Harry Potter Halloween Collection Prompt: (word) Mysterious

Letting Go

"Take this, Hagrid." Sirius motioned to his beloved motorbike. "You'll get Harry to his aunt and uncle's quicker this way. I won't need it anymore."

"I'd say it's time," said James, turning to Marlene. "Don't you think so?"

Marlene nodded. "I think we've been keeping him guessing long enough."

"Too long," grumbled Sirius. "You've all been acting mysterious for the last week. I know it's my birthday, but really, I don't like being held in suspense for so long!"

"Trust me, Sirius," said Lily, smiling, "this was worth the wait."

"We have to go outside," said Marlene as they stood from their seats, the remains of Sirius's birthday cake still in the center of the table. "Close your eyes, Sirius. No peeking!"

Sirius obeyed. He felt Marlene's hand on his shoulder, guiding him to the front door, James and Lily following behind. A cool breeze greeted him as Marlene opened the door. "Okay, stop here," said Marlene once they had taken a few steps outside. "James, uncover it."

Sirius heard a rustling sound, which only piqued his curiosity. "Can I open my eyes yet?" he asked impatiently.

A few seconds of silence followed his question before Marlene answered. "Alright, go ahead."

Sirius opened his eyes and gasped.

Sirius watched with a twinge of pain as Hagrid flew away on the bike, baby Harry tucked safely against the giant man's chest. The last of Sirius's connections to his friends – his godson and his motorbike – were disappearing into the night. Standing among the ruins of the Potters' home, Sirius keenly felt the pain of losing them all. Their faces flashed through his mind quickly. Marlene, the first woman who had seen through his arrogance and loved him despite all of his flaws. James, his first and truest friend. Lily, who had come to love him as much as James did. How could he ever forget how happy they'd all made him?

Sirius was speechless as he took in the sight of the motorbike before him. He'd had his eye on this one for quite some time, but had been reluctant to just buy the first one that caught his eye. James had even told him to wait and now Sirius knew why.

"You – this – you bought – "

Marlene laughed. "Yes, we bought this for you."

"I knew how badly you wanted it," said James. "Even though you were still looking around, I knew you'd eventually come back to this one." He grinned at Sirius, who had approached the bike, his hand hovering over it as he stared at it open-mouthed. "You can actually touch it, you know. It's not going to disappear."

He might not need the motorbike anymore, especially if he accomplished what he had planned, but that didn't mean he wouldn't miss it. It had been the best birthday gift he'd ever received, simply because it came from them.

Sirius ran his hand over the handlebars, down the body, and over the seat. The feel of cold metal and soft leather was wonderful against his skin. "I – " Sirius swallowed down the lump in his throat. Why was he getting so emotional over a motorbike? "I don't know what to say." He turned to find them all smiling at him.

"The promise of unlimited free rides on it wouldn't hurt," said Marlene.

"Just let me help you – ah – 'modify' it a bit and I'll be happy," said James, grinning mischievously.

"I suppose 'thank you' would suffice," teased Lily.

"Thank you," said Sirius, smiling back at them. "I'll never forget this."

"Thank you," Sirius whispered into the darkness. "I'll never forget any of you."