Spring Races Spectator Thread Hufflepuff vs Slytherin Apr 2022

Interacting @Percival Gray

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Open to Interactions

@James Owens

My outfit!

Yesterday night, Bailey had received a letter from James asking her to come to the Hufflepuff Broom racing event.
The invitation read:

April 8, 2022

Hello Bailey,

I was wondering If you would want to come to the crowd for the Broom Race tomorrow. Sorry I know this is last minute but i've got someone that really wants to meet you. Maybe you could just stop by for a bit?

With love,

James Owens

When she read it, Bailey smiled and sent back an owl saying that she would be there.

That morning, Bailey looked out her window. It was really rainy! And the rain was cold too!!
Fretting dressed, Bailey put her blue trench coat over her arm along with her umbrella. A bit non magical, but it was practical. She had bought it in Diagonal Ally, and it repealed water.
After she ate her breakfast, Bailey headed to the Outdoor Club Area where the races would be held.
It was raining, so before she left the castle, Bailey slipped on her trench coat and put her wand in the inside pocket. Opening her umbrella, Bailey headed out in the rain.
When she arrived at the spectator’s spot, Bailey looked around. She was about 15 minutes before the races would start. She did not see James yet, but hopefully he would show up soon. Bailey watched as other people trickled into stands. Houselves started walking among them, handing out hot chocolate and sweets. Excepting a mug of hot chocolate, Bailey sipped it. It had a faint hint of peppermint, and it reminded her that she should take James to the Kitchen and bake something for him. Maybe I can do that later? Bailey thought.

Word count: 280 ish.

James woke that morning excited to see the broom races. Hopefully more people would be coming thanks to the event in the great hall. People were able to come in and make signs and other things to help cheer on the racers. James, being nice, had made a lot of signs so that he could hand them out. He had also gone ahead and made small pom poms for people to cheer with.

He got out of bed looking out the window. It was raining. Looked like it would rain all day. More of a day he would stay inside but he didn't he got dressed placing a thick black overcoat his mother had given him and headed out. He had put a thick line of yellow and green stripes, two on each cheek, to represent who was in the race today. Hufflepuff vs Slytherin. How exciting. He hadn't a good history with Slytherins but nonetheless still knew some people on that team.

He walked out of the dorm and through the common room. He waved to a few people on his way out and made his way to the Great Hall. He would grab something and eat quickly. He walked out and to the Club area where he would meet up with Bailey. He would make sure to apologize for her having to miss her own teams race. But that's not all he was hear for.

James had been receiving owls from a mysterious person he had classes with. He was still trying to figure out the person's name unsure of whether it was a girl or a boy. He had agreed to meet them in the crowd. They even knew that he was with Bailey at the Blossom Ball saying they made a handsome couple. James was quite happy to hear that.

He made his way up into the stands quickly noticing Bailey in her trench coat. His hair was sticking to his forehead slightly and had curled up in the rain making him look like he had a curly wet mop for hair rather than his longish wavy cut.

He sat next to her giving her a hug and small peck on the cheek. "Sorry I'm late. It's quite a walk when the rain and your hair is in your eyes stopping you from being able to see. The person we're meant to meet should be here soon enough. Or they might already be here. Not too sure." James chuckled slightly at the first part of his sentence then glanced through the stands not being able to see the person. Of course he couldn't see the person. He didn't even know what they looked like.

Word count: 448
Interacting: @Bailey Glade
Mentioning: @AngelFyre McCubbin

Outfit (Outfit Graphic by Bailey Glade)

The rain. There was so much of it. The very best thing about it in that moment was that AngelFyre knew Simon must be absolutely thrilled. He loved this kind of weather and practiced in it, unlike many other broom racers, every chance he got. She knew because she had had the joy, and it was a joy actually, of sitting in the stands when he practiced his flying skills and maneuvers in the rain. She knew it was not just about practice for him. The rain meant he could be out in broad daylight when the sun’s rays were not too harsh for him. Double bonus for him for sure on such occasions. He would make her laugh aloud sometimes when she could hear him whooping and hollering in sheer delight at being free to fly at ridiculous speeds at even more ridiculous heights on his broom Just. Because. He. Could.

He has this, AF. He is prepared. You know he is.

The last time she walked this path to see Simon compete did not end well for either of them. She found out the boy of her dreams had a redheaded girlfriend, and if that was not bad enough, said boy managed to win the race for the HufflePuffs, but was knocked off his broom AFTER his victory, requiring a trip to the Hospital Wing. But that was three months ago and oh how their lives had changed since. Still, that is what had AngelFyre on edge as she approached the Outdoor Club Area. She wanted him not to have go through that again, but she knew Simon would think the Hospital Wing was a bargain if it meant he got across that FINISH line first, or at all. It was not such an easy bargain for AngelFyre to make, however.

For one thing, it was an easier bargain for Simon to make as he did not know how the icy grip of fear could wend its tentacles around one's innards and squeeze more fear in rather than out. He did not know that that same iron vice grip could buckle one down to their knees as they were left with no other recourse but to kneel on the sidelines, feeling helplessly small, ineffectual, and powerless to do anything other than pray fervently for the one they loved. He did not know that the foul taste of bile was also the taste of fear and uncertainty as to whether or not the injuries sustained actually did fall within the range of magic to be healed completely or whether the casting skills of the healer were up to the challenges of such a healing. Simon did not know such things, but AngelFyre did.

Her father had wisely cautioned her from a young age that she should never risk that which she was absolutely not prepared to lose or live without. It took less than a moment's thought to know that Simon was most definitely not someone she was prepared to risk and live without... now or ever... but her love for him could also not be allowed to be simply a soft, comfortable, gilded cage where he could safely exist, but at the same time be a place from which he would never be able to really live either. No, her love would need to be the soft, comfortable, stable place he could recharge and refuel himself; a place from which he could launch himself into the world with the bedrock faith and knowledge that open arms, understanding, encouragement, and a loving heart eagerly awaited him if that same world beat him back just a little or even a lot.

She twirled her transparent, clear vinyl umbrella as she walked, much like the thoughts in her mind were twirling, and she sighed. Two steps later and she stopped dead in her tracks and closed her eyes and focused her mind to quell the fear and nerves that were threatening to surface. When she made her appearance in the Spectator area, such feelings must be safely secured, stowed, and tamped down. They should not make an appearance in the slightest on her face. She needed Simon to be able to concentrate on nothing else but the race before him, alert and happy. Her fears could scream and scratch at her psyche for release all they liked from that deep place within her, but Simon would never know of them. As a dutiful and loving girlfriend, it was her burden... and her very great privilege... to be able to carry such things on her own.

********
When she finally made it to the spectator area, she was more than a little disappointed to see that there were very few people. It was raining, sure, but still’ If this crop of witches and wizards could not handle a little rain...well...makes one wonder about the future of magic.

AngelFyre first noticed an upperclassman setting up a camera, which looked to be pointed at the START line. She envied that the girl was able to cast the umbrella charm apparently because she was moving about with the use of both of her hands. Must be nice. That charm would certainly come in handy if she were going to wave her banner about. That was definitely a two-handed job. AngelFyre made a mental note to introduce herself to the girl and ask her if she would mind casting the umbrella charm over herself and her party.

Did she say party? She did indeed. It appeared that AngelFyre would not be braving the rain alone. She had been corresponding with James Owens via owls as an easier method for shy people to get to know one another. They had agreed to meet for the very first time in person at the Broom race, and AngelFyre had suggested he bring his girlfriend along. James and his girlfriend were in the stands, so she hoped that meant James must have gotten her owl. Fantastic! With that in mind, AngelFyre happily approached them and introduced herself. "Hi! My name is AngelFyre McCubbin, also known as ‘mystery moi’ in the letters you have been receiving, but you can call me AF,” she said as her smile grew and she looked at James. Then turning to the girl he was with she stated, “Welcome to the Hufflepuff/Slytherin race. I know you are not a Hufflepuff, so that either makes you a Slytherin or a great girlfriend. Guess it could be both! Would you mind if I sit with you?"

And just at that very moment, the heavens opened up a little more and the steady rain turned into something only a few degrees magnitude less than a flood of biblical proportions. AngelFyre looked up and was richly rewarded with a wet face. Turning back to James and his girlfriend she uttered, "Man, it is really coming down now. Good thing my boyfriend finds this the perfect weather to fly in, but he is kind of crazy like that."

@Simon Kincaid @Bailey Glade @James Owens

@James Owens and @ AngelFyre McCubbin

My outfit!

Sipping her hot chocolate, Bailey waited slightly impatiently for James to show up. When someone sat next to her, she turned and it was James! He gave her a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, which made her smile and blush. He was so cute and romantic; she felt like he was her other half. Even though they had only know each other for a few months, Bailey felt a connection with him. When he apologized for being late she shook her head and said “Don’t apologize. It is not your fault and I cannot wait to meet this person.
When Bailey realized that James had no clue who the person was, she smiled to herself. She had a faint suspicion who it was, but… she was not going to say anything. There was that girl who had said that we were cute together but… Bailey thought.
When a blond headed girl walked up to them while Bailey was holding her umbrella over James, Bailey thought this must be who James was talking about.
When the girl introduced herself as AngelFyre McCubbin, Bailey smiled warmly and said Its really nice to meet you. My name Bailey Glade, but you might have already known that.
When AmgleFrye kept talking, mentioning that Bailey wasn’t a Hufflepuff is she one Then? then she must be a Slytherin or a really great girlfriend. Am I…. James’ girlfriend? Bailey thought.
Then AngleFrye mentioned that her boyfriend was flying, and Bailey asked ”Who is your boyfriend? Is it Simon Kincaid? I think I’ve seen y’all together. He is really nice to so you two would make a great couple!”

Word count: about 280 ish

James smiled as Bailey blushed at his kissed. She always blushed at his small intimate actions. He found it quite adorable. He noticed Bailey had a cup of hot chocolate and waited for the House elves to come around again before taking a mug from the tray. It had collected some rain inside of it but not enough to water it down.

He took a sip. It was so good. It was most certainly better than what he was able to make back home. It warmed him up inside considering he didn't bring an umbrella. He had forgotten it in his trunk. But had somehow remembered to put the makeup on his face...which he had gotten out of his trunk.

He shook his head before taking another sip of the hot cocoa. He looked around brushing his hair back out of his eyes. Doing so was useless as it just fell right back in place. His hair was never the type that you could slick back when it got wet. It took a lot of gel if he wanted to do that. He saw a girl setting up a camera. She knew the umbrella charm. Lucky her. James hadn't learned that one yet and couldn't wait until he did. He wasn't looking for her though. He was still looking for AngelFyre.

That's when she came up to them introducing herself as AngelFyre McCubbin. She told James he could call her AF. He assumed that was her nickname considering her name was rather strange but unique all the same. She smiled and James stood up smiling himself. Finally able to me the 'mystery moi' as she called herself over the letters.

She turned to Bailey welcoming her to the race. Telling her she must be a Slytherin, which she was not, or a great girlfriend. That she was. Not official quite yet. James was still trying to determine the best way to ask her. He would ask her soon though. He nodded his head "Of course you can sit with us! The more the merrier!" James smiled even brighter just as the rain started to pour down even harder.

He sat back down placing an arm around Bailey. She had an umbrella and he didn't. This was the only way he was going to stay dry. Or at least keep from getting even more wet. He nodded in agreement to AF's statement about the rain. " You're dating Simon? I think i've seen him in the common room a few times. Never talked to him but seems like a nice fellow. You two must be really happy together."

Word count: 438
Interacting: @AngelFyre McCubbin@Bailey Glade
Mentioning: None

@James Owens and @ AngelFyre McCubbin

My outfit!

As she and James huddled under her umbrella, they sipped their hot chocolate. It was really good hot chocolate, and the House elves were doing an amazing job of making sure not too much rain got into them before they were distributed.

When Af or AngleFrye joined them and James invited her to sit with them, Bailey made sure that the umbrella was covering her too. It was a rather large umbrella and was quite useful in moments like this. Moving closer to James so that they could all be under it, Bailey leaned against his shoulder. Hoping he didn’t mind the contact, she asked AF How did you and Simon meet? He is a really nice dude and was super polite in the library. Y’all seem like a perfect match too.”
Looking around, Bailey watched the Celine as more and more people tricked into the stands. Bailey had made a bunch of posters at the event in the great hall a few days ago but she had left them in her dorm in her hurry to meet James.
Whoops Bailey thought. I can just give them the posters by owl or at the next race. And plus since I didn’t bring them they aren’t getting ruined by the rain.

Word count: 215 ish

Outfit (Outfit Graphic by Bailey Glade)

"Oh, terrific! Would love to join you two, but tell you what," and AngelFyre quickly turned to look over her shoulder at the upperclassman who was setting up a camera under the umbrella spell, "since we only have two umbrellas between us and this rain does not look to be letting up soon, I am going to go ask the photographer down there if she might possibly consider casting an umbrella charm over the three of us. No sense in any of us having to be this uncomfortable, right? Besides, we will need our hands to hold our hot chocolates and our House pride items to cheer on the racers. I will be right back!"

AngelFyre then turned and was about to cross the short distance to the photographer when she saw one of the house elves approaching with some hot chocolate. She gratefully took one, thinking she would offer it to the girl she was about interrupt.

"Excuse me. Please pardon the interruption, but my two friends and I," and AngelFyre quickly motioned her head towards Bailey and James, "could not help but notice that you have mastered the Umbrella charm, and sadly, we have not. Would it be too big of an imposition to ask if you might please cast the same over us so we can also have the use of our hands during the race?" AngelFyre smiled warmly at the girl and could not help but notice how stunning she was. She was clothed completely in black, had very dark hair, and the most gorgeous, piercing eyes. "I even brought you a hot chocolate if that might help persuade you," and AngelFyre then offered the girl the steaming cup of chocolaty goodness.

"And pardon my manners. I probably should have started off with this since I am asking a favor, but my name is AngelFyre McCubbin. Very nice to meet you."

@Mei Hagikura as James Owens? and @ AngelFyre McCubbin

My outfit!

Sitting next to James under her umbrella, leaning against his shoulder, Bailey was glad that she had come. She loved to support her friends, and she was getting to hang out with James too. As his (possible? Future?) girlfriend, she liked being able to hang out with him and getting to know him better.
As she leaned her head against his shoulder, he wrapped his arm around her. As he leaned his head upon hers, they watched AF go and ask the girl taking pictures if she could cast an umbrella spell over them. As AF waited for a response, James stood up saying that he had to go back to his dorm. He had started to shiver really bad, and Bailey was tempted to send him to the Hospital Wind. As he assured her that he would be fine and just needed to warm up, Bailey watched him go, making a mental note to go check up on him later. As AF approached her again, Bailey moved over so that they could sit together. Wondering if she had asked the girl if she could cast the umbrella spell, Bailey stood up to watch the broom racers as the races started. When AF got back, Bailey asked “Does Simon like broom racing? I really didn’t take him as the sporty type when I met him, but I could be totally wrong.”

Word count: 230 ish