As Adam and Elara step through the grand main doors of Morgan Castle, the familiar warmth of home embraces them. Waiting just inside are two house-elves: Wimble, Adam’s devoted and youthful companion, and Filda, an older elf with a quiet dignity who has served the Morgan family loyally for decades. Both elves bow low, their large, expressive eyes gleaming with excitement.
“Welcome home, Master Adam, Mistress Elara!” Wimble greets, his voice filled with pride and affection.
Adam chuckles, patting Wimble on the shoulder. “Thank you, Wimble. It’s good to be home.”
Elara gives Filda a warm smile, handing her cloak over. “Thank you both. We’ve missed you.”
After helping with their luggage, the elves apparate away as they always do. Adam watches Wimble vanish with a soft smile; it is clear just how much he has missed his loyal companion over the school term.
The siblings make their way through the castle’s elegant corridors, passing under grand arches and past portraits of their ancestors. The paintings seem to come alive as they walk by, with the inhabitants nodding approvingly or casting knowing glances, as if eager to hear stories of their time at Hogwarts.
The dining room doors are slightly ajar, and as they enter, the warm glow of candlelight and the scent of fresh herbs and roasted vegetables welcome them. Their mother, Ariadne, rises from her chair, her face lighting up as she rushes over, enveloping both of them in a hug.
“Oh, my darlings, you’re finally home!” she exclaims, pulling back to examine each of them with motherly scrutiny. “Look at you both, taller and a bit thinner than when you left. Are they feeding you enough at that school?”
Adam laughs, feeling the ease that only family can bring. “Yes, Mum, don’t worry. Hogwarts feeds us plenty.”
Their father, Cedric, sits at the head of the table, a tall, distinguished man with the same dark eyes Adam has inherited. His smile is warm as he watches the reunion, pride evident in his gaze.
“Well, Hogwarts is doing a fine job with you both, it seems,” Cedric remarks. “You’re growing up so quickly—makes me feel a bit older.”
After exchanging a few more hugs, they settle around the grand dining table, where platters of food await them. Elara, bursting with stories, launches into a lively recount of her year. She regales the family with tales of her classes, her friendships, and her ambitions for the following year. Her mother listens intently, her face a mixture of pride and amusement as Elara animatedly describes her accomplishments in Potions and how she has outwitted all of her classmates.
Once Elara has finished, everyone turns their attention to Adam. He clears his throat, choosing his words carefully as he begins to share his own experiences. He speaks of Gryffindor’s unexpected victory in the House Cup, the new friends he has made, and his growing connection with magical creatures around the school. However, he is careful to leave out the more perilous parts, making no mention of the Forbidden Forest or Harry’s encounter with the Dark Lord on the third floor—an event he has quietly snuck away to witness from afar.
Instead, he simply says, “I had a detention where I encountered a dark creature, but everything was fine. I was with Harry, and we managed to protect ourselves with a bit of magic.”
Ariadne’s expression shifts to one of deep concern. “A dark creature?” she asks, her voice laced with worry. “Adam, are you all right?”
Cedric, noticing the tension in his wife’s face, places a calming hand over hers. “Ariadne, my dear, I wanted to tell you, but you might’ve closed down Hogwarts if you knew! Rest assured, everything was under control, and Hogwarts wouldn’t put the students in danger.”
She shoots him a look, her tone firm. “Cedric, they’re still children. Adam may be brave, but that doesn’t mean he should be facing such things at his age.”
Adam smiles softly, reassuring her. “I’m fine, Mum. I did it to help a friend, and I was careful.”
Ariadne’s shoulders relax, though a hint of worry remains in her gaze. Satisfied with her son’s assurances, she gives him an approving nod and refills his plate with his favorite dishes, still fussing over his well-being in her own quiet way.
The conversation drifts to lighter topics, and Adam shares a few amusing stories from classes, carefully navigating around any topics that might concern his mother.
As they dine, Adam catches up with his siblings, Lucian and Cassandra, who update him on their roles in managing various aspects of the family’s business ventures. Lucian, ever the strategist, speaks of overseeing the family’s investments in magical law firms and ensuring their alliances with influential figures in the Ministry remain strong. He details his recent success in negotiating a key contract that will bolster their family’s standing in the legal community, his sharp mind clearly thriving on the challenges.
Cassandra, on the other hand, handles the family’s ventures in magical agriculture and potion ingredients. She speaks of expanding their exclusive herb supply to high-profile potion masters and collaborating with experimental alchemists to create rare, high-demand elixirs. She mentions the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition, ensuring their long-standing reputation for quality remains intact.
By the time dessert arrives, Adam feels a deep sense of comfort, surrounded by familiar faces and voices. His grandparents, who have quietly observed much of the conversation, speak up, reassuring him of their health and happiness, asking gently if he has learned anything interesting about magical creatures.
Adam’s face lights up as he recounts his encounters with the giant squid, which he has affectionately named Argos, and the injured unicorn that the centaurs have saved in the Forbidden Forest. His enthusiasm is infectious as he describes Argos’s curious antics and the awe he feels in the presence of the majestic unicorn.
His grandfather chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ah, you’ve always had a way with creatures, Adam.”
A warm laugh spreads through the room, and for the first time in months, Adam feels completely at ease, a sense of belonging anchoring him in a way that only family can.
After the meal, Adam leisurely makes his way to his room, enjoying the long walk through the castle’s ornate corridors. The enchanted portraits lining the walls greet him cheerfully, their painted faces lighting up with curiosity.
"Young Adam! How was Hogwarts? Did you best any duels? Tame a dragon?" asks one lively figure, a medieval wizard clutching a staff adorned with glowing runes.
Adam chuckles, pausing to indulge their curiosity. "No dragons this year, I’m afraid, but I did make a new friend—Argos, the giant squid in the Hogwarts lake. He’s quite the character."
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Another portrait of an elegant woman in a flowing gown chimes in, "You must write these adventures down. The castle needs more tales of bravery and wit!"
With a laugh, Adam promises to share more stories later and continues on.
When he enters his room, it is as though he has never left. Everything is exactly where he has left it, down to the enchanted clock on his desk that ticks to the rhythm of a soft lullaby. Seraphina, his sleek screech owl, sits contentedly on her perch near the window, tearing into what appears to be a freshly caught vole.
“Wimble’s been spoiling you again, hasn’t he?” Adam says with affection, stroking her soft feathers. Seraphina hoots in response, nibbling his fingers gently before returning to her meal.
The tranquility of the moment is a balm for Adam’s nerves. For a while, he lets himself rest, soaking in the familiar comfort of home. But there is something pressing on his mind, something he needs to share with his father.
When the clock strikes nine, Adam rises and makes his way to Cedric’s workshop. The room, tucked away in a quieter wing of the castle, is a sanctuary of curiosity and invention. Shelves line the walls, filled with rare magical artifacts, tools, and books. The faint hum of enchantments lingers in the air.
Knocking lightly, Adam hears his father’s calm voice. “Come in.”
As Adam stepp inside, Cedric glance up from the intricate mechanical artifact he was working on. His face broke into a warm smile. “My boy, you only visit here when there’s something on your mind.”
Adam smirk, closing the door behind him and walking to the workbench. Without a word, he pull the small pouch from his pocket and carefully placed its contents on the polished wood surface. The Philosopher’s Stone gleam faintly in the ambient light, its deep crimson hue mesmerizing.
Cedric picked it up, turning it over in his hands with practiced precision. His expression shifted from mild curiosity to stunned realization. “Is this what I think it is?”
Adam nodded, leaning against the edge of the workbench. “The Philosopher’s Stone. I… might have borrowed it.”
Cedric raised an eyebrow but remained silent as Adam began recounting the events that had brought them to this moment. He spoke of the trials his friends had endured, and his cunning decision to create a replica to safeguard the real one, the fateful encounter with the Dark Lord in the Forbidden Forest. Adam described how he had slipped away to witness the Dark Lord's defeat at Harry's hands, his plan to ensure the artifact's safety cemented in the chaos.
When Adam finished, Cedric let out a low whistle. “You’ve had quite the first year, haven’t you?” His tone was calm, but his eyes held a mixture of pride and concern.
“I couldn’t risk it being destroyed or falling into the wrong hands,” Adam explain, his voice calm but resolute. “You’re the only one I trust to keep it safe—and maybe even use it for the betterment of our family.”
Cedric set the Stone down, his brow furrowing in thought. “You understand the responsibility of keeping this, don’t you? This isn’t just a treasure—it’s a target.”
Adam nodded. “That’s why I thought of you. You’ll know how to protect it better than anyone.”
Cedric chuckle, recognizing the sincerity beneath his son’s carefully chosen words. “And here I thought you were coming to me for advice. But no, you’re offloading your problems onto your poor old father.”
Adam grinned, his eyes twinkling. “You’re the expert, Dad. I’m just your small kid.”
Cedric laugh, shaking his head. “You’ve been using that look to get your way since you could talk. Fine. I’ll secure it, but this is a family matter now. Your mother and grandparents will need to know.”
Adam hesitate for a moment before nodding. “I understand. But no one outside the family can ever know about this.”
“Agreed,” Cedric said, tucking the Stone into a hidden compartment in his workbench. The enchantments sealing it clicked into place with a satisfying hum. “For now, focus on being a kid, Adam. Let me handle the heavy lifting.”
Adam smiled, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. “Thanks, Dad. I knew I could count on you.”
Cedric ruffle his hair affectionately. “Always, my boy. Now, go enjoy your summer. I’ll keep this safe and sound.”
As Adam left the workshop, he felt a deep sense of relief. The Philosopher’s Stone was in capable hands, and for the first time in weeks, he felt like he could truly relax.
Adam returns to his room and sees Seraphina perching gracefully on her stand. Smiling, he decides to bring her along for a stroll through the magical garden. "Hop on," he says warmly, patting his shoulder. The elegant owl obliges, gliding onto his shoulder with a soft flutter of wings.
The first stop is Ember, the calm fire crab whose shell shimmers like molten lava under the moonlight. Adam greets her as always, offering a handful of her favorite treats. Ember crackles softly in delight, a sound akin to a small campfire coming to life. From there, Adam ventures deeper into the lush expanse, where he encounters Twiggle, the feisty Bowtruckle. Twiggle, true to form, greets Adam with a disgruntled wave of his spindly arms, clearly annoyed about something trivial. "Come on now, Twiggle," Adam says with a grin, offering a gentle touch to soothe the little creature. Twiggle eventually relents, letting out a resign sound as he skitters back to his perch on a nearby branch.
As the winding path leads further into the heart of the garden, Adam approaches Glimmer the Niffler’s burrow. This time, he comes prepared with a pouch full of shiny trinkets and coins, knowing the family's insatiable love for all things glittering. No sooner has he knelt to present the offerings than Glimmer herself emerges, her tiny nose twitching with excitement. Her hoard of shiny objects, carefully arranged near the entrance of the burrow, gleams in the faint starlight. The younger Nifflers quickly join her, tumbling over each other in their eagerness to inspect Adam's gifts. Among the tiny thieves, one particularly mischievous Niffler Hoarder, Adam’s favorite attempts to sneak away with his pocket watch. He laughs, gently reclaiming it before regaling the group with tales of his school days, his voice weaving through the cool night air.
Once his stories are shared, Adam retraces his steps toward Ember’s nook to bid her farewell for the time. As he turns to leave, a shadow moves across the sky, catching his attention. It is Eclipse, his mother’s majestic hippogriff, gliding down with effortless grace. Her silvery feathers glisten in the moonlight as she lands softly before him. Adam’s heart swells with admiration; he has always cherished Eclipse, though he hasn’t yet ridden her. That privilege, he knows, will only come with her trust—and his mother’s approval. For now, he contents himself with stroking her powerful neck, marveling at her beauty.
Remembering the ferrets he requested from Hagrid earlier, Adam retrieves them from his satchel. One by one, he offers them to Eclipse, who accepts each with an appreciative tilt of her head. Though Eclipse is well-fed by the family and capable of hunting for herself, Adam has always dreamed of feeding her by hand. Tonight, that wish comes true.
Once the meal is finished, Eclipse dips her head in acknowledgment, her keen eyes glinting with quiet affection. With a powerful beat of her wings, she ascends into the night sky, disappearing among the stars.
With Seraphina flying back to her perch, Adam makes his way to his bed, his legs heavy with fatigue but his heart light with joy. As he lies down, exhaustion tugging at him, he smiles at the thought of his next adventure. In just a few days, he would visit the injured unicorn to see how it was doing. But for now, he lets sleep claim him, his dreams filled with moonlit gardens and magical friends.