The end of summer break was fast approaching, signaling the start of Adam’s third year at Hogwarts. The anticipation of the new school year is temper by a looming concern—Adam is acutely aware that Harry will soon find himself in a troubling predicament. The frustration Harry harbors toward his relatives is likely to culminate in him accidentally blowing up his aunt. Although Adam is determine to step in before things spiral out of control, he wrestles with uncertainty. His actions have already caused deviations from the timeline before, and he is unsure if the Ministry of Magic will still move to expel Harry under these altered circumstances.
Adam immerses himself in preparation to starts his new year. Among the many tasks on his list is a trip to Diagon Alley to gather his school supplies. Before setting off, he spends a few quiet moments with Seraphina, his owl companion. Stroking her brilliant feathers and offering her a handful of treats. Once Seraphina is satisfied, Adam gathers his belongings, ensuring everything he needs is accounted for. Accompanying him on this excursion is Wimble, as well as a bolstered security detail of five or six wizards. This heightened level of protection stems from the fallout of the New York incident, a stark reminder that threats are always closer to the Morgans than to others.
Reaching the portkey room, Adam places a steady hand on the dragon-shaped statue that serves as his gateway. In an instant, he and his entourage are whisked away to the family’s property in Diagon Alley. Stepping outside the building, Adam is greeted by the familiar hum of the wizarding marketplace, alive with vibrant colors, chatter, and the scent of freshly brewed potions.
As Adam navigates the crowded streets, a thought strikes him—he does not come across Harry, Ron, or Hermione among the throngs of shoppers. Most students, he surmises, have likely completed their errands early. Harry, however, is an exception, and Adam suspects his arrival in Diagon Alley is still pending. In anticipation of this, Adam has already taken steps to ensure Harry is well-prepared.
Most of his required supplies had already been meticulously arranged by the bookstore workers, who work under the Morgan family stores. Adam methodically collects his books for core subjects such as Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and Herbology. He also retrieves materials for his chosen electives: Study of Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. He has also arranged for an extra set of books for Harry, neatly bundled and ready to hand over at the Leaky Cauldron in the coming days. Alongside the books, he picks up a few additional pieces of equipment necessary for his studies.
With his errands in Diagon Alley complete, Adam returns to the family building and activates the portkey to travel back to the estate. The familiar tug behind his navel transports him swiftly, and he soon finds himself surrounded by the tranquility of home. The remainder of his day is spent in a blend of quiet reflection and purposeful activity. He immerses himself in the vast library, poring over texts on magical theory and spells he might need for the coming school year. When not engrossed in books, Adam tends to the magical beasts in the estate's lush garden. Yet, his thoughts continually circled back to the imminent night when Harry was destined to blow up his aunt like a balloon and the subsequent consequences of using underage magic outside Hogwarts. Resolving to intervene, he prepares to leave for the Leaky Cauldron early the next morning.
As dawn breaks, Adam wakes with a purpose. He meticulously packs his belongings, ensuring he has everything he might need for his extended stay before Hogwarts. Before departing, he bids farewell to his family. His mother, Ariadne, lingers a moment longer, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern. She gently reminds Adam to stay vigilant and safe this year at hogwarts. Adam assures her that he will be careful and informs her of his plan at the Leaky Cauldron, explaining that he will head directly to the station from there. With goodbyes, he steps into his enchanted carriage, which, accompanied by his ever-watchful security detail, whisks him to the heart of London.
Upon arrival at the Leaky Cauldron, Adam is greeted warmly by Tom, the innkeeper. Tom’s jovial demeanor and familiar surroundings provide a sense of comfort, a brief respite from the challenges ahead. Knowing Adam will be staying until it’s time to leave for Hogwarts, Tom personally escorts him to a cozy room. After settling in, unpacking his belongings, and ensuring everything is in order, Adam makes his way downstairs to the bustling common area.
It doesn’t take long before he spots familiar faces. Hermione and Ron’s families are gathered at a nearby table, their lively chatter filling the room. Hermione and Ron rush to greet Adam as soon as they notice him. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and Adam returns their hugs warmly. They eagerly ask about his summer, curious to hear about his travels and adventures in America. Adam smiles, recounting his trip as both memorable and exciting while carefully omitting the more dangerous details. When they bring up Harry, Adam masterfully feigns uncertainty, suggesting they will likely meet him at King’s Cross Station, as he has already returned to his aunt's house after their trip.
As the conversation continues, Adam presents Ron and Hermione with small, thoughtful gifts he had brought back from America. Ron’s eyes light up at the enchanted pocket watch, while Hermione is delighted with the intricately designed quill that writes in flawless calligraphy. Both express their genuine appreciation, their faces alight with joy. Adam exchanges pleasantries with the Weasley and Granger families, who greet him with warmth and kindness, before excusing himself for the evening.
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Later that night, Adam approaches Tom with a request: he needs to meet with the Minister of Magic. Tom, ever obliging and discreet, leads Adam through a series of winding corridors to a private room reserved for high-profile guest. Inside, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, greets Adam with a mix of curiosity and unease, clearly intrigued by the young wizard’s unexpected visit. Adam wastes no time, diving into the matter at hand. He brings up the incident involving Harry and his aunt, carefully framing his words to avoid alarming Fudge too much. Adam assures the Minister that Harry’s actions, while accidental, are not cause for severe punishment. He emphasizes that Harry does not deserve to face expulsion or any undue consequences, adding that he has already taken the liberty of purchasing Harry’s schoolbooks to ensure he’s prepared for the new term.
Fudge listens intently, though his brows knit in confusion as he considers Adam’s knowledge of the situation. Unable to resist, he finally asks how Adam could know about the incident, as he had only just received the news a few minutes ago. Adam, maintaining a calm and measured demeanor, simply replies that it’s best left unexplained, his tone leaving no room for further questioning. Though skeptical, Fudge agrees to handle the matter discreetly, his trust in Adam bolstered by their family reputation and power.
With the meeting concluded, Adam returns to his room for a brief nap, knowing Harry’s arrival via the Knight Bus is imminent. His rest is short but rejuvenating, and an hour later, he steps outside with Harry’s books in hand. Soon enough, he spots Harry stepping out of the Minister’s private room, looking slightly bewildered that he is not expelled. Adam approaches with a warm smile, greeting Harry with a firm hug that seems to lift the weight from his friend’s shoulders. He guides Harry to a room he has arranged nearby, ensuring it is comfortable and welcoming.
Once they are settled, Adam hands Harry the stack of books he had prepared earlier. Harry’s face lights up with gratitude, and he thanks Adam profusely, clearly touched by the thoughtful gesture. The tension that had lingered around Harry seems to dissipate, and he even manages a small smile as he promises they will meet up with Ron and Hermione the following day. Before leaving, Adam bids Harry goodnight and offers a small treat to Hedwig, who hoots appreciatively before retreating to her perch.
Returning to his own room, Adam spends a few quiet moments with Seraphina, stroking her fur and sharing his thoughts aloud. Her gentle trills soothe him but his mind remains active, reflecting on the year ahead at Hogwarts.
Adam envisions the inevitable encounter with the Dementors on the train, a chilling and otherworldly experience that he finds both thrilling and intriguing. The prospect of facing their dark presence up close excites his curiosity, as he has only ever observed them from a distance before, in Gringotts near his family vault. His thoughts drift to Thor, the majestic Thunderbird. Adam knew he must be soaring high above London’s Charing Cross Road, his powerful wings slicing through the night sky as he circled near the Leaky Cauldron, ever vigilant and protective.
As the next day dawns, Adam makes his way downstairs, ready to begin another day at the Leaky Cauldron. He stops by Harry’s room to fetch him, finding his friend sitting cross-legged on the bed, wrestling with a particularly unruly book on magical creatures. The book flutters its enchanted pages wildly, snapping shut every time Harry attempts to open it. Adam chuckles at the sight, stepping forward to offer assistance. He explains the trick to pacifying the book—rubbing the binding gently to calm its enchanted temperament. Harry follows the advice, and his face lights up with relief as the book settles in his hands, finally allowing him to read it without a struggle.
With the book finally tamed, Adam and Harry make their way to the inn’s common area. The familiar hum of morning activity fills the space as guests and staff bustle about. Across the room, Ron and Hermione are locked in a lively argument about Crookshanks, Hermione’s feisty ginger cat, and Scabbers, Ron’s bedraggled pet mouse. Ron’s face is flushed with frustration as he accuses Crookshanks of trying to eat Scabbers, while Hermione defends her cat with equal fervor. The squabble halts abruptly when Ron and Hermione spot Adam and Harry approaching. Their expressions shift to smiles, and they greet their friends cheerfully.
They moves to a table near the fireplace, where the cozy warmth creates a welcoming atmosphere. As they settle in, Ron eagerly pulls out a stack of photos from his family’s recent trip to Egypt. He shows them to Harry with great enthusiasm, pointing out the highlights and recounting stories of their adventures in the pyramids. Harry listens intently, his curiosity piqued by Ron’s tales of cursed tombs and ancient magical traps. Hermione, meanwhile, tries to keep the conversation on track, occasionally interjecting with her own insights about Egyptian magical history.
The Weasley family soon joins the group, their presence adding to the lively atmosphere. Mrs. Weasley fusses over Harry as though he were one of her own, ensuring he has plenty to eat and a warm welcome. Mr. Weasley, on the other hand, is more reserved but equally kind, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watches the children interact. As breakfast progresses, Mr. Weasley leans over and quietly asks Harry to step aside for a private word. Adam notices this exchange and immediately suspects the topic of their conversation—Sirius Black.
Though curious, Adam doesn’t interfere, confident in his own knowledge of the situation. He knows Sirius is far from the threat the Ministry believes him to be and is, in truth, an ally to Harry. When Harry and Mr. Weasley return to the table a short while later, the atmosphere remains lighthearted. Whatever was discussed, Harry seems unaffected, his spirits still high as he rejoins his friends.
The meal continues with laughter, the group savoring their last moments together before the school year begins. Adam finds himself reflecting on the day ahead and the inevitability of the holidays’ end. Tomorrow, they will all make their way to King’s Cross Station, boarding the Hogwarts Express to embark on another year of magical education and adventures.