006 [Text]

[di_intraining]

I have to say I'm looking forward to this match! A little stress relief from studies never hurt anyone.

Ravenclaws, we'll see you on the pitch. I reckon it'll be fun.

[Filtered to Hufflepuffs and HONEY BADGERS]

Right, we're having our first game soon. You've all done a good job during training and I'm proud to be the captain of this team. We're going to have to do better than a good job this match though; I say it's high time we show this school that us Puffs aren't just a bunch of pushovers. I say, we rip the Ravenclaws to shreds and send out the warning to the Gryffs and the Slytherins that the Honey Badgers will be the ones to lift the cup this year!

And even you lot who aren't playing. I hope you don't go thinking that you're not part of this effort, because you all damn well are. It's actually a great boost to us, when people cheer for their house. If you all could spare the time to come down to the match to show some house pride, that's a great help you know? So I better see a full stand on that day.

Tsukino! I've spoken to Vargas already and he's agreed to help you on those banners if you're still keen on them.

Also, I'm sure you've all seen Feferi's post. I'm all keen for calling ourselves the Honey Badgers. If no one's got any objections, then that's what I'd like the team to be called.

[Filtered specifically to Honey Badgers only!]

OK, first game is coming up! I've got some advice I'd like to give to each of you.

Roxas. You're a great Chaser, but some times you get a little too excited and carried away when you get the ball. Make sure you share it with your other Chasers. I need the three of you to work tightly together and provide support. Feferi, you're great for support but I need you to be a bit more confident with the ball when you do have it. Be a bit more aggressive and don't be afraid to take those shots when you get the chance.

Vlad. Eliza. I know the two of you have your differences, but I'm asking the two of you to put them aside for this match. No arguing or fist fights or dirty looks, alright? Concentrate on your roles. Eliza, back up Roxas and Feferi. You're our most experienced Chaser, you've got to be there to help them out when they need it. And try to keep the rough play down a little, alright? They're Ravenclaws, I don't think they could take a hit without falling of their brooms, and we can't afford to lose points through fouls. Vlad, the Claws have got great Chasers, but I say we've got the better Keeper! You've always been sharp with catching the Quaffles, so all I've got to comment is that you've got to focus. Keep an eye if you see two of them coming toward you. The Beaters will do our best to keep them from ganging up on you, but I'm confident you'll be able to stop the goals.

This is what we practised for, so let's get out there and give Hogwarts a performance they'll never forget!

Comments

[Badger Filter]

[hagyjbeken]

Oh come on, they can take a few hits and deal with it. I'm not going out of my way to murder them or anything, that's just not fair. It'd be like shooting fish in a barrel, if you know what I mean. But I'll try and not get into a fight with Vlad as long as he does his job, I got enough to worry about when it comes to keeping the other two in check without having to worry about our Keeper giving up points on top of it all.

[Badger Filter]

[di_intraining]

I don't know about that. They're a pretty fragile lot. I doubt they'll be able to take more hits than one, especially from a strong arm like yours.

And don't worry about Vlad. You let me handle him and just focus on helping the younger two and scoring those goals. I'm pretty sure we've got this match in the bag, so long as we keep our teamwork tight.

[Filtered]

[bundangos]

AH! Well okay I didn't think my signs were THAT good

But Ill help !!

[Filtered]

[di_intraining]

Well I thought they were pretty good Tsukino.

[Strong filter for Usagi only!!]

Odinson seemed to love them too.

[/Filter]

Thanks. I'll grab Feli as soon as I can, the little bugger's a bit jumpy but when it comes to art he's a genius, I'll give him that.

[Filtered]

[bundangos]

[Usagi stares at what's filtered just for her, and goes bright red. After a few moments, she replies to the entry, she doesn't think to filter it to just to him. And forgets about anything else that he wrote.]

WHAT!? REALLY? YOU REALLY THINK SO?

[Filtered]

[di_intraining]

[Greg chuckles, making sure to swap the filter to one between the two of them before he answers.]

He did spend a few seconds staring at the crowd, near where your banner was. And if he's got any complaints, I haven't heard any.

[Honey Badgers filter]

[luxextenebris]

But I like holding the Quaffle!






I kid, I kid. I'll share it around.

[Honey Badgers filter]

[di_intraining]

Good. Remember to give Feferi some chances at scoring too. It makes our pattern less predictable; I think the Claws are expecting us to focus our offence with you and Eliza. Should shock them a little to see Feferi throw a ball or two.

[Honey Badgers filter]

[luxextenebris]

I offered to teach her how to do some moves. It's always a good idea to know how to do a few, not to mention it should throw the Ravenfalls off.

[Honey Badgers filter]

[di_intraining]

Excellent! At the rate we're going, I say the Cup's definitely going to be ours.

[3potionproblem]

Is it 'good luck' or 'break a leg' in this instance?

[di_intraining]

Both works. The latter's just a figure of speech though, so don't actually break any legs, I'm going to need them on that day!

Thanks anyway, Sherlock. You'll be rooting for Ravenclaw I suppose?

[3potionproblem]

Why would I root for Ravenclaw? No, I'm betting on Hufflepuff reigning victorious.

[di_intraining]

You think so?

Most people think we're a bunch of softies.

[3potionproblem]

A Slytherin might be motivated by victory and a Gryffindor by glory, but a Ravenclaw is most interested generally in the tactics involved where a Hufflepuff cares about not letting his fellow teammates down.

Only one team truly has the most strength when united. So I will wish them all the luck.

[di_intraining]

[There's a few drops of ink as Greg pauses, surprised by what seems to be actual praise from Sherlock.]

Blimey, thanks Sherlock. That's awful nice of you to say something like that.

[3potionproblem]

I don't say it to be nice.

[di_intraining]

But you meant it. I have to say that I'm tired of this school underestimating Hufflepuffs; for some reason or another we're dismissed as the worst house in Hogswarts. Damn It's just plain annoying, if you ask me.

[3potionproblem]

Hufflepuff is really just the least egocentric of the houses. So of course the others think they’re better than it and Hufflepuff would just as soon keep the peace than stand to correct false assumptions.

Such is my understanding, anyway. Though I will admit my understanding has changed due to my observations this year.

[di_intraining]

I'm curious. What kind off changes are we talking about here?

[3potionproblem]

Oh, the usual. Hufflepuff is all heart without a spine—that’s why you can all bend over backwards as soon as a more substantial house member comes along with a request. Hufflepuff accepts everyone who doesn’t fit into a more specialized house because Hufflepuffs are more or less the servant class that exists to do nothing more than support the other three. Really, the main virtues of the Hufflepuff house are exactly the sort of thing you’d want out of a servant.

Hufflepuffs are meek, Hufflepuffs are underachievers, Hufflepuffs are your basic man minus the qualities than make a man great.

As I said, a general ex-opinion based on the usual things.

[Sherlock Holmes—Making you regret you asked since 1854]

[Honeybadger Filter]

[not_a_vampire]

I will try my best. I will block the quaffle with my body if I have to! I hope this game is as exciting as the first two, although I hope it is less bloody.

For the sake of the game, I will try to avoid even looking at the Hungarian. But you know I cannot make promises, just effort!

[Honeybadger Filter]

[di_intraining]

That's the spirit! And every effort counts Vlad. I still can't for the life of me figure out why the two of you are at each other's throats, but if you can put off the hostilities for the game, that'd be great.

[Honeybadger Filter]

[not_a_vampire]

She is Hungarian! No other reason is required.

[brokethecycle]

Good luck!

[di_intraining]

Thanks Norman! I'll be sure to whack those Bludgers extra hard, give you a proper match to watch.

[its_cor_aline]

It sure will be fun! Fun kicking your butts.

[di_intraining]

I don't know about that. If any butt kicking's going to occur, it's going to be from us to you.

[its_cor_aline]

Maybe! That's the awesome thing about Quidditch..you never know what will happen.

Either way we're all going to put on an awesome show right?

[di_intraining]

Exactly. I'm not one to disappoint, and neither are you Claws. I say it's time we show the school that we can fly just as well as the Gryffs and the Slytherins!

[Filter]

[bubblingover]

Got it, Greg! Be more aggressive and take t)(e s)(ot w)(en i get t)(e opportunity! I t)(ink it's mostly cause i get scared? Especially w)(en you are up against t)(e keeper and t)(e beaters, it just seems over-welling! Any tips, on )(ow to overcome t)(is fear?

All in all, i am really excited for our matc)(!

[Filter]

[di_intraining]

Personally, I think you're a good shot. I don't know why you get scared, when it should be the other way around to be honest. But really, what you should remember is that you've done well at the practices and you've improved heaps. Just do what you normally do at practice and I reckon some goals will be in your name. You've got to show those Ravenfalls how a real Chaser plays.

[Filter]

[bubblingover]

I guess it's )(ard especially w)(en i know t)(e w)(ole family going to be watc)(ing! But, i guess if i believe in myself more i will do well rig)(t? I will take your advise and do my best on the field, t)(anks Greg!

You are the best Captain!

[nunganunga_k_o]

Good luck! Although I'm quite sure you'll be great competition.

[di_intraining]

Thanks Georgia. I won't disappoint my fellow Captains. It'll be us you'll be seeing at the next match, you mark my words.

[nunganunga_k_o]

The only captain you should be disappointing is Stark when you beat him.

[di_intraining]

God, I'm looking forward to that already.

[brothor]

I am looking forward to watching it, Lestrade. Do not disappoint me!

[di_intraining]

I never planned on disappointing anyone, Odinson. Rest assured my team will do our best.

[brothor]

I will be cheering for Hufflepuff, then! You will hear my voice from the stands!

[di_intraining]

Thanks Odinson! I'll do my best! You best be watching those Bludger shots because I'm not holding anything back.

[brothor]

Of that I have no doubts! See if you can break my record!

[Voice - Filtered]

[catblog]

You better not disappoint us or Latula and I will be really mad!

[Voice - Filtered]

[di_intraining]

Then I'd better up the game and make sure we do nothing but blow some socks off. Don't worry Molly, I won't let anyone down. Promise.

[Voice - Filtered]

[catblog]

You better!

Or else you'll have to deal with a lot of angry hufffepuffs!

[Voice - Filtered]

[di_intraining]

I think we could all do with happy Hufflepuffs instead!! It'll be a win for the house, I'll do everything I can to make it happen.

[Voice - Filtered]

[catblog]

Hm...what would happen if we don't win?