Saul Pierce
May 31, 2008 12:14 PM
Pecari Try-Outs (First Years Welcome) by Saul Pierce
Shortly after telling Elly and Echo that the Cravens would be getting the try-outs arranged in the next few days, the seventh year twins made a liar of him. Instead of arranging everything themselves, Saul found himself in charge of booking the pitch, putting up the notice, and even running the try-outs.It was all supposedly part of his 'training' for next year, but Saul secretly suspected they just liked bossing him around.
So he'd gotten permission to use the pitch. He put up the notice informing Pecari of their impending try-outs. And now they were all here, on the Pitch, and because the Cravens were waiting expectantly for him to start things off, so was everyone else.
Right. So. Running a Quidditch try-out. Saul looked at the sign-up sheet in his hand, and then at everyone gathered around. "Welcome back to everyone who's been on the team before, and welcome for the first time to everyone else. I'm Saul Pierce, the Assistant Captain, and those two there are Sorrel and Ash Craven, the actual Captains. But they're graduating next year so they're just overseeing today. Um."
He glanced down at the sheet again. "So we've got one first year listed here and I think a few others who showed up. Unfortunately, you're not allowed on the team, but we are unofficially letting any first years attend the practices if they want to." He grinned and winked conspiratorially at the younger looking kids gathered around, "Just don't go telling Coach Fox or Professor Connell, right?"
"Anyway, for second years and older, we've got try-outs for the first string today. If you were on the team last year, you've still got to re-earn your spot. Due to Captain privileges, though, there are no beater spots open. So I need people to divide out into the other positions. "Irene and Elly, you're the two signed up for Seeker, so here," he tossed a bright yellow golf ball at Elly. "You two are going to be tossing that around. Try to throw it so the other one can't catch it easily. I'll give you guys a real snitch a little later."
"For Keeper, I've got Stephen and Raoul." Saul gave Raoul a slightly apologetic look. The new second year really didn't stand much chance against the experienced seventh year. "You'll each be taking a set of goals." He pointed out toward each side of the Pitch. "Guard them like you would in a game."
"Chasers - that's everybody else, including the first years, you'll be dividing up into teams and playing like in a normal game except there's only going to be one bludger out. Each team will have a Craven beating for them." He'd thought long and hard about that part, but given Pecari's past history with Bludgers, the ability to avoid them was really something that had to play into the selection process. "Before I assign Chaser teams, who do we have that's not on the sign-up sheet?"
Subthreads: Back in the air! by Irene Liddowe with Elly Eriksson, Irene
I'm here! by Kyler Kent with Mark Johson, Kyler, Mark Jones
Try-out continued by Saul Pierce with Caedence, Mark Johnson, Kyler Kent
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Saul Pierce
Pecari Try-Outs (First Years Welcome)
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Saul Pierce
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Irene Liddowe
May 31, 2008 8:43 PM
Back in the air! by Irene Liddowe
Nerves weren't something that normally affected Irene too badly. Not when it came to Quidditch try-outs at least. At the moment, however, she was finding herself in a slight panic-mode. She wanted so badly to get a spot on the team with all of her fellow Pecari's. Last year she had movtivated to prove Dad wrong. This year she was doing it for herself. That was why she liked to play game: because it made her happy, not because she needed to prove something. Quidditch practices were wearing, but the workout was a challenging thrill. As tiring as they may be, Irene loved the intensity of the workout. Her muscles may be screaming for a break, but there was nowhere else she would rather be than in the air. Now that try-outs were here, Irene felt her stomach turn to knots. She wasn't exactly nervous, but the anticipation was driving her insane. The pressure of the try-out, her wanting of a spot on the team, and a partially self-doubt. If she hadn't been good enough for the past two years, what was saying that she would be this year?Her hair was in a ponytail, her lucky yellow t-shirt was out of the drawer on pulled over her head. She was ready to go. Irene grabbed her Blurr 3000 broom, her knuckles white on the handle. Okay, so maybe it wasn't anticipation. Maybe it was nerves. Lots of nerves. Air. She needed air. Irene ducked out of the dorm and made her way towards the path to the pitch. A mix of excitement and nerves was racing through her veins. The fresh air blew through her hair, loosening the knots in her stomach slightly. Just the outdoor air was helping her, making her even more anxious to get oon her broom. She reached the pitch and saw the many framiliar faces awaiting the try-outs. Seeing all of her friends reduced her nerves even more, almost leaving them at the Pitch entrance. Almost. Irene grinned at them and made her way to the group. To her surprise, rather than the Craven's kicking off the year, Saul stood in front of them and began. Irene was one part proud of Saul and one part sad to see the Cravens in their last year.
"Irene and Elly, you're the two signed up for Seeker, so here. You two are going to be tossing that around. Try to throw it so the other one can't catch it easily. I'll give you guys a real snitch a little later." Irene looked over to Elly and grinned, glad that the try-out was feeling much more normal now that she was here. Nerves just weren't like her. Best to leave them in the dorm. Irene made her way to stand next to her favorite red-head, still paying attention to what Saul was saying. She couldn't wait to get in the air... She couldn't wait to prove to herself that she was good enough for the team.
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Irene Liddowe
Back in the air!
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Irene Liddowe
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Elly Eriksson
June 01, 2008 12:36 PM
We thrive on this by Elly Eriksson
As per usual for any Quidditch try out (or game), Elly had woken up earlier than usual and done several stretching exercises to prepare herself for what could be several long hours on a broom. She jogged down to the pitch in plenty of time, dressed in green joggers and a white vest top. In one hand she clutched the Shock X200 broom Josiah had given to her last Christmas; that gift had been her dream come true. Its cherry wood handle was waxed and polished until it shone, and each straw in its brush was clipped with perfect precision, to maximize speed and minimize drag. The cushioning charms were state of the art, and the wonderful broom seemed to respond almost to Elly's thoughts - all a fantatsic improvement on the school broom that hadn't cornered at all well following its several run-ins with bludgers in that game against Aladren.Elly had been surprised to learn that the Cravens were giving a lot of their duties to Saul this year, though she supposed it made good sense to break him in, so to speak. Still, she was amazed when she realised Saul was going to be running the tryouts, too. He was going to have to do it next year all by himself, so Elly gave him her widest grin and a thumbs-up before they started.
Some of the newbie hopefuls were so small. Elly couldn't believe she'd ever been that small. But then she probably hadn't - she probably looked like that really tall girl newbie (and wow it felt weird to not know the first years by name already). It was great that some new kids were ineterested, and similarly fabulous that Pecari always gave everyone the chance to try out. Sure, the captains Craven often put the same players through anyway, but allowing everyone to try out was much better than the way some of the other houses played Quidditch - they just filled open spaces, letting all the old members in automatically. While that was a pleasing sentiment, Elly knew that not all players improved with practise, but on the other hand, some got far better over the years. In short, holding old players might be jeopardising a team's chances. Well, Elly could only hope that was the case. All the better for Pecari!
Saul was doing a great job starting the practise up. He was going to have a hell of a job next year trying to replace the Cravens with beaters even half so good (though Elly still resented the captains allowing bludgers to hit her twice so far, she couldn't deny they were good at their job). For now, though, he just had to decide who would be chasers and Seeker. Elly grinned back at Irene as they were told to practise together. She caught the ball Saul threw in her direction (it would have been awfully embarrassing if she'd missed it) and sidled away from the others.
"Just you and me, hey," she said to Irene, flinging an arm around her friend's shoulder. Irene was almost as tall as Elly was herself, and that was another unusual feature of the Pecari team; neither potential Seeker was of the traditional Seeker build. Zack and Jen were both tiny, and that blonde girl who'd played in Kaylie's place had been a minute little creature, too. Of course, Elly believed that she was up to the job, and her new schedule of cramming at least four practises into each week would only improve her performance. The trouble was, she knew Irene was a fairly able player, too, and just as eager for the position. "Come one, I'll race you up there."\r\n\r\n
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Elly Eriksson
We thrive on this
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Irene
June 03, 2008 8:18 PM
Is there anything else? by Irene
Irene grinned back at her friend's warm greeting, tossing an arm around her shoulders as well. She loved just having fun with her friends. That was why she loved Quidditch. It was the ultimate entertainment for a group of friends. The best part about the Pecari try-outs was the lack of interteam tensions. They were all friends and/or at least accepting to those new guys who were trying their luck. Irene shouldered her broom, feeling her nerves almost completely quelmed."You and me," she replied, "This should be fun."
There was no doubt in her mind, Elly was definitely a great player. She had been the starting seeker for, was it two years now? After their converstation in Cascade, it was clear that both of them would die for a spot on the team. Of course, there would be no hard feelings after the list was posted, but both were sure as hell going to try their hardest to make sure it was their name on the list. Irene had been practicing with the twins over the summer, making sure she stayed in shape. Irene had the detrmination to be on the team and she was pretty sure that she wasn't a bad player. Her skinny build wasn't exactly a negative when she was trying out for seeker either.
"Come on, I'll race you up there." Irene's thoughts were brought back to the pitch by Elly's words and it took her a second before she realized that she should probably get on her broom. Irene grinned and mounted her broom, kicking off towards the mass of red hair flying in front of her. Heading into the air left whatever was left of her nerves on the ground. Who cares if she didn't make it? She just wanted to fly right now! Irene kicked her broom to speed, letting the wind blow her bangs out of her face, breathing in the sweet clean air that only came at Quidditch altitude. The air was different when she was flying, almost as if it had a secret that only the players could share. Irene's trust Blurr had soon made up for that lost second on the ground and was now beside Elly. Irene looked over at her friend, sticking her tongue out as they neared the seeking level. Irene did her best to stay equally beside Elly as the race came to its finishing point.
"God, I missed being up here with you guys!" Irene said as she leveled out. "Something about being on this field makes it so much more fun!"
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Irene
Is there anything else?
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Irene
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Kyler Kent
June 03, 2008 8:38 PM
I'm here! by Kyler Kent
Okay, so Kyler wasn't one hundred percent sure that he was "Quidditch Material" or however you wanted to say it. Flying Lessons had been an aboslute blast though! It may be the one class he passed this year. It wasn't until Saul had (repeatedly) suggested that he try-out for the first year team that Kyler actually considered it. Why not? Flying was fun. He liked it. So why shouldn't he take advantage of an opportunity to have more fun? He had written Mom home about it that week. She had replied, short and sweet, "Get on a broom or I'm taking your climbing boots this summer." Okay. Point made. It was worth a try. Kyler threw on a green t-shirt, not really caring that they clashed with blue gym shorts he was wearing. After a quick warm-up set of jumping jacks and a quick comb through his brown hair, Kyler left the dorm and headed towards the pitch.Kyler reached the field and spotted Saul at the front of the group. He gave him a large wave and jogged up to the rest of the (much taller) group. Kyler couldn't help but feel like a first-year as he stood around them. Saul began speaking and Kyler looked around. Dude, Saul was like Captain in Training! Cool. "So we've got one first year listed here and I think a few others who showed up. Kyler took the time to raise a hand in hello. Unfortunately, you're not allowed on the team, but we are unofficially letting any first years attend the practices if they want to." Wicked. They were illegally trying out! That was so dangerously fun! Just then though, a thought stuck Kyler. What position was he trying out for? Beater... Nah, not so much for him. Keeper sounded cool. So did Chaser. Seeker didn't seem to have enough going on for him to like playing it. Kyler caught the look Saul gave one kid though when Keeper was mentioned. Okay, Chaser it is.
"Before I assign Chaser teams, who do we have that's not on the sign-up sheet?"
Kyler raised a hand. "Me," he said with a wide grin, "Kyler Kent, first year."
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Kyler Kent
I'm here!
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Kyler Kent
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Mark Johson
June 04, 2008 2:33 PM
Ark is ready! by Mark Johson
Mark was running down to he quidditch pitch to see first hand what the tryouts are like, and to get some practice in as well. The best part of this Try-out was that he got to try out his new broom.Mark got a package yesterday from his mom with a brand new broom in it, and Mark was so excited about it. The broom was a Hummingbird 260 and the ad Mark saw for it before he asked his mom for it said that it had great speed and control, perfect for any quidditch player. Mark’s mom also said that he was required to pass flying class to keep it and that this was an early gift since it was quite expensive, which was fine with Mark.
Catching his breath, Mark reached the pitch just as Saul was explaining that everyone who wasn’t trying out for any particular position that they would be trying for chaser. ‘Yes!’ Mark thought. This was the one position Mark wanted to learn because it was the closest thing to basketball.
"Before I assign Chaser teams, who do we have that's not on the sign-up sheet?" Sual asked. “You know I’m here Aul, but you told me just to show up.” Mark said.
Waiting for teams to get going Mark turned to Kyler and said, “I just don’t want to have to try to score against Stephen. I heard he is just about the best keeper in the school.”\n
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Mark Johson
Ark is ready!
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Mark Johson
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Elly
June 05, 2008 10:39 AM
Um, pranks and parties? by Elly
Elly kicked off from the ground hard, loving that feeling of leaving her stomach behind, along with her worries, as she soared up into the air. It wasn't long until Irene drew near, and poked her tongue out. Elly mirrored her, and laughed."God, I missed being up here with you guys!" Irene said as she leveled out. "Something about being on this field makes it so much more fun!"
"I know!" Elly replied, grinning; the feeling of excitement at flying on the pitch and being with her friends again was as great as ever. "I want to hug you right now, but I feel we ought to be setting an example." Elly winked. She firmly believed in working hard and playing hard - at least when it came to Quidditch - and playing hard often included airborn group hugs and daft games of tag. Despite the Cravens' own games being far rougher, Elly felt they shouldn't push their luck at tryouts, especially as it was Saul's first go and there were new potential players present. They didn't want to give a first impression that all the current team members were complete lunatics... even if it was true...
Having reached a suitable seeking level, Elly veered hard to the right. Her broom handled like a dream, slicing through the air, obeying her every touch. Before she forgot why they were up there, Elly thought it was a good idea to do the catching exercises Saul had suggested. Lifting the bright little ball to eye level, Elly swerved again, searching so she could locate Irene. "Catch!" she yelled. With one swift movement, Elly hurled the ball through the air, aiming several feet below Irene so she'd have to dive to catch it. Realising that was perhaps a bit cruel for her first shot, Elly called, "Sorry!" as her friend headed for the make-do Snitch.
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Elly
Um, pranks and parties?
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Kyler
June 08, 2008 4:40 PM
Set to sail? by Kyler
Kyler grinned in partial relief and partial greeting as Ark turned towards him. Kyler didn't want to be the only first year here. He was sure the other people were cool and all, but it was just nicer to have someone you know around to kick things off. Kyler nodded in agreement as Ark commented about Stephen's goalkeeping. He hadn't really heard anything on particular players' skills, but he'd trust Ark on this one."Dude, he's on our team. Of course he's the best!" Kyler said with a grin. "Don't know him though, so I'll trust you. I'm just hoping I'm able to get the ball somewhere near the hoops."
Kyler was a little nervous now that he thought about it. This situation gave him the vibe he got when he was about to climb a new cliff. This weird mix of anticipation, excitement, and the urge to run and hurl at the same time all mixed together in his stomach in an intoxicating potion. He stood here in the line, waiting for the taems to be assigned so he could give it a go. Being on the first-year team/group seemed like the perfect way to dive into magic and everything at Sonora. A thought came to Kyler and he turned to Ark with this new question,
"Are they going to do cuts for the first-year thing? Like a "We don't even want you in the air with us, you're that bad," sort of thing?"
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Kyler
Set to sail?
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Kyler
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Saul Pierce
June 08, 2008 11:36 PM
Try-out continued by Saul Pierce
Saul grinned at both Kyler and Ark as they announced their names to the rest of the team. A glance around showed nobody else that wasn't signed up, which was actually a little disappointing for him. He'd hoped he'd get the whole first year class. Well, three wasn't bad. If they all stuck around, he should be able to fill all four of the slots the graduating seventh years were vacating next year and still leave him one or two alternates. Rumor was Alderaan was having trouble filling their roster this year and he really didn't want to find himself in that position next year."All right," he said, clapping his hands even though he already had everyone's attention. "That's two Chasers," he nodded at Lizzie and Caedence, "and three first years," the two boys and Hannah, "so we're gonna have slightly uneven teams. Lizzie, since you're the seventh year and the Chaser on the team longest, I'm going to give you the two kids who never played before, Ark and Kyler. Sorry, Liz." Saul grinned and shrugged at all three of them, to show he was joking with them. "Stephen and Sorrel, you two are their Keeper and Beater."
Though it was fairly obvious who was left for the other team, Saul spelled it out anyway. "Hannah, I'm guessing since you're a Cooper, you've played before. You'll be with Caedence, who's a fourth year." He pointed the blond girl out so the two teammates would recognize each other. "Ash and Raoul will be your Keeper and Beater. Or Beater and Keeper. Whatever. I'll just be watching so I can see how everybody's doing."
He picked up the quaffle and released one bludger into the air. After watching it zoom up, his eye drifted slightly and he was momentarily distracted as he watched Irene go for the golf ball Elly had just thrown under her. Then he shook his head and turned back to the rest of the group, straddling his broom and lifting up into a hover a few feet over the ground, and pointed over toward one of the sets of hoops. "Stephen, that's your side. Raoul, over there. You guys know the rules. Stay on your broom, get the Quaffle into the other team's goal and keep it away from yours. Get to it." He threw the Quaffle as high into the air as he could.\r\n\r\n
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Saul Pierce
Try-out continued
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Caedence
June 10, 2008 6:42 PM
Mock game, AWAAAAAAY by Caedence
Caedence had arrived on the pitch ready for action. Chasers spots had been proven to be highly fought over and she wasn’t about to volunteer to take back seat again. There was something…off this year though. She couldn’t really put her finger on it. She scanned each face in the crowd. There were a couple of new faces, which was different than last year. That wasn’t it.Then she realized it. Meredith wasn’t there and Irene wasn’t with the chaser crowd. She knew that Meredith seemed…off this year. Was there something that wrong that she would miss out on quidditch? And what was with Irene? Was she tired of being a reserve?
She sighed and shifted her weight anxiously from one foot to another. Lately she seemed to be noticing less and less of what was happening around her. She had become very reserved, only really talking to Elly. Then again, almost all of her dormmates were changing. Meredith hardly was bubbly anymore. She rarely saw Danae anymore. Echo seemed to have a bit more macho-ness than usual. Everyone was changing. And there was that whole PURE thing going on, which was quite possibly more annoying than WAIL. Puh-lease, she could so beat a number of purebloods out there with her hands tied behind her back. The muggleborns she knew were totally awesome with their wandwork. Well… Elly left something to be desired, but when she got the hang of a spell she was good. Especially her prank spells.
She had dressed light today, wearing a brown tank top and jean shorts. Her feet were covered in sneakers and she wore her summer robes unfastened over it. Her hair was, as usual, braided. She had noticed in the mirror how her shirt seemed to fit way differently on her than usual. She had noticed last year, too, her clothes getting tighter on her. This whole girl thing was so annoying.
After the first years had introduced themselves, Saul split the teams up. She snorted as he assigned her a newbie keeper. Come on, Saul, the other team was going to crush them, she’d bet.
“Hey Hannah, like he said I’m Caedence,” She added, while Saul released the bludger, “From experience, don’t chase those. And don’t ask. I’m not called bludger magnet for nothing.”
She straddled her broom, eyes narrowed in on the red ball Saul held. Come on, come on, stop watching Elly and let it go!! She watched Stephen and Raoul go towards their respective goals. Let it go, come on…. YES!
Her feet kicked off the ground, sending chunks of dirt flying behind her. She reached out, letting the red ball fall smoothly into her hands. Years of hard practice under the hard eyes of her captains kicked in as she sped off towards Stephen. For a moment she hesitated before remembering that Stephen, in this case, was the opposing keeper. “Hannah!” She hollered, looking around for her teammate. There she was! Caedence drifted over to her. “Catch!” she called, throwing the ball at her hard. She kept only a few broom lengths ahead, keeping one eye out behind her, on the other girl.
\n
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Caedence
Mock game, AWAAAAAAY
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Irene
June 12, 2008 11:01 AM
Elly makes a fine point... by Irene
Being in the air on this pitch was one of the Sonora-framiliar things that only came with the time away at school. Irene loved being at Sonora, even though she missed home. She would never pass up her schooling at Sonora. The whole homesick thing was so very worth it. This situation was the perfect example. She was in the air on a Quidditch Pitch trying out for the house team with some of her favorite people in the world! What could be more fun than that?"I want to hug you right now, but I feel we ought to be setting an example." Irene nodded, clearing the grin from her face into an overly serious expression.
"The Pecari team doesn't have fun! Ridiculous children..." Irene couldn't help herself and allowed the smile to return to her face. She watched as Elly flew, swerving here and there. Suddenly, Elly turned and thre the snitch. Irene blue-green eyes judged its path as it soared towards her. Reacting fast, Irene dove quickly to reach it, smiling to herself as she heard Elly's call of "Sorry!". The little golden ball was a foot below as she kicked her trusty broom to gear. Responding to her touch, as always, the broom sped forward. Irene's fingers closed over the snitch as she pulled out of the dive. She only fumbled for a moment, but managed to cling to the small ball. Irene returned to playing height.
"Your turn!" Irene called, hurling the ball several feet above Elly's head. Competitive fun was something Irene loved to participate in.
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Irene
Elly makes a fine point...
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Irene
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Elly
June 13, 2008 6:20 AM
No sharpening of the Elly! by Elly
Elly took a moment to give Irene a mini round of cheering and applause before it was her turn to catch the ball. She watch Irene fling it upwards - it would fall a little, but would still be several inches above Elly when it passed. There wasn't much wind, so it would probably contiue in the same direction, more or less. Elly decided an upward dive was the best course of action - not the most graceful manoeuvre, but Seekers didn't always have that option. With a sharp tug on the nose of her broom, Elly leant back a little as she ascended rapidly. The movement was fast, but it did have the side effect of taking her closer to the ball - usually a bonus in games, but Elly would have felt more comfortable with a bit more thinking time. So once she'd risen a little higher in the sky, she jerked her handle to the left, bringing her round at a right angle to Irene, and at just the correct point to extend her right arm and catch the Snitch as it was passing. Ah, if only it were that simple in a game, that one could predict the path of the Snitch. The winged beast had a mind of its own (literally? Elly wsn't sure), and would change course or vanish from sight completely just when you thought you were close to catching it. This throwing and catching a golf ball was so easy in comparison."I don't know about you," she called to Irene, "but it doesn't feel right without the bludgers." Having been hit by two bludgers (or the same one twice - it was hard to tell) in her last game, Elly was more than usually aware of them, and didn't intend to let them catch her again. She would not be a bludger magnet. Maybe Pecari could even manage a whole game without a bludger injury? Elly grinned as she threw the ball again, this time at around Irene's flying height, but a great deal to the side.
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Elly
No sharpening of the Elly!
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Irene
June 13, 2008 11:42 AM
Not even a little? by Irene
Irene let out a whistle as Elly turned around, snitch in hand. She suddenly felt so much younger than Elly for some reason. Her experience on the pitch was apparent and now Irene knew she would have to step it up if she wanted the spot. Elly flew back around, the golf ball in hand. As she drew nearer she let out a call of, "I don't know about you, but it doesn't feel right without the bludgers." Irene grinned and nodded. There was a lack of the need to be suspicious of the air over your shoulder. Without the bludgers around, it seemed like there was a bit of the game missing. With Pecari's reputation, bludgers were something that just might be needed to be practiced with."I think I'm going to make some jerseys with targets printed on them for this season!" Irene said with a grin, not sure if she was being entirely serious or not. As she spoke, she kept her eyes on the ball in Elly's hand, waiting for the release. Her friend threw the ball to the side and her mind's-eye went to work. The ball was coming fast at her level, but far to her left. If she flew down and away she should have a good chance of getting ahead. Irene pulled her broom around, keeping her head turned and eyes on the ball, flying away from Elly's starting point. The golden ball caught the sun, glinting as it soared through the air. Irene kept her broom on the path of the "snitch" above, flying to the side. She stuck her hand out as the arch of the ball's path came to an end. The small substitute snitch fell into her outstretched fingers, allowing her to capture it. Irene snatched it from the air as she turned around back to face Elly, hurtling back to her beginning spot. When she reached her destination, Irene pointed at Elly, signaling it was her turn.
Irene took a moment to think of her next throw. She pulled her arm back, appearing as if she was going to send it flying, but at the last moment of release, Irene slowed her arm into a change-up, lobbing it towards her, but enough to where Elly would have to take the dive. It was comforting knowing that this was just fun competition. They were competing, but to Irene it felt like they were merely training. Maybe real competition may help though... Irene was comfortable with Elly, but the competition gives her so much more drive. She reminded herself that she wanted this for her. She wanted this to prove that she could do it, well enough for a spot on the team instead of a "Next time, kiddo," spot. Irene would gladly take a reserve spot rather than none at all, but of course, starting seeker is the goal and this girl was going to fight for it.
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Irene
Not even a little?
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Irene
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Mark Jones
June 14, 2008 4:53 PM
OOC: Asnswer to last comment Under start of mock game. (nm) by Mark Jones
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Mark Jones
OOC: Asnswer to last comment Under start of mock game. (nm)
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Mark Jones
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Mark Johnson
June 14, 2008 5:14 PM
Of to a painfull start. by Mark Johnson
“I’m sure they are not going to make fun of us,” Mark said as he smiled. Mark was going to show everyone what he had as he mounted his broom and waited for the quaffle to be released. Mark kicked off the ground and made a beeline as hard as he could for the quaffle.Mark wasn’t fast enough though. A girl caught it and started to head off towards his side. Making a sharp turn, Mark wasn’t ready for the force of the turn and scampered a bit, but recovered well. Mark slowed down a bit to help him control the broom and made after the girl.
Mark then heard her yell out a person’s name and saw were she was looking. Mark sped up and tried to aim in the center between them. “Catch!” He heard her say as she released the quaffle.
Mark watched the ball fly through the air and figured this was his chance. Mark rose in the air slightly and met the quaffle in the middle of the two girls. Reaching out his hand He attempted to catch it.
Mark’s hand hit the ball, but he didn’t get a hold of it. Instead the Quaffle stopped in mid flight and fell straight towards the ground. Mark new he wasn’t going to be able to dive that sharply, but he had to try. Pushing down hard on the front of his broom. Mark went into a straight nose dive. He caught up to the ball and grabbed it, but Mark couldn’t pull up in time with about ten feet from the ground.
With a sickening thud and resounding crack, Mark hit the ground and the quaffle rolled away from his hand. Mark tried to stand but couldn’t manage to get to his feet. The pain was blinding. Mark looked and he saw that one of his legs were sitting at an awkward angle. Tears rolled down Mark’s eyes, both of pain and disappointment. All he could think is that he will never make the team now and that he would be banned from all future try-outs, but for right now all he did was wait for some help from somebody to get him up and to the hospital wing.\n
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Mark Johnson
Of to a painfull start.
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Mark Johnson
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Kyler
June 14, 2008 9:17 PM
Kyler Kent
June 14, 2008 9:44 PM
A little shell shocked... by Kyler Kent
“I’m sure they are not going to make fun of us,” said Ark. Kyler cracked a grin and kicked off in sync with his friend. This should be fun... Saul's description had seemed simple enough. Just get it and go! Kyler could do that. The tricky part, he assumed, was keeping it away from the other team and making it in the hoop. The tiny Saul below release the Quaffle (yes, he had actually made time to check this stuff out) and the players swarmed around it. Kyler, a little surprised at the sudden start, flew in the same direction as them, hoping to maybe catch that red ball. Another girl had caught it and Kyler turned his broom around, feeling a little proud for staying steadily on it. She made to throw it to another girl, but-- Dude! Ark swooped in there and snatched it from the air! Almost.Kyler didn't know what to do as Ark hurtled towards the ground. He leaned forward on his broom, zooming downwards at less of an incline than Ark. His brown eyes watched as he crossed his fingers, hoping Ark would turn out to be some spectacular flyer. He's not going to crash... He's not going to crash... But his fears were confirmed as he watched the none too graceful crash landing. Kyler felt his stomach lurch at the crack that met his ears. Kyler followed his immediate instinct and didn't hesitate in heading for the ground. Touching down a few feet from Mark, Kyler crouched down next to him. There was no problem finding what was broken. Mark's leg looked like a broken branch. The color drained from Kyler's face at the sight of it. That stuff hurt. Kyler laid a hand on Mark's shoulder, trying to help steady him.
"Dude, we're going to get you to the hospital wing, okay?" He looked around at him to make sure he knew he was there. Kyler had broken his wrist once and he hadn't known or cared who had been helping him up. It wasn't till Mom started telling him he was going to be okay that he knew who was around him. Kyler looked around for Saul or the Captains. He knew that Mark shouldn't be standing with a broken leg. That was common sense. They needed the Medic to come here or have someone levitate him to the Hospital.
"It's okay. Magic heals this stuff in two seconds, right?" Kyler said, half speaking to himself. His mind felt numb... "Just hold on till we get you to the Medic. Hey, Saul!"
0
Kyler Kent
A little shell shocked...
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Kyler Kent
0
5
Caedence
June 15, 2008 2:14 PM
Geez! Cant the pecaris avoid injury? TAG: Cap'ns and cocap'n by Caedence
Caedence growled low under her breath as the pesky first year intercepted the throw. Well, he tried to at least. What a clumsy fumble there! Caedence snaked around to him, trying to weave her way in and snatch the ball. It should be easy as pie.A whistling through the air met her ears. Oh great, bludger. Caedence looked around, finally spotting it before it hit her. With a skillful barrel roll that the Craven twins would’ve been proud of, she twisted out of its way.
“Nya nya! I’m demagnetized!” She jeered at the metal ball. Turning around, she went to look for the pesky midget.
Crack!
Caedence jumped, recognizing that sound. Where did someone get hit? Her elbow seemed to feel sympathy pains, remembering the match that almost got the medic shooting her straight out of the air. Shuddering, she scanned the skies for the other players. Seeing no one that looked injured, she looked around lower to the ground. There! Oh crap, it was that kid again. What did he say his name was? Mick? Mack? Mark?
With a resigned sigh, she hollered, “Saul, Captains, heads up! Man down!”
Angling her broom to the ground, she made a sharp dip for the boy. Stupid kid probably tried some amazing feat that was way out of his league. She had learned early on not to be stupid when it came to quidditch. Well, not so early. It took her a good two years. But still, she learned.
Pulling gradually out of the dive, she made a soft landing. “Get outta the way kid!” She growled gruffly at the other person who joined Mark on the ground. Wincing, Caedence recognized right away where the injury was.
“Hey there buddy, you kinda shouldn’t break your leg. It hurts you know,” she joked, hoping to cheer him up. “I’m Caedence, if you didn’t know. Lets just wait here until Saul gets down, shall we?” She crouched on the ground next to the kid, shoving their brooms out of the way.
“Don’t worry. I broke my elbow in one of my first games. Hurt like hell. Merlin I hated the medic for taking me out of the game. He nearly shot me outta the air with a stunning spell for not obeying and coming down right away. Not that I did my team any good, up in the air with a busted arm. Took this vile potion and I was good in no time.” Caedence failed to mention how much said vile potion stung as it stitched up her bones. If she remembered correctly, the medic chased that potion with a pepper-up. Yuck!
“Took you darn long enough!” She snapped as one of the three summoned touched down. “Kid’s got a broken leg, in case you can’t see. I can take him to the medic if you want.” Caedence added. \n
0
Caedence
Geez! Cant the pecaris avoid injury? TAG: Cap'ns and cocap'n
94
Caedence
0
5
Saul
June 16, 2008 12:10 AM
I'm away for five days and look what happens by Saul
OOC: I knew I should have said in my OOC 'I'm on vacation and unavailable' comment that you guys should stay out of trouble 'til I got back, but then I didn't because I was afraid that would just invite this sort of thing when I returned. *sigh* BIC:It started well. For about five seconds. Caedence caught the ball and Ark went for an intercept. He almost managed it, but then he dropped the ball. Then the first year did something that Saul was pretty sure not even Caedence would have done during her first year. He dove. From waaay too close to the ground.
"Ark, no!" Saul yelled, but the eleven year old didn't seem to hear.
Saul fumbled for his wand, but wasn't fast enough. The sound of Ark's crash made him wince and drop the eight inches of wood he'd just barely gotten into his hand. By the time he retrieved it from the ground, Caedence and Kyler were already at Ark's side.
Saul looked toward the co-captains, but the Cravens had been further away and weren't quite near enough to consult. "Everybody back up," Saul instructed, briefly wishing that he hadn't insisted so strongly that the two muggleborn boys ought to join in. He really hoped Coach Fox didn't hear about this or Kyler and Hannah might not be able to play any more either.
He shifted his wand in his hand for a better grip and told Ark, "Hold still, I'm just going to use a charm to make it so your arm can't move, so it doesn't get worse while we get you to the infirmary." Though he (thankfully) hadn't had much occasion to use the charm outside a classroom setting, it was one of the ones required for the CATS, and Saul had learned it well enough. He cast the spell and even managed to get it to work on the first try. If he hadn't been quietly panicking and doing his very best not to let it show, he probably would have been very proud of himself.
He gave Ark a grin that was meant to be reassuring, and assured, "Don't worry, magical medicine is way better than the muggle way. We'll get you fixed up good as new real quick. No cast or anything."
Looking up and spotting one of the Cravens, he asked, "Do you guys want to take over the try-out and I'll get him up to the Hospital Wing?"
\r\n\r\n
1
Saul
I'm away for five days and look what happens
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Saul
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5
Elly
June 16, 2008 9:33 AM
No! Behave yourself. by Elly
Elly whooped loudly as Irene caught the ball again. It was fun to have someone to practise with - usually Elly just charmed several small balls to fly every which way at once, and she caught as many as she could. That was was more like a real game, in that she didn't have time to predict where a ball was heading, but then in game she did usually only have to concentrate on one ball alone. The Snitch was a tricky beast, and catching it would be a trial even without racing the other Seeker, dodging bludgers and other players, and without false alarms, like watches shining in the sun, and distractions from the crowd. That probably explained why Elly rarely had a clue what else was going on in the game; even when there was a noise or commotion, Elly tried her best to ignore it in favour of Snitch-searching. The only time she ever stopped play was when she heard the Coach's whistle, but even then her concentration was still focussed on one thing.It was similar with the practise; she and Irene were having fun, yes, but they were also working hard to catch the other out. Irene's next throw was nicely done; it fooled Elly in its speed, and confused her enough that she lost some precious time (perhaps not even a second, but everything counted) while she decided what to do. Letting gravity do some of the work for her, Elly dropped several feet, straight down like an elevator, feeling as though she'd forgotten her stomach. It was a movement that her old school broom just simply couldn't do, but her new broom was more than capable. To position herself to catch the ball, Elly pulled round in an almost semi-circular shape, and caught the ball about waist level as it fell towards her. "Tricky one," she called back to Irene with a grin.
It was only now that Elly had stopped concentrating on catching the 'snitch' that calls from near the ground caught her attention. Glancing over her shoulder, she realised that the practise seemed to have come to a standstill, and most of the players were huddled together on the grass. "Do you think someone's hurt?" she asked Irene. "Do you think we should go down there?" True enough, in a game Elly would ignore any injuries, but this was only a practise, and there wasn't even a real Sitch out. She didn't think it demonstrated great team spirit to just look the other way when one of their number could be hurt.
0
Elly
No! Behave yourself.
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Elly
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5
Joey Phillips
June 16, 2008 7:51 PM
Late Starter by Joey Phillips
OOC: I really did mean to post here at the beginning, but things got very hectic, and other posts took priority. However, Joey kept insisting that it’s sports, and he would have wanted to be there, so...I really hope this works it out properly without causing any problems. Also, the sub-thread is just because you’re talking to the Cravens, Saul, so it can just be continued on the regular one. Sorry if it causes any confusion, and for not being good and prompt. *feels incredibly ashamed*It was just Joey’s luck that, when the chance finally came to do something sports related outside of class, he would get sidetracked and more likely than not lose his chance. It totally wasn’t his fault, though. After Mark and Kyler had talked about it, and that Saul guy, Joey had decided the sports connection with weird occultish things could be forgiven, just because it was actually a competitive game. And flying had actually been fun.
Unfortunately, he’d had a moment of hesitation right before he had been planning to go down. The two roommates had left, and he’d been right on his way to join them when an owl flew in with a letter from his mother. Yes, he should have just put it aside, but…his mom was scary when she thought her kids weren’t listening to her, or paying attention, and somehow she’d know that he had put the letter aside, likely to get lost immediately in the junk on his bed. Besides, he should have had plenty of time to still get down there after skimming over everything.
But, no, it couldn’t be that simple. He had gotten a five page letter from his completely incapable of understanding mother, who had demanded an immediate response to a few questions. And she’d figured out how long it took an owl to get there and back, somehow, so she’d know if he had procrastinated. Honestly, his mother needed to get a life. Really. Only his mother would find a way to micromanage from several states over.
He’d jotted a few words down (almost ineligibly, so it wouldn’t matter that he’d done as asked, but that was her problem), and sprinted down to the field. Alas, despite how quickly he had tried to run his mother still ended up making him, from all appearances, too late to join in, as teams seemed to be forming. Perhaps he could have gone up and apologized profusely, followed by begging and pleading to be allowed in, but that seemed juvenile (in any case, he could just wait until they took a time-out). After taking a seat on the grass by the field, he watched the game started, keeping an eye on his two fellow first years. Thus, when Mark fell, he was right there watching. Granted, he didn’t do anything for a few moments, because crashing wasn’t supposed to be a possibility. It was a magical world, people weren’t supposed to get hurt. But as soon as he regained control of his limbs, he ran over to the group assembling around his roommate.
“Hey, dude, nasty fall there,” Joey began with an attempt at a comforting grin, ignoring the others momentarily. “Like, seriously nasty. Probably shouldn’t pull stuff like that again, cause we want to keep our status as the most guys in a house and year, you know.” Perhaps it was a bit light-hearted, but that was how Joey dealt with things. Humor was how Michael had dealt when his collarbone got snapped during a football game freshman year, and it had been incredibly impressive, everyone had said so. Anyway, he’d been sharing a room with Mark for several days now, after all, so he should have gotten used to a little of the attitude, when Joey decided to speak.
Speaking of rooming… “You know, Kyler, and uh,” he had no clue what the girl’s name was, so just left it. “I can help take him up to the hospital wing, if you want. I mean, since I already missed the beginning of tryouts. Might as well have one of us represent. If you don’t mind, Mark.” Maybe if the circumstances had been different, he would have suggested taking Mark’s place on the try-out team, but that seemed just crass now. It wouldn’t be fair to overcome his stupid mother and her stupid letters through someone else’s misfortune.
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Joey Phillips
Late Starter
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Joey Phillips
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5
Irene
June 18, 2008 10:30 PM
*hangs head* by Irene
Elly returned to flying height and Irene sent her a wicked grin. Irene figured that she could throw anything to her friend and she would be able to catch it. She hoped Elly would do the same for her. Irene wanted to be able to prove herself for no particular reason. She would stick with the team as a seventh year alternate if that what she had to do, but she wanted to help the team out more. She did what she could on the sideline, but the one time she had gotten in the air, first year, championship match, had been the highlight of her year. Yeah, yeah, they had lost the match, but it had been the most fun she had ever had.Elly looked over towards the ground and Irene's attention was grabbed by the crowd that had gathered. Oh sweet Merlin... Irene nodded in response, flying over to see what was up. As she landed softly on the ground, she looked over to see a mangled leg attached to a distressed first year. Irene let out a hiss of sympathy. He would be okay, but nevertheless broken legs were painful. Caedence was nearby along with another first year. What was with Pecari and injuries? They seemed to happen often so it was a good thing that there was extras for reserves. Irene would play anything. Chaser and Seeker were her two favorites. She had played Chaser in that one glorious game and had enjoyed it immensely. There was a bit of "get the new kid" going on, but Irene liked to think that she avoided that decently. Caedence was an intense player and had managed to keep herself from getting really smashed by the lethal metal balls so far. Her broom had taken a hit, but she had been okay. They could get her a new broom. Players were a little more difficult to replace. Irene planned on being one of the original in the air this year.
"You okay kid?" Irene asked with a smile in his direction. Wait, that was a stupid question... "Well, you're not yet. You'll be fine and in the air in no time."
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Irene
*hangs head*
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Irene
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5
Stephen Baxter
June 21, 2008 8:36 AM
How about we just get things moving again? by Stephen Baxter
OOC: I'm going to direct the twins a little in this. I'm hoping their author won't mind, but as there hasn't been any sign of them, and this makes sense (to me) I'm just going to go with it. Any objections, we... You know how to find and berate me ;) Plus, this way, we might get a little more action in before the team is decided! BIC:"Better idea," Stephen said, having done what most of the others on the field had done and abandoned his task in all the excitement. "Seriously, we don't really need Beaters quite so much - unless we want more people to join Dents," he nodded with a grin at Caedence, "and - it was 'Ark' right? Weird name, dude - in the bludger magnet department before it's entirely necessary. They've got you running things already, Saul. You should keep it up and our far more expendable Captains," he moved a bit to the side to make sure he was well clear of Sorrel and, to a lesser extent, Ash, "can take Ark to see the medic. They've a better chance than you of coming up with a legitimate excuse for why he got hurt that doesn't involve Fox or anyone else finding out that we've smuggled Firsties into the tryouts."
He shrugged, flew down nearer to the injured boy and had a look at the leg.
"I broke my leg a couple of years ago," he said conversationally. "Magic is much better than the Muggle way of getting them back in working condition though - trust me - so you'll have a better time of it. If you want a laugh though, as Wolfe - that's the medic - about the coach." He winked. "There are rumours," he said, tapping his nose, and then rising up again.
He paused for a bit, looking at the Cravens and then at Saul.
"I mean, we do want to finish these tryouts, right?" he asked, before proving that he for one did, and moving back to his position, shouting for his interim team mates to follow suit.
OOC: I'm going to assume that the Craven's do as suggested unless they actually post. Which might not happen before the teams are supposed to be sorted if a text I just got is being interpreted correctly. So.... carry on!
39
Stephen Baxter
How about we just get things moving again?
49
Stephen Baxter
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5
Saul
June 21, 2008 11:26 AM
Excellent plan by Saul
Saul nodded to Stephen as he made reasonable suggestions. The one bludger was already out, but without beaters to direct it, Saul the referee could probably keep an eye on it and keep it from doing any real damage. He waited a few seconds as the Cravens got Ark off the pitch and then turned to everyone else.Grabbing a spare bat and the forgotten Quaffle, Saul instructed everyone to get back in the air. He pointed at the late arrival - "You're in Ark's spot with Kyler and Lizzie as teammates. Joey, right?" He didn't wait for a response because he was pretty good with names and he was fairly sure he'd gotten it right even if they hadn't officially met before.
"Okay, guys, let's try this again and no more diving into the ground, all right? Especially for first years, you're not trying out for a spot on the team. You're here to have fun and get practice for next year, so don't kill yourself trying to prove something during your first time out. Got it? Great. Ready, everyone? Begin."
He threw the Quaffle high into the air and ran for his discarded broom to get back up in the air before any other disasters could occur. Once he pushed off the ground, he pulled his wand out, ready to cast windardium leviosa if anyone else looked like they were going to crash.
Maybe, just maybe, he could now understand why first years weren't allowed on the teams anymore.
1
Saul
Excellent plan
82
Saul
0
5
The Craven Twins
June 25, 2008 5:26 PM
Joining the action. And leaving it... by The Craven Twins
The twins hovered behind Saul, watching him set up the try out exercises. He had a softer, more cuddly "I'm going to be your friend not your cruel overlord" approach to the whole thing, but he'd proved himself a good player, and he seemed to be well organised, so hopefully the softly-softly approach would just help him bond with the team, rather than make him too scared of offending people to make decisions. The practice game option was a well tried and tested method, and they took to the air with their respective teams, fully aware that the kid trying for Keeper was going to get somewhat flattened by Stephen's general awesomeness, but glad to know there was someone interested for when the three of them graduated. Thinking of which, they realised, even though their Beater spots were guaranteed, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to start training up some reserves or wannabes for next year.They began by smashing the heavy iron Bludger back and forth between them. It was a good way to warm up their muscles and, with its indiscriminate attack pattern and inability to stay going where you told it, their flying skills too. It also gave the rest of the players a chance to get into the game before having to contend with the novelty of a ball that was determined to rearrange their faces. At a loud crack from the action beneath them both twins' instinctively snapped around to see where the other Bludger was and who it had hit before they realised that there was only one and it was well under their control. Surveying the scene below, they quickly pieced together the fact that one of the first years had made some kind of bolt involving the Quaffle with all the enthusiasm of a Labrador puppy and about as much flying know-how.
They headed down towards the group, hovering in the air to occasionally swat away the Bludger when it took an unhealthy interest in the proceedings. They weren't best pleased by Stephen's suggestion that they take the (to put it nicely) gung-ho firsty to the hospital wing and miss out on the try outs - surely the other first years who were doing nothing could just take him and prevent any more attacks of supreme idiocy into the bargain. However, they were probably too little to physically lift the kid, and not skilled enough yet to magic him away.
"Ok," Sorrel nodded, she and Ash chucking their bats down onto the field. "Anyone who wants to try out for Beater next year could do worse that helping keep that off your backs," she added, seeing a chance to bring in what she and Ash had realised earlier.
"We should probably be getting reserves for the positions that are graduating trained up," her twin explained. Each supporting Ark under an arm (which had the helpful effect of lifting him clean of the ground) the twins began to transport him back towards the school.
OOC I will continue this in the hospital wing either later tonight or first thing tomorrow. Right now, I have to keep packing my entire life (and I seem to have had a remarkable amount in the last two years) into boxes :-s
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The Craven Twins
Joining the action. And leaving it...
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The Craven Twins
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5