Second Match of the Season
Author: Toby Beck
Date: 04-03-03 10:25

Perhaps owing to the fact that Hufflepuff won the Quidditch Cup last school year, Toby and his fellow teammates were extremely pumped up about the big game against Ravenclaw. Having been unable to sleep last night out of excitement, the Hufflepuff team captain crawled out of bed early on Saturday morning and woke each of his teammates in turn. None had been sound asleep; all were more than eager to get the show on the road.

They ate a light breakfast in the Great Hall before most other students were awake, and exchanged friendly banter with some of the Ravenclaw players who had come down to grab a bite to eat as well. The mood that morning was a pleasant one; the rivalry between the teams was serious, yet civilized.

After all bellies were full but not over-stuffed, Toby led his teammates to the Quidditch Pitch and into the locker rooms, where last minute strategies and other important plays were discussed. Each teammate, especially the two new members, Emma Riley and Vera Delgety, listened with rapt attention.

Motivational pep talks came next, and Toby, quite the speaker, managed to bring all of his teammates to their feet for enthusiastic cheers. Shouting himself hoarse, Toby paused to take a sip of water. During that brief moment of silence, he felt a pang of sorrow, for it was the first time that he truly realized Kendra wouldn't be playing with him. She had been his co-beater, a position now occupied by the very athletic Vera.

As much as a distraction Kendra's absence would be, Toby tried not to let it get him down. He decided the team would just have to win this one for her and proposed his thoughts to the others, who all agreed whole-heartedly, even those who never knew her.

Feeling better, Toby focused his concentration back on the task at hand -- kicking some serious Ravenclaw butt! Pep talks and strategies dominated the conversation until it became time to take the field...

Ready to Play
Author: Emma Riley
Date: 04-03-03 12:05

I arrived at the pitch in a fit of nerves - my first Hogwarts Quidditch match. My parents had even come up from Hogsmeade to see me play, which did not calm my stress level at all. I spotted them in the stands and gave a small half-hearted wave to which they replied enthusiastically in kind. I banished them from my mind for the time being, as I knew they would want to talk to me afterwards about my birthday to inquire if I had yet received the gift they had spoken of on our last visit. I could not think of this now, I knew I had to focus and concentrate on the upcoming game.

Toby had proposed that we play this one for Kendra, and the other Hufflepuffs had erupted in applause. Kendra - the girl I had never met and yet who had become such a part of my life. I slept in her bed, played on her Quidditch team, had adopted her friends . . . And what if we lost, playing for her? Would it tarnish the memory? Make defeat that much more bitter? And if we won?

I held my broom ready and and waited anxiously to begin.

New Commentator
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-03-03 15:03

"Well, here goes nothing," Bronwyn said to herself as she gazed up at the Quidditch stadium.

Last week, during supper one evening, Madam Hooch had approached the Hufflepuff table and asked to speak with Bronwyn for a few minutes. After stepping outside the Great Hall to avoid the noise from within the chamber, the Quidditch instructor explained that Kyle Stebbins had stepped down as commentator for the games. She knew Bronwyn had a reputation for being friendly and outgoing (though this was sometimes questionable as of late) and asked the Hufflepuff fifth year if she would like to give Quidditch commentary a go.

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, Bronwyn had agreed.

As she climbed the steps to the professors' box, a cold blast of wind assailed her face, but did nothing to dissuade her from pressing on. She had made a committment and she intended on keeping it. To calm the flailing ends of her yellow and black scarf, she secured it firmly around her neck. As she reached the landing and met Professor McGonagall, she removed two black mittens from her coat pocket and slipped them onto her small hands.

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall," she said, smiling politely. A few other teachers were already in their seats, eagerly anticipating the start of the game.

Professor McGonagall returned Bronwyn's smile and asked, "Are you ready, Miss Dewhurst?" She looked from the Hufflepuff girl to Madam Hooch, who approached the center of the field with a rectangular trunk.

Bronwyn nodded and sat down in her seat at the front of the box, and she took the magical microphone into her hands.

Taking a deep breath, Bronwyn announced, "Good morning, Hogwarts! It's time for Quidditch! Today's match is between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff!"

Cheers erupted throughout the stadium, and an innumerable amount of blue and yellow flags fluttered madly in the wind.

"Let's meet today's players, shall we?" Bronwyn smiled into the microphone and continued, "For Ravenclaw: Keeper, Gabriel Baine! Beater, Fynn Greenleaf! Beater, Golbez Rushdie! Chaser, Prescott Clearwater! Chaser, Aradia Forest! Chaser, Sykra Sawyer! and Seeker and Ravenclaw Captain, Cho Chang!"

Blue flags and banners flapped about eagerly and Ravenclaw fans cheered loudly.

"And for Hufflepuff: Seeker, Hannah Abbott! Keeper, Prote Spacy! Chaser, Neo Anderson! Chaser, Amerah Patterson! Chaser, Emma Riley! Beater, Vera Delgety! and Beater and Hufflepuff Captain, Toby Beck!"

Although perhaps expected to remain neutral as Quidditch commentator, Bronwyn couldn't help but add to the woohoos and yippees in support of Hufflepuff (and of course, Toby), but to avoid McGonagall's stern look, Bronwyn kept her cheers to a minimum.

After the noise died down, Toby and Cho approached Madam Hooch and were given a few words. They shook hands and mounted their brooms once more as Madam Hooch prepared to release the balls...

Morning Dew and Quidditch to Do
Author: Madam Hooch
Date: 04-03-03 16:22

The morning was cold as a fierce wind blew. The stands were filled with students and staff all dressed warmly in their heavy cloaks and colorful scarves.

Madam Hooch stepped out on the field carrying the trunk of balls. Cho and Toby approached her in the center of the field. "Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw. Good luck, have fun, and play clean." After shaking hands Cho and Toby returned to their teams. Madam Hooch opened the trunk and released the snitch and bludgers. "Take your positions!" commanded Madam Hooch. "On my count! 3-2-1!" The whistle sounded and the Quaffle was thrown into the air far above her head.

Let the Game Begin!
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 04-03-03 20:42

The first quidditch game begins. The excitement of being the defending champions is felt along with some nerves on the expectation. I catch the quaffle right at the beginning and fly towards the goal post. I pass the quaffle to Prote, but it is knocked off course by a bludger and the quaffle is lost to Ravenclaw. I turn around to see whose bludger knocked it off course. It appears to be Golbez Rushdie who was the one that caused me to lose the quaffle.

Patience is a Virtue...
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 04-04-03 06:32

that I do not possess... Cho thought to herself. She settled into the air above the darting Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw teams, keen eyes waiting for the snitch. Seeing it, she dives haphazardly into the fray, only to come out of it having fouled someone and snitchless. Trying to focus again, she resituates herself on her broom and watches. Again, the snitch flies past her and she chases willingly, doing her best to dodge everyone.

As Cho was chasing, Golbez had knocked the quaffle from Amerah and Aradia had scooped it up, easily passing it to Sykra who charged the goal, only to have her first attempt blocked. Unfortunately, Cho had been paying attention to this fact instead of where she was going and ran into another player, both rolling in different directions. Cho tumbled to the ground, still wrapped around the broom, she kicks off immediately, seeing the snitch again.

Blocked Goal
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 04-04-03 13:25

Sykra flew around watching; waiting for a chance to seize the quaffle. Amerah Patterson had taken the quaffle. Then Golbez knocked it from her, and Aradia swooped in and got it, making an easy pass to Sykra.

Sykra took it and charged toward goal. Unfortunatly, her attempt was blocked by the Hufflepuff keeper. Cursing under her breath, the ravenclaw chaser continued on with the game.

Back to Seeking
Author: Hannah Abbott
Date: 04-04-03 13:34

Dec. 7, 96

Hannah flew around on her broom above the action of the game. She was in pursuit of the snitch which seemed to stay at a constant distance away from her, out of her reach. Cho was after the snitch as well, but she wasn't having any better luck. She flew straight into another player and took a tumble to the ground. This distraction was enough for Hannah to lose sight of the snitch.

Gringotts Bank - Hogsmeade Branch
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 04-04-03 16:34

Around ten o'clock on Saturday morning, the doors to the Hogsmeade branch of Gringotts bank swung open -- figuratively, as it was much too cold outside to keep the doors ajar even for an official grand opening.

Bill Weasley, head of this division of Gringotts, stepped out of his office and leaned up against the doorframe, admiring everything in the main chamber from the marble patterned floors to the finely carved counters, tables and chairs. Three sharply dressed goblins sat on high stools behind their teller counters, eagerly (as far as Bill could tell) anticipating their first customer.

With a Quidditch match taking place at Hogwarts, Bill knew it was likely that visits to the new bank would be few today, but he didn't mind. Perhaps some of the locals not watching the game would stop by...

Pleasure before Business
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 04-04-03 16:49

Sirius arrived at Hogwarts early enough to attend the first part of the Quidditch match. To the delight of Harry and his friends, Sirius not only chose to sit in the stands with them but he'd brought a large basketful of sweets from Briar's Bakery as well as perfectly chilled butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks. All Sirius needed to do was to sit back, enjoy the game, and wait for the time for the meeting with Dumbledore to roll around.

Feeling Blue...Er...Black and Yellow
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 04-04-03 17:53

The day the owl arrived from Professor Dumbledore letting Viktor know he was more than welcome to seek sanctuary at Hogwarts, Viktor had felt like dancing in glee. He'd packed up the few things he'd bought after getting out from under the Bulgarian Ministry's eye and immediately apparated to Hogsmeade and fairly run the distance from the town to the school.

Since then Viktor had settled into a routine of helping out wherever and however he could, particularly with giving the Quidditch teams pointers and advice. Viktor had also been very happy to see Ethan safe and sound and while outwardly Ethan has appeared happy that Viktor is as well, and that Viktor is going to be staying at Hogwarts for awhile, there's something different, something distant about Ethan. Something Viktor can't quite put his finger on. Maybe it's just part of the after effects of Kendra Beck's death.

Kendra. Viktor sighs as he begins thinking about Kendra again. Kendra should be out there on the pitch now. Nothing against Vera Delgety, whom Viktor has observed to be a good player, but it should be Kendra out there, wind in her hair, the cold air making her cheeks red as she zooms in to send a bludger after an opponent.

Abruptly, Viktor stands up and makes his way from the stand. He walks back to the castle without ever looking back at the pitch.

Watching
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 04-04-03 20:30

Like Harry and Ron, who took a keen interest in the match in order to observe the strategies and flaws of their competitors, Hermione also paid special heed to today's Quidditch game between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. It was a day of firsts: Gabriel's premiere match at Hogwarts and Hermione's first time to truly see him in action.

He looked calm and secure on his broomstick, eyes alert and body ready to act in a moment's time. So far, he hadn't had the opportunity to display his Keeper skills; the quaffle had nearly reached his hoops by way of Amerah Patterson, but a lucky bludger via Golbez Rushdie sent the quaffle spiraling into Ravenclaw hands.

While Hermione felt she probably ought to root for Hufflepuff, especially in lieu of the summer's events (Kendra Beck's untimely death and her absence from the Quidditch match seemed to impact many in the stands and no doubt on the field as well), she couldn't help but support Ravenclaw. She wanted Gabriel's team to win; she wanted him to be happy about something, particularly since his facial expressions as of late suggested he felt quite the opposite.

Sometimes, Ron would give Hermione's hand an extra squeeze to draw her attention away from Gabe. Lucky for him, it worked every time -- a snuggle and a kiss -- and then a few moments later, her gaze was once again fixed on the Ravenclaw hoops.

Sirius continually passed out sweets, and the never-ending supply proved itself very welcome. Even the perfectly chilled butterbeer was very well received, despite the bitter cold of the air outside.

Noticing
Author: Annabella Mayberry
Date: 04-04-03 21:25

Anna sat next her friends, most of them Gryffindor students including Hermione, and excitedly watched the match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. She had finally decided to come and watch the match knowing that Gabe would be one of the players on the field, but she had to move on with her life, as she couldn't avoid him forever.

She tried to focus on the game, but her eyes wandered to her friend, or former friend, Gabe. There was something different about him now as she had time to study him from a distance. Or maybe there was nothing different and she only noticed it now. He had always carried a melancholy look on his face, but sometimes when they did their homework together in the library they would burst into small fits of laughter and with one stern look from the librarian would get back to work. But she had seen a different side of him that only a few people were able to see or get close enough to see. Now, she saw that Gabe looked very determined, as if this Quidditch game was the one and only thing that he enjoyed or at least looked forward to. Seeing him so fiercely determined and enjoying himself, made Annabella smile, even to her own puzzlement.

She saw him glance towards their group as Anna wrapped her coat around herself, hoping for warmth, and briefly wondered if he had glanced at her to see if she would come but that would be silly, he would probably hate to see her there, as they had not exchanged one word since their last meeting in the library. This must stop, thought Anna to herself. She had always been very open and honest with her friends but for some odd reason she didn't want to confront Gabe and partly due to the fact that she didn't know what she would say to him. Determined to have her friend back, Anna vowed that she would find him after the game and hopefully whatever was between them would be resolved...

The Pretender
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 04-04-03 21:50

When Viktor arrived at Hogwarts, Ethan had been both startled and alarmed. The Bulgarian had gotten to know the old Ethan quite well; the two had become as close as brothers could be. Their reunion had been pleasant, though awkward and stiff–surely Viktor had noticed a change in Ethan, but if so, he hadn't commented on it. Right then and there, Ethan had made a mental promise to himself to stay cautious, yet never give Viktor any cause to question him.

That meant suppressing all of the new feelings he felt–that is to say, showing no outward difference whatsoever from hence forth, no matter how annoying those Hufflepuff students (or anyone else for that matter) could be. The old Ethan would be back in appearance, always smiling, always friendly, always there to lend a hand or a shoulder. Should anyone ask about his deviation from the previous weeks, he'd give a heavy sigh and mention something about Bulgaria or Koyla or Kendra. Everyone would understand and cast his prior irritation aside as nothing more than a few bad weeks.

Of course, the real Ethan would still be there, lingering within him, watching and listening and preparing. He'd take everything in and store it, keeping information safe until it's needed. He longed to talk to his parents about his transformation and to see Voldemort face-to-face, but he could wait for these things.

With no great desire to view today's Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, Ethan stayed within his quarters and prepared assignments for the following school week. The tasks became tedious rather quickly and soon Ethan yearned for a change of scenary. A stroll around the castle seemed like a fine idea.

He left his chambers and ambled down the quiet corridor, taking the steps downstairs two at a time. Upon reaching the ground floor landing, Ethan paused mid-stride and smiled. "Viktor, back from the game so soon? I was just going for a little walk around the castle, but perhaps you'd prefer a warm cup of coffee? Care to join me upstairs?"

Enjoying a Break...
Author: Angelina
Date: 04-05-03 04:45

Even tending plants could be stressful so watching a quidditch match made things better for now. As I watched Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff I had to smile. Some of the students there were doing quite well in Herbology and knowing that they're playing and doing their best seemed like a potion that even Snape couldn't produce.

I smiled and watched as the game became really fast paced and even had its nail biters as it wore on. The commentator really made the game exciting. Then my arm began to hurt again. It had been two weeks since the last time and it worried me. Maybe a talk with Dumbledore later would help. I gave my arm a rub and cheered as the game went on.

One Week Left
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 04-05-03 07:14

The old building was starting to look just the way Electron thought it should - the dust had been cleared, the stage temporarily enlarged, and the bar readied to hold an endless supply of (non-intoxicating) drinks. He was poking around backstage at the moment, while the others were setting up an arrangement of seats onstage for themselves.

He had a selection of stage robes already hanging up back here, charmed to prevent dust and creases. As he checked them over, the building was suddenly filled with the sound of energetic violin music. Electron felt his own foot tapping, and he looked out on the stage, suspicious. Just as he'd thought, Siobhan was standing centre stage, practising, and her wand was lying beside her on the floor. A little dancing charm... he grinned to himself. He wouldn't need one of those, but he didn't mind her using one, as long as she left the audience some energy for HIS section of the show!

Hidden up on the ceiling were bucketfuls of glitter, ready to float down during the show. He had a book full of special effects and he was finding it impossible to choose - he wanted to use the whole lot - but he'd dog-eared the most promising pages. There were bundles of tickets ready at the door in a little cubicle they'd put together, an enormous poster outside, and boxes of caps and badges behind the bar. Electron would spend the next day going through those with his wand, making sure they all said Hogsmeade '96. Right now, though, he grabbed his guitar, joined the others on stage, tapped it with his wand, and let it scream. The dampening spells on the walls would prevent it from disturbing the neighbours...

Only Four Bloody Months
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 04-05-03 08:00

Chyler, wrapped in a large green patchwork quilt, padded her way down the stairs, bellowing Lysander's name.

"Lyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!" It was more of a whine than anything. "Lyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!"

Lysander skidded to a halt at the base of the stairs. "You rang, my Love?"

"I'm tired of laying in bed all day with nothing to do. I want to sit down here for a while and drink some cider and sit in front of the fireplace." She pouted and her husband wrapped his arms around her, and she lay her head on his chest as he gently guided her over to an area of the room.

"And I want this over with!" She flung open the quilt and revealed her watermelon of a belly.

Lysander rubbed her belly. "Awww, my poor Queen!" Jules had come around the corner with a rather large mug of steaming cider. He planted a kiss on her cheek and gave her the mug.

Chyler's pout began to disappear as she smiled. "Thank you, Jules. You're a doll."

"And don't I know it," He beamed.

Lysander flicked his wand and a large, green, over-stuffed chair appeared in front of the fire. "There you are, my Love," He sat her down and got her situated. "Better?"

"Yes, thank you." She took a sip of the cider and reached her hand out to squeeze Julian's hand. "Thank you for the cider, Dear."

"Don't mention it." He kissed her head, and went off to finish his work. Lysander sat on the arm of the chair.

"You're sure you're better now?" He asked, his hand tracing her cheek.

Chyler nodded and huffed. "For the moment. I can't believe I have to rest for a certain portion of the day."

Lysander leaned in and kissed his wife deeply, then parted from her lips. "I'm sure you'll make it." And he, too, left to finish his work.

At the Game
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 04-05-03 12:00

The massive bodies of Crabbe and Goyle shielded Draco from the sharp winds, proving the often unthinkable–that two Slytherins sharing half a brain were, in fact, useful for something. They grunted and pointed like mountain trolls, particularly enjoying Cho Chang's tumble to the ground, although they were visibly disappointed to learn that the Ravenclaw seeker had not been injured. In fact, no one had been injured thus far or scored a goal, which made for a very dull game.

Despite the utter tedium, Draco paid close attention in order to prepare for Slytherin's own matches against both teams. He hoped his other team members were watching; a quick swivel of the head around the Slytherin stands showed him that some were there, but others were not.

Well, maybe the others were there too–namely, Clara and Tempest–but he didn't see them. In fact, all week it seemed as if Clara had been avoiding him; not that he couldn't blame her. They had classes together and Quidditch practice together, they occupied the same common room and shared the same lunch table...complete avoidance had been impossible.

He had hurt her. He knew that much and he did care, but he wasn't the sentimental type. Simple reminders of her and other memorable moments during their relationship did not pull on his emotional strings. He remained cool, nonchalant; his signature sneer never faltered.

If anything, Draco Malfoy had gained a certain edge.

He focused his attention back on the game, watching as Spacy blocked Sawyer's goal attempt. The Hufflepuff keeper tossed the quaffle to Anderson, who sped off into the opposite direction at lightening speed.

Dunsidhe, Ireland: Problem Customers
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-05-03 21:07

"Five hundred galleons for a prize Granian isn't a "deal" - it's robbery!" I can't believe I'm spending the morning here, arguing with an unbearable would-be customer rather than watching the quidditch game with Sirius, Harry and friends.

"Your father -- "

"My father would say the same, Eaoman O'Rua, don't you dare try to tell me otherwise. I want an absolute MINIMUM of fifteen hundred galleons and sixty sickles for that winged horse." I cross my arms and stare at him. Still, he seems reluctant to pay more than his offer of five hundred.

"You can think about it and let Seamus or Padraig knows your decision. As it is, I am missing the opportunity to watch a quidditch game with friends AND I have a very important engagement this afternoon."

I turn on my heel and march back into the large house. Padraig apologizes for disturbing, "But he just wouldn't listen to Seamus and I. I didn't know what else to do." I shake my head and pour a cup of tea from the kettle. "No need to apologize." I hand one cup to Padraig and pour a second for myself. "If he comes back, raise the bar to two thousand galleon and seventy-five sickles. If he refuses the price, fine. Many others will be willing to pay whatever price I ask for these horses."

Seamus comes in muttering about the nerve of some people, downs a cup of tea then says he's going to see Rosalin. Padraig and I exchange knowing looks (Seamus has quite the fancy for the healer). I look at the clock. It's 11:00 AM. If I am lucky, I can catch some of the quidditch game before going to the meeting with Dumbledore. I apparate quickly back to Hogsmeade to collect a few things I want to bring to the meeting, then arrive at the Quidditch pitch and look for a seat - hopefully by Sirius and Harry.

Re: Back to Seeking
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 04-05-03 21:18

The game for the most part is uneventful, as Quidditch goes. I circle the pitch and catch the quaffle passing it to Sykra. Sykra's attempt at a goal, a perfectly good attempt too, is blocked by the keeper - darn!

I am alarmed to see Cho fly into another player (by accident, of course). Fortunately for us she's alright. I resume my circling waiting for a chance to catch the quaffle again.