Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: When he is sorted into Gryffindor House , he becomes fast friends with classmates Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger , and foils Voldemort 's attempt to steal the Philosopher 's Stone .
Simplified: He is sorted into Gryffindor House by the Sorting Hat and becomes friends with classmates Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger . Near the end of his first year at Hogwarts , he stops Voldemort 's attempt to steal the Philosopher 's Stone .