The celebrations after the match were in full swing.
The adults gathered around a large bonfire, drinking and laughing, while Sirius danced among them in his full leprechaun outfit, green hat bouncing wildly.
"Oh, I met a leprechaun down by the pub,
He winked at me and asked for some grub,
With a hat so green and boots so bright,
He danced on the table all through the night!"
Sirius twirled dramatically, tossing handfuls of actual gold coins into the crowd.
"Hide your gold, your socks, your shoe!" he sang as people cheered and clapped.
Aaric laughed uncontrollably as Luna sat beside him, her smile wide. Nearby, Daphne and Hermione danced with wild abandon, weaving colorful fireworks and shimmering lights into the air with their wands.
Aaric and Luna decided to wander through the campsite, watching families celebrate. Aaric occasionally handed out small enchanted trinkets to children or performed simple magical tricks, delighting the younger kids.
When they were far enough from the noise, Luna suddenly stepped in front of him, hands tucked behind her back and mischief in her eyes.
"I saw you in my dream," she said softly, tilting her head.
Aaric smirked, waving his hand casually. "I was just passing by."
Luna pouted and leaned closer. "I don't know what you did, but… the world looked different after that." Her voice was quiet but filled with wonder. "It's like my mind was filling in blanks before, so I could understand what I saw. Now… I can see things as they really are."
Aaric grew thoughtful. "Is it better?"
Luna nodded, her expression serene. "Yes. I can tell what's real now, and what isn't."
He didn't fully understand what she meant, but he smiled. "I'm happy for you."
For a moment, Luna just stared at him, then suddenly hugged him tight.
"How did you just… walk into my dream?" she asked, eyes wide with confusion.
Aaric rubbed her head affectionately. "Like I said—I was just passing by."
Luna gave him a playful thump on the chest, then sighed, rising up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. "Thank you." She kissed his cheek quickly and skipped a step back, leaving Aaric smiling as they walked back to the camp hand-in-hand—well, Luna skipped while Aaric walked.
Daphne spotted them returning and grinned, grabbing both their hands to pull them into the dancing circle. The three of them jumped around, laughing.
Suddenly, a scream cut through the night.
Everyone froze. Sirius and Arthur immediately dashed toward the sound while Molly gathered the children.
"Stay close to me! Do not wander off," she ordered, her face serious.
Sirius and Arthur sprinted through the darkened campsite, stopping abruptly when they saw several tents ablaze.
Hooded figures in black robes and silver masks were casting destructive spells, sending campers fleeing in terror.
A young wizard—barely in his twenties—stood protectively in front of an elderly Muggle woman, wand raised.
"You steal our magic and dare taint our world with Muggle filth!" one Death Eater roared, firing a red curse.
The young wizard deflected it, desperation and anger in his eyes. "Please, just leave my mother alone!"
Before the Death Eater could fire again, Sirius burst onto the scene.
A crackling bolt of blue electricity shot from his wand, striking the attacker and sending him flying backward with a scream.
The other masked wizards turned on Sirius instantly. Arthur rushed forward, shielding the mother and son with a protective charm and guiding them to safety.
One Death Eater hesitated, his distorted voice echoing. "Sirius Black?"
Sirius glanced down, realizing his enchanted leprechaun hat had fallen off. He shrugged with a smirk. "Guilty."
The Death Eater sounded confused. "What are you doing here? Join us!"
"You're clearly not very well-informed," Sirius said dryly. "How about… fuck off?"
He slashed his wand, sending a stream of searing fire that knocked another Death Eater to the ground. "Two down," he muttered before casting a powerful Protego, deflecting a volley of curses.
Arthur rejoined him, wand blazing, as Ministry workers scrambled to evacuate the panicked crowd. More Death Eaters surged forward, forcing Sirius and Arthur into a defensive retreat.
Snarling, Sirius pulled a small wooden bead from his pocket and hurled it into the midst of their attackers.
The bead exploded with a burst of blue lightning, throwing the masked figures back. Their enchanted robes absorbed most of the damage, but several fell groaning to the ground.
Arthur fought fiercely, though sweat streamed down his face and bruises marred his arms. Three Death Eaters closed in on him—until one collapsed with a scream, hit by a blazing Incendio.
The young wizard from before had returned, vengeance in his eyes. His spells were sharp and furious, pushing back his opponent with skill while helping Arthur regain ground.
With their numbers dwindling and Ministry reinforcements closing in, the Death Eaters grew desperate.
One stepped back and raised his wand to the sky.
A sickly green light erupted, forming a massive skull with a serpent emerging from its mouth—the Dark Mark.
"Fall back!" one of them shouted.
They grouped together, dragging their unconscious comrades. With a series of sharp cracks, they Disapparated just as the Ministry arrived.
Sirius slipped a fresh black enchanted hat from his pouch and tugged it onto his head. The officials halted, stunned, staring at the glowing mark in the sky with fear and disbelief.
Arthur didn't waste a second.
"Put out the fires! Triage the wounded! Start accounting for everyone!" he barked, voice hoarse but commanding.
One official looked like he wanted to argue, but the bloodshot intensity in Arthur's eyes silenced him. They scattered to follow orders.
Arthur turned to the young wizard, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
"That was reckless… but thank you, son."
The boy bowed his head respectfully. "You saved my mother. I can never repay that kindness."
Arthur gave a weary chuckle. "Just take care of her."
Sirius stepped up, shaking the young man's hand and slipping him a small card.
"If you ever need help, contact me at this address."
The young wizard nodded gratefully before parting ways with the two.
Sirius glanced at Arthur. "Come on. Molly and the kids will be worried sick."
Arthur nodded grimly, and together they hurried back toward the tents as the Dark Mark still glimmered ominously above the night sky.
A/N: Please give me your thoughts on the chapter. Power stones and reviews are always appreciated—watch out, a leprechaun Sirius might visit you tonight!