Chapter 9
Apparition
Harry and Ron both looked at Hermione.
"What do you mean, Hermione?" asked Ron.
"Oh, Ron, look at what's happening." Hermione replied shortly. "What do you know of that can make people so depressed that they kill themselves?"
"Dementors" whispered Harry. "That's why there haven't been many attacks. They're hanging around Parliament and Downing Street sucking all the life out of it. If they would have attacked directly, the Order would have known. By just being there in the shadows they can do long term damage and the Ministry would never find out."
"What do you mean, the Ministry would never find out?" asked Ron.
"Well, they don't exactly read the Muggle newspapers, do they?" said Hermione.
"And Muggles can't see dementors," said Harry. "But how can the Ministry stop it once we let Dumbledore know?"
"Well, they just go in and--wait. They just can't walk into a Muggle building with wands out, can they?" said Ron.
"Which is precisely what Voldemort is counting on." said a new voice behind them.
The three turned around and looked up at the tired face of Remus Lupin.
"Hello, Harry, Ron, Hermione." He smiled gently down at them. "In case you're wondering, I will be doing your practical lessons for the first couple of weeks in Professor Windrider's class." He sat down next to them, oblivious to the stares and whispers from the other students.
"If we do nothing," he continued, "the Muggle government falls apart. If we take a more active role, we risk the Secrecy Statute. It's a tight spot and we're working on a way to deal with the situation. For obvious reasons, we can't even inform the Muggle Prime Minister about what's going on."
"Professor Lupin, can I ask you something?" said Ron. Lupin nodded. "We've just read in the Prophet about all sorts of minor incidents which are making the Ministry draft other workers to assist the aurors. What's up?"
Lupin smiled. "Would you care to take this one, Hermione?"
"Well, Ron, like I said, the aurors are being spread very thin. That makes it easier to take them out."
"Or, to distract them while the real attack takes place." said Harry, something clicking in his brain. "How's--"
"We'll talk about that privately, Harry." said Lupin sternly. "You remember your promise."
Harry nodded. It was a good thing Lupin interrupted him. He only just remembered what he had signed. He glanced at his reflection in the pitcher of pumpkin juice nearby and found nothing out of the ordinary. He breathed a sigh of relief.
"I think I've taken up enough of your time," Lupin said, standing. "Off to class with you three. Hermione, may I have that letter from your parents to show Dumbledore?" He smiled his tired smile again. "Don't worry, we'll take care of it. In the meantime, keep a low profile." He walked up to the staff table where he greeted the teachers and sat down for breakfast.
"Keep a low profile, indeed," huffed Ron. "Who does he think we are, Fred and George?"
***********
The rest of the week taxed Harry's stamina to the limit. In addition to the heavier load of homework he received in his classes, his detentions were growing more difficult. Snape was right--the first potion he made for him was the easiest. The worst part about making the next four was the mental part. Harry had to keep his temper and emotions in just the right balance for the potions to work, and Snape wasn't making things easier. While he didn't bully or abuse Harry outright as he had done every day during his classes at Hogwarts, he did use the well placed sneer or comment to attempt to rattle him. While his detentions kept him from eating little more than a couple of bites at dinner, his homework kept him up late at night. Even Lupin, everyone's favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, caused grumblings with the first practical lesson of the week. He set them to master an extremely difficult variation of the shield charm, one which Harry saw Voldemort use against Dumbledore, and would defend against most of the more powerful attack spells.
Thursday found Harry skipping dinner entirely. He remained after Potions ended to get started on the latest potion Snape was making him prepare. He wanted to finish quickly so he could be on hand for Quidditch tryouts. Snape knew this and left Harry alone to finish the potion while he went to the Great Hall and ate a very leisurely dinner. Harry was very nearly jumping out of his skin waiting for Snape to return and approve the potion. When he did return, he spent a very long time questioning Harry on his procedures, and examining the finished product. When he could no longer find an excuse to keep Harry, Snape finally dismissed him. Harry tore through the castle and made it to the Quidditch pitch about midway through the tryouts. As Harry took off, all the cares of the week fell behind him and were left on the ground. Harry soared through the air, practicing his best Seeker moves and trying out new aereobatic tricks. It had been so long since he flew, since Umbridge imposed the ban on his flying. To his great surprise, Ron had improved at Keeper so much he only allowed two goals, one by Ginny, and the other by Dennis Creevey. Katie proved to be a good captain, directing the players in formations and strategies. When it was over, the team consisted of Harry as Seeker, Katie, Ginny, and Dennis as Chasers, Ron as Keeper, and Jack Sloper and a seventh year named Ian Washburn as the Beaters. Harry was surprised at Sloper's improvement, but as Sloper sheepishly said, it was all in the practice, and he wanted to stay on the team.
Friday was a little better. The thought of the weekend kept Harry going, and he didn't even object when Hagrid made Harry translate the Occamies' description of their courtship and mating habits to the rest of the giggling class. The rest of the day went better, with only minimal teasing from Ron during lunch about whether he was going to try some of the Occamy courtship dance on a girl. Professor McGonagall took fifteen points from Gryffindor after the first blob of mashed potato hit Ron in the face. Ron had his revenge later, however, when after a consultation with Peeves, the poltergeist used a Weasley product to change Harry's hair into a crown of peacock feathers. Even Harry had to laugh in the common room when he saw the finished product in a mirror. Hermione actually giggled as she removed the charm. Harry's good mood deflated a little when Dennis Creevey came into the common room with a note for Harry from Professor Windrider reminding him of his meeting in Hogsmeade to go over lesson plans. Telling Katie he would try to make it to the afternoon practice, he went to bed early.
Harry woke up early on Saturday and headed down to breakfast. There were very few students there, most preferring to sleep in on the first Saturday of the term. Harry made it through some toast and sausage when Windrider approached him.
"Well, Potter, let's go. We've got a lot to cover and we also don't want too many students watching us leave. Besides, if we don't get there early, we might not have the room we need."
Harry quickly followed him through the gates and out to Hogsmeade. As they were arriving in town, Windrider began laying out his ideas for lessons and scheduling. The few people out and about at the time looked at Windrider curiously and did not pay too much attention to Harry. Presently they arrived at the Hogs Head. The decor hadn't changed since Harry was in there last. In fact, it looked dirtier and seedier than before, if that was possible. The only occupants were a cat and the bartender. The old bartender was wiping a glass with what looked like the same dirty rag Harry had seen him use before. Windrider walked up to him.
"Bring a couple of butterbeers to the back parlor."
"Ar" was the only reply.
Windrider led Harry to a door set in the back of the main room. It led to a small room with a table and a few chairs. The room was surprising in that it was reasonably clean. Harry and Windrider sat down at the table while the bartender brought them their drinks and the cat wandered in. When he left, Windrider looked at Harry.
"We're safe now. While the Hogs Head may attract a less than reputable clientele, the Order has long used it, and friends watch here. This room is set with wards against eavesdropping. Now, do you have your ideas and lesson plans set?"
Harry showed him the plans he and Lupin had drawn up. Windrider looked over them with an approving eye.
"Very good. I recognize Remus' hand in helping you. These will do to start. As the year goes on, you'll find that you may have to make changes in the lesson plans depending on how well the students do, and those sorts of things. Modifying and firming up the lessons should only take a little while, which gives you plenty of time for your real lessons. And now I'll retire to a corner and leave you two undisturbed."
As he finished speaking, the cat, which had been sitting quietly in the corner, became Professor McGonagall. Harry sat quietly as she took Windrider's seat. She looked at him over her glasses.
"Apparition, and Disapparition, as you know, is the act of disappearing from one place and reappearing in another in an instant's time. Most wizards are able to accomplish this without very much trouble. However, it requires concentration and can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. For that reason, we require all who wish to learn to be of age and take an exam to get a special lisence."
"Like Muggles and cars" piped up Harry
"Very similar. However, while Apparition has its dangers, they are usually not as serious as car accidents, from what I hear. Splinching, while embarrassing, is usually sorted out without much trouble. Now, the basic theory behind Apparition is wanting to be someplace else and then 'stepping' to that place."
Harry's eyes widened in recognition.
"I think I've done something like that before."
"You have? When?"
"Well, it happened when I was little. I was running from dudley and his gang, and trying to get away, and I wanted to jump behind a rubbish bin. The next thing I knew, I was on the roof of the kitchens."
"Hmm. While doing magical things without realizing it is common for wizard children, it's unusual for a wizard child to be able to Apparate successfully. Perhaps you might not need as many lessons. All right. Let's start out small. Go stand by the door and let's see if you can Apparate to the other end of the room. What you will need to do is concentrate on where you want to be and then mentally step across the room. Remember to concentrate, now."
Harry went and stood by the door. He looked intently at the floor at the other end of the room. He concentrated, and imagined himself at the other end of the room. He took a step--
and found himself crashing into the chair at the far end of the room.
"Watch yourself, Potter! You need to be concentrating after you Apparate as well. Sometimes there is a disorientation involved. But nicely done for a first attempt."
Harry got to his feet and smiled weakly at McGonagall. Windrider was sitting in another corner, going between watching them and dozing off. Harry faced McGonagall as she started talking again.
"Now, let's try that again, and this time, try to stay standing."
Harry practiced like that for a half hour until he could Apparate anywhere in the room, and facing in any direction. McGonagall gave him a little smile.
"Well done so far, Potter. Now let's try something a little more difficult. Try to Apparate on the table."
Harry looked at the table, trying to judge its height. Concentrating he made his attempt. Unfortunately, he Apparated about two feet above the table. As Harry limped away, Professor McGonagall fixed the table in no time. As Harry sat in one of the chairs, McGonagall turned to him.
"Next time don't try to judge heights and things. You'll only put yourself in a worse position. Just think about where you want to be. One more time, now."
This time Harry Apparated standing on top of the table. He wobbled a bit from the slight disorientation but remained on his feet.
"Very good, Potter. Next week we will try for greater distances and work on Apparating and Disapparating around the village. Bring your cloak next time so you won't be seen. Now, go out to the main room and have yourself a drink while I talk with Professor Windrider for a moment." She actually smiled at him. "You've done very well and are a quick study. I don't think you'll need much more than two or three more lessons. Keep quiet about this to EVERYONE, even Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, and don't try to practice at school. You won't be able to."
Harry nodded and went out into the main room. There were only a few people sitting around, most of them making Mundungus look good, but Harry noticed Luna at a table by the windows. He ordered a butterbeer and went to sit at her table.
"Hi, Luna" he said.
"Oh, hello, Harry. I thought you would be here, but I wan't sure you'd be going today. Sometimes I get my days mixed up. I've ordered a drink, why don't you?" Luna shook her head slightly and looked at him as if waking up from a long nap.
"I already did, thanks, Luna."
The bartender came and plunked their drinks down on the table with a grunt. Harry looked up at him and did a double take. Did that old man who looked so familiar just wink at him with a bright blue eye? As Harry sat there with his mouth slightly open the bartender scowled and growled at him.
"Ar, wha' choo lookin' at? We'll have none o' that here. You mind your business or I'll mind it for you, see if I don't." He stalked off and went back to the bar, wiping it and giving Harry a black look. Harry quickly turned away towards Luna, who had a curious smile on her face.
Harry smiled back at her, feeling himself blush slightly.
"So, Luna, are you here for your lessons with Windrider?"
She nodded. "He says I can be a great healer or teacher. But I'm not sure I want to do those things."
"But then why take lessons?"
"Why not? It's something different, and it feels right. Besides, you don't always have to have a reason for doing anything. Everything always works out in the end."
Harry looked at her, utterly confused. "But-but-"
Luna smiled, and slid around the table to Harry. She took his hand, and looked him in the eyes.
"Don't think too much."
She leaned into him and kissed him full on the mouth. She pulled away after some time and got up smiling.
"When you're ready, you know where I'll be."
Apparition
Harry and Ron both looked at Hermione.
"What do you mean, Hermione?" asked Ron.
"Oh, Ron, look at what's happening." Hermione replied shortly. "What do you know of that can make people so depressed that they kill themselves?"
"Dementors" whispered Harry. "That's why there haven't been many attacks. They're hanging around Parliament and Downing Street sucking all the life out of it. If they would have attacked directly, the Order would have known. By just being there in the shadows they can do long term damage and the Ministry would never find out."
"What do you mean, the Ministry would never find out?" asked Ron.
"Well, they don't exactly read the Muggle newspapers, do they?" said Hermione.
"And Muggles can't see dementors," said Harry. "But how can the Ministry stop it once we let Dumbledore know?"
"Well, they just go in and--wait. They just can't walk into a Muggle building with wands out, can they?" said Ron.
"Which is precisely what Voldemort is counting on." said a new voice behind them.
The three turned around and looked up at the tired face of Remus Lupin.
"Hello, Harry, Ron, Hermione." He smiled gently down at them. "In case you're wondering, I will be doing your practical lessons for the first couple of weeks in Professor Windrider's class." He sat down next to them, oblivious to the stares and whispers from the other students.
"If we do nothing," he continued, "the Muggle government falls apart. If we take a more active role, we risk the Secrecy Statute. It's a tight spot and we're working on a way to deal with the situation. For obvious reasons, we can't even inform the Muggle Prime Minister about what's going on."
"Professor Lupin, can I ask you something?" said Ron. Lupin nodded. "We've just read in the Prophet about all sorts of minor incidents which are making the Ministry draft other workers to assist the aurors. What's up?"
Lupin smiled. "Would you care to take this one, Hermione?"
"Well, Ron, like I said, the aurors are being spread very thin. That makes it easier to take them out."
"Or, to distract them while the real attack takes place." said Harry, something clicking in his brain. "How's--"
"We'll talk about that privately, Harry." said Lupin sternly. "You remember your promise."
Harry nodded. It was a good thing Lupin interrupted him. He only just remembered what he had signed. He glanced at his reflection in the pitcher of pumpkin juice nearby and found nothing out of the ordinary. He breathed a sigh of relief.
"I think I've taken up enough of your time," Lupin said, standing. "Off to class with you three. Hermione, may I have that letter from your parents to show Dumbledore?" He smiled his tired smile again. "Don't worry, we'll take care of it. In the meantime, keep a low profile." He walked up to the staff table where he greeted the teachers and sat down for breakfast.
"Keep a low profile, indeed," huffed Ron. "Who does he think we are, Fred and George?"
***********
The rest of the week taxed Harry's stamina to the limit. In addition to the heavier load of homework he received in his classes, his detentions were growing more difficult. Snape was right--the first potion he made for him was the easiest. The worst part about making the next four was the mental part. Harry had to keep his temper and emotions in just the right balance for the potions to work, and Snape wasn't making things easier. While he didn't bully or abuse Harry outright as he had done every day during his classes at Hogwarts, he did use the well placed sneer or comment to attempt to rattle him. While his detentions kept him from eating little more than a couple of bites at dinner, his homework kept him up late at night. Even Lupin, everyone's favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, caused grumblings with the first practical lesson of the week. He set them to master an extremely difficult variation of the shield charm, one which Harry saw Voldemort use against Dumbledore, and would defend against most of the more powerful attack spells.
Thursday found Harry skipping dinner entirely. He remained after Potions ended to get started on the latest potion Snape was making him prepare. He wanted to finish quickly so he could be on hand for Quidditch tryouts. Snape knew this and left Harry alone to finish the potion while he went to the Great Hall and ate a very leisurely dinner. Harry was very nearly jumping out of his skin waiting for Snape to return and approve the potion. When he did return, he spent a very long time questioning Harry on his procedures, and examining the finished product. When he could no longer find an excuse to keep Harry, Snape finally dismissed him. Harry tore through the castle and made it to the Quidditch pitch about midway through the tryouts. As Harry took off, all the cares of the week fell behind him and were left on the ground. Harry soared through the air, practicing his best Seeker moves and trying out new aereobatic tricks. It had been so long since he flew, since Umbridge imposed the ban on his flying. To his great surprise, Ron had improved at Keeper so much he only allowed two goals, one by Ginny, and the other by Dennis Creevey. Katie proved to be a good captain, directing the players in formations and strategies. When it was over, the team consisted of Harry as Seeker, Katie, Ginny, and Dennis as Chasers, Ron as Keeper, and Jack Sloper and a seventh year named Ian Washburn as the Beaters. Harry was surprised at Sloper's improvement, but as Sloper sheepishly said, it was all in the practice, and he wanted to stay on the team.
Friday was a little better. The thought of the weekend kept Harry going, and he didn't even object when Hagrid made Harry translate the Occamies' description of their courtship and mating habits to the rest of the giggling class. The rest of the day went better, with only minimal teasing from Ron during lunch about whether he was going to try some of the Occamy courtship dance on a girl. Professor McGonagall took fifteen points from Gryffindor after the first blob of mashed potato hit Ron in the face. Ron had his revenge later, however, when after a consultation with Peeves, the poltergeist used a Weasley product to change Harry's hair into a crown of peacock feathers. Even Harry had to laugh in the common room when he saw the finished product in a mirror. Hermione actually giggled as she removed the charm. Harry's good mood deflated a little when Dennis Creevey came into the common room with a note for Harry from Professor Windrider reminding him of his meeting in Hogsmeade to go over lesson plans. Telling Katie he would try to make it to the afternoon practice, he went to bed early.
Harry woke up early on Saturday and headed down to breakfast. There were very few students there, most preferring to sleep in on the first Saturday of the term. Harry made it through some toast and sausage when Windrider approached him.
"Well, Potter, let's go. We've got a lot to cover and we also don't want too many students watching us leave. Besides, if we don't get there early, we might not have the room we need."
Harry quickly followed him through the gates and out to Hogsmeade. As they were arriving in town, Windrider began laying out his ideas for lessons and scheduling. The few people out and about at the time looked at Windrider curiously and did not pay too much attention to Harry. Presently they arrived at the Hogs Head. The decor hadn't changed since Harry was in there last. In fact, it looked dirtier and seedier than before, if that was possible. The only occupants were a cat and the bartender. The old bartender was wiping a glass with what looked like the same dirty rag Harry had seen him use before. Windrider walked up to him.
"Bring a couple of butterbeers to the back parlor."
"Ar" was the only reply.
Windrider led Harry to a door set in the back of the main room. It led to a small room with a table and a few chairs. The room was surprising in that it was reasonably clean. Harry and Windrider sat down at the table while the bartender brought them their drinks and the cat wandered in. When he left, Windrider looked at Harry.
"We're safe now. While the Hogs Head may attract a less than reputable clientele, the Order has long used it, and friends watch here. This room is set with wards against eavesdropping. Now, do you have your ideas and lesson plans set?"
Harry showed him the plans he and Lupin had drawn up. Windrider looked over them with an approving eye.
"Very good. I recognize Remus' hand in helping you. These will do to start. As the year goes on, you'll find that you may have to make changes in the lesson plans depending on how well the students do, and those sorts of things. Modifying and firming up the lessons should only take a little while, which gives you plenty of time for your real lessons. And now I'll retire to a corner and leave you two undisturbed."
As he finished speaking, the cat, which had been sitting quietly in the corner, became Professor McGonagall. Harry sat quietly as she took Windrider's seat. She looked at him over her glasses.
"Apparition, and Disapparition, as you know, is the act of disappearing from one place and reappearing in another in an instant's time. Most wizards are able to accomplish this without very much trouble. However, it requires concentration and can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. For that reason, we require all who wish to learn to be of age and take an exam to get a special lisence."
"Like Muggles and cars" piped up Harry
"Very similar. However, while Apparition has its dangers, they are usually not as serious as car accidents, from what I hear. Splinching, while embarrassing, is usually sorted out without much trouble. Now, the basic theory behind Apparition is wanting to be someplace else and then 'stepping' to that place."
Harry's eyes widened in recognition.
"I think I've done something like that before."
"You have? When?"
"Well, it happened when I was little. I was running from dudley and his gang, and trying to get away, and I wanted to jump behind a rubbish bin. The next thing I knew, I was on the roof of the kitchens."
"Hmm. While doing magical things without realizing it is common for wizard children, it's unusual for a wizard child to be able to Apparate successfully. Perhaps you might not need as many lessons. All right. Let's start out small. Go stand by the door and let's see if you can Apparate to the other end of the room. What you will need to do is concentrate on where you want to be and then mentally step across the room. Remember to concentrate, now."
Harry went and stood by the door. He looked intently at the floor at the other end of the room. He concentrated, and imagined himself at the other end of the room. He took a step--
and found himself crashing into the chair at the far end of the room.
"Watch yourself, Potter! You need to be concentrating after you Apparate as well. Sometimes there is a disorientation involved. But nicely done for a first attempt."
Harry got to his feet and smiled weakly at McGonagall. Windrider was sitting in another corner, going between watching them and dozing off. Harry faced McGonagall as she started talking again.
"Now, let's try that again, and this time, try to stay standing."
Harry practiced like that for a half hour until he could Apparate anywhere in the room, and facing in any direction. McGonagall gave him a little smile.
"Well done so far, Potter. Now let's try something a little more difficult. Try to Apparate on the table."
Harry looked at the table, trying to judge its height. Concentrating he made his attempt. Unfortunately, he Apparated about two feet above the table. As Harry limped away, Professor McGonagall fixed the table in no time. As Harry sat in one of the chairs, McGonagall turned to him.
"Next time don't try to judge heights and things. You'll only put yourself in a worse position. Just think about where you want to be. One more time, now."
This time Harry Apparated standing on top of the table. He wobbled a bit from the slight disorientation but remained on his feet.
"Very good, Potter. Next week we will try for greater distances and work on Apparating and Disapparating around the village. Bring your cloak next time so you won't be seen. Now, go out to the main room and have yourself a drink while I talk with Professor Windrider for a moment." She actually smiled at him. "You've done very well and are a quick study. I don't think you'll need much more than two or three more lessons. Keep quiet about this to EVERYONE, even Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, and don't try to practice at school. You won't be able to."
Harry nodded and went out into the main room. There were only a few people sitting around, most of them making Mundungus look good, but Harry noticed Luna at a table by the windows. He ordered a butterbeer and went to sit at her table.
"Hi, Luna" he said.
"Oh, hello, Harry. I thought you would be here, but I wan't sure you'd be going today. Sometimes I get my days mixed up. I've ordered a drink, why don't you?" Luna shook her head slightly and looked at him as if waking up from a long nap.
"I already did, thanks, Luna."
The bartender came and plunked their drinks down on the table with a grunt. Harry looked up at him and did a double take. Did that old man who looked so familiar just wink at him with a bright blue eye? As Harry sat there with his mouth slightly open the bartender scowled and growled at him.
"Ar, wha' choo lookin' at? We'll have none o' that here. You mind your business or I'll mind it for you, see if I don't." He stalked off and went back to the bar, wiping it and giving Harry a black look. Harry quickly turned away towards Luna, who had a curious smile on her face.
Harry smiled back at her, feeling himself blush slightly.
"So, Luna, are you here for your lessons with Windrider?"
She nodded. "He says I can be a great healer or teacher. But I'm not sure I want to do those things."
"But then why take lessons?"
"Why not? It's something different, and it feels right. Besides, you don't always have to have a reason for doing anything. Everything always works out in the end."
Harry looked at her, utterly confused. "But-but-"
Luna smiled, and slid around the table to Harry. She took his hand, and looked him in the eyes.
"Don't think too much."
She leaned into him and kissed him full on the mouth. She pulled away after some time and got up smiling.
"When you're ready, you know where I'll be."
