Hermione lies in her bed fuming, thinking about how close to harm she and her friends had been. But eventually she falls asleep. It seems as if no time has passed, but she opens her eyes to see bright sunlight streaming through the window. Disoriented, she feels a sudden panic that she will be late to her classes, but it is Sunday and there are none. Debating with herself on how much of the previous days events she should reveal to her parents, she gets dressed. "Oh yes. Dear mother, last Saturday I was nearly burned at the stake… I'll be hauled home before I can sneeze." She heads down to the common room.

Arriving in the Gryffindor Common Room she finds Harry and Ron being scolded by Professor McGonagall. "Glad you could join us Ms. Granger." Hermione looks around and notices that Adam is missing although most of his things remain. Professor McGonagall continues "He wandered out of here and must have sniffed out the kitchen as they were preparing breakfast. He got into a conversation with the cooks and somehow, they convinced a teacher to produce something called Taylor Pork Roll. Although he told them it should have been called ham if it were not for the interference of some muggle agency. They had to teleport some of it from the other side of the world. Some place called New Jersey…" Hermione interrupts "That would not be the other side. New Jersey is on the east coast of…" She stops under Professor McGonagall withering gaze. "If I want a geography lesson Ms. Granger, I'll ask for one." She continues "He taught them how to make something he called a 'Jersey Breakfast' and they liked it. They then started looking for ways to get more of this pork and other ingredients to make more of these things with authentic hard rolls and horrendous condiment called 'ketchup.' He also got them interested in soft pretzels and some sort of cheesy steak meal from Philadelphia… Yes, I know where that is Ms. Granger."

Ron is feeling hungrier than usual and thinking that his father would want to hear all about these foreign muggle delicacies. He licks his lips. Professor McGonagall glares at him. "Hungry Mr. Weaselly?" Ron nods.

"It gets worse… He followed a Hufflepuff student and saw how to enter their common room. Which, of course, he did. He's in there now. Who knows how much more mischief he'll get into there?" Harry starts to speculate, but the professor's look tells him the question was rhetorical only. "I suspect he'll try Ravenclaw next. If he is clever enough to answer their riddle…" Hermione considers telling Professor McGonagall about wands being like horses thing but thinks better of it. But she realizes that Adam has a better than even chance of answering any riddle a first year Ravenclaw could and looks at her feet.

"I understand the Slytherin students are discussing tactics to prevent him entering and saying that no muggle will see their common room. So far, he hasn't tried to force an entrance anywhere, but only goes where he can go easily. So, there is hope that we can avoid a fight."

Ron raises his hand. Professor McGonagall nods to acknowledge him. "Is there any of that food left." The professor rolls her eyes.

Hermione takes a deep breath and opens her mouth wide to say "We think he's a lot older than we thought before. He's older than most countries. But it is unclear if he meant their current governments or their cultures. We should be prepared for him being possibly, two thousand years old." Professor McGonagall is surprised. "Also, I hit him with a petrificus totalus curse and it worked…but only for a few minutes." The professor gasps. "Why?" Ron's stomach growls. "He was showing us how he would fight a wizard or witch." Professor McGonagall responds "I take it you won Ms. Granger, at least for a while." Harry says "Ron and I didn't and if he'd wanted to, he could have attacked us again while we were wondering what to do." Hermione shakes her head. "He got me before I got my first attempt off. We all would have been dead." Hermione sits down on the couch. "He also made me stab him in the hand… I didn't want to… I tried not to, but he's too strong. The wound healed in seconds." Professor McGonagall tries to grasp all of this information.

Hermione says quietly "He seems so casual, but I don't think there is much about what he does that is accidental. He said we should plan ahead, but remain flexible." This thought sends a shiver down the professor's ridged spine. Harry asks "When did he say that?" Hermione responds "When you and Ron were stealing food…" The professor glances to the two now busted boys, but she knew what they had done already. "He knew I had my wand pointed at him in the sleeve of the sweatshirt as he drove. He gave me advice on how to use it…" Professor McGonagall pouts "Did he now…" Hermione nods, embarrassed.

The professor tells the boys to go to the kitchen and to distract Adam from exploring any further when, and if, he exits Hufflepuff. Hermione is to report to Dumbledore and report what she has learned. If Adam has remained in Hufflepuff much longer, she would help her good friend and aptly named Pomona Sprout.

Arriving at the kitchen Professor McGonagall interrupts an excited discussion about the new food sensations to confirm that Adam has not emerged from the Hufflepuff common room. She taps on the casks and gains entry to the hallway to the Hufflepuff Common Room. She changes to her cat form to be able to observe without being seen until she can assess what is happening. Knowing that he had been demonstrating combat tactics to her Gryffindor students, she fears for her friend and the Hufflepuff students.

Drawing near the entrance of the common room Professor McGonagall hears Adam and Professor Sprout discussing rare plants. Pomona says "We know of a forest where the plant can be found. It is the last place, as far as we know. It is extinct everywhere else in its original range. The forest is the home of an unregistered witch. Adult witches and wizards found nothing and returned… some didn't return. Seventh year witches don't return. Seventh year wizards return, after a long delay, changed." Adam responds "Donan Woods…" The name sends a shiver down Professor McGonagall's spine to the tip of her tail. "You know it then. Have you been there?" Adam responds "Only by reputation… I know someone who has been there…" Professor Sprout quietly says "Then you have heard of the Witch of Donan Woods…perhaps by another name? Zhandra? Cassia of Posidaea? Cassandra?" Adam answers "Some of those…"

Pomona queries "They say you are one of 'the Old Ones." Professor McGonagall hears no response, but assumes there must have been a nod because her friend continues. "It is said she has been in that forest for hundreds of years. Posidaea no longer exists and hasn't for a very long time…" Professor McGonagall creeps closer on her padded feet.

Pomona spots her. Adam follows her look and also sees the cat rubbing against the door jamb. "I think you already know the answers to your questions." Adam extends his hand toward the floor, beckoning the cat who responds with feline practiced indifference. Pomona says "Not long ago she left her forest. She found a man she sought revenge upon. But, perhaps not for the reason he would think. He killed a good friend of his to protect her. She had her chance to kill him, but she didn't." Adam looks to Pomona to continue. "I think that… she does not regret…not killing him." Adam nods.

"I saw a witch last night. I don't know her name. She wore a hat with a peak which goes off at a jaunty angle. She was attractive in a very proper sort of way, but her mouth looked like she's just sucked on a lemon" Pomona says "That sounds like Professor McGonagall." Adam nods. "What is her first name?" Pomona responds "Minerva." Adam nods. "Why do you ask?" Adam looks at the cat with a sly smile. "I had a dream last night. We were slow dancing closely to chamber music." Pomona smiles knowing that Minerva is listening. "That sounds nice." Adam nods. Standing up to leave, he adds "It was. All she had on was the hat." He suppresses a sly grin as he also knows that Professor McGonagall secretly listening. "Is this your cat?" Pomona shakes her head. Adam reaches down to pick up Minerva, but she scoots away. "I've never had much luck picking up cats."

After Adam leaves Professor McGonagall jumps up on the couch and resumes her human form. "He's incorrigible." She fumes with a bit of color in her cheeks. Pomona laughs a bit, but observes "More importantly, he knew it was you or at least one of us." Minerva nods. "That was a concern." Minerva gets up to follow Adam. "What was that about the undocumented witch?" Pomona pauses before answering "I have some theories… Only theories, so… I haven't gone to Dumbledore…yet. My research gives me some reason to believe that she's three thousand years old. Can you imagine? It seems so impossible. But then, to muggles, we must seem impossible." Minerva stares at her friend sensing that there is more that she's not saying. When Pomona doesn't respond, Minerva asks "You have sent students to this forest?" She's surprised when Pomona shakes her head and looks away. A thought suddenly occurs to Minerva. "You were sent to that forest when you were a student." Pomona shyly nods. "And you've been there within the last few years." Pomona shakes her head. "The person this witch wanted to kill…is Adam." Minerva speculates. Pomona shrugs a bit. "I believe so. She didn't call him by that name." Minerva gives Pomona a stern look. "I have to go. But we're going to talk." Minerva takes a few steps and turns back. "What happened to the young witches?" Pomona smiles. "They learned other ways and decided not to return…except me." Minerva nods. "And the young wizards?" Pomona looks at the floor and blushes. "They became men…" Minerva is surprised. "This witch…?" Pomona nods. "She bonds them to her…"

After reentering the Great Hall, Adam suddenly finds a shy boy in his path looking nervously up at him. "Pardon me sir. Can I ask you a question?" Adam smiles. "I think you just did." The boy cringes and blushes. He starts to turn away. Adam asks "What is your name?" The boy says "Neville Longbottom." Adam motions Neville to sit at the end of a nearby table. Neville hesitates, it isn't the Gryffindor table, worse…it is the Slytherin table. "I'm a Gryffindor… That isn't our table…" Adam sits down and motions Neville to join him by sitting on the other side. Neville reluctantly sits. Slytherin students glare at them. "What is your question Mr. Longbottom?" Neville glances nervously around. The stares become more intense and there is muttering. "Gryffindors are supposed to be brave. But, I'm afraid all of the time. Am I in the right house? They say the hat doesn't make mistakes, but…" Adam smiles. "Neville, there is no courage without fear. Not feeling fear when there is danger isn't bravery, it is ignorance. Courage is feeling that fear but going ahead anyway when necessary."

As Neville ponders, a Slytherin says "Neville knows all about ignorance." Adam turn and looks at the student impassively. He says nothing. "What are you looking at muggle?" The student challenges, but is met with a face which is neither afraid nor angry, but is studying him like a predator deciding if it is worth the effort to feed. The Slytherin student sullenly goes back to eating his breakfast defeated. Turning back to Neville, he quietly says "I thought so…" and smiles. "You approached me… you sat among those you fear… Never doubt your courage Mr. Longbottom. You have my admiration." He gets up and as he does so he pats Neville's shoulder. "But don't get hurt demonstrating it. Remember, fear is your friend. It is trying to keep you safe… sometimes too safe. If someone calls you names…the only power they have is the power you give them. As they say 'sticks and stones…" Neville asks "Sticks and stones…?" Adam smiles "It is an old muggle saying rarely used now. 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me.' I guess that isn't quite true with spells…" and walks off. Neville sits alone a bit longer before returning to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Harry is watching Ron downing his breakfast. "I hope we get to try one of those breakfast sandwiches. My father will be interested and they sound good." They miss Adam passing through.

Adam follows several students returning to the Ravenclaw tower. They look nervously over their shoulders at the adult muggle casually following them up the winding stair. Every student has already heard that there is a muggle, and Old One no less, wandering about and they are both thrilled and frightened to be in his presence. Upon reaching their door they gather cautiously. The eagle doorknocker asks its riddle "What can go up a chimney down, but not down a chimney up?" They are off their game, distracted by the mysterious muggle visitor, and can't quite figure it out. Before time expires Adam leans forward and answers "An umbrella." To their shock, the door releases. Adam shrugs and smiles modestly. "Perhaps it was too mundane."

Adam follows them into their common room. Curious, he goes to the window and enjoys the westerly view. Professor Filius Flitwick is surprised and thrilled to see the tall muggle he had been told about following his students. He is positive that he and the students fortunate enough to be present are about to have the most fascinating discussion of their lives. He has heard that this particular muggle has been alive since at least the thirteenth century. He wished he was more familiar with muggle history for the first time. Filius puts a step stool next to Adam so he can see out of the window beside Adam. Without looking down Adam says "A wonderful view." Filius says "Yes. I enjoy it often."

One of the female students goes to a piano and plays Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata." Adam glances over with a look which indicates his musical tastes have moved on since the early nineteenth century but appreciating her efforts. She begins to play Bonnie Tyler's "I Need a Hero" Adam nods with a shy grin. Another begins to sing.

"Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods? Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds? Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night I toss and I turn, and I dream of what I need.

"I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night
He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight.

"I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero till the morning light
He's gotta be sure, and it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life.

"Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There's someone reaching back for me.

"Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat
It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet."

"I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

"I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And he's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life

"I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I could swear that there's someone somewhere watching me

"Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach
Like the fire in my blood."

Then they breakdown into giggles. The piano player says "My muggle mother taught me that and I taught it to her."

Another asks "Are you the muggle who saved the first year Gryffindor Hermione from being burned like a steak on a stake?" Adam nods. "You're a hero!" Adam shakes his head. "No. I had to decide, between two friends, which would die and which would live. A hero would have found a way for both to live. It wasn't a victory, it was a tragedy." The piano player says "Any muggle who saves one of us is a white knight to me." Adam shrugs. "A hero is only a villain that is on your side. What you must understand is that both of us had Hermione's well being at heart."

All the Ravenclaws, except Professor Flitwick, are mystified. Adam continues "He was willing to sacrifice her body to save her soul, I wasn't. In the other point of view, I have condemned her soul to burn in Hell for eternity rather than her body for a minute or two." The common room grows quiet.

The singer says "Well we don't believe that…" Adam turns to her sadly and counters "I did…once." Professor Flitwick asks "Why did you change?" Adam slowly answers "Experience." After a long pause he adds "Life is about change."

A student asks "We've heard that you're an Old One. Are you?" Adam chuckles. "I'm pretty sure that I'm older than any living witch or wizard…with perhaps two exceptions." A student asks "Who are they?" Adam shakes his head not mentioning Nicholas Flamel or his wife.

"What is it like to be a muggle and not be able to do magic?" The question amuses Adam. "Who said muggles cannot do magic?" The Ravenclaws all exchange surprised looks. "Muggles can do magic?" one finally asks. Adam smiles "Arthur C. Clarke's third law: 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.' Muggles do magic…differently." A student asks "Was Clarke a professor here?" Adam shakes his head "No, he was a muggle. You would do well to study his three laws, especially the second." A student eagerly asks "What does it say?" Adam informs him "The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible." The students laugh. "I like this!" one exclaims. "And the first law?" asks a student busily taking notes. "Your professor will like this one…maybe. 'When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong." Professor Flitwick smiles. He is all in favor of expanding the mind to consider possibilities that seemed impossible or outlandish.

"What would a 'sufficiently advanced technology' be?" A student asks and Adam ponders. "How do wizards communicate over long distances?" The asking student answers "We send an owl holding a letter in its beak. The owls always know where to find the other wizard." Adam nods. "So, your long-distance communication travels at the speed of an owl and is limited in size to what it can carry… What if I told you that muggles can communicate at the speed of light and there are a rapidly expanding number of handheld devices. It is inevitable that they will make large volumes of information available on handheld devices as well." The students just stare. "Never underestimate muggles…"