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Ravenclaw vs Slytherin 2007-2008 Season
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 04-02-14 13:15
Viktor nods at the spot in front of him. "There's fine. Thank you. Three points each."
Mickey Moon, a second year Gryffindor, and Jed Burleigh, a first year Hufflepuff, exchange grins. They'd both happened to be in the right place at the right time to offer to carry the trunk of balls to the center of the pitch. Viktor could have done it on his own but saw no reason to turn down the offer.
Pleased that they got points out of it, the two boys scamper off in different directions, each most likely going to look for friends. Alone, Viktor shifts his position on his broom to walk to the sidelines. There's still several minutes before the teams will be introduced so he's thinking a cup of coffee will do nicely.
Viktor had had someone lined up to assist with refereeing today but as of a half hour ago that's no longer the case. He'd gotten an owl from Wanda Carmody, the Wright College student at St. Emrys whose helped a time or two in the past. She had to beg off for today due to a stomach virus. Viktor would have turned to one of his Humbatas but today is one of those rare times there the Humbatas have a match the same day as one here at Hogwarts. Viktor won't be able to see the first part of the Humbatas match but unless the snitch is caught early on, he should make it for most of the game.
Standing on the sidelines now with coffee in one hand and broom in the other, Viktor tries to center his attention on the match that's about to begin between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. It's not easy at the moment because of something else weighing in his mind, something other than the Humbatas match later.
Concerned over Viktor's lack of dating, and how he's pointed out to her several times that his last attempts at a relationship didn't go well, Marjani signed Viktor up for Magical Match. She informed his earlier in the week that she's set up a blind date for him tonight. Viktor has a suspicion that if now for Marjani being concerned he might make other plans tonight, she would have waited to spring this on him.
Initially, Viktor told Marjani no. He'd ordered her to contact the woman and cancel. Marjani not only refused but somehow over the course of the last few days she whittled away at his resolve until he assented to at least meeting the woman.
The announcer welcomes everyone to the Hogwarts stadium, a signal that the teams will soon be taking the field. With the match beginning, Viktor knows he can shove thoughts of the blind date aside and only think about the game and the action at hand. Moving to the mid-point of the pitch, to stand next to the trunk containing the balls for this match, Viktor turns slightly to watch as the teams emerge from the locker rooms, the game's announcer calling off each player's name and position.
"For Slytherin are beater Mark Farnon, who also serves as team captain. Co-captain and chaser is Olive Green. Beater Asher Kent. Keeper Gus van Tassel. Chasers Mason Fine and Madoc McGonagall. Seeker Rylee Marks."
After all the Slytherins have made a circuit around the pitch then joined Viktor, out comes Ravenclaw.
"Playing today for Ravenclaw are keeper Beatrix Vanderbilt. Chaser Franciscus Vanderbilt. Captain and chaser Alastor Jenkins. Chaser and co-captain Ramona Mickle. Beater Jade Green. Beater Aderyn Carter. Seeker Bran Hyland."
By this time the stadium is echoing with cheers for both teams. Motion the two captains to join him, Viktor has them shake hands and gives the usual reminder about good sportsmanship. The balls are released and within seconds, the six chasers are converging on the red ball called the quaffle.
(Gus) Put Your Act Together
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 04-02-14 14:20
The whistle echoed around the pitch, the balls were released and the match began. Usually being up in the air, and guarding the Slytherin hoops was enough to keep Gus's mind busy. But not today. He hold tight to his broom's handle, the knot of his fingers becoming white inside his keeper gloves. He had to control himself and keep his position, play the match and make sure Ravenclaw didn't score. However all he wanted to do was to fly into Mark's direction and hit him hard.
Ramona Mickle was the first one to reach to the quaffle and once the red ball was in her possession she didn't waste any time changing her course, flying to the Slytherin side of the pitch. Malden and Mason went in her pursuit, a blue spot being surrounded by two green ones. Ramona was forced to drop the quaffle before she could pass it either to her cousin Franciscus or Alastor. Olive grabbed the red ball and gained velocity trying to reach the other side of the pitch. She graciously dodged a blugder that had been a courtesy of her sister, Jade.
With his hoops out of danger, Gus revived what had happened inside the locker room only a few moments ago. Mark, as the captain, was giving the team last minute advises. He gave instructions to everyone until it was Gus' turn.
"Pay attention to Franciscus Vanderbilt's shots. They are more potent than they look like. He might trick you, Gus."
Mark's speech irritated him. Gus's temper was short and he couldn't help to burst:
"You don't tell me how to play, Farnon. You're a beater, what do you know about defending hoops? Let me do my job, and just focus on yours. Maybe if you're able to hit Vanderbilt in the arm his shots won't be as powerful. Maybe you should concentrate on that instead and leave me alone. How does that sound?"
"Careful with that attitude Gus," Mark warned. The whole team was watching in total silence. You could smell the tension in the air. "I am the captain and you do as I say. Or I'll suspend you from the team."
"Is that a threat?" Gus barked, closing his fist.
Mason put himself in front of Gus, just in case he would feel like hitting Mark. The last thing everyone desired was a fight in the locker room just before the match started. The other team members waited for Mark's reaction.
"It's a warning. The first and last I'll give you. Put your act together van Tassel."
No matter how much Gus tried he just couldn't do that. He felt uncomfortable on his broom as he watched the Slytherin attack. Malden tried to score but Beatrix defended his shot. She passed the quaffle to Alastor, who worked together with his teammates, trying to reach Gus's hoops. He passed the red ball to Ramona and then she throw it back at him once he was able to get rid of Olive who was covering his position. Asher aimed a bludger to Alastor but Aderyn deviated its course with ease. Now it was Franciscus who held the quaffle and he was getting closer to Gus. He knew the Ravenclaw chaser was probably trying to score and he got ready for it. He didn't want Franciscus to score and give Mark the satisfaction of later telling him 'I told you so'.
The last thing that passed over Gus's mind before trying to reach the quaffle that Franciscus aimed to the left hoop, was that Mark wouldn't have the guts to kick him out of the team. Or would he?
(Franciscus & Ramona) Ravenclaw Chasers
Author: Griet
Date: 04-02-14 18:21
Franciscus held his breath and watched the quaffle sail for the left hoop, but Gus lunged for it and knocked it away from the goals. All of the chasers scrambled to catch the rebound, but Franciscus was front and center and was able to get his hands on the red ball before anyone else could. He tried to score again, but Gus easily caught the ball and passed it to his teammate Olive.
Olive made a hasty maneuver in the opposite direction and sped off, eager to put distance between herself and the Slytherin goals. There was an awful, biting chill in the air, but at least it wasn't windy. Nevertheless, everyone's noses and the tips of their ears looked pink from the cold. Franciscus shivered on his broomstick. With a chance of ice for later in the day, he was very hopeful Bran would catch the snitch soon.
He leaned forward and put on an extra burst of speed. The air felt sharper against his face, but he tried not to dwell on how uncomfortable he felt. Instead, he zeroed in on the quaffle, which Olive had just tossed to Mason. Mason had the red ball for only a second before handing it off to Malden. Franciscus angled the nose of his broom so that he was not only moving forward with the pack but also steering in the young Slytherin's direction.
Mark seemed to catch on to what Franciscus was doing. He aimed a bludger in the Ravenclaw chaser's direction, but Franciscus noticed the black ball before it could hit him. He rolled to avoid it, a move that delayed him a little bit but not enough for him to give up his pursuit of Malden and the quaffle. Franciscus pressed forward again, and when he finally got parallel to Malden, he reached out his arm to steal the ball.
Malden scanned for someone to throw to and found an opening in Mason. He let the quaffle fly, only to have it intercepted by Ramona. Ramona did a hasty 180-degree turn and sped away, pulling her head back when a bludger crossed her path. Olive tried to steal the ball back for Slytherin, but Ramona tightened her grip on the quaffle and pressed on toward the opposing goal hoops.
She could see Gus readying himself for her arrival, though she still had more than half the Pitch to travel before she got there. Seeing Gus put the other Gus to mind. They had studied Alchemy together a few times now, though Ramona had been informed by no less than three of her friends that Gus Hodfuffer didn't actually want to study with her so much as study her.
She had heard on more than one occasion from different classmates that she attracted a lot of boys, but no one had yet to actually ask her out. Ramona rarely seemed to notice what was plain as day to others––at least as far as her supposed suitors went. She liked Gus and would probably say yes to him if he asked her out for more than just Alchemy study sessions, but he had to ask.
Ramona rapidly approached the other Gus and quickly eyed the three goal hoops, debating where to throw the quaffle. She lingered her gaze on the left one for the longest time to get Gus to think she might throw it there, but as soon as she got close enough, she threw to the right hoop. Gus changed his position at the very last second, managing to graze the ball with his fingers. Unfortunately for him, it still wasn't enough for him to stop the ball from entering the hoop.
Ravenclaw had the first ten points of the match!
Ministry Meeting
Author: Jared
Date: 04-02-14 20:49
Having no idea why he's been requested to come to the Ministry, to Level 1 no less, and on a Saturday, Jared goes through the steps that everyone considered a visiter to the British Ministry of Magic must follow in order to gain access. He'd considered ignoring the request but it was worded in such a way he almost felt as though he had to show up. At least he's not been asked to go to level 2, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Even though he's certain that if being arrested again, someone would come for him, Jared would still be concerned, more so than he is now, if he were to go to that floor.
Visitor's badge clearly displayed, Jared turns from the security stand where he'd had to register his wand. He's not gone two steps towards the bank of lifts when a man standing near one of them gestures. "Mr. Wynbourne, this way, please."
The trip from the Atrium's level 8 to level 1 is made in silence, which Jared finds somewhat uncomfortable. He had thought this person would introduce himself or make some sort of effort at small talk. As he's not, Jared's not either.
When they reach level 1, the other man gestures again. "This way, please."
Jared follows down a short hallway then halfway along another, much longer one. He'd led into a conference room that looks like countless others scattered about the Ministry. This one is probably considered a medium sized small. Along with his former supervisor Rupert Collins are two people he doesn't recognize at all and a woman Jared thinks is the current head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. He's not one hundred percent sure of that because he's only seen her once in person and that was from a distance.
One of the others moves forward, hand extended. "Mr. Wynbourne. Jared. Alfred Bisbee. I'm a solicitor for the Ministry."
Jared takes the offered hand, just as confused as when he'd gotten the request to come, perhaps more so. When Bisbee says, "Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?" Jared sits, head moving back and forth several times before he says aloud, "No, thank you."
Bisbee takes a seat at the circular table, smiling broadly. "The let's get to it, shall we?"
"Get to what, exactly?" Jared asks.
"The Ministry of Magic would like to offer you a position within the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
"I don't understand."
"If you are no longer interested in the Department of Magical Games and Sports, the Ministry would be happy to place you with the department of your choice."
"I'm sorry, but I still don't follow. Why am I being offered a job? Until I got the letter asking me to come today, I wasn't exactly persona non grata but nearly so."
The others, smiles are large as Bisbees, so much so looking at them makes Jared's mouth hurt, all look to Bisbee. As they've yet to say anything, it's clear to him that Bisbee is the one running this meeting. They're here for show he guesses but what's the show?
Bisbee had nodded along to Jared's comment. "Yes, and we're very sorry about that. The Department of Magical Games and Sports was protecting what appeared to be a tarnished image."
"Tarnished because one of its employees was accused of rape."
"Yes, exactly."
"The charges were dropped. It never went to trial but I went from being suspended to fired."
"Unfortunate but true. Because the plaintiff withdrew in the manner she did, there was still a question, you see."
"I'm well aware of the reason I was fired. What I don't know is why I'm now being offered a position within the same department or another of my choosing."
"The Ministry now has evidence that the charges against you were entirely fabricated."
"What?"
"Fabricated. Untrue. The statement the young lady gave is now believed to have been entirely false."
"So you're saying I'm entirely cleared? No lingering suspicion."
"Correct."
"Why? I mean why is her story no longer believed?"
"I'm not at liberty to discuss an ongoing investigation."
"Even though it directly pertains to me? Even though what she did ruined my life?"
"I'm sorry, but no, I cannot discuss the particulars with you at this time. I am, however, authorized to offer you a full-time position as well as back pay dating from the date of suspension."
Bisbee pushes some parchment towards Jared. "I am also authorized to offer you compensation in the amount listed by the green flag."
Jared pulls the form closer, his eyes going to the little green triangular flag sticking to the parchment about a fourth of the way down the page. Totally gobsmacked, Jared's head comes up to stare at Bisbee, giving the solicitor the sort of look one might expect if a second head were suddenly sprouted.
After a long moment that starts to grow awkward, Jared scans the parchment, doing his best to get through all the legalese. What he gets from it is that if he signs this form, the Ministry will pay him the given sum and in return he won't sue for wrongful termination or for the undue mental and emotional trauma of wrongful arrest.
Jared may not be up on legal jargon but if the Ministry is admitting wrongful arrest with this document, then would that mean that the investigation based on that woman's charge against him was handle poorly? Mistakes made? Mistakes that directly led to Jared and him being arrested, jailed, and then under house arrest for weeks? That led to him losing his job and his reputation?
Looking up once more, Jared states, "I need time to read this fully, talk to someone. I also need to think about the job offer. I'm not sure if I want to work here again."
Bisbee nods once. "We understand. If it's any consolation and helps with your consideration of accepting a position, your suspension and subsequent firing strictly followed Ministry protocol. Anyone who'd come up on those types of charges would have been handled in the same manner."
Jared gives Bisbee a tight smile. "I need to think about it."
Document in hand, Jared rises to leave. The other three in the room have yet to say a word. It's only when he's at the door that Rupert Collins finally speaks. "Jared, please take the job. You were an asset and we miss you."
"Thanks, Mr. Collins. I appreciate you saying so. I'll let you know something soon, on both matters."
Jared walks along back to the lifts. After turning in his visitor's badge, he uses one of the Floos. He needs to show Alanna the document and have her read over it. He also wants to discuss with her and his parents both the job offer and what they think of this offer of compensation. He also wants to talk with Alanna Anthony or one of the other law enforcement personnel he knows to see what can be found out about this so called new evidence that led to today's meeting, a meeting in which the Ministry is clearly eager to offer Jared a settlement before he might have a chance to consider sueing.
In Wish Of A New Rule (Mason)
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 04-03-14 15:18
Ten zero. Ravenclaw has ten. Slytherin has zero. If Mason's face weren't somewhat numb from the cold, he's sure it would be tight from the deep scowl he's giving Ramona. If it were in his power to do so, Mason would pass a rule stating that when Slytherin is in a match, any goal scored before Slytherin scores does not count.
Sighing happily at the thought Mason throws the quaffle to Malden to put it back into play. In turn, Malden throws to Olive, who sprints away with Ravenclaw chasers in pursuit. Malden and Mason rocket away as well, quickly catching up. Franciscus has gotten in close enough to Olive for a steal attempt. He could be trying for a deliberate foul but this early in the match with Ravenclaw up, that wouldn't be needed. Besides, it's not Ravenclaw's style. Not really Slytherin's either though Mason's heard enough of former house teams to know in the past some played with more of a blind eye to the rules of play.
Mason comes up on Olive's other side, allowing her to lob the quaffle to him. Mason picks up speed, avoiding a bludger from Aderyn in the process. Asher crosses in front of Mason's path, after the same bludger. Malden curves around ahead of Mason with Alastor close behind though not in a position to intercept so Mason passes to Malden.
Malden's forced to slow when Franciscus gets directly in front of him, weaving a short zigging pattern to make it more difficult for Malden. Malden climbs but Franciscus climbs as well. Mason and Olive come in below the two and seeing them, Malden plops the quaffle down to Olive.
Quaffle tucked in close, Olive is on the approach to Beatrix. She lets the red ball fly only to have Beatrix bat it away. Mason goes for the ball, nearly locking brooms with Alastor in the process. Alastor comes up victorious but it's short-lived. Mason doesn't know whether it was Mark or Asher who sent the bludger but it allows Mason to snatch the quaffle, releasing it again almost immediately.
Making an exasperated noise when Beatrix catches the quaffle outright, Mason wheels around in preparation of flying back the other direction as the Ravenclaw keeper hands off the ball to Ramona.
(Malden) That Hurt
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 04-04-14 07:54
Beatrix put the quaffle back into play via her brother Franciscus, who pushed away from the Ravenclaw goals as if his life depended upon it. Malden, who had been harassed by Franciscus many times so far this match, decided to turn the tables on him. He made a beeline for the Ravenclaw chaser and matched his every move. When Franciscus banked left, Malden banked left. When Franciscus angled the nose of his broomstick downwards, Malden did the same.
Malden smirked as he saw a look of frustration cross Franciscus' face. He reached out to swipe at the quaffle away from the annoyed Ravenclaw and never noticed the bludger barreling towards him. It struck him smack-dab in the forearm and made a sickening crunch. Malden's smirk evaporated, replaced by a strained grimace.
Coach Krum blew his whistle to halt the match and look at Malden's arm. It hurt like the dickens and if it wasn't broken, then it was surely fractured. Malden insisted he could still play. Yes, he was in terrible pain and his arm was more or less useless now, but he still had the other arm. Coach Krum agreed to allow him to continue playing but stressed that he would pull him from the match if his suffering intensified.
Malden accepted the possibility that he wouldn't get to play for the duration of the match and resolved to pretend as if his arm wasn't throbbing. Coach Krum blew the whistle again, and the match resumed with Franciscus still in possession of the quaffle. With his left arm out of commission, Malden changed tactics and flew around to Franciscus' other side.
Before Malden fell into place there, Franciscus passed the quaffle to Alastor. Alastor quickly attempted a goal, with Gus managing to knock the ball away from the hoop. Alastor caught the rebound and tried again, but Gus slapped the ball back into the crowd of chasers. It flew in such a way that Malden could have caught it with his hand, if it had been big enough. He tried to close his fingers around it, but couldn't get any traction. The ball slipped into his grasp but was thankfully recovered by Mason.
He sighed with relief and turned around in pursuit of his fellow chaser. He kept his left arm stationary at his side, sort of tucked up against his body. His other hand was clasped firmly around the shaft of his broomstick. Malden leaned over the broom, ignoring both the pain in his injured arm and the cold wind whipping against his face.
(Asher) Sneaky
Author: Jolyon
Date: 04-04-14 13:18
Asher batted a bludger in the direction of Franciscus Vanderbilt, who seemed absolutely determined to get his hands on a quaffle that didn't belong to him. Franciscus saw it coming and swerved quickly to avoid getting hit, but in the process he accidentally bumped into Ramona. Ramona nearly swerved into Bran, who had flown in closer to the pack while on the lookout for the snitch. Luckily for him, she managed to stop herself from straying too far off her intended course.
Too bad! thought Asher to himself. Watching the Ravenclaws go down like dominoes would have been a sight to see. He briefly entertained the idea of them all toppling off their broomsticks, one after the other, but then got his head back into the game.
Mason passed the quaffle to Olive, who darted forward only to slyly hand off the ball to Malden, who had one working arm at the moment. The idea was a good one, since it made little sense to throw anything to him when he just might fumble or leave himself open for an easy steal. Olive pretended to still have the ball in hand and zoomed forward even more, while Malden played it cool and casual and acted as if he were merely lending his fellow chaser support.
Asher swooped in to intercept a bludger intended for Olive and redirected it to Franciscus, who again was doing everything possible to be a nuisance toward the Slytherin chasers. This time, the bludger met its mark, hitting him squarely between the shoulder blades. Asher felt great satisfaction at hearing the whoosh of air escape from Franciscus' lips.
By now, Olive and Malden were within scoring range. Beatrix had her eyes glued to Olive, while simulataneously being on the lookout for bludgers, which always loved targeting keepers when goals were on the line. Unfortunately, Asher couldn't get to a bludger quick enough to antagonize Beatrix, and neither could Mark. Olive pretended to get into throwing position. Beatrix hunkered down, ready to dive in any direction based on where Olive might throw. Aderyn and Jade fired bludgers at Olive from either side.
No one saw Malden reveal the quaffle. He let it fly with his good arm, and it sailed effortlessly through the hoop without touching any rim.
Ravenclaw - 10
Slytherin - 10
Green vs Green (Olive & Jade)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 04-04-14 15:36
Franciscus puts the quaffle back into play with a pass to Alastor. Alastor takes off, Franciscus right behind, Ramona slightly ahead. Alastor raises the quaffle to pass to Ramona just as Olive darts in between them. Not bothering to hide her grin she catches the ball, racing back in Beatrix's direction.
Slythering having the quaffle again so soon is unexpected but Olive isn't able to catch Beatrix entirely off guard. The Ravenclaw keeper is able to stop the ball, slapping it away from the hoops with the flat of her hand. Olive catches, shouldering Alastor out of the way for it.
Shooting again, Olive thinks she's got it this time. Mark's gotten a bludger off that takes Beatrix in the shoulder. Just when Olive's ready to raise a fist in triumph, Beatrix is able to tap the quaffle with an outstretched foot, sending the ball into the rim. It bounces back, this time with Malden making a grab for it with his one good hand. His grip on the ball is tenuous as best so he doesn't bother trying to hang onto it above half a second. He throws, but not towards one of the hoops but to Mason, who's better positioned at this point to have a chance at goal.
Beatrix is ready for him but the spin Mason put on the quaffle has it going further out of reach than Beatrix anticipated. The red ball squeaks past, giving Slytherin ten more points and putting the team in the lead. A frown giving him an extremely serious and grave expression, Franciscus once more puts the ball back into play with a pass to Alastor.
Hovering in one spot long enough to readjust the glove on one hand, Jade wonders if she's outgrown this pair. They don't feel quite right anymore, which in turn makes her feel like her grip on the bat is all wrong. Only being fourteen, she supposes it is possible she's grown a little. Hunter certainly has grown and still is. For a long time she was a tiny bit taller then for a long time they were the same height. Now, her twin has a few inches on her.
Glove refastened, Jade stretches her fingers and palm, still not happy but what can she do? There's a match going on and no one's going to care that something seems off with her gloves. She toys with taking them both off, but seeing a bludger coming her way, she puts the thought on hold. Scanning the action, she quickly assesses who should be the recipient of the bludger.
Ramona has taken possession of the quaffle and though he's got an injured arm, Malden is harassing her in such a way it's difficult for Ramona to make forward progress or to hand off the ball. Jade targets Malden but, mindful of not purposely doing additional damage to that one arm, she does her best to send the bludger so that it crosses near him, forcing him to back off so that Ramona can make some sort of place.
The bludger ends up glancing off Malden's thigh. It might have stung but not enough to last long if it's even noticeable at all. It also did what Jade intended. Malden pulled away from the bludger when he saw it coming. This, in turn, allowed Ramona to throw to her cousin, Franciscus.
Franciscus is closing in on Gus and the Slytherin hoops so Jade hurdles forward, going after a bludger to do what she can to assist her team in scoring another goal.
Slytherin 20
Ravenclaw 10