Fear of Falling Off a Broom (Phin)

Lyra wasn’t the biggest fan of flying and she had little desire to get into the house team, but she felt that mastering it and getting good at the magical way of transportation could be useful in the future. A little practice in the air couldn’t hurt. Once she’d eaten lunch, she walked quickly along the pathway to the pitch. There weren’t any students there, probably because lunch was still going on in the castle, since she’d left a little early.

A quick trip to the shed to grab a school broom and she was ready. She liked to think that she wasn’t afraid of heights, only the consequences of bumping into a tree or building and falling off her broom. Flying didn’t seem to be the safest activity, which was why she was slightly worried. Still, facing fears and everything. “Up,” she commanded and grinned when it hit her hand straight away. She had that bit done anyway. After that, she got on and flew up a tiny bit. It was scary, that tree directly next to her.

Hmmm...This could work. He wasn't afraid of heights. And growing up a pure blood, he knew all about Quidditch from his dad wanting to force him to become something he wasn't. But if that was the only way to gain his approval, he would try. Try was the operative word here. But like his grandmum said, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Phin also thought that this would get him an advantage with the ladies. Aoife in particular

All the poor kid wanted was to fit in. Being put in Hufflepuff was not a good start, but joining the Quidditch team might be his ticket in. As he looked up with a school broom in hand, he looked up and noticed a rather nice looking girl flying up in the air already. Stop it Phineas. You like Aoife.

As time went on, Lyra became more confident and flew higher in the air. She had heard Aoife talk about the wonderful thrill one got from flying, with the wind in your hair and the beautiful sights. In all honesty, she didn't really see it. The feeling made her feel a bit sick, maybe because she'd just eaten or maybe because she didn't have the stomach for this sort of thing. And she was too busy trying not to fall to enjoy the sights. How did other students make this look so easy?

On the ground, she did notice a slightly younger boy staring at her. She squinted at him and decided to just fly down. "Can I help you with anything, kid?" she asked sharply, feeling a bit mean because she'd just been so high up and was still feeling a bit giddy. "It's hard to fly with someone staring at you as though you're some sort of two headed monster."

Hmmm...Think of something Phineas... Quick. So, he said, "Maybe I was looking at you like a three headed dog, because you look like one." There we go! He secretly patted himself on the back and grinned at the girl. He then said, "I just want to practice for trying out for the Quidditch team next year."

He was the obnoxious first year who thought he was cooler than anybody. And this just proved it. He just insulted a girl who was older than him, and in Gryffindor no doubt. He smiled with his chest out. This was a good day.

Oh, so he was a sassy one. And he looked so pleased with himself for that stupid little insult. Not the sort of thing to be expected from a Hufflepuff, since she knew what Lyn and Maddie were like, but house stereotypes were stupid, Lyra knew that. This kid better hope that he never would meet someone like Hunter, who would destroy him for being so outspoken and ridiculous. Similarly to her brother, she was scornful of people like this who were way too big for their boots, so he was lucky that she was in a sort of good mood.

Unamused, she stood with one hand on her hip, one clutching her broom. With her, he would respect his elders and learn not to cross her because she wouldn’t stand for his crap.

“You know, if you’re trying to make an ally of me, you aren’t making a very good first impression,” she advised solemnly. She chose to use the term ally rather than friend, because she wasn’t sure if she could put up with this boy as an actual friend for very long. She wasn’t patient with annoying ones like him and actually spending time with him might drive her mad. Still, he could turn out to not be a complete idiot and worthy of her friendship. She’d see.