Chapter 215: "Summer Days and OWL Results"

The summer sun shone brightly over Bones Manor as Harry Potter, recently crowned European Dueling Champion, found himself in an unexpected role: babysitter. With Sirius and Amelia consumed by preparations for the Quidditch World Cup, Harry had been entrusted with the care of young Aries Black and Susan Bones. Leaving them with house elves was not an option because Sirius and Amelia left early in the morning and came back late at night when the kids were asleep.

"Higher, Harry! Higher!" Aries, now a rambunctious three-year-old, squealed with delight as Harry guided his toy broom a few feet off the ground.

Harry laughed, keeping a watchful eye on Aries. "Any higher, mate, and we'll need to get you a real broom! You're becoming quite the daredevil, aren't you?"

Nearby, Susan zoomed past on Sirius's Firebolt, her red hair streaming behind her. "Harry!" she called out, executing a perfect loop-de-loop. "Did you see that move? I've been practicing all summer!"

"Brilliant, Susan!" Harry cheered, genuinely impressed. "It seems like Hufflepuff is going to be the favorite for winning another Quidditch cup this year. With your performance better than last year's, you'll be giving other team chasers a run for their money."

As he watched Susan and Aries zoom around on their brooms, Harry's mind wandered to the whirlwind of events following his championship win. It began that very day with a small after-event gathering with other duellers and then later that day more celebrations with the special people who had come to cheer for Harry. It was one tiring day by the end of which Harry was completely drained of strength. That's coming from someone who has the enhanced stamina and endurance of a Knight.

The furor over the tournament win did not end there. After returning home, Harry had been plagued with invitations from many people including those with high status in the ministry to special gatherings. He had respectfully declined as he did not want to enter the political circle until after Hogwarts. This was too soon to appear there.

"Mr. Potter," one invitation had read, "your presence would greatly honor our annual Midsummer Gala. Many influential members of our society are eager to meet the young prodigy who has taken the dueling world by storm."

Harry had penned a polite response: "While I'm deeply honored by your invitation, I must respectfully decline. At this time, I'm focusing on my studies and personal development. I look forward to engaging more with the wizarding community after I've completed my education at Hogwarts."

Then the Daily Prophet headlines struck with articles of stories about him from any sources they could get.

One particularly sensational article had proclaimed: "The Boy Who Duels: Harry Potter's Secret Training Revealed!" The article went on to speculate wildly about Harry's upbringing and magical education, with theories ranging from secret tutoring by Merlin's ghost to time travel.

Thankfully not many people knew about the reasons for his strained relationship with his parents and Dumbledore, but that did not stop them from making up theories.

Harry rarely went out in public and the reporters did not know his home location so he was not mobbed. The whole week, however, had been a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, the Quidditch World Cup fever had redirected much of the attention away from him.

An owl's screech interrupted his thoughts. Harry recognized the Ministry seal on the letter it carried – his OWL results had arrived. With a deep breath, he unfolded the parchment, a smile spreading across his face as he read. Twelve OWLs, all Outstanding. He had only given nine OWLs last year but the ministry had decided to club his three OWLs which he had given to claim his emancipation when he was eleven years old and made the certificate all together. The result was nothing unexpected so he quietly folded it away.

Twelve was the maximum number of OWLs one could give in wizarding Britain. For more, Harry would have needed to go to the ICW to take the exams which Harry did not think was worth the time or effort. Marks and grades don't usually matter much in the real world. They are just for show and might give you a push in the beginning stages of your career but in the end, it is your skill that matters the most.

That evening, Sirius and Amelia returned earlier than usual, their faces alight with anticipation. It looked like they got the memo and the OWL results had been announced.

"Well?" Sirius asked, practically bouncing on his heels. "Don't keep us in suspense, pup! How did you do?"

Harry couldn't help but grin at his godfather's enthusiasm. "Twelve OWLs, all Outstanding."

Amelia's usually stern face broke into a wide smile. "Congratulations, Harry! That's absolutely fantastic."

Sirius let out a whoop of joy, pulling Harry into a bear hug. "I knew you could do it! This calls for a celebration! Kreacher, break out the finest Firewhiskey we have!"

"Sirius," Amelia chided, though her eyes twinkled with amusement, "Harry's still underage."

"Butterbeer for the kids then," Sirius amended with a wink. "But the adults are definitely having Firewhiskey!"

Before Harry knew it, he found himself back at Black Castle, surrounded by family and friends in an impromptu party. As he looked around at the smiling faces, he felt a pang of bittersweetness. With Voldemort's return looming on the horizon, moments like these would become increasingly rare.

"Knut for your thoughts?" Emma asked, appearing at Harry's side with a glass of butterbeer.

Harry smiled, accepting the drink. "Just thinking about how after a lot of twists and turns my life has turned great. I want it to be like this forever."

Emma's expression softened. "Life has a way of throwing challenges at us, Harry. But haven't you been working hard to gain strength so that you can live your life the way you want it to be? The future is always uncertain, but remember you have us, and we can face all the hurdles together."

Harry nodded, his resolve strengthening. "You're right. No Dark Wizard is going to keep me from living a good life with my family. I have overcome so much already, and whatever comes next, I will face it head-on."

The next day brought a flurry of owls from friends, all sharing their own OWL successes. Plans were quickly made to meet in Diagon Alley.

"Can you believe it?" Roger Davies exclaimed as they strolled down the bustling street. "NEWTs classes begin next year! It's all happening so fast."

Cedric nodded in agreement. "And from the cryptic hints my dad is giving me all summer, something interesting is going to happen at Hogwarts. He keeps talking about 'international magical cooperation' and 'a chance for eternal glory'. It's going to be an exciting year."

Harry said, knowing what the secret was. "As if the previous years weren't exciting enough. I was hoping for a quiet year, but we don't always get what we wish for. But let's focus on today, shall we? I hear Florean Fortescue has a new flavor we simply must try."

As they indulged in ice cream and laughter, Harry allowed himself to relax and enjoy the moment. The worries of the future could wait – for now, he wanted to savor these last few days of carefree joy with his friends.

"We'll all meet up at the World Cup, right?" Roger asked as they prepared to part ways.

Everyone nodded enthusiastically. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," Harry agreed. "It's not every day we get to see the best Quidditch players in the world face off."

As the day of the Quidditch World Cup Final approached, excitement reached a fever pitch. Harry could feel the anticipation building, not just for the match, but for the challenges he knew lay ahead.

Although Harry did not remember the exact specifics, he knew there was going to be a Death Eater attack during the World Cup, and he needed to prepare for a battle where he might be outnumbered. However, Harry refused to let these worries dominate his thoughts. His current strength gave him the confidence to not live in fear of everything. The Death Eaters would regret causing trouble under his watch.