Chapter Text
The first Quidditch match of the season was quickly approaching. With it, a very overwhelmed Harry and Ron. They were practicing almost every night because Angelina Johnson wanted the team to be ready to beat Slytherin.
With how overwhelmed Harry had become with classes, homework, and Quidditch practice, he asked Adam to take over leading the secret defense group. However, Harry did not know how overwhelmed Adam was feeling. Along with classes, homework, and the defense group, Adam had the responsibility of Assistant Professor, his training sessions with Ben and Cedric, and his sword training.
Adam still did not know if he would be doing lessons with Dumbledore.
Snape was still having Adam smell potions, determine their completeness, and essentially grade his own classmates. However, Snape did make it harder by making Adam do the same thing with older years' potions.
To make it more difficult at times, Snape would completely forgo grading the completeness of potions and have Adam make much more complicated potions. One of the potions that was on the easier side for Adam was one that Snape said was N.E.W.T level.
To lessen his schedule some, Adam talked to Ben and Cedric about doing their training sessions during the same time as the secret defense group. The two boys were the most advanced in the entire group, so they did not need to learn the same spells as the rest.
Ben and Cedric were happy to agree to this, especially since they could both see that Adam needed the help. To ensure Adam could have some time to properly help them, Adam talked to Harry about it. Adam told Harry he would choose the spell, begin the lessons, get the group started, then would want Harry to just oversee. Harry agreed.
Then there was Adam's sword training. He did not want to do that during the defense group. There was no point in doing that. He would have no time to practice with the sword. He did not want to tell the group about his connection to the sword and Merlin. Plus, he did not want anyone watching him get beaten for an hour.
Adam knew he was getting better when he was practicing. The sword was becoming lighter in his hands, which was helpful. His technique was becoming better too. However, Adam still could not last even a minute against the stone knight.
The secret defense group progressed greatly with the disarming charm. After that, Adam had the group move onto the Impediment Jinx. While Harry was watching them do that, Adam worked with Ben and Cedric on elemental magic. He felt Ben could start learning that, and with Cedric's help, Ben was quick to figure it out.
After the Impediment Jinx was well mastered, Harry suggested that they learn the Reductor Curse next. Adam agreed to it.
Whenever the group would take a break, Adam decided to provide some entertainment. He, Ben, and Cedric would duel each other. They would put some of their new lessons to use.
The accumulation of the defense lessons, sword training, and classes, Adam's wrists were practically being burned daily. His body was adjusting to the pain very well, that he soon learned the stronger the magic use, the more painful the bracelets became.
What immediately stood out to Adam, though, was that even though he was being burned a lot, the burns were non existent. He would check his wrists after the burning to see his skin burned. Before bed, he would check again, to see it completely healed over.
He had no idea what to make of it. There was no explanation as to how his body was healing the burns quickly, or how they were healing at all, given the consistency.
Adam also found himself making the healing potion more and more. His head was not giving him a break. And, given he is dealing with more and more, he has not exactly found time to adequately rest. The toll it was taking on him was not unnoticed, especially by his sister or girlfriend.
What became a challenge for the defense group was finding time to have it that did not interfere with anyone's Quidditch practices or any other event. They all took notice and knew that students from different houses going to each other's tables would eventually be noticed.
One evening, while Harry and Ron were at practice, Hermione and Adam were in the common room. Hermione was finishing her Arithmancy homework. Adam was doing an assignment that Snape gave him. It was easy thanks to the potions book he had since he was five.
Hermione suddenly groaned and threw her quill down. Adam looked at her, slightly shocked, but mostly curious.
"What's wrong", Adam asked.
Hermione shook her head. She looked around to make sure no one was listening to them. "I wish there was something we could do. A way to keep in touch with everyone without having to spend all day getting word about when we're meeting."
Adam set his quill down on his book. "Well, I've been thinking about it. Whatever we do, we have to make sure that Umbridge, or anyone else, won't know what it is."
"Like something we carry everyday", Hermione asked, with a small smile. It quickly grew. "That's it. Galleons. We can carry Galleons."
Adam nodded. "Okay. Now, how do we make Galleons to contact the group?"
The smile on Hermione's face fell. "I didn't think of that."
Adam scratched his chin. His eyes widened some. "The Protean Charm."
Hermione's eyes widened too. The smile crossed her face again. In a rush of adrenaline, Hermione put her hands on Adam's neck and pulled him into a fierce kiss. Adam was taken aback by Hermione's ferocity, but enjoyed the kiss none the less.
When Hermione let go of Adam, her cheeks were red. She looked down at her Arithmancy book, trying to conceal the smile on her face. Adam could see the smile on her face. He had one on his face too.
"I-Er-Sorry", Hermione mumbled.
Adam chuckled. "For what? I liked it."
Hermione smiled. "So, the Protean Charm? Are you sure it'll work?"
Adam nodded. "We just need to get fake Galleons."
It was surprising how easy getting fake Galleons actually was. As soon as they were acquired, the couple placed the charm on the fake gold. Adam tested the Galleon. He set a fake time and date on the Galleon he was holding. It quickly appeared on the other Galleons.
Hermione smiled. "Perfect. Now, we just need to hand them out at the next meeting."
Hermione excitedly hugged her boyfriend. Adam smiled and kissed her cheek.
There was another meeting that night. Adam decided to run through everything they had done up till then. He did the same for Ben and Cedric. Everyone had progressed very well, and no one had really forgotten the spells.
After it was over, Hermione handed everyone in the group a Galleon. They looked at her strangely.
"You see the numerals around the edge of the coins? On real Galleons that's just a serial number referring to the goblin who cast the coin. On these fake coins, though, the numbers will change to reflect the time and date of the next meeting.
"The coins will grow hot when the date changes, so if you're carrying them in a pocket, you'll be able to feel them. We take one each, and when Harry and Adam set the date of the next meeting, they'll change the numbers on their coins. And because of the Protean Charm, our coins will change to match theirs."
Silence followed Hermione's words. She looked around at everyone. Most of the students were staring back at her in awe. Adam was the only smiling at her. Adam's smile was enough to get her to continue.
"I-I thought it was a good idea", Hermione said. "I mean, even if Umbridge asked us to turn out our pockets, there's nothing fishy about carrying a Galleon, is there?"
No one responded. Even Adam was confused by everyone's silence.
"You can do a Protean Charm", someone named Terry Boot asked.
"Yes", Hermione responded.
"But that's... that's N.E.W.T. standard", Dean said.
"Oh", Hermione said, her cheeks growing red. "Well, yes, I suppose it is."
"How come you're not in Ravenclaw", Terry Boot asked. "With brains like yours?"
"Well, the Sorting Hat did seriously consider putting me in Ravenclaw during my sorting. Besides, I can't take all the credit. The Protean Charm was Adam's idea and he did have to show me how to do it properly."
Everyone glanced at Adam, who was leaning against the wall, nearby. He gave them all a small wave, but did not say anything.
"So, does that mean we're using the Galleons", Hermione asked.
There was a general murmur of agreement at which, Hermione smiled brightly. Her smile grew when Adam pulled her aside and kissed her.
The Quidditch match was getting even closer. The amount of stress the Gryffindor team was filling was taking its toll. Harry decided to put a hold on the meetings because of how hard Angelina was pushing the team.
Adam agreed to it, but kept his meetings with Ben and Cedric. They did not need to use the Galleons, because it was just the three of them. Plus, no one really questioned Adam walking to the Hufflepuff table to speak to Cedric. Or the other way around.
Professor McGonagall decided not to give Harry and Ron extra homework on the week of the match. She said that they already had plenty to worry about and she wanted to keep the Quidditch Cup in her office.
Professor Snape did not hide his bias either. He was scheduling the pitch for Slytherin to practice on almost every chance he got. If it was not for Madam Hooch scheduling the Gryffindor team herself, Snape would have scheduled the Slytherins for every day.
There were also numerous reports about the Slytherins attempting to jinx or hex a member of the Gryffindor team. Snape did not do anything about them, even when many witnesses came forward. While Adam was upset about Snape's reluctance, he did understand that Snape technically did not have to do anything.
The reports continued to pile up, even after Alicia Spinnet turned up in the Hospital Wing after being hit with the Hair Thickening Charm. Adam asked her what happened and she told him about Miles Bletchley, the Slytherin Seeker, jinxing her from behind.
Adam technically could not do anything. Even with the eye witnesses, he could not confront Miles Bletchley. However, Adam knew it would not end with Alicia Spinnet. Everyone in Hogwarts knows the real champion of the Gryffindor team is their Seeker, Harry Potter.
Adam was hoping they would do something.
One afternoon, Adam got his wish. He was leaving the Great Hall with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They were trying to encourage Ron because he was beating himself up about the practice from the night before. Harry was saying he was doing much better.
A group of three Slytherins were leaving the Great Hall behind them. They had not left the hall itself yet when Adam felt the warning pulse in his head. Adam grabbed the back of Harry's neck and pulled him down, while using his other hand to push Hermione and Ron out of the way.
The jinx flew just over Harry's head. Adam quickly turned around with his own wand in hand and pointed it at the Slytherins behind them. Hermione, Harry, and Ron also turned, but did not pull their wands.
The attempted jinxing grabbed the attention of everyone still in the Great Hall. This included Snape at the High table. The Potions master just sat at the table, closely watching. Luckily, Umbridge was not there.
The three Slytherins stared at Adam with wide eyes. The one who attempted to jinx Harry put his wand down.
Adam glared at them. "Let me make myself clear", he said loudly, intentionally making sure the whole hall could hear him. "Anyone who attacks another Gryffindor will find themselves in detention. And if a Slytherin tries this one more time, I will take away so many points, that catching the Golden Snitch won't even help you."
Adam did not wait for a response. The room was still very silent. Adam put his wand back in its holster before turning with the others and walking out of the room. Harry and Ron looked both thankful for Adam, and incredibly proud of him for saying what he said.
As soon as the four Gryffindors left, the hall broke into whispers. Some people were wondering if Adam would actually take away points, or actually cast spells at the Slytherins. A few others, mostly Slytherins, wondered if Adam could actually give them detention.
Snape, however, sat motionless at the table. A very thin and small grin was on his face.
Adam's threat seemed to put a stop to any attempt to jinx or hex the Gryffindor team. Adam was unintentionally adding to the list of reasons why the Slytherins seemed to avoid him. However, during Potions, they had no choice but to use his help.
Angelina Johnson and the rest of the team were grateful for what Adam said. Even though she had to hide it, Professor McGonagall was also thankful. In a very subtle way, she awarded Adam points for his bravery to stand against the Slytherins.
Adam's warnings of detention and point removal could not do anything to prevent taunting from the Slytherins as the match grew nearer. Their main target was Ron because he had the least experience.
"I wish I could do something for Ron", Adam mumbled to Hermione as they were walking to Astronomy one night. "All the taunting won't do anything for him."
"It's nice that you want to help, but what can you do? The Slytherins can say whatever they want."
"I know", Adam said, looking down. "I just hate seeing Ron have to deal with that."
Adam was able to blow off his steam during his sword training. His anger came out some, so his technique was more sloppy. The knight was quick to exploit this and easily took Adam down on multiple tries.
The morning of the match arrived, but Adam did not run outside. He stayed inside when he saw Ron and Harry up early. Ron was looking uneasy. He was doubting himself and saying he was not meant to play Quidditch.
The three joined Hermione in the common room before going to the Great Hall for breakfast. Much like Harry and his first few years, Ron was reluctant to eat. Adam essentially had to force a piece of toast down his throat before leaving him alone.
Ron continued to speak badly of himself. Adam, Harry, and Hermione tried to tell him otherwise, but Ron would not listen. Adam and Hermione were also trying to make sure Ron did not see the badges that the Slytherins were wearing.
When Angelina told her team to go to the pitch, all the color in Ron's face drained. Ron and Harry stood. Adam and Hermione rose with them, wishing them luck. As Ron took a few steps, Lavender Brown came rushing over to him. She kissed his cheek, wishing him luck, before running back over to Parvati Patil.
As Ron and Harry walked out of the Great Hall, Ron was rubbing the spot where Lavender kissed him on the cheek.
Adam turned to his girlfriend. "One of them had to make the first move."
Hermione giggled. "D'you think he'll finally do something about it?"
Adam grinned. "Probably not. He's going to need some help." Adam turned his head to look at the Slytherin table. His eyes were on the badges. "Maybe with more than relationships", Adam mumbled.
Adam and Hermione walked to the pitch with Emma, Ginny, and Luna. The fourth year Ravenclaw was wearing a giant lion hat that roared. Adam was quite impressed with it.
"How's Ron", Emma asked as they walked.
"As good as you think", Adam replied. "He could barely eat a piece of toast."
"Do you think this will go well?"
Adam shrugged. "As much as I hate to say it, it's not hard to get into Ron's head. As soon as the taunting starts, Ron will doubt himself, and he'll lose all confidence. This match will only end in Gryffindor's favor if Harry catches the Snitch."
Adam did not like the fact that he was right. Not long into the match, Slytherin was able to score twice. Then, Slytherin started singing a stupid song.
'WEASLEY IS OUR KING'
Lee Jordan tried to use the commentating as a way to block out the noise, but the Slytherin scoring only made the Slytherins louder. The Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws tried to cheer louder to also block out the noise.
Adam refused to take his eyes off of Ron during the entire match. Like Adam suspected, Ron was getting into his head, which was losing Gryffindor the entire match. Adam knew it really was going to come down to Harry catching the Snitch.
Gryffindor was able to score. Luna's hat let out a loud roar that drowned out a majority of the noise.
The score was forty to ten in favor of Slytherin. The singing had not stopped from the Slytherins. Adam was getting tired of hearing it, but his focus was staying on his friend. Ron looked like he kept losing his focus every time the song was being sung.
It actually gave Adam an idea.
"Harry Potter's caught the Snitch", Lee Jordan yelled. "Gryffindor wins!"
Three of the four houses cheered. Adam watched as Ron flew to the ground and walked off the pitch, ignoring everyone.
"That's not good", Emma said.
Adam looked at what Emma was seeing. Harry and the twins looked like they were arguing with Malfoy. Fred and George seemed to be getting angrier with every word that came out of Malfoy's mouth. Fred was being held back by Angelina, Alicia, and Katie. On the other hand, George was weakly being held back by Harry.
"What's happening", Ginny asked.
"Malfoy's opening his mouth", Hermione replied.
Adam knew at some point, one of the twins would snap. To make matters worse, Umbridge was watching. There was no telling what would happen. His eyes narrowed, seeing Harry's grip become even weaker.
The bracelets started burning on Adam's wrists. This was no surprise. Adam was connected to the atmosphere. It was a good thing he did too.
As soon as George broke free of Harry's hold, he started angrily approaching Malfoy. The three girls and Harry were yelling at him to stop. Adam acted quickly.
The blue sky above them came to life with flashes of lightning. The sky never darkened as lightning flashed. No thunder. Nothing else but the lightning. A single lightning bolt struck in between George, Harry, and Malfoy.
This made the three boys stop dead in the tracks. Many of the students gasped and whispered. Harry and George immediately turned their heads to where Adam was standing. Adam shook his head slowly at them.
The bolt of lightning was enough to also make Fred stop, much to the relief of the three girls. Malfoy quickly turned and ran to the safety of his team. George and Harry returned to their team and they walked off the pitch.
"Was that you", Emma whispered to Adam.
Adam nodded slowly as he looked at where the teachers were standing. "Harry and George would've lost a lot if they did something."
Adam took Hermione's hand as they started walking back to the castle. Ginny ran ahead of them, hoping to find Ron and check on him.
"D'you think Ron's okay", Hermione whispered in Adam's ear.
Adam sighed. "I'm not sure. The match was pretty bad on his part, but I think I know of a way to help."
Before Adam could say any more, a familiar bird cry made him look up. Hermione and Emma did the same. They saw Fawkes flying small circles in the air before descending toward them. The phoenix perched himself on Adam's shoulder, making surrounding students watch in awe.
Adam smiled. "Hey, how'd you get out", Adam asked as he stroked the feathers. "Does Dumbledore want me?"
Fawkes let out a chirp.
"Yeah, thought he would."
"Why does Dumbledore want you", Hermione asked.
"Maybe for causing lightning to strike the pitch", Emma suggested with a grin.
Adam chuckled. "Yeah, you're most likely right. I'll see you guys later."
Adam started running ahead of them. Fawkes flew off Adam's shoulder and flew toward the castle.
After fighting his way through the students, some of whom were celebrating Gryffindors, Adam got back to the castle. He ran to the griffin statue that turned without giving a password. Adam had not seen Fawkes since he started running.
It was no surprise, though, when Adam entered Dumbledore's office to see Fawkes on his perch. Dumbledore was standing at his desk with a small smile on his face.
"Hello, Adam."
"Professor", Adam replied with a smile. "I know why you asked me here. Let me explai-"
"No need, Adam", Dumbledore said lightly. "There's no need to speak of it. I know why you did it. Harry and George would have gotten into great amounts of trouble. You did the right thing. However, that's not why I asked you here."
"It's not?"
Before their conversation could go on, the door to Dumbledore's office opened again. Professors Snape, McGonagall, and Umbridge entered the office. McGonagall and Umbridge looked to be arguing about something, while Snape was silent.
"Ah, good, you're here", Umbridge said in her poisonous sweet voice, looking at Adam. "I do believe it's time to officially expel Mr. Grindelwald for his actions."
Adam's eyes widened. Before he could say anything, Dumbledore spoke first.
"Why would we do such a thing, Dolores?"
Umbridge looked at the Headmaster. "He performed magic without being given permission. His actions nearly injured three students." Her eyes glanced in Adam's direction. "And perhaps the most distasteful of all, his use of dark magic. You should know, Headmaster, the Ministry frowns on that, but, I shouldn't have been surprised given his... family"
Now Adam was getting angry. He looked at McGonagall. The Transfiguration professor looked like she has already tried to argue against those very words. Snape remained silent too, but Adam could see Snape's lip curl in disgust.
"What proof do you have", Adam burst out.
The four professors looked at him. Adam would admit his tone was harsher than it should have been. He took deep breath.
"You may be a Ministry official, a professor of Hogwarts, and the High Inquisitor", Adam said, looking at Umbridge. "That doesn't mean unlimited authority. Being under the roof of Hogwarts means you're under the same rules established by its previous headmasters and mistresses. One of those rules being you cannot expel a student without proper evidence of an offense."
"Tut, tut. I have plenty of eyewitnesses. Multiple Slytherins said they saw you with your wand out."
That came as no surprise to Adam.
"Well then, we have a problem", Dumbledore said. "I was watching Mr. Grindelwald as well when the lightning bolt struck. I did not see a wand or any evidence of him using magic."
Adam smirked. "Conflicting eyewitness accounts. What do the rules say about that, again? Oh, yeah, it means there's no case against me."
It was obvious Umbridge was becoming angry. However, she tried her very best to maintain composure. It was rather hilarious to Adam to see her try.
"Yes, well", Umbridge huffed out. "Perhaps I was given false information."
"Perhaps you were", McGonagall said with a victorious smirk.
Umbridge turned and walked out of the office. Snape walked over to the door and shut it before walking to the desk too.
"Well done, Mr. Grindelwald", Snape said. "Your use of nonverbal and wandless magic is very advanced."
"Thank you, Professor", Adam said with a small smile.
"I do hope Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley know how lucky they were to have you looking out for them", McGonagall said.
Adam gave her a small smile, but did not say anything. He was hoping the same thing, but did not see a reason to say it out loud. It would only come off as selfish and arrogant on his part.
It was only after Adam walked out of the office that he really felt the weight of his magic use on his head. He was confused by this because he was used to using lightning and the bracelets did not burn him badly.
Adam's eyes widened a little. He looked at his wrists and pushed the bracelets back a little. His eyes widened more in amazement. He knew his wrists were being burned at the match. So, he should have burns on his wrists.
His wrists were healed. Completely.
When Adam entered the common room, he saw Hermione and Harry sitting by the fire. He joined them to find out they had not seen Ron since the match ended.
"He just needs some time to cool off. He's probably beating himself up", Adam said.
"Hermione said you may be able to help Ron", Harry said.
Adam nodded. "Maybe, yeah."
"I'll tell Angelina. She'll want to know."
"Not yet", Adam said quickly. "First, let's wait for Ron to get back and see how he's feeling. After that, I'll talk to Angelina about it. My idea for how to help Ron is a bit strange."
They did not see Ron again until after dinner. He said he needed to take a walk. His three friends were understanding, but wanted to reassure him. Harry and Ron started getting into a strange argument about Ron wanting to quit Quidditch.
Hermione gasped, looking out the window.
"What is it", Adam asked.
"I think I know what can cheer you up", Hermione said with a smile. "Hagrid's back."
Harry and Ron immediately perked up at this news. Adam was neutral about it because he knew Hagrid would be back at some point.
"We should pay him a visit", Harry said.
"Let's do it", Ron said with a smile.
Harry ran to the dormitory to grab his cloak. Adam started rubbing his head. The pain had only gotten worse. He was now more convinced that he did not know what was causing the pain. Harry came back down and walked to the portrait hole. Ron quickly joined him.
"Aren't you coming", Hermione asked Adam.
Adam shook his head. "I think I'm going to lie down."
Hermione took Adam's hand in her own. "Are you feeling okay?"
Adam gave her a weak smile and nodded. "It's a small headache, but I'm fine", he lied. "You go see what's been with Hagrid and let me know."
Hermione returned the smile before kissing his cheek. She turned and walked over to the portrait hole with Harry and Ron. They climbed out of it and disappeared. Adam walked to the dormitory and entered.
Adam took off his jewelry, robes, and wand holster. He pulled his trunk out and pulled out the ingredients for the healing potion. He was able to make a quick batch and drank some of it. After that, he climbed onto his bed and laid down.
As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out.
Originally, he was just going to take a nap, but his headache made him sleep through the night. Adam rubbed his eyes as he sat up. He climbed out of bed and took a shower. The first thing he noticed was that his head was feeling much better.
After showering, he put on fresh comfortable clothes. Adam put on his father's ring and mother's necklace before going to the common room. He walked down the stairs just in time to see Hermione getting ready to leave.
"Adam, how're you feeling?"
Adam smiled at his girlfriend. "Better. Where are you going?"
"Hagrid's. I'm going to give him some better ideas for lessons now that he's back."
Adam quirked his brow. "How'd it go last night?"
Hermione told Adam about Hagrid going to the giants and convince them to help Dumbledore. It did not go as planned. Adam was not entirely surprised. It was not that he blamed Hagrid because giants are difficult to please.
Then Hermione told Adam about Hagrid having something special planned for the next lesson. Adam was curious about this until Hermione added that Hagrid said he had the only domesticated group of the creatures in all of Britain.
"Thestrals", Adam said in awe. A small grin crossed his face. "He's talking about Thestrals."
"How d'you know", Hermione asked.
"No one sees Thestrals unless they've seen death. Most people don't actually see them because they live in the wilderness. Since Thestrals pull the carriages here, Hagrid's right. He has the only domesticated group."
"Would they be dangerous for lessons?"
"They're docile, especially if they're given some space."
Hermione began contemplating her decision to go see Hagrid. "Should I - I try to convince him to reconsider?"
Adam shrugged. "It's up to you. I'd say at least let Hagrid do his first lesson. If it goes badly, give him your recommendations."
Hermione decided not to go to Hagrid with her ideas. She trusted Adam's judgement. Adam also told Hermione not to tell Harry and and Ron about Hagrid's plans. Adam wanted to have some fun watching Harry and Ron squirm out of fear of what Hagrid had planned.
Monday's classes went by without problem. Nothing ever happens in History of Magic. Transfiguration was not a problem either, except for McGonagall giving them all a lot of homework. Snape also gave them a lot of homework.
Harry was able to keep himself quiet during Defense Against the Dark Arts. Everyone was quiet, except for Umbridge, who tried to bait Harry into an argument. She even tried to bait Adam into saying something by insulting the Grindelwald bloodline.
Tuesday was the exciting day. The Gryffindors crossed the snow covered grounds to Hagrid's hut. Hermione was practically keeping herself flush against Adam to stay warm. Adam did not mind. In fact, he took advantage of the closeness and kiss her cheek as they walked.
The Slytherins were following close behind, complaining about the snow and having to deal with whatever dangerous creature Hagrid would instruct them on.
Hagrid was waving at them near the tree line. The Gryffindors walked over to him with the Slytherins close behind. Hagrid had half a cow hanging over his shoulder.
"What d'you think that's for", Ron asked.
"Whatever it is we're learning about", Adam replied, giving a small smile to Hermione.
Hermione buried her head in Adam's shoulder to hide her giggle.
"It's good to see yeh again, Adam", Hagrid said with a smile.
"You too, Hagrid", Adam said with a smile.
"We're workin' in here today", Hagrid called to the students, jerking his head back to the trees behind him. "Bit more sheltered. Anyway, they prefer the dark..."
"What prefers the dark", Malfoy asked. He turned to Crabbe and Goyle. "What did he say prefers the dark? Did you hear?"
"Ready", Hagrid asked happily. "Right, well, I've bin savin' a trip inter the forest fer fifth year. Thought we'd go an' see these creatures in their natural habitat. Now, what we're studyin' today is pretty rare. I reckon I'm probably the on'y person in Britain who's managed ter train 'em-"
"And you're sure they're trained, are you", Malfoy asked. "Only, it wouldn't be the first time you'd brought wild stuff to class, would it?"
There was a general murmur of agreement among the Slytherins. There were a few Gryffindors who also agreed.
"'Course they're trained", Hagrid replied. "Follow me."
They started walking into the Forbidden Forest. Adam was buzzing a little, excited to see the Thestrals in their natural habitat. Hermione smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. They walked ten minutes until they reached a spot where the trees are so close together that it was as dark as twilight. There was no snow on the ground at all.
Hagrid set the carcass down and faced his class. Most of the students were peering their heads around nervously.
"Gather roun'. Gather roun'", Hagrid said. "Now, they'll be attracted by the smell o' the meat but I'm goin' ter give 'em a call anyway 'cause they'll like ter know its me..."
Hagrid turned back to the forest. He gave an odd, shrieking cry that echoed through the dark trees. After a moment of silence, Hagrid did it again. More time was passing and nothing happened.
Adam could feel their presence. He could not see them, but he could feel them slowly, and cautiously, approaching them.
"Why doesn't Hagrid call again", Ron whispered.
"They're here, Ron", Adam said with a smile.
"How can you tell", Harry asked. "There's nothing here."
"Oh, an' here comes another one", Hagrid said proudly.
Most of the class did not know what to do. Some were still wearing nervous expressions. Others were confused about what Hagrid was talking about. Adam could tell that Neville and a Slytherin boy were staring right at the Thestrals.
Adam could feel three Thestrals around them currently. One of them was walking over to the carcass and sniffing it. How Adam was seeing it all in his head was beyond him, but it was fascinating.
"Now, put yer hands up, who can see 'em?"
Neville and the Slytherin boy put their hands up. Hermione turned her head to face Adam, expecting him to put his hand up, but Adam kept his hand down.
"You can see 'em, Neville? An'-"
"Excuse me", Malfoy said. "What exactly are we supposed to be seeing?"
Hagrid pointed to the cow carcass on the ground. The whole class stared at it for a few seconds, then several people gasped, and Parvati screamed. Bits of flesh were being stripped away from the bones and vanishing into thin air.
Adam grinned. "That's so cool."
"What's doing it", Parvati asked. "What's eating it?"
"Thestrals", Hagrid replied.
Adam crouched down while Hagrid continued explaining the Thestrals to the class. He could feel two more Thestrals come out of the forest and walk to the carcass. Then, Adam felt a Thestral, a baby, carefully walk over to him.
A small smile crossed his face. Adam slowly held out his finger for the baby Thestral to sniff. The creature sniffed Adam's finger before looking at him, its wings fluttering lightly. Adam's smile grew. He was aware that the baby's mother was watching closely.
"Adam, can yeh see him", Hagrid asked, incredibly intrigued.
The class went silent and looked at the crouched Gryffindor. Hermione wanted to crouch down too, but was unsure if it would scare the creature.
Adam shook his head. "No, but I can feel them."
"I wish we could all see them", Ron huffed out.
Adam smirked. "I may be able to help with that." He slowly pulled out his wand and waved it close to the ground. "Appare Vestigium."
A gold dust came out of Adam's wand and covered the ground. The bracelets clamped around Adam's wrists and began burning. There were greater amounts of dust where the Thestrals were standing. Adam waved his wand again, making the dust rise a little more, making where the Thestrals were standing more prominent to the rest.
There were murmurs of amazement among the students. The gold dust did not let them see what the creatures looked like, but they had a better idea of where the creatures were.
The baby Thestral took a few steps closer to Adam. It looked a little unsure to do anything, before nuzzling its nose against Adam's hand. Adam laughed a little, turning his hand so the Thestral could nuzzle his nose into Adam's palm.
Hagrid stared, amazed. Neville and the Slytherin boy were also amazed. The rest of the students were either still entranced by the disappearing carcass or Adam holding golden dust.
Hagrid shook his head a little. "Righ', now, who can tell me why some o' you can see them an' some can't?"
Hermione raised her hand.
"Go on then", Hagrid said, beaming at her.
"The only people who can see Thestrals are people who have seen death."
"Tha's exactly right. Er, in mos' cases", Hagrid said, glancing at Adam. "Ten points ter Gryffindor. Now, Thestrals-"
"Hem, hem."
Adam quickly put his wand back in his holster. However, he did not stand. The baby Thestral was calming to him.
Umbridge began asking questions to Hagrid. The half giant was having some difficulty answering, maintaining his composure. Umbridge took his stuttering and wrong phrasings as problematic and scribbled down on her clipboard.
Adam could feel Hermione was getting angry too, so from his crouched position, he took her hand and squeezed it.
Umbridge began asking the students questions, starting with the Slytherins, which was no surprise. Pansy Parkinson was saying everything to make Hagrid look back.
The Thestral came even closer to Adam, enjoying his presence.
Umbridge walked over to Neville and asked him who he saw die. Neville did respond, but Umbridge was obviously making him uncomfortable. Her next question explained why.
"And what do you think of them?"
Neville struggled to answer. He was stuttering too. Umbridge took this as Hagrid intimidating the students to speak the truth. Neville tried to revamp, but Umbridge was not listening.
Umbridge walking away finally made tense air disappear. By then, Hermione crouched down next to Adam. The American Gryffindor was guiding Hermione's hand to the baby Thestral's body. Hermione thought it was definitely strange but interesting.
The baby Thestral got onto his hind legs, placed his front hooves on Adam's leg, and nuzzled his nose and mouth against the base of Adam's mandible.
The rest of the week was calm. Professors gave out homework. Adam did his sword training in some free time. He did whatever Snape asked of him.
The four were in the common room doing their homework. Adam and Harry were able to figure out they could have a defense lesson on Friday night. Harry grabbed his fake Galleon and told everyone when the next meet was. There was just one thing Harry did not know.
"What're we going to do", Harry asked. "What's another good spell we could teach?"
"Why doesn't Adam teach us that gold dust spell", Ron suggested.
Hermione and Harry looked at Adam and nodded to this.
"That's not a bad idea", Harry said. "It's a spell I've never seen."
"I haven't either", Hermione said.
Adam rubbed his chin. "Alright, I guess I can show it. We probably shouldn't spend an hour on it because the spell's more advanced than you think." Adam looked at Harry. "So, figure out something else we should show them."
Harry nodded.
On Friday, after dinner, Adam went to the Room of Requirement before everyone else. He passed Umbridge on the way who questioned him about where he was going. Adam did not need to think of an answer because he already knew the right thing to say.
"According to Hogwarts rules, a fifth year can be out in the corridors until nine. An Assistant Professor can be out longer. Since I'm allowed to be out, I don't need to tell you anything."
Umbridge did not look happy with Adam's answer. She just huffed and walked away. Next to kicking Lockhart in the back, Adam has never been this happy disrespecting a teacher. However, the run in with Umbridge made Adam realize they were not as careful as they could be.
Adam entered the Room of Requirement and stood in the center of the room. "Dobby!"
With a loud crack, Dobby appeared a few feet away from Adam. He was wearing the socks Harry had gotten him for last Christmas. "Hello, Adam Grindelwald, sir", Dobby said. "What can Dobby do for you, sir?"
"I need you to keep an eye on Professor Umbridge and Argus Filch", Adam replied. "You need to alarm me if they come snooping around here when we're having the meetings."
A huge smile crossed Dobby's face. "Oh, yes, sir. Dobby will help you, sir. Dobby would do anything to protect Harry Potter."
Adam smiled. "Good. Thanks, Dobby. That'll be all."
Not long after Dobby disappeared, the first few students came into the room. Five minutes after that, everyone was in the room. Adam pulled out his wand and called for the room to be silent. He had everyone make a circle around him.
Adam took a deep breath. The bracelets were already beginning to tighten around his wrists.
"Appare Vestigium", Adam said, twirling in a small circle.
A gold dust came out of the tip of his wand. The dust quickly covered much of the room. The students were looking down at it, moving their feet, thinking they were somehow doing something to the spell.
Suddenly, footprints made of the gold dust appeared all over the ground. The dust began acting like spells. Ron ducked out of the way of a stunning spell. It went right through Neville, who closed his eyes, thinking it would do something.
Adam chuckled. "The dust can't do anything to you. In fact, it's completely harmless. There's no offensive or defensive use for it."
"So, then, what is it", Ginny asked.
"You did the same thing during Care for Magical Creatures", Dean said.
Adam smiled. "That's correct. This spell allows the caster to track magical activity. That's why there are spells flying around you and footprints all over the ground. It's tracking any trace of magical activity."
"What's the use for it", Luna asked, looking around at the floating gold dust.
"It's tracking. Magic leaves behind a metaphorical footprint." Adam looked down. "And in some cases, a real footprint." He looked back at the class.
"How's it useful for tracking", Lavender asked. "There's so much going on."
"You're right, there's a lot going on. However, with enough focus, the caster can narrow the tracking to individual traces."
Adam looked down at the gold dust. He pointed his wand at a nearby footprint. The tip was still glowing gold. The bracelets were burning more, but the pain was not increasing. Adam closed his eyes and thought of a singular person. He slowly twisted his wand.
In a matter of seconds, much of the gold dust disappeared. Footprints were still on the ground, but they belonged to the same person.
Adam looked at the group. "Hey, Harry, ever want to take a walk back in time?"
Harry quirked his brow for a moment. He looked down at the footprints. His eyes followed the path until he found the path led straight to where he was currently standing. His eyes widened as he looked back up at his friend.
"That's incredible", Harry said with a grin.
There were murmurs of amazement. Some people were telling Adam to do them next. Others were telling Adam to teach them the spell. Adam flicked his wand and the dust disappeared. The group quieted down again.
"Where'd you learn that, Adam", Emma asked.
"Newt Scamander taught it to me last year."
The room, already quiet, went absolutely silent. Everyone knows the name Newt Scamander, either from his book or his reputation of helping defeat Gellert Grindelwald. Either way, the shock and awe went up.
"You met Newt Scamander", Emma asked.
Adam nodded casually.
"And you didn't say anything", Ben asked with mock hurt.
Adam shrugged. "He was teaching me some new spells. Besides, I had a lot of other things going on last year in case you forgot."
Ben pursed his lips. "Fair point."
"Are we going to learn it", Katie Bell asked.
"Not yet. It takes a lot of focus to be able to sense magical activity. I'm thinking we do it after break. Right now, though, I just wanted to show what was in store."
Excitement buzzed through the group at this idea.
Adam looked at Harry. "What's the plan?"
"I was thinking we do some general dueling", Harry said, a little unsure. "Maybe use that to let us see if improvement's necessary."
Adam nodded. "Let's do it."
Harry began breaking everyone into groups. Adam was able to sneak away to a corner of the room. He pulled his sleeves back to see the burns were mostly healed over.
"Everything okay", Hermione asked quietly, putting a hand on Adam's back.
Adam looked at her with a small smile. He nodded.
"Are you lying to me?"
Adam shook his head. "No. Just a small headache. Did you need something?"
"Well, I was going to ask you if you wanted to be my partner, but with your headache, maybe you shouldn't use magic."
"No, no, it'll be okay."
"Are you sure?"
Adam smiled. "Yeah. Why should you guys have all the fun?"
Hermione smiled and shook her head.
All of the groups were able to keep their focus on their own duels, but pretty soon, everyone was watching the duel between the couple. Not even Harry and Ron's duel was as entertaining as the duel between the brightest witch at Hogwarts and the grandson of Gellert Grindelwald.
Hermione cast two stunning spells at Adam, but he blocked them both. Adam quickly cast a disarming charm and Hermione's wand flew out of her hand and into his own. Adam smiled at her.
"Six to nothing", he said while throwing her wand back to her. "Again."
Everyone was thinking the same thing, Adam was taking it easy on her. The thought was not wrong. Adam is taking it easy on Hermione, but not for the reason everyone was thinking. Adam wanted to pace his headache. If he was careful, he could slow the pain from getting worse.
Ben stood next to Adam to talk to him. Harry and Ron were nodding to Hermione. All three had grins. Ben stepped back from Adam. The couple looked at each other and readied their wands.
"Ready", Adam asked.
"Three... two... one", Hermione yelled.
Adam was expecting Hermione to cast a spell at him, but it turned out that Harry, on Hermione's left, cast a stunning spell. Adam sensed it and blocked it. Ron, on Hermione's other side, cast the spell next. Adam blocked it.
"That's cheating", Adam yelled when all three cast a stunning spell.
He cast a shield spell to stop the three spells. Adam smirked, quickly thinking of way to disarm them. When the shield broke, Adam pointed his wand down. Without saying a word, the tip of Adam's wand glowed a faint gray.
Hermione became confused. All Adam did was smirk and wink at her.
The room was quickly enveloped in fog. Ben and Cedric were the only people to have an idea what Adam was doing. Then, gold dust came out of the tip of Adam's wand. Even in the fog, Adam could see the dust on the ground.
The three were trying desperately to cast spells in Adam's direction, but the fog covered his location. Plus, Adam's pulsing would help him actually avoid an attack.
He focused on Hermione, Harry, and Ron's traces of magic. Much of the dust disappeared until Adam saw three separate paths of dust. Adam pointed his wand in the direction of each path. A few seconds later, Adam was holding four wands in total.
Adam flicked his wand and the fog and dust disappeared. After the fog had cleared, everyone looked in awe at Adam, as he stood with three wands in his left hand and his wand in his right. Hermione, Ron, and Harry were just as impressed with him.
"Adam, your nose", Emma said quickly.
Adam was so focused on the duel, that he did not feel blood start to trickle out of his nose. He threw the three wands back to their owners, turned, and walked to the table in the back with potion ingredients.
Harry was quick to take the focus off of Adam by telling everyone to get back to their duels. Hermione pocketed her wand and walked over to her boyfriend.
Adam put his wand on the table and grabbed a cloth to wipe his nose. It was at that moment he realized how badly his head was pulsing. It was making Adam more confused. He has used more magic than that in the past. He used more powerful magic than that in the past. There was no explanation for his worsened headache.
"H-How are you feeling", Hermione asked quietly.
Adam did not turn his head. He kept his focus on making his healing potion. "I'm not sure."
"Oh, Adam", Hermione said with a broken voice. "I-I'm sorry. I knew we shouldn't've pushed your magic."
Adam finished making his potion without responding to her. He quickly drank from the goblet he had made. He turned his head to his girlfriend. Hermione looked defeated. She looked deeply ashamed and upset.
"It's okay, Hermione", Adam said quietly.
"No, it's not. Adam, the duel could've hurt you." Hermione's eyes began watering. "I mean, your nose was bleeding. I know that means your head was aching too. A-And-"
Adam put his hands on her cheeks and pulled her into a very passionate, but very soft, kiss. Hermione let out a low moan as her hands wrapped around Adam's torso. The couple broke apart, but their foreheads stayed together. Adam moved his hands to Hermione's hips while Hermione wrapped her arms around Adam's neck.
"I'm okay, Hermione", Adam said quietly, with a small smile. "You didn't do anything wrong."
Hermione had a sad smile on her face. One that Adam noticed. He moved his head again to kiss her again. It was short and sweet, but just as meaningful as the last one. When they broke apart, Hermione's smile was real.
"I need to hear you tell me that you know it's not your fault", Adam said.
Hermione nodded slowly while putting her head on Adam's shoulder. "It's not my fault", she said below a whisper.
Adam heard her which is all that mattered. He smiled and kissed her head as they swayed from side to side.