Gryffindor V Hufflepuff Unofficial Game BETA

Passively Interacting with @Lydia Cooper, @Sean Hearth, @Rafael D'Spacito

It seemed that yesterday had been the last day of decent weather because the April tides had clearly taken over. Today was dreary and muddy and gross, but NOTHING could bring down the spirits of Aaron Jones. In just a few moments, he would be living his dream and participating in his first ever Quidditch match! To have gone from waitlisted to actually flying in a game was insane, but clearly his enthusiasm for the Quidditch team had paid off! Annie Morgan had volunteered to take his place on the bench so he could participate, and he felt like he would never be able to pay her back.

As he changed into the uniform he had been given, the pride of wearing the yellow-and-black hit him like a brick. Unofficially or not, Aaron was representing the Hufflepuff Quidditch team and to give them anything less than 110% would be a disgrace. As he walked onto the training pitch with the rest of the team, the first-time Quidditch player held his head high with a determined look in his eye. Captain Saskia's words, although brief, left a lasting impact on him.

Aaron was slightly distracted as his shoes sunk into the mud and he looked up at the dreary sky. It wasn't how he had pictured his first Quidditch game, but at the same time, it couldn't have been more perfect; because, as soon as he walked onto the field and looked away from the sky, he saw them. His dark-haired bunkmate and strawberry blonde bestie. Just the sight of them doubled Aaron's smile. And then when he saw Lydia's banner for him? Well, he almost ran over and gave them both a hug! But even though it was an unofficial match, Aaron wanted to be seen as a serious player. This would be his first impression on the rest of the team, and he couldn't be seen slacking off. So the twelve-year-old had to settle for just waving enthusiastically and offering them the biggest smile he could.

"Thank you," he mouthed to them, hoping his thumbs up got the message across.

After acknowledging his friends, Aaron turned back to the rest of the team. Most of them were mounting their brooms, so he followed suit. He worked to recall everything Professor Bercegeay had taught him in the past year. Today, everything had to be perfect. He sat near the base of the broom, and as he kicked off, he leaned forward to maximize his contact with the broom. This would help him to fly quickly, according to the lessons from his flying professor. And when he'd gone training with Willow, this is how he had beaten her during their friendly race around the pitch. In homage to that training session, Aaron did a couple speed laps around the training pitch to warm up. The wind in his face was enough to clear any tiny hints of nerves that might've been there (although all he really felt was excitement).

As the start of the match grew near, Aaron did a roundabout turn and took his position. This was the first time he turned his focus on the other team, deciding to size them up. His eyes were immediately drawn to Rafael D'Spacito, and their eyes met at the exact moment Rafael had been glaring. Good. As Aaron's own eyes narrowed as well, he appreciated the fact that there were no ridiculous pretenses. Up here in the air, it was clear they didn't like each other, and Lydia wouldn't be around to make them hold back. Aaron would show Rafael he had been wrong to doubt his flying skill.

This was going to be a memorable match for Aaron Jones. He would put his heart and soul into making sure Hufflepuff was triumphant.

Broom: School Broom | Ability: Martial Artist
Action: Getting into Position and Doing as Strategized

Hex Code: #259986

The last quidditch game really helped Willow realize just how much she adored the sport. Normally she was never big on playing sports growing up, but this was vastly different and maybe that's because flying was involved and who could turn down flying? Well, she supposed a lot of people could. But she definitely couldn't. Quidditch had quickly become a weekly relief for her, the peace and tranquility of flying. Combined with the intensity of competition it had also become an addiction.

While she hadn't been on the team for the initial Gryffindor game, she leaped at the chance to come and support her team for a rematch. Especially with some of her friends that she adored getting the chance to shine, like Aaron Jones. He had absolutely worn her out during their practice together because he was an exceptional flyer. She was excited for him to get to shine in the spotlight. Her eyes would also be watching Atlas, the other keeper on the team. There were always things to learn from others, so she was hopeful to learn from observation and maybe try new skills during their next practice. Even though this wasn't an official game, coming onto the training pitch was incredibly exhilarating will the game looming ahead of them. Quickly she bounced over to the benches and sat herself down, her broom held between her knees in case she needed to jump in.

Action: Benched and excited for the game!

M O D E R A T I O N — R O U N D 1

H U F F L E P U F F

FIRST STRING Keeper: @Altas Reid Chasers: - - @Serena Bowen @Annie Morgan @Aaron Jones Beaters: - @Saskia Nicholson @Reid Kovacs Seeker: @Teiki Laurent

SECOND STRING Keeper: @Willow Anderson Chaser: @Donnovan Perrywinkle Beater: @Quinn Healy Seeker: @May Moonstar "Only the gentle are ever truly strong"

G R Y F F I N D O R

FIRST STRING Keeper: @Piérre Marchonné Chasers: - - - @Rafael D'Spacito @Allister-Jameson MacAllister @Charlie Woodward Beaters: - @Wren Caster @Ariana Walker Seeker: @Evelynn Decipio

SECOND STRING Keeper: @Hugh Lowe Chaser: @Kayden Mae Killian Beater: @Griseldis Edelhardt Seeker: @Lamik Fillestar "The only defense against fear is courage"

D E B U F F S
-1 ACC (Hufflepuff) due to Charlie's Charm

The game was off, and in most atypical fashion. There was no great crowd whose roars of cheer or boos would be heard. No exuberant announcer to give the players a clear idea of the chaos taking place around them. No flashes of colours from posters in the stands, or distractions of flashing jewellery. Not much, anyway. It seemed a handful of students had heard of the impromptu match, cheers and shouts for "Rafael!" outnumbering any others. But they were few and far between, and largely swept away by the howl of the wind. No, on this occasion, the players would have a unique opportunity to focus on their tasks without distraction.

C H A S E R S

───── Hufflepuff ───── Hawkshead Attacking Formation Serena Bowen: Quaffle Grab #1: [d20: 4]+ 6 = 10 #2: [d20: 19]+ 6 = 25 [success] #3: [d20: 8]+ 6 = 14 Aaron Jones: Quaffle Grab #1: [d20: 7]+ 7 = 14 #2: [d20: 4]+ 7 = 11 #3: [d20: 7]+ 7 = 14 Annie Morgan: Quaffle Grab #1: [d20: 13]+ 8 = 21 #2: [d20: 15]+ 8 = 23 #3: [d20: 7]+ 8 = 15

───── Gryffindor ───── Rafael D'Spacito: Quaffle Grab #1: [d20: 18]+ 8 = 26 [success] #2: [d20: 9]+ 8 = 17 #3: [d20: 8]+ 8 = 16 AJ MacAllister: Quaffle Grab #1: [d20: 4]+ 5 = 9 #2: [d20: 17]+ 5 = 22 #3: [d20: 12]+ 5 = 17 [success] Charlie Woodward: Save Priority: Evelynn -

K E E P E R S

Goal Attempt #1

───── Gryffindor ───── Rafael D'Spacito: Goal [d20: 5]+ 8 = 13 [fail]

───── Hufflepuff ───── Atlas Reid: Block [d20: 10]+ 4 = 14 [success]

Goal Attempt #2

───── Hufflepuff ───── Serena Bowen: Goal [d20: 1]+ 6 = 7 [fail]

───── Gryffindor ───── Piérre Marchonné: Block [d20: 6]+ 7 = 13 [success]

Goal Attempt #3

───── Gryffindor ───── AJ MacAllister: Goal [d20: 19]+ 5 = 24 [success]

───── Hufflepuff ───── Atlas Reid: Block [d20: 5]+ 4 = 9 [fail]

10 Points for Gryffindor!

───────────── Results ─────────────

With the Quaffle tossed to the air, the official start was afoot. Immediately, it was apparent that the players on either side were playing for keeps. Unofficial or not, there was no loss of effort. Out of the gate, like the ill-tempered and out of control stallion that he had been described before, it was D'Spacito that snatched the quaffle from the grasps of the others. Unfortunately, his steam would wain by the time he reached the Hufflepuff goal. His attempt to score was hardly anything to bat an eye at, easily blocked by the novice Reid — Atlas Reid, that is.

The quaffle quickly got put back into play, Reid passing the caught quaffle to her side. Bowen out-flying the rest of the chasers with ease and picking up the ball without difficulty, she sped on back towards the other side. Like D'Spacito, however, luck would not be on her side. At all. Perhaps it was a spatter of rain, or a sudden jolt of a breeze, or perhaps something else entirely. Whatever the cause, she fumbled the ball in her attempt to score. Even if Marchonné hadn't easily snatched it from the air, the trajectory of the toss likely wouldn't have made it in.

Gryffindor once again in possession of the quaffle, their keeper's toss landed safely in the hands of MacAllister, a novice chaser with only one game under his belt despite holding a first string position. Inexperience aside, none seemed to be able to touch him as he sped right back towards the Hufflepuff posts with intent to score. And what a sight it was. Nearly a perfect throw. Reid didn't stand a chance. She dove for the ball, but missed, the quaffle sailing unexpectedly high, arcing neatly to the rim of a goal to bounce in.

There it was. The first goal of the game. 10 points to Gryffindor!

B E A T E R S || B L A T C H E R S

───── Hufflepuff ───── Saskia Nicholson: Bludger Backbeat @ Evelynn [d20: 9]+ 10 +5(backbeat) = 24 [success] Evelynn: Evade [d20: 13]+ 7 = 20 [fail] Damage done: (10 x 100)/2 = 500 HP: 500 - 500 = 0 [KO] Evelynn caught by Charlie ───── Reid Kovacs: Bludger @ Rafael [d20: 6]+ 9 = 15 [success] Rafael: Evade [d20: 6]+ 4 = 10 [fail] Damage done: (16 x 100) = 1,600 HP: 1,000 - 1,600 = -600 [KO] Rafael falls to the ground [OUT]

───── Gryffindor ───── Wren Caster: Blatches @ Teiki [d20: 9]+ 6 = 15 [fail] Teiki: Evade [d20: 16]+ 8 = 24 [success] Penalty Lap! ───── Ariana Walker: Bludger @ Reid [d20: 11]+ 9 = 20 [success] Reid: Evade [d20: 1]+ 9 = 10 [fail] Damage done: (9 x 100) = 900 HP: 700 - 900 = -200 [KO] Reid falls to the ground [OUT] -

───────────── Results ─────────────

Elsewhere on the pitch, the rest of the team did not sit idle. The moment the bludgers were released to wreck havoc, the beaters were there to guide their paths of mayhem. Arguably, it was Kovacs with the most potential on the field. His strength was a deceptive one, on par even with the half-giant students of the school. It was something Gryffindor clearly hadn't overlooked as Walker targeted him right off the bat with a brilliantly aimed swing. The new first-string beater had dealt a devastating blow to Slytherin in their last game, and this occasion was no different. The bludger careened towards him, the weight behind the projectile enough to knock him clean from his broom and without anyone from Hufflepuff on standby, the ground would be what caught him.

But not before he had a chance to demonstrate that awful might of his. Perhaps surprisingly, it would be neither seeker nor beater whose tenure he sought to end — a previously common strategy carried out by most teams during official matches. Instead, he had aimed a well-placed blow, sending a second bludger barrelling towards the jumped up Gryffindor Captain, D'Spacito. Occupied with his attempts to gain possession of the quaffle, he didn't even stand a chance. The aim of the bludger wasn't particularly accurate, but Kovacs gained a touch of luck as D'Spacito flew right into the line of its trajectory, with any attempts to correct and dodge the incoming missile occurring just a little too late. The impact was massive. Likely more than anything he'd felt before, and more than enough to knock the sense out of him and the broom from under him as he sank to darkness and the ground below.

Not all attempts to whittle opposing team players away would be made with bludgers, however. For whatever reason, whether a lack of available magical canon balls, a veritable rage, or perhaps a keen desire to make up for a difference of strength with something just a little less acceptable, Caster would be seen not aiming her bat, but aiming her broom. In line with common strategy, she targeted the Hufflepuff seeker, speeding towards her with broom, clearly intent for a collision to knock the novice seeker straight from her broom. Her attempts would be misplaced, however. Although Caster hadn't flown poorly by any means, Laurent's evasive technique proved the better. She'd clearly seen the incoming attempt and with just enough time to avoid the desired conclusion. Unscathed, Laurent was free to continue her hunt while Caster would be required to perform the obligatory penalty lap — official referees or not.

Evidently, Gryffindor wouldn't be the only one to target the opposing seeker. It seemed Hufflepuff had, afterall, kept to that meta. Unsurprisingly, it was the expert beater on the field, Nicholson, to take up that task, targeting the Gryffindor seeker, Decipio. Evidently determined to see the bludger meet its mark, she took a little extra care to wind up her shot. Admittedly, the power that she would be able to instil into the backbeat would pale in comparison to a forward blow, but it hardly mattered. Her target was slight, and despite Decipio's reasonable efforts to outrace the murderous projectile, it struck her squarely in the side, the momentum enough to knock her from her broom. Fortunately for the Gryffindor seeker, the ground would not become her bed of rest. With Gryffindor chaser, Woodward, on standby for just such a situation, he sped towards her, catching and pulling her safely onto his Silver Arrow.

S E E K E R S

Snitch Find DC: 15 + 7 = 22

───── Hufflepuff ───── Teiki Laurent: Seeking Keen Eye [91+]: [d100: 21] [fail] [d20: 16]+ 7 = 23 [success] Teiki finds the Snitch!

───── Gryffindor ───── Evelynn Decipio: Seeking Keen Eye [91+]: [d100: 6] [fail] [d20: 18]+ 10 = 28 [success] Evelynn finds the Snitch!

───────────── Results ─────────────

Despite the chaos surrounding them with the quaffle passes and the criss-crossing of bludgers and blatcher, the seekers of both teams remained well focused. No doubt the environment aided greatly with this. The lack of commotion in the crowd, the lessened movement and colours and objects served to lessen the distractions. That said, without the bright sun, the glints of gold would be fewer and farther between. The two would have to rely on their keen sense of sight to distinguish the flighty little ball from their surroundings. And they did. Both of them. Laurent was forced to break her concentration momentarily in order to dodge Caster, while Decipio certainly lost hers when gravity became her larger concern, but both girls picked up the trail quickly enough.

Let the chase begin.

S C O R E B O A R D

GRYFFINDOR	HUFFLEPUFF
10	0

Notes: New System Implementations

[1] Quaffle Grabs — now result in 3 attempts to get the quaffle and score
[2] Snitch Chasing — once the snitch has been found, there will be 1 round of chasing in order for the seekers to catch up to their target before a catch attempt can be made on the following round. Similar rules apply to penalty laps for blatching in that a post is still required lest that chase be continued for additional rounds

As the Quidditch game began, Kayden Mae started leaning forward further, emotions flashing over her face rapidly - excitement, nerves for her team, apprehension as the bludgers closed in on their targets. She leapt to her feet when AJ scored, pumping a fist in the air with a cheer of ‘Let’s go, MacAllister!’ As she sat back down, a grin stretched wide over her face.

It was at that moment that she noticed there were two forms free falling, one in yellow and the other in red. She winced, glancing at the three other Gryffindors on the bench next to her, wondering who would be going in. It wasn’t until she just barely heard a distant voice calling ‘Rafael!’ that she realized who was falling, and it still took another moment for her to get to her feet with the realization that she was up.

As she mounted her broom, still blinking a few times to clear her surprise, her hands were steady, and the look on her face was determined. Whatever may happen, she was ready for this, she had spent years before Hogwarts playing as a Chaser during her family’s play-games. By the time she took to the air, she was grinning broadly in her excitement, and wasted no time in joining her teammates’ ranks.

Mentioning @Allister-Jameson MacAllister, @Rafael D'Spacito, and @Anastasia Beckett

ACTION: getting into position & doing as strategized

Well, turns out Annie wasn't going to be seated on the bench cheering. She got called to take positions and waved back to @Quinn Healy who had previously taken a seat next to her. The girl raced out with her broom in hand and quickly mounted it before the first round began. Annie had an attempt at grabbing a quaffle and scoring but unfortunately she didn't get either. Serena luckily got one and raced down and attempted to score but was blocked off.

Annie then heard several cracks from the beater's bats and saw Reid and the Gryffindor's team captain get knocked down from the sky. She winced but silently cheered for @Saskia Nicholson at her take down. She sent a smile to the other chaser, @Aaron Jones who it was his first time up on the field since he got accepted to the team. Annie nodded her head confidently and gazed across the field to see Teiki and Gryffindor's seeker, now on the back of a chaser's broom, racing after the snitch.

She held her breath, but they would have to wait and see because it looked like the chase had just started. Everything was okay for now, one of their beaters took a literal beating but they returned the favor and plus one of their players was doing a penalty lap. Things were looking up but Annie wouldn't get her hopes up quite yet, it was still early in the game.

Action: Doing as Strategized

Mentioning║@Rafael D'Spacito@James Cadwell@Janet Jackson

The game was on and Ariana stayed alert as she held her bat at the ready. It was an interesting one, both teams so determined and concentrated to win. The tension was almost visible. It was only a few minutes into the game before loud cheers suddenly erupted from the stands and Ariana spun round on her broom to see that Gryffindor had scored the first goal of the game. Now positively beaming she let out a small cheer before circling back round looking for opposing players to target. Shouts and gasps were now issuing from the audience and Ariana's eyes widened in shock as she turned around in time to witness a bludger smack into Rafa, knocking him from his broom. The gryffindor boy had been concentrated on tackling the quaffle and hadn't noticed as the bludger had come pelting towards him. That or he had noticed too late. Ariana watched as Rafa fell to the ground and she got over her immediate shock as she felt her temper flare up aggressively. Narrowing her green eyes, she readied herself to strike for revenge and immediately saw her opportunity, with a perfectly aimed swing of her bat, the bludger was sent plummeting at Reid, knocking him clean off his broom. Ariana grinned, raising her fist triumphantly into the air as she heard the cheers burst yet again from the gryffindors. Glancing over to the stands she flashed a bright smile to Janet and James before turning, once again back to the game. So far so good.

@Atlas Reid @Saskia Nicholson @Serena Bowen @Piérre Marchonné @Allister-Jameson MacAllister @Aaron Jones @Lydia Cooper @Anastasia Beckett

[font=Segoe Print]The game had promptly begun.

The air, hot and sickening, only seemed to constrict the breath of the young Captain as he flew gracefully through the air, sweat dribbles rising to his handsome features within only mere seconds of the game’s commence. Hufflepuff, as it seemed, held back for no team, their plays already coming across as ambitious and hard-hitting – well, two could play at that game. Rafael promptly dove down into the mess of red and yellow, his fingers nimble and weight well-distributed upon his broom as he banked, skillfully snatching the Quaffle out from under the fingertips of his manifold opponents. Too easy. Flying his broom in a careful arc, he swiftly flew through the amassed sea of players, barely slowing his broom down as the ball left his hands, soaring perfectly into the hoo –

No, that wasn’t right.

The ball, once on its way to making a score for the lovely Gryffindor Team, was now clutched in the hands of Atlas Reid, second-string keeper for Hufflepuff. A dark horse, if he’d ever seen one – what was with Saskia hoarding all the brilliant keepers? He supposed it was about time they’d gained a little luck regarding the keeper’s aspect of the game – it wasn’t a secret that they’d had a bit of rough luck with their original goal defender, Kurowaka. Though, he hadn’t at all been anticipating such strong playing from right off the bat, especially from the likes of a second-stringer. Huh. He should have known better, than to underestimate a fellow first year. Well, here’s to taking notes.

It seemed as if the blocking spirit had grown contagious – it wasn’t long before Gryffindor’s own keeper blocked an attempt by Serena Bowen. Rafael couldn’t help but feel a rush of pride – Pierre had succeeded! “Way to go, Pierre!” he cheered aloud. “That was amazing!” A bright, blinding smile crossed his face in that moment, as he thrust a fist into the air – it was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. He knew Pierre had it in him.

It was no time at all before yet another attempt was made – this time, it was AJ who pitched the ball through the hoops, the first successful score of the game. The Captain could only beam – he turned his broom, flying upwards towards his fellow chaser with a palm extended, high-five position. “That was a ruddy great score, mate!” he grinned. “Way to pick yourself up after last game!” It was no secret that his fellow chaser had suffered through a rough first game. Though, all things considered he seemed to be faring more than fine – the guy had to be fearless, or something of the likes. However, the Captain would keep his hand outstretched for only moments more, before rounding on his broom, getting back into position… the game waited for no man, and neither would he.

It was then, that his eyes caught that of a familiar Huffle – Lydia’s boyfriend had yet to make a successful Quaffle Grab, he thought with an air of satisfaction. As he’d anticipated. The kid was useless on the broom, a mere liability to his team. Lydia deserves far better. His eyes zeroed in on the boy once more, a smirk tugging on his lips – as his back was turned towards the bleachers, his amusement with the situation hidden would be perfectly hidden from both his crush and platonic soulmate. The message on his features was obvious – the Captain had been right all along. And he wanted Aaron to know.

Well, karma was a real bitch.

In the midst of the child’s silent gloating, he’d completely disregarded a bludger, wheeling at breakneck in the direction of the Thunderbird before he could do anything to stop it – the hunk of metal smashed into his temple, the world flashing an assortment of colors before a dark veil settled over his eyes, his vision slowly waning in the split second that he retained consciousness. The pain was immense, and for a moment, the child had forgotten how to breathe, his breath catching in his throat as his eyes rolled up into the back of his head, all hopes for staying upon his broom utterly lost…

The last thing he could see was the sickening hoard of gray clouds hovering above his field of vision, and the bottom of his own broom, before darkness had consumed his senses, leaving him numb and unconscious. [/font]

Was she doing this properly? The broom seemed to handle well enough, so she was able to search around for the small golden sphere. The nerves that were there before had started to calm down a bit, sated by the focus and energy it required to search for such a quick floating object. No wonder it was so many points.

It wouldn't take long for the girl to be momentarily distracted by whatever else was going on. Three quaffles soared around, and both keepers managed to block a goal. However, Atlas had a little more trouble with the second goal, the quaffle making it through the hoops. Her attention would turn to the beaters. It seemed that they were being rather effective, two people already falling out of the sky. She would wince, before glancing up at the last beater. Oh... She's getting really close. The young Hufflepuff would quickly move out of the way, maintaining a hold on her broom. Her focus would turn back to finding the snitch. A golden fluttering ball somewhere out in the distance. Finally! Her eyes found it once more, a hopeful feeling fluttering in her chest. Now, to see if she would be able to stay on her broom longer enough to grab onto the snitch...

Action | Doing As Strategized

The first round was already over before the Britalian could realize that it had started.

No sooner had the Quaffle been tossed in the air than Piérre had begun to fly randomly around all three of his hoops, prepared to block should the scarlet Quaffle come his way. At first, it seemed as if he didn't need to be on such defense, as Rafa yoinked the ball first thing and went flying for the opposite side of the field. Piérre silently cheered as his captain made a shot....

And it was blocked.

It was SO CLOSE too! Piérre then eagerly watched as a Huffle collected the ball next, and what happened afterward the little Britalian could hardly remember. It was almost a blur in the back of his mind, and certainly instincts were working in place off actual practice; practice that had been honed to perfection after so many successes and failures...

The red ball arced, and suddenly... the Quaffle wasn't red anymore... but golden and glittering, with little silver wings that buzzed and played with the day's sunlight. Bright green eyes widened and glittered, reflecting the gold, and with movements uncanny, the Britalian was already at the place, arm out to receive.

The Snitch was heavier than Piérre thought it would be, but then he thought of how much denser gold was than any other element. But then the Snitch had to be cradled to his chest as he circled the three rings of his side's scoring. He had done it! He had caught....

The Quaffle. Golden metal transformed to red leather, and Piérre found himself holding the large red ball in arms. Disappointment set hold, but then was quickly replaced with a second wave of excitement. He had caught the Quaffle! He had defended the rings successfully! Grinning like an idiot, Piérre chucked the ball as far away from the rings as he possibly could, and beamed when AJ, another Gryff Chaser, successfully caught and scored the red ball.

Rafa cheered his team on and Piérre beamed. It felt so good! To know that he had accomplished something, anything, that made him worthy of receiving even a modicum of praise. It really was all that he had ever wanted. The thrill was replaced swiftly with horror, as a hard, black, leather ball smacked Rafa hard, causing the captain to tumble off his broom and land painfully on the ground.

Piérre's smile shattered into a million pieces. Why hadn't he been there to protect him? If he had been a little faster, he could have saved him! Tears pricked in the corners of his eyes as the horror of pain and darkness that Rafa had to be experiencing. It was a nagging guilt, a shameful pain, that rippled through Piérre. But he knew that he couldn't linger on it for long... indeed, he spotted gold. Real gold, not the Quaffle disguising itself, and Evelynn had seen it too!

Silently cheering, Piérre urged Evelynn on mentally, offering his quick maneuvers and fast reactions to aid her on her wild flight.

THIS WAS IT.

Doing as strategized.