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𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓪𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮 ⇷⧪⧪⇸
Annabelle watched her students, one by one, fly around the obstacles she set up for their exams. At least five students had completed the obstacle with perfect scores. But, it seemed that soon that pattern would change when it was Romilda Vane's turn. Annabelle had struggled throughout the year with the girl. She only had her mind on boys. Her attention span was one of a toddler's.
Annabelle tried to hide her disdain but it was impossible as the broom Romilda Vane picked wouldn't even fly into her hand. The further along the obstacle, the worse it got. Romilda couldn't get the height she wanted, so she would run into the large cones set in her path. Each cone dropped to the ground as Romilda flew. Then, when the poor girl reached the height test, she flipped upside down.
Romilda's screams filled the courtyard as she dangled from her broom. Annabelle walked to Romilda with an annoyed expression. Annabelle pried Romilda's fingers off the broom, and the girl fell thirteen inches to the ground. Romilda continued crying as if she had gone through a near-death experience.
Romilda held the worst score and was the only student to have a tantrum. A few Muggles struggled with the more challenging obstacles, but they were encouraged by their classmates. It warmed Annabelle's heart to see the students working together. Although she didn't see much of it from the Slytherins. They were huddled in their little circle, snickering wherever someone messed up.
"Eleanor, you're up," Annabelle announced.
The Muggleborn Hufflepuff stepped up, her fingers playing with each other as she glanced at the broom. Annabelle placed a hand on Eleanor's shoulder, making the girl look up. Annabelle smiled.
"Don't be nervous. You'll do great."
Eleanor's lips lifted into a fake smile. Then, she hovered her hand over the broom and commanded, "up!"
The broom flew to her hand. Eleanor deeply inhaled and mounted the broom. She began flying around the cones, executing the weaving flawlessly. She was doing fantastic until she reached the height portion. Annabelle saw the dread on Eleanor's face. Eleanor slowly made the gap between her feet and the ground bigger. Just as she reached the middle, she stopped. The broom began to tilt backward.
Eleanor yelped and threw herself forward, throwing her off balance even more. She began teetering back and forth, trying to reclaim her balance, but she couldn't find it. Annabelle could hear Eleanor whimpering. Annabelle's heart wanted to go to Eleanor and help her. However, Annabelle's brain told her to keep still and let Eleanor finish herself.
"Eleanor, just fix your hand placement. That should keep the broom balanced," said Astoria Greengrass.
Eleanor looked Astoria's way and then at her hands. She spread them out, and the teetering slowly ceased. Eleanor completed the rest of the course with ease. When her feet were on the ground again, Astoria ran to give her a hug. The rest of the Slytherins directed dirty looks at the pair, especially Astoria.
