Obviously Henry didn't need a flying lesson. He was very experienced with a broom. But he thought it was also obvious that he loved flying and wouldn't miss a chance to go flying, even if it was under the guise of a class. So he was here with his treasured broom, making his way onto the pitch and into the designated class area.

"Hi, Mr. B!" he called towards the lounging instructor, and he gave the man a wave and cheerful grin. Did everyone see that balance? Sign of a skilled flyer there. It was only a given that he look for his teammates for this class and, upon spotting Carden, headed over in that direction, giving her, Levi, and Skylar cheery waves as they were standing next to her. "Hey, guys!" Did he hear talk of Creaothceann? Henry's eyes fell on the stack of cauldrons as he thought over the prospect.

Ace was always excited about broom games. But games that involved cauldrons make it specially interesting to him. As Mel had so thoughtfully busted his bubble, to which he made a funny face in reply, he did think it was Creaothceann or some kind of offshoot game, given how the former technically still banned.

In any case, greets were in order in this group that he's found himself in "Heya peeps! Who wouldnt be excited for flying and cauldrons and hoola hoops and all that eh? Each of them are fun by themselves, who knows how much more fun we can have putting them together!" Let your imagination roam with that statement.

Also Stasya get a smal grin upon hearing her greets. He understood that reference.

There plenty of young students around. Plenty more arriving, too, and Daisy briefly wondered if maybe she shouldn't just leave and go and -- do stuff. It wasn't that young students couldn't fly, her own experience proved that wrong, it was simply a matter of ability. After all, if there were people who couldn't fly that well, maybe the lesson wouldn't be that useful to her. Silently, to added a mental note to go and talk to Mister Baldvinsson as soon as possible about possibly holding an especial lesson for Quidditch-inclined students. After all, the man knew how to fly, and fly well too, she'd wager.

But here came the best friend. She grinned and bumped her hand against his, fingers wiggling against his skin. "I agree, very fortunate." There was a slight breeze, but not nearly strong enough to hinder their flight. She leaned in towards him, a teasing grin across her lips. "It should make things easier for you, shouldn't it?" Not that she meant anything but it; Levi didn't like to fly and, even if it was weird to her, that was fine. "Anyway, is this your last class today? We could --" Oh. Hi.

She'd finish that later. Instead, she turned to the girl now standing beside her and grinned down at her. "Hey Skylar. Ready to do some laps?" The girl had Quidditch in her blood, it was no surprise that she was here and looking that ready. It was endearing, in a way that reminded her of her younger self. And suddenly that quiet space didn't seem that quiet anymore, but Daisy waved enthusiastically back at Henry the Prefect. "Whittebrook. Thought you weren't going to show up." Because she would humiliate him. Clearly. That's what she kept telling herself. Rivalry between teammates was perfectly acceptable.

Text Cut: Individual replies <3

Text Cut: Kyle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zellanna

Kyle made his way down by the pitch, a little worried. He had never flown before, and to be honest he was a little afraid of heights. His older siblings never seemed to have a problem with it, however. On approaching, he wasn't sure if he should get a broom right off the bat, or if he should wait for the professor to tell them to pick one up. He decided to wait to be on the safe side. The hula hoops and the cauldrons made him wonder what their lesson would be about. Would they have to fly by and pick them up? Toss a hula hoop over someone else? He shook his head. It did no good to theorize just yet. He didn't have all the data he needed to come up with a decent hypothesis.

WELL, WELL, WELL.

The first student was a quiet small one. Haraldur lifted his head to smile at the boy and did a little finger-wiggle as a wave when he hovered past him.

”Good afternoon Mr. Erikson.” No need to be shy, little one.

And yes, he had spent the last few weeks studying their names. He was quite proud of it.

Text Cut: Tenacius

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsheen

Flying classes. Now here's something and someone that appreciates contraptions hovering off the ground.
The Curly Top zoomed for the pitch, his awesome broom in hand. "Goodafternoon Professor...." he began as he spotted the man just chilling on his broom. Haha his kinda Prof really.
But oh the hoola hoops and the CAULDRONS are spotted. Yep they were. A grin that showed he could barely contain his excitement graced the young man's features. Are they gonna be playing what he thinks they would be playing? Ohboyohboyohboy.....

The second student to arrive was older than the quiet firstie. Haraldur recognized this one as one of the prefects from the house that matched his favorite red feathers. ”Mr. Salander! Welcome to flying class.” He seemed excited.

That was good, people excited about flying was good people. Totally unbiased opinion, of course.

Text Cut: Olivia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Govoni

Olivia had been very curious about the strange Groundskeeper. Not only a Groundskeeper...but also the Flying instructor? He was a burly man, and it amazed her that he could instruct them about brooms... but there he was in the sky; balancing perfectly along one. It was a rather charming sight, and the blonde found herself applauding. Literally applauding. Her hands were loudly slapping together at the graceful display, and Liv happened to know a thing or two about "graceful displays". She was a ballerina, after all.
"Bravo, sir. Bravo!"
Also, no school brooms necessary for her! Olivia had been gifted one by her professional quidditch player father. It was league standard and everything. One of her prized possessions, if she really put thought into it. That was normal, right? For a person to consider their broom a "prized possession"? Ahem, in preparation for the lesson, Liv had trimmed its twigs and everything the night before (just as her dad had taught her). So, it (and she) were ready to go.
Oh!... And there was a lone ickle (Zellana) already present (and an Ace, but she knew Ace and that was completely different). It would've been terribly rude not to approach and try to make some type of small talk...right? Merlin, the blonde didn't want anyone to assume she was rude. Especially not any of the younger kids. "Hello! ....Are you excited?"

He might have dozed off a little. Not a lot. But like… A little. The sound of clapping hands made Haraldur raise his head and look around him until he spotted the new arrival.

”Ah, miss Phillips!” The applaud made his eyes twinkle, there was no denying that. He did love to be applauded. ”Good afternoon to you.” He also clapped his hands together as he soared past her with a large grin, probably looking like a clapping seal. But yay for applauds.

Text Cut: Kimi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saz Hale

Kimi made his way out to where the flying lesson was going to be held and said "Good afternoon Professor" Kimi stood and waited patiently for the lesson to begin

Haraldur stopped clapping his hands as another student showed up. ”Good afternoon to you too, Mr. Kovalainen. Having a good day, I hope?”

Of course everyone there was having a good day. It was flying day after all.

Text Cut: Rooney

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanners

Rooney greeted their new Flying Professor with a smile and also a wave, considering that he was sure to get a crick in his neck if he continued with a conversation with someone already in the air, especially when it seemed that they were lying down on the broom. Yikes. Was that really the impression they should have been giving the younger students about the art of broom handling? Roo thought not and hoped that none of his Ravenclaws dared to copy, they'd get stern looks for weeks. Especially if Miss Jessa Cambridge stepped outta safety guidelines.
He collected one of the school brooms for himself, thinking nothing of the fact he was a seventh year without his own broom. He didn't need one and much preferred the gift of new books and cauldrons over something he would get no use out of. Rooney wasn't a leisurely flyer. He took part in classes and that was about it.
And speaking of cauldrons....was...that a stack of them..?

Ah, the Head Boy! ”Mr Bronwyn!” Haraldur exclaimed as he hovered closer to the young Ravenclaw. Yeah, personal space had never really been his thing. ”Welcome to flying class!” Isn’t life grand? Isn’t flying just the best thing in the universe?

Text Cut: Olivia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Watson

With broom in hand, Olivia Holden reluctantly walked down to the Quidditch Pitch. Flying was definitely not one of her strongest suits and she wasn't prepared to show how awful she was to the rest of her classmates, especially Matt and Ace. They'd probably make fun of her for it. While she had been practicing, Olivia knew that her level wasn't too great so she walked quietly down to the Pitch. Then she saw the Professor casually lying on his back. What? Ummm... He looked relaxed. "Hello Professor!" she said with a small smile, trying to seem as upbeat as possible whilst the death of her reputation loomed in front of her. Just smile. The Professor seemed chill. Maybe this class would be chill?
Clutching her broom a little closer, she glanced around the crowd to find Ace already ready to go. Well someone was ready for an exciting class. She headed towards him before her eye was caught by the set of hula hoops and..... cauldrons? She blinked. Hmm... What were they going to be doing today? She headed towards Ace and a few others (Olivia and Zellana). "Hey! How's it going?" she said with a small wave.

Haraldur moved away from the Head Boy and hovered towards the new arrival. ”Hello to YOU, Miss Holden. Welcome to flying class.” Did she look a bit cautious? There seemed to be very mixed feelings from the students about flying in the air on a stick. Odd.

…

Maybe he should have picked a different subject for the first class… ANYWAY. He smiled at Miss Holden before moving to the next student who just arrived to the pitch.

Text Cut: Théodore

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh its Erik ok

Flying

Théo was excited to get back in the air and with his own broom this time and it wasn't too cold and well Théo was ready. It also looked like the Groundskeeper or where you suppose to call him a Professor. The second year was confused by that. Well he was ready for the lesson or ready to see someone do something wrong and call them out. Whichever.

"Hi Ground....Professor"

Yeah he was just going to find a place to stand.

Haraldur courtisied the young boy with a smile. His titles confused him as well, if it were up to him they would just skip the titles and go straight to ‘HEY YOU’. But apparently that wasn’t “appropriate”.

”Good afternoon Mr. Montmorency. Ready to kick off into the air soon?” Because all of them would be flying around up there in the air soon. SOOON.

Text Cut: Abraham

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

If there was one class that made Abey feel all warm and fuzzy inside - even though it made him freezing cold and BRRRRRR on the outside - it was flying. THIS was something he KNEW how to DO. Even Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms and Transfiguration had aspects to them that Abey struggled with, but not flying. This class was ALL practical, and it was something Abey had been doing since he could hold onto a broom, which meant it was something he could DO.

And - AND - he had proved himself capable too, this last summer. He had proved he was TEAM-worthy when it came to flying.

AND. ANNNDDNDNDNDNNDNDDDDDDD, THIS year he wasn't a first year anymore, which meant his OWN BROOM.

But better than anything else, this class was taking place outside. Abey had his problems with outside, mainly the fact that it was always so cold, but being inside the castle had started to make him feel jittery. For reasons.

Out to the pitch he strolled - practically skipped - to join the growing crowd of students. Abey scanned everyone's faces, looking for the old man face which belonged to the profes-... uhh... groundskeeper? Professor? ... That One Guy. It was actually only a few moments before he thought to look to the skies, and saw him hovering up there... like that.

"Cool!" Abey exclaimed, before hop-skip-jumping over to Théo - broom in hand - and giving him a nudge. "Betcha I can stay on my broom like that for longer than you can," he declared, pointing up at... That One Guy, and flashing his friend a characteristic toothy grin.

A skipping little one! Haraldur hovered over to the new addition to the group and felt his excitement almost match the young boy’s. He did love passionate flyers. ”Mr. Botros! How delightful of you to join us. Hope you’re ready for flying class.” He seemed ready. And well… Ready or not, class would be starting soon.

Text Cut: Jessa

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Oh boy oh boy oh boy!

Jessa was excited about flying, honestly. The girl had never been bad at flying, not with the help she'd gotten from her father and her sister sometimes when she wasn't ridiculously busy but what made her excited was the fact she and Cameron had been PRACTISING.

Soon she'd be doing wild things like the Professor. Did anyone else see him flying on his back like that?? Of course they did, he wasn't invisible. "Can you do that too, Rooney??" The young girl asked, coming to a stop by the side of her Prefect. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she watched the man hover about.
"Hello Professor. Will you be teaching us that today?"
Yes she saw the hoops and yes she saw the cauldrons, but what REALLY interested her was the fancy broom tricks the Professor quite clearly knew. Jessa leaned against her broom, glad Cameron had suggested she bring it this year. The school brooms were fine, but she happened to like the one she'd received for her birthday better. Olivia got a wave, as did Theo but really......riding on your back! How soon could she try?

”Hello to you, Miss Cambridge!” He hovered past her and noticed the excited twinkle in her eye. He had that too. All the excitement. Because today was the best day, today was flying day.

”Not today, I’m afraid miss. But I wouldn’t rule it out in the coming lessons.” Maybe he should roll around and actually mount the broom properly but he was soooo comfy up there.

Nah, he’d stay on his back.

Text Cut: Zarina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expecto-Penguin

Time for a flying lesson!?

SCHWEEETTTTT

This slytherin was really excited for this lesson. She was itching to go flying on a broom and experience the fresh air. Her family couldn't afford to get her a broom this term, Zae knew she needed to borrow a broom from the class. As she walked down to the huge field and felt the september breeze, Zae noticed other classmates were here. They seemed to be around her age. She didn't feel alone. Zae saw the Professor and gave a polite nod and said, "Hello Professor.." He seemed to be an odd sort but let's see if he can teach her how to fly.

Zarina found an empty spot to stand and waited for instruction.

Haraldur hovered away from Miss Cambridge to greet another student. ”Miss. Carraro! Welcome, welcome, hello, hello, hi. Hope you’re excited for class, we’ll be starting in just a few minutes.” And she seemed eager to get up in the air. Good, good GOOD.

Text Cut: Stasya

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverTiger

Most of the lessons weren’t really anything that got Stasya too nervous, even if half of them she wasn’t entirely confident about yet. Mostly because she hadn’t had a wand before so she was still getting used to it, but flying was something else entirely. She’d never flown. She couldn’t remember if she knew anyone who had, even. Mama didn’t. Gobstones didn’t involve flying after all, and she hadn’t seen papa on a broom either. It had made her approach the grounds near the Quidditch pitch hesitantly, if still with a high level of curiosity. It never hurt to try something at least once, plus she figured there would be much less chance of anything involving creatures than there was in lessons like Potions. She’d try, anyway.

It helped when she saw that there were people she recognized already there, as she’d walked through the open gate to the pitch. Ace, Théo, a couple other Gryffindors…And Liv. She’d somewhat made a beeline for the older girl, stopping kind of between her and one of the brooms lying on the ground before she gave her and Kyle a smile. “Hi!” Oh, and the head boy too, since he was nearby. He’d gotten a smile too.

Then she had looked up, noticing Abey’s gesture upward, and saw the groundskeeper hovering around, balanced entirely on his back on the broom. Hopefully they weren’t going to be expected to do that. She was oh so tempted to ask, but instead she let herself give in to a different temptation. One that she wasn’t sure the groundskeeper knew about her, or anyone else really. “Góðan daginn,” she called up to him. Mama had taught her a little bit of her native language, just like papa had taught her a little bit of Russian.

Haraldur squinted up into the sky whilst keeping an eye on the students. Just so they wouldn’t get the tower of cauldrons on top of them. Ahem. A line in his native language made him jerk his head up. Had he dozed off and flown back to Iceland in his sleep? Not that anything similar had happened in the past…

No.

It was a little student. ”Miss Dalgaard-Volkova!” The flying instructor beamed as he hovered closer to her. ”Góðan blessaðan daginn!” He smiled adoringly at her. Was it favorism? Was it allowed to give out points just for pure language skills? He decided against it but was very tempted indeed. ”Velkomin.” He nodded. ”Velkomin.”

Text Cut: Derfael

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Perfect day for flying. Is it not?

IT IS INDEEDY!

Best part about it was that he was a SECOND year now and SECOND years got to bring their own brooms because SECOND years were not first years and SECOND years had permission. Derf was honestly tempted to just fly down to the pitch from the castle on HIS OWN BROOM but had refrained. Dad had warned him about not doing that and practicing a bit of patience...but it was REALLY REALLY HARD when he was itching like he had had ants in his pants to STAAAAART.

A thought that was only intensified when he arrived and saw the groundskeeper already up on his broom LOOKING SUPER NEAT AND COOL!

Confident and eager, Derf mounted his broom without a second thought and pushed off the pitch with a grin wider than the Cheshire cat's. Swerving and performing an accidental and sloppy figure eight in his haste, the Hufflepuff glided along beside the groundskeeper.

"GOOD DAY, SIR!" he chirped. The SECOND year was TOTALLY handling his broom with care, see? He had read the rules! He knew! NOT A TOY!

As he hovered away from young Miss Dalgaard-Volkova who apparently knew Icelandic he heard another excited voice. ”Ah, Mr. Ashburry-Hawthorne, it really is a good day isn’t?” The flying instructor mused before realizing the young boy was actually up in the air next to him. "Well, look at you go.” He gave him an approving nod before imagining all the students up in the air before they were given instructions. It was a bad idea.

”Ahem. Maybe you should return to the ground for now, son. There will plenty of time for flying once class starts.” Which should be any moment now.

Haraldur turned his attention to the new student who joined the group…

Text Cut: Daisy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crayola

To be perfectly, completely honest, Daisy didn't particularly need this lesson. Especially if first years were going to be around too, which meant that a good thirty minutes of the lesson would be spent explaining just how to get on a broomstick and start flying. It wasn't normal for her to walk into a lesson feeling like she wouldn't learn anything, but flying was different. This, she knew how to do. After all, being able to fly a broomstick was kind of a pre-requisite to being in the U-17 Quidditch team. .... had she ever mentioned that?

Still, it was a couple hours more of practise and that never hurt, especially when all of a sudden her schedule was pretty occupied. Daisy would adjust it, maybe even drop a few things, but the problem was that she simply didn't want to. Well. She said problem.

Top of the line broomstick on her shoulder, Daisy walked past the groundskeeper and chuckled. "Hello, Sir." That was a way to hover around, she supposed. Not one she had ever tried, yet, but she might just start doing that. Oh, look. She learned something new. Kind of, anyway. Shaking her head in amusement, she made her way towards a slightly empty area of the ground and finally looked around. Derfael was flying already, there was a tower of cauldrons swinging about ... Hogwarts. It truly was never boring.

”Hello to you, Miss Carden. Welcome to flying class.” Haraldur gave her broom a curious glance and gave the Slytherin an approving nod. ”Good choice.” It didn’t look like it was from the north but still, a good choice indeed. He was curious to find out how it would look in the air.

Text Cut: Emmeline

Quote:

Originally Posted by NifflerFan

Flying was something Emmeline had a little experience with, though she wasn't supposed to have and she wasn't very good. She had maybe, sort of, borrowed her big brother's broom and flown around the countryside sometimes. She wasn't so good at landing, so maybe the professor could help? Or was practically crashing how you were supposed to land with brooms?

She smiled as she saw the professor was lying down on his broom -- cool -- and Derf was zooming around on his too. Looking around, she moved over to Stasya and the other kids she was standing with. She wanted to sit/fly/whatever with some big kids this time, because she was kind of nervous. It would be embarrassing to almost-crash in front of everyone, and big kids knew A LOT. "Hi!" I'm Emmeline," she told the people standing near Stasya that she didn't know.

This one was younger than Miss Carden and quieter. The flying instructor returned her smile with one of his own. ”Good afternoon, Miss Sparkes.” He greeted her as he watched her joing ranks with some of the older students. What a nice little tradition that the older kids looked after the cubs.

Text Cut: Levi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oesed

No school broom for this one; the parents had finally set their foot down and given all four Kennings with their very own. He was fairly sure he was right when he thought Takeru's arrival had a lot to do with it, but it wasn't like he'd been given a lot of choice in the matter. Executive decisions were done a lot at home,anyway. Just because they irritated the everything out of him did not mean he wasn't used to them.

Besides, there was surely nothing wrong with a broomstick of his own.

...It was really just a matter of principle, though. Once again, he'd been robbed of yet another decision.

He was well aware there was a certain element of dramatic and over-reaction happening here, at least.

"Sir." The new groundskeeper seemed to be admiring the clouds or something. "Hello." The old man looked very comfortable, which Levi supposed at least one of them was. He was an alright flyer at best, but flying had never come that easily for the boy; it required more focus than he thought it deserved, which was exactly why the second he turned seventeen he'd take his apparition test and say GOODBYE to flying forever. No reason to continue to perfect something he didn't even like.

Anyway. He waved at Olivia, the head boy, a Gryffindor girl whose name he was pretty sure was also Olivia, Cambridge, the other younger human beings. He went to stand next to Daisy, touched his shoulder to hers in greeting. "The good news is that it isn't really windy." At least the weather was being thoughtful.

A ‘sir’ steered his attention away from the young Gryffindor girl to one of the older students. ”Mr. Kenning, welcome, welcome! Hope you’re ready for an afternoon up in the air.” He mused as he gently hovered past him, clasping his hands on top of his chest. Ah, life. Ah, flying. What a wonderful little evening they all would have together.

Text Cut: Melbourne

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist.Prime

Ground Professor? That was a new one, Melbourne chuckled when she overheard Théo’s words…that, was one heck of a greeting. Still, the Gryffindor couldn’t help but grin when she spotted all of her friends and classmates that were already there.

Mel looked over when she heard Stasya’s words…was that Swedish? No, the accent was slightly different from anything ”…that was good day right? It…sounds a –lot like what my great-gran used to say whenever we visited her in Sweden,” Mel explained with a grin…at least, that was what she had thought Stasya had said.

Mel’s fingers were tightly clutched around her broom…HERs, it wasn’t amazing or anything but it was her very own broom and that was just brilliant. ”Hey Levi,” Mel grinned over to the Kenning boy before glancing at his broom, ”I like the broom” she commented while inwardly adding that she hoped he didn’t lose it…after all it looked sturdier than most of the school brooms…it was then, after greeting Levi that Mel finished as she looked at the cauldrons and hoolahoops.

”…I have a feeling those Cauldrons aren’t for Creaothceann,” Mel pretended to dramatically sigh as she took a moment to lightly bop her friend Tenacius on the shoulder to the bristles of her broom. ”it’s a shame…I do wonder how long we’d all last collecting falling rocks in cauldrons” yep…dangerous games were always fun yeah?

The newly appointed flying instructor hovered past Mr. Kenning towards the new arrival. She immediately started chatting with her classmates so he hovered in a little circle around her waiting for an opportunity to say something. He puffed some air and decided to just go for it.

”MISS SORIN-WARD.” He exclaimed, to get her attention. ”Good afternoon to you.” Yup. That was it. That’s all he wanted. He gave her a smile and then hovered away from the small group towards the next arriving student…

Text Cut: Skylar

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Even though this wasn't going to feel like a lesson to Skylar, she was still stoked to be attending because of any opportunity to be flying at Hogwarts would work to simulate what experience it might be to fly for her house team. Plus practice so she could hopefully make the U-17 team next summer, which would be amazing.

Approaching she smiled when she saw the way the groundskeeper was balancing on his broom and had to admit she was very impressed with that ability. She would have to try that herself should she grow bored of ordinary flying. Not wanting to distract him for heaven forbid he lose his balance, Skylar approached to stand next to Daisy, figuring the older girl would offer steady competition for whatever today's lesson held in store for them.

Hey! He knew this one. And not just by studying her name but he’d actually met this student. Haraldur smiled as he watched her join Miss Carden. ”Good afternoon, Miss Diggory.” He nodded. ”Finally time for flying class, hope you’re ready.” Not that he doubted it.

Text Cut: Henry

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Obviously Henry didn't need a flying lesson. He was very experienced with a broom. But he thought it was also obvious that he loved flying and wouldn't miss a chance to go flying, even if it was under the guise of a class. So he was here with his treasured broom, making his way onto the pitch and into the designated class area.

"Hi, Mr. B!" he called towards the lounging instructor, and he gave the man a wave and cheerful grin. Did everyone see that balance? Sign of a skilled flyer there. It was only a given that he look for his teammates for this class and, upon spotting Carden, headed over in that direction, giving her, Levi, and Skylar cheery waves as they were standing next to her. "Hey, guys!" Did he hear talk of Creaothceann? Henry's eyes fell on the stack of cauldrons as he thought over the prospect.

Haraldur was just about to fly to the front of the class when the last student joined them. The flying instructor would have been more than surprised if this particular Hufflepuff hadn't shown up for class.

"There you are, Mr. Whittebrook. You're just in time!"

Alrighty, it was time to get started.

As the last student arrived, Mr. Baldvinsson was eager to start the lesson. Aiming his wand towards the large metal gates to the pitch, they swung closed.

”Welcome everyone, to the first flying lesson of the term!” A small pause for dramatic effect, and/or insertion of applauds. When none happened he quickly continued. ”My name is Haraldur Ingimar Njord Baldvinsson. That’s Mr. Baldvinsson or professor Baldvinsson, whichever you prefer. I am the new Groundskeeper and Flying Instructor at Hogwarts.” Still no applauds?

Tough crowd.

”Those of you who do not own a broom of your own and all firsties, you may now choose one of the school brooms if you haven't already.” As around half of the students did so he kept a careful watch on them. ”There’s enough for everyone, no fighting. They’re all in perfectly good shape.”

Or you know. They should be. Aaaanyway.

Haraldur leaned on his broom and he began slowly drifting, hovering just a few feet above the ground. Circling the crowd of students he continued when everyone had settled down again. ”I am not familiar with the flying skills of Hogwarts students since 2043. I don’t know how talented you are, I don’t know which house has won the most Quidditch Cups and I don’t know what you know of the art of flying.”

The new instructor came to a stop in front of the small group again. ”But I am curious to find out.” His light blue eyes shone with obvious excitement. ”All those experienced and confident enough on their brooms…” He grinned. ”Why don’t you show me?”

He reached for his wand inside his robes and flicked it towards the trunk of hula hoops. The hoops flew away from the students, positioning themselves high up in the air, spread all over the pitch. ”Fly through the hoops to get to the other side of the pitch. Note that the hoops will move in the air. In order to complete this challenge you must fly through all of them and reach the other side. Miss one and you must go back to start over."

He paused for a second, giving them a moment to process this. "There are cauldrons on the other side of the pitch. Once you get there, retrieve one cauldron each and return back here where you started. On your way back, do not fly through the hoops again. Let’s not collide with each other, hmm? As always, play fair and no shoving.” Please, students. Let's work together not to flood the hospital wing after lesson one.

Haraldur narrowed his eyes at the young children, because young they all were, to show them just how serious he was with this. Any roughness would be dealt with accordingly. He had eyes in the back of his neck, he did.

Well.

Sort of.

”On my command…” He grabbed the horn hanging around his neck and put it to his lips. It gave off a dull but loud sound. That's your cue experienced flyers!





And off they went. Haraldur turned around and waved his arms for the students lingering behind to get closer. ”Gather around, gather around.” He waited for them to waddle closer before he continued.

”Place your broom on the ground next to you and hold out your dominant hand above it. With authority and feeling, command your broom to your hand by saying ‘Up!’”

For the first time that afternoon he dismounted his broom and dropped it to the grass to hold his right hand outstretched over it. ”Up.” Immediately the broom left the ground and flew up to his hand.

He looked back at the students. "Now, don't be discouraged if it doesn't move on the first few tries. You need to befriend the broom before it obeys you. Keep doing this until your broom is in your hand. Once grabbed, mount the broom and take a firm grip on holding your hands like so.” He swung one leg over the broom, mounted correctly for the first time that lesson and placed his right hand above his left, angling the broomstick slightly so the first time flyers could see how to hold it.

”When you’ve got your broom, mounted it and found a comfortable way to hold your hands safely in place you will start with a hover. Lean slightly forward and kick off gently from the ground. Hover for a few moments before touching back down to the ground by carefully leaning back. Watch this.” He kicked off, into a small hover and touched back down with ease.

”Piece of cake!” He turned so his back leaned against the broomstick again and levitated slightly. Ah, comfortable position. ”Now, it’s your turn to give it a go. The ground does have a cushioning charm... Not that you will need it. I'll be right here, should you need me."

"On my command…”

The horn sounded for the second time. That's your cue first time flyers!

OOC: Wow! What a turn up! I’m so happy *emotional* I know it's a lot of text (please, I know) but bear with me on this. Instructions for the mini-activity are as follows:

Experienced flyers: Mount your broom, fly through the enchanted hoops in the sky over to the other side of the pitch. Pick up a cauldron and fly back, along the side of the pitch. Land safely to where you started from.

First time fliers: Take a broom, stand next to it, hold your dominant hand above it and say ‘Up’ with authority. Once broom is grabbed, mount it, place your hands on the broom and kick off lightly from the ground into a hover. Touch back down by leaning back slightly. Practice this process a few times.

We will be moving on in approximately 36 hours, which means you have until Saturday 13th of May, 7 am GMT+2/1 am EDT

Haraldur and I will be around during all this time for questions and assistance or just... You know. Watching you guys. As always, PM me if there's any questions. <3

Kyle smiled when the professor knew his name. Even though he knew everyone's name, he still felt really special. After listening to the instructions, he grabbed a broom, placed it down at his left side, and held his hand over it. In his most authoritative voice he commanded, "Up!" It didn't stir. He frowned. But the professor said it would take a few tries.

Befriend the broom, huh? He remembered his time with Jace in the gardens, wrapping his magic around the other boy to joint-cast. Maybe he could do the same thing with the broom. He reached out with his magic, touching the broom with it, saying he was a friend. He commanded the broom again, but it didn't move.

He concentrated, closing his eyes, reaching out to the broom, wrapping his magic around it. Then, in an almost instinctive move, he commanded again, "Up!" The broom seemed to come alive and jumped into his hand. He smiled.

Mounting the broom, he followed what the professor said and leaned forward, pushing off the ground, though none too gently. He jumped up a few feet into the air with a jolt, surprising him and making him lose his balance, falling off the broom and onto the ground. He winced, more out of surprise than anything else. He commanded the broom to himself, and mounted to try again, pushing off a little more gently this time and managing to stay on. Then he leaned back a little and touched to the ground with ease.

Pleased at Kyle's giggling, because he was a cutie and it made her feel better about herself, she shrugged. There were so many questions, too! The young mind was quite curious. "Sounds sooo dangerous, but maybe it's meant to keep us on our toes. I certainly wouldn't want to be attacked by one of those hunks of metal." Might help her 'evasive action' skills... but then again, Olivia doubted a professor would be allow to throw heavy objects at them. It was probably in the handbook...and Merlin help that person if her mother found out, anyway.

That. Cow.

Experienced flyers, you say?

The Gryffindor was ALL about getting up into the air today, but then she recalled her promise to stay close to Kyle. Chewing her lip, Liv cast a sidelong glance towards the small Slytherin boy...who was already rising to follow the beginners' instructions. Hm, if she could be quick about her laps, then she'd be back in no time to help him with whatever he needed. And, of course, there was also their brand new Flying instructor; with his fancy tricks. Surely he'd keep all her ickles safe on the ground.

Pushing herself up from the ground, Olivia followed suit with mounting her own broom. Those cauldrons weren't going to collect themselves, amright? After a bit of horn action from Professor Baldvinsson (which was so cool, BTW.... just yes), the Lionlady shot off into the air, not waiting for her peers in the slightest. This was supposed to be a show of skill. HER SKILL WASN'T BEING A SLOWPOKE.

M h m.

This guy. THIS guy.

... Abey liked this guy. He was fun. AND he made Abey feel mega actually like he was WANTED in this class, which... well, he knew that it wasn't that other professors didn't want him there, but the enthusiasm with the groundskeeper's greeting made him feel extra good actually!

"Mega ready actually, Profe-... Grou-...... Sir!"

Nailed it.

Okay. Right. Yes. Ready. READY. SO READY.

Abey was, needless to say, incredibly eager to get into the air. Practically buzzing with excitement, he fidgeted and shifted from foot to foot, MEGA JEALOUS OF DERF WHO HAD THOUGHT TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FLY EARLIER. Next time, Abey decided, he wouldn't be left on the ground.

So yes, waiting and listening was happening. Impatient waiting but keen listening, because it was talking about flying, so of course it was worth listening to. And, as the groundskeeper kept talking, Abey's eyes went all big and shiny. An opportunity to show just how good at flying they were?! Well, let the newest reserve Seeker for Alexandria's Junior Quidditch team SHOW YOU, SIR.

Luckily, the time it took for Abey to mount his broom was about as long as it took for the groundskeeper to blow on that horn of his. And that was LUCKY because, in his enthusiasm, Abey had had no intentions of waiting. So it was only really a coincidence that he kicked off from the ground, shooting into the sky like a cork from a bottle, at the exact moment that the horn sounded.

FLYINGFLYINGFLYINGFLYINGFLYING.

She smiled at Olivia and Kyle's joking. Ha, that would be a sight. Before she could reply, Ace had begun speaking again. Olivia raised an amused eyebrow at Ace and then chuckled. His enthusiasm was certainly infectious and she found herself grinning a little even. "Dont laugh at me too much," she muttered as the Professor explained the lesson. So they would have to retrieve the cauldrons and go through moving hoola hoops? Aright. That was going to be an experience.

Ehhh...

Mounting the broom and getting ready to fly, right? Gulp. Olivia P had already pushed off of the ground quickly like a professional. Welp. Olivia Holden was going to be less graceful at this.

She bit her lip, feeling incredibly nervous and wishing that Ash the Phoenix was here to calm her fears. She gripped her left fist tightly and then let out a deep breath as she mounted her broom. Then she pushed off from the ground, slowly floating up, until she had gained control. Alright. She had made it up here. Now the challenge would be staying on the broom. Not wishing to seem like a complete joke, Olivia decided to sit up straighter and ready herself for flying through the hoola hoops. She could do this. If Olivia, Ace, and others could do this, then she could definetly do this. She just needed to believe in herself. She flew a little higher up into the sky and then glanced down at the others on the ground. "You guys coming?" she asked.

Oh Théo was ready since he had brought his OWN broom and all. No more dumb school brooms. Théodore hated them.WAS THAT A CHALLENGE ABEY.

Because that is what it sounded like and Théo was not going to lose AND it sounded like fun. So, of course, the second year lion was going to accept it even if Abey was part of a team. Lucky.

"You're on."

Théo returned the grin and well looked like the lesson was starting. Whoa now that was a name. Lets go with Mr. Baldvinsson. He was good with that. Wait maybe the Abey challenge would have to wait because this challenge would take some concentration and well doing it like Mr. Bald was on his broom would be really difficult. He mounted his broom and kicked off into the air.

It was nice to be flying again

And then Henry had made it and her heart just melted a little at that cheery wave, to which Skylar offered a smile in return and was about to return greetings to Levi and Daisy, when the Professor greeted her with remembering her name too! She didn't know why, but somehow having the older flying professor slash groundskeeper know who you were, well, it just made things SO much better.

If she didn't like him before, she definitely liked something about him now.

Experienced flyers. That was her, considering how quidditch ran in her blood and she'd been flying since before Hogwarts. Fly through the hoops, that were moving. Well that didn't sound terribly challenging, unless she got caught, but she was smaller than some of her classmates and definitely the professor. So she was pretty certain that the hoops would be large enough.

"Race ya?" Sky said, mischievous glint in her eyes at the three older students. Sure two of them played for England, but that just meant a bigger challenge for her. She knew she could be fast.

And without waiting or dawdling around much more, the fourth year mounted her broom, kicking off into the air and flying in a figure eight first, before flying through the first hoop. Goodness, this felt good.

Oh boy! THEY COULD FLY NOW AND THE PROFESSOR SAID THEY'D LEARN TO FLY ON THEIR BACKS DURING A LESSON!!!!

Sounded like something to practice in her spare time so she'd be on par with everyone when that lesson came. It never hurt to be prepared and as she'd just realized, the Professor would probably separate the experienced from the inexperienced in that lesson too. She didn't WANNA be left on the ground with the inexperienced when that time came. Just look at Derf, he didn't even have to wait for the lesson to begin before he started flying. Lesson for another class.

She wanted to get off the ground too. She'd of course seen Levi waving at her and she'd given him a wide grin in return but really she wanted to get up in the air.

Jessa watched in awe as the hoops moved into the air. They'd be flying through those???? To be completely honest, the girl wasn't as experienced as some of the others that had already taken off, but she already knew the basics the Professor was instilling on the First Years and didn't think she needed that lesson so...."Up." Her voice was firm. Her sister had once told her that you had to make the broom know you meant it or it'd never listen. Had to be decisive and command the respect. It'd taken her a few tries back then but by now she was used to the solid wooden frame slamming into the palm of her hand. It was a relief really. One false move and the Professor might think she belonged on the ground.

The Ravenclaw mounted her broom and pushed off the ground, making a steady ascent into the air. So far so good. Keep it calm Jessa. She knew what she was doing, for the most part. Never flown through moving hoops before but how hard could it be.

Emmeline smiled back at Olivia. "No problem! Me too, actually." Sometimes. When she wasn't scared she was going to fall out of the sky and be the worst flyer EVER. Her stomach felt like it was home to a LOT of worms that kept wriggleing around inside, and she bit her lip as she waited for the teacher to start talking.

She listened as the professor mentioned that there would be two groups; which group should she go in? She did know how to fly after all, it was just landings -- and flying in straight lines -- that she had trouble with. But that was BORING stuff anyway, right? She waited to see what the other first years were doing, and it looked like most of them were going to stay on the ground. She supposed she should do that too, because even though the hoops were more fun, falling/crashing in front of everyone wouldn't be. And there were those worms in her stomach to remind her.

So she grabbed a school broom off the ground at random and trudged over to the professor with the other beginners, occasionally sending envious looks over to the kids already in the sky. She was surprised that they had to talk to their brooms; she had always just grabbed her brother's broom and pushed off. Maybe that was why it didn't like her?

Putting her school broom back on the ground, Emmeline gave it a very determined look and said, "Up!" But the dumb broom just laid there doing nothing. She frowned severely at it because she wanted to FLY, not play the broom's dumb games, and tried again. This time the broom rolled over on the ground! What! What use was it to her on the ground? Frowning severely at the broom, she said "up" AGAIN and the broom rolled over the OTHER way.

She was not going to stamp her foot at the broom or throw a tantrum; that reminded her too much of the part-troll boy in her year, James Summers. Still, she felt super frustrated. She looked around to see if the other first years were having any better luck. It looked like they were, because some of them were in the air. Emmeline frowned back at the Dumb Broom and wondered what she was doing wrong. Sighing, she decided that she and this broom needed professional help. After she raised her hand, she asked: "Professor sir, why is mine rolling on the ground?" But she said this in a small voice as it occurred to her that maybe the broom wasn't dumb after all, maybe the problem was that she didn't have enough magic... She looked down at the rolling broom with a now-dejected expression on her face.

It had been tempting, but seeing as nobody else had done so, Stasya had wondered if maybe she shouldn’t have spoken in Icelandic to the groundskeeper. Maybe nobody else knew Icelandic, but when Mel had turned to ask what she said, it made the small blonde wonder. “Mhm,” she’d answered with a little nod, also giving Emmeline a grin as her friend had joined the little group. Plus a nearly confident nod to Liv as the older girl had asked if she was ready to fly. She thought she was, anyway. And she didn’t really mind being called dearest, either. It was kind of nice, if different. Not like having mama there, but someone fond of her.

She was definitely distracted by all the discussion of why the cauldrons were there, not quite missing the quick grin from Ace, but she had grinned again when she suddenly had found the groundskeeper hovering near her. “Þakka þér fyrir!,” she’d replied, oddly feeling like she’d surprised him but also that he really didn’t mind that she’d spoken Icelandic. Except she was quickly reaching the point of not really knowing much more than what she’d already said. Mostly she just understood it, like when her grandparents visited.

Either way, she’d already sort of chosen one of the brooms, so all that was left was to listen to the instructions. She’d been a little jealous of Liv and Derf and the others being able to do the other task, being able to fly so easily, but it also just gave her the challenge of trying to catch up to them. She’d gone over to a spot near Emmeline, either way, feeling bad when her friend was having trouble with her broom. “Maybe it’s broken?,” she offered, trying to help. Some of the brooms looked kind of old after all.

She’d set her own school broom on the ground gently, watching as Kyle had accomplished the hovering they’d been asked to do. She couldn’t lie to Liv. She had to be ready to fly. “Up!,” she said, holding her hand over her broom like they’d been told. Nothing happened at first, but after she’d repeated herself a few more times the broom had slowly raised to the level of her hand and she’d curled her fingers over it. Climbing on, she’d tried to copy the way Mr. Baldvinsson had positioned himself when he’d demonstrated, but she didn’t kick off yet. She wanted to make sure Emmeline managed it first.

Flying.

Etta wasn't even sure why she was here. She was a decent flyer but honestly, she didn't feel like showcasing her flying skills to so many people AND the professor. She had been standing somewhere near the back, feeling a new level of nervousness. And --- wow. She looked up to stare at the moving hoops in wonder, something she'd never done before. Obviously. And she had to do it in the first attempt too or simply repeat it. Great. She could do this, yeah? She had already picked up a school broom earlier since she didn't have one of her own. Never did, really.

Oh, well. Better to get this over with. Etta mounted her broom and pushed off from the ground, gaining altitude easily. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of fresh breeze against her face.. she did miss flying, even if she'd never admit it. Forgetting her fears for a moment, she simply enjoyed the moment as she headed towards the moving hoops. Oh gosh.. let her just do this, please.

Return to the ground? Maybe? No thank you, sir!

Although the second year did glide down a liiiiiiitle more so he was hovering over the pitch, legs wagging this way and that while the groundskeeper with way too many long and difficult names spoke. Hadn't he heard someone call him Professor B? He was going to stick with that, if it was okay.

2043 though...that was FOREVER ago!

The cogs in the Hufflepuff's head were already beginning to spin with thoughts on this subject, but he was easily distracted when the topic of conversation moved on to what they would be doing today....which was apparently flying through hoops. STILL WAY MORE THAN WHAT THEY HAD DONE LAST YEAR SO ALREADY THIS WAS LOADS MORE EXCITING.

Since he was already hovering, Derf was easily able to resume his flying and quickly sped off after Theo and Abey. Part of him REALLY wanted to stay behind and help Stasya and Emmeline and others but like...they had heard the man.
Show him what they could do!

"GUUUUUUUUUUUUYS-S-S! HAWKSHEAD ATTACK FORMATION! HAWKSHEAD ATTACK FORMATION!"

Was Daisy watching him? Did she see?

Liv was excited for flying. She greeted Mr. Baldvinsson, which is what she preferred to call him.

She didn't own a broom, so she picked one of the school brooms. The students were fighting over a broom but she chose to pick a broom and leave.

The teacher, as she saw, was very old-fashioned. Her House won the House cup last semester, which was extraordinary.

Good choice. Daisy had to stop herself from visibly preening at the Professor's words about her broomstick, but she still nodded in agreement and looked down at her broomstick. It was a good choice, Dad had helped her choose. It was fast but reliable, with incredible balance. Very, very useful if you mainly used it when you were flying around at insane speeds, throwing a Quaffle around and avoiding other people.

And the stands. And the bludgers. Those two seemed to be her issues, to be honest.

Nevertheless, Professor Baldvinsson would definitely be getting a visit from her because he seemed to not be aware that the Quidditch Cup was, unfortunately, not a thing at Hogwarts anymore. Maybe -- she tried not to get her hopes too high, but it was kind of impossible -- he would be the one to bring it back.

Honestly. Daisy would cry tears of joy, which was saying a lot because she didn't even remember the last time she had cri -- wait, no, she did. Uhm.

Moving on.

As soon as she heard the instructions, she kicked one leg over her broomstick and got ready to fly away, but clearly, age was getting to her and making her slow. As soon as Skylar flew off, Daisy turned to the boys and shook her head, amused. Aaah, young blood. Or younger blood, whatever. She couldn't deny that she felt some sort of friendship duty to stick around and wait for Levi, but at the same time, there had been a horn. People were flying off. Daisy was shuffling on the spot, visibly excited. Eeeeh. She'd pull the best friend card later. "Meet you guys back here, okay?" And with that she tightly grasped the wooden handle of the broomstick with both, kicked the ground hard and flew off into the air.

She zoomed past Derf trying to enlist Abey and Théo into a version of the Hawkshead Attack Formation and spared the boy a quick smile before flying off, towards the first hoop. She focused on its movements, happy that her Quidditch training helped her with that. After all, she had to figure out where Henry and Zinnia would be before she threw the Quaffle at him, or the movement of the opposing team's Keeper before she attempted to send the red ball through the hoop. So it was with relative ease that she went through the first one and continued towards the second one, zigzagging her way around the other students. Second one? Easy peasy.

But then something played on her mind and she looked back towards the ground as she approached the third hoop, and her concentration was, however momentarily, lost. The thing about flying, you see, was that it was incredibly hard. It required full attention, maximum levels of concentration. The tiniest distraction could bring trouble and Daisy was good, she was exceptional even, but she was also only sixteen years old and, therefore, prone to making mistakes. As soon as she looked forward once more, she realised her mistake and tried to swerve the broomstick, but at the speed she was going it wasn't nearly enough and the bristles of her broomstick hit the hoop as it moved, sending her spinning around. Her feet slipped off the crossbars and for a few seconds she seemed incapable of stopping the spinning broomstick. Mentally, she thanked her Dad for always telling her mistakes on a broomstick were normal and she always needed to remain calm.

So, she did. And eventually her feet steadied themselves on the metal bars once more, and she pulled at the handle, bringing the broomstick to a halt. Right. Better take a few seconds to regain her focus once more, then.

Haraldur, although keeping an eye on the older students so they were all right, stayed with the younger students to see if they needed assistance...

Text Cut: Kyle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zellanna

Kyle smiled when the professor knew his name. Even though he knew everyone's name, he still felt really special. After listening to the instructions, he grabbed a broom, placed it down at his left side, and held his hand over it. In his most authoritative voice he commanded, "Up!" It didn't stir. He frowned. But the professor said it would take a few tries.

Befriend the broom, huh? He remembered his time with Jace in the gardens, wrapping his magic around the other boy to joint-cast. Maybe he could do the same thing with the broom. He reached out with his magic, touching the broom with it, saying he was a friend. He commanded the broom again, but it didn't move.

He concentrated, closing his eyes, reaching out to the broom, wrapping his magic around it. Then, in an almost instinctive move, he commanded again, "Up!" The broom seemed to come alive and jumped into his hand. He smiled.

Mounting the broom, he followed what the professor said and leaned forward, pushing off the ground, though none too gently. He jumped up a few feet into the air with a jolt, surprising him and making him lose his balance, falling off the broom and onto the ground. He winced, more out of surprise than anything else. He commanded the broom to himself, and mounted to try again, pushing off a little more gently this time and managing to stay on. Then he leaned back a little and touched to the ground with ease.

The flying instructor kept silent as the young first year tried to summon his broom over and over again. He would have stepped in if no progress was made, but he knew the boy had it. He just had a feeling.

When the broom left the ground to fly up into the young boy's outstretched hand, the professor lit up finally letting out an excited cheer. "Well done, Mr. Erikson! Well done!" He hovered on his broom and watched the boy mount his broom, take off and then fall to the ground. "Don't lose courage, son." He glanced at the other young students before returning his attention to Kyle. He gave him an applaud once the young boy had managed to lift off.

"Well done, Mr. Erikson! Take 2 points for Slytherin, for excellent broom work." Yes, he was indeed very proud.



The flying instructor glanced over towards the experienced flyers who started to take off over the pitch. First off was Miss Phillips, taking off looking confident and sure on her broom. His attention shifted to the young Mr. Botros and couldn't help but feel proud at the young boy's excitement. Yes, yes, very good.

Haraldur watched Miss Holden take off and waited if she needed something, but in contrast to her previous nervous approach she looked safe up there in the air. He smiled at Mr. Montmorency. The young boy took off after Mr. Botros and he nodded his head approvingly. There were many brilliant young flyers.

Speaking of brilliant flyers... Miss Diggory looked as comfortable as ever up there on her broom, not that he would have expected anything else. Miss Cambridge was up in the air not too long after that. Haraldur watched curiously as Miss Cambridge commanded her broom to fly up to her hand only to mount it moments later. Brave girl. He nodded approvingly before a younger student stole his attention...

Text Cut: Emmeline

Quote:

Originally Posted by NifflerFan

Emmeline smiled back at Olivia. "No problem! Me too, actually." Sometimes. When she wasn't scared she was going to fall out of the sky and be the worst flyer EVER. Her stomach felt like it was home to a LOT of worms that kept wriggleing around inside, and she bit her lip as she waited for the teacher to start talking.

She listened as the professor mentioned that there would be two groups; which group should she go in? She did know how to fly after all, it was just landings -- and flying in straight lines -- that she had trouble with. But that was BORING stuff anyway, right? She waited to see what the other first years were doing, and it looked like most of them were going to stay on the ground. She supposed she should do that too, because even though the hoops were more fun, falling/crashing in front of everyone wouldn't be. And there were those worms in her stomach to remind her.

So she grabbed a school broom off the ground at random and trudged over to the professor with the other beginners, occasionally sending envious looks over to the kids already in the sky. She was surprised that they had to talk to their brooms; she had always just grabbed her brother's broom and pushed off. Maybe that was why it didn't like her?

Putting her school broom back on the ground, Emmeline gave it a very determined look and said, "Up!" But the dumb broom just laid there doing nothing. She frowned severely at it because she wanted to FLY, not play the broom's dumb games, and tried again. This time the broom rolled over on the ground! What! What use was it to her on the ground? Frowning severely at the broom, she said "up" AGAIN and the broom rolled over the OTHER way.

She was not going to stamp her foot at the broom or throw a tantrum; that reminded her too much of the part-troll boy in her year, James Summers. Still, she felt super frustrated. She looked around to see if the other first years were having any better luck. It looked like they were, because some of them were in the air. Emmeline frowned back at the Dumb Broom and wondered what she was doing wrong. Sighing, she decided that she and this broom needed professional help. After she raised her hand, she asked: "Professor sir, why is mine rolling on the ground?" But she said this in a small voice as it occurred to her that maybe the broom wasn't dumb after all, maybe the problem was that she didn't have enough magic... She looked down at the rolling broom with a now-dejected expression on her face.

Haraldur hovered over to the young Gryffindor, giving her broom a quick glance. "You need to show it who's boss, Miss Sparkes." He cleared his throat and got comfortable on his own broom as he stayed behind, right next to her. "Your connection with the broom is as important as that with your wand. You need to trust it, and it needs to trust you. This takes time. Don't rush it. It should want to obey you. Take a deep breath and try again, Miss Sparkes. I know you're close now. Give it a go."



As he stayed next to Miss Sparkes he glanced over at Miss Dalgaard-Volkova who just managed to command her broom and mount it correctly. He gave her a nod and a smile. "Well done, Miss Dalgaard-Volkova." He commanded her, he was certain she wouldn't have any problem to kick off into a hover.

As he waited for this, Haraldur glanced over at the other group of students where the female Hufflepuff prefect just took flight. Miss Kramer looked very sure and comfortable up on her broom and he quickly looked over to another student. Young Mr. Ashburry-Hawthorne was already in the air, or had he never touched down to the ground? Either way, he was zooming off towards the hoops and the flying instructor watched him with pride. He did love his passionate flyers.

A young Ravenclaw student had grabbed a school broom and he gave her an encouraging look. "Give it a go, Miss Awning."


Haraldur watched Miss Carden fly off and caught her spinning in the air. He was about to roll over, mount his own broom correctly and kick off in the air to join her but she gained control of her broom and he stayed behind with the first years. "Good broom control, Miss Carden!" He called to her. Very well dealt with, indeed.


OOC: You still have around 10-12 hours left to complete this mini-activity. Catch-up posts are always welcomed, guys We'll be around!

Kyle smiled at the encouragement he got from the professor. And once he got himself up in the air and back, he had earned two points for his house! He felt ecstatic! He lifted off the ground and cheered from atop his broom and almost lost his balance, quickly placing both hands on the broom again to support himself. He leaned back and landed again, unable to stop smiling. He wasn't sure how he would handle being high up in the air, but he would manage somehow. Flying class may not be so bad after all. He continued practicing taking off and landing, getting more confident each time.

She needed to relax. The broom had risen into the air like she'd wanted and there was no bucking or other malfunction--just like every other time she'd flown. It was just...the nerves, you know? Of not wanting to be called back to the ground and stuck with the beginners.

The girl would be lying if she said she wasn't jealous of the way Derf and Theo just sped off, Derf yelling things she could only assume were quidditch related. The thing was, flying wasn't the problem, it was keeping focus with literally everything happening around her. It was for this reason that she remained seated on her broom, hovering in the same spot while she watched the others make an attempt at the hoops. Zipping across the pitch was one thing, zipping through hoops that moved of their own accord was another. Some part of her was trying to find a pattern...overthinking as it were. It was the story of her life really.

Her legs kicked idly and her posture was one of someone pensive but relaxed. Up...down....across....down....but none of them seemed to move like the other and none seemed to keep up the pattern she thought she'd made out. Wasn't long til the young girl was subconsciously gnawing away at her lower lip.

Of course she could just rush in, put her hand eye coordination to the test but...there had to be SOME thing.

Emmeline smiled gratefully at Stasya as her friend suggested the broom was broken, but she shook her head. "I think it's just stubborn," she told the other young Gryffindor. Despite her own issues, she was really happy when Stasya's broom did what it was supposed to and the blonde girl climbed on. "Good going!" Emmeline grinned at Stasya again, and gave her own broom another try before Mr. Baldvinsson came over. She realized then that Stasya was probably waiting for her, and shot her friend a grateful look, but continued in the small voice: "You can go ahead, I don't want to hold you up." She wanted Stasya to get to hover before time was called after all.

The fact that Mr. Baldvinsson had hovered next to her and didn't seem to be leaving was very reassuring to the young lion, and she relaxed slightly. She listened closely to what he was telling her, and she felt relieved that he didn't say that she didn't have enough magic to fly properly. She reminded herself that she'd flown on her brother's broom, sort of, but that hadn't required showing it anything or trusting really; if it didn't throw her big brother off, why would it throw anyone else off? Still, Mr. Baldvinsson was the flying professor for a reason and she was sure he knew what he was talking about.

Comparing brooms with wands worried her slightly again because her wand had chosen her, and this broom could not have shown that it didn't want to fly for her more clearly. What if it didn't choose her--

But no, Mr. Baldvinsson seemed to think it would work for her. Show it who's boss and trust it. Right. Taking a deeeeep breath, Emmeline moved her hand above the broom once again. She glanced nervously at the professor again, but he still hadn't left. "Up!" More rolling on the ground. She sighed, but she was not going to give up now, not with the teacher and Stasya waiting.

Emmeline tried to recall the wonderful sensation of soaring over the countryside, even if it wasn't proper flying. She really wanted to get in the air again, and surely this broom did. "UP!" And at last, the broom jumped up the hovering position! She grinned broadly at Mr. Baldvinsson and Stasya. "Thanks, sir!" Without waiting long, she eagerly swung her leg over the broomstick and copied Mr. Baldvinsson's grip and position as best as she could. Turning to Stasya, she asked her friend: "Ready?"

It was another while of just hovering there, watching the others before Jessa came to a conclusion--two actually. 1. She could not sit here indefinitely. 2. A little more time on the pitch couldn't hurt in building some confidence. It shouldn't have been this daunting to throw herself at a bunch of moving hoops, but at any given time there was so much going through the Ravenclaw's brain that the task seemed almost impossible.

Eventually, the young girl took a deep breath, steeling her resolve. She would have to get a move on before those on the ground came to join them; that would have been the true mark of her falling behind.

Jessa leaned forward on her broom, finally willing it into action just as someone zipped by her to enter the obstacle course of hoops. It was next or never, that was what she told herself. Soon the wind was whipping against her face, her hair trailing behind her in the messy braid she'd managed.

The first hoop seemed easy enough but in all honesty she'd just flown into it. A stroke of luck as it were based on it's random movement. Ironically, that was how she'd zipped through the second as well. Weird how that worked, it was almost effortless, like her eyes knew where they wanted to go and the broom fell in sync. In reality it was likely very subtle movements in her own body at the sight of each hoop--no Jessa. Don't think too much about it.

Just let it happen.

Just being up in the air was almost actually enough to make Abey forget the whole point of the being in the air thing. The whole 'do this and then that and then the other thing and then come back' or something. Yes, there was a POINT to the flying, and Abey remembered. Barely.

HOOPS FIRST! Easy peasy to get through hoops ESPECIALLY WHEN you were small and thin because that meant there was a lot more margin for error. NOT that Abey needed margin for error because actually he was excellent at flying actually and it was the only thing he was really excellent at at all. AND ACTUALLY even his new wand said that he was a really good flier, so like... that meant it was the law or something.

The yell of Derf reached Abey's ears JUST ABOUT, but it was a little hard to hear properly actually because of the whole FLYING thing. Also, Abey was IMPATIENT TO FLY and he was a liiiiiiittle bit tempted to ignore the yelling and go straight for the hoops... but he didn't because it was his VILLAIN and also they were supposed to be showing their skills and flying in formation was ONE OF THE ULTIMATE SKILLS. Even if it meant it didn't make a WHOLE lot of logical sense in terms of going THROUGH the hoops. The Hawkshead Attack Formation was all about forcing other Quidditch players out of the way while flying TOWARDS the hoo-... Uhh... the goalposts. Usually. But maybe it would work on hoops too!

"OKAAAAAAY! BUT I'M IN FRONT!" Because he'd called dibs. Right then. HE'D CALLED IT. So that all he had to worry about was getting through the hoops, and trying to judge where they would be by the time he reached them.

Speaking of which... FIRST hoop... easy peasy! Well... not easy at all actually, BUT THAT WAS HIS STORY AND HE WAS STICKING TO IT.

Onwards he went, determined and focused. And fast. RESERVE SEEKER SPEED.

Stasya had given the groundskeeper a grin when he had complimented her, but that hadn’t meant that she was abandoning her plan to wait for Emmeline. Friends didn’t let other friends fail, so for now she was perfectly willing to stay on the ground even if she could sense her broom was maybe getting a little impatient. Besides, even though Emmeline had told her she could go on ahead, there wasn’t anywhere to go. All they were supposed to do was practice hovering and landing. She figured it didn’t matter if she waited or not for that, and right now, she wanted to wait until her friend’s broom had cooperated. Along with the groundskeeper, apparently. They would give her support, the confidence that she was going to manage it. Not to mention, she was not going to go anywhere while her friend was frustrated.

She had grinned again when the stubborn broom had finally risen up to the other girl’s hand, still mounted on her own even though she had yet to push off. Therefore her feet were still, sort of, on the ground. Enough that she thought she could manage to push off once she chose to, anyway. “Yup,” she responded, adding a nod for good measure even as she had pushed off and hovered maybe a foot or so off the ground, watching to make sure the other girl had managed it too. Only then did she lean back a little and feel the broom lowering her back down until her feet were on the ground again. It seemed easy enough.

Etta could see the hoops clearly now, slowing down considerably. She felt the sudden pang of anxiety and nervousness again. See, this is why she needed to practice flying often. The girl hovered mid-air for a little while, watch people fly through the hoops easily enough. It shouldn't be that difficult and yet. The girl sighed, realising that she couldn't just stay here forever.

Instead, taking a deep breath, she focused on the hoops and carefully studied the their movement. It was an easy-enough activity, there really was so need for anxiety. Gosh, Etta. Narrowing her eyes and leaning forward just a little, she zoomed forward. She flew towards one of the hoops in the middle.. concentrating.. concentrating... and found herself right at the other end. Wait. Did she just do it? She turned around to make sure the line of hoops were behind her, the biggest smile appearing on her face. Heh. She did it.