The Online Reflector

Harry Potter fans across campus were sporting their favorite wizarding gear for a reason other than a new book release or movie marathon. On Sept. 28, a Quidditch Tournament was held on the University of Indianapolis Smith Mall.

Anyone who has read or seen a Harry Potter film is most likely familiar with the game of Quidditch. Traditionally, there are seven players on each team. The game is played with four balls: the Quaffle, two Bludgers and the Golden Snitch. The game is played while flying on brooms. On each side of the field are three hoops through which the players are supposed to throw the Quaffle to score ten points. The Bludger is used to knock people off their brooms or knock the Quaffle out of their hands. The Flying Snitch is a fast little golden ball that, when captured, ends the game and is worth 150 points.

Each team has a Keeper, who blocks the hoops. The three Chasers are the scorers and the two Beaters have bats with which they hit the Bludger to protect their teammates and aim at the other team. The Seeker is appointed the job of catching the Snitch.

Since flying broomsticks are nonexistent, “Muggle” (the term used for those without magical powers) Quidditch is played on foot. The rules are similar to wizard Quidditch. However, in Muggle Quidditch, there is a human snitch that runs around and tries to elude capture. Although the brooms do not really fly, the players carry them around during the game.

Freshman molecular biology major Scottie Manners participated in the event.

(Left to Right) Scottie Manners and Mark Wolfe participate in the UIndy Quidditch Tournament on Smith Mall. Photo by Laura Fellows.

“As great as Muggle Quidditch is, it can not compare to the real thing for Harry Potter fans,” Manners said.

Fans could pass time by buying Harry Potter-themed treats such as butterbeer, pumpkin pasties and chocolate frogs while listening to the Harry Potter theme music playing in the background. The players took the field, most of who were just wearing shirts and shorts, but one player wore his Gryffindor cloak and tie, adding to the atmosphere.

Freshman social work major Cara Eastis said that she really enjoyed the event.

“I am a huge Harry Potter fan,” Eastis said. “[I am] living out my childhood dream as a Hufflepuff.”

The game began as the two teams, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, faced each other and took a knee, staring at the ground. The referee released the Snitch and the game began. A hustle for the Quaffle took place while smaller balls, being used as Bludgers, were tossed at players. Anyone in possession of the Quaffle hit by one of these Bludgers had to drop the ball.  The Snitch came into sight and while Hufflepuff seemed to have a chance at winning, in the end, the Snitch was captured by Ravenclaw. The final score was Ravenclaw 230-0.

In the second match, the players were switched around between the teams. The teams took a knee, and once again the Snitch was released. Hufflepuff seemed better prepared in this match and kept the Quaffle near their end. At first no one on either team was scoring. Ravenclaw did all they could to keep Hufflepuff from scoring, but Hufflepuff managed to get in ten points. The match did not last long. In a matter of minutes, the Snitch was caught and Ravenclaw was declared the winner of the Quidditch Tournament.