"The most crucial elements to remember are the three 'D's: Destination, Determination, and Deliberation. Focus intently on your destination, muster every ounce of your determination to occupy the desired space, and proceed with careful deliberation," Tommy Shelby, a master of the Apparition spell, explained. By his estimation, his proficiency could be classified as level 5. In the midst of a desolate jungle, John was diligently learning the intricacies of Apparition. To be precise, the spell is bifurcated into two distinct phases: disappearing from the starting point and reappearing at the destination. Mastery of both phases is imperative to avoid the dreaded splinching. At the moment, John gazed at his newly reattached ring finger, a mix of frustration and speechlessness evident on his face.
"You're actually doing quite well. I've seen someone decapitate themselves while attempting to apparate," Tang Mi remarked as he and Bai Xian attended to John's injury. It turned out that their boss's so-called secret mission was essentially a remedial course. Tang Mi mused that had he not pursued a career as an Auror, he might have had the makings of a Hogwarts professor.
Once his finger was reattached, John flexed it, noting, "The sensation of splinching feels less like a cut and more like being torn apart." Despite its convenience, the Apparition Charm was far from a pleasant experience. It felt akin to being forcibly squeezed through a narrow pipe, only to be expelled out the other end.
After numerous attempts, John finally managed to add the Apparition Charm to his repertoire of spells. Contemplating the risks of further splinching against the benefits of leveling up, John resolved to use any means necessary to enhance his proficiency. The difference at level 2 was palpable.
"Don't underestimate the complexity of the Apparition Curse. It took me weeks of practice before I managed a successful apparition. Always remember the three-D principle, which is..." Tang Mi's advice was abruptly cut off by the sharp sound of John apparating successfully from a hundred meters away, completely unscathed.
A slight dizziness was the only discomfort John experienced upon landing, a minor inconvenience that indicated his successful mastery of the spell. His subsequent attempt brought him directly beside Tang Mi, albeit with a slight deviation from the intended spot. John's achievement left Tang Mi speechless.
"What were you saying?" John asked with a grin.
"Uh... never mind," Tang Mi replied, his expression a mix of astonishment and envy. He couldn't help but reflect on his own arduous journey with the spell, which had resulted in numerous splinchings, including a near loss of a leg. In contrast, John had mastered the Apparition Curse in a single day.
With his newfound skill, John was relieved to no longer rely on mundane transportation. The local Floo network, managed by Mundungus, was notoriously unreliable, likely due to his financial delinquencies. Despite his modest income, Mundungus's frugality bordered on extreme, a trait John found peculiar yet chose not to judge too harshly.
Noticing Tang Mi's worn attire, John decided it was time for a wardrobe update. The clothes, clearly mended multiple times, were ill-suited for the stylish offerings of Johnny Silverhand's store. Understanding Tang Mi's aversion to poverty, stemming from his struggles during his werewolf transformation years, John took it upon himself to provide new outfits for Tang Mi and the security team. The transformation was immediate, turning what once resembled a gathering of beggars into a scene straight out of a fashion runway.
As John prepared to depart, he ensured that Remus Lupin was not overlooked. Lupin, deeply touched by the gesture, had previously delayed his resignation in hopes of securing an additional bottle of Wolfsbane Potion. The potion's quality from Johnny Silverhand was unparalleled, and Lupin was determined to maintain his sanity, especially with the prospect of teaching at Hogwarts on the horizon. Tang Mi, understanding the struggles of being a werewolf, compassionately saved his monthly bottle of Wolfsbane potion, opting for the least expensive option to endure the full moon. He empathized with Lu Ping, recognizing the goodness in him, and thus chose to support him silently. "Thank you, Sir Johnny Silverhand," he expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the unique support he received.
The security team, adorned in their distinctive uniforms and equipped with spell-imbued amulets and rings, exuded a remarkable aura. "Remus, you are always welcome back here," John warmly reassured the werewolf, aware of the challenges he faced in finding stable employment due to his condition. He instructed Mundungus to prepare three bottles of the finest Wolfsbane potion as a farewell gift, a generous gesture that underscored his understanding and support for werewolves. Unlike others, John valued them as true colleagues, a sentiment deeply appreciated by Lupin.
When a copy of the "Daily Prophet" arrived, delivered by an owl, John was intrigued by the headline proclaiming a new king of Diagon Alley. Rita Skeeter's article, known for her provocative writing, dubbed Johnny Silverhand as the second king, a title suggesting a position of power just beneath the Ministry of Magic. John was amused by the exaggerated claims in the article, including accusations of him feeding people to a fire dragon and orchestrating a heist at Gringotts. He jokingly compared Rita to another great writer, Gilderoy Lockhart, for her sensational storytelling.
However, an exclusive news preview caught his attention, promising to unveil the true identity of Johnny Silverhand. Surprised by the claim, John wondered why he was unaware of any exclusive interview. Dismissing it as another of Rita's fabrications, he didn't give it much thought.
Feeding a small dried fish to Riddle, his pet, John pondered the power of public opinion. In an era before the widespread use of the internet, newspapers and magazines were the primary sources of information for the wizarding world. He recognized the influence of the "Daily Prophet" and even "The Quibbler," despite the latter being considered more of a joke by many.
As he interacted with Riddle, a beetle caught his attention. With a swift motion, he captured the beetle, suspecting it was not an ordinary insect but an Animagus. Upon revealing its true form, the beetle transformed into Rita Skeeter, the journalist with a penchant for sensational stories. Her appearance, marked by extravagant glasses and a distinctive style, confirmed John's suspicions about the source of the provocative article. John regarded her with an unexpected sense of foreboding, relieved that he had kept his mask on. He mused to himself, "Thankfully, I didn't reveal my identity. Otherwise, tomorrow's headline in the 'Daily Prophet' would be a sensational 'Shock: Johnny Silverhand, a Hogwarts Student!'" Animagi were notoriously difficult to detect, but thanks to John's keen intuition and the Eye of Truth—far more sensitive than any ordinary looking glass—he wasn't easily deceived. Rita Skeeter, visibly shaken and with eyes darkened with fear beneath her silver mask, found herself at the mercy of John's wand.
Pointing his wand at Rita, John's voice was low and threatening, "Give me one good reason not to feed you to a dragon."
"Dear Sir Johnny Silverhand, this is all a terrible misunderstanding," Rita stammered, her hands nervously fidgeting as if she could somehow talk her way out of the predicament.
John's response was a half-smile, and with a flick of his wand, a burst of white light exploded at Rita's feet. "An illegal Animagus, you say? Now, wouldn't that be an interesting tidbit for the Ministry of Magic?"
"I was wrong, Mr. Johnny Silverhand, please, I beg you, let me go," Rita pleaded, her voice filled with terror. Over the years, she had unearthed countless secrets through her Animagus abilities. The thought of the Ministry discovering her secret filled her with dread, knowing well that the officials she had crossed would not hesitate to send her to Azkaban.
As she begged for mercy, a curious glint appeared in John's eyes. It seemed fate had delivered him an unexpected ally in the realm of public opinion.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge