Learning to Apparate

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The sixth-year students take Apparition lessons, with Ron struggling and eventually passing, while Harry cannot take the test due to age.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The First LessonThe First Lesson
The Introduction The Instructor Wilkie Twycross, a Ministry Apparition instructor, begins lessons in the Great Hall. He teaches the three D's: Destination, Determination, Deliberation. The Practice Students attempt to Apparate into hoops. Most fail, and some splinch themselves. Susan Bones loses her leg temporarily. The Frustration Ron Weasley struggles with the technique. He becomes frustrated, especially when Hermione succeeds easily.
The Extra PracticeThe Extra Practice
The Improvement The Opportunity Students who are seventeen can take extra practice sessions in Hogsmeade. Ron signs up, hoping to improve. The Success Ron manages to Apparate, though imperfectly. He gains confidence. The Test Ron takes the Apparition test but fails because he leaves half an eyebrow behind. He is disappointed but determined to try again.
The Test DayThe Test Day
The Outcome Hermione's Success Hermione passes the Apparition test with flying colors. She is delighted. Ron's Failure Ron fails due to a minor error. He is grumpy but vows to try again with Harry. Harry's Ineligibility Harry is not yet seventeen, so he cannot take the test. He is philosophical about it, as he plans to leave school anyway.
early February, first Apparition lesson
March, additional sessions in Hogsmeade
late March, the day of the test