The hum of the crowd seeped through the wooden walls of their locker room as the Gryffindor Qudditch team tightened the straps of their kneepads and gathered their brooms for the first match of the season. Thomas adjusted the straps of his gloves as he gathered the team together in a huddle before the game. "Alright everyone, I know... This has been hard on a lot us" His breath hitched as he stared at the faces of his teammates scarred from the battle, "but we can't let it keep us from what we love, whether that be being here or kicking some Slytherin ass" He smirked and chuckled slightly to lighten the mood. "Cord, Hana do what you do best, Finn keep you eye Halliwell, and Calli bring it home" He added a slight wink in her direction before the horn sounded signaling the start of the match. "Let's make Gryffindor proud", the statement went a little deeper than just Quidditch to him.

His red and gold Quidditch robes swept behind him as the wind roared throughout the pitch. He made his way to the center of the field, eye-to-eye with the Slytherin Captain, Kenneth Lyndon. Madame Hooch patted both the boys on the shoulders, giving them the side eye, "Alright boys, let's keep this match fair and square, no tricks or foul play. Now shake on it.". Thomas extended his hand first and Lyndon gripped his hand pulling him harshly towards his chest. "Let's see if a two year break has made you soft Rohdlig" He sneered before shoving him away and stalking back towards the far side of the Quidditch pitch with the other Slytherins.

Thomas's body tensed, and he watched the hair on his forearm raise. He squeezed his broom rather tightly and took a deep breath, he got rather anxious and moody the closer it got to a full moon. It was something he didn't want to have to think about during the match, his lycanthropy was something he hand't told anyone. Out of embarrassment or fear, he wasn't too sure but he knew people would look at him differently if they found out and that he occasionally turned into a bloodthirsty wolf once each month.

Madame Hooch's whistle pulled him out of his own head and back to the field as he jogged back to his team and secured his helmet, tightening the chin strap to where it fit snuggly on his head. "Alright, take your positions!" Thomas immediately shot into the air, a smile forming on his rather stoic face. It was exhilarating to come back to the sport he had loved after the war. In that moment things felt normal again, good. He held a single fist in the air to his teammates as they readied themselves, and watched as they followed in suit. After a few moments of silence, Madame Hooch's whistle blared and in a second brooms where flying throughout the air. The first Quidditch match of the season had begun.



"Do we HAVE to be your little house elves today?!" "Yeah, come on sis, can't we just watch the Quidditch match!" Beatrix shot her two younger brothers a swift glare as she shoved note pads in their hands. "This is one of the biggest matches of the season, the first time Gryffindor and Slytherin get to battle it out since, the War. I need you to to gather all the bloody details for me, I'm already understaffed as it is". They both gave her the exact same disappointed look at the same time. Twins. "Can't you get Callista to do it?" The sound of the trumpet almost washed out Peter's voice. Bea hurriedly nudged her brothers down the steps, "She's in the match, now get out there and get my story". She watched the two admit defeat and finally trudge down the steps of the Hufflepuff section in the Pitch.

Beatrix tugged her coat closer to her body as the chilly winds of October began to settle in. She couldn't believe that it had already been a month since they all started. At first, it was weird and uncomfortable. Others were able to adjust back into the life of a student, but the lingering thoughts and feelings still held others back, she truly didn't know where she stood. Bea couldn't deny that every time she walked through the halls she couldn't help but hear the echoed screams of those who had lost their lives in the Battle. However, regardless of the pain she had promised herself to be a strong support to others and immediately threw herself back into the paper. It proved to be quite helpful, and rather calming not to mention she was working on a rather lengthy piece about the war itself.

She stood by the edge of the railing to the Hufflepuff seating section, pen at the ready as she watched the players (from her view they looked like little ants) march across the field and get into positions. She hadn't seen some of her friends yet, but the majority of them knew how preoccupied she became when she writing. Her face crinkled into a smile as she recognized some of her friends on the field and let of a little cheer, "Lets go Calli!".

Moments later her pen and pad went flying out of her hands and onto the ground of the already packed floor of the Hufflepuff section. A group of students (who she hadn't seen before) pushed past her rather aggressively. "Excuse me - ?" She said rather confused as they didn't even give her a second glance. How rude She thought to herself as she watched the group pave a path to the underside of the stand. Call it an inkling, or feeling, but something felt utterly wrong. Suddenly she lost sight of the group as the students around her shot up in cheers, waving their hats and scarves around as Madame Hooch signaled the start of the match.

She scrambled to pick up her pen and pad before pushing through the crowd to follow the students that had just past her. As she got closer to the exit she saw the tail end of the last student disappearing down the steps, and quickly ran after them being careful to keep her distance. She had no clue if anyone had picked up on her little curiosity, she hadn't seen her friends yet, but as she descended the steps the bad feeling in her gut only grew.



Gregory Halliwell wasn't having a particularly great day. He had managed to oversleep, lose his homework for transfiguration, and miss breakfast entirely. A great start to his first Quidditch match of the season. Gregory had already had a difficult time adjusting back into school after all the horrible crimes his father and sister committed, deep down it was humiliating for him. He'd never felt more alone in his life. He had a few friends here and there, Kade was one of the most understanding, but he didn't go one day without getting a rather harsh glare from a classmate. Being instantly defined by his family was wearing away on him, and he spent the majority of the year already keeping to himself. At least he still had Quidditch. Which he was late for.

He had to dash to get to the game in time, and he knew that Lydon wouldn't be too happy with him. Lyndon was a blood supremacists, a typical "evil" Slytherin, and the biggest asshat he knew. The only reason the boy got Captain was because his father handed over a large sum of money to the Quidditch team, Rory knew Viv or Esme would've been a much better match for their captain. He got a poignant glare as he dashed into the Slytherin locker room from Lyndon. "Sorry, I got caught up-" Lyndon cut him off rather abruptly, "Does it look like I care about your excuse? Get ready". Rory held his tongue and just nodded, hurriedly grabbing his pads from the locker and putting them on while Lyndon gave them a pre-game speech. "The Gryffindors already think they have this in the bag, which makes them careless. I will not lose this first game to them. Stupid mistakes today will cost you your position so I suggest everyone play like their life bloody well depended on it, do whatever you need to do to win. Now get out there". Everyone shuffled out of the locker room, but Lyndon blocked the exit with his hulking figure before Rory could follow his teammates. "I don't appreciate you being late Halliwell, do it again and your off the team" It was a curt threat but Rory was rather unfazed, Lyndon was all bark and no bite.

The wind whipped his curly hair around as he walked out on to the field following Esme and Viv out. He watched the Gryffindors do the same, his eyes on Hana and Cordelia, they were great, fierce chasers and would definitely be a strong match for him to face. Regardless, Gregory always enjoyed a challenge. At the sound of Madame Hooch's whistle he was up in the air, the Quaffle flying straight to the middle of the field. He made a beeline for the ball managing to snatch it first, tucking it underneath his right arm. He maneuvered through a sea of red and gold players furiously trying to protect the Quaffle, nearly getting knocked off his broom by a bludger. Just as they had practiced the day before, Karen Spinnet, one of the beaters had distracted Rohdlig with a bludger directly to his face, and Gregory launched the Quaffle through the 2nd ring. He grinned (for the first time in months) as he heard the satisfying ring of the bell along with

XXhana mori
XXXXXthey're going to love me now... or never.





XXXXXlocation: quidditch match
XXXXXdialogue: #009494
XXXXXthought: #940000

---

---

The cheering of the crowd was doing absolutely nothing to dissuade Hana's nerves. Her protective gear was laced up as tightly as was comfortable, and she had an iron grip on her trusty Nimbus. This match would have been a nerve-wracking one on a good day. Gryffindor and Slytherin matches had a tendency to be intense, and friendships would often be put aside for them. But to add to all of that, it was the first match of the season following a two-year break. She already knew that the crowd was going to be huge. And she also knew that there was honour at stake here. So when Thomas just instructed her to do what she did best, she simply nodded. And as they walked out onto the pitch, the cheers that went up made her heart start to pound. There was fear there- but the thrill, the adrenaline was starting to course through her veins. She forced herself to keep her expression as neutral as possible, but stared down the slytherin team as they stood facing each other.

But as soon as she kicked off to take her position, the anxiety was replaced with a determination to beat Slytherin's ass into next week. She'd been training. She'd had her brother out every single night, helping her train and improve her techniques and skills. She was a good Chaser. She knew that much. And if Slytherin kept it clean, she'd be fine. She eyed up one of the Beaters that was near her. She'd probably be fine. She raised her fist with the rest of her team, taking a deep breath as the match finally kicked off. And she grinned, because it felt so good to be back.

They all went in to the Quaffle at the same time, but Gregory was the first to grab it. She gritted her teeth and gave pursuit, dodging Bludgers and other players as she went. Even if her broom wasn't quite the fastest, she was agile enough to make up for that. Against her best instinct, she stopped as she saw Thomas take the Bludger to the face, flinching. Gregory scored the first ten points, and she gritted her teeth again. She couldn't dwell on it, though, keeping her eyes on the Quaffle the whole time. She needed to keep her eyes on Gregory. And those goddamn Beaters, because they didn't seem to want to hold back.

---

---

XXchristian rose
XXXXXi defy you, stars.





XXXXXlocation: quidditch match
XXXXXdialogue: #19455A
XXXXXthought: #5a2e19

---

---

Christian swore to himself as he sprinted across the grounds, still wearing his glasses. He'd gotten so engrossed in a book about medicinal potions that he'd completely lost track of time, and now he was late. He'd been excited for this game too. Gryffindor and Slytherin matches were almost always dramatic, and he had a feeling this one was only going to be more so due to the two year break. And now he was late.

He made it to the pitch just as the game kicked off, and started making his way to the Ravenclaw section. But on his way, he encountered Beatrix, who was presumably supposed to be reporting on the match, but who was following someone. Something about her expression told him that it wasn't that they were undercover scouts or something. Christian swore to himself. He really had wanted to watch the match. But his mind changed on that as he saw Thomas take a bludger to the face, and heard Slytherin score points moments later. It was shaping up to be a brutal one, and he suddenly wasn't so keen any more. His curiosity got the best of him, and he started following Bea.

"Bea! Bea!" He hissed as she started down the steps. He glanced over his shoulder before he started down the steps after her. "Beatrix! What the hell is happening?" He hissed as he followed her, taking his wand out of his pocket as he went, and shoving his glasses up his nose. Christ, this was far too stressful. He should have stayed reading his book in the common room. Or even watching the Quidditch match. His curiosity had clearly just gotten the better of him.

XXX Callista Everett
XXxxxxxxxxxX Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.

iXX dialogue~ #ff7bcb
XXthought ~ #c630e7

Callie tied her hair back into an intricate fishtail braid before checking her face for an flaws in her makeup. The locker room was filled with people hyping themselves up for the match today. Callie was very excited as well. She just wanted to look as good as she felt. Like many of Callie's activities, she aimed for perfection and Quidditch was no different. She spent most of her summer training her skills and she felt confident she'd catch the Snitch today. Slytherin's seeker would eat her air when she swept up the golden ball.

Thomas's short speech went over well in her opinion. Some could say she was a bit biased when it came to the captain, but it was a nice speech. The wink he sent her way didn't escape her. She sent him back a warm, somewhat forced, smile. Mother used to say a fake smile can gain you approval, a genuine smile can get you anything. Smiling used to be easier before. It takes more now, especially for it to be real.

Walking onto the pitch and hearing the cheers of fellow housemates and others did bring a genuine smile to her face. Fond memories came to her mind, but it was time to focus. The past was the past. She eyed the Slytherin team, doing little to hide her disdain. While she came from Slytherin roots, the house was corrupt in her mind. A Slytherin could not be trusted.

Going to the air, Callista went to quick work searching for the Snitch. She weaved through the players, one of the beaters being aggressively trying to make her lose balance. It didn't matter when she tricked by flying straight towards the ground, scaring him into leaving. "So naïve." A fluttering sound caught her attention. Callie hurried towards it, catching a glare of gold. A sound of points going towards Slytherin made her increase her speed. Reaching her left hand out, she could almost feel it. "Just a bit more."

---

XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXX Abraham James
XXxxxxxxxxxX Do me a favor and smile.

iXX dialogue~ #6c4c03
XXthought ~ #f9d804

Abraham banged on the ladies' bathroom door. "Stella! We're going to miss the match if you don't hurry." A loud groan came from the bathroom as Abraham sighed. Stella asked, more like demanded, the two walk to the match. Abraham didn't mind, but he promised Lu he'd meet her there to watch. Before joining the team, Abraham couldn't stand Quidditch. It was an aggressive sport, being a beater more so, which didn't work well with Abraham's personality. He was recruited by the Hufflepuff captain during his fourth year due to his strength and hardworking attitude, something almost every Hufflepuff had but his stood out. Other factors played a role, but that's all in the past. 'Life turns out very differently than one would expect.'

The stall door flew open, making a loud BANG! as it the wall. Abraham jumped, flinging himself off the wall he was leaning on and almost falling. A small giggle came from the source of that bang. Looking at his younger sister, Abraham would have laughed it off too, but his sister's sad eyes and pout pushed the thought from his mind. Kneeling down on one leg, putting himself a bit shorter than Stella, Abraham asked, "What's wrong?" "I can't get the ribbons right in my hair. Mum does it for me and I thought I could do it myself. My hair looks terrible!" She speaks in a voice that's trying not to cry, her eyes wet but no tears falling. Scarlett and gold ribbons hang in her tight fist. Without a word, Abraham took the ribbons and tied them in hair, not perfectly but well enough that it looked cute.

After fixing her hair and using his hands to wipe away the unshed tears in her eyes, Abraham smiled and took her hand, heading towards the match. When it was announced that Stella was Gryffindor, Abraham felt uneasy. He knew she'd fit in well there. She was a brave girl, coming to Hogwarts despite being scared. She was the sister of THE Lincoln James which worked in her favor of gaining friends. However, he worried for her. Gryffindor could affect her like it did Lincoln. Stella was sweet and kind. She would've made an excellent Hufflepuff, but the Sorting Hat thought otherwise. Once arriving at the match, Stella said a quick BYE before running over to join her house's seating area. With a sad smile, Abraham left for his. He hoped he didn't lose Stella too.

Abraham couldn't spot Lu anywhere, but he did notice Beatrix with an odd look on her face. It was negative emotion, something rarely seen on the happy Hufflepuff. He went forward to approach her, wanting to help his friend, when out of the corner of his eye, he saw another doing the same. Alexander Rose. He couldn't be in the young man's presence without tensing up, much less speak to him. He averted his gaze to the ground, walking back to Hufflepuff's seating area. He wasn't brave enough before and he wasn't going to start now.