Flying - Lesson #1 - Broomstick Basics
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This lesson contains an ESSAY QUESTION assignment.
[img align=left]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b174/theatticbox/Caswell.png[/img]Everyone here? Excellent. I'm Mr. Carlisle Caswell, but you may call me Caswell. I'll be your flying instruction for this year. I know you're all eager to get up in the air, but the Headmaster has advised me to keep the first lesson to a simple, on-the-ground instruction. Since that's the case, today we will be learning the basics on broomsticks.
Now, you can't fly on just any ol' broom for a start. You gotta have a magic broomstick. Flying broomsticks have a number of enchantments and spells placed on them in order to keep them afloat and the wizard safe.
When the early broomsticks were developed, they only had very basic enchantments on them. They were charmed to only go up, down, and forward. And they stopped, of course! They also only had one speed. Other than that, there wasn't a lot of control to them.
Brooms these days have many more enchantments and safeguards to them. For instance, we now are able to negotiate 360 degree turns and a number of different speeds. It's said that the outdated Nimbus 1000, introduced in 1967, had the fastest speeds in it's time to date at 100 miles per hour. The Firebolt outstripped that speed in 1993 by being capable of going from zero to 150 miles per hour in ten seconds flat.
Broomstick makers are still making strides to have brooms go even faster. With speeds maybe someday reaching 200 miles per hour, you must wonder how a wizard is able to stay on their broom! One standard spell that is featured in every broom is a shielding spell protecting the rider from any winds or inertia. Another standard charm on broomsticks is the Cushioning Charm invented by Elliot Smethwyck in 1820 (see the image below for a depiction of how the charm works). This, coupled with a vibration control spell, is what makes brooms tolerable to sit on for any amount of time. I can't imagine sitting on a piece of narrow would could be comfortable for long, can you?
To protect the rider from any jinxes or curses to the broom or the rider, there are a few protection spells in addition to anti-jinx varnish on the broom handles. No average witch or wizard should be able to tamper with a broomstick's magic. Note I say average, as a powerful dark wizard may be successful at hurling a rider off his broom.
As far as how the hardware of a broom is designed, it depends on what the broom is meant for. Most brooms that are meant for games and sports, especially Quidditch, are fashioned to have more slender handles and twigs from lighter woods to increase agility. Balance is also a key point here, as higher speeds require higher precision of handling. If the broom is meant more for endurance, it may be made with a thicker, heavier broom handle to withstand long journeys, and not as much focus is put on precision. Most brooms are also made with wood that is also considered wand wood. Some believe that using a wand wood for the handle allows for the wizard to extend a bit more magical control over the broom than if made with a non-wand wood. Whether this is true has yet to be proven.
Some broomstick makers choose to feature additional spells and accessories to their broomsticks to make them more desirable, especially if their speeds cannot compete with the leaders of the time. For instance, the Bluebottle was designed to have a built-in Anti-Burglar Buzzer in order to prevent thief. The Twigger 90 chose to include a self-straightening brush and warning whistle with their model. The Firebolt also has sported an Unbreakable Breaking Charm ever since it's first model.
Your assignment today includes two short essay questions. Please keep your answers between 1-3 paragraphs. Please post your answers here behind spoiler tags (if you do not know how to use spoiler tags, please let me know and I'd be happy to help you).
Each question will be graded out of a maximum of 10 points each for a total of 20 possible House Points.
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why?
Poppy's answers, Slytherin House
1.) If I were a broomstick manufacturer, my unique spell would be a Safety Net Charm. My broom would be marketed towards children who have outgrown toy broomsticks but aren't old enough to begin using a standard adult broom. They would range in smaller sizes and would be designed for learning and practice as opposed to sport or traveling great distances. Their affordable prices, bright colors, and ease of use would make them attractive to wizarding families with young witches and wizards.
2.) I do believe that using wand woods improve control over a broomstick because this allows the riders to bond with their brooms in a similar manner to how people have deep connections with their wands.
Rose Thorn Hufflepuff House Flying Lessons (Broomstick Basics) 1 August 2015
[Spoiler=1.]If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
I would put a spell on my broomstick that would allow it to auto-fly on long trips. You simply say the address you would like to go to, and the broomstick will do the rest. However, this spell unfortunately can not detect obstacles in the air, so you will still need to pay attention to your surroundings!
This addition to the broomstick will be best utilized by people who regularly take long trips. It will also benefit people who lack good navigational skills; once the broomstick has the address, it requires no steering (other than to avoid obstacles or make a pit stop). [/spoiler]
2.
Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why?
I believe that wand woods do improve broomstick control.
Wand woods have been specifically chosen for their properties to channel magic. My hypothesis is that these properties will also contribute to better control over the broomsticks which are made of these woods. In addition, I predict that any spell (anti-jinx, cushioning, etc.) that is placed on a broomstick made of wand wood will be longer-lasting and more powerful than it would be on a wood that is not wand-quality.
Rylee Lee, Hufflepuff
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
If I could create any accessory for the market, I would make an all-weather broomstick varnish. Broomsticks tend to become slippery, uncomfortable or even hard to handle after long hours of flying. They also tend to become overly warm in direct sunlight, icy to the touch on cold or blustery days and moist from flying through cloud condensation. This easily paintable varnish would coat the broomstick with an extra layer of protection for the comfort of the user.
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why? Scholars say that it is the wand that chooses the wizard. Whether this connection is because of the wood, the core or a combination of both is unknown. What we do know is that there are vast differences between the wood of the wand and a broomstick. It is because of this that I must disagree with the notion that wand woods directly affect a user's control over a broomstick.
Unlike a wand which chooses its partner, broomsticks were made to be tailored to the needs of the rider. The broomstick itself can not adapt to its users wishes; however, it may be customized to meet its riders needs using a variety of accessories and enchantments. What would be seen as a feisty personality in a wand would merely be a clever enchantment on a broomstick.
For centuries, wizards and witches have chosen their broomsticks based off of specific needs like speed, appearance and maneuverability. It has never been the wood that mattered to the broomstick, but the model's specific enchantments. While it may be argued that a rider could develop a bond with their broomstick, a broomstick is still a broomstick, and its wood type is merely just a type of wood without its enchantments.
Amanda/Literature Flying Lesson answers. Ravenclaw
1.) If I were a broom manufacturer there are a couple things I would consider adding to a broomstick in order to make it rise above the rest. The first thing I would add is a built in magical GPS charm. This charm would enable the broom to steer itself to the desired location without much help from the rider. This would be a sort of cruise control for brooms. It would make long distance flying much simpler and easier to manage. In addition to this charm, I would like to add a "carseat" feature that would enable a parent to travel by broom with a child. This would make the broomstick a much more family friendly mode of transportation, and would open the market to a whole new genre of customers. With these two broomstick upgrades I hope to make consumers happier and more likely to buy my product.
2.) I absolutely believe that wand woods improve the control over broomsticks. Wand woods are considered the highest quality of woods available to humans. This will make them more durable, and easier to control because of their natural higher quality. I also believe that witches and wizards share a special bond with these wood types, therefore making the control over a broom that much more natural. Wand woods are chosen for their magical properties, and their natural ability to channel the magic of a witch or wizard, so making brooms from this same wood will make them much easier to control.
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Flying Lessons Assignment 1 Sexy/Megan
Question 1
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
If I were a broom manufacturer, the spell I would implement would be invisibility. Invisibility would allow Aurors to pursue their targets without being seen thus causing less of a commotion (hopefully) during chases/rendering of subjects.
To activate, the Witch or Wizard would simply use an incantation, whether spoken or non-verbal, and thus this incantation would activate the charm. A counter charm to return visible would also be implemented. Or, if preferred, a small device could be added to the broom. Simply push a button and you and your broom turn invisible; push it again and you re-appear along with your broomstick.
Question 2
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why?
I do believe want woods would improve control over a broomstick, especially if the witch or wizards wand is made of the same wood as their broomstick.
Wand wood has long been studied and the different magical properties each wand represents could be implemented into brooms to make the witch/wizard have more magical control over their broom sticks. For example, if a wizard had a hawthorn wand and the broom he chose was also hawthorn; having the two magical woods in close quarters would give ease of mind when casting spells; the two woods could, in their own way, communicate to each other thus making the multi-tasking of spell-casting and flying much easier and bring more peace of mind to the flyer.
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Turokai's answers. Slythern house.SPOILER (click to toggle)
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
I would create a hands free, wand holding device. This device would, at the spellcaster's mental direction, manipulate the wand in the necessary gestures for the desired spell, allowing the witch or wizard's hands to remain safely in control of the broomstick. I feel this will greatly reduce airborne accidents, muggle sightings and accidental jinxes. Because a spellcaster no longer need worry about fumbling for his or her wand at a crucial moment, flying will be a much more pleasurable pastime as well.
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why?
No. The wand is designed to channel magical energy from the wizard and weave it into a spell, charm or jinx. The woods are specially suited for the gathering and releasing of magical energy. Brooms on the other hand must be able to reliably retain a stable enchantment over a long period of time. Mountain ash, for example, is a light weight wood especially well suited to accepting flying charms. Whereas Cedar and Hawthorne are more volatile woods that must bond with a specific wizard for their best performance. Wand woods should only be used for a broom when it is to be custom designed for one user only, and is to be more of a high-end showpiece than a practical transport.
Flying Lessons
assignment 1
Judy of Gryffindor House
broomstick manufacturer
If I were a broom manufacturer I would definitely have the name of the owner branded into the handle and would spell it with a loyalty spell so no ill intended could swipe it from it's owner.
Wand Wood
Wand wood in my opinion is intended for wands. I would not use wand wood. Lightweight and durable might be a nice mahogany, has some lovely wood patterns and takes a stain and varnish well.
For myself I would order ONLY purplewood handle. Dense, water resistant and durable, and of course, PURPLE :)
Flying Lessons Assignment 1 Maximilian O'Conner, House Slytherin
- Question
SPOILER (click to toggle)
My broom would have a protego spell included. So that especially beaters are protected by bludgers. But also every other player.
2.Question
SPOILER (click to toggle)
I think that wand wood can improve controling a spell. Especially when the same wood is used for wand and broom. I think that haveing the same woods for both makes it easier to handle both wand and broom.
Flying Lessons Assignment 1 Helen, House Slytherin
answers
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Using technology and magic, develop a radar that shows/alerts you when something is in the 4 meter radius. 4 meters would be the default but there will certainly be different versions/settings for it. Useful when trying to avoid birds. Doesn't detect anything smaller than 1 inch in diameter.
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Using wand woods should indeed theoretically improve your control over the broomstick, as well as your flying experience. But, that could make the broom more fragile and potentially even dangerous. For now, those, who need and can afford a broom like that, and potentially benefit form it, can try it out. As for most people, it would be safer to stick to the basics. At least until further research is done. That said, I do believe that at least a few people could benefit form having a broom, made from specifically their wand wood. But I don't believe that most people will be able to afford or should get their custom broom. And if you don't get it made just for you, accidents are bound to happen, same as when people handle wands, that aren't meant for them.
Flying Lessons Assignment - Broomstick Basics Destiny Slytherin
SPOILER (click to toggle)
1. Many young witches and wizards face challenges learning on traditional brooms. One wrong flick of the wrist and you’re likely to end up upside down, of course. Therefore, I would create a beginners broom that holds the rider steady and uses magic to “attach†them to the broom while it is moving, upside down, on its side, or a few feet above the ground. As the rider gains experience, these settings can be turned off if needed. However, doing so requires a wand and basic spell knowledge, so parents do not have to worry about their children turning it off themselves!
- No. Wand wood is intended to be used for casting spells, not for controlling a broom stick. Many witches and wizards have attempted to prove that one has better control over a broom if they use one made out of the same wood as their wand, but no one has been able to prove that it is any different than using any other type.
Flying Lessons Assignment - Broomstick Basics Elune, Ravenclaw
1. Broomstick Manufacturer
Many wizards have explored broomstick velocity on earth, but few rumors have made their way into wizard lore regarding broomstick space exploration. In 1968, Augusta Nimblebrains claimed to have flown several thousand kilometers outside of the planet’s surface. Several other “reports†have been made in the past two decades, but none of them can be supported.
ELunar Enterprises has plans to develop an innovative, wizard-friendly Oxygen Generation system as well as new magnetic-stability and Mobili charms on their broomsticks. Initially, these will allow users to remain comfortably suspended within the earth’s outer atmosphere (up to 10,000 kilometers) with a long-term goal of expansion to the rest of our solar system. With this technology, the wizarding community will be able to expand their galactic knowledge and, one day, play Quidditch in space.
2. Wand Wood
Much speculation exists over the importance of broomstick wood. Since 2010, the Yajirushi brand in Japan has been creating custom broomsticks for their players based on individuals’ wand woods. Ideally, this would enhance a flyer’s speed, accuracy, and comfort whilst in air. However, recent Quidditch matches have shown inconclusive data. In the 2014 Quidditch World Cup, Japan beat both Poland and Nigeria but were defeated by Bulgaria due to legendary seeker Victor Krum’s precision in catching the snitch. Krum, whose wand consists of Hornbeam, uses a broomstick made predominantly from Hawthorn, with no traces of Hornbeam. Similar results have been illustrated in Japan’s practice sessions, with over half of its players demonstrating no improvement.
With more research, personalized wand wood could potentially enhance one’s flying. In the meantime, core components, charms, and sleekness are considered top priority for most broomstick manufacturers.
(research reference: http://harrypotter.wikia.com) (I loved reading everyone's inventions for this!)
🌸Seeking:
Flying Lessons Assignment - Broomstick Basics Kendra Krum, Hufflepuff
SPOILER (click to toggle)
01. If I was a broomstick manufacturer, I would equip my brooms with an anti-jinx spell so that there could be no cheating by others during Quiddich matches and no danger would befall the owner/user of the broom.
- I personally believe that it is a great idea to use wand wood for broomsticks. I believe it would give the user/owner the ability to connect with and control their broomsticks on a much higher level. It leaves the field open for custom broomsticks to be made, which could be a huge factor in determining a person's strengths and weaknesses while playing Quidditch. Furthermore, in the event that a wizard needs to use a spell while on the broomstick, I believe it would make the spell that much more powerful if the wand and broomstick were connected in such a way.
Ernessa Slytherin
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
I would have something flashy, maybe changing colours in the tail or the ability to write a message on the handle in neon letters, something fun. Also something similar to cruise control, where you get to your desired speed and then don't have to monitor speed anymore. And of course a spell to keep the rider from getting wet in the rain!
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why? Yes, as an important feature of a wand is the ability for the wand to bond with the user and even in some instances to act of it's own accord in the interest of the user. This would result in a broom being connected to the rider and if for example the rider fell asleep while riding the broom could sense it and perhaps brake before crashing or something to that end. Using wand wood for brooms results in a smoother, more streamline ride for the owner but if the owner were to lend their broom to someone else I think that the broom might play up a little, so the use of wand wood for brooms may have its downsides.
Beth Hale (Ravenclaw) Flying Lessons Assignment [Spoiler=1)]1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market? If I were a broomstick manufacturer, I would add a bewitch survival meter to my broomstick model. This meter is not detachable as it is carved into the wood of the broomstick. Wizards and witches would no longer have to worry about getting lost as this meter will speak out to them and in some cases automatically take control over its movements. However, the witch or wizard is responsible for telling the broomstick where they are headed. This meter has several different modes. It lets a witch or wizard know the time and date as it is very easy to lose track of time when one goes on long journeys or if one has been lost for months. It lets a witch or wizard know the weather and has pressure sensors for fast and accurate readings of the surrounding temperature, barometric pressure, dewpoint, altitude and wind chill. One mode tells the witch or wizard how far they been traveling while another mode tells them their heart rate and blood pressure. One of its newest features is that it can act as a small radio. However, currently only 8 channels are available. This meter also comes with several different personalities. One personality called the "Motherly Witch" will protect you from all harm once it's activated. It’s mission is to get the wizard or witch flying it “off the grid†from any sort of danger. This personality is only available to certain witches and wizards.[/spoiler] [Spoiler=2)]2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why? It is commonly known that there is a unique bond between a wand and its owner. This bond can possibly be found between a witch or wizard and his or her broomstick if wand woods are used to create their broomsticks. If the wand wood is personalized to the witch or wizard that is destined to fly it then I believe their control over their broomstick is greatly improved. It appears that the properties of a wand seem to have some effect over which kinds of magic the wand is particularly geared for. Broomstick manufacturers can use these characteristics to improve their broomstick and make it easier for witches and wizards to use.
Wandlore is a complex branch of magic. Having wandmakers act as advisors to these broomstick manufacturers can greatly impact future broomsticks. Wand wood is composed of a specific type of wood that that is surrounded by a core of magical substance. Since wand wood is more specialized for magic and are of higher quality than other woods it will be easier for wizards and witches to control broomsticks made out of this wood. A witch or wizard can effortlessly connect with their broomstick thus improving their flying abilities[/spoiler]
Alexa Bristow
Hufflepuff, First Year
Flying Lessons
Assignment
SPOILER (click to toggle)
Short Essay :
If I were a broomstick manufacturer, I would want to devise a spell to create an anti-falling charm for my broomstick model. This would make broomsticks a lot safer to use for all, and could even save lives. Think about it: how many witches and wizards are afraid of riding a broom for the fear of falling off and risking injury. Many injuries and deaths have occured from people falling off their brooms. Whether at 1 yard from the ground or 100, this broomstick model would be a life-saver, literally!
Short Essay : I believe that wand wood usage in the manufacturing of broomsticks does improve control over a broomstick. Wand woods are particularly great at channeling magic, which is why we use them in wands in the first place. A broomstick is a magical tool, much like wands. In using wand woods in broomstick manufacturing, we are creating broomsticks that are much more receptive to a person's magical influence. The stronger the magic, the more receptive the wood, the better the broomstick.
Emma McMonigle - Hufflepuff Flying Lesson 1: Broomstick Basics
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
SPOILER (click to toggle)
If I were a broomstick manufacturer... Well, there are lots of charms that I'd like to put on a broom to increase rider safety and comfort. For example, why not a Shield Charm? It would protect the rider from being hit by flying creatures, such as birds or bugs, when using brooms for travel. Is there a war going on and you don't feel comfortable using apparition or Floo-Powder? You wouldn't need to worry, because the broom's Shield Charm would protect you from any moderate spells until you can reach safety. Though the downside to that would be these kinds of brooms being used in Quidditch tournaments where the bludgers wouldn't be able to reach the players. It would eventually, I'm sure, become illegal to use such brooms in organized games, but I can't imagine that the comfort of not having bugs splattered in your face whilst traveling could be seriously overlooked.
And since I've thought of it, why not imbue the broom with a Legilimency Charm? I know that might give some people pause for concern--after all, wasn't that one of the great skills of You-Know-Who? But keep in mind that while He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named used this power for purposes that can be considered very unwise, this doesn’t make the skill evil. After all, Dumbledore was an accomplished Legilimens, and most citizens of the magical world don’t consider him to have been evil or a threat. And look at the positives here. A broom imbued with at Legilimency Charm could improve the safety for casual riders and Quidditch players alike. Fallen from your broom? No problem, because the broom is connected to you on a mind-to-mind level and will be there to catch you. Realize that you need to make a sharp turn to avoid a collision, but your reflexes aren’t responding? That’s not a problem either, because your broom is already registering the problem you have recognized and can obey the action in your mind rather than reflexes that are too slow. Consider the safety of the magical population if such a Charm were to be applied.
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why?
SPOILER (click to toggle)
An interesting question. I suppose that wand wood could be more impregnable to the kinds of charms that broomstick manufacturers place on their brooms. The logic would make sense--after all these woods have already been proven through research that they have magical properties of their own. Perhaps using wand woods to create broomsitcks allows the broom to have enhanced properties in addition to the spells that manufacturers have put on them, such as faster speeds or better turning capability or longer durability. Or perhaps wand woods are more susceptible to absorbing the spells that are placed upon them.
Do I believe that wand woods make better brooms? I’m not certain. While the logic is sound, I feel like I would need to see the results of through testing of this theory before I can fully believe that wand woods make better brooms.
Diva, Gryffindor
Question 1
Many people create brooms built for speed. But what about those for the adventurer; those with daring souls and an aching desire to see the world? Sure, speed would be nice to travel quickly but you won't be able to take in the sights. My broom would include a navigation system that includes both an auto-flight path and the ability to add additional maps. (In case you discover some unknown land!)
Another addition would be a creature omnidex so you always know what you're encountering! It will function like a notebook, as well, allowing you to add in your own notes about the creatures you meet. This will all be built into the broom so you can take it with you everywhere!
Question 2
I do believe using wand wood for brooms would help control them. Wands are known to bond with their user, and the better the bond is with a wand, the better the usage is. Why wouldn't this also adhere to brooms made with the same materials? Certainly, some types of wood/core would be harder to control, but in the end, once you learn how, might it work out better?
There's also the fact that sometimes, wands act of their own accord. Wouldn't you want a broom that will protect you when you're unable to respond? Of course, brooms are all made with specific purposes in mind, but making a broom with wand wood doesn't mean every single broom has to be made that way. People can choose what they'd like to use, and if they prefer wand wood, then that option is available to them! More choices will give even the pickiest wizards something they approve of.
Jim, Hufflepuff
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A charm to help direct a broom to its intended location would be a good choice for a broom-maker -- it is be extremely difficult to use a map while flying a broom and there are few distinguishing landmarks and no roads in the air. To have the broom know the way would save travelling wizards a lot of time and trouble.
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I don't think making brooms out of wand wood has any effect on the broom itself. A wand works on the combination of the core ingredient and the wood's outer shell; using one but not the other would have essentially no effect.
Hannah Murkiore Ravenclaw Broomstick Basics
SPOILER (click to toggle)
1.) If you were a broomstick manufacturer, what unique spell or accessory would you include in your broomstick model to make it stick out from the others in the market?
A)I'd have a spell (maybe Adhero.) So that after the rider got on they had a tight grip to their brooms. It would probably have helped Harry in Goblet of Fire if there was one. I would imagine it would help a lot in Quidditch and maybe less injuries.
2.) Do you believe that using wand woods improves control over a broomstick? Why? A)I think it would. The user is able to be one with it kind of like their own wands. It would help in the case if someone tried to steal it and ride it. Maybe it would help them be more protected too.