Coach Olivers
August 10, 2014 11:52 PM
Flying Lessons by Coach Olivers
In order to prepare for her role as Coach and flying lessons instructor for this year, Florence had prepared and studied just as she did for any other role. Her brother in Chicago was a part-time coach for the Quodpot team at the local magical high school and she had spent some time with him at his practices and games to familiarize herself with coaching duties. Now was the time to use all she had learned and teach the beginners. There were bound to be some students who didn’t completely master riding a broom their first year. Any second years that had received less than an O were allowed to take the class again for a better grade, but Florence didn’t expect most of them would need to. Flying was usually a pretty easy class once the students got the hang of it.Florence confidently stood in front of the younglings with her clipboard. She liked everyone to be punctual, but she told herself to be merciful on the first day with brand new students. After a couple of minutes, she started class as she would with any Charms class, though she made sure to keep her brother’s advice in mind.
“Good morning, class. Welcome to flying lessons. I am Professor Olivers, but you can call me Coach Olivers if you prefer. I am the Charms teacher here at Sonora, but I will also be the Quidditch coach for the time being.” Florence didn’t know how she had gotten herself so much work, but she did like it very much. She was a workaholic and it fed her ego and her personality to have so much to do and prepare.
“Flying lessons are required for all first years, but for those who already know how to fly there are other options. However, all students must spend their time on a broom for the entire class period. Every class period will begin with roll call and then the more experienced flyers can break off to either play informal scrimmages or fly laps around the pitch. As long as you do not disturb the lessons, you are free to do what you like within reason. We have quaffles available for use, but do not ask me to bring out a Snitch or the bludgers.” There was no way she was going to allow any students to use any Quods either. Leaving students to entertain themselves was dangerous enough without adding an explosive Quod into the mix. Sometimes Florence thought her brother was crazy for volunteering to coach such a sport. At least nothing exploded in Quidditch. “If you are already confident in your flying ability, go ahead and make your way to the opposite end of the pitch where the quaffles are.”
Florence called role then, and after she had marked off the students that were present she let the more experienced flyers go to the other end of the pitch. They were far enough that they wouldn’t disturb the beginners, but close enough that Florence could keep an eye on them. Once the group had split, Florence turned her attention to the beginners. “Alright, now we are going to learn how to fly. Everyone please take a school broom to begin with.” She waited until the students had grabbed a broom from the pile in front of her. “Put your broom on the ground beside you, hold your wand hand out—your dominant hand, that is—and say, Up!” The broom she had leaped to her hand. The trick to it is to genuinely command the broom to do as you say. Don’t be shy about it, but confident.” Confidence was the key to acting, a career Florence had pursued for a long time. She found some comfort in being able to bring what she had learned as a stage actress for twenty-three years to her new career as a professor. “Once your broom is up, it will stay up so that you can mount it, either astride or side-saddle if you wish.”
OOC:
Welcome to your first class! By posting in this class, you will earn points for your house. There is a minimum of 200 words per post or three paragraphs, but the longer and more creative a post is, the more points you will receive. Points are awarded for how well you write, not how well your character does in a lesson. Keep your posts realistic, relevant to the lesson as much as possible, creative, and at a reasonable length!
If you have any questions, tag Professor Olivers on the OOC board or check the FAQ.
Professor Olivers will be present and would stop any situation before it got out of hand. Make sure you don’t write for other characters without their permission. However, if your character wants to ride side-saddle, you can safely assume Professor Olivers adjusted their broom. Otherwise, have fun with your posts!
Subthreads: I like the name 'Applied Physics' better. by John Umland, Aladren with Clark Dill, Aladren
Not as easy as it looks! by Theo Dashland, Crotalus with Coach Olivers, Uzume Shinohara
An informal scrimmage? by Joella Curtis
Just a casual stroll through the air. by Aiden O'Neil, Teppenpaw
Think confident thoughts by Araceli Arbon, Crotalus
Retaking the course, just in case by Katherine Procter, Crotalus
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Coach Olivers
Flying Lessons
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Coach Olivers
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
August 19, 2014 8:34 PM
A Small Bluff by Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Theo was sincerely and utterly frightened when he heard the voice of the girl next to him slice sharply at his feeble attempts. He knew that telling her he actually couldn't use the broom was going to out him as a novice and make him look like a fool. Being that it was his first day, Theo decided that may not be his best first impression."Ha! You seriously think anyone is that bad? I can fly circles around this place, but that would mean more work and more effort than I'm inclined to commit to a course like this." Theo stated courageously. He knew it was a lie, and he figured it would only be so long before he had to show how false that statement was, but for now he hoped he'd saved some pride.
He stood quietly for a moment, observing the girl and waiting for a response, any sign she'd accepted his bluff. For that moment everything was slow, the kind of slow that moves backwards, that drags along the inside of your lungs, sticking to every breath you take. It seemed like much more than the few seconds it actually was.
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
A Small Bluff
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
August 20, 2014 1:40 AM
A little Advice by Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
“Oh really?” Uzu said admiring the boy’s spunk, even if saying such things out loud could easily get him into trouble. “Well if you are trying to get out of work, you better show a little more effort. Might get called in by the teacher for extra lessons if you look that bad,” she stated. Even thought she was doing the same thing, Uzu tried to show a little effort.“It’s funny though, you looked just like I did when I first tried to fly,” she said with a little giggle as she quickly became lost in her memories. “The first 3 days I couldn’t even move my broom an inch, luckily my dad gave me some advice. He said it’s like when you move your arm,” she stated as she gracefully stretched her arm out before herself, “you know its going to do what you want. It's the same with flying right? You must have confidence, in your actions.”
“Up,” she then said clearly as she placed her hand over the broom. It hesitated for a moment, and then shot up to her hand, leaving a stinging sensation in her palm. She grimaced, her English still wasn’t perfect, and worst of all was affecting her abilities. In Japanese the broom wouldn’t have hesitated as it did, nor would it have shot up with that much force. She wondered if it wasn't just the language, but perhaps her ablilities. It had been a while since she had touched a broom, perhaps she just wasn't as good as she thought? Either way, it was unacceptable in Uzu's eyes. She would have to make up for this setback later.
Realizing she was still lost in thought, she turned to the boy, trying to shake her worries. “But in the end, each person has his or her own muse when it comes to flying. I wouldn’t want to bore you with my own technique if you don’t need the help,” she said remembering how bored she felt during the opening feast when an upperclassman had lectured her on etiquette.
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
A little Advice
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
August 21, 2014 7:01 AM
Fake it Till You Make It by Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Every time Theo would try to get a word in edgewise with this girl, a new flurry of words would arise from the depths of her throat. He didn't mind, even if she hadn't believed his bluff, she was giving him almost all her pointers in one accidental story. At least Theo assumed it was accidental, there was every possibility this young power house had done a favor for Theo, giving him all he'd need without actually making it seem like she'd helped.Once the newcomer had seemed to finish, Theo finally took a chance to speak.
"Yes, really, and you can put the credit of believability to my one year at theater camp I suppose. Although you make a good point about the extra lessons, wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm anything less than what I say." Theo threw the slightest hint of a wink and smile in the direction of his new company and quickly ran over the points he'd just learned.
He looked at the broom, every nerve ending in his body thinking- no, knowing that this was no mere object, it was an extension of everything he was, just the extra length to his arm. His shoulders a little taller, his chest slightly puffed, Theo called commandingly to the broom, his arm outstretched above it's shaft. "UP!"
For the two seconds it took to move, the broom seemed stiller than anything Theo had ever witnessed. All of time slowed around it right before it leaped. The entire broom jumped willingly off the ground and flew directly in to Theo's hand. He almost dropped it from the force but he made sure his face showed no signs of pain or surprise.
Theo stepped boldly towards the girl standing beside him and, with his unoccupied hand, reached out to her, inviting a shake. "I'm Theo, critically acclaimed broom handler. And you?"
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Fake it Till You Make It
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
August 23, 2014 10:21 PM
Agreed. by Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
"Yes, really, and you can put the credit of believability to my one year at theater camp I suppose. Although you make a good point about the extra lessons, wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm anything less than what I say,” the boy said. Then to Uzume’s surprise he winked slightly at her. She couldn’t help but smile. He seemed interesting, and the slight possibility that he may not be a complete bore intrigued her. After he managed to get his broom up he surprised her again when he stepped closer in the hopes of a hand shake."I'm Theo, critically acclaimed broom handler. And you?" the boy asked, a little too friendly for Uzume’s liking.
She had always prided herself on her wits and knowledge, yet at this moment she felt utterly confused about how to proceed. Does she stoop to his level and use such common greetings, or rise above and put the boy in his place? It’s not like she cared what he thought of her- nor did the head of her family for that matter. If her grandfather had cared what these people thought, he would have addressed her on whom she ought to befriend, clubs she should join, or even would have had the courtesy to say goodbye before she left. In the end she decided she still ought to show a little class. After staring at the hand for a moment, she finally reciprocated the gesture with a delicate hand. She preferred a bow to a handshake; however, she figured ‘when in Rome do as Romans do’.
“How do you do? I'm Shinohara Uzume. Nice to meet you,” she said clearly, deciding to stick with her usual formalities. She declined to participate in the silly American custom of stating one’s residence due to the boy not doing so either, and was really quite thankful of that- it really was a silly custom.
“So Theo,” she as she noticed a few of the girls mounting their brooms. “I do hope you don’t follow the ridiculous American ideology that female witches ought to ride side-saddle,” she asked testing the boy. In Japan, side-saddle was only really used when wearing a kimono, and as Uzume was wearing shorts today, it seemed- like several other American traditions- rather pointless. Regardless of what his reply, she hoped to find out just what type of wizard she was talking to, and if he would be interesting enough to be worth her time.
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
Agreed.
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
August 24, 2014 4:04 PM
Something Different by Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Theo knew something was different about this girl after about two seconds of holding his hand in an empty and stale greeting. He also realized that it wasn't out of spite that he had yet to receive any kind of answer to his extended palm. Theo had spent enough time doing it himself to know when he was being sized up, and this girl seemed as if she was most definitely sizing him up. He wasn't exactly sure why, but Theo liked her. She wasn't eager to please, she wasn't faking some ignorant hospitality, she was precise and strategic.Some small part of her must've held interest in Theo as well because what finally broke him from the line of thought he'd drifted to was her hand delicately reaching out to his. The grip was light, but not weak, more... exact? Theo wasn't sure but he could tell this girl thought out every move.
She surprised Theo with what she said next "So Theo,I do hope you don’t follow the ridiculous American ideology that female witches ought to ride side-saddle." It was more of a statement than a question but he knew that there was an answer expected of him. Theo also figured that this topic wasn't of severe interest to Uzume, but just a creative way to once again figure out the little details that were Theo. Theo thought for a very small moment before responding.
"Of course not! If I were to beat you I'd want to know I did it because of my outstanding prowess on a broom," Theo smiled at this blatant lie, hoping Uzume wasn't against some playful sarcasm. "Not because you had to ride around half on the broom the whole time." Before she could respond, Theo spoke once more.
"So Uzume, I do hope you don't follow the ridiculous ideology that all Americans follow the same ridiculous ideology, there are a few of us that don't totally suck you know." Theo knew this was a bold step, teasing her even though she most obviously held more power in the conversation; but if she was looking for something about Theo that stood out, he'd gladly supply it. he stood tensely for a moment, awaiting her response, knowing it would be just as calculated as everything else she'd done so far.
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Something Different
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
August 25, 2014 5:08 AM
Different is good. by Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
Uzume was quite content with her company for the time being. He was at the very least a good conversationalist, much more so than her roommate. Uzume had yet to hear Araceli utter a single word, unless one counted her giggle during dinner the previous night- which Uzume did not. In addition, the boy was quite bold, a quality she didn’t see often enough."Of course not! If I were to beat you I'd want to know I did it because of my outstanding prowess on a broom," Theo said with a smile, "not because you had to ride around half on the broom the whole time."
The boy didn’t disappoint, although she wouldn’t have written him off right away if he had agreed with the American ideology. It was just more interesting that he didn’t. Unfortunately, due to English being her second language, sarcasm was not Uzume’s forte. Her interpretation of Theo’s speech was that he was challenging her to a fair race. In a seconds time, Uzu’s mouth formed into a huge grin, not because she was crazy about flying like some people, but because with challenges came friendly wagers. There was nothing she loved more than a gamble, especially if she was going in blind of her opponents abilities. She was about to take him up on his offer, when the boy spoke once more.
"So Uzume,” the boy boldly uttered, completely forgetting his manners, “I do hope you don't follow the ridiculous ideology that all Americans follow the same ridiculous ideology, there are a few of us that don't totally suck you know”
She instantly blushed at the sound of her given named being used so commonly. Although growing up she had male friends that she felt close enough with to entrust her given name, that was back when she was ‘Jun’ not ‘Uzume’. She hadn’t even allowed her own roommate to use her given name, and now here was this American boy being so informal with her. She had heard Americans were forward, but this was a little bit too much culture shock for her. She quickly attempted to hide her embarrassment by glaring at Theo. Unfortunately, her almond eyes made her look more like a mischievous kitten, than a threatening lady.
“Well its hard not to believe such things with Americans like you,” Uzume said trying to keep her emotions steady, “being so forward when we have only just met. Or are you saying that you think we are close enough to use my given name?” Like her roommate, the boy was so pathetic, with absolutely no common sense. She felt their ignorance could be quite exhausting. After sighing deeply she continued, this time talking more to herself than him, “Although, I suppose it was my fault for assuming you knew of any culture besides your own.” She didn't honestly mean the comment as an insult, if anything it was her pointing out her own fault. Although she wasn't going to be apologizing for anything either, it was him who had been so rude. Looking at Theo once more, she pondered if she should cast him aside, or hold onto him. He wasn't boring, that was for sure, but should she be gracious enough to overlook his mistake?
“Address me as Shinohara,” she finally said after a moments pause. “Or if you really feel the need to be so informal with me, you may call me Shino,” she added, her cheeks still rosy from earlier. She figured she should give the boy a little slack. After all, she should have been strait from the start and told him how to address her. These people were turning out to be a lot of work, she just hoped they would be worth it.
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
Different is good.
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
August 28, 2014 9:21 PM
Getting Out of a Hole by Theo Dashland, Crotalus
If Theo's cheeks turned any more red, they'd be turned permanently scarlet. He'd known he'd messed up and it seemed as if it was bigger than he'd thought. Shinohara seemed... to put it bluntly, pissed. It was only the large grin she'd displayed right before her brief anger that gave Theo hope for some kind of redemption."I'm so sorry..." Theo stated sheepishly. "I just thought- you see I-... I have a friend from Japan and he always told me that the first name comes second... I suppose he left out the part about formality and proper greetings..." Theo's mouth was more than dry, it was arid, it was parched, it was all of the things you'd expect to be when you accidentally insult someone you'd just been hitting it off with on your first day of class. It didn't help that his lame excuse had been so... well, lame.
As embarrassed as he was, Theo was certain that he couldn't let this end here. This girl was smart, and she was the first person to talk to Theo in this frighteningly new place. He wasn't going to let a slip screw it up. He took a quick, deep breath, looked his companion in the eye, and hoped he could make amends.
"I'm sorry. It was improper and informal of me to make the assumption I could use your given name." Theo, knowing it was a risk, bowed gently to the girl in front of him. "It's nice to meet you Shinohara. In the future, maybe you can help me come to a better understanding of how foolish I'm going to make myself before I actually do it, it's the kind of help I should've had about 12 years ago." Theo understood the danger in resorting to humor so quickly again, but it was what he knew, and what he was good at. He hoped this girl was forgiving enough to let a little wit go a long way. He gave Shino one of those smiles that doesn't come with teeth and anxiously waited whatever fate awaited him at the next time she spoke.
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Getting Out of a Hole
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
September 02, 2014 5:40 AM
...and into the sky. by Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
The boy’s reaction, scarlet face and all, had made her feel quite pleased with her outburst. Theo had gotten a taste of his own medicine and, she hoped, felt as embarrassed as she had. She had always hoped that the first person to use her name would be someone she could call a best friend, or even a lover if she was lucky enough. She knew it was a childish illusion to think such things, but from time to time she did allow herself the pleasure of believing such whimsical nonsense."I'm so sorry..." The boy stated, "I just thought- you see I-... I have a friend from Japan and he always told me that the first name comes second... I suppose he left out the part about formality and proper greetings..."
This peaked Uzume’s interest. There were not too many schools for young wizards in Japan, so she couldn’t help but wonder if she had known Theo’s friend at some point in time. It was a thought that interested and horrified her all at the same time, so much so that her heart skipped a beat. The world really was a small place, too small in her opinion.
"I'm sorry. It was improper and informal of me to make the assumption I could use your given name," Theo said as he bowed gently in front of her. Uzume smiled lightly at his gesture, content that she had found such an interesting boy among her classmates. Not just because he was groveling before her, but because something about him made her feel at ease. Then again she was never especially good with interacting with other girls, they could be a little too petty and dramatic in her opinion.
"It's nice to meet you Shinohara. In the future, maybe you can help me come to a better understanding of how foolish I'm going to make myself before I actually do it, it's the kind of help I should've had about 12 years ago,” he smiled.
“That’s enough Theo,” she said patting him on the head as if he were a dog. “Just don’t make me admit fault again,” Uzume said, indicating she held no grudge. It happened, and now she moves on, simple as that. “And for future reference, I’m not going to enable you by indicating when you are being foolish,” Uzu stated with a hint of playfulness. Although, she hoped there would indeed be plenty more times where she could see Theo be so funny, if not slightly idiotic. “I think you figured that out for yourself pretty quickly anyways.” This time it was Uzume who gave Theo a wink, she had to add a little sweet to the sour.
Moving her attention elsewhere, she placed both hands onto her broom, positioning herself on it in preparation for her take-off. However, before kicking off she turned to Theo and gave him another smile. “So, Mr. Fast-Flyer, let’s get going,” she said hoping to reinstate the challenge from earlier. “That is, unless you are all woof and no bite.”
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
...and into the sky.
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Uzume Shinohara, Crotalus
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
September 05, 2014 2:26 AM
Could've Been Worse by Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Between Shino's slight smile at his bow and the wink she slyly sent his direction when she was done speaking, Theo felt he'd safely evaded the peril that laid before him. He was going to give a snarky remark to the pat on the head Shino so blatantly placed there. It was a sign of ownership not friendship, but Theo had already stood on thin ice once and he felt now might not be the time to go arguing her every move. Anyways, Theo liked this girl, she was witty enough to not put up with some of Theo's usual antics and she seemed genuinely interested in him. That was enough for Theo to ignore the small displeasure and embarrassment he'd suffered.He was about to retort with another playfully sarcastic remark when Shino prepared her broom and reiterated the accidental flying challenge Theo had made earlier. If Theo thought the embarrassment was anywhere close to over, Shino had taken a route that was sure to further every possible failure Theo could go through at that moment. His hands began to sweat as he contemplated her question.
In his head, Theo realized he had two options. Say something ridiculously translucent and excuse himself from flying (which would only get him a shaming from Shino) or, he could get on the broom that floated patiently by his side and rethink his stance on praying.
Theo grabbed the broom strongly with both hands. "Ladies first." Theo flashed a smile that oozed confidence and gestured invitingly into the air in front of them. Every part of his insides hoped he was randomly struck by a meteor in the next three seconds. Theo didn't have high hopes for that happening.
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
Could've Been Worse
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Theo Dashland, Crotalus
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5