Let the Games Begin
Author: Kody
Date: 06-01-03 19:43

Kody and Drake stand halfway between the two fortresses, working out last minute details. Professor Dumbledore set some really good rules but the two boys feel that there should be some way to know who's been "killed" and what the strike zone for a "kill" should be.

Since Professor Dumbledore did not prohibit using a spell to help out in this department, the boys decide to have one put on all participants. A few seventh years step forward to do this and within minutes everyone's good to go. A vivid neon circle will appear whenever a snowball strikes within the "kill" zone, the zone being the front, back or side of the torso from the naval to the chest as well as the head. Anyone "killed" is immediately out of the game and should retire to the sidelines. Last team with "live" members is the victor.

Drake and Kody ensure that all their team members are clear on the rules. Kody signals Drake that his team's ready and Drake does the same. Kody calls out, "Battle stations, everyone!"

Looking over at his teammate Emma Crusher, Kody grins, "Ladies first, Emma. You have the honor of throwing the first snowball for our team."

Too Easy a Victory
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-01-03 21:07

Cho soon won, it was over too quickly. She reviewed the moves, all had been legal. She glances to Elizabeth, "Are you alright Liz?"

The girl nods, "Just not up to it today I guess. Terribly sorry. Good luck!" With that, she moved off and Cho remained seated to watch the rest of the other match. Watching each person's move to see what she'd be playing the next round.

Bend it Like Beck
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-01-03 21:37

When Bronwyn, Toby, Hermione and Ron arrived at the Pitch, they were immediately separated along House lines. The Hufflepuffs joined Kody's team and the Gryffindors were placed with Drake's group. After Dumbledore announced a few rules and Kody initiated the game, Emma Crusher of Ravenclaw sent a snowball spiraling through the chilly air. Her aim was so near on target that she nearly hit Drake full on in the face. Luckily, he saved his skin last minute with a quick duck of the head and a roll of the shoulder.

Soon, dozens of balls of compacted snow were hurdling through the air. Bronwyn grinned playfully, so happy was she to be outside with friends and classmates. Her eyes twinkled merrily when Toby glanced her way; if Bronwyn had been made of snow, she'd have surely melted on the spot. He flashed her a sexy smile and tossed a ball in the air, kicking it hard with one of his feet. The majority exploded on the spot rather than sailed across the Pitch as intended, but no one seemed to mind.

Bronwyn dropped the ball she had been holding and threw her arms around Toby's neck. "I don't think Muggle football is your sport, Toby," she said, smiling. "You're so much better with your broomstick, erm, on your broomstick." She grinned and pecked him on the cheek.

Toby laughed. "Are you blushing? I think you are."

"My cheeks are rosey because it's rather cold out here, Toby Beck," Bronwyn replied playfully.

"Then maybe I should warm you up," Toby responded huskily. He kissed her, laughing as she giggled.

"Hey, break it up you two!" cried out Kody, poking Toby in the shoulder. "We're at war! Save the mushy stuff for afterwards."

Bronwyn laughed and picked up a snowball. "All right, all right. Battle first, make-out later! Okay, Beck? Ready to show those––whoa! That one almost got me!"

"You're likely to get yourself killed if you keep talking, Sweetheart," Toby said playfully.

Bronwyn punched him lightly in the shoulder and threw a snowball over to the other team, hopeful to hit someone.

Promises
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 06-02-03 07:21

No, it's not selfish at all," Bill said, looking up from his cup of coffee. "To be perfectly honest with you I've had the same thoughts as well, and it worries me too. It's part of the reason I've come to talk to you. That day you told me everything I vowed to protect you, to look after you in case You-Know-Who decides to show an interest. I know I'm probably no match against him, but I made a promise and I intend on keeping it."

Bill sighed deeply and shook his head. "I just wish I had something solid to go on in my search for Adriana."

"I wish I could help you, Bill," Briar said genuinely. "I'll keep my eyes open and let you know if I discover anything that may help you."

"Just stay safe, all right?" Bill ordered firmly. "I don't want to lose you too."

"I promise."

So Close!
Author: Emma Crusher
Date: 06-02-03 12:09

Emma had been more than happy to start the war, and after nearly missing Drake she made it her goal to hit him. Of all the people she'd met at Hogwarts so far, he and Kody were probably the only ones she saw often enough to call friends.

Neville was beside her, though he did more hiding than throwing, staying crouched down behind the fort. Nonetheless, her cousin was among the first to be 'killed'.

She ducked as one of Drake's own snowballs flew past her head. She returned the favor, but missed as well. Two of her teammates took a short break from the battle to 'warm up' and Kody had to break them up. Another snowball landed just in front of her and she looked up in search of the person who'd aimed it. Not seeing anyone, she decided to blame it on Drake and took one of the larger snowballs, aiming it at his head. She was determined to get him 'killed', no matter how long it would take.

"This was a really good idea, Kody, I'm quite enjoying myself." She smiled and let the snowball fly, only to have it hit someone else in the middle of their back. A neon circle popped up and they went reluctantly over to the sidelines.

Losing Gracefully
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 06-02-03 12:53

The chess match between Lawrence and Annie was a tight one, they met each other move for move and finally it would be Annie that came out on top. Lawrence smiled and offered a hand to the young Gryffindor. "Very good game Annie. You are quite the chess player. Perhaps we can play again some time."

He waited patiently as Professor Logan came over and nodded that indeed the game was over for the two.

Lawrence rose from the table and moved to stand next to Vera. It would seem that the other game was over as well and Cho had come out the victor. He would place an arm around Vera's waist and pull her a bit closer to him, placing a light kiss upon her cheek. "I did fairly well for my first time don't you think?" he questioned.

Lack of Concentration
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 06-02-03 15:02

Viktor dons his uniform while attempting to drown out the rest of the noise in the locker room. The game today is the first one for Viktor since returning to Bulgaria. So far everything has gone smoothly. Viktor hasn't felt smothered by his bodyguards, has been able to attend practice and see friends. There have been no problems, no security scares, and no signs of anyone working for Koyla lurking around.

Despite all this, Viktor has had a sense of unease all morning. At times he's felt as though he's being scrutinized by some malevolent force. No matter how hard he's tried to concentrate on the impending game, to clear his mind of everything else, Viktor hasn't been able to shake the unsettling feeling.

The coach calls all the players to gather around him. Viktor sighs softly then gets up to join his team, telling himself he MUST focus on playing well and assisting the team in winning.

York
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 06-02-03 16:14

Sirius sets the well worn, leather bag by his feet. A weathered looking old woman shuffles from what Sirius guesses is an office and makes her way to the check-in/check-out desk.

"Hallo, ye be wantin' uh room? Be uh galleon uh week, paid up front. Iffin ye want nightly rates, say so."

Inwardly Sirius cringes at the quality of a room that is only one galleon a week but after thinking of some of his accommodations when still a wanted criminal by the Ministry, Sirius knows he can handle it no matter how bad the room is. And, at least he won't be dining on roots, grubs, and rats while here. At least he hopes not. If he eats at the inn's dining room, Sirius plans to thoroughly examine any food set before him.

Outwardly Sirius smiles at the woman and pulls out a galleon from a robe pocket. "One week to start is fine."

"Fill out this form. Sign it too."

As Sirius writes in the necessary information, the woman continues speaking. "Me name's Gladys Marsh and me husband, the old fart, is Henry. Tha young lad ye'll see about is our grandson Rob, and tha lass our granddaughter, Peg. Meal times be posted ta the door in yer room."

Gladys pulls a key off a peg and slides it over to Sirius. "Ye got room 7, up tha stairs, ta tha right, halfway down. Shared bath directly across. Ye want fresh water fer yer basin, put yer pitcher in tha hall by 9 each night. Peg'll have it filled and at yer door tha next morning by 5."

Gladys takes the now completed and signed form and gives it a once over. She flashes a toothless grin at Sirius, "Yer be having any questions, Mr. Patrick Blackburn?"

Sirius returns her grin, "Only one, Mrs. Marsh. Would you happen to know if anyone in this part of York is hiring? I'm willing to do anything as long as it pays a liveable wage. There's a Muggle saying that fits my situation right now. Beggers can't be choosers."

Too Much Noise
Author: Madam Irma Pince
Date: 06-02-03 16:30

Madam Pince was deeply engrossed some filing when she became aware of rising noise levels outside of the library. For a moment she peered through the windows and could dimly perceive that there were students outside, presumably enjoying themselves from all the noise that they were making.

Sniffing, she looked around her domain. Miss Granger and Mr Weasley had left and Miss Pince approved of this. The library was a serious place and not intended to be somewhere for any form of nonsense to occur. Students should use the library to study or to occupy themselves peacefully ... not gaze soulfully into one another's eyes or anything else untoward.

Now, how to get students to behave in the library? Madam Pince resolved to speak to the Headmaster when she could get hold of him. She had a few ideas she wanted to try out but wanted his permission first.

Just to be on the safe side.

Gotcha!
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 06-02-03 17:25

With Pea well off the sidelines, snug and warm with Fang, Coco is an eager member of Drake's team. She'd been pleased to meet up with Harry Potter again and introduced to some of his friends. Coco has also found this to be a grand opportunity for learning the names of students she's seen around school but never had an occassion to actually meet until now.

Now that the fight is underway, Coco is having a blast flinging snow balls at opposing team members. She pops her head up over the fortress wall. One of her housemates, Gertrude Hatcher, in the same year as she, calls out tauntingly, "You're the next one I take out, Coco."

Coco gleefully replies, "Be uh doddle* ta pick yer off, Gertrude."

They simultaneously throw snowballs at each other, Coco barely escaping being hit. Gertrude isn't so lucky. She grins ruefully across the battlefield at Coco as a dayglo circle appears in the middle of her chest. With a wave and a salute, Gertrude hops off the field to sit beside others also out of the game who are now spectators cheering on their friends and respective teams.

~~

doddle = easy task

Re: Losing Gracefully
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 06-03-03 06:10

It was fun playing Lawrence. He was good but in the end he made one mistake and I caught it. "I hate to do this, but checkmate," I said in a sorrowful tone. Lawrence smiled and offered his hand. "Very good game Annie. You are quite the chess player. Perhaps we can play again sometime?"

We waited as Professor Logan came over and confirmed my victory and nodded that the game was over between us. Lawrence went next to his girlfriend Vera. I had to smile at him. He was good and I knew I was on the edge of my seat at times with him during the game, but it was worth it and a friendly rematch wouldn't hurt at all.

Professor Logan looked at me and my furture opponent Cho Chang. "Miss Chang you will play Miss Paul in the finals. Mr. Masterson, you will play Miss Brumby for third place." I looked at Cho and she smiled. I gave a smile and felt nervous. I heard she was terrific and was calm during her first game. Taking a deep breath I walked up to her and offered my hand. "Good luck Cho," I said and shook her hand. I then looked at Lawrence. I had to extend an invitation to a friendly game later on.

Bliss
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 06-03-03 09:36

With most Slytherins having no interest in a snowball fight in which both teams are headed by Ravenclaws and each team is a fairly even mix of Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws and with many of the Slytherins finding the chess matches dull, the common room is a little more full than it normally is for a bright, clear, even if somewhat chilly, Saturday. This has not prevented Isolde and Pyrrhus from commandeering one out of the way corner for themselves. Py has moved a small love seat to their corner and the two have sat entwined much of the morning.

They've actually only spent a tiny portion of that time making out. The rest has been spent both with talking quietly and having companionable silences during which they sat happily, eating perfectly made popcorn and drinking from huge mugs filled with hot, creamy coco. Or like now, Isolde is sort of dozing, her body comfortably tangled with his, while Py reads a fictional mystery set in the thrilling world of professional Quidditch.

Py turns the page then with the fingers of that same hang, pushes a stray tendril of hair from Isolde's face while thinking that it's too bad they can't spend more days like this.

Fun
Author: Jet
Date: 06-03-03 16:47

Jet had started out watching the chess matches, pretending to care but in a very short span of time he'd been bored out of his mind. Deciding to get some air, Jet made his way out of the Great Hall and meandered aimlessly over the grounds for a short while. Eventually he reached the pitch. The teams were just about ready to start their snowball war. Jet started to walk on but then he had the evil little thought of how much fun it would be to splat as many of these hopeless idiots as he could. Assigned to Drake Bennett's team, Jet waited eagerly for things to begin. Once the first snowball was thrown, Jet has steadily thrown one snowball after another, loving the sounds those hitting their targets spot on make and laughing with unsurpressed joy whenever a bright round circle appears on an opponent he's hit. Too bad they can't make the balls icy hard but oh well, can't have everything. At least not yet.

Luck
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-03-03 20:31

Cho beams as Annie offers her hand, Cho shakes it, "Thanks, you too! Great game." She skips down the steps after thanking Miss Logan, she moves into the crowd, grinning and giggling as people congratulate and she gracefully thanks them.

Bouncing, Celebrating and Butterflies...
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 06-04-03 04:42

Cho thanked me and said I played a great game. She then skipped away to meet her friends. Gulping I was surrounded by my fellow Gryffindors who patted me on the back and said I played a wicked game. "Cho's going to have a tough time with you Annie," a second year who hardly spoke to me said and I just nodded.

"Come on to the Common Room for a celebration on her advancement to play Cho." I smiled weakly and fingered my necklace in a nervous sort of way thinking I had to send an owl to dad for more hints for the game tonight and my winning the match.

I knew Quidditch was next and as I walked the halls surrounded by the small Gryffindor group I spotted Mary who gave me a scowl. "Soon," I thought, "she'll get hers at the match." I managed a smirk at her as we passed each other and went up the stairs to the tower.

Battle Plan
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-04-03 09:17

"Okay...Weasley, Weasley, Potter and Granger," Drake began, eyeing his soldiers one by one as they huddled around him. A small group of students held the front line, throwing snowball after snowball at the opposing team while their leader formulated a plan. "It's time we take out Kody. I figure he's the glue holding his team together; once he's out, they'll be dropping like flies."

"Right," Ron agreed, "what do we do about it, boss?"

"You four will target him and only him. The others will keep you covered," answered Drake. "Any questions?"

Ginny, Ron, Harry and Hermione exchanged looks and then focused their eyes back on Drake. "I think we're ready," Harry said.

"Go get him," Drake ordered, and the four Gryffindors broke from their huddle and crept over to the front lines.

Hermione knelt to the floor to gather a snowball together, eyeing her target all the while. As their ammo began to fly towards the intended victim, several members from the other team seemed to take notice of their plan. Someone threw a large ball at Hermione, striking her in the back as she turned to scoop up another ball. As a neon circle appeared around her wound, Ron shouted, "Noooooooo!"

Hiding a small smile, Hermione trudged to the sidelines to await the close of the game.

Battles of Two Different Sorts
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 06-04-03 19:48

Having set down a few "ground rules" for the snowball fight, I retire from the Quidditch Pitch and return to the Great Hall. Miss Chang has already been declared the winner of her match, and the struggle between Miss Paul and Mr. Masterson is drawing to a close. I watch intently as Masterson struggles valiantly, trying to recoup his earlier losses. I look ahead and see no way out. Barring a major error on her part, Miss Paul has already won. Six more moves, and she has him, check and mate!

I congratulate the two winners and the remaining loser. Miss Brumby seems to have taken herself off somewhere. I shall look forward to the final match.

In Memorium
Author: H Potter
Date: 06-04-03 21:09

Harry, pretending to be dead serious, consoles Ron on Hermione's "demise."

"She went out fighting, Ron. Be proud of her for that. Now honor her memory here by taking out Kody and as many of his team as is humanly possible."

Ron's stooped shoulders straighten and he nods. "Absolutely right, Harry. I owe it to Hermione to soldier on. To be victorious in battle."

The two boys suddenly grin at each other then with loud war whoops, increase the onslaught against Kody.

The Agony of Defeat
Author: Kody
Date: 06-04-03 22:35

Even with members of his team helping to block him from the efforts of Drake's team to concentrate fire on him, Kody's arms and legs are getting pelted left and right. He knows he won't last much longer but until he's officially out, Kody is enthusiastically hurling one snowball after another at his opponents.

The inevitable happens and Kody zigs when he should have zagged. A bright circle pops up on his chest as a loud cheer goes up from all of Drake's team, even the ones on the sidelines. Ron Weasley stands with arms upraised and several of those around him, Harry Potter included, are slapping him on the back to congratulate him.

They shouldn't have let their guard down. Members of Kody's team still in the game launch snowballs en masse to the happy little group. Ron, Harry, and everyone around them become casualties of war. Kody goes to join them as they leave the field, suggesting they hold another battle in a few weeks. All who hear the suggestion agree with Kody that if Professor Dumbledore will allow it, another snow ball fight would be a great way to spend a Saturday.

~*~*~*~

When the snowball fight is over and the students are starting to head to Hagrid's for the hot drinks the professor promised, Kody is chagrined that his team wasn't the one with the "last man standing." Not only has Drake's team won but the sole survivor is a small, first year Ravenclaw with brilliant blue hair who talks to animals and thinks they understand her. Coco Nutt.