~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes. The encouragement from Wiley to Maria did not go unnoticed. This was the sort of behaviour that made a team strong. Once again, it was his experience speaking. OH? This was Matthew Whittebrook’s grandson? “Yes! I do know your grandfather. I would see him often at matches. He’s very dedicated to his team.’’ Adi eyed Wiley curiously. “Looking to follow in Matthew’s footsteps in terms of Gobstones?”
Adi was quite used to Gobstones not being as popular as Quidditch. He had been resigned to that fact since his time at Hogwarts when he played for Hufflepuff. There was still sufficient interest, however, that warranted the existence of Gobstones teams and of course, events such as these. Because of this, he was also used to not being constantly recognised. It didn’t bother him though; he was still a modest Hufflepuff at heart. There was also a little Slytherin in him, the part of him that made him regard Solly shrewdly. Sure, sure. Solly was a fan. That’s why there had been recognition on the boy’s part for Adi earlier. “Thank you,’’ the man replied all the same and with good nature. “Don’t sell yourself short!” He looked around at the other near him. “None of you should. Many start off not believing they’re good enough, myself included, but patience, hard work and determination gets one everywhere.”
Now that they had gotten into their groups, it was time to get cracking. “Gobstones may simply seem as though one is playing a regular game of the Muggle game called ‘Marbles’. But there are valuable strategies used. There are four variations of Gobstones, and each has their own strategy or combination of strategies which work to your advantage. I usually prefer offense,’’ Adi replied in answer to Phoenix’s question. He had been this way since a teen. “I say ‘usually’ because one factor to consider is the variation of the game being played. Before we discuss further, who can tell me about the four Gobstone variations? Please keep in mind that no answer is considered silly.” “Yep! That’s my dad,’’ Dynah piped up proudly to Phoenix. “I see you’ve got proper sense,’’ she added with approval. Anyone who didn’t like the Hippogriffs - either team - needed to have their head checked. “So, are you any good? I’d like to see some of your moves. Yes, you'd be correct, Mister.” Dy obviously was nowhere as decent as the players on the teams but she was going to get there. Seeing as the boy had decided to talk strategy, at least for now, the ten year old shuffled a little closer to her dad’s group. |