Anything But Quidditch
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 09-12-04 17:49
Lawrence shifted lightly on the couch, he'd been working through some of his homework. He'd decided against going to the Qudditch match this afternoon...why he didn't quite know. Things were blissfully quiet in the common room and he let his thoughts going to Vera, he wasn't sure if she was in her room or out at the Pitch with the rest of the school. He seemed like he was the only one NOT at the Quidditch match.
He sighed softly and looked over the potions essay he'd been working on...he scratched out an entire paragraph and started working again...he needed to pass this class with no problems and so far he was falling behind.
He was snapped from his thoughts by sounds of someone coming downstairs..."Hey! You gonna come to the game Lawrence?" Came Susan's voice.
"Nope, need to work on this essay." He said, not bothering to look up from the essay before him.
"Oh come on Lawrence...you need to get out...you've been doing school work since last night." Susan walked over and plucked the quill from his hand and tucking it behind her back. "Besides, we want some company." Came Vera's voice from behind him.
"Alright, alright! I'll come." He chuckled and put his books back in his bag. "Let me run this up stairs and I'll be right with you..."
And a few minutes later he, Vera and Susan were on their way to the pitch to watch the rest of the Championship Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin.
Azkaban: Drop-In Visitor
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 09-12-04 19:26
"I didn't think you would expect me." Michael says, taking a seat. "I'd actually meant to come much sooner, but teacher kept me busy. I won't ask 'how are you', which seems a stupid question. Even without the dementors, it can't be pleasant in here."
"I'm about as well as can be excepted." Ethan replied. Then adds, "I hear Dienra is missing. Do you have any idea where she could be?"
Michael shook his head, concern clear in his voice "I wish I knew. My inquiries to the ministry are all answered by Umbridge. She tells me to mind my own business. I have every confidence in Dierna's ability, But, if we are being completely honest, she has had close calls too. I'm worried she may get herself into some situation she can't win."
Ethan, whose worked occasionally with the Chief Auror and knows her well, agrees that this is definitely a possibility. Cheering the mood, Michael adds, "But we are probably worried for nothing. she'll no doubt appear at the Castle or Ministry with some Dark wizards cowed behind her."
They both laugh a bit at this, again characteristic of the Chief Auror.
"Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get for you?" Michael asks next, getting to the point of his visit.
Foiled Again
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 09-13-04 07:29
The Gryffindor chasers work the quaffle down the pitch using a series of weaving movements, zig zags, and passes. When they reach the Slytherin kept goals it's Ginny in possession of the coveted red ball. Her arm goes back in preparation of throwing but before she's able to complete the motion, a bludger passes by so closely it grazes her arm. It's not much but it's enough. Her arm still in motion, Ginny releases the quaffle but not on the planned trajectory.
There's a scramble to recover the quaffle. Ginny returns Pyrrhus Fine's smirk when it's one of her teammates who ends up clutching the ball.
That's Right, Foiled Again!
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 09-13-04 10:36
Pyrrhus smirk from having female weasel's shot screwed up thanks to Crispin is quickly replaced with a glower when yet another Gryffindor snatches the quaffle. The glare makes way for another smirk when the Aemilius girl makes a goal attempt aimed at the center ring. Pyrrhus easily deflects the shot, sending the red quaffle to the lovely in green Isolde.
Finally!
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-13-04 14:58
Tucking the quaffle underneath her arm, Isolde tore across the Pitch like a rocket through cloud and air. She ducked to avoid a bludger sent by way of Kingston, and dove to miss a Gryffinbore chaser who had decided to enter her path. Regaining altitude, Isolde finally saw fit to let the quaffle leave her hands. For a solid minute, the red ball moved from Slytherin chaser to Slytherin chaser, up down and all around until it once again found itself tucked securely against Isolde's body.
From where he hovered before the Gryffindor hoops, Weasley narrowed his eyes at the approaching Slytherin chaser with the intent to stop her goal attempt again... only, this time he wasn't so skilled or so lucky.
Isolde let the quaffle fly for the left-most hoop. Weasley made a dive for it, with arms outstretched and fingers elongated, but he missed the quaffle by a hair. It soared through the ring without a deterrence.
"Farnon scores for Slytherin!" shouted Dewhurst.
Reality Check
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 09-13-04 16:48
Harry is so attuned to even the slightest golden, winged glimmer that he's only vaguely aware that the Snakes have scored. Alexis Black makes sure Harry pays more attention to what's going with those not in search of the snitch by sending a bludger his way. It smacks Harry in the chest and as he doubles over gasping, he see the Slytherin beater gloating before dashing off after the very same bludger. Another flash of green goes past and Draco's jeering voice is carried to him on the breeze, "Aww, Isolde's goal took Piddling Putter's breath away."
Sight for Sore Eyes
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 09-13-04 18:00
Bill's parents had finally made it to the match. Molly once again urged her eldest son to get a haircut, who shrugged off his mother's wish with a smile. He was about to introduce Fleur when Charlie came into view. The brothers locked eyes, Charlie smiled and Bill smiled back, if a bit bewilderedly, and made room for his brother in the stands.
"Charlie, I'm surprised to see you," Bill exclaimed.
Molly reached over from behind Charlie and enveloped him in a huge hug.
They were all a bit surprised to see him, for the last time Charlie had stepped foot into the country of his birth had been the day he'd fled his own wedding to Helena Tufton, well over a year ago.
"You look it, Bill," Charlie said, rubbing his mother's arms. "Hello Mum."
"It's so good to see you, Charlie!" Molly cooed, embracing him tightly once more. "We didn't expect to see you here today."
"Well it's Ron's last game, isn't it?" Charlie answered, grinning. "Wouldn't miss this for the world. Good to see Harry out there, too, and Ginny. Hello Fred, George." He nodded and smiled to the ladies, his gaze lingering a bit longer on Fleur.
Bill took the cue to make formal introductions. "You might remember Fleur, Mum, Dad... Charlie. She was one of the contestants at the Triwizard Tournament, and she's been working at Gringotts with me for the past two months."
"Pleased to meet you," Fleur said, extending one slender white hand to each Weasley in turn.
Bill's eyes fell upon Charlie again. "Why are you wearing black?"
Conversation with Michael
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 09-13-04 18:33
"Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get for you?"
"A ticket out of here would be nice," Ethan started, laughing awkwardly, "but I suppose I may have one in the works." He told Michael all about James Yao's visits.
"I must say that I'm not familiar with the man, but then I don't know everyone at the Ministry," Michael responded. "Likewise, I haven't heard of your case coming to court again but I have been out of the loop since taking on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts."
"It seems promising," Ethan said, "and I must admit I'm really warming up to the fact that maybe I don't belong here after all. There are more pieces to the puzzle than I know. Viktor Krum has been helping me dig up some dirt based on my memories."
"Did he discover anything of interest?"
Ethan told Michael everything. "So now I'm left with more questions," he finished, thinking about Kep-Tian Zhongxun.
Dead On
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 09-13-04 18:41
After Isolde's score the game was definitely looking like it belonged to the Slytherins.
Alexis' bludger crashed with a delightfully resounding 'oomph' from its victim, and Harry Potter doubled over as the breath was knocked out of him.
She grinned happily, the expression not one the sullen sixth-year often wore. She'd break out all kinds of smiles, though, if it would win them this match. She knew how much it meant to her team-- to Isolde, especially, who spent hours reading and worrying about her potential career in professional quidditch-- and with that mindset she tore after her bludger, getting ready to incapacitate another gryffindor.
She caught sight of a black blur from far to her left, and managed to turn just in time to deflect the bludger that ripped its way in her direction. Crispin Cooke shot by with a clipped apology, his bat swinging as he hunted down the extra bludger. Unfortunately in her confusion, Alexis lost track of the bludger she'd been chasing, and one Brett Kingston of gryffindor was sending it toward the mess of well organized green chasers.
With a hasty curse, Alexis darted off to rescue them.
Ouch!
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 09-13-04 20:16
Brett cannot contain gleeful laughter at seeing the Slytherin chasers scatter as the bludger he just hit whooshes through their cluster. He gives another hearty laugh when Jared comes in from the other side and sends the bludger right back at them as they try to reform their tight passing formation. The shudder from laughing turns into a shudder from a cringe when Beater Black is the next one to connect with that particular bludger sending it sailing right towards Orie's head. Brett's shudder comes from Jared diving in to intercept but mistiming things so that the bludger ends up smashing the fingers Jared has clenched around the bat. There is a definate crunch so loud that Brett can hear it well from where he is. Jared's definately going to have to take a dose of some bone knitting potion when this game is over!
Great, Just Great
Author: Jared
Date: 09-13-04 20:37
As the bludger smashes the fingers firmly gripping his bat, Jared hears the definate sound of bones breaking but it's not until pain burns through his hand and up his arm that it really sinks in what just happened. The now useless fingers no longer can grasp the bat and that object falls away. This gives Jared something to think about other than his now odd looking, bent-at-strange-angles fingers.
Balanced carefully on his broom, holding his broken hand against him, Jared makes a shallow, slow dive to retrieve his bat. Once he's got it in his good hand, Jared pulls a rueful expression as he thinks it's a good thing he's a tiny bit ambidextrous but while that will help with using the bat, it's not going to help him keep his bad hand elevated and manuever his broom at the same time.
An Introduction
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 09-13-04 21:10
Sirius and Drucilla, sitting lower down than the Malfoys but behind the Weasley group, both wince in sympathy for the young Gryffindor boy who's now sporting a broken hand. Sirius then loudly cheers for the boy as he gamely attempts to stay in the game, using his other hand to wield the beater's bat. Beside him, Dru politely claps for the Wynbourne boy then gives a shout of support for Harry. She also calls out Ginny's and Ron's names, both because she truly is cheering them on and because practically the entire family is sitting so closely to where Dru and he are.
Thinking of the Weasleys reminds Sirius of something. He leans forward and taps Charlie on the shoulder. He reaches over and shakes the man's hand. "Charlie! Excellent to see you. Heard about your bizarre escapade. Maybe we can talk some about it later. Right now though I'd like to introduce you to my fiance, Drucilla Eternal. Dru works with your father but I don't know if you two met before now. Dru dear, this is Arthur's and Molly's second son, Charlie."
Refereeing
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 09-14-04 08:27
After Jared Wynbourne's unfortunate meeting with a bludger, Viktor observes the young Gryffindor, prepared to take him out of the game if it becomes necessary. So far, Jared seems to be managing. Viktor won't interfere unless or until that's no longer the case.
Viktor's attention goes from Wynbourne to the chasers vying for possession of the quaffle. Orie swoops in and takes it from the arching path it's on from one Slytherin to another. The hand with the quaffle pulls low against her body while the other hand more firmly grips the broom handle, urging the broom to accelerate. Orie reaches the goals and the quaffle soars. Pyrrhus deflect it but Viktor blows his whistle.
"Foul by Slytherin. Flacking*! Gryffindor takes a penalty shot."
Keeper Pyrrhus Fine, a scowl marring his features, squares off in front of the three hoops as McCoi once again takes possession of the quaffle for a socring attempt.
* Flacking - A foul that is only called against keepers. Flacking is sticking any portion of anatomy through the goal hoop to punch the Quaffle out. The Keeper is supposed to block the goal hoop from the front rather than the rear.
Bloody Hell
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 09-14-04 14:03
Draco caught sight of the snitch and made a mad dash for it, only to have Harry spot him at it and follow suit. The two seekers raced for the golden ball, which zigged and zagged and made it clear that it wasn't ready to be caught just yet. It vanished behind a wisp of cloud and remained shrouded within its white fluff, leaving Draco and Harry frantic.
Suddenly, a bludger came hurdling through the cloud and pummeled Draco squarely in the chest. He flew backwards but managed to remain seated on his broomstick. With his back arched and his arms hanging loosely at his side, Draco moaned and wheezed, trying to catch his breath again. He slowly rose to sitting position and winced as a sharp pain pierced his innards.
"Bloody hell," Draco managed, between breaths. He looked around, with one hand clasped against his aching chest, and noticed that Harry had gone, seeking the snitch elsewhere. Draco shook himself, grimaced and leaned over his broomstick, using his hands to support his weight, which seemed so much heavier now with his injury. He urged his broomstick after Harry, hoping to get to the snitch before it revealed itself again to the enemy.
Pure Satisfaction
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 09-14-04 15:29
Brett's smile is one of utter smug satisfaction. Draco took the hit Brett had meant. The bludger was right on track and that snake Malfoy never saw it coming until too late. Brett pulls his broom around, sighting one of the bludgers and following its path. He gets to it just before Cooke does. Brett looks the Slytherin beater in the eye as he bats the bludger, sending it on course to intercept Declan Collins who's making a play to gain the quaffle. Another smug smile as the bludger finds its mark and Brett is off on the bludger hunt again.
Two Veelas Are NOT Better Than One
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 09-14-04 20:14
As I am shaking Charlie's hand, I am still taking in what Sirius had said to him. What was this bizarre escapade he was talking about, and how come I hadn't heard about it yet? I had been pretty wrapped up with wedding plans lately, but certainly not so wrapped up as to miss this bit of important information. Was I slipping? Shaking myself inwardly, I flashed a full blown smile at Charlie, and was amused when I noticed his strong handshake slackened a bit.
"Yes Charlie," I said in that musical tone that has helped me get my way in the past. "You must stop by our place. You and Sirius can have a nice visit, and I'll be sure you both have an ample supply of hot tea and fresh bakery treats, from Briars Bakery of course." And that will keep me nice and close by to hear every word of your conversation, I thought to myself.
Sitting back down, I felt a person's gaze on me. Not that this was an unfamiliar feeling (I mean, let's face it, I am part Veela afterall), but this probing gaze was different. Looking up, I noticed a girl staring at me with blond hair and blue eyes. As our eyes locked, I felt a jolt of surprise. She was a Veela! Shit. I smiled and nodded my head in greeting, and then turned my gaze quickly away.
When did she arrive in town, and how long was she planning to stay here? The last thing I needed was another Veela ratting me out whenever I was pulling my charms. Because even though I could fool a lot of people, another Veela could always tell. And seeing how cozy she was with the Weasley's was not helping to ease my mind at all.
Slow and Easy
Author: Jared
Date: 09-14-04 22:09
Jared's hand throbs and even the tiniest movement jars down to his toes. He takes a moment, hovering just inches from the ground, to fashion a sling. Professor Krum flies over, asking Jared if he'd like assistance. His eyes watering from the pain, Jared bites his lower lip and nods. With the professor's help, Jared's hand is soon elevated in a sling and his elbow strapped to his body to help prevent unnecessary movement. Jared manages to verbalize a thank you before slowly moving higher as he keeps his careful balance, bat clutched in his other hand.
A short time later he's near the goals being carefully tended by Ron. The team captain raises his voice just enough for Jared to hear him as the red head suggests, "Why not stay right where you are for a little bit. You can move in if Brett needs help."
Jared grins weakly. "Thanks, but that might mean sudden starts and stops with fast flying in between. Between the pain and no hand to maneuver the broom well, I don't think I can handle that. Best I keep moving even if it's snail-like."
Ron nods in understanding, leaving Jared to play as he thinks best under the circumstances without actually leaving the game.
Goal Attempts
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 09-15-04 16:40
For the next half hour the quaffle goes back and forth between the two teams, all six chasers getting frustrated at making no headway. Finally, with a well placed bludger from Brett, Ginny's able to not only take the quaffle but to actually get it with goal range. She shoots, aiming for the right hoop. Pyrrhus Fine blocks the shot but sends it straight to Orie. With Tranq and Ginny aiding her, Orie also gets in position to make a shot. The quaffle flies to the center...
Foul
Author: Mary
Date: 09-15-04 17:29
The quaffle flies to the center... and is promptly intercepted by Mary Black. Her usual self-assured smirk in place, Mary hightails it back toward the Gryffindor end. The Slytherin chasers fall into their invincible formation, the quaffle a blur between them as they near the goalposts.
Tranquilina swoops in for a steal and, snarling, Mary runs right into her, knocking her off course and sending her broomstick spinning wildly away.
"Foul!" Viktor's whistle broke through the game, "Blatching!* Penalty shot for Gryffindor!"
Rubbing her shoulder and glaring at Mary, Tranquilina took the quaffle for her foul shot.
Block it, Fine! Mary thought, furious that she'd been caught trying to unseat the Gryffindor girl.
Luckily, Pyrrhus caught the throw and the game resumed.
That Aemilius girl was going to get hers after the game, that was for sure.
*Blatching: (Foul) flying to intentionally collide with another player
Catch and Release
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 09-15-04 17:50
Today, we released the finest, sleekest, healthiest rat in all of Hogsmeade. I just hope we haven't made a big mistake. I am certain he will end up as "top dog" in the local rat population. What I'm wondering is, will the changes wrought by the elixir carry on to his offspring. Will we facing a population of "Super-Rats"?
This morning, quite early, the four of us examined our little furry friend for the sixth or seventh time. Over the last few days, his coat had darkened thickened up until it was almost like sable. The truly strange thing was, each morning until this one, the parchment in the bottom of his cage would be littered with dead fleas. Everyone knows that rats have fleas. It's one of those basic principles of nature. When we checked him this morning, he had NO fleas.
Another unusual side effect was that his intelligence appears to have increased since dosing him with the "curative" elixir. Not that he had become an Einstein, but The Toms had set up a maze in their room. They put him in at one end and placed some owl treats at the other. The first time through, he took quite a while to negotiate all the twists and turns, frequently exploring blind alleys. On his second and subsequent runs, he went straight to the food with no false turns. The next day, the Toms changed the maze around. The rat paused at the first turn and sniffed for a moment, then chose the proper branch and continued at speed. There was no randomness to his efforts. He went straight to the food. This morning, there was hardly a pause, even on the first encounter with the new arrangement.
Between times, he seemed content to sit quietly in his cage and preen himself. The Toms even went so far as to put a mirror in the cage. After a brief investigation, the rat sat himself before it and turned his head this way and that. Then back to preening and more admiring of himself. I worry that we may have created the Gilderoy Lockhart of the Rat world! Well, I suppose it could be worse. At least he didn't take after the disgusting habits of that Pettigrew fellow I've heard so much about.
When we finally turned him out, he just sat for a few moments, looking at us. The lads assumed he might be hungry, although I don't know how that could be possible with his recent banquets. At any rate, they provided him with a handful of owl treats which he promptly stuffed into his cheeks. Then, with a sharp squeak and a whip of his tail, he made a beeline for the storage room and vanished down a small hole in the corner. I don't suppose that's the last we'll see of him. I think he saw where the lads were getting the owl treats. Best make sure the lid is securely on the jar, from now on.
The Girl
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 09-15-04 17:51
Tranquillina glared daggers at the girl Mary Black. What had Tranq ever done to her to deserve this? She focused on the hoops and took a whirl at it.
Pyrrhus blocked it, and with a scowl Tranquillina went back to the game. Perhaps two can play at this game?
Tranquillina tailed the Slytherins who kept the quaffle tightly among themselves. Tranq weaved in and out, looking for an opportunity. A moment later, she thought there might be one. She exchanged a look with Ginny, who got the hint and moved into position, pulling up along side Declan, and in an instant had stolen the quaffle.
Tranq knew that Mary had figured out what just transpired, and she made quite the show of it. Smiling overly-sweetly at the Slytherin, and with a great flourish for Black, she turned around to help out Ginny. Catching Ginny's pass, Tranq moved the quaffle on to Orei.
Transylvania vs. Spain vs. Generic
Author: Adam Sparrow
Date: 09-15-04 20:56
Adam sat in his shorts and robe moping on the couch in front of the fireplace playing wizards chess by himself. He opened the box of the brand new "Official" Quidditch World's Cup version of Wizards Chess. He felt he needed a something to change his ugly mood. He chose to be Transylvania and picked The Flanders of Belgium to oppose him, knowing full well that the two played a horribly brutal match in the 1st world cup. Adam was rather encouraged as he set the game up. Yes a bit of horrendous bloodshed and savagery would do quite well to cheer him up. He tried hard not to think of the second Quidditch match being played without him today at Hogwarts Castle.
Adam reached into the box with a gasp. "Oh come on!!"
Unfortunately the chess pieces had started up even before the game. He rummaged around the box but neither team had enough pieces in tact collectively to form one team let alone two! All that was left was an unfinished generic team , one that the owner was supposed to paint up and create on their own, and the Spanish National Team. Adam sighed and set them up keeping the generic team for himself. All was going well until Madreo the Spanish seeker accused him of cheating and got the entire team to start complaining and arguing. Adam got tired of hearing their whining and shut them all back up into the box. To his dismay, the chess pieces were suddenly flying around the room, incensed that a quidditch game had been called as there was NO reason that one stopped playing quidditch!. Adam tried to argue with Chasers Lebron and Cartaya that no quidditch game had been called and it was only a bloody chess game and that they were merely chess pieces with which he could do with what he damn well pleased. Montoya the beater didn't like being called a chess piece and suddenly hurled a tiny bludger at him. Suddenly the box, bludger and the entire chess set went up in flames.
"Ha! Take that!" Adam spat, throwing himself back on the couch feeling quite victorius. He looked up at his wife who'd just walked into the room shaking her head. She snuggled up against him. "
"Azizi," She kissed him. "Got the quidditch blues?"
He shrugged and pretended to be interested in The Daily Prophet.
"I'm sorry its difficult for you, but I told you "Mobilicorpus" would work."
He glared.
"How about Mobiligeekus? I'm fine thank you." He moved over to his chair and wheeled off to the counter to refill the pots.
