Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Flight Lessons
Throughout the weekend, Ryan spent most of his time in the library, dragged there by Hermione, except for a short lap around the Black Lake on Saturday morning. Initially, he had no interest in going, but after observing life in the common room for a few days, he realized that the wizarding world's entertainment options were rather limited—mostly chess, card games, or Quidditch. For someone who had traveled from the information age, this was far too dull. In contrast, the vast collection of magical books in the library was much more intriguing.
Besides reading, Ryan often sat by the fire in the common room on vacation nights, chatting with classmates. Occasionally, some of them would ask for help with their homework, and Ryan patiently guided them.
Through this, he finally understood why professors often got frustrated while grading assignments. Some students copied large sections straight from textbooks, while others failed to maintain logical flow between paragraphs. The worst cases involved students who, upon realizing their word count for Transfiguration homework was insufficient, simply tacked on a random section from their Potions assignment. Not to mention the numerous grammatical and spelling mistakes—errors even Ryan, in his past life, wouldn't have made.
It was a testament to the patience of Hogwarts professors. If Ryan were in their position, he would have been tempted to give a few of these opportunistic students a firm talking-to.
Faced with his classmates' pleading expressions, Ryan could only sigh and do his best to inspire them to complete their homework properly. He also introduced them to basic essay-writing structures from his past life.
However, when Sunday night arrived, he firmly refused some students' requests to copy his work.
As time passed, Ryan gradually built an image of a principled, helpful classmate among the Gryffindors. In contrast, Hermione continued to develop a reputation as a somewhat withdrawn bookworm. Ryan had hinted to her about this perception a few times, but she remained steadfast in her ways.
Finally, more than a month after the start of the term, a notice appeared in the Gryffindor common room: flying lessons were scheduled to begin on Thursday. The Gryffindor first-years would be joining their Slytherin counterparts. While the pairing with Slytherin was less than ideal, the news was otherwise exciting.
In the days leading up to the lesson, students from wizarding families chattered non-stop about Quidditch—except for Neville Longbottom, who seemed far more anxious than excited. Ryan had heard countless stories about the sport, but he still couldn't quite grasp its appeal.
However, through these discussions, Ryan also learned that every few years, one or two students developed an insurmountable fear of heights. Some even applied for exemptions from flying lessons, only to face social ridicule as cowards in the courtyard. He silently hoped he wouldn't end up as one of those unfortunate souls.
Thursday finally arrived. At breakfast, Hermione was busy reciting flying instructions from Quidditch Through the Ages. While she found it helpful, most students—except Neville—were growing increasingly annoyed by her non-stop commentary.
Seeing this, Ryan gestured for her to calm down.
"This is just like swimming," he said. "No matter how much theory you learn, it won't help unless you actually try it."
Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but at that moment, the morning mail arrived.
Neville received a Remembrall from his grandmother. Malfoy attempted to snatch it, but fortunately, Professor McGonagall intervened before the situation escalated.
By 3:30 in the afternoon, the first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins gathered on the school's practice field for their first flying lesson. The weather was perfect—a clear sky and a gentle breeze, ideal conditions for flying.
Neatly lined up on the ground were several dozen brooms. Ryan had heard from older students that these brooms were ancient, and some were even considered antiques.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed that many of the broom branches were worn and frayed. The handles, smoothed by years of use, gleamed in the sunlight. Their condition was questionable at best.
Then, their instructor, Madam Hooch, arrived.
She was a stern-looking woman with short gray hair and sharp, eagle-like yellow eyes.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" she barked. "Everyone stand beside a broomstick! Quickly, quickly!"
Once everyone was in place, she continued, "Extend your right hand over your broom and say, 'Up!'"
"Up!"
A chorus of voices rang out across the field, but the results were mixed. Less than a fifth of the students successfully summoned their broomsticks.
Ryan was among the unlucky majority. His broom merely rolled over on the ground.
After several frustrating attempts, it finally leaped into his hand.
Next, Madam Hooch demonstrated how to mount a broom properly without slipping off. Ryan paid close attention—he had no desire to experience Hogwarts' advanced magical medical treatments firsthand, even if Madam Pomfrey could regrow an entire arm overnight.
Once everyone was correctly positioned, they moved on to the practical portion of the lesson.
At Madam Hooch's whistle, the students gently floated about a meter off the ground. Ryan spent a few minutes testing his control but soon realized that flying wasn't his forte. No matter how much he adjusted, he could barely maintain balance on the broom.
Just as he landed according to Madam Hooch's instructions, a panicked cry erupted from nearby.
Neville's broom had suddenly shot into the air. Unable to control it, he soared higher and higher before losing his grip entirely.
Ryan had expected this. According to his memory of the original story, Neville was supposed to have an accident before Madam Hooch blew her whistle. He had prepared himself to intervene early, hoping to prevent it. However, since nothing had gone wrong at the expected moment, he assumed his presence had altered events slightly.
When Neville actually lost control, Ryan reacted instinctively. He pulled out his wand and cast a Levitation Charm just as Neville plummeted toward the ground.
Unfortunately, his self-taught spell wasn't strong enough. Neville slowed for barely a second before crashing onto the grass with a thud.
Madam Hooch rushed over, her face filled with concern.
"Broken wrist, possibly a slight fracture," she murmured after examining him.
Despite the failure of his spell, Ryan felt a small sense of accomplishment—at least Neville's injuries were less severe than in the original timeline.
"Alright, up you get," Madam Hooch said, helping Neville to his feet.
She then turned to the rest of the class. "Everyone, place your brooms back on the ground. No more flying today."
With that, she led Neville toward the school hospital, leaving the rest of the students whispering amongst themselves.
Ryan let out a quiet sigh of relief. He had done what he could, and even though it wasn't perfect, it was better than nothing.
As the lesson ended, the students began making their way back to the castle, some excited, some disappointed, and others, like Ryan, simply grateful they had survived their first flight.
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