Under the scorching summer sun, the Knowledge Society held its final gathering as scheduled.
Although the sunlight outside was blazing hot, the room was as cool as an ice cellar under the effect of the [Constant Temperature Charm], bringing everyone a rare sense of relief.
The long table was covered with all kinds of chilled drinks: large mugs of Butterbeer, sherry juice, and sherbet, all giving off an enticingly cool appearance.
The various pastries looked like works of art and made it impossible not to want a taste: blueberry turnovers, raisin scones, cinnamon sugar bread, apple pie, strawberry cheesecake, caramel banana tarts, butter cookies, and many more.
Padma Patil elegantly tasted a raisin scone and said with satisfaction, "I've noticed that everyone who joined the Society did pretty well in their examinations! I passed every subject."
Steve held up the report card he had just received and showed it to everyone in surprise.
"I even passed my weakest subject!"
"That's not surprising. Hermione went over so many key points for everyone, and she even photocopied her notes for us. That helped us enormously with our studies."
Padma's reply was filled with gratitude.
Steve looked toward Lewis, who was walking up to the podium.
"Everyone, quiet down!"
Lewis's voice spread throughout the classroom.
"First of all, congratulations to everyone on achieving good results in the final examinations."
Lewis smiled.
"None of your hard work was wasted. As we can see, the courses offered by our Knowledge Society were indeed necessary and genuinely helpful to everyone."
Hearing this, the young wizards below nodded repeatedly.
"To further strengthen communication among everyone, and so that the older students can continue helping one another after graduation, we'll be organizing a gathering during the summer."
He paused before continuing.
"We'll also be distributing a batch of Knowledge Society badges. They'll serve both as symbols of the Society and as notification devices for messages."
As he spoke, Lewis waved his hand.
One badge after another flew out of a small pouch and landed in front of every young wizard present.
The badges were made of metal, with gold and silver colors covering their surfaces, and each bore an exquisite symbol representing knowledge and wisdom.
The sight of the badges immediately caused everyone to cheer.
The badges were not merely symbols of honor.
They were also a bond connecting them closely with the Knowledge Society.
The Knowledge Society organized by Lewis had not only allowed everyone to gain knowledge and skills, but had also strengthened the friendships between students and improved communication among them throughout the training sessions.
Everyone was looking forward to the summer activities.
They believed it would certainly be a freer and more enjoyable period.
Unlike the cheerful atmosphere surrounding the Society's gathering, Harry Potter's mood was extremely low.
Professor Lupin had used the excuse of helping Sirius manage the Black family's business, along with the fact that he and Headmaster Dumbledore had submitted his resignation, to explain his departure.
Of course, that was far from the entire reason.
Considering the curse attached to the position, Lupin was terrified that continuing to work there would eventually lead to some kind of misfortune.
On top of that, Snape's intense hostility toward him worried him as well.
Snape had already dared to openly hint that Lupin was a werewolf while teaching as a substitute.
If Lupin continued to ignore the warning, he suspected Snape might simply announce the truth to everyone.
Harry's heart was weighed down not only by the sadness of Professor Lupin's resignation, but also by his frustration at being unable to live with Sirius.
He could not understand why Headmaster Dumbledore insisted on preventing him from living with Sirius, nor why his beloved godfather had so easily yielded to such an unreasonable demand.
For a time, he had naively believed that he would spend the future living together with Sirius.
Sirius was his parents' best friend, an irreplaceable presence in Harry's heart.
Yet now, that hope seemed to have been shattered.
Whenever Harry thought about returning to the Dursleys' house, he felt as though a heavy stone were pressing down on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
When the Hogwarts Express departed the station in the faint light of early morning, the members of Ravenclaw had mixed feelings.
This year, their House had once again displayed outstanding performance in both the Quidditch Cup and the regular House Cup.
They had proudly defended the House Cup championship for three consecutive years, leaving the Great Hall decorated in blue and bronze once again.
The train slowly pulled into the familiar King's Cross Station.
Lewis and Shirella said goodbye to Hermione, Cho Chang, and the other girls before walking through the barrier to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
The moment they emerged, they spotted a gloomy-looking man.
Sirius Black.
His eyes were filled with nostalgia for the past and helplessness.
Lewis walked over without hesitation.
Sirius also noticed him and happily waved before walking toward him.
"You defeated Ireland. It's a shame I couldn't watch it in person. It must have been an incredible match."
"I'm really glad to see you, Lewis!"
He opened his arms and gave Lewis a warm hug.
"Congratulations, Lewis... Oh, and you too, Miss Raylen. Congratulations to both of you."
"Long time no see, Sirius."
Lewis smiled in greeting.
"Don't worry about me here. Go greet your godson. He must really want to see you... Oh, and I have something to discuss with you later."
"Of course, Lewis."
Black released the boy, his expression becoming determined as he walked forward and embraced Harry, who was dragging a large trunk behind him.
Their reunion was warm and heartfelt.
After giving Harry a few instructions, Sirius watched as Harry obediently left, pushing his luggage and Hedwig's cage toward Uncle Vernon's car.
Lewis waited patiently with a smile.
"Lewis, is there anything I can help you with?"
Sirius stood in front of Harry and looked at Lewis questioningly.
"Not really. I just heard some things from Hermione. I feel that what happened to you and Harry is unfair, so I wanted to give you a suggestion."
His voice was filled with sincerity and concern.
Sirius was puzzled, but in his heart, Lewis was the only person in all these years who had voluntarily shown him goodwill.
He trusted him.
"I understand. Dumbledore insists on not allowing Harry to live with you. I think he may simply be too focused on his own plans and has overlooked your feelings.
"But—"
Lewis paused.
He saw a hopeful light flickering in Sirius's eyes.
Lewis chuckled softly and stopped keeping him in suspense.
"Sirius, you could consider finding a place to live near Vernon's house. That way, you and Harry can spend time together during the day, and Harry would only need to return to his aunt and uncle's house at night.
"As long as you reveal your true identity to Harry's aunt and uncle, I believe they'll definitely accept you."
The doubt in Sirius's eyes instantly disappeared, replaced by a bright smile.
"Thank you, Lewis! You've really helped us! Such a simple solution..."
"Perhaps you should learn to think with your own heads before blindly following someone else's opinions and consider whether there might be a better solution."
Lewis sharply pointed out the fact they were unwilling to face.
"I'm not targeting anyone. I'm simply reminding you not to become overly dependent on others. In the end, every person is the one who decides their own fate."
"As for Dumbledore, he clearly prefers to devote his energy to what he considers important matters. Those things he regards as 'small matters' have never really entered his field of vision."
With that, Lewis smiled freely, picked up his luggage, and said nothing more.
Sirius did not begin doubting Dumbledore's decision merely because of a few words from Lewis.
But a small amount of dissatisfaction had indeed begun to grow in his heart.
After saying goodbye to Lewis, he turned around and walked toward Harry.
At Harry's side, Uncle Vernon shouted at him in his usual stern manner.
"What are you waiting for?"
His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.
"You know how valuable my time is! Who exactly is this?"
"My godfather!" Harry answered proudly.
"Godfather?" Uncle Vernon asked suspiciously. "You don't have a godfather!"
"I'm Harry's godfather, Vernon."
Danger flashed in Sirius's eyes.
"I was convicted of murder thirteen years ago and have only recently been released from prison. I intend to buy a house on Privet Drive. During this holiday, I'll be visiting Harry frequently, so I hope you'll cooperate."
Looking at Uncle Vernon's horrified expression, Harry suddenly felt that this summer might not be as unbearable as the previous ones.
He could not help looking toward the direction in which Lewis had left, silently thanking the friend he had met before entering Hogwarts.
Then, in a cheerful mood, he walked toward the station exit alongside Sirius, while Hedwig happily hooted ahead of them.
"Lewis!"
A familiar voice called out to him.
It was the Malfoy father and son.
Lucius's neatly groomed blond hair shimmered beneath the sunlight as he led Draco toward Lewis.
"Mr. Lewis Green, hello!"
Lucius Malfoy extended his hand first.
Lewis immediately shook it.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy!"
Lewis smiled politely, pretending that the past conflict over the diary had never happened, and that Lucius had never humbled himself and begged for mercy before him.
Now was not the time to expose everything.
"This summer, Malfoy Manor will be hosting a banquet. This is the invitation. Please pass it on to Director Gianna Proudmoore."
"I heard that the two of you address each other as brother and sister... My son frequently mentioned you in the letters he sent me this year. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you."
Lucius Malfoy handed Lewis a gold-trimmed invitation decorated with a peacock.
Lewis accepted the invitation with both hands.
"Thank you. I'll certainly pass it on. We'll be looking forward to it."
Lucius nodded once more.
Draco, meanwhile, looked somewhat embarrassed that his father had revealed his private correspondence.
The two said goodbye to Lewis and left the station.
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