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

[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]