The morning of their departure to Hogwarts arrives, bringing a mix of excitement. Adam, along with the trio and their families—the Weasleys and the Grangers—makes his way outside the Leaky Cauldron. The street buzzes with early morning activity, the cool air carrying a sense of anticipation. As the group moves toward their respective vehicles, the Weasleys and Grangers exchange puzzled glances, their attention drawn to the unusually large contingent of wizards surrounding Adam. His security detail, clad in dark robes and moving with quiet efficiency, cuts an imposing figure, a stark contrast to the otherwise cheerful atmosphere.
Unable to contain their curiosity, Ron and Hermione pull Adam aside. “Why do you need so much security when two or three people would usually be sufficient?” Ron asks, his tone a mix of amazement and concern. Hermione nods in agreement, her sharp eyes scanning the guards for any sign of an explanation.
Adam hesitates, clearly reluctant to delve into the details. After a moment, he offers a simple explanation: during his trip to New York, he had been attacked by wizards seeking to rob him. “They wanted money,” Adam says with a shrug, “and I happened to be alone at the time, with only two other wizards guarding me."
Both Ron and Hermione fall silent, their expressions shifting to ones of understanding and concern. “That’s awful,” Hermione murmurs, her brow furrowed. “Are you okay?”
The exchange draws the attention of the Weasleys, who quickly chime in with their own concerns. Mrs. Weasley, in particular, looks distressed. “Oh, Adam, dear, are you sure you’re alright? That sounds terrifying!”
Adam offers a reassuring smile, his voice calm and steady. “I’m fine, really. My guards and I handled it without much trouble.” He gestures toward the security detail. “They’re just here as a precaution.”
Satisfied, though still somewhat uneasy, the group shifts their focus back to the task at hand. Adam’s enchanted carriage awaits nearby, its sleek design and magical aura drawing a few admiring glances from passersby. With the trio joining him, Adam climbs aboard, and the carriage glides away smoothly, leaving the Leaky Cauldron behind.
Arriving at King’s Cross Station ahead of their families, Adam, Harry, Ron, and Hermione step out into the bustling terminal. The familiar chaos of travelers rushing to and fro fills the air, and the group takes a moment to gather themselves. They find a quiet spot near the magical barrier leading to Platform 9¾, waiting patiently for the others to catch up.
When the Weasleys and Grangers arrive, the group wastes no time in passing through the wall, emerging on the other side into the vibrant world of Platform 9¾. The platform is alive with activity—students hauling trunks, parents giving last-minute advice, and the Hogwarts Express billowing steam into the crisp air.
As the realization dawns that they are running a bit behind schedule, the families quickly spring into action. Trunks are loaded, pets are secured, and heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged. Mrs. Weasley fusses over each of her children in turn, her voice tinged with both love and urgency, while Mrs. Granger adjusts Hermione’s scarf with a mother’s gentle touch.
With a final wave from their families, the group boards the train to hogwarts.
Adam and the trio move briskly down the narrow corridor of the Hogwarts Express, maneuvering around bustling students and luggage as they search for an empty cabin. Their progress is slow, as most compartments are already filled with chattering groups of friends reunited after the summer break. After a bit of effort, they finally come across a cabin with space—though it isn’t entirely empty. A man is slumped in one corner, fast asleep, his robes and travel-worn appearance making him look out of place among the otherwise lively train.
Adam immediately recognized the man as Professor Lupin, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher—and a werewolf. However, he chose to keep this knowledge to himself, deciding not to spoil the surprise. They slide open the door and settle into the remaining seats, their luggage tucked away. Ron is the first to break the silence. “Who’s he?” he asks, nodding toward the sleeping man.
Professor R.J. Lupin,” Hermione says with a knowing smile.
Ron rolls his eyes playfully. “Of course you’d know that. You know everything.”
Hermione gestures to a suitcase resting on the train’s luggage rack. “His name’s on his luggage.
Harry leans forward slightly, his voice lowered. “Is he sleeping?”
Ron glances at the man, who remains motionless, his breathing steady. “Looks like it,” he shrugs, though his curiosity seems piqued.
As the train rumbles onward, Harry takes the opportunity to share something that has been weighing on his mind. His voice is quiet but steady as he confesses, “Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban—and he’s after me.”
Hermione’s eyes widen with alarm, and she immediately tries to reassure him. “Harry, the Ministry will catch him. They’ll have Aurors everywhere looking for him.”
Adam, however, shakes his head. “It won’t be that easy to catch him,” he says thoughtfully, his tone carrying a hint of caution. “And maybe he isn’t what we all think he is.”
The trio stares at him, their curiosity clearly piqued. Ron is the first to voice what they’re all thinking. “What do you mean by that?”
Adam leans back in his seat, his expression calm but serious. “Most people assume everyone in Azkaban is a criminal,” he begins, “but think about Hagrid last year. If we hadn’t cleared his name, he’d still be locked up there, wouldn’t he? Things aren’t always as simple as they seem.”
Hermione’s brows knit together in thought, and even Ron, usually quick to dismiss such musings, nods slowly. Harry looks down, his expression pensive, as he considers Adam’s words.
Their conversation is interrupted when the train suddenly lurches to a stop. The abruptness sends a ripple of unease through the cabin, and Adam’s excitement flickers to life. He knows what’s coming—a chance to see a Dementor up close for the first time.
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“What’s going on?” Harry asks, peering through the cabin window. The outside world is obscured by swirling mist, and an unnatural chill begins to seep into the air.
Before anyone can answer, the lights flicker out, plunging the train into near darkness. A biting cold envelops the cabin, sharp and unforgiving. Frost begins to creep across the windowpane, its delicate patterns glinting faintly in the dim light.
Ron shivers visibly, his breath fogging as he peers outside. “What the—” he starts, but his words falter as a tall, hooded figure glides to their cabin door.
The Dementor’s skeletal hand reaches out, pulling the door open with a slow, deliberate motion. The creature’s oppressive presence fills the space, its very essence radiating despair and dread. It looms over them, its tattered robes billowing, as it silently examines each occupant.
Hermione clutches her wand tightly, her face pale but resolute. Ron, though visibly shaken, presses himself against the seat, his eyes darting nervously. Adam, on the other hand, leans forward slightly, his analytical gaze fixed on the creature, his fascination overcoming any fear.
Finally, the Dementor’s attention shifts to Harry. The creature seems to sense something different in him, something that draws it closer. Harry’s breath quickens, and an unbearable wave of cold and despair threatens to overwhelm him.
Adam observes the Dementor with a mix of fascination and apprehension, his keen mind dissecting every detail of its presence. The creature’s ability to feed on happiness and exude despair is both horrifying and intriguing. He notes the sudden weight in the air, as though all joy has been forcibly siphoned away. His gaze lingers on the hooded figure as it hovers over Harry, its skeletal hand inching closer as though to grasp at something unseen.
Before the oppressive atmosphere can overwhelm them further, a sudden movement breaks Adam’s concentration. Professor Lupin stirs from his slumber, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto the Dementor. With a swift motion, he draws his wand and, in a clear, commanding voice, invokes the Patronus Charm.
A brilliant silver light bursts forth, taking the form of a barrier. The Patronus surges toward the Dementor, its radiance cutting through the gloom. The creature recoils, its skeletal hands clawing at the air as it retreats from the cabin. The oppressive chill dissipates almost immediately, replaced by a sense of relief, though the cabin feels unnervingly silent in the aftermath.
Harry, however, slumps forward, unconscious. Hermione lets out a startled cry, and Ron moves to steady him, his face pale. Lupin quickly kneels by Harry’s side, checking his pulse and nodding reassuringly. “He’ll be fine,” Lupin says, his calm demeanor steadying the group.
A few moments later, Harry stirs, his eyes fluttering open. He looks disoriented, his voice weak as he asks, “What happened?”
Adam sits forward, his tone measured as he explains. “That was a Dementor.
Professor Lupin reaches into his pocket, produces a bar of chocolate, and breaks off a piece, placing it beside Harry. “It’ll help. And yes, it is a dementor, as Adam says—it must be one of the guards of Azkaban. They’re probably here searching for Sirius Black,” he explains. “Let me talk to the driver.” With that, he makes his way out of the cabin.
Harry asks, “Did you all faint?” but the others shake their heads. Ron and Hermione explain that they only felt a sense of gloom and despair. All of them then turn to Adam, looking to him for an explanation.
Adam says, “You fainted because dementors have a stronger effect on people who’ve experienced particularly terrible events in their past or are more vulnerable to their presence.”
Harry’s brow furrows as he recalls the chilling scream he heard before losing consciousness. “I… I heard a woman screaming,” he says hesitantly, looking between his friends. “Did any of you hear it?”
Ron and Hermione exchange uneasy glances before shaking their heads. “No,” Hermione replies softly. “We didn’t hear anything.”
Adam’s expression turns thoughtful as he says, “When someone encounters a Dementor, they’re forced to relive their worst memory,” he theorizes. “Maybe that’s what happened to you.”
Harry looks unsettled, shaking his head in disbelief. “But… I don’t remember any memory like that.”
The group falls quiet, each lost in their thoughts as the train resumes its journey. The atmosphere remains subdued, with everyone feeling the lingering effects of the Dementor’s presence.
As the train nears its destination, the group decides to prepare for their arrival. Adam, Harry, Hermione, and Ron change into their school robes, the familiar attire offering some comfort amidst the day’s events. Lupin stops by their cabin briefly, his demeanor warm yet firm. “We’re close to Hogwarts,” he informs them. “There won’t be any more interruptions before we arrive.”
The train finally pulls into Hogsmeade Station under a gray, overcast sky. Rain falls in a steady drizzle, the droplets glinting like silver against the lantern-lit platform. Adam and his friends, well-prepared, cast the Impervius Charm on themselves to repel the water.
Outside the station, students make their way toward the boats and carriages. Standing at the edge of the platform, Hagrid’s towering figure looms like a comforting beacon for the first-years. His warm smile and booming voice cut through the mist as he gathers the newcomers for their first journey across the lake.
Spotting the half-giant, Adam makes his way over with the Trio, waving to catch his attention. “Hagrid, could I have a quick word?” he asks, his tone polite but earnest.
“‘Course, Adam! What’s on yer mind?” Hagrid replies, his eyes twinkling beneath the brim of his moleskin coat.
Adam hesitates briefly, then explains, “I’ve got a thunderbird named Thor who bonded with me over the summer. He prefers to stay close, but for everyone’s safety, he’ll need to live in the Forbidden Forest. Could you look after him?”
Hagrid’s face lights up with unrestrained excitement, his broad grin spreading ear to ear. “A thunderbird? Blimey, I’ve always wanted ter see one! You bet I’ll take care of him, Adam. Jus’ tell me what he likes, an’ I’ll make sure he’s happy.”
Relieved, Adam nods. “Thank you, Hagrid. He’s fiercely loyal and majestic, but he’s used to freedom, so he’ll need plenty of space.
With that settled, together they approach the waiting carriages. As the group climbs into one of the carriages, Adam lingers briefly, discreetly pulling a small pouch from his robes.
When no one is looking, he feeds the Thestrals small chunks of meat, murmuring softly, “Thank you for the ride.” The creatures incline their heads slightly, as if in silent acknowledgment, before returning to their still, watchful stance.
Inside the carriage, Hermione turns to Adam with curiosity. “So, what’s this thunderbird like?” she asks, her eyes bright with interest.
Adam leans back in his seat, his expression softening as he recalls Thor. “Thor is incredible,” he begins, his voice filled with admiration. “He’s massive, with feathers that shimmer like lightning. He can sense danger and even create storms when he’s agitated or protecting someone. His wingspan is… well, you’d have to see it to believe it.
Ron’s jaw drops. “That sounds brilliant! When can we meet him?”
Adam smiles. “Soon. Once he’s settled in the forest, I’ll bring you to see him.”
Harry, however, shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze fixed on the rain-slicked window. “I think I’ll pass,” he mutters, his tone uneasy.
Ron raises an eyebrow. “Why not? He sounds amazing.”
Harry shrugs, not meeting their eyes. “Just… not my thing,” he says quietly, leaving the others puzzled but deciding not to press further.
The conversation shifts to other topics as the carriage rumbles along the winding path toward the gates of Hogwarts. As the familiar silhouette of the castle emerges through the rain, Adam feels a rush of anticipation.
The carriage comes to a gentle stop, and the group steps out onto the rain-dappled stones. Together, they make their way through the gates, ready to begin their third year.