Harry Potter and the Ties that Bind

Chapter 34

Two days passed by more quickly than Harry had expected. Perhaps it was because he had been so busy; he'd gone shopping with Lisa and Sirius, finished decorating for the party, helped Sirius and Professor Lupin with the motorcycle, worked on his own projects, and spent whatever free time remained with Lisa. He'd done a lot in just two days. That probably explained why he slept in on the day of the party.

Waking up in bed, Harry did all of the things that he normally did. He exercised, refreshed himself and got dressed, and then spent the morning reading the news and checking his stocks before everyone else woke up.

It looks like three more people have gone missing in London...

"G'morning, Harry," Lisa said as she stumbled into the kitchen and plopped down at the table. Breakfast appeared before her. It was a testament to how used to magic she'd become that she didn't even blink. The first time food appeared before her like that, she'd shrieked her head off and started blabbering about ghosts and curses.

"Morning." Harry slid a warm drink over to her. It was his rejuvenation beverage, which he made for Tracey every morning at Hogwarts. This one had been modified for non-magical consumption. "Drink up. That'll wake you up."

Lisa did as told, taking a huge gulp from the cup. Her body perked up, straightening almost like her spine was snapping into place, and her ears turned bright red as steam wafted from them.

"Whoa..." she muttered. She took another sip. "This is some strong stuff."

"It should be," Harry said. "I made that drink especially for you."

"Is that so?" Lisa mumbled as she took another sip, this one much longer than the last. Her ears were still red for some reason.

Huh, the physical effects should have worn off after the first sip.

Sirius and Professor Lupin came down next. Both of them were tired, but Harry had prepared drinks for them as well. Professor Lupin was impressed. He asked Harry about the rejuvenation potion, to which he and his dark arts professor discussed throughout breakfast, much to the displeasure of Lisa and Sirius.

"It's like listening to a couple of nerds," Lisa said, wrinkling her nose.

"I don't know what a nerd is, but I agree," Sirius added before attempting to change to subject. "So, the party is today."

"That's right," Harry said. "Tonight, to be specific."

"What time are your friends coming over?" asked Professor Lupin.

"Early this afternoon," Harry answered.

"Then we still have some time to do some last minute preparations."

"Right."

After breakfast, Harry had Sirius and Professor Lupin help him finish the decorations. Lisa sat on the couch and watched as they swished and flicked their wands, moving furniture around and creating streamers that went along the walls and ceiling. She was pouting.

"You know, as a teacher, I really should report you for using underage magic," Professor Lupin said.

"But you won't," Harry shot back. "After all, no good Marauder would rat out their friend's child."

"He's got you there," Sirius said as he slashed his wand, creating a spray of what appeared to be paint. However, rather than splash everywhere, it stopped mid-air and began floating like bubbles, which then shifted and changed colors as they bobbed around the room like they were caught on zephyrs.

"You have your father's mischievious side and your mother's brain," Professor Lupin spoke with a sigh. He flicked his wand. Streamers shot from the tip. "A dangerous combination, to be sure."