Arthur left the group shortly after Gwaine and Uther. He walked through the castle, looking for an interesting class. He eventually came outside to a large courtyard where about a dozen students stood with sticks on the ground next to them. As he drew closer, he noticed Percival standing off to the side.
"Percival" Arthur greeted.
"Sire" Percival responded.
"What class is this?" Arthur asked.
"Flying I believe."
"Flying? How do they fly?" Arthur asked.
"Those brooms on the ground," Percival pointed to the sticks next to the students. "They are enchanted so that a person can ride it through the air."
"Amazing, I wonder if Merlin can do that."
"I don't know. According to Remus, the magic here is different than Merlin's." Percival said.
Before Arthur could respond, the teacher took her place at the front of the students.
"Good morning class. My name is Madam Hooch. You will be learning how to fly today. Now, if everyone would step up to their brooms." The students followed the directions. "Now, hold your hand above the broom and say up"
Several students' brooms zoomed into their hands on the first try, while others had a little more difficulty. Arthur and Percival were amazed, but Arthur noticed a small boy at the end of the line looking down at his broom dejectedly. Arthur frowned and approached the boy.
Bending down to the boy's level, he asked, "What your name?"
The boy looked up surprised, "What?"
"What's your name?" Arthur repeated.
"Daniel" The boy responded quietly.
"Well Daniel, you seem to be upset. Is there a reason?"
"I can't get the broom to come up. I'm too weak." The boy started to tear up.
"Now now, there isn't any reason to cry. You are not weak. Just because you can't lift the broom doesn't mean you're weak." He put a comforting hand on Daniel's shoulder. "All you need to do is believe in yourself more. You'll get it."
The boy looked at him with a small smile, "Really?"
"Of course" Arthur squeezed his shoulder, stood up and motioned towards the broom at their feet.
Daniel looked at the broom and repositioned himself. With more confidence, he said "Up" and the broom zoomed to his hand. "I did it!" He exclaimed.
"Yes, you did." Arthur smiled.
"Thank you sir" Daniel hugged Arthur tightly around the waist.
The future king was startled for a moment before returning the hug, "You're welcome"
The boy let go of him and he returned to Percival. "That was a nice thing you did." Percival commented.
"Yeah, it was." Arthur responded.
"Now that you all have your brooms, I want you to mount them." Madame Hooch instructed. "Once mounted, I want you to gently lift off from the ground, and hover."
The students nodded and did as instructed. Some only hovered no more than three feet, while others were more adventurous and went up higher. Arthur was amazed, "Who knew something so ordinary like a broom could be used in such a way."
"It is quite amazing isn't it" Percival agreed.
As time progressed, the students gained more confidence and started to move. Laughter filled the air as they gained more mobility. Others, who were not as comfortable in the air, happily watched from the ground.
It was all going smoothly, but, it didn't stay that way. There was a shout. Arthur and Percival looked up and saw Daniel's broom jerking about. Arthur ran up to Madam Hooch and asked, "What's going on?"
"His broom is out of control. There isn't anything to stop it." She said.
The rebellious broom started zooming different directions before diving towards the ground. He flew through the crowd, yelling for help. Arthur quickly ran up to the broom and hopped on behind the frightened boy. Together, they flew up, out of control. Arthur managed to swerve away from a girl, and landed on the ground, rolling off of the broom.
Everyone cheered, but then they heard another scream. They all looked up to see the girl Arthur tried to avoid, dangling from her broom. A moment later she dropped; Madam Hooch pulled out her wand, but was distracted by a figure running past her.
Percival ran through the crowd, ignoring Arthur's shouts. He stopped beneath the girl and easily caught her. He looked down at the trembling girl in his arms. "Are you okay?"
She looked up and smiled, "Yeah, thanks a lot." He set her down, but kept a hold of her because her legs were shaking. Madam Hooch and the others rushed over. "Thank you sir, for catching her"
"It's no problem," Percival replied, "What's your name?" He turned to the girl.
"Isabelle" She replied shyly.
"A pleasure catching you my lady" Percival smiled, which caused Isabelle to blush more.
"I'm glad you are alright Miss Stone. Now, let's get you off to the infirmary." Madam Hooch held out her arm, but was stopped by Percival.
"I can do it Madam; you still need to watch the other children. Please, allow me to take her to the infirmary." Percival insisted.
"Oh I couldn't ask you to do that, you are an administrator." Madam Hooch protested.
"It is no trouble; I will happily bring Miss Stone to the physician." He turned before she could reply. Swiftly picking Isabelle up bridal style and walking towards the infirmary.
Madam Hooch was left speechless; she just continued to stare at the knight's back. A hand on her shoulder startled her out of her stupor. She looked to see Arthur, "Don't worry, he does this sort of thing all of the time."
Madam Hooch nodded shakily and turned to the rest of her class, "Alright class, let's set up again. Come along."
Arthur stayed for a little longer before leaving, having enough excitement for one day. On his way through the rest of the castle, he was shocked to see a muddy Uther walking through the front door.
"Father?"
Uther turned to his son and glared.
"What happened?"
"Ask that pathetic excuse of a knight!" Uther bellowed before storming off to the room.
Arthur followed the muddy figure before sighing and continuing his exploration.
Hope you like it! Review please!
There will be something with Percival and the girl during lunch so I won't be writing about it...it wouldn't be that much anyway...blushing girl...knight in shining armor... ;)