It took several minutes before Sirius finally began to process his surroundings beyond the face of his godson, who was still gripping his hand like it might vanish again if he let go.
Then, slowly, Sirius's eyes drifted past Harry to the sandy blonde man lingering behind them, arms crossed, eyes keenly observant.
"Is that… little Crouch?" Sirius asked, his voice gravelly but laced with confusion. "Why in Merlin's name is he here?"
Harry pulled back just enough to glance at Barty, then scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Yeah... uh. Things have changed since you got hurt. A lot."
Sirius arched a brow. "Next you'll be saying he's the new Minister."
Harry huffed out a surprised laugh. "Gods, no. Barty swore an oath to my Houses. He's been living here at the Keep as my steward since. He's also the reason you're awake right now, so I don't want any fighting Sirius."
Sirius snorted, voice hoarse but amused. "Well, out of all of Reggie's weird little friends, he was always the least awful."
There was a pause. Then Sirius tilted his head and added dryly, "Not that that's saying much."
Harry laughed, a soft sound tinged with disbelief and affection but sent him a chastising look anyway.
"Well," Harry said, "A lots changed while you've been asleep. Barty's had some life-altering experiences, and he's—" Harry glanced back at Barty, who met his eyes steadily, "—he's made his choices."
Sirius didn't comment immediately.
Instead, he shifted, testing his limbs with the sluggish grace of someone unused to movement, grimacing a little at the stiffness he must be feeling.
Harry moved quickly to support him, adjusting the pillows behind his back.
"This is that stasis thing you were working on," Sirius muttered, holding the medallion that fell onto his lap when he sat up.
Harry looked a little pleased. "It's the only reason you're still alive and moving as well as you are. We were able to heal your worst injuries without waking you, but we needed the counter curse to do the rest."
Sirius hummed, then finally noticed the woman still standing in the room.
"Alright I can accept little Barty, but who's the bird?"
Tsunade's brows twitched, confused at the unfamiliar cadence of the word. She glanced to Harry, clearly wondering if she'd just been insulted.
Harry winced. "Sirius, we're speaking English—she doesn't understand you."
He turned toward Tsunade, apologetic. "Sorry, he called you a bird. That's just… a slang term back home."
"For what?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"A woman. A pretty one usually."
Tsunade's grin turned wicked. "Well, I am that. Tell your dog to watch himself before I neuter him."
Sirius frowned. "I felt that threat in my soul. What'd she say?"
Harry patted his arm. "Nothing. Don't worry about it."
Then, turning to Barty, Harry motioned with his head. "Would you mind taking Tsunade to meet Salazar and Ignotus? I think they'd be delighted to meet her."
Tsunade huffed but gave a mock sigh. "I know when I'm not wanted. Come on then, pretty boy. You can tell me all about that kiss on the way there."
Barty blinked, scandalised. "I—what?! That wasn't—that was a celebratory accident!"
Tsunade was already walking ahead, waving a hand airily. "Yeah, yeah. You keep telling yourself that."
Harry covered his face with his hand as Barty threw him a betrayed look before reluctantly trailing after her. "I'm sorry!" he called after them. "It didn't mean anything!"
Tsunade's cackle echoed back down the hallway.
When they were finally gone, the silence left behind was both welcome and heavy. Harry turned back to Sirius, who was watching him with his usual blend of mischief and overprotective scrutiny.
Harry sat on the edge of the bed and reached for his godfather's hand again.
For a long moment, he didn't say anything. Neither did Sirius.
Then, finally, Sirius asked, softly, "How long?"
Harry looked at him sadly. "A little over a year."
Sirius let out a breath, slow and unsteady. His eyes closed briefly. When he opened them again, he stared at the ceiling.
"There was a fight… right? The Ministry? We were fighting…"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I was fighting against Voldemort. You were fighting and Tonks tripped, pushing you into Bellatrix's spell. She hit you with a curse—one of the worst I've ever seen. It was a variation of a nightmare curse, if it wasn't for the medallion Tazgira and I made, you would have died."
Sirius slowly turned his head to look at Harry. "I remember the pain. It was like… everything inside me was on fire. I couldn't wake up. I couldn't breathe. But I remember your voice, you were always there, begging me to hold on."
Harry blinked rapidly, his throat tightening. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I couldn't do more that night. I didn't know if it would work, but it did. It kept you alive."
"Pup," Sirius said, his voice low and hoarse. "You saved me. That's all that matters."
Harry smiled shakily.
Then Sirius sighed. "Alright. So Voldemort's still out there. What else did I miss?"
Harry looked at him, startled. "No, he's—he's gone."
Sirius blinked. "Gone?"
"Dead," Harry said. "Most of the Death Eaters, too. Captured or killed in the final battle. It happened back in May. The war is over."
Sirius stared at him like he couldn't quite believe it.
"And… and the others?"
"There were losses," Harry said quietly. "But none of our closer ones. The Auror force took the brunt of it and most of the students came out alive."
Sirius let out a breath, then leaned back into the pillows. "Merlin what a mess."
Then, as if needing to change the subject to something less painful, he asked, "And Luna? How's my little moon?"
Harry swallowed. "She's… she's not here."
Sirius looked sharply at him in shock.
"She had to go into stasis," Harry said. "To stop the visions. We used the ritual, Sirius. The one Ignotus used, but Dumbledore interfered."
Sirius tensed. "What did he do?"
Harry's voice dropped, the last thing he wanted to do was go into what happened with Luna.
"He pushed Luna out of the ritual circle and tagged along for the ride. Luna—we got separated before the ritual finished. When we landed here, he tried to siphon my magic."
The quiet between them was heavy.
"Dumbledore's dead," Harry added. "I killed him."
Sirius stared at him, face slightly heartbroken.
Not for Dumbledore, but for him.
Then all he said was. "Good riddance then."
And Harry felt all the tension leave him.
"We ended up here," Harry continued. "I managed to tweak the ritual to send us to the world Ignotus and his brothers landed in the first time. The bird you just met is actually Cadmus' great-great granddaughter. We get on quite well. We've been passing each other off as close cousins despite the generations between us."
Sirius blinked. "Huh. I'm glad you managed to find some family here pup. What about my grand god-dragons? Still tormenting poor, unsuspecting innocents I assume."
Harry's lips twitched. "Only the ones that deserve it. They've missed you, wet dog smell and all."
Then he grinned, eyes gleaming. "And you're a grand'dogfather now. To human children. Twice over."
Sirius stared at him.
"Twice—what?!"
Harry laughed.
Sirius flailed a little. "You had a kid? No—TWO kids? What the bloody hell happened while I was asleep?! Did you adopt them? Were they orphaned in the war? Did you knock up a bird? I thought you were gay?!"
Harry couldn't stop laughing, face pressed into the blanket.
"Oh god," Sirius groaned. "I'm going to need a drink. Nearly two years and now I'm a grand'dogfather. I'm too young for this."
"Wait until you meet them," Harry said, wiping his eyes. "They're perfect."
Sirius groaned again and fell back into the pillows. "I should've stayed in the coma."
Harry leaned over and pressed his forehead against his godfather's shoulder, still smiling, until he realised there was an even harder conversation ahead of them.
He hadn't meant to mention it so soon, but he knew it would come up eventually. The moment Sirius saw Teddy's shifting hair or caught the amber eyes and shifting, he'd start connecting the dots.
Better to be honest now, while it was just the two of them.
"I, uh… I wanted to tell you something else," Harry started, shifting on the edge of Sirius's bed. "But… it's a lot."
Sirius gave him a long look.
"Pup. I was unconscious for nearly two years," he smirked faintly. "I think I can handle a little 'lot'. Just spit it out."
Harry sucked in a breath, sat up straighter, and nodded. "Alright. But… I don't want to overwhelm you. If you want to rest first, or if you're hungry—"
"Harry."
That voice. Familiar. Steady. He had missed it.
Harry deflated. "Yeah, alright."
He hesitated, then reached for Sirius' hand again and held it in his lap.
"I know you and Remus were together," he said softly. "Before the accident."
Sirius' brow furrowed. "Yeah. We… weren't perfect, but we were trying."
Harry nodded slowly. "A lot happened since then."
Sirius tilted his head, eyes looking sad. "He didn't come with you, did he?"
"No," Harry said quietly. "No, he didn't."
There was a long beat of silence.
"Did he move on?"
Harry let out a bitter laugh. "You could say that."
Sirius' brows drew together. "Harry…"
"You remember Tonks tripped into you at the Ministry? Just before Bellatrix hit you?"
"Yeah?"
"Well… a few weeks after we got you to the hospital, Remus started acting… off. Said they wouldn't let him visit you. Which was bullshit by the way—he was off feeling guilty for himself. I did eventually let him come and see you after he pulled himself together. Once a week I'd bring him to the cove."
That made Sirius' mouth twitch. "You must really love me, if you let him near the cove."
"I do," Harry said simply.
Sirius turned his hand under Harry's and squeezed. "What happened next?"
Harry sighed wanting to stall but instead just ripped the band aid off. "A few months later, Remus told me Tonks was pregnant. With his kid."
Sirius blinked. "Tonks. My cousin Tonks?"
"Yeah."
"She's my cousin!" Sirius burst out, eyes wide. "Merlin's saggy knickers!"
"I don't know if she deliberately shoved you into that curse or not," Harry said honestly. "But it didn't take long for her to get into Remus' bed. He claimed it only happened once. That he didn't plan for it. But then she refused to terminate the pregnancy, and he said he had to marry her. For her career and reputation."
Sirius' face darkened. His lips curled into something bitter and sharp. "He refused to marry me because being with a werewolf would ruin my life… but he married her because he didn't want to ruin her reputation?"
Harry just nodded.
"I wanted to stop him from visiting you," Harry admitted. "I did for a while. Especially after they got married. He didn't even tell me—it took me seeing the rings at an Order meeting to realise they'd already done it. I was so angry."
Sirius reached up, brushing some hair from Harry's forehead. "You had every right to be."
Harry exhaled shakily. "They asked me to be the godfather."
"You refused, right?"
"I was going to," Harry said. "I went to their house a few weeks after the birth, fully prepared to say no."
"But?"
"But when I held him—Teddy—I couldn't let go," Harry whispered. "I don't know if it was my bearer instincts or my wolf animagus sensing a cub, but I—he was mine. He felt like mine."
Sirius sat up straighter. "Wait—bearer instincts?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes. I'm a bearer. Surprise. Calm down."
Sirius looked between horrified and delighted. "But you finished your animagus training, too?! And you're a bearer?! Oh, pup—that's amazing! I—wait, you didn't—?"
"No!" Harry scowled, cheeks flushing. "I haven't carried any pups. Now can I finish?"
Sirius just grinned at him, looking far too entertained.
"Anyway," Harry continued, "I accepted the godfather title, but with a condition; any monetary support I gave would go directly to Teddy or to his grandparents. Tonks really hated that."
Sirius nodded slowly. "And then?"
"And then the war ended," Harry said. "A few weeks later, I got a panicked call from Andromeda. Teddy had transformed during the full moon."
Sirius stilled and Harry rushed to explain.
"He's not a normal werewolf! He's a moon cub," Harry said softly. "He was just a baby, and she didn't know what to do. Tonks was—she was disgusted. Like actually horrified by him. Wouldn't touch him."
The shadows in Sirius's eyes turned dark. "That bitch."
"I made her sign over custody that night," Harry said. "She practically admitted she didn't want him. She called him a monster, said he was useless to her. And Andromeda hadn't been the same since Ted died, she refused him as well."
Sirius inhaled sharply.
"I knew from the beginning that Tonks wanted to control the Black lordship through Teddy. Tried to convince me more than once into making Teddy my heir, saying you would never wake up anyway."
Sirius growled softly.
"I went to Remus the next day," Harry said. "Told him to sign the custody papers and never see you and Teddy again or leave Tonks and raise his son properly."
Sirius gave a hollow laugh. "It doesn't take a genius to know what he chose."
"No," Harry said quietly. "It doesn't. I didn't even give him the option to come here with us. I couldn't stand the thought of him near Teddy. I would have spoken to you first, Sirius. I know it was your call too, but…"
He trailed off, looking down but defended himself anyway.
"He abandoned his cub, Padfoot. He made his choice, so I made mine."
A hand came to rest gently on his.
"You did the right thing, pup," Sirius said softly. "It's not—you made the choice I would've made. I want to believe Remus would've picked me over her if I'd woken up in time, but… I've always known he was a coward."
Harry looked up, blinking back tears.
"I'm sorry either way," he whispered. "But I don't regret it. I blood adopted Teddy. He's my son. And he's—he's wonderful. The sweetest, cleverest little cub. You'll love him. I know you will."
Sirius smiled then, soft and watery. "Even if he didn't have your blood in him, Harry… I'd love any child you called your own."
Harry laughed through his tears.
Then Sirius's grin turned cheeky. "Wait—hold on. You said I was a grand'dogfather twice over. I'm assuming Teddy and…?"
Harry winced. "Right. So… Not long after we got here, I left the capital of the country. Flew Nox out over the sea."
Sirius's eyes lit up. "You took the dragons out to fly in front of the muggles?"
"The people here have their own type of magic. Anyway, while we were flying, I… I found a little boy drowning. I found out his mother had sold him off to an enemy country, he didn't want to go back to his home country either."
Sirius's face darkened.
"I took him in," Harry said. "I blood adopted him a couple of months later. He's six and his name is Shikamaru."
Sirius's eyebrows rose. "That's definitely not a British name."
"Yeah. This world is a lot more like feudal Japan, something Ignotus forgot to mention was that they only speak Japanese. Anyway, turns out, his father was alive and searching for him the whole time. I had no idea, I swear. When they reunited, I thought I'd lose him—but…"
"But?"
"His father accepted me in Shikamaru's life, and I decided to stay," Harry admitted. "To settle down in the Leaf Village. So Shikamaru could have both of us in his life. I couldn't take him away again knowing how much his father loves him and vice versa."
Sirius smiled softly. "You always were more soft hearted than you let on."
"His dad, Shikaku, he… he's a good man. Kind. Smart. He spent months searching and making their home safe for Shikamaru again. When I told him I'd blood adopted Shikamaru, he didn't even get angry. Just accepted it. Said we'd raise him together, and that he was lucky Shikamaru had found another parent who loves him as much as I do."
Harry's voice trailed off with a smile.
Sirius's eyes narrowed. "You sound smitten, should I be talking to this Shikaku."
Harry's head whipped around. "What?! No—no, it's not like that!"
Sirius' lips quirked.
Harry immediately scowled. "Don't."
"I didn't say anything."
"You're thinking it."
Sirius grinned. "I mean… you've got that dreamy tone in your voice. 'He's kind. He's strong. He smells like cedar and masculinity.'"
"Shut up."
Sirius just looked smug.
Harry flushed. "Even if I were—it wouldn't work. He's a clan head. I'm a clan head. His people probably expect him to remarry and probably to a woman. I'm just… I'm just glad he lets me be in Shikamaru's life that's all."
Sirius gave him a knowing look. "You always were a terrible liar."
Harry scowled. "Even if I do like him—it's complicated. What if it doesn't work? What if Shikamaru gets caught in the middle?"
Sirius leaned forward, gripping Harry's hand. "If it's meant to be, pup… there's no stopping it. Love doesn't care about rules. And yeah, Remus and I didn't work out. But that doesn't mean you won't find someone who sees you. Who stays for you. Don't let expectations keep you from being happy pup."
Harry looked away, but not before Sirius caught the gleam of longing in his eyes.
"I just want what's best for Shikamaru," Harry said quietly. "I don't want to mess this up."
"And what if what's best for him… is you being happy too?" Sirius murmured.
Harry had no answer for that.
Sirius didn't push again.
Eventually, Harry spoke. "You'll like them. Teddy's obsessed with looking like his brother and Shikamaru is smarter than everyone else in the room combined and they love the dragons. They're the best things to ever happen to me, Sirius."
"I can't wait to meet them."
"You'll need rest first."
Sirius grinned. "Maybe. But bring them to me soon, yeah? I have grandpup duties to attend to."
Harry smiled through the tears in his eyes. "Yeah. I will. I'll call Tova and get you something to eat—"
There was a small pop.
"Young Master Harry called Tova?"
Harry offered her a tired but grateful smile. "Yeah, could you bring a light meal to Sirius? Nothing too heavy."
Tova's eyes filled with warmth as she glanced toward the man lying in the bed. "Of course, Master Harry. Tova will bring him the warm broth and soft breads. Maybe a little honey tea for strength."
"Perfect," Harry said softly, watching as she vanished.
He turned back to Sirius, who was watching him with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't know how you keep track of all your elves," Sirius muttered, a twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth.
Harry let out a quiet laugh as he settled into the chair again.
"So, as much as I want you to come live in the new compound with us, I think you need to learn the language first. Take a few weeks to settle."
"It's a bit much, but… yeah. I think I need some time. Break down in private than crashing into your new life and freaking out your kids."
Harry bit his lip, and then added gently, "Barty speaks Japanese. He's been teaching it to the dragons and house-elves in his spare time, and I think he enjoys it. He'd be a good tutor if you want to learn fast."
Sirius blinked. "Little Barty Crouch teaching me Japanese. The world really did end, didn't it?"
Harry winced.
Sirius chuckled dryly and waved a hand. "No, no, I get it. A lot's changed. And if he helped save me, I guess I should at least try not to hex him on sight."
Harry gave him a small smile. "Maybe… talk to him about Regulus sometime. Or at least about what happened after. There's a lot of pain between you both, I think. It might help."
Sirius didn't reply right away.
Then, "I'll think about it."
A comfortable silence fell between them again. But Harry didn't miss the faint strain behind Sirius's eyes.
"You sure you're alright if I go?" Harry asked, worry written plainly across his face.
Sirius looked at him and snorted. "You've got two grandpups to get back to. And I—" he rubbed his face, "—I think I need a proper panic attack and a bit of a cry, and I'd rather do that without my godson watching."
Harry's throat caught. "I'm sorry for dumping it all on you like this. I should've waited, let you get your feet under you—"
"Stop," Sirius said firmly, gripping his hand. "You told me what I needed to know. You trusted me with it. And now I've got time to think it through. That's all I need. Go on. Go kiss your babies for me."
Harry huffed a laugh and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Sirius's forehead. "I'll be back soon. Next time, I'll bring them with me."
Sirius made a show of wiping the kiss off with exaggerated disgust. "You're definitely a mum now. So soft."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Shut up and eat your soup when Tova brings it."
He stood, lingering just long enough to give Sirius one last look and then slipped out of the room.
~
The Keep felt brighter after leaving Sirius, the grand halls echoing faintly as Harry made his way to the library.
He heard Ignotus's voice drifting from the library before he even reached the door.
"And so, when Cadmus finally proposed, she cursed him out for seven days straight before accepting, your great-great grandmother was a remarkable woman, Tsunade."
There was a snort of laughter, and Harry smiled as he stepped into the room.
Ignotus was perched in his usual portrait frame, storytelling in full flow, while Tsunade lounged across two cushions, tea cup in hand and a rare look of soft amusement on her face.
"I'm almost afraid to ask how they got married after that," she said dryly.
"Not too long after," Salazar's portrait muttered from the adjacent wall, "though it was grandfather who ended up doing all the apologising."
Harry coughed lightly, catching their attention. "Interrupting family story time, am I?"
Tsunade turned with a grin. "How'd it go?"
Harry exhaled. "As well as you'd expect. Better, maybe. He's processing everything. It'll take time, but he's awake. He's… Sirius."
There was a pause, then Tsunade asked softly, "Are you both alright?"
Harry shook his head. "I don't know. He said he needed to fall apart in peace, and I think he's earned that right. I'm just glad he's awake again."
He turned toward the portraits with a smirk. "And what tall tales were you spreading this time, Ignotus?"
Ignotus sniffed haughtily. "That's Grandfather Ignotus to you, child."
Harry chuckled. "Sorry, Granddad."
He turned toward Salazar and quirked a brow. "And did you tell Tsunade that you're first cousins yet?"
Salazar groaned. "Twice removed, Harrison. She doesn't need the headache."
Tsunade grinned. "Trust me brat, figuring out how we're related gave me enough of a migraine. Let's just say we're cousins and leave it at that."
Harry let them banter a while longer before quietly crossing to the far end of the room, where Barty sat in a chair with a thick volume in his lap, one leg crossed casually over the other.
Harry sat down on the arm of the couch beside him. "I, uh… I was wondering if you'd be willing to teach Sirius some Japanese."
Barty blinked. "Me?"
"You don't have to," Harry said quickly. "The portraits could do it. But you're good with languages, and he'll need someone patient."
Barty hesitated, mouth twisting into something a bit bitter. "Do you think he'll want to learn from a Death Eater?"
Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. "He might not. But maybe you should talk to him. About Regulus. About what happened. You've both have different versions of him in your memories. I think it might help."
Barty didn't answer, but his grip on the book tightened slightly. "I'll think about it."
Harry nodded, standing. "That's all I ask."
"Just don't expect me to teach him how to say 'I'm sorry' in six dialects," Barty muttered, and Harry snorted.
"He can barely say it in English, I don't think you have to worry. And Barty…thank you."
Barty lifted his book higher but Harry could see the pleased smile on the mans face.
He turned back to the portraits. "Tsunade? Ready to head back?"
Tsunade stretched with a sigh, already reluctantly standing. "Ugh. Fine. But next time, I'm staying. You can't just dangle an entire library of forgotten knowledge and drag me out before I can read anything."
Harry rolled his eyes. "You'd need a translator anyway. Half of it's in Latin. The other half in Greek or Old English."
She pouted. "Then promise me a proper visit. We'll drag Shikaku and the kids and make it a family day."
He groaned. "Why do I put up with you."
"You love it."
Harry didn't respond. Just sighed.
Salazar chimed in, "Bring the children next time. It's far too quiet around here."
"I'll pop by again tomorrow," Harry promised, then called out to Barty, "Send an elf if you or Sirius need anything."
Barty waved a hand without looking up from his book, already retreating into distraction.
As they stepped out into the garden paths leading to the mountain, Harry exhaled slowly, his mind finally settling.
Tsunade glanced sideways at him. "So… how's it feel?"
"What?"
"Having him back."
Harry smiled faintly. "Like a weight's been lifted. But I'm still worried. I don't know how he's really handling it. What if every time he looks at Teddy, he sees Remus and Tonks?"
Tsunade snorted. "That boy looks like you. Except the amber in his eyes. And maybe all the times he blends into you and Shikaku."
Harry groaned. "Tsunade."
She winked. "Bet it puts thoughts in your head."
He shoved her toward the portal. "Shut up."
She laughed, and her voice echoed through the cavern.
~
As Harry walked towards the house, the soft weight of exhaustion pulled at him.
His magic nudged gently throughout the housee, reaching for familiar signatures. The second it brushed against the boys, he relaxed with a deep exhale.
Tilly met him by the door, her ears perked and eyes wide.
"Tilly is so glad to be seeing Master Harrison! The young wolf was fussy all morning. The young masters were quite tired," she whispered, as if afraid to disturb the calm. "Master Teddy wanted to nap with his big brother, and they both fell asleep on the sofa."
Harry smiled softly, setting a hand on her thin shoulder. "Thank you, Tilly. For everything, I've got it from here. You'll be glad to hear that Sirius is finally awake."
The way her breath caught, and her eyes brimmed with tears said enough. "Tilly will go now. To help Master Sirius. He will need tea. And blankets. And—"
"Go," Harry said gently, waving her on. "Tell him I'll be by again tomorrow. And tell him to take it easy."
She vanished with a pop.
Harry padded barefoot into the living space, his steps silent. The warmth in his chest bloomed when he saw his boys.
Shikamaru had tucked himself to the edge of the couch, his limbs curled protectively around Teddy's smaller form. One arm was draped around the baby's back, shielding him, and Teddy's tiny fingers were tangled in Shikamaru's shirt.
Harry dropped to his knees beside the couch.
He gently brushed a few stray strands of hair from Shikamaru's brow, trailing his finger down the bridge of the boy's nose until it scrunched adorably and twitched. He did it again just to watch the same sleepy reaction.
A soft whine followed not long after.
Harry chuckled. "Come on, my love. If you nap all day, you'll be up all night."
"M'tired," Shikamaru mumbled, eyes still closed. "I can sleep all day n' night. Just watch me."
"Mm. I'm sure you can," Harry said, before leaning in to smother the boy's face in kisses.
Shikamaru squealed quietly and squirmed, laughter bubbling up as he tried to bat him away. "No fair—sneak attack!"
"That's what you get for resisting wake-up time." Harry sat back slightly, brushing his fingers through Shikamaru's hair as the boy blinked sleepily at him. "You're such a good big brother. Keeping Teddy safe even while you nap."
Shikamaru ducked his head, cheeks pink. "He's warm."
Harry hummed in agreement, scooping Teddy carefully into his arms. The baby snuffled and sighed but didn't wake, his tiny body curling against Harry's chest as it rumbled slightly.
He could already feel his wolf at the edge of his mind reaching out to his cub. Harry didn't want to call it purring—it wasn't purring, no he's not in denial—but his rumbling tended to soothe Teddy best and helped avoid all the screaming involved when he was woken too early.
"Should we wake him too?" Shikamaru asked softly, sidling up to Harry's side.
"Let's get some food ready first," Harry said, standing smoothly and guiding them into the kitchen.
He flicked his fingers at the fridge, levitating some dishes out and reheated the leftovers with a pulse of magic. Shikamaru slid into the seat next to him, his elbow bumping Harry's gently as he cuddled into his side.
"You hungry?"
"Tilly made us rice and miso earlier. But I could eat more," Shikamaru said, already reaching for a steamed bun.
Harry chuckled. "You've definitely got a black hole for a stomach."
They ate in silence, Teddy dozing quietly against Harry's chest. After a few minutes, Harry finally spoke.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be gone so long today, but Sirius is awake."
Shikamaru nearly dropped his chopsticks. "Really?! That's amazing! How—how did you fix him?"
Harry smiled. "We figured out the counter-curse. Barty found it and we managed to track down the trigger. It was… well, it wasn't simple. But we got there."
Shikamaru's eyes lit up. "Then we have to do something nice for Barty!"
Harry arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"We could decorate his house! Make the ceiling like mine. Maybe bring him sweets from that bakery in the market! He hasn't been to the village yet, maybe he'll like them," the boy said earnestly.
Harry ruffled his hair. "That's a wonderful idea. I think he'd really appreciate that. Maybe it'll even convince him to move into the compound one day."
Shikamaru beamed at him.
Then, more hesitantly, "Does he… does he know about me? And Teddy?"
Harry softened. "He knows everything. And he can't wait to meet both of you."
A small smile curled on the boy's lips. "Is he going to live with us too?"
Harry paused. "Maybe. Not right away. He needs time. He's been asleep a long time, and… a lot's changed. But he'll visit. And hopefully, he'll come live with us too one day."
~
Later that evening, the three of them made their way to the Nara compound.
Harry greeted the guards with a polite nod, adjusting Teddy's weight against his hip while his other hand kept a gentle hold on Shikamaru's shoulder. The guards bowed respectfully as they stepped aside, murmuring soft greetings of "Ryūjin-sama, Shikamaru!" and "welcome back."
Shikamaru led the way down the familiar path to the main house, eyes sharp despite the long day, while Teddy babbled against Harry's neck, pressing his drooly mouth to the edge of his collar.
"Honestly," Harry murmured, rubbing Teddy's back fondly, "you're lucky you're cute."
Shikamaru gave a sleepy little huff of laughter. "He drooled on my ear earlier, it was gross."
"Welcome to parenthood," Harry said dryly.
They stepped inside the main house, warmth rushing to greet them. Saeko wasn't there—likely still occupied with clan duties—and Shikaku hadn't returned yet. Harry flicked his fingers to get everything ready, setting the takeout on the table, unpacking the containers.
"Looks like they added one of your favourites," he said offhandedly, glancing toward Shikamaru.
"Egg rolls?"
"Egg rolls," Harry confirmed, winking.
Shikamaru looked smug as he grabbed one of the sauce packets and rolled it between his fingers. "I'm going to eat three this time before Dad steals them."
"Ambitious."
Shikamaru grinned, then wandered toward the sitting room with Teddy still wriggling in Harry's arms. He placed the baby on a cushion, and Teddy kicked his little feet and squealed.
Just as Harry was smoothing Teddy's curls back, the front door creaked open behind him.
"Dad!" Shikamaru cried, bolting upright and darting toward the door.
Harry turned in time to see Shikaku stepping inside—hair windblown, vest slightly undone, and eyes softening the moment he saw his son. The tired lines of his face eased, his spine straightening as he caught Shikamaru mid-jump and swung him up with ease, tucking him into a half-hug.
"You're getting heavy," Shikaku murmured, voice gravelly with fatigue. "Were you a good boy today?"
"The best," Shikamaru said smugly. "Ask Maashah."
Shikaku's gaze flicked over his son's head and landed on Harry.
Harry smiled softly. "Of course he was. I'm not sure who he gets it from, certainly not us."
Shikaku's mouth curved at the teasing.
"Welcome home," Harry said, brushing his palms together as he stood straighter. "We thought you could use dinner without lifting a finger."
"You're spoiling me far too much," Shikaku said, voice smooth, almost amused.
"Someone has to," Harry said, flipping a strand of hair over his shoulder in faux-dramatic fashion. "Can't have the shadow lord of Konoha wasting away."
Shikaku's lips twitched. "Dangerous territory, calling me that."
Harry blinked. "What, 'shadow lord'?"
"Mm." Shikaku stepped further into the room, letting Shikamaru slide to the floor before moving to unfasten his vest and roll his sleeves up. His voice dropped, low and slow. "Sounds like the kind of title that comes with… expectations. Maybe even a consort."
Harry could feel his ears going pink. He busied himself with unpacking the last of the containers. "Good thing I never play by expectations then."
Shikaku was quiet for a beat. Then he chuckled, and when Harry risked a glance back, he found Shikaku already much too close, leaning over his shoulder, reaching for the soy sauce packet on the table.
Harry froze.
He could feel the heat of the man's body behind him. His chest brushing against his back. Not enough to be improper. Just… enough to make him shiver.
Shikaku didn't move away.
Harry cleared his throat. "Tired day?"
"Exhausting," Shikaku murmured near his ear, "but I'm better now."
Harry turned sharply, only to find himself inches away from Shikaku's face.
His brain short-circuited.
"Ah—food," Harry said eloquently. "Let's… eat."
"Sure," Shikaku said, eyes amused. He moved back just enough to let Harry breathe. But not so far that he didn't brush past Harry's waist with his hands as he grabbed a bowl.
It was absolutely an accident.
Probably.
Harry didn't trust himself to speak again until they were all seated.
Shikaku sat beside Shikamaru, helping him pour sauce into little bowls and tearing up pieces of chicken for Teddy, who was happily slapping at his tray and shoving things into his mouth.
Harry sat across from them with a soft smile, watching the way Shikaku fed Teddy without complaint, even as the baby got more on his hands than in his mouth.
It wasn't the first time Harry had seen it—but something about the sight tonight struck him harder than usual.
The way Shikaku cradled Teddy's head gently, brushing crumbs from his cheeks. The soft way he murmured "There we go, little one," like it was second nature. Like it didn't matter how tired he was.
Harry blamed his bearer instincts for the rush of warmth in his chest. For the flutter of something tender just beneath his ribs.
Maybe being a bearer means I go into some sort of heat, he let the thought linger and looked away.
Shikamaru was shovelling rice into his mouth before launching into a breathless retelling of their day.
"…And Maashah's godfather woke up! He'd been cursed but then Barty found a way to fix it! And Maashah fixed it and he's okay now! He's going to come visit soon!"
Shikaku raised an eyebrow, looking between Harry and the bouncing boy. "That's… good news."
Harry scratched at the back of his neck. "Sirius—my godfather—he was hurt badly in a battle. The stasis kept him alive. But it took us a while to figure out how to break the jutsu. He'll need some time to adjust, but... he's awake now. It's more than I hoped for."
Harry thought he saw recognition light in Shikaku's eyes for a moment but brushed it off, knowing this is the first time they had spoken of Sirius.
Unless he's seen the paperwork for the members of his clan, he thought.
There was a long pause. Then, Shikaku asked, "Is he coming here?"
Harry nodded. "Eventually. He'll need a few weeks to get used to things again. Learn the language, catch up on what's changed."
Shikaku tilted his head with a slightly worried look. "Are you leaving to teach him?"
"I was hoping Barty would. He knows a lot of languages, he's an excellent teacher."
"You trust him?"
"I do," Harry said simply. "I wouldn't have let him near Shikamaru if I didnt."
Shikamaru piped up. "Can I go with you tomorrow? To see the dragons? You promised!"
Harry glanced at Shikaku, biting his lip before deciding that a little trust might put the man more at ease.
"We can get to the dragon's home from my compound. We don't have to leave the village walls."
Shikaku looked thoughtful.
"Maybe next time," Shikaku added after a pause, "I'll come with you."
Harry's heart jumped. "You'd like the greenhouses," he said quickly. "They're beautiful. Medicinal, too. I can… show you."
"I'd like that," Shikaku murmured again.
After dinner, they cleaned up together.
It was quiet, companionable. Teddy had conked out on a pile of cushions, and Shikamaru was drawing in his journal to Gaara.
Harry stood on tiptoe to put away the cleaned plates, trying to slide the top one onto the highest shelf.
Then suddenly, a warm chest was at his back again, and a hand braced on the counter beside his. Harry inhaled sharply as Shikaku leaned in behind him, reaching over his shoulder to lift the plates higher.
"Need help?" Shikaku murmured, his voice deep and close.
Harry nearly pulled the whole shelf down on them. "I—uh—no, I've got it."
Shikaku didn't step away.
"You sure?" he asked, his voice rumbling.
Harry turned slightly, only to realise his mistake when he found himself face to chest with the older man. Shikaku didn't move back immediately, and for one charged second, Harry thought Shikaku was going to kiss him.
Then, mercifully—or not—Shikaku shifted back and let Harry breathe once more.
Harry went back to the sink and busied himself with scrubbing a spotless bowl.
Shikaku leaned against the sink beside him, arms folded, watching him with open amusement.
"You alright?" he asked lightly.
"Perfect," Harry replied, voice thin.
Shikaku smirked.
Harry glared at his plate like it had personally offended him.
When they finished, Harry moved to wake Teddy, but Shikaku beat him to it—lifting the baby into his arms effortlessly. The sight of Teddy curled against Shikaku's chest made Harry's knees go weak.
He watched as Shikaku hummed quietly, rubbing circles against Teddy's back, the baby scenting the man with his cheek and giving soft little growls.
Harry swallowed thickly.
"He loves you," he said softly.
Shikaku glanced up. "You think so?"
"I know so."
There was silence.
Then, softly, Shikaku's eyes met his, "He's easy to love."
And Harry had never wanted anyone more than he did right then.
Maybe, Harry thought, Sirius really was right.