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Before The Gryffindor-Ravenclaw Match
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 06-14-14 08:58
Viktor emerges from the building that houses the locker rooms, equipment room, and his office here at the pitch. Though early yet there are already people milling around and seats filled in the stands. He can't blame them. It is a nice spring morning and should continue to be a beautiful day. Many who'd gotten up for breakfast but then had to vacate the Great Hall for the apparition lesson saw no reason to stay inside the castle when outside is so inviting. No doubt a good number have lazed in bed, skipping breakfast, or are lounging in their common rooms or the common commons but Viktor would be surprised if by match start the stands aren't packed with both students, staff, and visitors.
Carrying the trunk of today's game balls to one side of the pitch, just off center, Viktor sets it down then summons a little camp type chair to sit in. He reaches for the thermos he'd balanced on top of the trunk, pouring himself a cup of the dark steaming coffee.
Today's match is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Zuberi had asked him this morning before leaving who Viktor thought would win. Viktor had shaken his head. "They've both had ups and downs. It could go either way."
Zuberi will be here a little later to sit girlfriend Olive, her brother Hunter on the Gryffindor team and her sister Jade playing for Ravenclaw. Marjani said she's coming too so Viktor had toyed with asking her to be a second referee but then decided to let her sit with the friends who are still students here, namely Olive and Jill though there are some others as well.
Realizing he's already drunk most of the coffee in his cup, he reaches for the thermos to pour more. He also checks the time. The apparition lesson is still going on and the match isn't set to start until after that, the times always set to give anyone on a team time to get from the lesson, to the pitch and suited up for the match.
Playing today for Gryffindor in addition to Olive's brother Hunter Green who plays keeper are the two beaters Madoc McGonagall and Edgar Steele, the three chasers Hunter Rabnott, Mildred Campbell, and Max Owens, and seeker Cai Carter. For Ravenclaw are Jade Green, a beater, along with beater Aderyn Carter, chasers Alastor Jenkins, Ramona Mickle, and Franciscus Vanderbilt, keeper Beatrix Vanderbilt, and seeker Bran Hyland.
Remembering a packet of biscuits he'd put in his pocket to go with the coffee, Viktor breaks them out, happily munching coffee dunked biscuits as a few students approach wanting to talk Quidditch with him. When it is finally time to announce the teams, Viktor is relaxed and looking forward to what could be a great match.
Ruined Saturday
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 06-14-14 09:29
Nate walked with Tim among the sea of students over the path that leg to the Quidditch pitch. A group of Ravenclaw girls was singing a clever chant of support to their house while a young Gryffindor boy tried to reproduce the roar of a lion with his wand. Strangely it sounded more like an elephant, but the boy didn't seem to notice or mind. Tim consulted his pocket watch and looked around with impatience.
"Where is she? I want to get inside and get us good seats...I specifically told Jenny that if she didn't arrive on time, I'll enter without her."
"Relax, there she is."
Tim exhaled loudly, the tension leaving his body. Jenny approached Nate and Tim and she didn't come alone. Behind her there was Cinnamon, also known as Imogen Napier. Nate pushed Tim's sleeve.
"I know…By Merlin's beard… She's hot!"
"No, Tim it's not that. I mean, yes, she's hot but…it's her! My mysterious witch!"
"Oh…"
Jenny approached, followed by Imogen. They couldn't look more different from each other, Jenny wearing a light pink set of robes, her blonde hair falling down her shoulders with a hairpin adorning her hair, while Imogen seemed to have dressed with the first thing she grabbed out of her closet, worn out black robes and a pony tail. However the sloppy look only made her look more stunning. Jenny greeted her brother and then Nate. As she was doing so, Nate felt Imogen's eyes on him. The young woman's lips stretched into a smile as Jenny presented her first to Tim, who very gallantly shook her hand, and then Nate.
"This is Nathaniel Ross, the guy I have told you about. Nate, this is Imogen, my roommate. She also studies at Dodderidge but she's taking culinary arts."
"We have already met," Nate said, as he shook hands with Imogen.
Tim started pushing everyone towards the pitch's entrance, and he tried to catch Jenny's roommate attention, by talking about cooking and food. Nate and Jenny walked behind them. Nate had to admit that he was rather disappointed in discovery Imogen's real identity. For the past months he had fantasized about Cinnamon and her mysterious aura made him imagine a million things about who this witch might be and why did she knew his name. Now he could see Jenny in her residence at St. Emrys, locked in a bedroom in the middle of the night sharing stories about her family and friends to Imogen. Probably, she had a photo of her family there and Imogen was able to identify Tim at the New Year's party and by association Nate.
They entered the pitch and started climbing the stairs. Tim was telling Imogen about his sad attempts to cook a beef wellington, that had resulted in complete disasters. Imogen laughed and Nate couldn't help to roll his eyes. Couldn't she see Tim was trying too hard to impress her?
When they installed themselves on their seats, Nate tried to catch Imogen's attention but without success. She would give him dry answers and happily turn her head back to Tim, who was now telling her about the students that would be playing today:
"The Ravenclaw seeker is only a first year, but I heard he's very talented. Bran Hyland is his name. And for Gryffindor there's Hunter Rabnott, an excellent chaser! He used to play while I was still at school and I'm sure now that he's older his technique had probably improved even more…"
Nate went to his robes and took a package chocolate from it. He opened it and put the frog in his mouth before it would jump away. The chocolate made him feel better and while the seats around them continued to be filled in with spectators, Nate leaned his head closer to Jenny's and asked her what exactly has she told Imogen about him.
"Just the truth. That you were my ex-boyfriend and that you cheated on me with another girl. I had spent days at the hospital at your side when you broke your leg, kept you company, even if I had to study for my NEWTs. I went to fetch you a coffee and when I returned you had your lips glued to that girl, Adelaide Adams! And when I thought things couldn't get worse, I learned you were cheating her too; with me, no less! You showed to be a man without any sense of honor or values…That's what I told Imogen, when we were talking about our past relationships."
"We never dated, Jenny! You just assumed so."
"We went together to Hogsmeade, you let me kiss you and we exchanged letters while I was at Hogwarts. How isn't that dating?" Nate opened his mouth to protest but Jenny didn't let him do so, as she continued. "I don't want to discuss this again and again. You're Tim's best friend and I decided to forgive you and move on. But don't expect me to forget. And I wanted Imogen to know what sort of man you are before she met you today."
Then she turned her eyes to the match that about to start. This time Nate took an Acid Pop from his pocket and put it in his mouth. He didn't seem to mind the burning feeling that was forming in his tongue. He sulked during the whole match. Jenny's words had hurt his feelings and the disappointment about the Cinnamon girl had been more than enough to ruin his Saturday.
Blagging
Author: Mildred
Date: 06-14-14 13:49
Mildred entered the pitch alongside with the rest of the Gryffindor team, as their names were announced by the commentator. The crowd cheered, rooting for both the houses that were playing today, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Hunter, Rabnott, not Green, shook hands with Alastor Jenkins as both the captains promised to play a fair game. The players put themselves into position, and moments later the balls were released from Coach Krum's trunk and the match started.
The first chaser to hold the quaffle was Ramona, the Ravenclaw co-captain. Mildred couldn't help to frown, and even if she knew that it didn't mean anything which team got the quaffle first, she took it as bad omen for Gryffindor. Her house hasn't won any Quidditch match yet, and Mildred really wanted a victory today.
Ramona passed the quaffle to her cousin Franciscus who speeded up towards the Gryffindor's hoops. Mildred gained velocity and began to chase him. She was so determinate on gaining the quaffle's possession that without really thinking, she stretched her hand and she seized Franciscus' broomstick. Her actions didn't pass unnoticed by Coach Krum whose whistle sounded around the entire pitch.
"Foul! A subtle blagging attempt by Campbell against Vanderbilt. Right in the beginning of the match! And it seems like Coach Krum decides to grant a penalty to Ravenclaw's favor..."
Mildred's cheeks turned red and she muttered an apology to Franciscus who she knew a little bit better than the rest of the other Ravenclaw players because they were on the same year and had several classes together. She didn't tend to play dirty, but she wanted to win this match so badly that she acted without thinking.
Franciscus placed himself in position, face to face with Hunter Green. The other chasers remained still, without able to do anything. Franciscus shot and although Hunter guessed the quaffle's direction, he wasn't able to get there on time. The crowd roared. Now Ravenclaw was leading by 10 points.
Hunter passed the quaffle to Max, who threw it to the other Hunter. He flew as far as he could away from the Gryffindor side of the pitch. Alastor pressured him by the right but Hunter only let the quaffle leave his hands when a bludger by Jade passed only a few inches from his left ear. The red ball started to fall down and Mildred raced to fetch it alongside with Ramona. Since Mildred was closer she was able to win the race against the Ravenclaw chaser. She held the red ball thigh in her arm, and continued her way towards the hoops guarded by Beatrix. The other chasers came in her pursuit, and she could hear the whistle of the bludgers behind her as well.
Mildred kept flying. Max called her name, a signal that he was free. She threw the quaffle at him which he grabbed with ease. The Gryffindor team was now attacking. Hopefully they would be able to score and fix Mildred's mistake, making the result even once again.
Tied Score But For How Long? (Jade & Hunter)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 06-14-14 16:06
Ravenclaw scoring so soon after the match began, even if on a foul, has Jade smiling. She'd been a little miffed earlier when she saw her eldest sister here. Jade hadn't known Emerald was coming and seeing her with Olive has had Jade thinking she's missing out on wedding planning. They're probably picking out what Olive and she will wear as bridesmaids, a discussion Jade wanted to participate in. Zuberi is probably bored out of his mind hearing them talk about what to wear, flowers, colors, and all the other details that go into putting a wedding together. At least Emmie's not getting married until Jade, and Olive and Hunter, can be there and not have to hurry back to school.
Fixing Max Owens in her sights Jade sends a bludger his way. By the time it gets there, he's passed the quaffle to Hunter Rabnott and has slowed his speed just enough that the timing of the bludger is slightly off. It harmlessly passes in front of Max's broom to Jade's chagrin.
Darting after that same bludger, she's forced to pull back so as not to have her head batted like the ball by Gryffindor beater Edgar Steele. Good thing too because Edgar doesn't see her until after his bat is past the point of where he would have smacked her. She shoots him a smile then hurries after the bludger, Edgar coming in right behind her not wanting Jade to deflect it from its path.
The way Ramona Mickle is covering Hunter R she has to think that's where the bludger is headed. Looking at the black ball's trajectory Jade is certain she's correct. Pouring on the speed, she catches up with the bludger but Edgar is still on her tail and so close she'll have to do a little tricky maneuvering to bat the bludger away from Ramona just enough to target Hunter R while also not whacking Edgar with her bat in the process.
She manages to do both, adjust the bludger's course and not hit Edgar in the process, but even though the ball connects with Hunter R, it does not cause him to throw badly in making a goal attempt. Beatrix Vanderbilt is able to block but it's Mildred Campbell with the rebound. The other bludger in the match screams right past Mildred's leg, barely missing making contact or it could have been close enough as to merely brush the fabric of her uniform. Either way, Aderyn Carter's effort also has no bearing on Mildred's own throw for ten points.
Madoc McGonagall has sent the bludger recently hit by Jade at Beatrix. It too is a near miss but enough so that Beatrix isn't able to fully block Mildred's shot. The quaffle makes it through the hoop and still only mere minutes into the game a second goal has been made, unfortunately this time by Gryffindor.
At his end of the pitch Hunter cheers on his team's goal. Gryffindor might have gotten off to a bad start with an almost immediate foul by Mildred on Franciscus Vanderbilt but Mildred's just gotten the team back on track. With the score now tied 10-10 and the quaffle back in Ravenclaw's possession, Hunter goes from being attentive to being on high alert. The chasers and beaters are still some distance from him yet but in this game if things are going just right that distance can be covered so quickly that it's a literal blink and you'll miss it situation. There are also times that it can take minutes to close the gap between there and here, and when only able to watch those minutes can feel doubly.
This is not one of those blink and you miss it times. Franciscus has the quaffle, passes it to Alastor Jenkins but then as Alastor goes to move the ball forward with a pass to Ramona, Max hurtles in between for the steal. His satisfaction at having regained the quaffle is short lived as Aderyn pops him with a bludger, catching him on the arm, causing Max to drop the quaffle before he's even had a chance to get a good grip on it.
Ramona and Mildred dive for the quaffle now in freefall with Ramona coming up victorious. In front of his three hoops Hunter scowls. Much as he wants to be in the action again, seeing Gryffindor with the quaffle flying back Beatrix's direction is preferable. He gets his wish when Madoc smacks Ramona in the back with a bludger. During the recoil from it Max plucks the quaffle from her, wheels his broom around and speeds Beatrix's way. Spotting Hunter R he hurls the red ball only to have it intercepted by Franciscus.
With all the back and forth Hunter is still on high alert rather than just attentive, wondering if Franciscus or one of the other Ravenclaw chasers will get the quaffle within goal range of his hoops this time.
(Edgar) Different Maneuvers
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 06-15-14 02:53
Franciscus, the author of Ravenclaw's first goal, had intercepted the quaffle when Max had tried to pass it to Hunter Rabnott. He quickly shifted his broom to the left, with the intention of changing his route, and head to Gryffindor side of the pitch.
Edgar looked around in search for a lost bludger and seconds later he flew as fast as he could in the heavy ball's direction. Then it would be a matter of adjusting his bat, aim it at Franciscus or some other Ravenclaw chaser and hopefully stop their attack. But Edgar was not the only one in the pursuit of that lost bludger. Coming right behind him was Jade Green, once again. The two beaters raced for the bludger, their bats in position to make a move. At the last moment, Jade abruptly turned to the left, abandoning the chase. Edgar, who had made a huge effort to reach to the bludger first, had to readjust his course and when his bat hit the ball, it did so in a strange angle and it passed by all the chasers without causing any damage. Jade had done it on purpose. Her intention had never been to gain the bludger's control but to cause Edgar some problems with the aiming.
Meanwhile, the Ravenclaw chasers continued swapping the quaffle between them, as they kept approaching Hunter Green's hoops. Franciscus had passed the red ball to Alastor who threw it to Ramona, who gave it back to Franciscus. They were incredible fast and when Edgar tried to send another bludger in their direction, Aderyn was right there to deviate its course, sending it in her sister's direction, way above the game level. Cai was a few meters up, as she searched for the snitch. Barn Hyland, the Ravncelaw seeker was not far from her. Cai didn't seem to have noticed the bludger that came in her direction. The last thing Gryffindor needed was an injured seeker and Edgar was about to make a move to protect Cai, but Madoc had a faster response.
Turning his back from his fellow beater and dormitory colleague, knowing that Madoc could handle it, Edgar adjusted the bat in his hand, ready to find a breach in Jade and Aderyn's defense in order to injure one of their house's chasers. Alastor had the quaffle once again, but he seemed to be having trouble in passing it either to Ramona or Franciscus because they were being heavily marked by Hunter R and Mildred, respectively. Edgar held his bat and he noticed Jade's eyes on him. He reached out for a bludger and pretended he was going to aim it at Alastor. Jade's bat was ready for it.
However, at the last minute he shifted his bat and hit the ball with all the strength he had in his arm. The bludger flew not into Alastor's direction but directly at Jade, who had to readjust her position in order to defend herself from it. She almost collided with Alastor, and that made him loose his concentration. Max, who was alert and nearby, had no trouble stealing the quaffle from him.
Edgar and Madoc reorganized their position as now their job has changed and they would be the ones defending their team from Jade and Aderyn's bludgers. Gryffindor was attacking once again.
Another Goal (Hunter & Alastor)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-15-14 16:57
Hunter rubs at one eye, which stings from some dust or grit. Max has the quaffle and while he's glad it's back in Gryffindor's possession he can't help but wonder if a deliberate bludger hit by one beater on another is a foul. There are so very many in Quidditch he only knows the most common and a handful of the others. With another backhanded rub he shrugs it off. Didn't happen so no reason to dwell and get distracted.
Max has gotten in close to Beatrix but a bludger from Jade makes it difficult for him to take a shot right away. Rather than exhibit patience and wait a second or two, he fires the quaffle off to Mildred. She takes the shot but Beatrix turns back the attempt. Hunter grapples with Ramona for the rebound, winning possession though mainly because he had the better hold on the ball to begin with.
Hunter hurls the quaffle in a cross body throw but once again Beatrix succeeds in styming the effort. Franciscus recovers the ball this time so yet again everyone points their brooms in Hunter Green's direction and takes off.
Franciscus doesn't go far before he passes to Alastor. In turn Alastor hands off to Ramona. She also does not get far but this time it's because of a bludger. The black ball takes her hard in the arm. Rather than continue trying to fly while also holding the quaffle with an arm that must be stinging badly, she passes back to Alastor but Hunter is there for the interception.
Hunter throws long to Max who is nearer to Beatrix's position than Mildred. In turn, Max fires off the quaffle. Beatrix nearly has it but close isn't good enough in this instance. The quaffle slips past the Ravenclaw keeper's fingers to go through a hoop, adding ten more points to Gryffindor's score.
The quaffle is put back in play with Alastor tossing the quaffle to Franciscus. Ramona, the initial shock to her arm passed, waves her arm at her cousin to let him know she's available if he needs. When Max gets in too close for Franciscus's comfort, the Ravenclaw decides to go on and pass. He looks to Ramona but Hunter is between them, effectively blocking any pass he might might to her.
The quaffle comes to Alastor, Mildred doing her best to keep him from putting hands on it. Weaving around first Aderyn and then Madoc, he flinches at seeing Madoc's bat moving to hit a bludger. He's too close to Madoc though for the Gryffindor beater to get in a good hit on him but that doesn't keep Alastor from imagining that bludger hitting him anyway.
Ramona has caught up with him. She's still dogged by Hunter but she's managed to force Hunter to the outside, leaving her open to accept a pass. Just as a bludger comes at him from a different direction, Alastor passes the quaffle. The bludger clips him but it's nothing bad and Ramona's successfully caught the red ball and has accelerated away.
Alastor increases his speed as does Franciscus. They catch Ramona, flanking her on either side. Quickly passing the quaffle back and forth between them, dodging the bludger a couple of times only for Alastor to get clipped again when one comes a third time.
When they reach Hunter Green, it's Ramona with the quaffle. Alastor flanks her once more, as does Franciscus, making an effort to protect her from any bludger Edgar or Madoc might sent that Aderyn nor Jade is able to stop. Ramona lets the quaffle fly, all eyes on the ball as it soars towards one of the hoops.
Score: Gryffindor 20, Ravenclaw 10
Common
Author: Alaia Rothstein
Date: 06-15-14 17:56
Alaia sat with her parents in their home and ate tea and raspberry scones.
"Have you given any thought to returning to nursing?" Alaia's father asked.
"You still like helping people don't you?" Her mother asked.
Alaia sighed deeply and put down her tea cup on it's saucer. "Yes Mum I love helping people but I like what I do better. I don't necessarily help them, but I make them happy."
"You help them get fat." Her father said.
"Dad!" She groaned. "It's all about moderation.
"Look I really like what I do. I don't know why that is so hard to understand?"
"It's not…it's just that you could be so much more…" Her father said.
"More than what?"
"A baker."
"And what is wrong with being a baker?"
"Nothing…" Her mother interjected.
"It's just so common." Her father said.
Alaia's blood boiled at her father's comment, "You think I am just a common person because I am a baker?"
"Darling you could just be so much more…helping those who need help and…"
"What do you think I am a Saint? I like what I do and I do not intend to change what I do." Alaia looked at her watch. "I need to get going anyway I have a date."
"You're seeing someone?" Her mother asked.
"Yes. Lee Sickleby. I went to school with him. We recently ran into each other and…"
"Very nice. I am happy for you Sweetheart." Her mother said.
Alaia stood and kissed bother her parents on the cheek and then disapperated to London where she was meeting Lee at a Bistro.