The plane wheels touched down with a screech, and Teddy nearly leapt from his seat. "We're here! We're here!"
"Sit tight, Teddy," Harry said with a laugh, holding him back until the seatbelt light dimmed.
The boy all but skipped through Heathrow, clutching Harry's hand so tightly it was as if the excitement might sweep him away. By the time they stepped into the London air, Teddy's questions tumbled out like a stream.
"Is the baby a boy or a girl? Does Aunt already know? Do babies have hair when they're born? Can I teach it to swim like Percy taught me?"
Harry smiled, but inside, nerves coiled in his stomach. He hadn't felt this particular kind of fear in years — not battle-fear, but the fragile anticipation of new life.
St. Mary's Hospital was bustling, but Hermione's parents, Emma and Dan Granger, were easy to spot in the waiting area. Emma rushed to Harry the moment she saw him.
"Harry!" she said breathlessly, hugging him tightly. "Thank goodness you came."
Dan clasped his shoulder, his usually steady face tight with worry. "She's strong, but—well—you know Hermione. She insists on doing everything the hard way."
Harry managed a chuckle. "That sounds about right."
Teddy peeked out from behind him, wide-eyed. "Is the baby here yet?"
Emma softened instantly, kneeling to his height. "Not yet, sweetheart. Your Aunt Hermione is working very hard to bring her out. It might take a while."
Teddy puffed up his chest. "That's okay. I'll wait. I'm going to be the best big cousin ever!"
Dan smiled despite his nerves, ruffling Teddy's hair. "You've got the enthusiasm, that's for sure."
Hours passed in a haze of pacing footsteps and murmured reassurances. Teddy dozed in Harry's lap, the phoenix chick nestled in his coat pocket. Every time a nurse walked by, Harry's heart leapt, only to settle again when she continued past.
Finally, as the evening shadows lengthened across the hospital corridor, a nurse with kind eyes approached them.
"Family of Hermione Granger?"
All three adults stood at once.
"She's doing well," the nurse said warmly. "A healthy delivery. You can see her in a few minutes."
Emma pressed a hand to her mouth, tears shining in her eyes. Dan let out a breath that seemed to release years of tension. Harry closed his eyes briefly, a silent thank-you whispering through him.
When they were finally allowed inside, the room smelled faintly of antiseptic and warmth. Hermione lay against the pillows, her hair damp with sweat, but her face glowed with a tired, triumphant smile. In her arms, swaddled in soft blankets, was the tiniest bundle Harry had ever seen.
"Harry," Hermione whispered, her voice hoarse but full of joy. "Meet my daughter."
Harry stepped closer, Teddy tugging eagerly at his sleeve. The baby's face peeked out — pink, scrunched, impossibly small. She stirred and let out a thin cry, which made Teddy's eyes go round with awe.
"She's… she's so little," Teddy whispered. "Daddy, she's smaller than a phoenix chick!"
Hermione laughed weakly, adjusting the blanket. "Her name is Rose. Rose Granger."
"She's perfect, Hermione," he said softly.
Hermione's eyes softened as she looked at Teddy. "Would you like to hold her, Teddy?"
Teddy gasped, almost bouncing. "Can I?"
"Sit down first," Harry said quickly, guiding him to the chair by the bed. He tucked a pillow in his lap, and Hermione gently laid Rose into Teddy's arms.
The boy's face lit with wonder as he stared at the tiny fingers curling against the blanket. "Hi, baby Rose," he whispered. "I'm Teddy. I'll play with you when you're bigger. I'll share my toys. And I'll protect you from monsters."
Rose let out a soft coo, and Teddy's grin widened. "She likes me!"
Hermione's eyes shone, and Harry felt something swell in his chest that was almost painful — the beauty of it, the fragility of it. A new life, a new bond, in a world that had known too much loss.
He looked at Hermione, her tired smile, her fierce love glowing even now, and thought: If this child grows up with even half her mother's courage, she'll change the world.
And as the hospital lights flickered gently overhead, Harry knew this was a moment he would never forget.
The hospital ward was quiet at night, its humming machines and soft footfalls muffled beneath the glow of yellow lamps. Teddy sat perched on a chair beside Hermione's bed, his legs swinging, his eyes fixed on the bundle in her arms. Rose slept soundly, but whenever she stirred and reached out with tiny fists, Teddy eagerly extended a finger for her to clutch.
The first time she gripped him, his squeal echoed through the room. "She loves me! She really loves me!"
Hermione chuckled, though her voice was hoarse with fatigue. "Babies only hold on to people they trust, Teddy. She knows you already."
From then on, Teddy hardly moved, as if the entire world had narrowed to the baby's tiny hand curling around his own. Each time Rose's fingers tightened, his face split into a grin so wide it made even the nurses smile.
Harry leaned against the windowsill, arms folded, watching. His godson, so full of wonder and pride, and Hermione, exhausted yet radiant. It was a picture of peace he hadn't thought he'd see again.
Later, when Rose was sleeping in her cot, Dan and Emma Granger pulled Harry aside. Dan's expression was tense, his hands clenched into fists before he forced them open.
"Harry," he began, his voice low, "there's something I owe you."
Harry tilted his head. "You don't owe me anything, Dan."
"Yes, I do," the man pressed, his voice tightening. "The last time we met — I struck you. Because I thought… I thought you had taken advantage of her. That you were the father and hiding it. I—" He swallowed hard, shame flashing in his eyes. "I was wrong. And I'm sorry."
Harry's jaw eased. He hadn't forgotten the blow, but looking at Dan now — shoulders sagging, guilt written into every line of his face — Harry only nodded. "Apology accepted."
Emma clasped her husband's arm, then turned to Harry. "Hermione told us everything. About the child's father."
Harry didn't speak, letting the weight of the moment sit in the air.
Dan's voice cracked. "Apollo. A god. Our daughter… with him." His words stumbled as if saying them made them less real.
Emma's eyes brimmed with tears. "It was a shock. But when we saw Rose… how could we not love her? She's our granddaughter, no matter what."
Harry exhaled slowly. "Hermione's brave for telling you. And Rose will need you both."
Hermione's voice came from the bed, tired but steady. "And she'll need Harry too. Because monsters will come. They always do. Demigods are never safe."
Dan turned sharply to her. "Monsters? You told us some, but… Hermione, how can we fight things we can't even see?"
"You can't," Hermione admitted softly. "But Harry can."
The words landed with weight heavier than stone. Emma's gaze darted to Harry, desperate, pleading.
Dan cleared his throat, his voice gruff. "Then she can't stay here. If danger is coming, I'd rather she be with you — in America. If what you say is true, you're the only one who can keep her safe."
Hermione looked away, biting her lip. "I can't just leave you both behind…"
Emma took her hand. "You won't. We'll come with you."
Dan nodded firmly. "We'll buy a house nearby. Not too far from you, Harry. We want to be part of Rose's life. Of Your life. But we won't stand in the way of her safety."
Hermione's breath shuddered. "Are you sure? It means leaving everything here — your work, your friends—"
Emma smiled through her tears. "Work can change. Friends can visit. But family… family is once in a lifetime. And this child is ours as much as yours."
Hermione pressed her face into her mother's shoulder, overcome.
Harry felt his throat tighten. He had expected fear, perhaps rejection. Not this — not complete acceptance. Not such love.
"I'll help you," Harry said quietly. "We'll find you a place near us in New Jersey. Not far from the Black Mansion. You'll have the best wards I can build, the best protection anyone could ask for."
Dan extended his hand, voice thick. "Thank you, Harry. For everything."
Harry clasped it firmly. "No thanks needed. This is family."
That night, as Rose stirred and wrapped her tiny hand around Teddy's finger once more, Harry sat in the chair beside them and let the weight of the moment sink in.
A new life. A family expanding. A future that, though uncertain, was bound together in a way Voldemort, Olympus, or even fate itself could never undo.
The House of Black had gained another light — Rose Granger — and Harry vowed silently, fiercely, that no monster would ever dim it.
The tarmac lights glowed against the dark London night as the sleek private jet waited, its silver body gleaming under floodlamps. Harry carried Teddy by the hand, while Dan and Emma followed closely, Hermione clutching Rose in her arms. A small flight crew greeted them warmly, bowing their heads with courtesy before ushering them aboard.
Inside, the jet's cabin felt less like an airplane and more like a luxurious lounge. Plush leather seats, wide enough to sink into, lined the cabin. A polished table stretched across the middle, stacked discreetly with drinks and fruit. The hum of the engines was low, a steady background rather than a roar.
Teddy's eyes widened the moment he stepped inside. "This is an airplane? No way! It looks like a house in the sky!"
Harry chuckled, helping him climb onto a seat. "It's called a private jet, Teddy. It's a bit different from the one we took before."
"I'm only flying like this from now on," Teddy declared solemnly, stretching his legs across the seat. "No more of those squeaky crowded planes. Only this. I vow it!"
Dan let out a laugh despite himself. "Wish I had thought the same when I was your age."
Hermione smiled tiredly, rocking Rose gently as she settled into her seat. "I think Teddy's ambition just grew wings."
The engines purred to life, and the jet glided down the runway with barely a shudder. Rose stirred, letting out a soft whimper, but Hermione hushed her quickly, pressing a kiss to her tiny forehead. Emma leaned over, her eyes soft. "She's calmer here than she ever would be on a crowded flight. You were right, Harry. This was the best way."
Harry only nodded, though inwardly he was relieved. He'd wanted this journey to be smooth, uneventful — a safe passage into their new life together.
The hours passed quietly. Teddy alternated between pressing his nose to the window, staring at the endless ocean below, and crawling from seat to seat pretending the jet was his "sky palace." Rose slept almost the entire time, her tiny breaths steady against Hermione's chest. Emma and Dan took turns dozing, though every so often they would wake just to check on their daughter and granddaughter.
By the time the pilot announced their descent into Newark, dawn was painting the horizon with streaks of pink and gold.
The Black Mansion came into view not long after. Its tall spires and enchanted walls shimmered faintly in the morning light. Teddy dashed ahead as soon as the gate opened automatically, shouting, "We're home!"
Kreacher popped into the hall, bowing deeply. "Master Harry has returned. Miss Hermione and her family as well. Kreacher has prepared the rooms." His large eyes softened briefly at the sight of the baby. "So small."
Hermione blinked, startled by the elf's bluntness, but Harry only smiled faintly. "Thank you, Kreacher."
They had barely set down their luggage when a shimmer of rainbow light filled the great hall. The air thickened, humming with divine presence. From the heart of the glow, a tall figure stepped forward — golden-haired, radiant, his eyes like the sun itself.
Apollo.
He was dressed not in flowing robes, but in simple modern clothes — jeans and a white shirt — yet light seemed to cling to him, bending around him as though he carried the dawn in his skin. His gaze swept across the hall, first to Hermione, then to the bundle in her arms. For once, the god of prophecy was struck silent.
Hermione's grip on Rose tightened, her breath catching. Dan and Emma instinctively moved closer, though they did not speak.
Apollo took a slow step forward, his golden eyes fixed on the tiny face peeking from the blankets. His voice, when it came, trembled with awe.
"My daughter."
Rose stirred as if she recognized the voice, opening her eyes for the briefest moment. Apollo's breath hitched, his usually confident smile faltering. He reached out a hand, but stopped just short, looking at Hermione for permission.
Hermione swallowed, then nodded. "She's mine too."
Carefully, reverently, Apollo bent and brushed a hand against his daughter's cheek. Light seemed to shimmer in the air where he touched her, as if the sun itself had blessed the child.
Teddy, wide-eyed, whispered loudly to Harry, "Daddy… he looks like a shiny Percy."
Harry stifled a laugh, but his eyes stayed on Apollo. For all his flaws, in that moment the god looked nothing like the arrogant deity — but only like a father, undone by the sight of his newborn child.
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