LIGHT NOVEL Chapter 154: How About a Motorcycle?
The Dursleys weren't having a good summer.
Their strange nephew had returned home—bringing along a notorious "wanted criminal."
Even though Harry had explained from the beginning that Sirius Black was innocent, months of brainwashing by the news made it impossible for them to see Sirius's handsome, striking face without feeling uneasy.
Most of all, they were terrified by the fact that Sirius was a wizard who could turn into a giant black dog at any moment.
And Britons don't particularly like dogs.
Vernon and Sirius didn't get along.
They resembled a father and rebellious son in appearance—Vernon the stern, strict figure, and Sirius the wild, mischievous youth. But in practice, their relationship was more like a meek father versus a reckless, rebellious child.
They argued multiple times a day.
Vernon complained that Sirius ate with no manners, spoke crudely, and seemed obsessed with household appliances—so much so that he kept dismantling them without knowing how to put them back together.
In just one month, they had to replace 13 TVs, along with several refrigerators and washing machines.
Had it not been for Sirius pulling out wads of pound notes to pay for the damage each time, Vernon swore he would have kicked him out long ago.
Though Vernon clashed with Sirius, his son Dudley got along quite well with him.
At first, Sirius had been wary of Dudley. After all, Hermione had told him how badly the Dursleys treated Harry before he came to Hogwarts—borderline abuse. But after spending time with Dudley, Sirius noticed that the boy seemed genuinely fond of Harry.
Granted, this newfound friendliness came from the influence of magical potions.
Gradually, Sirius's hostility toward Dudley lessened.
Before long, they realized they shared many similarities.
Both had a messy, laid-back nature and a love for mischief.
Dudley even introduced Sirius to video games, something Sirius couldn't convince Harry to try.
Within a week, Sirius had started taking Dudley along on his nightly escapades—racing motorcycles or watching underground bands perform at pubs.
This, naturally, led to numerous fights between Vernon, Petunia, and Sirius.
Despite paying them off with money, Vernon still raged at the bad influence Sirius had on his son.
But Dudley?
He loved it.
What 14-year-old wouldn't? Racing through the streets at night, partying, and brawling made for an exciting summer.
He couldn't wait to brag about it all once school resumed—maybe he could even break his previous dating record.
As for Harry, he enjoyed riding motorcycles more than anything.
He found them faster and more comfortable than riding horses.
His only regret?
He couldn't communicate with a motorcycle the way he could with a horse.
Of course, the real downside was Sirius's endless "creative ideas."
He often experimented with enchanting the bike to shoot blue flames or turn into a dragon or manticore.
At one point, he even suggested jumping off Big Ben on the bike.
While Dudley was eager, Harry flatly refused to let them do something so reckless.
Finally, Vernon's wish came true—a month passed.
On the last night of July, Dudley reluctantly said goodbye to Sirius.
"Goodbye… to motorcycle rides, nightclubs, and brawls."
Petunia seized Dudley by the ear, dragging him back inside. She had kept her temper in check for a month, unwilling to cause a scene in front of Harry and Sirius. But now that the troublemakers were leaving, she intended to settle some scores.
Outside the house, Harry turned to Sirius.
"So, how are we getting back to Godric's Hollow?" He frowned at the new wand Sirius held. "Honestly, I'd rather not take the Knight Bus—especially at this hour."
"Relax." Sirius grinned mysteriously. "I hate that thing too. I've got something much better in mind."
Suddenly, Harry's senses picked up a distant magical disturbance—something large and fast approaching.
A magical creature?
Harry instinctively drew his wand and unsheathed Godric Gryffindor's sword.
"What is it?" Sirius immediately tensed. "Death Eaters? Did Snivellus tip off his old friends?"
Harry shook his head. "No—it's a magical creature, flying toward us. I've never encountered anything like it."
Given his experience exploring the Forbidden Forest, Harry was familiar with most magical creatures.
Only a handful of creatures could fly and possess a powerful magical aura.
"Maybe a sphinx? Or a dragon?"
Harry relaxed his stance, sensing another familiar magic.
"Wait… Hagrid is riding it." He squinted. "He's coming straight for us. Did he get another dragon?"
"Another dragon?" Sirius raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'another'?"
Harry sighed. "He had one before—a dragon egg. At least back then he tried to keep it hidden. Now he's flying out in the open?"
Sure enough, Hagrid landed in front of them.
He pulled off his goggles and grinned. "Harry! Sirius! Been a while, eh?"
Sirius greeted him warmly, while Harry examined the vehicle Hagrid arrived on.
It was a flying motorcycle with a sidecar.
"This was yours?" Harry asked, walking around the bike.
It wasn't gaudy or over-the-top.
A simple mint-green motorcycle with a slightly worn look.
"Of course!" Sirius puffed up with pride. "I spent ages working on it. I even got Lily's help to enchant it. Flying a motorcycle isn't easy, you know."
Harry nodded.
But then he frowned.
"Did you ever consider how Hagrid was supposed to get home after delivering it?"
Sirius blinked. "Er…"
They both turned to Hagrid.
"Don't worry about me," Hagrid assured them. "I'll just head over to the Leaky Cauldron for a pint."
Harry crossed his arms. "It's 35 miles to London."
Hagrid's jaw dropped. "That far? It didn't feel like it when I took you there before…"
"The subway's closed for the night," Harry added.
Hagrid sighed. "Well, I suppose I could take the Knight Bus…"
Harry chuckled darkly.
Hagrid shuddered. "Right. Never mind. I'm not taking that thing."
"I messed up," Sirius admitted, covering his face. "Sorry, Hagrid. Next time, I'll think it through. But come to Godric's Hollow soon—I'll buy you drinks to make up for it."
Finally, after an extra hour of detours, Sirius returned to pick up Harry.
"How do you like it?" Sirius yelled over the wind as they soared through the sky on the motorcycle.
"It's amazing," Harry grinned, patting the bike.
"I want one."
"I'll teach you!" Sirius beamed. "You're better than me at spells—you'll have no problem enchanting one."
Harry's mind was already racing with ideas.
Why settle for a living creature as a mount?
Why not create a living motorcycle?
Perhaps…
He could even copy the Sorting Hat's sentience and install it into the bike?
"Want me to help you pick one out?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded. "How about a Triumph Speedmaster?"
Sirius lit up, pumping his fist. "Brilliant choice! Perfect for a wild ride!"
"Just imagine it—a wild beast of a bike for a mature wizard."
Harry smiled softly.
Yes, that bike would suit him perfectly.
----------
Powerstones?
For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates