CHAPTER1
Cracket Ball
Harry awoke that morning to a bright, warm, spring day. A notice had been pined on the bulletin board over night by the house elves. Every one in the common room had seen the flier and crowded around. Harry and Ron elbowed their way through the crowd to see what all the fuss was about. The flier read:
To all Students,
A new program within the school has made it possible for students to stay at Hogwarts over the summer break. This program involves competing in an intramural sport approved by the Ministry of Magic. The sport being played is called Cracket Ball. See Madame Hooch for further details she will be located on the Quidditch pitch all day Saturday the 30th of May. Also the heads of houses will be able to deal with your requests and questions if you feel the need to have to talk to them.
Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall
Harry and Ron walked out of the common room to the Great Hall for breakfast. "Wow," Ron started as they found seats and started helping themselves to pumpkin juice and eggs. "Yea, reckon we should try?" replied Harry.
"Well if it's out there," Ron started "I guess we should,"
"Well after breakfast we'll go talk to Madame Hooch" Harry replied.
After breakfast Harry, Ron, and Neville Longbottom walked down the grounds to the Quidditch pitch, in seek of Madame Hooch. As expected she was standing in the middle of the pitch with a long line of students following. Harry, Ron, and Neville all stood in the back of the line. One by one the students were seen by Madame Hooch and rushed off to breakfast. At last after what feet like an hour Harry, Ron, and Neville were up. "What would you like to know?" Madame Hooch asked unenthusiastically. "We want to know how to play Cracket ball and the basic rules." piped up Neville. "Well," started Madame Hooch. "Cracket ball is played with a small ball the size of a grapefruit. This is called the Crack. There are two goal posts, one on either side of the field. Players use sticks about two feet long with a three inch by three inch square on the end."
"Do the players hit the ball with the stick?" inquired Ron. "Yes they do." replied Madame Hooch with little enthusiasm. "There are nine players on a team. Three forwards, two midfields, three defensemen, and a goalie that uses a wider stick and is more heavily padded." "Wait," Harry interrupted. "You have to wear pads?" "Yes." replied Madame Hooch. "All players have to wear a helmet, shoulder pads, arm and hand pads, a chest protector, and shin pads. Well is that all you want to know?" asked Madame Hooch. "Yup," said Harry. "That's it. Let's go guys. Sign us up Madame Hooch." With a small grunt of recognition, she scribbled something on a clipboard she made appear out of thin air. Harry, Ron, and Neville all walked back to the common room.