Ch. 21The Final Trial (I)
Chapter Summary: “The Final Trial (I)”
Key Plot Points and Events
- As the school year ends, Hogwarts students sit their final exams. The practical tests include making a pineapple dance, transforming a mouse into a snuffbox, brewing a Forgetfulness Potion, and answering History of Magic questions.
- Su Yu performs adequately but imperfectly, while Snape’s reaction suggests that Su Yu’s mediocre Potions result is exactly what he expected.
- After the exams, Su Yu rests by the lake with Daphne, Fa-jie, Ka-jie, and Kurama. Daphne lovingly feeds him pastries, and Su Yu playfully kisses her. Fa-jie teases them, while Ka-jie quietly indulges Su Yu’s affection.
- That night, Peeves warns Su Yu that Harry, Ron, and Hermione have entered the forbidden fourth-floor chamber and are in serious danger. Su Yu realizes that the situation differs from the safe trial he remembers from the original story and suspects Dumbledore has manipulated events.
- Su Yu rushes to the chamber. Fa-jie, sensing that something is wrong, mobilizes nearly the entire Slytherin house. The students organize themselves in coordinated uniforms and equipment, preparing to support Su Yu.
- Su Yu enters the trials alone at first:
- The three-headed dog is missing, leaving behind broken chains.
- He burns through Devil’s Snare with Fire Style.
- He bypasses the flying-key challenge, which Harry, Ron, and Hermione have already completed.
- He arrives during the life-sized wizard chess match, where Ron sacrifices himself to allow Harry to win. Su Yu finds Ron unconscious but alive.
- The group passes a dead troll and reaches Snape’s potion puzzle.
- Hermione correctly solves the riddle: the smallest bottle allows passage through the black fire toward the Philosopher’s Stone, while a red potion allows someone to return through the purple fire.
- Because there are only two usable potions for three people, Hermione volunteers to remain behind. Su Yu protects her with the Kurama Cloak and sends her back.
- Su Yu gives Harry chakra armor and leads him through the final doorway toward the confrontation with Voldemort.
Character Developments
- Su Yu: Shows increased magical and physical ability, using the Mangekyō Sharingan, Fire Style, chakra armor, and the Kurama Cloak to overcome the trials. He is protective and decisive, especially toward Harry and Hermione, while continuing to behave playfully with Daphne and the older girls.
- Daphne: Demonstrates affection and caretaking toward Su Yu, feeding him after the exhausting exams. Their relationship appears increasingly intimate.
- Fa-jie: Reveals strong leadership and loyalty. She immediately recognizes that Su Yu may be in danger and successfully organizes almost all of Slytherin to support him.
- Ka-jie: Remains quiet and composed but shows affection through small gestures, such as allowing Su Yu to rest on her legs and brushing his hair aside.
- Hermione: Proves her intelligence by solving Snape’s potion puzzle. She also shows courage and selflessness by staying behind so Su Yu and Harry can proceed.
- Harry: Continues through the trials despite fear and uncertainty. He succeeds in the chess challenge and prepares to confront Voldemort with Su Yu’s protection.
- Ron: Makes the required chess sacrifice, is knocked unconscious, and survives.
- Kurama: Remains fiercely protective of Su Yu, nearly attacking Peeves before Su Yu restrains her.
Significant Themes
- Loyalty and collective support: Fa-jie’s mobilization of Slytherin emphasizes the group’s unity and willingness to defend its leader.
- Protection and sacrifice: Ron sacrifices himself in chess, Hermione sacrifices her chance to continue, and Su Yu repeatedly protects his companions.
- Deviation from destiny: The trials are more dangerous than expected, suggesting that Dumbledore’s plans and the events of the original story have changed.
- Power and preparedness: Su Yu’s ninja abilities and magical tools allow him to bypass or survive challenges that would otherwise be dangerous.
- Affection and companionship: The lakeside scene highlights the close, playful, and emotionally intimate bonds among Su Yu, Daphne, Fa-jie, and Ka-jie.
Important Character Interactions
- Daphne cares for Su Yu after the exams, while Fa-jie teases her for spoiling him.
- Su Yu affectionately kisses Daphne, provoking a playful pinch and prompting him to seek sympathy from Fa-jie and Ka-jie.
- Peeves alerts Su Yu to the crisis, prompting Su Yu’s immediate response.
- Fa-jie rallies Slytherin and assumes command of the rescue effort.
- Su Yu comforts Hermione after Ron’s defeat and checks that Ron is alive.
- Hermione solves the potion puzzle and embraces Su Yu before returning to safety.
- Su Yu equips Harry with chakra protection and leads him into the final confrontation with Voldemort.