QUIDDITCH: June 4, Gooseberry v. Hogwarts

[goosemods]

TEAM GOOSEBERRY Captain C. Decourt	TEAM HOGWARTS Captain R. Montague
Chaser Clementine Decourt Chaser Levi Kramer Chaser Zoey Valentine Beater Leonardo Fiori Beater Christopher Park Keeper Susana Velasquez Seeker Reid Wainwright	Chaser Lucy Clearwater Chaser Richard Harper Chaser Evan Stebbins Beater Samuel Goyle Beater Eleanor Peakes Keeper Rory Montague Seeker Allegra Sykes

The school’s been abuzz over the game since last night when the Hogwarts contingent appeared, and if our players weren’t feeling the pressure yet, those first sightings of international Quidditch scouts heading up to Mrs. Bloom’s office are sure to clinch it. Summer is rapidly approaching, and the sun’s bright and hot even this early in the morning. The Hogwarts team already look like they’re regretting wearing deep purple robes on this day, while Team Gooseberry, in soft gold, are better prepared for the weather.

They’re also better prepared for the pre-game, a sight that seems to bemuse the visiting team somewhat, as Captain Powers leads the Gooseberry interhouse cheer squad out onto the field for one final showstopper. Powers has put everyone in their house colour uniforms and recruited extra cheer volunteers so each Gooseberry house can have their own feature section. She leads Ebonhide’s section, while Captain Ogletree leads Ribbonfin’s, Captain Prince leads Azurcrest’s, and Captain Hawkeswood leads Coppertale’s. All cheerleaders in the end come together for the tallest human pyramid the school’s ever seen, with Riley Stamper right on top, waving a sparkling banner that magically cycles through plum purple, olive green, azure blue and rust orange.

Hogwarts might not have a cheer team, but their 25-person-strong entourage hails from the most passionate Quidditch-playing school in the world, and they make their voices heard when Chaser Decourt’s the first to take control of the Quaffle. Chasers Clearwater and Stebbins circle her, so she passes to Kramer—only to get immediately intercepted by Chaser Harper, who intercepts the Quaffle and takes the action down to Gooseberry’s goal posts. The Hogwarts Chasers rapidly score five goals, although Keeper Velasquez blocks nearly as many. Despite the best efforts of Team Gooseberry—Decourt signals different plays to her Chasers, and Beaters Fiori and Park block Goyle and Peakes from landing any direct hits on their team—it proves difficult getting the action to move back up the pitch to Hogwarts’ end. The onslaught of attempted goals seems endless. It’s a long 34 minutes in when Chaser Kramer manages to score the second goal, bringing the score to 60–20 for Hogwarts.

The Hogwarts Chasers are a unbeatable unit, fast-flying and so coordinated they might as well all be Legilimens. To break that up, Beater Park gets in a vicious hit on Chaser Stebbins, breaking the bones in his arm. Hogwarts boos the action, even though it’s deemed legal by the Hogwarts referee. Stebbins is replaced by Reserve Bundy, a dark-haired girl who’s the first to express horror at what happened to Stebbins when he lands back on the ground. Even Stebbins’ Slytherin teammates seem put off, as retaliation comes less than ten minutes later, when Beater Goyle “accidentally” elbows Park in the face while stealing a Bludger pass from him, giving Park a black eye. The referee insists he didn’t see it, ruling Park’s injury accidental.

Meanwhile, the Seekers are circling above the pitch, watching each other and for any signs of metal wings. More than ever before, Seeker Wainwright needs to focus, as international rules are in place, and the Golden Snitch is worth a whopping 150 points. Luckily for him, he knows the quirks of the Gooseberry pitch like the back of his hand, which proves beneficial when he first spots a glimmer by the Hogwarts hoops, and speeds off, a golden figure chasing a golden ball. His unexpected flight cuts off Decourt’s path towards the goals, and Keeper Montague gets in a clean block against her toss. Wainwright executes a sharp turn around the back of Hogwarts’ goals, but suddenly Seeker Sykes is there, ready to take the Snitch. On opposite sides of the field, Fiori and Peakes go for the Bludgers—Fiori’s hit forces Sykes to veer off the path, while Peakes’ precise aim catches the tail of Wainwright’s broom, spinning him towards the ground. He leaps off just in time, and rolls several feet on the grass—unhurt, with his undamaged broom tumbling beside him. The Snitch has been lost, and Wainwright remounts.

Fueled by anger over the hit on their Beater (and the near-hit on their Seeker), Gooseberry takes back control. The stars align the next time Velasquez blocks a shot from Harper, punting the Quaffle into the hands of a waiting Valentine. Fiori and Park both have Bludgers, and they clear the way for Valentine, who’s unstoppable as she zips down the pitch and sends the Quaffle whistling past Montague’s ear. 70–40 for Hogwarts, 47 minutes on the clock. Next successful goal is Kramer, who nimbly weaves around enemy Chasers before getting blocked off by Goyle. Kramer feints passing back to Decourt, and when Clearwater lunges to intercept, he instead chucks the Quaffle despite being almost twenty feet from the posts—it goes in, and the home crowd screams his name. 70–50 for Hogwarts, 53 minutes. Decourt follows this up with another goal, not two minutes later, but after that Montague seems to have a better grip on what to expect, and blocks four goals in a row, buying time for Hogwarts to widen their lead.

Montague’s assisted greatly by Hogwarts’ Beaters, who are relentless and prevent Decourt, Kramer and Valentine from getting a good rhythm going. While Goyle and Peakes don’t seem to be going for taking anyone out permanently, Gooseberry’s Chasers have to constantly be on guard. Kramer gets winged painfully in the elbow, and Valentine nearly loses her hand making another goal for Gooseberry. It’s all near-misses until Fiori finds himself in a bad place to protect Velasquez from a stray Bludger originally aimed for Valentine. Fiori slides in just fast enough and deflect it, but he overreaches at a dangerous angle and the force of the Bludger dislocates his shoulder. Reserve Cunningham is called in to replace Fiori, and she brings all her well-rested energy to keeping Goyle and Peakes off the Bludgers.

Once again, the score climbs for Gooseberry, and the match grows 95 minutes long when Decourt finally takes them the closest they’ve come all game: 110–90, Gooseberry just two goals behind Hogwarts. Decourt’s stayed on target for the whole match, always putting herself in the optimal position to intercept Quaffles and get them in the hands of teammates, so much so that she and Chaser Harper have built up a small rivalry, with Harper seeming to hound her around the field and snatching any passes she makes. After the fourth time Harper steals from her, Decourt makes sure to hold onto the Quaffle, even as Clearwater and Bundy chase after her from both sides, and Goyle lines up a shot that nearly takes off Decourt’s ponytail. Kramer and Valentine dive in, trying to bump the Hogwarts Chasers off-course, while elsewhere Cunningham’s elbow meets Peakes’ as they both fight for the other Bludger. Decourt inches ahead, but Keeper Montague’s leaning forward, ready for her—

—and there’s the Golden Snitch! It zooms between Decourt and Montague so suddenly that everyone’s temporarily thrown off-course, with Clearwater and Bundy crashing into each other and swinging into Kramer’s path, Decourt dodging by instinct to avoid getting cut in the face by metal wings, and Montague looking away from her to check for the location of his Seeker. Sykes is high up but closer than Wainwright; she executes a dangerous dive, eyes focused on the shining Snitch, and nearly crashes into Park on the way down, his bat just grazing the corner of her ear. Decourt, Quaffle still tucked her arm, executes a hairpin turn around the confused cluster of Chasers, not even bothering to take her attention off the Hogwarts goal posts for an instant, as though fully confident that her team’s Seeker is on top of it.

And so he is, as Seeker Wainwright dives into the fray, quickly catching up to Sykes’ pursuit of the Snitch. They’re flying fast but the Snitch is faster, taking them down to the opposite end where Velasquez is watching. Hogwarts finally recovers, but not quickly enough, as Cunningham has both Bludgers in sight, and her bat hits them with cracking force, one after the other, forcing Bundy and Clearwater to clear the way as Decourt comes back around. Harper’s on her tail, but Valentine drops down, cutting him off so Decourt has a clean path. Like an arrow from a bow, Decourt shoots through the air at top speed, mirrored by Wainwright on the other end of the pitch, whose arm is outstretched, reaching past Sykes for the Snitch.

Decourt throws the Quaffle on a spectacular curve; it speeds past Montague’s arm and lands through the leftmost hoop. 110–100, Hogwarts just barely in the lead. Decourt pulls up, and turns to watch the Seekers close in: Wainwright, only one hand white-knuckled on his broom; Sykes now inches behind him; the Snitch right on a collision course with the Gooseberry Keeper. Velasquez dives out of the way. The crowd holds their breath—and so does the Snitch, which skids to a shocking midair stop, just a foot away from the goal posts. Wainwright sails right past it, going through the middle hoop. And Sykes, still just behind him, swipes her hand through the air, and closes her fingers around the Snitch.

.
.
.
.
.

HOGWARTS WINS
260–100

Whether you’re a player, cheerleader or spectator, post below with your character’s reactions! If you wish to post separately about the game, please use lj-cuts and mark for spoilers for the first 24 hours, so no one sees the result before reading the official match description.

A few notes: you can assume that there’s a mini Grotto Atrium party after the game, with the Hogwarts students invited to get wasted kiss some sad Americans. If you invented the NPC, you get first dibs on what the NPC is up to. The Hogwarts students will return home tomorrow morning. Regarding the international Quidditch scouts: if you want to say that one of them took interest in your character’s talents after the game, feel free!

Comments

PLAYERS & CHEERLEADERS

[goosemods]

Chris and open or whatever

[bambae]

Chris played this game intense as fuck. He probably looked intense as fuck. He didn't even react to taking an elbow to the face, like this is what he was born to do. He got to break some guy's arm, and really, that's all he ever wanted out of any of this. In his final high school game, that's all he wanted. And in this final game, he got to play with Quinn a final time.

His eyes are on the snitch in the end, so it's not shocking when Reid sails right past it - instead of happening fast, it's like it happens in slow motion, he sees Reid sail past it, and knows that they're fucking done. That's it. The entire game riding on the snitch, and they're fucking done. It doesn't cause him the anger his last game did, because everybody came out and played hard, and they just fucking lost. Fair and square. There's a catharsis in that.

When he lands, he doesn't land in anger, even though it would've been baller to win their final game, and go out as team Gooseberry undefeated. He lands sweaty and exhausted. He hugs his own team, those who are of the hugging mentality. Quinn, Levi, Ana, Avery, even fucking Jeffy, who he's warmed up to. If Reid hangs around, Chris doesn't hug him bc Reid isn't a hugger, but he squeezes his shoulder and tells him that he did good this year.

But he shakes the hands of the opposing team, all up until he reaches Goyle, who he punches in the shoulder, hard. He has good sportmanship but fuck you, you elbowed him in the face.

Hazel (Open~)

[lilwitchhazel]

Hazel is giving it her all today - in fact, she might be the most intensely focused she’s ever been in cheer. She wants them to win, so bad, because it’s the last Quidditch game for their seniors, and the last game Ty’s going to cheer, and… it just seems important. GO GOOSEBERRY!

It’s so close, and then… welp. They really did their best. Hazel is not pleased, but she’s not going to let that stop her from running to see all of her friends who played to give them hugs and encouragement. She tries to remain peppy, but it’s obviously a little forced. Ugh. She’s just going to find some Hogwarts kid to angrily make out with later. That’ll show those Brits a thing or two about how awesome Gooseberry is. Or something.

Reid

[cygninae]

.. sort of wants to go drown himself in the lake. After the previous Coppertale game, this is a little too much for his conscience to handle. He stands around with his team, accepting any condolences like a rag doll, and as soon as he's free from social interaction, he wanders away.

He's passing on that party.

LEO AND OPEN and stuff

[ninjaleo]

He's not really that upset, when the bludger slams into his shoulder and suddenly his arm just isn't where it's supposed to be. He'd hurt himself protecting his team, which is his job in the first place. Still. Leo spends a good three to four minutes on the sidelines begging to just be healed quickly and put back in. But then he stops, he know Quinn deserves to play this too. He gets fixed up without too many complaints, after that. At the end of things, he's sad for Clem; she'd been working hard as a captain. He feels bad for the rest of the team, too. But as far as Leo's concerned, his Quidditch career was over before this game anyway. This day was always just a bonus.

AUDIENCE REACTIONS

[goosemods]

Ennis & Open to multiple

[sheepish]

Ennis is seriously into this game and desperately wants Gooseberry to beat the shit out of Hogwarts and show them what for!! Except he's terribly bad at rivalry and claps and hops excitedly any time Hogwarts Harper does anything remotely impressive. ... But otherwise, he's totally pro-Gooseberry!! Totally!!!! -- But did anyone see those awesome steals from Harper??? He keeps looking over at the person sitting beside him in the stands, eagerly seeking their acknowledgement.

Anuhea

[alapai]

Is really happy that her girl Z is getting to play. She was hoping that this game would end on the triumphant note Ribbonfin's last match lacked — and you know what, it's super fucking disappointing that they lost, but this was still a hard-fought game. You guys did good out there.

Aiden

[dragonaid]

Aiden is here, cheering the GB team on. He cheers the loudest for Chris and Ana, his fellow coppertale team mates. But every time the school team scores he basically makes a hell lot of noise. Up until they lose.

He can't keep the disappointment off his face. But manages to offer encouragement for all those who played nonetheless. You did good, team!

AFTER THE GAME

[goosemods]

Sam, Calvin & Micah

[evercreep]

The first thing Sam does is sling an arm around Calvin's shoulders, who promptly squirms out from beneath it. While he glowers, Sam grins and rolls his eyes good-naturedly at Micah. His expression says Classic Calvin, right?, as though he and Micah are old friends.

"Micah St. Clair you said?" Sam asks. He's still smiling, but his eye contact is unrelenting. "Calvin, I don't think you ever mentioned a St. Clair." He still stares hard at Micah.

Calvin exhales and gives a forced smile. "Didn't think you'd be interested in the ins an' outs of my friends here."

Sam erupts into a bright peal of laughter. His eyes never leave Micah. He's been standing within reaching distance of Calvin all day. It's the two of them standing together, facing Micah. "Always underestimating how much anyone's interested in him. Has he changed any, St. Clair? Spare no details, friend-to-friend."

Sam & Cole

[colemoss]

This game would've been difficult for Cole to watch no matter how it had turned out because Gooseberry was playing Hogwarts and that had made it impossible not to think about Calvin. The fact that these would be the kids he was playing Quidditch with next year. The fact that he might never come back to Gooseberry if he couldn't earn those purple robes and come back for a match like this one. The fact that he'd have to go to school with Sam Goyle again. He'd cheered with his friends throughout the game, but half-heartedly, and had gone to the Atrium afterward because of a sort of unhappy curiosity. But it hadn't taken him long to retreat to the second floor and find a seat where he could overlook the party below and get out his sketchbook.

Now, looking down on occasion and idly sketching some of his classmates, he doesn't notice when someone below notices him or when that same someone heads for the steps to his perch.

At the Party: Rory Montague (Open) (with maybe surprise guest Dimi Evercreech eventually we'll see)

[evercretin]

Tall, dark and handsome does not seem particularly overjoyed that his team won an incredibly close game. The way he stands, off to the side, back to the wall, like a drill instructor, it's entirely possible that Rory Montague has never known joy in his life, let alone something higher - more - over joy. Forget it.

He's probably thinking about very serious things. That's the impression he gives, at least. Serious and, just, Merlin, terribly important things. Maybe he shouldn't be bothered at the moment?

No. He should totally be bothered.

💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[goosemods]

Hogwarts' hideous school colours are the fault of JKR.


...also i just realized i put the post-game party in the grotto and you know what? we really shouldn't. give me a couple extra min pls.

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[goosemods]

this post is 1500+ words long

why the fuck would i do that, guys? never again. oh my god i don't have to write a quidditch game until october. hallulejah.

i'm sorry to our children for ending on such a downer note

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[racingstripe]

can Riley 've the goosey cheerleader volunteer o can maybe give her that much

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[tyhawkeswood]

Ty would love to take Coppertale Cheerleader C since he missed out with Coppertale's last game. Unless someone else wants to grab it? :O (You had your chance, Ty.)

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[evercreep]

Iffff anyone wants one of my characters or Sam Goyle, LET ME KNOW. Otherwise I'll get them out there slowly tomorrow. ♥

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[gdilevi]

YAYAYAYAYAY thank you for this!!! and thank you for giving levi a Cool Feint ;__;

i'm gonna say international scouts talked to him after this game because I Want It and i want the future where tiny (giant) british honeychurch babies come to gooseberry as hogwarts exchange students

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[bubblewrapped]

VERY VERY GOOD MATCH!! I'm going to miss reading these but GLAD YOU FINALLY GET A BREAK UNTIL OCT.

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[quinning]

i need to go to sleep real bad so i'll tag in tomorrow. in the meantime, assume...

- quinn is OVER THE MOOOOOOOOON about playing (and look maw, no shady penalties this time!). she's bummed about not winning but there wasn't a cup at stake so she's doling out bear-hugs left and right after the game regardless. she'll be at the party.

- casey cheered his all because cheering is superior to quidditch. he will be at the party mackin' indiscriminately on cuties.

- kurt came for the school spirit and winced throughout most of the game.

- kazim came and enjoyed the game. he probably went to the party but was his normal hanging-about self.

- iris still doesn't go to this school. ffs i need to get my iris mojo in gear i'm not on hiatus anymore and this is ridiculous

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[neattrick]

AWWW SAD :( y2 spoilers: Clem's not gonna be on the Gooseberry team next year so this is a real bummer. But she's super proud of you guys. You played so good.

aaaand she might check in on reid later

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[alapai]

I JUST CAUGHT UP ON THIS AND OHHHHHHH MY GOD THIS ONE WAS A NAILBITER

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[neattrick]

boys and kids it is sssssseven AM and i would rather not be awake but here i am

if you want Allegra or Mara for anything they're around and i'm gonna post afterparty threads w them

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[caritasmitis]

Hey guys! I'll snag Tabs for Ribbonfin cheerleader A if that's cool?