Pre-Season Jitters ((August))

[Adriahna Dynes R5]

Fall was here and Adriahna was prickling with excitement. The cooler weather brought with it drafts in the castle which made all the students cringe, but it also meant quidditch. All summer Adriahna had played with her cousins, practicing as seeker usually and chaser when they were short on players and so cut the seeker out. Last year she had spent some time as keeper on the Ravenclaw team, and they had put her in as beater as well once or twice, but she didn’t feel those really worked for her. Keeper was okay, but not in the action enough really. Chaser though, that worked, that worked quite well.

However, seeker was still her favourite, and that was why she was in the field with a snitch that day. Adriahna had hauled out her quidditch balls and broom in order to do some pre-team practice, make sure she was in top form. The day was crisp and clear, about 12 degrees Celsius so Adriahna had a sweater on, knowing she would probably pull it off as soon as she really got into the game. Adriahna was never quite as into quidditch as some she knew, but darn if she wasn’t her very best at everything she did. Plus it was just a great day for it, with a few clouds here and there to block the sun from her eyes but generally a sunny disposition about the air.

Adriahna parked herself at an oak tree by the lake and got on her broom, intending to take a few laps before releasing the little golden ball. A few feet above the ground Adriahna found herself on the verge of laughing, just from the flying sensation. Really, it was like nothing else in the world, heck it didn’t even seem to be of the world, it was like the world just let you go for a moment, time and responsibility and everything else just slipped away. The breeze rushed through her hair and Adriahna closed her eyes, for a moment really believing the world had stopped turning just for her.

More relaxed than she had been all week Adriahna landed by her balls and started looking through them when her attention was caught. On the other side of the lake there were about 3 girls, probably first or second years, watching her. Likely first years who were taking flying class soon, and therefore quite intrigued and probably nervous about the whole process. Not used to that kind of attention Adriahna waved a them before turning back to the matter at hand…

[August Reid R7]

August took out his ruler once again. He must have measured wrong. Surely his essay was two feet and not really one foot and eleven inches. Much to his dismay, his initial measurement was correct. He was an inch away from being finished. It felt like he had spent most of last evening and the morning trying to finish the stupid essay for Astronomy. He usually procrastinated until the last moment to do his work but he felt motivated to finish this essay early. But he was done. There was no more that he could write. Adding a few more sentences to get to two feet would change his conclusion and then he wouldn't feel satisfied. Of course, the professor would not be satisfied that August had turned in an essay that was only one foot and eleven inches. Then again, would a professor really go through all the trouble of measuring the essays?

August was zoning out pondering whether or not it was worth it to try and squeeze another inch from his brain when something or rather someone passed through his field of vision. August looked up and focused on the person walking toward the common room exit. It was Adriahna Dynes, a fellow fifth year and Quidditch player. She was dressed as if to go outside and she was carrying her broom with her. Maybe she was going to fly around a little. What a great thing to do. August watched her disappear and stared at the door that separated the common room from the rest of the castle. He made a decision and began stuffing his quill and parchment into his bag he ran upstairs to his dorm room. He dumped his bag on his bed and grabbed a jacket and his broom. Hopefully, Adriahna wouldn't mind if he tagged along. He needed some sort of break from his essay. He would write another inch but he needed to get away from it or he would burn it.

Racing down the stairs he didn't catch up to her. That was all right, as he burst through the Great Doors he flying near an oak by the lake. He stopped for a second to catch his breath. This was rather spontaneous of him but that just excited him. He had not flown in a while and could not practise Quidditch all summer long so he was happy for a chance. Gryffindor and Slytherin were playing each other in the next few weeks which most likely meant that Ravenclaw would be playing Hufflepuff soon after. August had done rather poorly in the previous game and he wanted to do better this season. August watched as Adriahna landed and headed toward what he could only assume were Quidditch balls. She glanced in his direction and waved. Caught off guard he waved back but quickly realised that she was not waving at him. He looked over his shoulder and saw that there were some young girls watching Adriahna fly.

August could feel his face blush from the realisation. By now he had approached the other Ravenclaw and hoped his face had returned to its normal colour. "Hey Adriahna," he called to her. "I saw you come down from the common room with your broom and I thought you might be flying so I thought I might join you. If you don't mind," he quickly added with a smile. "I could use some practise with my Keeper skills."