"Normal speech"
"Parseltongue"
Thoughts
"Japanese/ English" (This will only be used briefly in this chapter. When Harry starts speaking without it being in bold and like "this", it means he's speaking fluently in the Japanese, albeit with a this accent.) Although, if Harry is speaking in English from another persons POV that will be in bold, unless they're wearing the translator earring.
~ Shikamaru's POV 9 days ago ~
Shikamaru had just turned six the day before. The celebration had been small, just his father, grandma and a few Nara clan members offering quiet congratulations. But what had surprised him the most was his mother's unexpected kindness. Yoshino had smiled, her tone gentle, her words softer than he had ever known them to be. For the first time in his short life, he allowed himself to hope that maybe—just maybe—something had changed.
The next morning, Yoshino asked if he wanted to go for a walk to see the deer.
Shikamaru hesitated. His mother never liked the Nara clan's connection to the deer. She always called them 'beasts' and scoffed at the way they were treated as sacred. And she had never before shown interest in spending time with him, not like this. But the warmth in her voice, the softness in her gaze, it made him want to believe.
So, he said yes.
As they reached the border of the Nara Forest, everything went black.
Shikamaru woke up in complete darkness.
His body ached, his head pounding as he tried to move. Rough fabric surrounded him, and with a growing sense of dread, he realised he was inside some kind of sack. The way he was being jostled, the shifting weightlessness every so often—he was being carried. Through the trees, maybe? The sensation made his stomach twist in fear.
Panic clawed at his chest, but he forced himself to breathe. His father had told him once, in quiet words meant for a son who barely understood their weight, what to do if he was ever taken. Stay calm. Observe everything. Look for an opportunity.His small hands clenched into fists. His father had always prepared him, but he had never thought he'd need those lessons so soon.
When they finally dropped him, the impact sent a sharp jolt of pain through his ankle. He let out an involuntary cry, curling inward, clutching his throbbing leg.
Laughter. Cruel, mocking laughter surrounded him.
Shikamaru blinked through the darkness, his vision adjusting to the dim light of a small campfire. Three figures loomed over him. The metallic glint of forehead protectors caught his eye, but the scratches through them sent a new wave of fear curling in his stomach.
Missing-nin.
Two bore the symbols of Iwa, one from Kiri.
"Well, well, look who's awake," one of them sneered, crouching in front of him. "Didn't think the kid would last this long."
Shikamaru bit his lip, willing himself not to react.
"Little Lord Nara," another jeered. "Looks like your own clan didn't want you, huh?"
Shikamaru's breath hitched.
"Sold you off easy," the first one continued, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Guess you weren't much of a son, were you?"
He felt his hands tremble. No—no, that couldn't be right. His mother might not love him like all the other mothers, but she wouldn't—she couldn't—
"Doesn't matter," the third one, the Kiri-nin, cut in. "The villages will pay a fortune to start a new clan with your Kekkei Genkai."
Shikamaru stiffened. "I —I would never join another village."
The missing-nin laughed. "You won't get a choice."
That first night as he was tied to a tree trying to keep his tears at bay, he saw a massive ball of fire shoot from the sky. Didn't dad say that you make a wish when that happens?
Looking at the bright fiery ball heading towards the ground, he wishes. Please, someone help me. Please, I just want to go back home.
~
They ran for six days.
Whenever he tried to escape, they caught him. The last attempt had earned him a brutal stomp on his ankle, a pain and snap so sharp it had left him sobbing into the dirt.
"You wouldn't have made me do that if you behaved," the Kiri-nin had said with a smirk.
Shikamaru could only cradle his injured leg, biting back his cries.
They moved through Grass Country, then into Earth, killing anyone they encountered. Civilians, travellers, even other shinobi—they left nothing but blood in their wake.
Shikamaru had tried leaving signs, small markers on trees and in the dirt like he was taught, but with every passing day, hope dwindled. No Leaf-nin came.
Were they even looking for him?
The rogue-nin were careful, taking a winding path toward their destination. He overheard them talking about Cloud. They were going to sell him to Kumo.
The thought made him sick.
On the ninth day, he woke up to the gentle rock of a ship.
"We're almost there, kid," one of the missing-nin said, grinning. "Two, maybe three more days, and you'll be a little Kumo pet."
Shikamaru stared blankly at the wooden planks of the small room they'd locked him in. They barely fed him. His body was weak, exhaustion pressing into his bones, but his mind never stopped working.
He had to escape. He had to try.
The opportunity came when they underestimated him.
Shikamaru managed to take one by surprise, slipping through the small door and scrambling onto the deck.
The sea stretched endlessly around him, the icy wind biting into his skin. He shivered violently, but he kept moving, backing away as the missing-nin advanced.
"Where do you think you're going, brat?" one of them laughed. "Look around you. Nowhere to run."
His heart pounded.
The Kiri-nin yanked his hair, hard enough to snap his hair tie—the tie that he stole off his father. It dropped to the deck. His stomach twisted as he dived for it, clutching the broken piece with trembling hands.
His father… did his father even want him back? Was he really a bad son?
No. He couldn't think like that. He had to move.
Shikamaru turned toward the sea.
"You don't want to do that, kid," the Iwa-nin warned.
But what other choice did he have?
Gritting his teeth, he jumped.
The water was freezing.
A voice shouted behind him, and he barely had time to register the Kiri-nin leaping after him before a wave swallowed him whole. The icy cold locked his limbs in place, dragging him under. His vision blurred, his lungs burning as he sank deeper, deeper.
Just as his eyes slid closed, he saw something moving in the water.
A flash of light spiralled toward him, cutting through the depths.
Then, something warm grabbed his hand.
And everything went black again.
~ Harry's POV ~
The wind howled softly around them as Nox soared through the midnight sky, the lights of the Fire Capital a dim glow behind them. He had barely rested since arriving in the Fire Capital, and now, finally away from its stifling court, he could breathe again.
Reaching out with his magic, he expanded his senses, feeling for any life signatures nearby. The forest below was brimming with wildlife, but there were no humans within two miles. Perfect.
"We'll land here," he murmured to Nox, who let out a quiet rumble of acknowledgment before angling her wings downward.
The descent was smooth, the trees parting to reveal a clearing, illuminated by the moonlight. A waterfall roared in the distance, its steady rhythm soothing in the silence of the night. Harry unlatched Teddy from his crib, gently strapping the baby to his chest before sliding down Nox's side, his feet touching the soft earth. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of fresh moss, water, and the faint, lingering traces of energy that hung in the air.
The chakra here was different, thicker, more alive than in the palace. It weaved around his magic like an eager pet, clinging to him. He could feel it pulsing in the air, in the trees, even in the water. Nox had been right—it was drawn to them in a way he didn't quite understand, but for now, it felt safe.
Teddy babbled, his small hands patting at Harry's chest. Harry chuckled and pressed a kiss to his messy curls. "Want to go dancing little wolf? Maybe that will tire you out," he whispered playfully.
Teddy let out a high-pitched giggle, his bright eyes full of excitement.
Harry stepped onto the water, his magic swirling beneath his feet, making the surface ripple in response. He skated gracefully, spinning and twirling with ease, letting Teddy's laughter echo into the night. The cool mist kissed his skin as he glided across the lake, his magic holding him steady.
Nox, curled on the shore, rumbled contentedly, watching her mother and brother with a look of fond exasperation.
As he neared the waterfall, a sudden movement caught his eye. A bird shot out from beneath the cascading water, startling him slightly. He slowed his skating, curiosity prickling at his senses. Raising a hand, he willed the water to part like a curtain, revealing a dark cavern hidden behind it.
The cave was massive—large enough to fit Nox multiple times over. At the far end, a pool of water glowed a soft blue, its luminescence casting eerie reflections along the walls. It was breathtaking.
"Well," he mused, widening the entrance with a flick of his wrist. "This will do nicely for tonight."
Nox lumbered inside, inspecting the space with sharp golden eyes. With another wave of his hand, Harry sealed the entrance, leaving only a small opening for air.
Settling down, he exhaled deeply. "I suppose we should talk about why we had to leave."
Nox's tail thumped against the ground, her golden eyes flashing. "Yes, let's discuss how I should have burned the city to the ground for even thinking about harming my mother."
Harry snorted, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe next time."
Their conversation was interrupted by a small, hesitant sound.
Harry barely had time to react before Teddy reached out, tiny fingers grasping at his robes, his mouth working around uncertain syllables.
"Mm...Ma..."
Harry blinked.
Teddy tried again, brow furrowing in concentration. "Mah...Mah..."
Then, a distinct, sibilant hiss.
"Mahhh...shaaahhh."
Harry went completely still.
The word was unmistakable.
The Parseltongue word for mother.
"Moth-er," he hissed again, clearer this time.
The cave was silent for a long moment.
Harry's breath hitched. "Did you just—"
He and Nox leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation. "Say it again, Teddy."
The baby blinked, then happily hissed the word once more.
Harry laughed in delight, scooping him up and covering his face with kisses. "You're brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"
Nox rumbled proudly. "Of course my littlest brother would be gifted our noble tongue."
As the excitement settled, Harry conjured a bed from the nearby stones, warming it with soft heating charms before gently rocking Teddy to sleep. When his son's breathing evened out, he turned his attention to their next move.
Spreading out the map Asuma had given him and opening the dictionary, he traced their planned route with a finger. "We'll fly over Aisu Bay, towards the small islands outside the Land of Snow. Then we'll slip into the Land of Iron under my Veil. It's neutral territory according to Asuma, should be safer than the hidden villages."
Nox hummed approvingly. "And then?"
"We reach the Iron Capital and exchange some gold for the local currency," Harry replied, closing his eyes briefly. "We'll figure out the rest from there."
He laid beside Teddy, instinctively taking in his scent, his Animagus-enhanced senses picking up the soft warmth of his cub. A deep, satisfied rumble escaped his throat. Teddy responded with a tiny baby growl before snuggling closer.
Sleep took them quickly.
But it didn't last.
A low growl from Nox jolted Harry awake. His magic ready to strike before he had fully processed the situation.
"Nox?" he whispered.
She rumbled, her voice laced with warning. "Something is outside. It smells like ash."
Harry's muscles tensed. Then, he heard it, a familiar trill. His heart stuttered.
"Fawkes?"
The phoenix hopped onto the ledge of the small opening, his usually proud posture oddly hesitant.
Harry stared, conflicted. After a moment, he swallowed and murmured, "You can come in."
Fawkes shuffled awkwardly before gliding inside.
Harry studied him warily. "Why are you here? Did you follow after Dumbledore when he forced his way into the ritual?"
Fawkes let out a series of low croons, but Harry couldn't understand. Nox, however, did. Her golden eyes gleamed as she translated.
"He says he never chose Dumbledore. That the bond was forced when the old man found him decades ago as a hatchling. Since then, he's had no choice but to stay tethered. That's how he followed you here."
Harry's breath caught. "He—he was trapped?"
Nox nodded. "But now, the bond is gone. He cannot return home."
Harry felt a pang of sorrow for the phoenix. "What do you want to do now, Fawkes?"
The bird ruffled his feathers before trilling softly. Nox translated again. "He wishes to be free. But this world feels… wrong."
Harry exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have my own realm, I guess—created from the magic of our world. Maybe you'd be more comfortable there?"
Fawkes let out an excited chirp, shuffling closer in anticipation.
Harry chuckled. "Alright, I'll open the gateway for you in the morning. Tilly will show you around the Keep lands."
Fawkes trilled gratefully, and Harry conjured a perch with a wave of his hand.
As the night settled once more, Harry closed his eyes. Tomorrow, they would cross the sea and their journey would continue.
~
The morning light filtered into the cave through the hole in the entrance, casting a golden glow against the rough stone walls. Harry stirred at the gentle patting against his face, a soft chant of "Mother" echoing in the familiar hissing of Parseltongue. He cracked his eyes open, smiling instantly at the sight of Teddy's bright, chubby face staring down at him. The warmth that flooded his chest was almost overwhelming.
His eyes suddenly widened, realisation striking—how was Teddy even reaching his face?
A panicked trill from Fawkes had him shifting his gaze to the phoenix, who was carefully balancing the baby with his head, steadying him as he wobbled on his knees. The sight made Harry's breath hitch at seeing the milestone. Teddy was thriving. Not just surviving but thriving. Any doubts he had about his ability to be a parent vanished in that moment.
"Look at you," he murmured, reaching up to steady his son. "Such a clever little cub. Thank you, Fawkes."
Teddy giggled, tiny fingers grasping at Harry's unruly hair, making his heart swell with joy. He pressed a quick kiss against Teddy's forehead before sitting up, feeling well-rested, his magic no longer strained. It was time to get moving.
Stretching out his palm, he let the runes on his skin pulse with power, forming the gateway to the Keep. The swirling portal glowed before him, and Harry hesitated—he didn't want to risk stepping through and getting trapped. Not yet.
"Tilly!" he called.
The little elf appeared with a loud pop, eyes widening before she cooed excitedly. "Oh, Master Harry! Little Master Teddy! And Noxy, too! Oh, Tilly was so worried!"
Nox let out a pleased rumble as the elf bustled forward, gently patting Teddy's plump cheeks. "Oh, such a strong little wolfie you are!"
Harry chuckled. "We're fine, Tilly. A bit of a rough few days, but we're safe now." He hesitated, before adding, "How's everyone?"
Tilly wrung her hands. "Master Ignotus and Master Salazar have been worried sick! They say the Masters must visit as soon as possible."
Harry exhaled heavily. "Once we settle, I will."
Knowing he wouldn't be able to visit just yet, Harry decided to send a message. With a flick of his hand, Prongs emerged, his ethereal form illuminating the cave. Teddy let out an excited squeal, reaching toward the stag. Prongs nuzzled the baby before turning to Harry.
"Go to the dragons," Harry murmured. "Tell them we're safe, that I'll open the gateway when I can so they can all visit.
Prongs gave a sharp nod before galloping through the portal, disappearing into the Keep.
Harry turned back to Tilly. "Fawkes needs a home in the Keep lands. Can you help settle him in?"
Fawkes trilled, hopping closer, nudging Harry before carefully pulling something from beneath his wing. Harry froze when he saw what it was.
The Elder Wand.
His fingers trembled as he reached for it, magic humming in response. His family magic resonated with the wand, the Resurrection Stone on his finger warming, and he knew the Invisibility Cloak would react the same way.
"He says it belongs to you," Nox rumbled.
Harry swallowed, staring at the wand before shaking his head. "Tilly, take it to the Keep library. I don't need it."
Tilly nodded, disappearing with the wand. She returned moments later, this time holding a small case filled with thick winter clothing.
"Too cold for Master Harry and Little Master to ride in the air without proper clothes," she scolded gently.
Harry smiled, thanking her as they ate a quick breakfast. Fawkes let out a song of pure joy as he flew through the gateway, disappearing into his new home.
Now high in the sky, bellies full and bundled in warm clothing, Harry let the wind whip through his hair. He'd never cut it himself before—Luna or Blaise usually handled it—but he decided he'd find something to tie it back later.
Halfway toward the Land of Snow, something caught his attention. His enhanced hearing picked up shouting.
A child's cry.
Harry's blood ran cold.
"Nox, fly lower," he ordered, scanning the sea below. He spotted a small ship and three grown men shoving around a child, barely six or seven. Then the boy threw himself into the sea.
One of the men jumped in after him but quickly gave up as the waves grew stronger.
"Stay steady Nox, I'll call for you when its safe to come down."
Harry didn't hesitate. He warded Teddy's crib shut and leaped off Nox's back, diving fifty feet through the air. Twisting at the last moment, he channelled the water, before spiralling into the ocean depths.
He sent glowing orbs of light into the dark waters, finally spotting the boy sinking lifelessly. Urging the water to push him forward, he grabbed the child's hand, pulling him close and surged upwards.
They shot out of the water, landing gently on the deck.
Harry immediately set up a shield, kneeling beside the boy. He gently summoned the water from his lungs, watching as the boy coughed violently, bleary eyes locking onto Harry's.
"You're safe," Harry murmured, knowing the boy couldn't understand. He hoped his tone was enough.
Harry's frown deepens as his sharp eyes scan over the child's small, trembling form. His stomach churns at the sight—dark purple bruises littered across too-thin arms, raw cuts running along his pale skin, some still bleeding sluggishly. The boy's clothes are torn and damp, clinging to his frame as he shivers, whether from cold or fear, Harry isn't sure.
His hands are clenched into tight fists, and his breathing is shallow and uneven, every inhalation shaky. Then, Harry follows the boy's darting gaze, his wide, panicked eyes flickering toward the three ninja still pounding against the shimmering shield Harry had erected. The raw fear in the child's expression is unmistakable. His body is wound so tightly that he looks moments away from bolting despite his exhaustion.
Rage ignites within Harry like an unquenchable fire, burning through his veins with white-hot intensity. His magic pulses violently in response, crackling like a storm around him.
How dare they? How dare these so-called men harm a child? It doesn't matter if they are ninja or not—Harry will not let this slide.
His green eyes darken with fury as he lifts his hand, fingers splaying wide before he thrusts his arm forward. The very air around them shifts as an invisible force slams into the three men, sending them flying backwards with an audible crack as they hit the deck.
Before they can recover, Harry moves again. With a sharp flick of his wrist, the ocean surges up in towering waves, twisting unnaturally to his command. The water snaps out like coiling serpents, wrapping around the men's flailing limbs before solidifying into thick ice. Frozen mid-motion, their mouths gape open, eyes wide with shock as they are rendered utterly helpless.
Harry steps forward, his expression cold, his magic still thrumming dangerously beneath his skin. "What kind of monsters harm a child like this?" His voice is low but sharp, each word laced with a dangerous edge. "What did you plan to do with him?"
The ninja, despite their predicament, do not cower. Instead, they glare at him with contempt, their expressions twisted with fury. One of them snarls, baring his teeth as he struggles against the ice. "Let us go, you foreign bastard! You have no idea what you're doing—when we get free, you'll wish you never interfered!"
Harry exhales sharply, the anger in his chest morphing into something colder—something lethal. He had hoped for an explanation, but they weren't going to give him one willingly. Fine. He didn't need their words anyway.
His emerald eyes flash as he plunges into their minds one by one with legilimency. He is not gentle. He does not take his time. He forces his way in, tearing through their thoughts like a blade slicing through flesh. Their screams echo in the air as he shatters their mental defences, ripping their memories to the surface one at a time.
And what he sees makes his blood run cold.
He watches as they discuss their plans—how much money the boy's bloodline will bring them, how easily he will be broken, turned into a breeding mule. His hands curl into fists as the memory shifts and he sees a woman standing before them, her expression impassive, her lips twisting into a smirk as she waves them off.
"Just get it done," she says coolly. "I don't care what happens to him. I just want my cut. Finally, I'll be free of this place."
Harry jerks out of the man's mind with a sharp gasp, his breath coming quicker than before. His stomach twists violently, nausea curling in his throat. The boy's mother—his own mother—had sold him. She had handed him over without hesitation, eager to be rid of him.
One of the frozen ninja chuckles darkly, his voice smug despite his trapped state. "What a cold woman," he sneers. "Selling her own son like that… she was my kind of woman."
Harry doesn't hesitate. With a flick of his fingers, the ice around the man's body hardens further before a powerful gust of wind sends him soaring over the side of the ship. He barely has time to scream before he crashes into the sea, the intent of his magic pulling him down, down, down—just as the child had sunk before Harry pulled him out.
Harry turns back to the remaining two men, his expression void of any warmth. His hands tremble slightly, the sheer intensity of his fury barely kept in check. He doesn't just want to get rid of them, he wants to make sure they can never harm anyone again.
He hesitates for only a moment before diving into their minds once more. But this time, he isn't searching for memories. He is taking something.
Theo had taught him how to extract knowledge before. It had been a delicate process—gentle, precise, careful. Harry does none of those things. He rips the language from their thoughts, absorbs what he could into himself, not caring what it does to them in the process. He knows it will leave them hollow, mindless, empty husks of what they once were. But he doesn't care.
They do not deserve mercy after what they did to this child.
The moment he pulls back, his own head throbs violently, a searing pain stabbing behind his eyes from the sheer overload of information. He presses a hand to his temple, grimacing as the rush of new knowledge floods his mind. But he doesn't let it stop him.
Without another word, he lets the final two men meet the same fate as the first, the ice-covered bodies plunging into the dark depths of the sea. His magic weighing them down until the breathe their last.
Silence falls over the ship and Harry takes a deep breath, his pulse still racing, his magic still simmering in his veins. And then he remembers the child.
Slowly, he turns, guilt creeping into his chest as he meets the wide, unblinking eyes of the boy. He had seen everything. Every brutal action. Every merciless decision. He was shaking, small hands clutching at his torn clothes, his lips parted in silent shock.
Harry swallows hard before taking a slow step forward, hands raised in a gesture of peace. He struggles to form the words in this newly absorbed language, his tongue tripping slightly over the unfamiliar sounds.
"…Hello," he says softly. His voice is gentle now, trying to reassure the frightened child. "My name… is Harry." He offers a small, hesitant smile before reaching out a hand.
The boy stares at him for a long moment, his dark eyes searching Harry's face as if trying to determine if he was real—if he was safe. Then, his lips part, and a single whisper escapes.
"'m Shikamaru…"
And then, slowly, cautiously, he grasps Harry's hand.
~ Shikamaru's POV ~
Shikamaru clung to the strange man's cloak as he was pulled close, the warmth of the fabric pressing against his cold, shivering body. He barely had time to process what had just happened—one moment, he had been sinking into the dark depths of the ocean, and the next, he was gasping for air, warmth surrounding him as the water that clung to his skin and clothes simply vanished. He let out a tiny sigh of relief, his body aching from the ordeal.
The man—Harry, he had said—removed his cloak and wrapped it around Shikamaru's shoulders. It was thick, heavier than anything he was used to, and filled with a warmth that made his eyelids droop slightly. He was so tired. But he forced himself to stay alert. He had to.
Harry crouched before him, his face kind but serious, speaking in the strangest, most broken version of his language Shikamaru had ever heard. The words were familiar but stilted, hesitant, like the man wasn't sure if they were the right ones. Still, Shikamaru understood.
"Sit," Harry said, gesturing to the deck of the boat. Shikamaru hesitated for only a second before dropping onto the damp wood, his body protesting every movement. His ankle throbbed sharply, and he sucked in a breath, trying to push the pain down.
Then, suddenly, Harry turned towards the sea. Shikamaru flinched as the air around them shifted, something unseen but powerful stirring in response to the foreign man's presence. He watched, wide-eyed, as a massive platform of ice grew from the churning ocean behind them. It was smooth, solid, and impossibly large, extending far beyond the size of the tiny boat.
Then, something even more terrifying happened.
A dragon landed on it.
Shikamaru's breath caught in his throat, his entire body going rigid. It was enormous, its shimmering scales reflecting the light from the stormy sky above. Dark wings folded against its sides, and its long neck curved gracefully as it regarded Harry with an intelligence that made Shikamaru's stomach flip. He had seen dragons before, in books, in stories from the elders, but never like this. Never real. Never right in front of him.
A startled shriek escaped him before he could stop it, and he scrambled back, fear overtaking his exhaustion for a brief moment. The creature could swallow him whole. Could crush him beneath one of its massive claws.
Harry turned to him quickly, hands raised, his voice urgent but still struggling with the language. "Not hurt. Nox—family. We… go. Safe."
Shikamaru hesitated, his gaze darting between the dragon—Nox, Harry had said—and the stormy sea. The boat was small, weak. The wind howled around them, and the waves were only growing wilder. He wasn't stupid. If they stayed here, he wouldn't survive the night. He knew that.
His jaw tightened. He hated this. Hated having no choice. But he forced himself to move, standing unsteadily on his feet before turning back toward the cabin. If he was leaving, he was taking what he could.
He ignored the pain in his ankle as he limped into the small space, grabbing the bag he had hidden away and stuffing inside whatever was useful, some money, food, kunai, anything he could find. If he wanted to survive, he had to do it himself.
When he came back out, Harry was waiting, watching him carefully. The man's expression softened slightly as Shikamaru approached, his arms full of supplies. Something flickered in the man's green eyes, something Shikamaru didn't understand but he thought they looked sad.
Then, suddenly, he was lifted.
A small yelp escaped him as he was picked up effortlessly, his arms instinctively wrapping around Harry's neck. He could feel the steady thrum of chakra beneath the man's skin, something warm and familiar but also foreign, nothing like the chakra he was used to. It was strange, but not unpleasant.
And for the first time in a while, Shikamaru realised he felt safe in someone else's arms. He tried not to think about his father, who the missing-nin said didn't want him anymore.
That thought made his stomach twist uncomfortably, so he buried his face in the man's neck, hiding his expression as they lifted off the boat. He barely registered the way the air shifted around them, how the rain stopped hitting him entirely. He only opened his eyes when he felt Harry move, checking something in front of them.
A baby.
Shikamaru blinked, his tired mind struggling to catch up. Inside a strange little crib sat a tiny baby, fast asleep, completely unaware of the chaos around them. Shikamaru looked between the baby and Harry, then back again, trying to make sense of it.
"Yours?" he asked, his voice small.
Harry hesitated, then nodded, his smile soft. "Teddy."
Teddy.
Shikamaru didn't say anything after that, but as Harry settled them on the dragon's back, he found himself staring at the baby a little longer before finally relaxing, pressing his cheek against Harry's chest as exhaustion threatened to take over again.
He has a baby. Maybe he won't hurt me like the others.
The rain poured around them, the ocean raged below, but none of it touched them.
He didn't know how long they flew, only that when they landed, the ground beneath him was solid. Harry spoke again, his words soft and hesitant, asking him to wait. Shikamaru watched through tired eyes as the man moved, the ground shaking beneath them. Slowly, impossibly, two massive slabs of stone rose from the earth, forming a shelter around them, protecting them from the wind and the rain.
Shikamaru knew chakra could do strange things, knew that powerful ninja could reshape the land itself. But this—this was different. It wasn't anything he had ever seen before. Where were his hand signs?The tent appeared next, and Harry tried to explain something about it, but Shikamaru's brain was too tired to process his broken words. He just nodded numbly as he was led inside.
He barely had the energy to be shocked about how the tent was bigger on the inside.
It was… cosy. Warm. The flickering fire cast soft shadows across the walls, and everything inside was simple but elegant. The exhaustion in his body made the couch feel softer than anything he had ever sat on. He barely registered Harry speaking again, something about healing him. He only nodded as the man ran a hand over him, his body suddenly feeling lighter as the aches and cuts he hadn't even noticed started fading.
He watched in dazed fascination as Harry applied a strange cream to his bruises, the pain melting away almost instantly. Then he brought out a bottle, something thick and foul-smelling, and Shikamaru wrinkled his nose as the man tried to explain it was for his bones.
"You're a Med-nin," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, his mind foggy.
Harry tilted his head. "Not same," he said simply. "Different."
Shikamaru was too tired to argue. His stomach ached with hunger, but before he could say anything, the kitchen in the other room moved on its own, ingredients floating into pots, meals being prepared without a single hand touching them. His eyes widened slightly.
Harry smiled. "Eat. Then fix bones."
Shikamaru wanted to ask more, but the food smelled good, and his body was already sinking further into the warmth of the tent. He ate quickly—too quickly, judging by the way Harry frowned and slowed him down—but by the time the meal was done, his limbs felt heavy, his eyelids drooping.
Harry handed him another potion.
"Sleep," he urged. "No pain."
Shikamaru wanted to refuse, stubbornness kicking in, but Harry's next words made him pause.
"Get better. Run fast," Harry said, a small teasing smile on his lips. "Away from me."
Shikamaru huffed. Just barely, a small, sleepy smile tugged at his lips before he downed the concoction and drifted into darkness.
The last thing he felt was a warm hand brushing through his hair and a quiet voice murmuring, "Safe now."
~ Harry's POV ~
Harry stood outside the tent, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he ran a hand through his messy growing hair. The weight of the situation sat heavy on his shoulders, the reality of Shikamaru's circumstances still fresh in his mind. His own mother had sold him. The very person meant to protect him had cast him aside like a mere possession. Would he even be safe if Harry brought him home? Would whatever village he came from even accept him back, or would they turn a blind eye, just as his mother had?
He sighed and turned to Nox, who was resting beside him with her wings slightly unfurled. He reached out with his magic, opening the gateway to the keep, feeling the familiar pulse of the protective wards as they adjusted to his presence. He called for Tilly, and within moments she appeared with a soft pop, looking up at him expectantly.
"Tilly, I need clothes from the Keep for a boy about six years old. A full wardrobe, everything he might need," Harry instructed, rubbing his temples.
Tilly, ever efficient, nodded sharply. "Of course, Master Harry! I will fetch them right away!" And with another pop, she was gone.
Meanwhile, Nox was watching him carefully. "You have not yet decided, have you?" she asked, her deep voice resonating in his mind.
Harry shook his head. "I don't want to decide for him. He might want to go home."
Nox huffed, shifting her large head to rest near his shoulder. "He is ours now. I will begin teaching the hatchling to say 'Mother'." She let out a chuckling growl, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Harry swatted at her snout. "Don't you dare."
Moments later, Tilly returned, carrying a full set of clothes, boots, and even some warm blankets. As he thanked her, he told her that now might be a good time for some of the dragons to come through the gateway, since the island was uninhabited. It didn't take long for a familiar sight to appear through the shimmering portal.
Altair, his most affectionate dragon, soared gracefully through the gateway, his white scales gleaming in the dim light. Clinging tightly to his back was Rigel, his young hatchling, who let out a loud squeal of delight upon spotting Harry.
Harry barely had time to brace himself before Rigel launched off of Altair and barrelled into him, pressing his large head into Harry's chest with a happy rumble.
"Grandmother!" Rigel declared proudly, his voice still high and childish. "I have been so good! Father says I am the best at flying now!"
Harry laughed, stubbornly ignoring the title he gave and rubbing the young dragon's head affectionately before kissing his forehead. "Is that so? And what kind of trouble have you been getting into?"
Altair, always the protective father, let out a snort, snuffling close to Harry. "He has been listening to Nox too much. She is teaching him mischief."
Nox smirked, headbutting Altair playfully. "I am teaching him survival."
Harry watched the dragons interact, his heart swelling with fondness. They were his family, his home. He pulled Rigel closer, feeling the warmth of the dragon against him.
"Lyra and the others are flying far away to explore," Altair added, his eyes gleaming. "They were not near the keep when Tilly came to fetch us."
Rigel, meanwhile, was busy sticking his tongue out into the air, flicking it rapidly. "Why does the air feel tingly?" he asked, his tail swishing in curiosity.
Harry smiled. "This world is different. Its energy is different from the keep."Rigel squeaked excitedly, spinning in a circle. "It feels funny!"
Altair nodded in agreement. "It is unlike anything I have felt before mother."
Rigel suddenly perked up, his bright eyes gleaming with excitement. "Can we stay with grandmother?" he asked, his small wings fluttering.
Harry's smile faltered slightly. "I don't know how safe it is yet. People here have already plotted to steal Nox from me."
Nox puffed up her chest, her tail flicking with annoyance. "Foolish two-legs. They will learn soon enough."
Harry sighed, feeling the drain of keeping the gateway open for so long. "Altair, I've missed you love, but you need to take Rigel back now. Keep him safe."
But before he could usher them back, Rigel had squeezed his small body through the entrance of the tent, his curiosity getting the better of him. Harry groaned, quickly following after him, only to find the young dragon sitting next to the fire, staring intently at Teddy's crib.
"Why is he so small still?" Rigel asked, tilting his head.
Harry chuckled. "Humans grow slower than dragons."
Rigel let out a squeak of excitement. "I can't wait for Uncle Teddy to grow big enough to fly with me!" He turned to Harry, puffing out his chest. "If Father, Aunt Nox, and Aunt Lyra chose you as their rider, then I choose Teddy!"
Harry felt a deep sense of doom settle in his chest as he imagined a toddler clinging onto Rigel's back while performing aerial acrobatics. "Teddy can learn to fly with you," Harry said firmly, "but only supervised. And not until he's eleven."
Rigel grumbled but didn't argue further. Instead, he waddled closer to the crib, sticking his snout inside to sniff at Teddy. The baby, who had been stirring, suddenly opened his bright amber-green eyes and let out a delighted giggle.
"Ssshhhh!" Teddy hissed happily in broken Parseltongue, still excited from the day before when he had spoken his first word in the language.
Rigel let out an excited trill, pressing his snout against Teddy's tiny hands. "He speaks!"
Harry smiled, watching the two interact. It was a beautiful thing to witness, this bond forming between them. He placed a hand on Rigel's back, rubbing soothing circles against his scales. "Alright, time to go now."
Rigel gave Teddy one last affectionate nuzzle before bounding out of the tent and back to Altair, who had been waiting patiently. Harry followed, placing a hand against Altair's scales, accepting his affection and his gentle croons, before gently nudging them toward the still-open gateway.
"Be safe, both of you."
With a final farewell, Altair and Rigel stepped through the gateway, the magic sealing behind them with a quiet hum.
Just as he was about to turn back inside, he heard Teddy's cries coming from the tent. Harry sighed, already feeling the headache coming on.
How was he supposed to calm a baby who had just bonded with his own dragon?
But despite the exhaustion, he smiled.
Because in the end, it was a beautiful thing to witness.
~
Harry stayed by Shikamaru's side all night, watching over him as the boy slept fitfully, the occasional whimper escaping his lips. Teddy's crib was beside them, the baby sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the storm of emotions raging in the boy not much older than him. Every time Shikamaru shifted in discomfort, Harry's protective instincts flared, but there was little he could do beyond offering the comfort of his presence.
He must have dozed off at some point because the next thing he knew, a small hand was shaking his. Blinking groggily, he found himself staring into wide, nervous eyes. Shikamaru stood beside the bed, his fingers curled tightly around Harry's wrist as if afraid to wake him too forcefully.
Harry smiled sleepily at the boy, hoping to put him at ease. "Morn…ing," he said slowly, his Japanese still broken and uncertain. He saw the way Shikamaru's brows furrowed slightly, but he nodded in understanding. "How…feel?"
Shikamaru hesitated, then rubbed his arm before answering, "Better."
Harry exhaled in relief. "Good. You…hungry?"
Shikamaru nodded eagerly, eyes flickering to Teddy, who was starting to stir. Harry picked up the baby, soothing him with a few gentle pats before setting to work getting him dressed.
Once Teddy was settled, Harry led them both to the kitchen. He knew he had to make a proper breakfast, something substantial, especially after the ordeal Shikamaru had gone through. He thought back to the palace and the meals he had seen there. Carefully, he attempted to replicate what he had seen, though he was painfully aware of his inexperience with this cuisine. He served the food with a sheepish smile. "First…time," he admitted. "No cook…this before."
Shikamaru studied the food before taking a careful bite. After a moment, he gave a small nod. "It's good."
Harry let out a relieved sigh. "Lucky."
Once breakfast was finished, Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out the second earring. He placed it in front of Shikamaru, who looked at it with confusion. "This…" Harry struggled for the right words. "Help…understand."
Shikamaru tilted his head but picked up the earring, inspecting it curiously before slipping it onto his ear. It shrank to fit perfectly, and his eyes widened in shock as comprehension flooded in when Harry spoke.
"Okay?"
"Oh," he breathed. "I can understand you now!"
Harry grinned. "Yeah, that makes things easier."
Shikamaru touched the earring in wonder before turning his attention back to Harry. "How…?"
Harry shrugged, turning more serious. "Are you in any pain?"
Shikamaru shook his head. "No, I feel fine. You healed me, right?"
"Yes." Harry hesitated, then continued, "You've had a difficult nine days."
Shikamaru tensed, his fingers clenching into fists.
"You don't have to talk about it," Harry assured him. "But I wanted to ask… do you want me to take you home?"
Shikamaru's reaction was immediate. His breath hitched, his body going rigid. His chest started rising and falling rapidly, and his eyes darted wildly as panic set in. Harry cursed under his breath and rushed forward, grabbing Shikamaru's face gently in his hands.
"It's okay," he whispered, his thumbs stroking the boy's cheeks. "You don't have to go back if you don't want to."
Shikamaru let out a strangled sob, his body shaking as he collapsed into Harry's embrace. "Why?" he wailed. "Why didn't they want me? What did I do wrong? Was I a bad son?"
Harry felt a sharp pang in his chest, memories of his own childhood resurfacing. The dark cupboard, the whispered accusations, the lonely nights wondering why he wasn't good enough. His arms tightened around Shikamaru, his voice thick with emotion. "You didn't do anything wrong," he murmured. "They were the ones who failed you."
Shikamaru's sobs gradually quieted into hiccups, though he still clung to Harry, his small body trembling. Harry let out a small chuckle, rubbing the boy's back. "Nothing to be embarrassed about," he said. "You went through something terrible. Why don't we start a bath, hm? Get you all cleaned up."
Shikamaru sniffled, then nodded.
Harry helped the boy wash his hair, taking extra care not to tug too hard. Once he was dry, Harry led him to the bedroom and gestured to the neatly folded clothes. "All yours."
Shikamaru's eyes widened. "When did you get these?"
Harry grinned. "Magic."
Shikamaru hesitated before picking up one of the shirts, rubbing the fabric between his fingers. He looked down at the hair tie in his hand—the one the ninja had broken. "It was my father's," he said softly. "Can we still use it?"
Harry frowned sadly, realising that Shikamaru's father was probably dead. That might explain why his mother had sold him, not that any reason was good enough for that. He hesitated before offering, "I can fix it."
It wasn't an elaborate piece, just a thick grey band with a circular piece of silver, wavy lines patterned inside, attached to it.
Shikamaru shook his head. "You don't have to waste your energy."
Harry gently took it into his hand and merely whispered a quiet, "Reparo." The band knit itself back together seamlessly. He held it out to Shikamaru, who stared in awe before taking it with trembling hands. His eyes welled up with tears, and before Harry could react, he was hugging him tightly. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Harry laughed, ruffling the boy's hair. "Want me to put it up for you?"
Shikamaru nodded, and Harry carefully gathered the dark spiky strands into a neat ponytail. "Look at that," he said when he was done. "Such a handsome boy."
Shikamaru's cheeks turned pink.
After a moment, the boy hesitated before asking, "Where are you going next?"
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Why? Thinking of coming with me?"
Shikamaru looked down. "I can't go home… not anymore."
Harry's heart clenched, and he quickly changed the subject to avoid making him cry again. "I don't come from this land," he explained. "These customs, this language—they're all foreign to me. But I'm trying to learn. My…chakra lets me do a lot of things, like making things bigger on the inside. I have a lot of gold bars I need to exchange, so I'm heading to the Land of Iron's capital." He tilted his head. "What do you want to do?"
Shikamaru hesitated before shyly asking, "Can I go with you?"
Harry smiled. "Of course, as long as you don't mind flying."
Shikamaru's eyes lit up. "That was really a dragon we flew on, wasn't it? How did you get a summoning contract for dragons?"
Harry blinked. "Summoning contract?"
Shikamaru nodded. "Ninja sometimes sign a contract with an animal clan, and they serve each other. The Fourth Hokage could summon toads—he saved the village!"
Harry tried to picture an army of toads saving a village and failed. "What, with a plague?" he joked.
Shikamaru laughed. "No, they're strong and huge!"
Harry shook his head. "I raised Nox from an egg. Over the years, I gained more dragons, and now they're family."
Shikamaru looked thoughtful. "The elders say that anyone who gains a dragon's loyalty is chosen by the Kami to bring good fortune."
Harry chuckled. "Well, I don't know about that, but we'll see soon enough."
He barely heard Shikamaru's shy whisper, "I believe it..."
~
Harry pulled Teddy's thick Woollen blanket tighter around him before securing the small crib onto the front of the saddle. The little boy was bundled up, his small face peeking out, cheeks already rosy from the cold air, but the wards will keep the cold out when he activates them.
Shikamaru stood nearby, rubbing his gloved hands together and watching as Harry made sure everything was properly in place before turning to the dragon standing patiently beside them.
"This is Nox," Harry said, placing a hand on her strong neck.
Shikamaru, shifted slightly before giving a respectful bow. "It's nice to meet you properly, Nox." Making Harry translate for him.
Nox huffed, nudging him playfully in the stomach, causing the boy to stumble slightly. Then, to his surprise, she lifted him a few inches into the air with her snout before letting him drop back onto the ground. "About time I got a respectful little brother."
Shikamaru blinked in surprise before breaking into laughter at the motion. Harry couldn't help but smile at the exchange.
"Alright, let's get you in the saddle." Harry gestured to Nox's wing. "You need to be able to climb up on your own if there's ever an emergency."
It turned out to be easier said than done. Shikamaru struggled to find a proper grip, his hands slipping more than once. Harry tried to coach him through it, but it was undeniably funny watching the six-year-old trying to scramble up with all the grace of a startled cat. Eventually, with much determination and a bit of help from Nox, he managed to haul himself into the saddle, breathless but victorious.
Once Harry was seated behind him, and everything was secure, Nox spread her great wings and leapt into the sky. The rush of wind was exhilarating, and the little island quickly faded beneath them. The hour-long flight to the Land of Iron passed peacefully, the cold air biting but bearable thanks to their warm clothing and the warming charms Harry cast over them. As they neared the border, three towering peaks came into view.
"The Three Wolves," Harry murmured, recalling Asuma's words. They loomed over the landscape, snow clinging to their rocky slopes.
They continued on, flying high to remain unnoticed. When they finally located the capital, Harry directed Nox to land in a dense forest just outside the city, his veil still covering all of them.
"I don't like this," Nox grumbled, shuffling her wings irritably.
"I know," Harry sighed, rubbing her side soothingly. "But we don't want people connecting you to me, especially after what happened with the palace. It's safer this way. I'll open the gateway if we need to escape."
Nox snorted, clearly displeased, but relented, disappearing through the gateway with one last grumpy flick of her tail.
"Right. I'm going to keep my veil around us, so we won't be noticed entering the city, okay?"
Shikamaru hesitated as they turned toward the city. "What do you mean by 'veil'?"
Harry gave him a small smile. "Watch." He willed the veil to become visible, shadows curling around them, before wrapping them in full invisibility.
Shikamaru's eyes widened. He tentatively reached out, fingers grazing the darkness shifting over his skin. The shadows danced around his touch, responding to his curiosity. "Shadows. That's... are you…how?"
Harry chuckled. "It helps us stay unnoticed. Let's go."
They navigated the city undetected, slipping past the long queue at the entrance without difficulty. Once inside, Harry took a moment to take in his surroundings. The capital was alive with colour, people in vibrant clothing, hair in shades of blue, green, and red.
"Do you see a bank anywhere?" Harry asked sheepishly. "I still can't read your language."
Shikamaru hummed in thought before shaking his head. After a short search, Harry opted to ask an elderly woman, stumbling through broken Japanese.
She eyed him curiously, but after a moment, she pointed him in the right direction, muttering something about 'handsome young men.' Harry chuckled, bowing slightly in thanks, which made her blush.
Their first stop was a pawn shop.
"What's the exchange… for gold?" Harry asked.
The shopkeeper brightened. "Depends on purity and size."
Harry pulled out a bar of gold, and the instant greed in the shopkeeper's eyes made him wary. A quick skim of the man's thoughts confirmed it. He was planning to cheat them.
Harry frowned, recalling what he had learned from Grimbok about exchange rates. One kilogram of gold should be worth around £74,000. He wasn't going to be swindled. Converting it to this currency was going to be a task, he thought, trying to remember how much Shinji said the pouch of gold was worth.
"I'll take… twelve million Ryo," he said coolly, after doing some quick calculations.
The shopkeeper's smile faltered. "That's far too—"
Harry let his magic press down, just enough to make his point. "Twelve. Million. Ryo."
The shopkeeper paled, sweat beading on his forehead, unable to even try fighting against the pressure. "Fine! Twelve million!"
Harry smiled, taking the money.
"Thank you."
Shikamaru gaped at the sheer amount before Harry handed him a small pouch.
"What's this for?" Shikamaru asked.
Harry shrugged. "You should have some money of your own, just in case we get separated."
Shikamaru explained the Elemental Nations' currency system in return. Then Harry showed him how the pouch worked. "Only you can access it. Just put a drop of blood on it."
Shikamaru hesitated before following the instruction. "I'll pay you back. I promise," he muttered.
Harry ruffled his hair. "Kids don't owe adults anything, even money." Getting a small smile from Shikamaru, who turned away shyly.
They grabbed food from a street vendor, Harry trying grilled meat on skewers while Teddy gnawed at the soft sweet potato he was fed. Shikamaru entertaining the baby with silly faces, making him laugh.
They headed to the bank next, where Harry exchanged fifteen more bars, using a confundus to bypass the need for identification. The bank manager nearly fainted at the total—just under 190,000,000 Ryo.
As they left, the banker bowed deeply. "Lord Harrison, please be careful carrying so much money."
"Well," Harry said, adjusting Teddy's wrap one more time, "we're officially rich."
Shikamaru looked shocked still. "Two hundred million Ryo. That's a lot."
Harry shrugged, looking a little sheepish. "Gold's worth a lot I guess."
Shikamaru kicked a stray pebble, deep in thought. "That's like… more money than some noble clans see in years."
Harry snorted. "I wouldn't go throwing that around." His gaze flickered toward a group of men lingering by a street corner, their eyes darting toward them one too many times. His grip on Shikamaru's shoulder tightened. "We need to find a place to stay for a few nights. Preferably somewhere that locks."
Shikamaru nodded, already scanning the buildings for an inn. "Yeah, and after that, we should blend in more. Your clothes are strange."
Harry glanced at his clothes—still dressed in his well-worn wizarding robes, they stood out starkly against the thick, fur-lined kimonos and layered yukatas of the locals. "I suppose you're right."
After some awkward questioning, mostly Harry's broken Japanese mixed with apologetic smiles, they finally found a well-kept inn with thick walls and sturdy doors. The innkeeper, an elderly woman with sharp eyes, peered at them before giving them a curt nod.
"Four nights," Harry requested, placing a hefty sum on the counter. The woman's eyebrows lifted slightly but she accepted the money without question, handing over a key.
"Be careful," she muttered, casting a wary glance at Teddy. "Not many travellers come with infants."
Harry merely smiled and thanked her before leading Shikamaru to their room. The small space was warm and clean, a stark contrast to the icy streets. Harry laid Teddy down on the futon, the baby stirring slightly before settling back to sleep.
Shikamaru flopped onto the mat beside him. "So, what now?"
Harry smiled. "You tell me, genius."
Shikamaru stretched lazily. "Well, food. Then, festival."
"Festival?"
Shikamaru sat up, suddenly more animated. "Yeah, I heard people talking about it. A winter festival. It sounds fun. Can we go?" Shikamaru seemed to realise what he was asking and shrank back a bit, "never mind, we don't have to!"
Harry hesitated. A festival meant large crowds, and large crowds meant more eyes on them. But then he glanced at Shikamaru's eager expression and sighed. Shikamaru was bouncing back surprisingly fast after his ordeal, this will only help.
"Alright. But first, new clothes."
Shikamaru grinned. "Yeah, you look weird."
Harry groaned and muttered an affectionate, "brat."
~
The seamstress shop was a small, cosy place filled with rich fabrics and intricate embroidery. A kind-looking old woman greeted them, her sharp eyes immediately scanning Harry's and Shikamaru's clothes with clear disapproval.
"Travellers?" she asked, already pulling out measuring tape.
Harry nodded, and the woman hummed. "I'll make you both look presentable."
She measured Shikamaru first, quickly dressing him in a dark blue yukata with a subtle cloud pattern. It suited him, making him look more polished than the clothes Harry gave him to wear.
Shikamaru studied his reflection, looking oddly pleased. "It's nice!"
Then it was Harry's turn.
The old woman clicked her tongue at his robes before handing him a deep emerald-green yukata with gold embroidery, the colour bringing out his eyes. Before he could protest, she yanked him down and pulled his wild hair into a neat bun, securing it with an elegant golden pin.
Shikamaru blinked. "You look… beautiful."
Harry flushed. "I look ridiculous. And it's handsome," he says with a huff.
Teddy, who had woken up, dressed in his own little yukata, clapped his chubby hands and giggled.
Shikamaru grinned. "Teddy agrees."
Harry groaned, but when he caught his own reflection, he had to admit, it wasn't bad. Different, but not bad.
The old woman patted his shoulder. "Now, go enjoy the festival. And be careful with that little one."
Harry smiled. "Thank you."
The festival was breathtaking. Lanterns lit up the streets, their warm glow reflecting off the snow-dusted rooftops. The scent of sizzling meat and sweet pastries filled the air as vendors called out their wares. Music drifted through the crowd, blending with the laughter of children running past.
Shikamaru tugged Harry toward a food stall. "Try this one," he said, handing him a skewer of grilled meat.
Harry took a bite and hummed in approval. "That's amazing."
Teddy reached out from his sling, babbling excitedly. Harry grinned and handed him a small piece of roasted sweet potato. The baby giggled, his chubby cheeks puffing as he chewed.
Shikamaru made a funny face at him, earning another delighted laugh. It seemed to be a game between the boys now.
For the first time in a while, Harry let himself relax. But then, his instincts flared. Those men from before, he could feel their eyes on him. He glanced over and, sure enough, they were still there.
He sighed. Looks like they weren't going to get a peaceful night after all.
Despite the four shadows tailing them, Harry wasn't going to let it ruin their night. Shikamaru deserved this—a night to just be a child, to play, to laugh, and to forget, even if just for a while.
Shikamaru's eyes were wide with wonder as he tugged on Harry's sleeve, pulling him toward a stall where children were eagerly scooping fish from a large tank using flimsy paper scoops.
"You have to be careful," Shikamaru explained, holding a small scoop between his fingers. "If the paper gets too wet, it'll break."
Harry crouched down next to him, watching as a boy beside them let out a triumphant cheer, his fish caught in a small plastic bag filled with water.
"Alright, seems simple enough," Harry mused, rolling his sleeves up before paying the vendor for a go.
It wasn't simple.
The moment his scoop touched the water, the paper sagged and tore, leaving him fishless in under three seconds.
Shikamaru snorted. "You gotta be faster than that, Harry."
Harry narrowed his eyes at the tank, gripping his second scoop with determination. He dipped it in, focusing on a slower-moving fish with a bright red tail. Just as he maneuvered the scoop beneath it, the fish darted away, tearing through the paper effortlessly.
"This game is rigged," Harry muttered, eye twitching.
Shikamaru grinned and shook his head. "Nope, just skill."
Harry groaned but, seeing how much fun Shikamaru was having, he sighed and handed over the money for five more tries. It was worth it just to see the boy's face light up with excitement.
On Shikamaru's third attempt, he successfully scooped up a tiny goldfish, its tail flicking against the paper precariously as the vendor quickly scooped it into a small water-filled bag.
"Nice one, kid," Harry praised, ruffling his hair.
Shikamaru smiled at the fish in his hands but then frowned, his small shoulders drooping. "I can't name it," he murmured.
Harry frowned. "Why not?"
Shikamaru looked down at the fish, swishing its tail lazily in the bag. "Because I can't keep it."
Harry crouched down, resting his hands on his knees. "Says who?"
Shikamaru bit his lip. "Where would I keep it? I don't have a home anymore."
Harry's chest tightened. Without thinking, he gently placed a hand on Shikamaru's head. "We'll figure something out," he said softly. "We can get a fishbowl and some food. We'll send it to where Nox is for now. I'll introduce you to Tilly later, she'll take care of it."
Shikamaru looked up at him, hope flickering in his eyes before he gave Harry a shy, brief hug. Then, as if realising what he had done, he quickly stepped back and stuck his hand out instead. "Can I hold your hand?" he asked softly.
Harry smiled and took the small hand in his own. "Of course."
They walked through the festival, stopping at different stalls, trying food, and watching performances. Teddy was wrapped snugly to Harry's chest, babbling happily as he watched the lanterns sway above him. Eventually, they found a bench near a large stone fountain and sat down, the water trickling softly behind them, the little fish swimming in its bag next to them.
Harry leaned back, stretching his legs out. "Back where I'm from, we have festivals and games, too," he told Shikamaru. "There's one called the World Cup. Huge event. People set up tents, sell all kinds of magical things."
Shikamaru perked up. "Magical things?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, flying carpets, magical foods, binoculars that let you see and record everything. I have a couple of flying carpets somewhere, I'll see if I can find them, and we can go for a ride!"
Shikamaru's eyes were wide with interest. "That sounds… really cool."
Harry chuckled. "It was. Until some Death Eaters showed up and ruined it."
Shikamaru tilted his head. "Death Eaters?"
Harry hesitated. "Bad people. But they're gone now."
Shikamaru hummed, staring at the rippling water in thought, his little legs swinging. "Must be nice, having a home to go back to."
Harry felt a pang in his chest. "Yeah," he said quietly. "Truth is —like you— I also can't go home." Making Shikamaru hold his hand sadly.
He felt it then. The shift in the ground, the presence of the four men following them drawing closer. Harry exhaled slowly, keeping his expression neutral.
He wasn't about to let them ruin this night. He toed off his right boot, wincing slightly at the cold air against his foot, then dug his bare heel into the dirt below. He continued talking as if nothing was amiss, weaving a story about his and his friends exploits.
Then, when he felt the four men's signatures move, he slammed his foot down.
The earth trembled for a brief second before the ground behind them suddenly caved in, swallowing the four men down to their shoulders in an instant.
Muffled yelps and curses rang out as the men struggled, their arms flailing above the ground. Shikamaru straightened, brows furrowing. "Did you hear that?"
Harry, keeping a straight face, took another bite of his grilled meat skewer. "Nope, not a thing."
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes slightly but eventually shrugged. "Wanna play one more game before we go back to the hotel?"
Harry grinned. "Sounds like a plan."
As they walked off, Harry glanced over his shoulder at the men struggling in the dirt, his magic pressing down on them like an unyielding weight. They weren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Tonight had been a good night.
He sighed, squeezing Shikamaru's small hand gently in his own.
Damn it, Nox was right. There was no way I can let this kid go now.
~
The next couple of days passed in a strange sort of peace, despite the lingering presence of the men following them. Harry wasn't an idiot, he knew they were waiting for an opening. They kept a careful distance, blending into crowds, but their eyes lingered too long, their movements too coordinated.
He had expected retaliation after the pawn shop incident, but this was starting to get irritating. Unless someone told them about the gold he exchanged at the bank.
Even Shikamaru, young as he was, had begun to notice something was off.
"Harry," he mumbled one evening as they walked back to the hotel, Teddy snuggled against Harry's chest. "I think someone's following us."
Harry glanced at the boy, impressed. "Yeah, I know."
Shikamaru looked up at him, brows furrowed. "You knew?" he huffed. "And you didn't say anything?"
"I had it handled," Harry said with a small grin. "Didn't want to ruin the festival for you."
Shikamaru pouted but didn't argue. He seemed to trust Harry's judgment more and more, and the realisation made something warm settle in Harry's chest.
But by the third day, the men had lost their patience. They struck in an alleyway just a few streets from the hotel.
Harry had felt them closing in before they even made their move, his senses honed from years of survival. Instinct had him shifting immediately, his body angled protectively over Teddy, his free hand pushing Shikamaru behind him.
"Stay behind me," he murmured, magic thrumming under his skin.
The men lunged.
Harry was already moving, his magic coiling around him like a storm, ready to tear them apart—
And then a blade flashed.
The first man dropped with a cry, his wrist twisted at an unnatural angle, the sword at his throat. The others hesitated, but their moment of indecision was enough. The man moved swiftly, his strikes controlled and efficient. Within seconds, all four men were subdued, groaning on the ground as the warrior stood over them.
"Under General Mifune's authority, you are under arrest for unlawful assault and attempted robbery." The man's voice was cold as steel.
Then he turned to Harry, his expression shifting into something more neutral. "My apologies for the violence, traveller. We received word that the pawn shop owner had sent men after you. We have been tracking them."
Harry blinked, processing that.
The pawn shop owner had actually thought sending thugs after him would work? Idiot. Still, it was good to know there were some actual enforcers keeping the peace. He didn't think it would be a… Samurai?
"Thank you… for the assistance," Harry said, adjusting Teddy, who was blissfully unaware of the entire encounter.
The samurai gave him a considering look before nodding. "Nevertheless, I am required to ask if you need an escort while you are in the city. And, if you don't mind, some identification."
Harry felt a twinge of guilt for what he was about to do. He had no papers. Which meant…
"I'm confused."
The samurai's eyes unfocused for a second before he straightened and nodded. "Thank you for your cooperation. Please be safe."
As the man led the thugs away, Shikamaru crossed his arms and gave Harry a very unimpressed look.
"You knew about them the whole time."
Harry gave him a sheepish smile. "Like I said, I had it handled."
Shikamaru huffed but let it go, clearly deciding Harry was too much of a headache to argue with.