Hufflepuff Try-outs Y49

Bailey couldn’t believe it was already her final year as Quidditch captain, and at the school completely. She clutched her broom as she was overwhelmed with the emotion of organising her final try-outs. She wanted to win, she’d never wanted anything more in her life and she knew as a co-captain and seeker so much of that responsibility fell on her shoulders. She had to be better.

Once everyone had gathered and were ready to start, Bailey got everyone’s attention. “Welcome to this years Hufflepuff try-outs, my name is Bailey Walden-Cade and I’m one of your co-captains, my fellow captain is Marley Owens-Lee, the rules are the same as always, last years team keep your spots and alternates need to try-out again along with anyone else wanting a spot on the team, let’s go,” Bailey wanted to keep her speech short and sweet. She doubted there would be any new faces on the team, unless anyone from the previous year hadn’t showed up and she hadn’t noticed.

Callie eagerly turned up at the quidditch pitch, ready for another year of the game. She hoped they could win this time around. She nodded to what was said and then flew up into the air.

Marley turned up to the Quidditch pitch with the rest of the team, waving to the team when she had been addressed by Bailey. The co-captain had hope that this year was Hufflepuff's year. She had a feeling. The girl listened to her co-captain, nodding along and agreeing to what she had to say. It wasn't long before they were up in the air, watching the players try their best.

Sofi had been playing as a Hufflepuff alt for two years already. She didn’t mind alt, there was something comforting about being the quiet support and the one who got to train without the pressure of the spotlight. But with her third season starting, and with Bailey currently holding the seeker position for her final season, Sofi knew this was a key year to play alt seeker again in the hopes she might make the full team next year. She arrived on pitch to give it her best shot. "Sofi Ayre trying out for seeker" she said, then she swung her leg over her broom and pushed off the ground. Up she flew, eyes scanning the pitch for the snitch.

She hovered for a few minutes, circling wide, her heart sinking as she didn't see the snitch. Maybe it wasn’t out yet she wondered until she saw it. Sofi shot forward with a burst of speed, following the snitch as it darted left, then up, then right, then it appeared to vanish. Sofi came to a hovering stop, panting and looking around. Then after a couple of long minutes, she saw the snitch near one of the goalposts again.

Sofi didn’t rush as much this time, she glided toward it and when close enough she reached out and closed her fingers around the snitch. It looked easy. To anyone watching, it probably was easy. But she knew it had taken a lot of hard work to get to this point. She just hoped it was enough.

Oz would be the first to admit he was kind of garbage as a Quidditch player. He certainly didn't have any natural talent, his shorter size meant his physical power was a little more limited (though it did give him a slight advantage in speed and avoiding bludgers) and frankly he was probably just making up the numbers. But he wasn't a quitter, and he knew that making up the numbers was somewhat necessary. Besides, it was his last year at Hogwarts and he'd give it his all before he graduated. He at least owed Bailey and Marley that much. He nodded at the captains and took to the skies to help the other hopefuls out, practicing passing and shooting while he was at it.