As the date of Buckbeak’s execution draws closer, Adam decides to visit Hagrid before the inevitable events unfold. The weekend provides the perfect opportunity, and he makes his way to Hagrid’s hut after following his daily routine. Upon arrival, his eyes immediately fall on Buckbeak, chained up with thick iron restraints around his neck, enough to prevent any attempts at flight. The proud hippogriff’s usual grace is dimmed by confinement, his feathers slightly ruffled as he shifts uncomfortably. The sight tugs at Adam’s chest, strengthening his resolve to see this through.
Knocking firmly on the wooden door, Adam waits only a moment before it swings open, revealing Hagrid’s familiar, towering frame. The gamekeeper’s expression carries the weight of worry, but he still musters his usual warmth as he gestures Adam inside. The cozy hut smells of damp earth and tea, the crackling fire offering some comfort against the tension in the air. Fang ambles up, tail thumping lazily, and Adam gives the boarhound a reassuring pat before turning to Hagrid.
“How are you holding up, Hagrid? Still having second thoughts about me helping to save Buckbeak?” Adam asks, watching the older man closely.
Hagrid exhales heavily, rubbing his large hands together, his shoulders sagging under an invisible weight. I just feel bad for ‘im, keepin’ ‘im chained up like this. He’s been restless these past few days, scratchin’ at the ground an’ makin’ these sad little noises.” His voice dips into something almost fragile, the bond between him and the hippogriff evident.
Adam nods, his gaze shifting toward the door. “I’ll make sure at least he’s well-fed.”
Stepping outside, Adam approaches Buckbeak carefully, following the proper greeting by bowing low. The hippogriff watches him with sharp eyes, considering, before finally dipping his head in return. Only then does Adam extend his hand, offering a generous portion of fresh meat. Buckbeak takes it eagerly, his powerful beak tearing into the meal, though a flicker of wariness still lingers in his gaze due to all the ordeal he has been through. As he feeds him, Adam glances back at Hagrid.
“Have you seen Thor anywhere? I haven’t spotted him in weeks.”
Hagrid scratches his beard, nodding knowingly. “He’s been stickin’ to the Forbidden Forest lately, mostly comin’ out at night. "I’ve been feedin’ him whenever he’s around, just like ya asked. Reckon he’s just bein’ cautious after seein’ Buckbeak chained up."
Adam smiles, relief settling in. “Thanks, Hagrid. I really appreciate it.
After ensuring Buckbeak was taken care of, Adam makes his way to Hogsmeade Village. With the weekend trip in full swing, the village is bustling with students weaving through the cobbled streets, chattering excitedly as they visit their favorite shops. Adam, however, moves with purpose, heading straight for his organization’s building—a once modest establishment that has grown at an astonishing pace. The expansion has been rapid, with the number of employees nearing a thousand.
Despite the scale of operations, things have been running smoothly under William’s management, the oldest son of old man Barry. His efficiency and keen eye for business have kept everything tightly organized.
As Adam steps inside, Barry is already waiting for him, his expression clouded with concern. The older man, ever composed, now seems slightly on edge, a rare sight that immediately puts Adam on alert.
“Young master, we have a bit of a situation,” Barry says, lowering his voice. “We’ve contained the beast, but it’s been difficult to keep it calm and it almost been a week.”
Adam raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “What kind of beast?”
Barry exhales, rubbing the back of his head. “A Zouwu. It got into a fight with another creature and was severely injured when our team found it. We managed to secure it in an anti-Disapparition room for now, but it’s not taking well to confinement.”
Adam nods, processing the information. The Zouwu is a massive, feline-like beast with a serpentine tail and remarkable speed—was a rare sight outside of China. Known for its ability to teleport over vast distances in a single bound, keeping it contained was no small feat. Injured or not, it would be dangerous if it lashed out.
"Good work," Adam says, his expression steady. "I''ll take a look myself and conduct the interview later, as always."
Making his way through the facility, Adam checks on the various magical creatures under their care. The air is filled with an assortment of sounds—chitters, rumbles, and the occasional rustling of wings—as he passes by enclosures designed to house each creature comfortably. Many of them react with excitement upon seeing him. The small Erumpent calf lets out a pleased snort, stomping its thick legs against the ground, while a few playful Nifflers scurry toward the edge of their enclosure, their beady eyes gleaming with mischief. A small Runespoor on the bottom floor, now fully healed, hisses in varying tones as its three heads flick their tongues curiously in his direction.
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Adam acknowledges them with a brief smile before continuing deeper into the facility. Finally, he arrives at the Zouwu’s enclosure, pausing just outside as he overhears the caretakers in hushed conversation.
“It still won’t eat,” one of them murmurs, concern evident in his tone. “We’ve tried everything—fresh meat, enchanted food, even calming spells—but it just ignores it.”
“It’s too agitated,” another adds. “The wounds are healing, but it doesn’t trust us enough to lower its guard.”
Stepping into the room, Adam moves with deliberate caution. The massive feline-like beast rests against the far wall, its powerful frame tense, golden eyes gleaming with wariness. Despite its injuries, the Zouwu remains imposing, its long, serpentine tail curled protectively around its body. The vibrant tufts of fur along its spine bristle slightly as Adam nears.
He doesn’t rush. Instead, he kneels a short distance away, holding out a generous portion of fresh meat. His posture remains open, non-threatening, as he patiently waits. The Zouwu eyes him, nostrils flaring as it takes in his scent, hesitating for several long moments before finally inching forward. With slow, deliberate movements, it extends its powerful jaws and snatches the food from Adam’s hand.
The caretakers exchange glances, some watching in quiet awe. Though they have witnessed Adam’s unusual affinity with magical creatures many times before, it never ceases to amaze them.
After ensuring the Zouwu is calm, Adam rises and exits the basement, making his way back upstairs. The facility hums with activity, workers moving efficiently as they handle various tasks. He soon spots William overseeing operations, his sharp gaze flickering over reports and giving quick instructions to passing staff.
“Everything set for the plan in a few days?” Adam asks as he approaches.
William nods, his expression unwavering. “Yes, boss. The team has been briefed, and everything is in place.”
“Good,” Adam replies, a hint of finality in his tone. “I’ll contact you when it’s time.”
Adam makes his way to the interview room, and this time, the process goes smoothly. With this, his small organization has officially crossed the threshold of 1,000 members.
With that settled, Adam steps out of the building and into the bustling streets of Hogsmeade Village. The crisp afternoon air carries the scent of butterbeer and freshly baked pastries, mingling with the hum of conversation as students and villagers go about their day. Moving with ease through the crowd, he heads toward the familiar warmth of the Three Broomsticks Inn.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Adam scans the room, hoping to spot Ron, Hermione, or any of their usual group. When he finds no sign of them, he makes his way to the counter instead, where Madam Rosmerta is busy serving customers. The moment she sees him, her face lights up with a welcoming smile.
“Young master,” she greets, expertly balancing a tray of drinks. “No Seraphina with you today? I saved some treats for her.”
Adam chuckles, leaning casually against the counter. “She’s busy with a delivery. But knowing her, she’ll be here tomorrow for the treats.”
Rosmerta laughs, shaking her head. “That owl of yours is something else. Always showing up right on time, like she owns the place.” She finishes setting down a round of butterbeers before lowering her voice slightly. “By the way, your mother asked about your small organization. I kept things discreet, just like you requested me to say.”
Adam nods in appreciation, knowing how careful Rosmerta has always been when it comes to sensitive matters. “Thanks, I owe you one.”
She waves a hand dismissively. “Consider it a favor. If I ever need help, I know who to call.”
Before Adam can reply, the door swings open, and the familiar voices of Ron, Hermione, and their friends fill the tavern. Turning, he spots them weaving through the crowd, their faces bright with the energy of a carefree weekend.
“About time,” Adam says with a smirk, greeting them as they pull up chairs around their usual table.
The rest of the afternoon passes in easy conversation and laughter, the group slipping into their familiar routine of sharing stories, debating over homework, and enjoying the comforts of the pub. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows over the village, Adam leans back in his seat, his thoughts drifting to the days ahead.
A week has passes, and the fateful day of Buckbeak’s execution finally arrives. Adam has prepared for this moment meticulously, ensuring that everything unfolds according to the original timeline. Still, he knows better than to leave things entirely to chance. To be absolutely certain, he will be using his own Time-Turner—a rare artifact he seldom resorts to, but today might call for an exception.
That afternoon, Ron, Hermione, and Harry approach him, their expressions laced with a mix of sadness and determination.
“Adam, come with us,” Hermione urges. “Let’s see Buckbeak one last time before…” Her voice falters slightly, but she steels herself. “Before it happens.”
Adam shakes his head, a conflicted look crossing his face. “You guys go ahead. I already met him earlier,” he says, his tone firm but laced with emotion. “I can’t… I can’t stand to see an innocent creature executed. You know me—I love all magical beasts. Watching one get killed? That’s not something I can stomach.”
The trio exchange glances before nodding in understanding. They know how deeply Adam cares for magical creatures, and though they wish he’d come with them, they don’t push him further.
“Alright,” Harry says, his voice quiet. “We’ll go now.”
Adam watches as the trio turns and makes their way outside, their footsteps heavy with the weight of what’s to come. Once they are gone, he exhales slowly, steadying himself before heading toward the library.
There, he waits, pretending to be absorbed in a book while his mind remains elsewhere. His people are already in position, stationed near the Whomping Willow, the Forbidden Forest, and the Shrieking Shack, ready to observe every detail of the unfolding events. Adam has planned everything down to the last moment, ensuring that Buckbeak’s escape happens without interference.