Chapter 33 – Simon and Baz Infiltrate Smith-Richards’s Meeting
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Simon and Baz share a rare, controlled moment of intimacy; Baz sets a time limit to ease Simon’s anxiety. They then pose as mages attending a public meeting run by the American magician, Smith-Richards. At the trendy pub venue, they watch a woman named Beth testify that Smith-Richards restored her magic after she struggled for years. Smith-Richards then performs a public “healing” on an older man named Alan, who successfully casts a spell. Simon is recognized as the former Chosen One and draws the crowd’s attention. Daphne is present, clearly starstruck. As they leave, Simon spots Professor Bunce slipping out, raising new questions about the nature of Smith-Richards’s operation.
Key Events
- Simon and Baz agree to “lean into” Simon’s former Chosen One persona to gain trust.
- Baz sets a time limit on their physical intimacy, showing his care for Simon’s comfort.
- They skip a meeting by slipping in behind a late couple.
- Smith-Richards gives a charismatic speech and “heals” Beth and Alan, restoring their magic.
- The crowd recognizes Simon; Smith-Richards welcomes him with a slightly backhanded compliment.
- Daphne is identified in the audience, gazing adoringly at Smith-Richards.
- After the demonstration, Simon sees Professor Bunce leaving discreetly.
Character Development
Simon Snow: Simon shows growing emotional trust in Baz by accepting the “few minutes” rule without protest. His discomfort at being recognised underscores his lingering identity crisis, but he plays the role of a desperate former hero to advance their investigation.
Baz (Tyrannus Basilton Grimm-Pitch): Baz is protective, tactile, and strategically sharp. He initiates the scheme, maintains a sarcastic commentary during the meeting, and prioritises Simon’s emotional safety. His refusal to think about his own immortality (“Don’t say that”) reveals vulnerability.
Smith-Richards: This chapter introduces the charismatic American mage. He presents himself as a humble, tearful healer who empowers “oppressed” magicians. His ability to produce dramatic demonstrations (a giant Toblerone) suggests real power, but Baz’s muttered scepticism (“No one can cast that spell more than once a day”) hints at tricks or hidden costs.
Daphne: Baz’s stepmother is shown to be deeply infatuated with Smith-Richards, which may explain her departure from the Grimm-Pitch household.
Professor Bunce: Her furtive exit at the end suggests she is either investigating or collaborating with Smith-Richards, adding a new layer of mystery.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Performance and Deception: The entire meeting is a staged production. Smith-Richards uses emotional testimonials, music-venue lighting, and carefully timed reveals to create a revival-like atmosphere. Simon and Baz reciprocate by performing a role.
Healing as Transaction: The “healing” appears genuine but comes with strings. Smith-Richards’s rhetoric (“Magic is your birthright”) echoes the Mage’s populist language, warning readers that this new figure may be another version of the same corrupt power structure.
Intimacy Under Pressure: Baz and Simon’s quiet interlude contrasts with the public spectacle. Their private agreement about time limits shows a maturing relationship built on boundaries, not just passion.
The Chosen One Trope: Simon’s presence is treated as a symbol. Smith-Richards’s comment (“to the best of your ability”) both validates and diminishes him, reinforcing Simon’s struggle to define himself outside the hero label.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 33 is a turning point in the investigation of the American magic scene. It confirms that Smith-Richards has a public, organised movement, that his methods appear effective on the surface, and that Daphne and Professor Bunce are connected to it. The chapter deepens the romantic dynamic between Simon and Baz by showing their ability to compartmentalise their relationship for the mission. It also plants the seed that Smith-Richards may be extracting a toll from himself or others during the “healing” process, as Baz notes the spells’ limitations. Finally, Bunce’s cameo sets up the next phase of the plot.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Baz set a time limit on their kiss in the flat, and how does Simon react?
Baz sets a limit so Simon does not have to worry about things “going too far.” Simon accepts this with genuine relief, indicating that their relationship is evolving to include clear communication and consent. Simon also initiates the kiss after Baz whispers “lean into it,” showing that he trusts Baz’s guidance.
2. What evidence suggests that Smith-Richards’s “healing” might not be as miraculous as it appears?
Baz notes under his breath that the spell Smith-Richards claims Alan can cast repeatedly (“Death by chocolate”) is actually a spell “no one can cast more than once a day.” Additionally, Smith-Richards looks “peaky” after the demonstration, hinting that the magic may be draining him or that he is using sleight-of-hand rather than true restoration.
3. Why is Professor Bunce’s presence at the meeting significant, and what does it imply about her allegiances?
Professor Bunce is Simon’s former teacher and a respected authority. Seeing her sneak out with her head down suggests she is either gathering intelligence on Smith-Richards or collaborating with him. This raises questions about whether she is working to uncover the truth or has joined the movement, which will impact Simon and Baz’s trust in her.