His broom had been confiscated again.
Not really surprising, all things considered, but annoying nevertheless.
And it was his own fault, really. Because despite the whole "flying" thing, quidditch brooms were just a little bland on their own, and Anakin Skywalker couldn't help but try and improve them, which usually didn't go over well with the ref, headmaster, or opposing teams, even if his team appreciated the improvements.
Ahsoka, his little fourth year shadow, plunked down next to him in the Gryffindor quidditch locker room, where he'd been sent as they decided his fate this time. Her blue and white streaked hair was braided for the game and she wore her uniform like him. "You know Skyguy, maybe you should save the broom specializations for after you leave school when we don't have 'Commandant' Krell as a referee. He's probably part of the reason you didn't make head boy this year."
The tall boy groaned, mussing up his already unruly hair with both hands. "Don't remind me. I'm sure it's not just Krell. Professor Windu has had it out for me for the past four years as well, even though I do great in his class."
A voice from the doorway joined their conversation. "Being lucky does not a defense against the dark arts master make."
Anakin and Ahsoka both flipped around to see Rex leaning against the doorframe. The broad-shouldered, bleached haired boy pushed off the wall and settled in the seat across from them. Anakin shot him a smile. "Rex old buddy, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out supporting your house for the game?"
"Plo sent me to find you since the team itself was too busy to come harass you. He says that if you delay one more game with your dumb souped-up brooms he'll book the pitch for Hufflepuff practice during your normal practice time so Gryffindor will have to practice early mornings instead."
Anakin winced. "That would not make the rest of the team happy." His face fell a bit further. "Does he really think my brooms are dumb?"
"Don't worry," Ahsoka said from next to him. "Plo was telling our granddad how cool the brooms were last Christmas. I'm sure he'll buy one from you when he leaves school. But he does have a point right now."
"Fine, I'll use a school broom today so the game can get started!"
Rex stood. "That's probably good. My twin brothers are out there in the commentators box telling fantastic jokes at your expense. Maybe if you get out there in time you can hear the really great one Fives was sharing at breakfast."