Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

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


Xiomara bustled onto the Quidditch field she had laboriously ensured was pitch-perfect (the pun made her lips twitch, a rare amused smile) the day before, broom in one hand and whistle hanging familiarly around her neck. She was pleased to see the weather was just as wind- and rain-less as yesterday; this would help to ensure a clean, safe match. Xiomara was looking forward to refereeing this game, if she was to be honest. There were no violent, aggressive Slytherins desperate to win at any cost; no over-confident, competitive Gryffindors assuming they would win. No, this match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw, and even though Xiomara knew all the houses were equal there was no denying that these two houses were generally the less fierce on the Quidditch pitch. Xiomara waited for all the teams to file onto the field diligently, lead by their captains: Ivy Tunstall and her Vice, Randy Kerr, for Hufflepuff, and Celia Richmond and her Vice, Theo Darke, for Ravenclaw. Xiomara made the Captains and Vices shake each other's hands politely, going through the usual process of telling them to play a fair game, before motioning for them to rise into the air and take their positions. As usual the crowd surrounding them burst into roars of approval, smatters of applause echoing in the large stadium. Xiomara looked up at them briefly with a wry expression but wasted no time kicking open the ball chest and releasing the Bludgers and golden Snitch. Taking the Quaffle, she rose into the air to join the players, coming to a hovering stillness in the centre of the pitch.

"On your marks..." Xiomara positioned the shining red Quaffle with one hand, her other holding her whistle to her mouth. "Get set..." Around her, she felt all fourteen players tense as they awaited her signal. "Three... Two... One... GO!"


((The current line-ups are…

Hufflepuff

Chaser - Chace Coxen H7: 2, 2, 2
Chaser - Ivy Tunstall H7: (3+1=)4, (1+2=)3, 3
Chaser - Seth Wright H7: 4, 1, 4
Beater - Sydney Rawson H6: 4, 5, 3
Beater - Carson McGreggor H6: 2, 5, 2
Seeker - Finn Miles H6: 3, 2, 5
Keeper - Kael Collins H7: 1, 1, 2

Reserve Team:
Harmony Chan H5: (3+3=)6, 1, 4
Sophia Hallington H6: (4+1=)5, (1+1=)2, 6
Randy Kerr H7: 4, 5, 1
Charles Driscoll H7: (4+2=)6,1,4

Ravenclaw

Chaser – Theo Darke R6: (1+2=)3, 4, 4
Chaser – Ruth Hosker-Thornhill R7: 4, 5, 4
Chaser – August Reid R5: 5, 1, 4
Beater – Ephraim Eades R6: 6, 3, 5
Beater – Celia Richmond R7: (3+2=)5, (5+1)=6, 5
Seeker – Adriahna Dynes R5: 5, 4, 2
Keeper – Edward Summers R5: 5, 1, 4

Reserve Team:
Sandy Hart R4: 3, 3, 2
Williard Thoth R2: 4, 2, 5
Norah Walsh R5: 5, 2, 4


Hufflepuff 0
Ravenclaw 0))

[Theo Darke]

Theo soared into the air with a positive, keen smile. He had spent the last half hour or so with his teammates, psyching him- and themselves up for this match against Hufflepuff. Theo had every confidence Ravenclaw could beat the other team, even though he held every respect for the yellow-clad players. Becoming Vice Captain had increased Theo's competitiveness, but he continued to uphold his noble intents. Still, having seen Oscar lead his team to victory against the Slytherins not so long ago, Theo was even more determined to win this match. It was his first of the season as well as his first as Vice Captain; he had been quite surprised at having been selected, but nevertheless he was grateful and was determined to do a good job of it. Theo remembered Celia's captain's speech in the changing rooms before as he took his positions, chanting to himself to focus on that Quaffle and do his very best. Most likely Oscar's eyes were on him right now in the crowd; he had to do his boyfriend and his teammates proud, he just had to.

Theo tensed as Madam Hooch began to count down to the beginning of the match. Finally she yelled "Go!" and the game had begun! Theo's eyes watched the Quaffle rise and fall and immediately shot off after it, his fingers stretched out to grab the ball before the Hufflepuff Chasers could.

((Attempting to catch the Quaffle and avoid any Bludgers.))

[Seth Wright]

Seth couldn't believe it: Ivy had put him as Chaser? And the main team Chaser at that? Had the Captain gone out of her mind?! Seth shook his head forlornly to himself. Yes, his secondary position was Chaser, but that didn't mean he particularly enjoyed - or was even any good at! - it. In his own opinion, Seth was not at all good in the Chasing position. Okay, so maybe he was exaggerating. After all, in practices Seth had never been terrible when he had rehearsed as Chaser along with Harmony, Ivy and the rest. Still, Seth had been working on his Keeping skills, and he was disappointed he couldn't play his favourite and best position. Then again, he could understand why Ivy had chosen Kael over himself; Lynne's twin had been on the team for much longer and thus had more experience. "He's better at it too," Seth thought to himself as he absently nodded at the Ravenclaw opposition. He had never been particularly competitive, which was why he didn't like the Chaser position: you had to be pretty competitive if you had to steal the Quaffle from the other team and stuff like that. Seth almost grimaced at the thought of it. He had fared all right in practice but the real thing was different; the real match contained real danger and real aggression, and boy, Seth was glad he wasn't playing Chaser against Gryffindor and especially Slytherin - he would be slaughtered in the first minute (maybe less) of the game.

Talking about start of games, before Seth knew it he was up in the air and Madam Hooch was signalling them to get set. Seth fumbled on his broom, making sure he was ready. He gripped his 'vehicle' with balled fingers, the skin biting into the wood, and watched the Quaffle intently. He noticed Ravenclaw's Vice, Theo Darke, about to pounce on the ball too, and made it his objective to stop him. Even if he wasn't a Chaser at heart Seth had to make the best of his position. He was grateful to Ivy that she had put him into the starting line-up at all, and this did at least mean he could play in the same position as Chace, and he and his best friend together were almost unbeatable. Seth's eyes flickered to said boy for a few seconds, flashing a reassuring (but also reassurance-seeking) smile, before the whistle was blown and Seth delved forwards for the Quaffle.

((Attempting to catch the Quaffle and avoid any Bludgers.))

[Edward Summers R6]

Who could eat breakfast on a day like this? Ed stared down at his un-touched plate, his stomach was growling like mad but he wasn’t able to get a single morsel down the lump in his throat. How could he ever have let Celia talk him into this? He wasn’t a Quidditch player, he wasn’t athletic, or dexterous, or skilled. Yet here he was, sitting with the team at breakfast, getting ready for the game against Hufflepuff, not to mention he was the starting Keeper for this game. The thought nearly made Edward faint. It seemed that hardly any time had passed since the start of breakfast that the team started to get up. Ed stood too and followed the team to their locker rooms. He was quite numb as he slowly changed into his Quidditch robes, many reassuring hands gripped his shoulders, though their words didn’t register within his ear. He wasn’t a sports player, he couldn’t do this.

Every time Ed tried to catch someone eye, hopefully Celia’s, so that he could hand in his resignation he couldn’t get any words past that same lump that would not allow food down. So it was that a few minutes later Ed shouldered his Cleansweep Seven, it was all he could afford, and marched out onto the pitch with the rest of the team. “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy…” He mumbled, over and over again. The roaring pitch and crowd came into view and Ed nearly fainted again. Ed’s eyes were wide behind his glasses as he surveyed the large crowd, since when did Hogwarts have so many students? He panicked, how was he suppose to play Chaser in front of all these people? Wait, Ed wasn’t a Chaser… “Oh no…..” What position was he again? Not Chaser, definitely not Beater, nobody in their right mind would make him seeker….Keeper! That’s right, he was the Keeper for this game! Ed breathed a sigh of relief, just in time for Hooch blew her whistle.

Ed pushed off the ground and soared into the air. His nerves caused his hand to twitch and jerked his broom wildly, nearly bucking himself off. Somehow he managed to right himself, “I’m ok..” He called just in case someone was watching him and continued his climb to take his position in front of the goals.

((Taking position in front of Hoops and avoiding Bludgers))

[Sydney Rawson H6]

Tying her hair back in two pigtail-buns on the back of her head, Syd stood silently in the locker room focusing on the game ahead of her. Dressed in her Hufflepuff uniform, she pulled her leather gloves on tight as she stretched out her fingers in the sockets of the glove. Her heart and soul beat qudditch day in and day out. And game day, she was completely focused on her goal. She wasn't much of a talker the day of the match, but catch her on the pitch, she very well might bite your ear off if you cross her. Today, Sydney was playing the beater position. Syd twirled her right wrist, then left with her bat in hand. This bat would be in place of her wand today- her main weapon of choice. To be a beater you had to be devoted to your team and the game. You had to have trust from your team members to watch their back as they tried to achieve the game goal as you, the win. Syd was a nice girl, but when she was in game-mode, she was a force to be reckoned with. Starting off the game, her and Carson would be Hufflepuff's beaters. About to jump out of her skin with excitement she looked around the locker room to the other team members with a smile. Soon Syd mounted her broom and took off to the pitch for her practice lap.

During the lap, Syd watched the Ravenclaw team erupt from their locker room too. Theo, Ruth, and August were the starting Chasers. Sitting up Syd made practice swings in the air with her bat. The wind whizzed past her mass of wood with a howl. Making two more practice swings, she noticed Izy and Randy shaking Celia and Theo's hands. "ARE YOU READY?! LETS GO!" Syd shouted to her teammates as she dispersed from the flock as Madam Hooch let the balls in the box, go. One bludger flew up above the crowd as Syd noticed it a few yards to her left. Focusing on it intensively, she noticed in her peripheral view that Theo was going for the quaffle. "WHACK!" the noise erupted from Syd's bat as she aimed the bludger right at Theo.

(( Bludger attack on Theo ))

[Adriahna Dynes R5]

Waking up to a cold December morning Adriahna stretched as she glanced at the clock on the wall. Early it said, or some number to that effect. Well, sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the things you enjoy, and Adriahna did enjoy quidditch. Today she was going to be playing seeker against the Hufflepuffs, a nice easy match to start off the season. Not that Hufflepuffs themselves were likely to slack, they were actually known for working hard, but they were not likely to play aggressively like you have to in this game.

Their loss really, if they Hufflepuffs lost due to a lack of spine. It was the flaw with that house, all houses had their flaws, and Adriahna was surprised Hufflepuffs could sit upright considering how they bend to the will of others. Muggle lovers, not that Adriahna “hated” muggles, she was just terribly annoyed by their ignorance; while the Hufflepuff’s she knew seemed to be amused by it. To each their own really…

Feelings about the other team aside, Adriahna was pumped up for the game. The words “we’re going to win” almost seemed to buzz through the Ravenclaw table at breakfast that morning, where Adriahna nibbled on some strawberries and didn’t eat much at all. It really would be up to her today, seeing as she was playing seeker.

The crowd was roaring as the team came onto the pitch after their pep talk in the locker room. Adriahna hardly paid attention to the speech, she was buzzing with the excitement of the players. Whispers of confidence and of suggestions for play seemed to play in the back of her head and Adriahna wondered if they were remembrances of earlier conversations or… where they came from. It didn’t matter now, they were on the pitch and Hooch was starting the game!

Wasting no time Adriahna left the other players below and went off in search of the little flying golden ball. The sounds dropped off as she got high in the air. Taking a breath Adriahna searched the skies…

((Snitch searching.))

[Ephraim Eades R7]

Nothing was more thrilling that a Quidditch match on a perfectly chilled winter day. The cool air was enough to wake anybody up, and with adrenaline pumping through his veins, Ephraim was all smiles as he wielded his bat in preparation for the upcoming match. The Beater position was rather brutal, he thought, but somebody had to do it. He didn't exactly like being aggressive or attacking other players, but he enjoyed defending his own team. He was fairly muscular and big enough to stand as a formidable opponent. If anything his size and ability to aim and plan ahead gave him the biggest advantage. His broom skills were average, but his heart was always in the game.

Part of him was happy to be playing against Hufflepuff. They always came out with a fair game and made it fun. After all, for E, Quidditch was all about having fun. Winning was just an added bonus for him. Today would be especially interesting though, as his cousin was supposedly the starting Seeker for Hufflepuff. E had been hoping to be head to head as a Beater against Finn, but last minute plans landed Finn in the most important position of all. Than again, all positions were important, it just tended to be the final moments of the game when the Seekers fought to take the Snitch that mattered most. For Ephraim, there was too much pressure to be the Seeker. Being a Beater suited him just fine.

With the captains having met in the middle of the pitch, the match was soon underway. Instantly, Ephriam's eyes were darting from side to side. He patiently sat on his broom, waiting to fly until just the right moment.... There! He saw it. One of the Hufflepuff Beaters was launching an early attack on Theo as he was diving for the Quaffle.

"Not while I'm here, Sydney!" he hollered with a grin. Ephraim couldn't help but be a good sportsman in any case. He pressed firmly on the polished broom handle as he mapped out his path in his mind. The timing seemed perfect, and he readied his bat for a mighty swing. If the calculations in his head were correct, he'd be able to defend Theo and send the Bludger... well, it looked like it might be headed right toward Finn if contact would be made. This was going to be a great match. He could already tell.

((Defending Theo and deflecting toward Finn.))

[Finn Miles H7]

Seeker. SEEKER! Finn couldn't believe it when Ivy had told him he'd be taking Charles' place as the starting Seeker in the upcoming match. He was hardly expecting to be a starting Beater, let alone the starting Seeker. Still, nothing, not even the shock, was enough to dim his excitement. If only his father could come watch. Then again, if he did terribly, he'd have hated for his father to see that. So much pressure... but that was all part of the game. And, it was how it worked when your older brother was a Quidditch all-star.

Finn sighed, his fingers tingling with anticipation. As the Ravenclaw team was announced, he kept a close eye on Adriahna Dynes. He knew so little about her, but for the next few hours, or however long the match might last, he knew that he'd be needing to watch her every move while trying to find the Snitch. As much as he'd always been taught that winning wasn't everything, it sure felt like it was today. If he lost his first game as a starting Seeker, he didn't think it'd ever feel the same. There came the butterflies.

The time leading up to the start of the match was a blur. Finn's mind was on so many things, but over and over again in his head, he just kept focusing on the Golden Snitch. At one point, he laughed to himself, realizing that Cass had spent so much time perfecting his Beater skills. What good would that do now. She'd probably be in for a surprise to see him come out without his bat. Part of him hoped she'd be rooting for him at least. Surely she would be though.

As Madame Hooch released the Snitch, Finn followed it with his eyes as long as he could. A few seconds or so, and it was gone. Practically vanished into thin air. He snuck a quick glance at Adriahna. This was it. Ready or not Finn, this is your chance to shine!

Whistle blew. Players flew. The knot of nervousness in Finn's stomach grew.

((Searching for the Snitch.))

[Celia Richmond]

Celia clapped her hands to grab the attention of her team-mates. Now she was captain of the team, it was her job to give the pep talk and get everyone ready for the game. She was happy with the progress they'd made this year, especially the new members, and hoped they’d do well today. Unfortunately she’d had to move some players out of their preferred positions, including herself, but she knew everyone was perfectly capable of doing really well out on the pitch. And in a way she was looking forward to playing as a beater, though she wasn’t the violent type at all.

She gave the pep talk that she’d prepared-it was nothing special, just the usual motivational stuff they always included, and they all lined up, ready to fly out. She heard the signal, and her team flew to their places as herself and Theo, the new vice-captain, flew over to Madam Hooch to shake Ivy and Randy’s hands. Hooch blew the whistle to begin the game as they returned to their places, and the usual chaos arose-the seekers already looking for the snitch, keepers looking alert, and chasers going for the quaffle.

She saw both Theo and Seth go for the quaffle, remembering the several times when she’d been in their position. One of the Hufflepuffs, she couldn’t tell who really-perhaps Sydney?- was sending a bludger towards Theo, so Celia quickly retaliated by hitting the other bludger towards Seth – she didn’t want them to get such an early advantage! – as Ephraim attempted to hit the first bludger away from Theo and towards the Hufflepuff Seeker.

((Hitting a bludger to Seth))

[Ruth Hosker-Thornhill]

Ruth didn’t bother tuning into the pep-talk given, nor the words of encouragement the team all passed around to each other before the match. She didn’t need them- not that she saw herself as a great player, but because she didn’t understand how the words would benefit her play right now. She would always, always do her very best in anything, and ‘good luck’ couldn’t increase her level of playing because of this. Nevertheless she did offer a few words to hide the fact that she was in a foul mood. She smiled after Celia’s talk, approving of the words (despite having not listened much) and she sent another smile and a mutter of ‘let’s do it’ to Theo Darke, a boy she respected. She knew more about him than she did August, but nevertheless looked forwards to playing with both of them. Ruth played Quidditch like she revised for exams- straight forward, no wasting time, no interruptions, just Quaffle-catching, Bludger-dodging Quidditch. Admittedly, she enjoyed the sense of unity she felt with her team and knew the game would be an interesting one from the moment she kicked off from the ground.

She knew from the way Theo’s eyes scanned the ball’s rise and fall that he would be wanting to head for it to seize it before the Hufflepuff chaser’s could. Instantly, she shot forwards with him and at the last second veered right while he continued towards the ball. So quick-moving these first seconds were, yet Ruth’s eyes saw everything; the Bludgers already zooming towards their targets, determined to harm. She hated the things but her dodging skills were good, and she knew Theo was more than able to look after himself- especially with the sixth year Eades to offer a helping bat. Gracefully she continued a weaving pattern, steadily rising upwards along with Theo as he went for the Quaffle. She would be ready if- when he caught it.

((Waiting for the Quaffle to be caught…))

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((Sydney hits a Bludger at Theo. Ephraim attempts to defend him. (deflect Finn)
Sydney = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 5 = 6
Ephraim = Defend (D8 + Str) = 3 + 3 = 6

Tie! Re-roll.

Sydney = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 2 + 5 = 7
Ephraim = Defend (D8 + Str) = 2 + 3 = 5
Ephraim fails to defend Theo from Sydney's Bludger.

Theo attempts to avoid Sydney's Bludger.
Sydney = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 3 + 5 = 8
Theo = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 8 + 3 = 11
Theo avoids Sydney's Bludger.

Celia hits a Bludger at Seth. There is a Bludger flying at Seth.

Theo and Seth attempt to catch the Quaffle.
Theo = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 4 + 3 = 7
Seth = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 3 + 4 = 7

Tie! Re-roll.

Theo = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 3 + 3 = 6
Seth = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 3 + 4 = 7
Seth catches the Quaffle.

Adriahna and Finn search for the Snitch.

Adriahna = Search (D6 + Con) = 3 + 2 = 5
Adriahna's search roll is above 5 so she is able to search.

Adriahna = Search = 15
15 is not the Snitch number. Adriahna does not see the Snitch.

Finn searches for the Snitch. Since Finn has a Con of 5 the Search roll will not be rolled.

Finn = Search = 21
21 is not the Snitch number. Finn does not see the Snitch.))

[Carson McGreggor H6]

Carson ate slowly, not really in the mood to eat too much. He always ate very light breakfasts before a Quidditch game, so he wouldn’t get sick or anything from too much food, but he’d be well energized enough to concentrate. Today, Carson was eating at the Hufflepuff table, sitting next to Casey, who was now his girlfriend once more. She’d been pretty on edge lately since deciding she was going to tell the world her big secret, but Carson liked to think that he was doing a decent job at getting her through it. Carson wasn’t exactly sure if Casey would be watching the game, but he hoped she would be. Casey played Quidditch too, so she’d probably want to stay and watch some of the match. Carson pushed his plate out in front of hi when he was finished, stretched quickly, and stood up. “Well, I should probably go get dressed now. Later Case.” He said happily. Sure they were both still dealing with some individual things, but Carson was just happy to have her back in his life most of all. He exited the Great Hall and minutes later, Carson found himself in the Hufflepuff changing rooms getting ready for the upcoming match. The Ravenclaw team always had the best tactics because they were so well thought out, so Carson had to be on top of his game today.

He watched intently and with interest as the balls were released from their imprisoning containers and the captains shook hands. This match would probably nowhere near as exciting as the Gryffindor/Slytherin match, considering the house rivalry between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw was nowhere near as strong as the ongoing and seemingly never ending battle between Gryffindor and Slytherin house. However, he was sure the game ought to be good. He kicked off into the air, glad he was starting during this game. Carson grabbed his beater’s bat and started circling around the pitch trying to locate the two bludgers. Sydney, his other beater in his house and year had already gotten a head start by hitting a bludger at one of the Ravenclaw team members. The Ravenclaw beater failed to defend their team mate, but the Ravenclaw managed to doge the bludger, leaving it flying off toward a Ravenclaw. Out of the corner of his eye, Carson noticed the second bludger flying at top speed toward Seth Wright, their chaser who had just caught the Quaffle, giving Hufflepuff the upper hand. Carson flew as fast as he could toward the incoming bludger, got in front of it, and attempted to block Seth from the deathly enchanted ball.

((attempting to defend Seth))

[Seth Wright]

The first surprise of the day was being told he would be playing as a first-team Chaser with Chace. The second surprise was beating Theo Darke to the Quaffle. So the Ravenclaw was younger, but he was a better Chaser no doubt; it was his first position as well. Seth had not been sure he would snatch the Quaffle from Theo's grasp - had been counting on losing it, really - but to his delightful surprise, a few seconds later his hands were holding onto the ball tightly. Whooping for utter joy in his head, Seth let the celebrations continue for a few seconds in his head before heading for the goals; he knew what he had to do. However, before he knew it, a Ravenclaw Chaser was already flying his way to steal the Quaffle from him. Panicking a bit, Seth's eyes darted around for a get-out clause. Seeing his Captain to his left he yelled, "Ivy!" He was about to chuck the Quaffle at Ivy when he noticed the Bludger heading his way and at the last minute tried to get out of the way. Oh, this was not going to be an easy game.

((Attempting to pass the Quaffle to Ivy and avoiding Celia's Bludger if Carson can't defend me!))

[Theo Darke]

Theo shook his head in self-disappointment. Never mind. Seth had the Quaffle, but only for now. Theo was well aware the gangly Seventh Year had only recently joined the Hufflepuff team and had little experience, especially as a Chaser, since his first position was Keeper. Still, Seth was not to be underestimated or taken advantage of just because he was a newbie. Theo was determined to get that Quaffle back to make up for losing it in the first place fair and square. He raced after Seth's broomstick, the wing howling in his ears. The winter air was cold but Theo's constant movement had warmed him up already. He wasn't fast enough to catch Seth up though, and hoped his fellow Chasers, Ruth and August, would attempt to steal from him. Theo resigned himself to intercepting Seth's pass, if one was made.

((Attempting to intercept Seth's pass and avoiding any Bludgers.))

[Ruth Hosker-Thornhill]

Seth- Ruth didn’t know much about him. He was a newbie to the games, like so many others, but that obviously didn’t hold for much. He reached the Quaffle before Darke and caught it swiftly enough, bringing a low hiss from Ruth. No matter. Someone would merely have to take it from the boy. She noticed Theo speeding up on his trail, but not in the manner to steal, so wasted no time moving forward with the two boys. You have something that belongs to us, Wright… She thought with a light smile as she swiftly sped in front of Theo. Just before Seth made a move to pass to Tunstall Ruth shot forward fiercely, holding nothing back, her determination showing clear in her bright eyes.

((Attempting to steal from Seth, and avoiding any Bludgers...))

[Adriahna Dynes R5]

The higher she got the more the buzzing died down. Eventually all that was left was a small excited rumble from the crowd and jittery excitement coming from the area of the players. Adriahna imagined they were all in it together, not only the Ravenclaws but the Hufflepuffs too. Well, it seemed it wasn’t going to be one of those games that was over before it began, glancing at the Hufflepuff seeker Adriahna noticed that he must not have seen anything either.

Dipping lower in order to look elsewhere Adriahna felt the emotions running high. Hufflepuff had the quaffle, a shame but something their chasers seemed to be trying to rectify. Everyone seemed really busy, a good thing, showed spirit. Seeing a glint of something Adriahna dove into the fray of bodies only to find herself reaching towards a yellow uniform, not the snitch… Withdrawing her hand Adriahna kept a steady eye on the air around her…

((Snitch searching.))

[Finn Miles H7]

Though he tried to maintain a focus on searching for the Snitch, Finn couldn't help but notice Hufflepuff came away with the Quaffle. He cheered loudly, but the cheer faded quickly as he realized he had a task to complete. The one task he needed to set his mind to. He couldn't afford any bits of lapse in attention if he wanted to ensure his success and ultimately the success for his team. Snitch... Snitch... Snitch... he repeated over and over again in his head, attempting to burn the word into his mind so that it might be his only thought.

As the crowd of Chasers around the Quaffle, Finn zoomed high above the bulk of the action. From watching the previous match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, Finn knew to soon expect the majority of the Beater game to revolve around himself and Adriahna. At least it seemed like a fair enough strategy. By keeping the Seekers occupied with Bludgers, both teams would be trying to delay the catching of the Snitch by the opposite side.

Finn wasn't worried about that for now though. As a regular Beater, he was rarely intimidated by Bludgers. Normally, he was the one directing them and searching for them. Plus, he trusted Sydney and Carson to do their jobs. The Hufflepuff team as a whole seemed to all work nicely together, mostly in part to superb leadership abilities of their captains.

Circling the pitch, Finn used his broom handling skills to avoid the other players and make some unexpected turns and dives. If he could keep Adriahna a bit confused about his movements, perhaps she'd have to rely on her own ability to find the Snitch instead of watching for him. He wasn't assuming she'd be watching him the entire time anyways, but he figured if his flight pattern was erratic enough, she might ignore him completely. Then, if he did see the Snitch, she'd be none the wiser.

((Searching for the Snitch.))

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((Carson attempts to defend Seth from Celia’s Bludger.
Celia = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 6 = 7
Carson = Defend (D8 + Str) = 4 + 5 = 9

Carson defends Seth successfully from Celia’s Bludger.

Ruth attempts to steal the Quaffle from Seth.
Ruth = Steal (D4 + Str) = 1 + 5 = 6
Seth = Defend (D8 + Str) = 5 + 1 = 6

Tie! Re-roll.
Ruth = Steal (D4 + Str) = 3 + 5 = 8
Seth = Defend (D8 + Str) = 4 + 1 = 5
Ruth steals the Quaffle from Seth. Ruth has the Quaffle.

Adriahna searches for the Snitch.

Adriahna = Search (D6 + Con) = 4 + 2 = 6
Adriahna's search roll is above 5 so she is able to search.

Adriahna = Search = 24
24 is not the Snitch number. Adriahna does not see the Snitch.

Finn searches for the Snitch.

Finn = Search = 14
14 is not the Snitch number. Finn does not see the Snitch.))

[Sydney Rawson H6]

"Bloody Hell!" Sydney shot out loud as she watched Ruth intercept the quaffle. "You must be kidding me!" She kicked the air as she flew above the game. She watched in somewhat slow motion as Ruth just glided between Ivy and Seth to grab the red ball in mid air. No fights, no scrambling, nothing! Shaking her head Syd leaded on her broom as she shot down the pitch. She was always an outgoing girl, but being in the mid-set of a challenge- she was determined to win this game like it was her job! She was going to get this quaffle free for Ivy, Seth, or Chance to hopefully get a handle on it- at least that was her goal.

Dipping into the game, A black ball was spotted descending in the air toward the grass in the corner of her eye. Syd wasn't about to let this iron ball sit and wait to be played off the grass. This wasn't football! Directing her broom in a sharp motion, she dove to her left to try to match the falling bludger's speed. Eying up the ball she noticed she was soaring faster than the bludger. The wind was blowing her bangs out of her face, to make a clear view for her flight pattern. Subconsciously, she was thankful for the clear view. Laying on her broom, she was a little under twenty feet from the grass below. "Comeon..." she growled to herself as she twisted her broom to ride parallel to the ground, as she found herself flying upside-down under the falling bludger. "YEA!" She shouted as she swung her bat below her feet, hitting the bludger back upward into the game; aiming it at Ruth, flying a few yards above her.

(( Bludger attack on Ruth ))

[Ruth Hosker-Thornhill]

Ah. Everything was as it should be- the Quaffle was in her arms, taken from Seth without much resistance. Ruth smiled to herself as she swiftly sped from the Hufflepuff, imagining his baffled expression staring after her. Theo was nearby and she was pleased that she could be sure of his reliable presence in the game. She hadn’t seen August in the game yet and if he wasn’t there- well then, she couldn’t waste valuable seconds looking for him. This wasn’t a game to her, it was match, and if you weren’t in it to be there and help your teammates then she didn’t see the point in being there at all. She hoped August would show quickly though- the Hufflepuffs wouldn’t let just Ruth and Theo take the Quaffle away without a fight. All three chasers had to be on the ball, quite literally.

It was clear that the yellow-clad players were just as determined to stop Ruth as she would have thought, and she did not fail to see the Bludger coming after her. It came from below, which was both an advantage and a disadvantage- it would be easier for her to dodge and weave past, but she also didn’t want to go much higher than she already was. She scowled in the rough direction of the girl that sent the thing her way before gracefully weaving upwards, hearing the purple beast close behind. Quickly she swerved back down and as she did, she shot the Quaffle forwards in the direction of Theo. It was inevitable that some Hufflepuff chaser would try to steal or intercept, but Ruth launched the ball as securely and with as much force as she could.

((Passing to Theo, dodging Sydney’s attack))