The 'A' Mark of Apparition

• Type: Magical Sign
• Creator: Ministry of Magic, specifically the Department of Magical Transportation
• Recipients: Witches and wizards who successfully pass the official Apparition test.

The 'A' Mark of Apparition is a magical symbol that appears in the air directly above the head of a witch or wizard. It is described by Ron Weasley as a “great big 'A'”. It manifests as a large, visible, capital letter 'A', presumably conjured by the Ministry of Magic examiner upon the successful completion of an Apparition test. The mark's duration is not specified, but it likely serves as a temporary, immediate confirmation of success before the formal Apparition Licence is issued.

The primary function of the 'A' mark is to serve as an official, instantaneous, and public magical indicator that an individual has passed their Apparition test. The test requires the candidate to Apparate to a designated spot within a hoop, and upon their successful and complete arrival, the presiding examiner from the Department of Magical Transportation would cause the mark to appear. It is a piece of formal, state-sanctioned magic used in the wizarding world's licensing procedures.

The specific history of the 'A' mark is not documented in the novels. However, it is presented as a standard and expected part of the modern Apparition testing process in Great Britain during the 1990s. It is one of the many bureaucratic but magical procedures overseen by the Ministry of Magic to regulate advanced forms of magic.

The 'A' mark is mentioned in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. As Hogwarts students in his year began turning seventeen, Ron Weasley enthusiastically described the Apparition test to Harry Potter, mentioning that a “great big 'A'” appears over one's head upon passing. This detail highlights the anticipation and pressure the students felt about learning to Apparate and gaining the freedoms associated with it. Both Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley successfully passed their tests and would have had this mark appear above their heads. Hermione passed on her first attempt, while Ron passed on his second after initially failing and suffering a minor case of Splinching. The mark symbolizes a significant rite of passage for young witches and wizards entering adulthood.