Passing the Torch PV Landon M. Predated Finished

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CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 391 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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Landon always enjoyed Saturday mornings. He wasn't always the most fond of mornings, but Saturdays when he had no plans to do anything, could often be some of the most enjoyable days of all. Landon knew that soon he would have a lot of homework to do, which... honestly Landon somewhat enjoyed. He liked to learn and homework wasn't too bad, but Landon wasn't as good at practical magic. He was better at book learning than learning from casting the spells and making the potions. He knew that he would get good marks on his schoolwork, but never knew how well the classes themselves would go.

Landon knew that he was meeting Annie at the Quidditch pitch, so he dressed in his Quidditch uniform and grabbed a quick bite to eat before running outside to meet her. He really liked Annie. She had taken him under her wing and tried to help him feel more confident in his abilities. She had never made him feel like he wasn't good enough to be on the team, even if he was just the second-string Keeper. So far, Landon hadn't been needed during a Quidditch match, but he wanted to be a good addition to the team no matter what. He didn't want the team to think that him flying onto the pitch during a match was a bad thing.

Landon had a lot of anxiety when it came to messing up. He didn't want to let anyone down. He was grateful that he had friends on the team like Annie, and now he had Alyssea on the team too. Really the whole team had made him feel like he belonged with them. Maybe it was just in the Hufflepuff nature, but Landon felt like they all thought he was worth the investment, even when he doubted his own abilities. Anxiety doesn't always listen to facts sadly.

Landon smiled widely as he approached the pitch and he ran toward Annie. "Hi, Annie!" he said with a cheerful grin. He didn't want to startle her. She looked a little lost in thought when he approached, but he didn't question anything right now. He was just excited to be able to get back on his broom and fly again soon. "How were your summer holidays?" he asked as he moved to sit down next to her.

It wasn't long until she was greeted by the said younger Hufflepuff. His chipper mood did little to spark up her enthusiasm as her heart clenched in her chest, a ball of vile forming in her throat. Quickly swallowing that lump she'd plaster a smile on her features and answer his question.

"Welcome back Landon! Not too shabby, I went home for the summer this year instead of staying at camp. Ah well, my last year and I decided to be boring and spend it with my family." A small hint of a smile tugged on the corners of her lips. Everything was so different at the castle now. She could navigate it like a pro but on the downside everyone was also different. Her class sizes grew smaller, more intense and practical versus fun and easy. Sure, she was academic but she was not looking forward to her NEWTs this year, she did exceedingly well on a few of her OWLs a few years back, but perhaps it was just luck?

Shaking her head to clear the lingering thought she'd stand up from the bench, quaffle still tucked under her arm as her other hand went to grasp the broom shaft's handle. "I hope you are ready to bring your A-game. Finally, some color returned to her face as she brightened at the idea of pushing off the ground, a hearty smile blossoming on her cheeks as her eyes lit up. She would wait for Landon to get into position before tossing the quaffle up and down in her hands a few times, debating how she should go out. Witha a bang and make the kid feel bad or go easy on him? Who knows, maybe she was rusty after a whole summer off.

Reducio

Q1: Annie - [d20: 2 ] + 16 = 18
Landon - [d20: 2 ] + 10 = 12
Q2: Annie - [d20: 6 ] + 16 = 22
Landon - [d20: 19 ] + 10 = 29
Q3: Annie - [d20: 6 ] + 16 = 22
Landon - [d20: 16 ] + 10 = 26
Q4: Annie - [d20: 7] + 16 = 23
Landon - [d20: 18] + 10 = 28
Q5: Annie - [d20: 14] + 16 = 30
Landon - [d20: 14 ] + 10 = 24

Interacting with:@Landon Matthews
Note: No abilities were taken into consideration for quaffle rolls, just base level rolls.

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CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 519 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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Landon wasn't always the best at reading people, but he did feel like Annie was holding something back a little at first. But he didn't bring it up, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable when she didn't want to talk about it. He was just happy to spend time with her. He was sad that she was going to graduate at the end of this school year. He shook his head a little to clear his thoughts. He didn't want to think about her leaving. She had been like an older sister to him and he trusted her. He liked to spend time with her.

Landon hummed softly as Annie said she went home for the summer. "Camp was pretty fun, you did miss out! But I understand. My twin stayed home with the family so it was just me and my cat, Merlin," he said. "It's okay to spend time with your family," he said. "I love my family too, but I wanted to try and make more friends. It was weird though... the theme of camp was winter stuff, but I was lucky to get a tent with a group that was actually summer-themed." Landon chuckled a little. He was grateful for the time he spent with the group he had made friends with during camp.

Landon smiled widely as Annie got them ready to play. He smiled as she started to brighten up and seemed much happier with the whole thing. He was glad to see her smile. He mounted his broom and pushed up off the ground, letting out a happy shout as he took to the air. He hadn't been able to fly at home so he was happy to be up in the air again. He flew a couple laps around the training pitch just to get used to being in the air again before moving to guard the goals. "I'm ready when you are!" he called to her and waited for her to join him in the air and begin.

Landon had an excited smile on his face as Annie began to attempt to get the quaffle into the goalposts. He swooped to block her first attempt but missed and sighed a little. He didn't take it as personally as he used to when he missed. He used to beat himself up for it, but this time he was trying to just have fun. Landon then blocked the next three attempts, smiling widely. "Oh wow, are you taking it easy on me?" he asked, joking around. He didn't know if she was or not, but he was happy to be doing this either way. He loved flying.

He might have been too confident though, because he missed the fifth attempt. He laughed and ran a hand through his messy brown hair. "I spoke too soon," he said with a smile. Landon flew toward Annie and smiled softly. "I really love that you are willing to spend time with me like this," he said genuinely. "It's nice to know that I have a good friend who is willing to help me improve."

My lips twisted upwards lightly as Landon babbled about his summer. I was glad to see him enjoy his time more and really come out of his shell. I'd let out a small laugh. Winter themed? It got weirder each year, but the cabin themes was the least of the weird stuff that occurred during the summer. Too many embarrassing moments that she didn't want to recollect. Namely revolving around boys.. Ugh anywho..

As soon as Landon was in position, I threw the quaffle tucked under my armup into the air, signaling the start of our 1 on 1 practice. Giving the quaffle a good launch with my arms, I hear the familiar tune sink through the hoops. The school had equipped with the quaffle so that it aided my non-sight, it was quite clever and amusing at the same time. I hadn't put enough strength with hurling it, perhaps since I hadn't been a Chaser since many years back. My throws were becoming too predictable, but I still had good aim. Then back-to-back shots escaped me, one of them hitting the ridge of the hoop bouncing off it and spiraling into another direction. The other two others fell pretty nicely into Landon's gloves, hearing the solid thump of leather. Man, I couldn't go out on a full loss, could I? I'd anticipate the last quaffle shot Landon wanted to block and push myself to the edge of my broom, releasing it with a curve to it so it flew around the young Keeper's body. Quickly righting myself upright on the broom as to not fall off the front of it, I'd exhale.

"'Atta boy Landon! Nice shots there." I'd bring my fingers to my mouth in a shrill whistle of approval. Flying back down to touch the ground, I'd strap the quaffle back in the case safely. The next part was going to hurt.

"Hey kid-- ah who am I kidding you're practically a young man now. It's great spending time with you too, but you know I won't be around forever. And I don't just mean the school but.. I am stepping down from the team this year." I'd rush out, clutching the broom handle underneath my vice grip. I didn't want to imagine the hurt or confusion on his face, but I gave him a few seconds to absorb the information I just dumped. I would break the silence. "Give others a shot y'know? Kids who have real potential like you. Heck, you can even pursue it as a career, and I'd be there in the stands cheering for you every step of the way." I'd bring my robes up to my eyes, wiping the tears that threatened to spill.

"Landon, I want you to have my broom."

Interacting with:@Landon Matthews

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CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 538 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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Landon wasn't the best at talking about himself, but Annie made him feel comfortable and talking about his summer seemed to be something he was comfortable with. Annie was very sweet and had taken Landon under her wing, so Landon admired and respected her. He grinned as he heard Annie laugh about the winter themed summer camp. It was really odd, when he thought about it, and Landon was really glad his group had chosen a tent that was actually summer themed.

Landon worked hard to block the shots that Annie sent his way when they were practicing. He missed two of the five attempts and he grinned. He was proud of himself, not in a cocky sort of way, but in a 'hey look, I've gotten better' sort of way. He really had improved quite a bit, and he was happy with his progress. Did he think he was good enough for first-string Keeper yet? Nope, but he still had some time before he would be in that position. He had worked hard to get where he was and he didn't want to let anyone down. He watched as Annie righted herself on the broom, his eyes a little concerned until she got pulled back onto the broom safely. He believed Annie could take care of herself, but that didn't mean he wasn't allowed to be concerned.

Landon grinned as Annie praised him and he flew down to the ground when she did, landing easily and dismounting the broom. He loved being in the air, but right now they were needing to talk apparently. He looked at Annie, noticing the emotion on her face, and his blue eyes widened as he moved toward her. He was about to ask her if she was okay when she spoke first. He watched with an expression of disbelief as Annie told him that she was stepping down from the Quidditch team. "Wait..." he said, his expression hurt. He knew it wasn't personal with Annie, but he was really sad about the news. He took time to understand what was going on before Annie spoke again. "But, wouldn't having a strong player like you on the team make us more likely to win the games that could get me a career in Quidditch?" he asked with a frown. He wasn't actually pursuing a career in Quidditch because he was passionate about history, but it did feel nice to hear that Annie would support him no matter what.

He moved closer to Annie as she wiped at her eyes with her robes. He didn't get too close though, not wanting to touch her and make her uncomfortable. "So we won't have you on the team with us?" he asked, knowing the answer, but trying to confirm just so he wouldn't have any doubt. His eyes widened as Annie said she wanted him to have her broom. "You... you don't want to fly at all anymore?" he asked, his heart breaking a little. He was a sweet kid and he loved the feeling of flying, so he couldn't imagine wanting to give that up. But maybe one day he would understand the feeling as well. Right now, he really loved what he did.

The tension hung heavy in the air. After our pieces were said and words were exchanged, I had to take a moment to mull things overs, just like Landon had. I felt your presence scootch closer to me, as if trying to grasp my reasoning but provide comfort at the same time. It was and odd mix of emotions. Betrayal and hurt but also understanding and acceptance. After a few moments of fidgeting with my robe sleeves I would open my mouth again to speak.
"It is not always about winning Landon. You did not join the team just for the glory. We are Hufflepuffs, we love teamwork and the feeling of success from hard work paying off. My absence will not take away from that, the team has plenty of strengths with its current and future members."

I would reach out a hand, locating your shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. "No, I won't be on the team anymore, but you bet I'll be in the first row of the stands cheering at every game, win or loose." My previously sullen face lifted to express a small smile. Sure, it was filled with sadness but I could push it away and be strong for Landon and myself right now.

"Not all birds get the chance to fly Landon, I am lucky to even have had that chance given the cards delt in my life. Enjoy the feeling while it lasts, because eventually all birds have to land." The bird analogy was a tricky one, yet it spoke true. Qidditch was merely a hobby, some passion I had picked up on the whim. But it wasn't my future. I wasn't sure what my future would be exactly yet, but I couldn't distract myself any longer. I would turn my gaze that drifted off back to the direction you were sitting, lowering my hand from your shoulder as I place it back in my lap.

"I know the team will be left in good hands. You are excelling exceptionally and are a bright kid, I have all the faith in you that you will conquer anything you set your mind to. Fly high for me, Little Badger."

I would extend my broom out to you now, leaning it towards you, my hands placed lower on the handle so that you cold grasp above them. A silent action that meant the shifting of power, something that was more symbolic than what could be put into words.

Interacting with:@Landon Matthews

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CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 508 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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Landon stayed quiet as he let the news sink in. He didn't like it. He really liked having friends on the Quidditch team and he had gotten close to Annie, but he also understood that sometimes people needed to make changes. He sighed a little when she started to speak again, nodding quietly as she said it wasn't always about winning. "I know... I love that about being a Hufflepuff..." he said, though he didn't sound super enthused by his words. He just really hated the idea of Annie leaving the team.

"I..." he trailed off again and looked away for a moment before he felt Annie squeezing his shoulder. He let out a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing from the tension he hadn't known he had been holding there. He was just tired of losing friends on the team. He liked his teammates, of course, but he had been closer to a few of them over some of the others. He loved working on a team. "You're right. We will be okay... but I'll be sad," he admitted quietly. "You've helped me be a better player and given me a friend to talk to when I'm nervous about not being good enough."

"You promise you'll be there? At all the games? I know you can't after you graduate, which is really sad, but I definitely want to see you there for whatever games you can," he said with a small smile. He was still sad, and he was a little glad that Annie couldn't see his face, but he knew that she knew how he was feeling about the whole thing. He didn't want to make her worry about him. He would be okay.

Landon listened to Annie's analogy and nodded. "Yeah... you're right," he said again. She was very wise and Landon agreed with what she was saying even if it wasn't the easiest analogy. "Until I met you, I never would have understood that someone who can't see could still be good at Quidditch and other things. You amaze me, Annie, and I'm proud to be your friend," he said clearly. He loved Annie like a big sister and he admired everything she did.

Landon looked up and away from Annie, not trying to ignore her but trying to stop himself from tearing up. He wasn't of the mindset that boys couldn't cry or anything like that, but he didn't want to cry right now. He sniffled a little though, so he was sure Annie would know that he was emotional. He cleared his throat a little as she told him to fly high for her and sniffled again, a tear running down his cheek.

"This feels really final..." he admitted, his voice a little choked up. He reached for the broom, his blue eyes watery. He held the broom gently, not really taking it from Annie just yet. "You're sure? You don't want to keep your broom for traveling or something?" he asked. "I don't want you to regret giving it to me later."

Her intention was never to hurt the boy, nor her team. A sad smile slipped on her lips. Had she been able to look at Landon's face, it would've likely crushed her. His silence already hit her like a brick. He was processing, it would take time. Finally, he would speak up, causing her to jolt.

His words, his confirmation that they will be okay allowed her shoulders to rest from their previously tense position. She never made much mention of how the team switched out so often. New faces came; old faces went. Her mind drifted to past players who had stuck around but then one day up and left without saying anything. And now she was becoming another one of those.

She would wince at the thought. Was she being selfish? It was a taxing sport for sure on top of schoolwork. Alas, all the sports were dangerous, it was any wonder they allowed such young students to willingly cause harm on purpose to others. The girl would shudder a bit. Landon was fresh when he joined the team, but in only a few years time he changed a lot and was finally on his own two feet.

"You aren't giving yourself enough credit Landon. Sure, I was a crutch at first, but words only do so much. You took them and put them into action and that is all you. Plus do you really think I would've let you sink? That's the bludger's job." A small, amused smile played on her lips.

Then he made her promise something. "Every game. As close to the railing as I can get, but don't catch yourself looking for me, eyes on the prize mister." I'd give the boy's shoulder a little push, an attempt to ease tension. "And hey, once I'm making some big girl money, I'll get us some tickets to the Kenmare Kestrels or something during the summer! And yes, I'll make you cheer for an Irish team, oh the horror!" A small giggle escaped the girl. She wondered if he had ever been to a big league game or if his interest in Quidditch just came with his attendance to Hogwarts. Hers certainly was embedded in her from a young age.

Her blabbing got cut off as Landon's sincerity returned. Her eyes widened lightly, eyebrows shooting up. Was this boy trying to make her cry?

"You amaze me, Annie, and I'm proud to be your friend,"

Her hands still firmly out stretching the broom to Landon had started to shake. His sniffle. That was what broke her. She'd drop her hands from the broom. It seemed to fall from his grasp as well, he was still uncertain of her offer, hence a small thud was heard as it landed on the grass. Without hesitance she'd reach out for the shorter boy, tugging him into an embrace.

"I won't have any regrets. Neither should you." Her voice was muffled as she was able to place her chin atop the boy's head. She'd untangle her arms from around the boy's back, not realizing she had been rubbing soothing circles on his back. If he felt comfortable to cry, that was fine, but she knew he wanted to appear tough. And that was okay too. Taking a step back and a breath simultaneously, she crouched to pick up her broom of which had landed at her feet. she'd exhale, re-gaining her senses and let the boy take his time before calling out to him once more, tilting her head in an indication to leave. Their session was over.

"Walk with me back to the castle for lunch, yeah?"

Annie Exits the Scene. Room for @Landon Matthews to do one more post, or end of thread.

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CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 467 | Graphic by Helena Rose
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Landon didn't mean to make Annie feel bad for making him sad, but he had grown attached to Annie through their training sessions and just general conversations. Landon admired her and it would be sad to see her leave the team. And soon, she would graduate too, and that just made Landon more upset, but he wanted to support her. He wanted to be happy for her. It was just hard because he loved spending time with Annie.

Landon's frown shifted into a smile as Annie joked that it was the bludger's job to make him sink. He knew that she had helped him a lot and he was so grateful for her. "True, though I sure hope I don't get caught by a bludger any time soon," he said with a soft chuckle. He didn't want to get hurt, but he loved Quidditch so much that he was willing to risk it.

A wide smile stretched across Landon's face as Annie promised to come to the Quidditch matches. "I mean, I'm mostly sitting on the bench, but I will be really happy to see you there. Maybe one day, I'll play in an actual match. Shame that might not happen until after you graduate," he said with a sigh. Landon chuckled as she nudged him to get him to relax and he smiled. "Oh! I really would love to see a pro game! My family never really had that much of an interest in Quidditch, so I haven't watched one before, but I would love to. I'd even support an Irish team if it meant going," he said with a grin. Not that he had anything against the Irish, but it was fun to play along.

Landon watched the broom fall from their hands and was going to pick it up, but then he was tugged into an embrace. He hugged her back tightly, sniffling a little. He would really miss her. He cleared his throat, trying to choke back tears, because he didn't really want to cry. He was happy for her still, happy that she was doing what made her happy, and that she had been his friend for so long. He just hated that she would be leaving the team and leaving Hogwarts before too long. It was a lot of emotions to unpack. He held Annie close to him for a little while before they finally parted. He wiped at his eyes; a few tears had escaped despite his best intentions.

As Landon pulled himself back together, Annie bent to pick up the broom. He took a deep breath to calm himself before smiling softly as Annie suggested they walk back to the castle for lunch. "Of course," he said. He walked close to her as they headed back into the castle.

Landon exits, ending the thread.