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Chapter 75: Andrew Cavill
Chapter 75: Andrew Cavill
To learn Apparition, you don’t need to provide much personal information. The real identity verification comes when you take the Apparition test at the Ministry of Magic.
So, when Sherlock enrolled in the tutoring class, he created a simple fake identity for himself.
"Yes, I remember it was during my sixth year. My head and body separated, but fortunately, a Ministry of Magic instructor was nearby and provided timely assistance."
Sherlock looked genuinely shaken by the memory.
Cavill waved his hand dismissively.
"Rest assured, you must have investigated my background before coming here. I've taught over a hundred adult wizards to obtain their Apparition licenses, and not a single accident has occurred."
After a brief chat, Cavill didn’t waste any more time on small talk. He seemed to be a man of action.
"Alright, Watson. Since you’ve had some exposure to Apparition before, you should remember the three D principles of the spell, right?"
Sherlock had, of course, thoroughly studied the theoretical aspects before coming.
"Destination, determination, deliberation."
"Exactly. While these principles apply to most spells, they are particularly crucial for Apparition."
Cavill demonstrated the spell right in front of Sherlock.
"Apparition."
He waved his wand, and his form vanished from the spot. A sound like a whip cracking through the air followed, and the next second, he reappeared precisely in a wooden ring ten meters away. He then used Apparition again to return to Sherlock’s side.
"Just by watching, you won’t grasp the technique, young man. The key is to feel it yourself. No matter how nervous you are, you must maintain your composure."
Cavill signaled for Sherlock to give it a try.
Sherlock had memorized the spell and the wand movement. The only thing missing was practical experience. By paying for the tutoring class, he was essentially buying insurance. If an accident like body separation occurred, someone would be there to help him.
Sherlock drew his wand and took a deep breath. Cavill continued to emphasize the key points.
"Remember! The three D principles! Just focus on performing the spell. Don’t be too nervous; even if you experience body separation, I can help you reattach."
Sherlock fixed his gaze on the wooden ring, determined to reach it. He waved his wand and spoke the incantation.
"Apparition."
The spell activated!
He felt as if something had grabbed his body and was pulling him in a specific direction!
Sherlock remained calm, recalling the principle of deliberation. He turned slightly on the spot, and he could feel his body becoming ethereal.
In the next moment, it felt as if he had traveled through a vast distance, yet he hadn’t moved at all.
Once his turning motion was complete, he stood steadily in place and found himself next to the wooden ring.
"Clap, clap, clap!"
Loud applause came from where he had stood before. Cavill looked at him in amazement.
"I don’t think anyone would be so frivolous as to waste their hard-earned money on a joke with me. Your performance doesn’t look like that of a beginner at all!"
Sherlock glanced at the wooden ring. His Apparition wasn’t perfect; his final position was about a meter off from his intended target.
"That’s because your target determination was a bit off. You can try again."
Cavill pointed out the reason for the error and asked him to give it another go.
The second Apparition was flawless, but as Sherlock appeared inside the wooden ring, he couldn’t suppress a wave of nausea and had to hold his waist, retching.
Cavill helped him get a cup of hot tea from inside the house and handed it to him.
"Now I believe you are just starting to get a feel for Apparition. Some newcomers always struggle with the sensation, but it gets much better with practice."
Sherlock took the hot tea from him, said thank you, and then asked,
"Is this level of Apparition considered up to standard?"
"Of course. With your performance just now, as long as you don't make any mistakes during the exam, getting the Ministry of Magic certificate will be a piece of cake."
"If everything goes normally, how long does it take for an adult wizard to learn this spell?" Sherlock sipped his tea, asking casually.
"Under normal circumstances, it takes about a month of continuous study. I once met a very talented young man who managed it in just three days. You, however, are an exceptional case among exceptions."
Cavill shrugged. "Young people like to hear praise. Usually, when wizards come to me to learn, I tell them they are rare geniuses to make them feel good. But you are truly the most gifted wizard I've ever seen."
Sherlock was well aware of his own situation.
He knew his magical talent wasn't exaggerated to that extent. The original owner of his body had already mastered this spell, so it was more like re-familiarizing himself with a skill he had once known.
Seeing Sherlock in deep thought, Cavill thought he was worried about the tuition and patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I originally planned to teach you for a week, which is why I charged you thirty-six Galleons. Since you learned it in less than a day, you don't need to pay the remaining amount. Stay for lunch, too."
Sherlock had already paid twelve Galleons when he enrolled, with the remaining twenty-four Galleons to be paid in full after the lessons and upon receiving the Ministry of Magic certificate.
Sherlock could tell from Cavill's words that he wanted to befriend him by waiving the remaining tuition.
He had no objections, as the person Cavill was trying to befriend was John Watson, not Sherlock Forrest.
For the rest of the time, Sherlock kept practicing Apparition, moving back and forth on the lawn in front of the cottage to refine his technique.
By noon, Cavill, who had finished cooking the steak, called him inside and placed two glasses of brandy on the table.
"I usually have a drink with every meal. Feel free to join me if you want."
Sherlock had no intention of drinking, not because he didn't drink, but because he wasn't comfortable drinking with someone he had just met.
Cavill, though rough in appearance, was a very friendly person, especially after a few drinks, when he became even more talkative.
"Aurors(End of Chapter)
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