As they approach the lake, Adam notices a familiar figure standing near the water’s edge—Mip, one of the house-elves. The small creature, dressed in a neatly patched tunic, holds a wooden bucket filled with fresh fish. His large, bat-like ears twitch as he spots Adam, and his wrinkled face splits into a wide grin.

  "Master Adam, today's fish batch is good. Hope your friend like them," Mip says, his voice squeaky with pride as he hands over the bucket. Without waiting for a reply, he gives a small bow and promptly disapparates with a soft pop, leaving only a faint ripple in the air where he stood.

  Luna, who has been watching curiously, tilts her head. “Was that a house-elf? I rarely see them out in the open.”

  Adam adjusts his grip on the bucket and nods. “Yes, Mip is one of the elves that helps me with certain tasks. Unlike most, they aren’t cautious to be seen by me.” He glances at the fish, their silvery scales glistening in the afternoon light, then smirks. “You’ll see what this is for in a moment.”

  Intrigued, Luna trails behind as Adam steps closer to the water’s edge. He plucks a fish from the bucket and, with a practiced motion, tosses it into the lake. The fish barely hits the surface before a massive, slick tentacle shoots up from the depths and snatches it with surprising speed. A few ripples spread across the water, then all is still again.

  Luna's eyes widen in delight. "Is that the Giant Squid people talk about? As far as I know, it's usually shy but sometimes plays with the older students."

  Adam chuckles. “Yeah, that’s Argos. He’s quite friendly—especially if you bring him food on a regular basis.”

  As if on cue, another tentacle briefly surfaces, curling slightly as if in greeting before disappearing into the dark waters. Luna beams, her expression full of wonder. “I never thought I’d see him up close. He’s magnificent.”

  Adam grins, already grabbing another fish. “Stick around. He gets even more entertaining when he’s in the mood.”

  They continue tossing fish into the air, each one barely hitting the surface before Argos’ slick tentacles snatch it up with surprising precision. Despite his immense size, his movements are fluid and almost playful, his tentacles curling and twisting as he expertly catches each offering. Occasionally, he lets one fall just to scoop it up dramatically at the last second, as if showing off.

  Luna giggles, clearly enjoying the spectacle. “He’s incredible! It’s like he’s performing.”

  Adam smirks. “He does have a bit of a flair for the dramatic.”

  Eventually, the bucket runs empty. Luna peers inside, looking a little disappointed. “That was fun while it lasted.”

  Adam, however, simply grins. “Don’t worry. Just wait a second.”

  As if responding to his words, the water before them ripples, then parts as a massive head breaks the surface. Argos’ large, intelligent eyes gleam like polished amber, reflecting the afternoon sunlight. He studies Luna for a moment, then lifts a single tentacle and gives a slow, deliberate wave.

  Luna gasps in delight before eagerly waving back. “Nice to meet you, Argos!”

  Adam chuckles. “He likes you. You must have a good aura.”

  Luna tilts her head thoughtfully. “I do wonder if he can sense that sort of thing.”

  Argos lets out a low, resonating hum—something between a purr and a whale’s song. Adam recognizes it as a sound of approval. Clearly, Argos is fond of her. Seeing how much Luna is enjoying herself, Adam decides to take things a step further.

  “Luna, do you mind water?” he asks casually.

  She turns to him, her expression filled with curiosity. “Not at all. Why?”

  Adam’s grin widens. “Because today is one of those days I go inside the lake. I check on some underwater friends and explore a bit. If you’re up for it, you can come along with me.”

  Her face lights up with excitement. “Really? I’d love to!”

  Without hesitation, Adam draws his wand and casts the Impervius charm on both of them, forming a shimmering protective layer that repels water. A faint, comforting warmth settles over them as the magic takes hold, ensuring they stay completely dry.

  With a deep, rumbling trill, Argos gently lowers a few of his massive tentacles to form a natural platform. Adam steps onto them with practiced ease, then holds out a hand for Luna, who takes it without hesitation. As soon as they are both securely perched on his head, Argos slowly submerges, carrying them down into the lake’s shadowy depths.

  The underwater world of the Great Lake is teeming with life. Shafts of light filter through the water, casting a shimmering glow over the aquatic landscape. Schools of silver fish dart between towering kelp forests, their scales catching the light like scattered gemstones. A group of Grindylows lurk near a rocky outcrop, their sharp teeth bared before quickly retreating at the sight of Argos. Adam thinks, Maybe I'll feed them tomorrow, since they always run away when they see Argos.

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  As they descend deeper, Luna’s excitement only grows. She bombards Adam with questions about nearly every creature they encounter, her voice filled with wonder. “What’s that plant with the glowing tips? Oh, and that fish—it just disappeared! Is it using magic? And are those real hippocampi?”

  Adam answers each question patiently, explaining the magical properties of various underwater plants, the camouflage abilities of certain fish, and the habits of the lake’s more elusive inhabitants. Luna listens intently, absorbing every word as if it were a rare and precious discovery.

  When they finally reach the Merpeople’s village, the scene changes entirely. The structures are made of woven seaweed, coral, and smooth lake stones, giving them an organic, flowing appearance. Merpeople swim gracefully through the water, their sharp features and pale skin contrasting against the deep blue surroundings. The village buzzes with activity—some merfolk repairing nets, others tending to schools of fish that swim obediently in swirling patterns.

  Merchieftainess Marcus, her long greenish hair floating around her like a halo, approaches them with a piercing gaze. Adam greets her respectfully, exchanging a few words in fluid Mermish. The guttural, eerie sounds of the language fascinate Luna, who listens with rapt attention.

  Adam takes out a special package from his pouch—a set of specially crafted musical instruments he has been waiting for, designed to function underwater as a gift for the merpeople. Marcus gestures toward a merperson, who swims forward and carefully takes the instrument from Adam’s hand.

  In return, he inquires about recent Kelpie sightings and any significant underwater events. Marcus’ expression grows serious as she relays information about a particular Kelpie—one that only appears in the lake every year around early September. It is an elusive creature, difficult to track, but its presence is always marked by strange disturbances in the water.

  Adam makes a mental note of this before thanking her for the information.

  Throughout the entire exchange, Luna remains spellbound. As they leave the village, she finally asks, “You speak Mermish?”

  Adam nods and says, “It helps with trade and learning more about the lake’s ecosystem. Plus, it’s useful when negotiating with merfolk—they respect those who make an effort to understand them.”

  Luna’s lips curl into an admiring smile. “That’s brilliant. Most wizards don’t even try.”

  Before long, it is time to leave. Adam signals Argos, who responds with a deep, resonating hum before carefully wrapping his tentacles around them once more. With practiced ease, he carries them upward, cutting through the water in smooth, fluid motions.

  The moment they breach the surface, cool air rushes around them. Adam removes the Impervius charm with a flick of his wand, allowing the warmth of the afternoon sun to settle over them. He stretches, rolling his shoulders. “Sorry if I kept you for too long. You must have had other things to do.”

  Luna, still brimming with excitement, shakes her head. “Not at all. This was wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a fascinating afternoon at Hogwarts before.”

  Adam, seeing her genuine happiness, thinks for a moment before suggesting, “How about one more stop?”

  Luna’s eyes sparkle with curiosity. “Where to?”

  Adam plans to visit the Diricawls, but as they make their way across the grassy expanse, something else catches his eye.

  Adam says to Luna, "I believe you were talking about one of my friends earlier. Let's meet him now." Then, he points upward toward the sky.

  Luna follows his gaze, her breath hitching as she spots a large bird descending from the sky, its wings beating powerfully against the wind. “Is that…?”

  Adam smirks. “Yes, that’s Thor, my thunderbird.”

  The magnificent creature lands gracefully before them, his golden eyes scanning the area with quiet authority. Thor’s plumage shimmers with hues of stormy blue and deep bronze, his feathers crackling faintly with stored electricity. A faint rumble of distant thunder echoes overhead as he folds his massive wings against his sides.

  Adam steps forward with an easy familiarity, placing a hand on Thor’s neck in greeting. “Thor, it’s good to see you,” he says warmly. Then, with a nod toward Luna, he adds, “This is my friend, Luna.”

  Thor turns his gaze to Luna, watching her with an intensity that makes her hesitate. His eyes are piercing, filled with an intelligence far beyond that of an ordinary bird. It is as if he is assessing her, measuring something unseen.

  Luna, unfazed but respectful, tilts her head slightly. “Can I… can I touch him?” she asks softly.

  Adam gives a reassuring nod. “Of course. Just be calm and friendly. He’ll know if you mean well.”

  Carefully, Luna extends her hand, keeping her movements slow and deliberate. Thor studies her for a brief moment longer before lowering his head slightly. Taking it as permission, Luna gently runs her fingers over his sleek, storm-touched feathers. A delighted smile spreads across her face.

  “He’s incredible,” she breathes. “I can feel… something. Almost like static.”

  Adam chuckles. “That’s his natural magic. He stores energy from the storms he flies through.”

  Thor lets out a low, approving trill, his feathers ruffling slightly before settling again. Adam reaches into his pocket and pulls out a lifeless ferret. "Here," he says, handing it to Luna. "Go ahead—he always expects food when he shows up. He’s more of a glutton than a friendly and independent creature."

  Luna accepts the offering carefully and holds it out. Thor regards her for a moment before taking the ferret with surprising grace, his beak closing around it without a single wasted movement. He gives one final glance at Luna before spreading his enormous wings, the sudden gust of air whipping through their hair as he launches himself skyward. Within seconds, he is soaring effortlessly into the clouds, his form blending with the approaching twilight.

  Luna sighs happily, still watching the sky long after Thor has vanished from view. “I’d love to join you again on one of your trips,” she says, turning to Adam with an eager smile.

  Adam returns the smile, something warm settling in his chest. “You’re always welcome to join me. Harry, Ron, and Hermione mostly get scared by most of the beasts I meet.”

  As the sun dips lower on the horizon, they decide it is time to head back. The distant sound of chatter and clinking cutlery from the castle signals that dinner is approaching as they enter the castle. They fall into an easy pace as they make their way toward the Great Hall.

  For the first time in a long while, Adam feels like he has gained a new friend beyond the usual trio. Maybe he should make more friends, but due to his status and odd behavior, most people either think of him as weird or unapproachable.

  Adam says goodbye to Luna as she makes her way to the Ravenclaw table. He spots the trio at their usual spot and joins them for dinner, chatting about how they spent their day.