21

Chapter 21: Ravenclaw's Flying Lesson

At five o'clock in the afternoon, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students walked to the lawn where flying lessons were held. Standing here, one could see Hagrid's hut and the Forbidden Forest in the distance. Strange sounds occasionally drifted from that direction.

Unlike adventurous Gryffindors or trouble-stirring Slytherins, Ravenclaws exercised caution, exploring within the rules. Hufflepuff students were well-behaved, rarely breaking rules. Most from these houses wouldn't step into the Forbidden Forest until seventh year.

About twenty broomsticks lay in neat rows on the ground, Mrs. Hooch waiting ahead. Her hawk-like eyes scanned the students. "I'm sure you've heard about yesterday's incident! Mr. Longbottom from Gryffindor only broke his wrist. Be reckless, and next time, it might be a neck!"

The Raven and Badger nodded in agreement.

"Alright! Each of you stand beside a broomstick!"

Under Mrs. Hooch's watchful gaze, students moved without pushing. The school's brooms were old, branches gnarled, and oak handles uneven. Riding them wouldn't be comfortable.

Wade wondered if flying on these brooms would bruise his tailbone.

Michael muttered, "A Meteor... the cheapest broom."

Wade noticed Michael's worn broom, looking like it was made from twigs.

Mrs. Hooch instructed, "Extend your right hand, grip the handle, and say 'Up!'"

"Up!" students chorused.

Wade's broom rolled twice before jumping into his hand. Gripping it lightly, he realized it floated almost on its own.

He glanced at others. Some succeeded instantly; others—like Michael—fumbled, taking longer.

Once everyone held their brooms, Mrs. Hooch taught them to stay balanced and corrected postures.

Wade had thought flying would be simple, like in Harry Potter films. But riding was trickier than it seemed. The broom handle was thin; balancing required skill.

Luckily, spells cushioned bones. Riding felt like sitting on a chair—uncomfortable, but bearable.

After Mrs. Hooch approved postures, she moved to flying.

"When I blow the whistle, kick off. Grip your brooms; don't rise too high or you'll hit clouds! A bit up, then forward, then descend."

Mrs. Hooch repeated 'slowly' thrice. "Attention! Three, two, one!"

Students rose—some too high, others crashed. Two tumbled off with a grunt.

Mrs. Hooch waved her wand in time. No injuries.

A Ravenclaw girl sped toward the broom shed, yelling!

"Obstacles ahead!" Mrs. Hooch warned.

The girl hit a wall, broom shattered.

Mrs. Hooch summoned a broom, unperturbed, letting the girl continue.

Wade hovered, gradually speeding. A few mastered control; most stayed low on Mrs. Hooch's orders.

Accidents persisted.

Two brooms collided; a Hufflepuff boy fell at low altitude, afraid of heights.

Chaos reigned. Mrs. Hooch, like an octopus, wielded her wand, averting crises. A reckless student struck her, losing Hufflepuff five points!

Wade understood Mrs. Hooch's constant irritation, teaching novices akin to drivers with reckless learners.

Class ended; students rushed to Madam Pomfrey. Wade and Michael, unscathed, dined.

"Hey, Wade!"

Hermione beckoned. Wade joined Gryffindor's table.

"How was flying class?"

"Exhausting," Michael sighed, grabbing bread and chicken.

Wade drank juice, saying, "First-time flyers. Many hurt, some fainted."

Hermione nodded. "Flying's risky without protection."

She disliked brooms and Quidditch.

"It's a skill needing practice. Top Quidditch players fly like birds."

Michael regained energy. Wade recalled hovering, Michael trembling high.

"A direct flight to the dorm," Michael said. "No stairs!"