Chapter 3: Of Flying and Failures

May 24, 2003

Summary:  Trinia's first flying lesson is more work than  she expected.

Author's Notes:  This is more of an interlude than a real chapter.  I'd apologize, but since I'm putting up two chapters tonight, I won't.

Disclaimer:  Not mine. Well, except Trinia.

     Trinia carefully made her way down to the common room one morning to find a group of her classmates gathered around a notice pinned up on the wall.  According to the notice, flying lessons would begin on Thursday.  Ugh, Trinia thought.  I have enough trouble keeping my balance with both feet on the ground.  I can't imagine how I'll do trying to fly.  Even worse, they were to have their lessons with Slytherin.

     Thursday came quickly, and at three-thirty in the afternoon, the Gryffindors hurried down the front steps to the grounds for their first lesson.  The Slytherins milled about, chattering amongst themselves.  Trinia took note of twenty broomsticks lying on the ground.  An uneasy feeling developed in the pit of her stomach.

     As the two classes eyed each other suspiciously, a thin woman arrived.  She had short gray hair, yellow eyes like a hawk, and introduced herself as Madam Hooch.

     "Well, what are you all waiting for?" she barked.  "Everyone stand by a broomstick.  Come on, hurry up."  Trinia and the rest of the students took their places.  The little girl eyed her broom suspiciously, almost willing it to do as it was instructed.

     "Stick out your right hand over your broom," Madam Hooch instructed, "and say, 'Up!'"

     Trinia did as she was told, but her broom remained motionless on the ground.  Sneaking a glance to the side, she was slightly relieved to see that a few others had had no success either.  Many of the others had flown before and had no trouble getting the booms to obey; however, Neville's broom had not moved and even Hermione's had simply rolled over.  The rest of class was short lived, what with Neville's accident and Harry and Malfoy's antics. 

     The following weeks weren't much better.  Even Neville was catching on more quickly than Trinia.  After the fourth week of lessons, Madam Hooch approached Trinia.

     "Miss Zurendaal?"  Trinia looked up into the yellow eyes.  "I am disappointed," Madam Hooch continued.  "I was hoping you would catch on much more quickly than you have.  Your other instructors tell me you are one of the best students.  Perhaps you are not applying yourself as much here?"

     "No, ma'am," Trinia replied, looking away.  She blinked rapidly to hold back the tears that threatened to fall and did her best to keep her lower lip from trembling.  "I'm trying, really, I am, I don't know…"  She trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

     "Well, perhaps you need more specialized instruction," Madam Hooch offered.  "We'll try an extra hour a week, see if that makes a difference."

     "Yes, ma'am."

     "Friday at two.  I'll meet you here."

     "Yes, ma'am.  Thank you."

     Madam Hooch hustled off to collect the brooms left by the class as Trinia quickly walked back towards the castle.  As soon as she had rounded the corner, she took off running, tears streaming down her face.

     Trinia wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting by the lake when she heard someone walking up behind her.  Quickly wiping her eyes, she turned to see Professor Dumbledore behind her. 

     "Professor Dumbledore, sir, uh…" she stammered as she scrambled to her feet.  The ancient wizard smiled down at her.

     "We missed you at dinner today," he said kindly.  "Is something bothering you?"

     "Um, no, not really," she said, looking down at her feet.  The headmaster was silent.  Finally the girl sighed.  "It's the flying lessons.  I can't fly.  Everyone else is doing so good, and I can't even get off the ground…" she trailed off sadly.

     "Ah, yes, flying," Dumbledore said thoughtfully.  "I've heard that elves have a much greater difficulty with flying than humans do."

     "Really?' she sniffled.

     "Indeed.  Very few elves are ever able to master the skill."  The little elf smiled shyly up at the wizened old wizard.  He winked back, then glanced up at the darkening sky.  "I believe it is going to rain.  We should probably return to the castle."

     Trinia returned to the common room a short time later feeling better.  She may never learn to fly, but at least now she knew why.