There was no light in the void.
No sound either.
Only the endless weightlessness of drifting through space.
Harry floated.
Weightless.
Breathless.
Silent.
And somehow, he remembered.
This was the in-between. The tear between one reality and another. This was the nothingness and the everything he'd passed through during the ritual. The space between worlds. The void that swallowed everything when he left.
When she let go.
Luna.
His body curled instinctively, as if trying to turn toward her, but there was no direction. Only the endless universe.
Then a sound.
More of a hum really.
Not in his ears, but in his soul. Like magic humming against his bones, familiar and wild all at once.
Stars began to slide past him, hundreds, thousands, shooting like comets through a river of velvet ink. Or maybe he was the one moving.
He was moving too fast.
But not fast enough to outrun the voice.
Find the fawn, Harry, it whispered. Find your happiness.
Luna.
Her voice was the same as it had always been. Strange and soft and full of certainty.
Harry twisted, reaching towards it but the sound vanished.
And then he woke with a sharp gasp.
His heart thundered as he tried to get his breathing under control.
The guest room around him felt small, the paper screens lit faintly by early morning light. His magic spread through the compound, finding dozens of life signatures.
But not Luna.
Not here.
Not ever, maybe.
Harry stared at the ceiling, not moving.
His hand clenched the edge of the blanket, tight enough to turn his knuckles white.
He hadn't heard Luna's voice in months outside of his dreams.
Or were they nightmares? Reminding him of his failure as a brother.
The longing always hit him first, then came the grief and finally the aching betrayal.
He remembered the moment so clearly—the day he came to this world.
The way her fingers slipped out of his hand in that final moment.
He'd screamed.
Screamed so hard his throat tore.
But she'd let go.
On purpose.
So he could find the fawn.
And wasn't that a sick joke?
He rolled over onto his side and buried his face into the pillow, inhaling the faint scent of pine and ash that clung to the Nara home.
She knew. All this time, she knew.
"Find the fawn," she said. And then let him go.
He laughed softly. Bitterly. "You little traitor."
He wanted to be angry. He had been angry.
But for months, he'd poured every scrap of magical theory into finding a way to bring her over. Every mirror call from Blaise, Theo, Neville, even Barty and Grimbok—none had found a way to reopen the path. Not even Salazar's and Ignotus' theories could give them a way back.
They'd tried. Gods, they'd tried.
Harry had lost his link to Earth the moment he crossed. And Luna, suspended in stasis back home, wrapped in runes and preserved time. She might never get to wake up again.
Still alive. Still dreaming.
But unreachable.
Because he'd made the call. He'd cast the ritual. And she had let go for him.
And now she was the ghost in his head telling him to find happiness.
A happiness he'd sworn he didn't deserve.
He looked down at his trembling hands and clenched them.
Find the fawn.
His breath hitched as realisation hit him suddenly. And he let out a small hysterical laugh at his own blindness.
He could still hear the guard's voice from the gate yesterday, the way he'd spoken of their fawn. Could still hear Shikaku murmuring the same word under his breath back in the Capital, like a sacred nickname.
The fawn.
Shikamaru.
Of course it was him.
Hadn't it always been?
The boy he'd pulled from the sea. The child who'd clung to him, who healed in his arms, who called him mother without question.
He pressed the heel of his palm to his eyes.
He hadn't wanted this.
When Luna had told him, all those months ago, I let go on purpose, he'd sworn he would never search for the fawn. That he didn't deserve happiness—not while she was still asleep, not while Sirius was still lost.
He'd meant it.
And yet—
He'd found Shikamaru anyway.
Scooped him out of the sea like some mythic tale.
And now?
Now there was no escape from it.
He had the fawn.
And with him came Teddy. And the Keep. And Shikaku. And dragons. And late-night dinners and bedtime stories and a clan that looked at him with something dangerously close to acceptance.
He laughed softly again, raw and hoarse this time.
He'd tried not to follow the prophecy.
And still, here he was.
In another village.
With another family.
Another home.
He lay back slowly, one arm over his eyes, and breathed.
He would not go searching for some mythical love, not until Luna was awake. Not until Sirius was healed. Not until they were all free to live again.
But he had to admit, it was getting harder and harder to pretend he wasn't already halfway in love with the idea of all this.
With the way dark eyes burned into him last night and strong arms that held him and accepted him into Shikamaru's life.
He smiled, lips twitching faintly.
He hadn't searched for the fawn.
And yet he'd found him.
Life was ridiculous.
He could almost hear Luna's laugh echoing in the dark.
~
Harry knew they were coming before he heard them.
It started with two familiar magical signatures creeping through the corridor just outside his door, soft like kittens trying to sneak past a sleeping wolf.
He smiled into the pillow.
Shikamaru's was an ever-growing ripple, curious and excited, trailing sparks of energy like breadcrumbs. Teddy's was a soft, pulsing warmth—sweet and wild, his baby magic unpredictable as ever. Their small steps padded across the hall with mismatched rhythm. He could hear the whispered babbling of Teddy trying very hard to be sneaky and Shikamaru's not-so-hushed shushing in response.
The shadows of their feet paused just behind the door.
Harry kept his breathing even, eyes closed, letting the amusement build in his chest as Shikamaru murmured, "Okay. You distract him, Teddy. I'll go for the ribs. He won't expect the slobber."
Teddy giggled. Loudly.
"Shhh! This is a stealth mission! We're attacking an ANBU Level wizard!"
Another giggle.
Harry had to press his lips together to keep from laughing as Shikamaru whispered dramatically, "Now, Teddy! Get him!"
Harry sat up in a flash.
Teddy let out a delighted shriek as he was scooped up in one arm, squealing like a puppy. Shikamaru barely got out a surprised, "Wha—!" before Harry reached out and grabbed him too, pulling him onto the bed and promptly launching an all-out tickle attack.
"Nooo—!" Shikamaru screeched, kicking and flailing while Teddy clapped gleefully in Harry's lap. "Maashah! That's cheating!"
"You two thought you could get the drop on me?" Harry asked, voice full of dramatic betrayal. "You think I wouldn't hear the mighty whispering warriors of chaos and drool? You're lucky I sent a silencing charm at the door."
Teddy blew a raspberry as if to answer.
Shikamaru flopped onto his back dramatically, breathless and grinning. "You always know!"
Harry leaned over him with a smirk. "Maybe one day you'll catch me off guard. Then I'll share my secrets."
Shikamaru squinted at him suspiciously. "Is it a jutsu?"
"Maybe it's magic."
"...Troublesome."
Still breathless, Shikamaru rolled onto his side, nestling closer and brushing a hand over Teddy's head. The baby immediately leaned into the touch, curling small fingers around Shikamaru's shirt.
After a few seconds of silence, Shikamaru's voice dropped to a soft murmur. "How did he take it?"
Harry tilted his head.
"The… blood thing," Shikamaru clarified. "Dad. Was he mad?"
Harry exhaled, brushing Shikamaru's bangs away from his forehead. "No, little dragon. He wasn't mad. Your dad… he's a very kind man. And he loves you very much. He said he's happy for me to be your other parent."
Shikamaru's lower lip wobbled, and then the tears came—soft and sudden. "I thought… I was so scared he'd be angry."
Harry pulled him in, holding both boys tightly against his chest. "Never. We don't have to hide anymore. He knows, and he's okay with it. He wants us to be a family too."
Shikamaru's arms wrapped tightly around him, clinging hard. Teddy, sensing the emotion, let out a coo and reached up to press a slobbery kiss to his brother's cheek.
Shikamaru hiccupped a laugh. "Ew."
Harry smiled, rubbing soothing circles on his back. "He's just happy we're all together again."
Shikamaru sniffled. "Dad can come to our house too, right? And Grandma?"
"They're always welcome, sweetheart," Harry said softly. "I already made them rooms. Just in case they want to stay when you're with us."
That made Shikamaru beam.
Harry ran a hand through his messy hair. "Still early. Do you want to nap a bit longer?"
Shikamaru shook his head instantly. "No! I want to make Dad breakfast. And lunch! He's going to work again today."
Harry blinked. "You want to cook for him?"
Shikamaru nodded seriously. "He always goes to work without lunch. I want him to know I love him too."
Well.
How could he say no to that?
"I'll help," Harry said, sitting up fully and summoning the baby bag with a flick of his fingers. He hoisted Teddy onto the changing pad, sniffed him theatrically. "Phew. Alright, one nappy first, then a chef's uniform for the littlest chef."
Teddy giggled again and kicked his legs as Harry cleaned him, changed his clothes, and gave him his bottle to sip on as they padded quietly into the kitchen.
He paused outside Saeko and Shikaku's doors just long enough to cast a gentle silencing charm on both, then gestured for Shikamaru to lead the way.
Inside the kitchen, chaos waited.
"What does your dad eat for lunch?" Harry asked, flicking the lights on.
"Uhh…" Shikamaru blinked. "Onigiri?"
Harry laughed. "Alright. That should be easy enough. What else?"
Shikamaru darted to the fridge, returning with a carton of eggs. "Egg rolls too!"
Harry pushed his sleeves up. "Okay then. Operation Bento Box begins."
It was beautiful chaos. Harry walked Shikamaru through shaping rice—only for the boy to get overly ambitious and try to make a deer-shaped onigiri. It fell apart almost instantly, but he was so proud of it that Harry couldn't say a word.
While Shikamaru started whisking eggs, Harry popped over to his compound to grab the chicken skewers he'd preserved from yesterday's lunch along with some cakes he made. He reappeared just as Shikamaru was flipping his first egg roll and managed to catch the flying bit before it hit the wall.
"...Extra crispy?" Shikamaru offered sheepishly.
"Flambé," Harry deadpanned, placing it on the tray.
He retrieved one of the cakes he'd stress-baked the night Shikamaru had left and awkwardly tried to fit a slice into the box.
"You think your dad likes sponge cake?"
Shikamaru nodded furiously. "Everyone likes cake."
By the time the bento box was packed—onigiri, chicken skewers, egg rolls, and a single squished slice of sponge—Shikamaru stood back proudly. "It's perfect."
Harry laughed, brushing a grain of rice off the boy's cheek. "Yes, chef."
A few cleaning charms swept through the kitchen just as he felt Saeko and Shikaku's chakra start to stir. He quickly plated up sausages, fruit, and a mix of last night's leftovers with more egg rolls and put the kettle on.
"You sure it was okay to use the leftovers?" Harry asked quietly.
Shikamaru shook his head. "Grandma always has leftovers for breakfast."
The screen door slid open just as Harry turned to wipe his hands.
Saeko stepped in first, blinking owlishly at the spread.
"Oh," she said. "I must still be dreaming."
Shikamaru beamed. "We made breakfast!"
Her face lit up. She swept her grandson into a hug, peppering his head with kisses.
"Grandmaaa!"
Behind her, Shikaku entered, hair still damp from a quick rinse. He paused beside Teddy, large hand ruffling the baby's curls as Teddy squealed and reached up to grab his fingers.
He cooed out a little, "Sh'kuu," making the man smile.
Then he looked around the kitchen.
"You two planning to open a restaurant?"
Shikamaru puffed his chest out. "We made it for you!"
Shikaku's smile softened as he walked toward them, resting a hand on Shikamaru's head. "All this, huh? If you two cook like this every morning, I might never leave."
Harry turned pink. "Sorry if it's too much—I wasn't sure what was appropriate. I just didn't want Shikamaru to cook it all alone."
Saeko waved him off as she gathered plates. "You clearly know your way around a kitchen. I'll hire you to do breakfast every morning."
Shikaku raised a brow. "We'll need to draft a contract."
Harry snorted, sitting beside Shikamaru. "Do I get any benefits?"
"You get to sleep in the house."
"Tch. That's a bribe."
Teddy banged his bottle against the tray in agreement.
They all gathered around the table, steam rising from the food.
Shikamaru eagerly pointed out the rice balls. "I made those! And the eggs. This one's shaped like a duck—kind of."
Shikaku picked it up and took a bite.
Harry winced. That was the over-salted ones Shikamaru made.
But Shikaku chewed and swallowed giving Shikamaru his approval.
"Mmm. It's perfect."
Shikamaru blinked. "Really?"
Shikaku smirked. "Really! Much better than the last omelette I made. This one time in the academy—"
"Here have another," Harry muttered, nudging a better egg roll onto Shikaku's plate.
Shikaku caught the movement, their eyes locking briefly, a glint of amusement in the man's eyes that made Harry's stomach flip.
He needs to stop looking at me like that.
Teddy babbled, throwing a bit of sausage at Saeko.
She caught it midair without blinking and popped it in her mouth.
"Housewife," she said, pointing at Harry and Shikamaru. "Both of you. Full-time."
Shikamaru groaned.
Harry smirked. "Only if you give me a signing bonus."
"Done," Shikaku said. "What's your price?"
Harry bit back a laugh. "I accept payment in quiet breakfasts and sleeping children."
Shikaku tilted his head. "Dangerous terms."
Harry just smiled.
~
Breakfast passed in a warm blur of laughter, clinking dishes, and sleepy chatter.
Teddy's high chair was now dotted with fruit mash and a tragic bit of egg that had somehow gotten on his eyebrow. Shikamaru sat pressed against Harry's side, animatedly explaining the precise number of dumplings he could eat if he tried hard enough, and Saeko was happily fussing over everyone's tea refills as if they weren't guests in her house. Well, Shikaku's house but still…
"So," Harry said lightly, brushing crumbs off Teddy's face, "what should we do with the rest of the day?"
Shikamaru leaned in, eyes bright. "Can we go to the park?"
It came out hopeful and a little shy, like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to ask.
Harry smiled. "Of course we can."
Shikamaru beamed, already bouncing in place.
"Maybe we'll eat out for lunch," Harry added.
Shikaku, who had been sipping his tea quietly, looked up at that. "If you tell me where you'll be, I might be able to swing by."
Shikamaru bit his lip, torn for a moment, eyes flicking toward the fridge.
Harry nudged him gently with his elbow. "Go on, little dragon."
Shikamaru nodded, stood, and padded across the kitchen. He pulled the fridge door open and retrieved the bento box with two hands like it was something sacred. Turning back, his cheeks were flushed red with embarrassment as he held it out toward his father.
"We… we made this. 'Cause you're always busy and you've never had a bento to take to work before," he mumbled, eyes on the floor. "But it's probably not very good so maybe we can just eat lunch together instead?"
Shikaku's face was softer than Harry had ever seen it.
Harry also caught Saeko subtly turning away to dab at her eyes with her sleeve.
Shikaku reached forward, placing a large, warm hand on Shikamaru's hair and ruffling it lightly. "I'd be honoured to eat it," he said quietly. "But maybe we can meet at the park and eat together. How does that sound?"
Shikamaru's eyes lit up, turning to Harry hopefully.
Harry let out an exaggerated sigh. "Well, I suppose we could always take a picnic. Make a day of it."
Shikamaru shrieked—an actual, joyful shriek—and Teddy mimicked him a beat later with his own high-pitched squeal, flailing his arms and kicking his little feet.
Harry laughed. "It's settled then."
He rubbed Teddy's belly and leaned back, content. "I'll show you the compound and we'll take a short nap in a few hours. After that we'll play at the park and wait for your dad."
"Maa," Teddy babbled, chewing happily on his bottle.
"Nap," Harry confirmed.
Saeko sipped from her tea and gave a low chuckle. "You know," she said, giving Harry a sly look, "that's definitely a Nara trait."
Harry raised a brow. "What is?"
"Napping," she said with mock seriousness. "You haven't known shame until you find your toddler butt-naked, snoring three feet from his bed, face-first in a tatami mat."
"Mother," Shikaku groaned, dragging a hand down his face as his ears turned pink.
Saeko looked unrepentant. "Don't act like it was just once. There was also the time you fell asleep inside the koi pond. And the time we found you with half a sweet potato in your mouth, curled under a kitchen chair."
Harry burst out laughing. "I'll admit, Shikamaru isn't quite that dramatic. Though… he does sleep suspiciously well on the back of a dragon."
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered with a pout, clearly losing the war against his own amused smile.
Then his eyes widened. "Egg!"
"Egg?" Saeko blinked.
"His dragon egg," Harry clarified with a soft smile. "Egg is doing just fine Shikamaru."
"Egg," Teddy repeated proudly, despite probably knowing nothing about it.
Saeko hummed thoughtfully, taking another sip of tea. "Tsunade and I were talking about the dragons last night actually," she said conversationally. "We think you ought to introduce yourself to the Konoha Police Department soon. They'll be able to spread the word of your dragons flying over the village."
Harry frowned, worrying his lower lip between his teeth.
Shikaku's gaze sharpened immediately, tracking the motion with subtle intensity.
"You're probably right," Harry admitted, leaning his chin on his hand. "There's only so many times I can talk Nox down from demanding a morning fly. She's getting antsy."
He didn't add that he was too.
It had been too long since he'd flown—really flown. Since he'd stretched himself across the sky with nothing but fire at his back and wind in his lungs.
Shikaku glanced at the clock on the wall and muttered a sharp curse under his breath.
Harry looked up at once. "Is noon okay for lunch? Which park do you want to meet at?"
"There's one near the police station," Shikamaru piped up. "It's really nice!"
Shikaku nodded, grabbing his vest from the wall and turning back toward them. "I'll meet you there. Twelve sharp."
Harry stood, grabbing the bento box and pressing it into his hands. "Don't forget your lunch."
Shikaku smiled faintly. "I won't."
He turned to kiss Shikamaru's forehead, ruffled Teddy's hair, and then paused in front of Harry—opened his mouth like he might say something—then caught himself.
"See you later," he muttered.
Saeko snorted quietly into her tea.
Shikaku blinked. "What?"
"Nothing," she said airily, waving him off with a flick of her fingers.
He frowned.
"Off you go, dear," she said sweetly, shooing him out the door.
Harry blinked after her, narrowing his eyes.
Shikamaru was already crawling into Harry's lap, happily oblivious to all the grown-up nonsense. "Can we get strawberry mochi at the park?"
Harry smiled, wrapping an arm around his tiny body. "Only if you promise to share."
"No promises," Shikamaru said.
~
The compound was wrapped in early winter sunlight by the time they stepped through the gates. Shikamaru had insisted on dragging Harry to his new room the second they got through the front gate, nearly vibrating with excitement. Harry had to take over when he took two wrong turns.
"It has clouds!" he shouted, pointing at the ceiling. "Does it have stars at night?"
Harry leaned against the doorframe, smiling as the boy flopped backward onto his bed, limbs spread wide. "I'm glad you like it, cub. Elra worked hard on the enchantments."
"I wanna sleep here forever," Shikamaru declared.
"Tempting," Harry agreed. "But we've got a picnic later remember?"
Eventually, after Harry pried him away from his own mattress with the promise of seeing the dragon egg, they made their way through the rest of the compound. Tsunade and Shizune were still off at the hospital, which left them free to explore in peace. Shikamaru darted between patches of enchanted greenery and small magical growths, pointing out flower blooms that had absolutely no business thriving in winter.
"Did you grow all these?" he asked, eyes wide.
Harry nodded, crouching near a thicket of lavender. "It was a happy accident really."
Shikamaru reached out and brushed the petals with careful fingers.
"What about all the other houses?" he asked after a beat. "Are we gonna live in all of them?"
Harry shook his head. "One's going to be Barty's. If he wants it."
Shikamaru tilted his head. "Is there one for a butler?"
Harry smiled faintly. "He'd be insulted if he heard that. But yes. He's my steward remember. And the one next to it will be Sirius's when he wakes up."
Shikamaru's face lit up. "Will he wake up soon? Do you think he'll like me?"
Harry stopped for a moment. His throat felt unexpectedly tight.
"I think," he said softly, "he's going to love you."
They kept walking until they reached his own room. The enchanted fire pit was still glowing, housing the blue egg in the magical flames.
"Egg's still hot," Harry said, checking the temperature with a pulse of magic.
Shikamaru knelt reverently beside it. "Do you think it's a boy or girl?"
Harry grinned. "No clue. You'll have to wait and see."
"I hope it likes me."
"They're going to love you."
~
They took their nap in a bed of wildflowers and long grass by the cliff; Teddy nestled against Harry's chest and Shikamaru curled into his side with one arm wrapped protectively over the baby's small feet. Harry cast a few warming charms, drew a soft blanket over them, and let himself drift.
He didn't remember being this lazy before. Must be a Nara proximity thing.
Napping was becoming far too addictive.
When they woke again, the sun had climbed higher, and it was almost time to head to the park.
Harry strapped Teddy to his chest and adjusted his little wool hat, checking Shikamaru's scarf and gloves as well before they made their way through the village.
The streets were bustling—merchants barking about produce, ninja slipping across rooftops, and civilians darting from shop to shop in winter coats.
Harry could feel the eyes the whole journey.
Some villagers bowed respectfully, murmuring "Ryūjin-sama" as they passed. Others just watched silently, suspicion etched into their faces. A few even tried dragging him toward their stalls, shouting about special deals and blessings for his fortune.
Harry kept his head high, but he felt Shikamaru press closer, his hand clenching tightly in Harry's.
"We'll be out of the crowd soon," Harry murmured reassuringly. "You doing okay?"
Shikamaru nodded, eyes darting around warily.
"Hey," he said suddenly. "Uncle Inoichi's flower shop is close. Can we go there?"
Harry blinked. "Of course."
"Maybe we can get Grandma flowers."
They turned into a side alley, then veered onto another, quieter street where a cute yellow building stood nestled between a bakery and a stationary shop. Flower boxes lined the windowsills, even in winter, with frost-dusted rosemary, witch hazel, and bright red berries.
Harry stepped forward and opened the door with his shoulder, the little bell above jingling brightly.
The warmth hit them instantly. Pollen and petals thickened the air, making Teddy sneeze three times in rapid succession.
"Bless you," Harry chuckled, waving a small gust of air to circulate the pollen away and pressing a kiss to Teddy's damp little forehead. "Hang in there, champ."
Shikamaru had already wandered toward a display of orchids.
Harry followed at a slower pace, noting the herbs tucked near the register that were in good condition.
"Hey," Harry said quietly, crouching next to Shikamaru. "See those?"
Shikamaru followed his finger. "Are they potion herbs?"
"Mm-hm. I'll show you how to harvest them one day and prepare them."
Before Shikamaru could answer, a bright voice rang from behind the counter.
"Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Sh—!" The speaker stopped mid-recitation.
Harry turned and smiled as a little girl blinked up at them from behind the cash register. She looked to be around Shikamaru's age, with striking blue eyes and platinum-blonde hair tied in a high ponytail that bobbed when she moved.
She squinted at Shikamaru. "Do I know you?"
Shikamaru looked down at his boots, already retreating into his shy shell. "Are you Uncle Inoichi's daughter?"
She brightened instantly. "You're Shikamaru! Dad told me about you. You've got the same hair as your dad."
Shikamaru groaned and immediately tried to pat his spiky hair flat. "Yours too," he muttered.
Instead of being offended, the girl grabbed her ponytail and swung it proudly. "Yep! My hair's awesome."
Harry grinned, watching them banter.
"I'm Ino," she declared. "Do you want to get flowers?"
Harry stepped closer. "We were thinking of getting some for Shikamaru's grandmother."
Ino tilted her head seriously. "Is she a mean grandma or a nice one?"
Shikamaru looked alarmed. "Nice!"
"Then you want orchids," she said confidently. "Mean ones like respect. That's roses or chrysanthemum-mums. But orchids are for love and pretty things."
Harry laughed softly. "You certainly know your flowers."
"I know everything," Ino said smugly. Then she squinted at Harry again. "Who are you?"
"I'm Hari," he said, amused.
"You don't look like a Nara."
Shikamaru immediately puffed up beside him. "He's my Maashah! That means mother!"
Ino's eyes went wide. "Wait—you're a mom? I thought you were a really pretty boy!"
Harry raised a brow. "I am a boy."
"But Shikamaru said—"
"Being a mother is a state of mind," Harry said serenely, in a tone that suggested centuries of maternal mysticism and just a pinch of well-practiced bullshit.
A loud laugh exploded from the back room making Harry turn his head to look past the counter but seeing no one.
Ino just blinked at him with wide eyes.
"Oh," she whispered, "you're really very pretty. Your eyes are like jewels."
Harry blinked, caught entirely off-guard. "Oh, thank you. Yours are very pretty too."
Though not seeing a pupil in her eyes was throwing him off slightly and he wondered if she struggled to see with the lack of it.
Shikamaru scowled. "He's my Maashah and he's beautiful."
Harry groaned quietly. "Children please, no need to fight."
They heard another laugh and all three turned to look as a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped through the curtain, shaking with laughter.
He was gorgeous—of course he was. Long ash-blond hair tied in a high tail, a strong jaw, and a mouth already curved in a grin that was too damn charismatic for this hour of the day.
What are they drinking in this village, Harry thought bitterly. And why do all the men here look like gods with chiselled muscles?He absolutely, definitely did not think about Shikaku's arms. Or the way his beard had scratched his temple last night. Or the scent of clean spice and forest when he'd held him close. Nope. Not at all.
The man took one look at Shikamaru and opened his arms. "There's my little nephew!"
Shikamaru shuffled forward, allowing himself to be scooped into a bear hug.
"We were all so worried about you," the man said into his hair. "Glad you're home, kiddo."
Harry watched the moment, guilt fluttering briefly in his chest before Ino tugged his sleeve. "That's my dad."
"I figured what with the luscious blond locks and all." He teased, making the girl giggle lightly.
Inoichi turned his attention to Harry next, his smile warm and eyes filled with far too much familiarity.
"You must be Hari-sama," he said, voice amused and genuine. "Shikaku's told me a lot about you already."
Harry blinked. "He has?"
Inoichi's grin widened. "Oh yeah."
Harry tried not to sound too eager. "Really?"
"Oh, you have no idea."
~
By the time they left the Yamanaka flower shop—orchid carefully packed in Shikamaru's hands and Ino waving from the doorway with a cheeky, "Bye, Maashah!"—Harry was more than ready for fresh air and open skies.
Not that the shop hadn't been lovely. It had.
But between six-year-olds declaring war and compliments that left him feeling like he'd been spun in place and dropped out of a floo network, Harry was desperate for somewhere quiet to breathe.
Thankfully, the park was only a few streets away.
Shikamaru skipped ahead, bouncing slightly with each step.
"There's a big hill and a pond," he explained with excitement. "And a playground, but that's for babies."
Harry arched an eyebrow. "You are a baby."
"Am not!" Shikamaru huffed. "Teddy's the baby."
Harry leaned down, smiling fondly. "You're my baby."
Shikamaru's cheeks went pink and he ducked his head. "Troublesome," he muttered.
The park stretched out in front of them—wide, open grass, dotted with families and the occasional team of Genin lounging under trees.
Shikamaru ran to a patch of grass halfway up the hill near a tree. "Here! Dad can see us from this spot!"
Harry cast a discreet warming charm on the blanket as Shikamaru spread it out. He tugged Teddy out of the harness and set him down on the fabric. The baby immediately attempted escape, crawling toward a patch of leaves.
"Oi," Harry said, gently scooping him back up by the onesie and dropping him onto his lap. "We do not abscond mid-picnic, little sir."
Teddy squealed in delight.
Harry's enchanted baby bag—blessedly expanded—was a miracle. He drew out the transfigured picnic basket and started setting up. Shikamaru had insisted they all use bento boxes that morning so Shikaku wouldn't feel left out.
Harry might've melted a bit at the boy's thoughtfulness.
They'd also stopped at a bakery on the way for some pastries. Because, honestly, he was allowed to spoil his kids. He'd earned it.
Harry felt the flicker of chakra before he saw it. His magic tugged lightly at his senses—familiar, earthy, and warm.
A moment later, the man appeared at the edge of the park, dressed in standard Jounin uniform—vest, pants, and that godsdamned mesh undershirt that seemed designed to torment Harry's composure. It clung to him in all the worst ways: across the chest, stretching over his arms, revealing the lines of muscle that absolutely did not need to be that visible.
Cold air is real, you menace, Harry thought and looked away—just in time to see the smirk spreading across Shikaku's face.
"Dad!" Shikamaru called, waving his arms. As if the man hadn't already clocked them from halfway across the park.
Harry busied himself straightening Teddy's hat.
Shikaku made his way over with that slow, confident walk of his, bento box in hand. He stopped beside the blanket and smiled down at Teddy, who was halfway into escaping again.
With one swift move, Harry picked up the baby and deposited him squarely into his lap, tickling his belly as Teddy squealed. "You're on blanket arrest," he informed the infant. "No escaping."
Shikaku sat beside them with a quiet grunt, back against a tree, legs sprawled out.
Shikamaru, full of excitement, grabbed one of the onigiri and thrust it toward his dad.
"Here! You can try one!"
Harry chuckled, pulling Shikamaru's hand back gently. "Remember, cub, he's got a whole bento already. Let's see if he's still hungry after."
Shikamaru nodded solemnly.
Harry turned to Shikaku. "How was your first day back?"
Shikaku groaned and rolled his head against the tree. "Like returning to a battlefield. Paperwork everywhere. I think they've been stacking it since I left."
"Oof."
"I saw one scroll dated from two months ago." He opened the bento, eyes narrowing slightly.
Then he blinked at the contents. "Is that supposed to be a deer?"
Harry grimaced. "That one's all Shikamaru."
"I think it's good," Shikaku said, picking up the wonky onigiri and taking a bite.
Shikamaru beamed.
"It's actually edible," the man said. "I'm impressed."
Shikamaru puffed up. "Thanks, Dad!"
Harry fed Teddy small bites of egg roll as they ate, letting the baby chatter between mouthfuls. Shikamaru talked non-stop about their morning—how they got sweets at the bakery, how the orchid was picked for Grandma, how his ceiling looked like actual clouds.
"We already chose your room and Grandma's at the compound," he added proudly. "So you can stay too!"
Harry looked to Shikaku, lips curved in question.
The man tilted his head. "Then we'll have to choose a room for you and Teddy at our place too."
Harry blinked.
"Thank you," he said, quiet and genuine.
Then came Shikamaru's next revelation.
"Ino was annoying," he huffed. "She called Maashah a girl. Then a pretty boy. But she was wrong. Maashah is beautiful not pretty!"
Harry made a noise of despair and dropped his forehead into his palm.
Shikaku's smile turned smug. "Can't say he's wrong."
Harry looked up slowly, narrowed eyes meeting Shikaku's smirk. "Don't start."
"Who's starting?"
"Maashah's blushing," Shikamaru sing-songed.
"I'm going to put you in the pond."
Shikaku chuckled and turned serious when Harry mentioned meeting Inoichi.
Subtle tension prickled between them.
"Oh?" Shikaku asked. "What did he say?"
Harry raised a brow. "Trying to interrogate me, Nara?"
Shikaku shrugged one shoulder, nonchalant. "He's been a friend for a long time. Can't trust half the stuff he says."
Harry's grin turned sly. "So… you're not the best man he's ever known? Or maybe he wasn't flirting with me in the shop?"
Shikaku froze, the chopsticks in his hand stilling mid-air. His gaze sharpened, and his voice dropped a fraction.
"He was what?"
Harry blinked, startled at the sudden intensity.
Shikaku leaned in slightly, voice husky. "What exactly did Inoichi say?"
Their faces were inches apart now, breaths brushing against skin. Harry's eyes flicked to the man's lips, and he swore Shikaku's gaze did the same.
Then—
PLOP.
A ball of rice smacked into Shikaku's shoulder.
He caught it with a grimace, turning toward Teddy, who sat there smug and giggling.
The moment was shattered.
Harry burst out laughing, shoulders shaking.
Shikaku narrowed his eyes. "Your son just assaulted a clan head."
"He gets it from his mother," Harry deadpanned.
Shikamaru proudly presented the orchid. "For Grandma!"
Shikaku took the flower with surprising gentleness. "She'll love it."
Harry nudged his son. "Think this is enough to bribe her into sharing more embarrassing stories?"
Shikamaru cackled. "She has so many!"
Conversation shifted, and Harry mentioned the police station.
Shikaku nodded. "Ask for Fugaku Uchiha. He's the clan head and police captain. You'll want him as an ally—especially before the next council meeting."
Harry groaned. "Right. Politics. I'd almost forgotten."
Teddy, clearly bored of all this, crawled into Shikaku's lap and promptly collapsed there, babbling softly.
Harry gasped. "Betrayed. By my own child."
Shikaku smirked, adjusting the baby gently and stroking his back. "Seems he knows what he wants."
Teddy clutched Shikaku's vest and sighed a sleepy "Shi'ku…"
Harry's heart melted into a puddle.
Shikamaru flopped into Harry's lap and tugged his hand toward his head. "Head pats?"
Harry unfastened the boy's ponytail and scratched gently at his scalp. "At least one of my sons loves me."
Shikaku chuckled. "Be careful. You play with a Nara's hair, they'll fall asleep."
Harry smiled down at his pup. "Just a few minutes, then."
~
Shikaku offered to walk them to the police building after their picnic. The way he gently handed over a sleeping Teddy still made Harry's chest ache in that warm, confusing way he was becoming increasingly used to.
The baby stirred once, making a small squeaky noise, but immediately resettled once he was bundled against Harry's chest again.
"You've got it?" Shikaku asked, brushing the strap across Harry's shoulder to make sure it was tight.
"Yeah." Harry nodded, smiling as he adjusted Teddy's little hat. "Perfect."
Beside them, Shikamaru gave a bleary huff and swatted at his father's hand that ruffled his hair. "Stop it, daaaad," he whined, trying to push his sleep-mussed hair back into order.
Shikaku's face lit up in that way Harry had begun to recognise as rare. Like each of Shikamaru's small acts of childishness renewed something in him.
Harry remembered Shikaku's quiet words from the night before—that he wanted to be the father Shikamaru deserved, that he'd lost time he could never reclaim, but he'd try anyway. Try harder to be better.
Would either of them have had the chance to try if Shikamaru hadn't been ripped from his family? It was a bitter thought, but Harry tucked it away.
Harry adjusted the strap across his chest where Teddy snored softly and glanced down to find Shikamaru rubbing his eyes with a yawn, leaning into Harry's side. It seems the head pats from earlier had worked a little too well.
As they stepped through the doors, several shinobi looked up from their work and stared.
It wasn't hostile. But it was certainly… intentional and Harry could see recognition in some of their faces making him frown.
The officer at the desk blinked in clear surprise before bowing shallowly. "Ryūjin-sama. Good morning, how can the KMPF help you today."
Harry inclined his head politely, fingers on Teddy's back. "Good morning. I was hoping to speak with Fugaku Uchiha, if he's available?"
The desk shinobi paused, then straightened. "Regarding…?"
"I'd like to discuss a non-urgent public notice involving my dragons. And if he has the time and resources to assist me."
The man blinked again—this time clearly thrown by the word dragons—then nodded quickly and disappeared through a side door.
Moments later, a taller figure stepped into view.
Fugaku Uchiha looked exactly how Tsunade had described him; his hair framed his face neatly, his posture rigid with trained elegance. His expression could've been carved from stone if it weren't for the severe furrowing of his brow.
"You're the head of the Ryūjin clan, I assume?" he asked.
Harry nodded. "Hari, please. Thank you for seeing me on short notice."
Fugaku's eyes swept over him, noting the bundled baby and the sleepy child holding his cloak edge. "Hn. Follow me."
The office he led them to was sparse but clean. Scroll racks lined one wall, a file-laden desk dominated the centre. Fugaku gestured toward a seat. "If the discussion is sensitive, I can have someone escort the children out—"
Harry raised a hand. "Thank you, but it's not that sensitive. Shikamaru is already half-asleep and it's nothing he doesn't know."
Shikamaru let out a soft snort of agreement and promptly fell sideways against Harry.
Fugaku sat down with a quiet breath. "You are quite young for a clan head."
Harry tilted his head. "I suppose seventeen is younger than most."
The Uchiha patriarch's shoulders twitched—just once. "Then I suppose I should prepare a cell, if you're anything like my fifteen-year-old nephew."
Harry's lips curled. "My troublemaking days are behind me. For the most part."
Fugaku didn't smile, but his brow relaxed slightly at the teasing. "It's difficult to imagine. You did, after all, manage to gain custody of a kidnapped clan heir, intervene in a foreign battle, and reportedly duelled Orochimaru—all in under three months."
"Rumours travel fast." Harry shifted Teddy slightly. "But I'm not here to gossip."
Fugaku gave him a long look. "Yes. You are, asking to file… a public notice?"
Harry chuckled. "My dragons are bonded to me, and I can feel them getting quite irritable the longer I keep them away from our new home. I wanted to request that your department spread word to the village for when I finally take flight with them. The dragons won't attack unless provoked of course, but they aren't beasts to be chained either and I would see them fly freely over Konoha."
Fugaku's brow rose. "You were… courteous enough to ask for aid. That's a rare trait in a clan head."
"I'm not that familiar with the village just yet," Harry said lightly. "I figured starting off on the right foot was worth the effort to avoid any panic."
The man's eyes narrowed. "Will your summons be here long?"
"I've carved out their caves in my compound. We'll mostly fly high. But even at that height, they're not exactly discreet when their wings cast shadows so large."
Fugaku leaned back. "How many dragons will be living in the village?"
"Six full-grown dragons. One adolescent. And Shikamaru will soon have a hatchling."
That, finally, startled him.
"Eight dragons," Fugaku repeated.
Harry simply nodded.
"Not all at the same time of course, only three of them have requested to come here for now."
There was a long silence.
"The Uchiha have held a fire affinity for generations," Fugaku said slowly. "And never have we believed the dragon summons still existed. You must have done something extraordinary to be worthy of their respect."
"Respect goes both ways," Harry said calmly.
Fugaku stared at him for a beat longer, then exhaled sharply. "Give us two more days. I'll have officers spread word through the districts."
"Thank you." Harry inclined his head.
"…I assume you'll also be attending the next council meeting?"
Harry grimaced. "Unfortunately, yes."
"Then prepare for scrutiny. Your freedom from oversight will unsettle many or have them eager for your backing."
"I'm used to people underestimating me." Harry smiled, faint and dry. "I tend to find it entertaining these days."
After a moment, Harry said, "You mentioned the Uchiha's excellent affinity with fire? I find myself curious, from one fire wielder to another."
Fugaku nodded slowly. "We do. We have studied the elemental release from before the founding of this village. My clan considers mastery of fire jutsu a point of pride. If you ever wish to test your affinity against the might of the Uchiha, perhaps my nephew—Shisui—could spare time to spar."
Harry blinked. "A spar?"
"You're clearly powerful from the accounts I've heard," Fugaku said. "It would be… enlightening to see it firsthand in a ninja spar."
Harry raised a brow. "I regret to inform you, but I am not a ninja."
"Ninja or not you clearly have power," the man said, blunt as a blade and a smirk on his face. "The Uchiha have always respected that, though we often find ourselves underwhelmed by our opponents."
Harry's smile turned razor-thin. "You'll find I don't break easily."
Fugaku's mouth twitched. "Then Shisui will enjoy the challenge."
"I think I will enjoy verbally sparring with you in the Council rooms."
He thinks that statement nearly got a smile from the man.
"We shall see. Wait two days for your…flights and I will send my nephew your way when he returns to the village."
Harry stood carefully, shifting Teddy back into place and waking Shikamaru gently.
"I appreciate your time Fugaku-sama," he said.
Fugaku stood as well, nodding once. "Welcome to Konoha Hari-sama."
~
Shikamaru was practically bouncing as they made their way back to the Nara compound later that day, the precious orchid wrapped protectively in his arms.
"I hope she likes it," he whispered, small fingers brushing the delicate petals.
"She'll love it," Harry assured, smiling. "It's very thoughtful."
Shikamaru blushed and looked away but didn't argue.
The door creaked open, revealing Saeko already waiting with a cloth in her hands, eyes lighting up at the sight of her grandson. "What's this you've brought, my little shadow?"
"It's for you," Shikamaru said shyly, stepping forward and offering the flower with both hands. "We went to Uncle Inoichi's shop, and I wanted to get something nice."
For a moment, Saeko simply stared, clearly touched. Then she knelt gracefully, reaching out to cradle the pot as if it were made of glass.
"My sweet boy," she murmured, eyes shining. "It's beautiful. Just like you."
She stood, pulling Shikamaru into a tight hug that had him squeaking but not pulling away.
"I'll put it in the kitchen window," she said softly. "So I see it every morning. Thank you, sweetheart."
Harry stepped back to give them a moment, letting Teddy tug gently at his collar, his eyes watching on curiously.
"That was sweet," came Shikaku's voice, low and warm at his side.
Harry startled slightly, he hadn't heard the man approach. "You're very sneaky for someone with legs that long."
Shikaku chuckled, slow and dry. "It's part of the Nara skillset. Shadow and silence."
Harry risked a glance, finding those dark eyes already on him.
"You're so good with him," Shikaku said after a beat. "Both of them."
Harry smiled. "They make it easy."
They stood in quiet for a moment and Harry shifted, adjusting Teddy's weight again as the baby murmured against his shoulder.
"You staying again tonight?"
The question was casual, but Harry thought he could hear another behind it.
He blinked and looked up to find Shikaku's gaze unreadable now, as if the question had slipped out unpolished.
"Oh," Harry said. "I—uh—I don't want to impose. Again."
"You wouldn't be," Shikaku replied. His tone was even, but his hand came up, brushing lightly along Harry's forearm. "You never are."
Harry swallowed. His eyes dropped to the hand resting lightly on his sleeve, his rough fingers, calloused palm. He could feel the pulse fluttering faster in his own wrist.
Then, softly, Harry whispered, "Not tonight."
Their eyes met, and Harry saw understanding flicker across Shikaku's face, the slow blooming of disappointment, but shadowed by acceptance. Still, a faint wry smile curved his lips.
"You sure?"
Harry squeezed the hand still on his arm, just briefly. "If I stay too long, you'll get used to me."
"I don't think that will be an issue," Shikaku said under his breath, almost too quiet to catch.
Before Harry could respond, Shikamaru's voice rang down the hall. "I'm done washing! Is it dinner time yet?!"
The moment fractured with a chuckle, and Shikaku straightened.
"We wouldn't want to miss dinner," he said with a pointed glance over his shoulder.
He stepped forward and scooped Teddy from his prison on Harry's chest. Teddy giggled, happy as Shikaku adjusted him carefully in his arms, holding him close.
Harry watched him walk ahead, that familiar flutter returning to his stomach and wanted to hit himself for refusing the offer.
Maybe Luna had been right. Maybe his fawn really was guiding him to something that felt a lot like love.
Then he remembers something she said back in fourth year and wonders if he's wrong.
Don't mistake longing for love, Harry.
…why can't it be both?