Chapter Summaries

Albert impressed the judges at the Barnaby Finley Excellent Spellcasting Technique Competition with an exceptional Transfiguration display and easily passed the first round. Convinced by a Divination that he would win a gold medal, he prepared to bet one thousand Galleons on himself, while Bard agreed to arrange the wagers through several friends.

• Albert transformed an armchair into a lifelike lion, earning applause and the judges' approval.
• Bard explained the competition's later rounds as Albert watched the remaining contestants perform.
• Terence Higgs was eliminated in the first round, while Albert became the subject of betting and newspaper attention.
• Albert used a Crystal Ball and saw a vision of himself receiving a gold medal from Yanira.
• Albert summoned one thousand Galleons from Gringotts and asked Bard to place it on his winning a gold medal.
• Bard agreed to split the bets among several friends and pay them each one hundred Galleons if the wager won.

Albert stunned the judges with a bluebell-flame performance in the second round of the Barnaby Finley Excellent Spellcasting Technique competition, earning the highest score and securing a place in the final round. He left reporters behind after the competition, intending to find Bard before the final began the next day.

• Bard told Albert he had arranged bets on him, while the Bullfighting Daily lowered Albert's odds after gamblers placed large wagers on his victory.
• Albert clarified to Noe that he already had a girlfriend when Noe said Louise had rejected him after hearing about Albert.
• The favored Animagus gentleman performed first but received only thirty-two points from the judges.
• Albert combined bluebell flames, water, and ice in a spellcasting display that earned him forty-five points and thunderous applause.
• Anthony became distracted by Yanira watching Albert, made a mistake during his performance, and finished with thirty-five points.
• Four contestants advanced to the third round, which would begin the next day, and Albert slipped away from reporters to find Bard.

Albert studied Barnaby's spellcasting methods as he pursued the competition's gold award, while the Bullfighting Daily's betting organizers panicked over their potential losses. After they sent Ishus Norton to frame Albert with Liquid Luck, Albert and Bard caught him and decided to use him to get money from the organizers.

• Albert read the Spanish edition of Barnaby's Finckley Spellcasting Technique and realized the competition rewarded refined technique, Silent Spells, and wandless magic.
• The Bullfighting Daily's organizers discovered they could lose heavily if contestant number 17 won, but ruled out bribery and grew desperate to stop Albert from competing.
• Ishus Norton disguised himself with Polyjuice Potion and tried to make Albert drink Liquid Luck, but Albert caught and tied him up.
• Albert explained that the bottle contained enough Liquid Luck to disqualify him and threatened Ishus with Legilimency until Ishus agreed to confess.
• Albert suggested controlling Ishus with the Imperius Curse and using him to obtain the betting organizers' money, and Bard cast the curse.

Albert was accused of using Liquid Luck to cheat in the spellcasting competition, after the Bullfighting Daily and Spanish Ministry of Magic acted on a report. A judges’ test cleared all four contestants, leaving Lucien to realize the newspaper had likely been deceived by Ishus.

• Albert learned that the Bullfighting Daily’s correspondent Lucien was watching for signs that he had taken too much Liquid Luck, while Albert knew Ishus had blocked the tracking charm and disappeared with the betting money.
• At the judges’ gathering, Albert impressed Monica and the other judges with his spellcasting knowledge, while Lucien concluded that Albert must have taken Liquid Luck and urged the newspaper to use its backup plan.
• The Spanish Ministry of Magic investigated a report that Albert had used Liquid Luck, and rumors spread that Number 17 had cheated.
• Diana gathered the contestants, judges, Lucien, and Ministry officials to test for Liquid Luck, and a judge demonstrated the testing potion on an official who had taken a drop.
• The suspected Auror, Camellin, Noe, and Albert each drank the testing potion without ill effects, clearing them of cheating.
• A judge called the accusation a joke and suggested questioning the person who had made the report, while Lucien feared the Bullfighting Daily would lose heavily if Albert won.

Albert won the gold prize, leaving the betting pool organizers facing a massive payout and making him a target for their anger. As he prepared to return to England, he rejected Yanira’s attempt to become his lover and spoke with Isabelle through a Two-way Mirror.

• The betting pool organizers learned that Number 17, Albert, had won the championship and calculated that they owed winners sixty-seven thousand.
• Yanira presented Albert with the trophy, medal, prize money, Barnaby Finley's Spellcasting Technique, and a signed record while reporters crowded around him.
• Albert told Bard he wanted to leave Spain quickly, and the judges explained that his spellcasting skill and Patronus had earned him the gold prize.
• Diana urged Yanira to pursue Albert, and Yanira went to his room that night with Potions and a key.
• Albert refused Yanira’s offer, knocked her unconscious, and explained the encounter to Isabelle through their Two-way Mirror.

Albert returned to Britain after winning the Barnaby Finley Gold Medal, while the Daily Prophet published rumors about his supposed romantic involvement with Yanira. He reunited with Isabelle and explained the story, then reassured her that he had refused Yanira because he valued their future together.

• Fred showed Mrs. Weasley the Daily Prophet’s headline announcing Albert as the youngest recipient of the Barnaby Finley Gold Medal, and George speculated that Albert had won a large sum by betting on himself.
• Hermione complained that reporters had fabricated gossip about Albert, while Isabelle dismissed the rumors and went to meet him after learning he had returned from Spain.
• Albert used the International Floo Network to reach The Leaky Cauldron, where Isabelle welcomed him, and they went to Hogsmeade so he could rest.
• Nia asked Albert about Yanira, and Albert explained that she had presented his award at her family’s bar and that he had refused her because he already had Isabelle as his fiancée.
• Albert sent records to his friends and family, then used a Time-Turner to return several hours and join Isabelle, who asked why he had refused Yanira.
• Albert told Isabelle that he had considered the risk to their relationship and did not want to lose her; Isabelle accepted his answer and fell asleep in his arms.

Peter Pettigrew, haunted by his mother’s death and hunted by wizards, traveled to Albania to find the Dark Lord and secure a safer future. After reaching the country and searching its forests, he encountered Bertha Jorkins and stunned her to keep her from revealing that he was alive.

• Peter woke from a nightmare about his mother’s sacrifice and fled his inn after three wizards searched his room and took his suitcase.
• Peter decided to seek the Dark Lord in Albania, hoping his return would protect him from his enemies and the Ministry of Magic.
• Peter spent a week traveling to Albania, then searched its forests with help from the rats he could communicate with, but found no trace of the Dark Lord.
• Peter entered a Muggle hotel and was recognized by Bertha Jorkins, so he took her outside and told her a self-serving account of his past.
• Peter pointed his wand at Bertha Jorkins and stunned her before she could finish questioning him.

Albert told Isabelle they would travel to Egypt for the International Alchemy Convention and showed her a potion that could slow aging, which he refused to enter in the competition. He then experimented with Mandrake-based products, improving Flying Ointment before drawing Isabelle toward the bedroom to try it.

• Albert told Isabelle that Mr. Sera had invited them to Egypt for the International Alchemy Convention and said he hoped to win an award.
• Albert showed Isabelle a sealed box containing a potion that slowed aging and its formula, explaining that Nicholas had helped create the initial version.
• Isabelle warned Albert not to submit the aging-slowing potion, and he agreed to enter something else instead.
• Albert showed Isabelle Mandrake Wine, which he said aided fertility and had an aphrodisiac effect, then began making Flying Ointment.
• Albert improved the Flying Ointment until it could make a chair float, and Isabelle said it seemed more reliable than the wine.
• Albert handed Isabelle another bottle of Flying Ointment and pulled her toward the master bedroom to try it.

Valeria and Catherine met Albert and Isabelle at the Ouroboros Bar in Cairo, where Albert showed them his alchemical creations for the International Alchemy Convention. The group learned that Aria had been trying to get close to them after betting he could pursue one of the women, and Valeria made clear she still had an eye on Albert.

• Valeria complained to Catherine about the Egyptian heat and discussed her interest in Albert, despite his engagement to Isabelle.
• Albert and Isabelle arrived after exchanging gold with the goblins, and Albert joined Catherine and Valeria at their table.
• Catherine showed Albert her plant extract, and Albert presented his Mandrake Wine, which he had named Youth and Love, and his upgraded Flying Ointment.
• Aria approached Albert and tried to join the group, but Catherine turned him away because the seats were reserved for Nicholas and his companion.
• Isabelle revealed that Aria had bet he could pursue one of the women, and Albert warned that he would send Aria to the hospital if he kept pursuing Isabelle.
• Valeria assured Isabelle she was not trying to steal Albert, but offered to help keep an eye on him.

Albert discussed his Mandrake research and the risks of entering the International Alchemy Convention, then explored Khaileh Square with Isabelle, Valeria, and Catherine. After the outing, Valeria urged Catherine to pursue Albert, while admitting she hoped to become his lover herself.

• Albert learned from Sera and Nicholas that convention entrants had to share their formulas, and agreed to enter only his Flying Ointment.
• Sera gave Albert his entry ticket, and Nicholas told him how to reach Khaileh Square and the local black market.
• Albert, Isabelle, Valeria, and Catherine traveled to Khaileh Square, where they bought snacks, books, suspicious magical items, and Hibiscus Essence.
• Catherine told Valeria that she had no chance with Albert, but Valeria said she still intended to pursue him and would accept becoming his lover.

Albert and Isabelle joined the other alchemists at the International Alchemy Convention, where Albert entered his Mandrake Wine and Flying Ointment for display and learned that his Flying Ointment was a strong contender for the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal. The convention began, and contestants prepared to register their achievements for review and judging.

• Albert and Isabelle woke before dawn, joined the other attendees, and Apparated in batches to the hidden entrance inside the Sphinx.
• The organizers registered Albert's Mandrake Wine and Flying Ointment in display case number fifty-one while he and his companions rested and ate breakfast.
• Nicholas explained that few alchemists competed seriously, and Albert received the Medal Collector task for winning the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal.
• Sera introduced Albert to Mopsus and Jason, praised Albert's alchemy, and predicted he had an eighty percent chance of winning the medal.
• Mopsus and Jason examined Albert's display, where the Mandrake Wine's description drew a crowd and amazed them.
• Hermes gave the convention's opening address, after which the convention began and the organizers explained the registration, review, and judging process.

Alchemists and visitors debated whether Albert Anderson’s Mandrake Wine was genuine, while several recognized Albert’s reputation and expected him to enter the competition. When the Alchemy Research Center evaluated his work, it examined the Flying Ointment instead, leaving onlookers to suspect Albert was poised to win the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal.

• Visitors gathered around Display Case No. 51 and argued over whether Mandrake root could be used to make wine with the effects described on its parchment.
• Claude defended Albert and mocked those who called the exhibit fake, while Adolf recalled Albert’s talent and reputation.
• Alchemy Research Center staff arrived to assess Albert’s research, prompting onlookers to anticipate that the Mandrake Wine formula might be sold or acquired through the competition.
• A staff member removed the Flying Ointment rather than the Mandrake Wine and used it to make a chair float.
• Adolf judged that Albert would likely win the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal, while onlookers discussed the wine’s possible effects and looked for Albert.

Albert toured the International Alchemy Convention’s exhibits with Isabelle, then learned he had passed the preliminary review for Flying Ointment and might be considered for the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal. As the award and betting pool drew attention, Albert dismissed Mr. Aria’s communication device as unimpressive and Isabelle reminded everyone that Albert had already invented a similar tool.

• Albert and Isabelle viewed the convention’s alchemical displays, and Isabelle revealed that a supposed magical iron exhibit was actually Goblin Iron made by a controlled goblin.
• Albert delayed a wizard seeking to sell Mandrake Wine, then learned he had passed the preliminary review and was asked to submit Flying Ointment details for verification and possible patent certification.
• Catherine and Valeria explained that the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal depended on recognition and backing, while Albert suspected the organizers’ praise was meant to draw out his formula.
• Mr. Aria greeted Albert and hoped to discuss research with him, and Valeria identified Aria’s stone-based communication device as a possible rival for the award.
• Albert judged Aria’s device difficult to popularize and Isabelle reminded them that Albert had invented the Communication Bookmark, which already sent messages through magical metal sheets.

Albert attended the International Alchemy Convention, where he criticized its stale talks and textbooks before learning that his youth and reputation had helped him win the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal. The convention presented twelve achievements, and Albert’s Flying Ointment drew attention mainly because he was still underage.

• Albert and his companions listened to dull speeches at the convention, and Sera explained that Dumbledore had not attended in recent decades.
• Charles Brick congratulated Albert on his gold medal and heard Albert suggest creating a beginner alchemy textbook to complement his own book.
• Nicholas explained that the organizers chose Albert over Aria partly for publicity and because Albert was young and worth investing in.
• The convention presented twelve alchemical achievements, including Aria’s Magic Communicator and Albert’s Flying Ointment.
• The audience murmured when Albert’s Flying Ointment appeared, but most attendees focused on the fact that he was underage.

Albert accepted the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal at the International Alchemy Convention and answered the crowd’s suspicion with a boastful introduction before giving an innovative speech. He left the convention with Isabelle, Catherine, and Valeria, returned to England, and revealed that they would stay in Isabelle’s expanded suitcase home, where Isabelle said she and Albert planned to marry after he graduated.

• Albert took the stage under the alchemists’ hostile stares and listed his international titles and awards to answer their doubts about his medal.
• Albert discussed his views on alchemy, then deliberately ended his speech before finishing his topic and left the stage.
• The convention formally presented Albert with the Pioneering Contribution Gold Medal and the flying ointment patent certificate, and he continued discussing alchemy with acquaintances at the gathering.
• Albert declined invitations to stay in Egypt and returned to England through the International Floo Network with Isabelle, Catherine, and Valeria.
• Isabelle showed Catherine and Valeria the spacious home inside her suitcase and told them that she and Albert would probably marry after he graduated.

Katrina read about Albert’s latest award and watched Isabelle, Valeria, and Catherine pursue a Beautification Potion while discussing their plans for the Quidditch World Cup. She realized the house-elf might belong to Albert and began to suspect his friends had hidden connections to him.

• Katrina read a Daily Prophet report about Albert’s alchemy award and wondered whether to give Isabelle the chance to attend the Yule Ball with him.
• Katrina found Bit preparing breakfast and followed a hidden staircase to wake Isabelle and her friends.
• Isabelle, Valeria, and Catherine discussed their failed attempt to make a Beautification Potion that could delay aging, and Katrina suggested asking Albert for help.
• Catherine questioned Isabelle about asking Mr. Nicol to witness a wedding, and Isabelle confirmed the Philosopher’s Stone had been destroyed before changing the subject.
• Valeria invited Isabelle to share their campsite at the Quidditch World Cup, and Katrina suspected Bit belonged to Albert and that Valeria and Catherine had feelings for him.

Albert discussed taking Nia to the Quidditch World Cup and warned her to stay safely in their tent. He used Crystal Ball Divination to show her the danger facing the British wizarding world and said Harry Potter would confront it as the Boy Who Lived.

• Nia pressed Albert for the date of their Quidditch World Cup trip, and Albert told her the round of sixteen was not finished and warned her not to wander off.
• Albert promised that Nia and the family might visit Hogwarts if he became its Triwizard Tournament champion, while Luke declined to go.
• Albert told Nia he feared she might become attached to a world that did not belong to her, then began divining the World Cup's future in his room.
• Nia saw visions of the Dark Mark, frightened Muggles, masked servants, and a bald man whom Albert identified as the start of the chaos that would help the evil wizard return.
• Albert stopped Nia from suggesting they interfere and told her that Harry Potter was the Boy Who Lived and would appear in the newspapers at Christmas.

Peter Pettigrew hunted a Unicorn for Voldemort and helped him regain a temporary body through a potion. Voldemort then planned to make a resurrection potion using Harry Potter’s blood, but decided to wait before returning to England for it.

• Peter failed to catch an adult Unicorn, then killed a young Unicorn and collected its blood before Apparating away from the herd.
• Peter prepared a potion with the Unicorn blood and Nagini’s venom, and Voldemort emerged from the cauldron in a weak, baby-like body.
• Voldemort told Peter that he needed his father’s bone, a servant’s flesh, and the blood of an enemy to restore his original body.
• Voldemort insisted that Harry Potter’s blood was necessary, rejecting Peter’s suggestion to use another wizard.
• Voldemort searched Bertha Jorkins’s memories and learned that the Quidditch World Cup had drawn many wizards and Ministry officials to England, so he chose to wait before returning.

Harry woke from a vivid nightmare in which Voldemort and Peter Pettigrew murdered someone and plotted a conspiracy, while his scar burned. Sirius and Lupin planned to alert Dumbledore and seek Albert’s Divination, and Harry ended the chapter hoping Sirius would ask Albert to help Lupin find respectable work.

• Harry woke with his scar hurting after dreaming that Voldemort and Peter Pettigrew murdered someone and plotted a conspiracy.
• Sirius, Lupin, and Harry discussed whether the dream was real and decided to write to Dumbledore; Sirius also wanted Albert to divine Peter’s location or the dream’s meaning.
• Harry told Ron and Hermione about the nightmare, and they discussed when Albert would arrive and his high Divination fee.
• Ron described Albert’s gambling luck, prize winnings, and support for Fred and George’s planned joke shop.
• Hermione guessed Sirius wanted to open a shop with Lupin to provide him with respectable work, and Ron suggested Albert could help make the business succeed.
• Harry agreed to mention Albert to Sirius because he wanted Lupin to find a job.

Albert brought his Muggle sister Nia and the McDougal sisters to the Quidditch World Cup campsite, hiding Nia in an enchanted suitcase and arranging a tent as cover. Catherine and Valeria arrived and asked to stay with them, but Isabelle refused.

• Isabelle brought Albert and Katrina to the Ministry-designated Apparition area while Bit secretly transported the enchanted suitcase to their campsite.
• Albert paid campsite manager Mr. Payne for a spot, set up a shabby tent, and connected Bit with a communication bracelet.
• Albert introduced Nia to Isabelle and Katrina inside the suitcase, then brought Nia outside with magical items and explained how wizards concealed their world from Muggles.
• Catherine and Valeria visited Albert, learned that Nia was a Muggle, and promised to keep her identity secret.
• Valeria asked to move in with Albert and the others, but Isabelle refused because they had no spare room.