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The Match Begins
Author: Ella
Date: 07-01-12 10:52
"And here comes Gryffindooooooooor!"
To wild applause, the seven Gryffindor Quidditch players emerged from their locker room and flew several circuits around the Pitch, waving and grinning at their fans.
"And now Ravenclaaaaaaaaw!"
The seven Ravenclaw teammates flew onto the Pitch to an equal amount of cheering. After a few rounds, all but the two keepers came to center field and joined with Gryffindor in their starting positions, while the two captains, Ella and Deak, touched down to shake hands.
Coach Krum wished them both good luck and then prepared to release the balls from the trunk at his feet. Ella and Deak remounted their brooms and filed into position next to their teammates. First the bludgers rocketed into the partly cloudy sky, then the snitch, which immediately blended in with everything around it, and finally the quaffle, thrown high into the air by Coach Krum himself.
Etta launched herself at the red ball, but Deak wrapped his hands around it at the same time. The pair struggled for a moment, before a bludger courtesy Jade forced them apart and sent the quaffle plummeting back to earth. The other four chasers were quick to follow its descent, but Marjani managed to get to it faster than anybody else. She immediately pulled up to avoid collision with the turf.
Ella, meanwhile, went after the same bludger Jade had used to separate Deak and Etta and used it to distract Ramona from harassing Marjani, who seemed to have great difficulty getting anywhere with the quaffle. Marjani looked wildly for an opening, but even with Ramona out of the way, Jack and Deak, were too close for comfort.
Luckily, Blake got to the other bludger before one of the Ravenclaw beaters could and aimed for Deak. Jade and Alastor were too far away to block the hit, but Deak managed to avoid it by swerving away from Marjani. The small opening was enough for Marjani to execute a pass to Hunter R. Hunter urged his broomstick forward and somehow managed to get within scoring range, despite the fact that all three Ravenclaw chasers had caught up to him, and both bludgers seemed intent on hitting him.
Ella got between him and one of the bludgers and deflected it at Beatrix. Beatrix avoided the hit, but moved away from the hoops long enough for Hunter to attempt a goal. A sudden gust of wind carried the ball a few inches off course. Instead of a clean goal, the ball hit the interior side of the rim, not once but twice before dropping out the backside of the hoop.
Ella let out the breath she'd been holding and grinned. Just minutes after the start of the match, Gryffindor already had ten points!
Some Comfort
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 07-01-12 12:50
There was something wrong about Phyllida's book, Nate thought as he sat at the bleachers to see the match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
He saved a seat for Phyllida. They had made a bet about today's match: if Gryffindor won Phyllida would help Nate with his Potions' homework, but if Ravenclaw was victorious he would have to give her a hand with Muggle Studies.
But he was not worried about the Quidditch match at all. He was more concerned about that book. The first time he used his blood the book had called him a mudblood. Nate was sure that it had been a mistake, that probably with many years of not being used the book had lost part of its magical properties. But just to be sure he had asked to Phyllida if he could use the book again and under her supervision his blood filled the old yellowish pages once again.
The message was even more offensive than last time:
If you touch me again Mudblood, you'll suffer. You have been warned.
Nate wanted to repeat the process one more time but Phyllida forbidden him. She was sure the book was wrong and it was a stubborn object with a delicate temper. Her theory was that the book only liked the blood from ancient and important families and the Rosses had never been powerful or at the very least interesting. It didn't want common blood. The book liked to feast itself with more delicate veins.
Soon Phyllida got over the matter but Nate didn't. This whole issue was consuming him and he decided to write to his parents. Of course he didn't mention the book but he inquired them about the origin of their family and if there had been some muggle wedding in some line of the family that he did not know of.
Strangely the letter containing a reply took more than the usual time to arrive and that only upset Nate more, than reassuring him.
"Hey!" Phyllida greeted, seating next to him. "Ready to lose?"
"We will see about that," Nate replied absently.
"What's the matter?"
He didn't have to reply: she figured out what was wrong about him right away.
"It's the book again isn't it?" she sighed and turned to him, her red hair making the irritation in her eyes even scarier. "Listen to me: didn't you stay at Hogwarts during Smythe-Jones' time?"
Nate nodded.
"Then there's nothing wrong with you," and she kissed his lips, making him able to relax for the first time in days.
Three Referees For The Match
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 07-01-12 14:29
With a little bit of a bacteria based bronchial infection Viktor knew he'd not be as alert as needed to referee the Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw match alone. He'd lucked out yesterday at the Humbatas practice with the first two he'd seen to ask, Morgana Flowers and John Kensington, a beater and a chaser, respectively, on the pro team. As he pops an orange flavored lozenge in his mouth to help stave off the persistent cough that's gone with the bronchitis, Viktor is glad for the extra layer he put on under the referee gear because he's also got a little bit of a chill, not helped by zipping along on a broom in the early spring air above the pitch.
The score is at ten points Gryffindor, zero Ravenclaw but it's still the first few minutes of the match so it's far too early to tell just how well each team is playing today or how good of a match it's going to be for the spectators. At the moment, Ravenclaw chaser Ramona Mickle has the quaffle. She's flanked by the other two Ravenclaw chasers Deak Bennett and Jack Emerson. Gryffindor chasers Etta Wynbourne has wedged herself between Jack and Ramona, looking for an opening to steal. Her teammates Hunter Rabnott and Marjani Batuti are just ahead, weaving back and forth in an effort to slow Ramona's progress and to be available to accept a pass should Etta get her hands on the quaffle.
Jade Green is on pursuit of a bludger but Ella Harville is racing to get to it first. Blake Holloway has just sent the other bludger on course to hit Deak but Alastor looks to be in a good position to block the hit and redirect it. So far neither Gryffindor seeker Charisma Stone or Ravenclaw seeker Christopher Chant appears to have sighted the snitch since it was released at just prior to the start of the match. At each end of pitch the keepers, Beatrix Vanderbilt for Ravenclaw and Hunter Green for Gryffindor, eagerly await the quaffle's arrival so they too can participate in the action, Hunter G probably more so than Beatrix since she was involved at the very start of the game when Gryffindor scored so quickly.
The orange flavored lozenge has helped keep a coughing fit at bay the last couple of minutes but there's still a persistent tickle in the back of Viktor's throat. Clearing it a few times, he pasts a hidden pocket to make sure he's got the dose of potion he's to take in about another hour. Trying not to dwell on the tightness in his chest or the scratchiness in his throat, Viktor flies after the pack, being as watchful as he can for fouls, signs of bad enough to be removed from the match injuries, and that brooms continue to be safe to use by the players.
In Trouble - Mockridge Townhouse
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 07-01-12 16:22
Valeria eyed the book, poking at it with a finger. It had seemed innocent enough, and her uncle never left books on his desk if she wasn't allowed to read them. But the first few chapters had left her decidedly confused.
Nephele tilted her head and looked at her niece. "Valeria? Where did you find that book?"
"On Uncle Kirley's desk," she said quietly.
"Where he usually puts books you're allowed to have?"
"Well, not quite."
"Explain." Nephele's tone was firmer than normal, she sounded rather like Cloris in that moment and Valeria cringed.
"He told me there was a book on the desk I could read. But when I went in, this is the only book there was, and it wasn't in the usual spot. And... and I don't think I should be reading it, Aunt Nephele."
"You'd be right. And I'm going to have a long talk with your uncle about bringing this Muggle trash into the house, let alone leaving it where you could find it."
Valeria relaxed, she wasn't the one in trouble, it was all Kirley. Nephele smiled slightly and held out her arms to her niece. Once she was safely wrapped in a hug, Nephele kissed her temple. "Come, let's find you a decent book to read, perhaps something about Merlin."
"That sounds good, Aunt."
Sibling Discussion - Mockridge Townhouse
Author: Nephele Mockridge
Date: 07-01-12 16:33
Once Valeria was firmly ensconced in her room with a book, Nephele flipped through the pages of the book Kirley had so clearly left out. Her face turned pink as she skimmed the words. This was definitely not an appropriate book for their eleven year old niece. She wasn't entirely sure it was appropriate for her.
When Kirley walked into the library, he froze, his gaze on his sister. "What is it, Neph?"
"Do you remember telling Valeria she could read the book on your desk?"
"Yes, that was this morning, before I went to work."
"Yes, but do you know what book was on your desk?" He thought for a moment and then the color drained from his face. "Merlin's Beard!"
"Oh, good, you do remember. It's bad enough you're reading this Muggle Trash, but really, to give our eleven year old niece permission to read A. N. Roquelaure?"
"I'm sorry, Neph, I wasn't thinking. I was more concerned with the news Jibby brought this morning. Mother's been corresponding with Malfoy."
Nephele eyed him. "Which Malfoy?"
"Lucius. I'd be less worried if she was writing to Draco."
"Bloody Hell."
"Exactly. So can you understand my concern?"
"What is Mother writing to him about?"
"Don't know yet, she's spelling the letters so Jibby can't read them. It can't be good though, you know it never is with her. And if she's talking to Lucius Malfoy, it's only a matter of time before she's in deep with the others. Except maybe Bellatrix Lestrange. Mother once said Mrs. Lestrange has never quite forgiven her because the Dark Lord complimented her once," Kirley said thoughtfully.
"Not much we can do about it then," Nephele said as she picked the book back up. "In the meantime though, I'll hold onto this until you remember to keep your things better organized."
Kirley smirked. "I'll have Ibby bring the other two to your rooms."
Her cheeks were decidedly pink again as she left the library, book tucked her under her arm.
Temporarily Hemmed In (Etta)
Author: Jared
Date: 07-01-12 18:29
Grimacing at the near collision she'd just had with that oh so handsome referee John Kensington while both avoiding a bludger sent by Alastor and diving for the quaffle when a nice pass from Ramona to Jack was ruined by a strong gust of wind, Etta tightens her grip on the ball. Referee Kensington gives her a smile and a wave of his hand to indicate everything was fine, making her feel less mortified at nearly taking out a referee. She coumes out of a turn, straightening to go in a direct line towards Beatrix and the Ravenclaw guarded hoops. The Ravenclaw chasers and beaters have something else in mind.
Alastor tries again with a bludger, this time coming much nearer to success. The hard, black ball passes uncomfortably close to Etta's ear. Not even a half second later Jack is pulling up along side her. She goes to veer away but Deak is there. Etta grins at them both and pulls into a climb that she quickly levels off, before diving just as Deak is leveling off after climbing to follow her, her eyes darting around for signs of Marjani and Hunter R.
Marjani becomes visible off to one side but no sign of Hunter R. until Etta a flash of something below her catches her eye. Grinning again, she drops the quaffle down to his waiting, upstretched hand. Hunter Rabnott accelerates, shooting forward, pulling the quaffle in close to his body. Jade hots a bludger at him, catching Hunter on one leg but it doesn't slow him or affect his hold on the ball.
Deak has pulled away to catch up with Hunter R. while Jack continues to shadow Etta. Ramona is in the same vicinity as Marjani, probably looking to intercept any pass that might be made that direction. Hunter R. pulls within scoring range with Beatrix on the alert.
Hunter R. goes for the goal, throwing towards center but Beatrix easily rebuffs. Marjani's got the rebound but instead of setting up for a shot she goes low over her broom when she sees a bludger coming her way. Blake gets to it before it gets to Marjani, redirecting the bludger to Ramona.
In the clear for the moment Marjani throws the quaffle, sending it more off to the right, which makes it Beatrix's left. The Ravenclaw keeper zips to the side, doing one better than simply blocking. She catches the ball, which she promptly gives over to Deak. He's quickly moving back the other way with Etta and the others turning to make the journey across the pitch right along with him.
Seeking the Snitch
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 07-02-12 13:41
She shifted on her broom, eyes sliding closed for a moment as she fought with a rapid sneezing fit, before she would turn her attention once more to the expanse of the match beneath her. She should have said that she couldn't play in today's match, but she had no desire to leave Gryffindor in a lurch on match day just because of the beginnings of a cold. At least it wasn't snowing or raining like it had been the last time they'd played. She was seriously glad of that.
As it was, she had woken up late and nearly missed the briefing before the match. She was out of it, and just wished for the match to be over so she could go curl up in the Common Commons with a mug of hot cocoa and blanket, and maybe cuddling with Blake, because she surely wasn't going to be able to focus on homework today. She may even go to the hospital wing after the match.
After a few minutes she turned her attention to the match beneath her, watching Blake hit another bludger to deflect a pass made from Ramona to Deak. It was successful, and the quaffle was quickly collected by Etta as the group of Gryffindor chasers quickly headed back to the hoops guarded by Beatrix Vanderbilt. She wasn't sure what the score was, and currently attempted to figure it out by looking toward the score board and it looks like it was still ten-zero in favor of Gryffindor. That was a good sign.
She flicked her attention back over the pitch, watching as the beaters and chasers quickly moved from the mid point back and forth toward the hoops guarded by Beatrix, because that was as far as anyone got at this point before the bright red quaffle changed hands. Though, this time it looked like it was going to be another score by Gryffindor as the quaffle quickly left Etta's hands and was deftly caught by Hunter Rabnott and within quick seconds tossed just out of reach of Beatrix's outstretched hands and sailed through the right most hoop.
A cheer rose from the Gryffindor stands as the score was now twenty points to zero. There was but at moments hesitation before the quaffle was once more thrown into play and the group of six chasers quickly barreled toward the Gryffindor hoops guarded by Hunter Green. Ravenclaw was was eager to score now that Gryffindor was up by twenty points and they still had a dragon's egg for their score.
After several moments, Isma shifted her attention and began a methodical scan for the snitch that had been released just prior to the game. She flicked her gaze upward for a moment attempting to find the form of Ravenclaw seeker Christopher Chant, offering him a light smile before she resumed her search for the snitch. She kept her attention shifted upon the expanse of the pitch hunting for the snitch, not so much focused on the rest of the match going on below her, but for now on the hunt for the snitch to attempt to bring a victory for Gryffindor in this match.
(Blake) Keeping Ravenclaw from Scoring
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 07-02-12 13:51
The game had been fast paced so far, and he knew that Coach Krum wasn't feeling all that well, and he also knew that his girlfriend, Charisma, would rather be curled up with a blanket and some hot chocolate and possibly a potion from the hospital wing working on chasing away whatever cold she had managed to pick up. Her getting up late this morning had been a result of the cold as well and he was quite glad that she had actually made the match this morning.
As a beater, he was never allowed a moments rest unless there was a foul shot called or something along those lines, for now he kept on the hunt for bludgers and sent them in the path of the quaffle or the Ravenclaw chasers as quickly as he could with the help of Ella, the team captain of the Gryffindor team.
At the moment the group of six chasers were heading back toward the Gryffindor hoops guarded by Hunter Green in hopes of cutting the lead a little bit with a score of their own. Fingertips tightening on his bat, he swung toward the bludger and sent it to try and knock the quaffle off its path when Deak passed it to Jack, however it missed its mark by mere inches and he cursed and hoped that Ella would have much more of a chance to block the attempt at a score, to aid Hunter Green in doing just that.
However, she missed the bludger and they quickly worked to find another bludger to send in the direction of the quaffle as the group of chasers got closer to the Gryffindor hoops. Jade hit a bludger in the path of Marjani to keep her from trying to get in between Deak and Ramona and it was successful causing Marjani to have to draw up short on her broom. Blake shifted and sent the bludger back in the direction of the Ravenclaw chasers, managing to connect the quaffle and send it spinning for a moment out of control and not in the hands of any team.
With quick movements Marjani quickly grasped the quaffle and tucked it beneath her, but a well timed bludger from Alastor caught it just right and soon enough the quaffle was back in the hands of Ramona Mickle and the chasers heading back toward the Gryffindor hoops guarded by Hunter Green.
Again there were attempts to keep either team from holding on the the quaffle for too long, and more importantly from keeping Ravenclaw from scoring and closing the building gap between them.