Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff!

[rex]

It seemed like ages since Rex and Billy had played Quidditch together. And although today they were not playing together per se, they would be playing on the same pitch. It was sort of odd to hear the captain's speech from Oscar and not from Cass. Rex vaguely wondered what Cass would do now that she was no longer a student at Hogwarts. Oscar went on and on but Rex was no longer listening. What would he do after Hogwarts? He wanted to be somewhere other than his own home but that would require money. Money. How could he possibly earn some money. Maybe he could put an application in at the Weasleys shop. Rex liked to visit the store and it would be really brilliant if he could make some money for joking around.

These thoughts were travelling in his head as his legs automatically took him to the pitch and took a stance on his broom. It wasn't until he heard Madam Hooch's whistle blow that he realised he was in the air. Reality seemed to slap him in the face as he heard the whistling noise of a Bludger rush by. Sita rushed into the fray and came out with the Quaffle. With any luck she would not be able to hold onto it for much longer.

((Focus Stealing the Quaffle))

[Xavier Smith H7]

Xavier chewed his lip as he watched the Bludger slam into Finn. He tried. He had. In vain. But he tried. What did his teacher in grammar school used to say? ...'"A" for effort'. What bullocks. If that was true, he could have stopped the iron thing. Finn seemed fine however and Xavier put his head back in the game. What to do next? He barely flew a foot from Finn when Xavier noticed not one but two Bludgers headed toward their captain.

((Defending Finn from Melody's Bludger))

[Luna Lovegood]

Ahh... Hogwarts once more. Quidditch, once more.
Luna turned in her seat to face her old Transfiguration teacher, her glittering eyes brighter than ever. "Oh, Professor. Isn't this just wondrous? Such life! Such fun, fun, fun." Her smiled widened ever so slightly. She didn't stop to wonder why Minerva McGonagall did not smile back - in fact, the Headmistress' returning expression was one that suggested she was in physical pain - instead, Luna turned her grin to Professor Hardy happily. It had been Hardy who had approached her in her little shop on Diagon Alley just one week ago, and Hardy who had told her how much Hogwarts, and McGonagall, missed her commentating charm. Luna had happily accepted the invitation to return on as a guest commentator. She had even brought along her old Gryffindor hat just for the game! The majestic red-gold lion hat sat proudly upon her blonde tresses now. Although Hardy had eyed the lion hat with amusement initially, she had agreed with McGonagall when the Headmistresses insisted that Luna silence the roars of the lion. Personally Luna felt this was a poor show of support for Gryffindor from their head of house, but had consented and soon turned her lion mute with a flick of her wand.

Now, a second flick came from her wrist. This time her wand-tip pointed directly at her own throat, and her chirpy voice whispered "Sonorus" gently. Oblivious to McGonagall's cringes behind her, Luna stood up in the commentator's seat proudly.

"Hellooooo, children of Hogwarts!" She found it a little unusual that the majority of the crowds below her fell instantly silent, but continued unabashed. "I am Luna Lovegood." Here, a knowing sigh erupted from the older students in the crowds. Sixth and seventh years who had heard tales of Luna Lovegood exchanged understanding glances, while the lower years begged for information and details. "I was and still am a Ravenclaw. Once upon a time in my fifth year I stood in this very box and spoke out over the ranks just as I do now. It was a Gryffindor Hufflepuff match, just like this one! How funny. Of course back then things were a little different. I took over from Zacharias Smith, you know. I'm sure you all have been told the stories. Nargles were less fierce and Ranky-Dunks were barely non-existant! Imagine that! It wasn't very long ago really, but sometimes when I look at the calendars I wonder where time has..." A familiar tap on her shoulder caused Luna to pause mid-sentence. She turned to see McGonagall, and for a moment felt as if she was in her fifth year once more. She remembered the day very well; her good friend Harry Potter had fallen from his broom and cracked his skull.

"Looo-nah!" McGonagall's voice jerked her aimless thought train and set it back on track. With a little nod, Luna turned back to the match.

"Hmm... well I don't really know anyone. You all look extremely young you know! I think I recognise a few faces... Xavier Smith, that's the little good looking Beater there isn't it Professor? He has grown up quite a bit! Good for you, Xavier, growing is always a positive... sorry? Oh, of course Professor. Right, yes, well, the whistle has been blown. And oh, dear Madam Hooch you look lovely by the way, have you had a hair cut? It suits you very well." Luna paused to scratch her nose here, before returning to the game. "Right well, someone, that pretty Gryffindor Vice Captain, managed to get Finn Miles. I remember Finn... is he Wyatt Miles' brother, Professor? Oh he is! Splendid. Well I hope he lives up to his brother on the pitch... no pressure though Finn, dear. I'm sure you'll do brilliantly today. Although too bad about that Bludger just then. And watch yourself, there's another one coming.

Right, well that very cute little Hufflepuff - Miss Mehadi - is holding the Quaffle now. I've always wondered, is the Quaffle flammable? Don't try it now of course, Sita honey, but maybe in the future... oh, she's trying to shoot! How exciting, and so soon into the game! That tall Keeper might get in your way though. He looks a little clumsy so if I were you I'd try and trick him. Of course it's never nice to trick people, but obviously in a game like this you have to do what you can to get ahead..."

Luna's serene voice trailed off as the giant lion hat fell from her head, tumbling to the floor. Giggling - a sound that echoed right around the stadium, causing a good majority of the crowd to chuckle also - Luna fell to her knees to retrieve it. As she disappeared from sight Minerva McGonagall's disgruntled sigh could be heard faintly over the cheers of the crowd.

[Gavin Armstrong H6]

His bludger flew after a satisfying 'whack' from his bat but then a Gryffindor beater, Melody, got in the way and redirected it toward Finn. Gavin raced after it with a glare at the girl, having read all about her stay in prison from the Daily Prophet he wasn't likely to appreciate her being in the school, never mind allowed to enjoy student privileges like playing in quidditch games. Really, it just didn't make sense to him why they would let her back with the general population after that, someone could get seriously hurt, including her considering he probably wasn't the only upset one. Of course after the briefest of glares Gavin couldn't brood too long, he needed to help Finn out, Xavier had that bludger covered but there was another on it's way. Gavin needed to get that bludger somewhere else, keeper perhaps.

((Defending Finn from Zoey and deflecting to Oscar))

[Rhoswen O'Shaughnessy G5]

Rose was annoyed by the little Hufflepuff that got in her way, making her miss the quaffle and let it fall into Hufflepuff's hands. That was not what she wanted. She was determined to stop the Hufflepuff from scoring at least. It wasn't much, but she needed to do something. She couldn't possibly just let that one girl mark her again and let the one with the quaffle score! It wasn't right and she was determined to make sure it didn't happen. That's why she caught sight of the one girl trying to mark her again...hopefully she would be able to avoid it this time...as long as she could get to the other girl to stop her from scoring.

((Focus on avoiding mark + Marking Sita))

[Finn Miles H7]

It was early in the game, and Finn was surprised to be hit fairly quickly by one of the Gryffindor Bludger attacks. He attributed it to random luck though, and vowed not to let himself be hit again. Plus, this was Xaiver's first match, and Finn was sure that the fellow seventh year wouldn't let that many Bludger's through in the future. Luckily, Gavin had stopped the second Bludger from getting to Finn, allowing him a quick glimpse as Sita attempted to add the first points to the scoreboard. Oscar was quick though, quick enough to give the Quaffle back to Gryffindor and let the game continue.

A more careful eye on the Bludgers, Finn continued to look for the Snitch.

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((Xavier attempts to defend Finn from Melody’s Bludger.
Melody = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 5 + 6 = 11
Xavier = Defend (D8 + Str) = 3 + 5 = 8
Xavier fails to defend Finn from Melody’s Bludger; it continues towards Finn.

Finn attempts to dodge Melody’s Bludger.
Melody = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 6 = 7
Finn = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 2 + 6 = 8
Finn dodges Melody’s Bludger!

Zoey focuses on hitting a Bludger at Finn; Gavin attempts to deflect it towards Oscar.
Zoey = Focus Bludger (D6 + Str + 2) = 2 + 6 + 2 = 10
Gavin = Defend (D8 + Str) = 4 + 6 = 10
Tie! Re-roll.

Zoey = Focus Bludger (D6 + Str + 2) = 2 + 6 + 2 = 10
Gavin = Defend (D8 + Str) = 6 + 6 = 12
Gavin deflects Zoey’s Bludger successfully! There is a Bludger flying at Oscar.

Lyli attempts to mark Rex.
Lyli = Mark (D4 + Dex) = 3 + 6 = 9
Rex = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 7 + 5 = 12
Lyli fails to mark Rex.

Grace attempts to mark Rhoswen, who focuses on avoiding her.
Grace = Mark (D4 + Dex) = 3 + 4 = 7
Rhoswen = Focus Avoid (D8 + Dex + 2) = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6
Grace marks Rhoswen successfully! Rhoswen will suffer a –2 penalty on her moves this round.

Rhoswen attempts to mark Sita.
Rhoswen = Mark (D4 + Dex –2) = 1 + 2 – 2 = 1
Sita = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 6 + 6 = 12
Rhoswen fails to mark Sita.

Rex focuses on stealing the Quaffle from Sita.
Rex = Focus Steal (D4 + Str + 2) = 2 + 3 + 2 = 7
Sita = Defend (D8 + Str) = 6 + 6 = 12
Sita retains the Quaffle.

Sita focuses and shoots; Oscar focuses on defending the goals.
Sita = Focus Score (D6 + Str + 2) = 2 + 6 + 2 = 10
Oscar = Focus Save (D6 + Dex + 2) = 4 + 5 + 2 = 11
Oscar saves the goal! Oscar has the Quaffle.

Danny searches for the Snitch.
Danny = Search = 2
2 is not the Snitch number. Danny does not see the Snitch.

Finn searches for the Snitch. He has 6 Con and so his search rolls will automatically be successful, so I will not bother rolling them this game.

Finn = Search = 8
8 is not the Snitch number. Finn does not see the Snitch.))

[Gavin Armstrong H6]

Gavin's bludger flew at the Gryffindor keeper just fine, but it was going to arrive too late, Sita had thrown the quaffle and Gavin gave a hoot of appreciation, even knowing the bludger wouldn't get there in time to help her out. Unfortunately the keeper caught the quaffle and Gavin meanly hoped his quaffle would harm the keeper enough to incapacitate him next time the Hufflepuffs tried to score. Goodness, what was all this quidditch stuff doing to his head? How could he ever wish to hurt anyone even if it did help Hufflepuff... He would really have to have a seriously talk with Sita after this was over to decide if this was really for him, maybe a different position or something... Gavin really did enjoy playing beater though, he liked to save his friends, even if it was only part of a game. Plus being on a team was super cool, his friend Eric wasn't so sure about Gavin spending so much time at practice and hanging out with a girl (Sita) who he wasn't even snogging but Gavin didn't really care about that that.

While his bludger flew Gavin noticed the bludger flying toward Finn almost clipped him and Gavin flew after it, hopefully it would have better luck with the other team's seeker.

((Hitting the free bludger at Danny again.))

[zoeyshay]

Zoey forwned a bit as her Bludger was delfted. Oh well, she;d have another shot, and she'd be able to show Oscar what she was made of up close when she saw the Bludger was directed toward him. Flying fast toward Oscar and the Chaser action, she could hear the sounds of....Luna Lovegood's voice? She had heard about Luna from older students that remembered her from the time of darkness, when Lord Voldemort was around, and Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger helped defeat him....She smirked remembering the stories, wishing she could have been among the Gryffindors that helped.

Sita, the Vice of Hufflepuff had tried to shoot and Zoey bit her lip. Wait...Wait! Oh! Oscar saved it! Yes! Smirking she raised her bat and swung at the Bludger, yelling a "Great job" toward Oscar. Almost forgetting, she quickly added "Oh! Wacth out for the Bludger!" she nodded yoward the Bludger as she swung. Just in case.

((Defending Oscar and deflecting to Finn.))

[Oscar Flynn G7]

Seeing the younger Hufflepuff flying determinedly towards him shouldn’t have been as intimidating as it was. But Sita had a rather fierce look on her face and for a moment Oscar paused before levelling himself and leaning forward, preparing for her shot. As he concentrated, a serene voice echoing out over the stands reached his ears. It sounded faintly familiar, and he didn’t have to wait long until his speculations were confirmed; it was Luna Lovegood. He couldn’t help but chuckle as her distracted voice danced over the pitch. He was pleased the ex-Ravenclaw had returned to commentate for their game; it would hopefully help raise the team’s spirits on the bitterly cold day.

Returning his thoughts to the Chaser heading his way, Oscar watched every tensed muscle in her body before making a decision. Diving swiftly in the direction he chose, his eyes watched the Quaffle leave her fingertips. It was almost in slow motion, the way it travelled through the air; and landed in his open hands. Yes! From the stands, he heard a familiar male voice shout out an enthusiastic ‘woop’. Instinctively he tucked the Quaffle directly into his chest and turned his broom around sharply. In a moment he had scanned for his Chasers and had made his decision; Rex was closest. Making meaningful eye-contact with his oldest Chaser Oscar brought back the Quaffle and thrust it forward through the air powerfully.

As the heavy ball arched away from him, he noticed another magical sphere in the corner of his eye. Unlike the Quaffle, this ball was heading directly for him. Thanks, Gavin... he scowled and narrowed his eyes. Now he wouldn’t be able to see if Rex received his Quaffle successfully. It wasn’t often that the keeper was targeted by the beaters. Although it was not exactly ideal to have a heavy iron ball heading towards him Oscar was mildly pleased; the Bludgers made Quidditch that little bit more interesting, and, as Oscar also played as Beater, he didn’t really mind dealing with them. He stayed stationary for a moment, letting the Bludger shift a little closer. At the last second he dodged; flying right through his centre hoop. Zoey’s warning call laced through Luna’s dreamy tone as Oscar spun back through his left hoop, hoping his Vice had managed to take the Bludger off his tail.

(Passing to Rex, avoiding Gavin’s Bludger.)

[Melody Bang-Bala G6]

Despite everything, there was something satisfying about the feeling of bat on ball. The intent of the Hufflepuff Beater had been clear to feel in the Bludger that he'd directed at Danny, but Melody had thwarted the attack and there was no denying that there was something exhilarating about it. She wouldn't exactly say that she was enjoying herself, but there was a stirring of some positive feeling. And then she caught the Hufflepuff Beater's glare and it all shrivelled up again. It hadn't been a competitive glare, or a playful glare, but a glare of serious dislike as though she'd committed some weighty transgression to earn his enmity. Yet he was a perfect stranger - there was no personal reason why he should dislike her. She thought she could guess what he was thinking about, and she flushed with discomfort.

And then, to her surprise, she felt indignation rising within her, bitter and angry, like bile in her throat. Why should she accept people who didn't even know her constantly reminding her of the events of the past months? Yes, she knew what they were thinking and she knew that it was a natural response, but... it was so unfair. 'No one ever said life was fair.' Hebe had used to remind her of that a lot. Yeah. But it didn't stop Melody from feeling angry about it. And right now she had a heavy bat in her hand and was quite inclined to increase the frustration of that Hufflepuff in return. He wasn't going to get anything past her...

((Focusing on defending Danny from Gavin's Bludger! Deflecting it towards Finn.))

[Grace Hunter H5]

She got right in her way. Perfect. She got right in the way of Rhoswen just as she tried to mark Sita. She got the feeling that Rhoswen might be irritated, but Grace didn't mind. This was quidditch, and if you couldn't face being closely marked by someone then you should just not play. She caught the image of Oscar capturing Sita's shot on goal. This was quickly disregarded in Grace's mind as she turned sharply on her broom, her eyes narrowed as she searched for Rhoswen. Spotting her, she dropped slightly and shot towards her. Her mind was hopeful, her first game wasn't going as badly as she had originally thought. She just had to keep her focus, keep her adrenaline pumping and she would be successful. As if in answer to this she felt that sensation within her as adrenaline pumped through her veins.

((Marking Rhoswen))

[lyli]

Lyli's hope skyrocketed at she saw Sita shoot.....But then plummeted at the Gryffindor Captain caught the ball. "Nice try, we'll get them next time!" she shouted to Sita, smiling. She hoped they'd get them next time. Taking a moment to see wha was going on, she saw Gavin his a Bludger toward the Gryffindor Seeker, and one of the Gryffindor Beaters rush to save him. Meanwhile, the other Beater, the Vice, was moving to defend their captain. Grace was marking one of the Chasers, so she decided to fo the same. Maybe then, Sita could intercept the Quaffle.

((Marking Rex))

[Danny McKay G5]

Danny looked around and still no Snitch but he could see Finn and luckily he hadn't seen it either. Danny just had to keep searching and just get lucky and see it before Finn, if he could do that chances were could they would be able to win but Finn had been player Seeker for a lot longer then Danny. Danny was sure Finn knew a lot more then him about playing the role and knew more tricks then him. Danny would have to just try his best and find the Snitch first. He kept looking around but the only thing he saw was a Bludger coming right for him. He could tell melody was going to try and block it but he still got ready to dodge it if she missed.

(Searching for the Snitch and dodging the Bludger if I need to.)

[Finn Miles H7]

Finn was momentarily distracted as he was watching the events taking place near the Gryffindor goal posts. He saw Oscar attempting a pass as Gavin sent a Bludger his way. "Nice hit Armstrong!" Finn hollered, pleased with the sixth year's performance so far. From his perspective, Finn could see that Oscar was attempting a pass toward Rex, but it seemed that Grace and Lyli were more concerned with marking the players than getting the Quaffle.

"Go for the Quaffle!" Finn shouted, hoping Sita would hear him. Marking players was great, but you had to be aggressive in order to get the Quaffle back. Had Grace and Lyli ignored all of his training in practice, or were they both just a little nervous in their first match? Perhaps they were just playing with tact though, allowing the more experienced of the three go for the Quaffle while they kept the Gryffindor Chasers at bay. Either way, he was counting on Sita to demonstrate for them how to properly intercept a Quaffle in mid air.

Finn knew he couldn't spend his entire time captaining, and he needed to focus on the Snitch. Otherwise, he'd be neglecting his job, which would mean that whether or not his team was doing theirs would be unimportant if he let Danny get the Snitch first. Pulling hard on his broom's handle, Finn took a higher elevation, allowing a better view of the entire pitch.

((Searching.))

[Sita Mehadi H7]

So close, but Flynn had been a step ahead of her. Sita couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that her fairytale start to the game had ended in an anticlimax. But the one setback wasn't going to dampen her spirits for the rest of the game! Sita watched Flynn carefully; all of the Gryffindor Chasers were open to him for his pass, although her fellow Hufflepuff Chasers were doing their best to get in the way. Through the midst of it all, she heard Finn yelling at them, and she strained her ears to hear, hoping that he wasn't warning her of a Bludger coming her way. But he was just giving them advice on how they should be playing... she could barely believe it! What a time to start lecturing them on tactics, when they were here trying to put them into practice!
"Duh!" Sita yelled back at Finn. "And you find the Snitch!"

Flynn was already releasing the Quaffle and Sita sprang into action, ready to snatch it out of the air. There couldn't be any better training for this aspect of a Chaser's play than being a Seeker; the Quaffle's flight was a lot more predictable, as well. But Rex had spent plenty of time as a Seeker himself... Sita remembered this and put on an extra spurt of speed to try to get into the empty space that the Quaffle was headed for, straining to get there first with the same intensity as she usually reserved for the Snitch!

((Telling Finn to mind his own business and focusing on intercepting Oscar's pass.))

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((Zoey attempts to defend Oscar from Gavin’s Bludger and to deflect it towards Finn.
Gavin = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 6 = 7
Zoey = Defend (D8 + Str) = 5 + 6 = 11
Zoey deflects the Bludger successfully! There is a Bludger flying at Finn.

Gavin hits a Bludger at Danny; Melody focuses on defending Danny and attempts to deflect it towards Finn.
Gavin = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 3 + 6 = 9
Melody = Focus Defend (D8 + Str + 2) = 5 + 6 + 2 = 13
Melody deflects the Bludger successfully! There is a Bludger flying at Finn.

Grace attempts to mark Rhoswen. Rhoswen won’t get her stat points for avoiding because she hasn’t posted.
Grace = Mark (D4 + Dex) = 2 + 4 = 6
Rhoswen = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 8 + 0 = 8
Grace fails to mark Rhoswen.

Lyli attempts to mark Rex. Rex won’t get his stat points for avoiding because he hasn’t posted.
Lyli = Mark (D4 + Dex) = 1 + 6 = 7
Rex = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 3 + 0 = 3
Lyli marks Rex successfully!

Oscar passes to Rex; Sita focuses on intercepting the pass.
Oscar = Pass (D6 + Dex) = 5 + 5 = 10
Sita = Intercept (D4 + Dex + 2) = 1 + 6 + 2 = 9
Oscar passes successfully! Rex has the Quaffle.

Danny searches for the Snitch.
Danny = Search = 18
18 is not the Snitch number. Danny does not see the Snitch.

Finn searches for the Snitch.
Finn = Search = 1
1 is not the Snitch number. Finn does not see the Snitch.))

[Oscar Flynn G7]

Oscar grinned lightly as Zoey successfully defended him from the Bludger; no fancy dodging required. He threw a nod her way. "Thanks, kid." Then his attentions turned to the Quaffle - Rex had caught it fairly swiftly despite Hufflepuff's attempts to claim it for themselves. Eyes still narrowed, the Gryffindor captain kept his gaze trained on the progress of his oldest Chaser, praying one of the girls could escape their Hufflepuff counterparts long enough to receive a pass from him. He also noted that both of the heavy iron Bludgers were speeding towards Finn Miles. So far, this game had definitely been in Gryffindor's favour; he only hoped the good luck would continue.

Casting his eyes momentarily to the sky above him Oscar tracked down Danny, making sure he was not being distracted by other players, or Luna Lovegood's oddly soothing tones as they washed over the pitch. Thankfully the Seeker seemed to be doing his best to search for the Snitch. Willing him to spot it with his mind, Oscar flicked his broom to his centre hoop casually and absently began to weave as he watched his team.

[Clarissa Carter H5]

Clary could hardly see what was going on on the other side of the pitch, but whatever it was it wasn't good for Hufflepuff. In fact she knew it wasn't as she saw the flash of red shoot toward her. A Gryffindor had the Quaffle tucked under their arm and they were headed straight for her. She hoped one of the Hufflepuff Chasers would steal the Quaffle, but if not then she was ready. She wasn't about to let one of those Gryffindors score. She readied herself, watching their movements, hoping to be able to catch the faintest movement. So when they shot for the goals, Clary reached out, hoping her hands would close around the Quaffle.

((Defending goals))

[Rhoswen O'Shaughnessy G5]

If there was one thing that was annoying Rose it was the fact that the Hufflepuff chaser wouldn't get off her back. She was constantly trying to get in her way and that just wasn't okay. In fact it was extremely frustrating and making Rose angry. So perhaps that's why she decided to give the girl a taste of her own medicine. Taking one long look at the Chaser Rose immediately flew to mark her, not even caring what else was going on. She just hoped to hit the girl hard.

((Marking Grace out of spite and annoyance at the previous three times))