The clock had just struck ten when the sound of an engine approached from outside the Grays' window. It was low and throaty, like some enormous beast breathing.
Wade walked to the window and saw a jet-black motorcycle parked at an angle outside the door. Its sleek frame had high upturned exhaust pipes, covered in wild gold-and-red paintwork, as though it might burst into flames without even being started.
The rider wore a leather jacket and a black helmet that covered most of his face. One long leg was braced against the ground as he turned to look over.
"Wow!" Fiona looked over at the sound, her eyes lighting up at once. "Wade, your friend is really cool!"
Ferdinand came out of the study as well, still holding a letter opener. Staring at the steel beast and its black-clad rider, he said in astonishment:
"Wade, shouldn't the person picking you up... be a wizard?"
Wade zipped up his coat and said with a smile, "He is a wizard, Dad, and you've met him before... That's Sirius Black, Harry's godfather."
"Ah, Mr. Black. I remember him. I have met him..."
Ferdinand looked completely baffled as he frowned. "But I remember him as... refined and well-mannered. He seemed... exceptional."
He carefully weighed his words, unable to connect the mature, dependable Mr. Black from his memory with the leather-clad biker who looked ready to go street racing in the middle of the night.
Wade pushed open the door and stepped outside. Sirius smoothly removed his helmet, his black hair scattering in the wind. He waved toward the doorway, his smile bright and unrestrained.
"Hey, Wade, ready?" he shouted.
His cheerful tone made it sound as though he had not come to pick someone up to visit a patient, but to set off on