hanging tough - Gryffindor Quidditch Team

So many times, it happens so fast

Men trade their passion for glory

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Considering James usually epitomized teenage angst, he was in an eerily good mood for six in the morning. It was, however, a quidditch day. Nothing in the world had a more positive effect on the young Gryffindor than being out in the fresh air with his broom. It was likely that passion that had landed him a spot as the Quidditch captain when he'd been in fourth year… the poor Gryffindor team had scarcely known sleep since. Unfortunately, his zealous pursuit of the house cup meant that the lions practiced longer and harder than any other house in the school. When they couldn't have the pitch booked for after classes, James would book it before, so that his teammates were up long before anyone else. By breakfast the red and gold clad athletes would stumble in, exhausted and wet from showers. They would pile bacon, eggs, and porridge onto their plates; after practices like the ones James ran, they were justified in eating for two. Despite the well-known fact that vigorous exercise in the morning is an unpleasant prospect, the whole ritual was just a part of being on the team. Much as they dreaded it, they cherished it too, because those mornings were what brought them together and made them winners.

That's why at quarter to six in the morning, James was heading out of the seventh year boys' dormitory. He briefly contemplated throwing a something at Ben and Nathan to ensure that they wouldn't be late, but practice didn't technically start for another fifteen minutes, and ten more minutes of sleep can do wonders. With the rest of his dorm mates still comfortable in their four poster beds, James took off down the stairs, his bag and broom slung over his shoulder. The castle was eerily quiet this early in the morning. Even the caretaker had gone to sleep, and James swore that that man hardly ever shut his watchful and highly judgemental eyes. With no other signs of life in the school, James found that his footsteps sounded thunderous. He could've sworn that, although he tried to be light of foot, he must've woken the entire school.

As he pushed open the front doors he was greeted by a terrible gust of cold air that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. During the spring and early autumn, the mornings were actually quite fair and to a certain extent, enjoyable. In the midst of February, however, it was far less pleasant, and even James shuddered a little bit at the thought of how cold he would be. There was always the promise of a warm shower after they finished. Anyway, anyone who wasn't a completely idiot knew to bring a toque, gloves and scarf if they didn't want to freeze to death. Just because they weren't wearing proper gear didn't mean that their captain would let them out of practicing. Oh no, quite the contrary: James often ran his team until just before the frost bite set in. They would all come back to the dressing room with cheeks nipped pink by the wind, and chattering teeth. In theory, if they worked hard enough, they should hardly feel the cold at all.

The first light was just starting to illuminate the sky when James got down to the pitch. His short trek from the school had left his shivering, and he was relieved to get to the heated dressing rooms where he could change into his uniform. During the warmer months, he would be content with just his Gryffindor uniform, however, the cold forced him to throw on some extra layers. During his first few years at Hogwarts, he had only worn one of his Gran's knitted sweaters under his robes, and that had offered inadequate protection from the cold. He'd often come back into the dressing rooms too cold to even unlace his sneakers, regardless of how hard he was working. Then, in his fifth year, his dad had found him a revolutionary piece of equipment: under armour. This stuff was apparently used by hockey players and skiers in the muggle olympics to keep themselves warm when they were playing winter sports. For a muggle invention they were ridiculously efficient and insulating.

Light had started to penetrate the tent, signalling to James that his team should be starting to show up if they wanted to be dressed on time. Usually they were much earlier than this, though it was a Friday and therefore their fourth morning practice of the week (Wednesday James gave them a break). The Gryffindor pulled off his shirt, nonchalantly standing around half naked. None of the team was here yet, and anyway, he didn't have anything to hide. Years of devoted work had toned his physique and frankly, he liked to show it off. With no one to show off to, however, he pulled the form fitting under armour on and picked up his notebook. In that notebook he wrote all of his important notes for practices. Today, he had scheduled the boys (and ladies) for fitness training. Half of that would be running, the other half flying, agility and ball handling. What was trickiest with Quidditch was finding exercises best suited to each individual member of the team… speaking of which "Where are they?"

[/color] James muttered, perplexed by their ungodly tardiness. If people didn't start showing up soon they would be running extra laps.[/justify][/size]

WORDS //[/font][/b][/i] 907
TAGS //[/font][/b][/i] Gryffindor Quidditch Team
LYRICS //[/font][/b][/i] Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
CREDITS //[/font][/b][/i] All go to Lacey
NOTES //[/font][/b][/i] Alright ladies, ready for a James Potter practice?[/blockquote]

- - - - - - - - we'll never look away
from what they say - - - - - - - -
WE BEAT THE ODDS AND MADE IT THROUGH THE DAY
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It was a good thing Nate wasn’t that big of a fan of sleep. Well, okay, so he was, but it wasn’t to the point where him having to drag his arse out of bed at six in the morning for a Quidditch practice was a process. He also knew that James would have his head if he was ever late, though it was hard to not wake up on time with him trouncing about in the dormitory getting ready to leave for practice. Just after he heard the door close and James leave for good, Nate threw back his covered and swung his feet over the side of his four poster bed. He rubbed his face with his hands to get the sleep from his eyes and then sighed heavily as he brought his arms up over his head to stretch. Once he was up and dressed in his warmest clothes, he left the dormitory and began to make his way down to the Quidditch pitch where he knew James was waiting.

He wished he could have gotten some coffee for before practice, but he knew there would be a hot cup waiting for him when he got to the Great Hall after practice was done. He drew in a sharp breath when he first walked out of the main entrance doors and was hit straight in the face with a gust of cold air. He grumbled to himself as he quickened his pace towards his direction. He knew that once he was up in the air and flying about, he would get warmer and then, eventually, start sweating his arse off. Sometimes he hated James for these practices at the ass crack of dawn, but he knew that his friend and roommate was really big on his practices and the Gryffindor team being the best. Not that he’d complain, of course, since he was sure the Gryffindor team was the best, though he sometimes wondered about the following year knowing that half the team would be gone at the end of the year.

When he finally arrived down at the pitch and walked into the dressing room, he noticed that James was the only person there and it made Nate rather proud of himself for not being the last one to arrive. “Well, at least I’m not the one holding up the practice this time,” he said with a smirk. He then went over to where his things were and began to get ready for practice. “Dare I ask what you have in store for us this morning?” he asked as he pulled his jumper off and reached for his practice shirt, pulling it over the thermal long sleeved shirt he was wearing. He was sure the rest of the team would be along soon enough and Nate really hoped that he would be up in the air soon so that he could get warm, though any sort of workout would get him warm. At least he hoped, or else he’d have to resort to a warming charm to keep him from shivering. “Next time, you should offer some coffee and donuts or something, mate,” Nate said jokingly.

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with gryff team ! at q-pitch ! saying 535
wearing q-uniform ! singing we the kings

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If there was one night that he could have used a full night of sleep it would have been that night. There was something short of dread in his stomach as he stared at the clock in his room and knowing that he had to be at Quidditch Practice in twenty minutes. Sleep had eluded the young man and he already felt his body ache in anticipation of Chaser drills and of course the little fact that the full moon would be that night. Kieran was grateful that practice was at least early in the morning and not in the evening for it would be obvious to their fearless leader and captain that he and another team mate would be missing. Practices were hardly effective if all members were not present and able to work together. Like links on a chain they depend on one another and held it all together. It had always been an important feeling to him when he joined the team to feel like he was part of something and even somewhat important in that sense. For however long that Quidditch match lasted he was the Gryffindor Chaser with the number '4' on his back and not the Greyback kid whom they all speculated would snap one day and turn into his father. It was probably what was thought of all of them, but it was certainly not true. Sitting up he felt the cold air in his dormitory and he could hear footsteps of his fellow teammates in the steps leading into the Common Room. The last thing he wanted was to be late, he couldn't stand such a habit and he also didn't want to be singled out by James for being late. Still, he already felt moody and really would have rather curled up in a ball and stayed in his bed all day.

Kieran stood up and stretched, his body was already sore as it happened during these few days before the full moon and tomorrow he would be just as sore if not more from a combination of practice and just transforming. It took a toll on a young werewolf's human body, but he was thankful for the extra muscles he seemed to gain over the years. A few years ago he had been lean and slightly toned but overall just scrawny and now he had some muscle on his frame and he was happy with that considering he was not all that tall either. Slipping on his hooded sweatshirt and slipping on his shoes he grabbed his duffel bag and slowly walked down to the entrance of his dormitory. On his way he spotted that Max was not awake yet, another boy that would be in a little bit of pain today and he stopped at the foot of his bed, Better wake up mate, got practice in ten. Seeing the body stir and wake up he headed down the steps to the Common Room . His eyes felt tired and they must have been a dull blue in comparison to the brightness he usually had. In fact he also knew that he was going to have a bit of a problem with James today, not for him as a person but for how he lead the team and that every little thing would just anger him. How unfortunate would that person be if they crossed Kieran before he could calm himself down. This had been something he had been dealing with for some time and he tried not to dwell and think about as he exited the castle and arrived to their tent at the Quidditch Pitch. He would have expected to see more than James and Nathan present, already changing into their practice gear and he nodded to them as he placed his bag down.

Well at least he wouldn't be the one that was late today or even the lat one to arrive. Hopefully Max would have woken up and Jason of course, though he hadn't stopped by the other boy's bed to see if he was awake. They were cordial with one another but hardly the best of friends in their particular cases. Kieran removed his sweatshirt and his shirt underneath, his body was toned and lean and there were scars here and there from being a werewolf and the few that he could claim from quidditch. Though he wouldn't tell you where they were from unless you asked. Slipping on a long sleeve shirt he fit his practice shirt over it and then his gloves. It was lovely weather, he enjoyed the cold and it didn't bother him as much as it would normal people. His core body temperature seemed to be a bit higher than most, and as he saw his older brother Ulric who regularly wore t-shirts in the snow. The long sleeves would protect him from the windchill and he felt more and more dreading of whatever James had in store as he was chaser as he was. Kieran could remember when James took over as captain, he had been in his third year and nobody seemed that surprised as the Quidditch plaques held both the names of Harry Potter and James Potter previously for the Gryffindor Quidditch teams, but he had proved his own worth and made his own name as this team had done. They comprised mostly of sixth and seventh years and had been playing together for some time. It'll be an interesting practice if it's only the three of us. He thought out loud and glanced at the entrance of the tent expecting more to arrive.

---

lyrics: medicate - AFI
words: 938
notes:
credit: to vanessa!

BACK OFF, I'LL TAKE YOU ON. HEADSTRONG TO TAKE ON ANYONEi know that you are wrong. headstrong, we're headstrong.

The sound of Kieran's voice drew him from a deep slumber, almost instantly he growled at the thought of waking up. It took quite some time for his blue eyes adjust to the dim room, as he blinked a few times waiting for a clear view. Max stretched dreading the thought of quidditch practice this early. Not that he wasn't used to it, just the fact that it was the day of the full moon and he wasn't looking forward to accepting demands. Max respected the quidditch captain, but he wasn't in the mood to told what to do by that boy, nor by any of his professors, that would come later in the day. Max guessed being temperamental was just a perk to being a werewolf, his thoughts only of sarcasm. The pain of going through broke breaking was vivid in his mind, and if he wouldn't feel guilty he'd sleep in and forget the game and classes for the day. It didn't help that he had a nasty hangover from the night before. Max had took Bella on one of his late night excursions, and the two had a few drinks. Max could still smell the alcohol on himself, and it didn't help that his senses were extremely sensitive today. Well all that thinking killed that ten minutes he had before he needed to be down on the patch.

It didn't really bother him, looking around he wasn't sure if the team was all up and ready either. Judging by the lumps in a couple beds he wouldn't be the last. Max wouldn't mind running laps for being late, at least that way he could be alone and spare his moody nature from the rest of the team. It would be a shame to rub off on someone else. Focus Max reminded himself as he forced himself from bed, ruffling his hair. A final stretch, followed by a yawn and he was on his feet. Max walked over to the mirror in the room looking himself over. Naturally he'd hide anything that would make a team mate question his scars, therefore he'd get dressed halfly up in the dormitory. Putting on a long sleeved shirt and his sweats pants he scowled at the fact he couldn't be normal. Max never liked the thought of being normal unless it came down to hating the fact he was a werewolf. This fact was not known for so many reasons. Kieran picked it up right away, but the two were friends anyways so he didn't mind sharing his experience. The others wouldn't find out if Maxwell Krum could help it, the fear of social rejection and judgment was hardly his idea of how he wanted to spend his final years at Hogwarts.

After mentally briefing, and taking his normal meds, choking down a drain of Wolfsbane potion he was ready to go. Max grabbed his bag, then descended from the towers to the grounds swiftly as possible. Opening the door to the outside, the combination of light and crisp air caused him to squint. The cold hardly phased the boy, but he had to play it off like it did. Making his way to the tent he looked up at the sun, as it warmed his skin more. Max enjoyed the warm weather, and soon enough it would be spring. A beautiful season that signified change, and new life. Being a werewolf defiantly peeked his interest in nature, everything beautiful in a different perspective. Max straightened out his mind and walked into the tent looking at the other three boys. A smirk formed on his face as he walked over taking a seat as he opened his bag and began to get himself suited up for the practice. "It looked like the others were trying to pull themselves from comatose, before I left. They should be down here any minute." Max stated, his New York accent shining every time he tried to pronounce the letter R. Normally he'd try to cover for his mates hoping the team captain wouldn't be too harsh on them for their tardiness. Max himself was late, but being the son of Viktor Krum, he could handle anything Potter tossed his way. Max was confident in his abilities in this sport, as any other. Being a pretty boy wasn't the only thing he was good at. Max started to get dressed in his uniform, thankful he already put on his long sleeved shirt up in the dorm. "I need one of those muggle energy drinks, that sounds amazing right about now." Max claimed as he stretched and cracked his neck, awaiting the rest of the team to show.

[/blockquote][/justify]

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TAG;; Gryffindor's Quidditch Team
WORD COUNT;;804
CREDITS;;[/color]To Krys!
NOTES;;[/color]
LYRICS;;Headstrong - Trapt
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It had only been a couple of hours since he returned to sleep. The night had been a long one, and he spent his time by Coraline's side, hunting in the forbidden forest. Hunting for strength, the pain was enough to force him out of bed. His motivation was simply the cramping, the feeling of his insides being eaten away at, by whatever was inside him. Jason often wondered if there was something inside of him, he knew his heart didn't beat anymore but what else? All these questions he'd have to ask his creator. She'd explain, and he liked to acquire the knowledge. It had been a month or so since he made his change. Not informing anyone he was close to about it, quite yet. Julia pissed him off for the most part, and he wasn't sure how to just come out about being immortal. It wasn't something you heard in every day conversation, scary to think of reactions o family and friends. In general it was hard but he did enjoy having a full understanding of his beautiful future girlfriend.

The nightmares were the worst, just dreaming of hurting the ones he loved most. The feeling of his family turning their backs on him, and the anger he would experience from it. The things he could do to make the regret that decision. Golden eyes shot open and he looked around the dark room catching his breath. Jason wiped his forehead regaining control of his mind. He didn't really think he was capable of hurting others in those standings. Nothing would push him that far right? It was just unnerving. Jason looked around the room, and saw empty beds. Quidditch, he had forgotten. Jason got put and put on his black, boggy hoodie and grabbed this gear sighing. The last thing he wanted to do was walk outside into the sun. That bright light that could cause serious complications if he didn't have his ring. Jason took it off the chain around his neck, and slid it on his finger. On his way out he saw Benjamin Dearborn was still in bed and he kicked the foot of the other's bed awaiting a reaction. "Come on Dearborn, we're already late." Jason muttered unamused, shoving his hands into the pocket of his sweatshirt, once he saw the other boy moving he started on his way to the quidditch patch.

It was far too early for all this nonsense. Jason's attitude was slightly annoyed with the idea of waking up this early. In his earlier years before he became a monster, he would be thrilled to start the day this early. Then with quidditch it would have all just been a bonus worth while. Jason loved the sport, his father was the Oliver Wood, and it was only natural the passion was passed down to him. In the back of his mind he questioned if his team mates had realized a change in his attitude, it wasn't like he did it on purpose. It was just the way he managed the conditions recently. Not many things brightened Jason's days now, and pushing the doors open to see the sun wasn't his idea of bright. It was annoying as he hissed letting his fangs flash. Jason pulled his hood over his head and walked looking down. Even with his enchanted ring on, the sun did something to him. It made him uncomfortable and irritated. Making his way to the tent he peeked in seeing the other players getting equipped. Jason must have looked a hot mess things morning, his hair wasn't even done up. The lack of sleep, and slight bags under his eyes were enough to give him an attitude. "I'm wishing I didn't leave the dorm, the sun is too bright." Jason muttered bickering to himself out loud.

This was not going to be a pleasant morning, and he could smell a scent he hadn't noticed as much in the past couple days. Crimson colored eyes glanced up to look between his team mates. Kieran whom he knew to be a werewolf, but Max as well. Jason rolled his eyes and remained silent. It wasn't his job to speak on the matter. Through the years he got comfortable with both boys, hopefully it wouldn't be an issue now that they were suppose to be some kind of immortal enemies. Jason flipped his hair from his eyes and listened to the sound of footsteps. Finally the team was present and Captain Potter, could get that look off his face. Jason's eyes fell to Ben as he entered the tent. "Why are we the only team that practices so bloody early in the morning? I don't do mornings, Lumination is not my thing." Jason droned, knowing he was just speaking to hear himself talk at this point. If he complained enough he could probably get over the fact it was up this early on little to no sleep. He sighed and shook his head, now forcing himself to get ready. It was a silly way of motivating himself to practice, but he didn't really care. At least he was now in the mood to get it over with.

So many times, it happens so fast

Men trade their passion for glory

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Though extra laps were seldom welcomed with open arms, this weather was the closest they would get to perfect running conditions this early in the spring. A cool windchill and the only-just-rising sun provided them with slightly nippy but could-be-much-worse conditions. Anyway, dryland training and fitness relied on them keeping their cardio up. Gryffindor's quidditch team won the house cup because James kept all of his players in the best possible condition. He insisted the boys keep themselves in prime condition: that meant eating well and trying to avoid self-destructive habits. Generally, the captain didn't enforce that final part seeing as he tried to keep himself non-hypocritical and stay away from the topic of his own vices. James figured he just needed to work twice as hard as everyone else to make sure his lungs didn't cave under the pressure of a tough match. Thus were the duties of a captain: if he couldn't set the example in morale aspects, he would set the example on the pitch.

Just as James was beginning to edge on irritation with, what he considered, the ungodly tardiness of his team, he heard someone enter the change room. Unsurprisingly, Nate arrived just after the captain. Seeing as the two were roommates, James sort of acted as an alarm clock for the other boy. If he were ever to miss a practice, James would have had his head because quite frankly, he had no excuse. At least Nathan was good natured in the mornings and he didn't enter grumbling and complaining. The captain laughed a little bit at the prospect of donuts before practice. "Trust me, mate. You wouldn't want donuts today."

[/color] he laughed a little to himself "We're running."[/color] his eyes gleamed mischievously at his friend, whom he knew would not be excited at that news. Honestly, no one would be particularly excited at that news.

Sitting back down, he pulled the straps on his shin pads tight. Seeing as he wouldn't just be flying in them today, he wanted to ensure they wouldn't be in any danger of coming loose and falling off. Kieran was the next to walk in. James felt the usual pang out guilt he got every time he saw his team mate. Admittedly, when the young Greyback had first made the team, James had allowed himself to be mislead by the last name. Simply put: he'd been a prejudiced prat, and he felt the shame of it acutely. Kieran was one of the most in-shape players on the team and one of the most coachable people James had the pleasure to work with. The sort of guy who would be described by parents as: "a nice kid". Though the two had gotten over their differences (meaning James had stopped being a total dickwad) the older boy still hated how poorly he'd treated the guy he now considered his friend. "If we're the only ones at practice, the other boys will run laps for an hour tomorrow."[/color] James grumbled bitterly. He hated starting practice late. Hell, he'd much rather be late to class than late to practice.

Fortunately, Max and Jason showed up with a little time to spare and therefore James wasn't quite fuming before they'd even hit the pitch. All of the boys chatted and complained about the ungodly hour their captain scheduled their practices. James let them talk for a little while, thoughtfully staring at his practice notebook so that everybody knew that he meant business. If any of them happened to glance in his direction while they were changing, they would notice that their captain, they would notice the look that he had about him. It was the same sort of look a serial killer might have: full of sadistic glee.

"Right, lads"[/color] James stood up in front of them, fully dressed in his crimson and gold practice robes. "Today's going to be a fitness day."[/color] he waited for the groaning to die down before he continued. "We're heading out right away, so make sure your equipment's done up nice and tight: wouldn't want it falling off."[/color] he sort of laughed to himself at the sight of the faces wincing at him. "We'll be running first. I'll be in the front. Keep up with me or you'll have two extra laps. Don't pass the person in front of you. You know the rules."[/color] James ran a hand through his messy hair, looking at the bedraggled crew in front of him. He needed to hold tryouts. Their winter season had caused one good injury that had left their seeker out of commission. Brightwood, another chaser, had been dragged home after the attacks because his folks were worried. James knew that he couldn't afford to lose any more players. With the season starting back up again soon, the captain was worried about the state of the roster and wether or not they'd have enough players in time for the big opening game against Ravenclaw.[/justify][/size]

WORDS //[/font][/b][/i] 826
TAGS //[/font][/b][/i] Gryffindor Quidditch Team
LYRICS //[/font][/b][/i] Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
CREDITS //[/font][/b][/i] All go to Lacey
NOTES //[/font][/b][/i] Sorry it took so long to post![/blockquote]