By Beonca Aims
As always, if you are a spectator during a Quidditch match or a Broomstick race, the dark green and silver canopy is the place to sit under! Plenty of treats, scones and warm pumpkin juice can be found there and a few professors and students from various houses. You need not be a Slytherin to sit under the Potions Master�s protective tarp. He welcomes anyone who wishes to escape from the weather, be it rain, snow, and that dreaded bright sun. Spells and enchantments are set where no wind enters the invisible walls of said canopy, which makes it easier to concentrate on the action on the pitch or race path. Rumor has it some friendly wagers have happen under the tarp, and students offering hot chocolate and some Honeyduke�s favorites. So the next time you enter the stands to watch a game or race look for the green and silver and join the crowd!
Billy Raven
It was the first game for Penshire and the second game of the season. As you know, the cranes won the Quidditch Cup last term in a winning season with no losses and so far that is holding true this term, though it has only been one game for the cranes. The Shirelings practiced hard prior to the match with a private scrimmage and swapping players out in different positions. Bryony Casten, the Captian of the Cranes, was very patient with the newer members with her encouraging words.
Game day saw a host of supporters in the stands, many from the Shire, but also other houses divided up between the teams. Other Heads of House were there too, with Professor Lockhart trying to muscle his way into a Penshire group, but Professor Ripley soon sent him packing. Plenty of treats were shared and banners flew in excitement of the day. Penshire scored first, then second, and then third�the badgers had some trouble with the Quaffle, though Eki and Maya worked hard to deflate the crane train. But the Shirelings were too organized and strong with Bry and Sam leading the team, Keato was everywhere and Amanda and Masi were hitting Bludgers keeping the opposing team busy. Ava was hard pressed to stay awake, as Keeper, she got sort of lonely by the hoops and finally, after six goals, one being made by a last minute substitute for Bry, which was Billy who had to enter when rumor of wands were confirmed. Or at least on the crane�s part for the official failed to see any badgers with a wands out, though we know better.
The crane Seeker saw the Snitch! Catching it, and falling, but then Professor Ripley shouted the important saving spell, and with that the Cranes took the game 210 to 0! Course it was hard to tell who had the most fun, the players or those in the stands. We look forward to our next match���.against Slytherin.
By Beonca Aims
It was our first match, though the lions have already played and game and won. The Silver Serpents had some trouble getting players who could stay in the game due to holidays, computer problems, and well�being grounded in their Muggle lives. And we weren�t the only house to have �first game jiggers�, Penshire and Ravenclaw seemed to fall into this too, though the Shirelings won their game. The rules are not too hard to understand, but for new players, who had not the opportunity to practice before the games began, it was a bit confusing. Many only recently entered the house and were quickly placed on the team, not that this is a bad thing, only shortness of time did not allow such luxuries of reviewing and totally understanding what was expected of them.
The game started slow and it looked like the Serpents weren�t ready to do any scoring, but being the cunning players they are, this might have been a rouse�for within hours, the hoop on the lion side of the field seemed to let every Quaffle thrown by the Serpents enter at will. Quickly the score rose from 10 to 0 in favor of the Lions, to 50 to 20 in favor of the Snakes and it was climbing! Sadly, the snitch entered and the Lion Seeker was able to catch it first. We played hard, fair, and tough. We plan on being ready for the Shire team come this January as the snakes learn more and more with each game. So�we want to put that Cup back in our Head of House�s hands and this is our driving force to be even better in the next game. Well played Gryffindor, but we will be back.
By Emma Staunton
Behind the door of the last room on the right side of the third floor corridor is the Ravenclaw Common Room. Inside, Ravens congregate and do homework, chat, and play games together. It isn't uncommon to see one of the staff members of Ravenclaw around the common room, and it's also not uncommon for you to know the staff member pretty well. The staff members of Ravenclaw put an extrodinary amount of effort into maintaining order in the common room, and are always at the forefront of new ideas for getting house points.
Ravenclaws are also an incredibly helpful and nice bunch of people. For instance, during the first few days that I was there, I could ask anybody that was there any of the questions that were on my mind, and I always got a very helpful answer. No one's ever left out of anything, and one would get the impression that everyone is friends with everyone else. Whenever there's someone new, people always rush to great the new person, and make them feel as comfortable as possible in Ravenclaw. During the first month that I was there, I made friends with a group of Ravens, and am still continuing to make friends what with the constant flow of new people that are arriving in Ravenclaw.
In the common room, people are always trying to think of new ideas that could get us more points, such as making a new shop for one of the Ravenclaw Co-ops, or joining a new club. One thing's for sure. The Ravenclaws are an friendly and ambitious bunch, and I am very proud to be a member.
By Elizabeth Crow
We all love our house. None of us would like to be in another house. We have many friends in our own houses and tell each other everything. Everyone thinks their house is the best, but that is only because we have the qualities of each person in that particular house. That way we are compatible to others in our house since we have the same interests. Although if you look closer there are types of people in each house. Those that are skilled at quidditch, and some are more artistic that others. Some who have an outgoing personality, and others who are a bit on the shyer side. So even though we all think our house is the best, that doesn't mean that there are others in different houses who have the same interests as us. And just because we have been put in our particular houses, doesn't mean that we are unable to make friends with others in different houses.