The Quibbler
The Wizarding World's Alternative Voice
Issue No.
82
Quidditch Corner!
Student Quidditch has always been quite a competitive sport, especially over recent years... I might claim some credit for that development myself. 😄 For quite a few years now, the Admin team and our dear referee, Madam Hooch, have been working closely to keep the sport interesting and engaging for all players. The introduction of collisions, the creation of the Mid-Match Snitches, the switch from the pass/intercept rule to the shoot/block one, the various changes in the sport's point system... I must give credit to the ones in charge for being so dedicated in their efforts to provide us all with the best version of Quidditch possible! 👏
And this year has been no different, of course! Following the increasing fluctuations of the site's member base, it was unanimously decided that, like many other aspects of the site, Quidditch would be revamped as well. And what novel idea was brought forth, just a few short weeks before the start of Year 59? For the first time in recent years, students and Alumni were to band together to claim the title of the Quidditch Champions and bring home the shining trophy of their victory, the Quidditch Cup! In other words, Alumni were allowed to leave behind their own exclusive pitch over at Ottery End and return to familiar ground, back to the Quidditch Pitch at Hogwarts... for a chance to join their old Houses and battle for a spot in the Quidditch Hall of Fame. Many responded to the call, eager and excited to don their familiar colours once more, and by the time the first match was to begin, the pitch was brimming with barely restrained enthusiasm. Alumni and students alike mounted their brooms and took to the skies, awaiting Madam Hooch's first whistle... and they didn't have to wait long! With the third week of the first term upon us, the whistle echoed around the sunny pitch and the players took to the skies! Let the match begin...
by Isabella
Match One: Ravenpuff vs. Slytherdor
The first match started off with one of the craftiest tricks up Madam Hooch's sleeve: Math questions! With some of the newest players eagerly jumping in to assist their teams, it was up to the experienced veterans to hold the rear and maintain the balance. With Slytherdor gaining possession within the first few seconds of the match, it was clear the red and green team were aiming for their first goal... but their wishes were quickly dashed when the Ravenpuffs swooped in and stole the Quaffle for themselves. And a few minutes and several manoeuvres later, we saw the first goal of the season for the Ravenpuffs! One would think that would calm the team of yellow and blue down but within seconds, there were back on the Quaffle like Mooncalves during a full moon! But if you were all expecting a second goal, think again... The Quaffle became quite the hot potato (Hooch's words, not mine) before spiralling back into freefall. The Beaters on both ends seemed to be battling the Bludgers with fierce determination... but not without hiccups, as we had quite a few close calls and futile swings. Teamwork saved the day, though... and the players' heads. 😄 There was a momentary distraction as the Snitch made an appearance, prompting the two Seekers to chase each other around the pitch and grab everyone's attention... before our game of hot potato was back on, now in a revamped, Slytherdor-only edition. 😄 But it turns out that was the key to their success as seconds later, they were scoring their first goal and evening the score! The Ravenpuffs, however, were quick to rise to the challenge, battling fire with fire and monopolizing the Quaffle for one more attempt at a goal. It was right as the Quaffle was soaring through the red and green hoops, granting Ravenpuff a point advantage, that the Snitch made its second appearance... and our valiant Seekers were hot on its tail within seconds! Being a Seeker is a tough job, folks, I speak from experience. 😄
With more Math questions tossed at the poor Chasers, it was a battle of wits and calculators before the Slytherdors could claim the ball... only to lose it during the next play in a wonderfully colourful collision! With Ravenpuff now in possession and the Beaters showing their Divination skills once more, the Bludgers flew straight for our Seekers as they rushed to grasp the little golden ball. Meanwhile, another score sent the blue and yellow team in a frenzy of cheers before they snatched the Quaffle once more... but the Slytherdors were not going down without a fight. With quick reflexes, they narrowly avoided a collision and stole the Quaffle, zooming straight for the hoops... only for the Ravenpuffs to send the ball spiralling out of control seconds later with a strong block. The battle for the Quaffle was back on, sending two Chasers on the sidelines with a dizziness-inducing collision before the ball was finally snatched by the Ravenpuffs. Oooh wait, did I say Ravenpuffs? Scratch that, I meant Slytherdors because within moments, the Quaffle was in their hands and they were going for the kill... I mean, the goal. 😄 And we might have found ourselves watching yet another game of hot potato if not for the Seekers catching sight of a glimmer of gold nearby and shooting after it. Once more, the Beaters were well prepared, sending speedy Bludgers after the Seekers and hoping for their fast return. But alas, only one team could emerge victorious. Time had come to a standstill, players were floating in mid-air with their eyes wide and their ears strained, waiting for the final play... until, from the dusty blue horizon, one figure emerged, with the Snitch at hand. The Seeker's colours? Red and green. Slytherdor found the Snitch! Slytherdor wins!
Final Score:
Ravenpuff - 175
Slytherdor - 205
Match Two: Ravenpuff vs. Slytherdor
Final Score:
Slytherdor - 195
Ravenpuff - 90
The second match began "just in time to kick Term Two off with style", according to the Head Referee in Charge (or HRIC), Madam Hooch. With yet another Math question that sent the Chasers scrambling for their calculators, the match was off to a smashing start... quite literally since the very first play started with a lovely collision. 😄 In the mad scuffle that followed, it was Slytherdor that managed to secure possession of the Quaffle and a chance to open the game with a goal. And despite all odds, they manage to keep the ball in their hold and send it soaring through the hoops! This would have been an interesting tale, no doubt, if not for a nasty Bludger hit sending the Ravenpuff Keeper straight in the Medic Tent and thus leaving the hoops wide open. And with that opportunity right at their feet, Slytherdor scores! Let's hope this was the last Bludger hit during this match (Spoiler Alert: It was not). But while the Slytherdors are cheering for their first goal, the Seekers waste no time chasing after the first gold glimmer of the match... Seems like the Snitch made a rather early appearance! Unaffected by the golden distraction, the Ravenpuffs quickly claim control of the Quaffle, seeking to even the score... but are once again caught up in a rather elaborate game of hot potato... one that ends with the Quaffle changing hands rapidly until it lands back in the Slytherdors' possession. Amidst the chaos, two things stand out more: A Beater substitution on behalf of the Ravenpuffs and yet another glimmer of gold streaking through the pitch... So much going on at the same time during this match! As the Seeker rush to follow it in pursuit of the Snitch, the Slytherdors manage to get yet another shot off, sending it straight towards the Ravenpuff hoops. But alas, yet another Bludger hit marks the return of the Ravenpuff Keeper to the Medic Tent and the score of yet another goal for the Slytherdors... When did Quidditch become so brutal?! 😲 The Ravenpuff are determined to turn the tables and quickly snatch the Quaffle before any of the Slytherdor Chasers has time to claim it... and they manage to keep it! The Beaters are engaged in a hard battle, sending heavy, wild Bludgers after anyone on a broom... Merlin knows how the referee managed to stir clear of all this Bludger craze! 🐱👤
With even more Math questions at hand, the Ravenpuff Chasers are evidently calculator whizzes as they manage to overcome the brain teasers and send the Quaffle hurtling towards the red and green hoops. But their streak of luck ends unfavourably as the Slytherdor Keeper stops the Quaffle and sends it flying towards the eager Slytherdor Chasers... These new players seem to be well-trained, look at them go, dominating the pitch like that! 😄 This time, the Ravenpuffs band together and use their sneaky skills to approach from behind, stealing the Quaffle in a dexterous manoeuvre and speeding back in the direction of the Slytherdor hoops. And... and we have yet another Bludger hit! The poor Ravenpuff Keeper will be leaving this match on a stretcher if this streak of bad luck continues! 😯 This unfortunate incident seems to distract the Ravenpuff Chasers because, in the blink of an eye, the Quaffle is back in freefall, courtesy of the Slytherdors' fierce block. And back to the start we go... And just as you think the situation could not possibly get more confusing, the Slytherdor Chasers seems to collide while in pursuit of the Quaffle, leaving two of them idle and the third in confusion! As for the Ravenpuff Chasers? They are nowhere to be found! 😲 With the new glimmer of gold now eluding the Seekers, the Quaffle seems to be falling and falling, endlessly, through the void... until the Ravenpuffs claim it and go for the kill... or the goal, you get the reference. 😄 With the Ravenpuffs now fully focused on scoring their first goal of the match, the Beaters hold the fort on both ends by redirecting Bludgers left and right, creating a deadly wall of metal. Merlin helps whoever attempts to manoeuvre that... But the Ravenpuffs brave through and send their Quaffle soaring for the opposing hoops... while yet another hit sends yet another Ravenpuff, this time an unfortunate Beater in blue, straight to the Medic Tent. With the stakes now high and the Slytherdor Keeper making another save, it seems the Chasers are ready to give it their all as the Slytherdors claim the Quaffle... until the Snitch makes its final appearance and everything else fades away. With dizzying twists and spins and turns, the two Seekers seem to dance through the air, battling each other to the death... eeeeh, to the Snitch! 😄 Their elegant dance is quickly interrupted as one of them manages to finally snatch the Snitch, putting an end to this match. But who is the one to claim victory? It is... the Slytherdor Seeker! Slytherdor wins the match!
Match Three:
With two matches over and done, there is only one final match, one final battle, one final race to the Snitch... Which team will emerge victorious? The bold and ambitious Slytherdors? Or the intelligent and hardworking Ravenpuffs? With one match left before the season comes to an end, which team will rise above the challenge and bring the coveted Quidditch Cup home? Stay tuned to find out more and until then... Stay awesome! 😉
Chess Chamber
by Isabella
Most people think of Quidditch and duelling when they hear Hogwarts extracurriculars... not on myHogwarts! Around here, we have a sacred extracurricular triad: Quidditch, duelling... and chess! 😄 From the Riddle Cup, the all-student chess cup, to the McGonagall Cup, one for only Alumni to conquer, to the all-inclusive Aragon-Gagwilde Cup, there is something for every taste. With our duelling year over and done, chess came to take the foreground, bringing back the Riddle Cup for all aspiring students and the McGonagall Cup for all competitive Alumni. And do you want to hear a new twist? For the first time in forever, the Riddle Cup saw the participation of Postfects, special badged Alumni back to serve as Prefects or Quidditch Captains to their former or a brand new House. Does it sound awesome? Because it is! 😄 But back on track here, folks... With the first rounds already over, how did our chess enthusiasts fare? Who is leading in the race to the Cup and who has been left behind? Let's check the statistics to find out more!
Riddle Cup
1) kitdiamond
2) Reiluna
3) Ashftslipknot14
4) headlesghost
5) obsidian
6) Willow Maid
7) Rain
8) Aephelia
With a sole Hufflepuff and two Slytherin veterans leading the race, there is still much to expect. The Gryffindors and Ravenclaws seem to have fallen back, for now, but with the Bracket Rounds only now beginning, everything is still on the table. Now let's take a closer look at our top three contestants, shall we? 😉
First up, is kitdiamond or Kit, a first-year Hufflepuff with ample enthusiasm. She jumped straight into the game the same way she jumped into the site: Ready to see and learn everything. But she has some tough competition to overcome... With seven matches played and won as of now, can she be the one to bring the Cup home?
Currently claiming second place, with five wins under her belt, is Reiluna or Rei, one half of the current Head Student duo and a NEWT student. She has proven her chess skills during past tournaments and she is not to be underestimated. With her own strategic tricks at play, can she outsmart her opponents and claim the Cup during the second round?
And last but not least, in third place, we have Ashftslipknot14... or Morgan cause let's be honest, no one can really remember her more than unique username. 😂 Currently serving as Slytherin Quidditch Captain from her position as Postfect, Morgan is a former Slytherin herself and has quite an impressive chess history under her belt. With four matches won out of seven, is it too late for her to turn the tables?
With the first Bracker matches already underway, the new pairs are as follows:
1) kitdiamond vs Aephelia
2) headlesghost vs Ashftslipknot14
3) obsidian vs Willow Maid
4) Reiluna vs Rain
With everything still on the table, the winner has yet to be decided... Who knows which one of those determined students and Postfects will bring the Cup home? Stay tuned to find out more! 😉
McGonagall Cup
1) Dragon
2) Isabella
3) Disa
4) Memrah
5) Asphodel
6) Alyssa Pan
7) Ella Granger
8) Willow Maid
9) Jess the First
10) Ashftslipknot14
11) Aeri Song
12) NevFawkks
One Gryffindor, four Hufflepuffs, three Ravenclaws, three Slytherins... and Jess, who created everything and can therefore be anything she chooses. 😄 A conglomerate of Houses are currently racing to win, seeking to claim the top spot and bring home the coveted Alumni Chess Cup. Currently, the top three spots are occupied by three different colours, three different Houses, three different site periods... Let's meet our top three contestants, shall we? 😉
Claiming the first spot in this lineup, with eleven wins under her belt and all of her games completed and won, we have Dragon! A former Slytherin with an outstanding Quidditch and duelling reputation, she has come back from the dead with a fierce determination to prove her proficiency on the chessboard. With many victories already marking her records, can she add one more to her books or will she lose her spot during the imminent second round?
Claiming the second spot with nine wins and one draw, we have Isabella or Izzy or Issy... or simply just me. 😄 Gosh, talking about yourself sure is weird. 😲 A former Ravenclaw (and an extremely reluctant graduate, let me tell you that), I was dragged into the chess world out of curiosity and for the sole aim of accumulating points during my student years. 😄 I have gotten this far relying solely on overanalyzing everything and coming up with too many plans to keep track of... Will that work out in my favour during the second round? It might be too soon to tell... 🐱👤
And last but not least, claiming the third spot with eight wins and one draw under her belt, we have Disa! A former Hufflepuff who has served as the Gryffindor Head of House (much to the pretend shock of her fellow Puffs), Disa never backs down from a challenge. With enviable duelling and Quidditch careers, Disa returned like a wrecking ball to show her mastery extends beyond the field of battle... or the pitch. With everything still on the table, can she be this year's Chess Champion?
The second phase of the Alumni Round Robins has only just begun... Can the top three contestants maintain their status or will the tables turn and send them tumbling from their current thrones? With so many skilled players, it is impossible to discern a clear winner just yet... Until the final checkmates are made, keep rooting for your favourites and stay tuned for more! 😉