It has been a few days since Adam doing his experiments on the forbidden spell, Space Explode, but despite his efforts, he still hasn't managed to perfect the intricate hand incantation required for it. Each attempt brings him closer, but the spell remains just out of reach, flickering with unstable energy before fizzling out. He doesn’t let the setbacks discourage him, though—if anything, they only fuel his determination to master it. There is a certain thrill in pushing the boundaries of magic, even as he exercises caution in his testing.

  Meanwhile, winter remains relentless, blanketing the castle and surrounding areas in thick layers of snow. With the bitter cold settling in, more rescued magical creatures have taken refuge in the underground shelter of Adam’s small organization in Hogsmeade. The harsh weather makes survival difficult for the weaker and wounded ones, and Adam has made it a priority to check in whenever he visits. He has instructed his employees to give special attention to the smaller, more fragile creatures—some of whom wouldn’t last the season without care. The sight of the injured creatures resting safely in their cozy enclosures reassures him that their work is making a difference.

  As January draws to a close, the worst of the winter storms finally begin to subside. The thick snow that once made movement around the grounds tedious is now melting away in patches, revealing clearer paths for students eager to escape the confines of the castle. The milder weather brings a sense of relief, and on one such rare afternoon, most classes and electives end earlier than usual, leaving Adam and his friends with unexpected free time. They quickly agree on how to spend it—visiting Hagrid to check on Buckbeak’s upcoming hearing with the Ministry.

  On their way to Hagrid’s hut, Ron trudges through the thinning snow, still visibly upset over the ongoing mystery of his missing rat. His frustration is evident in the way he scuffs his boots against the ground, a perpetual frown tugging at his face.

  “I just don’t get it,” Ron mutters, running a hand through his windswept hair. “I’ve searched everywhere—the dorm, the common room, even the kitchens. I even asked the ghosts, and nothing!” His tone grows sharper as he turns to Hermione. “Maybe your cat Crookshanks really did eat him! He’s always had it out for Scabbers, just waiting for the chance.”

  Hermione lets out a long-suffering sigh, her patience wearing thin. “Honestly, Ron, how many times do we have to go over this? Even after Adam tells you that Scabbers ran away, you still won’t listen! If Crookshanks had eaten him, I would know.”

  Ron folds his arms, grumbling something unintelligible under his breath, clearly unconvinced. Meanwhile, Harry walks beside them, hands in his pockets, wisely choosing not to involve himself in another round of their all-too-familiar bickering. He has seen this argument play out enough times to know that neither side will back down anytime soon.

  As they finally reach Hagrid’s hut, they find him hunched over his garden, absentmindedly turning the frozen soil with a heavy spade. Fang sits beside him, letting out a low whine as if sensing his master’s distress. The usual warmth in Hagrid’s demeanor is noticeably absent—his shoulders sag, and his bushy beard barely conceals the troubled frown beneath it.

  Adam immediately notices the shift in Hagrid’s mood. The half-giant usually greets them with enthusiasm, even on his worst days, but today, he barely spares them a glance before returning to his task, as if working the earth is the only thing keeping his emotions in check.

  Concerned, Adam takes a step forward and speaks gently. “Hagrid, let’s go somewhere calmer.”

  Hagrid hesitates for a moment, his massive hands tightening around the spade’s handle before he gives a reluctant nod. “Aye… maybe that’s best.”

  The group leaves the hut behind and makes their way toward the lake as it reflects the dull gray sky above. A chilly breeze rolls over them, ruffling their robes, but it is nothing compared to the heavy silence that hangs over their small gathering. Hagrid remains quiet as they walk, his boots crunching over patches of frost-covered grass. Only once they reach the water’s edge does he finally let out a long, weary sigh.

  “The Committee sat down and discussed Buckbeak’s case…” Hagrid’s voice is thick with frustration and sorrow, and he has to pause for a moment before continuing. “Malfoy testified that Buckbeak’s dangerous—claimin’ he’d attack anyone on sight. Said he was a menace to students and the school. So… they’ve decided to execute him.” His last words come out barely above a whisper, but they might as well have been a thunderclap.

  Hermione gasps, a hand flying to her mouth, while Ron’s face twists in anger. Harry clenches his fists at his sides, barely restraining himself from voicing his outrage.

  Adam, however, remains still. His mind is already racing through possibilities, formulating plans, weighing the risks.

  “Hagrid,” Adam says seriously, stepping closer. “I can help. But you need to understand—it wouldn’t be exactly… legal.” His voice is steady, but there is a sharp edge to it. “Even though we’re Morgans, Malfoy's will do everything in his power to twist the situation against Buckbeak, and my family’s hands will be tied. If you’re okay with something outside the law, I can make sure Buckbeak—”

  “No, Adam.” Hagrid cuts him off, shaking his head firmly. “I appreciate the offer, truly, but I don’t want you gettin’ yerself into trouble for my sake.” He sighs, running a massive hand through his tangled hair. “I won’t go against the decision… it’s just… it ain’t fair that Buckbeak doesn’t get a say in it.” His voice cracks slightly at the end, betraying just how deeply this is hurting him.

  On the way back to the castle, Adam finds himself lost in thought, his boots crunching against the frosty ground as he mulls over the delicate balance of his actions. He has long accepted that interfering too much with the future could have unforeseen consequences, rippling outward in ways even he can’t predict. Every change, no matter how small, has the potential to reshape events in unexpected ways.

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  But in Buckbeak’s case, the outcome is already set—or so everyone believes. He knows that Hermione and Harry will eventually ensure the hippogriff’s escape, which means his direct involvement isn’t necessary. Still, watching Hagrid suffer under the weight of impending loss leaves a sour taste in his mouth. He wants to help. He can help. But at what cost?

  Hermione, walking beside him, steals a glance at his pensive expression and seems to understand what is going through his mind. “Don’t try anything reckless, Adam,” she murmurs, her voice gentle yet firm. “I believe there might still be another way to save Buckbeak. We just need more time.”

  Adam meets her gaze, reading the quiet determination in her eyes. She is right—rushing in without a solid plan won’t help anyone. With a small nod, he acknowledges her words, pushing aside the urge to act impulsively.

  The rest of the evening passes in quiet contemplation. After dinner, Adam retreats to his dormitory and allows himself a brief nap, mentally preparing for another late-night session in the Room of Requirement. His body still aches slightly from his previous attempts at mastering Space Explode, but the prospect of making even a small breakthrough drives him forward.

  As the clock nears midnight, Adam stirs from his short rest and carefully slips out of Gryffindor Tower under the cover of a concealment spell with Hermione. The castle is cloaked in near silence, save for the occasional shifting of portraits or the distant groaning of ancient pipes.

  Tonight is no different. As they make their way through the castle, whispering about the upcoming session, Hermione suddenly tenses and points forward. “Look!” she whispers urgently.

  Adam follows her gaze, his eyes narrowing as he spots a familiar figure moving stealthily. There, barely illuminated by the flickering torchlight, is Harry—clutching what appears to be a strange, aged parchment, his eyes darting cautiously as he navigates the castle with purpose.

  What is he doing?" Adam mutters under his breath, knowing all too well what’s happening but still needing to appear unaware.

  Hermione leans in closer, her voice barely audible. “That’s a map. I saw him use it before—it shows where everyone is in the castle.” Her brow furrows. “Where is he sneaking off to at this time of night?”

  Adam watches as Harry disappears around a corner, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. He exchanges a quick glance with Hermione, already knowing what she is going to suggest before she even speaks.

  “Let’s follow him,” she whispers. “And see where he’s going.”

  Adam exhales slowly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Curiosity’s going to get us in trouble one of these days, you know.”

  Hermione merely rolls her eyes, already leading the way as they silently move after their friend.

  They discreetly trail Harry through the dimly lit corridors, their footsteps barely making a sound against the cold stone floors. Adam and Hermione keep a careful distance, watching as Harry moves with clear intent, his eyes flicking down to the strange parchment in his hands every few steps. He is searching for something—though what, they can’t yet tell.

  Then, suddenly, a shadow looms at the end of the hallway.

  “Out of bed again, Potter?” Snape’s voice is unmistakable, his tone laced with suspicion as he steps out from the darkness. His eyes gleam with quiet triumph, his arms crossed as he looms over Harry like a predator that has finally cornered its prey.

  Adam and Hermione instinctively duck behind a nearby suit of armor, their hearts pounding as they peer out cautiously. Snape is circling Harry now, like a vulture, his gaze shifting toward the parchment clutched in Harry’s hands.

  “What is that you’re hiding behind your back?” Snape demands, extending a hand expectantly.

  Harry stiffens but doesn’t immediately respond, gripping the map tighter as he tries to maintain his composure.

  Harry takes out the old parchment, and Snape tries to reveal the magic within it. However, instead of useful information, the parchment is filled with insults directed at Snape. Furious, he grows angry.

  Before the situation can escalate further, another figure strides into view, his presence immediately shifting the tension in the air.

  “Severus.” Professor Lupin’s voice is calm but firm as he approaches. His expression is unreadable, but there is a quiet authority in his posture. “What seems to be the problem?”

  Snape’s frown deepens. “Caught Potter sneaking around past curfew. And he’s in possession of a suspicious-looking parchment.”

  Lupin’s gaze flickers toward the map, then to Harry, who remains silent. “I’ll handle this,” he says smoothly. “You have my word.”

  For a moment, it seems like Snape will argue, but after a long pause, he gives a curt nod, his eyes narrowing at Harry before he turns on his heel and stalks away.

  From their hiding spot, Adam exhales quietly. That was close.

  Seeing that Harry is no longer in immediate danger, Hermione tugs on Adam’s sleeve. “Let’s head to the Room of Requirement now,” she whispers. “I think he’ll be fine.”

  Adam gives one last glance toward Harry and Lupin before nodding. With practiced ease, they slip away, retracing their steps through the winding corridors until they reach the hidden entrance to the Room of Requirement.

  The door materializes before them, and as they step inside, the familiar spacious training area greets them.

  Without wasting time, Adam resumes his experiments on Space Explode. However, despite his best efforts, the intricate hand incantation continues to elude him. He adjusts his stance, refines his wand movements, and even tries altering the magical flow slightly, but each attempt ends in either a flicker of unstable energy or a complete misfire.

  Still, he isn’t discouraged. He can feel the progress, even if the final breakthrough remains just out of reach. That is what matters.

  Eventually, they decide to move on from the failed experiments and shift their focus to advanced magic studies. Tonight, Adam has something new in mind.

  “I want to show you a spell I created,” he tells Hermione, his expression serious. “It’s designed specifically for dealing with dangerous dark creatures—ones that can’t be taken down by normal means.”

  Hermione’s eyes light up with curiosity. “A spell you created?” she echoes, intrigued.

  Adam nods, though a faint hint of embarrassment crosses his face. “I call it Explodium Disintegrate.” He also explains what it is used for. Scratching the back of his head, he adds, 'Yeah, I know—not the most creative name.'

  To his surprise, Hermione’s reaction is one of excitement. “Are you kidding? That’s brilliant! The combination of explosive force and concentrated magic—it could be incredibly useful in a dangerous situation!”

  Adam feels a small surge of satisfaction at her enthusiasm. “It is powerful, but that also means you need to be careful where and how you use it.” His expression turns serious. “It’s not just a regular explosion—it’s designed to target and break apart magical constructs or creatures with dark resistance. The magic works differently than a simple Blasting Curse.”

  Hermione nods eagerly. “Show me how it works.”

  Over the next few hours, they delve into practicing the spell, Hermione absorbing every instruction with rapt attention. The first few attempts are unstable, but soon, she begins to refine the technique, her precision improving with each cast.

  By the time they decide to call it a night, Adam feels satisfied with their progress, and Hermione is practically vibrating with excitement over her newfound spell.