Now that classes and homework have been going at a steady pace, the next step for HOL is for the Quidditch season to start. By the time students are reading this, the first game of the season will have already been played between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

The Hufflepuff team does have a few changes this year with two new players for the team. Miss Kath Snape and Miss Rorey Padfoot have been added to this year's team roster. Also, Miss Cosmo Brown is trying her hands' and broom skills as a Cheerie-O or, for those that do not know, a Hufflepuff cheerleader.

I was lucky enough to catch a few moments with Hufflepuff's Quidditch captain, Tarma Black, this past week as she was getting ready for the upcoming game. Tarma is currently a sixth year and a prefect for Hufflepuff. Trying to make the interview a bit more comfortable for her, I made sure to have some hot cocoa and blueberry muffins ready for her since I was catching her after a last-minute practice.

Seeing the team make their way back into the common room, I waved to everyone and pointed to the couch for Tarma. I quickly handed her a muffin and cup and waited for her to let me know she was ready, which she did with a nod.

Rorey: Thanks so much for meeting with me tonight. How long have you been involved with HQT?

Tarma: I've been playing Quidditch on the HQT team since my second year — and I'm now a sixth year. I've graduated each year, so that means this is my fifth year of playing Quidditch.

Rorey: Wow, five years! That's quite an accomplishment. Have you always played the same position or have you moved around?

Tarma: I've played in all positions. My least favorite is Seeker, since sometimes those puzzles leave me spinning in circles. I love beating. I absolutely love beating.

Rorey: I haven't played as a Seeker yet, but I like Beating and Chasing as well. How do you think this year looks for HQT?

Tarma: "Let's all just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best!" Our motto is from Ron Weasley's favorite team, the Chudley Cannons.

Rorey: I know you can't give away too much being planned, but what are you looking forward to most this coming year?

Tarma: We have a lot of new players to join our returning 'oldsters.' It will be fun to see how the new players develop. Also, it is very nice to see that we have more players this year than we did at the end of last year. It was tough getting the Fat Friar to play as Chaser, especially since he can't really throw a Quaffle (being a ghost, you know).

Rorey: Thank you again for talking with me today, and I'm sure I speak for all of Hufflepuff when I say that I hope the HQT has a great year. Go Badgers!

I encourage all badgers and badgers at heart to come out to the games this year and cheer for your team.