Five laps?! Sure he wouldn’t have balked at it before but after spending three years previously at Hogwarts and not having a PE requirement made him not miss it. He ran on his own time and usually put in some sprints up the hill so he could put run his friends come baseball season but this was nuts. Sure it was less than his usual run but having to do it with all the hogwarts studnets made him dread it.

Trying to be a good example was proving hard because he wanted to turn and walk right back up the grounds to the castle hit breakfast cause he was STARVING and hit go to class. Then it hit him the professors who didn’t stand were going to run too? “ Oh snap” he whispered to himself as he took off. He wasn’t sure how great the two newcomers hear was so he kept his grumbling to himself as he finished lap one amongst his friends.

Tad's jaw may have dropped just then. They were going to do this every day. That would mean he'd have to wake up earlier than everyone else so he didn't have to rush down all the stairs and then rush all the way back up just so he could have time to wash and eat. How. RUDE. He may have pouted just then, but he wasn't going to say anything even after the comment about his yawns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashwinder

Alastair hadn't thought to question the announcement, as for all he knew this was simply how life at Hogwarts was. It also might have been possible that the indignant, rude part of his brain had yet to wake up for the day. And so he'd tripped around the room, putting on various items that were the closest things he had to running clothes—because honestly, who had clothing meant specifically for running other than that one upper-year student over there who looked entirely too keen on what was about to happen—and followed after Thadius as the other boy made his way down to the pitch. Said items may have included a sweater vest (there was a bit of a nip to the morning air, after all) and his second-best pair of loafers (his best being reserved for class, naturally).



And just as he was starting to muster some indignation about being out here, feeling the dew from the grass seep into his loafers and dampen his socks, the Headmaster informed them of why they were here.

...

...well, he couldn't very well argue with research, could he? All that bit about building character was bunk, in his opinion, but if this would lead to higher knowledge and better grades he was all for it, inappropriate footwear or no. With a slight slip-and-squelch from his shoes, he was off.

There was Alastair. Oh.. He didn't have the right shoes for today. Tad looked around before he went to him. "Hey, you can wear my running shoes for today. I'm use to running without any outside." Five laps though.. Eh. His pain wouldn't be like his as he went ahead to take his own off. "I can always get another pair." It was no biggie to him. Now then... running. He was going to start with a light jog.

Oh wow. Oh woooooow.

All those times she had joked about wanting to get fitter, this was NOT WHAT SHE MEANT.

Tessa wanted to protest - like, immediately - but she wasn't stupid. She could tell the Headmaster meant business. His business was stupid, but he had made it clear what would happen to people that didn't comply. Figuring that the sooner she started the sooner she would finish, she took off around the pitch looking #fierce with a glint in her eye. She would MAKE THINGS RIGHT if it was the last thing she did.

For now.......

NOPE.

THIS WAS THE WORST.

Her thoughts became a stream of 'NOPE NOPE NOPE' in time with her steps.

Not a fat chance.

She was here. That was enough wasn't it?

The Gryffindor actually left the tower at the last possible moment she could without being late, not even bothering to change out of her sleepwear. Her shoes were so not ideal for running and she had absolutely no intention of doing so. In fact, the only reason why she was here was because that insufferable alarm was keeping her from falling back asleep and she wanted to get as far away from it as possible.

OH and this stupid man was trying to ruin the Quidditch pitch for them too. GREAT.

Since the moment Zoryn walked down, her arms were crossed tightly across her chest and boy, was she GLARING hard. A glare which only grew nastier as this 'new guy' began telling them that they were going to run every morning and that it was "obligatory". The Gryffindor rolled her eyes, looking around to see if anyone else was buying into this hippogriff dung. And to no one's surprise about seven first years looked like they had just wet themselves, a handful of third years looked like they were about to cry, and Derf... Well, he just looked like Derf, which, let's be honest... said a lot.

"HA!"

Zoryn actually LAUGHED OUT LOUD at that one. Good one, dude. Good luck trying to get that to happen.

Nope. The Gryffindor started her way, at the most LEISURELY PACE possible. Zoryn Spinnet wasn't running on someone else's terms. She'd walk them. He was lucky that she was even doing that much. Honestly this guy just showed up here and thinks he can tell them to RUN LAPS EVERY MORNING? It took her five years to warm up to Hawthorne, he could do his time too.

This was amusing to watch and hear, but even then Zachary thought the five laps was a bit much - especially for kids who had clearly never ran in their lives - which in Hogwarts case, seemed like more than half the population.

It would have been easier to ease them into this - because the headmaster was right, running could be brilliant for you - especially at the start of your day, but clearly the man was inviting a revolt by being a drill sergeant about it all.

Irregardless, he nodded at Natalie before moving, "start of easy, yeah? don't think you'd be able to make it to even one lap if you don't ease your body into this" he couldn't help but tell her as he started to jog forward.

Kimi was already struggling as he was reaching the end of his first lap and he was cursing under his breath because all this exercise wasn't bad but he had to watch how much he did because he didn't want to be ill again

Not too soon after he had arrived, Gaston had made his way onto the pitch. he was in all black as usual. They really needed to put some color into his wardrobe. Black was such a depressing color. "Morning, Gaston." Was all he could muster to say to the man. He was pretty angry still after last nights events, and now THIS. He had so many things he needed to get done. Running around the pitch was a waste of time.

Soon enough he noticed the new Diviniation Professor. He was oddly happy...which wasn't surprising seeing as he was in Scrimgeour's pocket. He would not be getting a greeting from Tristan. A nod would suffice, besides, he was pretty sure the greeting was for the students. The man hadn't made any attempts to speak to any of the Professors last night.

Tristan, overhearing the instructions Scrimgeour gave to Kaysha, was suddenly bubbling over with anger. It was good that he had the common sense not to say anything, no matter how badly he wanted to tell that git where he could stick his running. Clenching his jaw as well as his fists, he took a deep shaky breath, and turned away from the man.

Tristan listened as he made further instructions to the students. Five. FIVE BLOODY LAPS around the pitch. This was insanity. He wondered what the consequences would be if he chose to stand in the middle of the pitch in protest...but decided he would rather not find out.

Before he could get his mood right, he heard his name and turned to find Foster. He gave the man a very strained and stony smile. "Professor Davis." He said with a nod, before noticing that Kalen had been standing next to him. Instant relief rushed through him...but not enough to deplete him of the anger that had built up.

Tristan pursed his lips trying to hide the grin caused from Kalen's very loud snort when the new headmaster told them they had to run as well. When Kalen suggest they walk, however, the grin escaped completely.

"Shall we?" Tristan gestured with his arm to Kay and Kalen as if to say 'go ahead' and plastered a mischievous grin on his face. This was going to be an interesting morning for sure.

Tristan suddenly heard a student voice refusing to run and then bringing up his name. He quickly looked around to see where the voice was coming from when he saw Skyler. He appreciated the gesture, but wouldn't let her get into trouble on his account. "Skyler, thank you. Why don't you walk with me and Professor Kennedy, huh?" He wasn't going to give that man a reason to discipline her. "Come on." He nodded his head to the left to get her going and get out of the other man's vision.

The Headmaster must be a former Ravenclaw with some crazy still in him. He was lucky to have made it down when he did, dressed for a run in a T-shirt and Gym Shorts and sneakers, not meant for running 5 laps around a pitch but enough that he wouldn't feel uncomfortable in them that much. He had just heard the instruction to the rules being told to everyone who was down here and without even a second to collect himself Mark the Headmaster loudly say 'Begin'

Eep! He started Running with the crowd

Okay okay...Maybe the Pitch only looked huge from the Outside. Maybe it was actually much smaller than...OOFPHAHhgh

He ran right into the back of someone in front of him (LUCAS DAKEST) He took a few steps back and rubbed his nose as his nose was the first thing to make contact with the back of their Head. Was it bad that he had stopped right at the start to rub his red nose now? Uhhh..
Mark rubbed his nose and ran in place "Sorry...I uh...This is so unexpected."

Perhaps he should keep going?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samia

This was amusing to watch and hear, but even then Zachary thought the five laps was a bit much - especially for kids who had clearly never ran in their lives - which in Hogwarts case, seemed like more than half the population.

It would have been easier to ease them into this - because the headmaster was right, running could be brilliant for you - especially at the start of your day, but clearly the man was inviting a revolt by being a drill sergeant about it all.

Irregardless, he nodded at Natalie before moving, "start of easy, yeah? don't think you'd be able to make it to even one lap if you don't ease your body into this" he couldn't help but tell her as he started to jog forward.

Honestly, hearing everyone complain made Natalie wonder if that was why they SHOULD run five laps. It was a miracle no one was fat at this school, especially with the amazing food that the house elves made for them every day. Merlin.

Starting the jog was fine. Nothing hurt.. yet. She turned her head when she heard Zach's voice. She almost laughed, but instead she just smiled as she tried to keep her breathing even. "Are you doubting me already?" she asked, looking ahead.

When in TRUTH, she was ALREADY TIRED. But Zach didn't need to know that.

Was this man NUTS???

That was the only explanation Madison could find as to why he expected them to do FIVE laps around the pitch before they could even eat breakfast. Even professors were included in this.

She was tempted to just stay where she was and not do anything, but Madison did not want to get detention when she had just started at Hogwarts. So instead she rolled her eyes at the Headmaster before starting on her laps. But she wasn't doing any more than a slow walk.

Hah.

Jackson was into sports and all, but he definitely wasn't expecting to hear that they would be running five laps every morning... and BEFORE breakfast which would probably pain him a little. He had not expected to be adding PE to his school schedule this year, so for today, he would be running in the clothes that he had worn on the train. His sneakers were definitely not meant for running around Quidditch Pitches, but at least he wasn't running in his uniform shoes! Or flip flops or something. He arrived with a hoard of other students to the Pitch, the echoes of yawning everywhere. "Good morning, Sir," he greeted the Headmaster. "Good morning, professors," he continued with as much of a smile as he could muster to the teachers that had shown up already. He had decided that until he got a better feel for the situation, he would be playing nice with as many people as possible. That included these guys. Doing some (hopefully) subtle stretches as he listened, Jackson found himself nodding slightly. This man sounded like his primary school teachers back at home. They had definitely had to do PE every day then, but at least it was a bit later and he had had a chance to put something in his stomach.

He made a mental note to himself to send a letter home asking for some proper running clothes, and maybe some protein bars or something. The running wasn't going to be his favorite part of the day, but he really didn't have an argument against the Headmaster's logic. Exercise was definitely good for them... Especially with how they ate at feasts... Maybe he wouldn't be as terrible as Jackson had first thought? Maybe he didn't have a say in the matter of delivering that letter to Headmaster Hawthorne that way? Jackson wasn't going to let himself make too many hypotheses, for fear of overwhelming his brain a little too early into his Fifth Year. Perhaps he would have sung a different tune had he actually heard the Headmaster's reply to Jessa. Or that his House was already in the hole on points...

With that, they were instructed to begin their new daily activity. Jackson tried to get some last minute leg stretches in, and began with a jog. No way was he going to run this whole thing full out. He wouldn't even run half of it probably. He wouldn't be walking either. It was true, the faster you were done here, the earlier you could eat. Jackson had half a mind to run as much as he could just so that he could finish early and while everyone else was showering, he could grab food from the hall and take it upstairs. GENIUS, right? Maybe. He'd have to see if he could actually do the five laps without dying first. Reminding himself to breathe, Jackson continued at his pace for the first half a lap and then did the second half full out. The sweat was already starting to form, he could feel it. The chill breeze was getting colder on his skin now. Ack, he got the chills.

*shiver*

Stella was running around the pitch breathing hard, she looked over at Lucas breathing hard. " Great way... breathing hard "To start the year huh?" she asked him breathing hard. There was no way she could keep going like this, she feels like her lungs were on fire and she literally couldn't breathe. This man was a crazy evil pyshco path for making them do it. 'If it's so good for us, how about you crazy your beady stone face over and do a couple of laps yourself!' she thought to herself shooting glares at the 'Headmaster ' in the distance.

This was madness utterly complete madness, besides it being absolutely completely stupid in her opinion. She had a feeling she was going to have to go to the hospital wing her inhaler wasn't going to do the trick this time. It was all Mr. Beady Eye Stone Face's fault, first day and she was already having a asthma attack! This wasn't good, she hated this and was really going to hate it if she was with this evil meanie for all her Hogwarts years!

Great way to start the year?

Lucas sighed. He wanted to think about much happier things. You know, like lie-ins and feasts that weren't interrupted by crazy Headmasters. It would make the jogging part much much easier than what it was but..... Stella was right. Very right. "It sucks." Deep breath. "And everyday?! It's...." Deep breath. Again. "It's crazy, is what it is." He looked over in the direction she was looking at and opened his mouth to say something about the Headmaster person when-

OOMPH!

It was right then that someone (Mark) ran straight into his back. Someone who, like him, probably wasn't paying much attention to where they were going or what was going on and probably should've. But he would've heard them, wouldn't he? It didn't matter because it wasn't going to change what happened afterwards: the force of the run caused Lucas to trip forwards once... twice... and then over his own feet.

Down he went.... down, down, down.....

........

..............

"Ow."

"What." It wasn't a question, not really, as Alastair took the running shoes and stared at Thadius. He was used to running around in bare feet? It may have been that Alastair had grown up in a large city, but the very idea of bare feet outside brought to mind all sorts of unpleasantness, with dog poop being on the lighter side of the scale.

But, since Thadius said that he could always get another pair, and Alastair wasn't particularly confident that he could do the same, he slipped off his loafers and went about tying up the laces of the running shoes. At least they were laces, and not the velcro straps he'd seen on someone else's feet.

Once that was done, he asked, "D'you want to do this together, then?"

Stella didn't want this year to start out like this, it was suppose to be fun and happiness, not torture like she was in a military school! Ugh... if they had to do this every day for the rest of the year, she was going to lose it! "Beyond sucks, there's no other way to describe this!" she said breathing hard. Sweat was rolling down her face as she swallowed hard to catch her breath. " I know, crazy and completely stupid!" she said growling under her breath in anger.


Seeing Lucas fall her eyes widened as she stopped running. That had to hurt, it looked really painful for both of them. " Are you ok Lucas?" she asked him helping him up. Looking at Mark she bit her lip. "Hey are you ok? that looked like quite the hit." she said.

Looking around him as he walked his warm up, Dorian heard and saw glimpses of defiance all around him. The new Headmaster was really not in most people's good books and he had noticed that even some of the professors were not fond of the man either. Hey, he didn't get in to Ravenclaw because he was good at studying. He got in that House because he was observant and he was especially interested in seeing people's reactions.

He was probably going to become one of the most hated people at the school for even thinking this. But he did not think these morning excercises were a bad thing. What he DID have a problem with was his choice of words. Like they were some sort of military camp instead of a school. Now THAT he did not like but what could he do about it? The worst thing that could happen was getting a detention. And honestly, he did NOT want to find out what that man thought what detention meant.

Oh no wait, losing points would be the worst! Yes, definitely...

Anyway, when he found that his muscles were all warmed up, he picked up the pace and joined the back of the group. He passed by students who were taking their time and halfway through the first lap he started to feel it.

A stinging , painful feeling and the Ravenclaw stopped to grab his side. He still needed 4 and a half laps and he was already having pain in his side. Merlin's Beard he was going to miss breakfast!

Taking a deep breath, something he realised that he should NOT have been doing a second too late, the Ravenclaw went back to jogging. He just had to run off the pain and eventually he'd get better at it and finally he had managed to run one lap.

Just one lap and he was covered in sweat, his side hurt, his ears started to ring like hell because of the bloodflow and his breathing had become irregular because he was not used to this . He wanted nothing more than to cry. "How...how do i breathe?!" He gasped as he looked around for help.

Ryder sulked even more, curling himself into his hoodie as it was stated they would be doing this. every. morning. at. this. time. Although the headmaster's idea that this wasn't a punishment but was in fact good for him sounded a lot like his dad, he wouldn't be enjoying it any more than he did at home.

Even so, he started to move with the crowd as everyone began their jog. Five times the headmaster said...? And already people were down. Spotting Patrick, Ryder sped up momentarily, avoiding the mess, to run by his side. "Hey, so, do you know when tryouts will start?"

Skyler nodded. "Okay," she said quickly.
She then went with Professor Wayland careful not to look at the head master's face. What she did back there might have been a mistake but she did not regret it either. She hated that man, from the moment he stood up and made the announcement about him being the headmaster till now. She hated the way he acted, the way he talked, the way he carried himself, everything.

Not punishment, yet obligatory? Hanna frowned. Was this man CRAZY? Was he trying to run an army base or something? They were actually being forced to do it, whether they did something wrong or not. Even the Professors who were loyal, if this man knew anything about loyalty, to Headmistress Hawthorne by not standing WERE being punished for not standing. This man obviously had control issues.

At that current moment, Hanna wished nothing more than to pull out her wand and cast a nasty hex on Professor Booger. But she valued her life too much. Besides, she was a good runner, and didn't want to lose Ravenclaw any points, nor get detention.

So... off she ran, in the direction of flow, at a fast SPRINT. She wanted to get it over with as soon as possible, but on her second lap she passed Maddie, her fellow sweet tooth friend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Was this man NUTS???

That was the only explanation Madison could find as to why he expected them to do FIVE laps around the pitch before they could even eat breakfast. Even professors were included in this.

She was tempted to just stay where she was and not do anything, but Madison did not want to get detention when she had just started at Hogwarts. So instead she rolled her eyes at the Headmaster before starting on her laps. But she wasn't doing any more than a slow walk.

Hah.

"Hey Maddie," she said, backtracking to the Gryffindor. She was breathing a little hard, and starting to sweat a little, and the morning air whipping in her eyes as she ran had made them a little watery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitheach

Lizzie started off with the rest of the group, matching their slow pace at first until she eyed someone familiar up ahead. She recognized the Prefect from the start of term feast, she'd always liked company when running and maybe she could get some pointers from him for the coming year. She'd also heard rumors swirling around the common room that he had an interested in Care of Magical Creatures, and she could always talk about Magical Creatures.

"Hi," she breathed, matching the Prefect's steps. "My name's Lizzie, but you probably knew that."

Wow, running made her mind muddy.

"Was wondering if you minded if I accompanied you around the pitch, I always find running with company is more fun."

Derf was a bit lost in thoughts, trying to go over that list in his head and had moved on to smells by the time he heard someone's voice along side him and he naturally slowed his pace down a little since, well, his LONG legs made up about three or four of her strides in one go. "H-Hey," he smiled, jogging and talking was always a bit difficult and took the wind out of you more easily but he didn't mind. He was still, mostly, in good spirits. Though he would keep his responses a bit short just to be safe. He was still on lap number one, after all. "I remember you're Sorting, yeah." Which meant he remembered her name and stuff. "Derf," he smiled, in case she forgot. "...and I don't mind at all."

Though slowing his pace ironically did make his own workout a bit more cumbersome, his long limbs clamoring to stretch out and move at their natural rhythm.

"First night go...okay?" He was, well, particularly worried about how all this was affecting the first years...but Lizzie seemed in well enough spirits and still had a healthy dose of optimism so it kept his expression soft as they jogged together. The sixth year had tried his best to be chipper and positively informative during his escort from the Great Hall to the common room after the feast and stuff.

.........until his attention was drawn to the loud and unmistakable laugh that belonged to Zoryn. Though his lips curled into an amused smile seeing that unbreakable attitude of her show so prominently on her features, it made that knot in his stomach tighten all the more.

ESPECIALLY when he saw her SHOES.

His wand was in his pocket, as always, maybe he could...jog them close enough to his friend so he could subtly transfigure her shoes into something less...pink fuzzy slipper-like? He was going to try at least...when he ran past her when he started his second lap since, well, she would not be making too much progress with the combination of her defiant pace and those shoes.

And speaking of slow paces...Derf's heart SANK when he saw Professor Wayland walking. Not in so much that he was disappointing in the man, and his colleagues, defying the new headmaster PER SAY (because he was oddly proud of that) ...but more he was scared of what the repercussions would be for THEM. What had happened to Headmistress Hawthorne had not been a last minute decision and he was sure of it, it had been to make an example and send a warning...which was almost enough to prompt the Hufflepuff to call out to the walking trio - just some innocent words of encouragement - but he quickly thought the better of it. Best not to draw...additional attention, right?

Coming around the curve of the pitch, Derf noticed Dorian struggling and he immediately took off at a sprint to come to the Ravenclaw's side - Lizzie would understand, surely. "Hey hey, I got you," Derf coaxed, shutting the headmaster's instructions out of his mind because THIS was what he had been given a badge for, to help his classmates and not ignore them when they were suffering, and carefully crouched down so his nearly 6 foot self could give the fourth year better access to his shoulders while he draped one of the boy's arms over them. "I think you need some water..."

It hurt. It already hurt. Not in his legs or anything, but in his lungs. Abra didn't think he was necessarily unfit - he did swim a fair bit for fun, enough to keep himself in shape - but something about running outside in what was, to him, the cold air... it was just kind of painful. He wasn't at all used to it, but he didn't dare stop. Nobody could say that he didn't try, and it wasn't like he had a very good reason to not give it a go, not like Jessa did.

Around him, people were striking up conversations as they ran, but Abra found himself silently pleading that nobody tried to talk to him. He could only imagine that it would make breathing more difficult than it already was, which would make running more difficult, which would mean he'd need to slow down and walk, which would prolong this entire predicament and might even make him miss breakfast.

How long had he been running for? It was hard to tell, but it already felt like forever, and Abra had barely completed one lap. His lungs were searing uncomfortably, though the rest of his body was actually starting to warm up a bit, and he could hardly imagine completing that same distance a whole five more- woahhhhhkay. First year down!

Not too far away from him, Abra spotted Lucas hit the deck, and he automatically went straight over to where he and some other first years were gathered. He just... wanted to check the kid was okay and admittedly it did give him a chance to recover for a moment.

"Lucas? ... You okay?" Abra asked his young housemate between great breaths, crouching down to one knee and hoping against hope that Scrimgeour wouldn't start barking at Lucas for taking too long to get back up or something, all the while figuring that it was only a matter of time until they were all ordered to start running again. "Can you... are you okay to... get up?" Anything broken??? Abra looked up at Stella and the other boy nearby. "You two okay?" The boy was rubbing his nose and Stella looked like she was struggling to breathe much worse than Abra was, so it seemed a reasonable question.

To be honest, Katrina would have probably arrived sooner, but she hadn't been sure the LOUD announcement was meant for professors as well. She did arrive in time to hear Scrimgeour's instructions of the five laps and to go station herself around the pitch. Given that she had risen during his speech, more just because she was new and wasn't sure what to expect. She had of course heard of the recent dangers of Hogwarts before beginning her employment, so it wasn't like she was adverse to change if it meant increased safety. She was open-minded at the moment. Five laps though? She couldn't even imagine. Katrina was not big on running, herself, but she could definitely be on board with more physical exercise to promote mental acuity. But there were other ways to exercise than by running; she was a fan of yoga and camelback riding, although she didn't suspect she would find many camels in the Scottish climate. Or any at all.

Crossing to the other side of the pitch, the new Runes Professor stopped when she saw a young Ravenclaw unfurling a muddy piece of parchment. "Miss Gladin, please." she said, confiscating the parchment in its tracks of being passed. Quickly scanning over the note, she glanced up at the older headmaster, then down at the note again.

"The task. Laps." She gently encouraged of the girl, as she folded it back up, sliding it into the band on her yoga pants for safe keeping.

She might have been showing respect for Scrimgeour, but having a flair for the dramatics, who really knew if she was acting or not? For now though, she would play the part of the cooperative and supportive professor.

To be entirely honest, Jessa wasn’t surprised by the man’s response. It seemed perfectly in line with the character he’d thus far put forth for them to assess. Jessa stared impassively at him a moment, not flinching at the loss of points. Ravenclaw never won while Hirsch was here. She didn’t care if they ever won now that he was gone. Victory would never be attributed to Stewart.

His options gave her a silent moment’s pause as she considered both options. Run this massive field and most certainly suffer an asthma attack, one that if bad enough could end up being a good thing. Or skip breakfast. Skip breakfast and space through her morning classes while her stomach rumbled and gnawed away at itself.

Admittedly, a hard choice—but not for the reason most would think. Rather than protest as that one Slytherin (Skyler) was doing, Jessa simply turned to face the pitch. The arrival and greeting of the new Divination Professor went ignored as did the arrival of the other professors. In her mind, they were all complicit. One step into what she had no doubt would be a long walk and she caught Derf’s muttered words. It did get a smile out of her, if only just a small one. ”Just don’t go getting into trouble on my account.” Because then she’d feel absolutely horrible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

"HA!"

Zoryn actually LAUGHED OUT LOUD at that one. Good one, dude. Good luck trying to get that to happen.

Nope. The Gryffindor started her way, at the most LEISURELY PACE possible. Zoryn Spinnet wasn't running on someone else's terms. She'd walk them. He was lucky that she was even doing that much. Honestly this guy just showed up here and thinks he can tell them to RUN LAPS EVERY MORNING? It took her five years to warm up to Hawthorne, he could do his time too.

And then they were off. Jessa watched them run off, noticing the way some already seemed to be tripping over their own feet. It was all the more incentive to keep walking. If this really was going to be daily, then she braced herself for what was going to be a school year without breakfast.

Just a small ways off, she noticed Zoryn going at a pace more conducive to her lungs and fell in step with her. “Reckon if we take this “steady enough” we stand a real chance of skipping our first class too with permission.” She said, once they’d moved out of ear shot. It worked for her. If she didn’t have breakfast, she didn’t wanna go to the class after breakfast either and was VERY capable of going at a snail’s pace—for her health of course.

Only way around that was for Scrimgeour to go back on his word that they had to finish.

five laps.

five laps around the pitch. even when at her most athletic Julie doubted she would have managed five laps around the quidditch pitch with any sort of ease, let alone after a summer of mis-spent days on the couch feeling sorrow for herself and eating sugar quills.

The Seventh Year stretched out her long legs, making sure to pull down the edges of her light grey jogging shorts (which matched her light grey jogging jacket) as she bent over lest they ride up too high, and then, rising up again Julie allowed her eyes to wander over the other students as they warmed up or got straight into the jog. Many already looked tired, but some, miraculously, looked bright and ready for the morning's exercise.

Julie was in neither category. she was neither excited nor upset, but simply ready to get this over with and start the day on her own terms. Ignoring the third years, Zoryn, Derf, the professors, Scrimgeour and the unhelpful sight of Jesse Cambridge, Julie tossed back her hair and - with her lazy muscles straining - began to jog, lightly to start. an after warm-up warm-up.

After the headmaster talking about how this running is good for you Bettie added in a low voice "It is also a great way to not have to deal with your older brothers who think this time in the morning is a great time to fight." That being said Bettie did some stretches, Jogged her 5 laps and begins she could go after she was done with the laps she just continued her jog right out of the pitch and down to the castle just to see how far she can get.