"Yup!" Oriana exclaimed. She was excited about cheer leading tryouts and hoped to become Head Cheerleader, but dare not say anything to Arcadia. "Let's go!"

Arcadia smiled at Oriana, "Okay. And just to prove we are friends, I'll let you be my second. I mean, a head Cheerleader needs a second"

"Are you coming Carina? I know you want to be on the team, but if you're not good enough you can be on my cheer leading team"

Pantalaimon gave Luis another look and followed Arcadia out of the classroom.

"But Arcadia," she said. "Wouldn't it be okay if...I...maybe got Head Cheerleader?" She awaited her punishment, but she had to say something.

Arcadia looks at Oriana as if she had just asked if she could bite Pan's head off!

"What?" She faked a look of shock

"I do NOT think so my dear! *I* am head Cheerleader. NO ONE else will DARE try out for that! Do you even have a clue as to what horrible 'accidents will happen to anyone who tries? No. Of course you don't or you wouldn't have even thought to ask!"

She took a deep breath. "Well. Seeing as your a friend, and your willing to prove yourself, I'll let you try out to be my second in command. BUT even THINK about Head Cheerleader and if your lucky they will let you stay in school... as long as you wear a mark so as not to frighten the first years"

Arcadia smiled. Hoping the 'hint' was enough for Oriana. She actually did like the girl and would hate to have to... hurt her.

"Yes Arcadia," she said. "I'm sorry Arcadia. I shouldn't have said anything. Please forgive me. You deserve to be head cheerleader."

She smiled. "Maybe after you become head cheerleader we can sneak into Hogsmeade and buy a butterbeer. My treat." What was she saying?

Arcadia Smiled. Now that was more like how she liked her friends. "Wonderful. Sounds great. Come on then. Lets see if anyone else wants to be a Cheerleader. It after all the best part of the game. If not for that I'm hate it..."

She looked a bit sorrowful for a moment. "Seeing as I can't take part" She put her 'smile' back on.

When Smyth dismissed the class, Luis did not get up right away but continued to lean back on his seat, arms crossed and watching his classmates pass by through lowered lids, a sneer on his face.

When Arcadia, her wolf and her cronies passed by, he engaged Pan the Wolf in a staring match until the group was well out of the classroom.

So Smyth wanted Shinrei and Mahou to stay behind, he noted as he looked at the front of the classroom. /So what's it to you, Verga?/ he thought bitterly.

Luis stood up and swept out of the classroom, black robes billowing. He easily caught up with Arcadia's "gang."

He cleared his throat. "Pardon me. Miss Fudge. Miss Darnell. Miss Nort." He gave them his most charming smile and bowed gracefully. "I hazard you are all headed for the cheerleading tryouts? I intend to participate in the Quidditch team trials so...may I have the pleasure of your company in making our way there?"

Carina raised an eyebrow at Luis. She had learnt not to trust anyone in her life, especially the nicest people. She gave the boy a suspicious look.

"Arcadia and Oriana are headed that way. I'm going for the team though." //A bit above yelling on the ground like an idiot// she added mentally, though not outloud. She planned to keep Arcadia on the same side.

Luis gave Carina a "bring-it-on" smile and bent his head to one side in a gesture of mocking acknowledgement. He found it challenging when people doubted the true intentions behind his actions.

He walked with the girls until the Quidditch field came within his line of sight. He glanced at his watch and at the large clumps of people already gathered there.

"Good luck on your tryouts, then, ladies," he said. "Thank you for your much-appreciated company. Excuse me."

He swept off in the direction of the Quidditch field. Midway, he brought his wand into the air and said almost negligently: "Accio Nimbus."

The Nimbus 2001 came zooming in his direction from the broomshed. One of his former co-employees at the Three Broomsticks had lent it to him over the weekend. Luis had written asking for his acoustic guitar to be sent over, casually mentioning that he was trying out for the school Quidditch team, but both the guitar and this rather new broom were sent to him via a deluge of large owls.

It paid when people owed you a favour or two. Especially when you saved their life from a troll that had caused a drunken rampage in Hogsmeade last summer.

Luis smiled and caught the broom.

**********

Marvo had smiled at Kat as she went to collect her broom.

"Marvo, thanks very much for the 'you know what'" Nimue began.

"No problem Lizzie." he said.

"Where did you get it? I know they are very rare." she asked.

"Souvenir. Best not to ask..." he gave a wink as they made their way through the Halls.

Anders had abandoned the casual stroll once he realised just how late he was going to be. He had to go and speak with Madam Hooch before the trials commenced formally, and thus it was that he came barrelling around the corner and crashed headlong into Marvo and Nimue.

He yelped in surprise and toppled over backwards, landing with a thump on the floor and looking a bit dazed.

"Nimue! Marvo!" He looked pink-cheeked and flustered. "Are you coming out for the trials?" He slowly got to his feet and grinned shyly at Nimue. Maybe he could fit in a five minute conversation with the girl he intended to marry. The trials were already going to start late, surely they could wait another few moments...

Madame Hooch was a little on the late side herself. But as the students were likely to be just leaving class the start time was not too exact.

She bustled towards the Quidditch pitch, her whistle swinging from it's chain around her neck. Under one arm was tucked her broom, and under the other a clipboard with the list from the notice board of who wished to apply for which position.

She noticed Anders and walked over to him. "Ah. Good to see you made it then. I have the lists of those wishing to try for the team. Are you all prepared for your first official appearance as coach?"

She looked him up and down, as if assessing his appearance. "Nice broom! Now come on or we will be there after the students and I am sure you know what that means."

Anders cast a swift, regretful look at Nimue. "I'll see you after," he said, softly. "I promise." He reached out and grabbed her hand kissing it swiftly before falling quickly into step with Madam Hooch. The woman was smaller than he was - most people were, after all - but he still had to take fairly lengthy strides to maintain pace with her. She could move *fast* that one.

Nimue gave a little sigh as Anders rushed off following Madame Hooch.

With the sort of punishing schedule she knew Anders had set for himself between his law and magical studies, his work in London and the coaching this was more likely to be the norm even without the Hogsmeade ban.

Marvo gave her a sympathetic smile and the two of them made their way to the Quidditch field and took seats in the stands, to join those students who were not themselves trying out but who were supporting classmates and friends by their presence at the trials.

*********

"May I see the lists?" Anders said, taking the clipboard from her and casting an eye over it. He frowned. "I'm...a bit worried abut Kat...I mean, uhm...I think she's one of the natural choices for the team, but...well, you know our relationship. If that gets out, they'll accuse me of favouritism...I'm a bit concerned about that."

He carried on checking over the list and nodded in satisfaction.

"We can pull out a great team from this," he said, although his voice was a little uncertain. "I hope I don't let Hogwarts down, Madam Hooch. I'm a little nervous, see."

He'd always had a good relationship with the flying teacher, from the days he'd been on the Slytherin team and she'd egged him on and vouched for him when he'd applied for the Seeker position with the Cardiff Chargers. She'd even come along to that fateful match against Norway.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, lad. Don't worry. And as for the teams it's quite simple. I can officially announce the teams. It Kat is good enough she will be on the team regardless of you being the coach."

She peered at him as if daring him to make things too complicated.

"Now then, let's get started." She walked to the middle of the pitch to where a group of third years seemed to be having a debate of some form.

"Don't just stand there, get warmed up! I don't want anyone flying and pulling muscles is that clear?"

The group of third years dissipated quickly under Madame Hooch's gaze. She beckoned to Anders to join her.

"We need to establish who we have here already." She peered at the list of names again and looked up in the air to see who was already flying.

Anders nodded.

"Hey!" he yelled, in a surprisingly loud voice that carried across the whole of the Quidditch area. "On the ground, please!"

*********

Kat had changed into her Ravenclaw Quidditch robes. They were so much more comfortable for flying. She walked out to the Quidditch field Mulder and Scully walking with her. Scully was excited, sensing the nervousness that her mistress felt. She was running just in front of Kat's feet, frequently changing sides. Kat was finding it quite hard to avoid tripping over the small black cat, and that was adding to the tension she felt.

As she arrived at the Quidditch field she saw there were already a number of students had gathered and were warming up in the air. She jumped on her broom and started to go through a number of exercises to stretch her muscles and her reactions.

After talking with the Ravenclaw boys for a few minutes to ascertain their plans Sarah went to Ravenclaw in order to collect her Nimbus. She passed Kat who was on the way back down dressed in her splendid Ravenclaw team robes.

Sarah was glad she and Kat weren't both up for Chaser though she knew there was stiff competition for that position for the Inter-house team and she hadn't played last year on her House team. She felt more than a little rusty.

Then it occurred to her that she hadn't even thought to enquire whether she might be prohibited from playing officially and figured it best to check with the Flying Mistress beforehand.

Approaching the Quidditch Field, Sarah approached Madame Hooch.

"Excuse me." she began, "Madame Hooch, I wondered whether I'd be allowed to try out for the team. I wasn't here for the trials last year so my ahh being *cough* different wasn't an issue......"

"Of course girl." She looked quite surprised that a student would ask such a question. "You ride a broom like everyone else don't you?"

She did not wait to see if Sarah nodded or not. "Well, then. You might as well join the others and wait."

Nathaniel strolled up to the broomshed and picked a broom at random. It followed him in the manner that the mostly black kitten usually did, except Stalks was sitting on the roof of the broomshed out of the way as usual.

Then he found himself an unobtrusive spot to stand in, and hoped that when the time came, he didn't kangaroo hop.

Raphael was doing something strange.

Having left DADA quickly, not saying just where he was going with his bag, he'd quickly dropped into an isolated thicket of trees on the other side of the Quidditch pitch, his school robes flashing behind him.

A few minutes later, he came out again. Properly dressed, this time, in a pair of T-shirts (the one underneath with long sleeves) and an old set of faded blue combats. And his bag bulging with the added weight of bulky robes. And with a very large stick.

He moved towards the centre of the pitch, hesitantly told Madam Hooch that he was here (and grinning at Sarah, who looked very uncomfortable, or so she seemed to Raphael) and then went and stood in a group of third year Hufflepuff girls, and proceeded to start to do something odd with the stick. It seemed to impress them - he certainly couldn't be seen, whatever he was doing, through the gasping giggly crowd of girls.

A few minutes later, leaving a crowd of adoring Hufflepuffers behind him, Raphael went over to Nathaniel, and sighed. "All I want is a bit of music," he said in explanation. "No rhythm." Like that was an explanation.

Sarah had been obviously relieved by whatever Madame Hooch had said and was fairly bopping with anticipation of the trials going to stand near to Nathaniel to keep him company (and because she likes standing near to him natch!)

As Raphael came back over from the clutch of Hufflepuffs, she said with a cheeky grin indicating the giggling girls, "So are they all geared up to be your personal cheerleading team then?"

Raphael grinned back. "Sure," he told her easily, although he kept to himself just why he was carrying a stick... and how he'd impressed the girls.

Instead he looked around automatically, catching Zephyr out of the corner of his eye blowing leaves at Stalks-by-Night, on top of the broomshed. And then he remember. "Oh damn," he uttered to Sarah and Nathaniel, dropped his treebranch, and headed towards the broomshed, passing at least one person on the way.

The broomshed. He ventured inside. For a minute all was quiet. Then - a shout from inside - and then the rooftop under Stalks-by-Night juddered like it had been hit with a hammer - and then got thrown bodily out of the shed. On to his back. With considerable force. Standing up, ignoring the pain in the back of his head, Raphael entered once again.

Next time he came out, he was struggling with a large broom that appeared to be trying to bat him over the head. Even when he fell over the brush and rolled down the bank towards where Sarah and Nathaniel were standing, he wouldn't let go... even when the thing started to lift him off the ground jolt at a time...

**********

Morticia, Drake and Nathan came walking along to the Quidditch field. Morticia had put on her Slytherin robes. The two Lagrands went to the broom shed and got their brooms while Drake strolled to the other students, smiling at Madame Hooch as he passed her.

"T-too bad I'm a-assistant teacher," he said to her, "o-otherwise I'd t-try as well... but I'll watch."

Morticia and Nathan mounted their brooms and started to fly around a bit. Morticia was visibly nervous, her knuckles shone white as she clasped the broomstick. That was nothing to Nathan's state, however. His face looked so grim that he was almost unrecognizable, and he utterly ignored the presence of anyone but Morticia.

Niki came down to the Quidditch pitch after a few more minutes, clutching her broom. She didn't look really nervous, just...excited. Perhaps a little--all right, quite a lot--nervous, but more excited.

She mounted her broom and kicked off, gently, almost tenderly, and rose slowly into the air. She glanced down, around, then suddenly pulled up on the handle of the broom and soared up into the air, soaring higher and higher, and let the broom drop, coasting through the air, diving... The wind whipped through her hair, and she grinned with joy.

As she slowed, then stopped, ten feet above the ground, she smiled to herself, then began to zigzag, practising a Keeper defence.

After a while of flying around in high concentration, Nathan noticed her and zoomed down to her from the height at which he had been flying. "Hey," he said with a strained smile, "how are you? Nervous?"

Niki nodded vigorously and brought her broom to a halt. "I'm not trying out for the interschool team, though, just the Slytherin team... I need to do a lot of concentrating on schoolwork this year, or my grandmother is going to take me out of Hogwarts." She made a face, which expressed her feelings about this very vividly.

"I'll try anything that gets me on a broomstick," Nathan growled, "I'm sick of being ordered around like - like - like I was Ninny! I AM going to play Quidditch this year, no matter what Papa says!"

He took a deep breath. "Sorry for that. What I really wanted to say is that if you have problems, anywhere, I can probably help you a bit... just tell me, okay?"

He shrugged and grinned, then leaned closer to her and said quietly, "You know, I'm not really that keen on finishing school this year... so I'll have more time to spend with you than I thought...."

Niki nodded sympathetically. "The only class I'm really having trouble with is Herbology...plants seem to take one look at me and die. But I'm glad you're going to be staying longer. Probably hideously selfish of me, but I am glad."

Nathan flew a loop and then came back to Niki. "Herbology, eh? Can't say it's my favourite, but I manage..." He clasped her broomstick with his left hand and leaned over to her, a rather dangerous move. "Don't tell Tish, though, I don't want my father to know and she'd probably squeal..."

"Tish wouldn't!" Niki said hotly. But she shrugged. "But if you don't want me to, I won't, of course. But she wouldn't, you know..." Now, more than ever, she realised how awkward it was when your boyfriend was your best friend's older brother, and the two didn't get on very well.

"Let's stop talking about my sister, okay?" Nathan said and shrugged. "We've had ... some disagreements lately."

He looked down where Drake was watching the students and waved. "Wish Drake could play... he's really good, you know?"

"But he's a teacher now, he doesn't have a house," Niki pointed out. "It's a little weird, isn't it, that he's graduated already?" She would not, she had already decided, want to graduate early, even if she stood the slightest chance of being able to do so. "I'm glad you're not leaving at the end of this year."

********

Nimue watched the preparations with interest. She enjoyed flying herself but was not keen on the mad dashing about and the danger inherent in the sport. Still even she had to admit it was exhilarating to watch now that she had made the effort because of Anders' involvement and she could see the appeal.

While they watched the other students warming up and gathering, she decided some sisterly advise might be necessary and opened the subject tentatively. "Marvo, how are things between you and Kat?"

Marvo grimaced as another two broom flyers almost collided, "Me and Kat? Wonderful, great, good...." He Paused, "Why? has she said something?"

"No but it's obvious that you are trying to make up for your absence last year by sticking to her like glue." Said Nimue. "Maybe try giving her a little more space. Girls sometimes like that touch of insecurity - does he, oesn't he? I mean not that we need to be totally angst ridden all the time but sometimes a little longing for sight of your beloved means that when you are together it is so much deeper and richer than if they are constantly with you."

It was obvious as her gaze was upon the field that she was experiencing more than a tad of longing. She turned back with a small smile. "That's not just because of him either. You have to trust that her feelings for you are real - at the moment you seem a little insecure. Like you could lose her or something."

Obviously, Marvo looked Confused. "You know... When I was training over the holidays, I had to learn the psychology of Vampires, Werewolf's, Boggits, Darkoiens and Goblins.... none were has complicated as Girls!"

He looked Thoughtful for a moment. "Hmmm... Space... touch of insecurity... Okay I can work on that" He Smiled.

"Thanks Lizzy. And Don't worry and You and Anders, I'm sure you'll see more of him now..." He Winked. Nimue blushed at this comment!

Alpha came panting to the Quidditch field, looking for a place to sit at the stands. She saw Nimue and Marvo. "Can I sit here?" she asked. Miss Eezy, her cat, followed her... meowing loudly.

Without waiting for an answer [wink], Alpha sat down next to Marvo. "Have they begun with the trials already? Madam Pince kept me a bit longer in the library than I had expected." She panted a bit from the run. Miss Eezy, her cat jumped on her shoulders, determined to have a good seat.

"No they haven't begun yet. Those trying out are still gathering. I guess they'll be getting underway soon." said Nimue with a smile to Alpha.

"It was nice to have you in Hidden Talents with us this morning - the class seems as though it will be very interesting. McGonagall knows so much she's a treasure house of information about obscure abilities and techniques."

"It was an interesting class, this morning" Alpha agreed. "I liked it and I hope I can continue these lessons." She gave Nimue a short explanation of her agreement with Professor McGonagall. "Oh, look they're beginning..."

Marvo had also smiled at Alpha, "Hi, No I think their just playing around at the moment. Hard to tell really.

"So Alpha, not trying out for the team?" asked Marvo.

"No, not me" Alpha said. "I don't fly, but sometimes I wish I could". She looked admiringly at all the players high in the air. She sighed.

Marvo gave a big Grin, "Going to try out for a Cheerleader then?"

He turned to Nimue, "And what about you Lizzy? why don't you cheer the team on?" He gave a little giggle.

Nimue shot Marvo a 'look' which suggested he was in need of serious therapy. "I think my Mother would throw a fit if I appeared in public with pom-poms."

"I'm sure she's not the only one" He said with a wink He continued to watch the try outs, surprising himself by actually enjoying it.

Branwen had made her way quietly out of the DADA class and had been thinking seriously about a little time in the library, until curiosity got the better of her and she gave in. Quidditch trials. Not really her cup of tea at all, but she did like to see other people's idea of flying.

She wandered over to the stands, and after squeezing past some already over enthusiastic first years, she found herself next to Marvo, Nimue and Alpha.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked quietly, flashing her finest, most sociable smile.

Marvo went into deep deep blush mode.

"Oh yes Branwen, please do. So many of our classmates are trying out for the Inter-House team and of course Marvo and I are both here to cheer on Kat."

"Erm.. yes. Yes. Cheer Kat on.. Indeed" said Marvo still looking embarrassed.

"Hello Branwen, take a seat" Alpha smiled.

As Branwen sat down Marvo blushed and concentrated hard on the players

Nimue's eyes though never left the former DADA teacher down on the playing field. Branwen was one of the few students aware of their connection so she knew she didn't need to be coy.

"How's Randal?" asked Nimue, "Oh look Arcadia Fudge is trying out or at least talking to Anders. Odd I never saw her for the Quidditch type and she's not dressed for flying."

*********

As Arcadia and friends reached the field they saw all the goings on and found Anders

"So. Who do we see about Cheerleading" She said to Anders.

Anders stared at Arcadia for a few moments. He'd never been entirely comfortable around the girl since the misunderstanding of the previous term when she had tried to make out he had been making improper advances.

But that was the past. This was now. He treated her to one of his shy smiles.

"Cheerleaders will be sorted out once everybody else has had their chance to show their stuff," he said, improvising wildly. "If you could see your way fit to taking a seat over there and watching and putting some...er...thought into your routines, that'd be wonderful. We'll see what you've come up with at the end. And if you have any urge to uh...'cheerlead' during the trials, please feel free."

Arcadia looks annoyed and walks off in a huff "Trust them to do all the boring bits first. Oh well. Lets go sit and see if that Black girl falls off again!"

She looked around. "See anyone else who might think their good enough to be one of my cheerleaders?"