Niamh Cara O'Shea
Ravenclaw
Niamh (NEE-av or NEEV) - 5th Year - Ravenclaw Seeker
Posts: 42
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Post by Niamh Cara O'Shea on May 23, 2023 21:13:55 GMT -8
Niamh was ready for such a match. Her mind was focused on one thing alone: the Golden Snitch. She had put in the work on the pitch. Her mind still ran with strategies and courses she might take. In the holding room, she watched as Ezra and Aracely shared a sweet moment. Niamh smiled. It was nice to witness, though it also tugged at her mind a bit. Maybe she was envious, but wouldn't place her energy in such green feelings. She had attended the Homecoming Dance with Zander, but mostly as friends. The natural flow of classes and schoolwork had taken priority over maintaining any romance. Although, they would be facing each other today. It would be interesting to see his play style on the pitch.
She geared up, cheering as they flew from the holding area. Niamh was of a small frame, but it made her agile and speedy on a broom. Her brown ponytail and blue robes whipped behind her in the wind. "Let's win it, Ravenclaw. Keep yer eyes on the prize!" She bellowed as the game began.
Immediately, she saw it. The flicker of the snitch buzzed around like aerial Swifts of Ireland. Niamh thought she might be in a dream for a moment. It was rare to spot the snitch so early in a game. The cheers of the crowd below rang in her ears as she tracked the snitch. She flew at incredible speed, dodging a bludger sent by a Hufflepuff beater to deter her. Luckily, her short frame just missed it.
As the approached the edge of the pitch, the golden flash appeared through the fog again. She reached her hand out into the clouds until she felt the wings collapse under her grip. "We've caught it!" She cheered to her team, her arm up in the air. The fastest snitch catch she had ever pulled.
Niamh scanned the pitch for Zander, grinning widely as she caught the flash of his robe.
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Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on May 23, 2023 23:52:43 GMT -8
As soon as the doors to the holding room opened, Wolf was flying. Of all the places in the wizarding world he felt most natural, it was in the sky. His dark curls whipped from the fringes of his protective head gear as he rode against the wind. Beowulf furrowed his brow over focused green eyes. There were slightly opaque clouds of fog. Nothing to worry about. The forest was usually covered with them in the fall. He smiled as he saw the Hufflepuff crowd below. Beowulf had supplied them with a house chant, which they now sang out in unison: Hufflepuff, Hufflepuff, loyal and strong, Together we'll triumph, against all wrong! With heart and spirit, we'll conquer the game, For Hufflepuff pride, forever aflame!
So let our chant echo loud and clear, For Hufflepuff Quidditch, we hold dear! Jadis, Wolf, Heather, Zander, and Sibyl, our stars, In unity, we'll soar high and break all bars!He grinned, the adrenaline now pumping through his veins. Wolf was certainly fit enough to play as Keeper. He had gained some muscle through the summer playing Rugby and through the fall in the Forest. Now would be his time to shine. He briefly thought to Cordelia. Would she be in the stands watching today? He shook his head, smiling to himself. It was nice to think about in any case. Beowulf nodded to the Chasers before flying toward the Hufflepuff goal posts. The three golden hoops beckoned him. It would be his place to defend against Ezra Ansel and Aracely Davies' onslaught of scoring attempts. He stretched before hunching over with a focused gaze.
It was barely the start of game when a Quaffle was sent his way. He tore left in a flash, but it was no use. Ravenclaw scored the first points. Beowulf shook his head, "Damn!" He spat, regaining his grip on his broom. He looked out to see Ezra and smiled in friendly competition. Wolf should have known that Ezra would pull out all the stops. He would need to give everything he had here. Ravenclaw wouldn't score again, golden snitch or not. Wolf looked ahead as a bludger nearly missed a Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff was putting up a fight. He cheered as the team regained cohesion yet kept his eyes forward. He wouldn't make the same mistake of sleeping at the posts again.
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Post by Jadis Ravenwood on May 24, 2023 8:47:25 GMT -8
Jadis soared through the sky quick as a lightning strike. She rode a new broom this year. The upgraded model and specs provided her ample speed and control. She could not help but grin at the feeling flying like this always provided: a sense of pure freedom. She flies out and circles the field and then hovers just in front of the Hufflepuff stands. She gives them all a small wave but mostly she's looking among them for flashes of gold.
Her eyes glance at the sky but the clouds are not dark and menacing, looks like rain won't be an issue. She zips up and down the length of the pitch a few times before lowering her position closer to the ground. From this lower vantage point she stares up, hoping to catch a glimpse of the snitch somewhere across the arena.
But she doesn't see anything.
The moment the snitch had been released her eyes were glued to it. For about fifteen seconds... and then it disappeared from sight. She cursed herself for losing it so quickly. "Damn." She looks to Wolf as a goal is scored against them and her heartbeat quicklens in response. The gold and black decorated stands are chanting out in support for their team which makes her smile. But half-heartedly. She is solely focused on locating the snitch.
Suddenly the Ravenclaw Seeker, Niamh O'Shea, takes off like a shot. Jadis doesn't think she just reacts. She lurches forward in pursuit. A bludger nearly misses Niamh and Jadis has to dodge it on the rebound, distracting her. By the time she refocuses it is just in time to see Niamh's hand close, snitch in her grasp. Jadis' heart weighs her down and she drops a few feet in the air on her broom as if physically deflated. "Shit." She whispers beneath her breath.
Disappointing was an understatement.
Jadis can, however, appreciate that Niamh had succeeded in locating, chasing and capturing the snitch in record time. It was still so early in the game. She locks eyes with the Ravenclaw girl and nods in her direction. Jadis carefully lifts her hands from her broom, balancing her weight, and does a quick little golf-like clap in show of good sportsmanship.
Now it was up to the rest of the Hufflepuff team to carry them to victory. Jadis only hoped she didn't disappoint them too much.
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Post by Aracely Minh Davies on May 24, 2023 19:37:49 GMT -8
Once Aracely really got flying she felt only exhilaration. She wished she could lie and say her head was entirely on the game but it wasn't. She just kept playing and replaying those moments with Ezra.
It didn't feel like real life. Was it real? The kisses they shared still warm on her lips. Yes. It was definitely real.
She stares out at the crowd, still a bit shell-shocked at being on the field this time, and not just another cheering voice in the stands. She immediately got it, what Ameryn loved about being on the quidditch team. It was like electricity.
She tries to clear her mind of frivolous thoughts... like how warm Ezra's hand was on hers. Like how it felt like static shock when he placed that hand on her waist. Like, how she smiles into their kisses when he pulls her close or how-- no!
She shakes her head again.
Quidditch.
She finds Ezra on the pitch, looking to him for inspiration and that's exactly what she finds. He flies with determinitaion and a fun kind of ferocity. Focused and alive. She picks up speed and deftly snatches hold of the quaffle, intercepting a throw between Hufflepuff players.
Aracely searches to see if Ezra is open but one of the Hufflepuff beaters stay on him, bludgers targeting him as he dips and dives. Aracely changes course and heads straight for Wolf, the only thing between her and scoring ten points for her team.
She flies almost erratically to try and take him by surprise. She veers left and darts right and throws as hard as she possibly can at the furthest hoop from her.
And it pays off.
She throws both hands up, "Yes!" and then grabs her broom tightly to do a little mid-air backflip on her broom. The chants of Wesley from earlier still ringing in her ears: Ra-Ra-Ravenclaw!
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Post by Heather Nicholson on May 24, 2023 21:03:42 GMT -8
This wasn’t good. The snitch and now they were behind on goals, too. She refused to let this be an easy win for Ravenclaw. If they wanted it, they were going to have to stay on their game and not get too comfortable. They were going to have to continue to fight for it. She brushed off the last goal and managed to get the quaffle in her possession. She streaked down the pitch. She focused ahead of her, but glanced around now and then to ensure no bludgers were coming her way. It was a good thing, too. She spotted one careening toward her face and she managed to dodge while keeping hold of the quaffle.
She smiled to herself as she neared the goal posts. The screaming of her classmates echoed in her ears. She could do this. She’d done this so many times in training. She knew how to dodge and feint and get around a keeper. She only hoped Wesley wouldn’t go easy on her. That wouldn’t be fun. She took in his body language as she approached, but in a mathematical way. She tried to read him reading her, see which way he would go, and she’d go the opposite. At this speed, she had only seconds to make her decision. At the last second, she veered left and threw the quaffle as hard as she could. She pulled up on her broom handle to take her above the hoop so she wouldn’t go crashing into it or to Wesley. As she flew up, she waited to hear that familiar ding! that would hopefully signal she’d gotten it in.
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Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on May 24, 2023 22:33:26 GMT -8
Wolf looked unfamiliar on his broom. His usual calm expression was replaced with a steely, determined gaze as he watched over the game. He steadied himself on his broom as a quick November breeze dared to push him away from the goal posts. In that moment, the flash of a quaffle flew past him, "For f-'s sake!" His angry words rang into the fog around him. No one would be able to hear anyway. Wolf regained his posture. He shook his head gruffly. This wasn't how they had planned this match on starting. Wolf looked out to see Ravenclaw in celebration. Ezra and Aracely were being berated with bludgers, yet they were too coordinated. He pulled his broom toward the center of the goal posts. It would be difficult to get past him at this angle.
His eyes narrowed as he looked past the misty fog. He watched as robes of navy blue and yellow sped toward the other side of the pitch. Good. Let Wesley take some of the onslaught for now. He'd be ready when they returned. His heart raced as he heard the "ding!" of a score being landed. He grinned wide. It was Hufflepuff's point! Wolf raised a fist in the air, cheering for his team, "LET'S GO HEATHER!!!!" He bellowed, his deep voice echoing through the open air of the pitch. His hope renewed. The excitement of their first score swirled in him. His hands gripped his broom tight. His loyalty to his team wouldn't allow for another quaffle to race past him.
Wolf smirked as the teams headed back his way. He steeled himself. All of his muscles bared down on his broom in concentration. The quaffle was sent in his direction again, but this time Wolf made a comeback. He swept upwards in a flash, spinning around to catch the quaffle with the tail end of his broom. The quaffle was sent back out toward the middle of the pitch with great velocity. Wolf threw both arms into the air, balancing on his broom. He chuckled to himself in his quiet victory.
This would be a match to remember. He felt truly alive in the sky. Wolf wondered if the high from this game might allow him to ask Cordelia out once and for all...
It would certainly help if Hufflepuff won, he thought to himself with a smile. Wolf watched his team in awe. Hufflepuff came together in unison. There were no big egos to strike down the other's play. He hoped that would be enough today.
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Post by Wesley Thorsen on May 25, 2023 10:07:15 GMT -8
Wesley was feeling the high of the start to a good game. So far, it looked like it was leaning Ravenclaw's way and he was thrilled. Ezra scored. Aracely scored shortly after. He claps and pumps a fist in the air a few times, "Nice one Ravenclaw! Keep it going!" He calls from his positioning near the goals.
Niamh caught the snitch! "Niamh O'Shea, everyone!" He yells and claps and cheers. Wesley is thrilled and caught up in the moment. Sometimes he just wanted to fly off and feel the wind in his hair as the others could freely do. He had so much built up energy and excitement. Yet, his role as Keeper meant staying put. Straying even just a hair too far could cost their team.
Out of the corner of his eye a flash of red hair catches Wesley's eye. How he wanted to tug on that ponytail again. He grins as she approaches. Heather, with the quaffle in hand. She's flying at an almost concerning rate of speed. Would she barrel right into him?
He tracks her movement and positioning and realized she would be coming from the right. He eyes the nearest hoop and re-angles himself to be able to best defend the incoming throw.
Wesley physically cannot stop himself from grinning at her.
But at the last minute even, despite her wicked speed, Heather changes course and veers left.
"Oh fuck." Wesley can't adjust fast enough. He can't move the way he needs to in order to block the hoop on that side. The quaffle flies past him and he wasn't even close to preventing it.
He shakes his head as the ding a scored goal rings out for everyone to hear, his hair flips with the movement. "Heather Nicholson..." He breathes in an awestruck tone. He flashes her a smirk, impressed by the quick play. Her determiniton.
He'd like to say she scored against him because he was distracted by her beauty... but that wasn't true. That he let her. Well, she was beautiful alright... but, it was her skill that had bested him. If he could have blocked her, he would have. Situation-ship with her aside.
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Ezra Ansel
Ravenclaw
6th Year - Prefect - Ravenclaw Captain/Chaser
Posts: 105
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Post by Ezra Ansel on May 26, 2023 20:06:28 GMT -8
Ezra's heart raced with thrill as he dodged the bludgers. They were wicked fast. They zoomed past his ears like a flock of flies. He chuckled as one threatened to smash his broom to bits. He couldn't help it. Ezra felt one with the sky. He embraced adrenaline like an old childhood friend. The heat of the moment is where his joy had grown as a kid, and it would be where his determination came from as a teenager. Ezra kept a close eye on Aracely. She was his true partner, his fellow Chaser, and now girlfriend in his game. A stroke of protectiveness ran through his stomach. He remembered Anneli Oden's fall during the last match and furrowed his brow. No one would get hurt during this game. Ravenclaw was too precise in their movements and Hufflepuff was too bonded. There was no true hierarchy of social power or external agenda to stir up aggressions. Though, Wolf looked pretty pissed at the goal posts. Ezra reminded him to give him a pat on the back at the end of the game. At least he hadn't let his team down without a fight.
He sped ahead, taking hold of the Quaffle once more and passing it to Aracely. They moved in unison, passing it off to one another. He dodged a bludger, then turned to wink at her. "Your turn, beautiful!" He called out, throwing her the Quaffle. They were now in front of the Hufflepuff goal posts again. Ezra had said it was their match, and so far it was turning out to be.
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Post by Zander Keahi on May 26, 2023 20:54:02 GMT -8
The atmosphere on the pitch was becoming electric as the match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw carried on. Zander knew he was a talented chaser but was feeling the pressure mounting. His team seemed to be trailing behind Ravenclaw right now. Determined to turn the tide, he soared through the air pushing faster. Ravenclaw was definitely showcasing some super skills. Zander hated feeling like Hufflepuff was struggling to keep up. Zander's heart pounded in his chest.
Their team needed a breakthrough. Just a few goals would turn the tide. Just a few goals would inspire hope. Just a few goals would fuel ambitions. Things seemed bleak because Ravenclaw nabbed the snitch. Not anyone. Niamh. Zander recognized her immediately. Her tiny petite frame, her dark hair, and big eyes. She seemed like the perfect fit for seeker. He was bummed at the team's personal loss. But Niamh getting the snitch? He had to smile. "Nice catch, O'Shea." He mumbles under his breath, no one near him to hear. Good for her. He’d cheer her on quietly right now. Later when he could congratulate her in person he'd be excited for her. Win or lose. It was a nice catch.
Refocusing now Zander caught sight of Heather, fellow chaser, darting past the Ravenclaw defense. She expertly guided the Quaffle through their ranks. With a swift flick of her wrist and quick maneuvering, she sent the Quaffle sailing through the hoop. Right past Wesley. “Heather! Alright, nice one!” Zander yells out, ecstatic. She scored an unstoppable goal. Wesley hadn’t stood a chance against her.
The crowd erupted into cheers. Zander couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. Quickly realizing this could be the momentum swing they needed, Zander played on. His senses felt heightened, inspired by Heather’s playing.
Just as he prepared to make his move, a bludger hurtled towards him, aimed directly at his throwing arm. Acting on instinct, he veered sharply. Zander narrowly evaded a potentially disastrous hit. His arm would have been broken for sure. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he continued his flight. Unscathed but fueled with more determination.
Zander focused on scoring a goal. With the Quaffle firmly in his possession, he spotted an opening in the defense. Handling his broomstick with precision, he accelerates toward the goal. He dodges and weaves to avoid the other Ravenclaw chasers.
Finally, sensing an opportunity, he unleashed a powerful shot. He sends the Quaffle hurtling towards the hoop defended by Wesley, the Ravenclaw Keeper. Time seemed to slow as Zander watched with anticipation.
A deafening roar erupted from Hufflepuff supporters as the Quaffle passed through the hoop, scoring another goal. Although the score was far from finished, Zander's goal had injected a newfound energy into the game. Zander knew they had to fight fiercely and work together to narrow the point gap. "Let's go Hufflepuff!"
The best part about being on the Quidditch team? How the stadium practically vibrated with excitement the entire time. Zander fully believed in the collective strength of their team and the that the environment of support and unity found among the Hufflepuff stands would never let them down.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on May 27, 2023 19:51:59 GMT -8
The Headmistress watched in delight as Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff played valiantly against each other. She had held her breath for any potential injuries, but there was no need. Both teams had flown with precision. There were no antics in the sky today. Isadora caught Professor Ghica’s gaze toward the end of the game and smiled with warmth. They had taken on unofficial roles as the two primary protectors of the castle. She clapped with the audience, cheering on both teams as they swept by the stands. Isadora noted Ravenclaw’s quick work at the goal posts and Hufflepuff’s resilience to onslaught. It was a close game. Professor Gunvald admired both teams and their ability to adapt to one another. She cheered as Niamh O’Shea reached for the Golden Snitch. It was Ravenclaw’s game by the looks of it. The audience buzzed with anticipation for the final results. “Ravenclaw’s Niamh O’Shea has caught the Golden Snitch!” Madam Valor announced, watching to the center of the pitch. “+50 points will be added to Ravenclaw’s overall score.” She nodded to each of the players as if they each had gained her respect throughout the game. Isadora walked to the pitch then, smiling at the teams, “Brilliant game, to both teams!” She announced happily. Professor Gunvald elevated her house then, “After careful scoring of each team’s amazing plays, the winner of our second game of the season is……” The crowd was now silent in anticipation. Who would win the 2nd match of the season: Ravenclaw VS. Hufflepuff? “RAVENCLAW!!!!” She bellowed to the crowds. A roaring of cheers and a quieter group of boos coming from the stands. Isadora looked to each of the Ravenclaw team members with pride. Ravenclaw Final Score: 175.5 (Winner! +50 House Points) Hufflepuff Final Score: 156 (Loser -25 House Points) Top Post “Earners” of Each Team: Ravenclaw: Wesley Thorson (Beater) Hufflepuff: Beowulf Wolf Woodrow (Keeper) "Brilliant Game Everyone!" OOC: You may continue to wrap up the game or convene with your team (or chat) with the other, but posts will NOT be scored past this point. Additionally, House Points will be updated post-game. +10 House Points have been awarded to each player for participation. Ravenclaw = 140 House PointsWesley Thorsen +10 Aracely Minh Davies +10 Ezra Ansel +10 Niamh Cara O'Shea +10 Snitch Catch +50 Quidditch Win +50 Hufflepuff = 25 House PointsJadis Ravenwood +10 Beowulf Wolf Woodrow +10 Heather Nicholson +10 Sibyl Wildes +10 Zander Keahi +10 Quidditch Loss -25
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