Text Cut: Good answers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by demented_death_eater

Rawdon decided to leave his racing broom in the dormitory where it would remain safe (per the advice of both his uncles) and took his place next to one of the school brooms. He noticed that quite a few of the older students were in attendance as well as another professor, so he wouldn't stand out from the firsties who were probably itching to fly.

He listened as the new Flying professor asked a question and he was quick to raise his hand. "Don't strangle the broom handle with a death grip," Rawdon stated, "because you need a relaxed grip to help you when you need to turn directions in the air."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unalii

Taylor smiled, "I am Taylor Belle McIntyre but most people call me Tay." She laughed. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor James." Tay loved flying and playing quidditch. Tay turned and took a broomstick, wishing she could have brought hers but oh well. Taylor raised her hand, "Dont have your hands too tight that they are white but dont have them where they slip off... you need a good grip so that you can make turns without losing control..."

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Originally Posted by Yourenodaisy

"Yes Ma'am." Kaiden said with a grin and a nod. He hadn't been on a broom since he left Salem.

Eyeing the school brooms as Professor James takted about them, the boy wrinkled his nose. They were didn't look very reliable, and as soon as she said to choose one, he quickly moved down the line stopping at one that looked the best. Something they would need to know? Kaiden thrust his hand in the air. "They need to know how to accelerate to go fast."

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Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Lex looked over at her friend when she joined her on the pitch. Clearly she was tired but that was fine, they could find a nice tree for her to fall asleep under once this lesson was over...or were they scheduled for another class next? "Glad you made it. I thought I'd have to send a search party for you." She whispered. There was no need to get in trouble during the first class now was there?

She looked to the Professor as she began giving out instructions. Without a word she walked over to a broom then gestured for her to take the one next to her.

Her gaze fell instinctively on the first years at the mention of new flyers. It was an odd thought to have never flown a broom before coming to Hogwarts but she supposed it happened.

Her hand went up once the question was asked. "Don't let go of your broom." Yeah, it wasn't a very good idea. "You might just end up going splat." The woman did say basic, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermionesclone

Professor James. Easy to remember, that was. And that was good, yeah? Because then he wouldn't be fumbling over names and calling Professors a name that wasn't actually theirs. How awkward would that be?

Answer: VERY awkward.

Choose a broomstick? Alec blinked up and down the row of broomsticks closest to him. If he was any better at flying, he would have been able to tell what kind of broomsticks these were just by glancing over them once. But he wasn't that great so... they all looked the same to him. And if they were school brooms, would they be a bit slow? ... He hoped not!

Shrugging, Alec walked up to the left side of the closest broom and stood there. Right. Question. Basic things a beginning flyer might need to know? Hmmm... The fourth year thought back to his first year and the things that Vindy and Keefer had told him when he was first starting off. "Erm... Professor?" he asked, raising his hand tentatively, "Erm... isn't balance key? You have to... erm... sit properly on your broom otherwise you could roll off or... or... go more towards one side. Erm... unless you want to go towards a certain side... but yeah. Balance."

... Yeah... he had no idea what he was saying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireboltAvis88

Alyssa listened as the Professor introduced herself before asking them to pick a broomstick. So she did just that.

She walked over to the rows of broomsticks and picked one up before returning to where she had earlier stood. She stood to the left of the broom. Then she raised her hand to answer the Professor's first question.

"Professor, one of the things to remember is the kick off. One has to gently kick off from the ground, or they might end up finding themselves higher than they want to be...and out of control."

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanficfanatict

When the new Professor introduced herself Selina put it all together. Oh hang on, that was Max's Mum. She KNEW that the lady had looked super familiar, she could just not put her finger on why, but once she admitted that her last name was James it was obvious. Well, that was cool. She had never had a Professor who was related to someone she knew. It was kind of weird, but cool. And she was a Mom, which meant that she was going to be ten times less scary then Vindictus was. That man always had a weird edge to him.

And then they were starting the lesson. Grabbing a school broom off the wrack, even though she wished she could have brought her own broom Bob with her, she then gathered into the line on the left and then STOOD to her left. She had expected them to get straight to the up stuff, but apparently not.

They got to answer some questions, which was cool... points were always welcome. Raising her hand, the ex-Quidditch Captain said, "Remember to breath and not panic." She had seen a lot of flyers get overwhelmed and fall off of their brooms. Yeah, she remembered Kurumi's try out from last term. What a mess that was...

Quote:

Originally Posted by AliceKnight

"Ha ha, right, ugh..." Alice moaned.

She nervously shifted towards the brooms, all of a sudden the idea of flying seemed like a very bad idea. She hesitantly picked a broom, holding gingerly against her chest. What had Lex gotten her into?

As she looked towards the empty sky flashes of past Halloween parties with her twin brother came to mind; of her brother's favorite hobby of throwing the pumpkins that were too far gone in deterioration to be carved, off of their roof at the ground below. The horrifying images of poor defenseless pumpkin being smashed gruesomely against the hard concrete leaving nothing but orange mush stories below. Then suddenly the pumpkin was wearing her clothes. She was the pumpkin and that broom in her hand was the reincarnation of her brother (was reincarnation even the word? Oh well).

Silently, she whimpered, this was not going to bode well for either her or her therapist after this class. "T-Try not to die," she mumbled.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

OH. The professor lady already knew her? She got extra brownie points from Alice for that, mmhmm, and she was beaaaamed at, as well. "It's nice to meet you, too.." .. eavesdropping on her other conversations would be useful here.. ".. Professor James." OH. Did they get to start flying yet? No? Okay. She could wait a couple more minutes. Or seconds, maybe.

The lioness bounced over to the broom she used for games, stepping to the left of it. OH. Quidditch tips? Yep, this was a class she would enjoy. "Loads of people of don't know that it's legal to bite people during Quidditch." What? It was the use of a BODY PART. "Well.. I THINK it is.. 'cause I've bitten people in every Quidditch game I've played, and no one's said anything, ever." This professor wasn't going to have an issue with her teeth, right? "And biting people has won be a game or two. So.. um.. yeah."

Cue innocent smile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

Class was starting! Yes! This was probably the only class she would ever think that in.

Penelope quickly picked one of the brooms - they all did look about the same, after all, and she wasn't really picky right now as long as she got to fly - and took her place next to it. And now a question about the basics of flying? Hmm. She considered for a moment, listening as some others answered. Those were good. What else was there?

Remembering a couple lessons last term - and a certain insane Quidditch tryout session - the Gryffindor raised her hand. "Don't try to force yourself out of your comfort zone all at once. That usually ends up bad for everyone."

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

Wait...she knew who Ella was? Max...O___O OHMYGOSH! Professor James... Maximus James. Merlin, Ella felt like a dummy! The blonde smiled sheepishly at the woman, nodding. "Oh I...it's a pleasure to meet you too. I erm...really miss Max." Yup, she really did. Having his mom here, though? That was really exciting.

Choosing a school broom wasn't too hard because really, well they all looked the same to Ella. The blonde walked towards the nearest one and stood to the left of it, smiling a little. She was just ITCHING to get up into the air. She'd wait until she was instructed to though, even if it was making her a bit bouncy.

Raising her hand, Ella offered a rather obvious answer...well at least she thought it was obvious. "Professor, you'd want to know how to take off and land because well...those are the most important part, really." Because if you couldn't take off then you'd never fly and if you couldn't fly...well you'd never land...or eat...or sleep. Well you could sleep but it was probably seriously unsafe to sleep on a broom. Mhm!

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddy-finn

Audrey actually ran to get a broomstick- she wasn't going for a particular one; she was just that excited. She stood to the left of it, as instructed.

She wasn't a part of the former group, the ones who were really good flyers, but she wanted to answer a question anyhow. Participation and house points and all that. She thought briefly of Quidditch Through the Ages, which she'd read eagerly after her purchase of it in Diagon Alley, but didn't come up with any useful answers. Hmm...Aha! "Don't try and hang upside on the broom by your knees," she said with a nod. If people were anything like Audrey, that wasn't even obvious advice. Despite her house suggesting she was intelligent, this had been one of the first things she'd tried in August when she'd flown a broom for the first time. It was not the success she'd hoped for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

West got up and moseyed over and grabbed the nearest one. It was a school broom, no need to be fussy.

Oh he had an answer. He stuck his hand up, the one not holding a broom. "You shouldn't doubt yourself, cos your broom will totally respond to that."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanners

Stand the the left of it. Okay, she could do this....

With her eyes closed, of course.

Elodie made her way over to the first broom that hadn't already been accompanied, and stood to the left of it. WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. No siree, there was no broom looking going on here. Who did those sorts of things, really?! Oh yeah, the people who LIKED brooms. Questions, goody. Elodie could deal with questions, so long as she focused on looking at Professor James rather than the contraption beside her. Raising her right hand into the air, the third year waited to be called on, and then spoke whilst dropping her arm to her side. "That the broom does not have a mouth, and will not eat you." Was it an inappropriate answer?

Probably.

But it put her mind slightly more at ease.

Although whoever was mentioning dying and falling off was not helping her.

Atleast she wasn't a quivering mess right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Minerva looked around at the group, had she ever seen professors or other adults at Flying before. Well this was new, listening as the class began Minerva looked over to her cousin who she had been standing next to. She knew Susan was probably a little nervous and didn't want her to be.

Then Professor J started the lesson, she was already liking the new professor and hoped that this one unlike Vindi wouldn't do crazy things like put Pixie's in the air after them. Well she had taken the class a few times and put her hand up to the question, "Professor, my advice is to take a deep breath and not be so nervous. When calling and handling your broom be steady and confident and you will do just fine." Yes, if they could do that then they would be alright in the air.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Wade picked out one of the brooms, they were clearly aged, but kept in fine condition. Yeah, maybe having a recent broom around the newer fliers wouldn't be a good idea.

Raising his hand to answer while leaning on his standing broom, "Well first is to never have your eyes closed or mouth open for long, it wouldn't be fun flying with a bug in your mouth and not knowing if you'll run into something."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

Nigel walked over to a free school broom. He did not care which because they were all the same broom really.

Now on to the question, Nigel raised his hand and said the obvious " Try not to fall off once you are in the air or you might end up in the hospital wing".

It has not happened to Nigel yet. But he bet sometime in the future it will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Ethan eyed the school broom on the ground in front of him a little distastefully. Not that he thought there was anything really wrong with them, but he had gotten a brand new broom and really wanted to use it. Shrugging it off, he glanced back up at Professor James as she spoke. He listened vaguely to a few of the others's answers, glancing around at those on the pitch. Who was the person in the big hat?

He stared after her for a moment before turning his attention back to the question and he raised his hand. "When gripping the broom with both hands.." he began, aware that grip had started to be discussed. "One should have their dominant hand in front of their other hand in order to best steer." As in if you were left-handed then your left hand should be in front and vice versa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystic Melody

Melody walked over and grabbed the broom that she was the most attracted to and walked back over. She smiled listing to the professor. Then raised her hand.

"I may be a beginner but from the small experience I have gained I have learned that it is important to be confident, but not cocky. Sounds silly, but the broom can since when you are afraid."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Banana

OOC: This part is before the professor started teaching.

"What's up?" Sierra greeted in return, giving him a casual upward nod of her head. ...and then he started in on some pick-up line that sounded like he'd learned it from a Puffer. "Really, Turner?" she asked. Then she actually smiled in an 'I'll flirt back' kind of way, but before she could say much else, the professor decided to start the lesson.



Basic things a beginning flyer might need to know? Was she only limited to one? Because...flying was her thing, and she couldn't really name just one. However, she could at least touch on the most important part to her. "Don't get hit in the head with a Bludger," she said, raising her hand. "Well, if you decide to play Quidditch while you're up there." She sort of halfway gestured toward the sky.

...and while were all these extra adults here? Did James get herself in a pot of hot water or something?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Jory fell in between two students and stood to the left of one of the brooms. he was pretty much used to the school brooms by now. At the first question, he raised his hand.

"Hold onto the broomstick the proper way so as to not fall off,'' he said

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Tips for flying seemed easy enough, although so much of being good on a broom ended up being intuitive. The more Mo tried to pinpoint how to fly properly, the more he thought that he didn't actually know a single thing about flying. Y'just got on the broom and tried not to fall off and your body would figure it out.

Only that didn't sound exactly right at all.

"Maybe just... have fun and do your best not to fall off, 'cause it gets easier the more you practice." No one was awesome the very first time on a broom.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lockhartian

Text Cut: Professooooor! AND SEEKER BOY!

FLYING.

She wasn't particularly fond of this, but one needed to taste a bit of everything, yes? So, why not participate this time around, right? Plus, that old man from last term was scarier than the woman in front of them.

Say what? Pick a broom? Hmmm...her eyes landed on Seeker boy and she followed his lead. Quite literally too, since she stood next to him and chose the broom NEXT to the one he chose. Gotta stick with the ones who know, right?

For instance, she wouldn't follow Alec in Herbology, she'd follow Spike. But in Flying...well, it was different.

A bright smile was given to the boy as she finally took the broom.

Oh! A question? Lottie immediately thought of something after Alec so-eloquently answered. Hey, yo! Hand up in the air! "Well, you may want to stay away of other flyers, you know? In case they try to knock you out of your broom or mess up with your balance." Lottie's eyes landed on Alec again. Yeah, you better watch out, Seeker boy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by McFeisty

FLYing was amazetasterful. She didn't even care that that wasn't a word. Nope not at all she didn't care it wasn't a word because it was awesometastically her own, unlike awesometastical...which was that former headgirl's word.

SO today was the first lesson in flying. Awesome the thirteen year old girl was excited to be there and give tips to the younger kids. Hey she had been one of them a few years ago.

"Um, I guess when you first speak to your broom be nice to it...I was a little snappy and it smacked me in my er...bottom" she flushed remembering the day. That was mean. Never had she been slapped by a broom but that one day.

Embarrassing, and rude broom. Rude. Clearing her thoughts she just smiled, "good luck!"

"Excellent, excellent! All very good suggestions. Points to everyone who offered an answer. Beginners, I hope you listened to your classmates well - they are all very correct!" Especially the one who advised them all not to die. That was a good one. Even the biting one was technically correct, too - though it was a bit strange coming from a Captain.

"One thing I do want to stress on is that flying is not just a form of transportation - it's supposed to be fun, too!" she spoke in the direction of a Hufflepuff girl who appeared as though she thought the broomstick was going to leap up and bite her. "This isn't just a class or something you have to learn to do - flying SHOULD be an enjoyable skill to learn!"

The fear of heights was understandably a burden for many - and the fear of falling - but it didn't have to be as scary as many made it out to be in their minds. "For those of you who are a bit apprehensive, feel free to work at your own pace throughout the lesson - we don't want any accidents." Since it was her first class, Professor James figured it probably wouldn't look too good to the adults observing if students were crashing into each other left and right.

"An important aspect of flying, as a few suggested, is trusting your broomstick and showing confidence, even if you have very little. On my mark, please stick your right hand out over the broomstick, palm down," she demonstrated, "and envision the broom entering your hand. See it happen. Show confidence in your whole demeanor - want the broom to come to you, then tell it to come to you by commanding, 'Up!' Then grasp the handle when it comes to you. It might take a few tries, do not be discouraged - be calm, patient, and persistent. You can do it." She offered a smile of encouragement to those who seemed less than convinced. "Please begin!"

OOC: To those who were not around for the previous question, feel free to answer it before continuing along with the instructions in this post!

Melody grinned and held out her right hand over the broomstick she had picked out for herself. She closed her eyes. She pictured summoning the broom to her hand when she commanded it. She found out at home it was easier to picture it in her mind first. She slowly opened her eyes and one... two... three...
"Up!" Melody commanded in a firm, yet kind, confident voice. There was a short pause then the broom flew right into her hand. Melody fingers closed around the handle and waited for the next instructions.

This was where Mika's advice would come in handy. Don't be rude to the broom or it'll be mad at you and not work or smack you. Right? Right. She knew she was right she was a Ravenclaw.

Okay.

Taking her right hand she placed it over the broom and even before she tried to speak to it she just stood there, palm over the broom imagining it flying into her hands. She had to be confident after all, and what better way to build confidence than self visualizations.

"Up" It wiggled a bit, right of course she hadn't said up with all the utmost confidence the broom deserved. "Sorry" she told the broom, and moved to try again.

Ah well, Selina knew this part was coming. The old up trick. Once people started flying a lot more the whole up think became obsolete. It became more of just running and hopping on the broom on your ascent into the sky. That or you just mounted your broom and started to fly. All of those options were the more realistic forms of flying for experienced flyers. But the up thing did always look really cool. It made the redhead feel like she was in control and if anyone knew her she LOVED to feel in control. It was a power thing. She was a tad nutters for power.

But she did as she was told and stuck her hand out for the broom to just sort of glide into her hand. She did not want to seem like a jerkface, but this was sort of old hat now. Anyone over the age of thirteen who was on the Quidditch team was rather good at this skill. But it was always nice to see the first years give it a go. And that was because they were ALWAYS scouting for new talent. Even though Selina was not captain anymore, which made her sort of miserable sometimes, she was still interested in the team. Duh. She was trying out! How could she not?

Anyway, she was getting distracted. The redhead struck her fingers out and said firmly, "Up." You had to show the broom who was boss. And just like that it flew straight up into her hand. Good broom. The broom wasn't her Bob, but it would do.

BLINK. BLINK.

Was he being followed?

Oh... Lottie! So... no, he wasn't being followed, right? She had just wanted to stand near him because... because they were friends? Yeah, probably. That was pretty awesome, actually. Maybe the two can work together in this lesson or something? He grinned back at the girl who was working on the broom right next to his.

And her answer? Alec nodded a little at that. It was... well... it was a good answer, yeah. Not confusing. What was confusing was the fact that the girl looked at him after saying that. Yeah... what was that about?

... Now wasn't the time!

Professor Woman was talking to them again so... yeah. Alec gave Lottie a thumbs up before looking over towards James. Oh... hey! This was pretty simple! Or... well... he thought so. Because this was Flying. His favourite subject/activity/game. Erm... yeah. That.

Shaking his head, Alec took a deep break before holding his hand out over the broom. This was just like the practice he had had with his own broom all those years ago. Right. He could do this! "Up!" he cried, trying to bring up as much confidence as he could muster. And the broom? It flew right up into his hand.

Awesome. GRIN.

Alyssa listened and nodded in agreement as the other students gave their opinions on what were the basic things new flyers had to remember. Then she smiled when she heard the instructions that would lead to them ultimately flying.

She had done this so many times in the past, but Alyssa always felt that rush of adrenaline when it came to this portion of flying. Placing her right hand out over her broomstick with her palm facing down, she called out. "UP!!" When she felt the handle of the broomstick hit her open palm, she smiled. 'Works every time.' she thought to herself.

Alyssa closed her hand around the handle of the broomstick and waited for further instructions.

Upon hearing the professor's greeting to the Hufflepuff Captain, Tom's turned to look at her, giving her a little grin. How could he have missed her standing there? She did stand out rather with all that red hair. He edged his way over to her and whispered a 'hello'.

The class began and Tom went to select a broom as instructed. He picked one at random, not really bothered by it's appearance. Appearances mean nothing, it's what's on the inside that counts.. or that's what his ma always told him.. and he knew she was saying it for his benefit.

Basic things a flyer needed to know? Tom shrugged and mumbled, “Dun' fall off.”, Very helpfully.

Standing to the left of his broom, he hovered his right hand over it and commanded it “Up”, hoping to Merlin it worked so he didn't look like a total prat. It did, first go, to his relief, and he smiled to himself. Tom really was starting to get the hang of this magic stuff.

Professor Jame liked her name? YAY. Bliss just loved getting complimented on it. Extra brownie points to her parents for giving her the name. "Thank you, Professor. It's a pleasure meeting you, too," the Third Year said, shooting her a massive beam. So far so good with making friends with this Professor. "Anytime," she said and nodded seriously. She MEANT anytime, she just loved Quidditch that much that she'd be prepared to play it anytime, anywhere. The middle of the sea? When it's midnight and raining? Bring it on.

ME, ME, ME, Bliss' thoughts rang out. Maybe she wasn't that skilled, but her being an ex-Quidditch player had to count for something, right? The fourteen-year-old moved over to a broom and stood beside it, exactly how Professor James had instructed and listened to everything that she had to say. OH, question time. Maybe she could help here! Bliss knew enough about Quidditch to know some of the basic things that the little, little kiddos would need to know.

Bliss raised her hand, still smiling and attempted to give an answer. "Well...once in the air, I think it's important to concentrate. Cos' if you don't concentrate, then you won't be able to react in time if someone flies into you and as a result, you may fall off," and no one wanted that. Nu-huh. There were definitely MORE reasons as to why you should concentrate, but oh well. Bliss hoped no one had said this already and if they had...well...she hadn't heard them.

Right. So THAT had been one thing that had been said, trusting and showing confidence with your broom. It was lucky that Bliss already knew all of this, because she had been off with the fairies, so to say, when the question was being answered by the others. At least now it was time for some action and that had Bliss quite excited. She watched Professor James intently as she demonstrated what to do. Even though she already knew this, it still made her happy to see and reminded her off the time when her parents taught her how to ride a boom.

OH, YAY. Her turn.

Bliss put her right hand out, so that it was directly over the brooms handle and smiled. Time to show herself and everyone else that she could do it, y'know, if they doubted her. "UP!" Bliss cried, focusing on the broom and imagining it jump into her hand...and that's exactly what it did. She beamed triumphantly at the broom, at everyone else and at the Professor. She didn't know why she was so pleased with herself though, she does this SO many times before.

Must just be the thrill she got from Quidditch itself.

Ah finally, Wade awaited this moment. Flying was an adventure that he was glad to have passed to him by his dad. Letting the broom that he was previous leaning on fall to the ground so he could now summon it.

With his palm held out above the broom, Wade commanded, "Up!" Before the familiar sensation overcame his hand. Closing his fingers around the broom handle as it floated up, he now had a firm grip of it. Thank you summer practices and games at Durmstrang. Wade smiled softly.

Pleasure's all mine, Beezus thought as she gave the Professor a wide, welcoming smile. Aww. Her face totally reminded the Prefect of their former Keeper. She missed Max, really. He wasn't only a fellow team member or housemate to her, he was like a big brother.

Wait.

What were adults doing in that class? And was that Professor Elwood? O__o

Beezus couldn't help a grin from escaping her lips when the new Gryffindor Captain answered the question. Bite. Deadly. They'd have to watch out for her fangs during matches then.

And yes. Beware of bludgers, just as Sierra said. She had broken ribs last term because of that.

So...suggestions, eh?

Since she knew how to fly, she decided to raise her hand and offer one. "You have to think fast." That didn't solely rest on her being a Ravenclaw. It was a fact. "It's not only your body that keeps you on the broom, you also need to work with your brain. Where you'd turn, how fast you'll go, how you'll dodge blockages along the way. It also basically means that you have to be attentive." Because how else were they going to command their brain into doing something if they weren't paying attention to where they're flying off?

And then Professor James was instructing them to start by letting their individual school brooms into their grasps. Holding her hand out, open palm above the broom, Beezus muttered, "Up." It vibrated and within a few seconds, she was gripping the handle. The brunette smirked - Oh yes, flying could make her do that - and looked around.

Did anyone need help, perhaps?

Who would just think flying was JUST for transportation anyways? Were people that dumb? Poor dumb people! Why else would so many people be here that like, clearly didn't need to learn? Like West. Mhmmm.

He had been holding his chosen broom, so West let it drop to the ground .

"UP!" He snatched it from the air and just held it.


...... bored now.

Hmm.

He dropped it again and this time didn't say up out loud, just exerted his will on the broom and then caught it again. To entertain himself West continued to do exactly that.

... wonder if it'd work for two brooms at once?

Sarah was really excitedd for the lesson to get started. She made her way towards the line of brooms and chose a broomstick. The teacher said they were all the same so she chose the most random one. She stood next to eat an dhtought while the teacher asked the question. Immidiately her hand shot up, "Keep calm, especially if you are scared of heights" she said. Then came the next part. Sarah stuck her right arm out and with her palm facing down she imagined the broom entering her hand, "UP!" she said her voice relaying the command. To her complete astonishment the broom went up and into her hands where she gripped it. She had brushed up on her flying skills alot with her brothers, and she had played a few quidditch games as well. over the holidays with them. She beamed more.. she could not wait to get onto her broom,

She knew there was a reason she liked this class! Even the Professor was admitting that it isn't something really about learning but having fun; just the way she liked it.

Lex looked over at Alice, if the girl had a panic attack and fell off her broom she didn't know what she'd do but...she didn't know she was so terrified of this. Why hadn't this come up before? She felt like this was something she should have known. She raised an eyebrow at the girl for the answer she offered. It was brilliant!!--but it made her feel even worse. "You won't die, now quit talking like that." If anyone was gonna die it wouldn't be one of them, nah, she was hoping it was that Roxanne woman; you know, the really rude one.

She turned her attention from Alice long enough to follow the next set of instructions,

"Up!"

Without hesitation the broom slapped against the palm of her hand and she gripped it firmly, quite expected. She would have been VERY surprized if it didn't and might have considered giving it a good stomp to assess the quality and condition of it...even if that might have made any damage worse. Oh well, the important thing was that the broom went up when it was supposed to.

Flying nooooooow?

OOC: This one happened before the class started. Sorry, I'm late.
Well wasn't it a relief to be back in her Alma Mater? Lourdes, if she had to be honest, loved the feeling of being back inside the boundaries of Hogwart. Of course, she'd visit the grounds to take strolls. She liked flowers and air. Speaking of air... (there was totally a connection)

She was going to observe this term's Flying Basics. She thought it would be an opportunity to see gifted children on brooms or maybe watch as some were being introduced to the magical sport. It was twice interesting because a new Professor would be teaching. Lourdes liked to see a few 'firsts'.

The blonde walked into the Pitch and saw... wow, that was a great number of interested students in for class. With this number of children around, Lourdes had a bit of a hard time locating the new Professor and ended up standing beside her fellow Candidate whom she didn't yet know. (Carter)

Her hand was raised up almost immediately. Gosh you CAN'T forget what's essential when flying. But since Professor James said basics for beginners, which was lame, Kat had to most obvious and easiest to guess answer. Like ever. "If you feel like having a nervy-b, just be confident about yourself. We all were once beginners." Yeah but there were just certain and gifted players. Mhm.

Uhm. Too basic. Maybe Professor James could, like, have advanced lessons or something? SHRUG. At least it wasn't too challenging, but challenging was always fun cos you get experience and experience will help you on your way to greatness. HAH, Slytherin-ing Flying class. Awesome.

Kat stuck her right hand over the broom. "Up!" she said loudly and her broom 'flew' to her grasp. It was just that easy.

So what now?

Nod and Smile. "Yep, I'm doing alright Professor, hope you are too." And hopefully Professor J was beginning to feel at home here, but surely if she was here as a child that wouldn't have taken long at all. Hogwarts was always home to those almost anyone, it just had that feel.

Once by the rest of the students, Ness stood quietly as she waited for the class to begin, but a few seconds before it began she could have sworn she heard someone whisper something to her. She was very dazed and by the time she actually turned around to see that it was Thomas the Professor had started off talking. She'd have to speak to him later.

Tips about flying? Ness could name plenty. She raised her hand and waited ehr turn. "Professor, I would suggest not to get hit in the face by a bat." That had happened to her once, even if it wasn't necessarily in the actual hair. It was REALLY painful! "And just to remain calm." Because having tantrums on the pitch wasn't a good thing at all.

Psssht. This was easy, but then again Ness had to consider that flying didn't come so easily as it did to her to everyone else. It was after all a skill. Spotting her favorite Gryffindor, Ness walked over to the broom beside him. She preferred using her own purple broom, but heh these would do. "Up." she said like it was nothing and then watched as her broom lifted to her right hand. The trick was, was not to make a big deal of it, because sometimes trying to hard with a broom would only do the opposite effect of what you wanted. You needed to stay relaxed and patient.

Was that? Nooo. But it was. A little shocked, Ness spoted her Tommycat just as his broom lifted to his palm. She knew he struggled and was quite proud, even if getting a broom to lift wasn't such a huge thing. "Not bad." She gave him an impressed facial expression.

"Yeah," she breathed out, "just fine, it'll all be fine, yes."

With shaking hands Alice laid the broom on the ground. Whispering soft words of encouragement, she out stretched her hand only to immediate pull it back into her chest. 'Up', that's all she had to say and it should work like a magnet and the broom should just fly into her hand but the word was just stuck in her throat. Alice then thought of a thousand ways to ensure that she wouldn't fall off of her broom, the best one being to tie her right wrist to the broom handle with the strips of lace she kept in her pocket. What? It was her safety blanket.

With her solution on hand, literally, she once again stretched out her hand and win a new found confidence stuttered a soft "Up!"
The broom then jumped from the ground and into her hand. Alice stumbled back a bit, not so much from the force but her surprise that it actually worked. A soft smile found itself on her pink lips.

"Hey Lex, I-I did it!"

WHAT?! They were going to be dealing with the brooms ALREADY?? There was no health and safety talk, or a protective body suit? Oh, oh no. Looking a little bit frantic around her, Elodie watched some other students attract the broom right into their hands. WHAT WERE THEY? WIZARDS?!

...........Of course they were.

Elodie decided that this whole 'confidence' thing was going to start with a staring contest with the broom. An absolute staring contest. So she stared down at it, and stared down at it some more, and then continued to stare. She wasn't yet going to put her hand out and demand the wooden thing land square in her hand. THAT WOULD DEFINE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HER AND THE BROOM.

And that was scary.

Instead she continued to stare.

And then put her hand out, over the broom and took a deeeeeep breath. She was sure she could see teeth. WAA. "....Up?" Of course, nothing. She knew what she was doing wrong..attending the class. Her brother was not in her good books at all. Elodie looked around at her classmates once more, and observed a few a little more. Then looked over at Professor James and contemplated breaking down into tears and asking to leave. She was a big girl....she could do this, right? That's what mummy would have said.

Not admitting defeat, but admitting to herself that there was a possibility she'd wet herself a little later on if this scared her this much, Elodie once more put her hand out. It wasn't shaking as much this time, so that was a positive. Now, ah, to think about the broom coming into her hand. Closing her eyes, Elodie put that thought into her head and tried her hardest to ignore the whole...teeth thing that was going on in her brain. Opening her eyes, the third year eyed the broom with some sort of 'you're going to come up into my hand whether you like it or not' look, and then continued. "Up." PRETTY PLEASE, SO THIS COULD BE GOTTEN OVER WITH?!!?!!

..... NOTHING.
................... STILL NOTHING.

AND THEN A STIR. Oh, the broom moved just slightly on the floor, and then up into the air above it, and into Elodie's hand. A little squeal came from her as it left the ground, and Els had taken a step back in shock afterwards.

SHE WAS HOLDING A HUMAN EATING CONTRAPTION.

Alright, the first question was simple for her so she let the younger students have a go but now was the time for some practical easyness, awesome. Oichi stood over one of the practice brooms and said with force in her voice, "UP", the broom flew into her hand easy. She was now done so watched younger students and did all she could not to chuckle to much at all the hilarious accidents going on around her.

Sierra was just staring at her broom much in the same way a hungry bear might eye its prey. She just wanted to hop on it, kick off, and fly to the skies. She had't flown since she'd gotten back to school, and she was anxious to get back into the hang of things.

Sierra stuck her right hand out and let it hang over the broomstick. She didn't really need to envision the broom rising into her hand. She was an old pro at this. She was just in class today to brush up on things before Quidditch tryouts got underway. So, yeah. Not much envisioning here. "Up!" she commanded, and the broom rose gracefully into her hand.

Broom in hand, she looked around, wondering if anyone at least needed any help. Then she wouldn't be just standing around like a bump on a log.

Text Cut: Instructions....and Alec!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grangerfn1

"Excellent, excellent! All very good suggestions. Points to everyone who offered an answer. Beginners, I hope you listened to your classmates well - they are all very correct!" Especially the one who advised them all not to die. That was a good one. Even the biting one was technically correct, too - though it was a bit strange coming from a Captain.

"One thing I do want to stress on is that flying is not just a form of transportation - it's supposed to be fun, too!" she spoke in the direction of a Hufflepuff girl who appeared as though she thought the broomstick was going to leap up and bite her. "This isn't just a class or something you have to learn to do - flying SHOULD be an enjoyable skill to learn!"

The fear of heights was understandably a burden for many - and the fear of falling - but it didn't have to be as scary as many made it out to be in their minds. "For those of you who are a bit apprehensive, feel free to work at your own pace throughout the lesson - we don't want any accidents." Since it was her first class, Professor James figured it probably wouldn't look too good to the adults observing if students were crashing into each other left and right.

"An important aspect of flying, as a few suggested, is trusting your broomstick and showing confidence, even if you have very little. On my mark, please stick your right hand out over the broomstick, palm down," she demonstrated, "and envision the broom entering your hand. See it happen. Show confidence in your whole demeanor - want the broom to come to you, then tell it to come to you by commanding, 'Up!' Then grasp the handle when it comes to you. It might take a few tries, do not be discouraged - be calm, patient, and persistent. You can do it." She offered a smile of encouragement to those who seemed less than convinced. "Please begin!"

OOC: To those who were not around for the previous question, feel free to answer it before continuing along with the instructions in this post!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermionesclone

BLINK. BLINK.

Was he being followed?

Oh... Lottie! So... no, he wasn't being followed, right? She had just wanted to stand near him because... because they were friends? Yeah, probably. That was pretty awesome, actually. Maybe the two can work together in this lesson or something? He grinned back at the girl who was working on the broom right next to his.

And her answer? Alec nodded a little at that. It was... well... it was a good answer, yeah. Not confusing. What was confusing was the fact that the girl looked at him after saying that. Yeah... what was that about?

... Now wasn't the time!

Professor Woman was talking to them again so... yeah. Alec gave Lottie a thumbs up before looking over towards James. Oh... hey! This was pretty simple! Or... well... he thought so. Because this was Flying. His favourite subject/activity/game. Erm... yeah. That.

Shaking his head, Alec took a deep break before holding his hand out over the broom. This was just like the practice he had had with his own broom all those years ago. Right. He could do this! "Up!" he cried, trying to bring up as much confidence as he could muster. And the broom? It flew right up into his hand.

Awesome. GRIN.

Beginners. Snort.

Half of these were much more skilled players than everyone's ever heard of. She didn't belong in that group, but she wasn't a beginner either. Surely, those involved in Quidditch had more experience when it came to flying than the rest, yeah?

Anyway.

Flying. Fun. Sure, it was.

And Alec was grinning. He probably was still thinking they were friends, right? Which could be true, because he wasn't carrying any candy at the moment and Lottie was right beside him. Though, friendship was not the reason. It was more about skills and who was better. Since he's still a winner...

Her eyes actually landed on West, and the look on his face that suggested he was giving something else a great deal of thought.

OH HEY! Her palm was down, right on top of the broom next to Alec...but her foot inched the tail closer to Seeker boy, so it was in a diagonal position instead... (Experiments. That's what West was thinking, no? The "I wonder if....?") ...if she said 'Up', and the broom was diagonally pointing at Seeker boy's direction...would it go up to him or to her palm? Let's see!

"Up!" she said, the confidence part she had figured out a loooong time ago, so it was no big deal, but the moment she saw the broom coming up, she retrieved her palm...leaving the broom going to...Seeker boy.

Hey, how are your reflexes, Alec?

SPOILER!!: Grangerfn1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grangerfn1

"Excellent, excellent! All very good suggestions. Points to everyone who offered an answer. Beginners, I hope you listened to your classmates well - they are all very correct!" Especially the one who advised them all not to die. That was a good one. Even the biting one was technically correct, too - though it was a bit strange coming from a Captain.

"One thing I do want to stress on is that flying is not just a form of transportation - it's supposed to be fun, too!" she spoke in the direction of a Hufflepuff girl who appeared as though she thought the broomstick was going to leap up and bite her. "This isn't just a class or something you have to learn to do - flying SHOULD be an enjoyable skill to learn!"

The fear of heights was understandably a burden for many - and the fear of falling - but it didn't have to be as scary as many made it out to be in their minds. "For those of you who are a bit apprehensive, feel free to work at your own pace throughout the lesson - we don't want any accidents." Since it was her first class, Professor James figured it probably wouldn't look too good to the adults observing if students were crashing into each other left and right.

"An important aspect of flying, as a few suggested, is trusting your broomstick and showing confidence, even if you have very little. On my mark, please stick your right hand out over the broomstick, palm down," she demonstrated, "and envision the broom entering your hand. See it happen. Show confidence in your whole demeanor - want the broom to come to you, then tell it to come to you by commanding, 'Up!' Then grasp the handle when it comes to you. It might take a few tries, do not be discouraged - be calm, patient, and persistent. You can do it." She offered a smile of encouragement to those who seemed less than convinced. "Please begin!"

OOC: To those who were not around for the previous question, feel free to answer it before continuing along with the instructions in this post!

Yes, Flying SHOULD be fun, Callie just wasn't to that point yet.

She listened intently as the woman told the students to place their hand over the broom and command it to come up, all the while showing it how confident they were. She could act, she could do this.

"Up." She quietly. The broom didn't move. "Up broom!" she hissed at it, this time it just quivered on the grass for a moment. 'Alright Callie you can do this. Come one.' The blonde thought to herself before trying one last time. "UP!" The broom hovered for a few seconds a few inches from the ground and then rose into her hand.

A small smile appeared on the Divination professor's face.

Professor James was totally right, flying was fun. As far as one blonde badger was concerned, flying was pretty much the best thing ever! What better way to think or let out some frustration or just enjoy Hogwarts? BEAM!

Placing her right hand over the broom, the blonde looked down at it and bounced excitedly before speaking. Alright you broom, it's time to fly. BEAM! "UP!" She commanded, the broom lifting off the ground instantly and handle meeting her hand. She grasped it tightly and grinned. This was lots of fun.

They were getting closer and closer to the actual flying part. The fun part! Because flying was definitely fun, even if some thought it was scary. That was sorta what made it fun, honestly, though Penelope didn't find it particularly scary herself.

The third year extended her arm out above the broom, palm facing down, and commanded firmly, "Up!" She had done this so many times before now, she wasn't at all surprised when the broom instantly flew up into her hand. If only spell casting could be this easy for her. That would fix so many of her problems.

But no need to think about that. This was flying class, where they hopefully wouldn't need to worry about any sort of spells. Flying a broom and making sure no one fell off and got hurt should be the only things to be concerned about in this lesson.

Jory placed his hand above the broom. He was full of confidence as he had done this before. He was sure he was going to get this right. "Up!'' he said, his voice full of confidence. At once, the broom jumped up and into his hand. The boy grinned. So far so good.

Professor James. Theodore just nodded and smiled. Best to get into the new flying teacher's good books, eh?

He smirked when she mentioned about the skilled flyers. Cos he was so one of those, yo. Hopefully he wouldn't have to be paired up with an unskilled flyer or anything. That'd be annoying. He raised his hand, and simply said, "Hold on tight." That was a no brainer.

This was eeeeeeasy. Even though Theodore was more of the kind to just pick up his broom WITH his hands. He wasn't lazy, and sometimes muggle habits just overtook him. But he still COULD do this, obviously.

He grabbed a broom, rested it on the floor with his hand hovering above it. "UP!" And viola, it was up.

Theodore remembered when he used to struggle with this. He'd come so far. :')