Ch. 486An Absurdly Lavish Reception

Andrew arrived at the Quidditch World Cup campground and found the Ministry had prepared an extravagant tent for him. He asked the Logistics Department to safely remove a Muggle site manager from the wizarding area, then reflected on why Fudge was treating him so lavishly.

  • Percy showed Andrew his luxurious Ministry tent, stocked with new Transfiguration books and journals.
  • Andrew and Percy shared snacks while Percy described odd wizarding behavior and explained who was overseeing campground security.
  • Andrew asked Percy to bring the Logistics Department official in charge so he could request that the Muggle site manager and his family be escorted out safely.
  • Mr. Bornt agreed to handle Andrew's request, and Andrew thanked him for the Ministry's generous accommodations.
  • Andrew suspected Fudge's lavish treatment was meant to reassure him as Andrew's growing reputation increasingly reflected well on Dumbledore.

Ch. 487Security Was a Little Too Good

Andrew stayed inside the Ministry security area to avoid meeting his roommates, then attended a banquet and the Quidditch match alongside Ministers of Magic. At the stadium, he noticed Sirius and Hermione dealing with a House-elf near the Crouch family's seats and sensed that someone was concealed nearby.

  • Andrew explained to Percy that he would stay inside rather than risk running into his roommates and causing them trouble with Ministry security.
  • Fudge invited Andrew to a banquet, where Andrew ate French cuisine and kept conversation with the Ministers of Magic brief.
  • Andrew accompanied the Ministers to their secured box, met several elderly Wizards, and listened as they argued over their experiences with Muggle bombs.
  • Andrew spotted Harry with the Weasley family and learned from Percy that the Malfoys were absent because Draco was about to become an older brother.
  • Andrew went to greet Sirius, who told him Hermione was trying to persuade a House-elf near the Crouch family's seats to disobey her master's orders.
  • Andrew noticed something strange near the House-elf and suspected a concealed guard was hidden there.

Ch. 488Not a Lookout

Andrew watched the Quidditch World Cup opening ceremony and struggled against the Veela’s enchanting performance. While looking away from the Veela, he saw an unseen hand steal Harry’s Wand and realized the person was not a Ministry lookout.

  • Ludo Bagman welcomed the crowd and introduced Bulgaria’s Veela mascots.
  • Andrew was overwhelmed by the Veela’s beauty, then used Legilimency to resist their allure.
  • Andrew watched the Veela dance and noticed that the old Wizard beside him was also affected.
  • Andrew saw an invisible hand take Harry’s Wand and concluded that the person was not a lookout.

Ch. 489The Dead Have Come Back to Life

Andrew warned the Ministry of Magic that an invisible assassin was behind them, prompting the Aurors to subdue a suspect. The suspect’s identity and the Dark Mark left the box whispering that a dead man had returned, while Andrew feared He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named might be awake.

  • Andrew yanked Fudge to the floor and shouted that an invisible assassin was behind them.
  • The Aurors shielded Fudge, fired Stunning Spells, and captured an intruder wearing an Invisibility Cloak.
  • Fudge ordered the Aurors to check for injured bystanders, identify the assassin, and summon Amelia.
  • Andrew saw Harry and Ron asleep after the Aurors’ spells, while Miss Granger and others were questioned.
  • A Hit Wizard revived the suspect, and the questioning Auror reacted with shock when the man gave his name.
  • Wizards in the box recognized the suspect as someone believed dead and reported that he bore the Dark Mark.

Ch. 490Gone Without a Trace

Andrew watched the Aurors expose Barty Crouch Jr.’s escape and plan to cast the Dark Mark at the Quidditch World Cup, while the match continued as though nothing had happened. Ireland defeated Bulgaria, and Andrew exchanged contact details with Mr. Calvin before leaving the story at the end of the match.

  • The Aurors questioned Barty Crouch Jr. and learned that Mr. Barty Crouch had brought his son into the Ministry and that the son planned to cast the Dark Mark at the World Cup.
  • The Aurors realized Crouch Jr. had stolen a wand and might still carry out his plan, then led him away unconscious as the World Cup proceedings resumed.
  • Andrew watched the leprechauns’ aerial display and caught one of their gold coins while Harry and Ron recovered from the Veela performance.
  • Ireland scored repeatedly against Bulgaria, but Krum’s play earned him cheers despite his team’s loss.
  • Andrew and Mr. Calvin exchanged contact details after watching the match.

Ch. 491The Debate Over Champion Selection

After returning from the Quidditch match, Andrew learned that Barty Crouch Jr. had been caught in the top box and reported the incident to Professor McGonagall. He then brought Durmstrang’s proposal to expand the number of Triwizard Champions and exchange lessons to Dumbledore, who agreed and asked him to draft a letter to Karkaroff.

  • Andrew returned to Hogwarts with Professor McGonagall and told her that Barty Crouch Jr. had been caught in the top box.
  • Andrew read Durmstrang’s proposal to add Champions and exchange teachers and lessons among the three Schools.
  • Andrew took the proposal to Dumbledore, who agreed to the exchange and explained that Karkaroff wanted a Champion’s place amid concerns about Hogwarts attracting Pure-blood families.
  • Dumbledore asked Andrew to draft a letter so he could discuss the proposal with Karkaroff.

Ch. 492A Conversation with Mr. Calvin

Andrew enjoyed a break from his tournament duties, then discussed Mr. Calvin with Professor Adams and decided to resume their exchange of ideas about magic and Muggle knowledge. He sent Mr. Calvin a long letter with questions about construction and his views on magical progress, and arranged for Rose to collect gifts from his dormitory.

  • Andrew realized he had nearly finished his work on the Triwizard Tournament and went outside to rest on the lawn.
  • Professor Adams found Andrew and invited him to eat fresh vanilla ice cream in the greenhouse.
  • Andrew asked Professor Adams about Mr. Calvin and, reassured by what he learned, reflected on their previous conversation and his interest in exchanging knowledge with him.
  • Andrew wrote Mr. Calvin a detailed letter asking about construction, transportation, and architecture, and shared his views on making magic more systematic.
  • Andrew sent the letter with an owl and asked Rose to go to his dormitory to collect gifts.

Ch. 493Mr. Calvin's Concerns

Andrew handled paperwork for Professor McGonagall, then worked on A Legend and drafted a letter to Mr. Calvin about wizards exploring beyond Earth. The chapter left Andrew pausing to think through his unanswered questions before returning to his herb work.

  • Andrew finished his paperwork, and Professor McGonagall told him to rest instead of practicing with the Transfiguration Chessboard.
  • Professor McGonagall worried to Dumbledore that administrative work was wasting Andrew's growing talent, but Dumbledore urged her to let Andrew choose his own arrangements.
  • Andrew reread Mr. Calvin's reply, worked on A Legend, and drafted a letter proposing that wizards study Muggle technology and build a Laboratory on the moon.
  • Andrew stopped writing when he realized he still had questions to consider, then set himself a goal of processing twenty-five batches of herbs.

Ch. 494Waiting for Term to Begin

Andrew finished preparing Hogwarts for the new term and the extensively revised Triwizard Tournament, then planned to continue writing A Legend. The Weasley Twins learned that Andrew wanted them to refine their Hundred-Day Dream Charm and looked forward to returning to school.

  • Andrew finalized the Tournament's scoring system, exams, courses, staffing, and classroom arrangements before locking Professor McGonagall's Office.
  • Andrew decided to write more of A Legend after completing the preparations.
  • Percy told Fred and George that Andrew wanted them to refine their Hundred-Day Dream Charm and would pay them fairly.
  • Percy explained that Andrew was researching memory and might want to use dreams to restore memories, though Percy did not know the details.
  • Fred and George eagerly anticipated the start of term, hoping their improved charm would earn them Galleons.

Ch. 495Where Did It Go Wrong?

Harry prepared to take the Hogwarts Express while Sirius went ahead to Hogwarts for Triwizard Tournament duties. Andrew discovered his writing had changed after the Quidditch World Cup and suspected the Veela’s influence, while Professor McGonagall found nothing suspicious in his letters and urged him to rest.

  • Sirius told Harry to travel by train with Ron and Hermione and said he would attend a meeting about the Triwizard Tournament.
  • Andrew struggled to write about Dumbledore and realized his drafts had shifted away from his original plan.
  • Andrew traced the change in his writing to after the Quidditch World Cup and wondered whether the Veela had affected his mind.
  • Professor McGonagall examined Andrew’s letters, found nothing wrong, and suggested his use of Legilimency had excited the Veela.
  • Professor McGonagall said she would have Albus check the letters and told Andrew to rest before school began.

Ch. 496An investigation into Memory Magic

Andrew worried that he had fallen behind on his Memory Charm homework and planned to use the Daydream Charm to speed up his research. After practicing Obliviate, he reunited with his returning classmates and decided to wait for the Triwizard Tournament rules announcement before testing the charm.

  • Andrew realized term was about to begin and his Head of House would check his Memory Charm research, so he reviewed his notes and revised his theories.
  • Andrew listed what he had learned about memory-affecting ingredients, potions, and charms, then burned his complaints and went to the Room of Requirement to practice Obliviate.
  • Hal returned to the Common Room and admitted that he had sold souvenirs to his younger brother for less than double their value, only for the gold coins to disappear.
  • Kevin and the others mocked Hal, while Andrew joined in and attributed his apparent height to the good food at school.
  • Andrew postponed testing the Daydream Charm and waited for the Triwizard Tournament rules to be announced that evening.

Ch. 497School Begins

Andrew returned to Hogwarts for the Opening Feast and learned that Professor McGonagall expected him to help manage students during the Triwizard Tournament. He led the new first years to the Sorting Ceremony, where he began calling names for an unusual assessment.

  • Hal asked Andrew for more news about the Triwizard Tournament, and Andrew revealed it would be held at Hogwarts.
  • Professor McGonagall gave Andrew the first-year list and explained that he needed to settle students distracted by the tournament.
  • Andrew frightened the waiting first years by warning them that their individual assessments had already begun.
  • Andrew led the first years to the Sorting Ceremony, where Dennis Creevey recognized him as the feared Cold-faced Ripper.
  • After the Sorting Hat sang, Andrew took out a parchment and called Stuart Arley forward.

Ch. 498Something Unexpected

Andrew completed the Sorting Ceremony and spoke with the Sorting Hat about helping him write an account of Dumbledore’s time as a professor. He returned to the Great Hall for dinner and was shocked by the new professor’s appearance, wondering if the man was Mad-Eye Moody.

  • Andrew sorted Kevin Whitby into Hufflepuff and returned the Sorting Hat and student list to Professor McGonagall.
  • The Sorting Hat urged Andrew to write about Dumbledore’s teaching years and suggested blaming Headmaster Phineas for Hogwarts’ old problems.
  • Andrew promised to mix truth and fiction in his account and hurried back to the Great Hall.
  • Andrew rejoined Hal and Kevin, who remarked that the new professor looked like a dog rather than a legendary Auror.
  • Andrew saw the professor drink heavily as soon as food appeared and wondered if he was Mad-Eye Moody.

Ch. 499Triwizard Tournament Arrangements

Andrew listened as Dumbledore announced the Triwizard Tournament’s new rules, including exams and eligibility restrictions, while Andrew realized he could not enter as a Champion. The chapter ended with Hogwarts students turning their ambition toward the competition now that Andrew would not stand in their way.

  • Andrew wondered whether Moody’s miserable behavior was genuine or part of an impostor’s act, and suspected recent revelations about Crouch might have affected him.
  • Dumbledore announced that Quidditch would be suspended and that the Triwizard Tournament would begin at Hogwarts, with the Champion selection ceremony scheduled for Halloween.
  • Dumbledore explained that Champions would be chosen from eligible students and that the five most improved students in each year could challenge his restrictions.
  • Andrew’s roommates realized that he was not yet seventeen and asked whether he would challenge Dumbledore’s rules to compete.
  • Andrew said he was ineligible and would not break the rules to enter, leaving the other students eager to compete for Hogwarts.

Ch. 500Daydream Charm

Andrew examined the twins’ Daydream Charm and bought its formula and related materials for one thousand Galleons under a contract witnessed by Professor Flitwick. After receiving payment, Fred and George remembered a place they had noticed on the train and planned to visit it during Hogsmeade Week.

  • Fred and George showed Andrew their Daydream Charm, which created a customizable, lifelike dream for thirty minutes.
  • Andrew dismantled and inspected the charm, found flaws in its ingredients and technique, and offered one thousand Galleons for its formula and materials on the condition that the twins stop making it and keep his name off their products.
  • The twins accepted Andrew’s terms and provided a potion formula, charm notes, and an old book containing the third charm.
  • Andrew drafted a contract, and Professor Flitwick witnessed Fred and George sign it after praising the charm’s promise.
  • Andrew fetched the cash and paid the twins, then escorted them back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
  • Fred and George recalled a place they had seen after getting off the train and decided to visit it during Hogsmeade Week to avoid Dumbledore’s restrictions.

Ch. 501On Champion Pre-Selection

Andrew’s promise that he would recommend anyone who defeated Taylor’s Target as a Triwizard Champion sparked a rush of students to Hogsmeade to challenge it. Meanwhile, Dumbledore and McGonagall worried as Moody continued to struggle with Barty’s betrayal and drank himself to sleep.

  • Hal told Andrew that students were secretly testing the Target in Hogsmeade, and Andrew reaffirmed that he would support anyone who broke it as a Champion candidate.
  • Word of Andrew’s promise spread, drawing students eager to win a recommendation and compete in the Triwizard Tournament.
  • Dumbledore found the Great Hall unusually empty, and McGonagall explained that students had gone to challenge Taylor’s Target.
  • Moody questioned Dumbledore about Taylor, then spoke bitterly about Barty’s fall and his own failure to prevent it.
  • Moody promised to remain sober during the school week, drank heavily, and fell asleep at the table; Dumbledore told McGonagall he expected Moody to recover within a month.

Ch. 502The Target No One Could Hit

Students from several Schools failed to hit Andrew Taylor’s floating target, which he had set up as a challenge for a chance to become a Champion before October. After spending the afternoon in the Laboratory, Andrew discovered that everyone from Third Year up, along with some professors, had gone to Hogsmeade.

  • Echo and the other students tried spells and other methods against Andrew’s target, but nothing could touch it.
  • Fred and George organized a group casting, which blasted a crater into the ground while leaving the target unharmed.
  • Andrew told Hal the challenge would remain open until the Champion Selection in October and said each candidate had to succeed alone.
  • Andrew left the Laboratory that afternoon and found the Castle nearly deserted.
  • A Second Year told Andrew that everyone from Third Year up and some professors had gone to Hogsmeade, including Professor Black.

Ch. 503A Class Long Overdue

The students returned from their failed attempt to defeat Andrew’s target, while Andrew assessed his own weaknesses and boasted about his chances against Moody. Moody arrived for his first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, demonstrated the Sleeping Curse at terrifying speed, and left Andrew eager to learn it.

  • The students returned defeated after failing to overcome Andrew’s target, and Ron, Harry, and Hermione discussed their slim chances and Moody’s upcoming class.
  • Andrew told Hal and Kevin that he could have Moody begging for his life within a minute, while privately recognizing that his weak defenses and limited spell training could cost him a duel.
  • Moody entered the classroom, introduced himself, and said he would teach combat spells after criticizing the recent Defense Against the Dark Arts instruction.
  • Moody demonstrated the Sleeping Curse on a spider, and his students were startled by how quickly he cast it.
  • Andrew realized he could barely raise a Shield Charm against Moody’s spell and eagerly hoped Moody would teach him the curse.

Ch. 504The Strongest Professor in a Fight

Moody demonstrated fast, precise spellcasting to Andrew and gave him intensive practice with the Stunning Spell. Moody’s enthusiasm for teaching returned, and he praised Taylor as the future of the Wizarding world.

  • Andrew watched Moody cast a rapid Stunning Spell and asked him to demonstrate it again.
  • Moody took the class to the practice classroom, explained the Stunning Spell, and divided the students into groups.
  • Moody repeatedly corrected Andrew’s wand grip and movements while also supervising the rest of the class.
  • McGonagall told Dumbledore that Moody had suddenly regained his energy for teaching.
  • Moody requested funds for teaching Magical Creatures, said his students’ basics were poor, and praised Taylor as the future of the Wizarding world.
  • Moody decided to study the textbook and do his professor’s job properly.

Ch. 505When Dreams Could Be Changed

Andrew improved his spellcasting, mastered the Twins’ Daydream Charms, and began experimenting with changing dreams and preserving them as memories. He also revised A Legend to portray Dumbledore’s early teaching career before returning to work on a clearer dream image of Professor Flitwick.

  • Andrew felt Moody’s Fast Casting training improve his spell speed and mastered the Daydream Charms and their accompanying Potions.
  • Andrew altered a dream of Professor Flitwick demonstrating the Scouring Charm, extracted it as a memory, and recorded ideas for developing dream magic.
  • Andrew listed dream vessels and a Memory Dream Tool among his goals, while marking another reckless idea for deletion.
  • Andrew rewrote A Legend so Phineas Black opposed Dumbledore and focused on Dumbledore’s successes as a new professor.
  • Andrew returned to his dream experiments, aiming to render Professor Flitwick in high definition.
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