Gryffindor vs. Slytherin

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((The game is now officially beginning. Please feel free to post your warm-up with your first action.))


The first game of the season. Xiomara breathed in the cool, fresh taste of the autumn air and allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. It was a perfect day for a Quidditch match; the sun wasn't too bright, the wind not too strong, and thankfully, there was no sudden onslaught of rain that British weather so frequently blessed its people with. Xiomara glanced critically for a moment at the cloudy skies before nodding to herself. Yes, the good weather would last the day, she thought. She preferred rain-less matches; it made refereeing them so much easier. Pursing her lips in a thin smile at the Gryffindor and Slytherin Captains, Xiomara ordered their teams to ready themselves as the crowds jeered and cheered around them. The atmosphere was more electric than usual, but that was to be anticipated. After all, it was Gryffindor versus Slytherin; it was always the most violent, aggressive and competitive match. The two houses were always butting heads, but when the rivals met on the Quidditch pitch, their desire to win was multiplied tenfold.

Which was why Xiomara was more than happy for the weather to be so calm and understated. She already had a lot on her hands to deal with as Cassandra Blackfire and Mary Evans shook hands. It was difficult to ignore the obvious tension building in the arena. Hopefully, the Head Girl would play a clean game and her team would follow her example. Xiomara nodded her head at both Captains as she noted that all players were ready; then she kicked the box open by her feet, releasing the two black Bludgers and the elusive golden Snitch. She watched them dart off swiftly into the distance, before taking the shining red Quaffle in her hands. "Players, your positions please," she ordered loudly, sending the red- and green-clad students scattering across the pitch, launching into the air with a roar of approval from the crowd. "On your marks," Xiomara said, mounting her broom and rising between the Gryffindor and Slytherin Chasers preparing to pounce on the Quaffle in her hands. "Get set..." Everyone - from the players to the students to the professors - all held their breath, their eyes trained on one spot. "Three... Two... One... GO!"


((The current line-ups are…

Gryffindor

Position - Player: Dex/Str/Con
Chaser - Scott Ryder: (4+2=)6, 6, (2+1=)3
Chaser - Riley Coxen: 6, 6, 4
Chaser - Casey Allen 1, (2+1)=3, 6
Beater - Oscar Flynn: 2, 6, 3
Beater - Rex Carter: 2, 3, (1+2=)3
Keeper - Cassandra Fallon: 4, 6, (1+3=)4
Seeker - Melody Bang-Bala: (4+2)=6, 6, (3+1=)4

Reserve Team:
Rosaliz Hernandez: 6, 4, 1

Slytherin

Position - Player: Dex/Str/Con
Chaser - Kailyn Valak: 2, 3, 6
Chaser - Wynd Lehane: (4+1=)5, 5, 1
Chaser - Julian Fallon: 5, 5, 1
Beater - Dylan Caoimhe: (3+1=)4, 2, 5
Beater - Mary Evans: 6, 6, (4+2=)6
Keeper - Pyro Blackfire: 1, 3, 5
Seeker - Josephine Bowman: 4, 6, 4

Reserve Team:
Olivia Dawson: 5, 1, 3
Caleb Donnelly: 2, 5, 3
Drake Manning: (1+1=)2, 2, 1
Adalia St. John: 3, 4, 3

Gryffindor 180
Slytherin 20))

[Mary Evans]

Waking early in the morning Mary found the day was pleasant, not too hot, that was good. She certainly didn’t want to boil while playing such an active game in her quidditch gear. It was also not too sunny, another great sign. Mary breakfasted with her team, they were all on the older sign for once, so she didn’t really have to worry about anyone being too nervous to eat then passing out during the match. Not that it happened too often, but it wasn’t uncommon for people to avoid eating before a match. However, Mary ate fine, she had been doing this since her third year. It was her first official year as captain, but she had been vice before, and she was head girl so it wasn’t like pressure was new to her.

After breakfast the team trickled out into the field, where Mary waited in the captain’s room going over some strategies. When she felt everyone was there Mary emerged and looked on her team, some of them seemed a little green around the gills, but for the most part they appeared excited, even anxious to go out there and win it.

“Okay guys, everyone quiet, gather round if you don’t mind. Here we go; the first game of the season, this one sets the tone for the year. We all know what we need to do to win, we’re Slytherins, we can and will do it. Chasers, remember you’re a team, work together and take every opportunity. Trust that your fellow chasers will be there to back you up, and make sure that you’re there to back up everyone else when they take a chance. Beaters, Dylan, let’s do it man, just like we practiced. Drake, just focus, I know it’s not easy ((not with rolls like that)) and all that, but we know you can do it. Just like in warm ups, put your mind to it, stay on your game at all times. Josephine, we’re counting on you, just keep an eye out and watch the Gryffindor seeker. Reserves, stay keen, you could be called in at any moment.” Mary told them, “Never forget, we are the best, everyone here knows it. All we have to do is prove it to everyone out there. Let’s clear out!”

Their names were called as the Slytherin team made their way onto the pitch. Maybe it was her imagination but there was more a murmur than usual at Mary’s name, maybe because now she was Head Girl she was even more known through the school. As they lined up Madam Hooch asked the two captains to shake hands, Mary lifted her eyebrow at Cassandra, there was a slight bit of longstanding rivalry between the two of them outside the game. Mary was really looking forward to having her team, her house, her standards, trample all over the little Gryffindor’s. She just needed her team to make it happen. “Cass” Mary said with more than a little dripping sarcasm, “best of luck and all that. Hope your team is… awake.” Mary dragged her eyes over the lined up players in red with a slight smirk. When the handshake was over Mary went back to her team and got ready for the whistle.

When the whistle blew and the teams were off Mary found the nearest bludger and decided to immediately try to decimate the feeble hopes of the Gryffindor team. A bludger to their seeker could do the job well, hopefully Dylan would get whoever chases the quaffle, Mary needed to break some spirits.

((Bludger attack on Rex.

As well, if everyone can keep their eyes on the Important Notice section I will be posting one about the game post haste.

Finally, the quidditch page is well underway but taking a mite longer than expected, busy weekend and all that, I will however have that written up as soon as possible.))

[Riley Coxen G7]

Riley was excited. Hell, she was more than excited. This was the first year she was granted a starting spot on the Gryffindor team, having fought for it ever since the start of her third year when she was placed on the reserve. She supposed the previous captains knew she was a good player, but there were always so many people on the team that an older and more experienced player would always get the starting spot. It wasn't like Riley was the team bench warmer though, because even as a reserve player she was always on the field playing her heart out, trying to prove her skill and passion for the sport with every game and practice she played in.

However, now she was going to take the lead. She would never of course be that annoying ball hog who always tried to beat everyone out, because Riley had always been a team player. However, she was going to make sure Gryffindor won this match. Riley walked into the Great Hall and sat near the rest of the Gryffindor team, unsure of where her brother and Oliver were. Riley filled her plate with light foods, making sure to have a decent breakfast without over feeding herself. Once finished, she made her way to the locker rooms early to get a head start and make sure everything was in order.

Eventually, the players began to arrive and Riley found the locker room more and more crowded with girls equally excited for the upcoming game. Riley wasn't going to let any stupid Slytherin beat her out, not in a million years. Even though a Slytherin victory had happened before, Riley was hell bent on making sure it wasn't going to happen again. She grabbed her broom and sat through Cass Blackfire's pep talk with a smile. She liked this years Captain, even though she did seem to be a bit off lately. But that was just Riley being her over annalytical self again. She walked out onto the pitch and ignored any sneers from the Slytherins as Madame Hooch blew her whistle, causing both teams to rise quickly into the air. Once the Quaffle was thrown into the air, Riley took the opportunity to speed up and attempt to be the first to catch it.

((attempting to take Quaffle))

[Drake Manning]

Drake was not in the mood for a Quidditch game. To make him even more irritated, today's match was against Gryffindor, which meant that house lines were more distinct than normal. Though Slytherin sought to equally decimate the other teams, their natural disdain rested against Gyffindor. Mary was likely to be her calm and collected self, but Drake knew that as the captain, today was more than important to her. Something inside of him just wasn't in the mood to play Quidditch. He'd easily admit that the only reason he played was to help release his bottled up frustration. Quidditch had always been more of a secret therapy for him than anything else. Winning and loosing did little to motivate him, though he never enjoyed when he played poorly. Drake liked to be better than others.

Silently, he sat with his team at breakfast, refusing to say much. His eye caught Mary's, and part of him was bitter that he'd be playing Keeper today. It was one of his regular positions, but his mood had made him more eager to go out with the chance to swing a bat around, rather than flying in place in front of the hoops. He'd survive though, and it was probably for the best of the team that he wasn't going to be a Beater. He might've went out in his bitterness and clubbed something besides a Bludger. Then again, when he wasn't in the mood for Quidditch, his abilities at any position were less than stellar.

Quicker than he'd have hoped, the teams were on the pitch after having listened to Mary's speech. Drake was amused with her choice of words when she addressed each player. Her wit and sarcasm were nowhere to be found, likely demonstrating the fact that she was serious and really wanted to win this. Drake would try, but he wasn't promising anything today. When he didn't feel it, he just didn't feel it. Nobody was going to be able to talk much motivation into him when he wasn't in the mood to play.

Taking his place by the Slytherin goal posts, Drake watched as the balls were released and the game was underway. In a fluid motion, the players spun into a whirlwing of red and green blurs, and the action was underway. Drake hovered on his brooms, his arms crossed across his chest as he waited to see who would emerge with the Quaffle.

((Doing a whole lot of nothing... but at least flying in the way of anyone who tries to score. ))

[Scott Ryder G7]

Scott's fingertips twitched with anticipation for today's match against Slytherin. It had been too long since his last Quidditch match. The more and more he played, the more he became addicted to the rush of adrenaline that it provided. Plus, since being switched to a primary Chaser, Scott felt that he had found his niche in the team. He hadn't played a game with both Casey and Riley yet, but he was confident that the three of them would work well together. They'd have to if they wanted to defeat Slytherin. Though Gryffindor was a younger team, they'd have to hope that the Slytherin team was too focused on dominating individually that they'd forget about the aspect of teamwork. Though silent and reserved, Scott was always ready to step up and lead when it came to the Quidditch pitch. Flying around with the chaos that surrounded you was always enough to change anybody when they were on the pitch.

The teams eventually gathered, and Scott felt his pulse speed up as he glanced at the crowd. It was going to be an electrifying game, he was sure of that. Madam Hooch gave her normal speech, and the Chasers huddled in the middle of the pitch ready to go for the Quaffle. The Beaters had their eyes on the flying Bludgers, and the Seekers were squinting into the sun as they attempted to follow the impossible trail of the Snitch. Finally, his eyes went to the Keepers, those who would sacrifice all parts of their bodies just to stop the Quaffle from going through the hoops. Scott was determined to make sure that the Slytherin Keeper wasn't able to stop the Gryffindor trio from scoring. Momentum was always good for the team, and Scott figured if the Chasers could establish a decent lead, then perhaps Rex would have the motivation he needed to get the Snitch. Quiddith was quite simply theoretically, but practically, it was one surprise after another. Scott love it.

At Madam Hooch's whistle, the Quaffle was dropped, and the fun had begun. Seeing Riley dive for the Quaffle, Scott pushed hard to the left, flying ahead so that she'd have an outlet pass. He was confident that she's retrieve the Quaffle. There was no way Slytherin would walk away the victors today.

((Waiting for Riley to get the Quaffle.))

[Oscar Flynn G7]

This was it. Gryffindor versus Slytherin, the match to begin the season. While Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff would put up brilliant defences and would no doubt make fierce opponents later on in the year, Slytherin versus Gryffindor games definitely brought more emotion from everyone. Perhaps it was because Oscar didn’t like most of the Slytherin team players, or maybe it was just his usual competitive streak, but he was really looking forward to beating them. His heartbeats quickened beneath his new Quidditch kit, the excitement rising through him. He was sure Gryffindor could win. They just had to want it enough. As Oscar tugged on the necessary safety gear that Keepers had to wear, his mind was full of just the one thought; the game ahead. How odd that he was so focused today. Normally Oscar would have to spend a moment to ready himself, to shake free the muddled mess that was normally his brain so as to prepare it for serious Quidditch. And today he was playing alongside some brilliant fellow Gryffindor’s… including Scott. Oscar had tried to avoid eye-contact with the other boy that morning and had only uttered an encouraging ‘good luck’; as he had done to the whole team. Now, as he seized his new Nimbus and tightened his gloves one last time, he focused his eyes on the entrance to the stadium and his ears on the applause that was already deafening. He had to put any paranoia concerning Scott and his boyfriend aside and throw himself wholly to the game.

Only moments later he was in the midst of it. The shouts, screams, jeers, claps, applause; it rained down upon them all and Oscar loved it. It urged him on and encouraged him further; that was after all the fundamental purpose of applause. Even the jeers and boos from the Slytherin side of the crowd made Oscar grin from ear-to-ear, grip his Nimbus tight, and watch Madam Hooch release the balls with excited eyes. The day was perfect for Quidditch. As Oscar kicked off from the ground, his feet leaving simultaneously with those of his team-mates, he tilted his face slightly to the greeting sun and basked in it for a moment. Of course he didn’t allow himself this small warmth for long and in a second was directly in front of his much-loved goal posts. They seemed to welcome him, and in return his smile grew as he hovered before them. But Oscar didn’t spend too much time greeting or making conversation with stationary objects; the game had begun. His dark eyes saw the first few seconds as if in slow motion; The Quaffle being released and moving through the air. That one, big, beautiful ball that could help decide everything. But where was that winged gold globe that would decide the final score? Oscar’s own eyes would never be able to track it but he spotted Rex Carter, Gryffindor’s seeker, and gave what he knew to be an encouraging smile.

The first few movements from the chasers were almost a blur. The first Gryffindor Oscar saw move was Riley. “Yes, Riley!” He growled softly into the empty air around him. His pulse was faster than ever as he leant down on his Nimbus, finally closed off his ears to the crowds, until there was nothing but the game before him and one ear carefully listening for that familiar whiz of a bludger, should one find its way to the Gryffindor Keeper. If any of the lizard chasers decided to have a go at shooting, they would have a hard time getting the Quaffle past Oscar. He would make sure of that.

((Getting into position and preparing. ))

[Wynd Lehane]

Wynd sat with his team eating breakfast. He was never one to eat much before a game but he knew the importance of having something in his system. He had to force himself to eat some toast and follow it with some milk. Across from him sat Mary the new captain. She would probably do fine because she was vice captain last year. Beside her was Dylan the new vice captain. Wynd silently watched his roommate eat. Dylan had a strong personality, a good trait for any Slytherin, but didn't seem to hold the same ideals. Speaking of ideals, Olivia sat next to Wynd. They were both starting Chasers for the game which meant that they had to cooperate, much to the dismay of both. Mary must have known of their dislike for each other but she probably had her reasons for making them work together. But Wynd was going to make his feelings known. There was a plate of bacon in front of Olivia and instead of asking her if she would pass it to him he reached it for himself. He purposely brought his arm close to her drink knocking it over.

The liquid in the container spilled onto the table and ran off the table and onto Olivia's waiting robes. "Whoops!" Wynd said sardonically. He took a few pieces of bacon and returned them to his plate before adding. "You really should use a Scouring Charm to clean yourself up Olivia. We're Slytherins, not mudbloods. But you seem to forget that." His gaze returned to his plate as he finished the rest of his meal. If Olivia had anything to retort with, Wynd didn't want to hear it. He would not give her the satisfaction of arguing with her. Not right now. He could imagine Mary giving him a sour look but he never looked at her to see if this was true.

In the changing rooms Mary gave her captain speech. "Chasers, remember you’re a team..." The comment seemed to be directed at him. Wynd would work with the other Chasers once they were on the field but off the field he did not have to get along with them. Wynd looked over at Caleb. He was a complete mystery as far as Wynd was concerned. They had never talked outside of Quidditch and were practically strangers. There was a nod of acknowledgment when they met in the corridors but that was a far as their relationship went. That was fine with Wynd. He wasn't here to make friends.

On the field the teams lined up and the Quaffle was released. Wynd raced for it and saw that an ambitious Gryffindor Chaser was also reaching for the ball. Not if he had anything to say about it.

((Catching the Quaffle))

[Melody Bang-Bala G6]

It was a daunting prospect, and no one could say otherwise. Melody had been keeping a soothing piece of music in her head in an attempt to stay calm and collected, but Brahm's Waltz in A Flat wasn't quite doing the trick. Slytherin and Gryffindor were not named together in one sentence for their friendship, but rather for their rivalry - although Cassandra had gone against that traditional view. Melody, who associated Slytherin mostly with Dana's cousin Kris, who had been all right to her even when she'd observed that his head was quite large, both respected and admired Cassandra for it, and she'd noted with some consternation other house members' hostility towards her Quidditch Captain, whom she rather looked up to. She wondered whether Cassandra would give her any opportunity to play as a Seeker in this match. She would like to try it - not full time perhaps, that would be exhausting - but as some respite from the aggressive actions that a Beater was expected to undertake.

Switching her mental walkman to Saint-Saens had been more effective than Brahms in this case. 'The Swan', one of his best known pieces, was easy to call into her head and kept her from getting jittery at the fact that today she and Cassandra were up against possibly the best Beater in the school (although, of course, she had great faith in her own Captain), Mary Evans. Melody stretched and shook her arms loosely in the locker room, getting them warmed up for the jolts they'd soon be receiving as she hit at Bludgers. Then it was out onto the pitch, the crowd roaring in anticipation and appreciation of the first, and usually most keenly-contested, game of the new Quidditch season. It could have made her knees buckle under the pressure of such expectation, but they weren't cheering particularly for her, little Melody Bang-Bala, youngest and least significant of the members of either teams. They were cheering (and jeering) at the captains - controversial Cassandra Fallon and Head Girl Mary Evans - and for the superstars, such as they were: the Gryffindor Seekers Scott and Rex came into Melody's mind first out of those. So it was all right. The crowd probably didn't expect anything much from her, they wouldn't have remembered her from the last match where she'd started to show her potential. They wouldn't be watching her with any expectation of excitement. She was answerable to her team only.

With this calming thought in mind, Melody kicked off from the ground, getting used to the slight breeze that made her scarlet robes billow around her a little more up here than it had done on the ground. And then came the first responsibility of the game, because Mary Evans had already launched an attack on the Gryffindor Seeker, probably starting as she meant to go on. Melody hoped that she could also start as she meant to go on - performing her job as Beater undaunted by the talent and experience-of-many-years that she was up against. She moved to intercept Mary's Bludger, and send it instead towards Slytherin's Seeker. Tat-for-tat.

((Defending Rex and deflecting to Josephine.

Am I allowed to add my experience points to Strength, or only to stats underneath 6, or is there a minimum difference between stats that I'm not allowed to add to with my experience points or anything like that?))

[Olivia Dawson S6]

Olivia was ready for the game. Well, to be honest, she wasn't exactly ready for another season of trying to put up with Wynd Lehane on the Quidditch Pitch, but she did love the sport. Olivia wasn't exactly one to be a team player, especially when she knew she would have to be working with that sorry excuse for a boy. She sighed as she rolled sleepily out of bed. Just because she didn't particularly like some of her teammates did not mean she was just going to back down and not give the game her all. Olivia was going to give one hundred and ten percent during the game today. In fact, to prepare, she'd spent the evenings practing her Quidditch and had refrained from having a cigeratte since practice started again. Nothing was going to mess her up today.

Especially not Gryffindor. She'd thought about what she was going to do with the whole Cassandra situation, but she figured it would be too suspicious if she simply helped Cass during the game to earn her trust. Olivia had to be careful with her plan. If she was too nice to Cassandra, she'd eventually get suspicious. Olivia was going to play this game like she had every other. She went through her game strategy for both the Quidditch game and her plan with Julian during breakfast, barely able to bear the fact that she had to sit next to Wynd Lehane once more. But she figured she may as well put up with it. That is, until he "accidently" spilled some juice on her and then added a snide comment to boot. Olivia had her wand in her hand, and lime green sparks flew out of it (burning the hand of some first year she was sitting next to...not that she cared at the moment) as he walked away with a sly smile.

Olivia paid close attention to her captain's pep talk, taking note of her little hint to Olivia's issue with the Lehane. She geared up and walked out onto the pitch, taking in all her surroundings. As the Quaffle was thrown into the air, it took all her might to let Wynd go ahead before her and attempt to take the Quaffle. She had to be a team player. Olivia flew within the view of Lehane and gave him a look signaling that she was open if he caught the Quaffle. She doubted he'd actually pass it to her though.

((waiting for Wynd to catch the Quaffle should he catch it. ))

[Casey Allen G5]

“Cheer me on.” Casey said to her best-friend Ezzie as she got up and left the Great Hall. First game of the season! Yay! To say that she was excited would be an understatement. Lately, everything about Casey’s life was complicated. She still hadn’t talked to Carson nor did she know if he wanted to talk to her. At least she wouldn’t be playing him today. That was good. Casey was having an on-going battle with her record company. Scene wanted her to keep her secret a secret. Casey wanted to stop lying and tell the whole world. After what happened with Carson and how he found out, Casey knew she couldn’t handle it if the whole world found at that way. So she wouldn’t let that happen. Casey was going to tell everyone the truth. She was going to be Casey Allen. Why could Scene understand that? Casey shook her head and headed out to the grounds. She hugged her arms as the cool fall air hit them. This was her favorite time of year to play Quidditch. The weather was usually just right. And today, it was a great day for Qudditch. Casey smiled brightly as she entered the pitch.

After the traditional pep talk, Casey headed out with the rest of the team. Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup last year and Casey wasn’t ready to let that go. She wanted it every year until she graduated and she would do everything in her power to make it so. Casey was confident with the team for the year. Riley was one of the newer additions to the team, but Casey was confident that she was a good player. Casey smiled. They defiantly had a good team and Casey was confident that they could play their best. She smiled to herself as she headed out to the middle of the pitch, her broom in hand. The crowd erupted and Casey smiled over to the Gryffindors. She then took her place and mounted her broom.

Waiting, waiting. Casey hated this part of the match most. You never knew who would catch the quaffle. She eyed Madam Hooch, waiting for the game to officially begin. When the quaffle was finally dropped Casey realized that she was nowhere near it. This one was all Riley. Casey held her breath as she waited for her team match to hopefully catch the quaffle. Catching it and scoring this early in the game would give Gryffindor a great advantage. Casey continued to hold her breath as she waiting for one of the players to catch the quaffle.

((Waiting..and yea waiting))

[rex]

Rex woke up early. He had to if he wanted his plan to work. After getting dressed he slowly and quietly opened the curtains to his four poster bed. There was no movement from either Oz's or Oliver's bed. Good. That meant that the first part of his plan was going well. Without making a noise he slid his feet to the ground and slowly made his way to Oz's bed. In his hand he held two fanged frizzbes. One for Oz and one for Oliver. He gingerly pulled the curtain open. There was Oz sleeping. Rex placed the frizzbe on Oz's chest careful not to disturb him. Replacing the curtain he then did the same to Oliver. Then he moved to the door. The hope was that Rex would make a loud noise with his wand and the noise would get the frizzbes going. His wand in hand he made a very loud POP! and left the room shutting the door behind him. He listened to the door and soon heard yells of frustration followed by curses associated with his name.

Rex quickly made his way down to the Great Hall. A wave of pleasure filling him. He sat down beside his team knowing that even if Oz and Oliver came down to confront him, he had the entire team backing him up. They knew that he was a prankster and that Oz and Oliver would be speaking the truth but any confrontation could wait until after the game. It would drive Oz nuts. Actually, after thinking about it, Rex wanted Oz to come down. He would love to see his face. The anger. The need for revenge. Rex giggled to himself like a little schoolgirl before feeling the somber mood of the team. "Why so serious?" he spoke to the team. "Good always conquers evil. That's what the muggles say. We're sure to win," he said as he helped himself to some ham and eggs.

On the field the players lined up for the whistle. Rex looked at the new Slytherin Seeker. She was in the same year as Rex. Josephine or something like that. Cute. She had that going for her. But Rex had already proved his worth on the field. Who was this newbie? Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the players kicked off from the ground. Rex zoomed over to Oscar and starting the search.

((Snitch Searching))

[Josephine Bowman S7]

Josephine Bowman, Slytherin 5th year, woke with a smile curling at her lips. She was more than ready for the day to begin. The smell of Quidditch was already in the air and that was all she cared about in those moments as she pulled up from her bed, the covers being tossed to the side, as she looked around the room, her dorm mates still sleeping soundly. What a waste for them to be asleep today was a day of pride for them. Today Slytherin would be facing off against Gryffindor and the match would be a tough one, but Jo wasn’t going to deny the fact that Slytherin walking away as the winners was more likely than the horrific Gryffindor team. Still it wasn’t going to bother her…not yet. She still had to get her mind in the game and right now that’s what she planned on doing.

Josephine’s mind played over everything that was going on in her world and she took that pain and devastation and used it to feed her need to beat Gryffindor. It became almost a need for revenge as she sat at the breakfast table with the rest of her team, even the pill of Olivia’s drink didn’t bother her as she kept her head focused on the game and tearing the Gryffindor team apart. All that mattered right now was that. It became even more apparent in the locker room as she was changing into her Quidditch robes when Mary pointed out that they were all counting on her. She knew that already. They had nothing to worry about. Josephine was ready…she was going to get that snitch before the Gryffindor team did…before Rex Carter.

As Josephine walked out onto the pitch and heard the roar of the Slytherin crowd, the smile returned…she loved this…no she needed this. Right now with everything falling apart around her, she needed to have this constant and that’s what it was going to be. And she was going to make sure that this constant would always be a winning one. Her sister’s firebolt came up and Jo slipped her leg on the other side before kicking up from the ground. Flying to the circle she waited for Madam Hooch to announce the start of the game and then she was off, a shot into the sky as she circled the pitch, watching the game and watching for the snitch. This was of course just in time to see the little Gryffindor beater attempt to send a bludger her way.

((avoiding bludger if necessary and snitch searching))

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan was very quiet indeed as he ate breakfast; not because he was nervous about the quidditch match, but because this morning he was eating breakfast with his team mates. Normally, he ate alone, and occasionally had the company of specific people, so when Mary first approached and told him the team would be all sitting together he was less than excited. Though, he doubted anyone on the team was happy about present company. But, he was vice captain now, and that meant he would just have to deal.

Once everyone had finished, they all walked to the field together, Dylan lagging behind the group. Part of him felt like he should be up in the front behind Mary, but another part of him wanted to stay kind of hidden. Honestly, he was still shocked he had been given the position; he was certain Drake, or even Wynd would have been considered long before he would've. He guessed he was happy about it, and he definitely had no desire to flaunt his position; especially since the Slytherin team had enough ego issues as it was.

They all dressed, and Mary gave the usual captain's speech. Dylan listened and nodded when she said her piece to him, and grabbed his Firebolt as they all stepped out onto the field.

This was it. The first quidditch match of the year, Dylan's first match as vice captain. Once Madam Hooch blew the whistle, as always, Dylan swept the field with his eyes to see who was doing what, he then quickly glanced at Mary to try and read what exactly she was trying to do. She went right after the Gryffindor seeker, and Dylan got the message loud and clear.

((Hitting a Bludger at Riley))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass was acting as if she was a woman possessed. She had woken up extremely early. Dressed in her quidditch robes, she spent most of her morning lying on her four poster bed reviewing plays in her head. She didn't even answer the other seventh year girls as they told her good morning. She stayed quiet all morning until it was time to meet the team for breakfast. While in the Great Hall, she hardly said two words to her teammates. Of course, she did talk strategy to anyone who asked, but it was obvious her mind was elsewhere. She was focused on the situation at hand, and that was the match against Slytherin that would start within the hour. She didn't even hear the cheers and the screams that came from the Gryffindor table as they all made their way to the pitch.

It wasn't before long that she found herself in the locker room surrounded by her team. They were all sitting on benches as they waited for her to begin her pre-game speech. Cass paced furtively across the floor. "Team, I'm not going to tell you what to do. I know you know the plays and your positions. I need you to watch for me during the game for instructions. You know the drill. Most of you have done this before." Cass gulped. She had several new starters on her team, but many of last years members had matriculated. "All of you know that this has the potential to become a very dirty game. We all know that the Slytherins have a capable team, but I don't think they will be above bad tactics. I'm not advocating stooping to their level, but protect yourselves!. I have yet to lose a match to Slytherin as captain of this team, and I am not planning on changing it this year." Silence filled the locker room as she let this last sentence sink in. "I know you will do me proud. Let's hit the pitch!" She grabbed her broom and led her team out.

The crowd roared the moment she became visible out of the shadow of the locker room. "Go, Go Gryffindor!" yelled the stands in unison. Cassandra was pumped as she made her way to the middle of the field to meet Mary Evans. They had been rivals since their first year at Hogwarts. She knew that many people would be watching this game intently to see what these girls might do to each other. She took Mary's hand in her steel grip. "Don't worry about me, Mary. I think I can handle it. Good luck." She dropped her hand and stepped away. On Hooch's signal, Cass lept into the air in a blur of red. She knew the best way to kill any snake was to cut off its head. With a massive swipe, she sent a bludger towards Mary.

((bludger attack on Mary))

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((Mary hits a Bludger at Rex. Melody attempts to defend.
Mary = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 3 + 6 = 9
Melody = Defend (D8 + Str) = 6 + 6 = 12
Melody defends Rex and deflects Mary's Bludger to Josephine.

Josephine attempts to avoid Melody's Bludger.
Melody = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 6 = 7
Josephine = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 4 + 4 = 8
Josephine avoids Melody's Bludger.

Dylan hits a Bludger at Riley. Since Riley posted, it is assumed she would attempt to avoid it.
Dylan = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 6 + 2 = 8
Riley = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 6 + 6 = 12
Riley avoids Dylan's Bludger.

Cassandra hits a Bludger at Mary. Since Mary posted, it is assumed she would attempt to avoid it.
Cassandra = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 3 + 6 = 9
Mary = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 3 + 6 = 9

Tie! Re-roll.

Cassandra = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 4 + 6 = 10
Mary = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 8 + 6 = 14
Mary avoids Cassandra's Bludger.

Doing my normal read-through. I've sent you a PM about the Bludgers Madam Hooch, but since no one was hit this round then it's simplest just to leave the rolls like this for this round so that the game can continue. Please could players note that there are only two Bludgers in play, though! - Izy

Riley and Wynd attempt to catch the Quaffle.
Riley = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 6 + 6 = 12
Wynd = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 3 + 5 = 8
Riley catches the Quaffle.

Rex and Josephine search for the Snitch.

Rex = Search (D6 + Con) = 4 + 3 = 7
Rex's search roll is above 5, so he is able to search.

Rex = Search = 12
12 is not the Snitch number. Rex does not see the Snitch.

Josephine = Search (D6 + Con) = 1 + 4 = 5
Josephine's search roll is above 5, so she is able to search.

Josephine = Search = 7
7 is not the Snitch number. Josephine does not see the Snitch.))

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan watched as his bludger missed Riley, and she happened to have caught the quaffle instead of Wynd. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a bludger headed towards him that Mary had just dodged, and decided he would continue his pursuit. Last year, Slytherin lost the championship game to Gryffindor. He definitely didn't want to go that route again. Clenching his teeth, he swung his bat as hard as he could.

((Hitting a Bludger at Riley))

[Caleb Donnelly S7]

Caleb's head was in the game and no where else that morning at breakfast. He ate a healthy breakfast as he watched his teammates. This was a game he wasn't about to lose so his teammates would have to pick up the slack or he'd make sure they didn't have any slack left to give. He glanced down at his plate briefly as he lifted the fork full of scrambled eggs to his mouth. After all these years on the Quidditch team Caleb was finally wondering if their team was good enough. None of them were young...Josephine Bowman ranking as the youngest on the starter team and she was in her 5th year, hardly young at all. This meant that the team was mature...and probably well off. Better than the Gryffindor team for sure with their younger members. He just had to remember the Gryffindor team lacked experience, but not spunk thanks to their Captain, Cassandra Fallon.

However, Mary Evans, their own team captain had her own spunk and as she now stood in front of them in the locker room Caleb could see exactly why she had spunk and why she was such a threat to the Gryffindors. One of the best beaters he'd ever seen he didn't see how anyone could dodge a bludger sent by Evans. He smirked a little to himself as he realized he never wanted to get on her bad side...ever. At the mention of the chasers needing to work as a team Caleb sat back a little and nodded to his fellow chasers. He was already going to curse Dawson and Lehane for their continued childish behavior both on and off the field, so if they didn't get their act together and work as one this game Caleb was pretty sure they'd never be found again, at least not in one piece.

As Mary drew to an end Caleb found himself moving to his feet, his green Slytherin Quidditch robes billowing out as they fell around him. His hands ran down them briefly trying to smooth them into a presentabe state before he grabbed up his broom, a hand quickly moving to fluff through his short hair before he moved out to the pitch and took his place on his broom. A quick push off and he was already in the air sweeping up to fly into the area where Madam Hooch was waiting for the start of the game. He came to a stop, waiting. The toss of the quaffle and the catching of it by the Gryffindor team already had Caleb on edge as he flew at the Gryffindor ready to take her out if he had to to get the quaffle.

((attempting to intercept quaffle if a pass is attempted))

[Josephine Bowman S7]

Josephine quickly dives and twirls out of the way of the coming bludger, her heart rate intensifying as that familiar smirk played over her lips. That was exhilarating. She let the smile fade as she glanced quickly over at the Gryffindor seeker. He didn't seem to have caught sight of the snitch either right now and that was good. Jo swept up higher out of the game, her broom circling around the quidditch pitch as she squinted her eyes trying to make out the glint of the golden snitch in the light. At least it wasn't raining like it had habit of doing...that was always nice when the weather was willing to contribute to a great quidditch match. Blue orbs darted into the sky around her, broom swiveling around to watch all areas around her as she searched for the elusive snitch.

((searching for the snitch))

[Riley Coxen G7]

Riley smirked slightly as she managed to successfully catch the Quaffle instead of the blonde Slytherin chaser, who looked like a rather angry person in general. She wasn't surprised. In fact, Riley's thoughts would have wandered off about the Slytherin stereotypes, but Riley was in game mode now. For some reason, when she was in this certain state of mind, her thoughts didn't wander. All that was in her mind was what she needed to do to successfully get that Quaffle into that goal.

But she couldn't do it alone. There was a reason why there were two other chasers to help her out during this game. One of the Slytherin chasers was flying at her from one direction and a Slytherin beater had sent a bludger her way from the other side. She either had to hope that a beater would come and deflect the bludger or she had to act fast. Noticing that Scott was the closest to her, she aimed the ball toward his direction before throwing it his way, hoping he's make the catch despite those trying to intercept the pass. Once the ball was in the air and out of her hands, Riley took a swerve to avoid the bludger.

((dodging bludger attack, attempting to pass to Scott))

[Mary Evans]

((I realise I am just being stubborn but I am not acknowledging the pretend bludger that was sent at me because… Mary would never try to avoid a bludger, she would have cracked it right back at Cass if it was real and I had been given the chance to post. So rather than go out of character for something that did not happen I am ignoring it. As well, I think the bludger that went after Jo isn’t being re-rolled, right? So I will just leave it be. If it is being re-rolled, do you mind having Mary defend her?))

Mary’s bludger flew true towards the seeker but before he could get hit by it that little Gryffindor, Melody, got herself in the way. Mary had played her before, young as she was. She had been reserve on the team last year. Mary hadn’t ever really known who she was, and still really didn’t care, but the girl was somewhat of a pest. If she had been Slytherin Mary knew she would admire the girl’s bravado; but the girl was obviously a fool, playing for the wrong side. Who could get up that much gumption for Gryffindor? The house members don’t even take care of themselves, how can they possibly be respectable? Like that blooming Cassandra, Mary didn’t usually think of Cass, but today was different with the game and all. Mary told her the same time every time they saw each other, Cassandra needed to start respecting herself because… well she was a joke. Cassandra didn’t look after herself or her reputation, she always went drooling after her betters and everyone knew it…

Gryffindor were still in possession, but Mary saw Dylan going after the free bludger in order to get the chaser holding the quaffle. That left one bludger free for Mary. The chasers seemed to be doing well, they all seemed intent on the game and none of them were bleeding, yet. That meant they hadn’t turned on each other… yet. But Mary knew her team could pull it together, be professional, if just to put it in Gryffindor’s face.

Noting all was in hand with her team Mary went after the second bludger. It was somewhat near the Gryffindor seeker, and Mary did owe him…

((Attack on Rex))