"Now then, step up to the left side of your broom, stick your right hand out over the broom, and say 'up'." Jackson nervously took a step forward, held his right hand out, palm side down, and said 'up' hoarsely. He swallowed dryly and tried again, hearing the other students shouting at their brooms.
"Up." Nothing happened. "Up… Up… Up."
"With feeling!" Madam Hooch told them.
"Up… Up! ... Up… Up! … Up! … Up!" Jackson sighed, 'up' didn't even sound like a word anymore. "Up… Up… Up… U- woah!" Something hit his palm and he grabbed it instinctively.
"Nice job, Jackson!" Nick cheered from beside him.
Once the entire class had their brooms, they all mounted. When Madame Hooch blew her whistle, they were supposed to rise, stay still, and lower. His mouth got drier and his hands got wetter each time the whistle blew. Eventually Madam Hooch was right next to him. She blew the whistle. "Your turn, Jackson." Nick said. He had to get the broom to rise in the air. Hesitantly, he pulled up on the handle. He rose, wobbling precariously. "All right!" Nick cheered. He was still rising. He whimpered. He had to stop. How high up was he? He started to feel nauseous. He slowly lowered the handle until he stopped. Well, he thought he did. He swallowed hard and tasted bile. Down. He had to get down. He was having trouble breathing. Was the air thin? How high up was he? He pushed the handle down, feeling like he was about to fall off. "Down, Jackson, not forward." Nick called. He was moving forward? Would he crash into a wall? How high was he? Everything sounded muffled and far away. Oh, no. His stomach heaved and everyone screamed as he was sick.
"Easy, lad." Madam Hooch was next to him. She laid a hand on his back and guided him to the ground. He collapsed onto the grass and cried in fear and embarrassment. He heard pounding footsteps coming closer and someone helped him up.
"C'mon, mate." Nick whispered.
"I'll take him to the hospital wing." Madam Hooch said.
"I'm coming, too." Nick said quickly.
"The rest of you are to stay on the ground. We don't want another accident." Nick looped Jackson's arm over his shoulder again.