Y31 Wheelbarrow Race: The Race!

[Monty Pendleton]

For some the children who were remaining behind for the holidays, Christmas would be a lonely affair. Even Monty, who in his school days had regularly chosen to spend Christmas at the castle, and who was known to thrive in his own company, had felt the weight of solitude heavily. It was a strange experience, the corridors and the great hall being so unusually empty, just a handful of students sitting amongst themselves; but it was also an opportunity to make new friends, and, whether one was celebrating or not, to have fun. This was what Monty had had in mind when he and Katherine had discussed a date for the wheelbarrow race; and at last that date had arrived.

As was tradition, Monty had transformed a section of the lawn into a miniature carnival of sorts, with games, food stands, and even a tent equipped with tables of drinks and seating for those who wanted to avoid the sun. Music had been charmed to drift through the air, and before long students began to take their place at the race's starting line. Once everybody appeared to be present, Monty turned his wand to his throat and cast Sonorus. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!" he began. The chatter hushed. "Thank you very much for your attention. It is time, I am delighted to announce, for the event we have all been waiting for. Fourth year students and above may recall competing against the professors and staff in the last wheelbarrow race. They may also recall losing to Professor Frost and Professor Summers. Being generous as we are, we decided we didn't want to embarrass you twice in a row-" he grinned- "so this year you'll be competing amongst yourselves. Everybody at the starting line into position, please, so that the race may commence." He waited a moment for the students who had not yet turned into wheelbarrows to do so. "Hands behind the line," he added, narrowing his eyes. "Excellent. Everybody ready? Well, then; on your marks... get set..." He paused for effect. "Go!"

Out of Character:

Just a reminder that this is the type of wheelbarrow you should be RPing as. Roleplay racing, and have fun! When there is a post saying the words "Finish Line", the first team to post going over the finish line is the winner! Good luck!

 

[Odette Madison]

Odette had stayed at school during the holidays for a little while now, and she liked it fine. It was always a bit lonely, but she did like staying in a much emptier dormitory. This year, she was delighted that Margo would stay too. She wasn't sure if the girl stayed at Hogwarts last year as well, because they had spent that time avoiding each other, but was fairly sure she had never done so before then. It had been a nice surprise, which was probably partially why Odette had agreed against her better judgement to do the wheelbarrow race with her. Thankfully, Margo had agreed to be the wheelbarrow.

They waited together at the starting line, and Odette glanced around at the competition before focusing on Professor Pendleton. She really wouldn't have signed up without Margo's prompting, but now that she was here she wanted to win badly. She rolled her eyes at Professor Pendleton's talk about last time and how some professors had won. Who cared about that? They had to win now. Once the professor asked them if they were ready, Odette grabbed Margo's ankles and lifted them into the air. At the sign to go, she started to walk. "Hurry!" She yelled at her best friend, her competitive spirit rising to the surface.

 

[Corrine Lagos]

Corrine was glad that she was staying at the castle this year. It sure beat sitting in her sister's home all alone or, worse, joining her parents at an art conference. And she got to spend the time with Xena. Heading to the great lawn with her, Corrine clapped her hands with excitement at the layout of the lawn. There was so much to do, and the wheelbarrow race was just part of it.

Standing beside her friend, Corrine quietly asked Xena which of them was going to be walking and which of them was going to be on their hands. She stared back at Xena, her blue eyes on her friend as she waited for her to say something. And then she realized what Xena was saying with her silence. "You so owe me, Xena" she said, eyes narrowing as she got on her knees. She was in a skirt for crying out loud! As the deputy headmaster started the race, Corrine forgot her annoyance, her competitive spirit kicking in as they moved forward.

Godmod with permission

 

[Xena Dragonslayer]

Xena couldn't quite remember why the two girls had decided to do the Wheelbarrow race, but Xena was under the impression that she was doing this as long as she didn't have to get on the ground. The girl wasn't afraid of getting her hands dirty - but if she didn't have to, then why would she?
When Corrine asked her who was doing what, Xena had no words. A slight eyebrow raised, she stared at the girl until it clicked that Corrine was the one that was going to be on her hands. "Don't worry, I won't be sneaking a peek!" The Slytherin girl teased, as she grabbed onto Corrine's ankles. As soon as they got the go, Xena moved forward, unsure how fast Corrine could go. "Can you move faster?" She shouted down to her friend.

 

[Rose Thornhill]

Rose had been looking forward to the wheelbarrow race for some time, but with it taking place during the holiday period, it had been difficult to find a partner who was also staying behind. Her friends had gone home, leaving the Ravenclaw on her own, and for a hot minute it looked as if she'd have to spectate the event, until she'd happened across a familiar classmate who was also partnerless. Teaming up was the obvious thing to do, and it didn't matter that they didn't know each other particularly well, Zenia was far from unpleasant, and that worked just fine for Rose.

Lined up at the starting line, Rose carefully pocketed her glasses, hoping they wouldn't slip out during the race, and got down on her hands on knees. She hadn't been sure which position would suit her best, but eventually decided that she'd do just as well either way, and opted for the wheelbarrow. The thought of looking through the library for some sort of charm to use on her hands that would give her a leg up in the race had briefly crossed her mind, since as far as she'd seen, there weren't any specific rules saying they couldn't use magic, but ultimately she went against the idea. Perhaps if she hadn't been a prefect, someone who had to lead by example, that decision may well have been different. "Ready when you are." The Ravenclaw told her new partner.​

 

[Flavio Morales-Tipene]

The decision to stay in the castle for the holidays was a decision Flavio was happy about for many reasons. Firstly, he would be able to keep his older brother company while the man settled into his new job as groundskeeper. Secondly, it was a chance for him to plan out his next semester before it began and allow him the opportunity to manage his time in a more efficient way, and finally, it meant he would be allowed to take part in the next wheelbarrow race with Rory. He couldn't remember what they placed, or if they placed at all during the last race, but he could remember the amount of fun he had while participating and didn't wait to sign up for the the race as soon as he knew it was happening again.

On the day the race was being held, Flavio headed down to the great lawn on time, smiling when Rory also arrived and Professor Pendleton called for everyone's attention. After everything was explained Flavio assumed the position of the wheelbarrow, and was ready as the race began. At the word 'Go' Flavio began to put one hand in front of the other, trying not to topple over as he moved forward with his partner.​

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[Zenia Katsaros]

Zenia liked to stay home over the holidays. She knew her time at Hogwarts was going to be coming to an end soon, so she wanted to spend as much time as she could there - so long as it wasn't in her dorm rooms. When the sign ups went up for the Wheelbarrow race, Zenia was super excited. She desperately wanted to take part, though she didn't really have anyone to partner with. Luckily, as fate would have it, Rose Thornhill didn't have a partner either, so the Gryffindor girl jumped at the chance to team up with her. Zenia wouldn't have minded which position she took, but she definitely felt more comfortable holding the legs, as she wasn't sure her hands would be able to move fast enough.
The adrenaline was speeding through Zenia's veins, as she stood at the starting point, almost bouncing on the spot. "READY!" Zenia shouted excitedly at her partner, as soon as the Professor said go. She pushed forward with her partner- they were going to ace this! Nobody else stood a chance!

 

[Margo Ellis]

Margo had never liked going home for the holidays, but Odette staying behind at the castle might have had some influence over Margo's decision to stay too. It was a foolish mistake. Spending time with her friend was painful in itself, every second a battle not to admit her feelings for her. She wouldn't do that. She couldn't come between Odette and Harley. But it hurt to pretend there was nothing there.

On the day of the wheelbarrow race, Margo met Odette down on the lawn. She avoided Professor Pendleton's gaze as she passed him. Though she knew he would never tell anybody, she felt guilty spending time with Odette around him. He knew Margo had an ulterior motive, which seemed to her a terrible thing even if she didn't reveal it to her friend. She got onto her hands and knees at the starting line and waited for Odette to take her ankles. None of that really mattered right now. They were in this to win it. On the 'Go', she began to fast-walk with her hands. It was more difficult than she'd anticipated. "I am hurrying!" she yelled back at Odette, ignoring the pain in her hand as she pressed down on a sharp stone and pressing onward.

 

[Xavier Jeffreys]

Never one to shy away from getting his hands dirty or take part in an event where he could have fun with his best friend, Xavier signed up for the wheelbarrow race as soon as possible. In the midst of spending time in the castle over the holidays and using the time to catch up on the classes he let fall to the wayside while becoming a recluse during his sixth year, a chance to take part in the wheelbarrow race was the perfect excuse to spend time with Signy again. Their time on the night of the yule ball made Xavier nothing short of happy and he couldn't wait to have fun with Signy like they were friends again instead of caught in a limbo of something more. Arriving to the great lawn Xavier spotted his friend and greeted her with a brief hug, before kneeling down and digging his hands into the grass after Professor Pendleton explained the race. When the race finally started Xavier tried his best to move forward with Signy. They did not win the last time they participated in a wheelbarrow race but that did not mean they couldn't try harder to win this time.
​

 

[Sapphire Michaels]

Why was she even bothering in a stupid kiddish game like this? Sapphire grumbled to herself as she went down to the wheelbarrow race. The answer to that was simple. Mervyn Strangeways. She nearly rolled her eyes. She was adjusting to having Onyx around and was starting to feel more like herself again- mischevious and more than a little snarky. She wasn't quite sure what that meant for her relationship with Mervyn... whatever that was. But, she was willing to find out. She flashed him a saucy grin as she came up to him, feeling more at ease around the Gryffindor than she had in awhile. Maybe because she wasn't so vulnerable anymore? Hard to tell. Buuut not something she could be bothered with right now.

She rolled her neck and looked over at Professor Pendleton. Yep, still her favorite cooky professor. She smiled at him before popping her knuckles and turning to her friend. "Think you can keep up with me?" She teased him with sparkling blue eyes. They had already decided since she was smallest she'd be the wheelbarrow. And oddly, that wasn't enough to fluster her today. She pulled her raven hair into a ponytail, glancing at the other competitors. She copied the other wheelbarrow kids position. This shouldn't be too hard, she was quick and she thought Mervyn could be too.

"Don't drop me!" She teased him some more, unable to resist. She was in a good mood now, despite the silliness of the whole affair. Alright, she thought with a smirk, Let's do this.

 

[Signy Forstrom]

Signy raced to where the competition was being held, smiling and giving Xavier a small hug when she saw him. It had been a good evening at the yuleball, she had so thoroughly enjoyed herself with him. It had been honestly a perfect evening. She knew however this, being outside in the grounds, hands in the dirt almost was more Xavier's speed and she was absolutely happy to be there for it. She took his ankles as he brought them up to her and then looked to the professor as he counted them down. She pushed forward, going as quickly as she had the last time they'd entered this. She just hoped they didn't fall, but she liked spending the time with xavier and that mattered more than winning. She did however urge him forward, "Come on Xavier," she said encouragingly.
​

 

[Odette Madison]

Odette almost lost sight of the other competitors as she focused on nothing else but Margo and the race they had to win. She huffed when the girl replied to her to say she was hurrying. "Stop talking." She said, glad for the muscles her Quidditch training had given her. At least carrying Margo wasn't too difficult. "You'll just waste energy. Focus!"

 

[Rory Fergusson]

Rory had taken part in a wheelbarrow race before, with Flavio, but since he wasn't heading home for the holidays, he had decided to spend the time at the race, with possibly his only maybe friend. He didn't exactly have friends. Rory greeted the other boy with a small smile, not his usual smirk or charming flirteous smile, but a geunine smile. "Ready?" the teen said before letting Flavio get into the position and ltook the boy's ankles as they were held up. This would be easier now surely, they were older, better and quicker, both of them had been playing quidditch for years, there was no reason for them to not win. As soon as the professor said go, he took off, trying his best to keep the pace and stop flavio from going to far over himself if he could prevent it. He stopped himself from muttering profanities and just focused on the race. They could win this.
​

 

[Mervyn Strangewayes]

The wheelbarrow race was definitely the highlight of Mervyn's holiday. He'd been looking forward to it ever since Sapphire agreed to be his partner, and now that the day had finally arrived, he was nearly bouncing with excitement. He was absolutely confident they were going to win. They were quick, and small, and for the first time, that wasn't a disadvantage. Mervyn only hoped Sapphire's arms were going to be strong enough to get them to the finish line. "Wot do you fink I am, an idiot?" he said, but he was grinning as he took Sapphire by the ankles and waited for the race to start. And then they were off! "Pace yerself!" he shouted down at the Slytherin, figuring if they didn't go too fast, they'd have the least chance of tripping over themselves.

 

[Corrine Lagos]

Corrine was quickly realizing that walking on your hands wasnt an easy thing to do. She moved hand over hand, trying to adjust to the fact that her feet were in the air under the care of Xena. And trying not to fall. Hearing her shouted comment, Corrine rolled her eyes mumbling under her breath for a moment. "A little " she replied begrudgingly.

 

[Flavio Morales-Tipene]

Flavio did not remember much about the last wheelbarrow race he and Rory were in other than the fact they had fun, but as he continued to move forward and retain his balance with Rory's hands around his ankles he couldn't help but feel as if this time it was easier. They were both older now, and stronger from playing quidditch there seemed to be no reason they couldn't win or at least place if they kept their eyes on the prize. Flavio just needed to focus on putting one hand in front of the other to keep them on the right track.​

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[Xavier Jeffreys]

The grass was soft underneath Xavier's hands making it easier for him to move forward. At Signy's words of encouragement he laughed and attempted to quicken the pace of his arms though he did not know if it changed their place in the race so far. Xavier himself wasn't as fussed about winning as he was to make sure Signy had fun, but if she wanted to win the race that day, he wanted to try and make that happen for her.​

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[Gideon Zelinsky]

Gideon was feeling pretty confident about the Wheelbarrow race. The Gryffindor was outdoorsy and active, and the event seemed like one that was right up his alley for a change. Teaming up with Jessica Cade, he thought that their chances of coming out of top were pretty good, especially when compared to some of their noodle-armed competitors who looked like the only thing they could bench press was A History of Magic.

Making a show of stretching his arms and legs, Giddy readied himself behind the starting line, and took a hold of his partners legs once she was prepared. "We've got this." He told her with a grin, and as soon as ol' Pendles called out Go, the Gryffindor boy rushed forward, immediately realising how much of a struggle it was the find a balance between pushing forward, and not tripping up his friend. Wheelbarrowing was definitely a lot harder than it looked.

 

[Sapphire Michaels]

The race started and Sapphire started forward, quickly falling into an easy rhythm with her partner. He yelled at her to pace herself and she snickered. She was stronger than she looked. This was odd, but not particularly challenging. "Try not to trip old man!" She teased back. She wasn't overly concerned with winning this thing, so she just followed Mervyn's lead. He wasn't too far off in his thinking, though. She doubted it would end well if they tripped and he landed on her. She was still small and he might crush her. She snorted to herself and pressed on. They were making pretty good progress, she thought, but she also wasn't looking around to see how the others were doing.

 

[Margo Ellis]

Margo should have taken Odette's advice, because in opening her mouth to try to respond, she stumbled, hitting the ground for half a second before pushing herself back up to carry on. She'd thought being the wheelbarrow would be easier, but she was quickly being proved wrong. Still, she knew she couldn't stop, no matter how her arms or shoulders or neck hurt. Odette would never have forgiven her if she hadn't at least given it her all. She only hoped the finish line would soon come into sight.

 

[Signy Forstrom]

Signy definitely found herself enjoying it. They were certainly going to do better than the last time they had done this race, and she was pushing quickly, as quickly as he was moving. The teen was smiling as she did so, taking the time to glance at how others were doing while still pushing on forward. "We're doing good Xavier," she told him encouraging, knowing they weren't doing awful might, help him just keep going and not give up. They would win this, or at the very least they weren't about to come last in it.
​

 

[Rory Fergusson]

Rory liked winning, and he was sure that Flavio would enjoy winning too. The teen kept pushing forward, his mind solely focused on moving at the same pace as Flavio was able to. He knew that pushing too hard would cause them to stumble and fall. They just had to focus on the pace, moving quickly and well and they'd cross that finish line, hopefully in first place.
​

 

[Jessica Cade]

The wheelbarrow race wasn't something Jess would normally sigh up for and normally she wouldn't have done something like it without her best friend as partner, but she and Leila weren't what they once were and it wasn't really Leila's thing anyway. She'd managed to partner with Gideon Zelinsky who on top of being nice to look at was built pretty well for their age so she was confident of their success. Once they got the signal to begin the race Jess dropped to the ground so Gideon could grab her legs and begin the race. "Eyes up front Zelinksy," She barked at him as they began the race.

 

[Mervyn Strangewayes]

Mervyn, meanwhile, was looking around to see how they were doing. "'Oo are you - callin' old?" he huffed, his grip on Sapphire's ankles slipping. This was a lot harder than he'd anticipated. Determined not to look weak, he gritted his teeth and pressed on.

 

[Sapphire Michaels]

Sapphire laughed lightly. She was determined to at least finish, so when she felt Mervyn's grip start to slip, she shifted her weight subtly to be more on her arms. It was harder to work like that, but no worse than Quidditch practice. "Oi, come on now," she teased breathlessly, "You've got more gray hairs than Pendleton!"

She felt like they were moving well, and when she happened to glance up it only looked like there were a handful of people in front of them. As far as she could tell they weren't winning, but they were at least holding their own.