How to Foul
a Gryffindor
Author: Gabriel Baine
Date: 07-22-03 21:09
Gabriel coughed a laugh at Terry's bludger-evasion maneuvers before making an easy catch of the penalty shot from MacDonald. Gryffindor's offensive abilities were increasingly disjointed leaving Gabriel to feel like an amused spectator, occasionally entering into play to stop the quaffle when its seeks one of his goals. His lack of concern for the present match became obvious when Gabriel threw the quaffle back into play following MacDonald's attempt. Eyeing teammate Sean Beglar near to the center of the pitch, Gabriel decided to show off a bit and send the quaffle forward to him. Assured he could send it quicker than the Gryffindor chasers could react, Gabriel flung the ball forward. Taking no precautions for the game around him, Gabriel sent the quaffle straight into the flight path of incoming Dean Thomas who made an excessively dramatic movement to avoid the quaffle breaking his nose. As a price for his performance, Thomas lost control of his broomstick while attempting to grab for the escaping quaffle and he plunged forward towards the Ravenclaw goals. Anticipating his path, Gabriel slightly adjusted his position and waited patiently for a collision with Thomas before the Gryffindor chaser hanged himself on the middle goal before Gabriel, which is precisely what happened.
"Careful there mate! Bit rough for the flying today is it?" smirked Gabriel and he scooped down to retrieve Dean's fallen broomstick as Madam Hooch blew her whistle for a foul on Thomas. Gabriel imagined he heard a few less than admirable comments shouted from the Gryffindor stands.
Snappy Dresser
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 07-23-03 12:59
Electron walked to the outskirts of the village before he Disapparated - merely because he enjoyed the walk. He'd had a great laugh out of Nevvyn's reaction to his smart Muggle suit, and to be honest he didn't mind wearing it at all. Muggle clothes and wizard clothes were all the same to him. It was a load off his mind that Hendrix was staying with friends and wouldn't be staying at home starving or ripping holes in the furniture out of loneliness and neglect. It was only one day... or two... but still.
It really bugged Electron sometimes that he was almost entirely cut off from one world when he was in the other. He couldn't ring or write to his Muggle management and friends from Hogsmeade, and as a result they thought he was the world's most successful hermit, since they couldn't contact him either. Now, in Muggle London, he couldn't have owl post. Well, he could dash between Diagon Alley and the rest, or he could Apparate around as long as nobody saw him do it, but that was hardly convenient.
In the recording studio, hours later, Electron's suit jacket had been flung carelessly over a chair and he stood in his white shirt, sleeves open and rolled, shoving his red dreadlocks away from his face as he discussed the work he'd just done with his manager. He was so tired that only a few words went in now: "release date", "next single", "promotional tour", "autographs in HMV"... and Electron nodded as if he was listening to every single word. The next question brought him up short.
"When are you going to reveal your real name?" the manager demanded. "The press have been wanting to know. I think this new album would be a perfect opportunity. If you really work hard we can have it out by the summer when everyone wants to buy new CDs for their holidays, and it would really increase sales if we hint that you'll put your name in the album sleeve."
"Um, no," Electron replied, and then more firmly, "No." He'd tried claiming that Electron (not Captain, of course) was his real name, which it was, but it wasn't a very Muggle name, let alone an Irish one, so that hadn't worked. He'd tried going all rock-star about it and saying it was private, and the company had gone along with that for a while. Now it looked as if he was either going to have to make something up, or bespell his manager to make him shut up about it. He gave a little sigh and eyed his briefcase, lying on the chair half-covered by his jacket. But the manager had that he'll-come-round expression, and when he changed the subject Electron knew that he was only waiting for another opportunity to insist.
"I'm having a break for dinner," Electron said eventually, grabbing his jacket. "I'll come back afterwards and we can get some more done."
He was gone before the man could object, suddenly freezing as the door swung shut behind him on the stifling studio and the sound of his manager shouting after him that he'd be booking a tour of all the major HMV branches in Britain. Recording studios - he sighed. One of these days he was going to pull an Elvis and retire from the Muggle world completely! But he did like going on TV, oh and getting platinum discs... he chuckled to himself. Maybe not just yet then.
Suspicions
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 07-23-03 15:51
Dorian wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders and nodded his head. "If Ethan doesn't contact us soon, we may very well choose to seek the advice of an auror."
"He promised us he would take care of himself," Maren suddenly added, "and that he'd come back home again when he's ready, but it's very difficult for me not to worry about him. You understand, I'm sure." She offered a small smile to Apollonia, who nodded her head apologetically.
"As for where he may be," Dorian said, "I honestly don't know." It was the truth, at any rate. He really had no knowledge of Ethan's current whereabouts.
They exchanged goodbyes and well wishes again, and then Maren closed the door and turned to her husband. She said nothing to him and walked into the little living room to clear away the teacups. When she returned to the kitchen, Dorian followed her and settled himself on one of the stools behind the island counter. "She's gone," he said quietly.
Maren flicked her want over the teacups to clean them, and then she turned away from the sink to look at her husband. "I don't recall Ethan ever mentioning an Apollonia Solon for a co-worker," she said.
"Neither do I," Dorian replied.
"We expected this," Maren said. "Do you think she...?"
"It's likely."
"We'll have to warn Ethan then, whenever we hear from him," Mrs. Somerset said with a great sigh.
Dorian nodded and rose from his seat to retire to his study at the back of the house. He paused in the doorway and said, "We have nothing to worry about yet, Maren, and should anything ever happen to us, Ethan is far from home and safe from harm. Everything will be all right."
Pondering
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 07-23-03 19:45
Back at Hogsmeade I think about the meeting with Ethan's parents. I had accomplished what I wanted: mainly to determine if Ethan is at his Parents house or not. Apparently the answer is "not."
I also determined that if his parents are dark wizards, they are careful to hide it. I have a feeling they are the "link" to this case, but more than that would require further investigation. Next time I'll go there as myself, and not Apollonia Solon. However, I think it will be prudent to wait a while before that - let them forget about the sudden visit.
I take out a piece of parchment and dip my quill in ink. Then I write a simple coded message to Dumbledore - a line from a muggle song (Slightly altered) that No doubt the Olamh will understand.
There's no use trying to find him, he's gone.
Dumbledore knows me well enough to know that I don't give up -ever - and that I am trying to find Ethan. The first phrase is just part of the quote - and useful as a decoy in case the message is intercepted.
I attach the message to an owl and send it to the Headmaster.
Late to the
Game
Author: Ariana Maison
Date: 07-23-03 21:37
Ari knew she had miss a good portion of the game, but hurried to hopefully catch the end. She'd been trying to get some things done.
Reaching the quidditch pitch, she looked around hoping to find her new friends along with an empty seat. Thinking she spotted them, she began to work her way towards through the students.
Blocked
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 07-23-03 21:42
Sykra narrowly dogged a bludger has she flew towards the goal. Of course that dodge put her in the perfect spot to catch be passed the quaffle.
Taking a shot, the Ravenclaw chaser was rather disappointed when it was blocked. Cursing under her breath, she continued on with the game.
The Even Chance
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-24-03 08:50
"Weasley for the block!" Bronwyn shouted gleefully, after Sykra attempted to score for Ravenclaw. Ron threw the quaffle to one of the Gryffindor chasers, and the rapid hand to hand exchange immediately began. Somehow during the mad flight to the opposing goal hoops, Terry caught the ball and 180ed. He started the quick dash to the other end of the Pitch with his fellow chasers and those of Gryffindor hot on his heels.
Meanwhile, Su Li of Ravenclaw spotted a bludger spiraling dangerously close to Cho and moved in to swat it out of the way, but Dean Thomas got to it first. He missed his target and cursed loudly.
"Close one!" Bronwyn yelled, and when Su moved in to meet another bludger, she hit it with such force that splinters exploded from the bat in her hand. That bludger careened wildly towards the cluster of chasers, but it hit no one.
Terry entered the scoring area and with one solid toss sent the quaffle soaring through the center hoop. Ron's fingertips barely grazed the ball as it passed by him.
"Boot scores for Ravenclaw!" cried out Bronwyn, and she pressed one mittened finger down on the scoreboard, which now read: Gryffindor 10, Ravenclaw 10
Thunderous applause escalated throughout the stadium and the Ravenclaws started to chant enthusiastically. "Go, Go, Ravenclaw! Go, Go, Ravenclaw!"
Suddenly, Cho darted across the sky. Harry seemed to take notice and followed, gaining bursts of speed every few seconds. He was nearly alongside her when Bronwyn shouted, "Chang has seen the snitch!"
Taking a Hit,
AGAIN
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 07-24-03 11:43
Well, what a game this was turning out to be. Australia had scored and given the Gryffindor team the lead early in the game. Now not really caring about what the score is, and just hoping his sister and the other chasers can score a few more goals, Brett fly's around the pitch protecting his teammates from the hard hitting, lights going off in your head, bludgers.
Having saved several of his teammates from being smashed, Brett flies back upbove the action to watch his sister work her magic on the pitch for a few moments. But just out of the corner of his eye as he turns his head to watch Aussie, a bludger comes flying right at him.
With the bloody bludger coming right at him, he had literally no where to go. "This is bloody going to hurt." he thought to himself just a mere second before the bludger hit him.
This time when the bludger hit him, lights went off in Brett's head and he fell from his broom.
Thanks to Dean's fast flying after seeing Brett hit again in the chest, instead of falling to the ground, hitting hard, and still yet possibly breaking more bones than what had already been broken from the first and second attack from the bludgers, Brett was laying on the ground unconscious and bruised, instead of unconscious and broken.
Artistic Differences
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 07-24-03 12:36
Coming out of the studio for the second time, Electron was buttoning up his jacket against the FREEZING London weather when he bumped into Siobhan. It wasn't entirely unexpected, because she was supposed to drop in and provide some extras on the song. Her appearance, however, was. Electron's jaw dropped as he stepped back a bit and looked at her. She had dyed her hair white-blonde with red streaks. This wasn't the most dramatic change, however - the right side was long and straight, while the left was shoulder-length and set in tight little curls.
She was wearing dark glasses twice the size of Electron's "hiding-his-face" ones. Before saying anything, she took a long drag on her cigarette and ran her hand through the new hair. It shook slightly.
"Well?" she asked, forcing a smile for his benefit.
"What's wrong?" Electron asked.
"He doesn't like my hair," she snapped.
"Who doesn't? Freddie?" Siobhan nodded. "He said... I won't even tell you what he said. He was really mean to me. Well," she said defiantly, "I think it's deadly."
"Yeah, so do I," said Electron, and he meant it.
Siobhan took a half-hearted step towards the door, then sighed and fidgeted for a few seconds. Then she uttered an obscenity that Electron half wished their manager could have heard. "Feck this," she continued. "I need a drink. Are you coming?"
"I promised Nevvyn I'd be back tonight to pick up the owl," he began.
"Who's Nevvyn? The oul lad with the brownies? He won't mind. C'mon, just a few pints, for meeeee..."
Laughing, Electron gave in. "But it's bloody cold out here. Can we at least Apparate somewhere wizarding?" He checked around. Nobody there. With Siobhan's agreement, they blinked out of existence and reappeared some distance away in a cosy little Wizarding pub with comfortable seats, good beer, and a raging fire in the corner.
Several drinks later....
Conversation flowed. Siobhan had long since discarded her glasses, and heedlessly, so had Electron. Her face had been tearful, but she had cheered up two pints ago. Electron had heard all the details of her fight with Freddie, told her about his conversations with the manager, been persuaded to admit that signing autographs in HMV was great fun, and reiterated over and over again that he really, REALLY liked her hair. He knew he should have been concerned over what this fight meant for the future of the Boomers. But it just didn't seem important. Not half as important as him reaching out to touch the new frizz on Siobhan's left, or his hand slipping, or the whole of him tipping over towards her (was that a bit too much beer?)
He should have been way more concerned about what him kissing Siobhan meant for the future of the Boomers. But he couldn't care less.
Late Late
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 07-24-03 12:52
Chucking-out time had helped Electron extricate himself quite reluctantly from the cosy seats and everything else that was going on there. But he had to get back and collect his owl - he thought Nevvyn might be all right till morning, but as he said to Siobhan, "You know what he's like. Spends the nights tearing up the furniture, and I'm sure Nevvyn would prefer if it was my furniture, not his. Come along, though. Or are you going home?" He couldn't say HIS name.
"To yer man?" she scoffed (neither could she!) "Hell no, I'll come with you, and besides I happen to know you have drink in your kitchen."
"Good then." The two of them persuaded the bartender to sell them a couple more bottles, and Apparated to Hogsmeade. Nevvyn's Notions and Potions was closed of course, but despite the lateness of the hour, Electron was sure he heard the high-pitched sound of the Toms' traditional instruments floating out one of the windows. He hoped it was a bodhran in the middle of all that and not the sound of Hendrix ripping chunks out of Nevvyn's chairs. He rang the bell.
In the Stands
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 07-24-03 21:37
"Ouch, that's got to hurt. That poor boy. I do hope he'll be okay. I always did pity Madame Pomfrey after these things. Talk about taking risks. Just once I'd love to see a Quidditch game where no one gets hurt. I swear this is the last game I attend."
Liam chuckled. The Sinistras as a clan were obsessed with Quiddich and Bella was a typical Sinistra in more ways than one.
"Shut your mouth and quit talking nonsense. You'll give up watching Quidditch when you're in the grave. As for taking risks, I believe I'm talking to the woman who always snuck out first when we were small. Oh, and dare I mention someone getting busted by the groundskeeper for smoking during seventh year?"
Bella made a face as she poured a bit of brandy into her espresso. God, she really should stop hanging out with those who had dirt on her. Really, it wasn't fair.
And the Winner
Is...
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-24-03 21:48
All eyes were on Cho and Harry as they chased after the golden snitch. The slight lead Cho had over Harry was enough for her to get to it first. Her right hand enclosed over the fluttering, golden orb and triumphant, she pumped her fist into the air as Bronwyn cried out, "Chang catches the snitch! Ravenclaw wins! Final score Ravenclaw 160, Gryffindor 10!"
