Suddenly, they pinpoint the source of the voice and see movement at the top of the staircase. Dumbledore descends gracefully, his long silver beard swaying slightly with each step, his expression a mixture of calm and inquisitiveness. His presence fills the room with a quiet authority, and yet his eyes twinkle with warmth as he greets them.

“You’re quite right about phoenixes, Adam,” Dumbledore says, his gaze settling on Adam with a subtle smile. “At the end of their life, they are reborn from their ashes.”

Adam and Harry turn their attention toward the perch near the corner of the room. The small pile of ash atop it stirs slightly, drawing their focus. Moments later, a tiny, downy bird head emerges from the ashes, chirping faintly but brightly. The sight is both mesmerizing and oddly comforting. Harry, who had been holding his breath, lets out a sigh of relief.

“I thought maybe Adam’s treat had something to do with it,” Harry says, his nervousness giving way to mild embarrassment as he scratches the back of his head.

Dumbledore chuckles, a deep and soothing sound that seems to ease the tension in the room. “Not at all, Harry. Fawkes simply chose the timing well. A phoenix is never late for its rebirth.”

The three of them continue to watch the fragile, newly reborn Fawkes, who is already beginning to unfurl his tiny, glowing feathers. Adam feels a surge of wonder and awe at witnessing such a rare and magical event firsthand.

Before the moment can linger further, the office door bursts open with a loud creak, and Hagrid storms in, his massive frame nearly filling the entire doorway. His expression is a mixture of determination and worry as he looks from Dumbledore to Harry and Adam.

“Professor! Adam an’ Harry didn’t do it! I can prove it in front o’ the Ministry!” Hagrid exclaims, his voice booming in his typical earnestness.

Dumbledore raises a calming hand, his serene expression unwavering. “That won’t be necessary, Hagrid,” he says gently. “I have no doubts about their innocence.”

Relief washes over Hagrid’s face, though his concern doesn’t fully dissipate. He mutters under his breath, “Jus’ sayin’. If yeh need me...” and steps back toward the door. Before leaving, he pauses and looks at Harry and Adam with a pointed yet soft expression.

If you two know anything, you’d tell me, wouldn’t you?” Dumbledore asked, his tone gentle yet probing, his eyes twinkling with a mix of warmth and wisdom.

Harry hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. “No, Professor, nothing,” he replied firmly, though a flicker of unease passed through his eyes, betraying the conflict within him.

Adam steps forward slightly, his voice calm but steady. “It’s good to see you, Headmaster Dumbledore,” he says, turning his attention back to the elder wizard.

Dumbledore’s eyes sparkle with a knowing look as they settle on Adam. “And you as well, young Morgan,” he replies, his tone laced with a quiet approval.

Harry stays silent, standing slightly behind Adam, though the weight of the situation is clear in his stance. Adam, however, doesn’t falter. “Headmaster, if it’s alright with you, may I visit Fawkes here from time to time?” he asks, his voice measured yet filled with a hint of enthusiasm. “Just to provide him with treats and see how he’s doing?”

Dumbledore strokes his long beard thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation before a soft smile graces his lips. “I see no harm in that, provided it is not too frequent. Let us say mornings, and not daily.”

Adam’s face lights up with a genuine smile. “Thank you, Headmaster. I’ll keep to a schedule. And my grandparents send their regards.”

Dumbledore inclines his head knowingly, his gaze flickering with subtle amusement. “Ah, Alaric and Helena... Please do convey my greetings when next you see them.”

Adam nods, acknowledging the layers of meaning behind Dumbledore’s words mostly political. The exchange, though brief, feels significant, a moment of connection that Adam doesn’t take lightly. With the conversation concluded, Harry and Adam take their leave, stepping out into the hallway.

As they walk away, Adam glances back at Fawkes, the small phoenix perched regally in his nest of ash, a living symbol of renewal and resilience. Adam feels a sense of quiet determination well up within him. This is more than just a chance to bond with a phoenix—it’s an opportunity to grow, to understand, and to strengthen his ties to this magical creature.

“This is just the beginning,” he thinks, his resolve solidifying as they descend the staircase.

The following days fall into a steady rhythm, offering Adam a sense of purpose amidst the chaos at Hogwarts. True to his agreement, Adam visits Fawke in the mornings. Each visit brings something new—Fawkes, once a tiny, chirping hatchling, grows rapidly, his fiery plumage beginning to return in vibrant bursts of scarlet and gold. The phoenix, growing fond of Adam, greets him with soft chirps that sometimes erupt into small, harmless flames. Adam feels a warmth—not just from the fire but from the bond forming between them.

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Dumbledore is often absent during these visits, leaving Adam free to explore the office. The portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses, who initially seemed aloof, warm up to Adam as he greets them with curiosity and respect. To his delight, some of them engage him in animated discussions about historical events, offering perspectives that aren’t found in books. Armando Dippet’s recollections of Hogwarts in the early 20th century and Phineas Nigellus Black’s sharp-witted commentary on wizarding society become particular highlights of these interactions.

Outside these serene moments in Dumbledore’s office, Adam’s life is a balance of responsibility and curiosity. On weekends, he continues his visits to the Forbidden Forest, ensuring Aragog and his colony are well-fed. Carrying sacks of meat and other supplies, Adam gains the trust of even the more skittish acromantulas. His calm demeanor and respect for the creatures earn him a grudging acceptance from Mosag, Aragog’s formidable mate, who occasionally observes his interactions from the shadows.

Despite the winter chill, Adam makes time to visit the lake, bringing Argos, the giant squid, buckets of fish. The icy air stings his face as he stands by the lake’s edge, but the sight of Argos’s tentacles breaking the surface in gratitude makes it worthwhile. As the season deepens and many creatures begin to hibernate, Adam’s outdoor excursions lessen, leaving him more time to focus on his studies and connections within the castle.

Within the school, Adam continues to thrive academically. His enthusiasm for practical lessons, especially in Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts, is unmatched. While his peers often shy away from his peculiar affinity for magical creatures or his friendship with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Adam doesn’t mind the distance. He values quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.

The professors, however, seem to have a different view. They relish Adam’s curiosity and often challenge him with advanced material. Professor McGonagall, impressed by his precision in Transfiguration, gives him supplemental texts to study. In Herbology, Professor Sprout allows him to assist with delicate magical plants, trusting his steady hands and keen eye. Even Snape, usually stern and dismissive, acknowledges Adam’s aptitude in Potions with a rare nod of approval when Adam successfully brews a complex antidote.

Adam’s days blend into a tapestry of growth and discovery. Though the shadow of the Chamber of Secrets looms over the school, Adam carves out moments of peace and purpose, ensuring that his world remains bright despite the encroaching darkness.

As winter deepens, the chill in the air is matched only by the tension within Hogwarts. The holidays, typically a time of light-hearted cheer, are tinged with an undercurrent of fear. Whispers of the Chamber of Secrets echo through the halls, and many students opt to return home, eager to escape the unsettling aura that lingers over the castle. Adam observes the exodus with a quiet detachment, his mind already turning to his own plans for the holiday break.

He knows Harry, Ron, and Hermione have no intention of leaving. Their whispered discussions in the common room revolve around the Polyjuice Potion and their goal to uncover Draco Malfoy’s potential involvement in the attacks. Adam respects their determination but feels no need to involve himself in their investigation. His priorities lie elsewhere—both in ensuring his magical creatures are cared for and in preparing for the challenges he knows the year will bring.

As the last of the Gryffindor students pack up to leave, Adam lingers in the common room, bidding farewell to his closest friends. Hermione, looking up from a pile of notes and potion ingredients, frowns at him.

“It’s a shame you’re leaving,” she says, her voice tinged with disappointment. “We could have used your help.”

Adam chuckles, adjusting the strap of his travel bag. “You’ll manage without me,” he replies lightly. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of excitement while I’m gone.”

He flashes a knowing smirk, his mind briefly conjuring the image of Hermione’s accidental transformation into a cat. The thought amuses him, though he keeps the reason for his grin to himself. Hermione notices his expression and tilts her head curiously but says nothing, too preoccupied with their plans to investigate further.

As Adam makes his way toward the portrait hole, he glances back at the trio. Harry and Ron are deep in discussion, their expressions set with determination, while Hermione meticulously organizes her notes. A pang of fondness washes over Adam; despite their different paths, their loyalty to each other is unshakable.

“Take care of yourselves,” Adam calls over his shoulder, his voice sincere.

“You too,” Harry replies, glancing up with a small smile.

With that, Adam steps through the portrait hole, leaving the warmth of the common room behind. As he walks toward the carriages that will take him to Hogsmeade Station, he feels a sense of anticipation on returning home.

Adam and Elara board the Hogwarts Express together, their trunks and pet carriers tucked away in the luggage compartment. The atmosphere on the train is lively despite the underlying tensions that have gripped Hogwarts in recent months. Snow blankets the countryside as the train speeds through the winter landscape, the muffled chugging of the engine blending with the chatter of students.

Elara, ever the dutiful prefect, usually has little time to spend with Adam at school, their interactions limited to stolen moments during weekends. Today, however, the siblings relish the uninterrupted hours to catch up as they sit in same cabin. Their conversation flows naturally, peppered with stories of Elara’s prefect duties and Adam’s adventures with magical creatures. Laughter fills their compartment as Elara recounts a comical incident involving a third-year student accidentally hexing their own shoe.

As the train pulls into King’s Cross Station they Step off the train. The siblings are met by the warm sight of the Morgan family’s enchanted carriage, its golden trim glinting softly in the pale winter sunlight.

Back at the Morgan estate, the house-elves are already bustling with activity. Wimble, Adam’s loyal and quirky companion, appears with a bow, his ears wiggling in greeting. Another elf quickly takes their belongings, and Adam makes a mental note to thank them later. The estate is as grand and inviting as ever, its sprawling gardens blanketed in snow and its high windows glowing with warmth.

Their parents, seated in the ornate drawing room, rise to greet them. After a round of embraces, their mother’s expression grows serious as she addresses them.

“Are you sure you want to return to Hogwarts after the holidays?” she asks, concern etched into her features. “With the Chamber of Secrets open, it’s dangerous.”

Adam steps forward with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll keep an eye on Elara. She’ll be perfectly safe.”

Elara arches a brow and gives him a playful nudge. “I think it’s you who needs looking after, little brother with the amount of trouble you get into with your friends,” she retorts, her tone light but affectionate.

Their father chuckles at their banter, and soon the conversation shifts to lighter topics. Later over a lavish dinner, the family exchanges stories, filling the room with laughter and warmth. For a moment, the worries of the outside world seem far away, lost in the comfort of home.

Adam retreats to his room. It’s exactly as he left it—his desk neatly organized, his favourite magical creature books stacked on the side table, and Seraphina, his screech owl, perched gracefully in her corner. She greets him with a soft hoot, her amber eyes glinting in the dim light.

Adam strokes her feathers, murmuring a soft greeting. His thoughts drift as he watches her preen contentedly. Tomorrow, he’ll visit his magical friends in the estate’s garden. He plans to check in with Lucian about their shared projects and begin preparing for what’s to come when he returns to Hogwarts. But for now, he allows himself to savour the peace of being home.

Curling up under the plush covers of his bed, Adam feels the comforting weight of Seraphina’s presence and the security of the familiar walls around him. His mind flits briefly to the challenges awaiting him in the months ahead, but the warmth of home lulls him into a deep, dreamless sleep.