Slytherin v Gryffindor 3rd Game Finished

~ * ~

Ruby found herself at the Quidditch pitch before long. She had even practicing earlier in the day to brush up on some of her skills, but had made sure not to get too tired. She had finally made it to the position of first-string Chaser, taking Elena's spot. This was the first match that she would be in the starting line-up for, and while she was definitely nervous, there was mostly excitement stirring within her. Yes, the outcome of the game mattered. She hoped that Slytherin could seize the victory, of course she did, and she would do anything to help them get there. She also just wanted to have fun, though, and wanted everyone playing for both teams to enjoy it.

She mounted her broom and took to the sky, hovering in place and waiting for the start of the game. Today, she had a chance to enjoy herself and a chance to prove herself. Hopefully, things would go in her favour. She had a responsibility to score for her team, and she hoped that she could live up to any expectations that her teammates might have for her. She took a deep breath, trying to get rid of her nerves. Adrenaline could provide her with the energy to keep going, but too much nervousness might cause her to mess up. She had to stay calm… to some extent.

Doing as strategized

~ * ~

~*~

Today was the day

Ariana stood fully dressed in her brand new quidditch uniform, looking out onto the pitch, grasping her broom with unnecessary force. She was nervous. There was no denying it. It was her first game after all and although she could hear the cheers of her fellow gryffindors supporting her and her team out in the stands, it wasn't easy to stop the butterflies that now seemed to be doing somersaults in the pit of her stomach. Her fellow teammates had wished each other good luck and they now stood waiting for their call. Ariana couldn't help feeling excited, she was finally achieving one of her big dreams.They lined up, ready to go and Ariana felt the breeze lightly tickle her face as she made her way onto the pitch with her team, her quidditch boots squelching slightly in the mud and her robes billowing behind her. Her bright green eyes searched the stands for her friends and she beamed as she spotted them waving down enthusiastically with the rest of her house, wearing gryffindor supportive scarves and holding up banners. She waved back at them quickly before turning round to concentrate. Her long brown hair whipped around her in the wind. You can do this Ariana, she thought to herself. Help your team win. Slytherin wanted to win so badly, well Gryffindor weren't going to back down that easily. May the best team win.

Action: Getting into position and doing as strategized.

~*~

There was nothing like waking up to a bright sunny morning. For months the temperature continued to drop, pushing around the earth with frosty gales of wind. It was no problem, however. It seemed like for the first time in forever, this Saturday would be more than enjoyable. The clouds had disappeared from the sky, and the sun was given its room to shine... right into the eyes of many talented players. Students gathered in the stands, letting the soothing rays from the sun glisten down on them. Like most, they had come to watch the game, possibly the most important, but few simply came to sunbathe and get away from school work [NPCs]. Nevertheless, volume in the stadium refused to drop, smiles and happy faces influencing the overall mood. 

This was the game. The match would decide the fate of just one team. Although this wasn't the finals, some serious bragging rights were on the line. It was your cliché set up, the snakes versus the lions in a battle to win it all. Gryffindor had a lot to prove, as well as makeup for, regardless there were still some loyal fans in the crowd [X] rooting proudly for the underdogs. It was all, or rather nothing. As for Slytherin, it was a matter of repetition. Suffering another loss would not only hurt their standings but their pride as well and it could be argued one team wanted to win more than the other. Most students had begun to get anxious, ready for their favorite teams to fly from their tunnels, spirits blazing high. Lazarus Plott, the Headmaster of Ilvermorny, wouldn't dare to wait any longer. 

Hauling himself from his seat, the Headmaster made his way to the center of the field, the grass firm and ready for the players. Muttering a spell under his breath, he placed the wand on his throat and welcomed the spectators to the match. He was sure in for a treat when we witnessed the mechanics of the game in person. 

"Welcome, welcome! We've got two teams fighting it out for the chance at playing for the Quidditch Cup!" Plott declared broadly, allowing the cheers and screams to resonated across the stadium. It was strange to see students from all houses joining in to donate their support. "This will be an interesting match, to say the least. Let's make some noise for our teams today!" The noise intensified, demolishing the echo produced from Lazarus's amplifying spell. Allowing the cheers to go on, he began to think Hogwarts's students would go on all day if they could. The energy continued to grow and grow. 

"Let's give it up for Gryffindor, house of pride! You know exactly what they're playing for today. Will they dominate against snakes? We may be watching history repeat itself, folks." He added, putting unnecessary mystery into his voice. At once, jerseys of red and gold bursted out of their tunnel, a wait that was long overdue. Both Gryffindor captains, Rafael D'Spacito and Evelynn  Decipio, leading their team with high hopes.

"Be not mistaken however, it's the house of ambition and leadership! Give it up for the serpents, Slytherin! If what they say is true, they've always got a plan up their sleeves." Then the snakes emerged from their tunnel, the dignity in their form symbolizing their plan to takedown their rivals. This was not just a simple match. It was much more than just a simple Quidditch game.

"Best of luck to you all, and without further ado, let the games begin!" He quoted, retreating from the grass. Granted, it was just one game, but he couldn't miss a better opportunity than this to quote a familiar saying. As he came into contact with his chair, the red leather ball was launched into the air and now the quaffle was the childrens' problem. Two iron balls, as well as a golden glint of light had also been removed. Lazarus even caught a glimpse of it before it dashed off within a second. He couldn't wait to witness the sport.

─── ★ Chasers ★ ─── 

Alexx Séverin Attempts to Blatch Ariana Walker

Attack: [d20: 16] + 11 = 27 [Success]

Evasion: [d20: 5] + 9 = 14

Meanwhile, AJ MacAllister sits back on lifeguard duty 

─────────── Results ───────────

At the release of the Quaffle, chasers from the both teams sped off in efforts to grab the leather ball. The sun still continued to beam. Four chasers approached the leather, but only one would prevail. Nico and Ruby charged for the floating ball, but the Gryffindor captain and Charlie paid them no mind and kept their sights on the ball. The game piece grew bigger and with one fluid motion, Ruby slipped the Quaffle into her possession and swerved to the left to avoid collision with a rival.

"SLYTHERIN IN POSSESSION!" Plott's voice boomed on the right side of the stadium. Despite a few cheers, even students turned in his direction. He hadn't seen them, but it was likely he very much didn't care. It was amazing to see kids of all ages rise up to the occasion. That Slytherin had come to play, it was easy to tell.

His words almost continued, but at the sight of a green-robed blonde, he bit his tongue and waited for the game to play out. Alexx demonstrated no mercy, slamming herself into the Gryffindor beater. It was Gryffindor's first and perhaps last warning. Lazarus watched the beater descend rapidly to the ground, her yell being covered by shouts of euphoria and outrage. He was on his feet, ready to cheer or perhaps curse. "WALKER IS DOWN! Oh poor thing.." He watched the girl give her bat another swing, using her final blow. "ALEXX SÉVERIN! ONE PENALTY LAP FOR BLATCHING!" He declared, his voice amplified. 

─── ★ Keepers ★ ───

Koko Riddle watches up close, abandoning her position

─────────── Results ───────────

While Alexx eliminated the first player, Ruby outran her opponents and faced her next opponent. One word to describe him? Huge. But even that was an understatement, this boy could have easy given Lazarus himself a run for his money. He wondered how easy it was to even ride the broom with the extra height. It must have been an advantage on his part. Those long limbs made it easier to reach the leather ball. 

His eyes locked in with the Slytherin chaser, but he was met back with an icy cold stare. The face of determination. The distance between them disappeared gradually and Ruby launched the Quaffle into the hoops farthest to the left. At once, he left his idle position and jolted to the targeted hoop, ready to block the shot.

Much to his surprise, however, the leather zoomed past his left foot and soared through the rim. Lazarus's amusement couldn't be contained. "Ruby Cazares! INCREDIBLE shot! Slytherin's keeper relaxing in this beautiful weather, and hoping to keep it that way."

──── ★ Beaters ★ ────

───────────── Results ─────────────

Blood was bound to be shed, but Lazarus didn't assume it would be this early in the game. Ariana was first to get her shot off shortly before being knocked to the ground by a Slytherin chaser. She saw her target. A very dangerous woman inside and outside of the pitch, Erin. Part of the Gryffindor beater wanted to protect her with her life, but before she could fall to her trance she cracked her bat. The bludger darted towards her like a bullet and struck Erin in her right hip. "ARIANA'S GOTTEN HER VENGEANCE! DOWN GOES ERIN!"

However, she too had to get her final strike off and the beater sent her deadly shot off to an opposing beater. If there was one person to be afraid of on the Pitch, it was definitely Erin. Her bludger made its way towards Gris. The sound resonated throughout the stadium, and before she could witness the impact, she found herself falling toward the heated ground. "AND GRYFFINDOR CHASER! My goodness! Each beater needs to get their vengeance. Wait. What's this?"

Unlike the two, this beater was able to get her shot off to perhaps the most influential member to turn the tides. Dan Palmer, both the captain and primary seeker for the game. Trying to land a hit on him was very difficult, but she had the pride of a Gryffindor. She couldn't miss. After locating Dan, she pulled her arm back and prepared for her attack. A direct hit. The ball of iron soared across the stadium and struck Dan in his shoulder blades. It was like instant karma for abandoning his post and attempting to take out Gryffindor's seeker. "It's a battlefield out there. DANIEL GOES DOWN!"

There were several screams from the audience. Lazarus didn't blame them. From time to time, he also joined in and cheered for each team, because of course, he didn't want to be bias towards two teams he didn't really know.

──── ★ Seekers ★ ────

───────────── Results ─────────────

Before Slytherin's captain found the ground approaching quicker and quicker, he found Gryffindor's seeker, Lamik. He was going to need a miracle if he wanted to find the snitch. Perhaps Daniel and his team were on to something. Abandoning his post as seeker, he pushed his broom and trailed behind his opposing seeker, waiting to strike. He wasn't the only blatcher on the team. Slytherin had come to play and win.

Slytherin's seeker, with time, caught up to him and struck him from the right. It wasn't necessarily a good attack, but it was enough to knock Lamik from his broom. It would definitely be something to work on during the offseason. Lazarus couldn't believe his eyes. "What is Palmer doing? What the-" He questioned the Slytherin seeker, almost passing as one of the students. It was a question among everyone. All eyes were on the two seekers. He couldn't believe his own eyes, and that was saying something. Blatching wasn't a goal, it was nowhere close. After coming to the conclusion that everyone had their own style, he settled down.

"LAMIK DOWN! SEEKER DOWN AND FALLING!" A brilliant effort by the Slytherin captain, Daniel, if I do say so myself!" It was game time. This was do or die. 

──── ★ Savers ★ ──── 

───────────── Results ─────────────

It seemed that Koko and AJ's lifeguard duties were actually going to be put into use, but not the way they had dreamed. The pressure was unbelievable. Five players falling, and only two to be rescued. Both elected savers zoomed towards to their seekers, their clear choice. Perhaps Dan would get a second chance at blatching, but for now-

"Daniel Palmer! One penalty lap for ATTEMPTED BLATCHING!" He boomed, watching several students fall from their brooms on to the warm grass. There were nine players on the field. Three beaters had been taken out, and Daniel shared brooms with Koko, his fearless heroine in disguise. As for Lamik? He was sharing with AJ, he wasn't out yet.

With being down tens points down, and several players gone, things were not looking up for Rafael and his team of Lions. Most would have given up, but he refused and kept his head up high. It was one of the many things that kept the team going. Faith wasn't a skill you could teach.

──────── Scoreboard ────────

Gryffindor 0

Slytherin 10

Reducio

And thank you, Raf, for letting me use the coding!

–Action–
Doing as Strategized

With a screeching blow of the whistle, the game began. Heart in her throat, Thora sat on the edge of her seat--if you could even count her tense, half-crouch position as sitting--green eyes fixed on the scene above. It really was a shame their benches were so far off the ground along with the spectators, as long matches were a pain to watch. But this one? This game mattered. She didn't care if it took hours, or days. She'd be there. You could count on it.

Thora watched as the Quaffle was tossed high in the air… And promptly snatched up by Ruby, one of their own chasers. She flew almost unchallenged to Gryffindor's hoops, and a small, strained smile finally spread across Thora's face as the red leather ball was tossed neatly through a hoop. Slytherin was certainly lucky to have the prefect promoted to a first-string position, as she'd just proved her talent within minutes.

But although Thora wanted to say that everything was going the sneks' way, it wasn't at all true. True, they were ahead and had taken less damage in general as compared to Gryffindor, but they were not without their losses. From the first crack of bat on bludger, the girl's face had contorted into a bit of a grimace. Quidditch could be brutal, especially with four beaters active and looking for blood.

Green eyes squeezed almost shut as Dan rammed into Gryffindor's seeker and Alexx into an opposing chaser. Knocked clean off their brooms, the lions fell fast through thin air, followed by Gris, Dan himself, and Erin. They'd only just started! The beaters from each team seemed evenly matched, each of them accurately meeting their mark with the resounding impact of iron on human (or part-human).

Dan was saved, thankfully, but it seemed that Slytherin was briefly out of luck. Erin was one of their best players and now that she was eliminated, well, they'd see how they fared without her. Thora visibly flinched as the purple-haired girl hit the ground, followed by the other Gryffindor and Gris. Seeing their unmoving bodies was not at all pleasant, but she supposed a game was a game. She'd have time to check on them later, wouldn't she?

Thora's jaw clenched as the fingers of her right hand found and curled around the handle of her Nimbus tightly. At first glance, her team wasn't in a bad position to win the game, being ten points ahead already, but there were penalties to be taken and spots to be filled. They would have to fight hard for the victory.

Action >> Benched

Interacting with @Wren Caster

It truly was a magical thing, flying. As though there, in flight, with the air whipping through hair and robe, all thought could be dismissed in favour of enjoying the freedom of the moment. To just be. A great disappointment it was, then, when Evelynn's lap about the pitch concluded and she was forced to take her position upon the bench. All joy she had felt vanished to be replaced with anxious strain ten-fold that which she had felt exiting the locker rooms. Fortunately — or unfortunately — she soon forgot it. Golf-clap swallowed by the roar of the crowd with the announcement of the game's commencement, Evelynn's attention soon became just as engulfed.

The whistle blew, the quaffle was thrown into the air, and then all hell broke loose.

Somehow, viewing from the bench rather than the stands made it all the more real. It was all the red head could do to keep up with everything happening in the game. Everything seemed to happen all at once. The release of the snitch, the grab for the quaffle, and the blows of bludgers streaking from one end to the other. In the stands, she had been safe, comfortable (relatively), and able to watch on without a care more than hoping to see her House not utterly fail. Here, she felt as though she stood on the edge of a plank with sharks circling hungrily below. And she wasn't even in on the action. Yet. But hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

The moment Slytherin got the quaffle, Evelynn sat more upright, eyes fixed on the streaking form of the chaser. A mop off dark-brown hair. Cazares, then. Conveniently, the Slytherin chasers were easy to differentiate based on hair colour. "Nooo..." she uttered quietly under her breath, eyes darting in search of the formation of the other Gryffindor chasers. "Come on," came the more insistent tone. "Get it ba—" She cut off with a low groan as the quaffle sailed beautifully through the air, threading through Lowe's defences with ease.

Not a good start. And it only got worse. It seemed the Slytherin team was going all out with their offence. The bludgers, she expected; but the blatches — as much as she anticipated them given the snakes' foul history — still stung. She couldn't help but tense, as though bracing for impact herself as the thuds resounded across the pitch loud enough for her to feel them. A hand shot up to cover her mouth, eyes widening in mild horror as she watched the limp forms of her team mates plummet to the ground. It shouldn't have come as a surprise. It didn't, really, and yet, it was still jarring to witness every time.

Her gaze lingered on the forms of the two beaters, not only out of concern for their well-being, but also because of the implication on the game. They were down both of their beaters. Already. Their front-line offence had been squashed in the matter of moments. Sure, the Slytherin team would face the penalty of laps, but that was hardly a price to pay for the handicap they had incurred upon the lions. This was... bad. A tongue slipped out to moisten chapped lips as Evelynn's mind raced, sorting out strategies on how to recover from the loss. Not that she would have any real impact. It would be the captain, in the midst of it all, who would call the shots and adjust the course of play previously discussed in the locker room.

Her gaze lifted up to find him, and noted that Lamik, at least, had been safely caught upon AJ's broom. Their seeker was safe then. Her hands tightened in each other's grips, and she swallowed down the lump that had amassed in her throat. Her involvement wasn't needed, then. Not yet. But there was someone's whose was.

"Caster," Evelynn spoke, taking care to keep her voice steady, to stay the quiver of nerves that lay poised just beneath her calm veneer. "You're up. Mount your broom and get up there. We're counting on you. Show those snakes what happens if you cross a lion."

Action: Benched, sending in Wren as the reserve Beater

Koko was observant. It was good to be observant. She’d been observant while in foster care, and she was still observant now. Her observance was what had caused her to abandon her position at the goalposts and shoot forward in a dive to catch their Seeker as he fell off of his broom. ”You alright, mate?” she asked upon catching him.

She shouted a, ”Nice one, Ruby!” at her friend, who had just earned Slytherin ten points. Ruby had great accuracy. Koko’s gaze brightened as she smiled, but that smile would fade as a whistle pierced her ears. Penalty lap? For Dan? Koko cursed quietly under her breath. She was thankful that it had been her, the Keeper, who had caught Dan. The Keeper didn’t have much to do, after all. If Ruby managed to score more goals like that, they’d be fine with Dan on her broom. Still, Koko thought, what might this have in store for her?

Action | Taking Lap of Shame