The atmosphere around Hogwarts had shifted to one of quiet tension. With end-of-year exams looming just two months away, students were either frantically studying or nervously cramming with their friends. Adam, however, felt a bit more at ease. Thanks to the study sessions he’d been holding with Harry, Ron, and Hermione over the past month, they had covered most of the topics. This gave them some breathing room compared to their peers. Yet, the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets continued to weigh heavily on their minds.
One evening in the library, as the group sat surrounded by stacks of books, Adam leaned closer to Hermione, his voice low but curious. “Have you uncovered anything about the Chamber of Secrets yet?”
Hermione, her quill pausing mid-scribble, looked up, her brow furrowed with focus. “I’m close. Very close,” she said determinedly. “I’ll update you all once I’ve finished my research.”
Ron let out a groan, slumping back in his chair. “God, please don’t let it be spiders. Anything but spiders.”
Adam suppressed a chuckle, his mind flashing to what he knew was inevitable. Ron’s arachnophobia would soon face its ultimate test when he and Harry encountered Aragog’s colony in the Forbidden Forest.
Harry, seated across the table, looked thoughtful, resting his chin on his hand. “Ron might not be far off,” he mused. “From what I’ve seen in Riddle’s diary, Hagrid might’ve been involved with something like that. But without proof, it’s hard to say. Asking Hagrid directly doesn’t seem like a good idea—he might get into trouble if someone overhears.”
Adam glanced at Hermione, who was already deep in thought again, her eyes scanning her notes. “Be careful, Hermione,” he said gently. “If you need help, just ask us, alright?”
Hermione nodded absentmindedly, but her silence spoke volumes. Adam sighed inwardly. He knew her determined nature too well; nothing would stop her from pursuing the truth, even if it put her in harm’s way.
The flickering candlelight illuminated their small corner of the library as Adam leaned back, a sense of unease settling over him knowing what future is holding for them.
Despite the growing unease around the castle, Adam immersed himself in what had become an integral part of his life: expanding his circle of magical beast allies. His fascination with magical creatures was more than a hobby—it was a calling. Today, he had a new plan in mind. After breakfast, Adam made his way to the Great Lake, carrying four buckets of fresh fish.
As he approached the water’s edge, a playful splash greeted him. Argos, the giant squid, emerged from the depths, its tentacles lazily waving in the crisp morning air. Adam grinned, already clad in a scuba diving suit enchanted with a Bubble-Head Charm, his excitement barely contained.
“Argos,” Adam called out, holding up the buckets with an exaggerated flourish, “I brought your favorites today. But I also have a favor to ask.”
The squid’s massive head tilted, its slick surface glistening in the sunlight. Its tentacles curled and uncurled, a clear sign of curiosity. Adam set the buckets down, watching as Argos carefully plucked each one, delicately emptying its contents into the water. As the giant squid enjoyed its feast, Adam sat cross-legged on the shore, taking a moment to explain his plan.
“I want to see the underwater world of the lake,” he said, his voice steady despite the enormity of his request. “With your help, of course.”
Argos paused mid-bite, its tentacles hovering for a moment before resuming their slow movements. The squid seemed hesitant, but after a few more reassurances, it relented. One of its larger tentacles reached out, wrapping around Adam with surprising gentleness. With a smooth motion, Argos pulled him into the water and began their descent.
The underwater world beneath the Great Lake was breathtaking. Shafts of sunlight pierced the surface, illuminating a kaleidoscope of aquatic life. Schools of shimmering fish darted past, while Grindylows lurked in the shadows, their sinister shapes keeping a wary distance from Argos’s imposing form. Adam marveled at the vibrant kelp forests swaying in the currents and the occasional glint of enchanted objects buried in the lakebed.
Directing Argos with subtle gestures, Adam made his way toward the merpeople’s village. As they drew closer, the outlines of the merpeople came into view—sleek, fish-tailed figures moving gracefully among coral structures. Their sharp eyes regarded Adam with suspicion, their spears raised in cautious defense.
Adam reached into a waterproof satchel he had prepared, retrieving a selection of food offerings he thought they might enjoy. Carefully, he placed the items on a flat rock near the edge of their settlement, then backed away, showing his respect.
“I come in peace,” Adam said, his voice muffled slightly by the charm. “I’m here to learn and perhaps exchange gifts. One day, I’d love to bring you underwater instruments to trade.”
The merpeople exchanged uncertain glances but gradually seemed to relax under Argos’s watchful presence. A few approached the offerings, inspecting them with curiosity. After a tense moment, one of them—likely a leader—gestured for Adam to approach.
The ensuing interaction was brief but promising. Though the merpeople remained wary, they acknowledged Adam’s respectful demeanor and agreed to a tentative alliance. The idea of trading instruments intrigued them, and they promised to consider it further.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Adam hadn’t encountered a Kelpie yet, but he held onto the hope that he might cross paths with one on a future adventure. Their fascinating nature and mysterious way of life intrigued him deeply.
The journey back to the lake’s edge was just as mesmerizing, with Argos navigating effortlessly through the currents. As the giant squid gently deposited Adam on the shore, he patted its slick tentacle in thanks.
“See you soon, Argos,” Adam said with a wave, watching as the squid disappeared back into the depths. He chuckled to himself as he began removing his diving gear, already planning his next adventure.
"Maybe Grindylows next time," he mused aloud, the thought both thrilling and daunting. "Though befriending one of those might take more than just fish—they tend to eat humans, too, sometimes."
As April drew to a close and warmer weather swept through the grounds, Adam's adventures with magical creatures continued unabated. Whether befriending wild bowtruckles or attempting to charm the shy mooncalves in the Forbidden Forest, his days were a blend of discovery and exhilaration. Yet, amidst the joy, a sense of foreboding lingered in the back of his mind. The events he knew were approaching demanded his attention.
The Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff loomed on the horizon, and Adam understood its significance. The day arrived with clear skies and a gentle breeze, perfect for a match. The stands buzzed with energy as students gathered to cheer on their houses.
Adam sat next to Ron, scanning the sea of students for a familiar face. “Where’s Hermione?” Ron asked, frowning. “Haven’t seen her since yesterday.”
Adam shrugged, though a flicker of worry crossed his mind. “She’s probably holed up in the library again, chasing another lead about the Chamber of Secrets. You know how she gets when she’s on to something.”
Ron nodded, but the uneasy look on his face lingered. Before they could discuss it further, Professor McGonagall appeared, her face drawn and serious. She marched toward the Gryffindor section and motioned for them to come down.
Ron exchanged a confused glance with Adam. “What’s going on?”
“No idea,” Adam replied, his stomach knotting.
McGonagall wasted no time as they reached her, quickly leading them toward the Gryffindor team’s area. "The match is canceled,” she announced, her voice taut with urgency. Gasps and murmurs spread among the students. Turning to Harry, she said, “Come with me. There’s something you all need to see.”
Harry hesitated, his gaze darting to Ron and Adam. They fell in step beside him, following McGonagall through the castle halls. The heavy silence that enveloped the group only deepened their dread.
At the entrance to the hospital wing, McGonagall stopped and turned to the boys. “What you’re about to see may be upsetting,” she warned.
Pushing open the doors, they stepped inside. Harry and Ron froze in place, horror etched onto their faces. Hermione lay petrified on one of the hospital beds, her hands clutching a small mirror, her expression frozen in an eerie mix of determination and fear. Next to her, Penelope Clearwater, a sixth-year Ravenclaw, was similarly afflicted.
Adam’s chest tightened as he took in the scene. The vibrant, ever-curious Hermione, now reduced to stone-like stillness. The reality of the situation hit him harder than he had expected.
McGonagall’s voice cut through the silence. “They were found outside the library.” She held up the small mirror. “Do you know anything about this object?”
Harry and Ron shook their heads, their faces full of confusion. Adam, swallowing his unease, asked softly, “Were there any signs—anything unusual nearby?”
McGonagall shook her head. “Nothing but this mirror. It seems she was prepared for something.” Her voice faltered slightly.
That evening, the atmosphere in the castle was somber as McGonagall addressed the student body in gryffindor common room. Her expression was stern but tinged with sorrow.
“Due to the recent attacks, additional measures are now in place,” she announced. “All students are to be escorted to and from classes by their teachers. No one is to leave their dormitories after 6 PM, and no exceptions will be made until the culprit behind these attacks is caught.”
The room erupted into hushed whispers and nervous murmurs. Adam, seated between Harry and Ron, clenched his fists under the table. Moments later, Harry and Ron moved to a corner, whispering in low tones. Adam didn’t need to eavesdrop—he already knew what they were planning.
Later that night, the Gryffindor common room was quiet, save for the flickering fire casting long shadows across the walls. Harry and Ron approached Adam, their expressions resolute but tinged with unease.
“We’re going to Hagrid’s hut to ask him about the monster and if we can find any solution,” Harry said, keeping his voice low. “Want to come?”
Adam shook his head, his thoughts already racing. “I’ll stay here and keep an eye on Hermione,” he replied. “Besides, I want to see if she left any clues in her notes. There might be something we’ve overlooked.”
The boys nodded, understanding his decision and knowing that Adam was always cautious when it came to breaking the rules. With a final glance, Adam watched as they slipped out through the portrait hole, their figures disappearing into the darkened corridors.
Once they were gone, Adam acted swiftly. He left the common room and headed to Professor McGonagall’s office. After politely requesting permission to visit Hermione, he made his way to the hospital wing, a small bouquet of flowers in hand.
The sight of Hermione, frozen in her determined state, sent a pang of sadness through Adam’s chest. He placed the bouquet gently on the table beside her bed, his resolve strengthening. As he approached her, his eyes caught the paper clutched tightly in her hand—a lifeline she had tried to leave behind.
Once he was sure no one else was around, Adam carefully pried the note free. Scanning its contents, his suspicions were confirmed: it was a message about the monster. Hermione had been so close, even in her final moments before the attack.
Drawing a quill from his pocket, Adam added a few discreet notes in Hermione handwriting. He wanted to ensure that anyone—particularly Harry and Ron—who found the message later would have a clearer understanding of its significance. Satisfied, he tucked the paper back into Hermione’s hand, making sure it appeared untouched.
“Good luck, Harry and Ron,” Adam whispered softly, his voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the hospital wing.
As he left and go back to his doem, Adam’s thoughts turned to the boys. He knew they were heading toward Hagrid’s hut, a path that would inevitably lead them into the Forbidden Forest and face-to-face with Aragog’s colony. Though he wasn’t with them, Adam knew that they will handle the danger ahead.
For now, Adam resolved to play his part from within the castle. The pieces of the mystery were falling into place, and he was determined to ensure that when the time came, they would be ready to confront the truth—and the monster lurking in the shadows. His plan was nearly complete and progressing as expected. However, he knew he needed to be extra cautious; in just a few days, he will be the one directly facing the Basilisk inside the Chamber apart from Harry.