Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw!

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

There was a festive mood on the Quidditch pitch this afternoon. It was sunny and the spectators were out in force. An excited blue-clad Ravenclaw contingent were clearly visible, here to support their team. The Gryffindors were being particularly rowdy; their house team had everything to play for after their win over Hufflepuff in the previous game. The Slytherins were adding to the din coming from the stands, making their presence known as a reminder that their team had the lead. A good performance from Gryffindor today would leave Slytherin playing catch-up in their game against Hufflepuff; if Ravenclaw won the game it would make the competition for the Quidditch cup a three-way thing, though with Slytherin in the strongest position. But of course Xiomara would be refereeing entirely impartially... that was a matter of professional pride.

Well, maybe this game would allow both teams to show off their strengths more than their previous games had. Gryffindor had played well in the last game, but had perhaps been fortunate that the game had ended so early, since Hufflepuff had been fielding quite a strong side at the time (whether the demoralised team had shrunk since then, she didn't know - they would see how many of them were brave enough to play against Slytherin). Ravenclaw, on the other hand, had been completely humiliated in their match against Slytherin, but they had a number of new additions to their line-up, so perhaps they would fare better this time. It promised to be an exciting game, with the potential to decide who remained in the running for the Quidditch Cup. She would have to ensure that neither team tried any fouls.

She got the two captains to shake hands. The Gryffindor Captain had sustained an injury during practice and she was under strict instructions from Poppy not to allow him to play, although he was sitting out on the benches in case the need of his team compelled him to play through the pain. She called both Oscar and Zoey Shay, who as Oscar's Vice would be making the decisions for Gryffindor this game, over to shake hands with the Ravenclaw captain, August Reid. All three were familiar faces by now, and, being in a good mood, she smiled at the players indulgently as they mounted their brooms. A peep of her whistle and the game was underway!

((The commentators for this match are Ruby Lehane S7 and Wynd Lehane S7.

The current line-ups are…

Gryffindor

Position – Player – Dex, Str, Con, HP
Chaser - Rhoswen O’Shaughnessy G4 - 6, 2, 6, 7
Chaser - Bradley Jameson G7 - 3, 6, 6, 7
Chaser - Raina Miles G4 - 3, 3, 4, 6
Beater - Zoey Shay G4 - (4+1=)5, (4+2=)6, 4, 6
Beater - Melody Bang Bala G4 - (3+3=)6, 6, (5+1=)6, (6+4=)10
Seeker - Danny McKay G5 - 5, 2, 5, 8
Keeper – Harriet Bacon G6 - 6, 2, 2, 8 *

Reserve Team
Rosaliz Hernandez G5 - 4, 4, 1, 8 Inactive
Oscar Flynn G7 - 2, 2, 4, 7 Inactive
Luis Tares G6 - 2, 6, 6, 6 *
Lenora Byers G7 - 6, 1, 3, 6 *

Ravenclaw

Chaser - Woodrow Winchester R3 - 2, 6, 2, 6
Chaser - Andrew Hindley R3 - 1, 2, 2, 6 *
Chaser - Adriahna Dynes R5 - 4, 4, 3, 6 *
Beater - Olivia Tate R4 – 4, 3, 2, 8 *
Beater - Matthew Dorm R3 - 3, 3, 6, 8
Seeker - Williard Thoth R3 - (4+1=)5, 3, 5, 7
Keeper - Ephraim Eades R7 - 6, (3+1=)4, (3+1=)4, 7

Reserve Team
August Reid R6 - (4+2=)6, (3+1=)4, (4–1=)3, (7–3=)4
Celes Sorrenson R5 - 4, 3, 6, 6
Anna Monkshood R5 – 3, 4, 5, 7 *

*Harriet, Adriahna, Luis, Lenora, Andrew, Olivia and Anna are temporary players and will not earn XP points this match.

Gryffindor 10
Ravenclaw 0))

[Matthew Dorm R3]

They were greeted onto the large pitch that afternoon to an overwhelming roar as the crowds spirits reached its peak. The Gryffindors calls and whistles were full of confidence and pride, their last victory knocking their already high confidence up another considerable notch. Matthew hoped that this would play to their advantage today. Admittedly, Ravenclaws opposition today were well led, with a skillful captain and an equally high potential vice. However, August and his team were focused and undoubtedly determined. Some strong players, and a sense of confidence and focus meant that as they mounted their brooms ready to shoot into action, the electricity in the air was like fireflies.

With a snap like a gun, all the players flew into action at once, a large blur of blue and red as there was the familiar lunge from the chasers to get their hands on the quaffle first. His eyes narrowed as he twisted around the scramble, shooting off in the opposite direction, speeding after a loose bludger that was heading skywards. Reaching it, he tested his broom around, getting a clear shot on the bolt of red that was Danny. With determination swelling through his body, his bat met the bludger, sending it hurtling through the air towards the Seeker.

((Hitting bludger towards Danny!))

[Melody Bang-Bala G6]

The inevitable struggle through the hours, days, weeks and months continued, nightmarishly slow, empty, devoid of laughter and joy. Only in the few moments of forgetfulness did her spirits truly lift, at some cause for happiness, in gladness for something good that had happened to one of her very few friends. The aftermath of those moments was worse than the tedium of despair, as the crushing load of tragedy that she bore with her rose fresh in her mind and rebuked her for living a second of her life happily. How could she ever be truly happy again, after her family unit had imploded, and Hebe, the closest thing she had to a sister, had first betrayed her and then given up on her, and on this life, forever? From where Melody stood, there didn't seem to be any way out from this tunnel of misery, no pinprick of hope in the darkness.

There was still Quidditch. She didn't know why she still played. Maybe because she had so much respect for the way that Zoey, a fellow fourth year, handled herself as the Vice Captain of the team, and even if she could never count her amongst her close friends (however wistful that thought made her), Melody wouldn't want to let her down by quitting the team at this critical stage in the Quidditch season. Wasn't every stage in the season critical, though, to be honest? So it didn't look like she was going to stop playing anytime soon. She weighed her Beater's bat in her hand, resisting the urge to swing it around in a militaristic fashion. Bludgers were the only things she'd ever hurt people with, even though most of the school would have told you otherwise. And it made her physically nauseous to do it. But without Cassandra, Melody's personal heroine, here to protect her from the role, she was too shy to say anything about it so she was stuck in the role that she was too good at for her own good. She was nervous.

The teams lined up and Melody remembered that Matt was going to be playing against her today. At least one person on the field who wouldn't be worrying that she'd kill him, then. Though it was actually likely to make her more competitive... after all, how many times had the two of them discussed Beater tactics? The game had barely started and Matt had already hit a Bludger at the Gryffindor Seeker... not that Melody didn't approve, but she wasn't about to let him get away with those sorts of tactics. She caught her friend's eye briefly and gave a jerky, half-amused, half-strained smile - about as good as they got nowadays - as she flew right up to Matt's Bludger, preparing to give it a good thwack in another tactical direction.

((Defending Danny from Matt's Bludger and deflecting it at the Ravenclaw captain!))

[Bradley Jameson]

Today was a good day. Bradley could feel it in his bones; from the moment he'd woken up this morning, spring sunshine on his face, to slipping into his Quidditch gear with the roar of the crowd in his ears. He was itching to climb aboard his broom and begin, the pulse of adrenaline soaring through his body. There was no better feeling than flying, than playing Quidditch; this unbeatable fire in the pit of his belly. He had to suppress his grin as he walked out onto the pitch with his teammates, choosing instead to frown slightly against the glare of the light and the hundreds of faces surrounding them with eagerness. Bradley's eyes were automatically drawn to the Gryffindor stand, where he sought out familiar dark hair; finally his eyes found Colin and Angel standing together, wrapped in red and gold, and waved back as he did before every match.

Bradley glanced back at Santiago standing beside him, ready to take on the Ravenclaws, before looking up at the Ravenclaw stand. Katie had injured her about a week ago, and was out of action for her team, much to her fury, but she was there, in her stand, already cheering furiously. Bradley was somewhat relieved Katie would not be playing today; she was a scary woman both on and off the pitch, but there was no doubt that she was at her worst when competitive. Bradley knew it was wise to avoid her altogether, and now he could win without the constant presence of her in the air. Katie was not so much a sore loser, but during competition she was deadly.

Bradley himself was extreme when playing against Slytherin; he was mildly competitive with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, but with his hatred of Slytherins came an stronger determination to win. Bradley got into position as the Captains shook hands, and then they were in the air with a pip of the whistle. Bradley wasted no time adjusting to his surroundings, scoping out his opponents as well as his teammates. He was by far the oldest and most experienced of the Gryffindor Chasers, being a seventh-year compared to the two fourth-year girls, but he was also the slowest; strength, not speed, was Bradley's forte, and he was hoping the girls would take the initiative to snatch the Quaffle as quickly as possible whilst he held off the offence. August, the Ravenclaw Captain, was probably the best Chaser with his experience, and Bradley knew he had to defend against him. Straight away he was by the younger boy's side, broad body ready to shove him aside so he would be unable to reach the Quaffle.

((Blocking August.))

[zoeyshay]

The letters, visits in Hogsmeade, the feeling of being watched and the slight paranoia that ran inside of Zoey's head almost all the time, were dulled out and almost not even there when it came to Quidditch. Feeling much like herself when she thought of this, and feeling happier than she had in a while, she found her mind focusing strictly on Quidditch, and with the match today, her spirits were high. The last game against Hufflepuff went well, very well. Hell, she had even hit a Bludger successfully at the Seeker and Captain, and the third of fourth (she lost count) first time SeekerS, Danny, had caught the Snitch against the experienced Finn Miles, ending the game early in a Gryffindor triumph. And with the way Slytherin had demolished Ravenclaw in the last game, chances and hopes were in favor of Gryffindor.

"Play hard and good luck today," she called out before the game began, a smile worn on her pink cheeks and her black curls held in a high ponytail. "and let's show this birds what lions can do in the sky!" she shouted, smiling, nodding, and walking out onto the pitch. Before she knew it, she was shaking hands, looking straight into the eyes of the Ravenclaw Captain, August, and shaking hands firmly. Zoey felt so powerful, like a Queen, as she looked over the pitch onto her players, and shaking the other Captain's hand firmly. So this is how Cass and Oscar felt. She felt in control and natural, staring onto the pitch and then again into the eyes of her fellow rival. A part of her squirmed inside, knowing that a thousand or so eyes were on her and August alone. They were up front and in charge. A part of her wanted Oscar to get better, or at least being allowed to play to get some of the pressure off her shoulders.

The other part of Zoey enjoyed and soaked up every part of it. She was important, needed, and in the game. She felt like a star, up high in the sky, almost untouchable. The whistle blew and she veered off the the right sharply, smirking a good luck to young Matt. They were both Beaters going head to head. Matt was heading toward one Bludger and Zoey had her eyes on the other. Leaning close to her broom, she flew faster, gripping her familiar bat in hand and swinging at the pesky ball. She glanced around, spotting a near-by flurry of blue, and aimed.

((Hitting the other Bludger at Willard.))

[Raina Miles G5]

It was a sunny day. That meant a great day for quidditch. There would be no mean skies, angry rain, or dark thunderclouds to ruin this game. No siree! It would be clear sailing for a Gryffindor win! After a filling breakfast, Raina enthusiastically made her way down to the pitch. Even though she had sworn never to play quidditch while at school, she couldn't help but admit that it was in her blood. Raina loved to feel the blowing wind in her as she chased after the quaffle. She couldn't fight her love of the game anymore.

Zoey gave the team some encouraging words before they headed out on the pitch. From the side, saw the two captains shake hands formally. Both teams soon snapped into the air eager to face off.

((trying to catch the quaffle))

[August Reid R7]

Breakfast kept trying to swim up-steam as August walked to the locker rooms with the rest of his team. They were crushed during the Slytherin match so hopefully today would be a little better. August looked around the locker room at his teammates. Truthfully, he would rather have more people on the team but unfortunately, Ravenclaw was known for their academic ability rather than their athletic skills. August recalled he wasn't going to join the team when the captain at the time, Jasmine, asked him to join. Now look at him! Standing in front of the team about to give a captain's speech. It had happened so quickly that August was unsure how he became captain. One minute he was the vice and the next Theo was telling him he was the captain. How did that happen?

Clearing his throat he caught the attention of the rest of the team. "I'm not so good at these things. You know, pep talks. I often like to think about the past and not remember that we have a future to live. But we can't let the past rule our lives. We have to play our best today and that's all I can really ask. Woodrow, Adriahna, and I must work together. Celes and Matt, I'm afraid I've put you against Melody, probably one of the best Beaters out there. I know we can outsmart her though. E, I know that Keeper is not your first position but I have faith that you'll be a great Keeper. And Williard, just do your thing. Oh," he added with a smirk, "Let's have fun also."

Ravens burst out from the locker rooms to a sunny pitch full of loud spectators. August had learned that Wynd and Ruby Lehane would be commentating on the game which could work for Ravenclaws favor. Slytherins were notorious for their dislike of Gryffindor. Not that August really blamed them. August had no taste for the lions either. They were arrogant and opinionated. Just because Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom were from their house. If Gryffindor won today, August would never hear the end of it. There was no way that Ravenclaw could win the Quidditch cup but if Ravenclaw won today then Gryffindor would not win either. That thought made a smile appear on his face as he walked to the center of the pitch were Madam Hooch made him shake hands with Zoey and Oscar. August knew Oscar a little through Theo and wished that he was playing in the game. It can't be helped.

August gave one last smile at his team and they got in position. He did all he could. The rest was up to Fortuna.

((Catching the Quaffle))

[Celes Sorrenson R6]

This would be her first game with the team and Celes could not be more elated. Whatever the outcome, she would have fun. And she need some fun. Fifth year was not a good year for her. The professors seemed to be deadly worried about the O.W.L.s and would not let them forget about the upcoming tests for a second. A game in the air on her broom would let her forget about the academic world. Just for a second. Apparently she would have no time to think as right off the bat something was happening.

((Defending Williard, Deflecting to Raina))

[Rhoswen O'Shaughnessy G5]

OOC: Will edit upon my return from work.


((Blocking Woodrow))

[Ephraim Eades R7]

Keeper? Ephraim didn't even bother to ask why. Truthfully, he could have cared less. Yes, he was normally more adept with a bat in hand and the freedom to chase the cursed Bludgers all around the pitch, but he wasn't about to question his captain. If August wanted him to play Keeper, Ephraim was fine with that. Surely there was a method to this madness.

The game was shortly underway, and instantly Ephraim felt an urge to join in on the Bludger action. He knew it wouldn't be easy to keep his mind off of the black masses and on the red instead. He'd just grown to instinctively follow the Bludgers with his eyes, not the Quaffle. Today might prove a good test of his ability to concentrate.

Flying close to the hoops, he waited patiently, eyes still darting occasionally to the action surrounding the Beaters. E let out a sigh.

((Defending hoops.))

[Williard Thoth R4]

"Okay," Williard breathed to himself as he flew around the Pitch searching for the Snitch. He kept his mind steady as he seemed to be slightly flustered; his focus was just a little off today. But he knew once he got into it, he would be alright. Since playing the position of Seeker, he had yet to catch the Snitch in an official game, so today, he hoped for the best.

((Snitch searching, Bludger Dodging))

[Madam Xiomara Hooch]

((Matt hits a Bludger at Danny; Melody attempts to deflect it towards August.
Matt = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 4 + 3 = 7
Melody = Defend (D8 + Str) = 8 + 6 = 14
Melody deflects the Bludger successfully! There is a Bludger flying at August.

Zoey hits a Bludger at Williard; Celes attempts to deflect it towards Raina.
Zoey = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 6 = 7
Celes = Defend (D8 + Str) = 1 + 3 = 4
Celes fails to deflect the Bludger; it continues towards Williard.

It is assumed that Celes would warn Williard to dodge the Bludger.
Zoey = Bludger (D6 + Str) = 1 + 6 = 7
Williard = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 5 + 5 = 10
Williard dodges Zoey’s Bludger!

Bradley attempts to block August.
Bradley = Mark (D4 + Dex) = 2 + 3 = 5
August = Avoid (D8 + Dex) = 7 + 6 = 13
Bradley fails to mark August.

Raina and August race to catch the Quaffle.
Raina = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 6 + 3 = 9
August = Catch (D6 + Dex) = 1 + 6 = 7
Raina has the Quaffle!

Williard searches for the Snitch. Due to his high Con score, his search rolls will automatically be more than 5, so I won’t bother rolling them this game.
Williard = Search = 23
23 is not the Snitch number. Williard does not see the Snitch.))

[Melody Bang-Bala G6]

Her bat made satisfyingly solid contact with the Bludger and it hurtled off on her chosen course. "Hmm," she said to herself, vocalising her pleasure at the Bludger contact. It was nice to know that she was in good practice. But that had just been the one Bludger... the other one was free, and if Matt was intending to employ 'target-the-Seeker' tactics all game, she had other ideas to keep him busy. Maybe they could check how good Eades was at dealing with Bludgers when he didn't have a Beater's bat in his hand?

((Hitting the free Bludger at Ephraim!))

[August Reid R7]

So close. He was so close to the Quaffle and she just had stolen in from him. This did not bode well for him. Already he could sense that he was losing control of the situation and the game had just started. It was just his imagination running wild. The game was still young. There would be many points in the game where he could still redeem himself. He just had to stay focused.

Subbing Anna IN as Chaser, Woodrow OUT

((Marking Raina, Dodging Bludgers))

[Celes Sorrenson R6]

Rolling her eyes she tried not to let the Bludger heading onward to Williard to discourage her. It was hard not to. Williard easily dodged it so it was easy to shrug off and continue the game with a smile. Quidditch was for fun. There was no real point to it. Whoever won today would have no sway over whether the sun rose tomorrow or not or whether the days would get longer. In fact, this day would probably be forgotten after a few months. This day was about fun.

((Defending Ephraim))

[Matthew Dorm R3]

OOC - Is the bludger that Melody deflected towards August still going towards him, or did it miss? I will post this under the assumption that it is still flying towards him.

A soft 'thwack' echoed in Matt's ears in response to his attempted attack on the Gryffindor seeker. Melody, a close friend, and an individual who did not deserve the slightest bit of the troubles she was facing, was skilled in her position. Matt's only hope was, as August had wisely encouraged him, to try and outsmart her.

He threw Melody a competitive grin before hurtling off in the direction of the deflected bludger, heading towards August. Matt roared loudly as he skillfully avoided a collision withhim, arcing around him and propelling himself forwards to deflect the oncoming bludger towards Gryffindors seeker once more.

((Focusing on Defending August from Melody's bludger and deflecting it towards Danny, the Gryffindor seeker!))

[Raina Miles G5]

Raina grabbed the quaffle. A bit surprised that she got right off, she almost hesitated. Hoping to dodge bludgers on her way, she headed towards the goals.

((I'm sorry guys. I'm trying to get ready for work! Sorry so short. I will edit more later. I can't remember if I can try to score this round, but can I try? I don't know chaser rules that well! I will edit later if I can't!)

[Bradley Jameson]

"Yes!" Bradley shouted triumphantly as Raina swept to the Quaffle seconds before August. All three Gryffindor Chasers flew close together as they headed towards the goals. The Ravenclaw Chasers were having none of it though, as expected, and Raina was soon set upon by the opposition's Beaters and Chasers alike. "Raina! Pass!" Bradley yelled across the gulf of air between them, arms held out as he tried to hold Adriahna Dynes from Ravenclaw off from blocking Raina's way. "I'm open!"

((Blocking Adriahna (if Rhoswen could block August please!) and open for a pass!))

[Williard Thoth R4]

Williard steadied himself on his broom as he had just dodged a Bludger. He had no idea who had hit it at him, and he didn't care very much. All that mattered was that he dodged it. All that mattered to him at the moment was dodging Bludgers, and the Snitch.

((Snitch searching, Bludger dodging.))

[zoeyshay]

Zoey smirked, seeing the blue Beater try and fail at deflecting her Bludger she sent toward the young Seeker. She bit her lip, slowing her ferocious pace and watching for a potential early hit she sent toward him. Coming... Coming... NO! Zoey heard the "awhs" of the crowd as Willard had swerved and dodged the Bludger as if it were a pesky little ball. Well, it was a pesky ball, but it was far dangerous to blow off like that. She sighed and turned her head when she saw her fellow fourth year, Melody, speed toward the now free Bludger. In her new view of the field, she glanced, seeing her other fellow fourth year, Raina, had the Quaffle, successfully diving and catching it when put up against the Ravenclaw captain. What could she say? The girl had Quidditch written in her genes...It must be hereditary.

A small frown appeared on her lips, seeing that the other Bludger that Melody sent had been , or rather was going to be deflected by young Matt. A small smile crossed her lips, happy in a way, seeing how far little Matthew had gone in the world of Quidditch. "Matt Matt, Matt...Playing the Seeker game, eh?" she said, seeing him eye the Danny. "Danny, Danny, Danny! Watch out!" she shouted, warning him as she got close enough. She noticed that she was a little to far ahead of herself there... "Danny, you're out, Lenora's in. Sorry." she patted him on the back, calling to Hooch her actions.

((Defending Danny, deflecting to August.

Subbing Danny out for Lenora.))