I asked 5 HOL quidditch team members (February Fortescue of Slytherin, Kendra Givens of Ravenclaw, Iverian Gnash of Gryffindor, Prof. Tarma Amelia Black of Hufflepuff, and Maxim Trevelyan of Ravenclaw) 4 questions about their experience with HOL quidditch.
How long have you been playing quidditch for?
February: I became a Sneerleader in 2012. In 2015/2016, I watched from the Grandstand, and didn’t actually play in my first game until December 14th, 2019, Slytherin vs. Hufflepuff.
Maxim: Oh, since forever. I think I started botting a few months after joining HOL, then a few months after that, participated in my first Quidditch match as a part of Hufflepuff’s Quidditch Team. I have been playing on and off since then, with a slight break when I squibbed.
Kendra: I think 1 or 2 years? I didn’t start right away when I joined, I know that for sure.
Iverian: I’ve been playing quidditch since around October 2018, though it could have been November, I can’t remember.
Tarma: I’ve been playing Quidditch since I was a second year student.
What’s your favorite part of HOL quidditch?
F: Honestly? Will Lestrange’s jokes. I get so nervous, and he keeps me laughing. I also enjoy it when there are lots of players on the field. It makes it more fun to watch. And, two, it’s fun remembering answers and typing faster than the person you’re typing against.
M: Team camaraderie. Yes, matches can be fun, but playing with people, working together as a team and the team room spirit is something that really cannot be described in mere words. I definitely love that the most.
K: I love the team spirit that the game creates and how we can have friendly competition between houses.
I: I like the team spirit and rooting each other on because it makes each game a lot of fun when you have a team supporting you.
T: My favorite part of HOL Quidditch? The Spiffies/Agents in Black camaraderie.
What’s your favorite position to play? Why?
F: I’ve only played Beater, and I enjoy that. Keeper would be fine, too.
M: Interestingly enough, I do not have a favorite position. Although, it sometimes depends on what mood I am in. If I am not feeling my best, I am usually a Beater. When I was still playing for HQT, I was usually a seeker, something I quite enjoyed. I have to admit that even Keeping is slowly growing on me. So, in short, all? 😛
K: I love playing Seeker. I don’t think I’m terribly good at trivia yet (I’m getting better) but I love trivia puzzles and strategy games. I feel like it’s a good fit for me.
I: I like playing beater because I don’t have the pressure of playing keeper or chaser and I feel like it’s the calmest position to play.
T: I like to play Beater. As it says in Quidditch Through the Ages, the first duty of the beater is to guard their team members from Bludgers. There is nothing like the solid thunk of a mahogany bat hitting that Bludger!
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to join their house team?
F: Try botting and see if you like it. Watch a game or two. If it interests you, go for it! Talk to the team captain. Find out what the qualifications are, since they probably differ from House to House. I think most teams would love having new players! Prof. Jenny Lupin also teaches an invaluable HOL Quidditch class. I’ve learned so much!
M: Just have fun. Quidditch is just a game. Do not take it to heart when you play in house games and you barely get an answer in. Every player started out right where you are. Keep practicing and you will get those hits in no time!
K: Give it a try! I was hesitant to get into it at first, but it’s pretty fun!
I: Definitely sign up for your quidditch team. The more players we have, the more fun we have! If you’re a Gryff, send a message to Prof. Jenny Lupin letting her know you would like to play.
T: Read the directions which are written up in your House of how to join the team. Bot. Bot a lot. Bot more.