Hughway to the Danger Zone PV Closed

As Aaron stepped outside the warmth of the castle, the chill of the outdoors immediately attacked his face, the only skin that was exposed. He had bundled up pretty well today, wearing a new puffy jacket that he'd gotten for Christmas over break. His mother had requested he wear it when he was flying to stay warm, but it wasn't exactly the most aerodynamic piece of clothing. Nevertheless, he would try it out. More than likely, he would abandon the jacket on the side of the pitch after a few laps, but at least he wouldn't be lying when he told his mother he had worn it while flying.

The Hufflepuff mounted his Silver Arrow, but he frowned slightly at the feeling of his new gloves. They were a bit stiff, and they were definitely puffier than his other gloves. He probably should've told his parents not to get him any new winter clothes since he could just cast spells on his existing outdoor gear to keep them fitting and warm, but it was a little late for that now. He couldn't complain much though, considering the jacket and gloves were good quality. He could wear them for years to come, just not while flying.

Aaron kicked off from the castle entrance, flying towards the Training Pitch. Chae-rin was still traveling back from Wales - she had wanted to fly rather than go by the train. Still, it was almost instinct for him to at least look towards the owlery for her. Of course his snowy companion was nowhere in sight, but a glimpse of movement nearby caught his attention. His brown eyes focused on the Whomping Willow and a frown appeared on his lips. Why was it acting so agitated? There was no one on the ground nearby. Wait, was that someone flying?

Aaron adjusted the course of his broom, now heading towards the enormous tree. His suspicions were confirmed as he got closer and saw a large figure zooming between the willow's branches. He slowed down as he got close, taking in the site of a part-giant flying an enormous tree broom between the Willow's branches. That's definitely not a sight you see every day! The Hufflepuff had to stifle a gasp when the aggressive tree nearly caught the daredevil taunting it, but the Gryffindor was clearly talented on a broom. Not just anyone could dodge like that, especially given he was riding a tree broom.

Aaron navigated around the tree, staying out of its range, and landed near where his upperclassman was taking a rest. Hugh and Aaron had shared classes at one point in time, but then Hugh had apparently advanced to the next year. They had never really socialized beyond a rare hello in passing, but it seemed like that was due for a change.

"That was crazy impressive," Aaron complimented, a giant and genuine smile on his lips as he dismounted his broom. "Hugh, right? Aaron. We used to have classes together, but it's been a while," he greeted, offering his hand for a handshake. If Hugh didn't take his gloved hand, Aaron would just awkwardly put his hand back in his coat pocket before continuing.

"Are you training for something? Using the Willow is brilliant, I'd never considered it." Aaron was genuinely shocked that he'd never once looked at the Whomping Willow and thought it would make for a good training partner, but of course it would. What better way to train your instincts than to put your life on the line?

@Hugh Lowe

Aaron has a Calming Presence.

Your presence simply puts others at ease, if it is your carefree personality or the trust others have in you, the result is still the same. With you there, perhaps through your encouragement, your allies are able to better focus.

Aaron is Fearless.

You do not scare easily. In fact, they might even call you fearless.

@Aaron Jones
Something came swooshing beside him. It was, in fact, another student. Hugh knew the guy's face. As he so kindly and instantly explained, he indeed recalled having classes together. His eyes swiftly shot downwards towards the extended hand of this… Aaron. Eventually the giant would shrug and accept the handshake. The guy's vibe seemed alright. And he clearly did not seem intimidated by his presence either. "Hugh's correct." He added affirmatively.

The giant leaned back on his 'broom', which promptly caused a tired rumble to sprout from the worn wooden seat under him. "I've only just began to train with it myself." Hugh admitted in all honesty. He had no need to save face with this stranger. "My old training partner and I, we used to take our training sessions pretty serious. Swinging trees, boulders, her magic,... We used whatever we could to prep us for whatever we might find on the tracks."

Hugh sighed as he stared absent-mindedly into the distance. "But she graduated last year." He explained. "So I had to find the next best thing, you know?" He scoffed as his eyes locked back onto the tree. "A giant bloody fly-swatter, just for me. I'll tell you: It gives a great kick." The little smirk that had begun to grow between his two sideburns now widened to a wicked grin. And yes, there was something crazy in his eyes.

He had expected his plan to work. Why wouldn't a tree be up for a little challenge? But he had not anticipated the actual rush he'd feel from facing this mighty foe. Serena had been missing out all these years. Though he'd tell her all about it next time they'd meet.

The giant's head turned back towards the 'Aaron' next to him. He seemed fit. Composed. Maybe he'd do well on the tracks. But would he feel enough of the rush to keep himself from harm? That burning itch, a desire to stay alive as the Willow tried to capture him in an enormous web of roots and branches. "You wanna go a few rounds in the ring?" The 'ring' of course referring to the little hill the tree had planted itself on.

Aaron's brown eyes showed his surprise when Hugh revealed how he and his old partner trained. Swinging boulders and trees? At each other? Aaron's surprise was mixed in with slight admiration. Just the fact that Hugh was going up against the Willow proved to Aaron that he must have a lot of guts and commitment to flying, but learning he had a history of such hardcore training solidified the newfound respect Aaron had for Hugh.

The part-giant mentioned "the tracks," so the Hufflepuff presumed the Gryffindor must be a broom racer. Broom racing was a completely different beast to trick riding - Aaron had actually considered signing up for it in the past - but team sports weren't for him. Still, he had attended a couple of the races and had to admit it looked exhilarating. The training Hugh mentioned made more sense with that context.

"Fly-swatter, good one," Aaron chuckled, his eyes looking up at the tree that towered above the two of them. A good kick, eh? He could feel an itch forming to train with the Willow, but he turned his attention back to his conversation partner first.

"So is that a tree broom? I've never actually seen one in action. Saw one at the shops in Diagon last year, but couldn't imagine it would be very versatile. You use it brilliantly, though," Aaron commented, his eyes now focused on the broom that Hugh was holding. "Must need a lot of strength to control. Does it feel very different from a normal broom? I mean - maybe it feels better for you, with your size and all -" (he didn't consider that could be a rather blunt thing to say) "- but it still must be a huge adjustment."

Aaron really doubted that he could maneuver the broom as well as Hugh, but it didn't stop him from wanting to try. Not here and now, but just in general. Seeing it up close, he already started getting ideas on how he could perform much more intensive tricks with it. There was more surface to walk on, which would make it perfect for some mid-air acrobatics. Hell, he could probably do a cartwheel on the thing. His eyes practically twinkled at the world of possibilities a tree broom could bring to his trick riding. The Hufflepuff was snapped out of it by Hugh's invitation though.

"Oh, absolutely," a grin appeared on Aaron's face, embracing the proposed challenge. "Got any suggested exercises? Just try to stay in its reach as long as possible? Or maybe trying to touch a branch?" Aaron mounted his beloved Silver Arrow in preparation, and would kick off to follow Hugh's lead after an exercise was agreed on.

@Hugh Lowe