Hi all,
Albus has fought Mark, he has tried taking care of an exchange student and his relationships with people have withstood their tests. Hagrid put an end to the squabbling, Walter had a go and Scorpius came clean. Yet, the enemy still lurks and the unknown killer of Mark's family remains unknown. Mark still wants to find out, Albus wants to know what lies in and beyond the forest and Harry wants answers that are proving to be more than just a little elusive with more than one villain making their entrances.
As Albus Potter enters his third year of Hogwarts, him and his friends finally hit adolescence. This means short tempers, emotional moments, and reckless adventures. Albus is beginning to have feelings for a girl, Scorpius is coming clean about his feelings for girls, and Laura Creevey is making her own moves. Being on the receiving end of a hostage situation mere months ago, Albus and his small but growing group of friends grow curious about the forest itself and what may lurk within and even beyond. Little does he or anyone else know that some enemies wish to exploit this curiosity? In the meantime, the world has its eyes on Hogwarts as Phoenix withstands pressure to sack his Deputy Headmistress in the wake of the suspension of two half-vampire students. At the forefront of either side are the likes of Rita Skeeter and Hermione Granger.
Unfortunately we see less of Riley and in his place a symbolic character who steals the scene, launching a great campaign triggered by the happenings of the second story. The campaign will be fought on many fronts so that not only will students be involved but teachers too and even journalists, including Rita Skeeter and Luna Lovegood. Prepare for a battle to be fought on more than one front as the major storyline unfolds for real and we start understanding what kind of quagmire Harry and his team find themselves in and what kind of trouble Albus will get up to. Rita is being blackmailed in secret to speak for one voice while Hermione enlists the help, once more, of the students to keep their secrets to themselves as she deals with the blackmailed journalist.
An adventure takes place which is usually not dared but there are those who try to stop this adventure? Are they right to stop it, or is something awaiting them that needs to be known? And will the relationship between Mark ad the twins remain strong in a book where relationships are defined and adventures are taken? Is it possible to remain composed as the plot ball rolls faster and all the players of the war begin to get involved? Some are already known but what interests Harry Potter are those playing behind the scenes. He works to expose them all.
In the meantime, Albus deals and struggles with his Hogwarts courses and grades. This is the year Albus and his year group take on elective courses. Albus struggles with the likes of Ancient Runes, a daughter-biased Muggle Studies professor, a friend's death foreseen in Divination, and Scorpius faces with his father's old enemy, the Hippogriff. Albus also finally gets to trying out for the Slytherin Quidditch team and has to deal with the Captain and the potential for schisms as rivals and enemies also make the team.
As last book introduced the Scamander twins, this book introduces Albus' cousin Hugo and his sister Lily Luna as both are due to start Hogwarts this year. Percy's daughter Lucy Weasley also makes her entrance with ambition high enough to match her father's. Scorpius shows interest in continuing his crusade on making Slytherin house seem better than what people assume it to be. The character of Scorpius and who he is concerning his individuality and his family status is once again showcased. Just how loyal can albus' best friend really be? Though by all rights Albus' friend, Mark once again takes it upon himself to put Scorpius through a test to determine who he is ultimately and why he befriended him.
Without further ado, I will allow you to read on…
Albus Potter and the Secret of the Forest.