In the afternoon, the sun bathes Hogsmeade in a golden-orange hue. Adam steps out of the lively warmth of the Three Broomsticks Inn, waving a casual goodbye to Ron and Hermione, who decide to stay behind.
The two are now at the center of a growing group of familiar faces. Neville Longbottom is recounting a story that has Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas in fits of laughter. Parvati and Padma Patil chime in occasionally, their voices bright with amusement, while Hermione smiles indulgently, butterbeer in hand.
“See you at dinner,” Adam calls over his shoulder.
“Yeah, don’t let the dinner get too wild without us!” Ron shouts back, raising his mug with a grin.
Adam chuckles to himself as he steps out into the warm afternoon breeze, the cheerful chatter of his friends fading behind him. Fred and George leave earlier, their excitement about their newfound business venture still palpable. For Adam, however, the afternoon holds a different purpose.
As he makes his way toward the outskirts of the village, the comforting sight of Hagrid’s hut comes into view. Smoke curls lazily from the chimney, and the towering half-giant is in the garden, carefully tending to Buckbeak, the proud hippogriff. The creature stands regally, his silver feathers gleaming in the fading light.
“Hagrid!” Adam calls, lifting a hand in greeting.
The gamekeeper looks up, his bearded face breaking into a broad smile. “Ah, Adam! Good ter see yeh!” he bellows, waving back enthusiastically.
Adam approaches, offering a respectful bow to Buckbeak, who inclines his head in acknowledgment. As Adam reaches out to scratch the hippogriff behind the ears, Buckbeak lets out a contented huff, leaning into the touch.
“Where’s Thor?” Adam asks, glancing toward the sky for any sign of his thunderbird.
Hagrid chuckles, his deep voice rumbling with amusement. “Oh, that lad? Had his fill o’ dead ferrets this mornin’—and took off ter the skies over the Forbidden Forest. Probably stretchin’ his wings. Likes ter patrol, that one.”
Adam nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. Thor’s frequent flights are a testament to his restless spirit, but it’s always reassuring to know the thunderbird is keeping watch.
Turning back to Hagrid, Adam says, “Let’s go check on Aragog and his colony. I’m sure they’ve already run through most of the meat we gave them a few days ago.”
Hagrid’s expression shifts to one of mild hesitation. “Ah, well, I ain’t got the meat sack with me today, but—”
Adam cuts him off with a smirk, tapping the side of the enchanted bag slung over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ve got us covered.”
Hagrid’s face lights up with relief. “Ah, brilliant! Yeh’re always prepared, Adam. That’s what I like about yeh.”
The two set off toward the Forbidden Forest, its dark expanse looming ahead.
As they venture deeper into the Forbidden Forest, Adam pauses near a clearing that serves as a resting area for a flock of Diricawls. The air is filled with their soft, melodic chirps as they shuffle around in the underbrush. Reaching into his enchanted bag, Adam pulls out a handful of insects and nutrient-rich flowers, carefully placing them on the mossy ground.
Within moments, a group of the magical birds surrounds the offering, chirping happily as they peck at the feast. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the dappled light filtering through the canopy above.
Suddenly, with a faint pop, a familiar Diricawl appears and lands squarely on Adam’s head. Its small claws tug playfully at his hair, as though claiming him as its perch.
Hagrid lets out a booming laugh that startles some of the other birds. “Well, if it ain’t yer little admirer again!”
Adam sighs, though the faint smile tugging at his lips betrays his amusement. “Alright, alright,” he says, gently coaxing the bird off his head and into his hands. “I’ll play with you later. For now, eat with the others.” He offers it a few more treats before it disappears with another pop, rejoining its group.
Hagrid chuckles as they continue on their way. “Yeh’ve got a way with creatures, Adam."
When they finally reach Aragog’s colony, the shadows of the giant Acromantulas move in the dim light, their clicking mandibles creating an eerie chorus. From the darkness, Aragog himself emerges, his massive form both imposing and dignified.
“Adam. Hagrid. Welcome,” the giant Acromantula rasps in his deep, gravelly voice.
Adam nods respectfully, setting down several large sacks of meat he’s prepared. The Acromantulas waste no time descending upon the feast, their chittering filling the air as they devour the offering.
Aragog’s many eyes study Adam thoughtfully. “Your generosity has not gone unnoticed, Adam,” he says. “Many of my children have begun to recognize you as a friend. Soon, you may pass through here without fear.”
Adam offers a faint smile. “That’s reassuring, Aragog. I’ll continue to provide for your colony, as long as it’s within my power.”
Hagrid looks on proudly as Adam converses with the enormous spider, his respect for the young wizard evident. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they bid the colony farewell and begin their trek back toward the edge of the forest.
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Just as they step out of the thick trees, a familiar pop breaks the silence. The mischievous Diricawl from earlier appears once again, fluttering down and perching itself comfortably on Adam’s head as though it belongs there.
Hagrid roars with laughter, clapping a hand to his knee. “Looks like yeh’ve got yerself a new hat!”
Adam sighs dramatically, though his eyes twinkle with amusement. “Guess I’m stuck with you, then.” He reaches up, stroking the Diricawl gently as they walk, its soft chirps blending with the fading sounds of the forest behind them.
Back at Hagrid’s hut, Adam knelt down to give Fang a scratch behind the ears before handing the massive boarhound a large, bone. Fang’s tail wagged enthusiastically as he gnawed on the treat, drool already pooling beneath him.
“Thanks fer helpin’ out with the creatures, Adam,” Hagrid said, standing at the door with a wide grin.
Adam waved it off. “You know I enjoy it. Besides, someone’s got to keep your lot well-fed.”
With the persistent Diricawl still perched confidently atop his head, Adam set off toward the Hogwarts grounds. The sky was awash with hues of orange and purple, the final light of day casting long shadows across the castle’s sprawling lawns.
Halfway up the hill, there was a sharp pop, and Mip, Adam’s ever-reliable house-elf, appeared holding a bucket brimming with fresh fish. She bowed low, her floppy ears nearly brushing the ground.
“Master Adam, the fish you requested, sir,” Mip said in her high-pitched voice, holding out the bucket.
Adam took the bucket with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Mip. You’re always on time.”
Mip beamed, her large eyes shimmering with pride, before disappearing with another pop.
Carrying the fish, Adam made his way down to the edge of the Black Lake. The warm breeze rippled the surface of the water as Adam threw the first fish into the lake. Within moments, the still waters stirred, and Argos, the giant squid, emerged. Its enormous tentacles broke the surface with a lazy grace, curling in greeting as its great.
“Evening, Argos,” Adam said with a small smile, tossing a fish toward the creature. “You’re looking particularly good today.”
The squid caught the fish effortlessly, its tentacles moving with a speed that belied their size. Adam continued feeding it, tossing one fish at a time as he chatted in a lighthearted, one-sided conversation about the day’s events.
When the last fish was gone, Argos gave a deep, rumbling sound that resonated across the water before sinking back into the depths, the lake calm once more.
Dusk had fully fallen by the time Adam made his way back toward the castle, the Diricawl still perched stubbornly on his head. He sighed, glancing up at the bird, which gave a soft chirp of triumph. “Alright, you win,” he muttered, adjusting his pace as the first stars began to twinkle above.
Stepping into the Great Hall, Adam instantly drew attention. Laughter rippled through the corridor as students turned to look at him, the sight of the Diricawl perched proudly on his head too comical to ignore.
Adam, unfazed by the chuckles, walked confidently toward the Gryffindor table in great hall.
Ron was the first to react, nearly choking on his pumpkin juice as he burst into laughter. “Merlin’s beard, is that the same Diricawl you talk about?”
Adam nodded, taking a seat and reaching for a plate of roast chicken.
Hermione tried to keep a straight face but failed, her lips twitching as she stifled a giggle. “It really does seem to like you.”
“Apparently,” Adam replied dryly, though there was a faint twinkle of amusement in his eyes as he bit into a roll.
Harry, ever the quiet observer, grinned. “I think it’s decided you’re its new favorite perch.”
Dinner passed quickly, and the hall slowly emptied as students headed back to their common rooms. As Adam left the Great Hall, the Diricawl still firmly perched on his head, he knew he had one last task to complete before calling it a day.
Back at Hagrid’s hut, the half-giant laughed heartily when he saw the bird still clinging to Adam.
Adam carefully lifted the Diricawl off his head, holding it out to Hagrid. “Can you keep it here for now? It’ll probably be happier with the other creatures.”
“No problem,” Hagrid said, taking the bird gently and setting it down near Fang. The boarhound sniffed the Diricawl curiously before settling back down with his bone.
As Adam turned to leave, the Diricawl gave a soft, questioning chirp. Adam glanced over his shoulder and smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ll visit.”
Later that night, back in Gryffindor Tower just before curfew, Adam returns to his dormitory, greeted by the soft rustling of wings as Seraphina swoops down to perch on the edge of his bed. With a graceful swoop, she lands on his shoulder, sniffing him curiously before letting out an indignant hoot.
“Relax, girl,” Adam says with a chuckle, reaching up to scratch her head. “It’s just the scent of one of the Diricawls. Nothing to get worked up about.”
Seraphina flaps her wings irritably, nipping lightly at his fingers as if voicing her disapproval. Adam soothes her with a treat from the small pouch he keeps in his trunk. “Here. That should make up for it.” The owl hoots softly, accepting the treat before returning to her perch, feathers ruffled but appeased.
Feeling the weight of the day catching up with him, Adam stretches out on his bed, planning only a brief nap.
When he wakes a few hours later, the dormitory is silent, his roommates already fast asleep. Moving quietly, Adam grabs his wand and slips out into the common room, where he finds Hermione waiting, a book clutched in her hands.
“You’re late,” she says, though her tone is more amused than accusatory.
Adam smirks. “Took a long nap. Ready to go?”
Hermione nods, and Adam casts a series of illusion and concealment charms. The familiar warmth of their spells surrounds them as they navigate the winding corridors of the castle. It isn’t long before they reach the seventh floor and the blank stretch of wall where the Room of Requirement resides.
Pacing three times, Adam focuses his thoughts, and the door materializes before them. Pushing it open, they step inside.
The room has changed dramatically since their last visit. The mountain of discarded items is gone, now replaced by sleek wooden shelves lined with magical tomes and scrolls. At the center of the room, a large table sits surrounded by high-backed chairs.
“Efficient,” Hermione says, clearly approving of the new design from last time. She takes her seat and pulls out a roll of parchment, unfurling it to reveal answers by the Founders’ portraits. “I’m going to analyze the answers.”
Adam nods, setting down a thick, leather-bound book titled The Legacy of Merlin. He flips to the chapter on Merlin’s adventures and the intricacies of magic, his brow furrowing as he reads. The three spells he learns are immensely complex, and while he still doesn't know the wand movements, executing them requires a deeper understanding of Merlin’s methodology.
Hours pass in quiet concentration, the only sounds in the room being the soft rustle of parchment and the occasional scratch of a quill. Adam’s focus remains unbroken as he absorbs the intricate details of basic spells by Merlin.
When the candles in the room begin to burn low, the two realize how late it has become. Gathering their materials, they extinguish the lights and slip back out into the darkened corridors after applying the charms.
The journey back to Gryffindor Tower is silent, and when they finally reach the common room area, they pause.
“Goodnight, Adam,” Hermione whispers, stifling a yawn.
“Goodnight, Hermione,” Adam replies with a faint smile.
As he climbs back into bed, his mind buzzes with new possibilities, yet exhaustion soon overtakes him. Tomorrow brings another trip to Hogsmeade village.