Quidditch World Cup
Sirius leaned against the doorway, idly watching his family.
The lot of them were currently congregated in the entry hall of Black Manor, awaiting Amelia Bones and their portkey.
He watched as his sons excitedly discussed the possible outcomes of the match with Draco and the twins while Hermione and Theo thoroughly introduced themselves to Dudley. The poor boy looked to be zoned out and nodding occasionally to be polite.
Sirius chuckled. Hermione and Theo had only just returned this morning from their stay in Berlin. Their parents had remained behind, so Theo and Hermione would be spending the rest of the summer holiday here at the manor.
Daphne, Susan, and Ginevra had all met Dudley the prior weekend and were well acquainted. To escape the boys' excitement, Madam Bones had invited Daphne and Ginevra to stay with Susan for the night. Sirius couldn’t blame the girls for jumping at the opportunity.
Remus stood with the Malfoys just before the hearth. By the way Remus’s hands were flailing, he could tell he was in some argument with Lucius. Narcissa’s lips kept twitching as she attempted to keep the peace between the two. Lucius had been in the works of countering a werewolf bill and constantly hounded Remus for information.
The floo flared to life, and a pink-haired witch stumbled out, catching herself on the gesticulating arm of Remus.
Dora, who had previously gone by Tonks, smiled up at the sandy-haired wizard, “Wotcher, Remus!”
Remus sighed in exasperation when Dora refused to release his arm; instead, the witch weaved her arm through his and greeted a grinning Narcissa.
He heard a throaty chuckle and turned to see both of his mothers and his baby cousin also observing the scene.
Sirius grinned and shared a knowing glance with Walburga, “It appears our Nymphadora still fancies her a wolf.”
She grunted and brushed Lyra’s blonde curls away from her forehead, “That boy is frustratingly elusive and escapes my clutches whenever Dorea or I try to discuss the matter with him.”
He laughed, “Moony doesn’t do commitment very well.”
Dorea scoffed as she stole the toddler away from Walburga, “He’s smitten with the girl but tells me he can’t overlook their age gap.”
“Nonsense,” Walburga croaked, frowning at the toddler who freely left her clutches, “Maybe we should have Severus slip the boy a tongue-loosening tea.”
“Mother!” Sirius said, aghast, “That’s diabolical.”
Dorea’s brow rose as she patted Lyra’s back, “You disapprove?”
Sirius waved his hand at her dismissively, “Of course not, mum; I’m only miffed mother thought of it first. ”
Walburga nodded resolutely, “I’ll ask Severus when you all leave. Salazar, it’s going to be so quiet around here.”
“Are you saying that because the boys are leaving or because Remus and I are leaving?”
Walburga shared a glance with Dorea before they chorused, “Both.” Lyra giggled in turn.
Sirius couldn’t understand the women in his life, “The both of you have your own homes. The fact that you choose to stay on Manor grounds means you are required to deal with my shenanigans.”
Dorea shrugged as she readjusted the toddler on her hip, “In case you forgot, I lived here for decades; it's familiar to me. Also, Remus has his own home. Yet I find he is always here.”
Sirius grumbled, “So is Augusta.” He shook his head in exasperation, “Honestly though, Grimmauld House is now just as large as the manor. Not to mention Black Hall sits empty the majority of the year.”
Walburga nodded, “True. However, I find it too quiet at Grimmauld without your father. And the little ones tend to flock here.”
“Father never said anything.” Sirius replied flatly, “It’s literally like he’s still there. His portrait says more than he ever did.”
Sirius earned a rap to the elbow with her overly bejeweled knuckles, “Ungrateful mutt.”
“Harpy,” Sirius grumbled as he stalked away from the smirking women and giggling toddler.
Sirius saddled up to Remus, Dora, and the Malfoys, throwing his arm around his best friend, “My mothers are plotting against you.”
Remus sighed, “Aren’t they always.”
“Nonsense, Remus,” Narcissa cut in in her sweetest tone, “Just do as they say, and you’ll be right as rain.” Her pale silver eyes flicked towards Dora, “I dare say you’ll enjoy it.”
Remus was spared having to respond by the floo once again flaring to life. Amelia Bones stepped through, closely followed by Susan, Daphne, and Ginevra. The girls quickly made their way over to the other children while Amelia found her way to Sirius.
“Lord Black, your portkey. It leaves at a quarter past nine, just shy of ten minutes from now.”
Sirius took the offered bicycle tire, “Ah, thank you, Amelia, for the special delivery. Will you be joining us? We have a box next to the ministers, top of the stands with excellent views.”
Amelia shook her head as she took the teacup offered to her by Kreacher, “No. As the head of the department, I can’t be seen taking the day off.”
Lucius shook his head as she took a sip from her cup, “You at least were able to get extra help, correct?”
She frowned, “I have the manpower that Cornelius approved, nothing more. He has deemed my force enough despite informing him of the intel of a possible attack. Luckily, the ICW seems to be corralling their own force.”
Sirius scoffed as Amelia took a deep sip from her cup, “Were you at least afforded senior aurors?”
She nodded, “That I was. At least I won’t have rookies mucking about.”
“Oi!”
Amelia finished the last of her tea and held the empty cup out for Kreacher to take, “Nymphadora, I didn’t see you there.” She eyed the young auror shrewdly, “Moody’s on leave for the foreseeable future; if you see anything suspicious and wish to earn some extra hours, please find me first. I won’t have random off-the-clock wands endangering the visiting crowds.”
Dora quickly nodded, “Of course, Head Bones.”
Amelia eyed the group again before turning on her heel and heading straight for the floo.
“On that happy note,” Sirius clapped his hands, “Everyone, say your goodbyes.”
Narcissa and Lucius swept over to the two elder Black women and were reassured that the two would be completely capable of looking after the littlest Malfoy for the weekend.
“Narcissa,” Walburga growled, “I raised two boys; Lyra will be a hundred times easier.”
Dorea chuckled, “Don’t worry, I will make sure Walburga stays in line. We also have the elves if anything gets out of hand.”
Sirius chuckled at his mother’s offended expression. Honestly, mentioning her child-rearing skills in any conversation should warrant a stay in Azkaban. He shook his head and checked the time, “Gather around. I want all hands on the portkey.”
They were quickly joined by the children and watched Walburga and Dorea saunter out of the room with a waving toddler.
Neville’s eyes narrowed, “Where’s mum? Isn’t she joining us?”
Sirius pointed at the bicycle tire, “She’s organizing the ICW aurors for the match. We’ll be seeing her shortly.”
Just as Neville finally grabbed a hold of the portkey, they were off.
The group landed in a muddy field just shy of a small stone cottage. Standing outside the cottage was a muggle man staring at a stack of coins in his hand, muttering, “What the bloody hell are these?”
Their landing spot must have been warded as the man did not look up at their arrival.
Waving his hand before the man, Sirius interrupted, “Sorry, sir, we’re here for the Black reservation.”
The muggle man looked up before glancing at a clipboard hanging on the wall, “Black, four slots. You’ll be in section A. That’s across the moor, just on the other side of those trees. The sites are clearly marked.”
Sirius nodded, “How much for the weekend?”
He looked at the clipboard again, “Four lots at £10 each a night, two nights; that puts you at £80.”
Digging into the black denim jeans he had on, Sirius withdrew a muggle wallet and pulled out four £20 notes. “Did you receive those coins from another camper?”
The muggle man nodded as he took the notes from Sirius, “I did. I honestly have no clue what to do with them. I sure as hell can’t cash them.” He pointed to the window sill beside him, “I was also paid with those a while back. Half the people checking in today don’t speak a lick of English, so I’ve had to just accept what was provided. I’m not even sure the local bank will exchange them.”
Sirius looked over the pile of sickles and a single galleon in the man’s hands, “How much was their total? I have a friend in London banking that I can most likely get those converted. If not, then I’ll have some interesting coins to add to my collection.”
The man stared at Sirius dumbly for a moment, “This one was a single campsite for a night, just £10; the other was two campsites for the weekend.”
Opening the wallet again, Sirius pulled out three more £20 notes, “Keep the extra for your troubles. I know we’re a rowdy crowd at these reunions.”
Taking the notes from Sirius, the man only nodded and handed over the coins and a campground map with the Black lots circled.
Lucius scoffed from his left as they walked off, “So much for the statue of secrecy. Giving a muggle goblin coin…”
Remus snorted from his right, “I think the lack of baggage is more likely to blow the state than a possible foreign coin. Look around; no one else is thinking of arriving with bags to house the extravagant tents they are constructing. It’s almost like they’re pulling them out of thin air.”
Lucius pales as he absorbs Remus’s words, “I’ll be sure to bring it up to Silas.”
Sirius shook his head, “He’s doing as much as he can. Crouch left many a hole in the department when he was taken in.”
Lucius nodded slowly, “I will make it a friendly suggestion then.”
The group quickly found their allotted campsites, and each group went about setting up their tents. Sirius and Remus set up their tent while the Malfoys set up their own family tent. The children had a tent for the boys and a tent for the girls, which would be chaperoned by Dora and the twins.
One or two tents could have easily held all of the guests, but they didn’t want to raise the alarm with the muggles if one saw seventeen people entering and exiting one tent. Having seven boys in one tent was already a stretch but not entirely unheard of in the muggle world.
When all the tents were set up, Lucius disappeared to gain information for Amelia on the skirmish that was rumored to happen sometime over the weekend. Narcissa and Dora then volunteered to take the girls to get souvenirs, while Remus took the large group of boys to find and say hello to their classmates and his students. Sirius was waiting for Alice to be done organizing the ICW forces.
He had just sat down in a camping chair Remus had brought when he noticed the struggling man attempting to set up a muggle tent across the row.
As the redhead poked himself in the eye with the metal pole, Sirius sighed; he would have to help. "Excuse me, Mr. Weasley. Perhaps I can be of assistance? I have set up many of these things in my youth, not to mention the group over there."
Arthur Weasley spluttered for a moment before agreeing.
The two men worked quietly to assemble the small tent. When it was finally assembled, Sirius traced the rune on the front flap, enabling the charms that expanded and furnished the once-muggle tent.
"There you are, Mr. Weasley, all set up."
"I can't thank you enough, Lord Black; I don't know how long that would have taken on my own."
Sirius laughed, "No need to thank me; it was an easy enough task for two minds."
"Can I interest you in a cup of tea as thanks?"
"Sure! The kids are all off with chaperones for now; I have time to relax."
Sirius eyed the redhead across the bench from him, "If you don't mind my asking, Arthur, why haven't you taken up your seat?"
Arthur chuckled as if had been told a joke, "I have no seat, Sirius. I was not my uncle's heir. That would be Tiberius."
Sirius barked a laugh, "That oaf?” He shook his head, “No... Your uncle passed his seat to you, not his son. Why do you think he hasn't insisted on the will being read for the past 6 months? He's completely happy draining the main vault before you catch on."
Arthur frowned heavily, his red brows forming a deep V, "Septimus disowned my children; why would he make me his heir? "
Sirius shrugged, "From my point of view, he was setting your children free. You can't deny that your wife has driven a wedge between every member of your family. I recall some things Ole Septimus said about her...” He shook his head, “And it's not like disownment is permanent; You have the ability to bring them back in. Look at my family; we do it all the time."
Sirius stood as he saw the growing storm in the man’s blue eyes, "Dissolve that sham of a marriage and cleanse yourself of all the potions. Then, right your house."
Arthur's face was red as a tomato, "What are you playing at, Sirius? Potions? Sham of a marriage?"
Sirius sighed as he placed the empty cup down, "Talk to your eldest son. Ask him what the goblins told him. Then, go see a healer, Arthur." He turned and retreated toward his tent; the kids would return soon anyway.
Hadrian groaned as Marcus Flint ruffled his hair, “Baby Black!”
Draco quickly avoided Marcus’s other hand, causing the large boy to laugh heartedly, “You know, I envy you lot this year.”
Neville grimaced, “Please don’t say it’s due to what will happen this school year.”
Marcus grinned widely; his teeth had been fixed over the summer, “Of course! I’d love to enter.”
Hadrian sneered at the exuberance of the eighteen-year-old, “No, thank you.”
“But you’d be so good at it, Baby Black.” Gemma Fawley crooned from behind them.
Hadrian couldn’t help but grin at the sight of three of his favorite older-year Slytherins. While Marcus had graduated the year prior, Gemma and Thomas Belby would be entering their seventh and final year this term.
A quick glance back at Remus found the twins, Theo and Dudley, talking with a bouncing blonde man in garishly yellow, too-tight Quidditch robes.
“So,” Thomas cut in, “Any guesses as to who the Hogwarts champion will be?”
The three Blacks shook their heads while Hadrian said, “As long as it’s none of us, we’re okay with whoever is chosen.”
Gemma nodded, “Well, the three of you are too young anyway. I would think the twins would like to enter, though.”
Marcus sighed happily, “How I won’t miss all the booby traps throughout the common room.”
Thomas cringed, “Or the poisoned sweets.”
Hadrian laughed, “You should try living with them. On top of the twins, we have our fathers, the original Hogwarts troublemakers.”
Gemma frowned, “Don’t they have their own house?”
Draco scoffed, “Yes, but the Lupins get bored, and we each have an official room at Black Manor.”
Neville nodded, “It’s not uncommon to wake up to having various new faces at the breakfast table. Although, the twins do add an element of suspense.”
Hadrian rolled his eyes, “Yeah, they’re getting very creative with the ways in which they can sneak one of their little tricks into the food. Some even get by the lordship rings.”
Marcus laughed as he waved down another friend, “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” He started retreating, “I’ll see you guys around; I’ll probably be at one or two of the tournament tasks. My father’s one of the judges!” With that, the trio was gone, and the soon-to-be fourth years were alone again.
“Hey,” Neville nodded down the row of tents, “There’s Luna.”
Hadrian smiled widely. Luna, who the prior summer seemed like a staple in the Black household, had only randomly appeared at the manor a handful of times this summer. Her presence seemed to be able to tame the twins somehow, so she had been greatly missed.
Luna noticed Neville’s wave and meandered her way through the campers towards them. What was shocking was the fact that she was dragging a bewildered-looking Ronald Weasley by the hand.
“Hades!”
Hadrian was engulfed in blonde curls and bright green ruffles, “I missed you too, Little Moon.”
Ronald awkwardly stood to the side, with his hands shoved deep in his pockets as Luna hugged each Black individually.
Nodding to the redhead, Hadrian smiled, “Weasley, I didn’t know you were coming.”
Ronald nodded quickly, “Dad has a friend that was able to get a couple of tickets. It’s Luna and I, plus my dad and three brothers.”
“Well,” Hadrian glanced back at Remus, “We have a family box if you and Luna would care to join us. Ginevra is with us as well. The girls are souvenir shopping.”
Luna grinned up at the redhead, “We should ask your father. We wouldn’t want to step on toes.”
Ronald grinned lopsidedly, “I suppose we could.” He motioned towards the tree line, “We’re over in field A.”
Neville hummed, “So are we.”
Draco finally broke his silence, “I’m gonna let Remus know we’re going to head back soon.”
Ronald frowned at the retreating blonde, “He doesn’t like me.”
Neville shrugged as he eyed the redhead, “You were a bit hot-headed in our younger years.”
Luna shook her head, her curls flying madly, “No, that’s not it. Draco’s engaged to what was once your sister. I think anyone would feel awkward in that situation.”
Ronald’s eyes widened, “Engaged?”
Hadrian had to clarify, “Well, betrothed. Not technically engaged yet.”
The redhead’s eyes fell over on the other group, “Still. I never thought any of us would have to go through something so archaic as betrothal contracts.”
Neville mouthed, “Archaic…” to Hadrian over Luna’s shoulder before addressing Ronald, “You do know Ginevra had a betrothal contract from birth to our cousin, right?”
Ronald’s head snapped back around, “What? Who?”
Luna’s brows furrowed, and she eyed Hadrian cautiously, “Harry Potter.”
The redhead’s brows disappeared behind his shaggy fringe, “No bloody way.”
Neville joined Luna in glancing at Hadrian, who was casually observing Draco’s discussion with Remus. He didn’t want to give anything away to someone who was quite possibly a seer, so he chose not to look Ronald Weasley in the eye.
Neville coughed, “Yeah, caused a bit of a stink with the goblins. Of course, it’s now defunct.”
Ronald nodded slowly, “Did Ginny know?”
Neville and Luna nodded slowly.
“Bloody hell.” Ronald’s hands pulled at his shoulder-length hair, “That’s why she hates Mum.” His gaze found Neville's, “It was Mum who signed the contract, right? Dad would never.”
Hadrian nodded as he turned back to the conversation, “Yes.”
“Well,” Ronald scoffed, “I can see why we’re not the favorite family to have around. First the Malfoy contract fiasco, and now this?”
Luna hugged the redhead tightly, “I measure each individual, not the family as a whole.”
Ronald laughed as he tried to untangle himself from the little blonde, “All right, Luna, I get it.”
“So,” Neville cut in cautiously, “You won’t say anything about their arrangement, will you, Weasley?”
Ronald laughed, “Nah, she seems happy. I’m okay with that. And call me Ron; there are far too many of us to keep calling me Weasley.”
The two boys nodded, Neville speaking up first, “Of course, Ronald. You have leave to use my first name.”
Ronald’s ears flushed, “Please, just Ron. You make it seem like I’m in trouble when you use my full name.”
Hadrian sniggered at his brother’s formal declaration and Ron’s statement, “You should know that this change in familiarity hadn’t occurred earlier due to you being quite the prat our first two years. Hermione has reminded us quite earnestly that we should have made up at least last year.”
Ron’s cheeks flushed, and the tips of his ears now threatened to blend into his hair, “I know. I was a bit of a wanker.”
Neville’s brows rose, “You weren’t very nice to Hermione in the beginning either. You’re lucky she forgives so easily.”
“I know!” Ron’s hands found their way back to tugging on his hair, “Do you know how often I apologize for that? Theo wouldn’t leave me alone for five seconds with her for months!”
Hadrian smirked, “He’s a bit protective of her.”
“I’m quite aware.” Ron mumbled before sighing, “Look, I know I was a prat. Being the sixth son isn’t easy; I lashed out early on because I had nothing else going for me. Bill was the perfect golden child, Charlie was the star Quidditch player, Percy was brilliant, and the twins were funny; I’m just me. But with Ginny leaving the family and then the twins…. disappearing — even Bill has been avoiding family functions. I realized they aren’t as perfect in their roles as I once thought, so maybe I don’t have to be jealous.”
Luna patted his arm softly, “That’s very insightful, Ron.”
Hadrian nodded slowly, “Remarkably. I suppose you can call me Hadrian then, Ron.”
Ron grinned widely, “Have you guys placed any bets on who’s to win?”
“Ireland...” Fabian cut in from behind him.
“…But Krum gets the snitch.” Gideon finished.
Ron sighed wistfully, “Krum. Hard to imagine he’s only a few years older than us.”
The twins grinned widely as they flanked Ron, “OooOOoo, Weasley’s got a little crush…”
“Oi!” Ron griped, brushing off the brunette twins, “I swear, you too are almost…” He broke off and stared at the twins for a long moment before shaking his head and mumbling to Luna, “Come on, let’s go ask my dad.”
Luna exchanged a sorrowful expression with Hadrian before she trotted off after the redhead.
Remus sighed as he set a hand on each of the twins' shoulders, “Well, that pulled on the heartstrings.”
Dudley broke the awkward silence that followed, “He’s Ginevra’s old brother, yes?”
Draco groaned, “Don’t remind me. All I can hope for are blondes.”
Theo laughed and slapped his friend on the shoulder, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pairing with a Weasley produce anything but red hair. Look at the Bones family; they’ve been trying to shed that red hue for six generations with no luck.”
The group laughed at Draco’s disgruntled expression before turning and heading off to the campsite.
Sybil Trelawney hummed to herself as she poured another glass of wine. A step above the cooking sherry she usually had to liberate from the house elves down in the kitchens. The case had been perched on a shelf in the large pantry without any indication of who it was for. No one would miss a bottle (or two).
The background noise of the wizarding wireless reverberated around her small room while the woodsy smoke of the burning palo santo filled the air.
She breathed in the aroma of the French Malbec and sighed happily. Savory wines were always her favorite. She swirled the glass and then took a generous sip, reclining her head to savor the taste.
Her head lolled, and her grip on the glass slackened, causing the wine to splash down her beaded shawl.
Her eyes rolled back in their sockets as her mouth gaped, "It will happen tonight. The Dark Lord lies chained and helpless, abandoned by his followers. Tonight, before midnight... his servant shall break the chains and free his master. The Dark Lord will rise again with his servant's aid, greater and more terrible than ever. Tonight... before midnight... the servant... shall break the chains... and free... his master..."
Sybil bolted up at the feeling of the wine in her lap. She sighed heavily and siphoned the wine from her shawl and lap. The lint particles floating in the glass detoured her from attempting to save it. She winced as she vanished the spoiled wine and poured herself a new glass.
Wriggling down into her plush chair, she raised the volume of the wireless, hoping her predictions would be correct. Ireland must win; otherwise, Minerva would be taking home the other bottle of the filched Malbec.
Sirius smiled as he observed the commotion in the box around him.
Little Luna, who would often just appear at the breakfast table in Black Manor, had also found her way into the Black family box. With her, she brought along the youngest Weasley, Ronald. He could only assume they had been invited earlier that afternoon from the greetings his sons had given the two.
Not meaning to eavesdrop on the children, he couldn’t help but overhear that Arthur and his eldest son were having a row back at the campsite. Apparently, the second eldest brother had told the children that it would be acceptable to join the Blacks.
Sirius knew the conversation between the eldest son and Mr. Weasley would be long and tearful. He wished he hadn’t been the bearer of such news, but Mr. Weasley needed to know.
The box Sirius had reserved comfortably held the extended Black family and their significant others, Martin Fournier’s brother-in-law, Mr. Delacour, and his two daughters. Veela daughters.
Sirius had to stifle a chuckle as Ron Weasley, who was quite possibly the only boy in the box unfamiliar with occlumency, was the only one to react to the girls’ presence. If Luna and Hermione hadn’t grabbed ahold of his robes, the boy would have made an utter fool of himself.
Mr. Delacour was technically supposed to be in the box next door as he was the representative sent to represent the French ministry, but the French man couldn’t help laughing every time the Bulgarian minister spoke to Cornelius Fudge. The Bulgarian knew that the English minister had not bothered with learning a translation charm and was spouting nonsense requests every few minutes.
When the Bulgarian minister asked Cornelius if he could get salmon-flavored ice for their drinks, Mr. Delacour lost it. He had been hiding with the Blacks and his brother-in-law ever since. The man had laughed himself hoarse when the twins conjured up a salmon and attempted to levitate it over to the neighboring booth. The Bulgarian minister had chuckled at the sight and tipped his hat to the boys.
Remus shook his head, exasperated, “Should I offer my assistance? I do speak Bulgarian, among a few others.”
But he was turned down by the French ministry worker, “Nonsense, he’s having a bit of fun.” The man grinned widely, “Your twins are delightful.”
Gideon and Fabian high-fived each other over the compliment.
Remus shot the man an incredulous stare, “They’re heathens.”
Dora smacked him at that, “They are perfect miniature marauders.”
Gideon and Fabian grinned widely, chorusing together, “Aw, thanks, mum!”
Sirius tried to cover his snort with a cough as Remus’s palm found his face. Gideon winked at Dora before turning back to the field. It seems Remus’s own children were also trying to wear him down. It wouldn’t be too long until Sirius would have to have a sit-down conversation with his best friend.
None of the inhabitants of the box attempted to leap from their seats at the introduction of the Bulgarian mascots, most likely due to there being two half Veelas already in their midst.
The match was brilliant, and Sirius found himself wistful over his childhood dreams of being a professional Quidditch player. Of course, that was before the war and his burning desire to insert himself fully into its midst. Now, Sirius’s time was filled with the Wizaengamot and keeping the Black family running—a task he had begrudgingly taken over from Walburga and Dorea.
When the match was over, the children lined up at the door to watch the players enter the ministerial box. Each was able to catch a glance of the sweat-covered players as they trudged their tired selves up the last few steps to the top box. Ireland was all smiles, while the Bulgarian team looked rather miffed. At the sight of the last player, a blood-covered Victor Krum, the young Weasley boy almost fainted with excitement.
Before long, Sirius and the others had all of the children back to the campsite. The Weasley tent had been packed up, and Mr. Weasley had taken Ron and Luna home immediately after they returned from the match.
Sirius sat with Remus and Lucius, silently sipping fire whiskey, while Alice and Narcissa drank their elf wine and argued over the importance of dress robes, of all things.
A resounding explosion shook the ground, causing Sirius to sigh.
Fudge was an idiot.
He followed the others outside and into the girl’s tent, “Come on, ladies. You will stay with the boys until we can settle this.”
The pajama-clad girls dutifully followed him into the boy’s tent, which was a feather-covered disaster.
Sirius chuckled at the sight of the feathers, “Pillow fights with no girls involved? Such a waste.” He waved the girls into the tent, “I’m going to activate the warding runes. No one will be able to enter. If the tent is compromised in any way, use the portkeys over the mantle to get back to Black Manor.”
Sirius emerged from the tent to find that only Narcissa remained, “The others are already reporting to Madam Bones.”
“Good. Let’s go see if she wants any additional wands.”
It turned out she did not need the additional support. Alice’s ICW team had taken out the perpetrators only six minutes after the initial explosion.
Amelia waved off Sirius and the others as she jotted down another foreign name and instructed the prisoner to be escorted away.
Sirius frowned as they returned to the tents, “Is it sad that I was craving some action?”
Remus laughed, “No, I understand completely.”
Sirius shook his head. Sometimes, he wondered if he may truly be as mad as people say the Blacks are. He knew he shouldn’t crave the high he received as an auror chasing after Voldemort’s men, but being a stuffy Lord was genuinely dull.
He cringed internally, thinking of the upcoming school year. He probably should stop his pity party before Fate decides to take it out on his family.