Chapter Summaries

After Dumbledore cleared Harry’s name at the Ministry, Jon met him at a café to discuss Sirius and the deal with Phineas. Dumbledore declined to intervene directly, leaving Jon to persuade Sirius to continue the Black family line.

• Dumbledore refuted Fudge’s arguments, and the court found Harry’s charge unsupported.
• Jon left the Ministry and met Dumbledore at a café, where he raised Phineas’s demands concerning Sirius.
• Dumbledore said the deal was between Jon and Phineas and that persuading Sirius was Jon’s responsibility.
• Dumbledore advised Jon that Sirius might be persuaded by the chance to reform the Black family, and Jon thanked him.

Jon returned home and learned that his mother was pregnant, then discussed his plans and Voldemort with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Yang. He agreed to arrange work for Bella in the Hufflepuff Magic Research Society, leaving her eager to get out of the house.

• Jon's parents returned from Europe, and Jon learned that his mother was pregnant with another child.
• Jon secretly improved his mother's affinity for magic while Mrs. Yang watched, and she warned him that Voldemort was dangerous to use in his plans.
• Jon told Mrs. Yang that Harry Potter would serve as bait and that he had contingencies to force Voldemort onto the path he wanted.
• Mrs. Yang suggested that Bella join Jon's Research Society, and Jon agreed to arrange a position for her.
• Jon found Bella in the garden with Blair, and Bella said she wanted to leave home and mentioned that Penelope had been writing to her.
• Jon promised Bella work in the Society without pay and considered bringing her into the laboratory once it was finished.

Jon confronted Sirius at Grimmauld Place, insisting that Sirius fulfill his role in continuing the Black family line and dismissing his objections. The chapter ended with Jon coldly asking what Sirius had that was worth threatening.

• Jon questioned Sirius about his despondency and entered the filthy room where Sirius was sitting.
• Jon told Sirius that he was expected to carry on the Black family line, and the portraits of Sirius's ancestors approved.
• Sirius objected that he still had sisters, but Jon said they could not restore the Black family's future and that Sirius was the only suitable candidate.
• Sirius said he could not leave Harry and have a child in peace, but Jon told him he was dispensable to their plans.
• Sirius accused Jon of threatening him, and Jon replied that Sirius had nothing worth threatening.

Jon confronted Sirius at Grimmauld Place and pressured him to accept his family responsibilities, after which Sirius stayed to speak with his mother. Jon then visited Dumbledore, who defended his actions and revealed that he and Grindelwald had been monitoring Jon’s increasingly agitated state of mind.

• Jon warned Sirius that refusing the offered way forward would bring consequences, then left Grimmauld Place.
• Sirius’s mother urged him to face his responsibilities to his family, and Sirius stayed behind to talk with her.
• Phineas told Dumbledore what had happened at Grimmauld Place before Jon arrived at Dumbledore’s office.
• Dumbledore explained that he had asked Phineas to monitor Jon’s mental state after discussing it with Grindelwald.
• Dumbledore said Jon had been right to use firm measures with Sirius, while Jon complained that he had become exhausted from directing the plans.

Jon and Dumbledore settled how the Dumbledore bloodline would continue and discussed restoring Nagini to a separate body. Jon then returned to the company and joined Lenna at a welcome party for Anthony and the others.

• Phineas told Jon and Dumbledore that Sirius had agreed to their plan, and Jon said Sirius had little choice.
• Jon urged Dumbledore to spend his remaining time pursuing his own life and proposed that Credence continue the Dumbledore bloodline.
• Jon offered to have Ancestor separate Nagini’s soul and create a body for her, while the snake could die with Voldemort, and Dumbledore accepted the plan.
• Jon left the Headmaster’s office and returned to the company, where a welcome party was underway for Anthony and the others.
• Jon used a spell to make himself less noticeable, found Lenna by the food display, and joined her for snacks and drinks.

Jon and Grindelwald investigated the origins of wizards and the limits of Animagus transformation, while Jon prepared to attempt the spell. Grindelwald explained why the spell was created for an era of declining magical energy, leaving Jon to consider whether his unusual bloodlines would let him succeed.

• Jon visited Grimmauld Place twice before the school term and checked that nothing serious had gone wrong there.
• Jon and Grindelwald examined the conditions for Animagus transformation and judged that Jon's mixed bloodlines made success unlikely.
• Jon discussed with Grindelwald whether wizards shared an origin with magical creatures and why some wizards could become Animagi.
• Grindelwald argued that Animagus transformation was especially difficult and that ancient wizards had not needed such a spell.
• Grindelwald explained that the Animagus spell arose during a decline in magical energy and therefore followed the limits of that era.

Jon considered how the decline of magical energy had forced wizards to change, but he could not find a way to make them accept that explanation. As preparations for the laboratory continued, Jon planned to return to his estate and seek royal cooperation before Voldemort regained his strength.

• Jon realized that wizards had adopted their laws and customs because the declining magical environment had forced them to adapt, but changing their worldview would be difficult.
• Jon considered asking Grindelwald to help reshape wizards' thinking, but Grindelwald refused and said he would leave after assisting with the experiment.
• Jon sent a message to Anthony and noted that the laboratory and its equipment would take about two more months to complete.
• Jon told Grindelwald he would return to his estate before school started, while his people would take the train back to watch Harry.
• Jon planned to have his maternal grandmother discuss cooperation with a member of the Royal family, whose support he believed was likely.
• Grindelwald approved the approach and told Jon to ask Dumbledore to handle any problems while Grindelwald and Jon used their remaining influence in Britain.

Jon returned to Hogwarts for the start of term and watched the students gather for the feast while remaining invisible. He warned Stephen and the others about Umbridge as Professor McGonagall brought the new students into the Great Hall.

• Jon left the estate before his grandmother, Mrs. Yang, had met the Queen, and returned to Hogwarts when term began.
• Jon sat beside the Hufflepuff table as the students ostracized Harry over Cedric’s death.
• Stephen told Jon that the Magic Research Society would no longer be responsible for protecting Harry, since Dumbledore had arranged special security for him.
• Jon warned Stephen and the others that Umbridge was dangerous and urged them to act carefully.
• Professor McGonagall led a large group of new students into the Great Hall.

At the start of the school year, the Sorting Hat gave a warning, Umbridge began teaching at Hogwarts, and Jon discussed the school’s plans with Dumbledore. Dumbledore encouraged Jon to proceed while he remained at the school, confident that Grindelwald had prepared the means to restore him.

• The Sorting Hat sang a changed song that carried a warning, and Jon explained its role to Stephen and the others.
• Dumbledore introduced Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Jon advised his friends to keep their attention on Harry discreet.
• Umbridge delivered her speech as the students whispered and laughed, while Jon left the feast and went to Dumbledore’s office.
• Jon asked why Dumbledore had allowed Umbridge to come, and Dumbledore said her presence would prepare the students for war against Voldemort.
• Jon told Dumbledore that Grindelwald had prepared a way to restore him despite the damage from the curses, and Dumbledore expressed confidence in his bloodline.
• Jon and Dumbledore agreed to complete their plans while Dumbledore remained at Hogwarts.

Jon discussed Umbridge’s effect on Hogwarts, arranged for Stephen to relay letters from Seshatri, and visited Sirius, who was preparing to change his name and seek a marriage partner. Sirius accepted that he would protect Harry from the shadows, while Jon warned that Sirius had already been drawn into a dangerous course of action.

• Jon and Stephen discussed how Umbridge’s harsh treatment had united students against her and might help Harry mature.
• Jon attached a magical cufflink to Stephen so he could notify Jon when letters from Seshatri arrived.
• Jon Apparated to Grimmauld Place and found Sirius looking through photographs of potential marriage partners.
• Sirius told Jon he planned to settle at a family estate, change his name, and protect Harry from the shadows while letting him grow up.
• Jon told Sirius that he had already stepped into a whirlpool and should not expect to escape it.

Jon stopped arguing with Sirius and focused on protecting the secrecy of his and Dumbledore’s plans as Voldemort’s return approached. Seeking someone clever who might already have guessed the truth, he chose Hermione and approached her on the Hogwarts grounds.

• Sirius insulted Jon, but Jon refused to force him to follow the plan and left him room to decide when to go.
• Jon returned to Hogwarts and worried that Voldemort might discover the plan to integrate the magical and Muggle worlds or the progress of his experiments with Grindelwald.
• Jon realized he had two years to grow stronger before Dumbledore and Grindelwald departed, leaving the remaining responsibilities to him.
• Jon searched the Hogwarts grounds for someone trustworthy and noticed Hermione, who had already guessed part of what was happening.
• Jon appeared behind Hermione as she walked back to the castle and asked whether she could keep a secret.

Jon met Hermione in a hidden Gryffindor space and asked her to become his assistant, warning that he needed her to keep important information secret. Hermione agreed, and Jon prepared to explain his purpose.

• Jon found Hermione and brought her to a concealed Gryffindor area, where he offered her leave from Professor McGonagall's class.
• Hermione questioned Jon's identity and motives, and he praised her intelligence while explaining that he wanted her as an assistant.
• Jon said he needed her to keep the matter secret and threatened to erase her memories if she refused.
• Hermione agreed to keep the secret, reasoning that Jon could overpower her and that Dumbledore was nearby.
• Jon accepted her answer and said they would discuss what needed to be discussed.

Jon asked Hermione to join his effort to integrate wizarding society with Muggles and help guide Harry, promising she could become a great witch. He gave her a note inviting her to meet Dumbledore over the next three evenings, leaving Hermione persuaded to seek Dumbledore’s counsel.

• Jon explained that he wanted Hermione’s help with integrating wizarding society and Muggles, citing her Muggle-born background and intelligence.
• Hermione deduced that Jon’s request involved Harry and said she would not betray her friends.
• Jon promised Hermione the chance to become a witch as great as Dumbledore and gave her a letter of introduction to meet Dumbledore after curfew for three nights.
• Jon removed the spatial barrier and disappeared, leaving Hermione with the note.
• Hermione decided to go see Dumbledore and check whether Jon’s claims were true.

Jon asked Dumbledore to persuade Hermione to join their plan, while Dumbledore questioned Jon's urgency to reform wizarding society. Jon left to watch for Voldemort's moves, and Dumbledore arranged to summon Hermione after curfew.

• Jon told Dumbledore that Hermione was uncertain about his claims and asked him to help persuade her.
• Jon said he had promised Hermione help improving her strength in exchange for future benefits, and Dumbledore agreed to raise Jon's status without revealing too much.
• Dumbledore warned Jon that pushing reform too quickly could cause more harm, but Jon insisted the groundwork had to begin before Voldemort's defeat.
• Jon vanished to return and keep watch for Voldemort, telling Dumbledore to notify him of any news.
• Dumbledore asked Peeves to tell Minerva to send Hermione to see him after curfew.

Hermione signed Dumbledore’s confidentiality contract so he could explain who had sought her out. Meanwhile, Jon revised the laboratory plans with Grindelwald and discussed expanding the Magic Net and exploiting the Ministry’s suspicions of Voldemort.

• Hermione hurried to Dumbledore’s office after Professor McGonagall told her he wanted to see her.
• Dumbledore had Hermione sign a confidentiality contract before agreeing to explain what had happened.
• Jon reviewed the laboratory blueprint with Grindelwald and insisted the control room be placed closer to the center.
• Jon explained that his plan would convert existing schools into magical academies and prioritize suitable candidates for magical transformation.
• Jon told Grindelwald he planned to remove the Ancient Magic observation device beneath the Ministry of Magic and considered asking Mr. Weasley for a map so he could blame the operation on Voldemort.

Jon and Grindelwald discussed expanding their Magical Technology project, using Voldemort as a scapegoat and involving the Dark Forest in research. Jon planned to develop both traditional alchemy and modified Muggle technology for profit, while Grindelwald returned to the Dark Forest and Jon called for Lenna.

• Jon and Grindelwald agreed to use Voldemort as a scapegoat and discussed recruiting more wizards for their project.
• Jon proposed sharing their work with the Dark Forest wizards and supplying them with Muggle equipment through his company.
• Jon explained that his company would develop both Alchemical Items and modified Muggle devices, selling them for profit.
• Grindelwald said he would return to the Dark Forest, then vanished from the room.
• Jon asked a nervous staff member to fetch Lenna, and she arrived looking anxious.

Jon sent Lenna to organize supplies and a transport route to the Dark Forest, then returned to Biro Manor to visit his family and try to learn what his mother knew about the Department of Mysteries. He arrived home and asked Kaledi how things had been while he was away.

• Jon told Lenna to recall more than forty people, buy the items on his list, and deliver the first shipment to the Dark Forest.
• Lenna left to find Anthony and arrange the supplies and transport route.
• Jon finished reviewing a construction blueprint and decided to visit his parents, hoping to coax Ministry of Magic secrets from Mrs. Smith.
• Jon appeared at Biro Manor and stopped Kaledi from removing his apron to greet him.
• Jon sat in the kitchen, poured tea, and asked Kaledi how things had been at home.

Jon learned that Mr. Smith had been studying magic on his own, so he arranged for the Fat Friar to teach him discreetly. After speaking with Sarah, Jon returned to his plan to attempt becoming an Animagus again.

• Kaledi reported that the family had been living quietly, though Madam seemed unhappy because Sir spent much of his time practicing magic.
• Jon decided that the Fat Friar should teach Mr. Smith and sent Kaledi to contact him through Peeves without alerting anyone.
• Jon reassured Sarah that she did not need to be so nervous around him, praised her pastries, and left the kitchen.
• Jon decided to attempt becoming an Animagus again and reflected on the magic's unusual restrictions and preparation.

Jon tried to reverse a bloodline-linked sacrificial spell beneath the moon but failed again, unable to identify the cause. He spoke with Zhu Sha, who confirmed their speculation about the shared origins of humans and the Demon Race.

• Jon reasoned that the spell was tied to bloodlines and tried to reverse its core under the moonlight, but the attempt left him unchanged.
• Zhu Sha appeared through their marks in the Azure Deep Sea and remarked on Jon's surroundings and his life in the East.
• Jon asked Zhu Sha about the truth she had learned from Osiris and whether pure-blooded members of the Demon Race remained.
• Zhu Sha explained that the Hufflepuff family carried a tree demon bloodline and that the World Tree's status came from Helga's intervention.
• Zhu Sha said records in China supported their speculation that humans and the Demon Race had both been created by the ancestral god.

Jon and Zhu Sha debated evolution, creationism, and whether magical transformations could reveal different origins for humans and magical beings. Their discussion ended with Jon questioning Zhu Sha’s recent interest in materialist philosophy.

• Jon and Zhu Sha discussed whether evolution or creationism better explained the origins of life and mixed bloodlines.
• Zhu Sha proposed that some beings might have transformed from animals into human forms before gods altered them into werewolves or similar creatures.
• Jon and Zhu Sha considered whether the Animagus spell exploited a loophole and whether transformed wizards could still use magic.
• Jon asked Zhu Sha why she had begun speaking like a teacher, and she said she had been studying classical philosophical theory.
• Jon told Zhu Sha to read less materialist philosophy because they lived in a magical world.