Dumbledore and Harry's Adventures

Of Strikes and Malfoys

Harry had decided that he really hated Apparating. He had assumed that he would become accustomed to the horrible sensation of his stomach feeling like it was about to jump out of his mouth. His assumption had been wrong. Rather it had only increased to the point where his stomach felt distinctly angry, and was preparing leap out of his mouth, run away to Toronto, and enter witness protection so that Harry could be executed for crimes against gastronomy.

Harry glared up at Albus. "Is there any way you can make that a little or a lot less uncomfortable?"

Albus smiled down at Harry. "No"

Harry glared back up at Albus, while Albus smiled down at Harry with an expectant look in his eyes.

After a full minute passed in silence, Albus sighed. "Do you have a follow up question, Harry?

Harry's glare disappeared as his brow furrowed in confusion. "No... like what?"

Albus rolled his eyes slowly and shook his head in mild despair. When he spoke next, he was clearly doing an impression of Harry. "Well, gee, Albus, if there is nothing YOU can do to help me with making it more comfortable to Apparate, is there something I can do?"

Albus's voice then returned to normal. "That's an excellent question, Harry, I am very glad that you are so inquisitive. And, of course, there is something YOU can do."

Harry huffed. "There's no need to be sarcastic."

Albus grinned. "There was also no need for you to miss the obvious follow up question. I suppose mistakes were made on both our parts."

Harry chuckled. "OK, I'll try to ask better questions. Now, how do I stop it from being uncomfortable?"

"How does it feel when we're in transit?"

"Like... like I am being sucked through a tiny straw and I am being squeezed by a super-sized vise so I can fit through."

Albus smiled lightly. "Ah yes, that is a common description, though you're the first to mention a vise. Well, just spend the next few days thinking of the best way to prevent feeling like that. Now, let's head on out of this alley. While I do enjoy the newest artwork applied to the walls, especially the latest batch of romances that are going to last 4 Ever, I am somewhat saddened that it appears that Ted has yet again found a new paramour. One can only hope that Jessica, Sam, and Heather have recovered from the devastation of losing a catch like Ted. Also, it smells as if a gentle citizen was once again unfortunately unable to find a lavatory in time and was forced to use the nearby wall as a backup. Shall we?"

As Albus began to stride out of the alley to the road, Harry followed him with an annoyed expression. "You didn't tell me how to stop the discomfort!"

"I gave you the hint you needed."

"Can you just tell me how to do it?"

"No."

"I hate you."

"And yet you hired me to be your tutor. You probably should be more stringent in your hiring practices."

Harry smiled broadly, then he spoke in a slightly curious tone. "You know, I didn't smell anything."

Unseen by Harry, Albus smirked.

Harry looked at the building in front of him, with a sense of confusion. "What is this place?"

"This my home away from Hogwarts."

"THIS is your home?"

"Well, I live upstairs."

Harry looked at Albus with a raised eyebrow. "And the bowling alley?"

Albus sighed with deep pleasure. "I own the building and the bowling alley. I believe my Chocolate Frog card says I have a passion for ten pin bowling, so that should come as no surprise."