Chapter 202 Explosive Numbers

After Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone had its world premiere on 4 November 2001, the world was at buzz.

The film had previews in the United Kingdom on 1,137 screens at 491 theatres on 10 and 11 November 2001. It officially opened on 16 November 2001 on 1,168 screens at 507 theatres in the United Kingdom and Ireland; in 3,672 theatres in the United States and Canada. It was the most expansive release at the time in the UK and the US.

But the numbers continued; the movie was also widely received in Asia and Europe.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone grossed a single-day gross of £6 million during the first day of previews, beating the previous record.

It grossed a record £5 million for a Sunday, bringing its total to £11 million from the previews.

It broke the record for the highest opening weekend ever, including and excluding previews, making £25 million with and £15 million without previews. It set a record single-day gross on Saturday with £5 million.

Subsequently, It remained at number one in the UK for five weeks. The film went on to make £97 million in the UK alone, making it the country's second-highest-grossing film of all time. It showed considerable support from its home turf.

In the United States and Canada, it made $60 million on its opening day, breaking the single-day record; it was the second record that it broke.

On the second day of release, the film's gross increased to $45 million, breaking the record for the biggest single day again.

It made $120 million during its first weekend, breaking the record for the highest opening weekend of all time that was previously held by the Jurassic Park franchise.

Plus, the film also broke the studio's record for having the largest opening weekend for a Warner Bros. film.

Additionally, it shattered other opening records, surpassing the previous movie for having the biggest November opening weekend, the largest non-holiday opening weekend, the highest Friday gross, and the biggest opening weekend of the year, and for having the largest number of screenings, playing at 3,672 theaters.

In just five days, it became the fastest film to approach the $100 million mark. The film held onto the number 1 spot at the US box office for three consecutive weekends before being overtaken by the new entry.

The film also had the highest-grossing 5-day Thanksgiving weekend record of $98 million, holding this record for quite some time. By Christmas, it became the highest-grossing film of the year, dethroning another Disney animation film.

Similar results were achieved across the world. A week after opening in the United States, the film added 15 additional markets and set an opening week record in Germany. It also set opening records in Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and German-speaking Switzerland.

Honestly, Samuel expected this result, the original movie also did good, but these numbers were on steroids this time. Now the only question was whether will it be able to cross a billion-dollar mark or not?

Samuel was relaxing after returning from the premier, it had only been a few weeks, but the studio was getting hastily to start the production for the next installment.

" I should have thought this through before undertaking this role. My next ten years have already been decided." Samuel sighed. Although money was good, he could earn ten times the amount in two years, but it would be devastating for the franchise if he dropped out now.

Besides, he was also elevating his production company's reputation by tying it to this franchise. He could take part in many great movies in ten years just by having "Harry Potter" in his company's portfolio.

While he was lost in thought, he received a call from Thomas. He totally forgot about his books.

" Hello, Congratulation young master! I heard the movie is doing well!" Thomas's excitement oozed through the speaker.

" Thank you. It was a team effort."

" No need to be like that, I watched it yesterday. Honestly, even after few weeks, it's hard to find seats for it. You were dashing in it! My family loved it."

" Haha, great. Look forward to the next one then, I am certain it will be much better."

" I am looking forward to it. Oh, I called you for an urgent matter. It needs your immediate attention." Thomas said seriously.

" What is it?"

" A company called AlphaScreen contacted me, they said that they want to buy the right for the Hobbit and LOTR books. I tried to deny it, but they said you would know if I mention the company's name." Thomas got these types of offers regularly.

The books were popular beyond belief, surpassing a few of Harry Potter's early entries. Thomas was confident that his young master was a genius; whatever he touches turns into gold!

" Oh, sell it to them. Do it accordingly to the price we set before."

" Huh? Are you certain?" Thomas was surprised. He had asked the same question a dozen times, and no matter the identity of the company that was contacted, Samuel would always reject it. Now he was selling it to a fledgling production house?

" Yeah, don't worry about it. It is my company, I just haven't informed them that I am the author." Samuel wanted to keep his author's identity as obscure as possible.

" That's how it was. Ok, I will draft the contract as you instructed."

" Yes, go ahead. How was the launch of the third book?" Samuel asked. He trusted Thomas, but he ought to be checking up on him from time to time for updates.

" It was better than expected. With volume one finished, the readers were more excited to see where the story will go. I will send you the details." It was customary for Thomas to be excited; after all, he didn't get much chance to discuss it with Samuel.

" Ok, send it to me later."

" Yes, I will visit you with our log. It is always exciting to see your bright face."

" Alright."

It was almost time for dinner, so Samuel finished the call early and headed downstairs. It was a family tradition to eat at least one meal together, or else his mother would scold him for neglecting them.

Strangely, his parents were the only people missing. He asked Arthur, and he said they would be here shortly. Soon, after each gathered, the dinner was served, and they started eating.

The mood was high because Samuel was not a full-fledged movie star. Most of the topic they discussed was about him too. In the middle of the meal, Samuel noticed his mother's tired eyes; she was also having difficulty breathing through the nose.

" Mother? Are you alright? You don't look so well." Samuel was concerned. Was it because she was working too hard?

" Ah, I am alright. It seems like I caught a cold maybe because of change of weather." Hearing Laura, Robert touched her forehead and found it to be expected.

" There is no fever, we should call the family doctor just in case." Robert's eyes showed worriedness.

" I don't think I need it. After dinner, I would take some medicine and take an early rest."

" Alright. You should eat some of this, it will give you some strength." Robert picked a plate full of proteins and slid it toward her.

Just seeing the meat and fatty food caused Laura to revolt. She handed it back without giving it a second look. Seeing her food aversions, Samuel thought of something.

" Don't tell me" He activated his title and scanned her body to confirm her suspicion.

" What!" Samuel scream abruptly.

" Sami, What is it?" Robert asked. Other family members also were confused by his sudden yelling.

" Mother! I think you are pregnant. Congratulations!" He said with a huge smile.

"" Eh?""

....

.....

END OF VOLUME: 1

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Character information:

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Name: Samuel Rothschild

Age: 11 years

Weight: 37 kg Height: 144.5 cm

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Active titles:

Beginner Mage (new) : You have 25% higher comprehension power to learn any Magic spells.

Beginner Magic Researcher(new): You have 25% higher comprehension power to learn any Magic theories.

Competent Warrior : You have 75% higher comprehension power to learn any fighting style.

Competent chess player: You have 75% higher comprehension power in the field of chess.

Advance beginner Singer: You have 50% higher comprehension power in singing.

Proficient Listener : You have 150% higher comprehension power to differentiate sounds.

Competent Learner: You have 75% higher comprehension power to learn anything.

Competent Writer: You have 75% higher comprehension power to write anything.

Competent Leader: You have 75% higher comprehension power to lead people.

Competent Speaker : You have 75% higher comprehension power as a speaker.

Competent Actor: You have a 75% higher comprehension power to act.

Competent Strategist: You have a 75% higher comprehension power to devise a solution.

Competent businessman : You have a 75% higher comprehension power to succeed in any business.

The comprehension is compared with average personals in said field.

Passive titles:

Elementalist (new): control over five elemental magics. Still at the beginner level.

God's pupil (new): Having a god teach the host personally decreases the cast time for spells as well  as increased learning prowess.

Combustion (new) : Ability to conjure of flames. The more magic used the greater the results.

Magic shield (new) : a shield of magic molecules which provides the lowest tier protection. Can be imbued with other ability for different results.

Hard to kill (new) : Even with a fatal wound the host can last longer at the face of death.

Proteus (new) : Host would have easier time changing his appearance. It will be hard for others to catch your disguise.

Life Detector : releasing Magic in the vicinity can help you pinpoint living beings in 50 meters with you as the center. Specific target require more understanding about said species. You can also control small life energy through this connection.

Life Giver : Can transfer or extract life force.

Philanthropist : can obtain good luck through helping people.

Herald : a person who will bring change to the world.

Punisher : can sense evil intentions to some extent.

Magic Wielder : increases magic capacity and decreases recharging time.

Rising Star : can increase the levels of entertainment-related titles faster.

Hoarder: can increase chances of acquiring a new title by a slim margin.

Aspiring Entrepreneur : It Increases success rate by 8% for any new business venture.

Multitasker: can segment body and mind to do different tasks simultaneously.

Night vision: can see several times better in the dark than the average person.

Regeneration: can heal rapidly in case of injury.

Disease resistance: can resist all types of diseases.

Cursed Child: No curses effect. Highest curse resisted.

Blessed Child: Unearthly appearance and temperament.

Curious One: additional learning speed.

Eidetic memory: can keep picture-perfect memory for several hours.

One who bridges the world : can store immense amount of information permanently.

Otherworlder : can bring out magic use for a short amount of time, but body needs to recharge after every use to siphon magic power from other reality.

Heart of Gold: can slightly influence people's emotions.

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