As the clock struck ten, the Riddle Family's window echoed with the sound of an approaching engine. The noise was deep and rich, akin to the breath of a large Beast.
Vid walked to the window and saw a jet-black motorcycle parked at a slant outside the door. The bike's body had smooth lines, and the exhaust pipe stood tall, covered in a wild gold and red paint job, as if it could ignite even without being started.
The person on the bike wore a leather jacket and a black helmet that almost covered most of his face, with one long leg resting on the ground. He turned his head to look over.
"Wow!" Fiona responded to the sound, her eyes lighting up. "Vid, your friend is really cool!"
Ferdinand also came out of the study, still holding a letter opener. He looked at the steel Beast and the rider dressed in black with a face full of amazement and said:
"Vid, isn't the person picking you up supposed to be a Wizard?"
Vid zipped up his coat jacket with a smile and said, "He is a Wizard, Dad, and you've met him before... It's Sirius Black, Harry's godfather."
"Ah, Mr. Black, I remember him, I've indeed seen him..."
Ferdinand said, furrowing his brow with a face full of confusion, "But I remember him being charming, well-mannered, and looking... distinguished."
He considered his words, unable to relate the mature and reliable "Mr. Black" from his memory to the leather-clad biker seemingly about to join a midnight race.
Vid pushed the door open and went outside; Sirius on the bike nimbly took off his helmet, letting his black hair scatter in the wind. He waved towards the door, his smile radiant and unrestrained.
"Hey, Vid, ready?" he shouted loudly.
The cheerful tone was as if he was about to go on an adventure, not just visiting someone in the hospital.
Soon after, a shaggy head peeked out from behind him.
Harry, wrapped in a thick coat, had cheeks reddened by the cold wind. His nose was also red, trembling in the chill, but his face wore an excited and thrilling smile.
"Merry Christmas, Vid!" Harry raised his voice, saying, "The Golden Snitch reaction training set was awesome!"
"The book you gave me was great too."
Vid said as he walked over, eyeing the impressive motorcycle that clearly could only seat two, and said:
"I originally thought you would... uh, use a bigger mode of transportation... or Floo Powder."
At the door, seeing it was indeed Sirius and Harry, Ferdinand turned to his wife and said:
"...Wizards certainly are diverse!"
Hearing his tone of disbelief, Fiona couldn't help but laugh, but seeing Vid heading out, she quickly grabbed a hat and gloves, rushing out to hand them to her son.
Ferdinand shook his head and followed, even forgetting to put on a coat himself.
"It's windy on the bike, wear the hat!"
"Okay, Mom." Vid obediently bundled himself up.
"Good day, Madam Grey, Mr. Gray!"
Sirius nodded to the couple, then proudly tapped the fuel tank and said:
"Don't be deceived by its appearance, Vid! This baby has room for even ten people, so carrying you two is no problem!"
"Hop on, Vid!" Harry shifted to make space, enthusiastically inviting, "It's guaranteed to be fast and stable; much better than being cramped in a car!"
"...Alright."
Vid bid farewell to his parents, then hopped onto the motorcycle, which indeed was not cramped. The bike, like a Flying Broomstick, had a spell preventing slipping off during acceleration.
But it was clear that Sirius hadn't applied a Warmth Spell to it.
"Hold on tight!" Sirius turned back to check, then suddenly twisted the throttle.
"Boom—!!"
The engine roared thunderously, and the motorcycle instantly leapt forward, leaving Fiona at the door, worriedly shouting: "Stay safe!"
...
St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is similar to non-magical hospitals in at least one aspect: the number of patients doesn't decrease during holidays; instead, there's a trend of increase.
Nonetheless, the hospital put considerable effort into decorating for Christmas.
Holly wreaths hung above the doors of every ward, along with magical snow and icicles.
Bright Crystal Bubbles floated on the corridor ceilings, slowly rotating while changing gold and red hues, appearing very festive.
Not to mention the Christmas tree standing in the corner, with branches adorned by Crystal Balls that dazzled without requiring electricity, and a glowing golden star on top, making an unusual contrast with people's worried expressions.
The three of them passed through the corridors and soon found their target.
Outside Arthur Weasley's ward, Ginny accompanied her mother, sitting on the long corridor bench, with Mrs. Weasley not noticing their arrival and gazing worriedly at the closed door.
Ron was carrying several steaming drinks from around the corner; the aroma of coffee temporarily masked the smell of Healing Potion.
"Hey, you've arrived!"
Ron distributed drinks to his mother and sister, then whispered to Vid and Harry: "Don't go in for now; an Auror is in there questioning Dad, not allowing anyone inside—some secrecy protocol."
"Auror?" Sirius frowned, asking, "What's the guy's name?"
Ron opened his mouth, but before he could speak, the ward door opened, and a Wizard wearing gold earrings came out.