Disclaimer: don't own anything but the original character and storyline!
FYO: Grian, pronounced 'gree- in'. Means 'sun' in Irish Gaelic.
Quidditch Intermission
Chapter 1
It was a hot summer's day in Ireland and Grian Troy had just arrived back at her family home after spending the morning at the local beach surfing, a strange muggle sport comparable to standing on a broomstick in water. Still clad in her wet board shorts and bikini she abandoned her surfboard and car and jogged into the house.
"Has it come yet?" she questioned her mother, who was standing in the kitchen preparing lunch. Before there was any chance of a reply, Grians wet feet slipped on the kitchen tiles and she landed in a heap on the kitchen floor!
"See, what did I tell you about coming through the house soaking wet!" Gemma Troy remarked at her daughter whilst passing her the latest edition of 'Quidditch Ireland'. Pulling herself off the floor, Grian took the magazine while rubbing her newly aching bum and heading to the sofa. However, she soon altered her route when her mother whipped a kitchen towel towards her.
"Don't you dare put that wet bum on my sofa!" she warned. Grian walked out the patio doors instead, laughing at her mother. Sitting on a swing at the back of her house she took her first glance at the magazine.
Plastered on the cover was a young girl, no older than 18, with long blonde wavy hair, bright blue eyes and tanned skin. She was holding a brand new Firebolt whilst smiling and waving happily. Written alongside the photograph were the words "PRO or NEWT, pg 6". Quickly flicking to page six Grian began to read.
"PRO or NEWT"
"Touted as the hottest young prospect on the quidditch scene in recent years, Grian Troy 17, made a shock announcement yesterday through a club spokesperson.
"Grian Troy will not be with the club full time for ten months due to educational commitments. We do, however, expect to have her back with us during school holidays, odd weekends and times when her presence is greatly needed on the squad. Grian has committed to continuing her training and development whilst at school and wishes to thank the clubs fans for their continued support. Grian and her family feel it is the best time for her to attend a school and live a 'normal' life before she takes on the world of professional quidditch at the more appropriate age of 18."
Troy has played with the bats since the tender age of twelve when she was signed to their youth program, which provides schooling for all members. As a member of the youth squad Troy has won four All Ireland titles in a row, a new record for any player. She became captain at the age of fifteen and led them to the 'British and Irish Youth League' title as well as gold in the European Youth Championships last year, before taking her position in the senior squad last season. Grian has also been a prominent member of the Irish youth squad, captaining them last year when Finbar Quigley was promoted to the senior squad. Following in Quigley's footsteps, Troy made her first senior appearance this year and is expected to be included in the Irish senior squad for the upcoming world cup.
This controversial decision has sprouted many opinions in the quidditch community, one of which belongs to Ludo Bagman, ex Wimbourne Wasps and England beater.
"She is so young, perhaps a year at school like a normal child will be good for her, and let's not forget there are plenty of school teams that wouldn't mind having a professional on the squad for a year! As a quidditch player however, I can't help but worry that this may dampen her outstanding talents, but let's hope not, shall we?"
Also commenting on the decision was Kenmare coach Patrick O'Hare, son of Darren O'Hare, ex keeper and captain for the Kenmare Kestrels and Ireland and inventor of the Hawkshead Attacking Formation.
"Silly decision really. I've obviously had my eye on that one since her debut for the bats, as an opposing coach and I can tell you the girl has talent I haven't seen in a long time, if ever. A year out at this stage of her career could prove detrimental to her otherwise likely position as the best chaser in the world. But hey, let's hope I'm wrong, if it isn't a Kenmare player, at least she's Irish!"
Quidditch Ireland caught up with the young star last night and asked her why she had made this decision.
"Well, I think education is really important because you never know if a sporting career will work out or when injury will occur, and even if it works out, it's not forever. I want the opportunity to attend a school as I haven't done so since I was eleven. It will be nice to live like a normal teenager and this is probably my last chance to do so. There's plenty of time for professional quidditch, I'm in no rush at the moment."
Troy refused to comment about which school she intends to attend but she is expected to attend 'Granuailes Scoil na Draíocht' where she should sit her NEWTS at the end of the year. Wherever she goes in the next year, Quidditch Ireland will keep you informed and we wish her the best of luck in the future."
Peter Duffy, Youth Correspondent.
"Whew, they made it sound like a big deal!" Grian sighed to her mother who had come outside and sat beside her.