David raised his hand. " Professor, what's the point of this talk about muggles and brooms. Muggles have thought they saw a person flying on a broom before, and everyone else said that person was mad. Why do we need this extra sucrity," he asked.

"That is correct - two points to Ravenclaw. And permit me to add that it is a glorious museum that all of you should visit whenever you are next in London," he smiled.

"Who can accurately describe to the class what this medieval broomstick looks like? I only want the physical description of the broom and not the magical charms placed upon it."

Tas frowned as some Ravenclaw boy asked Professor why they talked about that. She looked up at Maximus and waited for his answer... she wondered how anyone could ask such things at a lesson about security and flying rules.

Athena listened to what everyone else was saying and took notes on the descriptions they were giving

Professor Vindictus left his lectern and walked over to the student. "I suggest you start paying attention to the lecture and avoid cheeky questions in the future. Five points from Ravenclaw," he said sternly before addressing the other Ravenclaw student who answered his question.

"That is correct - two points to Ravenclaw because you were not sure of your answer and did not mention the type of wood the handle was made of," he said. "The handle was made of ash - write it down." Professor Vindictus listened to the scratching sounds of the quills scribbling away on parchment. "This early broomstick was neither comfortable nor aerodynamic, and had basic charms placed upon it."

"Who can tell me the basic charms that were placed on this broomstick?"

"Medeville brooms only had charms to make them move up down and at one speed and to stop." Athena said after raising her hand

Serena raised her hand again. "This broom had simple spells, and could only move forward at one speed and could move up, down, and could stop."

"I think it could move forward at one speed, also move up and down and stop", Tas replied raising her arm. "Just simple spells to make it move and stop."

mich made notes as everyone answered the questions

Lisa Listened intently, And Surveyed the Broom, "Um Proffessor how can you tell what charms are placed on it?Like Is There a physical difference?"she asked slightly timid

Chikie nodded to show she understood and quickly wrote down what the professor was saying. She then shot quick glance at the boy who had just lost points for Ravenclaw. oh well nothing i can do about it she reasoned with herself.

Mia continued to makenotes on what other people had said. She wished she had a broomstick. MAybe she'd ask her mum for one for her birthday then realised she wasn't speaking to her.

"Excellent! Three points to Gryffindor," Professor Vindictus said cheerfully. "Now we have a basic understanding of the uncomfortable nature of flying on the early bewitched brooms. But hasn't the question of how you remain on a broomstick crossed your mind? What about comfort? What about safety?" He looked at the students once again.

"What charms or protective devices are placed on broomsticks today? One detailed answer per student please and do not repeat an answer that has been given."



OOC: I'm leaving the lesson open while the many replies are posted. Please avoid excessive chatting (read the rules) while I'm not in the lesson thread. The lesson will continue this evening at 8pm EST.

mia quickly thought "The bubble charm" she said "For when it rains as to not get the rider wet." she said quite pleased she had acctually managed to give what could be a relevent anwser.

"Most brooms of today are equiped with braking charms and cushioning charms." Athena answered after raising her hand

Serena smiled and cheerfully raised her hand to answer the next question. "Well, one is the Braking Charm. This charm is relatively self-explanatory. It allows the broomstick to stop effectively."

"Also One particular type of Braking Charm is the Horton-Keitch Braking Charm which was invented and patented by Basil Horton and Randolph Keitch who were the founders of the Comet Trading Company. This charm assists the rider in handling a racing broom more effectively. The Firebolt also has an Unbreakable Braking Charm."

Tas raised her hand. "The Cushioning Charm, it creates an invisible so-called pillow on the handle of a broom to make flying more comfortable. It was invented by Elliot Smethwyk in 1820."

Erinelle beamed at the girl who had just earnt them three points, it was good to know that her house were winning them back. She put up her hand to answer the question the professor had just asked.

"The modern day broom have charms on them for high speeds, however many of the brooms are made so they are more aerodynamic so they don't become too cumbersome when flown. Cushioning charms are also placed on the brooms."

Wow, everyone is so much smarter than me, Chanel thought. Forgetting that, she continued to write down everyone she could, no matter what how fast she would have to write. I should answer more questions, she thought. However, the voice in her head replied and told her, But you barely know anything. She set her quill down and looked at Professor Vindictus and what he was about to say.

Jordana listened to the other students answers and nodded. She couldn't seem to think of any other charms, but then an idea came to mind.

She raised her hand and said, "Professor I'm not exactly sure if the charm has a specific name but there are some brooms, that seem semi-sentient. Its as if they are almost able to respond to thought. This characteristic helps protect and allow the one riding the broom to fly gracefully and at top speeds."

Maya squirmed in her seat. She hated flying. The last time she tried to fly resulted in a broken rib and a broken leg. She sighed and scribbled all the facts on broomsticks. She squirmed again and hoped the lesson would end soon.

Mason raised his hand shyly. I think they probably have charms to keep them from weathering and to keep the broom in tact and make it durable.

Chanel saw Maya doing something in her seat. Oh well, I shouldn't be worrying about that. I'm a good flier and I shouldn't hide it. Well, pretty good. Chanel thought the lesson was a wee bit boring, but she knew that you have to get through something to go to something. She sat wisely in her seat, straightening herself up. She read over her notes, and waited patiently.

"Three points each to Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin," Professor Vindictus said. "Other charms include protection charms that allows a broomstick to drift off on its own if you fall from your broom. Basically, each broom has been charmed by highly skilled wizards who excel in their craft. The magic placed on a broom doesn't replace the skill of the flyer, but rather protects and enables you to fly with amazing speed and dexterity."

"Early in the lesson, I mentioned the International Statute of Secrecy. Does anyone know what this says in their own words?"

Kay raised her hand "they uh have charms so that they dont go uh *crazy* when hit againist something" "like a stablizing charm" kay had no clue if this was right or not she just guessed

"It means that Wizards and Witches can not and will not reveal there powers to muggles" Dez said after her hand was up

Miley raised her hand. "It means that we- meaning wizards and witches- keep our powers to ourselfs and don't show them to muggles," she said, hopping her answer was correct.

Athena continued to take noted as she listened to all of the things the other students were saying.

"Very good - two points for each of those wonderful responses. But alas, now it is time for me to assign homework." Professor Vindictus turned and tapped the board.

"Your homework for this lesson is to list 10 safety do's and don'ts. The second part of the homework is to write one parchment how charms placed on broomsticks have helped flying evolve to the present day. And the final part of the homework is to explain why it is important to observe the International Statute of Secrecy when flying. Class dismissed."

Miley wrote down the homework, picked up her things and left the room.

Jordana wrote down the assignment but was a bit puzzled. When is it due? she thought to herself. She quickly gathered up her things and made her way over to Professor Vindictus.

"Excuse me Professor, but when is the due date for the assignment?" she asked as she gave him a smile.

Athena wrote down her homework and packed up her belongings. "This was a good lesson." She thought to herself. She wished that she had been able to answer more questions, but she really enjoyed her first lesson.