The door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts office swung open.
Professor Brood looked at Albert standing outside and asked in confusion, "Albert, is Apparition Class over?"
"Not yet. There's something I'd like you to do."
"What is it?" Brood noticed the unease on Albert's face.
"I want to experience what it feels like to Apparate." Albert took a deep breath and stated his purpose.
MacDougall lifted his gaze from the parchment and studied Albert. "Why do you want that?"
"Perhaps you're right—I'm wasting my time on Apparition. But I still want to know what it feels like. I've given up trying to learn it quickly."
A short silence fell. Brood and MacDougall exchanged glances; neither had expected Albert to ask for this.
"Your first Apparition won't be pleasant. The sensation is terrible. Some give up learning because of it. Are you sure?" Brood asked.
"Yes, I'm sure." Albert knew that if this didn't help him acquire the skill, he would set it aside for now.
"Albert, listen carefully." MacDougall's tone grew serious. "You must never attempt Apparition secretly. Understood?"
Albert nodded.
"Good." MacDougall seemed satisfied. "Come with me. Apparition cannot be performed inside Hogwarts."
"No need. I'll take Albert myself," Brood said. "But first, you need to understand the basics."
"Apparition has two parts: Disapparition and Apparition. First, you vanish from your original position. Then you reappear at your destination. It's profound magic, which is why certification is only allowed after adulthood."
"There are limits. The farther the distance, the greater the difficulty. You must know your destination clearly. Otherwise, Splinching can occur—serious injury, even death."
"What I'll show you is Side-Along Apparition. A wizard who can Apparate takes along someone who cannot."
Albert nodded, committing the explanation to memory.
The two left the office, passed through the Entrance Hall, and descended the stone steps. The Apparition Class in the Great Hall was still underway, older students struggling with their practice. Albert was different; once he acquired the skill, he wouldn't have to worry.
"Hogwarts is warded against Apparition. We must leave the grounds. Normally, we go into the forest," Brood explained.
They entered the Forbidden Forest. It was quiet, undisturbed.
"Hold my wrist. Don't let go," Brood instructed. "I'll Apparate us a few feet away. Ready?"
Albert gripped his wrist.
Suddenly, darkness engulfed him. Pressure crushed from all sides, his eyes forced back into his skull. It felt like being squeezed through a narrow rubber tube.
Then it was over. Albert gasped for air. He and Brood stood in an open clearing.
"I feel like throwing up." Albert covered his mouth, suppressing nausea, then staggered to a tree and retched.
Brood watched sympathetically. "You'll get used to it."
"It's awful," Albert muttered. But his mood lifted—his skill panel now showed Apparition.
Energy returned, and the earlier discomfort faded.
"Now you see why we don't let students try too early," Brood said.
"Do most parents Apparate with their children?" Albert asked, incredulous.
"No. Usually they use floo powder. It's safer."
"I'll never practice this recklessly," Albert promised.
"Wise," Brood said approvingly. He didn't know Albert had already mastered the skill—and could upgrade it at will.
As they left the forest, an angry voice called out.
"Albert, sneaking into the forest again?" Hagrid strode up, glaring.
"Professor Brood? What are you doing here?"
"Mr. Anderson and I were conducting a magic test on the outskirts," Brood explained casually.
"Oh, I see."
Though reassured, Hagrid still eyed Albert suspiciously. "The Weasley twins keep running into the forest. It's driving me mad. You're close to them—remind them not to be foolish. The deep forest isn't safe."
"Cough… I understand," Albert said quickly. He knew he couldn't stop the twins' adventures.
After bidding Hagrid goodbye, they continued toward the castle.
"I heard there's an Acromantula breeding ground in Britain—likely in this forest," Brood remarked suddenly.
"Acromantula?" Albert asked.
"Once, a wizard tried to find it. He vanished deep in the forest. Those creatures are dangerous." Brood frowned.
Albert hummed noncommittally. He knew exactly what Brood meant. The breeding ground was Hagrid's doing.