Quiet in the Eve

Laura's Tryouts

That Friday, Evelyn and Helen stood lined up with the other first years; each of them holding a broom. Evelyn didn't feel all that great, because she didn't like heights and she was expected to be sitting on thin piece of wood, high up in the air.

Professor Evans: Okay, class. I am Professor Evans and I will be your flying teacher. This is my last year teaching, so best make my best year here.

Evelyn: (raising her hand) Professor?

Evans: Yes, Miss Scamander?

Evelyn: I don't like heights.

Evans: (his facial expression changing drastically) Then why are you in my class, Scamander?!

Evelyn: (gulping) Because I have to be. (looking back at him) But I like trying new things. Maybe I won't be scared.

Professor Evans tutted his tongue between his teeth, shaking his head. Evelyn did not find this helpful, more or less, she found incredibly unhelpful. She felt that he should be a little more helpful towards his students.

Evans: (turning back on Evelyn; angry) You want me to be more helpful! (he jabbed his finger towards a tower) Go save that falling student!

Evelyn: (looking to where he's pointing) Sir, there isn't a--

She was interrupted by a blood curdling scream. Poppy Lantview was falling from the exact place Professor Evans had pointed.

Evelyn: I-

Evans: (angrily) Do you want her to fall to her death?!

Evelyn: (taking a deep breath, hopping on her broom; muttering under her breath) This is crazy. He is crazy.

Evelyn flew as fast as she could, looking down as little as possible. She reached Poppy and grabbed her around the waist; carrying her back up to where she had been standing. Joseph and the Astronomy professor took her by the hands and helped her off Evelyn's broom. Evelyn looked down only a little bit, gasped loudly, and grasped her broom so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Evelyn: (flying back to the ground; muttering to herself) He is definitely crazy.

Helen: (running to her when she landed) Evelyn! You're an amazing flyer! Where'd you learn how to fly like that?!

Evelyn: (shakily) I never learned how to fly. Ever.

Evans: Well, Miss Scamander, I owe you an apology. I guess someone with a fear of heights is just as capable of flying as someone without.

The rest of the class, Professor Evans was a lot less strict and looked fondly upon Evelyn. Evelyn also caught the eyes of a lot of boys who wanted to fly like she just did. She ignored them to the best of her abilities, but one Gryffindor boy named Maximilion Xendor wouldn't stop staring at her.

When class was dismissed, Evelyn and Helen walked down the corridor only halfway before a voice was heard calling after her.

Maximilion: Hey, Evelyn!

Evelyn: (turning around; annoyed) What d'you want?

Maximilion: (catching his breathing when he came to a stop) Could you teach me to fly like that?

Evelyn: (surveying him from head to toe) No. It would be hopeless. Besides, right now, Helen and I must get to the Quidditch pitch.

Maximilion: (confused) But, you're in Slytherin. The Slytherin tryouts were yesterday. Today's Gryffindor.

Evelyn: (watching his face break into a smile) Okay, first off. No first year can tryout for the Quidditch teams. Second, I'm supporting one of my friends who is in Gryffindor.

Evelyn took hold of Helen's elbow and pulled her along behind her down the corridor, leaving Maximilion alone.

Maximilion: (calling after them) You can call me Max!

Evelyn: (calling back to him) Whatever you say! I'm sure we won't be seeing each other again!

Helen: (looking at Evelyn as they made their way down to the pitch) What are you doing, Evie? A boy asked you to teach him something and you're not freaking out over it!

Evelyn: (rolling her eyes) Goodness, Helen. Are boys the only things on your mind? First, you have a crush on my brother. Now, you want me to go head over heels for a Gryffindor boy that asked me to teach him how to fly once.

Helen: Well, Evie, I just was thinking.... maybe we should line up our options.

Evelyn: (smiling at her friend) Look. When the right boy comes around, I'll know. But right now, I think I'm too young for boys.

The girls walked down to the pitch and sat in the stands, watching the early comers file into the pitch for tryouts. Evelyn looked down onto the field and waved down when she saw Laura standing nervously in at the outskirts, watching some very cocky students giggling to each other. Evelyn took a piece of paper from her pocket and scribbled a short message on it. Then, she sent it down to Laura.

Helen: (as they watched Laura open it) What'd you write to make her smile like that?

Evelyn: Just some motivation.

Helen nodded and turned her attention back to the pitch, where the students trying out were taking off one by one. Laura was handed a small beater's bat and then she took off, looking around frantically for any bludgers.

Every time one of the kids trying out messed up, Samuel (the captain) would take them out. Eventually, there were only a few kids left on the pitch and Laura and another boy were the only ones holding a beater's bat.

She flew to the ground and was given a quick, hesitant, pat on the back by Samuel. She then flew up to Evelyn and Helen.

Laura: (with a big grin a her face) Thanks for that message, Evelyn. I needed that.

Evelyn: (smiling back) No problem. Anything for a friend.