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Chapter 74: Apparition Tutoring Class
Chapter 74: Apparition Tutoring Class
From the first day he arrived at Hogwarts, Sherlock never relaxed his efforts to improve himself, beyond the regular curriculum.
Whether or not he knew the plot, enhancing his own abilities was the most fundamental guarantee of security.
Through the vast collection of books in the Hogwarts library, which boasts the largest collection of magical texts in the British wizarding world, and by occasionally borrowing knowledge from Professors Mcgonagall and Flitwick, the masters of Transfiguration and Charms, Sherlock learned many useful techniques and accumulated a great deal of knowledge.
This accelerated his learning progress significantly.
Previously, his magical abilities were just about on par with a typical seventh-year Hogwarts graduate.
In less than half a year, he had progressed to the level of a moderately powerful adult wizard.
However, while he could self-study or indirectly learn from other professors for most spells, there was one spell that Sherlock could not practice at Hogwarts: Apparition.
For safety reasons, the entire Hogwarts grounds are protected by Anti-Apparition spells, which only the headmaster has the authority to temporarily disable in specific areas.
Even Dumbledore usually relies on Fawkes, his phoenix, to Apparate within the castle.
Thus, Sherlock had no way to secretly practice Apparition within the castle.
Moreover, due to the nature of Apparition, accidents during practice are common and can be fatal if not promptly addressed.
Yet, Sherlock had to learn this spell and do so as soon as possible.
The original owner of his body had an Apparition License issued by the Ministry of Magic. If he were to show a complete lack of proficiency in this common spell, it would certainly raise suspicions.
Therefore, Sherlock needed to master Apparition as soon as possible, and he couldn't seek help from acquaintances.
At first, this problem caused him a lot of headaches. However, one day, while he was helping the Weasley twins retrieve some confiscated items from Filch (as compensation for extending the use of the Marauder's Map), he noticed a flyer for a quick spell tutoring class on Filch's desk.
Filch seemed very nervous, as if he was afraid Sherlock would discover something from the flyer.
But Sherlock paid no attention to Filch's secrets; instead, the flyer gave him an idea about how to learn Apparition.
Typically, Apparition training takes place at Hogwarts.
Once students turn seventeen, they can enroll in an Apparition class during the current semester.
Dumbledore would designate a specific area within the school where Anti-Apparition spells are lifted, and the Ministry of Magic would send instructors to guide the students. After completing the training, students would take an exam to obtain their Apparition License.
The process is somewhat similar to getting a driver's license in the Muggle world.
However, like getting a driver's license, Apparition training is not free. After applying, students must pay a fee to the Ministry of Magic.
Not all young wizards can afford this fee.
Those students from poor families who missed this opportunity would still have a chance to learn Apparition in the future.
The Ministry of Magic privately authorized several civilian institutions (similar to driving schools) for Apparition training, allowing adult wizards who have graduated to study and later take the certification exam.
These institutions are not hard to find; the Daily Prophet has advertisements for these "driving schools."
After careful consideration, Sherlock chose the "Rapid Wizard Apparition Academy."
He spent thirty-six Galleons to enroll in a private tutoring class (studying at Hogwarts costs twelve Galleons, regular civilian classes cost twenty-four Galleons, and private tutoring is three times the Hogwarts rate).
Just to learn one spell, it would cost so much money.
But Sherlock couldn't save this money; he couldn't attend classes using his real identity. Professors at Hogwarts are somewhat public figures in the wizarding world.
Moreover, Sherlock is the youngest professor at Hogwarts in nearly a century, and at least eighty percent of British wizards have seen his photograph.
So, a private tutoring class was undoubtedly the safest option.
The three most common modes of transportation in the wizarding world—Floo Powder, Portkey, and Apparition—all have their discomforts.
Sherlock felt like he was spinning in green flames for an eternity. Just when he thought his brain might be shaken to mush, his feet finally touched solid wooden floorboards.
He emerged from the warm fireplace, a bit disoriented, and tidied up his slightly disheveled robes.
"John Watson?"
A rough, raspy voice called out Sherlock's fake name.
This was a small cottage. The owner, an elderly man in his sixties or seventies, had white hair and a face full of wrinkles, but his build was extremely robust. Under his snug sweater, his strong muscle lines were clearly visible.
At this moment, Sherlock didn't need to maintain his usual cold demeanor.
He casually observed the room's decor, shrugged, and said, "Yes, you must be Mr. Cavill?"
"From now on, you will call me Instructor", Mr. Cavill said as he stood up from the sofa. His back was straight, and he was almost as tall as Sherlock, who was 1.87 meters.
"Since I've taken your money, I will hold you to strict standards until you pass the Ministry of Magic's Apparition exam."
Andrew Cavill, the man Sherlock had carefully chosen as his Apparition teacher, had previously served as a training instructor for intern Aurors at the Ministry of Magic. His temper might be a bit short, but he was responsible and had ample experience dealing with special situations.
"Alright, Instructor Cavill, where should we start our training?"
Cavill put on his robes, pushed open the cottage door, and led Sherlock outside to a lawn about the size of three football fields.
"I need to understand your specific situation."
The cold wind outside cut like a knife, but Cavill, the tough guy, didn't even button his robe, letting the cold wind blow it back.
He took out the application letter Sherlock had written a few days earlier.
"You practiced Apparition at school before, but because you experienced partial dislocation, you stopped and didn't continue?"
(End of Chapter)
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