Chapter 217: An Eventful End to the Semester

The final days of the semester were the most relaxing time for all students.

No homework, no exams, and even no classes

They had fun without worrying and were excited about the holidays coming up.

Harry had experienced many changes recently, even successfully casting the Patronus Charm.

He eagerly looked forward to the holidays, something he had never experienced since coming to Hogwarts.

Ron's face was also smiling.

Sirius wanted to give him a rat as a gift to make up for losing his pet.

But Ron strongly refused, now that he knew the true identity of Scabbers, he felt sick at the sight of rats.

Ron was happy for a long time after Sirius gave him an owl, which is a common pet among wizards.

At the end-of-year banquet, Dumbledore announced the House Cup winner and revealed Professor Lupin's resignation.

Lupin hadn't revealed his werewolf identity, and many students still had respect for him.

They expressed regret, as he had been a reliable professor.

When Dumbledore announced that Sirius would be the next Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the next year, the students were thrilled.

Sirius had become a famous figure in the wizarding world over the past month, a real top star. His legendary experiences earned him countless fans at Hogwarts.

With the appearance of a handsome uncle, Sirius stood up and waved to the students from all four houses, showing his youthful energy again.

"Believe me, my dear students, under my guidance next semester, you will learn what real Defense Against the Dark Arts is!"

Seeing his flamboyant manner, all the students applauded and cheered, happy to give him a face.

Meanwhile, Arthur and a few girls were sitting in a compartment room on the train and talking about the Quidditch World Cup.

"My mom booked a trip for us long ago, so you guys can enjoy the Cup,"

Hermione said it with pity. Her concern wasn't about missing the Quidditch, but rather not being able to go with Arthur.

Arthur understood Hermione's situation.

She only had this limited time each year to be with her parents, and she wouldn't change her plans because of the Quidditch World Cup.

"What about you, Luna?"

Arthur asked, looking at Luna, who was flipping through a copy of The Quibbler.

Luna hesitated for a moment before slowly shaking her head. "I guess I'll follow my father's arrangement."

"Okay, then you can decide later," Arthur replied.

"Me, me, me!"

Astoria raised her hand excitedly and said, "I'll go with my mother. But she will probably sit with the Ministry officials, so I will go to your room."

Arthur nodded in agreement.

He had a top-tier room ticket that could fit many people.

While he wasn't particularly interested in the World Cup itself, he enjoyed joining in the festivities.

Suddenly, the compartment door was pushed open.

"Arthur, I'm not disturbing anything, am I?"

Fred said with a smirk, and Arthur gave him a playful smack.

"Speak if you have something to say, but no nonsense."

Arthur retorted.

Fred wasn't offended; he cheerfully asked, "Did any of you receive the Ministry's notice forbidding the use of magic during the holidays?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Fred announced with joy, "I think they must have forgotten! Let's celebrate our first holiday with the freedom to cast spells!"

Hermione looked excited, "If that's the case, I can study the spells we'll learn next semester during the holidays."

Arthur laughed at how hard Hermione was trying to study. Even if it was using a loophole in the Ministry's rules, she still thought of studying.

Soon, the Hogwarts Express arrived at its final stop, and a group of students rushed to the platform as soon as they realized that this year, the Ministry of Magic had forgotten something.

But knew that the Ministry would never let them be disappointed.

As the students reached the exit, they were stopped by Ministry officials, who made them sign an agreement.

However, Arthur had some advantages as a member of the Wizengamot and a holder of the Order of Merlin.

The sad students left the train station, and their parents, who came to pick them up, thought they had failed their exams because of their expressions.

A few parents decided to treat their kids to a meal of burgers and pizza as a reward.

When Harry was about to greet and bid farewell to Arthur, his Uncle Vernon appeared.

"Boy, hurry up! It's already a rare occasion for me to waste my precious time picking you up. Why are you still slowing down?"

Uncle Vernon barked loudly, which made some people around him frown and look at him with disdain.

Uncle Vernon hesitated and looked at Sirius, who was standing next to Harry.

He asked uncertainly, "Are you the new neighbor? You moved here because of this kid?"

Sirius despised Uncle Vernon's attitude towards Harry, but he didn't want to create a scene.

He introduced himself calmly, "I am Harry's godfather."

"What godfather? How come I've never heard of you in all these years?"

Uncle Vernon impatiently asked. However, a little girl next to him explained.

"Mom, that's Sirius Black!"

The little girl's voice was childish and sounded a bit whiny.

"Let's run. He's a murderer! Will he kill us?"

Arthur suppressed a laugh. Even though many people now knew Sirius was innocent, there were still some whose opinions hadn't changed.

The little girl's mother looked apologetically at Sirius and said to her daughter, "Tiffany, don't say that. Mr. Sirius Black has been released from Azkaban; the Ministry says he didn't commit those murders."

Uncle Vernon's face turned pale, and he trembled all over.

Murderer, prison, not guilty

This didn't sound right at all!

No wonder he had never heard Harry mention this godfather before. He had been kept in the dark all along.

"Uh, hello, Mr. Sirius Black. We are now neighbors, so please don't do anything rash,"

Uncle Vernon stuttered, which was very different from how arrogant he had been just a few minutes earlier.

Sirius's lips twitched.

He was about to explain when Uncle Vernon quickly interjected, "Since you're here, we don't need to trouble you to take Potter. We'll take our leave."

With that, he hurriedly ran away with his chubby son in tow.

Arthur couldn't hold back anymore and burst into laughter.

...

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