Ch. 564New Discovery

Albert and Isobel spent a rainy Hogsmeade visit discussing potion research and meeting Hertok Dagworth and Professor Kettleburn. After receiving Occamy eggs, Albert offered to seek out Sacrissa Tugwood’s old Beauty Potion research notes, leaving Isobel hopeful they might find useful inspiration.

  • Albert and Isobel visited Honeydukes, where Albert made Isobel a cotton-candy flower and politely turned away other girls seeking the same.
  • At Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop, Albert and Isobel discussed Beauty Potion research and possible ways to draw on Mandrake’s aging-delaying properties.
  • After waiting out the rain, Albert and Isobel met Hertok Dagworth, who was visiting Professor Kettleburn and collecting Occamy eggs.
  • Professor Kettleburn said two Occamy eggs had gone missing, and Albert suspected Lockhart had used them for his Occamy egg yolk shampoo.
  • Hertok inspected Lockhart’s shampoo and called it an incomplete product before he and Albert left with the Occamy eggs.
  • Albert told Isobel he could look for Sacrissa Tugwood’s old Beauty Potion research materials, and she agreed to pursue the lead.

Ch. 565New Discovery (2)

Albert and Isobel visited Hogsmeade, where Albert decided to have the manor’s House-elves try brewing sweet wine, then he returned to Hogwarts for the Halloween feast. As Ginny Weasley vanished from the map and Harry Potter disappeared during the festivities, Albert suspected Tom Riddle was using the Traces Charm and resolved to master an advanced Shield Charm.

  • Albert and Isobel shared Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, and Albert suggested that the House-elves try brewing glutinous rice wine.
  • Albert and Isobel bought Nia a birthday present, and Albert warned Isobel that something might happen in the castle.
  • Fred, George, and Lee Jordan told Albert that Zonko had rejected their request for help but was interested in Wizard Cards; Albert explained why Zonko would see their shop as competition.
  • Albert saw Harry Potter and his friends head toward the underground classrooms, then watched the Skeleton Dance Troupe perform at the Halloween feast.
  • Albert noticed Ginny Weasley disappear from the map and later realized Harry Potter had also vanished; he suspected Tom Riddle could use the Traces Charm and resolved to learn the advanced Shield Charm.

Ch. 566Attack Incident

Tom Riddle used Ginny Weasley to release the Basilisk and attack Mrs. Norris, leaving a message about the Chamber of Secrets. Albert recognized the legend and explained it to his friends, while Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger were taken for questioning.

  • Tom Riddle sent the Basilisk from the second-floor Girls' Washroom to kill Mrs. Norris, then wrote a warning on the wall and returned Ginny Weasley to the Common Room.
  • Albert waited with the Halloween crowd as students found Mrs. Norris and Filch cried out over his cat.
  • Percy brought Dumbledore and the other professors to the corridor, where Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger became suspects.
  • Albert and Shanna read the wall's message, then returned to the Common Room as students discussed the attack.
  • Albert explained the Chamber of Secrets legend and said the monster would target Muggle-born students, while Fred, George, and Lee Jordan promised to protect him.

Ch. 567A Fierce Round of Analysis

After Mrs. Norris was petrified, rumors about the Chamber of Secrets and its monster spread through Hogwarts, and Hermione asked Albert to analyze the attack. Albert argued that a monster connected to Slytherin was more likely responsible than a student, and he left to visit Hagrid for clues.

  • Students debated Mrs. Norris's attack, and many suspected that the Chamber's monster targeted Muggle-born wizards.
  • Hermione told Albert that Dumbledore planned to cure Mrs. Norris with a Mandrake potion, while Albert privately questioned why he had not used Strong restorative potion.
  • Albert told Hermione and the gathered students that advanced Dark Magic or a Slytherin-linked monster could explain the petrification, but an ordinary student was unlikely to have done it.
  • Albert suggested that past Slytherin Heirs had hidden the Chamber's entrance and said he needed more clues to find it.
  • Albert left the castle, claiming he would ask Hagrid what kind of monster could petrify Mrs. Norris.

Ch. 568A Fierce Bout of Analysis (2)

Albert questioned Hagrid about the Chamber of Secrets attacks and learned how Tom Riddle had framed him fifty years earlier. He left to investigate the monster at the library, determined to expose the Slytherin Heir and protect himself.

  • Albert told Hagrid that Filch's cat had been petrified and that the Slytherin Heir had threatened Muggle-born students, including Albert.
  • Hagrid revealed that he had been expelled fifty years earlier after Tom Riddle accused him of causing the attacks, though Dumbledore had believed him innocent.
  • Albert warned Hagrid that the Ministry might make him a scapegoat if the attacks continued, and urged him to tell Dumbledore what they had discussed.
  • Hagrid recalled that a Ravenclaw Muggle-born girl had died in a bathroom and that Aragog had feared the Chamber's monster.
  • Albert reasoned that the monster might be large and a natural enemy of Acromantulas, then left for the library and told Hagrid to keep their conversation from Harry Potter.

Ch. 569Immature Ideas

Albert and Isobel discussed the Basilisk attacks, the Slytherin Heir’s surveillance, and how to keep Albert safe while gathering evidence. Albert realized why spiders feared Basilisks, but he remained unsure what to do if he intercepted Tom’s Diary.

  • Isobel admitted she had given Albert’s Protective Glasses to Katrina and had altered her sister’s memories to make her forget the danger for now.
  • Albert told Isobel that he suspected the Slytherin Heir had targeted him and that the next attack would likely happen on the day of the Quidditch Match.
  • Albert explained that the Heir might be using the Traces Charm to monitor the castle, so he and Isobel discussed advanced Shield Charms and ways to detect and escape the Basilisk.
  • Albert realized spiders feared Basilisks because their wide field of vision and inability to close their eyes made them likely to meet its deadly gaze.
  • Albert considered intercepting Tom’s Diary from Ginny after the next attack, but worried about what to do with it after learning from it.

Ch. 570True Gryffindors, All Right

Albert stayed on guard after the attacks and warned his friends that the Chamber of Secrets monster was dangerous, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione investigated possible suspects. The chapter ended with Hermione proposing a rule-breaking plan to disguise themselves as Malfoy’s lackeys and question him.

  • Albert told Fred, George, and Lee Jordan that the Heir of Slytherin might be targeting him, and they chose to stay close to protect him.
  • Albert and Lee Jordan examined the Chamber of Secrets message and agreed that the situation remained suspicious and dangerous.
  • Albert warned Harry, Ron, and Hermione that the Chamber had supposedly been opened fifty years earlier and killed a Muggle-born wizard.
  • Ron suggested Malfoy might be connected to the Heir of Slytherin, though Hermione pointed out they had no proof.
  • Hermione proposed using a disguise Potion to impersonate Malfoy’s lackeys and question him, and Ron supported her plan.

Ch. 571No Business Without Deception

Kenneth Towler recruited Albert to make protective charms for sale amid fears that the Chamber of Secrets attacks would resume. Albert agreed to supply charms if Kenneth provided the materials, then grew concerned about Ginny’s nightmares and hinted at finding a way to detect the Basilisk.

  • Kenneth Towler asked Albert to join him in selling protective charms and anti-evil items, and Fred, George, and Lee Jordan followed them to hear his pitch.
  • Kenneth argued that the attacks would continue and students would buy charms for reassurance, but Albert said ordinary charms would not stop the Chamber’s monster.
  • Albert agreed to make sample charms if Kenneth supplied amethyst or obsidian and Guardian Tree wood or yew, negotiating a sixty-forty share for himself.
  • Albert considered adapting a Peeping Mirror to detect the Basilisk or other Dark Creatures, and told Kenneth to take orders before he made more charms.
  • The group saw Ginny looking pale, and Fred said she had been having nightmares; Albert advised her brothers to take her to Madam Pomfrey and offered her a calming draught.

Ch. 572Detection Orb Warning

Albert worried about the approaching Quidditch match and planned how to intervene in the Chamber of Secrets without exposing himself, while he worked on magical protections and a Detection Orb. As he and Isobel left the Room of Requirement, the Orb heated with a warning, and Albert pulled her back inside to investigate.

  • Albert considered finding Polyjuice Potion and arranging for someone else to take the blame for his involvement with Tom Riddle's Diary.
  • Albert finished Kenneth Towler's enchanted bracelet, which he said would offer only limited protection against the Basilisk.
  • Albert told Isobel and Katrina that he was developing a Detection Orb to warn of nearby Dark Creatures.
  • As Albert and Isobel left the Room of Requirement, the Detection Orb grew hot, so Albert pulled Isobel back inside.

Ch. 573Farce

Albert investigated a Detection Orb alarm that suggested the Basilisk was nearby, but Ginny’s location in the Gryffindor Common Room eased his fears until the Orb broke. He gave Kenneth a protective bracelet to demonstrate and sell, then checked on Ginny, whose blank diary bore the name Tom Riddle.

  • Albert checked the Marauder’s Map and found no footprints near the Room of Requirement, then saw that Ginny was in the Gryffindor Common Room.
  • Albert and Isobel left the Room of Requirement together, and the Detection Orb heated up and cracked apart.
  • Albert gave Kenneth Towler a protective bracelet and explained that it could reflect Dark Curses but might not stop the Chamber of Secrets monster.
  • Albert sat beside Ginny, offered her chocolate, and noticed the name Tom Riddle on her diary before she shut it.
  • Kenneth demonstrated the bracelet and ordered two more from Albert for fifteen Galleons each.
  • Harry said he had ordered a bracelet so he could reflect Malfoy’s Dark Curse and get a chance to beat him.

Ch. 574Night Lessons

Albert studied advanced Shield Charms with Nicolas while continuing to investigate how to deal with the Basilisk. Nicolas revealed that the Elixir of Life was ready and the Philosopher’s Stone had been destroyed, while Albert planned to wait for the Slytherin Heir to expose himself.

  • Hermione found that Hogwarts: A History offered little useful information about the Chamber of Secrets, while Ginny continued to suffer and confide in Tom Riddle’s Diary.
  • Bard gave Albert a large bottle of Polyjuice Potion, and Albert chose Lockhart as the identity he would impersonate for his plans.
  • Albert asked Nicolas for guidance on advanced Shield Charms, and Nicolas explained ways to hide people from tracking spells and conceal their presence.
  • Nicolas told Albert that the Elixir of Life could last several years and that the Philosopher’s Stone had been destroyed with Dumbledore’s help.
  • Nicolas urged Albert to speak with Dumbledore about the Basilisk, but Albert decided to wait for the Slytherin Heir to make a mistake.

Ch. 575Saving Potter

Albert attended the Gryffindor–Slytherin Quidditch match with Isobel and recognized that a bewitched Bludger was targeting Harry. The match continued as Harry evaded it, while Albert considered the House-elf’s attempt to protect him from the Basilisk.

  • Fred and George nervously prepared for the match, and Albert urged them to rest while Lee Jordan fussed over his appearance for commentary.
  • Albert met Isobel and went with her to the Quidditch Pitch, where he predicted Gryffindor would win because Harry was on the team.
  • The Slytherin Team scored first with their faster Nimbus 2001s and began to outpace Gryffindor.
  • Isobel noticed the Bludger was bewitched and pursuing Harry, while Albert explained that proving Slytherin had tampered with it would be difficult.
  • Harry evaded the Bludger across the pitch as Albert watched and recalled that a House-elf had enchanted it to drive Harry from danger.

Ch. 576Terrible Experience

Albert and Isobel watched Gryffindor defeat Slytherin in a rain-soaked Quidditch match, then Albert went to check on the injured players. Harry Potter was taken to the School Hospital after Lockhart’s attempt to heal his broken arm made it worse.

  • Albert conjured an umbrella for Isobel, and she transformed her handkerchief into a larger one to shelter them both.
  • The rain intensified as Gryffindor scored, and Harry Potter was struck by the rogue Bludger before the Golden Snitch was spotted and Gryffindor won.
  • Albert joined Fred and George at the pitch, where they complained that the Bludger had likely been enchanted.
  • Lockhart tried to heal Harry’s broken arm, but Harry was carried to the School Hospital with his arm bent unnaturally.
  • Fred and George gathered food and drinks for the Gryffindor players, while Albert stayed outside the School Hospital as Madam Pomfrey scolded them.

Ch. 577Guidance

After the Gryffindor victory party, Albert warned Colin Creevey to apologize to Harry and gave Lee Jordan photographs for a Wizard Card commemorating Harry’s victory. Hermione then told Albert about her plan to investigate Malfoy, and he lent her the stolen book Potent Potions, leaving her to consider how to obtain Polyjuice Potion ingredients.

  • George told Ron and Hermione that Madam Pomfrey considered Lockhart incompetent for removing Harry’s bones.
  • Albert advised Colin to apologize to Harry, then gave Lee Jordan photographs for a Wizard Card called “Hard Victory.”
  • Hermione told Albert that she, Harry, and Ron suspected Malfoy was the Slytherin Heir and wanted to brew Polyjuice Potion.
  • Albert admitted he had borrowed Potent Potions from the Restricted Section and lent it to Hermione.
  • Hermione discovered that Albert had been studying Felix Felicis and learned that Polyjuice Potion would take a month to brew.
  • Albert suggested Hermione obtain the prohibited ingredients on the black market or break into Snape’s private storeroom.

Ch. 578A Lively Night

Albert spent the evening with Fred, George, and Lee before keeping watch over events in Gryffindor Tower with a mysterious visitor. As Ginny Weasley slipped out, Colin Creevey also set off toward the School Hospital, unaware that others were watching him.

  • Albert returned to the dormitory with Potato and Egg Pancakes, joined Fred, George, and Lee Jordan as they worked on sweets and Wizard Cards, and shared milk tea with them.
  • After the others went to bed, Albert studied the Marauder's Map and spoke with a familiar visitor about their plan and whether they could change the future.
  • Albert and the visitor watched a dark figure leave the Gryffindor Common Room, and the visitor said the Fat Lady had gone visiting in the middle of the night.
  • Colin Creevey sneaked out with grapes and a camera to visit Harry at the School Hospital and apologize, unaware that multiple people had noticed him.

Ch. 579What Tom Knew

Albert secretly followed Colin Creevey’s movements while Tom Riddle sent the Basilisk after him, intending to kill a Muggle-born student. Colin was petrified after seeing the Basilisk through his camera, and Professor McGonagall found him before Dumbledore appeared.

  • Albert drugged Fred, George, and Lee Jordan’s drinks, then watched Colin’s movements on the Marauder’s Map from the Room of Requirement.
  • Tom Riddle learned that Colin planned to visit Harry and sent the Basilisk after him, hoping to terrorize the Muggle-born students.
  • Colin heard a rustling sound in the corridor, waited to photograph its source, and was petrified when the Basilisk appeared.
  • Professor McGonagall found Colin lying rigid on the floor and followed the rustling sound toward the monster.
  • Dumbledore appeared before Professor McGonagall and asked what had happened.

Ch. 580What Tom Didn't Know

Dumbledore and McGonagall found Colin Creevey petrified and took him to the hospital while Tom Riddle escaped with the Basilisk and brought Ginny to the Room of Requirement. Albert stunned Ginny, secured Tom’s diary Horcrux, and left her in the Gryffindor Common Room with help from another version of himself.

  • Dumbledore and McGonagall searched for the attacker, found Colin petrified, and carried him to the School Hospital.
  • Tom Riddle recalled the Basilisk and arranged for Ginny to spend the night in the Room of Requirement.
  • Albert secretly stunned Ginny as Tom prepared to enter the Room of Requirement, then took the diary and sealed it in a protective box.
  • Albert hid the diary among the Room of Requirement’s rubbish and used the Disillusionment Charm on Ginny before moving her.
  • Albert brought Ginny to the Gryffindor Common Room, where a familiar voice told him to leave her in its care.

Ch. 581What Harry Didn't Know

After Colin Creevey was petrified at Hogwarts, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall suspected the Chamber of Secrets had been opened again and discussed Voldemort’s possible involvement. Dumbledore remained focused on discovering how the attacks were happening and on preparing Harry for the challenges ahead.

  • Madam Pomfrey examined Colin Creevey and learned from Dumbledore that Mandrake restorative potion could eventually reverse his petrification.
  • Dumbledore found Colin’s melted camera and told Madam Pomfrey to care for him until the antidote was ready.
  • Professor McGonagall questioned Dumbledore about Colin’s attacker, and Dumbledore said Voldemort was hiding in Albania and might have been responsible for the earlier Chamber attacks.
  • Dumbledore reviewed his memories of the Chamber of Secrets and resolved to investigate how Voldemort could be behind the attacks while leaving Harry to continue investigating and grow through the challenge.

Ch. 582Misunderstanding

Albert dealt with Tom Riddle and his diary, temporarily stopping the attacks, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione began brewing Polyjuice Potion to investigate Malfoy. Albert warned Hermione to stay safe and advised the trio to use Harry’s Invisibility Cloak so their visits to the abandoned Girls’ Washroom would not be misunderstood.

  • Albert woke late after ambushing Tom Riddle, taking his diary, and hiding the Horcrux in the Room of Requirement.
  • Albert found Ginny acting strangely after she discovered that Tom’s Diary was missing.
  • Fred, George, and Lee Jordan told Albert they were preparing him a Christmas gift, then begged to use his Cross-species Transfiguration essay as a reference.
  • Albert caught Harry, Ron, and Hermione leaving the Girls’ Washroom and warned them that people might mistake their visits for peeping.
  • Hermione explained that the trio had begun brewing Polyjuice Potion to make Malfoy confess after Colin Creevey was attacked.
  • Albert warned Hermione, a Muggle-born, to avoid being alone and suggested the trio use Harry’s Invisibility Cloak while brewing the potion.

Ch. 583Incident

After Colin Creevey was attacked, fear spread through Hogwarts, and Kenneth Towler sold Albert’s amulets to anxious students. Albert also tried to help Fred and George deal with Ginny’s distress, but they left to try a Cheering Charm despite his warnings.

  • Colin Creevey’s attack became schoolwide gossip, leaving students fearful and suspicious of one another.
  • Kenneth Towler demonstrated Albert’s amulets and sold high-end and cheaper versions, earning Albert a large sum of Galleons.
  • Albert refused to make Kenneth Towler’s full custom order, telling him to carve the amulets himself and bring them for final processing.
  • Fred and George tried pranks and Alioto Leaves to cheer Ginny, but their attempts worsened her distress and angered Percy and Mrs. Weasley.
  • Albert explained that Ginny needed someone to listen and suggested Harry or a temporary Cheering Charm, so Fred and George rushed off to try the charm.
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