The Girl who Vanished

Chapter 11

Ravenclaw Common Room

Having heard nothing from Professor Fig, Lara decides to relax and read the book on Potions she bought during her last visit to Hogsmeade. The book goes into great detail about how certain types of ingredients react with each other and how to recognize if a potion is becoming unstable and is at risk of exploding. She was so focused on her book she didn't notice Everett walk over.

Everett: "So, ready for Flying class tomorrow?" Lara jumps in surprise.

James and Sirius were like a pair of kids on Christmas day, they couldn't wait to see how good a flier she is. "Do you think she likes Quidditch?" Elizabeth asks her brother. "I don't know, unfortunately unless Professor Black changes his mind, she'll never get the chance to play while at Hogwarts."

Lara: "Oh Everett, you startled me. You mentioned Flying class?"

Everett: "Yeah, students are required to take it their first year but Madam Kogawa decided that with Black cancelling Quidditch this year we could all use a refresher. I think she worries that students, especially those who were on the Quidditch teams will go flying in their spare time and wants to make sure everyone is flying safely. Anyway, see you in class tomorrow."

Hogwarts Ground, The Next Day

It's time for her first Flying lesson and she is feeling a little nervous but before she can worry any further the Professor calls for everyone's attention.  

Madam Kogawa: "Everyone grab a broom and we shall get started."

Everyone lines up in two rows with a broom next to each of them.

Madam Kogawa: "Everyone please welcome our new student to our Flying Class."

Evangeline Bradsley: "Welcome!"

Samantha Dale: "Hello."

Arthur Plummly: "Hello."

Madam Kogawa: "The goal of today is to remind all of you how to manoeuvre on a broomstick safely, as broom flight is first and foremost a means of transportation. This, I fear, some of you have forgotten. Diving, rolling, and loop-the-loops will not be taught or, in fact, tolerated in this class - we'll leave that to professional Quidditch players like the Toyohashi Tengu."

Lawrence Davies: "Boo." Kogawa turns and frowns at the student.

"Based on her reaction I wonder if she tried out for the team but didn't make it." Harry wonders.

Madam Kogawa: "Not a fan, I take it. Now, let's see how well everyone kept up with their practice over the summer holidays. For those who need a refresher, step up to your broom, say 'up' firmly and clearly, then kick your leg over and rest your weight on the seat. Up!"

She mounts her own broom and instructs them to do the same.

Samantha Dale: "Up."

Everett Clopton: "Up!"

Lawrence Davies: "Up! You stupid, ratty school broom!"

"Don't be mean, you'll hurt the broom's feelings." Elizabeth jokes, her friends chuckle.

Lara: "Up!" Lara's broom shoots up into her hand immediately.

Madam Kogawa: "One leg over so there's a leg on each side - none of that side-saddle nonsense, a gust of wind will throw you right off."

Everyone mounted their brooms, Kogawa told them that if they heard her whistle while flying to land immediately. After hovering around for a few minutes to get her bearings Lara flew through the large rings placed around the courtyard. Eventually Madam Kogawa flew over and said she is ready for something more advanced and instructs her to fly around the grounds, along the way Everett flies by.