Chapter Summaries

Hogwarts students found comfort in Dumbledore’s promise that the castle would remain safe, while Hermione later asked him for news about the war. Dumbledore met Minister Scrimgeour, who described the Ministry’s crisis and Voldemort’s proposed prisoner exchange, and asked Scrimgeour to buy him time until around Easter.

• Dumbledore assured the students that Death Eaters would not attack Hogwarts while its professors remained and Voldemort would not enter while he was there.
• Students traded stories about classroom mishaps caused by panic, while Loren joked that Ron had fallen into dragon dung fertilizer.
• Hermione went to the Greenhouse to check her Gordigan observations and met Dumbledore, who told her about Voldemort’s occupation of the Ministry’s underground base.
• Dumbledore met Minister Scrimgeour in a Thestral carriage, where Scrimgeour explained that a Ministry mole had exposed the temporary base and Voldemort wanted to exchange captured employees for imprisoned Death Eaters.
• Dumbledore asked Scrimgeour to buy him time until around Easter.

Loren developed a short-range spatial spell that let him summon tiny objects without touching them. In the Headmaster's office, Ron began destroying Hufflepuff's Goblet with the Sword of Gryffindor, but the Horcrux's black mist attacked him as Grindelwald's blue flames contained it.

• Loren asked Professor Sinistra and Professor Firenze whether wizards had explored space, but neither had a successful example to offer.
• Loren experimented with a new spell that used spatial Magic Power to pull a tiny shard of ice into his hand from a short distance away.
• Ron hesitated when asked to destroy Hufflepuff's Goblet, then took the Sword of Gryffindor and struck it.
• The Horcrux released black mist that insulted Ron and exposed his insecurities while Grindelwald's pale blue flames contained it.

After Hufflepuff's Goblet was destroyed, Ron worried that Voldemort had exposed his private thoughts to Harry and sought a way to keep them secret. Dumbledore and Grindelwald discussed the destroyed Horcruxes and what to do next before Horace arrived with something for Dumbledore.

• Ron overheard Ginny describe her family's troubles after the Ministry attack and learned that Molly was considering making everyone swear an Unbreakable Vow.
• Ron asked Harry to make an Unbreakable Vow, then hurried off to break up with Lavender when Ginny questioned him.
• Ginny revealed that Ron had kept a picture of Aunt Muriel under his pillow, leaving Harry and Ron embarrassed.
• Grindelwald told Dumbledore that Ron had destroyed the Golden Cup after Voldemort's soul fragment exposed the secret about the picture.
• Dumbledore and Grindelwald discussed the destroyed Horcruxes and their next move, then Horace arrived at the Headmaster's office with something for Dumbledore.

During Defense Against the Dark Arts, Grindelwald explained that sixth-year students might have to fight or protect their families if Death Eaters attacked. He began a combat demonstration with Loren Morgan, leaving the class watching as they prepared to duel.

• Loren and Hermione arrived at Professor Bashat's Defense Against the Dark Arts class after discussing Lavender's distress.
• Justin asked Grindelwald what students should do if Death Eaters attacked their homes during Christmas break.
• Grindelwald told the sixth-years that they might have to fight or cover their families' retreat, and said he would show them real combat.
• Grindelwald chose Loren Morgan as his opponent and magically moved the classroom furniture and students aside.
• Loren faced Grindelwald, eager to test himself against a powerful wizard, as Hermione watched from the corner.

Loren dueled Grindelwald before the Hogwarts students, matching his spells and flames until he secretly ignited Grindelwald’s robes. The duel ended with Grindelwald cutting off his magic, and Harry and Ron believed Loren had won.

• Loren launched dozens of enhanced Repelling Charms, and Grindelwald blocked them with a precisely controlled wall of azure flame.
• Loren and Grindelwald traded rapid spells and fire attacks while the students watched their skillful duel.
• Dust between them transformed into animals that attacked, and both wizards used whirlwinds of flame to consume the creatures.
• Loren and Grindelwald’s flames collided in a contest of strength that strained Loren’s magic and left the classroom trembling.
• A small flame appeared at the hem of Grindelwald’s robes, prompting him and Loren to stop the duel.
• Harry and Ron exchanged a glance and concluded that Loren had defeated Grindelwald.

After Loren Morgan defeated Professor Bashat in a Defense Against the Dark Arts demonstration, Grindelwald explained the lessons of the fight and the students began practicing. By dinner, Loren had become the center of attention at Hogwarts, and he left the Great Hall before dessert while Hermione promised to bring him pudding.

• Grindelwald explained that combat rewarded effective tactics, personal strengths, and nonverbal spellcasting after Loren's duel with Professor Bashat.
• Hermione, Harry, and Ron celebrated Loren's performance, while Seamus's attempt to combine Viperous Venom with a Blasting Curse caused an explosion that blackened his face.
• News of Loren's victory spread through the Great Hall, and Rolf told him that he might earn a Chocolate Frog card like Dumbledore.
• Students and professors watched Loren as others asked him about the duel and its spells, while Hermione tried to move away from the attention.
• Loren left the Great Hall before dessert after kissing Hermione on the cheek, and she offered to bring him mango pudding.

Loren joined Dumbledore in the snowy courtyard, where Dumbledore explained the Ministry’s prisoner-exchange negotiations with Voldemort and discussed Loren’s new spatial magic. The evening ended with Hermione, Harry, and Ron bringing food and company to them.

• Loren noticed Dumbledore sitting on a snowy courtyard bench and joined him.
• Dumbledore told Loren that Voldemort and Scrimgeour had tentatively agreed to exchange prisoners at the start of the Christmas holidays, with the Floo Network to be restored.
• Dumbledore said Voldemort was studying the Department of Mysteries but could not access its most valuable powers, and he said he was counting on Loren and the others to help defeat him.
• Loren described how his spatial magic helped him defeat Professor Bashat in class, then demonstrated it by moving snow from a bush into his hand.
• Dumbledore offered Loren advice about combat and recounted an old encounter as they talked in the courtyard.
• Hermione, Harry, and Ron joined Loren and Dumbledore, offering pudding, snacks, and a suggestion that Dumbledore visit the Kitchen for hot food.

After Amelia Bones was rescued from Voldemort, news of the Ministry’s prisoner exchanges spread through Hogwarts as December approached. Loren, Hermione, Harry, and Ron chose to remain at school for Christmas, where Slughorn immediately began arranging a Christmas party.

• Susan Bones told Loren and Hermione that her aunt Amelia had been rescued and was recovering at St Mungo’s after being tortured.
• The Daily Prophet announced that the Floo Network would resume connections, and the news of Amelia’s rescue became a major topic at Hogwarts.
• Neville asked Loren, Hermione, Harry, and Ron whether they would stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas Holidays, and all four said they would.
• Harry said he did not want to burden his family while they were dealing with danger, and Ron wanted to avoid his Aunt Muriel until the matter blew over.
• Slughorn invited the four friends to a Christmas party at Hogwarts, and they agreed to attend.
• Loren remarked that Slughorn seemed more relaxed, though Harry was unsure.

Loren sent Hānhan to Diagon Alley to order Hermione a set of formal dress robes for Slughorn’s Christmas party, while Harry sought Loren’s help with an essay he hoped would bring him closer to Slughorn. As Christmas approached, Hermione and Loren imagined a future tradition together, and Ron was left reconsidering whether he could find a companion for the party.

• Loren visited Hānhan in the Owlery, apologized with dried white mouse meat, and asked her to order something from Twilfitt and Tatting's in Diagon Alley.
• In the library, Ron copied parts of Loren’s essay while Harry wrote his own Potions essay and asked Loren to review it.
• Loren advised Harry to take the essay to Slughorn for guidance, giving Harry a way to bring up the Horcrux memory.
• Loren told Hermione he had ordered her formal dress robes for Slughorn’s Christmas party, and they imagined collecting photographs of their Christmas outfits over the years.
• As the Christmas holiday neared, Loren asked whether Ron had found a companion for the party, and Hermione reminded Ron that Lavender was staying at Hogwarts.

Hermione explained that Ron’s sudden breakup had left his roommate furious and grateful to Harry, deepening her feelings for him. At the final Advanced Transfiguration Class before Christmas, Professor McGonagall reviewed holiday safety and announced that Hogwarts would offer Apparition lessons after the break.

• Hermione told Harry that Ron’s roommate had been angry about the breakup but appreciated Harry’s respectful treatment of her, which made her like him more.
• Harry suggested that Ron and the girl could try being friends first, while Ron silently stared at the candy wrappers.
• Professor McGonagall taught the class about advanced Transfiguration and its deeper principles as the students prepared for the holiday.
• Professor McGonagall warned students to protect themselves and their families during the unsettled times and advised those under seventeen to avoid using magic outside school.
• Professor McGonagall announced that Hogwarts would offer Apparition lessons after the holiday, then dismissed the students for Christmas.
• Loren remarked that studying Apparition in advance would save registration fees, and Hermione admitted he had a point.

Loren returned to Hogwarts after collecting a parcel and watched students leave for Christmas while the school filled with festive decorations. He reunited with Hermione in the Great Hall, where she lamented that her mother would nag her for staying at Hogwarts again.

• Loren collected a parcel from Twilfitt and Tatting's and stored it in his pendant before returning to the Castle.
• Neville left for Christmas with Hannah, while Seamus and Dean urged him to gather intelligence for Dumbledore's Army.
• Rolf persuaded Luna to spend Christmas with the Scamander family by promising access to his grandfather's research on magical creatures.
• Loren returned to the Great Hall and found Hermione beside Harry and Ron; she leaned on his shoulder and complained that her mother would nag her for staying at school.

During the Christmas holidays, Loren and Hermione attended Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party together. Slughorn tried to introduce Loren to his influential guests, but Loren sent Harry in his place and went to get food with Hermione.

• Harry and Ron spent the holidays roasting food in the Gryffindor Common Room while students set off magical fireworks around the Castle.
• Hermione came downstairs in a party dress, and she and Loren left the Common Room arm in arm.
• Loren and Hermione arrived at Slughorn’s party, where Slughorn greeted Loren and offered to introduce him to his important guests.
• Loren told Slughorn that Harry was behind them and would prefer to meet the guests, then went with Hermione to find food.
• Hermione pointed out Elder Worple and the Vampire Bloody Bill, and Loren decided they were not worth watching.

At Slughorn’s Christmas party, Loren and Hermione danced and kissed before leaving together, while Harry stayed behind to ask Slughorn about Horcruxes. Slughorn reacted with fear and sent Harry to Dumbledore, and Loren and Hermione returned to the Common Room still teasing each other.

• Loren and Hermione sampled the party food while Slughorn welcomed Harry, Ginny, Ron, Lavender, Draco, and Nott.
• The Weird Sisters began the dancing, and Loren and Hermione joined the floor when the music slowed.
• Hermione grew flustered during the dance, and Loren kissed her as the song ended.
• Harry stayed after the party and asked Slughorn whether he knew about Horcruxes, prompting Slughorn to panic and send him to Dumbledore.
• Loren and Hermione walked back toward the Common Room with Loren carrying Hermione’s high heels, and they playfully argued near the Portrait Hole.

Loren spent Christmas morning with Hermione and told Dumbledore that Voldemort had made six Horcruxes, including a final one hidden in a living creature. The chapter ended when Petunia opened the door at 4 Privet Drive and recognized the visitor.

• Loren unwrapped Christmas gifts, including a Potions Master book from Professor Snape, and received a holiday greeting from Hermione.
• Lavender told Hermione that she and Ronnie had agreed to start again as friends, while Hermione reflected on her relationship with Loren.
• Loren and Hermione walked through Hogwarts together, then Loren went to the Headmaster's office to speak with Dumbledore.
• Loren told Dumbledore that Voldemort had made six Horcruxes and that the last one was a living creature; Dumbledore suspected it might have been created at Ilvermorny.
• At 4 Privet Drive, Petunia opened the door and recognized the visitor standing outside.

Snape took memories of Lily's childhood from Petunia and collected Lily's remains at her grave, telling her that he had improved the Resurrection Ritual. Meanwhile, Christmas gatherings unfolded across the wizarding world, and Old Tom announced he planned to retire and might close The Leaky Cauldron.

• Snape visited Petunia on Privet Drive, took memories of Lily's childhood, and left her a potion bottle that would curb the Dursleys' appetites.
• Snape visited Lily's grave in Godric's Hollow, explained his improved Resurrection Ritual, and gathered dust from the grave into a glass bottle.
• Sirius Black and Lupin discussed Tonks's wolf-shaped Patronus while the Weasleys and their guests celebrated Christmas at 12 Grimmauld Place.
• Hannah Abbott served drinks at a Christmas party at The Leaky Cauldron as Old Tom's relatives and friends celebrated together.
• Old Tom announced that he planned to retire and would close or rent out The Leaky Cauldron if none of his relatives took over.

At the start of 1997, Loren and his friends visited Hagrid and learned that Grawp was training to become Hogwarts' Gamekeeper while the Ministry of Magic began rebuilding and exchanging prisoners with Voldemort. The chapter ended with Dumbledore facing a mountain of Hogwarts paperwork and parent letters as McGonagall insisted he handle his Headmaster duties.

• Loren, Harry, Ron, and Hermione visited Hagrid, who told them Grawp was learning the Gamekeeper's duties and might succeed him at Hogwarts.
• Loren told the others that Neville's parents were handling security for the Ministry's prisoner exchange, and Harry and Ron shared news about Ministry work, werewolf relocation, and Betty's pregnancy.
• Grawp returned from patrolling the Forbidden Forest, greeted the group, and joined Hagrid in serving them a hearty lunch.
• Madam Bones urged returning Ministry employees to recover and resume their work, reminding them that the Ministry was its people rather than its former headquarters.
• Professor McGonagall gave Dumbledore reports, budget requests, and parents' letters, then reminded him to reply before Hogwarts reopened; Grindelwald left Dumbledore to deal with the paperwork.

After the Christmas break, Hogwarts students reunited and learned about the new Apparition Teaching Class. Loren and Hermione registered, and the chapter ended as the first lesson began its practical training in the Great Hall.

• Neville told Loren, Harry, Ron, and Seamus that his grandmother had released him from the expectation of becoming an Auror, though he had not yet chosen a career.
• Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick announced the twelve-week Apparition Teaching Class, and Loren and Hermione decided to enroll.
• Seamus and Dean asked Loren for Apparition advice, but he offered grim jokes about Splinching, so Hermione gave them copies of her detailed notes instead.
• Professor Flitwick explained Apparition to the students, and Seamus accidentally blasted him off the lectern with Aguamenti, making the incident a school talking point.
• Wicky Tekross began the first Apparition lesson in the Great Hall and instructed the students to prepare for practical exercises using wooden rings.

Loren and Hermione were excused from future Apparition lessons, while Harry rejected Minister Scrimgeour’s request to use him as a public symbol and spy on Dumbledore. Harry resolved to obtain Slughorn’s memory and help Dumbledore, as Loren activated the Fantasy Book.

• During the Apparition class, the students repeatedly failed to Apparate, and Susan Bones splinched her leg before Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey reattached it.
• Professor McGonagall excused Loren and Hermione from future Apparition lessons, and Loren said he would begin a research project with Flamel.
• Scrimgeour asked Harry to help the Ministry by appearing in the press and sharing Dumbledore’s plans, but Harry refused and affirmed his loyalty to Dumbledore.
• Harry cursed the Ministry’s distrust of Dumbledore and decided to get Slughorn’s memory, while Loren activated the Fantasy Book in bed.

Loren discussed souls, bodies, and resurrection with Flamel, proposing that Apparition might work by moving the soul before the body. Harry dreamed of his mother Lily Evans again and woke determined to obtain Slughorn’s memory and avenge his parents.

• Loren explained Snape’s Resurrection Ritual research to Flamel, who praised Snape’s approach to replacing Dark Arts materials with love and longing.
• Loren described his theories about souls, bodies, Boggarts, Dementors, and Apparition, and Flamel agreed that Loren’s idea for making Apparition easier could be tested.
• Harry dreamed of Lily Evans in Slughorn’s Potions classroom and watched her leave without noticing a boy showing off with a Golden Snitch.
• After waking, Harry told Loren he wished his parents could have survived, then reaffirmed his resolve to get Slughorn’s memory and avenge them.

Loren researched Apparition and the Floo Network, developing an idea for combining them into a new form of travel. Meanwhile, Dumbledore considered an invitation from Ilvermorny that mentioned a troubling decline in Snakewood growth.

• Loren read about the history of wizarding travel and found little useful information about Apparition.
• Loren considered turning the Floo Network’s spatial passage into a ritual and combining it with Apparition’s properties.
• Loren told Hermione that Dumbledore had decided to keep weekend Hogsmeade outings open despite safety concerns.
• Loren explained that Harry was preparing another attempt to obtain Professor Slughorn’s memory, while Ron and the others studied Apparition.
• Dumbledore read a letter from Aegilbert Fontana inviting him to Ilvermorny and reporting that Snakewood had produced fewer new buds and leaves.