Post-Quidditch Party

[Branden Davis G6]

Branden left the Quidditch pitch feeling more than slightly dejected. His first game and he had sure tried his very best, but it apparently wasn’t enough. There was still something to look forward to, though. He had been planning a post-Quidditch party in the common room for weeks now. Granted, it had been planned as a victory party, but he had told everyone to show up win or lose, so perhaps they could all console each other now. It really was just a game anyways.

After changing back into some normal clothes and putting his broom in the shed Branden hurried up to the seventh floor. He went through a mental checklist of all there was left to do for the party. He had already asked the house elves to blow up balloons and leave them up there. They had also set up a snack table for the Gryffindors.

Tossing all his Quidditch stuff on his bed Branden practically raced down the stairs, hoping to be the first in the common room. Looking around nobody seemed to be there and Branden threw himself down in one of the red chairs. Using his wand he started up some music and brought a long balloon over. With a complicated little twist he had been practising for the past week, when nobody was around for him to entertain at least, Branden turned the balloon into a hat and placed it on his head.

Sure they lost, but that didn’t mean this party couldn’t be fun anyways…

[darien]

Dare walked towards the school once again. He had been present at the quidditch match like everyone from the Gryffindor house had most likely been. Dare liked the game so it had been a pleasure to see it. Even if Gryffindor hadn’t lost in years yet. But this time Ravenclaw had won quickly. A real display of skill and luck from the Ravenclaw seeker even as the work of the chasers and beaters had also been extraordinary. Even if there had been quite a number of injuries in the Gryffindor team as well as in the Ravenclaw one. But Dare was glad he had gone to the game. It had been an experience to not be forgotten and he had quite enjoyed the time spent with the Hufflepuff girl before the game when she had drawn a small red lion on Dare’s cheek. House pride and all that as well as a pretty girl’s company. What could be better in this world? This thought brought a whistle back to Dare’s lips. Winking at some completely beaming Ravenclaw girl Dare entered the castle and bounced happily up the numerous stair-cases to reach his common room. The game was played and Gryffindor wouldn’t let just one game show them was sour losers! Things could have been worse. Ravenclaw could have won 170-0.

“Ah, you look simple enchanting today, madam! Have you done something to your hair?” Dare asked with a wide smile from the Pink Lady guarding the entrance to the Gryffindor tower. The portrait blushed and waved some air to her and Dare felt glad he could have made at least someone happier today. It must be quite boring to watch the entrance to a room all day with people moving in and out not allowing her to ever fully concentrate on anything. Sparing a few nice words to the woman wasn’t bad at all so Dare merely smiled and winked at the Pink Lady before giving the password and stepping in the common room. The sight that met Dare wasn’t what he had expected however. The common room was decorated and Dare was completely sure that it was butterbeer he spied in the corner over there. A victory party that would be turned into a Gryffindor party. Not a bad idea. The team might need something to lift their spirits again. And a familiar person sitting over there with a balloon twisted around his head. “Branden! Lovely choice of accessories!” Dare called out cheerily as he bounded overly seeing that there was no one else besides Branden and him who had reached the common room yet. “I shall name you the savior of the day if you tell me you have chocolate here somewhere as well as the butterbeer. Or at least the kind soul who thought of all the pretty ladies who would need some company and to give it to them threw this party!”

Dare took a few steps over and glanced quickly at his mirror reflection ion the window. A pair of stone-wash jeans, a simple white blouse and the untied Gryffindor tie around his neck as Dare loved ties. He just didn’t like knotting them around his neck where the tie would start to suffocate him. He looked good enough for the party. Or he would have to because Dare didn’t feel like going to change now. Even if he could have washed his hair earlier today. Walking over to the table where butterbeer stood Dare grabbed two bottles taking one back to Branden before uncorking the other one and taking a big gulp. Giving a satisfied sigh as the liquid flowed down his throat Dare raised the bottle and made a couple of quite odd dancing moves. Something between tango and robot-style dancing. “Three cheers to Gryffindor!”

[Ron Weasley]

Ron looked dejected, utterly defeated. Gryffindor had lost, horribly to Ravenclaw. To make matters worse the team had counted on him twice and he had failed twice, letting two goals pass right by him. Ron always seemed to crack during live games. During practice nothing ever got by him. Yet he could never seem to get his head into the game. The entire team looked rather dejected and beaten as they all quickly changed out of their Quidditch gear and left the locker room in a hurry. No one could be feeling worse than Harry had to be. Harry had never to date been beaten fairly at catching the Snitch. What could possibly be going through his mind at this moment. Ron attempted to find him but he couldn't seem to locate him. Harry must of already left.

Sighing Ron walked alone back to the school and avoided making eye contact with anyone in the halls as he made his way back to the common room. The common room was almost deserted so Ron made his way up to the dormitory. No one there either. Looks like it would a quite evening alone. Ron didn't mind, he really didn't want company either. His performance had been horrible. The Ravenclaw keeper had made some awesome saves, Ron had missed every single one of his. Sighing he quickly packed away his gear and plopped down on the bed.

He really didn't know how long it took but he ended up dozing off. Suddenly a noise erupted in the common room. "Three Cheers for Gryffindor!!" Ron sat up quickly. "What the?" he asked himself as he quickly stood and made his way downstairs. The common room had been transformed completely since Ron was in it last. It seemed that two 5th years had decided to throw a party, probably was suppose to be a victory party for the Quidditch team. Ron spotted Branded Davis, one of the team members. The other 5th year, Darien, was doing some sort of odd looking dance in the rooms center.

The noise had attracted many others hiding out in their dorms. They came out and began to investigate. Ron looked at the two party starters and sighed. "You do realize we lost? Right?"

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny sighed in defeat as she rose slowly to the ground. The Ravenclaw section was cheering loudly as the whole team crowded around Jasmine. She knew that the captain’s team mates were congratulated her on a good well done. Ginny had to hand it to the Ravenclaw team, they played a terrific game. There had to have been at least two bludgers that had hit Harry, but she wasn’t playing all that much attention to Gryffindor’s seekers. Entering the locker room, she took a seat down next to Lenora, offering a small smile. “You did wonderful Lenora! You were all over the place trying to do anything in your power to get the Quaffle,” Ginny said while peeling off the Quidditch gear on her body. Setting her things inside the locker she looked back toward Harry who seemed in a rather gloomy mood. “Harry! Don’t be so down on yourself. You gave it your best and the Ravenclaw seeker just had a bit of luck today.” Ginny smiled as she patted him in the back and left the locker room with her Cleansweep in her free hand. Placing the broom inside the shed with the other broomsticks, she continued on her way toward the common room. All she wanted to do was take a cool shower, change into a pair of clean clothes and just curl up in her bed and sleep. Letting her red hair down from her pony tail, she ruffled it around before she realized something. There were still classes tomorrow. Why could the teachers just schedule a match on the weekends instead of the week days? The teams play on a Saturday and than rest the whole Sunday instead of going to class and facing the rest of the school. Luckily, Ginny had already finished her homework and could just sleep.

Once entering the common room her eyebrows rose at the sight of tabels set out already stacked with food. Did people think Gryffindor would win and already set out for a party? Sighing she just walked right past the tabels bounding up the stairs. She only really had one thing on her mind, a good shower. Within fifth teen minutes, Ginny had finished washing and was already dressed. She felt quite refreshed and feeling a bit better about herself. “I played so lousy today!” she whispered quietly to herself while running a comb through her tangled red hair. Yes, Ginny could have played a little bit better, but this was only just a Quidditch game. Though, if she had said that to some Quidditch crazy people, they would probably go ballistic. But it was true. Quidditch was a game of luck and skill, and today just wasn’t Gryffindor time to shine. It will blow over in the matter of weeks. Using a simple charm to dry her hair, she smoothed out her white top and jeans before bounding back down the stairs.

Everything had changed quickly and there were already people ready for a party. Smiling brightly Ginny made her way over toward the group of boys. “Branden! Dare! Ron!” she called excitedly while reaching the group. Upon hearing Ron point out that the team lost, she sent her older brother a look. “Your quite correct Ron, we lost. But we can still celebrate on doing a job well done. A party will bust our spirits for the next game!” she said flashing a bright smile looking more closely at Ron. He must still be beating himself up over those goals her missed. “Don’t beat yourself up over those goals! You played very well! Let’s just have fun tonight and not worry about what the team did wrong.” Ginny said with an encouraging smile while leaving the group toward the table with refreshments. Grabbing two cups of Butterbear she headed back toward the group handing the second glass toward Ron. “For Gryffindor’s hard work!” she called taking a sip and looked back at Branden. He had on quite a funny looking hat. “Now Branden, where can I get myself one of those hats? Um...that is a hat right?”

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass had swung her Firebolt over her shoulder for the dejected walk back to the common room. God, that was the worst match ever. Kicking dust up with her feet in a distinct attempt to get some of her anger out, she grumbled to herself about every mistake she had made. Ravenclaws made random remarks to her in the hallway about their Quidditch skills. She sighed. With Potter gone next year, they didn't stand a chance. He had led them to so many victories. Shaking her head, she couldn't believe she actually thought she could take over as captain next year. Surely, it would go to Ginny our someone like that. Maybe the next year, Cass would get her shot. She was one of the senior members of the team; having been on it for two years.

As she approached the Gryffindor common room, she muttered the password and the Fat Lady let her in to commiserate with her teammates. As she stepped through, she lifted her head. " What -?" said Cass with astonishment. It had seemed like a couple of people had decided to start a party in the Common Room. People began to come down the stairs and investigate the noise. Staring at everyone, she said, " This is a joke, right? You can't possibly think we want to party after....that?" Cass pointed to the Quidditch pitch which was visible from a small window in the common room. It looked like the Ravenclaw revelers were just now streaming from the stadium.

[silverstone]

Mischa stepped from the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room with a smile on her face. Of course Branden and Dare had started a party after the game, and although there were some people looking completely upset and disheveled at the loss of winning, Mischa smiled. They didn't win- but at least they tried the best they could have done! And Mischa reckoned Jasmine had caught the snitch out of pure luck- Harry was so, so close. She watched, laughing, as Darien cheered for Gryffindor and cheered with him, smiling at anyone who caught her eye.
"Oh cheer up Ron, I think you played wonderfully. No-one can be perfect all the time and you made some great moves out there, even if they weren't saves." She told the Gryffindor Keeper who looked like he needed some fun. As Ginny spoke, Mischa nodded in agreement. No use crying over spilt milk!

After grabbing her own Butterbeer after seeing everyone else take some, she watched as Ginny commented on Branden's hat and grinned. "Yes... it's certainly 'different'. Nicely cast though, the spell. Couldn't have done better myself." She complimented. Sipping her Butterbeer she wondered whether to try out for the team. She was skilled at Quidditch- knew she was too. She loved the feel of flying on her Firebolt, playing best at Chaser in a game. She hadn't tried out in her whole six years at Hogwarts, knowing many people did so and wanting to give others a chance. But she knew she was pretty good- so why not give it a go? Tucking a lock of long blonde hair behind her left ear she joined in the happy conversation, though inside she was annoyed at all of those spoil-sports who were standing around as if accusing Branden and Dare for starting a party after a loss, and scowled at them inside.

[Hermione Granger]

Hermione watched as the Gryffindor players seemed to wilt as they descended to the ground. Ravenclaw cheered wildly and everyone wearing blue could be seen streaming toward the Pitch to praise their Seeker. Even though she'd rather not admit it, Hermione was rather surprised that Harry had lost. He never lost a fair game at catching the snitch. Never. She knew it would take a while to cheer him up or at least get him to stop beating himself down for it. And then there was Ron, her other best friend, who had missed two goals. She bit her lip as she realized that both of them wouldn't be very sunny after this. And she would have to deal with it. Oh, and let's not forget Ginny, who had done very well as a Chaser, as far as she knew. Hermione sighed and gathered up her things. She wasn't sure if she was glad at her choice to come watch the game. Sure she had gotten some fresh air but watching her friends suffer a loss - even one as minor as this - didn't make her exactly feel enlightened.

By the time she got down to the Pitch, Ron, Harry and Ginny were no where to be found. After searching for a few minutes, she gave up and retreated back to Hogwarts as she began to catch more than a few stares. She wished people would get over her kidnapping and all. It would help her feel normal again. She made her way toward the Gryffindor Tower but stopped when she realized she still needed that Arithmancy book that Dana had borrowed that day. She back-tracked and went into the Library which happened to be deserted, except for Madam Pince, of course. It didn't take her long to find what she needed and although sitting at the table looking quite appealing, she didn't have her parchment with her. So she checked out the book and left.

Upon entering the Common Room, Hermione thought she had made a wrong turn. Some people were jovial and were sipping butterbeers. Others had just come down to investigate the noise and most of the Quidditch players there looked disgruntled and confused. Hermione realized it was a party, probably planned ahead of time for a victory, but now they were celebrating all the team's hard efforts. She liked that. Doing her Arithmancy essay was pushed back into her mind as she saw Ron and Ginny there, Ron not looking quite as happy as Ginny. She moved over to the snack table and picked up a butterbeer before hurrying toward them. She didn't want to attract more stares or questions. Honestly, talking to her friends again was enough to make her smile. "Hey," she greeted, flopping down on the armchair beside Ron. She put her book down on the table with a solid thump before surveying the party before her. "You played great today," she remarked, giving both Ginny and Ron a smile, though it turned out to be more tired than she had originally planned. "This party is well-deserved. All that hard effort... even though you didn't win, you deserve it for trying as hard as you did," she added, taking a sip of her drink. It soothed her throat and made her relax some.

[Caitlin Martinez G7]

Quidditch and Caitlin did not mix. It wasn't a thing Caitlin took much joy in watching or participating in. Heights were wiggy. And lately things had been pretty much joyless for her. Which was why she had stayed in the dormitory during the match. Of course, that didn't stop the sad news from reaching her ears. Gryffindor had lost. Ravenclaw had won. And that was it. Which was why she had expected people to just simply retreat to their dorms and wallow in the pity they felt. Perhaps like every other game they might have lost. Imagine her surprise when she heard music and cheering. Caitlin put her book down and sat up, her brown hair falling down her back. She was in her pajamas, her bugs bunny ones and she had a large maroon sweatshirt on. She narrowed her eyes as she slid her feet into her slippers and headed down to the common room.

A lot of people were in there and the cause of the party seemed to be Branden Davis, a boy in her year. He was always a funny character, someone who liked to make people smile. Caitlin didn't think he even tried to, it just came naturally to him. She leaned against the wall and watched everyone talk. Some were wondering what was going on and others were already enjoying the party. The Gryffindor common room was nothing short of surprising. It was always bustling with something new. Caitlin didn't join in. Like Quidditch, parties and Caitlin did not mix. Her eyes followed everyone around, and then she entered the common room. "So, is this a new thing here? We lose a match, party! We win a match, more party!" She didn't know if anyone had heard her, so she sat down in a chair - just watching.

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia laughed and even cheered when Ravenclaw won, ignoring the disgusted and annoyed looks from those around her. Alright, so maybe the Gryffindor stand wasn't the best place to cheer when Ravenclaw won but she wasn't going to move for just a few seconds at the end of the game. Besides, she had been cheering Gryffindor on for the whole game exceot these last few minutes. Well Ravenclaw deserved a cheer! It was a fair game and Ravenclaw had beaten the Gryffindor team easily. So they lost, big deal. Quidditch was just a game. A. Game. And not a very good one, from Kia's perspective. What happened to the united front theory? Oh, we're all friends but lets take a few hours to beat each other senseless with bludgers! Kia rolled her eyes disdainfully but couldn't stop a small smile growing at the obvious excitement of the Ravenclaws. Now this was the good part. Seeing an ecstatic house and catching their happiness.

So it was with the easily caught excitement of the Ravenclaws that Kia bounced back to the tower, stopping along the way to celebrate with a few Ravenclaws but quickly moving on, eager to see if the other Gryffindors were moping or if they were taking it as well as Kia herself. Much to her surprise, and joy since Kia hated to see anyone moping after a lost game, a yell of 'Three cheers for Gryffindor' greeted her and Kia stopped by the portrait, raisintg an eyebrow sceptically. Had someone not watched the game and so was under the illusion that Gryffindor had won? Or was this person just a good loser and took it all in stride whilst attempting to keep everyones spirits up? Kia shrugged and entered the common room, barely taking a step in to the room before blinking in surprise. A party. An interesting idea to be sure. Kia grabbed a butterbeer on her way to a seat. Kia laughed at an older Gryffindors comment and perched on a table next to her. Caitlin, if Kia remembered correctly. "I think it's more to do with keeping up our spirits than being good losers," Kia grinned, entertained by the girls way of thinking."Besides, parties are always good. No matter what the reason."

[stryderstalk]

Stryder couldn't believe it. He was in shock. They had lost. No they had gotten killed out there. Gryffindor had lost to Ravenclaw 170 to 20!! Stryder couldn't believe it. Gryffindor was in for the biggest humiliation ever. Stryder wasn't excited to see his Ravenclaw cousin or any Slytherins. They just had to lose. He couldn't believe.

The second Madam Hooch blew the closing whistle Stryder ran out of the Quidditch Stands as quickly as he could. Unfortunatly it was hard to beat the crowd. Stryder passed many jolly Ravenclaws and even more gloomy Gryffindors. He couldn't believe. Stryder thought that they were going to win. Everything was going alright and then BAM! Now more than anything Stryder wanted to be out on the field playing with everyone, then again he couldnt' possibly be able to handle losing a game. Stryder thought of the players as he finally reached the Gryffindor Common Room. Some Ravenclaws snickered at him as he ducked into the Common Room.

Stryder knew that a party was planned whether they won or lost but he honestly didn't think anyone would actually show up to the party. Stryder was wrong. He entered the common room to see many people talking about the game, some looking happy but most looking horrible. Stryder sighed and grabbed the first butter beer he saw as he looked around for Drew. He couldn't be that far away, they had sat together during the game. Drew was no where to be found though. Stryder instead found a fellow third year he knew, Kia. He walked over to her and listened to her party comment.

"I agree completely Kia. You can have a party for practically anything. I just wish we were celebrating for winning." Stryder was upset that they had lost. He loved Quidditch and he loved Gryffindor. He still couldn't believe it. The only thing that would make him a little happier would be if Slytherin got killed by Hufflepuffs. That would put a big smile on this boys face.