Side-Along Apparition

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 141176

> Greenfirespike:

> The most important aspect of the Trio learning apparation is that it 
> now allows them to travel large distances within seconds.  No more 
> looking for Buckbeak or floo powder...  
> 
> But it almost begs the question...who don't older students just 
> apparate to the gates of Hogwarts to start the term?  

Finwitch:

Several reasons I can think of. Some of them have a duty to watch over 
the younger students in the train (being Prefects/Head Boy/Girl, 
possibly also Quidditch Captains). Some of them have not passed the 
test - say some with Muggle parents/guardians who just happened to be 
born during Summer and therefore were not old enough to take it during 
school year and lack means to take it during Summer (we'll see about 
Harry's test). Others may do so to keep company with their classmates 
for the last time... AND you must take into account their *trunks* that 
need to be taken to Hogwarts as well. You know, they're delivered 
separately from the train (presumably by the elves) so apparating is 
just too awkward (and lonely) thing to do...

Finwitch