The familiar buzz of Diagon Alley never failed to energize Adam. The lively chatter of shoppers, the kaleidoscope of magical storefronts, and the enticing scents of pastries and potion ingredients all combined into a sensory feast. Wimble followed dutifully, his hands clasped behind his back, while the family’s security wizards trailed discreetly, scanning the crowd with practiced vigilance.

Adam’s gaze swept the bustling street, searching for familiar faces. He knew exactly who he hoped to spot, and soon enough, a grin spread across his face as his eyes landed on Harry and Hermione. They stood near a shop across the street, Hermione holding a muggle shopping bag while Harry looked slightly disheveled, his hair even messier than usual. Without hesitation, Adam waved enthusiastically.

"Adam!" Hermione called out, her face brightening as she waved back. Beside her, Harry turned and broke into a wide smile at the sight of him.

Adam greeted as he jogged over to them. His grin widened as he took in Harry’s disheveled clothes and the dust covering him. “What happened to you? Did you wrestle a Blast-Ended Skrewt on your way here?”

Harry flushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck. "Floo powder mishap," he admitted sheepishly. "I ended up in Knockturn Alley. Hagrid had to pull me out before I got into any real trouble."

Hermione giggled, the sound light and infectious, and Adam couldn’t help but join in. "Well, that’s one way to start your shopping trip," he teased, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Good thing Hagrid was there to save the day."

Harry and Hermione greeted Elara like always, exchanging warm smiles and casual hellos as though no time had passed.

After a bit of friendly chatter, the group made their way into Flourish and Blotts together. Adam’s earlier excitement tempered slightly as they entered the packed bookstore. He grimaced inwardly, knowing exactly what scene awaited them. Sure enough, the store was abuzz with excitement, a long queue of witches and wizards snaking toward a raised platform where none other than Gilderoy Lockhart stood, flashing his dazzling smile and signing copies of Magical Me.

"Here we go," Adam muttered under his breath, bracing himself for the spectacle ahead.

Lockhart’s robes sparkled unnaturally under the enchanted lights, and his perfect smile gleamed as if it had been polished by magic.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Lockhart’s voice boomed, instantly drawing every eye in the store. He rose to his feet, spreading his arms like a maestro about to conduct a symphony. “Welcome to the most magical event of your summer!” His dramatic pause was punctuated by the click of cameras and a chorus of swooning sighs.

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He could already feel the secondhand embarrassment settling in. Lockhart’s exaggerated gestures and unrelenting self-promotion only confirmed what Adam already knew: Dumbledore had appointed him as a professor to quietly dismantle his fraudulent reputation. And here I thought last year’s troll incident was peak chaos, Adam mused wryly.

While Lockhart basked in his self-imposed spotlight, Adam led Elara toward the shelves. He needed to grab his textbooks for the year and escape this spectacle as soon as possible. As they searched for the required titles, a familiar voice called out warmly.

“Adam, dear! And you must be Elara!” Mrs. Weasley’s voice carried warmly through the bustling crowd as she approached, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She paused in front of them, giving Ron a quick glance before turning her full attention to the newcomers.

So, you’re the one Ron has been talking about. Thank you for inviting him to your home!” she said with a warm smile, extending her hand to Adam. “It’s lovely to finally meet you, dear.” Her handshake was firm yet welcoming—the perfect balance that only Mrs. Weasley could manage.

And you must be Elara,” Mrs. Weasley said warmly, turning to the girl. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

Elara and Adam both replied politely, “It’s lovely to meet you too, Mrs. Weasley.”

Adam grinned, his usual ease shining through. “Ron’s been talking about us, has he? Hopefully all good things?”

Mrs. Weasley chuckled. “Oh, he has plenty to say—most of it good, I promise. He’s been quite eager for us to meet.”

The exchange left Adam and Elara feeling instantly at ease, the genuine warmth of the Weasley matriarch wrapping them like a soft blanket.

As they exchanged pleasantries, the crowd’s murmur shifted, and Adam glanced toward the platform. His stomach sank as he saw Gilderoy Lockhart’s eyes zeroing in on Harry, who was standing near the center of the store with Ron and Hermione. Adam barely had time to grimace before Lockhart’s voice rang out again, louder than ever.

“Ah, Mr. Potter!” Lockhart declared, as if summoning the boy with sheer force of charisma. The crowd parted almost instinctively as Lockhart descended from his stage and swept toward Harry. Before Harry could stammer a word, Lockhart had slung an arm around his shoulders and was ushering him toward the front.

“Ladies and gentlemen, what better moment than this to capture the meeting of minds!” Lockhart proclaimed, beaming as camera flashes erupted. Harry, looking as though he’d rather face another run-in with Knockturn Alley, stood frozen under Lockhart’s grip.

Beside Adam, Elara leaned in and muttered under her breath, “This guy’s insufferable.”

Adam bit back a laugh, his lips curling into a smirk. His amusement grew as Lockhart began a dramatic monologue about his upcoming school year as Hogwarts’ newest professor, oblivious to Harry’s visible discomfort.

“Poor Harry,” Elara whispered, her voice tinged with genuine sympathy.

Adam nodded, grabbing his copy of Break with a Banshee and placing it in his basket. “He’ll survive,” he said, watching as Harry endured Lockhart’s showmanship. “Though I doubt he’ll ever forget this particular shopping trip.”

As the trio and the Weasley siblings emerged from the crowd near the entrance, they spotted Draco Malfoy standing with his arms crossed, his signature sneer etched across his face. His pale gray eyes locked onto Ron and Harry, and his voice dripped with mockery as he addressed them.

“Surprised to see you here, Potter,” Draco drawled, his tone oozing disdain. “I thought celebrities didn’t mingle with common folk.”

Stolen story; please report.

Ron bristled, his ears turning red, but before he could retort, another presence emerged. Lucius Malfoy strode forward with an air of icy authority, his cane tapping against the cobblestones. His sharp features and cold gaze swept over the group like a frost-laden wind.

“Draco, manners,” he said lightly, though his tone carried an edge that made even his son straighten up. Lucius turned his attention to Harry, his lips curling into a faint, predatory smile. “Ah, so this is the famous Harry Potter. The scar is legendary, as is the one who gave it to you.

Harry’s jaw tightened, his green eyes blazing. “He was a murderer.”

Lucius’s smirk widened, as if amused by Harry’s defiance. “So bold for one so young. But then again, bravery does seem to be a Gryffindor hallmark.” His gaze shifted disdainfully toward the Weasleys, his voice dropping to a condescending murmur. “And the Weasleys—still managing to scrape by, I see. How commendable.” He notices Hermione and coldly remarks on her presence, questioning why the Weasleys are associating with "such company," a veiled insult aimed at Hermione's Muggle-born status.

At that moment, Arthur Weasley stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. Lucius’s smirk deepened as he turned his attention to him. “Ah, Arthur. How delightful to see you. Still toiling away at the Ministry, I presume? Must be exhausting, trying to uphold your quaint little ideals on such a meager salary.”

Arthur’s jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. “Better to work for something honest than to have it handed to you through dishonorable means,” he replied evenly, his tone sharp enough to cut through the tension.

Lucius’s eyes glinted coldly, his smile never faltering. “How noble of you. Always the righteous crusader, aren’t you?” He flicked an imaginary speck of dust off his sleeve. “Do give my regards to your superiors—assuming they still bother listening to you.”

The tension crackled in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife. Adam, standing a short distance away, observed the scene with a keen eye. His stomach twisted as he caught sight of Lucius deftly slipping a small, tattered diary into Ginny Weasley’s satchel while pretending to inspect a cauldron. The motion was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Adam had been watching for it. His heart sank; he knew this diary was no ordinary book—it is one of the Horcrux.

Adam decided step in. Steeling himself, he walked forward with a casual air, his presence immediately noted by Lucius. The elder Malfoy stiffened slightly, a flicker of recognition passing through his expression before he masked it with his usual aloofness.

“Mr. Morgan,” Lucius greeted, his voice measured and polite, though his tight smile betrayed his discomfort. “What an unexpected surprise.”

Adam returned the smile, his expression cool and confident, though his words carried a deliberate weight. “Mr. Malfoy. Always a pleasure to hear your… unique perspectives. However, I’d advise channeling your attention to your ministry work. Certain reforms are being discussed, and it would be unfortunate for anyone to be caught off guard when they come into effect.”

Lucius’s eyes narrowed slightly, his knuckles whitening on the handle of his cane. Adam’s veiled words were a calculated jab, reminding Lucius of the Morgan family’s influence and subtly warning him against overstepping.

“Indeed,” Lucius replied stiffly, inclining his head. “It’s always enlightening to hear your insights.”

Without another word, Lucius turned on his heel, his cloak billowing as he beckoned Draco to follow. Draco cast one last sneer at the group before trailing after his father, though his bravado seemed muted.

As the Malfoys disappeared, Arthur Weasley exhaled heavily, his tension easing. He turned to Adam, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you, Adam. That meant more than you know.”

Adam waved a hand dismissively, though his expression softened. “It’s the least I could do, Mr. Weasley. People like him rely on no one standing up to them. It’s about time someone reminded him otherwise.”

Arthur nodded appreciatively, and the group began to make their way down the cobbled street. Adam’s mind, however, lingered on the diary now in Ginny’s possession.

As the last of their shopping bags were safely tucked away, Adam handed out the souvenirs he had brought back from Australia. Each gift had been chosen with care, reflecting the unique quirks of his friends. The trio thanked him warmly, their smiles genuine.

Adam grinned, pleased by their reactions. You’re welcome!!!

As they prepared to part ways, Adam offered a final piece of advice with a playful smirk. “I’ll see you all on the Hogwarts Express. Try to stay out of trouble until then, alright?”

Harry gave him a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “No promises.”

Adam couldn’t help but laugh, though his amusement was tinged with unease. He already knew Dobby’s interference would ensure that Harry and Ron’s journey to Hogwarts was anything but ordinary. If only they knew what was coming, he thought, though he decided against sharing his foreknowledge.

On the morning of his departure few days later, Adam stood with Elara near the enchanted carriage.

Adam’s mother approached, her expression tender as she enveloped him in a warm embrace. “Be careful this year, Adam. Hogwarts may be safe, but trouble seems to follow you wherever you go.”

“I will, Mum,” Adam promised, his voice steady yet affectionate.

His father, Cedric, stepped forward, placing a firm but reassuring hand on Adam’s shoulder. “The ministry reforms you suggested are already in motion,” Cedric informed him. “It will take time—maybe a month or two—but progress is being made.”

Adam nodded, gratified by the news. “That’s good to hear. Thank you, Dad.”

After a final round of hugs and farewells, Adam and Elara climbed into the enchanted carriage. The magic of the carriage activated, enveloping them in a subtle hum as the scenery outside blurred into streaks of green and blue.

The journey was swift, and before long, they arrived at King’s Cross Station. The bustling sounds of the Muggle world greeted them—voices, train whistles, and the rumble of engines. Stepping out of the carriage, Adam felt a familiar wave of excitement wash over him. Another year at Hogwarts was about to begin.

Stepping onto Platform 9¾, Adam felt a surge of nostalgia as the scarlet Hogwarts Express came into view, its gleaming sides reflecting the sunlight. Though only two months had passed since his last journey, the vibrant energy of the platform—the chatter of students, the calls of parents saying goodbye, and the hoots of owls—made it feel like an entirely different world.

Elara, with her usual efficiency, quickly spotted her friends and disappeared into a nearby carriage. Adam watched her go with a small smile before setting off to find his own compartment for 2nd year students. He wandered down the train, exchanging greetings with a few familiar faces, until he found an empty cabin to settle in.

As expected, it wasn’t long before Hermione joined him, her arms laden with books and her face already glowing with anticipation for the new school year.

“Have you read Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts? It’s fascinating!” she began, barely taking a breath as she launched into a detailed explanation of the book’s finer points.

Adam smiled, leaning back in his seat. “I have, actually. It’s a good one. But don’t you think some parts gloss over how certain magical creatures were manipulated during that era?”

Hermione paused, her brow furrowing thoughtfully. “You’re right. That’s not something they emphasized. Do you think there are supplementary texts that go into more detail?”

Adam chuckled. “I’ll show you a few I found in the library last year.”

Their lively conversation was interrupted when Hermione glanced around the compartment, a slight frown on her face. “Where’s Harry? And Ron? I haven’t seen them since we arrived.”

Adam, knowing full well where they were and what had happened, kept his tone calm and reassuring. “They probably got delayed at the barrier. It happens sometimes. Don’t worry—they’ll turn up.”

Hermione hesitated but finally nodded. “You’re probably right. They wouldn’t miss the train on purpose.”

As the train chugged out of the station, the countryside rolling past in a blur of green and gold, Adam leaned against the window, his gaze distant. His focus sharpened as he caught sight of a familiar enchanted car weaving through the sky in the distance. His lips twitched into a grin.

“There they are,” he said, pointing out the pale-blue Ford Anglia to Hermione.

She turned sharply, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What in Merlin’s name? They’re flying a car! Do they have any idea how much trouble they’re going to be in?”

Adam laughed, unable to contain his amusement. “It’s Harry and Ron. Trouble is practically their middle name.”

Hermione groaned, though her exasperation was tinged with affection. “Honestly, they’re impossible.”