Chapter Summaries

After Tom learned that the Riddle family had recovered and did not blame him, Li Weide visited St. Mungo's to share his healing methods with the healers. As the Riddles headed home, Tom proposed sparring, but Li Weide’s plan to get hospitalized for more time with the pretty healers quickly made Tom reconsider.

• Dumbledore told Tom that his grandparents and father had awakened, and reassured him that his family loved and would forgive him.
• Dumbledore said St. Mungo's healers wanted Li Weide to share his emergency treatment methods, and Li Weide eagerly agreed after hearing that doing so could help save lives.
• Li Weide spent several days chatting with the healers while Tom confirmed that his family did not blame him.
• When the Riddle family left St. Mungo's, Tom challenged Li Weide to spar, but Li Weide suggested injuring him just enough to get admitted to the hospital.
• Tom put away his wand and claimed he had only been joking after Li Weide started choosing which hospital department to visit.

Li Weide visited Tom at the Riddle estate, where he sparred with him and then left for Dorset on the Knight Bus. The Senior female student contacted him directly, explained that her research was nearing success but would take decades to free her, and revealed that she had recovered some of her former abilities.

• Li Weide toured Tom’s house and training ground, then made Tom attack him for practice until Tom’s miserable screams rang through the woods.
• Li Weide left the Riddle estate, and Tom told Senior Riddle that he wanted to stay with his family because he had begun to understand love.
• Li Weide rode the Knight Bus to Dorset, became sick from the journey, and checked a roadside sign to find his location.
• The Senior female student spoke directly into Li Weide’s mind and explained that she could now communicate with anyone in the United Kingdom.
• The Senior female student told Li Weide that her conversion research was nearly successful but that she might not emerge until he was over a hundred years old.
• The Senior female student revealed that she had recovered some things that belonged to her, though everything had changed.

Li Weide spoke with Senior female student about trusting Dumbledore and the dangers ahead, then went to Riddle Manor, where Tom received Dumbledore’s Dark Magic notes. The letter revealed that Dumbledore knew about Tom and Li Weide’s secret studies, and Tom realized Li Weide might be in trouble because Dumbledore thought he no longer needed guidance.

• Li Weide told Senior female student that Dumbledore could be trusted to resist temptation and asked her to seek him out if anything happened to Li Weide.
• Senior female student’s voice faded, and Li Weide picked up his suitcase and flew away into the night.
• At Riddle Manor, Tom and Old Tom sat reading together in Old Tom’s tidy, book-filled room.
• Fawkes delivered a packet from Dumbledore containing a letter and a black-covered Notebook.
• Tom read Dumbledore’s permission and instructions for studying Dark Magic, then noticed the letter said Li Weide might no longer need the notes and suspected his disguise had been exposed.

Li Weide arrived at Newt Scamander’s home late at night and was welcomed in after Newt, Jacob, Tina, and Queenie mistook him for a threat. He reunited Nagini with her old friends and revealed that he had flown there using his Flying Spell.

• Li Weide landed outside Newt Scamander’s house with Nagini and decided to leave rather than disturb the household late at night.
• Newt, Jacob, Tina, and Queenie opened the door and pointed their wands at Li Weide before recognizing him and inviting him inside.
• Li Weide teased Jacob about carrying a wand and suggested a .38 revolver could be useful for protecting his family.
• Li Weide introduced Nagini to Newt, who recalled that they had fought Grindelwald together, and explained that her body could no longer digest ordinary human food.
• Li Weide translated Nagini’s words and explained that a friend had taught him Parseltongue; Queenie realized he had used Occlumency to limit what she could read.
• Queenie asked how Li Weide had arrived, and he confirmed he had flown there with the Flying Spell he invented.

Li Weide discussed a possible way to weaken Nagini’s Beast Soul and help her regain human form, while Newt planned to monitor her health and use Li Weide’s Nutrient Potion. After they made a preliminary recovery plan, Newt and Li Weide set their sights on secretly visiting a depressed dragon in his care.

• Queenie, Jacob, Newt, and Tina discussed Queenie’s mind-reading ability before Li Weide explained how he had become involved in Tom’s conflict with the Gaunt Family.
• Newt asked whether Nagini could return to human form, and Li Weide proposed maintaining his Transfiguration to weaken her Beast Soul while Newt monitored her body.
• Newt and Li Weide began designing Nagini’s recovery plan, considering Li Weide’s Nutrient Potion as a way to support her body.
• Tina stopped Newt from keeping eleven-year-old Li Weide up late, and Newt showed him to his room for the night.
• The next morning, Newt and Li Weide finalized a preliminary plan, then toured Newt’s suitcase menagerie with Jacob.
• Li Weide persuaded Newt to consider sneaking off to see the depressed dragon, and Newt suggested bringing the Zouwu for safety.

Tom visited Old Tom and they exchanged books to understand each other better. Their discussion of Dark Magic and Dumbledore left Tom questioning whether a wizard’s power came from magic itself or from the person wielding it.

• Tom left his woods and asked Old Tom if he could read in his room.
• Tom used magic to clear a desk, and Old Tom told him that Senior Riddle and his wife had left for France.
• Tom and Old Tom exchanged books, with Tom reading Plato’s The Republic and Old Tom reading History of Magic and books about spells.
• Over lunch, Tom explained that Dark Magic was a wizard’s strongest weapon and that powerful wizards were usually skilled in it.
• Tom said Dumbledore was more powerful than Grindelwald despite never using Dark Magic, and Old Tom suggested that power came from the person, not the magic.

Tom realized that improving his fundamentals mattered more than mastering powerful Dark Magic, while Li Weide and Newt went to check on a depressed fire dragon. The chapter left Newt rushing toward a person crouched beside the dragon’s nose.

• Old Tom explained to Tom that a spell’s effectiveness depended more on the wizard’s skill than on the spell itself, using his accuracy with an old rifle as an example.
• Tom recalled Li Weide’s dueling advice and recognized that Li Weide had been criticizing his fundamentals to help him improve, not because he feared being surpassed.
• Tom asked Old Tom to practice combat with him using thrown rocks, and Old Tom agreed to exercise with him after dinner.
• Li Weide charmed Newt’s Zouwu with a cat teaser wand and praised Newt’s book, then the two rode the Zouwu into the Woods to find a depressed fire dragon.
• Li Weide spotted someone crouching beside the fire dragon, and Newt hurried toward them, worried that the dragon might breathe fire.

Newt and Li Weide encountered a dragon and nine-year-old Rubeus Hagrid, who had pulled out one of the dragon’s whiskers. After they escaped, Hagrid left to find his father with Li Weide’s handwritten copy of Newt’s book, and Newt realized it was an unauthorized copy.

• Newt hurried toward a boy crouched beside the dragon, and the boy introduced himself as nine-year-old Rubeus Hagrid.
• Li Weide and Hagrid examined the dragon’s whiskers, and Hagrid accidentally pulled one out, prompting the dragon to breathe fire as the Zouwu carried them away.
• Li Weide examined the heavy, warm whisker but could not identify the dragon’s species.
• Hagrid explained that his father had gone to find herbs after getting hurt while visiting Hagrid’s mother, and Newt warned him to stay away from dragons.
• Li Weide gave Hagrid his handwritten copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Hagrid went into the woods after hearing his father call.
• Newt recognized that Li Weide had given Hagrid a handwritten copy of his book, and Li Weide awkwardly admitted he had copied it himself.

Newt learned that Li Weide had copied books from memory when he could not afford them and offered to adopt him, while Tom discovered a faster way to use the Shield Charm during training with Old Tom. The chapter ended with Old Tom warning that Germany might target France, where Li Weide and the others had traveled.

• Li Weide explained to Newt that he had copied books from memory because he could not afford to buy them, and Newt offered to send him books and adopt him.
• Tom struggled to cast the Shield Charm quickly enough while Old Tom threw pebbles at him.
• Old Tom suggested that Tom protect only parts of his body, and Tom began using scattered Shield Charm fragments to block the pebbles faster.
• Tom and Old Tom continued training until evening, then shared a warm moment over dinner as Tom apologized for exhausting him.
• Old Tom read the newspaper and warned Tom that Germany might attack France, where Li Weide and the others had boarded a ship that morning.

Tom and Old Tom worried that war in France would leave Senior Riddle and his wife stranded, but Grindelwald brought them safely back to Riddle Manor and raised Tom’s suspicions. Meanwhile, Li Weide read Tom’s letter and recognized Grindelwald’s attention as a sign that he considered Tom useful.

• Old Tom explained that Germany’s actions and its pact with the Soviet Union meant war was likely, so Tom sent an urgent letter to Dumbledore asking for help bringing back Senior Riddle and his wife.
• Grindelwald arrived at Riddle Manor with Senior Riddle and his wife, explaining that he had stopped them from traveling to France as part of the wizarding world’s evacuation efforts.
• Tom told his family that Grindelwald was a powerful Dark Wizard who had nearly killed him, and suspected Grindelwald was trying to threaten or recruit him.
• Tom decided to tell Dumbledore what had happened and rely on Li Weide to watch for Grindelwald’s schemes.
• Li Weide read Tom’s letter and concluded that Grindelwald’s kindness meant he saw Tom as useful, recalling how Grindelwald had discarded Credence when he thought Credence was no longer valuable.

Li Weide warned Tom how to handle Grindelwald and discovered that Nagini’s recovery plan was also restoring the Beast Soul. Tom decided to visit Li Weide, while Dumbledore confronted Grindelwald at the Ministry over his intentions toward Tom and Weide.

• Li Weide sent Tom advice to accept Grindelwald’s benefits without making promises or obeying him, and invited Tom to visit Newt’s home.
• Li Weide examined Nagini and discovered that nourishing her body had also restored the Beast Soul, undermining their recovery plan.
• Li Weide promised Nagini he would find a way to keep her from becoming a beast again and considered asking Dumbledore or the Senior female student about soul magic.
• Tom decided to travel to Li Weide’s place to check on Nagini, stay safe near Li Weide, and practice fighting.
• Dumbledore confronted Grindelwald in his Ministry office and warned him not to pursue any intentions toward Tom and Weide.

Tom arrived at Newt’s home after a miserable ride on the Knight Bus and reunited with Li Weide, who teased him while advising him to always plan a way out. The group discussed Nagini’s failed treatment plan and decided that purifying the Bloodline Curse was essential, leaving Tom suspicious that Li Weide’s request for Grindelwald’s help might serve a larger plan.

• Tom blamed Li Weide for recommending the Knight Bus, then flew under his Invisibility Cloak to reach Newt’s home.
• Li Weide mocked Tom’s misery and told him to plan for retreat before advancing.
• Tom noticed Newt’s family seemed troubled and asked whether Nagini’s treatment had failed.
• Li Weide and Newt explained that their Recovery Plan had failed, and that Nagini’s Bloodline Curse had to be purified before her Beast Soul could be cured permanently.
• Tom suggested asking Dumbledore, while Newt explained Dumbledore’s earlier search had been interrupted by Grindelwald’s attack and Nagini’s disappearance.
• Tina warned Li Weide not to contact Grindelwald, and Tom suspected Li Weide’s letter was part of a broader plan.

Li Weide and Tom returned to Hogwarts as war began in the Muggle world, while Annie unexpectedly reappeared unharmed. They learned that Grindelwald had taken up a post as Ministry of Magic Senior Investigator at Hogwarts, leaving Tom terrified of the coming term.

• Li Weide recalled the senior female student's warning that Vampires might understand Bloodline Curses and speculated that becoming a Vampire could involve one.
• Tom visited Nagini in the basement, and Li Weide wondered whether Vampirism was a kind of Bloodline Curse.
• Over the remaining holiday days, Tom trained with Li Weide and improved his dueling skills, while refusing to join Li Weide in visiting the depressed fire dragon.
• On September 1, 1939, Li Weide and Tom returned to King's Cross as Germany invaded Poland and Aurors guarded the entrance to Platform 9 3/4.
• Henry greeted Li Weide and Tom, and Annie arrived on the platform alone, looking haggard but unharmed.
• Henry told Li Weide and Tom that Grindelwald had forcefully moved into Hogwarts as a Ministry of Magic Senior Investigator, and Tom asked whether he could still transfer schools.

Dumbledore, Dippet, and McGonagall learned that Grindelwald would take up residence at Hogwarts and considered how to counter his influence on the students. On the Hogwarts Express, Li Weide confronted Annie about her role in Grindelwald’s plans and asked why Grindelwald had spared her.

• Dumbledore and Dippet told McGonagall that Grindelwald’s acquittal had been staged and that the Ministry had ordered him to Hogwarts as a Senior Investigator.
• Dippet urged Dumbledore to become Minister for Magic and dismiss Grindelwald, but Dumbledore feared gaining power and becoming like him.
• Dippet proposed using Li Weide and the Mutual Aid Club to counter Grindelwald’s influence, and Dumbledore agreed to speak with Li Weide about its development.
• On the Hogwarts Express, Annie asked Li Weide when he had discovered her identity, and he said he had known since she first entered his compartment.
• Li Weide asked why Grindelwald had spared Annie, and she defended Grindelwald before Li Weide concluded that she was still useful to him.

Li Weide exposed Annie Rosier’s doubts about Grindelwald and offered her a place in his own plans. Annie agreed to become his pawn, believing he might protect her from Grindelwald.

• Li Weide confronted Annie with Grindelwald’s betrayal of his followers, deepening her doubts about the man she had once trusted.
• Tom questioned Li Weide about Annie’s distress, and Li Weide explained that her faith in Grindelwald was collapsing.
• Annie broke down in tears, and Li Weide urged her to join him, prompting Tom to admit that he served Li Weide.
• Li Weide revealed that he had deliberately used Annie to influence Grindelwald, and Annie realized he had manipulated Grindelwald and others as pawns.
• Annie accepted Li Weide’s offer, hoping he would protect her from Grindelwald.

Li Weide persuaded Annie to join his side and advised her to confess everything to Dumbledore so he could help expose Grindelwald’s plans. Annie agreed to follow the plan, while Tom remained bewildered by Li Weide’s schemes.

• Tom watched Li Weide convince Annie to become their comrade and wondered whether he was another piece in Li Weide’s plans.
• Annie said Grindelwald had given her no clear task, and Li Weide concluded that Grindelwald was guarding against him after their previous trap.
• Li Weide told Annie to turn herself in to Dumbledore at Hogwarts and reveal everything she had done so Dumbledore could protect her and monitor Grindelwald.
• Tom defended Li Weide’s understanding of Dumbledore, and Li Weide explained how Annie’s confession could help expose Grindelwald’s plot.
• Annie agreed to follow Li Weide’s advice, and he gave her a bottle of Felix Felicis to drink before meeting Dumbledore.

Li Weide and his friends returned to Hogwarts as Grindelwald’s growing influence emboldened Pure-blood families and threatened the Mutual Aid Club. He defended the battered Alphard from Walburga, while club members gathered behind him.

• Li Weide advised Annie to take Felix Felicis before her planned confession, and she left the train with the potion.
• Tom, Li Weide, Charlie, and Henry discussed Alphard’s injuries and how Henry’s parents had apparently pledged themselves to Grindelwald.
• Li Weide reasoned that Grindelwald would avoid disbanding the popular Mutual Aid Club because doing so would turn students against him.
• At Hogwarts, Li Weide saw Walburga leading an injured Alphard with several Pure-blood students and stepped in to protect him.
• Walburga and her companions drew their wands, but Li Weide stood his ground as members of the Mutual Aid Club gathered behind him.

Li Weide defended Alphard after Walburga and other Slytherins injured him, then healed his wounds before the Opening Feast. Professor McGonagall punished Walburga’s group by deducting one hundred points from Slytherin, and Li Weide and Tom promised Alphard they would earn the points back.

• Walburga shoved Alphard toward Li Weide and threatened him, but Li Weide steadied Alphard and Tom restored his front teeth.
• Li Weide blasted Walburga and her followers onto the Oak Door, explaining that he acted because they had hurt his brother Alphard.
• Professor McGonagall lowered the students, then rehung Walburga and her followers after Walburga claimed the matter was Black family business.
• Li Weide healed Alphard’s wounds, and Professor McGonagall took Alphard’s side while allowing him to stay with his comrades.
• Professor McGonagall deducted one hundred points from Slytherin, and Li Weide and Tom reassured Alphard that they would earn the points back.

At the Slytherin table, Li Weide helped Alphard understand that Walburga’s abuse and his parents’ likely rejection could be addressed through wizarding law. Alphard resolved to pursue a case, and Li Weide considered expanding the issue into publicity for the Mutual Aid Club beyond Hogwarts.

• Walburga and her followers entered the Great Hall, and Alphard explained that his parents supported her bullying because he befriended Muggle-born students.
• Henry offered Alphard a place to stay, while Li Weide and Tom offered financial help, but Alphard hesitated to accept their support.
• Li Weide showed Alphard Ministry laws that could let him sue Walburga and her accomplices for abuse and demand support payments from his parents if they cast him out.
• Tom urged Alphard not to accept being treated like garbage, and Alphard decided to take legal action rather than wait for his parents to reject him.
• Li Weide agreed to help Alphard and suggested using the case to publicize the Mutual Aid Club beyond Hogwarts.

As the Sorting Ceremony began, Grindelwald arrived unexpectedly at Hogwarts and sat beside Li Weide and Tom, despite Dumbledore’s objections. Grindelwald privately praised Li Weide’s advice for provoking Dumbledore, while Li Weide pretended not to have heard him.

• Li Weide and Tom noticed Dumbledore welcoming the Newborn students while Headmaster Dippet’s seat remained empty, and Li Weide recognized Little Flitwick as a likely talent.
• Professor McGonagall began the Sorting Ceremony, but Grindelwald arrived early and startled the professors and students.
• Grindelwald ignored the Pure-blood students’ invitations and chose to sit beside Li Weide, Tom, and Alphard.
• Dumbledore introduced Grindelwald as the Ministry’s special investigator and education director, then the Sorting Ceremony resumed.
• Grindelwald told Li Weide that his advice had helped him provoke Dumbledore, and Li Weide acted as if he had not heard.