Of Grudges and Grass Stains
"You've never ridden a bike?" Justin asked, aghast. "Oh come on, surely wizarding kids still ride bikes!"
Hannah shook her head. "I know what you're on about," she said. "My dad's a Muggle. But no, we lived in a wizarding village and never saw a bike."
Ernie snorted. "Seems a stupid form of transport to me. Lot of hard work."
Justin groaned. "It's a sport," he said patiently, as if he was trying to explain something complex to a toddler.
"Quidditch is hard work," Megan said. "But it doesn't require your own leg power."
"I liked cycling," Wayne announced. "Me and dad used to take a picnic and bike over the fields in the summer. It was nice." His voice was a little wistful.
"I'd have been on the school team if I'd gone to Eton," Justin said with just a tinge of longing. "We should teach them," he added, turning to Wayne. "I'm sure we could transfigure half-decent bikes. Megan probably has the balance already from flying."
Wayne agreed enthusiastically.
Megan, as it turned out, did not have the balance. She threw her weight around in a way that definitely helped turn a broom, but only succeeded in tipping the average push bike.
Ernie was determinedly and methodically learning how to balance while pedalling. Wayne jogged alongside him, beaming like a proud dad.
"You'd have the hang of it if you'd just pick up some speed!" He said excitedly. "Oh, this brings back memories of teaching my cousin!"
Megan clattered into the grass again and swore. "You're making it look easy, Ernie," she said. "I prefer flying, there's less to think about!"
"And further to fall," Justin added. He pulled her to her feet. "Now, turn your handlebars, but keep your shoulders level. Don't shift your weight and remember to keep your feet moving - don't stop pushing. Okay?"
Megan nodded, determination etched on her face. The resemblance to Gwenog was startling. Justin grinned and began to push the seatpost, gathering speed.
"Pedal!" He yelled.
"I'm doing it!" Megan cried.
Two hours later, they trooped into the Great Hall for lunch, grass-stained but grinning.
"I'm going straight back out," Megan said.
"We can join in now," Justin said to Wayne. "They don't need pushing any more."
"Absolutely," he agreed enthusiastically. "Coming, Ernie?"
"Sure," he said. "Why not."
"Where are you going?" Susan asked curiously as she arrived at the Hufflepuff table.
"Justin and Wayne have taught Megan and I to ride bikes!" Ernie told her enthusiastically.
An icy atmosphere descended on the table. Justin avoided Susan's gaze. They'd been… at odds, to put it mildly, since the Parseltongue incident two years prior.
"I, er… I'd love to try," Susan said quietly. "I haven't ridden since I was about six."
"Oh, well, Wayne is a great teacher," Ernie said nervously. "And Justin was great with Megan too."
"Yeah," Megan agreed. "You should come with us after lunch, and have a go."
Justin cleared his throat. "Yeah, you should go with them," he agreed coolly. "I've just remembered that I have homework to finish for Moody." He stood up abruptly and left the Hall without eating.
"Are you happy now?" Wayne snapped.
"I'm sorry, I - I'm trying to build bridges." Susan looked stricken.
"We know," Ernie said darkly.
An awkward silence fell.