Chapter 139: Apparition
Chapter 139: Apparition
Someone knocked on the door of the Dark Magic Defense office.
Professor Broad opened the door and saw Albert standing there, a hesitant expression on his face. "Albert, is your Apparition class over?" he asked, puzzled.
"Not yet, but there's something I'd like to ask of you," Albert replied, taking a deep breath.
"What is it?" Professor Broad inquired, noticing Albert's apprehensive demeanor.
"I want to experience what it feels like to Apparate," Albert said, explaining his request. "Maybe you're right, and I am wasting my time trying to learn it quickly. But I still want to know what it feels like." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I've given up on the idea of mastering it in a short time."
A brief silence fell over the office as Professor Broad and Professor McDougal stared at each other, surprised that Albert was considering attempting to master Apparition.
"Initially, Apparating can be quite uncomfortable, even unpleasant," Professor Broad warned. "Some people never get used to it and give up learning Apparition altogether. Are you sure you want to try?"
"Yes, I am," Albert affirmed, knowing that if this didn't work, he would have to give up on acquiring the Apparition skill for now.
"Albert, there's something you should understand," Professor McDougal said, his expression turning serious. "You must never, under any circumstances, practice Apparition on your own. Do you understand?"
Albert nodded to indicate that he wouldn't.
"Good," Professor McDougal said, nodding in satisfaction. "Now, come with me. Apparating within Hogwarts is not possible."
"No need, I'll take Albert to experience Apparition," Professor Broad interjected. "But first, there are some things you should know." He proceeded to explain the basics of Apparition to Albert.
"Apparition actually consists of two parts: Disapparating and Apparating," he began. "First, you need to Disapparate to vanish from your original position, and then Apparate to reappear at your desired location. Apparition is an extremely advanced form of magic, which is why you're only allowed to take the test when you come of age."
"There are limitations to the distance you can Apparate," he continued. "The further you Disapparate, the more difficult it becomes. When Apparating, the wizard must have a good understanding of their destination; otherwise, they risk serious injury or even death if the distance is too great."
"I will be performing a form of Apparition called 'Companion Apparition,'" Professor Broad explained. "It's a type of Apparition where someone who can Apparate takes someone who can't along with them."
Albert nodded to show that he understood.
The two left the office together, passing through the foyer and down the stone steps toward the castle's exterior.
The Apparition class was still in session in the Great Hall, with many upperclassmen practicing diligently. However, Albert knew that once he acquired the Apparition skill, he wouldn't have to worry about such struggles.
"You can't Apparate within Hogwarts, so we must leave the premises," Professor Broad said, knowing Albert wouldn't want to practice in the Great Hall. "Usually, we'd just go into the forest."
So, the best option at the moment was the Forbidden Forest.
They quietly made their way to the Forbidden Forest, a tranquil place where they wouldn't be disturbed.
"Grab my wrist and don't let go," Professor Broad instructed. "I will Apparate us a few feet away to a clearing. Here we go!"
Albert's surroundings suddenly plunged into darkness, and he felt a powerful sense of compression from all directions. In that moment, he felt as though an invisible force was squeezing him, his eyes feeling like they were being pushed back into his skull, like being stuffed into a narrow rubber tube about to be squeezed out.
It was over in an instant, and Albert found himself gulping in fresh air. He and Professor Broad had appeared in the clearing just a few feet away.
"I feel a bit sick," Albert mumbled, covering his mouth as he tried to suppress the nausea rising in his stomach. He quickly ran to a nearby tree and began to dry heave.
Professor Broad watched as Albert leaned against the tree trunk, offering words of comfort. "That feeling takes some getting used to."
"It's horrible!" Albert grumbled, but his mood soon brightened as he realized that the Apparition skill had indeed appeared on his skill panel.
With his improved mood, his spirits lifted, and the initial negative emotions were gradually overcome.
"Now do you understand why we didn't want you to attempt Apparition too early?" Professor Broad shook his head.
"Do most wizards take their children along when they Apparate?" Albert asked, incredulous. For a child, this would undoubtedly be a traumatic experience, especially considering his higher tolerance compared to others.
"No, parents usually don't do that," Professor Broad replied, shaking his head. "Typically, they would use a more convenient method, like Floo powder."
"I will never attempt to practice this spell recklessly," Albert vowed.
"Wise decision," Professor Broad approved, pleased with Albert's self-awareness.
However, he was unaware that Albert had no need to practice Apparition, as he had already mastered it.
If the need ever arose, Albert could simply upgrade the spell to Level 2.
"Albert, are you trying to sneak into the forest as well?" As Albert emerged from the forest, he was caught by a furious Hagrid.
"Professor Broad, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, Mr. Anderson and I were just performing some magic tests on the outskirts of the forest," Professor Broad explained casually.
"Oh, I see," Hagrid said, still eyeing Albert suspiciously. "Those Weasley twins have been causing me no end of trouble, sneaking into the forest all the time. You're close with them, aren't you? You should remind them not to do anything foolish. It's dangerous deep in the forest."
"Ahem, I will," Albert coughed, quickly assuring Hagrid.
In truth, Albert knew he couldn't stop the Weasley brothers' adventures in the Forbidden Forest.
After bidding Hagrid farewell, the two continued toward the castle. Along the way, Professor Broad suddenly remembered something. "I heard there's a breeding ground for Acromantulas in Britain, and it's likely in the Forbidden Forest."
"Acromantulas?" Albert asked.
"Yes, a wizard once tried to find the breeding ground. He disappeared in the depths of the Forbidden Forest," Professor Broad said, frowning slightly. "Those creatures are dangerous."
Albert responded with a noncommittal "Oh," knowing that the breeding ground Professor Broad mentioned was Hagrid's doing.
(End of Chapter)
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