Quidditch World Cup

After the grueling final exams, the young wizards finally got the summer holiday they had been dreaming of.

"I can't believe that old bat didn't give me a hard time," Ron Weasley said as he left the Potions Classroom, looking thoroughly relieved. He even sounded surprised, as if he hadn't already gotten off easy.

"Maybe the professor's got something to be happy about?"

"What could possibly make that man happy?"

Eli shrugged. "Who knows?"

Eli thought of the person who had "accidentally" let Lupin's Werewolf identity slip. Ah, he sounded a lot like Professor Snape.

"Oh, right, Eli. Remember to give me a good grade in Defense Against the Dark Arts." Ron sidled up to him with a sly grin.

Eli pushed him away, his expression righteous. "As acting professor, I will show no favoritism."

"Come on, we're friends!"

"One more word and I'll dock you ten points."

Ron immediately shut his mouth.

Hermione Granger caught up with them. "Shouldn't you be heading back to pack? Otherwise you'll be scrambling to get on the train tomorrow."

Ron rolled his eyes and muttered, "Who asked you?"

Eli nodded to Hermione. "I'll pack when I get back."

Ron stared at him as though he'd seen a ghost. "Good grief, Eli. You actually listen to her!"

Hermione couldn't be bothered with him. She walked straight over to Eli.

Harry stood off to one side, grinning to himself without saying a word.

Sirius Black had sent a letter saying he would go to the Quidditch World Cup with them. Harry couldn't wait for the holiday to begin.

He now had two family members who cared about him. He wanted to spend all his time with Eli and Sirius Black, and he knew he'd never tire of it.

"My father was invited by the Minister