Draco Malfoy put an apple into the Vanishing Cabinet as a crucial step in testing and mending the malfunctioning magical object.
The Purpose Behind Draco's Apple Experiment
Draco's actions with the apple were a deliberate part of his arduous task: repairing the Vanishing Cabinet located within the Room of Requirement. This ancient, interconnected magical artifact was vital for his plans, and its successful restoration was a high-stakes objective.
Testing the Vanishing Cabinet's Functionality
When Draco began his repair efforts, the Vanishing Cabinet was severely damaged and could not safely transport living creatures. His methodical approach involved a series of tests:
- Initial inanimate object transport: The cabinet's earliest, limited functionality allowed for the successful, albeit sometimes imperfect, transmission of inanimate objects. The apple served as an ideal, simple, and readily available test subject for this stage.
- Confirmation of transit: Draco would send the apple through the cabinet. On the receiving end, likely at Borgin and Burkes, someone would bite the apple and send it back. This action confirmed that the object had indeed traveled between the two cabinets, signaling progress in the cabinet's ability to move items.
- Staged repair progression: This successful, albeit basic, transport of an inanimate object was a necessary precursor. It indicated that the cabinet was gradually being mended. Attempting to send living creatures too early proved fatal, as demonstrated by the tragic demise of the first bird sent through, which died during transit. The apple tests allowed Draco to understand and rectify the cabinet's limitations before escalating to more complex subjects.
Draco's entire process, including the repeated use of the apple, was aimed at systematically restoring the Vanishing Cabinet. His ultimate goal was to ensure it could reliably transport individuals, which was integral to his larger scheme.
