Chapter Summaries

At the year-end banquet, Dumbledore awarded Gryffindor enough points to overturn Slytherin’s lead and win the House Cup, while Bell tied Hermione for the top exam results. Bell missed the Hogwarts Express and, escorted by Dumbledore, arrived at Nicolas Flamel’s secluded home.

• Dumbledore announced the House standings, then awarded Ron, Neville, and Harry points that gave Gryffindor the House Cup over Slytherin.
• Bell learned that he had tied Hermione for first place in their year, including full marks on the Defence Against the Dark Arts exam.
• Bell escorted Hermione to the station but stayed behind because Dumbledore was waiting to take him to Nicolas Flamel.
• Dumbledore and Bell traveled with Fawkes to a forest, opened a magical doorway, and entered the strange house where Nicolas Flamel lived.

Bell met Nicolas Flamel privately and revealed that he had invented the Surveillance Mirror, which could transmit images and simple spells over vast distances. He explained that he wanted to use the Philosopher’s Stone as a powerful source of Magic Power, and Flamel asked him to explain the idea in more detail.

• Dumbledore accompanied Bell to Nicolas Flamel’s home, then left so the two could speak alone.
• Bell showed Flamel two mirrors and explained how Personal Terminals used a Server to forward messages.
• Bell revealed that he had invented the Surveillance Mirror and demonstrated how it could transmit images and the Levitation Charm across great distances.
• Bell told Flamel that he wanted to use the Philosopher’s Stone to power the Surveillance Mirror and invited him to explore the universe together.
• Flamel laughed at Bell’s proposal, then asked him to explain the plan more specifically.

Bell asked Nicolas Flamel to teach him how to make a Philosopher's Stone so he could use its Magic Power to explore the universe, and Nicolas agreed after hearing about the plan. Nicolas summoned Perenelle to return and meet his new student, while Bell learned that the Stone Dumbledore had received was destroyed because it had become unstable.

• Bell asked Nicolas to teach him how to make a Philosopher's Stone so he could power the Surveillance Mirror and explore the universe from Earth.
• Nicolas agreed to teach Bell, explaining that he and Perenelle had reconsidered ending their lives after hearing about the exploration plan.
• Bell learned that Dumbledore had destroyed Nicolas's old Philosopher's Stone because it was nearing its limit and could explode with catastrophic force.
• Nicolas contacted Perenelle and told her to return because he had taken Bell as a student and decided not to die yet.
• Perenelle agreed to return after questioning Nicolas's sudden change of plans, and Nicolas told Bell that he disguised his appearance when meeting outsiders.

Bell asked Nicolas to explain how the Philosopher's Stone was made and learned that it converted other forms of energy into magical power. Nicolas explained that using the Stone to produce Elixir of Life had rapidly depleted his own, while Bell left doubtful that he would ever need such a thing.

• Bell asked Nicolas for a general explanation of the Philosopher's Stone while they waited for Shimu to return.
• Nicolas searched for a Deluminator, used it to capture the light from his Lumos, and asked Bell whether he could turn the light back into magical power.
• Bell deduced that the Philosopher's Stone converted other forms of energy into magical power, and Nicolas confirmed that this was the principle behind its creation.
• Nicolas explained that a Stone had limits to its lifespan, storage capacity, and conversion speed, though it could last far longer than six hundred years under ordinary use.
• Bell questioned why Nicolas's Stone had worn out so quickly, and Nicolas said that making Elixir of Life had forced it to convert vast amounts of magical power.
• Nicolas advised Bell to prepare several Philosopher's Stones if he ever wanted to extend his life, and Bell replied that he hoped that day would never come.

Bell met Perenelle and grew more comfortable with his teacher and shimu before Nicolas assessed his Alchemy skills. Impressed by Bell’s work, Nicolas gave him a collection of advanced books to study and copy.

• Perenelle welcomed Bell warmly, and Nicolas explained that Bell’s plans for space exploration had persuaded him to seek a future beyond death.
• Nicolas brought Bell to his Alchemy Laboratory and asked him to demonstrate his skill by making a magical item.
• Bell crafted a ring that passively activated a Shield Charm, and Nicolas was impressed by his precision and ability.
• Bell told Nicolas that Adams Stark had taught him Alchemy, and Nicolas advised him to study more theory, especially Ancient Runes.
• Nicolas gave Bell advanced books from his Library and allowed him to copy them, warning him to guard their dangerous knowledge.

Shanna eagerly anticipated Bell's summer visit, but learned that he would travel with Dumbledore to study Alchemy with Nicolas Flamel instead. She confirmed that Bell might not return until the end of the holiday, and blamed Dumbledore for taking him away.

• Shanna recounted how she had tested the Butterfly Hairpin on the castle and broken its Defense Barrier without her father discovering her secret.
• Shanna sent a nest of Nifflers searching through the castle and found five thousand Galleons and gemstones in the Small Dining Room, then gave most of the treasure to Elena for safekeeping.
• Shanna prepared excitedly for Bell's expected arrival, planning how she would greet him after he returned the next day.
• Elena told Shanna that Bell might not come home for summer because Dumbledore was taking him to meet Nicolas Flamel.
• Shanna confirmed with Bell that he might be away for most of the holiday, and she supported his plans while accusing Dumbledore of fooling him.

Bell spent most of his summer studying Alchemy with Nicolas and learned the theory for making a Philosopher’s Stone, though gathering the remaining materials would take time. As his return home approached, he discovered that his mother and sister were upset with him for neglecting them.

• Bell learned that making a Philosopher’s Stone would take Nicolas about two years, and Nicolas said an Inferior Philosopher’s Stone might be possible but was uncertain.
• Bell studied the early procedures and theory for making a Philosopher’s Stone while Nicolas waited for the remaining materials to be gathered.
• Bell and Nicolas improved the Surveillance Mirror so it could perform Side-Along Apparition and Apparition.
• Perenelle told Bell to take the next day off and spend time with her before he went home.
• Bell tried to video call Shanna, but when she did not answer, Elena told him she was angry that he had left to become Nicolas’s apprentice without discussing it with his family.

After Bell returned home, Shanna accidentally blasted him with the castle gates, then apologized and cried as he comforted her. Bell realized he had neglected his family for magic, and the siblings reconciled as he welcomed Shanna’s forgiveness.

• Bell left Nicolas and Perenelle and Apparated back to his family’s castle, anxious about facing Shanna.
• Shanna sent the castle gates flying into Bell, but he let them hit him so she could vent her anger.
• Shanna apologized and cried, and Bell comforted her, admitted he should not have stayed away, and promised it would not happen again.
• Elena warned Bell there could be no next time, while William stayed silent at the castle gates.
• Bell carried the sleeping Shanna to her bedroom and realized he had put magic ahead of his family.
• Elena woke Bell and Shanna for lunch, and Bell welcomed Shanna home as she welcomed him back.

Bell visited Gringotts with Elena and Shanna, toured the family vault, and explained to Shanna why goblins managed Wizards’ money. They left with some Galleons after Bell found the vault’s contents unimpressive.

• Bell accompanied Elena and Shanna to Diagon Alley and suggested they visit Gringotts.
• Bere escorted them through the underground tunnels in a mine cart to Elena’s vault.
• Bell complained about the uncomfortable mine carts and suggested replacing them with Flying Cars.
• Elena opened the family vault, which was filled with Galleons and Gemstones, but Bell said it held nothing useful.
• After they left Gringotts with some Galleons, Bell told Shanna that Wizards’ power kept goblins from refusing to return their money.

Bell, Elena, and Shanna visited Diagon Alley, where they encountered a signing event for Gilderoy Lockhart and argued playfully over Bell’s attention. The chapter ended with Elena excited about Lockhart becoming Hogwarts’ Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, while Bell kept his doubts to himself.

• Bell blamed Fudge’s leadership for the goblins’ growing arrogance and criticized the Ministry’s influence from Muggles.
• Bell, Elena, and Shanna bought food and other items while strolling through Diagon Alley.
• Near Flourish and Blotts, they learned that Gilderoy Lockhart was holding a book-signing event, and Elena eagerly wanted his autograph.
• Bell stopped Elena by sending her a teasing thought through psychic waves, but she hugged him instead of heading to Lockhart.
• Shanna pulled Bell away from Elena, and she and Elena bickered over who would keep his company.
• Bell changed the subject by asking whether Lockhart would become Hogwarts’ Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, and Elena confirmed it enthusiastically.

On September 1, Bell decided to skip Hogwarts so he could stay home with Shanna, but Elena stunned him to stop him from leaving school. As Elena restrained the others, Shanna began to break free of her binding curse.

• At King's Cross, Bell told Shanna he would quit Hogwarts and stay home with her, delighting her and alarming Elena and William.
• Bell refused his parents' attempts to change his mind, insisting that his decision was final.
• Elena secretly hit Bell with a Full Body-Bind Curse, and William caught him before he fell.
• Elena bound Shanna when the girl tried to draw her Wand, but Shanna began resisting the curse and surprised Elena with her strength.

Elena subdued Shanna and Bell at Platform 9 3/4, then sent Bell onto the Hogwarts Express before leaving with William and their daughter. Bell woke as the train departed and tried to lie around like a salted fish, while Hermione dragged him back to their compartment.

• Elena reinforced the Binding Curse on Shanna and levitated Bell onto the train.
• Elena left the station with William and Shanna, ignoring Shanna's protests.
• Bell regained consciousness as the train began moving and found Hermione beside him.
• Bell lay back down and rolled to the corridor wall, insisting that Hermione leave him alone.
• Hermione dragged Bell to their compartment and threw him onto a seat.

On the train to Hogwarts, Bell explained to Hermione that he had spent the summer studying Alchemy with Nicolas Flamel, while Hermione described her own studies and frustration at being unable to use her Wand during the holidays. Bell began considering how to address the restrictions on underage magic use.

• Hermione questioned Bell about the confrontation with his parents, and Bell gave her a brief explanation without revealing the real dispute.
• Hermione complained that Bell had barely replied to her messages over the summer, and he told her he had been studying Alchemy with Nicolas Flamel.
• Bell explained that Alchemy could make lasting magical items and said Hermione would need to study Ancient Runes before she could learn it.
• Hermione said she had reviewed first-year material and memorized her second-year textbooks but was frustrated that she could not practice magic outside school.
• Bell considered finding a way to use magic outside Hogwarts and told Hermione that the restriction was intended to protect young wizards, especially those from Muggle families.

Bell talked with Hermione about visiting his house and Professor Lockhart, then sensed that Harry and Ron had crashed their Flying Car into the Whomping Willow. Dumbledore noticed Bell’s brief magical probe, while Bell remained unaware that he had been detected.

• Bell invited Hermione to practice magic at his house, and she teased him for not answering her messages over the summer.
• Hermione enthusiastically praised the incoming Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, while Bell listened.
• At the opening feast, Snape whispered to Dumbledore, whose face visibly turned green after hearing the news.
• Bell noticed Harry and Ron were missing from the Gryffindor table and used a thread of Magic Power to investigate their whereabouts.
• Bell sensed that Harry and Ron’s Flying Car had collided with the Whomping Willow, while Dumbledore detected Bell’s magical fluctuation.

Bell watched the aftermath of Ron and Harry crashing the Weasleys' Flying Car into the Whomping Willow and amused himself imagining Dumbledore's anger. He burst out laughing in the Great Hall, leaving Penelope and the other students wondering what had happened.

• Bell noticed Professor Sprout rush out of the Great Hall to check on the Whomping Willow.
• Penelope asked Bell why he was acting strangely, and Bell realized he had been laughing to himself.
• Bell imagined Dumbledore blaming Ron for endangering Harry and planned to tell Arthur and Molly about their son's reckless driving.
• Bell held back his laughter as Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Snape hurried away, then burst out laughing once they were gone.
• Penelope tugged at Bell's arm and asked what had happened while the Ravenclaw students stared at him.

Bell realized his laughter had been caused by the strain of leaving his family again, but he kept the reason from Penelope and suffered through her revenge at dinner. The next morning, Hermione discussed their timetable and urged him to attend Lockhart’s classes before a furious roar shook the Great Hall.

• Bell wondered whether leaving his family again had thrown his emotions off balance, but told Penelope she would find out soon enough.
• Penelope made Bell eat a plate of haggis to punish him for teasing her and refusing to explain himself.
• Professor Flitwick gave Bell his timetable, and Hermione checked it and told him to save front-row seats for Transfiguration.
• Hermione urged Bell to attend Professor Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, while Bell privately planned to avoid listening to him.
• A thunderous roar from the Gryffindor table shook dust from the ceiling and left Bell’s sensitive ears ringing.

Bell discussed Flying Cars with Hermione and explained that his family produced them using technology developed by Arthur Weasley. After Hermione left, Penelope teased Bell about watching her go, and he asked what Hermione’s heart beside Lockhart’s class meant.

• Hermione complained that Harry and Ron had flown a car to Hogwarts, and Bell explained that their unofficially modified car had caused the trouble.
• Bell offered to give Hermione a Flying Car, then offered to lend her one after she refused the expensive gift.
• Bell told Hermione that his family produced Flying Cars using technology bought from Arthur Weasley, surprising her.
• Hermione left for breakfast after Bell reminded her that Arthur and the Weasleys were accomplished wizards.
• Penelope teased Bell for watching Hermione leave, and Bell asked whether Hermione’s heart beside Lockhart’s class meant she liked him.
• Penelope said she was looking forward to Lockhart’s class, and Bell replied that he preferred soy sauce to vinegar.

Bell ignored Penelope's reaction and focused on breakfast before using his refined Repelling Jinx technique to make Lockhart unable to see him in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Hermione learned how Bell had avoided receiving Lockhart's quiz, leaving her amazed by his magic and convinced she could not trust his words.

• Bell asked Penelope why she had been hiding, and she denied it before walking away.
• Bell followed his usual classroom strategy, paying attention to lectures but using practical lessons for his own pursuits.
• Hermione questioned Bell about Lockhart throughout lunch, and Bell grew frustrated at being unable to answer her questions.
• Lockhart introduced himself to the class and handed out a quiz, but he passed Hermione without giving Bell a paper.
• Bell stopped Hermione from calling Lockhart over and explained that his modified Repelling Jinx made Lockhart unable to see him.
• Hermione recalled McGonagall describing Repelling Jinxes as difficult magic and marveled that Bell had altered one successfully.

Bell refused to answer Lockhart’s personal-question test and studied Alchemy during class instead. When Hermione pulled him back to a classroom full of Cornish Pixies, Bell learned that Lockhart had released them and ended up trapped beneath the lectern.

• Bell rejected Hermione’s suggestion that Lockhart’s fifty-four questions held a deeper meaning and resumed reading an Alchemy book with his hearing blocked.
• Hermione shook Bell out of his concentration after Lockhart vanished and Cornish Pixies ran wild through the classroom.
• Hermione told Bell that Lockhart had released the Pixies and was now under the lectern.
• Hermione successfully struck a Pixie with a Petrification Curse, and Bell praised her improved aim.
• A Pixie crept up behind Bell as Hermione shouted a warning.

Bell turned Lockhart’s chaotic Cornish pixie lesson into combat training for Hermione, who endured a swarm of pixies and defeated them. After Hermione left for her next class, Bell watched the classroom restore itself and left the pixies for Lockhart to retrieve.

• Bell transformed a desk into a shield and coached Hermione to defend herself while fighting the pixies.
• Hermione used Petrification Curses and Binding Spells to defeat the pixies, eventually facing ten at once while the other students watched.
• Lockhart awarded Hermione twenty points for Gryffindor, scolded the other students, and left the classroom without dealing with the fallen pixies.
• Hermione cried from her injuries, drank a Healing Potion Bell gave her, then kicked him before leaving for her next class.
• Bell let the classroom restore itself as its doors closed and left the pixies for Lockhart to deal with.