Fun Times With Quidditch
by Amanda Hensgen

As HOL’s fall term begins, students slowly get back into the mode of going to classes, doing homework, and wandering the castle. However, before they can begin working on those switching spells in transfiguration or on brewing that thick confusing concoction in potions, they first must once again become acquainted with all their friends they neglected to see over the summer. Undoubtedly, the students have amazing summer stories to share with their friends as well as juicy gossip they learned over the long holidays. Besides the normal vacation stories friends share with each other, one of the biggest and most renowned topics amongst the students is HOL’s Summer Quidditch League.

The annual Summer Quidditch League (SQL) hosted by HOL, is one thing that many avid and wanna-be quidditch players partake in. First, the forming of the teams began in early June. In total, five teams were created with an average thirteen players per team. The Chudley Cannons; Kenmare Kestrals; Puddlemere United; Holyhead Harpies, and Pride of Portree were the five original teams. What was nice about the Summer Quidditch League is that it differs greatly from HOL’s official house quidditch teams. The Summer League allows any individual from first to sixth year to play. Whether you’re a professional or have not used a bot makes no difference. Most teams have players ranging in abilities from truthfully terrible to scarily amazing. Additionally, the team members vary in which houses they belong to.

For example, my team, Kenmare Kestrals, had players from each HOL house. Furthermore, even our captains, head Maya Winters, and co captains Peter Aldridge and myself, all differed in the houses they belong to. Overall, that’s one of the major advantages of the Summer Quidditch League –having such a variety of players, from different houses, with a wide range of abilities.

In addition, SQL is loved by many because it’s essentially a way to train the newbies. Moreover it’s a great way to enhance your quidditch skills as well as get to know many new people.

Upon interviewing fellow Gryffindor Junior Prefect, Katie Potter she told me her views on the Summer Quidditch League.

“You bet I loved SQL! It was a fun summer activity, especially since I missed GQT” I was in fact part of the awesome Kenmare Kestrels SQL team. Normally during practice I saw I played chaser most? I think. I played chaser in the game against Puddlemere United, wasn't as good as Fancy, who scored a majority of our goals, I scored three though.”

I smiled as Kaye enthusiastically told me about her goal scoring on the Kenmare Kestrel team. Next I asked how she felt actually playing in the quidditch match. She responded by saying, “Hhm. Wow. I felt very nervous, actually. In fact, the first official quidditch game I've ever played was the SQL match against Puddlemere United. You can ask Amanda and Maya how nervous I was. Gee, I was literally shaking, while Maya and you tried to calm me down. That was only pre-match, though, haha. Got better afterwards.”

After reminiscing about calming Kaye down during her first game I asked her to share any special memories she created with her team.

“Well, I got along just fine. Random jokes were made during practices, I think. I did think it was very amusing, though, when everyone kept typing, "dodge" every two seconds in fear of getting bludgered during the match against Puddlemere United. Um, everyone else was amazing, and Maya was an awesome captain, along with Peter and Amanda as co-captains.”

After humbly thanking her for the compliment I asked her one final question, “Do you plan on playing in the Summer Quidditch League next year?”

“Yeah, I do. I thought SQL this year was fun; why not join in on the insaneness next year?”

After thanking Kaye for her words on the SQL I spotted Ben Ackerman, Gryffindor Junior Prefect, walking out of the common room. Before he could get out the door I quickly yelled his name and asked for a quick word. Even though I was sure he could hear me he kept on walking and seemingly quickened his pace. After finally cornering him he decided with a bemused look that he would share his SQL experience.

“I played on the Pride of Portree SQL team. I normally played in the beater or keeper positions. I hated playing keeper because of the whole one-on-one situation. I prefer beating over keeping any day. When I did beat, it rocked. I wish I could say the same for my keeping abilities.

“When I was beating, I felt fine but when I was keeping, I felt nervous and sick to my stomach. Like I said before, keeping definitely isn't my strong point!”

“Mine either!” I responded with a smile. “I think we’ll leave keeping for our dear Missa,” I said laughing.

Ben agreed and continued telling me about his SQL experience. “To be honest with you, I don't even know what place we got! I played more for fun/pleasure than for the competitive spirit. Yet despite all the drama involved in SQL, I did enjoy it a little bit.

“However, I probably will not participate next year. Now that work and school functions (not to mention my Gryffindor duties expanded) have increased, I'll have less and less time to devote to more things. Also I plan on taking a loooong vacation to Germany next summer!”

“That might be a bit of a problem then, trying to play quidditch here but vacation in England,” I replied. I asked him to tell me one final memory he made with his team or something about them.

Ben replied by saying, “I didn't get to know my teammates that well. I knew a few people like Juli and such but... to be frank; I didn't communicate much with anyone else. Maybe people's dislike of the newbs has rubbed off on me?! There were some practices where funny (and not so funny) things were said. Overall, I enjoyed playing and interacting with the teammates, even if we didn't talk to each other much.”

After thanking Ben and promising to repay him I spotted Ilona Littrell walking over this way. I asked if she had time to share her SQL experience, but she was on her way to partake in some den duties.

“However, she did give me a minute of her time by saying, “I loved my team! And I love that I met another Norwegian through my team! Marcie, amazing quiddy player she is! Most of my memories are about me being stunned at how fast it's actually possible to type...<3 all Kestrals.”

“I loved my Kenmare Kestral team too,” I replied with a genuine grin.

Personally, for me the Summer Quidditch League was an amazing experience. As co-captain of the Kenmare Kestral team I was able to create lineups, host practices, and play beater in two games, and chaser in the other. My team had numerous insanely fun times. And the best part was we won the SQL Championship, being undefeated throughout the whole summer, which was quite amazing!

I highly recommend for everyone to participate in the Summer Quidditch League. It’s an awesome experience. Whether you’re new to the game or have been playing since you could fly –the league is simply amazing.

To learn more about the 2006 Summer Quidditch League check out this thread. View each of the team stats, the award ceremony, and learn how to join for next year.