Grounds: Quidditch Pitch

[Wilber Winterbottom]

If you follow a winding path from the Training Grounds, eventually you will arrive at the Quidditch pitch. The oval structure itself is a rather remarkable sight to see as it stands at five hundred feet long and a hundred and eighty feed wide. Because of the popularity of the sport, the pitch is used quite regularly. Here tryouts are held, in addition to scheduled team practices and a number of inter-House matches throughout the term. When the pitch isn't booked, it is available for general use from anyone who wants to casually fly around or play various broom games.

The maintenance on the pitch is of utmost importance. The three silver goalposts at each end of the pitch are regularly polished so they shine brightly in the sunlight, and the white markings outlining the exterior of the pitch as well as the middle are regularly painted. During the fall, spring, and summer months, a lawn mower has been charmed to cut the grass of the pitch mid-morning every three days just after the dew has dried. When it is winter, the mower is set aside and a magical snow blower is used to clear up as much of the pitch as possible. To keep the pitch in prime condition, all are asked to do their part as well by not littering or vandalizing it in any way; otherwise there will be consequences to face.

Anyone who wishes to use the Quidditch pitch is allowed do so, but it is expected that all rules regarding it are adhered to at all times and the curfew listed is followed. These rules can be found posted on the noticeboard at the entrance of the pitch.


ooc: please do not play for the flying professor: PhoenixRising

[PhoenixRising]

Quidditch Tryouts: Term 68

Amelia made her way out to the quidditch pitch just before lunch that day to finish setting up. She had been involved in the Quidditch Tryouts process since she was just seventeen, recalling the difficulty of scheduling around the Belle and Cooper schools. Most recently in the last decade she'd been instrumental in selecting for the Under 17 England Team, so she was definitely familiar with the skills of some of Hogwarts Quidditch players. Although she was always eager for more talent, particularly of the hidden variety. She'd carefully crafted this weeks tryouts to hopefully discover some of those talents.

Whatever these three hours carved out for the next few days brought, Amelia had high hopes that it would bring out the best of the best.

"Welcome, welcome, for those who don't know, I'm Professor Adara and I'm the flying instructor here at Hogwarts. I also coach the England Under 17 team during the summer months. If you're not familiar with quidditch, there are three chasers, two beaters, one keeper, and one seeker for each of the house teams. There will also be three reserve players selected for each of the house teams. No matter your past flying experiences, I do want to ensure you that you each have equal chances to make the team" She gestured to the obstacle course set up behind her. "There are various stations here designed for you to showcase your speed and agility. Those chaser or keeper hopefuls should head to the goalposts and take turns tossing the quaffle into the goal posts, while a keeper defends them. Beaters should aim their bludgers at the targets set up on the other side. And seeker hopefuls? There's at least two snitches flying around. Catch them. You are more than welcome and encouraged to try as many of these stations as you'd like, including completing the obstacle course." The stations were set up to accommodate at least two people, so rotating was a must. Mounting her broom, Amelia kicked off into the air, hovering just right enough to be able to get a good view of all the stations. "I'd like to encourage you to move through the various stations, as we have three afternoons together, but it's not necessary. Do what you feel is right."


ooc: so since only one post is technically required, I thought it'd more beneficial to lay everything in my first post, instead of doing a welcome / waiting. Feel free to interact with each other, or just the obstacle course. If you haven't yet made your 3 posts for the term, you're welcome to do so here as well. Indicate your position preference in your title (or at the very least what 'station' your character is at). Be realistic with your character's flying abilities. You have until September 20th to complete the required post(s) and questionnaire; we'll be around for reactionary posts and/or guidance. Any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask myself or the Wizarding World Admin (sweetpinkpixie). Happy flying

[Charely Potter]

Jan was here. He had spent the summer on the U-17 team for first time plus the flying lessons so he smiled at the familiarity, "Hello Professor," before he joined the others on the pitch and listened to her introduction while casually leaning on his Jollyrocket 2200 broom. He had experience but knew that experience didn't make tryouts a breeze.

Now that they could get started. Jan smiled at those nearby before hopping onto his broom and heading toward the Chaser and Keeper section. He could start by trying to shoot some goals.

[Holmesian Feline]

Got it…they could work around all the stations as much as focusing on their desired position. Nadia was game for that, after all nothing was set in stone and all positions mattered on a team. But for starters, the goal posts were calling for her attention. Mounting her broom once given the okay and had grabbed a quaffle, she kicked off the ground and got her sea legs…well air legs…and she did some weaves while gaining height. As she made her way towards the one side of goal posts, the Gryffindor took notice of a younger student already there. One she sort of recognized as a fellow U-17 player though from an opposing team.

Time for some fun.

“Care to try-out against each other?” she offered, turning to face towards him with her back to the hoops. She could play keeper or not, she’d leave it up to the Slytherin. The Gryffindor absently switching the quaffle between hands.

[Zoe]

As Beauden approached from the edge of the Quidditch pitch, he rolled his shoulders and flexed his arms, feeling the slight burn from his earlier workout. He had spent a good portion of the morning doing push-ups, pull-ups, and even some makeshift weight training at his usual places out on the grounds, trying to get his arms in peak condition for this exact moment.

When Professor Adara gave her instructions, the sixth year's eyes first drifted to the Beater station, where bludgers were already flying through the air, waiting to be smacked toward targets. He grinned. This was going to be his moment to shine. Though he wasn't the most studious, he knew how to use brute strength to his advantage. His arms were good for more than just lifting doxy eggs into his mouth on a dare, which, in hindsight, was not his brightest moment. He still felt a little queasy thinking about how that landed him in the hospital wing last term.

But today was different. He was prepared—well, mostly—and he was not going to let the chance to show off his skills slip by. As the crowd dispersed to their respective stations, the New Zealander first strode toward the Bludger targets with a mixture of confidence and excitement.

Grabbing a bat from the equipment bin, he weighed it in his hands, feeling the familiar grip. He gave his arms another shake to loosen up before he mounted his broom, kicked off the ground, and flew toward the Beater station, ready to send a few bludgers flying. With a deep breath, he hovered in place, eyes on the first bludger released. It came screaming toward him, and with a powerful swing, he sent it sailing toward the target.

[Kolyander]

It was that time!

Time to tryout for the Slytherin Quidditch team. This decision had only been made very recently and therefore Bryony had to ask her mama to contact her papa for HER broom. Yes, this girl did have a broom. It wasn't the newest on the market but it was in top condition and she was able to handle it with ease. This was important if she was meant to do her very best today.

So was having her long blonde hair pulled back off her face and braided neatly. The brightest of smiles on her face as she reached the pitch and those already there. "Hello, Professor!" Cue very excited wiggle fingers aimed at Professor Adara. And some for friend and housemate Jansher, Nadia her kinda big sister and the older Gryffindor Beauden. Were they all as excited as she was?!

Nod nod. Bryony was listening very closely to all the instructions that were being given, big bright blue eyes scanning the pitch to take in each station. The plan actually was to give it position a try buuuuuuut she really wanted to focus on her chosen position first. Then her second choice and go from there. If this would work in her benefit, she truly had no idea at all but hopefully luck would be on her side.

So as soon as they were told to get started, Bry wasted no time at all pulling out a pair of flying gloves from her pocket and tugging them on snuggly. Walking away from the group, she threw one leg over her broom and kicked a foot off the ground, rising steadily several into the air, all the while her gaze searching the area for anything that glittered. With two golden snitches somewhere around she was going to get her hands on them. So was the task as a Seeker. Now was her time to shine in something other than creatures and ninja warrior skills. All those years of training were going to be put to use right here, right now on this pitch.

Now where, oh where, was that Golden Snitch.

[AlwaysSnapesGirl]

Though playing Quidditch wasn't one of his aspirations for after Hogwarts, Ezra thought it'd be fun to tryout for his seventh year. Even if he only got a reserve position or didn't make the team at all, it didn't hurt to try. That was what a final year at Hogwarts was all about, right? Have fun. Try new things. Go big or go home.

And, y'know, exams and intimidating decisions about your future and...

But no time to focus on that. It was time to get his head in the game!

Chaser was his usual position whenever he played with friends or family, so that was what he figured he would focus on the most. Maybe if there was enough time he'd give the Beater and Seeker options a try? Just for fun if for nothing else.

So once he got the go ahead, he mounted his broom, kicked himself into the air, and flew toward the goalposts where Nadia and Jansher were hovering. "I'll try out with you both," he offered.

[PhoenixRising]

Some of the first ones to the first tryout session of the season came as little surprise to Professor Adara. As she hovered on her own broom from a safe observation distance, she noted Jan heading to the Chaser and Keeper section, followed by Nadia to block some of his shots. What a relief having someone step in to showcase their keeper skills. Even though she was well aware that Nadia's preferred position was Chaser, it was delightful to see various talents showcased. Not to mention she wouldn't need to offer makeshift keeper to block their shots, but she might offer a tweak to make things more challenging. Seeing Ezra join into the Chaser/Keeper tirade was enough for the moment. She had a surprise in store, but perhaps holding that until day two or three might be better.

As she observed Ezra and Jan and Nadia, her attention shifted when she heard the familiar sound of a bludger making contact with a bat. Eyes drifting to the sound, she took note of Beauden's presence. It was always refreshing to see new talent in the works and also showed that prior quidditch experiences didn't matter much. She did want to test all their reflex abilities in the air, but would wait a little longer until they got warmed up first.

Seeker hopefuls was a little challenging to test their skills but hopefully she'd still be able to gather enough intel. There was the slytherin seeker hopeful, Professor Paton's youngest and although she'd been surprised to see her tryout application if her mother was any indication, she had no doubts that Bryony would do well.

Emma was readyyyyyy !!! Well not really. She was a complete ball of anxiety but she also knew that the sooner she got tryouts over with, the better she'd feel. Even if she didn't make the team or only made reserve, she felt confident that she will have given this her all. While she didn't have her own broom yet, as it was quite impromptu that she was even trying out, the fourth year felt fully confident that the school brooms would serve her well in tryouts. After all, speed was something that would come with time, but there was more abilities to be showcased, such as agility and her skills of being able to visually see small objects. Things that she could do with any broom - hopefully. All she knew was that she couldn't control the fact that she had to use the school brooms and was grateful that at least they weren't completely outdated.

Waving to Professor Adara, she mounted and kicked off into the sky to where she'd be able to get a good vantage point as to spotting the golden snitch. Tricky little boogers those were, but she also knew that sometimes just staying still and observing the skies would be the best way to find it. Let it come to her and hopefully no bludgers.


ooc: just a reminder, still time to jump in on the opportunity for quidditch (or gobstones, but tryouts aren't required for those!)... You have about 5 days left!!

[SilverTiger]

Tea was well aware that there was every chance she’d been a bit more ambitious than she ought to be, even before she had arrived at the Quidditch pitch to see that everyone else there was older than her. It wasn’t about to stop the smol brunette, though. She had written to mum and Adair once she’d decided to try out, asking them what they thought and if they had any advice for her. Which, granted, was unusual to begin with, but Adair had sent an owl back telling her that she ought to at least try, but to keep in mind that the instructor might not pick her because she was still young. Her age hadn’t stopped her from pursuing her skateboarding career, or at least the career she intended on having once she managed it, so she was applying the same concept here.

But also keeping in mind the fact her ambition may not be enough, as she mounted a school broom (Adair had promised to get her her own if she did manage to make the team) and took off for the goalposts to join Jan and the two Gryffindors (Nadia and Ezra). At least she was sort of familiar with her housemate, not that it would’ve stopped her otherwise. “Can I join you guys?”

[Holmesian Feline]

Oh lookie, there was a housemate to join the fray.

Nadia didn’t really know the older boy, despite having been together in the same house for her six years. But who knows, maybe they would be teammates too. “Sure…sounds like a plan,” she agreed with a nod and a smile. Seeing as she was the one currently in possession of a quaffle, she could set them off to go. And then there were three going for chaser with an additional snake in the mix. It would be just like it usually was on a team, three chasers against a keeper. “Of course,” she answered the new Slytherin, briefly noting it was two against two by the houses and she backed up a bit and pulled back the arm that held the ball.

“CATCH!!!” she yelled tossing the quaffle past them before turning and flying closer to the golden hoops to take up position. The sixth year turning once more to face them and be ready for the test.

[Nordic Witch]

Shouting an excited "Hello Professor Adara!" accompanied by a vigourous wave in greeting JT quickly mounted his broom and kicked off from the ground on the quidditch pitch. What should he do first? Desicions? The obstacle looked fun, but he supposed it was better to show off his skills at the station of his hearts desire first?

Flying over to the big group already assembled at the chaser/keeper station he hovered and called out to Nadia,Tea,Ezra and Jansher. "Do you guys have room for one more? I want try for keeper so I can take turns in trying to catch some quaffles too!" When it was his turn JT lined himself up in front of the goalposts going into what was his keeper zone, all attention on the chaser's next toss. As the quaffle came his way he quickly zoomed up and caught the quaffle with an outstretched hand before it went through the goal post. Go green!

[noodles]

With contained nervous excitement, Ezra and his beloved broom made their way out to the Quidditch pitch. He passed the professor on the way to collect a Beater's bat, having left his own in his dorm unsure if he was allowed to use it--he nodded at Adara. He had no idea she coached the under 17s.. and that just added to the nerves. Nerves he was hoping would turn into adrenaline. “Hi Professor.” He greeted her with a sunshiney smile while listening to the instructions. Apprehensive jitters, he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

He knew he didn't have the same experience as a lot of the students on the pitch, but he had boatloads of enthusiasm and determination, and a good starting point thanks to the coaching he had received from his great uncle. He took a few minutes to select a bat that was around the same weight and size of his own. His plan was to start with the position he had the most experience with, before giving the other positions a try.

He mounted his broom, kicked off and surged into the sky, joining the other Beater hopefuls. “Hey guys, good luck everyone.” Bright smile for all. Flying was Ezra's happy place.

After the release of the bludgers he watched Beauden take a swing at the first before focusing on another, taking a hard swing at it and sending it hurtling towards the target. He could do this. He could.

[PhoenixRising]

Honestly some of the younger students joining the fray in quidditch was some of the best feelings in the world. Although she had tried to get her own children involved in quidditch at an early age, sometimes kids just weren't interested. And albeit disappointing, it showed how truly individual humans were and while sometimes genetics mattered, other times they were unique entities. Watching young Teagan and her confidence though when she just joined right in, followed by the slightly older housemate, JT who joined Nadia in protecting the goal posts.

Speaking of genetics, she knew too that quidditch ran in Ezra's family. And talent wasn't lacking as she watched him hurl a bludger towards the target. Ravenclaw and Gryffindor had some solid beaters, although recalling from her own Hogwarts quidditch days a million years ago, that didn't really surprise her.

It was time for the final obstacle, which was to see how they faired when it came to unexpected distractions. Flicking her wand, hundreds of water balloons came hurling up from a concealed machine intending to throw the flyers off-guard. Would they succeed in making contact with any of them?


ooc: thanks for participating in the return of quidditch! <3 The tryout period is officially closed, but you can still reply to the above scenario if you'd like .... I'd say probably for the next 24-36 hours just to keep things sane in the RP world. But of course after that, anyone is welcome to use the Quidditch pitch as it is considered a general RP area.

[Zoe]

As Beauden hovered on his broom, adrenaline coursed through him, enhancing his senses. The air was electric with the sounds of the bludgers whizzing past and the excited chatter of his fellow hopefuls. He spotted Ezra, who had joined him at the Beater's area, and gave him a nod of encouragement before turning his focus back to the task at hand.

Another bludger flew toward him, and Beauden swung with all his might, the bat connecting with a satisfying thud. The bludger soared toward the target, and he couldn't help but whoop in delight. This was his element.

But just as he was getting into his groove, Professor Adara flicked her wand, unleashing a barrage of water balloons. Beauden's eyes widened as the colourful orbs soared through the air, splashing and bursting with chaotic abandon. It was unexpected, but it a challenge he welcomed.

With a playful smirk, Beauden twisted in the air, dodging a few balloons while keeping an eye out for any of the bludgers. He knew he had to stay focused, but the thrill of the balloons added an exhilarating twist to the drill. He lined up for the next bludger, swinging at it just as a water balloon hit the back of his head, showering him with a cascade of water.

Laughter bubbled up from him, unfazed by the chaos around him. He felt invigorated by the splash, the coolness refreshing against the warm sun. He continued to navigate through the chaos and made another swing at another bludger. With a powerful strike, the bludger rocketed toward the target, bursting through water balloons it made contact with on its path.