A Quidditch Story (Season 1)

Chapter One (Tryouts)

"Good Morning to viewers and listeners! Today is June 12th, 2015 and you are listening to "Quidditch Today." This is your host, Tony Strix, and today we have a lot to discuss. Today the Chudley Cannons are holding tryouts for some professional quidditch hopefuls. Team captain, Abel Arthur, told me in an interview last week that this was just to fill in the reserves, but I'm not buying it. This team needs help, and for a professional quidditch team to be holding open tryouts goes to show just how desperate they really are. Well, as the old Chudley adage goes, "Let's all cross our fingers and hope for the best"

"Okay this is it" Billie Buttonwood exclaimed while staring down at his old, but reliable, broomstick, the Nimbus 2002.

There was much to be desired walking onto the Chudley Cannons practice pitch. "Even the pitch at Hogwarts looks better than this one." Billie thought to himself.

The turf was patched and had lines painted in it that looked as if the field was once used, by muggles, for an altogether different sport. The goal posts were rusted, but at least they stood on their own.

Billie saw a group of hopefuls on one end in the scoring area of the pitch and went to join them. There was some chatter between those who knew each other.

"I didn't know you'd be here too. What position are you trying out for?"

"I want to try out for seeker. But they already have Raine Flint. He's a superstar, even if I made the reserves, I'd never get to see the field."

"Rumor has it they have one open starting spot for the Chaser position."

At overhearing this rumor Billie's eyes widened.

All the promotion he had seen for the tryout, and even on his application, said it was a tryout for reserves only.

"They must not have wanted it to get out that they couldn't recruit any of the top chasers." He thought to himself.

It wasn't even a second after someone shouted, "When is this going to start!" That two people came flying out onto the pitch towards the hopeful recruits.

While they both flew well, watching the one in front fly could make one almost forget how bad of shape the quidditch pitch was. His short blonde hair flowed, and his form was effortless. There was no mistaking who he was.

"I'm Abel Arthur, the team captain." He said while landing in front of the recruits. He was tall and broad shouldered. He had a handsome face with a strong nose and jaw.

"And this is Roark Inkwell. He plays Chaser for us. He's smarter than all of us and he will be helping with the tryout evaluations."

Roark stood slightly behind Abel. He was tall, skinny, and quite looming. His eyes were eaglelike and his nose was sharp. His short black hair was well tended.

The team captain continued "As I'm sure you're all aware the Cannons have not fared well in the League for a long time. But this year that changes." Abel was confident.

"If you get selected to be on this team, I don't care if it's as a starter or as a reserve, you will have one objective. Win."

"When you get out here...fly with your hearts and put your best foot forward. It doesn't matter if you have a Firebolt or an old Cleansweep that's not what makes you a winner. Good luck." At that he flew off to the opposite end of the field.

"If you are here to try out for chaser you will stay on this side with me. Everyone else will follow the captain." Roark instructed.

At that moment hopeful seekers, beaters, and keepers clumsily took off to follow Abel Arthur.