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･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.
THE DAY OF THE FIRST QUIDDITCH MATCH of the season is overwhelmed with cosmic joy and vivacious thrill.
Lydia can feel it in the very air of the Great Hall that morning, the way in which it crackles and pops like static energy and white noise. There is no grander time at Hogwarts, no spectacle most anticipated for, than the first match of the season. Because no matter the weather the game still prevails, galvanized only further by the accumulating stress of the semester thus far and the need and desire to unbridle their pent up pain and worry vicariously through the Quidditch players. Today was no exception either, as wet sleet had tormented the plains of Scotland the night before and, upon waking the next morning, the students found that the grounds of Hogwarts were covered in a thick sheet of sparkling white. At least the sleet had stopped, though plump snowflakes continue to fall steadily from the sky, and the sun seems to be twinkling jubilantly in the sky, permitting the day of sport ahead. But perhaps what marks the day as even more celebratory than usual is the fact that it isn't just simply the first match of the season but, rather, the first match of the season kicked off with Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
It's quite possibly the one rare day of the school year in which the professors don't see the need to penalize the two sneering houses, as Lydia is certain they consider it lighthearted fun in the face of the approaching match. She can't quite see the innocence in Slytherin throwing their snide insults at their opponent with often vulgar comments, and Gryffindor retaliating by laughing boisterously in their faces and sharing equally jarring jabs. But, sure, if it makes the professors sleep better at night, Lydia supposes she can also turn a blind eye to the clearly visible and audible tension between the two houses, built upon years and years of burning hatred for one another.
Lydia was dancing a fine line herself between the two, as she usually is whenever those two houses specifically start the season. Usually, she couldn't quite decide if she'd rather cheer on Slytherin's win if it meant seeing James Potter's pride a little bruised when Gryffindor lost. So far, in the five years that James has been a Chaser, Gryffindor has only lost to Slytherin a handful of times, of which can literally be counted on two hands. In the two years that James has been Captain, Gryffindor has never lost a game against their conniving partners. So to say the students of Hogwarts are excited is perhaps a bit of an understatement.
"Hey, Potter!"
Lydia must admit she's genuinely surprised to hear the sound of Phoebe's voice call out to the bespectacled boy amidst the chaos of the hall. Over the exuberant chatter, clattering of plates, and the muffled thud of a sound as a few Gryffindor team members toss around a Quaffle, it's easy for distinct noises to become swallowed by the rest.
