HufflePuff Practice

[Jude Paxton]

Jude had shown up in his quidditch gear... Captian... Jude knew that Loki had something to do with the fact that he made Captian, let alone the team! It wasn't because he was a bad player, it was more do to the fact that Jude was... busy with Delysia... and the pregnancy. Their doctor appointments were on the weekends which was when they had quidditch matches, and Jude wasn't going to miss a thing. He hated it when he saw other guys get a girl knocked up and then completely drop the girl or they just stick around because of the kid and don't really do anything. Jude loved Delysia, and he loved the child that she was carrying just as much. If Jude had it his way, he would have dropped out of Hogwarts just so he could go to work and support his child, but his parents would have none of that. Mother wanted him to continue school so he had more oppurtunity... His father just wanted him to follow in his footsteps, which Jude was going to give his father a huge wake up call.

Jude still didn't know what he wanted to do, he had a bunch of things he wanted to do, and playing professional Quidditch was one of those things. He wasn't trying to take Loki's place at Hogwarts, no one could (even though if you thought about it they were kind of the same... both love Quidditch... both are in love with a dead girl only difference is that Loki's could still walk). With Jude's broom in hand he waited for the others to show up for practice. Jude was still getting used to names, it was weird being thrown back into social things, but he would get back into the swing of things, even if it was going painfully slow.

[Dante Starr]

'Hey Jude!' Dante called out before giving a wave with his empty hand. In his other hand was an Italian broom that had been a gift from his father for joining the team. It sure was a beauty, as far as Dante was concerned Italy could do anything better.

This was his first time playing for a house team, but after the loss of Loki Seivert and Tessa Ray there was finally an opening for him. Could he really pass up on the opportunity? Plus this meant that they'd be able to beat Gryffindor and he could rub it in his sister's face. Plus it gave him a chance to be athletic and show off in front of the girls. That was what he wanted...a girlfriend...right?

Throwing away those thoughts he decided to just think about Quidditch instead, that was a safe topic. Unlike his stupid little crush that he had on Thom Seivert or his own conflicting sexual preferences. Not possible, he had to carry on the family name and all that other bull his father feed him.

'Happy I at least have one friend on the team, can't say I really know any of the others.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky had been reading in one of the Quidditch towers, A light breeze forced his hood to flap softly. He was beginning to love the pitch. It was open and the view was spectacular. Hogwarts was a truly beautiful place.

Hearing voices he leaned over the rail, There were two students down below in HufflePuff gear. "They must be here for practice." He thought as he closed his book. He gingerly gazed down at them. He didn't know that much about Quidditch, He hadn't really paid attention to it before. His muggle father loved the sport though. Nicky contemplated if he should stay and watch, Or leave and come back later.

[Jude Paxton]

"Dante!" Jude gave him a grin. At least one friend he knew, and he gave out a bit of a chuckle when Dante pretty much stated what he was thinking. "Don't worry, I'm the captian and I'm still trying to remember names."

Jude jerked his head to one side and cracked his neck, then proceeded to do that to the other side. A nasty habbit that his mother hated when he did it, but he couldn't help it, it felt good. Jude had to slick back his hair a bit, not enough to give him helmet hair, but enough to keep his locks out of his face. He couldn't wait to get practice going, he had the trunk there with the balls and other equipment they would need for practice. Jude had the urge to smoke a ciggarrete but that was never a good idea to do right before games, or anything where you are going to be doing a lot of movement... Actually he really should think about quitting.

"So, anything happen this past weekend when I was gone? You know, right after the Valentines Day Dance?" Jude was particularly interested in knowing what had happened to that girl with the purple hair.

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky heard a sickening cracking sound that made him think of pain. He peered over a bit more and he spotted Jude stretching his neck, He was the guy from the lunch table the other day, What shocked him was that Jude is the Hufflepuff captain for the team. "Wow" He thought to himself.

Nicky spotted the other guy and tilted his head. "Dante?" Is what he heard Jude call out. Dante had a broom model that Nicky hadn't seen before. Leaning over a bit more he stared at the two. He was fascinated with the Hufflepuff house. It was a glossed over house in the Hogwarts A History. Nicky always was a sucker for mysteries, He wondered if their team would be formidable this year.

[Dante Starr]

The Valentine's Dance? Oh yeah, the one that he had avoided attending because he didn't have a date. Sure he could have found a date if he'd tried, but dances really weren't his thing. Awkwardly dancing with girls who were nervous and sweaty? Nah not his thing at all.

'Nothing too wild happened, just a few first years having too much fun in the common room. One about managed to set the place on fire, I had to be all big and responsible.' He laughed, Dante had spent most of his life being the baby in the family.

Joining the Hufflepuff team would hopefully get him more active in his house, for the most part he'd been spending his free time studying. A shy and studious Hufflpuff? He would have been better off in Ravenclaw the way his social life was going. 'You didn't miss much, no secret Hufflepuff parties while Jude is gone.'

Odd. Why did he feel like he was being watched? Turning away from Jude he looked around but didn't see anyone else. 'Must be going mental, maybe getting back on the broom with help it.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

"The Valentine dance? Girl with purple hair?" Nicky mumbled quietly to himself. Jude must have meant the girl in the leather dress. Most of the school had went to the ball but Nicky had never seen Dante there before. He shifted uneasily as Dante searched around. Nicky didn't want to be caught, He wasn't breaking any rules or anything but he felt awkward.

Leaning back his necklace caught on rail and unclasped, Gasping Nicky tried desperately to reach for it, But it spun, And fell right down between Jude and Dante against the grass. "Damn it!"

[Dante Starr]

Dante could have ignored the feeling of being watched, but the necklace falling from the sky was another story. Typically when something came from up above, that usually meant that someone had dropped it. And he definitely wasn't putting any bets on the owner being God, surely some higher being would drop something more...significant?

So they were being watched. 'Curious. Very curious.'

Bending over her picked up the amulet and gave it a look over. Nothing he recognized but that wasn't surprising. Unlike his sister he didn't pay that much attention to accessories that people wore. Putting it in his pocket before getting onto his broom, Dante was going to figure this out.

Moving towards the closest observation tower he called out 'If you want it back, better speak up. We won't tar and feather you for spying -- yet.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

As if in slow motion, Nicky's heart stopped as Dante picked up the amulet and placed it into his pocket. Not knowing what to do Nicky just stood there until Dante got on his broom and flew up to the tower and made the first move.'If you want it back, better speak up. We won't tar and feather you for spying -- yet.'

That necklace was the only thing given to him from his siblings, Without hesitation Nicky leaned over the rail, A swift breeze swept through his hood knocking it off. He stared into Dante's dark chocolate eyes and was determined. "Give it back!" He called out, He was angry but couldn't hold a glare, All his eyes showed were a plea for his most valued possession. "I..I wasn't spying, Just please give it back." Nicky's cheeks blushed bright red, He had never been in a situation where he wasn't in control.

[Dante Starr]

Dante stared at the boy, trying to figure out if he knew him. No he definitely didn't recognize him, even when his hood flew off. Wasn't a member of any of the other teams as far as he knew, and he certainly didn't look to concerned with spying on the practice. Then what was he doing out here?

'Not spying? Then why are you being so secretive?' He said, ignoring the request to give the necklace back. 'When you act sneaky, people tend to not trust you.'

He let out a groan when he noticed that the student was leaning over the edge, didn't he realize how dangerous that was with wind? One wrong move and he'd be stuck in the infirmary.

'Just stay inside! I'll probably not be able to catch you if you fall out." Flying into the tower he hopped off his broom, leaning it up against a wall. Pulling the necklace out of his pocket he moved to hand it to the boy, he couldn't ignore the pleading look much longer without feeling like a big jerk.

'You had me at the word 'please', be happy only your necklace fell down there.' Dante said running a hand through his hair, trying to fix the damage the wind had done.

[Nicky Bathurst]

Hearing the warning, Nicky backed from the rail. He stepped out of the way when Dante flew in, But he held back the urge to snatch the necklace once Dante was on the ground. Nicky could finally breath once he saw it was safe. He reached out his hand and brushed his fingertips against Dante's while grabbing the necklace.

Letting out a small gasp, He blushed looking away trying to explain things. "I...I came here to read, You see cause the space is wide and open and it's beautiful here. I, Um." Taking a deep breath he managed to pull himself together and smiled softly. "Thanks for returning it, And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spy. I was just curious is all."

[Dante Starr]

'Ah well I guess that's fine, I guess it is nice up here.' Dante mumbled before taking in the view. How had he never noticed before? Then again usually when he was at the Quidditch pitch he was either practicing or rooting on the Hufflepuff team.

He had never been the nature-loving type, sure the family home was beautiful but he usually was off with his parents exploring the world. With his father's position at the Ministry Dante had visited many countries, but usually staying in the populated cities. Hogwarts was his first experience with open fields, and it really was beautiful.

Turning back towards the boy he had a smile on his face, he had just discovered his new place to sit back and think. 'I thought someone was watching, which really is fine, but honestly the Hufflepuff team is a mess with so many members gone. Angel will never let me live it down in Gryffindor actually beats us.'

Offering his hand again to the boy to shake, 'Dante Starr, nice to meet you. Sorry for the bad first impression.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky pulled the necklace up to his neck and re-clasped it on. "It is very nice up here." Nicky didn't think anyone else would appreciate the pitch as he did. It was nice to hear someone on the same wavelength. In a moment of spontaneity, He asked a question blushing a bit more. "Would...Would it be alright if I stayed and watched you guys practice? I don't go to Quidditch matches often....I find them a bit crowded, It does look interesting though."

Angel ? Did Nicky hear him right, Dante mentioned Gryffindor along with the it. Then Dante stated his last name, Nicky was a bit bewildered and shook the extended hand slowly. "I'm, I'm Nicky Bathurst, Starr ? Umm.... would that make you a part of Rocco's side or Angels side of the Starr family?"

[Dante Starr]

The boy kept blushing, looking quite cute when he did. While that brought a smile to Dante's face he tried to push those thoughts away. The last thing he needed right now was to think that a boy was cute. He had a hard enough time making friends, didn't need to go weirding people out.

'Well since Angel is my older sister, I guess that means I'm on her side. I can hardly resist the urge to punch Rocco in the jaw, yet alone consider him a member of my family.' The thought of the loser dating his sister wiped the smile off of his face.

It was hard enough for Dante to like any person that Angel dated, especially when she kept going out with such losers. Lucas was nothing but emotional baggage, Death was just plan weird and Rocco managed to somehow by MORE cocky than Death. Why couldn't she just stay with Loki?

'Sorry if you're friends with him, but imagine how you'd feel if he was dating your sister. One wrong move, and I'm going to show him what happens when you hurt Angel.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky couldn't help but laugh a bit. Dante knew enough about Rocco that was sure. "Angels brother then, I met her the other day in the great hall. She was nice to me. I'm not sure if Rocco has any friends yet, But I don't dislike the guy, Then again he's not dating my sister." Nicky had smiled warmly. The awkward panic and frustration from before was gone.

"You might have to get in line for that punch I suspect, Plus we can't exactly choose family." Nicky thought back to his own distant siblings who never spoke a word to him nowadays, Suddenly frowning he shook it off and smiled again. "We can choose our friends though." He noticed Dante's smile disappear but kept positive, In hopes that the smile would reappear again. Deep down this thought spooked him but in the moment, He didn't want to worry about it.

[Dante Starr]

'Ha yeah Angel is typically nice, despite what some people might think. But she's got one hell of a temper, some people have just made a mistake of getting on her bad side.' Typically Dante didn't like to say nice things about his sister, they still managed to fight like cats and dogs often enough. For some reason he choose to not put on the 'annoyed brother' act around Nicky.

Plus Angel had enough trouble right now with Seth writing stories about her and Rocco being attached to her hip. Surely she didn't need Dante telling people about what a crazy girl she could be. Oh Merlin, she was boy crazy and loved pink, two things Dante couldn't handle.

'Somehow it doesn't surprise me that other people would like to punch Rocco, I know if Loki was here I'd have to fight him to be first.' He said with his smile returning. 'Sorry, Loki is Angel's best friend. He's off playing professional Quidditch. So the Hufflepuff team is a little sad looking right now.'

Dante admitted the teams failings with a laugh. 'I can only be so awesome, we're going to need some serious practice.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky had to admit it, Hearing someone talk about their sibling was comforting. He often thought of what it would have been like if he had grew up closer to his brothers and sister.

"Loki? Ah I remember, His name was on a few of the Qudditch trophies." There was Dante's smile again, It came back much to the joy of Nicky who now pondered what was going on with himself.

"Sounds like he brought the team far, But with guys like you and Jude. I'm sure the team will be ready for the matches. Well...Yeah with practice!" Nicky found himself laughing and blushing. There was a knot in his stomach, Which didn't feel as bad as it sounded. It kind of felt nice.

[Dante Starr]

Letting out a laugh Dante considered their chances to win the Quidditch Cup. It didn't look good so far, but maybe with some hard work and dedication they could keep up the tradition? Then again those were some pretty high hopes, this was just Dante's first year on the team.

'Lots and lots of practice, I'll be out here sweating my ass off daily if we have any chances of winning. But I have high hopes, Jude seems like a good captain. Plus with my top of the line broom, I should be able to keep up with the other team.' He said motioning to his broom, the best gift his father had ever given him.

While the Starr family was rich his father didn't like to spoil Dante, typically he had to somehow earn what he wanted. Which wasn't how Angel had been treated, perhaps that was because she was a girl? Sure it wasn't fair but at least Dante wasn't as spoiled as his sister.

'Do you fly much?' He questioned, 'It's a pretty fun way to pass the time.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky made a note to come to the pitch whenever he could, He wouldn't be honest with himself if he admitted he would just be there to read. Glancing at the broom next to Dante he took a step closer and examined it. The broom didn't look like anything he had seen before at the school, Somehow it did look familiar. He might have seen it in a magazine or when he was traveling with his parents.

"Looks top of the line, Me? Fly much?" Nicky looked back into Dante's eyes and blushed. "To be honest with you, And be sure that you tell no one else. I don't really know how to fly. I mean I learned to hover on a broom like it was a swing, But I don't know the proper way. It does look fun, Especially when I see people go fast on them." He smiled sheepishly.

[Dante Starr]

'Don't know how to fly?' Dante made a gesture touching his hand to his lips to suggest that his lips were sealed. 'Don't worry, I won't let anyone know.'

He noticed Nicky checking out his broom and smiled with pride. It was a great broom and it had cost a small fortune. 'It's Italian, so not many people around here have them. My family actually owns the company that makes them, so I think that's why my dad gave it to me.' He admitted with a laugh.

Then an idea came to Dante and the smile on his face got bigger.

'I can't do it now, since we need to practice, but sometime I could probably help you learn to fly. You could even use my broom, because believe me it makes a difference. ' Dante offered, after all Nicky seemed like a nice guy and he'd like to help him out.

'Just you can't join your house team and beat us afterwards.' He teased.

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky had watched Dante's hand drift up to his lips a bit to intently. One word snapped him out of his daze. "Italian?" Smiling Nicky thought of Italy, His family had briefly spent some time there but the memories of the place stayed with him. "Sounds like your dad thought you earned it." Nicky replied with a laugh but blushed seeing Dante's smile grow when he had an idea.

"You....You would really teach me?" Nicky's was shocked but happy, The idea of being taught something by a professor sickened him, But Dante teaching him something sounded like an offer he just could not refuse. Trying to hold back his excitement he gave his answer. "I would really like that, And I wouldn't worry. I don't think I'll be joining any kind of team anytime soon."

Bringing his head out of the clouds he remembered where he was. "Oops, I interrupted your practice didn't I? I'm sorry." He frowned knowing he took up a lot of the teams time. "But, Could I stay? Here in the tower I mean. I could cheer you guys on if you want." His frown turned into a meek smile.

[Dante Starr]

Odd, it made Dante really happy that Nicky wanted him to teach him how to fly on a broom. He hadn't expected such a positive reaction from the suggestion but none the less it brought a big smile to his face. Something he was doing quite often around Nicky.

'Hey I'd be happy to help out, I'm sure one on one lessons are more effective than the ones with the professor. Plus it's nice to have privacy, never fun to have strangers watch you fall on your ass.' He admitted with a laugh, 'Merlin knows I've done it plenty of times before.'

It especially seemed like a good idea after the rumors about Professor Brooks, something about him not being able to teach a student. Apparently she was being ridiculed by other students, and for some reason Dante didn't want this to happen.

'Sure feel free to watch, I should get back to Jude before he thinks I'm slacking off.' Dante said suddenly remembering about his housemate who was still down below. 'Maybe you'll see some move I can show you, you know once you get more comfortable in the air.'

Grabbing him broom he kicked off and flew out of the tower, just lingering outside. 'It was great meeting you Nicky.'

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky smiled warmly listening to Dante. "I'm sure you'll make a great teacher, Especially one on one." He didn't know why but he blushed at this comment.

"I wouldn't worry about the falling thing, I mean hey, I trip and slip on just the ground. Not to mention I lose necklaces and almost tip over rails." He laughed at this but slightly scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

Walking close to the rail but not close enough to lean over it, He said. "It was nice meeting you Dante! Thanks again, For before." Taking a seat he reopened the book he was reading, After a moment he put it down in disgust and watched down the pitch at Dante and Jude. Nicky was about to pull his hood back on but decided against it. If he was being allowed to watch the team practice, He might as well do it without his hood to hide behind.

[Finn Caerlaverock]

Finn hadn't seen Jude around Hogwarts for a while, since the Valentine's Day Ball, but even then, they barely talked. Tucking her pet rat Donal into her front pocket (magically stretched to fit it), she went to find her Hufflepuff friend because, well, though Finn didn't want to admit it, she missed him.

She had heard the Hufflepuff team was practicing on the pitch and Finn went to go say hi to Jude and see how miserable they were doing since Tessa and Loki left school. Finn was delighted that the Slytherin team was going to finally have a chance at the house cup this year. It was getting old that Hufflepuff was getting it year after year.

Finn walked her way onto the pitch and smiled at Jude. "Hi there!" She waved at him, really glad to see him. Though Seth was more dashing and glamorous than Jude, Seth sometimes was distracted and most of the time when Val was around, it was like Finn didn't even exist. Was Finn just really looking for a friend?

She was unaware of the fact she was interrupting Quidditch practice as she smiled at him with her pouty red lips and her eyelashes full and stretched. "I haven't seen you for ages, Jude! We wanted to see you!" Her rat, Donal, squeaked in response.

[Nicky Bathurst]

Nicky had kept his eyes on Dante until Finn had approached the pitch. He smiled and watched his Slytherin housemate talk to Jude. He didn't know that they knew each other. Finn was in a pleasant mood. Maybe she had come to the pitch to cheer on her friend.

He would have yelled and waved her up to the tower, But he stayed his place and refocused his attention on his new friend. If Finn stuck around, He would help wave her up to the benches.

[Jude Paxton]

"I haven't seen you for ages, Jude! We wanted to see you!"

Jude looked up to see Finn and Donal, the rat he gave Finn. A smile came onto his face upon seeing the girl, completely forgetting the reading that Lucas gave him and the possible warning that was showing in the tea leaves. "Been busy with Quidditch and some family things." It was the truth, out side of school Jude was either trying to get this team ready just as Loki would have, and then aside from that he would be home trying to spend as much time with Lilly as he could.

"Supposed to be having Quidditch practice today, but so far only one person showed up and he went to go investigate why treasure is falling from the sky." He pointed up to the tower that Dante flew towards on his broom. Jude gave a small sigh, it was almost like no one on the team cared anymore now that Loki and Tessa were gone. Yes, they lost two very good players, but two people didn't equal a Quidditch team! At least Dante showed up.

"Gonna have to have a talk with them once I get the chance. The team that is... But enough about that," Jude looked back to Finn and Donal, "What about you? How are... things?" Jude didn't want to flat out ask her how things with her and Seth are. From what he heard Seth was chasing after that green haired girl, Cabbagepatch. (aka Val)

[Finn Caerlaverock]

"Oh no! I mean, I guess I can say I'm relieved because we have to play against you guys soon!" Since Finn played on a different team, she was glad that Loki and Tessa were off the team so someone else could have a chance.

"But I'm sure you can rally people together soon." She grinned at him, happy to see her first boy toy at Hogwarts. She smirked when he asked her how were things.

"Things are fabulous. I haven't seen you in forever. How are you?"