C1: Match One

[Jac Shaw]

Jac was pleased that Erys had caught her pass. She had not been worried that she might not but she was still proud she had. It was a funny thing to think on, Jac's pride. It swelled and deflated so much during a single match one would think it was like a heart growing and shrinking nearly every second.

Erys passed the quaffle to Jac and the red head caught the ball, tucking it under her arm. She was gaining on the goals, getting closer and closer. She could see enemy players encroaching on her. Looking ahead for Erys, Jac spotted her but noticed that she was closer to the far left goal then Erys was to a goal.

Taking aim, Jac flung the quaffle towards the left goal hoop and flew around, to watch if it would sore in on its easy trajectory.

Goal!

30 -
80 -

Posession is given to Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw.

[Erys Grace]

Erys assumed Jac was going to go for it, changing her position and tailing the quaffle after the Gryffindor threw it at the hoops. Spreading her fingers out, the Slytherin slapped the ball with her palm, the loud smack reverberating through the hoops as she struck it towards the hoops with the hopes the added momentum would get it in faster. In case the keeper wasn't paying attention, and whatnot.

Palm stinging, the animagus whirled around, angling her broom towards Jac as she flew over. "Nice throw." Erys complimented with a teasing grin, about to say something else but figuring the game was too far underway to get distracted. Waiting for the other team to gain possessio (if the ball had gone in, of course) Erys prepared herself to shoot after them and take it back.[/color]

[Ellie Rook]

Yet again, Ellie had lost sight of the Golden ball. Swearing under her breath, she decided to go back up to her observing position, floating just about the game play.

Ellie watched as the quaffle was passed, intercepted, passed, intercepted. It got rather annoying. Every time Ellie's hopes soared with a great Orange interception, they were dashed with another purple interception. It was as if the game was going no where.

Ellie imagined that the chasers must be getting tired, and if not tired, frustrated with themselves. Ellie would have. Again the quaffle was intercepted, not in the hands of the dirty Slytherin Erys Grace. Ellie's eyes felt very dry after her run in with the magic cloud of sand she must have run into. Ellie still couldn't believe that a penalty wasn't called for that one.

However, Ellie grimaced as Erys passed the quaffle to Jac, who then threw the quaffle toward to hoops. "C'MON BRAY!!!!!" Ellie shouted, praying that the keeper, and her boyfriend, would save the quaffle.

Ellie groaned. The game was getting serious. She needed to catch the snitch, and catch it soon. She wasn't going to let Erys beat her. It had become a grudge match, and Ellie was determined to have this game to shove in the Slytherin's face. Her face built up with concentration, Ellie searched the stands for the snitch, her eyes darting and focusing.

HOUSE POINT UPDATE

- - - Gryffindor - - -	- - - Hufflepuff - - -	- - - Ravenclaw - - -	- - - Slytherin - - -
Posts x 5 = 25 Goal x 1 = 10	Posts x 8 = 40 Goals x 2 = 20		Posts x 3 = 15
+ 35	+ 60	+ 0	+ 15

GAME STATS UPDATE

Snitch Chases: Gryf-Slyth 4/10 and Huff-Rav 4/10

Beater Hits: None

[The Golden Snitch]

The Golden snitch accelerated over to the Hufflepuff stands, where huge banners of yellow and black were being waved frantically about by supporters. It stopped in front a large badger shaped banner, its golden colour almost camouflaged in the yellow background.

[Sarie Thimble]

Sarie had lost the snitch again. She flew up into the air looking for it. She past the Ravenclaws which were the other team on. She look pasted the Ravenclaw side to the Hufflepuff where she saw a glint and flew for it.

She was dodging between people. She had to dive to avoid Jac who she waved at. She then turned her attention back to snitch.

[Ellie Rook]

Ellie was tired. Her eyes hurt, and all she wanted to do was take a long bubble bath before retiring into her comfy four poster bed. Thinking about this, she lost the game for a minute or two. In that minute or two, she spotted a purple cloak zip past toward the Hufflepuff stands. Ellie looked after the small seeker.

Following after her, Ellie glanced over the stands. How nice, the Hufflepuffs had gone all out, even using glitter on that banner. Wait. There was no glitter anywhere else. Realizing that it was the snitch, Ellie put the pedal to the metal, as they say, and flew over, hoping she was get her shot before that other seeker did.

As she reached the stands, she noticed that she couldn't find the other seeker. She must have hit some traffic. Ellie smiled, and looked over the banner for the snitch. It had to be still there, somewhere, realizing it had found the perfect hiding place.

[Girty Hubbles]

The quaffle sailed through the hoop and Girty thumped the air and joined in with the cheers from the crowd. That was more like it, the game was turning too much in the favour of the purple team, they needed to show them who really were the best chasers around and nothing beat a Hubbles and Griffiths combo.

The only problem was that Girty let herself get carried away a little to much and as she merely thought that maybe she should get back into position to gain back possession of the quaffle the purple side were already half way across the pitch passing to each other.

Swearing rather loudly Girty urged her broom on, trying to get every last millisecond of speed out of it, but it would not be enough, they were already too far ahead, then there was a groan from the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw supports as Jac pulled a goal back. Slightly disheartened that she had let the side down by not paying attention Girty took her time to get the quaffle, but the crowd did not seem to notice as the seekers suddenly sprung into life, however the fruits of their labour seemed pointless and as the crowds roars died down Girty gave a small smile as she spotted Jamie…it was time to give them something to cheer about once more.

Quaffle held tightly Girty raced on into the middle of the pitch, it was time to try HG tactic thirty-four. It had taken them a very long time to get this move right, it was one of Dan’s own creations and she could just imagine him in the stands going crazy. It was designed for three chasers and they were trying to do it with two…oh well you have to be adventurous sometimes.

As Girty reached the centre of the pitch she looked around to find her cousin and at the sight of the orange blur that was Jamie the Hufflepuff gave a small wave and muttered ’Going up’. She then took the closed to vertical line she could mange, her feet were placed firmly on the foot rests on the broom and she shot skywards like a rocket. In her head she was counting to ten knowing that Jamie would be doing the same, her heart was racing, the cold rain splashed against her face and Girty closed her eyes not wanting to look down.

"...Nine....Ten!"

As soon as Girty 10 she took a deep breath and let go of the quaffle, letting it tumble towards the ground…

[Jamie-Syrus Griffiths]

Jamie-Syrus groaned loudly as he watched them concede another goal. This was going to be a difficult match, they were down to two chasers as it was, but if neither of them were in the right position their one less player would make a vast difference.
Jamie was not willing to give up the ghost however, he scoured the skies for Girty, she wasn’t too far away in the great scheme of things. And so he shouted to her, “Come on Girt! Let’s kick some purple ass! But not...” he had not had chance to finish his sentence as he heard a slight whistling coming from his right, a bludger was headed straight for him, though he only had to duck a little to avoid it, a bad hit indeed.
Jamie laughed it off, more at his comment; but he knew Girty would know what he was on about even though he had not finished his sentence.

Smiling at his cousin, he noted her expression change, suddenly it was brimming with determination, she then mouthed the words going up. Jamie let a little laugh escape his lips, and he slapped his upper leg in enthusiasm. Another HG move, what a day! He watched as she shot upwards knowing she would be counting to herself, and that he must do so too, this enabled him to know the exact position he must be in when she shouted the final digit.

Jamie shot off, so he was going to pass directly under Girty, he heard her shout ‘10’ from somewhere far above. Now this was a great move, the quaffle was falling directly toward him, it took precise timing and speed to pull this off. Right now everybody would be thinking he had over shot the mark, and it was going to plummet directly behind him, it always caught everybody out. He watched as the quaffle fell down behind his back, and with one swift movement, he pushed down sharply on the handle, causing the broom to change angle, he then let go of the broom handle quickly. The quaffle bounced off the broom bristles, arched straight over his head, and into his open arms. Clutching it under his arm, he grabbed the handle with the other hand, and zigzagged off toward one of the closest stands.

Jamie-Syrus spiralled he way up and around the stand, until he reached the very top, grinning as he went. Coming to a complete halt, he dismounted his broom on the roof. Generally this would be done on top of an wobbly old barn, so this was actually slightly safer, they had always been exiled to the fields to play quidditch, so this was also the highest at which this move had been carried out, but thats just a minor detail.
Jamie looked over the edge searching for Girty; he caught sight of the orange blur heading off toward the correct position.
This was good enough for him, it would look rash to all those witnessing it, other than Dan of course, who would be jumping around in his seat by now.
Tossing the quaffle up into the air, he swiftly brought his broom round to make contact with it, in a bat manner, it was much easier than stealing a beaters bat. He watched as it shot off perfectly in the right direction to the designated area, the rest was upto Girty now.

Jamie jumped off the roof, just to give something for the spectators to have their hearts in their mouths for, as he fell, he swung his broom round and perched on it sideways, and shot off to tail Girty incase not all went to plan and he was needed again.

[Girty Hubbles]

“Geez this is high” Girty trembled as she levelled out and clung onto her broom until her knuckles went white. The low rain clouds were blocking out most of the pitch making it seem like she was higher up then she was, Girty never thought height would bother her so much, but she was never the one to do this part of the move, she was always the third stage. Her eyes grew wide and as a long list of expletives made there way out of her mouth as she nose dived towards the ground.

Her orange robes whipped around her, her rain sodden hair stuck to her face and the icy wind felt like someone was continually slapping her with a wet fish. But she needed to fight through this, she was made of stronger stuff and as the ground grew closer and closer she could hear the crowd gasp in awe, which must meant Jamie had hit the quaffle. Counting to three Girty looked over to her right and saw the red ball flying towards her.

One arm out stretched to intercept the quaffle she used a her other to try and pull the broom straight. A lot of momentum had built up during the long dive and her arm was shaking as she tried to counter the force, but still the broom would not level, more swear words escaped from the Hufflepuff as she let go of the plummeting broom and reached out safely catching the quaffle. However as you might have guessed by now the grass covered ground was getting a little to close and stuffing the quaffle down her top Girty reached out with both hands and leaned back trying to level the broom out.

Her knees scrapped across the wet grass, she could feel the mud caking her trousers and the coldness seeping in even more. She was still travelling at some speed and the goal hoops were getting closer and closer, but then so were the purple players. Lifting the nose of the broom up Girty slowly began to lift up from the ground, weaving her way in between the other players on the pitch, dodging bludgers, looking for Jamie.

Girty had completely lost her bearings, she was not even sure if she was going in the right direction. She was sure Jamie would be to her left but he was not there, Girty hated to admit it but Dan was right this movie was not designed for two people. The Hufflepuff was about to admit defeat when she saw the orange blob of Jamie just where it was meant to be, a sigh of relief swept over her and pulling the quaffle from out of her top Girty flung her left leg over to the other side of the broom so she was flying side-saddle and carefully balanced the quaffle on her right foot…this was her normal role she had spent years trying to get this bit correct and last year she had the break through…you kick with your left.

Flicking the quaffle off her right foot in the direction of her left Girty gave one last fleeting look to where Jamie should be and booted the quaffle over in his direction.

[Jamie-Syrus Griffiths]

Jamie headed off to find Girty again, generally she would be in place automatically, however usually she did not have to do the role of two people. He gritted his teeth as he saw her, she had the quaffle, however she was also headed directly at the floor, a few more seconds and she could be a splatty mess of a cousin, a bit like an egg custard dropped from a great height really.
Though thankfully Jamie was able to let out a huge sigh of relief, as she levelled just in time, though cutting the grass as she went. At least the Gamekeeper would be happy.

Tailing Girty, he could see her looking around anxiously for him, she knew he wasn’t meant to be to her left for another 20 seconds, it was all part of the illusion. It gave the opposition a bit of hope, thinking that they were completely on their tod and that the play had not worked. She was looking constantly more nervous with each second, however much he wanted to move forward early, he couldn’t do it. It would completely ruin the effect, but she would understand this at least.

The time came upon Jamie very quickly, urging his broom forward with every bit off speed possible; he drew up along side Girty, and smiled at her reassuringly. He was still not sat properly on his broom, both legs hanging on the same side, he watched as his cousin moved into the same position.
Descents on the broom were always so much more difficult side saddle you had a lot less grip and constantly felt as if you were going to slip forwards straight off the end of the broom. But this had only happened once or twice during the practice.

Jamie-Syrus observed as Girty flicked the quaffle from her foot into the air. Placing one hand on either side of him, (so one on the handle and the other on the bristles.) to steady himself. He stretched his foot out, the quaffle landed directly in the curve on the top of his foot, and he brought his other foot next to it to hold it steady as if it were in his hands. Leaning on his right hand, he tilted the broom upwards to reach a slightly higher altitude, so he was almost inline with the posts.

Now this was the hard bit, Jamie had to keep tilting on the different sides of his broom, to make it look as if he had very little control and was just waving about the place. He was becoming closer to the goals by each second, but then he had to declined slightly, otherwise he would not be in the right position. Tensing his feet around the quaffle for more grip, he tensed all the muscles in his arms, and thrust himself upwards, so he twisted his feet and the rest of his body went straight into the air, but his hands never moved more than a few inches from the broom, his hands came in contact with the broom handle once again, so he was doing a hand stand. He was now little more than a few yards from the hoops, the goalkeeper was nowhere to be seen. Jamie sharply jolted his body sideways toward the goal. And could do nothing but watch as the quaffle sharply left the confines of his feet, into the open air, and soared straight through the right hoop.

30 -
90 -

Posession is given to Gryffindor/Slytherin.

[Bradyn Reed]

[ -sweatdrop- Perhaps we can bring the game back to life with the forum, guys? ]

The lift in the rain provided a sudden distraction for Bray, since he'd just gotten used to the constant pummeling of rain in his vision and now his pesky long bangs were determined to be wind blown into his eyes. Just something to add to their lousy weather and bad luck, it seemed, and because of this he happened to miss Erys attack on Ellie. Ah, well, if he'd seen it he probably would have thrown a fit and left his post, anyway.

Soon the sound of nearby brooms hit him and he glanced up quickly. "Oh, merlin's freakin' pants!" He swore, the use of wizarding swears was a sure sign of him being pissed, and clenched his jaw at the sight of Jac nearby making a mainstream shot towards his far left. Diving sharply, he just missed the quaffle and had to make a large loop around his hoops to get back to the center one. Though the shout from El allowed him to locate her and he noticed her rubbing furiously at her eyes for a moment. The rain? Strange girl.

But not allowing himself to be so foolishly distracted again, for that one point just aggravated someone who was already temperamental, and he snapped his attention back to the chasers spectacle. And just in time too, since he saw the glance between Girt and Jamie that meant they were in for a little show. At her near vertical shot he just stared for a moment, sure that she would fall off it she didn't level out soon and--wait a minute, did that fool just drop the quaffle? Though, knowing Hubbles, it was all part of the show and this was just the jump out of your seat effect that they were looking for. 'What, do they hope to stun the other chasers into just sitting there watching?' He thought with a little amusement, glad that he had to opportunity to sit in the good spot and watch what was going on. After a few more fancy maneuvers that almost made him shout out about them being crazy fools, Bray let his glance sweep across to the purple chasers who seemed to be awe-struck at the moment. Serves them right.

Cupping his hands to his mouth once the attention was safely on the other side of the pitch, he shouted as loud as he could manage. "God, you two are about to give me a god damned heart attack over here!" But their little act came to its dramatic end a few seconds later with Jamie kicking it to the posts with what looked like it was going to be a direct hit. The crowd was already on its feet, shouting both cheers and angry curses while Hufflepuff banners waved wildly. At least those points should make up for his earlier mishap.

[Erys Grace]

Seeing Sarie shoot after the snitch, Erys shouted, "Catch it, Sarie!" before whirling around in time to see Griffiths fling the quaffle into the right hoop. Cursing under her breath, knowing they were clearly losing this game by lack of activity and consciousness (some people must be sleeping, they were that bad today) the Slytherin waited for possession to be given back to her, hands all but wringing the handle of her broomstick. No, they dug into the wood, her claws penetrating the surface and the glossy handle as anger coursed through her veins. "Jac! Heads up." She called to her teammate, making sure the Gryffindor was on her toes before even thinking about passing to her. It would come soon enough.

Easing her broom in the other direction, with the quaffle in possession or without, didn't matter, the Slytherin screwed her face up, eyes flicking around the pitch. Careful in keeping a watch out for bludgers. Their beaters hadn't exactly been on the ball lately, nothing had come her way at all, and her and Jac were two of the most dangerous players on the team. What was up with this game lately?[/color]

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

((Starts CPR to bring Quidditch back to life!))

Dan was now standing on his seat, his heart was in his mouth and the Professor was jumping up and down with joy. This was turning into a classical game of Quidditch! Admittedly it was lacking some gamesmanship with many a dirty move even coming from Girty…but non the less Hufflepuff (with a small bit of help from Ravenclaw) were winning and that was all that mattered.

With a loud cheer and joining in with the chants from the crowds Dan waited with baited breath for Slytherin/ Gryffindor to put the Quaffle back into play!

HOUSE POINT UPDATE

- - - Gryffindor - - -	- - - Hufflepuff - - -	- - - Ravenclaw - - -	- - - Slytherin - - -
Posts x 1 = 5	Posts x 5 = 25 Goals x 1 = 10	Posts x 1 = 5	Posts x 1 = 5
+ 5	+ 35	+ 5	+ 5

GAME STATS UPDATE

Snitch Chases: Gryf-Slyth 5/10 and Huff-Rav 5/10

Beater Hits: None

[Jac Shaw]

Jac had been waiting for Erys to get her but into gear and pass the darned quaffle. She hadn't as of yet but simply hogged it and continued fly. It was typical Slytherin behaviour, hogging, and Jac couldn't stand it. This is the reason she and Erys were always butting heads, Jac simply rolled her eyes and followed the Slytherin as she flew off towards the oppositions goal posts.

"Oy! Air-head!" Jac called, flying a little below and a few feet behind the Slytherin. "Pass it, ya ninny!" Jac clapped her hands at Erys, showing she was ready. This game had gone far enough south for them up to this point, she didn't want to let it go any further. No matter if she could hear the headmaster's voice calling over everyone.

That reminded Jac. She took hold of her broom again and looked around for her competitors. Girty and Jamie were the ones to really look out for at their beaters had proven to be positively useless up to this point. As Jac thought that, she searched for her own beaters but remembered herself. That was not something she should worry about just now. She gave her attention back to Erys with a determined look on her face.

"Come on," Jac jeered before she smiled. I know we can do this.

[Erys Grace]

"Maybe I wouldn't have to hog it if you got open for a pass, Biggerstall!" Erys called as Jac swung closer on her broom, seeing the annoyed look on her teammate's face. Handing it off to her and speeding ahead the Slytherin lashed a foot out at Ellie, smirking at the hopes of having the PeachPuff's broom spinning wildly mid-air at the unexpected collision. "Jac, hit me again!" The Slytherin called, waving her hand, near the other team's hoops now. All they needed were what, one, two more passes before scoring? They could pick this game back up if their team mates got off their big behinds and did some work, it was just Erys and Jac doing most of it! Gol' blimey.

Waiting for the pass and keeping an eye out for bludgers and other players Erys glanced this way and that, waiting and watching.
[/color]