The Bumpy Flight

Checking their luggage and lining up to board had been even more cumbersome than Wade had imagined. By the time he walked through the jet bridge and into the cabin, he barely felt like speaking.

A distinctive blend of leather, coffee, and jet fuel washed over him. Fortunately, Remus had not skimped when buying the tickets, so their seats were reasonably spacious and clean—far better than being packed into economy class like sardines.

As the engines roared, the plane slowly taxied forward. The sensation of being pressed back into his seat and the slight weightlessness made Wade's stomach tighten. He glanced to the side, a faint smile appearing in his eyes.

Moody had practically sunk into his seat, his feet braced hard against the floor, his entire body tensed. He looked like a drawn bowstring, as though he might be launched straight out of the plane at any moment.

"Relax, Professor Moody," Wade said softly. "We're safe now. The plane will level out soon."

"This damned tin can..."

Moody muttered hoarsely, gripping the handle of the Wand hidden in his cane as he gritted out:

"I'm not nervous. I've flown on a broomstick three thousand miles up..."

Before he could finish, the plane suddenly jolted. Moody immediately shut his mouth and threw his head back hard.

Remus Lupin turned toward him. His face was somewhat pale as well, though that was more due to his discomfort with the cramped, noisy environment.

"There's nothing shameful about being nervous, Alastor. I feel uncomfortable too."

Lupin said gently, "This big fellow is actually incredibly fast. Think about it... we're crossing the ocean at speeds far beyond any flying broomstick. Besides, Muggles have operated this system safely for many years."

He tried to soothe him with a calming tone, but Moody gritted his teeth