Apparition Lesson Three

[Irene Finch]

Apparition,6,3Before the end of the lesson, Irene Finch hoped that all of the students would succeed in apparating to their target. She knew that wouldn't be the case, but the pressure was on for the students. This was the last practice after all. Several of the students had managed to apparate during the last lesson, but that didn't always translate to success at the exam.

Irene had many other places to be today, but professionalism didnt allow her to not keep her commitment to the school's sixth years. She would simply have to get to everything else after. Addressing the small group of sixth years, Irene walked as she spoke. "Today, we will resume practicing" she began, her icy blue eyes staring at each of the students in turn as she spoke. "I am hopeful that those of you who weren't able to apparate last time will do so today. The next time we meet will be your exam and you will only get one opportunity to succeed or fail. Your test will require you to be accurate when you apparate." She let that sink in before continuing on.

"Line up beside me please." It didn't take them long to queue up. "Alright...I'd like you all to attempt apparating from this end of the Great Hall to that end" she said, pointing towards the doors of the Great Hall. "The red X marks the spot" she added, knowing that they had probably noticed an X etched onto the floor with magic as they walked in. Glancing at all the students beside her, she hoped there would be no splinchings today, though she had asked for one of the school nurses to join them once again. "You can begin whenever you're ready" she said to the student who was first in line. "As soon as you feel comfortable, you may leave. But, please do remember that this is your final opportunity to practice before your exam." They were adults by wizarding standards or close enough anyway, so she wasn't going to force any of them to stay. It was in their best interests to take advantage of the time provided to them though.
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Practice attempting to apparate one by one. Practice as many times as you'd like. Please warn me via PM if you plan on splinching.

 

[Noemie Snow]

Noemie had a lot of things on her mind, but she was happy with how the valentines day things had gone. She was proud of her own achievements in the quidditch game and was just hopeful of what the future would bring her. Now, that so much of that was over she could focus on her studies, which she was hoping to maintain the grades she had currently. The girl was pretty hopeful of doing well in what she needed to do. She had taken the time that morning to do an extra long run, with the quidditch season mostly over she needed to focus her attention on the studies she had. The first year of her NEWTs had been going well, but she had a master plan to really pull up her grades towards the end of the her schooling. The part-veela took a long shower and then began getting ready for the day. Putting her homework into her bag and gathered the books she would additionally need for the day ahead. Making sure that she had all the little bits and pieces she’d taken out her bag to do various pieces of homework and revision. When she had everything together and was dressed and ready for class, she left for the first of the day.

Noemie had been nervous in the last lesson about apparition but she was a lot more confident coming to this one, knowing she’d done it at least once, a little more practice and she would certainly be ready for the exam. She had to manage it in this lesson, and she could like she did with every other class let herself down right at the last moment by not getting the grade she needed, this was a pass or fail class. The ravenclaw walked into the great hall, and was surprised by the set up, she had imagined it would be like the last class, but it appeared they’d be doing it in front of the entire year group, with everyone else watching. The ravenclaw sighed slightly, listening to the explanation, though she could very much see it from how the room was laid out. The first few people in the class took their time to do it, and Noemie who just couldn’t wait much longer to try made sure she would be one of the next ones, early enough that she wouldn’t have to wait around for it. Noemie took the spot she need and looked to the X at the other side of the room. She remembered all that they had been taught and focused her mind upon it. It was quick then, quicker than the last time, and in no time at all Noemie had apparated to the X. She took the opportunity to do it a few times once others had gone, so that by the time they were dismissed she felt ready to face the exam.
​

 

[Rory Fergusson]

Rory had had a pretty quiet week in comparison with everyone else. He was trying best to do more school work during the last week to ensure he was busy, but more often than not he found himself at the quidditch pitch and flying around that, practicing. THe season had come to an end, but flying and quidditch was what Rory would do if he had a choice in the matter. He was almost jealous of all his siblings, half and full, his cousins, all of whom could have a choice in what they would do. His father had in no uncertain terms said that it would be unlikely that Rory would be able to play quidditch, there was much to do when he got home after graduation in the following year, but it didn’t stop Rory holding out hope and trying to be better and be the best that he could be. He was trying his best in classes, but the week had centered around quidditch and he had just done the bare minimum he could, though at least the bare minimum had been done by him and not someone else. He was doing the work alone, so there was that. He just needed to keep trying and he might by his own merit do well. With that he packed up and left for the classroom.

Rory couldn’t help but feel frustrated that with his success in the last lesson he couldn’t just do the exam immediately. He knew that practicing the very difficult part of magic would be good, but Rory didn’t want to prolong anything, he just wanted to get straight into it. He just wanted to do the exam, but of course he couldn’t just skip this class, he knew it was better to go to this one, and just make sure that come the exam he could actually do it. The slytherin glanced about the room as the other students lined up, they were going to go one by one, and show off to everyone if they could or could not manage it. It was maybe a bit of a harsh way of showing it, but he would do it. Rory was confident in his own ability to do it. The teen watched as others from their year group attempted it, and eventually it was Rory’s turn. He knew that he had to get this, in front of everyone else, Rory felt the weight of all the people he’d frustrated and told he was superior. He knew how to do this in any case. Rory stood at the top and let his mind stay on the cross at the end of the room. This all had an end goal. He just had to be able to do this. He cleared his mind and focused on what they’d been taught by the professor. He leaned into the pull and was at the other side, square upon the cross like he was supposed to be. He’d managed it. Rory felt confident enough that he left the great hall, having done it.
​

 

[Amber Chou Wilson]

The end of the semester was slowly starting to near, and Amber felt herself grow increasingly nervous about the exams. She had done well in her classes up until now, but each year they got more and more difficult, and it was hard for her to feel confident about doing well in the future. This year really had flown by, and it was alarming to think that next year would be her final year. It made her anxious to think about that for too long.


Another thing making her anxious was apparition. The girl had been quite excited at the prospect of learning to apparate at the start of the year, but as the first two lessons had come and gone, she grew more and more nervous about it. She hadn't managed to actually apparate during the second lesson, while it seemed like most of her classmates had been able to after trying a few times. Amber wasn't used to failing in her classes, and she had to resist the urge to bite her nails as she entered the great hall for the third lesson. She stood next to Ainsley as the lesson began, but quickly focused her attention on Miss Finch at the front of the group. She bit her lip when the woman reminded them that the exam would be next time, and they only had one opportunity to succeed or fail. Not only did they have to accurate on the exam, they had to do so accurately. Amber knew she wouldn't be able to pull that off if she didn't get some practice in today.


She lined up along with the rest of the class, and listened as the teacher told them what to do. The red X marks at the end of the hall seemed very difficult to aim for, and she wished she had been able to practice this between lessons. She cringed when she realized they were going to practice in turns, with the others watching. Noemie did great, and Rory managed to apparate accurately as well. Too soon, it was Amber's turn. She took a deep breath, remembered the three D's, and tried her best to focus. The hufflepuff closed her eyes, pictured her destination, felt herself grow determined to and tried to be deliberate about it. Her body felt strange, and as she focused more and more on her destination, she realized something was happening. Her first instinct was to shy away from the unfamiliar feeling, but she knew she had to be brave if she wanted to make it. When she opened her eyes again, she had moved halfway across the hall. She wasn't standing on the X, but she had moved! A grin spread over her face, and she hurried back to the line to keep practicing. She stayed and practiced until the lesson was over and there was no more time left, and by the time she left the great hall she had managed to apparate accurately to her destination twice. Hopefully, it would be enough to also do it on the exam.

 

[Lizzie Parker-Taylor]

After her struggles at the last lesson, Lizzie was more determined than ever to actually succeed at apparating. She was eager to have the freedom to travel herself, and didn't want to be the only one in her grade without their license. Lizzie listened as the teacher told them what was expected of them today, a small sinking sensation in her stomach. This was really the last practice before the exam. What if she couldn't do it? What if today was worse than the last class and she failed completely? It was difficult to focus with the worries rushing through her even as she took her place in the line. It was only once the woman told them what they were expected to do her blood ran cold. Not only was she going to fail, this time all of her classmates were there watching.

Lizzie only got more and more nervous as she waited for her turn, watching everyone else ahead of her and trying desperately to focus as much as she could. When her turn came around, Lizzie didn't really feel ready at all, hands shaking a little as she stepped up and focused as deeply as she could on the red X, trying to regain the focus she had felt on her only success in the last lesson and drown out the sensation of her classmates eyes on her back. It felt almost impossible, and part of Lizzie wanted to give up entirely, when suddenly she finally felt that familiar tugging sensation in her stomach. Relief washing over her, Lizzie did her best to follow the feeling, and she could have cried with joy when a moment later she was standing on the other side of the room. Not wanting to struggle in the exam, Lizzie stayed for the entire rest of the practice period, determined to get this as right as she possibly could.

 

[Flavio Morales-Tipene]

Flavio's previous attempts to apparate during the apparation lessons had been successful with determination and focus, though he couldn't help but worry such success would falter at a crucial moment as he arrived to the great hall for his third lesson. In his experience things could only become so good before taking a turn for the worst, and these worries plagued him despite his rational thinking and hard work to avoid what he felt was inevitable. He stood with his peers quietly, listening to the teacher mention the exam ahead of them and the need for the class to apparate accurately in order to pass. As she then asked the class to line up Flavio followed the instruction, ending up in the middle of the line and watching the classmates ahead of him attempt to apparate across the great hall to stand on the red X marked on the floor with magic. ​

As the line gradually moved forward Flavio recounted the three D's in his mind, already beginning to focus on his destination. With the rest of the class watching him the last thing he needed was to fail now and prove to himself and all his friends that he wasn't capable of learning something that was a necessity in the magical world. When he finally reached the front of the line he took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself and closing his eyes to focus properly. It didn't take much longer before he felt the familiar tugging on his stomach and an air of motion sickness quintessential to apparating, and when he opened his eyes again to see he was indeed on the red X and managed to apparate in front of his entire year without failing dramaticly, a smile appeared on his face. Wanting to make the most of the time he had to continue practicing, Flavio walked to the back of the line and waited patiently for his turn again. ​

 

[Evelyn Manning]

The blonde entered the great hall and walked with some of her friends inside it. It was fun to have this lesson with everyone. The blonde had more friends in other houses than in Gryffindor so it was fun. Evelyn paid attention when Professor Finch spoke again, she remembered last lesson and tried to feel confident when things succeeded. But it felt nervous also, because she hoped it worked still. The blonde sighted when she heard of the exam. They would only have one shot and if that failed she would be feeling terrible. It was just normal to be able to do this as a witch so she had to do it. The blonde did as she was told to do and lined up after Flavio and smiled for a moment. Evelyn stood a bit in the front of the line and looked at Noemie who was the first to try. That was brave of her she figured. When it was the blonde's turn she focused on the spot and remembered what the professor had taught them. Before she knew it she stood at the X and she was glad that it was precisely there and not somewhere else. The blonde smiled and went standing in the line again. She wanted to try until she was confident enough that she would do good in one shot at her exam. Evelyn gave Amber a compliment when she succeeded she had seen in the lessons that the girl had a hard time. But she just had to be confident about it. Amber was such a smart girl and Evelyn was sometimes jealous of her good grades. The blonde thanked Professor Finch as the lesson was over and was confident for her exam.

 

[Ainsley Lynch]

After the last lesson, Ainsley couldn't wait to return to apparation. She had had so much fun popping in and out of the hoop, and it was disappointing not to be able to practice on her own. Every morning now as she made her way to breakfast, Ainsley couldn't help but think of all the things she could be getting done if she could simply teleport from her bed to the table. More sleep, certainly, would be welcome. In the back of her mind, though, Ainsley was also a little worried about her girlfriend. Amber hadn't managed to apparate at all last week, and she wished there was something she could do to help. Ainsley's love of learning had always been stronger than her empathy though, and as soon as they entered the Great Hall Amber's struggles left her mind as she stood with the rest of the group, eager and excited to have another try at this.

Ainsley listened semi-patiently as the teacher explained to them what they would be doing this week, both nervous and excited about the exam. Ainsley was already looking forward to the holidays, with this kind of freedom of travel. Being able to just pop into town would make life at home so much easier. She lined up to practice with the rest of the group and when it was her turn Ainsley focused on the X and concentrated, and after just a couple of moments she felt that now familiar tug. Looking around a moment later, Ainsley cheered when she realised she had apparated right to the middle of the X. Delighted by her success, Ainsley stayed for the full period, practicing as much as she could, already eager to put this skill to use.

 

[November Albertson]

November wasn't sure if apparation was going to be worth all the worrying of learning. She was stressed about losing a part of her person, the little bits of hair that might not end up coming with her were nothing compared to horror stories of parts that got left behind for others. Heading to the Great Hall November was always surprised to see the room so empty for their lessons. She listened to the Professor describing how things were going to be happening that week. She was grateful to not be towards the front of the line as they lined up to practice one at a time. She had managed last week to get herself to the other side of the hoop, but down the hall was further away and she hadn't been able to keep her lunch in last time. This made her nervous as everyone would be watching her this week. She wasn't in line with Flavio which was fine for her. She was always distracted by him and this needed concentration. She went over in her head the steps of what she needed to think about before it was her turn. Once she stepped up she pictured her destination and saw herself standing there and closed her eyes. She felt the pulling which frightened her and she broke off the spell and realized that wouldn't be a good thing to do had she already started to go to the new location. Looking at the x on the floor once more she began thinking about being there herself. Focusing on the target she didn't let fear over take her again when she felt the pulling from the naval and once it was gone she opened her eyes and found herself standing pretty much straight on the x. Looking down it was just in front of her so she could see it. She got back at the end of the line to continue practicing before the end of the lesson came.

 

[Hayden Lavish]

Hayden had been quite happy with his progress in the previous lesson. He knew he needed to work on his aim but the fact he had managed to apparate without splinching himself was something he considered a success, even if it was an unusually low bar by the Slytherin's standards. Hayden made his way into the Great hall for the final lesson where he would hopefully manage to apparate perfectly. He listened to the ministry woman as she explained how they would be going about apparating during the lesson. They would be apparating to the end of the Great hall, one by one. Hayden was a little nervous that everyone would be stood watching while he made his attempt but he was confident in being able to do it. Hayden waited as students in front of him in the line made their attempts. Some did it perfectly, some just missed the mark and some missed it so spectacularly Hayden wasn't even sure where they'd been aiming for. Before he knew it, it was his turn to step up. He did his best to block out the people behind him in the hall. With his focus firmly on the ex at the other side of the Great hall and the three D's Hayden closed his eyes and felt the almost familiar twisting sensation as he felt like he was being pulled inward. Hayden felt himself move and with a slight thud his feet touched solid ground. He looked down and didn't see an x on the floor. Hayden looked slightly to the left and saw it, he'd overshot ever so slightly. He sighed and tried a couple more times, after finally hitting the x he made his way out of the Great hall.