Apparition

Apparition is a magical method of transportation that allows a witch or wizard to disappear from one location (Disapparition) and reappear instantly at another (Apparition). It is a highly advanced and regulated form of magic. The process is typically accompanied by a distinctive loud crack or pop sound. For the person Apparating, the sensation is often described as being unpleasantly forced and compressed through a very tight space, like a rubber tube. The verb form of the action is to Apparate (to appear) or Disapparate (to disappear).

To Apparate successfully, a witch or wizard must master the three “D's,” as taught by the Ministry of Magic Apparition instructor, Wilkie Twycross. Failure to concentrate on all three aspects can lead to disastrous results, most notably Splinching. The three D's are:

1. Destination: The caster must fix their mind firmly upon the desired location, holding a clear and focused visualization of it.
2. Determination: The caster must focus their determination with intent to occupy the visualized space, moving their magic towards it without any doubt.
3. Deliberation: The caster must turn on the spot, moving into the “nothingness” with deliberate purpose, without haste but with clear intent.

While the novels do not explicitly state that a wand is required, it is consistently used by witches and wizards when Apparating. House-elves and other powerful magical beings like Fawkes the phoenix can perform similar transportation without wands. It is confirmed that witches and wizards do require a wand to Apparate (Pottermore).

Due to its difficulty and potential dangers, Apparition is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Magic.

• Age Requirement: A witch or wizard must be at least seventeen years old to obtain a license to Apparate.
• Training: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry offers an optional 12-week Apparition course to sixth and seventh-year students who are or will be seventeen by the end of the school year. The course in Harry Potter's sixth year was taught by Wilkie Twycross.
• Licensing Test: The test costs twelve Sickles and is administered by the Apparition Test Centre, part of the Department of Magical Transportation. The test requires the applicant to Apparate a short distance without error. Hermione Granger passed her test on the first attempt, whereas Ron Weasley failed his by leaving half an eyebrow behind.

• Splinching: The most significant danger of Apparition is Splinching. This occurs when an Apparator's determination wavers, causing a part of their body to be left behind at the point of origin. Notable instances of Splinching include:
  • Susan Bones splinched her leg during a Hogwarts lesson.
  • Ron Weasley was seriously splinched, losing a chunk of his upper arm, after escaping the Ministry of Magic in a hurry.
  • Ron Weasley failed his Apparition test by leaving behind half an eyebrow.
• Anti-Apparition Charms: Many secure locations are protected by Anti-Disapparition or Anti-Apparition Jinxes that prevent anyone from Apparating into or out of the area. Key locations protected by these enchantments include:
  • Hogwarts Castle and its grounds. Albus Dumbledore was able to temporarily lift this enchantment to allow for lessons or to bring Harry back to Hogsmeade.
  • The cave where Voldemort hid the locket Horcrux.
  • The cellar of Malfoy Manor, though this did not prevent Dobby the house-elf from Apparating.
  • Parts of the Ministry of Magic, though Apparition is permitted in the Atrium.
• Other Limitations: Apparition is very difficult and unreliable over extremely long distances. Furthermore, one must have a clear picture of the destination in their mind's eye; it is not possible to Apparate to a location one has never seen or cannot visualize properly.

Side-Along Apparition is a variation where a skilled Apparator can take one or more people with them by maintaining physical contact. The passenger does not need to know how to Apparate but experiences the same uncomfortable squeezing sensation. This method was frequently used by Albus Dumbledore to transport Harry Potter, and later by Hermione Granger to transport herself, Harry, and Ron Weasley during their hunt for the Horcruxes.

• Fred and George Weasley passed their Apparition tests and used the skill to pop in and out of rooms at Number Four, Privet Drive and The Burrow.
• Dumbledore and Harry use Side-Along Apparition to travel to Budleigh Babberton to recruit Horace Slughorn.
• Harry, Ron, and Hermione make a desperate escape from the wedding of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour after the Ministry of Magic falls to the Death Eaters.
• Mundungus Fletcher Disapparates out of cowardice during the Battle of the Seven Potters, abandoning Alastor Moody to be killed by Voldemort.
• Dobby the house-elf performs a remarkable feat of magic by Apparating into the magically sealed cellar of Malfoy Manor to rescue prisoners and then Apparating out with them.

In the film adaptations, Apparition is consistently depicted with a dramatic visual effect, where the user dissolves into or materializes from a swirling, fast-moving wisp of black or white smoke. This visual representation is an invention for the films and is not described in the books, where the effect is instantaneous. (film)