An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
With the cold weather and snowy grounds, it didn't seem like the sort of day to hold a flying refresher -- yet there stood madam Graysteel, by two rows of broomsticks. Same as for the lessons they'd all taken in 1st year, these were generic school brooms -- though in decent condition and neatly arranged. Students could stand with one, with plenty of room to avoid each other's space.
The lesson hadn't started yet, as students were still arriving.
It was such an unusual sight, seeing the wide mix of year levels and, mostly likely, flying skill levels. It helped strip away any feeling of it being a lesson, but more of an event where they just gathered to enjoy flying and sharpen their skills. It also helped that everyone was free to come and go as they pleased.
'Choose a broom and mount it,' Professor Graysteel said, even treating them as more than capable fliers who didn't need her direct supervision or any beginner's precautions. 'Feel free to do a few laps to warm up; keep to the Training Grounds, please.'
She must have meant warm up in a more sporty sense, as the morning air was cold and snowy. Flying around in it was a challenge... but then again, perhaps for sharpening one's skills this was actually the perfect day / weather for it?
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Oct 29, 2023 15:45:17 GMT 10
Toby had so much energy. He felt that he did not need a broom in that moment to achieve flight, all he'd have to do was take one giant leap and he'd become airborne.
The morning had greeted him with the best news and now he got to spend it on a broom? When he had barely touched one all year due to his stupid stay in the hospital wing preventing him from playing in the first match of the season. Things were only looking up for Tobias Twiggs.
He waved to Madam Graysteel and then humming to himself walked the ranks of the brooms available. Deciding on one that he felt was worthy of him.
Mounting his broom of choice, he kicked off from the ground with a small 'woop!' of joy and sped off - ensuring that he obeyed and stayed within the training grounds. He wasn't against breaking the rules, but he'd really rather not have his time in the air cut short just for a victory lap around the castle.
It felt so good to be in the sky again, though he'd feel better once he was atop his own broom, searching for the golden snitch and praying that his teammates scored them the lead...
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 29, 2023 17:14:44 GMT 10
"Hiya Toby!" Kody greeted the younger student who just so happened to be Gryffindor's amazing Seeker!
Kody eagerly greeted Madam Graysteel as well before he picked a broom that 'called to him' and mounted it. It might seem silly for him to come to a refresher course but it had been so long since he had to take Flying Lessons that he kind of missed it.
And any chance to polish his skills on a broom were always welcome.
He flew around in a lazy circle at first as he got used to the broom. It really made him miss being on his Moonclaw but he pat the broom fondly and soon was more comfortable to push it a bit further.
Kody grinned at Toby, "Want to race around for a lap?"
The snow was... Interesting to fly in and Kody was glad he had thought to bring his scarf and beanie with him. Sadly, gloves had been forgotten for the time being.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Oct 29, 2023 17:26:17 GMT 10
An opportunity to learn from Madam Graysteel herself. No way Joshua could pass on that. He wanted to do better next match, after all.
He felt slightly nervous as he greeted her and approached the rows of brooms, yet he was at least prepared in the gear department, even having thought to wear his gloves.
"Up!"
Thankfully the broom he had chosen had also chosen him and lifted into his hand immediately when called.
Looking around, he spotted Toby and Kody, the two Gryffindors were talking about a race.
That sounded fun.
He mounted the broom and lifted off the ground to join the others in flying some laps.
It was niserably cold and Joshua thought they shoulde wear some kind of masks to protect their noses from frostbite.
Nonetheless, he was excited for the event and contented with 'warming up' in the chilly air until either his friends arrived or the lesson began.
Post by Alora Sagemore on Oct 29, 2023 18:07:30 GMT 10
Even though Alora was packed warmly against the cold with thick clothes, boots, scarf, earmuffs and gloves, they weren’t any real help for her for the walk down to the Training Grounds.
At least regarding the action of walking.
Alora had quite the difficulties even arriving at the Grounds. The snow was still quite fresh, not many students had used the path before her, so it took effort to trudge through it – with grace.
The most horrible part, though, was accidentally encountering ice. Ice was Alora’s nemesis when it came to walking. She already had problems doing so on normal ground, so one could imagine what would happen if you combined her clumsiness on foot with ice.
Alora tried to keep a lookout for the dangerous terrain, but a bit of ice was hiding just beneath a thin layer of snow. She stepped only with one foot onto it, and her foot immediately slipped, making her fall backwards, flailing with her arms.
Trying to save herself, Alora thrust herself forward and somehow managed to loose balance in the other direction, nearing the ground with her upper body. Reflexively she tensed up, extended her arms to both of her sides, her other leg up in the air, sliding with only one foot across the layer of ice.
She grinned as she noticed that she had accomplished a state of equilibrium at the exact right time! How fun!
Alora arrived at the end of ice and came to a halt, setting down her feet onto more or less solid snow again, brushing down her clothes, smiling brightly with contentment.
Some students, who were walking the same path as her, had looked at her with fear in their eyes for her falling, but it soon was replaced with jaw-dropping and even some claps.
Well… eh, time to get going!
No desire for any more attention, she carefully trudged through the snow, reaching the Training Grounds with no other issues.
Upon hearing Madam Graysteel’s instructions, Alora took one broom, then a look around. She gave a graceful wave and smile to the two Gryffindors and also one to Joshua as she recognised him.
Like the boys, she mounted the broom and lifted herself off the ground. It had been a while since she had flew one, but she still remembered all too well the training broomsticks they had tried out at home. It would be so much fun if they could do that again! Papa had mentioned in his letter about thinking about it…
For now, though, she had to focus on the Flying lesson here. First, warm-up laps.
It took Alora a moment to get used to the movements and handling of her broom, but soon she was zooming around the pitch as well, though still sitting rather upright on her broom, making her look impressive as ever.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Oct 29, 2023 18:59:06 GMT 10
Toby did a loop, then a twist and then another loop. Oh, how he'd missed flying - the only thing that could improve his mood right now was if Joe and Ryan were there with him. But he didn't even know what their plans were that morning, did they join that choir thing? He knew Martha had.
A voice called to him and he slowed his broom. Never coming to a full stop, which was to be expected. Not many could say they'd seen him hold still for more than a moment or two.
"Hi Kody!" He called back, waving enthusiastically to his teammate. At least he knew somebody at this event.
Waiting until the older student was in the air, he then flew closer - he was proposing a race? He hoped to conquer the amazing Toby Twiggs?
"Sure! First one to complete three laps wins!" He announced loud enough for any students already on brooms to hear. "Ready, go!"
And then without waiting to see if anyone was ready, he was off on his first lap as fast as the school issued broom would carry him.
Last Edit: Oct 29, 2023 19:07:53 GMT 10 by Lena: ^-^
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 29, 2023 22:24:29 GMT 10
Kody was excited (and glad) that Toby was happy to join in. Of course, the younger boy didn't give him much of a warning before he took off.
That didn't bother Kody who raced after the Seeker. He urged his school broom to go as fast as possible but it just didn't hold a candle to his beloved Moonclaw. The steering wasn't perfect either and he had to keep over-correcting as it seemed to want to turn left as much as possible.
Leaning down, he whispered some words of encouragement to the broom and told it what a great job it was doing. He was honoured to be its rider and hoped they could win the race together.
Had that helped or was it just his imagination?
Either way, Kody caught up with Toby and, rounding the next bend, overtook the other Gryffindor. He let out a whoop as he whizzed along and hoped he could keep his lead.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Oct 29, 2023 22:39:24 GMT 10
Ah, yes. There they went.
Joshua grinned as he watched his little brother and Kody start their race, though remained at his own pace.
Wouldn't do much good if he exhausted himself before the lesson even started. Besides, Gryffindor hadn't played the last match, they weren't as exhausted.
Not that Tobias had been playing the match before... Joshua supposed his brother was more eager than most to get to flying.
He wondered if they would have time to explore some places in Japan via broom. That would be so neat!
Another student had joined the warm-up and Joshua adjusted his path to swerve around her. None of his friends, sadly.
He recognised the girl however and brought the school broom in to fly next to her, if just for a while.
"Alright, Alora?", he gave her a friendly smile.
"Come to show me up in the skies as well as the Duellist Chamber?"
He playfully stuck out his tongue to show her he was joking.
Post by Alora Sagemore on Oct 29, 2023 23:27:13 GMT 10
Alora watched as her fellow Gryffindors dared to make a race. Her fingers itched to do the same, but the Sagemore side of her said ‘no’ with quite the determination.
Well, there would be other times to participate in something like that, right? Who knew how their Quidditch practise would look like!
Out of the corner of her eyes she saw someone approaching her on broom. She returned the smile as she saw it was Joshua.
“Howzit, Joshua?” Alora asked back with a grin, though then blinked quite baffled at Joshua, more because of his reaction than his sentence.
She definitely wasn’t used to others sticking their tongue out to her, her a Sagemore. That was new. Though she then came to one two conclusions: He either didn’t care she was one or he didn’t know.
Either way, Alora liked that. Finally someone who treated her like any other normal kid.
Well, she still would be careful for a bit longer just to be one the save side.
She eyes him on his broom and smiled.
“Well, you look like you would beat me on the broom! And for the duel, we could repeat that, if you want. Maybe you have more luck next time!”
As Alora would have loved to reciprocate the tongue, she refrained from it and just gave him a teasing grin, carrying on flying next to the Hufflepuff.
Last Edit: Oct 29, 2023 23:28:28 GMT 10 by Alora Sagemore
Post by Caine Hawke on Oct 29, 2023 23:33:37 GMT 10
He hadn't gotten a scarf like he'd wanted to do. No, instead he'd just gone out to the flying refresher in his warmest coat. A scarf would get all flappy and in the way and the last thing he wanted was to have his vision obscured because he had put on a scarf. So, coat it was. He could grab one later and thaw out in front of a fire inside the castle or something. Gloves, however, were a big deal - with the fingers cut out so he could hold onto the broom but, otherwise, warming his hands.
Caine had been prepared for the snow. He'd seen it in the Great Hall but that didn't make it any less exciting once he'd actually stepped foot outside. He thrilled at it! Hands spreading outward to catch a few flakes being the only dalliance he allowed himself before taking off and running full speed toward the refresher course and all the people gathered there.
Skidding to a halt in the snow he laughed as little puffs of snow kicked up at his feet, taking one of the brooms that were gathered there (only slightly sad that it wasn't his own.)
Josh was talking to a kid in Gryffindor robes - another Quidditch Toddler he was sure, but hey, even if they were vicious they were adorable! Not to mention good at the sport. In fact, Caine was impressed with them.
"Up." he commanded the broom with practiced ease, jumping on the thing and making his way slowly over to Josh and said Gryffindor but, getting closer, arched a brow. Oh. Oh he knew that kid!
"Sagemore, Joshie." he drew out his best friend's name in a teasingly romantic way, running a finger across his shoulder as he zoomed up behind him perhaps a little too fast for comfort, "Why aren't we racing? That would be a hell of a lot more fun!"
With that, he zigged around his best friend and took off.
[[OOC: Touch permission granted]]
Last Edit: Oct 29, 2023 23:36:16 GMT 10 by Caine Hawke
Post by Sophia Rhynhart on Oct 29, 2023 23:50:18 GMT 10
Sophia hardly needed a refresher, but any excuse to hone some skills and do some flying was good enough reason for her. She wasn't sure how long to stay though, as Martha would be caroling in Hogsmeade and Sophia simply had to see that at some point. And show her support, of course.
She'd arrived just as Caine and Joshua began zigging around. With a smirk, she retrieved one of the school brooms (ugh, these again) and quietly mounted with ease. Hovering, Sophia waited for the right moment -- then cast Madam Graysteel a cautious glance.
Doing something stupid, as Martha might say, Sophia shot up and "appeared" in front of her two friends. Sophia poked her tongue at them, waving her hands to say hello. She was ready to move the heck out of the way though, if their braking reflexes weren't up to par. Well, they could use the practice them.
'Hiya.' Sophia grinned, cheeky as always. 'Fancy seeing you. Do you come here often?'
She glanced at the falling snow, glad to have tucked her head warmly into a Hufflepuff beanie (her pixie cut was still there; she was rather liking it). She wore casual clothes but a thick blue sweater from home. And of course had mittens on, cuz what insane person went flying in this weather without them? She shot Caine and Joshua's hands a glance.
'Whole team's here,' she added with a grin. 'See anyone interesting? No wait, why are we hovering around for a chat? I thought I saw the start of an awesome race. C'mon, last one to end of the Field has to... we'll decide the penalty later.'
Post by Amber Lloyd on Oct 30, 2023 0:01:24 GMT 10
Amber sprinted the whole way from the Greenhouse to the Training Grounds. At least she tried to, but the snow sometimes made it difficult. The snow was beautiful but she had no time to admire it.
She had to meet up with her friends. Not only because they had agreed to meet up, but she needed to talk to someone about what just happened. She was almost bursting with the need to tell!
And her friends should be the first ones to know. Amber grinned as she slithered down a snowy hill.
She had the vivid image of them freaking out in her mind, just as she had been a few moments earlier. Well, neither them would have expected that. At least she hadn’t! And she would still have trouble believing it if not for the badge attached to her robe.
As Amber arrived bit short-breathed at her destination, though fully warmed up now, she first took her time to catch her breath, just standing near the assortment of brooms. She tucked her scarf away, then pulled out some bobby pins out of a pocket of her robe, tucking her pigtails up into two buns like she had done yesterday for the match. It had proved to be quite an effective way to get her hair out of the way.
A little ray of sunshine peeked through the clouds and hit her, making her flushed cheeks, carnelian ear studs and Captains Badge trying to outshine each other.
Taking in her surroundings now, she noticed there were already some Gryffindors flying a few laps, racing against each other, but she soon spotted a few familiar Hufflepuffs as well. Their whole team was there, racing
… Where were her teammates?
Well, it seemed she’d have to tell them later the good news. Now, it was time to tell her friends. Perhaps without them dropping from their brooms out of shock.
Amber grabbed a school broom and waved with it like crazy to her friends, grinning from ear to ear, her face glowing more shiny than her badge.
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Oct 30, 2023 0:27:13 GMT 10
She had gone as quickly as possible to the Gryffindor Common Room, penned a quick letter to Papa only to have to make a mad dash with the letter to the owlery where she was quick to offer an owl a treat and watch it fly off to deliver her message.
I apologize for my failure to write. There is no excuse for it aside from my getting into potions kits and trying my best to make more friends aside from my dorm mates. They're amazing, absolutely, but I am so excited to be able to call others from different houses my friends, too.
I received your letter at breakfast and had Alora read it to make sure that she was refreshed on the plan. She remembers and we will abide by the plan without deviation. I can't tell you how excited I am to see the family tomorrow. I've missed you all terribly and would love nothing more than to talk about what's happened with Quidditch and the Team and everything in person.
I know you said that I could join the team but I wanted to offer details face to face because, honestly, I think it's better that way. (Kamari doodles a little smiley face here)
As for the Founder's Ball I hadn't thought about it. I don't have many friends to go with that weren't already going with someone else but this morning I was asked to go by a new acquaintance. I'd love to attend but I am aware that my poor time management, decision making, lack of writing and planning would be the reason I couldn't attend this year.
I understand that there's little time and that getting something tailored properly is impossible but if there's any chance at all of getting a set of dress robes I'd be grateful. I understand if it cannot be done but... without asking the answer is always no. I do, regardless of the answer, agree to be better with writing in the future.
The bags you sent were beautiful! Thank you very much for sending them. I will be packing away what I need tonight and helping Alora get her things together in the morning so that getting to the train is more efficient. I will keep an eye out for the body guard as you instructed. I can't wait to hear about the Fundraiser Ball and would like to speak with you tomorrow evening about an idea I had if at all possible that is on the same note.
I love you, miss you, and am eagerly anticipating coming home to you, Mama, Aunt Taraji and Ringwald!
Your Daughter,
Kamari
Once that was done she turned heel and made her way back down the stairs, out the doors, and, while running, made sure to tie her hair up so that it wouldn't get tangled or otherwise mussed in the wind - the last thing she wanted was something happening to it!
Once in the snow, on the pitch, Kamari struggled to catch her breath. Goodness that had been a run! It had been chaos. Absolute chaos! And yet she'd made it! From the looks of it everyone was still doing laps!
Taking one of the brooms offered she made her way away from the other brooms to make sure she didn't knock any over.
Instead she ended up next to a pretty Ravenclaw girl with the best ear-rings! Oh!
"Pardon me," she started, polite. Even toned. "Your earrings are beautiful! Where did you get them?" She silently pleaded that it wasn't Hogsmeade. Kamari hadn't yet gained the confidence or courage to venture into the town so... fingers crossed, right? She glanced at the girl a moment, taking in her clothing, and the badge she wore.
But... Ravenclaw hadn't had a captain, had they? Not last game, surely.
That would mean! Oh!
"Your badge looks new..." she pointed at the shining Captain's badge with a smile, "Congratulations! I didn't see your team play yesterday but my sister said it was amazing!"
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Oct 30, 2023 0:32:11 GMT 10
"Aw, don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you'll do great." Joshua smiled at her, yet mused over Alora's stiff posture. Would probably have to get more used to aerodynamics.
He nodded to her offer of more duels. Perhaps.
Joshua was distracted by the familiar voice of his best bud, rolling his eyes at the drawn out, romantic tone. Then the tickle on his back.
Joshua playfully slapped the hand away, Alora forgotten, until... Sagemore who? Alora Sagemore?
Joshua could feel the blood drain from his face. He hadn't really just casually stuck his tongue at a Sagemore, had he?
He wished suddenly wished a dragon appeared from the snow clouds and swallowed him. But he had no such luck.
Race!
Good, yeah. He'd been against racing before, but now he'd like any excuse to get away from embarrassing himself further to a Sagemore and he took off after Caine.
That was, until they were promptly stopped by the sudden and rather unexpected appearance of none other than Sophia.
"Wahh! Soph!" -- Joshua braked hard and swerved to the side, his arm catching on his friend's waist in an awkwardly placed and impromptu hug.
He held on tightly for a few seconds however, to avoid falling to his snowy demise -- at the rate ot was snowing they'd find him in March.
Joshua couldn't help but laugh, feeling warmth for being in the air with his friends, almost forgetting why they were here.
Sophia had the same idea as Caine, though she proposed a penalty and that was about all the incentive he needed.
"Oi! No fair! You got a headstart!", he called before throwing himself forward on the school broom and chasing after his team mates, the world around them fading into the background for now.
Post by Caine Hawke on Oct 30, 2023 0:55:03 GMT 10
Shaking his hand in fake pain, Caine stuck out his bottom lip in a pout before it bloomed into a smile right before he took off after issuing his challenge.
He turned back slightly to make sure Josh and the Sagemore were following offering a wave in tease as he darted ahead. But he wasn't going all out. Nah, he'd give his friend a chhance to catch up if he needed to.
About the time he did, Sophie appeared in all of her glory. Caine grit his teeth, kicking back his weight so the handle went almost nose up, holding on so that he didn't topple off as the broom skid to a halt.
"Rude, I didn't get a hug. I see how it is." he huffed at his best friend, pretending to be upset. But theh smirk he wore said he was enjoying the reunion, too.
Then Sohie was talking about a race with a penalty. Yeah... no. He was not going to be flying laps or doing something outside the norm for himself if he lost! He could only imagine what his penalty would be: act like Snape at the Ball. No. Nuh-uh. He would rather stay in his dorm than do that!
"Tag, you're it." he huffed to himself, darting after the two other Hufflepuffs without a second thought.
"Don't be mad if you can't catch up!" he laughed as he lowered himself closer to the broom, speeding up to catch up to their Chaser.
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