6th House Quidditch: GRYFFINDOR V RAVENCLAW: 14th - 18th

Anthony entered the pitch feeling like a seasoned vet. His black and blue robes freshly pressed were proudly worn as his customized firebolt would match his team's colors. Clinching his broom tightly in his left hand he paused a moment to breathe in the fresh air, as the crowds chants would ring in his ears. Propping his broom up on one of the walls that led to the Ravenclaw locker room, he would adjust his gloves on both hands. Pulling the straps and adjusting the tightness of them around his wrists he would stretch his neck by moving his head from side to side. Retrieving his broom from the wall he stepped out onto the feild which would soon turn into a dangerous sport. A grin ran across his face as he looked up to see the stands full of students, and at the beauty of the field of play which would soon be occupied by speeding players tring there hardest to achieve a victory. The Gryffindor team which would be their opponet has yet to be seen. In fact it looked as if he were the first to enter the game.

He had no worries of course for his team would never fail them. They weren't the current Quidditch Cup champions for nothing. With that thought Anthony swung his leg over his broom as he took one last look up into the sky before he would be amongst it. Breathing in a deep breath he pushed off the ground with all he had and zoomed high up into the clouds. Looping back down the wind pushing against his body hard, he pulled up and zoomed around the pitch waiting for his teammates. He would fly close to the stands holding his hand out high-fiving those that would return the gesture. Grinning all the while he couldn't wait for the game to begin.

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

Rigby burst in the locker room just as Elana was leaving. She shyly eyed the lockers, looking for the one Lily had told her about. There it was! With a huge Ravenclaw crest signs with her name, Rigby Dumbledore, etched in blue, and underneath her name, the coveted title of Ravenclaw Seeker. Glancing around to make sure she was still alone, Rigby started to do a little dance. Which turned into a Flashdance like routine, just without the bucket of water. And no where near as graceful. Her long red hair was now a mess, and Rigby quickly charmed it into two braids. She changed into her blue quidditch robes, taking special care with her brand new gloves. At least they had been new last week, now they were completely broken in from all the grueling practice Lily had put her through. Rigby was beyond excited to play in her first match as a full member of the team, no more reserve for her!

Rigby looked around for her broom, a shiny new firebolt with a black and blue design. It was the fastest broom she had ever been on. She just had to remember to let her team rack up the points before catching the snitch. Rigby bounced her way to the pitch, broom in hand, practically flying on her own from her nervouse energy. She saw Anthony and Elana already in the air and waved eagerly at them. She jumped on her broom and in a blink of an eye she was high up in the air. The other team had yet to show up, so Rigby practiced some dives to bide the time.

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

Rigby took a big gulp, ready to put plan into action. Elana had spent many patient hours helping her get the move just right. Their brilliant captain, Lily, had created the move just for her and Elana, so of course it was perfect. If Rigby executed it just like in practice then all should go well. She glanced at the opposing teams seeker, making sure that she was watching. She was. It was go time.

Rigby suddenly picked up speed, zooming past the other seeker. Her steely gaze was fixed on something that only she could see. The opposing seeker followed close on her tail. Rigby led the way high up in the air, body straining toward the snitch that wasn't really there. Despite speeding through the air she was still able to spot Elana in the distance. She just had to lead the other seeker into Elana's path.

Suddenly Rigby went into a dive. She let go of her broom with one hand, letting the opposing seeker see her reaching forward. Down and down they flew. Rigby wasn't trying to make her crash, but to lead her to where Elana and her bludger were waiting. She shifted slightly to the right, as if the chasing after the evasive snitch, still being followed closely. She could not longer see Elana, because she was going much too fast, but knew the place where she would be waiting by heart.

Rigby pushed her broom still faster, so that the other seeker couldn't catch up to her and see that there wasn't an actual snitch. She inched still further on her broom, working hard at her deceit. With a sudden lurch she gained even more distance on Cristina, forcing her to speed up. Rigby closed her eyes, using her inner senses to lead her to the mark. Just a little further now...There!

Rigby pulled out of the descent, putting as much distance as she could between her and the other seeker. She turned to see the bludger Elana had hit flying directly towards Cristina, who was still unaware of their trick. Rigby winced in sympathetic pain, she liked Cris, but this was Quidditch and she was a Ravenclaw. Still, she couldn't help but watch for the inevitable blow the Gryffindor seeker was about to receive.

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June flew onto the field and waved to the Ravenclaws that were already out. Some of them were her friends, though right now they were playing against each other. June did a few loops to regain the wonderful feeling of flying. She grabbed the quaffle when it was thrown into play and started to fly with it toward the Ravenclaw goalhoops. No keeper was in sight, so June tossed the quaffle through the center hoop and smiled as it went in. 'What an easy goal,' she thought.

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June, still celebrating after scoring, suddenly turned around when she heard the rush of fast air behind her that signified an incoming bludger. As it hurtled towards her, June just had time to mutter, "Oh crap!" before she swerved and almost lost control of her broom to avoid the bludger. In the end, the bludger just grazed the edge of her elbow, and although she got scraped, June wasn't badly hurt. Looking up at the Beater who had hit the bludger at her, June saw Elana. She smiled and stuck her tongue out at her. June knew that it was childish, but she, for some reason, felt hyper today... maybe it was because of her love for Quidditch. But then June saw Cristina hurt on her broom. June grimaced and flew down to her friend. "Are you alright?" June asked. Quickly, she performed a healing spell. After she made sure that the Gryffindor Seeker was okay, June flew off once more, not wanting a Ravenclaw to get their hands on her beloved quaffle.

Looking around, June noticed that the quaffle had been thrown into play once more. She leaned forward on her broom and was quick enough to intercept the quaffle. June turned around and flew back towards the Ravenclaw goalhoops. Suddenly, she saw a bludger heading straight towards her. Elana hadn't hit this one, but it was after June all the same. June quickly swung upside down on her broom while holding her quaffle, performing the Cub Roll. The bludger whizzed past where June's head would have been if she hadn't moved it. Sighing in relief, June resumed flying back to the Ravenclaw goalposts. She used both hands to toss the quaffle into the left hoop. Ding! went the bell and that was another goal for Gryffindor.

{Ravenclaw Beater}

Rigby, searching for the snitch, was glad to see June heal Cristina. The opposing seeker's injury had given her time to search unchallenged for the snitch, but still Cris was her friend and she hated to see her hurt. She winced when June scored a second time, but it only furthered her determination to catch the snitch. It was only a matter of time before her team caught up in points so Rigby focused on her task.

Keeping one eye out for the snitch and one on Cris to make sure her rival didn't catch sight of it first, Rigby zoomed around the pitch. Her speed and her sharp eyes were a deadly combination. The skies had begun to darken, clouds threatening rain. Rigby loved to play in the rain and welcomed the percipitation. Her new gloves and broom were waterproof and would not be effected. Rigby flew by Anthony and smiled, shouting " I think it's going to rain soon!". Anthony nodded and grinned, but he was intent on his own game play. Rigby could not wipe the smile from her face, the only better quidditch team than Ravenclaw was a Ravenclaw quidditch team in the rain. A big fat drop of rain splashed down on broomstick. It was just a drop but she was sure they would get the downpour she was wanting.

In the distance she saw a golden blur, and Rigby adjusted her broom in the snitch's direction. It was still early in the game, but she wanted to keep a close eye on the golden beauty. Fortunately Cirsitina was still on the other side of the pitch. If she were lucky the rain would start in earnest and cloak her from Gryffindor's seeker.

(Gryffindr Chaser)

June glanced up at the darkening clouds and smiled at the prospect of rain. 'Finally,' she thought. For the past week, it had been dry and arid... perhaps now things would get wet again. June smelled the scent of rain and once again got the quaffle when it was thrown into play //this is getting repetitive lol XD\\. With the quaffle safely tucked under her arm, June felt a raindrop splash her on the forehead. Staring up at the sky, June giggled as the raindrops began to fall hard and fast. During the next few minutes, June found herself soaked and absolutely ecstatic. She knew it was weird, but June was one of those few people who loved the feeling of being soaked and flying in the rain. Almost like dancing....

June shook her head and concentrated upon the task at hand: Avoiding bludgers and scoring a goal. She flew towards the goalposts and shivered as the wind picked up a bit. Aiming, June threw the quaffle at the right goalhoop. At that momet, a great gust of wind blew, blowing the quaffle off course. June's eyes narrowed as she swooped down to catch the quaffle. This time, June waited until there was a lull in the wind before she once again threw the quaffle. This time, she scored.

Gryffindor Seeker

Cristina wondered whether the thing moving at the other side of the pitch was the Ravenclaw Seeker, Rigby. She squinted her eyes and made out a figure quickly moving, as if following something. She grinned. Yea, that was Rigby. But had she seen the snitch? Had she really? As it was too far away to see it, she murmured "Binoculo" (Binoculars, Italian), quickly flicked her wand and a pretty golden pair of binoculars appeared in her right hand. She used it to look to the other side of the pitch, but she couldn't see the snitch. She realised with stupor that the golden object that Rigby was supposedly after wasn't the snitch, but the same little bird Cristina had encountered in one of her own earlier games - the golden snidget, the bird that had named the snitch. The mere thought of Rigby chasing a poor scared bird made her burst in laughter, which caused her to almost fall off her broom. Recollecting herself, she thought she'd just let Rigby have her fun. She giggled and flew off, around the pitch.

Lazily trailing along her usual circular path, rubbing her head that still hurt from Elana's bludger, she suddenly realised a sad fact: the only Gryffindor so far active in the game was their June, one of the three wonderful Chasers that Gryffindor was glad to have. She frowned becuase she could almost see it in front of her eyes - her team was going to lose again just because of non-participation.... She closed her eyes and tried to think of a way to get the team out of this situation.... after all, they were great players, all of them, they just had to be present!

She sighed and determined to focus on the game. Not seeing the Snitch anywhere, she decided that she could be some help to June and flew up to her, whispering: "Hey, June! Great score! Way to go!". She smiled and added in a more worried tone, almost whispeing: "I think it would be a good idea for me to help you - even though I'm just Seeker. They've kinda cornered us." She threw the Ravenclaws a long look, then continued: "When you plan to get the quaffle into those goalhoops, just yell and I'll start confusing these people like they haven't been confused their whole lives." She nodded meaningfully, hi-fived June, and flew to a position where she could stay put.

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June waved to Cristina. "It's great to finally see another Gryffindor here!" she said. "I think it would be a good idea for me to help you - even though I'm just Seeker. They've kinda cornered us." She threw the Ravenclaws a long look, then continued: "When you plan to get the quaffle into those goalhoops, just yell and I'll start confusing these people like they haven't been confused their whole lives." June nodded to the plan and quickly took off through the air. Now... where was that quaffle? There it was! The quaffle was quickly falling towards the ground and June went into a dive known as the Lion's Pounce. Grabbing the quaffle before it dared to touch the ground, June flew back up into the air and towards the Ravenclaw goalposts. At the moment that June judged was right, June signaled Cristina by shouting the name of Gryffindor's 'patented' move. "Godric's Confusion!" June shouted to her friend.

Gryffindor Seeker

Cristina got her friend's signal and hurried to perform her move. She leaned forward and flew fast circles around the other team's members, and through them. Then she gradually flew the circles smaller, forcing them to fly closer to each other. Cristina weighed her chances to herd them all together, but as she was alone, there wasn't much she could do, after all, her broom was .. just a regular broom, not a rocket. "Oh well,", she thought, "you won't get to the Quaffle and June anyway!". She zig-zagged through them swooshing sometimes dangeroulsy close to them. With the corner of her eye, she saw a Ravenclaw chaser head towards June and quickly flew in his or her way. The chaser was forced to brake brutally in order to avoid a crash. Cristina smirked, shouting "Bad luck!", then turned around.
She then noticed one of the bludgers was speeding towards June! "Uh-oh!". She flew to it, hoping she would manage to at least sacrifice herself and let June score. She was at level with the bludger when she noticed it was going to work - with a gulp, she slowed down until the bludger was definitely following her, then sped up again. She was so fast that all she could now heard was an undefinite "whoosh". She was still flying arund the members of the opposite team, yet, miraculously, the bludger didn't seem to have any intentions of changing its victim. And the scary thing was - it was moving faster than herself! After about 3 minutes of speedy circling, she felt the unaviodable - the bludger smashed to her head, causing her to fall off her broom. As she fell, she thought, "At least my move might have helped June!".

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June saw Cristina begin her circling. June flew towards the Ravenclaw goals and narrowed her eyes to see through the heavy rain. During her flight to score, June heard Cristina shout, "Bad luck!" and smiled as she realized that their plan was going to work. Flying into the scoring area, June carefully aimed in the rain and threw the quaffle through the center hoop. Hearing the 'Ding' of the bell, June shouted, "Yes!" Only then, did June turn around and look for Cristina. June found her lying on the ground. As quick as lightning, June flew down onto the field and winced when she saw the bump on Cristina's head. June took out her wand and waved it once, twice, three times over Cristina's head in a healing spell.

(Gryffindor Beater)

Amber ran unto the pitch late. She looked around to see who was already there, to give her an idea of just how late she was. She noticed not many people where there yet for either team, that was a good sign, it meant she wasn't as late as she thought she was. Or that everyone else was just really late, either way it meant that she wasn't gonna be in that much trouble, she looked around to see who had the quaffle, as she got unto her broom.

(Gryffindor Beater)

Aliza hurried onto the pitch after Amber. She noticed also that not many Gryffindors had arrived. That wasnt good. Sighing she kicked off into the air. She hated being late for any matches, especially as she was captain. She grinned at Amber and yelled to her "lets make up for everything we missed huh?" Aliza then dived after a bludger, hoping amber ws doing the same.

(Gryffindor Beater)

Amber smiled. "Lets." she said as she headed after the nearest bludger, it took her a moment to get caught up with it, but when she did she grinned.

"Alright who should we go after?" she asked, carefully making sure the bludger didn't get too far away from her.

Gryffindor Beater

Aliza thought about it for a moment and then grinned "Well... lana and Rigby can defend themselves and the only person left is Anthony. I guess it makes sense for us to go for him."

Aliza pulled her bat back and whacked the bludger as hard as she could towards Anthony, luckily he was left unprotected by the Ravenclaw Beaters....

(Gryffindor Beater)

Amber grinned also. That made sense, she swung her bat back and hit her bludger as hard as she could at Anthony. Watching it soar straight at him, she sighed and looked around. Trying to figure out what else was going on in the game, wondering when everyone else was gonna get there.

(Gryffindor Beater)

As both bludgers hit Anthony Aliza turned round and smiled at Amber..

'' i know what your thinking. this game's pretty dry huh?"

(Gryffindor Beater, don't forget your title Aliza XD)

Amber nodded in agreement with a small sigh. "You can say that again."

(Gryffindor Chaser)

After healing Cristina, June took to the air once more and flew to Aliza and Amber. "Hey guys!" she said. Glancing around her, June said, "Well, atleast we outnumber the Ravenclaws now... but I wonder when Amy, Rick, and WL will turn up." Suddenly, June saw the quaffle in the air and shot up to grab it before she flew toward the Ravenclaw goal posts. Quickly looking around her, June thought, 'I guess their keeper still isn't here yet,' and tossed the ball through the left goal hoop without any opposition. June shrugged and flew down to Amber, Aliza, and Cristina once more.

(Ravenclaw Chaser)

Anthony sat hovering on his broom waiting for more of his team to arrive. Glancing around he noticed Rigby thier new seeker who was a grand addition to the team, and Elana one of the finest beaters in the sport. They had already began to indulge themselves in play. Anthony watched as he saw Rigby lure Cristina towards Elana. He was so intent on watching the action unfold he forgot he was actually a chaser and his duty was to score for his team. Looking up at the scroeboard he saw June had already managed to score a few points for the Gryffies. Laughing at his stupidity Anthony decided it was time for him to get his butt in the game. Rigby zoomed by saying something he couldn't quite make out. Just then a drop of rain splashed on his hand sending his eyes towards look the sky. The clouds dark and he knew it would be pouring in mere moments. Shaking his hand to rid his glove of the water he began to make his move. Scanning the pitch he would see not one, but two bludgers heading his way. "Oh crap.", he said under his breath as he new there was no way he would be able to avoid them. All he could do was brace himself for the impact and hope he would be able to maintain his balance.

The first of the two would strike him hard against his right shoulder causing him to turn in the air. The second struck it's mark sqaure on his back close to his left shoulder blade. Gritting his teeth from the pain he was able to stay on his broom. He wouldn't go out that easily, after all this was quidditch and things like this happened. Stretching his arms out and rotating them to relieve some of the pain, he would turn to face Aliza and Amber forcing a smile. Shouting out over the wind and the crowds he taunted them. "Is that all you got?!?, You're gonna have to do much better than that!" With that said he looked around only to see June score another goal. 'Enough of this nonsense' he thought and zoomed out to make his presence felt in this game. Still sore and in pain he will fight through it.

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June saw Anthony get hit by the two bludgers and winced as she thought, 'That must have hurt.' He seemed alright, so June turned her attention back to the game. Unfortunately, those two bludgers that had hit Anthony were now flying towards her. June took off on her broom, swerving and looping, until she had lost the bludgers. But now, she had lost sight of the quaffle. June saw it, just as it was thrown back into play. She flew up to snatch it out of the air and started to fly toward the Ravenclaw goalposts.

(Ravenclaw Chaser)

Flying out into the middle of the pitch just as the quaffle was thrown back into play, Anthony's instincts took over as he leaned forward on his broom to retrieve his favorite toy. But before he got to it June again had snatched it up and began making her way towards his team's goals. 'Not this time' he thought to himself as he jerked his broom and gave chase after her. The rain pouring down now made it hard to see to far in front of him, but his skills and the practices have honed his ability well. He would let his instincts take over as he beared down on June. She wasn't going to score this time. Speeding towards her the wind stinging his face, the rain drops splashing against his skin, he could barely make out her figure up ahead of him. She was just a blur as she sped toward the goals. Pushing down on his broom Anthony flew down towards the ground so she wouldn't see him give chase. Looking up making sure he wouldn't over shoot his target he sped up until he was right underneath her. Matching her speed he thought of what he could do to give posession of the quaffle to him and his team. He had to be careful bor he didn't want to risk injuring her or himself in the process. It would be dangerous under any circumstance but the rain made it even more so. As quietly as he could manage Anthony pulled up and eased his way up to June until he was just a few feet underneath her. Spotting the quaffle tucked under her arm Anthony's features would have a grin walk acrossed his lips and his eyes narrowed with determination as they zeroed in on the quaffle.

With the quaffle in his sight and all of his moves planned to precision Anthony made his move. He gave out a whistle which he dubbed the Raven's song as it would sound like the call of a Raven. June looked around trying to locate the source of the noise but she didn't seem to know where it came from. With her attention on the call, Anthony maneuvered out to the right a bit and pulled up fast to where he was now flying side by side with June. Grinning extravagantly now Anthony reached out and forced the quaffle out of her posession. It would immediately trail behind them as they sped on towards the goals. Stopping on a dime Anthony turned around quickly and raced to retrieve what he considered his "property." Flying towards the quaffle Anthony dipped down quckly as it began its's freefall towards the ground. Catching it he would secure it tightly and begin weaving his way towards the Gryffindor goal posts.

Gryffindor, Seeker

Cristina was up in the air again. She barely had time to check whether all her bones were in place, that she noticed June and Anthony fighting for the Quaffle. She was again in the right mood for some action, so she dashed off, leaving a trail of dust, that had dirtied her quidditch robes after the fall, behind her. She realised in shock that Anthony had gotten the quaffle and went after him, flying by June. As she was next to her, she said " Thanks a million!" and smiled broadly.

Anthony was just a few metres in front of her, but no matter how rapid she was, she just counldn't get to him. Making an angry mental note to buy a better broom, she cried the first thing that came into her mind, just to distract Anthony - "Flying jelly pigs!!". It had obviously not worked, because Anthony was undisturbed, Quaffle safely in his arms. Cristina cursed her childish idea - she had to know it wouldn't work! Now she had to think of something good and really quick, if possible, because Anthony was now dangeroulsy close to the goalhoops. Gripping tighter on her broom, she shouted with all her power - "VOLDEMORT!", hoping that Anthony was one of the people who would get scared at hearing his name and therefore stop or even better - lose the quaffle.

(Gryffindor chaser)

June mentally cursed herself for letting the quaffle out of her hands and wheeled around as she tried to get it back. Unfortunately, Anthony had already grabbed it and had started to fly towards the Gryffindor goals. As June chased after him, she heard her sister yell "Flying jelly pigs" and "Voldemort" at Anthony, but the quaffle stayed in his grasp. June flew faster and yelled to Cristina, "The Gryffie Grab!"

June flew until she was above and slightly to the right of Anthony. Watching Cristina get into position to get her broom, June carefully stood up and, when the time was right, jumped off of her broom, leaving it to fall. As she fell through the air, June teased the quaffle out of Anthony's hands and continued to fall. She tried to quell the butterflies in her stomach as she hoped that her sister would come through.

Gryffindor Seeker

Cristina gasped as she heard June yell "The Gryffie Grab!". This was a highly dangerous move, that involved perfect timeng of the partners and perfect teamwork! But after all, they were sisters and worked together perfectly, so they were going to cope! Gulping as she saw June jump, she flew underneath her. She had wrongly calculated the broom's trajectory, but then turned around and got a safe grip of it. She looked up to approximate where June would land. Using the modest remainders of her physics knowlegde, she used June's initial speed and height to calculate just where she would land. She flew carefully, holding June's broom in one hand. She braced herslef for the shock of the landing and finally June forecefully landed on Cristina's broom. Cristina used her skill to stabilize her broom, then breathed easily again and helped June get on her own broom, saying "Wow, sis, that was a difficult one! But it went perfect, congrats for your courage! Now go, that goalhoop is yours!"

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

Rigby turned her head when Cris yelled out "Voldemort!" She cursed herself for falling for the ruse, especially since the Gryffindor seeker had been attempting to distract Anthony from scoring. However it appeared that Anthony was in the zone, where nothing short of a bludger to the head could disctract him from his duty. When she turned her attention back to the snitch it was no longer where she had seen it. Rigby sighed and steeled herself for a new search since the golden snitch could be anywhere now.

Deciding that the best place to start looking was in Cristina's direction, Rigby set course for the seeker. The rain was coming down in sheets and was actually quite cold, but fortunatly their uniforms were warm and made to stay dryer longer. She wanted to fly close to her opponent, but visibility was not very good at the moment. Rigby would have to be careful not to fly into Cris, but instead just close enough to distract her from Anthony and June, plus and snitch searching she might be up to. Her sleek new broom was flying through the air much faster than she could have imagined and she almost to Cristina before she knew it. Rigby realized that she was slightly off course, she was about to fly straight into her! Rigby pulled up her broom, hoping that the last minute move would prevent the crash, but braced herself for impact all the same.

(Gryffindor chaser)

June giggled, partly from the relief of not becoming human jam, and partly from the left over hysteria of the fall. Suddenly, June saw Rigby flying right towards them and shouted "Watch out!" Thankfully, Rigby missed them, if only by a few inches. "Thanks for getting the broom, Cris," June said, stabilizing herself. "Wow, sis, that was a difficult one! But it went perfect, congrats for your courage! Now go, that goalhoop is yours!" June didn't wait to be told twice, and flew off, but not before giving her sister a hug and a wave.

The rain was letting up slightly now, but it was still overcast above. June blinked away a few raindrops that had fallen on her eyelashes and clutched the quaffle tight to her body. She definitely was not going to let Anthony get it again. Flying faster and faster, June soon approached the Ravenclaw goalposts. Still slightly exhilirated from the success of a completed play, June threw the quaffle through the center goal hoop with all of her might and was well-rewarded with the 'ding' of the bell.

"Yes!" June cried and flew back to Cristina. "Thanks sis," June said and gave her another hug while she waited for the quaffle to be thrown back into play.

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

Rigby managed to just squeak by Cris, not even noticing that June had been there as well. Opening her eyes, not aware that she had closed them, she caught sight of June scoring yet again. The rain had all but let ip, quite suddenly, and all the sky was still dark Rigby was able to see clearly again. Taking advantage of June and Cristina hugging, Rigby zoomed off in search of the snitch. She has seen a flicker of gold to the east of her and she changed direction. She passed Lily and Elana, both looking quite dangerous. Elana's face was cold and determined, making Rigby glad that they were on the same team. She would not want to be on the opposite of that look.

Rigs took a deep breath and urged her broom still faster. It was the snitch she had seen, now it was zooming near the spectator stands. She flew as close as she could to the stands, being careful not to hit any of Ravenclaw's supporters. She also didn't want any Gryffindor supporters trying to knock her off her broom. The snitch bobbled and weaved before her as if tied to an invisible string held by a twitchy caffiene addict deprived of his morning coffee. Glancing over her shoulder, Rigby saw that Cris and June had been treated to a particulary vicious quaffle attack by Elana. She hoped the girls were okay, but she had a snitch to track.

(Gryffindor Chaser)
//Elana, Cristina is a seeker\\
June saw a bludger hurtling towards her and Cris and attempted to use the tail of her broom to knock it out of the way. Unfortunately, June timed it too late and managed to just knock the bludger a tiny bit off course. She was still hit by it though. Cristina had escaped unscathed and June smiled, waving her off to go look for the snitch. Grimacing at the pain, June noticed another bludger heading towards her, also hit by Elana. June quickly flew to the side and the bludger flew right by. Muttering a temporary healing spell, June was able to move her shoulder without wincing.

And just in time too, because the quaffle had just been thrown into play. June quickly grabbed it and started to fly towards the Ravenclaw goalposts. Then, a bludger zoomed towards her and June looked at Elana, wondering if she had hit it. No June concluded. It was just a random bludger. Sighing, June did a onehanded Sloth Grip Roll and the bludger flew over her broom, off to find another player to batter. June resumed her progress toward the Ravenclaw goalposts. Glancing up at the sky, she saw a tiny ray of sunlight peek through. Warmed ever so slightly by the sun, June flew into the scoring area and threw the ball through the right goal hoop. Smiling, June flew back to the center of the field after hearing the bell go 'ding'!

(Ravenclaw Chaser)

::Lifey circled, watching the game intently, not being a part of a play yet. Ravenclaw was doing well, lifey grinned at this, waving to Anthony and Lily.::

::June scored on a lucky shot, and Lifey was on the quaffle and recovered it for ravenclaw.::

::Dipping dangerously to avoid colliding with a random Gryffindor player, Lifey flew down the pitch, signaled, and threw the quaffle to anthony, not seeing the bludgers being aimed for him.::

(Ravenclaw Chaser)

Speeding down the pitch quaffle in hand Anthony had nothing on his mind but scoring. Eyes narrowed as he zoned in on the Gryffie goal posts. His determination was evident by the look slapped acrossed his features. All of a sudden out of know where June comes and steals the quaffle again. Before he could recuperate She had already sped down and scored again. 'My. my Anthony thought, they must think themselves some sort of quidditch god.' Grinning at the thought, Anthony returned to his post awaiting the quaffle to be thrown back into play. As it was he saw his fellow chaser Lifey swoop in and snatch it up. Smiling at the arrival of his teammate he gave her a quick nod and resumed his postion. Poor Gryffies he thought, soon their game would be turned upside down. Racing down the pitch eye on Lifey he saw her throw the quaffle in his direction. Racing towards it as fast as he could he reached out his left hand and caught it. Securing it tightly now there was no way June or any other Gryffie was gonna take it from him this time. Barrel rolling to the right he started making his way towards the other end of the pitch. Taking a moment to glance down he saw Lily, their captain enter the game. Returning his attention towards the Gryffie goals he saw a rogue bludger bearing down on him. It was head straight for him. Pulling with all his might to the left the sudden change in direction caused him to lose his grip on the quaffle.

"Thank Merlin I was able to dodge that." He told himself. But now the quaffle was up for grabs and of couorse at any minute he knew some Gryffie would snatch it up and score again. With that racing through his mind he immediately began to give chase to the falling quaffle.

(Ravenclaw Chaser)
::Lifey nodded to lily that she understood and grabbed the quaffle again. Tucking it securly under her arm, she hoped that Anthony was prepared.::

::She looked over her shoulder, only to turn back around and swerve to avoid a small bluebird that somehow mannaged to fly onto the pitch.::

"That could have been nasty." ::She yelled, passing the quaffle to anthony.::

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

Rigby was relieved to finally see Lily in the air. She heard Lily give a shout of warning to Anthony, and she hoped he heard as he had two bludgers flying towards him at grusome speeds. It appeared as if he and Lifey had a plan, leaving Rigby with the sure knowledge that Gryffindor's lead was soon to become ancient history.

Concentrating on her own flying, as the opposing seeker was sure to be on her broomstick at any moment, Rigby reached speeds of a shooting star, relentlessy chasing down the snitch. Suddenly the snitch shot straight up in the air, forcing Rigby to pull up hard and fast. Her old broom would have splintered under the sudden pressure, but her new one handled it with grace. The wind tore ar her braids, and soon escaped trendils were whipping through the air. Rigby let out a whoop of excitement, feeling as if she were on a runway roller coaster ride. The snitch danced and jerked tantilizingly in front of her, always just an arm or two length's away. She felt a presence behind her but she did not bother to look back to confirm if it was Cris or not. The snitch took a plunge and Rigby was now hurtling downwards, leaving whoever her shadow had been far behind.

(Ravenclaw Chaser)

Racing after the quaffle he dropped Anthony cursed him self under his breath. 'How stupid of him to let the thing fall out of his hands. Giving the way the Gryffindors were playing there was no room for error. Hand stretched out trying his hardest to get to the quaffle Anthony would have to pull up soon to avoid splatting himself all over the ground. He had no choice he had to disengage pronto. Shaking his head in disgust he pulled up and let the quaffle go. Hovering in the air he watched as it fell closer to the ground. "Bloody hell." That was the only thing he could say. Just at that moment he saw a blur of someone zoom by and snatch it up. The speed of whoever it was, was mind blowing, he could feel the air shoot up and ruffle his hair.

Squinting to see who it was through the pouring rain Anthony watched intently. When he saw that it was none other than Lily he knew the game was about to get good. Speeding down the pitch he would glance over his shoulder to see what was going on. He saw that she had passed the quaffle to Lifey who had to dodge some kind of bird. That brought out a laugh, what else could happen in this game he thought. Smoothly turning his broom to where he would be closer to his fellow chasers Anthony kept an eye out for bludgers and opponets. He was still determined as ever to even the odds, if not moreso now. Lifey looked over to him and nodded. He nodded in return as she then passed the quaffle to him. It was getting hard to catch the thing as it would become slippery and wet from all the rain. But he managed to secure it and once more begin his race to the Gryffie goals. Making sure this time that he wouldn't drop it or have it stolen Anthony secured it tightly. Scanning the pitch to gather his bearings he saw Lily off to the side racing down the pitch with him. Retrieving the quaffle he gripped it tightly as she was making her way towards him. Passing it hard and precise he hoped she would be able to catch it and score.

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

Rigby heard the ding of the goal, knowing that it was her team and not Gryffindor. The rain had started to fall again, slicking her wayward hair down her back. The snitch had changed direction yet again. Sparing a quick glance she noticed that Cris was still far behind. Rigby sliced through the rain like a rocket, chasing after a snitch that was playing peek-a-boo with the rain drops. She would have to stay close or she would lose sight of it. She cleared her mind of all thought save tracking the snitch. Her eyes narrowed, her lashes trapping the droplets of rain. She zeroed in on her evasive target. The beating of the rain on her broom was like a backbeat to her chase. The rhythem propelled her still faster, and she followed the snitch's lead. Vaguely she was aware of her teams movement around her, a ballet of grace and skill as they went in for another goal. Rigby needed to stay on task, and be ready to catch the snitch at anytime. She had special plans for her little golden devil.

(Ravenclaw Beater)

Jimmy stumbled down the mud-caked, slippery path to the stadium, hurriedly pulling his robes on again as the weather began to break.

"I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date..." He mumbled under his breath, eventually abandoning the idea of walking and simply jumping into the air, mounting his broom and flying over the walls of the stadium and onto the pitch.

"Sorrrrryyyyyy!" He shouted, smashing a bludger out of the way. "I couldn't find my broom!"

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June narrowed her eyes when she saw that the Ravenclaws had scored. They were extremely good, she'd give them that, but the Gryffindors were better. 'Stupid, stupid stupid!' June thought. Zoning out is NOT good. June accelerated her broom and rushed through the air to retrieve the quaffle after the Ravenclaws had scored. Snatching it out of the air, June raced like a bullet towards the Ravenclaw goal posts. 'No one can catch me when I'm in this mood,' June thought with a smirk as she dodged a bludger and glancing back, saw the Ravenclaw chasers attempting to catch up with her. Braking in front of the Ravenclaw goal posts, June threw the quaffle into the center hoop by executing the Courageous Circle. She threw the quaffle into the air, then swung her broom in a tight circle so that the quaffle was hit by the tail and sailed through the hoop.

June heard the 'ding' of the bell with a satisfied smirk on her face and raced to retrieve the ball when it was once again, thrown into play.

Gryffindor Seeker

Cristina noticed Rigby flying way in front of her, chasing the snitch. Yes, she could definitely recognise the snitch this time. Frowning, she realised she wasn't going to be able to get to it flying after Rigby, that girl's broom was just to fast for her. Cristina closed her eyes for some seconds, wondering whether there was any other solution. "But of course!". She concentrated on the snitch, trying to foresee its movements. This special, Quidditch-adapted branch of divination was relatively inexact and thus not the most reliable of all techniques - unless you were blessed with a lot of luck. Which Cristina supposed was true, as the game had run quite smoothly for her up to now - except a bludger or two maybe, even the most difficult plays had worked. And she had always felt a bit like a child of luck.
She braked her broom and suddenly, under the startled looks of people around her, started flying in the opposite direction. Well, it was actually quite a simple plan - she could foresee the snitch continue its course around the pitch, so it was theoretically just the same from what side she came. She grinned victoriously and bent down, allowing for her broom to fly faster. That it had been just the right plan became clear when she realised the snitch was actually closing up to her. Somewhere behind the snitch, she could also see Rigby, but she didn't worry about her too much. Then something happened that she didn't predict: the snitch felt that it was cornered and changed its direction so quickly, that she couldn't even see to which direction. She sighed, but the fun was far from being over: Rigby and her had gotten dangerously close in the meantime and it took a brutal brake to stop her from crashing right into her. She then stopped to recover her breath and said grinning: "What did ya think? That you'd catch the snitch just by speed? Well, get a new strategy or I'll catch the snitch for Gryffindor ..100%." She thought a second, then streched out her tongue: "No wait... I'll catch it anyway...". She grinned playfully one last time, then took off to look for the snitch again.

{Ravenclaw Seeker}

After almost having Cris run into her and the snitch, Rigby could hardly believe her ears. The Gryffindor seeker was actually taunting her and sticking out her tongue! The two might be friends on the ground, but it was clear that on the pitch there would not be any hand holding and singing of "Kumbaya". A grin slowly spread on Rigby's face, if she didn't have to worry about hurting Cris's feelings than catching the snitch was going to be easier than ever before. Lily had been working with her for weeks, toughening her up, and now it suddenly all clicked. She has lost sight of the snitch, but not for long. If her opponent thought speed wasn't necessary in catching the snitch than she was in for a hard lesson, thought Rigby.

She came to a complete stop and took in her surroundings. She noticed her team was flying in top form and felt proud to be on such a amazing team. She didn't just want to catch the snitch, although her desire was great. Rigby needed to catch the snitch for her teammates and with that determination, nothing would stop her. She took of on her broom, speeding by Cristina so fast that the seeker was left to spin in her wake, in the path of an incoming bludger. Rigby took no time to see if Cris would be hit or not, she could hear the snitch calling to her. The rain was down to drizzle at this point, the misty water studding her hair with diamond droplets. Rigby did a quick one handed spiral spin, as she often practiced moves while snitch searching. It was always a good idea to keep loose, it might come down to who had the extra strength left in her at the end, and Rigby was positive it would be her. Not that it mattered all that much, she had faith that her team would have enough points scored that it wouldn't matter if Gryffindor mananged to catch a half dozen snitches. But Rigby was pretty competitive, and she was far from ready to rest on her laurels.

The snitch appeared out of nowhere, right in front of her. Rigby laughed, her opponent was far behind her, and the snitch was once again engaging her in dance. She dodged a bludger sent her way, but it was enough to take her slightly off course. The snitch was proving to be a difficult dance partner, but in the end it would Rigby who held it in her hands. She increased her speed and once again was on the golden prize's trail, her determination increased tenfold.

Gryffindor, Seeker

Cristina looked in awe as she saw Rigby speed off, leaving her spinning around herself. She cursed under her breath - first of all, because she realised how strongly she needed a better broom, and second of all, because a bludger was brutally approaching her. "Time for some drastic measures!", she thought as she jumped off her broom - fell down a few metres - then shouted "Accio!" to get her broom back. That last part had happened just in time, because she had gotten dangerously close to the ground and already knew how a crash felt, she didn't need it once again.

She paused to rub her glasses free, then squinted her eyes only to see Rigby again almost catching the snitch. She angrily bit her lips - she had hurried to state that speed was not the most important thing to catch the snitch - but it obviously wasn't so. "But how on earth is my broom so slow?", she asked herself, remembering other games where she had had no problems of this kind. And she had even had performed a dangerously speedy move in this game, that much she could remember! She looked to the public - a minor detail, barely present to her mind, usually - half-expecting to see somebody pointing a wand at her and performing a slowing-down spell on her broom. "Nope, no such thing.", she answered her own question shrugging. "But then what?". She looked to her broom and her eyes suddenly fell onto something clinging to the tail of her broom. She narrowed her eyes and tried to tear it away. It was a living being, dirty, with big ears.... she couldn't believe her own eyes, but there was her own house-elf, Zippy! She slapped her forehead, then grabbed the poor little being tightly and its grip on the broom finally loosened!
"Zippy! What on earth are you doing here?"
The elf stared at her with big eyes. "Zippy afraid of young mistress' flying... Zippy say that mistress should land, flying unsafe..."
"Why would you care?" Cristina asked in a highly annoyed tone. She was usually friendlier to her house elf, but this was going too far!
"Because young mistress' mother wanted me to follow you and make sure you are safe..", the elf answered and started crying and banging its head against the broom, endangering its stability.
Cristina quickly grabbed it: "Stop it, you're gonna make us fall!", she shouted. No reaction. "And falling from a broomstick isn't my mother's idea of safety!", she yelled even louder. The elf stopped banging its head, but went on crying and explaining at the same time, which made her words barely understandable. "Young mistress flies to fast - sob - and then that move when she circled around those players so quickly - sob - Zippy thought young mistress was gonna die! - sobsobsob - and then she fell! That -"
Cristina interrupted the house elf placing her hands tightly on Zippy's mouth. "I get it!". She rolled her eyes, sighed, and said in a serious tone, "Now look, Zippy, my mother didn't mean you to interfere in that way. And honestly, I can't even imagine why she sent you, but - we'll let this be, I know you can't change anything about her decisions. You just - go home and I'll fix this with mum, just as soon as the game is over. Just tell her I sent you back and please.. please tell her what happened, so she won't get this crazy idea ever again!"
Zippy nodded with tears ion her eyes.
"Go now!", Cristina ordered and the house elf dissapeared with a - plop! - .

Cristina sighed. It was time to concentrate on the game again. And foremost, on catching that nasty snitch! She turned her broom around and realised that Rigby was once again following it! Oh really, one moment of elf trouble and she was on track again, unbelievable! She smiled against herself. Rigby was on the opposite team, yet she couldn't help helself not to admire her detemination, strong will and talent. Then her smile turned into a playful grin. "Mhhmm... let's see who's faster now!", she thought triumphantly and dashed off at incredible speed due to... "lack of elf on broom". In just a few seconds, she was shoulder-to-shoulder with Rigby, flying at such a speed that she had to shout to hear her own words, "Woohooo I'm back in the race!"

(Gryffindor Chaser)

June caught the quaffle when it was thrown into play and started to fly towards the Ravenclaw goalposts. Suddenly, she braked, not realizing what she was seeing. Was that a house elf hanging off of Cris's broom?!?! June blinked a few times and shook her head slightly. Yep, it was still there. Upon closer inspectiong, June saw that the hose elf was Zippy... oh no... was Zippy trying to keep Cris 'safe'? Again?!?! As June watched, Zippy then disappeared and June let out a sigh of relief when she saw that Cris's broom was once again flying faster than ever. 'Oh good...' June thought.

But then, something totally unexpected happened. June felt something crash into her back and she lost control of her broom, swerving and turning it wildly. "What the?" June shouted as she winced at the pain in her back. She turned around and saw a bludger go flying in another direction after hitting her. June shouted some colorful words at it, and looked around for her quaffle. 'Uh oh,' she thought. Her quaffle had been knocked free by the bludger and was now hurtling towards the ground. Mentally berating herself, June lay straight across her broom and urged her Firebolt down towards the elusive red ball. As she performed the Desperate Dive, June's angle became steeper and steeper until she was flying almost vertically and extremely fast. June saw the ground rise up to meet her and instinctively pulled out of the dive, but not before grabbing the quaffle a few feet from the ground. Slowing down, June flew up higher once more and caught her breath from her long dive. She was now near the Ravenclaw goalposts and June thought, 'Oh well, I shouldn't pass up this chance,' and she flew to the left hoop and tossed the quaffle in. June quickly turned to the scoreboard and congratulated herself when she saw the score on Gryffindor's side go up by 10.