Fighting Back
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 03-19-03 07:01
With two goals for Slytherin and two fouls made on her, Remadi was not liking how the game was going. The Gryffindor team just wasn't clicking like they had started to during practice. Slytherin was getting lucky and Gryffindor wasn't getting into the groove.
After Isolde had intercepted the quaffle three times in a row and then made a goal, Remadi knew that their best bet was Harry getting the snitch before Draco. That wasn't going to stop Remadi from trying to keep scoring and keep Slytherin's chasers from scoring against them.
At least it seemed that Alexis wasn't going to be bothering her as much now. Remadi had been a smidgen happy when the bludger hit Alexis, but that had quickly turned to concern which turned just as quickly to concentrating on the game once more.
After watching a nice pass by Australia to Natalie, Remadi is sure they are going to score, but Natalie backs down some and Slytherin's keeper, Pyrrhus, catches it without even breaking a sweat. Remadi suppresses the urge to wipe the smug grin off his face, blaming it on frustration.
Tempest gains control of the quaffle and flies towards Ron and the goals. She ducks, just barely missing a bludger aimed at her. Remadi uses the moment to take the ball and race towards the Slytherin side. She gets close and throws the ball, but Pyrrhus blocks that attempt, too.
Muttering something in Chinese (glad that no one seems to know Mandarin), she turns around to chase a Slytherin chaser.
At least Ron is doing a good job as a keeper, can't blame him for Isolde getting the quaffle three times, she thinks as she sees Brett block a bludger heading towards the keeper. Come on Mao! Get the snitch!
"C'mon, Gryffindors! We can do this," she says to her teammates as she goes after the quaffle once more.
Supporting
His Team
Author: Dobby
Date: 03-19-03 08:25
Dobby's ears have a slightly wilted look as Gryffindor remains scoreless and the team doesn't seem to be gelling. He jumps up to stand on his seat, waving his arms and yelling in an encouraging voice, "Go Gryffindor! Get that snitch!"
All That
Glitters
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 03-19-03 08:41
A cold blast of wind assailed the Slytherin seeker as he steered his broomstick ever higher into the clouds. He kept his gray eyes on the activity below, but ignored his teammates' incredible and outstanding plays and maneuvers. More than anything else, he wanted to find that elusive golden snitch. What joy it would bring him to see the look of disappointment on Potter's face!
Suddenly, a sparkle of gold from below caught his attention. He leaned over his broomstick and spiraled downward, never losing sight of the tiny, winged ball. As he hunted his prey, the group of chasers scrambling for the quaffle shot past him. The rapid movements from the others caught him off guard and caused his broom to jerk suddenly in their direction. Although not planned, he sent his elbow careening into Natalie's eye.
Madam Hooch's whistle sounded and she cried, "Foul!"
Draco scowled and watched as Natalie attempted the free shot, but the very capable Slytherin keeper, Pyrrhus, prevented the quaffle from sailing through the hoop. Relieved that Gryffindor still had zero points, Draco soared away from the cluster of activity on the field and began his search for the snitch again.
The group seemed to find him again, somehow suggesting that he couldn't find solitude during the game. Draco tried best to ignore them, using his gray eyes to search the perimeter and everywhere in between for that pesky, golden snitch. Azaelia had her back to the Slytherin seeker when the quaffle fell into her arms. At the same time, a bludger targeted her and shot towards her like a torpedo.
She saw it and ducked, but failed to warn Draco, who never saw it coming. It hit him in the arm with a sickening crack, causing him to double-over in pain and grit his teeth together. It felt as if every single bone in his left arm had been crushed like rocks underneath Hagrid's big, black boots.
Draco cursed loudly and sat up-right once more, feeling beads of sweat collect on his brow despite the bitter cold. Thankfully, his right arm and snitch-catching hand were still in business. Draco grimaced and tried to ignore the blinding pain in his arm as the snitch suddenly came back into view. He shot after it, hopeful to catch it before Potter and eager to catch it soon so that Madam Pomfrey could tend to his aching arm!
Go Gryffindor!
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 03-19-03 20:16
Golbez watches intently as the battle between the two long time rival teams takes place. So far, it doesn't appear to be going in favour of Gryffindor, who is scoreless. Slytherin seems to have a hand up in the game right now. The game is far from over, though, and anything can happen.
Preparations
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 03-20-03 11:40
It had been a busy day. While visiting the Shrieking Shack, Veronica had told Electron that the next Hogsmeade weekend would be in early December, so if he wanted to plan a concert that the students could come to, that left him just under a month to get everything ready. He'd spent the time since then fixing up his new songs. It would be good to have a crowd to try them out on.
Now, he had to really get his act together. There was lots to be done! Stage robes - his favourite part. Special effects, topping the ones in Temple Bar if at all possible. Finding somewhere to actually hold the concert - he could drop in and ask Nevvyn's advice about that, he seemed to know everything. Maybe there were empty buildings he could use (with the appropriate charms to fit everyone in and avoid annoying the neighbours with the noise) or failing that, they could set up a tent and have it outside. The gang would have to come over as soon as possible, of course, and Hendrix had already been to Dublin with their letter.
The most important thing, before he got down to any of the above, was for Electron to owl the headmaster of the school to see if he would permit the students to come to a concert, and if so, see that they all knew about it. After making lists of things to do, Electron grabbed a fresh sheet and wrote.
He explained in the letter that he was thinking of planning the concert to coincide with the students' next Hogsmeade trip, and asked if the Professor would allow the students to attend if they so wished. He offered to send advertisements so everyone would know about it in good time. Reviewing the letter, he made sure he'd mentioned everything he needed to, and signed off (with his real name). Then he rolled that one up and secured it, and jotted a note to Veronica on a separate sheet. Having labeled them both clearly, and hoping they wouldn't get mixed up, he tied one to each of Hendrix's legs, and sent him off to Hogwarts.
I Swear
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 03-20-03 13:24
Brett leans low over his broom, urging it to go faster as he approaches a bludger. He swings the bat back and sends the bludger sailing right towards a Slytherin chaser. Swearing under his breath when the bludger misses by less than an inch, Brett sends the broomstick hurtling after the bludger with the intention of taking a second shot at the same Slytherin. When a blur of green and silver shoots across in front of Brett, reaching the bludger before him, Brett swears again but this time out loud.
Refreshments
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 03-20-03 16:52
Having not seen many Quidditch games before, I find I must concentrate to follow the action. During a brief pause, following one of the numerous fouls, I turn to my three friends and ask, "Well? What do you think of the game?"
Without taking his eyes, or his attention, from the action on the field, Tom replies, "I think it would go much better with some chips!"
Tom follows this with, "And maybe some pumpkin juice, as well!"
The other Tom dismisses their suggestions with a wave of his hand. "If you're going for "Freshers", could you bring me a Butter Beer and some of that fried fish I've been smelling? Oh! And a paper of chips, as well, if you please."
I am amazed at these lads' capacity for food. It's been less than three hours since breakfast. And they'll probably want to stop on the way home for ice cream and cauldron cakes or something like that. I stand and begin making my way toward the stairs. I look up just in time to see one of the Gryffindors give a bludger a smart rap, right in front of the stands. "Oh! Well Hit!" I call out.
Some time later, I find myself trudging back up those same stairs, loaded down with "freshers" and a couple of Galleons lighter. Fish and chips... Butter Beer... Pumpkin Juice... I think I have everything! I'd better have everything! Another trip to the refreshment stand, and we will be asking Madam Rosmerta to put the icecream on the "tab". I parcel out the goodies and resume watching the game. The score hasn't changed while I was gone. Two of the Slytherins, their Seeker and a Chaser, seem to be playing with injuries. Still, the Gryffindors seem unable to score. Actually, the Slytherin Keeper is doing a fine job. The red-headed lad at the Gryffindor end seems to have his hands full. Both Seekers have made numerous attempts to catch the snitch. However, the tiny golden ball seems to have a mind of it's own and has successfully eluded both of them thus far.
What the...
Author: Tempest Aisling
Date: 03-20-03 21:06
Tempest had made a goal, lost the Quaffle to Remadi and still managed to almost get hit by a bludger. What's up with that? Tempest is a good player! But Quidditch does have its up and downs.
Clara kept her eye on Tempest and blocked every Bludger away from her as possible. Suddenly the crowed grew wild and Tempest came out of her thoughts. The game was over...
Unbelievable
Author: H Potter
Date: 03-20-03 22:20
With the Gryffindor team scoreless and playing more like the start of their first practice together, to Harry the game seems torturously long. Hovering just above most of the action, Harry grimaces when Aussie takes a hit from a bludger sent by Clara causing her to lose the quaffle. A split second later, he's wildly cheering Australia on as she shakes off the effect of the bludger and recovers the quaffle. She passes to Natalie, who works the quaffle closer to the goal. Natalie sets up to send the quaffle to Remadi only to have the pass intercepted. Ron stops another Slytherin goal attempt and whacks the quaffle back to Aussie.
As the quaffle moves back and forth between players and up and down the field, Harry momentarily feels dizzy from trying to keep up with where the quaffle is while also keeping a lookout for the annoyingly elusive snitch. Oh! There it is!
Harry goes diving for the little winged ball of gold, crouched low over his broom, his hand reached out, fingers stretching. He's so close his fingers tingle from the air movement caused by the rapid beating of the snitch's wings. Harry leans closer, his hand closing into a fist.
Only to grab air.
Harry looks around frantically, searching for the snitch, unable to believe he'd been that close to it and still missed it.
In the distance, Harry hears the announcement, "And that's the game! The snitch has been caught!"
Shaking his head no, Harry holds up both hands for everyone to see he didn't catch the snitch. Then Harry realizes no one's looking at him. Everyone's looking at Draco sitting smugly on his broom over the center of the pitch, gleaming gold in his hand. But how? Harry hadn't seen Draco anywhere near him or the snitch. This had got to be a nightmare. Harry pinches himself hoping it's still Friday night and he's asleep, worrying about having five newcomers on the team. Harry pinches so hard the skin he pinched takes on an immediate red, whelped look. He sighs loudly. It's not a nightmare. It's real.
The rest of the Slytherin team closes in on Draco, all of them shouting in glee. Looking around more, Harry sees how crestfallen all the Gryffindor are. It doesn't help the mood when the announcer continues. "A total shutout! Slytherin 170! Gryffindor zip! Harry, your inexperienced Gryffindors definitely need more practice. Better luck next game."
Oh No!
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 03-21-03 21:10
I stare in disbelief and horror as the Slytherin team surrounds Draco Malfoy. Gryffindor LOST!! I can't believe it!! "A total shutout! Slytherin 170! Gryffindor zip! Harry, your inexperienced Gryffindors definitely need more practice. Better luck next game," says the commentator. This has to be every quidditch team captain's nightmare!
I Can't Believe
My Eyes!
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 03-22-03 02:25
I gasped. It couldn't be. It was impossible. Then the announcer's voice came over the field confirming every Gryffindor's nightmare. We were shut out by Slytherin. I felt my sketchbook drop to the ground and I shook my head. "It can't be. There must be some mistake. How can we lose this badly?"
Bending over to pick my book up again I thought of the Wizards Chess Tournament. Now more then ever Gryffindor needed a morale booster and if it was to beat Slytherin again so be it, but I needed to practice harder than ever. The stands began to empty as Gryffindors began to mumble things such as, "What happened to us? We used to be the best team when Oliver Wood was captain."
I felt that was unfair. They were a whole new team and to be critical of one person or as a matter of fact the whole team was unfair. I then remembered my older cousin Terry. He was a rugby champion and is now in the RAF. He had the same problem with a whole new team when he was at Oxford and I remembered his first loss, how he felt, but he got back up and started a whole new way of training and it worked. They began to win and finally took the trophy in the Rugby Championships.
I walked back to the castle and thought of dropping him a line and maybe going over some of his old plans. Maybe they could work...
Game Over...
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 03-22-03 06:27
I watch intently as the Gryffindor Seeker closes in on the snitch. Some rows in front of us, Dobby is jumping up and down, cheering on his personal champion. Suddenly, the bright, golden ball appears to vanish. It looks like the Gryffindors have won the match. But no! The seeker is looking around, seemingly confused and rather empty-handed. From another part of the pitch, a shout goes up. The Seeker in green is proudly displaying his catch. Slytherin has won, the announcer tells us. I am amazed.
"Well, Lads!" I tell my friends. "It looks as if this game is over." As we file out of the stands, Tom pauses with a few words of consolation for Dobby. On the way back to Hogsmeade, I ask what he said.
"I simply told him "Be of good cheer. There's always next year!"" he replies.
Hidden Agenda
Author: Voldemort
Date: 03-22-03 19:42
He is ready, at last. Or at least sometimes, as there are days when he still fights me, but not much and not for long.
Through his eyes I can see what goes on at Hogwarts, and through the eyes of others like him, I see what is going on in other parts of Europe: The Aurors frantically figuring out about The house in New Forest; the search for the escaped Koyla and his followers etc.
And all the time Ethan learns a but more about himself, a self he didn't know excised: his past and new present – and what his future holds.
A Strange
Musical Note
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 03-23-03 17:06
Arriving back in my office after the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, I see there is an owl waiting for me. Actually, it seems he has been sharing the perch with Fawkes and is in such deep conversation with my Phoenix that he hardly notices my entrance. I approach the pair and note that the owl has messages attached to both legs. "Have you something for me?" I ask. The Owl raises his right leg in my direction and I take the proffered note which is marked "A. Dumbledore." A quick glance tells me that the other is meant for "V. Dumbledore". "Have a treat from Fawkes' supply," I suggest. "I'm certain he won't mind!" The owl grabs a tidbit from the tray, gives Fawkes a farewell nod, and hustles out the window to deliver his next message.
I carry my note to the desk. Unrolling it, I begin to read. Well, now! I think to myself. This could make for an interesting adjunct to the next Hogsmeade visit. It is from a "Mr. Electron" who seems to have taken residence in the village. And he is planning to hold a "Rock Concert" in Hogsmeade, coordinated with the next visit of the Hogwarts students. He is asking if I will permit the students to attend.
Our little village seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. Hmmm... Electron... Electron... Where have I heard that name before? I am somewhat "out-of-touch" with the world of modern music, as they call it. Perhaps I should talk to one of the younger professors. "Londy? Lon..."
My favorite House Elf comes zipping of some secret place before I can get the name out a second time. "Londy? Would you please ask Professor Veronica Dumbledore if she could come up and help me with a little puzzle?" With another "Ziiippp!" Londy is off to do my errand.
I settle down at my desk to read The Daily Prophet while I wait. It is not more than a few minutes before a light rap on the door frame announces her presence. "What is it, Uncle Albus? Londy said you wanted to see me."
"Have a seat, my Dear!" I offer. "Would you care for some pumpkin juice?" I pour two glasses from the "Ever-Cool" carafe and lead her over to the comfortable chairs by the window.
"Ummm... Do you know anything of a fellow named Electron? Seems to be a relatively new resident of Hogsmeade." She looks at me with a bit of suspicion until I read her the strange note. Then she tells me a little about the current musical craze and "Captain Electron."
Well, what do you think of the idea of a rock concert in Hogsmeade? I ask. I am concerned that it will mean the students will be staying rather late. I think we will have to break our long-standing traditions and actually provide chaperones for such an affair.
Re: A Strange
Musical Note
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 03-23-03 19:24
"A concert? Why, I think it's a wonderful idea. The students would enjoy themselves and I'm sure Captain Electron needs an opportunity to play some music seeing as how he has been incognito in Hogsmeade so long." She sips on her pumpkin juice while thinking to herself. 'Well, if you like the idea, I say do it."
Home-making
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 03-23-03 19:28
Since Samhain, I had seen Sirius just enough to update him on my plans and telling him how he can help. I had left him to consider what he'd like to do. I had also agreed about telling Dumbledore about the secret passage. He'd find out somehow, anyway. Dumbledore knows everything.
Today, I had finished off my end with some slightly modified Druidic charms. The now completed passage linked my house with Sirius', and had a vault where I kept my most powerful druidic tomes and most secret plans. Currently, only Padfoot knew how to bypass these, and even the existence of the tunnel. It was ultra-secret, and thus ultra safe.
Back on the main floor, I take care of Siabhra - who is demanding my immediate attention - and answer some owls that I had neglected. There was also an owl from Padraig, with the month's accounting on it. He always sent one, even though I don't need to see one to know they are running the farm smoothly.
By midafternoon, when all my housework and loose ends are tied up, I have time to wonder (more) about how Remus is doing with Lu Garou and to realize that very soon Michael will be leaving for Durmstrang and I'll need a new partner.
Another Mysterious
Letter
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 03-23-03 19:41
On her way back from meeting with her Uncle Albus and discussing the matter of a concert in Hogsmeade, Veronica decided to drop by the dungeon before adjourning to her quarters. Stopping just as before in front of the door to Snape's office, she pulled a letter from her robes, this time accompanied by a rose.
First she tried the handle. Darn it all. Locked.
She pulled out her wand and looked around carefully. "Alohomora," she said as she pointed it at Snape's door.
Good. He's not here, she thought as she slipped inside, placing the rose and the letter on his desk. She took a quick look around the room. Hmm... an untidy man... but I suppose he had to have a fault or two in there somewhere.
With that last look around, she quickly left Snape's office, taking special care to re-lock the door behind her and headed to her room to prepare tomorrow's lesson plan.
