Lesson One

by **Viktoria Steinburg** Mon Dec 12, 2011 8:56 pm

Viktoria trudged out onto the Quidditch feilds, they were not as big as she would have liked them to be but they were regulation so what more could she ask for? Smiling lightly as pulled the brooms behind her, making sure that they were all firmly fixed onto their mounts.

After all it had taken a lot of time to get the Doctor to stop talking about time travel to actuallt get onto the subject of brooms. And actually making him buy them was another thing.

Finally she reached the center of the pitch and sighed softly, waiting for her students to show up she sat down on the grass, and closed her eyes, hoping that even though she was young she would be accepted as a teacher.

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:58 am

Leading the way of the class of first years dreading the first lesson of flying, Tarragon was nearly running with the confidence. He'd flown before, so there was never going to be a problem with that bit. His own broom slung across his shoulders, learning to play Quidditch was ultimately the best thing of the day. Even trumping breakfast!

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:38 am

Alys couldn't help but he intimidated by Tarragon's enthusiasm. She herself had never flown before and did not own a broom. But she was relieved to see Lehrer Vikki had a stock, one less thing for the witch to worry about. Now all she needed to do was not look like an idiot in front of flyers like Ava and Tarragon and probably everyone else. Why oh why had Papa not seen fit to give her a try on a broom before sending her off to school?

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:14 am

Tarragon noticed how far back Alys had become from everyone else and doubled back on himself.

"Hey Alys, are you okay? If you like I'll stay with you whilst we're learning basics. Make sure you don't fall off or anything?"

He smiled in what he hoped to be a reasurring way.

by **Avangeline King** Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:08 am

Ava walked up to Alys and Tarragon, hearing his comment, Ava smiled at Alys. "You will be fine, I'll help you too. If you do make a mistake I promise I won't laugh. I haven't flown much at all." She reassured.

Turning towards the instructor Ava hoped their pep talk helped Alys calm down. Ava really hadn't flown much, she was barely above a beginner. Tarragon had brought his own broom! She asn't near as confidant as him.

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:35 am

He followed the girls over to where their Lehrer stood. Standing behind Alys to shelter her from the slight wind that was cutting across the Quidditch pitch. He could see the awe in both of their faces, as well as the mighty confusion in Alys as they looked around the stadium. He took a quick glance at Lehrer Vikki, before leaning into Alys' left ear.

"Confused Alys? Those there are your goal posts." He points to the vast rings above them. "The players who are the Chasers have to take the Quaffle and throw it through the hoops to earn their team 10 points. You then have the Keeper who tries to stop the Chasers from doing so. You also have two Beaters, who carry clubs to beat the Bludgers away from their own team mates and towards the opposition. And then lastly, you have your Seeker, they have to try and catch the Snitch, which scores them 150 and normally means they win the game."

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:43 am

Alys tried not to laugh, she honestly did. But the way Tarragon was going on and about about Quidditch rules made it very difficult. And when she saw Ava with that same expression on her face, Alys couldn't hold her laughter in anymore.

"Tarragon, my goodness, I know how Quidditch is played. I've been hearing Quidditch commentaries on the radio since I was old enough to understand them," she confided, trying not to look too amused. "I've just never flown before because we live close to Muggles and our area falls under the "restriction of broom use" zone."

Finally managing a straight face, she said "thanks for the explanation though." And as she said it, she realized she meant it too. All the nervousness she was feeling from earlier was gone now.

by **Avangeline King** Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:54 am

Ava stood stalk still, trying not to giggle as Tarragon went on and on, Alys never said she didn't know Quidditch, just that she hadn't flown. Ava gave him points for enthusiasm though.

"If its any consolation Tarragon I found the refresher to be very enlightening," A sparkle lit up her eyes that made her words a touch less sincere than they could have been otherwise.

Ava had never known how good it felt to stand around with friends teasing each other, without any intent to cause harm. It was a lot of fun just being herself.

by **Viktoria Steinburg** Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:24 pm

While Viktoria was loathed to interrupt the conversation between the students she really did need to get the lesson going, she didn't know if they would appreciate that, since as one of them seemingly already knew a lot about flying but she had to do her job.

Sighing and attempting to gain their attention by waving her hand politely, Viktoria sighed again and cleared her throat:

"Uhm hello everyone...can you all hear me?"

As soon as the students paid attention Viktoria smiled brightly and gestured to the brooms in the rack beside her.

"Right then. Welcome to flying! My name is Viktoria Steinburg you however may call me Vikki, or Viktoria whichever you prefer. Before we get you up on those brooms over there, we need to go through some of the rules of flying. Anyone want to offer one up? They're common sense really."

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 12:12 am

Tarragon knew he should have asked her if she understood first, but he could have sworn that she looked confused by the pitch. Evidently the thought of flying had just gotten the best of her, and he had misinterpretted. He did feel slightly embarassed, but was thankfully saved by the arrival of the teacher.

"Right then. Welcome to flying! My name is Viktoria Steinburg you however may call me Vikki, or Viktoria whichever you prefer. Before we get you up on those brooms over there, we need to go through some of the rules of flying. Anyone want to offer one up? They're common sense really."

So that was who the twenty-something year old was, their flying teacher. It all made sense now, the sporting teacher looking much younger than the rest. He smiled in her direction and raised his hand.

"Viktoria? I would suggest keeping hand on the broom at all times would be a good starting point, with a firm grip so that you don't slide off the other end of the broom."

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 2:13 am

Alys herself could only hazard a guess as to what those rules since her knowledge of flying ended at which way to sit on a broom. Still, the blonde tried to search around for something she could contribute, taking in the pitch and the brooms Lehrer Vikki had assembled.

"Umm, don't look down?" she tried, eying the clouds overhead. Alys wasn't afraid of heights but when said heights were the unlimited skies, yes, she was nervous.

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 2:20 am

Tarragon had to bite his lip hard not to laugh at her comment, he could tell Alys was nervous, but this was just a funny response. He supposed she had a point, but after the lesson he was sure that he wouldn't let her live it down quickly.

"I'd also suggest that when only beginning to learn to fly on a broom that attempting steep climbs and/or descents shouldn't be done to begin with, keeping the broom at a flatter angle for the time being would be good, and much less of a threat of falling off either end."

The nerves on Alys were coming more pronounced as he spoke, he probably hadn't thought that through, so he leans into Alys ear so only she can hear.

"I promise I'll fly beside you to make sure that it doesn't happen. And, I'm sure we'll only be flying just above the ground anyway..."

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 7:36 am

Annoyed by all this unnecessary interaction Lukas shot his hand up and without waiting for Lehrer to permit him to speak he asked her, a bit too loudly, if she could just go through all the rules quickly so they can start flying already.

He knew he could be punished for his rude behaviour but he was really too excited to learn flying like a professional.

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:55 am

When the boy from the Welcome Dance spoke up so rudely to Lehrer Vikki, the girl instantly wished he would be punished. What was his problem with the world anyway? How could anyone talk like that to sweet, friendly Lehrer Vikki was beyond her. She wanted to send a sharp word or broom handle his way but settled for a glare instead, narrowing her blue eyes as much as she could.

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:11 am

As soon as he finished talking he felt many eyes on him. As he looked through the faces of his class mates most of them seemed puzzled due to his reaction but punch girl was different. She was angry at him. Her eyes were so narrow it almost seemed she had closed them.

Putting on a smile Lukas looked at her and said," Hey long legs, another tip for you. Keep your eyes open when you fly or you'd be crashing real bad."

by **Avangeline King** Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:24 am

Ava was liking this boy less and less with every word out of his mouth. "Hey back off! You were the one being rude." She directed at him before saying to Alys.

"I won't let you fall. You will be fine, there are enough of us around we can keep you safe." Ava reassured, hoping the boy's words hadn't upset her too badly.

by Guest Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:53 am

"Don't worry wild cat I am not going to bite you... not yet anyway", replied a smirking Lukas to Ava's remarks.

He thought Ava's reaction was pathetic. Ava seems such a strong and focused girl she shouldn't have comforted Alys, shouldn't have made her feel safe and dependent on her friends. But what does he know maybe girls are like this...

by **Viktoria Steinburg** Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:16 pm

Viktoria nodded happily as Tarragon gave her two correct answers that was indeed some of the many rules that you needed to observe when flying, and, when Alys spoke she could tell just how nervous she was and she smiled kindly.

"Well done Tarragon, ten points to Muhe! And yes Alys that is good also! When you're perhaps just starting out looking down or doing anything to distract your attention is a bad idea, 5 points to Muhe."

Biting her lip as the new boy, who had in fact been late, asked to just start flying Viktoria felt her eyes widen, what was the need for such a mean comment? Then when he began to start on the other members of the class Viktoria frowned softly.

"Lukas. Kindly refrain from causing disruption in my class. You don't like what I'm doing, best leave. Go on. Unless you've decided you're going to be quiet and behave? 5 points from your house."

Viktoria then smiled happily and gestures to the broom stand next to her.

"Well then! I guess there's only a few left to cover, don't distract other flyers, and if the weather is poor
then be sure to wear the appropriate gear. Now, if you would like to get a broom and lay it at your feet, I'll go over the formal way to mount your broom for the new flyers in our midst."

And Viktoria sent a kindly smile at Alys.

by Guest Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:55 am

Lukas was pretty surprised by Lehrer Stienberg's reaction. He couldn't understand why 5 points where taken from his house. He deserved detention or some other punishment but his house didn't. He also couldn't understand why 5 points were given to Muhe for Alys's answer, it wasn't good enough of an answer.

He concluded that Lehrer Stienberg favored long legs a lot. She took her side at the ball as well. He decided it's best to just keep quite for now and observe everybody for a few days before doing or saying anything which can put him or his house at in a bad place. He has been in too much trouble already.

The only good thing was that lehrer was finally going to start the lesson. Trying to forget everything he now eagerly waited for the flying to begin.

by Guest Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:13 am

Tarragon smiled at his Lehrer when she gave him 10 points for Muhe. He felt proud he could contribute to the house runnings. He smiled even wider when Lukas had his 5 points removed from his house. That would teach him, he thought.

He waited for Alys and Ava to grab their broom and took his place on the opposite side of Alys than Ava, for moral support. He laid his Firebolt on the ground, watching Alys' every move to see if he could help her in some way.

by **Avangeline King** Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:52 am

Hearing Vikki instruct them to move towards their brooms, Ava scrambled to grab one and catch up to Tarragon and Alys. She would ignore the rude boy for now, the instructor had punished him, and he had offered to clean Kai off after dying her pink. She would watch him for awhile longer before making any enemies.

Taking her place beside Alys, she waited for the lesson to start, feeling a little sorry that she hadn't had anything to add to the rules. She had flown a bit, but not enough to feel comfortable given an answer that may turn out to be wrong. She smiled at Alys, the girl with no experience had answered when Ava couldn't that took some courage!

by Guest Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:35 am

Alys Diederich, from now on, you are going to ignore that boy, as if he doesn't even exit, the blonde coached herself firmly as she stepped towards one of the brooms in Lehrer Vikki's stock. She cast a surreptitious glance at Tarragon all ready beside his Firebolt and at Ava who was giving her courage by simply being there. Taking a deep breath, the girl pulled one of the brooms to her, gripping the handle firmly. Copying Ava and Tarragon, she lay the broom at her feet like Lehrer Vikki had instructed them to and positioned herself in such a way so she couldn't even see the boy who didn't exist.

See, she thought, I can ignore you.

by **Viktoria Steinburg** Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:48 pm

Viktoria smiled as all of the students grabbed a broom and laid it at their feet, it was going to be a good lesson she could tell, despite that little interruption everyone seemed ot be getting along and behaving themselves.

"Right! Now everybody hold your writing hand over your broom."

She waited until everyone had done this and then she smiled softly, it was good that they all seemed to respect what they were told to do.

"Now, calmly, and firmly say 'up' and the broom will jump into your hand, but please try to remain calm and unflustered if you don't it wont respond to you, it's a bit like talking to a cat or a dog. As weird as that sounds."

Viktoria smiled and waited for the students to complete that part of what they were doing and she smiled proudly.

"Now mount your broom by simply swinging your leg over it. And it's as easy as that."

by Guest Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:44 am

"Now, calmly, and firmly say 'up' and the broom will jump into your hand, but please try to remain calm and unflustered if you don't it wont respond to you, it's a bit like talking to a cat or a dog. As weird as that sounds."

Tarragon smiled to himself, this was the easy bit of the whole flying lesson, he hoped Alys would catch on quickly so she didn't have to feel silly in front of them all. He took in a deep breath.

"Up." Tarragon said to his broom calmly.

The broom shot to his hand without a second to miss. He knew this of course would happen and smiled. He looked across at Ava and Alys to see how they were getting on.

by Guest Fri Dec 16, 2011 5:01 am

"Up." Tarrragon's tone oozed confidence and Alys felt a little sick in her stomach. She had tried to look at how he did it to get some tips but he didn't seem to have put in any effort at all. If she messed up now, she would look worse than she was because she took a turn after him.

Inhaling and closing her eyes, the blonde extended her hand over the broom. Closing her eyes in concentration, the witch said in a tiny voice "Up..." Nothing happened.

Trying furiously not to blush, she kept her eyes closed, not wanting to see the expression on her classmates faces at her first failed attempt. Gathering her courage a little more, the witch said once again, a little more firmly. "Up!"

For a moment, she thought she had failed again but a second later, the hard handle of the broom had smacked her on the wrist. Not caring in the slightest, the witch grabbed it and smiled. She had managed to passed the first hurdle.