Quidditch on the ground (( Gryff Team))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

With her scarlet robes swimming about her in the winter wind, Cass walked to the little spot by the Forbidden Forest she had visited so many times before. Cass had usually been looking for solitude during the more raucous days of her life. Today, it was going to be used as one of the training grounds for her new quidditch team. The core of her team had changed drastically. She had tried to spend some time with the new ones explaining tactics and technique, but with the new International system going into play, she felt that even the older players would benefit from a refresher course. Arriving at the spot, Cass layered several thick blankets on the ground. She also began emptying a small food basket that the house elves so generously filled for her. She then plopped down a fairly large handbag that landed with a overly loud thud. Taking in a loud lung full of air, Cass sat down beside the bag on the blanket.

Now, having some time to wait, she leaned back on the palms of her hands to wait for the arrival of her team. She had a few good minutes, and she new that at least one of them would be late because of their habits from the previous year. Cass had always been a real stickler for time with the team, but this season she had decided to be a bit more relaxed. She had spent a good third of her school year stressed out about Quidditch in her fifth year, and along with her O.W.L.s, it had been a stressful year indeed. However, some things had to be let go, and Quidditch was not going to be one of them. She had decided to be more bold and creative as a captain this year, and maybe this little session would awaken that same avant gardeness in the rest of her team.

[Zara Phoenix]

Zara grabbed her broomstick with an unhidden grin, spirits high in anticipation of boarding it again. Checking she had everything on her, she fastened her cloak around her neck and left her dormitory. Although the weather was chilly outside as winter was fast approaching, Zara knew all to well that soon after warming up she would throw her cloak into the stands. Anyway, she had underneath a thick red hoodie which would keep her warm even if she flew into the higher, colder regions of the atmosphere. The hoodie was one Zara had bought and decorated herself especially for flying practices. The front had a miniature gold emblem of the lion of Gryffindor in the left hand corner above her chest, just over her heart, along with the matching word ‘Chaser’ underneath. The back of the hoodie read, ‘Phoenix’ across the middle in large gold lettering. Zara was extremely fond of her hoodie, because it looked professional and did its job insulating her well. She wondered if her fellow teammates would want one when they saw it this time; this was the first time Zara had worn it to a Quidditch practice. She had finished it nearing the end of her sixth year, when due to OWLs, NEWTs and various other exams, the Quidditch season was over and there were no practices. This was the first training session organised in Zara’s seventh year, and so it was a good time to introduce her colourful hoodie. She had worn it on other flying occasions, but it’d be nice to put it to proper good use – for the Gryffindor Quidditch team pride.

Zara tied her hair up swiftly in a hightail, making sure the front bangs didn’t loosen and fall over her eyes during practice, which had happened occasionally in matches. It was frustrating, as much as Zara liked the colour red; she didn’t want to be blinded when she was attempting to catch and throw the Quaffle without some fellow Chaser trying to steal it from her. Zara had never been the violent, aggressive type, but she did harbour an inner competitive spirit. Quidditch was a sport that brought that out in her best, but she never resorted to dirty tactics. Zara was a fair person, and even when she lost, she would congratulate the opposing team in good jest through her disappointment. Zara neared the Grounds around the Forbidden Forest with niggling anticipating crawling up her toes; she longed to fly, leave the ground beneath her feet and join as one with the sky again. The last time she had gotten on her broomstick was about a week ago, and Zara was disappointed her busy schedule hadn’t allowed her to practise since.

Finally, Zara caught sight of the Gryffindor Quidditch team’s Captain, Cassandra, and waved to her upon approaching. “Morning.” Zara called with a smile as she reached Cass’ little area with thick blankets. “Long time no see.” She said good-naturedly. “How have you been, Cass? Good to see Quidditch is rearing to go again.” Zara had known Cass for a while now, having been together on the team for quite some time. She didn’t socialise with Cass out of Quidditch practice, but Zara got on relatively well with the sixth year. “Where’s everyone else? Am I the first?” Zara looked around in confusion, then smiled wryly with a shrug. “That’s unusual. Do you want me to do any warm up exercises right now and wait for the others, or can I just go and do a few laps around here?” Zara asked, observing their surroundings with a fond smile. She couldn’t hide her desire to get out there. “I can’t wait to fly. I’ve been cooped up inside all this week with work, so this was the perfect excuse.”

[Arywiel Coone G3]

Would it seem too eager to turn up for a Gryffindor team meeting if she was only a reserve chaser? Ary strode up and down her dorm puzzled. She loved playing, and she felt a small pang of dissapointment as she was expected to only play in reserve, but swelled with pride when her friends clapped her on the back for getting onto the team. Perhaps if she found Melody, the two reserves could tag along to the meeting. Ary muttered to herself. She was in her 3rd year at Hogwarts, and she was proud of herself. She wasn't going to be a tag-along! The team was made up of older, more experienced playeres, true, but if one were to get knocked out in a game, they would rely on her! Arywiel straightened up. She made a grab for her broom, but clenched her fist. She would feel stupid scampering over to the team. She could picture the incredulous looks on their faces and she felt her cheeks grow. A muscle throbed in her jaw, but she finally snatched up her broom. She was new on the team, but she sure as hell was going to prove to them what she had.

Ary scattered down the steps, nearly slamming into a bunch of Gryffindors. She apologised over her shoulder and heard them mutter or snap back at her. She hitched up her robes and took off across the lawn. She might be a superflous member of the party, but grumbling about whether or not to go had made her late. Her shoes thumped over the chilly grass and she looked above her head. It was a cool, grey day. Arywiel stopped and panted for a second. She Tied her laces tighter and started to run again towards the forest.

She bounded towards the blanket stretched about the forest floor. Two girls were facing each other, Cassandra, captain of the Gryffindor team, and another girl Arywiel had seen around. She stopped in her tracks- she was early. With a sigh of relief and a nervous smile, she made towards them, making sure not to seem too eager. "Cold day." She said quietly, stopping at the blanket and looking down at her captain. Her head was still pounding from her run and she was sure she looked a little flustered. "Sorry if I'm early." She apologised with a wry smile.