roll of parchment.

"Welcome back to another year at Ilvermorny, and to our newest students; welcome to a fresh start at the world. Before I allow the principle to step in and give his speech, it time for the Placing! As some of you know, there are four Homes at Ilvermorny: Ama, Atlisa, Elohi, and Unole. Your Home determines your family, your friends, and your home. Each Home is creative and unique in it's own way. The Thinking Cap is never wrong, so even if you don't like your Home it's your place to be. Let the Placing begin!"

Violet found that the common belief that the Thinking Cap sung was a myth, it didn't sing, it screeched;

I was born long ago when Ilvermorny barley started,

The Founders Four were still together and hadn't yet parted.

Achak, Adahy, Adoette, and Adslia were well learned in the magical arts.

However they believed that students should be taught what they thought was smart.

Achak thought water transport and magic was best,

He founded Ama where the water folk now rest

But Adoette choose flight and anything in the air,

So now Unole is the Home she wears

Little Atlisa, the smallest of the bunch,

Kept her feet dry as plants gave her a hunch,

She was fond of animals and plants and such

Now Atlisa founded Elohi where the humbler folks munch

Adahy, he was stranger, he favored fire out them all,

He thought the rest of them were lesser than him by far,

His Home is Atlisa, where heat is praised as stars

So now I'm am the Thinking Cap

I'll place you based on wit,

Whatever I think you're better at is where you'll surely fit!

After the raspy song of the Thinking Cap, the young boy next to the witch (who James said was Vice Principal Nickel) began shouting names. "Ackerman, Louise" was placed in Elohi and "Ackerman, Maxwell" was placed in Atlisa.

After about twenty names, it was James' turn. The Thinking Cap sat on his head for a long time and he was muttering things as if he was arguing with the hat. It finally decided; "Unole!" James seemed to relax as loud cheering came from the table decorated in white and sky blue plates and cups.

It seemed like seconds after the name "Murray, Violet" was called. Violet slowly walked to the stage. The Thinking Cap was heavier than she thought it'd be, not to mention itchier.

She could hear it muttering aloud. No- not aloud, in her head! It was as if a voice had crawled into Violet's ear and to her mind and begin to talk to her telepathically!

"Hmm… Very calm and flighty, like the Unole… Yet you remain humble and respectful. Not a bad pride, however… You'd do well in Atlisa but even better in Ama… Shall I put you there?"

"No!" Violet shouted accidently then quickly retreated to a mutter. "I mean- no. Not Ama."

"Shame, you'd do well in there. Well, you're Home is, UNOLE!" The hat shouted.

The Unole table went in uproar once again and welcomed her with open arms. She took a seat across James and smiled at him.

"Welcome to Unole." He grinned.