Gion may not have been an alumni of the school with his Canadian upbringing. But since his time spent in England and enrolling his son in Hogwarts made it easy for him to feel a part of the grounds as he prepared himself at the Athletics booth. He imagined more Quidditch fans would be visiting, but surely, there were enough Gobstones fans as well looking towards their future.

After straightening his Gobstones display with former and current players, and a box with Ilkley Ironbellies' flags for free taking, Gion was all set. Next was the waiting as he cheerfully whistled in anticipation.

She was a bundle of nerves heading down to the Great Hall for the official job fair, and maybe a smidgen upset still too that they'd been told 'gala' at the beginning of term but this was also not an event for a fancy floor length gown. Which wasn't even the technical definition of the word - but it had been the Vera definition so there was a little bit of disappointment. Although she'd tried to make the most of 'business casual' anyways, opting for a pair of white jeans and a loose blue button up she'd tucked into the top of them. She'd cinched a belt at her waist too to hopefully keep it in place, and actually spent the time to curl her hair and leave it down for maybe the first time in this semester, instead of her usual up do.

Once she'd made it into the room though too, she'd immediately been a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out where to go from there. There was... a lot of options. She considered just running and hiding at the food table instead of approaching anyone, but then remembering her conversation earlier in the term she kept herself from doing so. There were two areas she wanted to visit. And considering she had easy access to an expert in the creatures department if she had more questions... she decided to go for athletics first instead.

There was probably someone involved with Gobstones, right? Approaching the area, it was easy to see the display of past and present Gobstones players, and from there she just let her feet do the rest - heading that direction and pausing in front to take a look at the various names listed. It was only then she realized there was a whistling to be heard, and turned towards the direction of the gentleman standing there (Gion). She gave a smile and a respectful nod of her head in greeting before reaching out and lifting up one of the flags to look at.

These were free, right??

So. Hogwarts. It's been a while.

Zinnia supposed that she had a certain fondness for the school...especially the library, though those memories now caused her heart to ache. Though it was amusing that the last time she had been here had been in a uniform (her Ravenclaw robes) and now here she was back in uniform once again (her Kestrels uniform, to be exact). The memory of how she had orchestrated her transfer so she could continue to look after and stay close to her best friend, Dragomir, was what one may refer to as a core memory of sorts. Hardly a motivation for agreeing to come here today, however. That had far more to do with Henry and his mini Whittebrooks as well as recruitment for U-17's as well as finding potential coaches and campers for SYNERGY's summer camps (of which she had brought flyers and discount coupons for). Anyone seeking to go professional in the next year, she assumed, was in talks with coaches and recruiters by now as she had done during her sixth and seventh years - yeah... couldn't quite see past the tip of her own broom there - so perhaps she would get to meet a future teammate or opponent on the pitch today as well. But, mostly, Zinna was wondering if just maybe she might catch a glimpse of a future she had let go of years ago...

Her warm hickory eyes scanned the Great Hall, searching for familiarity she may not even recognize, and eventually drawn back to her booth due to the moment of a young blonde as they approached and timidly took one of Kion's flag offerings. Zinnia was not particularly a fan of gobstones herself, but she respected it and those who made a career out of playing with little marbles and goo. "Don't worry, he won't bite," Zinnia smiled at the girl with a gentle tease towards one of her co-hosts. The whistling though...that she could do without. "What's your name?"

Lily clickety click, clacked her way into the great hall for the Job fair on her high heels and proudly wearing her Chudley Cannons uniform in bright hard to miss orange with a speedy cannonball on her chest. It oddly felt fun to be back, and Lily was very enthusistic for the prospect of talking to students about her love and passion. Hopefully she had enough merch to satisfy the students wants in her bags. There were t-shirts, hats, posters, tatoos, toy brooms, snitches, famous player figurines, and maybe even some badges. As she got to the booth she put up her free merch for display before focusing on her co-hosts (Zinnia & Gion) with a big bright smile as she greeted them both "Hey, its an awesome day to talk sports isn't it?" Turning to the younger girl next (Vera) she asked friendly "Hey, do you want a cannons jersey?"

Mikey Gracae-Ryans didn't really have anything in mind, and that's because they were only a third year and they're convinced there was still a lot of time to really think about it. However, it didn't hurt to look at the prospects when they were all conveniently gathered in one place. The Gryffindor had considered not going, too, because crowds were a lot to deal with, but they would have Olive with them. And maybe Red and Sofie, somewhere.

They sort of separated from them along the way to the Great Hall, clearly, but Mikey wasn't about to stick their back against the wall and twiddle with their thumbs nervously while cool things unfolded before them. They were older now, they could do this. This was better than the streets in Diagon Alley during the summer.

Naturally, Mikey found themself drawn to the athletics booth. Mama Bliss had worked as a coach for the Tutshill Tornadoes years ago, and so it was a thing in the household. But aside from that, Mikey also did martial arts and ice skating, and they really did enjoy the fitness aspect of no matter what sport. Giving themself a pep talk, they made their way towards the booth and stood beside an older Gryffindor (Vera), who received a small smile from them, mostly for familiarity's sake. "Hi." Mikey greeted the people in the general area, though they were glancing at the hosts (Gion, Zinnia, Lily).

Oh, were they giving out free jerseys too? Wow. The overwhelming displays made them rub their forehead. It was a lot, but they were eager.

To tell the truth, Fynley had absolutely no idea what he was doing here. He had considered actively avoiding the job fair altogether to prevent the embarrassment of having no direction for his life whatsoever. There was a small nagging voice in his head however telling him that he should at least try and see what his options were. If there were any at all of course. He also had the image of his parents disappointed faces if they found out that he had skipped this ‘amazing opportunity’ altogether.

The problem with Fynn was that although he did okay in his practical tests and he did enjoy physical activities like duelling and potions, he did terribly in his written exams to the point that he found it easier to pretend he didn’t care rather than admit that he was struggling. What he did enjoy however was sports and Quidditch was a particular favourite. Perhaps that was what had drawn him over to this booth in particular.

Unlike the other students who had made their way over with some ounce of enthusiasm, the Slytherin remained further back merely observing and eavesdropping on any conversations taking place.

Truthfully, she really was trying to think of what would be appropriate questions to ask the Gobstones Scout. Like.. maybe what he looked for in a player before recommending them, what were ways she could improve, if he went to most games and how early he started scouting. These were all excellent ideas in which she could have opened her mouth to speak, and yet instead she just cycled through them in her mind as she picked up the little flag, twirling it in her fingers as she continued her mental gymnastics.

But then something else happened and all of those questions went poof before she even had a chance to voice them.

If there had been a list posted somewhere noting who would actually be in attendance at this job fair, it might have been in her benefit to read it. Though perhaps it wouldn't have helped, but it MIGHT HAVE considering how ENTIRELY unprepared Vera was for her favorite Quidditch player to be in front of her. In the flesh. Asking her name. The joke about the Gobstones scout (who upon further inspection she was pretty sure was one of her closest friends future father in law) was barely heard as her mouth dropped open as she turned her head and gave a wide eyed STARE at THE Zinnia Shacklebolt.

What had she asked again?

"I only bite food." She had said something about biting right? It was a weird question, but even Vera knew better than to question one of her heroes. She was reaaally wishing she had worn one of her own Kenmare Kestrals fan jerseys. Or even gone for U17 Quidditch team so then she actually had a reason other than being starstruck to try and ask the chaser before her ALL of the questions. Though it was bold of her to assume she could have asked any questions even if they were relative to her, considering all she was currently able to do was open and close her mouth like a fish with no words.

Others arrivals thankfully saved her for a moment, her face currently crimson as she turned and looked at the woman with the Chudley Cannons merchandise (Lily). She wanted to say yes because who didn't like free merchandise, but it also felt like a BETRAYAL to do it directly in front of a Kenmare Kestrals player. So Ve shook her head and attempted more words - though apparently not looking directly at Zinnia did not help clarity in speaking them. "Thank you... uh no... Kestral .. biggest fan." ... Hopefully the woman got that.

Maybe the arrival of other students would save her more as she looked at the younger Gryffindor, Mikey, beside her now and gave them a smile in return, finally closing her mouth like a normal person. She also spotted Fynley and gave him a small wave. Hi friend, please come save her from herself.

"Hello, there, you're free to take a flag and an extra for another friend, if you'd like," Gion greeted the young students that approached in his direction along with Quidditch stars Zinnia and Lily. Had it been a decade ago, the joke would've flew over Gion's head as his past Quidditch years left him losing a few abilities that the change of sport proved beneficial in regaining them. He smiled, "That's right, biting isn't a common thing on the Gobstones field. " Wasn't there a former Quidditch star infamous for their biting? The names of past stars seemed to escape him after enough years of integrating within the Gobstones space. Now there some true talents he liked interacting with and hoping to fill the pool with.

The young lady looked familiar, he would ask, but he did promise his young Kion he wouldn't do anything too embarrassing. And apparently, the young lady seemed starstruck from the pause. So in an attempt to help her regain her voice, "Sounds like you could use an autograph," Perhaps the Quidditch stars would be willing to oblige. As reward for their interest in the sport. Could also bring one of the lingering students over with the suggestion.

Naturally, this booth spoke to Maggie the most. She hadn't planned on attending the event at all - she's only a fifth year she's got AGES until she needs to decide anything - but everyone else showed up so Maggie had as well. Just to see what it was all about.

The sixteen year old was vaguely aware of the Quidditch players present but they didn't really interest her. The dueling coach was actually interesting, but Maggie wasn't that great at dueling. She's almost certain the only reason she's been succeeding at DADA was because her wand really liked those spells. Or at least that's what it feels like, whenever she's asked to cast those big, loud charms. She's been hoping that's normal.

Shuffling her feet slightly to the left of the booth, Maggie absentmindedly kicked her heel when she confirmed that there wasn't any information about muggle athletics careers. Obviously not. Disappointed but not at all surprised, Maggie decided to watch the other students for a bit. Maybe she'd pick up an autograph too, and give it to one of her friends as a present.

How weird it felt to be back at Hogwarts again. Only two years - er, no, it was nearly three years now, wasn't it? He'd been a student himself here then. Had the students shrunk in that time, or was it just his imagination? Lio was sure he hadn't looked as small as the kids running around the Great Hall right now.

But it was time to focus on the task at hand, not muse on the passage of time.

Quite a few students were drawing near, and Gion, Zinnia, and Lily were already attending to the first girl (Vera) that had come to the table. Lio noted a few more that had approached , and one who stood off a little ways.

"We've got some Magpies jerseys here too," he said as a general statement for all the students. Those jerseys had been brought by him, which was probably clear from the black-and-white Montrose Magpies uniform he wore. There were a few other items of merch as well, plus some flyers and pamphlets the coach had given him. And he was more than willing to sign autographs too, as Gion had suggested, though that seemed more directed toward Zinnia.

"And I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have," he added with a winning smile, a general offer in particular to the quiet ones (Mikey, Fynley, Maggie) with a quick glance to each of them in turn.

This is probably the most amount of adults Violeta has seen at Hogwarts. The short Gryffindor weaved around people, her big green-hazel eyes taking in the strangers around her. They were ALL successful people. Woooooooooooow. Why wasn't her dad here? Why didn't he sign up to come and see her?

Rude, rude, rude.

Oh well. It was alright. That way she could ogle the cute Quidditch players. She had no interest in the job fair itself. First, she was going to inherit loads of money some day. Second, she already knew what she wanted to do when she got older. She was going to become a famous quidditch player, start her own clothing line, and be rich and famous and travel everywhere.

So when you narrowed it down, she was here for the food and cute quidditch players. Speaking of, she spotted someone she enjoyed playing quidditch with. "Fyyyyyyynn!" she sing-sang, looping her arm around his. "Are you bored? You look bored."

Yes Fynley was absolutely watching Vera make an embarrassment of herself by fangirling over the Quidditch players and trying his hardest not to audibly snort at her. He also saw the pleading look and little wave directed at him. He chuckled, offering her a wave back. “Smooth Vera.” There was nothing wrong with getting nervous over your idols but he had to admit it was quite funny to watch her get all tongue tied over it.

Thankfully, more for his own self-esteem and social image, Fynn wasn’t the type to lose it over a Quidditch player. Despite being a big fan of the game and seriously considering whether it could be something he could do in the future, he understood that these Quidditch players were literally just normal people who happened to be exceptionally good at their sport. That wasn’t to say that the Slytherin was clueless as to who they all were. He briefly glanced at Lio as he made his presence and his question answering services known. “Yeah umm..” he cleared his throat and lowered his voice, moving closer to the Magpies star in the hopes that those around him couldn’t hear too well. “Your grades don’t matter with Quidditch, right?” It was all based on skill and not how decent you were at writing essays.

Out of the blue suddenly came his name. He spun his head around over his shoulder to see Violeta arriving. “Hey V” he smiled briefly glancing down at her arm linking with his. “No just listening. Don’t want to interrupt y’know?” Also had no clue what he was doing here so that didn’t help. “Didn’t fancy any of the other booths” he chuckled. He couldn’t see himself working for the Ministry, he wouldn’t have the grades to become a Healer and he definitely didn’t have the patience to be an educator.

...why...had Lily brought the entirety of Quidditch Quality Supplies with her? Why had her and Lio both brought such expensive bits of merchandise to hand out so willy nilly? It was a business move Zinnia could not wrap her mind around and yet something she saw all too often with young players in the league, the ones who were still green to the demands and entitlement some of the more ravenous fans of the league. Excitement over their new career, she supposed, so she would lower her incredibly arched brow and only run her forehead slightly (for a just a few moments) and let them have their fun at their own expense. It wasn't their fault that the celebrity side of professional quidditch had her jaded.

Just as Zinnia lifted her fingers from her forehead, she caught a young boy that had been previously hidden behind her palm doing the exact same movements. It wasn't anything to note really, plenty of people rubbed their foreheads and cheeks, but it was when her warm hazelnut gaze shifted to him that her heart seized terribly in her chest. So many nights, more than she was willing to admit, waking up in a cold sweat and sometimes even crying had lead to this moment. So many times wondering aloud to Rameil where they were and what they looked like...wondering if she would even know if she were to see them before her and yet seeing a little of them in every single face that graced SYNERGY each summer and spring. The nose, the distance from eyelash to brow, the shape of the ears, the sweetly judgemental smile...there was absolutely no mistaking them and suddenly thinking about library nook memories was a safe haven comparatively and she had to take a couple shaky deep breaths to collect herself as the crowd continued to gether.

She was a professional. She could and would handle whatever curved bludger was thrown her way.

"Hello," she greeted him with a bit of a befuddled smile, feeling as though she had taken a breath for the first time. Look...how grown...how dashing...Zinnia found herself wanting, almost desperately so, to count all the freckles on his face when the kneazle that had the young blonde's tongue finally let go and her Gion prompted her with a suggestion she could easily manifest. "I hope you also chew your food too," she nodded while collecting herself and nodding her head towards the girl as she grabbed her favorite self inking quill with gold metallic ink for signing things, pleased to be busying her hands for the moment. "Um...yes...of course. I can sign one of the buletin size posters I have here if you'd like," she offered as she tore her eyes away from the one boy and pulled a little stack of team posters as well as a this season's solo promotional shot of herself.

One of the quiet lurkers seemed to be a little invigorated by the arrival of a friend and proposed a question to the booth - or perhaps mostly to Lio, but Zinnia was not one to never have an opinion on things. "No professional coach nor any of my opponents or teammates on the Kestrels nor the Bulgarian national team have ever cared about the O I got on my Charms NEWT nor that I had a lackluster performance in History of Magic," she laughed softly and rubbed her forehead ever so slightly. "Though my coach as a U-17 player had certain standards in place where we needed a certain average passing mark to remain on the team. Fall below an A and trickle over to a P...and you would find yourself warming the bench until those marks up went up." So, in the grand scheme of things they did not matter but at the same time did matter if you were going to use the U-17 league as a stepping stone towards that greater goal - like herself.

Just listening? Violeta raised an eyebrow. Fynley had seemed quiet to her, and he wasn't the quiet kind, at least, not around her. Maybe all of the adults intimidated him? "There's this booth that has hamburgers and sandwiches and chips and desserts," she informed. "It's not really a booth, but it's just as interesting." He should give the refreshments table a try. It was by far Violeta's favorite.

Her attention was torn away from her friend when...

Stars dazzled in Violeta's green-hazel eyes. "Zinnia Shacklebolt," she breathed, every fiber in her body resisting the urge to shout the quidditch player's name. In her effort she absently squeezed Fynley's arm just a biiiiiit. "You are goals."

Violeta was going to die from such beauty Zinnia radiated.

She almost didn't capture the bit about grades and quidditch until Zinnia mentioned her U17 coach sitting people out for bad grades. Violeta's stomach plummeted all the way down to Tartarus. "Is that same coach still coaching?" she asked, a little hopeful someone who didn't care about grades has replaced them.

The booth was starting to gain traction, and that was understandably so because Mikey was aware that many of their school mates either played Quidditch or were fans of the professional players gracing their Great Hall today. The Gryffindor smoothened their top to distract themself and forced down any overwhelming feeling in them that would make them want to slink back to the wall again. Because they were here. Because they braved going to a booth alone, and that had felt nice. Because if they didn't brave it now, they wouldn't know when this opportunity would come again.

Mikey did silently wish for one of their siblings to find them eventually, or maybe one of their friends like Bet or Brandon. But they didn't want to focus on that, on having to rely on another person for comfort all the time, so they looked through the displays again.

The third year had been looking with interest and reading the closest SYNERGY summer camp flyer, when they heard the older Gryffindor (Vera) beside them talk about only biting food. That made them blink and lift their gaze from the flyers to watch her and the hosts again, and Mikey felt a little bit embarrassed for the girl. They could tell she was pretty flustered by the presence of the Quidditch players, which they quickly deduced was Zinnia Shacklebolt in her case, since she mentioned the Kestrels. Yeah, Mikey was familiar with most of these athletes. They tried to be updated with roster changes every season. Also, the woman's comment on chewing food made one corner of Mikey's mouth twitch upwards. That was funny.

Oh. Uhm. Mikey had met the gaze of the other Quidditch player, whom they recognise as the one of the league's rookies from a few years ago, Heliotrope Ainsley, and almost turned pink at being put on the spot. Even when the offer had been in general, the Gryffindor felt like they had to ask something. "Uhm. What made you realise that you wanted to pursue sports professionally?" They asked, not really directing it at anyone, so the hosts were all free to chime in and Mikey would gladly listen. That felt like a proper question, and one that might help out their school mates decide on their career paths eventually.

That was good. Way to go, Mikey.

Jasper wasn't planning on dropping by the career fair to be honest. It's not that he didn't care about his future, quite the contrary. He just cared enough to know that he wasn't going to get where he wanted by dropping off CVs and talking to random players. Scouts and recruiters were the only ones he needed to bother with and they wouldn't be here today.

You see, Jasper differed to the other kids here. He didn't have questions or concerns, he wasn't weighing out his uncertainty or trying to gain clarity of mind. Jasper knew what he wanted and what he wanted was to play for the Montrose Magpies - and he knew he was going to get it too. He always got everything he wanted. It was in his blood - all the audacity and conviction of an Emerson and the Botros talent and work ethic to back it up.

What changed his mind then? Lio Ainsley. One of THE players to watch on the pitch this past season, up and coming star, seeker for the Magpies. Zinnia was an awesome player too, sure, but she was due to reach the end of her career soon. Truthfully, Jasper didn't know her age, but she had been in the game for so long that it felt safe to assume. Plus, he had pretty much told the Kestrals recruiter that he had his heart set elsewhere. Still, he offered her (Zinnia) a polite smile as he waited his turn behind some of the quieter kids who were prompted to ask questions of their own.

And when he had his chance, making sure not to interrupt, he stepped forward to greet Lio with a boyish grin. "Hey, I'm Jasper. Jasper Botros," he held his hand out, feeling confident. "I'm a seventh year, about to graduate. Aiming to join the league." His speech was polished. "My dad actually used to play for the Magpies back in the day. I can't imagine wearing another jersey. It'd feel like the ultimate betrayal!" To both himself and his dad. "Has the team starting training for next season yet?"

No Hogwarts event was complete without a lunch break--the House Elves insisted on showing off to visitors, and the guests rather expected it and certainly looked forward to it. But coming back from a delicious repast, what a sight met everyone's eyes! Nearly every booth was in some sort of disarray--a pile of brochures scattered on the floor here, a poster torn off the display board there. The Athletics Booth was a particular mess, with gobstones scattered all over the floor, staining the jerseys that were lying on the floor under them. Anyone who had brought brooms or ther sports equipment with them was out of luck, because very little was untouched by whatever had happened here.

While her twin was the more creative and musical of the two of them with her violin and dancing, Nadia was more…tomboyishly athletic. One might suppose a childhood around hippogriffs and dragons made flying quite appealing and one of the reasons there was one booth at the job fair that was calling her name more than others and that could very well be true. Even if the creatures and environment table could definitely be a second stop. Or third after the food.

Unfortunately as Nadia made her appearance at the job fair after lunch, having debated on and off if she even wanted to go since, well, the older students had more reason to, she found the Quidditch Booth in question looking worse for wear. “Oh gosh…” she remarked surprised by the scene before her. “What happened?” The girl moving closer as if trying to spot a clue to answer her question.

It was true that Fynley wasn’t the quiet type but today he was trying to be inconspicuous as possible. It had taken a lot of persuasion for him to even go to the job fair so in his opinion his presence was merely enough. He chuckled at Violetta’s statement about the best booth being the refreshment stand in the corner. “I thought I’d better make a little effort here before I go stuff my face with food.” He would go over there later though when he was done eavesdropping on the others conversations and laughing at Vera having a starstruck moment.

You had to be kidding him.

There was Fynn trying to be as quiet and subtle as possible speaking to Lio and along comes Zinnia Shacklebolt declaring to everyone that he was clearly concerned about his failing grades. The Slytherin shot her a look, mostly because he didn’t want anyone to know and now everyone in the vicinity could hear including Violetta who he was trying to conceal his worries from.

Fynley wasn’t the type to admit that he did care about his grades.

He wanted to give her a sarcastic response or to inform her that he wasn’t actually asking her but he also didn’t want to come across as extremely rude. It also seemed as if Violetta was fangirling her and he didn’t particularly want his friends opinion of him to change. “Guess I’d be warming the bench a lot” he grumbled under his breath. It wasn’t like the fifth year didn’t try his best, there were just several obstacles in his way that made studying a little harder to achieve. The fact that the professional teams didn’t care about his results was a relief though.

It seemed his offer had worked, encouraging one of the quieter ones (Fynley) to come forward and ask about grades. Not a question Lio had expected, but it was a good one all the same. And so was Zinnia's answer. She even added that bit about the U-17 team, so at least it didn't sound like they were encouraging people to fail all their classes either. There wasn't much he felt he could add, honestly. Except...well, maybe he had something.

"Yeah, what she said," he agreed with a grin. "And also, I think so long as you're making an effort in your classes, that's even more important than the actual grades. Persevering in the face of difficulty is a great quality in a Quidditch player." For most sports, in fact. A player couldn't just give up on the game if they were losing, just like a student shouldn't give up on their schooling. Things might be tough, but if you gave it your all, then at least you could say you tried your hardest, no matter the outcome.

Of course that was easy to say, maybe not so easy in practice. He could not deny, at least to himself, the guilt and disappointment and shame he felt after a match where he didn't catch the snitch. That sense of failure was overwhelming in the immediate aftermath of a game. But it was also far too personal to be sharing here. He would much rather try to inspire and encourage the kids here.

And another quiet one spoke up, one of the younger ones (Mikey). A good question too. "I think for me, it was the feeling I got while playing. The thrill and excitement, the adrenaline rush, there's nothing quite like it. And one day I just...knew, you know? I knew that this was something I wanted to do forever." 'Course, technically, it wouldn't be forever forever, but there were other options out there once he reached that point. No need to think too deeply about it right now.

Then a very confident-looking older student sauntered up, introducing himself with an immediately recognizable surname. "Pleased to meet you, Jasper," Lio replied with a grin of his own, shaking the seventh year's hand. "Hassan Botros' son, yeah? I'm a big fan myself." He remembered watching the Magpies' games as a kid and how incredible of a player Hassan Botros had been. So it was surreal that he might get to play on the same team as one of his favorite athlete's children. "We try to keep up with our training at all times, but the focused practices for next season will begin later in the summer after we get our new recruits. So hopefully I'll see you there." He couldn't guarantee it himself, but he was sure Jasper had what it took for the recruiters to sign him.

Lily smiled over at the slightly younger girl (Vera) saying "It's quite all right. If you change your mind there are other quidditch stuffs you can get free too like a fiqurine or a poster." Lily wasn't going to pressure anyone into taking a cannons jersey or other merch for that matter that didn't want one or it. There were quite a few quidditch teams and players after all that students could be fans of.

Turning her attention over to (Mikey) next, Lily tagged on to what Lio had just said because it was true for her too mostly. "For me besides the adrenaline, thrill, excitement and fun that Lio mentioned it was also being apart of a team and playing with good friends, and being included in the team spirit that made me want to continue on to playing professionally." Like many humans she was happiest when she was surrounded by people she liked and did something she loved. Lily was probably not going to play quidditch forever but it was good for the right now.



After enoying a delicious lunch Lily arrived back at the athletics booth to find it in utter shambles. Someone or something had gone through the booth an caused a very bad mess. Shaking her head in both shock, anger and bewilderment Lily turned her blue eyes to the younger girl (Nadia) that was inspecting the damage just like she was doing and murmured back "I don't know. We have to report this mess to the headmaster, and start cleaning the booth up." It was a shame, so many nice freebies had gone to waste. "I hope your peers still want to come, and talk about athletics careers, and aren't scared away by the state of the booth."

Honestly, there were not many scenarios in which Vera Thanatos could be left speechless. But apparently being starstruck was one of the ones. And thank Merlin it was, because with the growing group of people around them, when she was in her dorm later and re-running all of this moment in her head, she would 100% be utterly embarrassed. And apparently she wasn't the only one, because the slightly younger Gryffindor beside her (Mikey) seemed to share her embarrassment. Not from any of their own actions, but from her own. Perhaps she should mark it later that this might have been the first time she'd seen someone else suffer secondhand for her. It was almost a nice thing, in it's own way. Seemed very empathetic. Was that empathy why Zinnia also seemed to be looking at the other Gryffindor a ton?

Who knew. But at the first gentleman's suggestion of an autograph and then Zinna actually offering all Vera could do was nod her head enthusiastically. She would very much like one of those. But she'd refrain from speaking again before she embarrassed EVERYONE else too.

As everyone else was also beginning to crowd the Quidditch players, she moved back a bit to give them all space. As big of a fan she was, the fourth year did have to remind herself that Quidditch was not her goal - not to play professionally. But she was interested in Gobstones, so with only the slightest reluctance (maybe) she turned her attention to the previous Gobstones player and gave him a smile, feeling a little more at ease already. "Thank you, for that suggestion." Meaning the one about autographs. He might not still be a player, but she'd still say he was MVP of the day. "And the flags!" She added, showing two in her hand as she had taken his previous offer to pick one up. She figured Logan might like one too, though perhaps it would occur to her later his dorm mate might have already given him one.

Now that she was also thinking more clearly, she observed the man and read the name tag, and kicked herself for not having recognized him earlier. And not having made the connection between him and Kion either, which was silly considering how close their names were. "You're Kion's dad, aren't you? One of my dearest friends is dating your son!" Which... she hoped he'd already known about. People told their parents about dating someone, right? She would bet money Maria told her dads, but she really only knew Kion through stories from her favorite Hufflpuff so she could not as confidently say that. She might owe him an apology later, yikes.

But for now.. Gobstones questions! "You're scouting now with the Ilkey Ironbellies, aren't you? Do you ever miss playing? Or do you like the scouting portion?" She wanted to ask a million other questions, some that she'd probably forgotten from earlier, but also didn't want to bombard the man or make even worse of an impression than she already had.

No matter how hard you looked you would not be able to spot a single clue about the culprit. They had been careful even that hadn’t fully been their intention. Whatever the motive or motives were, this eyesore hadn’t been anyone’s idea of a joke.

There was nothing left to do but to mend the pieces, rearrange all pamphlets and books. The job fair must carry on.

It would be best to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity from this point onwards.

Nadia met the woman’s gaze, recognizing her as one of the quidditch players that were staffing the now-wrecked booth. At least she didn’t think she was the cause given she was one of the first around it after lunch. “They would be silly to miss out,” she remarked with a shake of a head at the thought, moving to help gathering things to clean up. Pamphlets and broken pieces of items that she might need help to identify in their dismemberment. The least she could do was help given she hadn’t seen or figure out what might have caused the mess in the first place.

What about a bit of mess was enough to scare people off? If anything, the curiosity to see what was what should be a stronger feeling, at least in the Gryffindor’s opinion.