Rest and Relaxation
Author: Emma Crusher
Date: 06-05-03 07:31

The fight had ended, and even though they didn't win Emma felt a certain satisfaction at having been the one to 'kill' Drake, granted he'd gotten her out as well but it was worth it.

She sat in one of the larger armchairs by the fire, staring into the glowing embers without really seeing them. The quidditch game was scheduled to start pretty soon, but she felt so exhausted that she wasn't sure she wanted to go.

Reaching over to the table next to her, she picked up a large textbook and opened it up to her bookmark. The words seemed to dance before her eyes as she fought to keep them open, loosing the battle she slowly drifted to sleep.

Five More Minutes, Mom
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 06-05-03 09:58

Still not really feeling awake despite being up early and eating breakfast, Py staggers into the locker room. He sits on a bench, groggy and thinking that he wouldn't be upset if the game's start time were to be pushed back until later in the day. As he sits there half asleep, Py's body kicks on automatic and goes through the routine of dressing for the game. A few minutes later when the girls come in from their dressing area, Py reclines against Isolde, drowsily asking her to wake him for Draco's pre-game speech. Pyrrhus then promptly falls into a light sleep while thinking what a nice pillow Isolde makes.

In the Locker Room
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 06-05-03 11:38

With the Slytherin team in uniform and eagerly (despite the early-morning hour) awaiting the pre-game peptalk, Draco strode to the front of the locker room with his broomstick slung over one shoulder.

"All right," he began, gray eyes passing from one face to the next, "Just because Ravenclaw beat those Huffledorks during the last game, doesn't mean that they're any good. We've got a first-rate team; we're better than anyone else. Just remember that."

His eyes stopped on the newest addition to the team, young Mary Black, replacement for Azaelia Bramble who had moved to Chile during the Christmas holidays. "No turning back now, Black. Sure you're up to this?"

"Without a doubt," came the icy answer.

Draco could already tell that she would be a major asset to the team. Despite her young age, she had mastered the art of flying and had done exceptional during the Quidditch lessons Viktor Krum had provided for the school's younger students. Any Ravenclaw to come within her path would do well to retreat just as quickly. This girl was vicious, on or off of her broomstick.

If anyone looked uncomfortable on the Slytherin team, it was Alexis, Mary's older sister. Quick to realize this, Draco said, "Keep the sibling rivalry off the field. Direct all your animosity at Chang and her team of losers. If we win this game, we've got a clear shot to the championship match and the Quidditch Cup. Are we ready?"

He looked around at everyone and watched as they sprung to their feet and shouted enthusiastically, "Ready!"

Heading to the Field
Author: Tempest Aisling
Date: 06-05-03 12:19

After Draco's pep-talk, the Slytherin team marched out to the field. Everyone mounted their brooms and flew into formation.

Madam Hooch gave a little lecture on playing nice and fair. Finally she tossed up the Quaffle. With a mad dash Tempest swooped over and snatched the Quaffle before anyone else had a chance.

Opening Announcements
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-05-03 16:56

The Quidditch Pitch filled steadily as Madam Hooch stepped onto the field, silver whistle and circular-lensed goggles dangling around her neck. She gently maneuvered the rectangular Quidditch trunk to the snow-covered ground and patiently awaited the Ravenclaw and Slytherin teams.

"Hello, Hogwarts!" Bronwyn exclaimed, adjusting her yellow earmuffs and she spoke into the magical microphone.

Professor McGonagall, dressed warmly in her trademark green robes, sat directly behind the Hufflepuff girl to make observations as well as to supervise the commentating.

"It's time for Quidditch!" Bronwyn declared pleasantly. "Today's match: Ravenclaw," she paused for the cheers, "vs. Slytherin!"

After boos, hisses (from many in the stadium) and a few hurrahs from the Slytherin stands, the doors suddenly flew open and fourteen players soared into the air, taking formation above Madam Hooch and the Quidditch trunk.

"For Ravenclaw," Bronwyn shouted, "Rushdie, Greenleaf, Boot, Forest, Sawyer, Baine and Chang!" This list was followed by, "And for Slytherin: Black, Devaki, Aisling, Black, Farnon, Fine and Malfoy!"

Cho and Draco did the obligatory handshake and "yes, we promise to play fair" bit with Madam Hooch before mounting their brooms once more and finding their places above their fellow teammates.

Madam Hooch kicked open the trunk, sending four balls soaring high into the air. The golden snitch vanished from sight as the two, black bludgers started on the return path to target certain players. In a flash, the quaffle was torn from the sky and tucked securely underneath Tempest's arm as she darted through the air towards the goal hoops.

"Slytherin in possession of the quaffle via Aisling!" Bronwyn exclaimed.

R. vs S.
Author: Madam Hooch
Date: 06-05-03 18:56

It was a cold January day, the grounds were covered in snow. Madam Hooch pulled the trunk of balls to the middle of the field leaving a clear path in the snow. The players took their spots while Cho and Draco approached her. A game with Slytherin was always full of penalties.

"Play a clean game," this comment was directed more towards Draco. "I will not stand for any unfair attacks."

The two captains shook hands and returned to their respective teams. Madam Hooch set the balls free starting the game. Tempest took control of the quaffle.

I Wanna Fly Away...
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-05-03 20:08

Cho's heart was not in it today, but she tried to keep that fact from the rest of the team. She circles slowly up above the players, watching for the snitch and keeping an eye on Draco.

Watching and Waiting...
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 06-06-03 06:30

I sat with my fellow Gryffindors and got ready to watch the game. I felt it was going to be a tight one and prayed Cho got to the snitch first even though we were to play against each other later for the W.C.C. Tournament Cup later on. As I sat there I saw that one of the players for the Slytherin team was none other than Mary.

I wondered who she kissed up to or cursed to get on the team but it made me know never mind my plan was still in the works to get even for the leg locking curse and if she did something to someone it made it a perfect opportunity to get even and not have her know it.

As I watched the match it got bloody at times and I winced each time a Ravenclaw player got hit I was hoping that during the match someone would get Mary but that wasn't to be but her time would come soon in the hall and brother, it'll be a spell to remember.

The Quaffle and Those Chasers
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-06-03 16:30

A compact cluster of Quidditch players tailed Tempest as she approached the trio of goal hoops guarded by Ravenclaw keeper, Gabriel Baine. As the Slytherin chaser neared them, her teammate and fellow chaser, Isolde, pulled alongside to accept the quaffle. With the sacred ball tucked securely underneath her arm, Isolde abruptly veered to the left dodging the attempts of a Ravenclaw chaser to snatch the quaffle from her body. With Mary appearing in Isolde's line of vision, the older Slytherin quickly bent back the quaffle-bearing arm and tossed the ball at her teammate, who collected it neatly and clutched it to her chest. Mary accelerated her pace and suddenly pivoted when an opposing chaser blocked her path. She threw the quaffle to Tempest, starting a mad exchange between the Slytherin chasers.

The quaffle found itself in Isolde's arms once more for a lengthy period of time as the blonde Slytherin angled off and swerved constantly to avoid the Ravenclaw players and the two bludgers, which seemed to spiral dangerously close to the action. Suddenly, Fynn Greenleaf appeared a few yards to Isolde's right where he walloped a screeching bludger, sending it her way. The close proximity of the two players left Isolde little time to escape the blow, but by some strange stroke of luck the bludger merely hit the quaffle resting in her arms. The intensity of the impact was enough for her to drop it and buckle forward over her broomstick, but she didn't appear to be injured.

When Isolde regained her senses, she realized that the quaffle was now resting in enemy hands.

Go Ravenclaw!
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 06-06-03 17:55

Fritz sits with Coco in the densely-packed Ravenclaw section of the Pitch, cheering loudly as Fynn belts a bludger towards the Slytherin girl in possession of the quaffle. Unable to react quick enough, the bludger finds its target in a flash and knocks the ball from her grasp. She falls forward over her broom, grimacing from nearly having the wind knocked out of her. Meanwhile, the quaffle finds a new home in a Ravenclaw chaser's arms.

An audible gasp erupts throughout the stadium as the young first year on the Slytherin team nearly gets slugged by an incoming bludger. She deftly maneuvers herself up-side-down to avoid injury, prompting a round of disappointing groans from the fans rooting for Slytherin casulties. The moment passes quickly as everyone, especially Fritz, Coco and their Ravenclaw housemates, cheer on Ravenclaw.

A Little Late
Author: H Potter
Date: 06-06-03 18:48

Harry is running late, something he seems to be doing a great deal lately. Can he help it if this winter weather has made his bed a place he doesn't want to leave in the mornings?

Harry reaches the stands after the tip off and is glad to see his friends saved a spot for him. Better yet, it's right next to Ginny. He gives her hand an affectionate squeeze while asking Ron, "What've I missed?"

"Nothing much yet. Just the first few minutes. That Mary Black looks like a tough customer though. If Slytherin makes it to the championships with us, we are making it and winning this year, she'll be one to watch."

Harry nods and draping one arm around Ginny, turns his full attention to the game, paying close attention to how well members on both teams play.

Go Team - Both of You
Author: Saffron
Date: 06-06-03 20:20

Saffron started out the morning as she has almost every other since arriving at Hogwarts, working on the classroom, her office, and living quarters. At first, Saffron had spent nearly every waking second when not actually teaching, exhausting all her energy on revamping the rooms. By the end of the first week, she was tired and still had a great deal to do, mainly lots of little jobs but several large ones yet to go. Saffron ended up making a very long list and each day she picked a few items on the list.

This morning was spent working on one set of shelves in her office, optimizing and organizing the space. Things had gone much quicker when Lavender Brown and Parvati Patel had shown up offering to help. Since first meeting these two sixth years, Saffron had soon ascertained they had been favorites of Professor Trelawney. Despite their offer of help stemming from an effort to become pets of Saffron's, she still welcomed the extra hands and put the girls to work.

A chime on a timer she'd set went off, letting Saffron know it was time to put a halt to things and get down to the Quidditch pitch. "Time for the game girls. I don't know about you but I'm eager to watch it. My first Hogwarts Quidditch match. I appreciate your help. Five points each."

Lavender and Parvati had grinned and thanked her. Saffron grabbed her coat and gloves and together with the two girls exited the castle. Once down at the pitch, the girls peeled off to sit with friends and Saffron located the faculty stands. She finds a seat and sits down at the exact moment the quaffle is released.

Not having attended Hogwarts and only being on staff a few weeks so far, Saffron has no house favorite. Because of this, Saffron loudly cheers on both teams, sometimes having to ask the name of a particular player but having a great time nonetheless.

Go Slytherin!
Author: Brady
Date: 06-06-03 20:56

"Son of a––" cursed Brady Macnair, Slytherin fourth year. He shook his head and turned to his friend, Phillip Wilder, who wore a similar expression of disappointment on his face. "Tell me Slytherin's going to win this one," Brady conveyed wishfully, groaning out of frustration as the Ravenclaw team continued to race to the opposite side of the Pitch.

"Slytherin's going to win this one," Phillip declared. "It's only five minutes into the game, anyway. Just because Slytherin doesn't have possession of the quaffle now, doesn't mean it won't fall back into Slytherin hands again, and just because Ravenclaw happens to be getting dangerously close to the goal hoops at this very moment, doesn't mean that Slytherin won't get in a few scores either. Besides, all that matters is catching that golden snitch."

"Unless, of course, Ravenclaw scores so many goals that 150 points isn't enough to win the match," Brady added resentfully, cringing at the thought of losing to Ravenclaw by any margin, especially if Slytherin were to catch the snitch.

Phillip, also a fourth year in Slytherin House, nodded and focused his attention back on the game where it rapidly became apparent that Ravenclaw and Slytherin were equally matched. The quaffle passed from chaser to chaser, sometimes too quick for the naked eye to witness and all the while remaining with Ravenclaw. Cho Chang's team seemed more than a little reluctant to return the quaffle to Slytherin hands.

A sudden gust of chilly wind rippled through the stands, causing many of the students to readjust their scarves and coats. Brady looked away from the action momentarily to fish his gloves from his robe pocket, cursing silently when he realized he had forgotten them during the morning haste to get to the game on time.

"Damnit," Brady muttered, stuffing both hands into his pockets for warmth.

"What is it?" Phillip asked, tearing his gray eyes from the scenes in the air above the Pitch to look at Brady. They were good friends, having met on the Hogwarts Express during their first year.

"I'll be happy when this blasted winter weather is gone."

A Good Boy Am I
Author: Jet
Date: 06-06-03 21:49

Security has become tighter and tighter at Hogwarts. As a result, Jet only takes refuge in his room when he has a solid excuse in the event he were caught. Holing up there on a perfectly fine, sunny, though very chilly, Saturday when there's a Quidditch match going on, doesn't seem to be one of those times his excuse of studying in private would be accepted. With the bulk of the student body down at the pitch, there relatively privacy in the castle could be had even in the Great Hall.

Additionally, Jet knows that more than ever he needs to act more like a Hufflepuff and less like Salazar's favorite Slytherins or risk drawing heaps of unwanted attention from all the wrong people. So much as it galls him to do so, Jet trudges down to the pitch and climbs into the stands to cheer on Ravenclaw. Secretly he's hoping Slytherin wipes the ground with the other team, but one must keep up appearances.

Jet finds a seat near some of the Ravenclaws he knows, including Kody, Drake and that new girl Emma Crusher. Well, not so new with several weeks of Hogwarts under her belt now. Ignoring the nausea and gut wrenching it causes, Jet the good Hufflepuff jumps up along with those around him and screams, "Go Ravenclaw!"

My First Hogwarts Quidditch Match
Author: Emma Crusher
Date: 06-07-03 09:30

She sat in the stands next to Drake and Kody, cheering on Ravenclaw. It seemed the majority of the stands were for Emma's house, with only the Slytherins cheering for the players in green.

Jet came over and took a seat next to her and her housemates. He, too, cheered Ravenclaw, but there was a faint trace of hopefulness about him whenever Slytherin had the quaffle. A hopefulness that Emma couldn't quite understand. After a nasty body check between to of the players, she turned to Jet, not wanting to disturb the screaming Drake and Kody.

"Are the games always this violent?" she asked. "Back at Beauxbatton we had a few problems, but they weren't this bad..." She flinched as a bludger nearly hit one of the players in the head.

Deflected
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 06-07-03 13:24

"Oh no you don't!" Alexis shouted as Ravenclaw Sykra Sawyer prepared to shoot for the goals. The Slytherin smacked the bludger in her direction as hard as she could, hoping to stop her. She didn't have to hope, though, because although the bludger missed Sykra it hit the quaffle; thereby causing the Ravenclaw to miss by several yards.

Alexis grinned, satisfied, and zipped off to protect Isolde from an incoming bludger.

Slytherin Rules
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 06-07-03 21:34

Hovering in front of the goals, watching the action up and down the pitch, Py swerves suddenly when a Ravenclaw chaser gets near with the quaffle. Py needn't have moved because Alexis sends a bludger, which takes the quaffle off course.

Like everyone else on the Slytherin team, Py's been wondering how Alexis will handle having Mary in the game. It's no secret how the sisters feel about each other. Not that Py blames them for not liking each other. It's not as if his own sister is his favorite person. At least Alexis's sister is a nicely evil Slytherin and not some dorky Gryffingoof.

Py ducks as a bludger comes sailing his way, glaring at the Ravenklod who sent it towards him. Py returns his attention to the game as a whole, cheering loudly for all his teammates but most especially Isolde the spectacular. Py realizes his opinion about her is slightly biased but damn if Isolde isn't good enough to turn professional.

In the Stands
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-08-03 10:19

Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny watched the Quidditch match with great interest. Both Slytherin and Ravenclaw had approached their respective goals within the first quarter hour of the game, but neither had managed to score thus far. Injuries were slight, though the danger of one occurring increased with ever zing of the bludgers. They seemed fierce today, certainly a by-product of the ferocity of the beaters on both teams.

Both Harry and Ron watched with particular intrigue, exchanging conversation about a certain strategy or weakness in both teams' movements. Hermione, on the other hand, paid close attention to the Ravenclaw's keeper. He had improved since his last match, and definitely looked more confident and ready than he had during Ravenclaw's first Quidditch match of the season.