Adjustments PV Haley closed

@Elena Jangleton

Haley was nervous, but at first glance there was no reason to be. It was a beautiful day, she was on her way to the Quidditch pitch and everything seemed to be fine. It was, but Haley had managed to get on the Quidditch team and after being incredibly happy about it, the first panic set in. She was good at flying, at least for her age and experience. She had felt safe on a broom from the first moment, yet she was afraid of failing or not being good enough. She didn't really expect to play anytime soon, as she was a second string player, but she didn't want to rest on her laurels. She would practice as much as she could in her free time, whether it was on the pitch or in her bed reading books about quidditch or going over strategies.

But today she had decided to spend the day on the Quidditch pitch and that was where her path led. The thought of being part of the team and playing her first game triggered pure euphoria in her, but also said nervousness. She took a breath, come on Haley, it's a normal day, you're practicing for yourself today, no need to panic, she admonished herself, shaking off her worries. With her usual cheerful manner, she continued to stroll around the grounds until she finally arrived at the Quidditch pitch.

Just as she entered it, she saw that she was not alone. Curious, she looked in the direction of a still unknown girl who was knocking off her clothes and casting the broom, which lay a little further away from her. "Are you alright?" Haley called to the brown-haired girl and continued to step in her direction.

As she came closer, she recognised her face and Haley waved at her with a smile. "Hey, nice to see you again!" she spoke happily now. The two of them had already looked after the worms together and Haley grinned at the thought of that day. Still, she had to ponder for a moment, what was her name again? She could still remember Gia, another friend who had also been there that day. She pondered for a moment until it came back to her. Elena it was, she was sure.

Elena Jangleton nearly flinched at the voice that called out to her as her head turned to see just who exactly had witnessed her near-tumble. Well, hopefully, the girl hadn't seen Elena's grand failure but the Gryffindor swore the girl looked familiar as she drew closer and closer. The brunette wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad. Maybe it was better to have your failures witnessed by someone you knew rather than a complete stranger, she decided not to bring up the obvious fact that this was the first time she had even mounted a broom in some time with the exception of the Flying lessons but one thing was clear, she had some things that needed fixing, either that or Elena hadn't been paying enough attention in Professor's Jemari's class.

Or both. Or none of the above.

"Yeah, fine." The third year replied a small smile gracing her face as Elena realized who it was. It was the girl from the worm errand with Gia and for a moment, she searched her mind to put a face to her before nodding hoping she got it right. "Haley, right?" The brunette asked for confirmation. That had been a fun little task they had set out to do and judging from from she had wound up here on the pitch, the Gryffindor had to conclude that that Haley was also here for the same reason. She could hardly think of any other reason why someone else would travel down to the pitch when a game was not happening and she was willing to bet all her Galleons that the girl wasn't as likely to lose control of her broom in the embarassing manner Elena had just now. Had she seen her? Surely not, the third year could have sworn no one was here when she had made the trek down with her broom but then again, the pitch was a large place. Anyone could come from anywhere but as long as it was just her and not a mob of students, Elena reckoned that was alright.

Her hand gestured to the rickety broom that lay nestled in the grass making a face at it. "I thought I'd try out some flying because I haven't done it in a while.." It was clear from her tone that she was none too enthusatic about this topic as Elena had thought she had a handle on the one thing she considered a hobby. It was a passion of hers and yet somehow, she had lost her touch maybe reading one too many books in the library. She had to admit, the girl didn't come down to the pitch as often anymore though there was no solid reason for her explanation. "I was hoping to get some basics down, y'know? Maybe have a shot at Gryffindor's next tryouts." Perhaps this time, she would be better prepped. However, with the way she had just performed, the brunette was sure not even Merlin himself would accept her as she exhaled a sigh glancing down at the broom.

"I don't think that's happening though."

@Elena Jangleton

Haley smiled broadly as she continued to walk toward Elena and nodded, "Yes Haley. And Elena what is, right?" she asked again just to be on the safe side. She still wondered what Elena was doing here, was she on the Quidditch team too? She couldn't remember and Haley didn't want to be hasty, but it seemed she didn't feel too safe with the broom and guessed at most that she, like herself, could be a new member. But before Haley could have asked, the answers were already coming to her.

Haley smiled at her understandingly while her eyes wandered to the broom. Haley herself loved to fly and she doesn't know where she got it from, but someone had given her at least a little talent. Ever since she had her first contact with a broom - which was not long ago - she felt safe. She enjoyed flying and from the first day she knew she would want to play Quidditch. Quidditch - that was the keyword that brought the insecurity back into her. After all, there was a reason why she was here and no matter how safe she had always felt on the broom until now, the fear of failure made her feel insecure.

"Yes I understand, but you should definitely try." She wanted to encourage Elena. Practice makes perfect, she believed in that and if it was her wish, Haley was sure she would do something about it. But after this information, Haley knew she wasn't a member of the team - yet. "I'm a very fresh member of the team." Haley told her a little proudly, "I'm still a freshman myself, but maybe I can help you a little bit." she now suggested. Whether this was a good idea, would remain to be seen. After all, Haley had little experience herself and certainly no tips to pass on.

"I'm here today to do some training myself." She explained further , scratching the back of her head as she let her gaze wander once over the entire field. She felt the small knot in the pit of her stomach forming at the thought of the first game. It was almost the end of the season and the next game would be against Hufflepuff and even though Haley was highly unlikely to play, she didn't want to leave anything to that probability calculation. "To be honest, I'm pretty scared. I hope I don't mess up the first time I play." She confessed looking down at her feet uncertainly.

How could she offer her help to someone when she was so unsure of herself at that moment? What kind of impression would that leave? Quickly shaking off the negative energy, she straightened up and pulled her shoulders back. "But what the heck, nothing comes from nothing." She spoke now with enthusiasm, ready to start with some training.

Elena nodded smiling confirming her own name in the process. "Yup, that's me." That worm errand had really been something else but the girl had not come out here on the pitch to hunt for worms squabbling around within the grass blades of the pitch, she had come out here to attempt to master the fine art of broomstick flying which in Elena's opinion could have been going a lot better if you asked her. Maybe it was her height, the wrong attire or perhaps the Gryffindor was so hopelessly out of tune with flying that it would never be possible to attain the skill level she desired that. Now, that was quitter talk and the Gryffindor knew that dismissing the thought as soon as it crossed her head. There was no harm in trying and as far as Elena was concerned, she was still very much able to fly though this time she would prefer to do it without having her broom dump her face-first into the grassy pitch. Her preference was to remain right-side up on the broom.

Her eyes widened when Haley mentioned in passing that she was a Quidditch player. Haley playing for the lions, Elena hadn't been keeping up with the team roster but if anything, she considered it a massive boon. There was no one perfect who could probably perfect the art of flying as the brunette asked again a bit in awe. "You're on the team, what position?" The girl asked tilting her head to analyze the girl. Well, probably not a Beater, Haley struck Elena as more of a Chaser or a Seeker type. Even if she was a freshman, the fact still remained that the girl was on the Quidditch team and that was good enough for Elena Jangleton, she didn't need any more convincing. "'I'm sure you'll do fine." The third year said offering words of comfort to her. "I doubt it could be as bad as me." She said laughing.

Haley did not have the problem of not knowing how to fly a broom, a life skill that had terribly escaped Elena unforunately. If anything, the girl could give the brunette some tips and tricks and maybe, next time, she would have a fighting chance as she looked down at her rickety old broom. "I mean if it's not too much to ask, I would appreciate a bit of teaching and maybe we both can get some practice in." Haley could for her match and Elena could maybe at the end of this manage to stay on her broom for more than three seconds, that would be a wonder. A part of the brunette felt relieved that fate had smiled upon her today, you really couldn't ask for anyone better as Elena stooped to pick up her broom eyeing it in her hand. There was a bit of nervousness in her throat and a whole lot of what-ifs that she wanted to ask but figured it was probably better to save that for later.

@Elena Jangleton

Haley could see how Elena was surprised by the fact that Haley was in the team, but she could understand it and laughed. After all, she couldn't really believe it herself yet but was even more pleased that Elena continued to be interested. "Second String Chaser," Haley replied, looking up in the air at the rings. "So I really need to practice some more flying manoeuvres as well as scoring." She laughed a little uncertainly and rubbed the back of her head with her hand. She wasn't bad but she wasn't perfect either and she had little experience, after all she was only in her first year. Practice makes perfect, she thought of her father's words and smiled to herself.

Even though Elena accepted her offer and Haley was kind of proud of herself, she was still afraid to fail. What if she made a complete fool of herself and couldn't justify why she had made it to the team? She looked around a little uncertainly and back at Elena. She watched her for a moment, but didn't judge her for someone who would judge others. At least she hoped not. "Yeah, of course." She replied, smiling uncertainly. She did her best not to let it show, but at that moment she succeeded more badly than well.

Haley waited until Elena had picked up her broom and led her a little more into the middle of the field. She didn't know why, but this way she had at least a few steps to think about something clever to say. Think, Haley, she reminded herself inwardly, looking down at the ground as she carried the broom. "Okay." Haley began, setting her broom down on the field. Since Elena was still making a somewhat uncertain entry, she decided to just start with a few basics. "First, always check your surroundings to make sure it's safe to fly." Started Haley knowing that there was nothing for her to check, after all they were on the Quidditch pitch. Ignoring the fact of her redundant information, she continued. "Before we start flying, we need to summon the broom." Without further explanation, Haley stood next to the broom, held her hand over it and spoke confidently but not too loudly, "Up!"Immediately, the broom flew into her hand and she clasped the handle. Haley swung her legs over the broom, still on the ground, and looked at Elena.

"Before we transition into flying, let's make sure we have a good grip." She had no idea if she was a good teacher but hoped Elena would take something. She gestured to Elena to get into the same position as Haley, "Feel free to stay on the ground until you feel safe." Haley reassured her and began to show her how she would safely hold onto the broom. "Once you feel you have a secure position, you can push off." And with those words, Haley rose just a few inches off the ground and hovered straight in place before landing again.

"Remember to have a straight posture, don't lean to the right or left, try to be central and keep your broom slightly tilted upwards for support." Haley now put her broom down and walked over to Elena to offer her some support. "Try it if you feel ready." She encouraged her and smiled at her with a demanding nod.

Right, it was time to get underway and there was an feeling of uneasiness that settled in the brunette's mind as she followed Haley onto the pitch wondering if it would be any better than the last attempt. She sought comfort in the fact that she had someone who looked like they knew what they were doing. Haley was an Quidditch player, surely that had to count for something somewhere right? The first basic instructions were obvious enough but given the fact they were on a pitch during a relative abandoned day, it didn't really apply here but she supposed it was a good habit on a game day or something. The though of running into one of those iron bludgers or worse, another player would surely earn even the most skilled players a solid week or so in the hospital wing and she did not want to end up in a similar situation choosing to heed Haley's instructions. Watching the other girl. Haley managed to summon her broom as if spreading butter on toast and it was her turn to do the same.

The only thing she could think about now was how she absolutely could not afford to mess up at the first stage. Right, they were just summoning the broom right now, nothinig crazy as she nodded trying to give off the guise that Elena at least knew how to call her broom. "Up!" She repeated holding her palm out staring at the broom which seemed to stay there for a second before finally rising and shooting into her hand instantly locking her hand around it. A small feeling of relief shot through her as she glanced back at Haley grinning. Her moment of victory was short-lived however as they got to the main point and that was actually managing to stay in the air for more than ten seconds watching as Haley demonstrated with an rather impressive skill level before nodding that it was Elena's turn to try. Only a few, nothing more and even if she did fall by some miracle, it would only be at worst a couple scratches at best as she gathered the courage for the second attempt, this time supervised by someone who knew the ins and outs of flying. "Okay..here goes nothing." She would affirm hooking a leg over her broom.

Haley's words echoed in her head. Don't put too much weight on either side, try to be centered as she settled into what she thought was a good posture trying to mirror the other Gryffindor's movement like she remembered them. It was all about balance, Elena realized and she had to find that key point taking a few moments to gather her courage before gently putting some pressure on her feet to lift off encouraged by Haley who was nearby to correct any trangression she might see on her part. It took a couple of seconds but slowly, her figure left the ground as her broom began to carry her upwards. "Whoa.." Elena exclaimed as trying to keep her spine straight which much to her surprise happened to be working. Her broom was not trying to buck her off like a mad horse or do any crazy moments, it was a much needed imrpvoement from the rollercoaster of a ride she had before. "It's working, Haley!" She said encouraged by the positive start as the broom lingered as the Gryffindor did her best to pay attention to where she was applying pressure. Too much on one side and it would start leaning that way like it had last time, Haley's pointers had been what she had been missing last time but she felt better now, more in control that she had somewhat of a handle this time.

@Elena Jangleton

Haley was still unsure if she was really the right person for Elena to teach. She was confindent as she stood there in the field and just started explaining and showing off. She didn't have to think much about it, as if she did it every day, but as soon as it came to Elena implementing what she had been taught, the uncertainty came back to Haley. What if she had made a complete mess of things? What if she had forgotten something important? But what if something went wrong, worse Elena hurt herself? Haley continued to stand next to Elena, smiling encouragingly at her, trying her best not to let her nervousness show.

Her eyes were fixed only on the girl on the broom, her body tense, ready to intervene at a moment's notice if she fell or needed help. She took a few steps back, her hands outstretched but it wasn't necessary and a proud smile formed on Haley's lips and relieved she let out a soft sigh. The tension in her body disappeared and enthusiastically she watched Elena, who was now sitting safely on the broom and hovering above the ground. "Great!" Haley clapped her hands, almost like a proud mother congratulating her child on it first steps. But she wasn't just proud of Elena, she was proud of herself too.

"Okay, okay, now remember to stay centred. Only move to the sides if you really want to fly right or left." Haley repeated again, just to make sure they wouldn't make a mistake now with all the excitement.

"Remember, you can easily tilt your broom upwards for support." Haley continued as she now swung her legs over the broom again and pushed herself off the ground as well. "If you feel confident enough, we can now do some flying." Suggested Haley now, leaning forward on her broom and moving further away from the ground. "But really only if you feel safe enough." Haley shouted to her now as she flew a little round.

"It sounds silly, but be one with the broom." Haley couldn't help laughing at these words, "Well, so, lean in the direction you want to fly, but not too hard and otherwise always stay centred, lean forward to get faster and always have a good grip."

Haley was now hovering a few feet above Elena, watching her from above. "But we can always land again and continue another time." Haley assured her. She certainly didn't want to push her. If she wasn't ready for it, that was okay, but she shouldn't take any risks.

Success was the name of the game today as the brunette got accustomed to being in the air, a feeling she had been familiar with before but it had been far too long since then and it was good to have someone re-teaching her the basics and whatnot and with Haley around, Elena reckoned there would be a lot less falling off her broom keeping her helpful tips and pointers in mind.. It went to show there was a lot more to flying than simply grabbing a broom and zooming off to wherever it took you. "Right, centered." The Gryffindor repeated confirming her instructions paying particular attention to her balance and perhaps choosing not to look down. She decided it would probably help her in the long run if she didn't know how far down the ground was even if it was just a simple hovering technique.

The girl watched Haley somewhat in awe as the other girl mountd her broom with relative ease and seemed to take to the air with a practiced hand, it was the symbol of a experienced Qudditich player and someone who knew the ins and outs of broomstick flying. It become quite easy once everything came together but she wasn't quite at that level yet. The third-year nodded as Haley set forth some additional instructions about flying watching her noting her hand placements and everything, it was like a well-oiled machine that wouldn't work if one of the pieces were in place, everything had to be performed flawlessly. Truth be told, she was rather fine with not finding out what would happen if she attempted to fly, what if Elena flew straight into a pole or something or worse, into Haley?

The likelihood of such a thing occuring was slim but on the other hand, she knew she'd never get over it if the Gryffindor didn't push herself. It was now or never as she glanced down at her broom giving it a wary look before settling her gaze back on her Qudditch instructor for today. "No harm in trying, looks pretty straightforward." She replied. If forward meant to go faster, her quick mind quickly deduced that backward was the braking mechanism then and it was a fairly simple concept that Elena thought shouldn't be too hard to get down really. Right, one with the broom, words that echoed in her head as she shifted her weight forward leaning and waiting to see what would happen. For a moment, nothing but then slowly, the broom began to carry her gently forward at a calm speed as she got accustomed to the feeling, her attention solely focused on making sure her hands were securely wrapped around the broom.

After a few seconds, she'd lean back to slow the broom to bring it back to it's hovering position as she'd look back at Haley searching her face for any signs of approval. It was a rocky start but she had gone a few inches without being bucked off and that was good enough for her. "How was that?"

@Elena Jangleton

Haley was thrilled by Elena's drive and courage to try more. Haley had never been afraid of flying but she could imagine that it must not be easy to jump over their shadow. But that was exactly what Elena was doing at that moment. She wasn't just happy with the success she already had, no, she wanted more. That was a quality Haley particularly appreciated and so she watched the brave Gryffindor as she now really wanted to go flying. The redhead took a few steps back to give Elena the appropriate space but was close enough to rush to her aid if something went wrong.

But Haley's help was no longer needed. She didn't know if it was her teaching skills or just Elena's added confidence, but whatever it was, it worked. She looked enthusiastically after her as she flew past Haley. Not fast, but safe. When she landed again and looked back at Haley, she threw both arms in the air. "Elena!" she called to her, "That was great!" she cheered and got on her broom as well. She took off and flew quickly over to her. "I see great potential." She encouraged her friend and winked at her. She was sure that if she just put in a little more practice and confidence, she would quickly become a class flier.

At the same moment, Haley realised why she was here and her eyes fell on the big rings. She actually wanted to train herself, but being a teacher was fun, so she might as well postpone her own training for another time. "So, shall we fly a few metres together? Maybe a little higher or would you like to have safe ground under your feet for today?" Haley asked laughing. It would be okay with her if Elena wanted to practise a little more, but she wouldn't be angry with her if she wanted to leave it at that for today.