That night, as the moon hung heavy in the sky, Harry decided to stop holding back with his magic. Now that he knew this world's version of magic—chakra, he reminded himself—wasn't forbidden, he felt more comfortable using his own.
He pulled his expanded trunk to the centre of the room and knelt beside it, flicking it open. He dug around carefully, pulling out a pouch of galleons. It felt wrong to keep accepting their kindness without giving anything back. Healing, shelter, food for both him, Teddy and Nox, it couldn't be cheap.
Harry set the pouch aside, continuing to dig through the trunk until his fingers brushed against soft fabric. Teddy's clothes and supplies. With a sigh, he pulled the enchanted baby bag out, carefully laying out fresh bottles, formula, and the blankets. He hated relying on others for everything.
Teddy was his responsibility.
The baby in question let out a small, frustrated huff from his floating crib. He'd been restless all day, no doubt feeling confined. They didn't leave the room much except for their visits to Nox, and even the baby's normally cheerful demeanour was starting to crack.
Harry smiled softly as he carried Teddy out of the crib and onto the new playpen he'd just set up. His heart swelled with pride at the memory of that morning, Teddy had rolled over by himself for the first time. And he was getting stronger too, managing to sit up unassisted for longer stretches.
Still, the thought of his son's inner wolf speeding up his development made Harry's stomach twist. What if he started crawling fast? He wasn't ready to chase after a speed-crawling baby with heightened reflexes.
The next morning, Harry shrunk the trunk back down, slipping it onto his wrist. But instead of putting everything away, he left out Teddy's supplies, figuring it would be easier this way. If Asuma could summon things from a scroll, it was probably normal here. He could just mimic the gesture if they asked.
He found Shinji and the others already waiting for him in the main room. The prince brightened the moment Harry appeared, but his eyes widened in shock when Harry held out the heavy pouch of gold.
"What's this?" Shinji asked, blinking rapidly as he weighed the pouch in his hands. "It's… heavy."Harry pointed to the pouch, then mimed giving it to Shinji permanently. Then he gestured around the room, pointed to Teddy, and finally pretended to eat. "For letting us stay. For feeding us."
Shinji's mouth dropped open as he looked inside the bag. "Gold?" he asked, his voice rising in surprise. "You're giving me gold? Actual gold?"
Harry nodded firmly and pushed the pouch back toward him when Shinji tried to hand it back.
"I can't take this!" Shinji protested, shaking his head. "This is… way too much! Even for me!"
Harry just smiled and pushed it into his hands again. It wasn't like he was short on gold. And it was the least he could do.
Tanaka, who had been his usual stone-faced self in the corner, actually seemed to soften at the gesture. The subtle nod of approval he gave Harry felt like a victory.
The conversation shifted when Asuma's sharp eyes caught sight of the new additions to the room, the playpen, the bottles, the lyre resting near the crib. He tilted his head, curiosity plain on his face.
"Where did all of this come from?" he asked, making a puff of smoke gesture with his hands.
Harry mimicked his movement, pretending to pull something from an invisible scroll. He smiled faintly when Asuma nodded in understanding. Good. That should avoid too many awkward questions.
The atmosphere grew light-hearted as servants entered, carrying an array of food—roast meats, rice, vegetables, and fresh fruit.
He had just reached out to grab a bowl of rice when his Black ring burned.
The flare of magic jolted through him, sharp and urgent. Poison. His blood ran cold. Without thinking, Harry swept his hand through the air, sending a burst of wind that knocked the bowls from everyone's grasp.
Shinji let out a startled cry as the bowls clattered across the floor. In the blink of an eye, Asuma reacted, his strength pinning Harry to the wall with terrifying efficiency.
"Get off!" Harry struggled, panic rising in his throat. "It's poison! The food! It's poisoned!"
But, of course, they couldn't understand him.
"What are you doing?!" Shinji shouted, wide-eyed as Tanaka pulled him protectively backward. "Why did you—"
Harry's magic surged as he forced his thoughts into Asuma's mind, a clumsy, painful push. Images and feelings poured from him: danger, poison, the food.
Asuma's grip loosened in shock, maybe even pain but it worked.
Harry scrambled up and pointed frantically to the food, upending a bowl and crossing his arms in an unmistakable sign: Death.
Understanding dawned in Asuma's face. He knelt over the scattered dishes, forming rapid hand signs. A soft glow spread from his hands, washing over the food.
His expression turned cold. "Poison," he growled.
Tanaka tensed instantly, hand going to his weapon. "Who?"
Before anyone else could react, Shinji rushed toward Harry, wrapping his arms around him in a tight, desperate hug.
"Uh—" Harry froze, arms slightly raised in shock. "…Okay?"
"You saved us!" Shinji's voice trembled slightly against his shoulder. "You saved my life—again!"
Harry hesitantly patted his back. "… you're welcome?"
Asuma's face was grim as he rose to his feet. "The question is—was the poison meant for him… or for you?" he asked quietly, his gaze sharp and calculating.
Harry swallowed hard. Understanding the message from his tone alone.
He had only been here four days. Surely, he couldn't have made enemies already… right?
~
The fifth day dawned heavy with tension. Luna still hadn't woken up, and the longer she remained unconscious, the tighter the knot of worry coiled in Harry's stomach.
He tried to push it aside during the day, smiled at Teddy's giggles, tried to act normal during meals with Shinji and his guards, but at night, when everything was quiet, the worry crept back in like poison.
And speaking of poison… the attempt on their lives the day before had only made things worse.
Harry ran a hand through his already messy hair as he sat cross-legged on the floor, Teddy sleeping peacefully in his playpen nearby. His magic was recovering slower than he liked, but he couldn't wait any longer. He needed answers.
Taking a deep breath, Harry flicked his palm out, sending the rune on it into the air and opening the gateway to the Keep. Opening the gateway wasn't without strain in his current state, but it was necessary.
"Tilly," he called softly, his voice vibrating through the portal.
For a heart-stopping moment, nothing happened. Then—
POP!
A small figure launched through the portal, flinging herself at him with a wail. "Master Harry!" Tilly sobbed, her tiny hands clenching his robes. "Tilly was so worried—so worried! Master was hurt, and Little Master Teddy. Oh, we were all so scared!"
"Hey, hey, I'm okay," Harry murmured, stroking her thin shoulders as she hiccupped against him. "We're okay, Tilly."
She pulled back just enough to look up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "We is all watching, Master! The medallion still holds Master Sirius safe, and the dragons—oh, the dragons!"
Harry's heart clenched at the mention of Sirius. "He's still stable?"
Tilly nodded vigorously. "Yes, Master! The magic in the medallion is holding steady. But—but your dragons…"
Harry's breath caught. "What about them? Are they okay?"
"They is… antsy," she admitted. "Altair fusses much, but Rigel keeps him busy. They knows you is alive, Master, but they is worrying. So much worrying."
Harry closed his eyes and exhaled in relief. If Altair was distracted by his new hatchling, at least he wasn't driving himself crazy with worry. Through their bond, Harry sent a pulse of calm reassurance, hoping it would reach them.
"Tilly, listen," he said, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "A lot's happened. Something went wrong. Luna's stuck on the other side, I couldn't bring her with me. Dumbledore—" He swallowed down the sharp sting of anger. "Dumbledore sabotaged us."
Tilly's ears drooped as she shook her head. "That old goat! Always meddling! Tilly should go kick him!"
Harry's mouth twitched into a weak smile despite himself. "I'd pay to see that, I'm afraid Nox got to him first." Then his expression turned serious again. "Can you pop back to our world?"
Her ears drooped further. "No, Master… Tilly could feel your summons, but—without the gateway open, Tilly could not come. And Tilly cannot go back through on her own."
So, he'd been right. Without anchoring the gateway to this world, there was no way to move between realms freely, not even for house-elf magic.
It was frustrating, knowing he couldn't return to the keep. If he left now, there was no guarantee he could reopen the portal from the other side back to this world without an anchor. He understood now why the Peverell brothers anchored it to the Yew tree.
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright. I need you to do a few things for me."
Tilly straightened, eager to help. "Anything, Master Harry!"
"First, ask Ignotus if the language this world speaks is Japanese, or something close to it. If it is, bring me the Japanese dictionary from the language section of the library."
Tilly bobbed her head so quickly it was a wonder her ears didn't flap off. "Yes, Master! Tilly will find it!"
"And," He hesitated, then smiled faintly as a memory came back to him. "I need you to find a pair of earrings. They should be in the Peverell treasure vault, the ones shaped like dragons. They're enchanted to translate spoken languages."
Tilly clapped her hands together. "Oh! Tilly remembers those! Very fancy! Tilly will find them, Master, don't worry!"
Harry chuckled softly. "I know you will. Oh, and one last thing, could you bring some chocolate and sweets?" He thought something new might cheer up Shinji. He's had a rough couple of days.
"I'll reopen the portal in about 6 hours, okay? Ask the other elves for help if you need it."
"Of course, Master! Tilly will bring the best treats!" With one final bow, Tilly stepped through the shimmering portal and vanished with a pop.
The next morning, Harry woke early and immediately opened the portal again, calling for Tilly. She appeared moments later, bright-eyed and far more cheerful than the night before.
"Master Harry!" she beamed. "Everyone is so happy you is okay! The Little Master too!"
Harry let out a breath of relief. "Did you find them?"
Tilly nodded proudly, holding out a small velvet box. "Tilly found the earrings and the dictionary!"
He opened the box carefully, his heart giving a little leap of hope. The earrings gleamed in the soft light, gold dragons, intricately twisted and elegant. "Perfect," he whispered.
"Ignotus says Master should not wear them more than a week at a time, give yourself a day's rest in between!" Tilly warned. "They is old magic, Master Harry."
"Got it," he murmured. "Thank you, Tilly. You're the best."
Tilly blushed furiously and, with one last curtsy, popped back through the portal as it shimmered closed.
Breakfast was a tense affair after the poisoning attempt. Harry hovered his black ring over every dish, checking for traces of poison. He noticed Asuma doing the same with his chakra, which was oddly reassuring.
Once the food was cleared, Harry pulled out the small box and placed it on the table, earning curious looks from Shinji and the guards.
Shinji leaned forward, eyes wide. "What's that?"
Harry opened the box, revealing the dragon-shaped earrings. Shinji let out a soft, "Ooooh… pretty!"
With a small smile, Harry took one of the earrings and fastened it to his ear. Then, he held the other one up, offering it to the room.
Asuma, ever the cautious one, stepped forward and took the earring. After examining it briefly, he slid it onto his ear.
Harry exhaled slowly. "Can you understand me now?"
Asuma's eyes widened in shock. "I—yes. I can understand you. How—what is this?"
Harry grinned for the first time in days. "They're enchanted earrings. One of my family's old treasures. Now we can actually talk."
Shinji, meanwhile, looked back and forth between them with a confused frown. "What's going on? What did he say? Why can you understand him?"
Asuma chuckled softly. "The earring, it lets us understand each other. He says it's an old family treasure."
Harry's smile grew wider. Finally, finally, he could start getting real answers.
After a long silence, Asuma set his cup of tea down with deliberate care. "Now that we can understand each other, it is only proper to begin with formal introductions." His voice was calm but firm, an invitation for dialogue, not a request.
Harry gave a small, measured nod. "That seems fair."
Asuma gestured first to himself. "I am Asuma Sarutobi, Captain of the Prince's guard and a member of the Sarutobi clan, former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja." His eyes didn't leave Harry as he motioned to the man on his left. "This is Tanaka—intelligence specialist. His role is to identify threats before they strike."
Tanaka inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression neutral. There was a sharpness to him, a calculating presence that reminded Harry of some of the more ruthless members of the Wizengamot, people who always thought five moves ahead.
"The man on my right is Saito," Asuma continued, his tone remaining steady. "Skilled in reconnaissance and close combat."
Saito gave the barest of bows, and an energetic smile. He was younger than the others, but there was no mistaking the alertness in his posture, a readiness to act if necessary.
"And finally," Asuma said, his voice softening slightly in deference, "this is His Highness, Prince Shinji Yamato, second legitimate son of the Daimyō of the Land of Fire."
At that, Harry blinked.
A prince.Just like I thought...It certainly explained the fine silk robes and the air of authority around the young man. Yet, for all his rank, there was an earnestness to Shinji that Harry hadn't expected.
Harry inclined his head respectfully. "It's an honour to meet you all." He hesitated for a fraction of a second, choosing his words carefully. "I am Harrison James Potter-Black, Head of the Peverell Clan." Deciding to list the one that this world might be more familiar with, hoping it's not a mistake.
At Asuma's translation, Shinji's eyes brightened with recognition. "I knew it! Only someone with status could have a dragon like that." His enthusiasm was genuine, though Asuma's lack of visible reaction suggested he was focusing on more important details.
Harry allowed a small, noncommittal smile. "I'd like to understand where I am, and how I came to be here. The last thing I recall is the battle." He left the words deliberately vague.
"You are in the Royal Palace under the protection of the royal family," Asuma answered. "When you and the other…man fell from the sky, it was along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water. Prince Shinji was traveling under our protection when enemy forces attempted an ambush."
Harry absorbed that quietly, his mind working through the implications. "And my arrival disrupted their plans," he surmised.
Asuma nodded. "Your entrance caused significant confusion. It gave us some distance." His voice grew sharper. "You were unconscious, but the battle you fought beforehand did not go unnoticed. Who was the man you were fighting?"
Harry considered his response carefully. "He was an enemy," Harry said slowly, his tone guarded. "A man who's pursued me for most of my life. He sought to steal my chakra and the inheritance of my clan."
Asuma's expression didn't shift, but Harry could feel the weight of his scrutiny. "And which hidden village do you serve?"
"None?" Harry said confusedly. "I'm not affiliated with any village."
A pause stretched between them, brief, but heavy. Harry caught the flicker of confusion that crossed Asuma's face before it smoothed back into careful neutrality.
"You are not aligned with any village," Asuma repeated, as though testing the truth of the words.
"That's correct," Harry confirmed.
Tanaka shifted slightly, his dark eyes narrowing. "And how did you come to possess a dragon?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm. "Such summons are the stuff of myth. Yet yours follows your command."
Harry snorted softly. "She doesn't follow my command," he corrected, leaning back slightly. "Nox is not a tool. She is—" He hesitated, searching for words that wouldn't reveal too much. "She is family. And she's not as obedient as you might think, believe me, she's had her rebellious moments."
Shinji laughed at Asuma's translation, though the guards remained more measured.
"How old are you?" Tanaka asked.
"Seventeen," Harry replied.
"And the poison?" Asuma pressed. "How did you know?"
Lifting his hand, Harry turned it so the Black ring on his finger caught the light. "This ring warns me of harmful substances. It's been part of my clan for generations, it burns when poison is near."
Shinji's face lit with open fascination, though Harry noted that Asuma and the others seemed more interested in the mechanism itself.
"And the child?" Tanaka asked, his voice softer but no less intent.
Harry's expression gentled as his gaze drifted to Teddy. "His gift is rare, he inherited it from my clan. He's a very special boy." His voice hardened just slightly. "Teddy is my son."
At his name, Teddy looked up and gave a bright, gummy smile. His hair flashed through several vivid colours, making Shinji grin in delight.
Harry let the moment pass before refocusing. "The poison, do you know who it was meant for?"
Asuma's face darkened slightly. "It is difficult to say. As a legitimate prince, His Highness is always a target. But there are also murmurings. Some believe your dragon could be claimed and controlled."
Harry's jaw tightened. "If anyone harms me or my son, Nox will know—and she will burn them to ash." His voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the steel beneath the words.
Saito spoke for the first time, his voice smooth. "The Daimyō has expressed approval of Prince Shinji protecting you. He believes a bond with such a creature reflects great strength and character."
Harry offered a small, polite smile. "I'm honoured by his regard. But I don't want to cause unnecessary complications for the prince. I know how difficult politics can be."
"It would cause more problems if you left," Asuma said bluntly. "To decline our hospitality would be an insult to the prince."
Shinji's expression made Harry suppress a sigh. "I'll stay," he allowed, "at least until my… chakra is fully restored."
A subtle ease settled into the room. With a flick of his wrist, Harry summoned the small box of sweets. "I thought these might lift the mood after yesterday."
"I have to ask," Asuma said, his voice smooth but probing, "when we brought you here, we found no storage scrolls on you. Yet you've pulled out several items without any visible means of carrying them."
Harry allowed a small, knowing smile to tug at his lips. "Ah, that." He lifted his hand, tapping the elegant bracelet resting against his wrist. The smooth metal gleamed faintly in the soft morning light. "It's similar to how you summoned those maps yesterday," he said, tilting his head slightly toward Asuma. "But the technique I use is tailored to my clan."
Asuma's expression remained composed, but Harry didn't miss the faint flicker of intrigue behind his dark eyes. With deliberate movements, Harry touched one of the small charms dangling from the bracelet, a miniature silver trunk, delicately crafted.
He pressed his thumb against it, and with a soft pulse of his energy, the charm expanded in an instant. In the blink of an eye, a full-sized, ornately carved trunk appeared on the floor beside him. The polished black wood gleamed with inlaid emerald accents, the crest of his four families he led etched elegantly on the lid.
Shinji's mouth fell open slightly in awe as Asuma murmured a low translation. Tanaka and Saito exchanged brief, sharp glances, though neither spoke.
Harry flicked the latch open, lifting the lid just enough for them to glimpse inside. The interior stretched far beyond what should have been physically possible, rows of neatly organised compartments filled with supplies, books, potions, and a wealth of other items.
"It's bigger on the inside," Harry said casually, closing the lid again and shrinking the trunk back down to its charm form with another flick of his fingers. "A family specialty." He fastened the bracelet securely back around his wrist.
"Incredible…" Shinji breathed, eyes still fixed on the now-miniature trunk. "I've never seen anything like it."
Asuma's voice, however, remained level. "You're saying your clan developed this technique?"
Harry inclined his head. "Yes. It's unique to my bloodline and it won't work for anyone else." That last part was a carefully measured warning. He doubted they would try to take it from him, but he wanted to ensure there were no misunderstandings.
Asuma seemed to weigh the words carefully before nodding. "A technique like that would be invaluable in the field," he remarked.
Harry only smiled faintly. "It has its uses."
"What about the child's crib?" Tanaka asked, his analytical mind clearly focused on every detail. "We did not see it when you first arrived."
"The same principle applies." Harry touched another charm on the bracelet, a small silver depiction of a bassinet. With a quick pulse of his energy, the crib expanded into existence, already cushioned and ready for Teddy, though the baby remained content in his playpen.
Shinji leaned forward eagerly. "Can anyone learn how to do that?"
Harry chuckled softly, though there was an edge of regret to it. "I'm afraid not. As I said, it's tied to my clan's energy. Without that, the method is inaccessible." It wasn't entirely a lie, but he wasn't about to explain that the magic involved was entirely separate from their concept of chakra.
The prince's expression fell slightly at that, but Harry caught the lingering spark of wonder in his eyes.
"You must hold significant status for your clan to possess such advanced techniques," Asuma observed quietly.
Harry's expression grew more serious. "I do," he said simply. "As I said, I am the head of my clan, with it comes all of its knowledge."
Harry knew better than to let his guard down. This world might be foreign to him, but the ambitions of power-hungry people were familiar. The last thing he needed was for anyone to see his dragon or his abilities, as something to be exploited.
After a beat of silence, Saito shifted his posture. "The Daimyō believes you to be an honoured guest," he said evenly. "He is eager to meet you in time."
"I'm grateful for his hospitality," Harry replied smoothly. "And I will do my best not to cause any disturbances."
Tanaka's lips curled into a subtle, wry smile. "It may be too late for that. A dragon appearing from the heavens is not easily forgotten."
Harry let out a quiet breath through his nose. It's always the same, he thought grimly. People saw power, and they wanted to claim it.
Different world, same ambitions.
"I can only ask that they understand, Nox is no domesticated creature," he said calmly. "She may show affection toward me and my son, but if she feels threatened, she will act."
Asuma nodded, a glimmer of respect in his expression. "A bond like that is rare. I will ensure the Daimyō's court understands the risk of underestimating her."
Harry relaxed his shoulders fractionally. That was as much as he could ask for now.
To ease the tension, he reached once more for the box of sweets. "In the meantime, these are a delicacy from my homeland. Consider them a token of thanks for your hospitality."
Shinji brightened immediately as Asuma translated, and when Harry opened the box to reveal the assortment of Honeydukes chocolate, the prince's excitement became infectious.
For the moment, the weight of questions and suspicion was lifted. But Harry knew it wouldn't last forever. The real game had only just begun.
~
The room was quiet.
Teddy had fallen asleep hours ago, curled against the plush dragon plushie Blaise had gifted him, his tiny hands clutching the stuffed tail like a lifeline.
But he couldn't rest.
His thoughts churned like a violent storm. Asuma's questions still hung heavy in his mind, but it wasn't just the guarded shinobi or the threat of political manipulation that gnawed at him. No, it was something far more pressing. Something that ached deep in his chest with every breath he took.
Luna.
He had tried calling the others twice already that evening, each time, the mirror showed nothing but darkness or faint flickers of movement.
When he pressed his hand against the cool glass of the mirror and murmured the names again, his heart pounded in his ears. For a long, breathless moment, there was nothing but his own tired reflection.
Then finally, the image shifted.
Blaise's face appeared first. The dim light behind him suggested it was still night back in the Cove. His usually composed features were tense, and when he saw Harry, a breath of relief slipped past his lips.
"You're still alive," Blaise said quietly. "It's been a whole day!"
Harry let out a shaky breath, leaning slightly closer to the mirror. "Is she—?"
"She's awake." Blaise's voice softened, his usual sharp edges dulled by exhaustion. "I'll get her."
The mirror shifted as Blaise moved, and Harry caught a brief glimpse of the others all hovering nearby. But his focus narrowed to the slender figure lying on a bed across the room.
When Blaise handed the mirror over, Luna's pale face swam into view. She looked fragile, her silver-blonde hair falling in soft waves around her thin shoulders. Her skin was almost translucent, and the sight of her fragile frame made Harry's throat tighten painfully.
"Luna…" His voice trembled, a sharp contrast to the measured calm he had forced all day. "Thank Merlin,you're awake."
A weak smile touched her lips. "Hello, Harry."
The simple greeting undid something in him. His breath hitched, and the mask of control he had been holding onto shattered. "I'm so sorry," he choked out. "This—this is all my fault."
Luna's smile faltered. "Harry—"
"I should've—" His voice broke as the weight of his guilt came crashing down. "I should've insisted you stay in the Keep during the ritual. I should've seen what Dumbledore—I should've—"
"Harry, stop," she whispered, but he couldn't.
"I should've reached your hand," he said brokenly, his fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as though he could still feel the emptiness where her hand should have been. "You were supposed to have a long, happy life, Luna. I promised you. I promised."
The mirror trembled slightly in her hands. Her lips parted as if to speak, but for a moment, nothing came. And then, in the smallest, most broken voice, she whispered.
"I could've taken your hand…"
Harry froze. The words hung heavy and sharp, piercing through the haze of grief and guilt. He stared at her, his mind struggling to process what she had just said.
"You—what?" His voice was low, almost too quiet to hear.
"I could've taken it," she repeated, her breath hitching as tears welled in her silver eyes. "But I didn't."
For a heartbeat, there was silence. Then, Harry's grief ignited into raw, blistering anger.
"Why?" His voice trembled with the force of his fury. "Why are you saying this? Do you—do you even understand what I did to power that ritual? The lives I've taken! The blood I spilt—do you—"
Luna flinched at the venom in his words, her slender fingers trembling as she tried to hold the mirror steady.
"Why would you agree to leave...to save your life! If you didn't want to?" he demanded, his breathing ragged. "Why would you let me and Teddy travel here alone if you didn't want to live?"
"I—" Luna's composure shattered as sobs wracked her body. "I'm sorry—I'm so sorry, but I couldn't—"
"You couldn't?" Harry's voice cracked. "Why, Luna? Why would you do this?"
She shook her head helplessly, her tears falling freely now. "I heard her," she whispered, her words barely audible. "I heard Mum."
Harry blinked, the fury in his veins faltering. "What…?"
"When we were doing the ritual," Luna sobbed. "The ley line, it showed me my mother. I heard her, Harry. She… she showed me that if I didn't let go, you wouldn't be happy. You wouldn't walk the right branch. You would've spent every moment trying to save me, and you'd lose your chance along the way."
Harry's heart pounded painfully against his ribs. "You think I care about some 'right branch' when you're dying?" His voice trembled as fresh tears burned behind his eyes. "I would've given everything up for you, Luna. Everything. How am I supposed to live my life here knowing you're still suffering?"
"I couldn't take that from you," she said through her tears. "I saw how happy you were. I heard your laughter again, something I hadn't heard in so long. How could I keep you from that?"
Harry pressed the heel of his hand against his chest, trying to hold himself together as anger and heartbreak twisted inside him.
"You don't have a year, Luna," he said hoarsely. "Your visions... they're killing you."
"I know," she whispered. "But I have a plan."
"What do you mean?"
Luna took a shuddering breath. "I'm going to use the medallion," she said quietly. "The one you used to keep Sirius in stasis."
"It's the only way," she insisted, desperation lining every syllable. "Tazgira will apply the medallion when I sleep tonight. I'll stay safe, preserved, until you find a way to bring me across."
"You're asking me to leave you frozen in time?" His voice shook with rage and grief. "Do you understand what you're saying?"
Luna's face softened, despite her tears. "I trust you, Harry," she said softly. "And I know you'll find the way. You always do. I did something that will help you find the way, but I can't remember what. You'll find it when the time is right."
"I don't know if I can forgive you for this," he confessed, his voice raw. "I tried so hard, Luna. I gave up so much. How could you throw it away for… for me?"
"You're my brother," she whispered. "And I love you. I couldn't let you lose yourself, not for me."
Harry's vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes, falling freely now.
Before the mirror's magic faded, Luna gave him one last, bittersweet smile. "Find the fawn, Harry. Find your happiness. And one day, I'll see you again."
Her voice softened to a whisper. "Forgive me."
The mirror turned dark.
Harry sat there in the quiet room, his breath shaking as he stared at his own reflection. He had fought so hard for her to have a future.
And now, she had chosen to leave it behind for him.
When the weight became too much to bear, he collapsed onto his bed, burying his face in his pillow to muffle the sound of his sobs.
~
Harry had been avoiding the mirror since last night.
Luna's words still echoed in his mind, a constant storm that refused to settle. Forgive me. As if it were that simple. As if he could just move past the fact that she had made the decision for him. It was hypocritical of him he knows, but this was her life.
He had ignored all the mirror calls since.
Every time the mirror flickered with magic, he let it sit, untouched. He wasn't ready. Not yet.
Instead, he focused on Teddy.
The infant was the only thing anchoring him, the one force strong enough to keep his mind from spiralling into darker thoughts. Teddy didn't understand what had happened. He didn't know about the sacrifices or the impossible choices. He only knew the warmth of Harry's arms and the safety of his presence.
And for now, that was enough.
Harry was sitting cross-legged on the tatami mat, absently stroking his fingers through Teddy's soft, ever-shifting hair, when a strange sound caught his attention.
"Ma-ma-ma-ma…"
Harry's head snapped down.
Teddy was staring at him with bright, wide eyes, his tiny mouth working as he babbled. "Ma-ma-ma."
For a moment, Harry just blinked. Then, despite himself, he let out a breath of laughter, shaking his head. "Oh, great," he muttered. "I knew I shouldn't have let Blaise watch over you. If your first word ends up being mama, he's never going to let me live it down."
Teddy just grinned at him, oblivious to the weight on Harry's shoulders.
And yet, looking into those trusting, innocent eyes, something inside Harry settled.
He couldn't be there for Luna right now. He had to accept that. She was safe in stasis, and if she was right, if she had seen a way for him to bring her here, then he would find it. No matter how furious he was at her right now, he would save her.
But he had to move forward.
Looking at Teddy, Harry resolved himself.
This was their home now. And it was time to start making it one.
The first step was securing allies.
The Daimyō clearly believed that 'Nox' was some kind of good omen, something that had been sent to their land for a reason.
That gave Harry a starting point.
He would remain here for another week, allowing his magic to fully recover. Then, he would leave, find a place to settle, and anchor the Keep's gateway properly.
Strapping Teddy securely to his chest, Harry stepped into the hall. Two guards stood at the entrance, their spines stiffening the moment they noticed him.
It was only now that Harry realised, they were nervous.
Their gazes darted toward him with barely concealed awe, hands twitching slightly where they rested on their weapons. Harry tilted his head. Was this because of Nox?
Harry didn't bother trying to speak their language. Instead, he simply said, "Asuma."
The guards hesitated before exchanging a glance. Then, one of them gestured for him to follow.
They led him to a spacious training ground, where the sound of clashing steel filled the air.
Harry stepped forward and nearly scowled.
Why did they have to fight shirtless? This was so unfair.
Asuma and Saito were locked in combat, muscles flexing as their weapons clashed with sharp, precise strikes. Sweat gleamed against their skin, and Harry had to actively remind himself that this wasn't the time to get distracted.
Tanaka approached him, his expression surprisingly relaxed as he reached out and lightly patted Teddy's head. The infant let out a happy squeal, making Tanaka's lips twitch into a small smile.
Harry pulled the twin earring from his pocket and handed it over.
Tanaka accepted it and slipped it on without hesitation.
"…Better?" Harry asked.
Tanaka blinked, his brows raising slightly. "Ah. Yes. That is strange."
Harry smirked. "You get used to it."
Tanaka nodded, glancing toward the training ground before returning his attention to Harry. "Did you need something?"
"I'd like to go flying with Nox."
Tanaka hesitated. "…Alone?"
Harry arched a brow. "You think I can't handle myself?"
"I think," Tanaka said carefully, "that there are conspiracies afoot."
Harry exhaled slowly. "I appreciate the concern, but I promise you, Nox and I can fend for ourselves."
Tanaka didn't look convinced. "If you insist on going, then I will accompany you."
Harry huffed. "I don't usually use a saddle."
He had hoped that would deter the man.
Instead, Tanaka just went pale.
"…Then I will hold on tightly," he said, voice unwavering despite the clear horror in his expression.
Harry smirked.
~
Tanaka screamed.
Harry and Teddy, on the other hand, were laughing.
Nox looped through the air, cutting sharp dives and twists that sent wind rushing past them. Tanaka's arms were locked firmly around Harry's waist, his grip almost painful as he clung for dear life.
On the next swoop downward, they caught sight of a small gathering of onlookers gawking and pointing.
Nox let out a pleased hum. "Ah. My worshippers."
Harry rolled his eyes. "They're staring because you're a massive dragon, not because they worship you."
"You say that, yet here they are, admiring my majestic flight."
Harry snorted, shaking his head in amusement. Glad the earrings didn't translate Parseltongue.
When they finally landed, Tanaka was still gripping Harry like his life depended on it.
Asuma and Saito were waiting for them, smirking.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Enjoy the show?"
Saito grinned. "Can't believe you got Tanaka to fly again."
The man in question finally let go of Harry, staggering slightly as his feet hit solid ground. He let out a slow breath before composing himself, straightening his posture. "I survived."
Harry smirked. "Did you doubt it?"
Tanaka gave him a look.
Before anyone could say anything else, Shinji suddenly burst into the courtyard, breathless and flanked by several guards.
"You went without me?" he bemoaned.
Harry blinked.
"I was studying!" Shinji practically wailed.
Harry chuckled. "Next time, maybe."
Tanaka translated the words, making Shinji's shoulders slump dramatically.
Before he could launch into more complaints, however, one of the guards stepped forward with a formal bow.
"The Daimyō requests the presence of Prince Shinji and the foreigner."
Harry's amusement faded, his posture shifting slightly.
Asuma and Saito exchanged glances.
Shinji's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "I see."
Harry glanced at Teddy before exhaling slowly.
Time to get started.
~
Harry adjusted the straps of Teddy's sling, ensuring his son was secure against his chest as they made their way through the palace corridors. Shinji walked beside him, his usual cheerful expression tempered by a hint of nerves, while Tanaka, Saitō, and a few other guards flanked them protectively.
Tanaka had informed him earlier that he would act as his translator. Though the earring allowed Harry to understand their language, only Tanaka could understand him. It was a frustrating barrier, but one he would have to navigate carefully.
The doors to the throne room were made of dark, polished wood, with gold and crimson detailing forming intricate swirling patterns. As the guards standing watch pushed them open, Harry took a steadying breath and stepped inside.
The room itself was grand, yet not ostentatious, solid pillars lined the walls, adorned with banners depicting the crest of the ruling family. At the far end, seated on an ornate throne, was the Daimyō of this land.
Harry had to resist the urge to raise a brow.
For all the grandeur of the room, the man himself was… underwhelming. Mid-forties, slightly round in the middle, with a pleasant but unremarkable face. If Harry had passed him on the street, he wouldn't have spared him a second glance.
This is the man who rules over this land?
Still, Harry knew better than to judge based on appearances alone. He had met plenty of seemingly unimposing men who held far more power than their exteriors suggested.
As they stepped forward, the Daimyō's gaze swept over them, then landed on Harry. His expression brightened with excitement, and he leaned forward eagerly.
"Ah! You must be the young man I have heard so much about!" he said, completely ignoring Shinji, his own son.
Harry caught the way Shinji barely reacted—no frown, no look of disappointment. Just quiet acceptance.
It irritated him.
But Harry kept his expression neutral, simply bowing his head slightly in respect.
"Your Majesty," he greeted.
The Daimyō clapped his hands together, eyes gleaming with interest. "What grand quest has brought you to my lands?"
Harry took a moment to consider his answer. He had already decided to be careful with what he revealed.
He exhaled softly before responding, his voice even.
"My son and I are the last of our clan," he said. "We have travelled far to avoid those that wished to steal on our inheritance. It is unfortunate that one of my enemies followed us here, but it was also very fortunate to meet your son and his esteemed guards."
Tanaka translated smoothly, and the Daimyō nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Yes, I have heard of this, an enemy of yours came from the heavens, as you did." He chuckled. "But it is clear who was victorious."
Harry simply inclined his head, neither confirming nor denying anything.
The Daimyō waved a hand. "You have been staying in my palace these past days. Tell me, do you find it to your liking?"
Harry chose his next words carefully. "It has been an honour to stay under your roof. I am grateful for the hospitality you have shown me and my son."
The Daimyō beamed. "Good, good!" Then, his eyes gleamed with a different kind of interest. "I have heard many things about dragons," he mused. "It is said that they bring great prosperity, even more so to the one who gains their trust."
Harry had to resist the urge to sigh. Of course.
"Know this," the Daimyō continued, "you will always be welcome in my lands. A man who rides a dragon… I would be a fool to turn him away!"
Harry offered a small smile, though inwardly, he was already dreading the expectations that came with the offer.
"And where is it that you hail from?" the Daimyō asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
Harry hesitated. He could not say the truth. Fortunately, he had studied the maps Asuma had shown him, and one thing had stuck out, there was no mention of lands beyond the sea. If that was the case…
"I come from across the sea," he said. "Far beyond the lands on your maps. I travelled here to start a new life for myself and my son."
Tanaka translated, and the Daimyō hummed, tapping his fingers against the arm of his throne. "A mysterious land beyond the sea. Fascinating."
Harry offered a polite nod, not elaborating further.
Then, the Daimyō clapped his hands together, grinning. "I simply must meet this dragon of yours! A creature of such legend deserves my highest respects!"
Oh, for Merlin's sake…
Harry barely stopped himself from groaning. This is only going to make Nox unbearable.
Still, he forced a pleasant smile and inclined his head. "I am sure she would be honoured."
As the meeting concluded and they turned to leave, Harry let his gaze drift over the gathered advisors in the room. Most of them seemed indifferent, but a few…
Their eyes flickered between him and Shinji. Calculating. Greedy.
Was one of them behind the poison attempt?
He made a mental note to keep his guard up.
As they exited the throne room, Shinji sighed dramatically. "I knew my father would want to meet Nox," he muttered.
Harry gave a half-smirk. "Tell him that he may want to bring an offering. Nox enjoys being worshipped."
Shinji laughed, while Tanaka just sighed. "Somehow, I believe you."
Harry rolled his shoulders, adjusting Teddy's sling. He had a feeling things were about to get much more complicated.
~
The days had passed quickly since Harry's arrival in this world, and after the Daimyō's visit to Nox, things had only gotten stranger.
The people now left offerings at her feet, small trinkets, food, silk, even coins. They bowed low in reverence as she stood regal and poised, her black scales catching the sunlight like a beacon of divine power.
Harry stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching with mild exasperation as his dragon preened under the attention.
"Mother, we are gods to them now," Nox said smugly, "they will worship you even more when you bring out the others."
Harry rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to groan aloud. He refused to reply while surrounded by so many people who would no doubt misinterpret his words. The last thing he needed was to be branded some kind of deity alongside his already insufferable dragon.
Later, when the offerings had been gathered and the crowd dispersed, Nox admitted something that concerned Harry deeply.
"The energy here is strange," she mused, stretching her wings lazily. "I can feel it clinging to my scales, my blood… It strengthens me, if only slightly."
That made Harry pause. "Stronger?" he asked warily.
"Yes. It is subtle, but the difference is there. This world is unique."
Harry didn't like the sound of that. He wondered if the energy here were affecting her in ways they hadn't yet discovered. But when he suggested sending her back to the Keep for observation, she refused outright.
"I will not leave you and my brother alone," she said firmly, nuzzling Teddy's little head where he was strapped against Harry's chest.
And that was the end of that argument.
Now, eight days into this new world, Harry had finally picked up the mirror calls again. Theo had been the one to update him, confirming that Luna was successfully placed in stasis. She was safe. That knowledge lifted a weight from his shoulders, even if his anger still burned beneath the surface. She was still his sister. He still loved her fiercely, even if he couldn't forgive her just yet.
But now that he had time, he could focus on a solution. Even if it took years, like Luna had said, he would find a way to bring her here.
In the quiet moments of his evenings, Harry had taken to crafting something in secret—gifts for Shinji and his guards. He worked carefully, ensuring each piece was perfect. He wasn't finished yet, but he was getting close.
He was interrupted one afternoon when Shinji arrived unexpectedly, an eager look on his face.
"A feast is being held in your honour tonight," Shinji announced with a grin.
Harry raised a brow. "In my honour?"
Asuma, who had walked in just in time to hear, frowned slightly and slipped on the translator earring, allowing him to follow their conversation properly. "This feast was arranged by the Daimyō's advisors," he explained. "But the idea was planted by someone else."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Someone else?"
Shinji's expression darkened slightly. "We suspect one of my father's concubines. Likely the third."
Harry pulled a face at the mention of concubines. "Why would anyone need concubines when they already have a perfectly good family?"
Shinji's lips twitched in amusement as Asuma translated. "An excellent question," he admitted. "But my father has… ambitions. He has two legitimate sons, my older brother Kaito and myself and one legitimate daughter, and then three concubines who each have children of their own. Three illegitimate sons and two illegitimate daughters."
Harry hummed, understanding now why there was tension in the court. "And they want power," he surmised.
Shinji nodded. "They are always striving for more influence or seeking to have their children legitimised for a chance at succession. We suspect the third concubine was behind the poisoning attempt at dinner the other day, though we have no proof."
Harry frowned, suspicion settling deep in his gut. He didn't like the sound of this. But he wasn't about to cower in the face of political manoeuvring.
"Fine," he said. "I'll go. But only if Saito stays with Teddy. I'll make sure the room is protected myself."
Shinji and Asuma both nodded in agreement, and with that, the matter was settled.
~
Harry adjusted the silken sleeves of his haori, feeling entirely out of place in the formal attire he had been forced into.
The garments were elegant, far too elegant for someone like him, despite his Lord status. The deep midnight blue of his kimono was embroidered with subtle silver dragons winding along the fabric, and over it, he wore a black haori with intricate cloud motifs stitched in gold. The hakama was a darker shade of blue, tied securely at his waist. The ensemble was regal, noble even, which only made him more uncomfortable. He had always preferred practical robes, nothing this ostentatious.
"Stop fidgeting," Asuma muttered, smirking at him from the side.
Harry shot him a glare but forced himself to still his hands. He had endured enough formal balls and galas back in Britain to know that looking uncomfortable only made things worse.
Shinji, dressed in equally fine clothing, gave him an appraising look and smiled. "You look beautiful."
Harry nearly tripped over the hem of his robes.
His face burned out of embarrassment, and he turned away sharply, pretending to check the way his sleeves fell, but Asuma, damn him, let out an amused chuckle.
"Don't tease him too much," Asuma drawled, his smirk deepening. "You'll scare him off, even if it's the truth."
Shinji laughed, clearly enjoying Harry's discomfort.
It wasn't that he wasn't used to compliments. He had received his fair share, usually from his friends teasing him or when he had been forced to attend social events.
He chose to ignore it, kissing Teddy's forehead instead. "Be good for Saito, alright?"
Saito, already seated comfortably on a cushion in the corner, gave Harry a lazy grin. "We'll be fine. You just focus on making it back in one piece."
With that settled, they made their way to the great hall.
The grand hall was already alive with laughter, music, and the murmur of polite conversation. A sea of richly dressed nobles filled the space, their silken kimonos reflecting the candlelight like rippling water. Servants moved swiftly, refilling cups and setting out fresh trays of delicacies.
The moment Harry stepped inside, all sound seemed to still.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward him, wide with a mix of curiosity and was that reverence?
He resisted the urge to tug at the high collar of his kimono.
He barely stopped himself from frowning. He wasn't wearing anything that strange, was he? But the way people stared, whispering behind their sleeves, made him self-conscious.
A few of them bowed deeply toward him.
Feeling awkward but unwilling to be rude, Harry inclined his head slightly in return. More whispers followed.
"I see you're already causing a stir," Asuma murmured as they walked toward their seats, amusement evident in his voice.
Harry gave him a dry look. "As if I asked for this."
Shinji, ever diplomatic, took his place at the table next to Harry, his expression composed. "The court loves a spectacle," he said quietly. "And you, are the most fascinating thing they've seen in years."
Harry barely stopped himself from groaning.
Brilliant.
The Daimyō was seated at the head of the hall, reclining in his ornate chair with a bored expression as two women flanked him, whispering into his ears. One of them, a strikingly beautiful woman with a sharp gaze, seemed to be particularly attentive. Harry suspected this might be the third concubine, the one Shinji suspected of poisoning their food.
Beside them, another woman, older, refined—sat with a dignified air, completely uninterested in the attention the Daimyō was receiving. She idly stroked the fur of a rather ugly-looking cat curled up in her lap. The feline's squashed face and piercing eyes reminded him a little too much of Granger's cat.
Harry took his seat beside Shinji and Asuma, the latter sliding into place with ease, as if he had done this a thousand times.
Asuma leaned slightly toward him. "The woman with the cat—that's the Daimyō's wife, Madam Shijimi. The two women next to him are two of his concubines."
Harry arched a brow. "Just two? I thought he had three."
"He does," Shinji muttered, sipping his drink. "She is probably watching from the shadows."
Harry resisted the urge to sigh. He still couldn't understand the point of concubines when the man already had a legitimate wife and children. It just sounded like a mess.
Before he could say anything else, movement caught his eye.
A young man, perhaps sixteen, with neatly tied dark hair and sharp features, stepped forward, a polite yet keen expression on his face.
"This is my elder brother," Shinji introduced smoothly. "Prince Kaito."
Kaito bowed deeply, his eyes flickering over Harry with open interest. "It is an honour to finally meet you, my Lord."
Harry barely managed to keep from grimacing at the formal address. Too late now I guess.
Instead, he gave a polite nod. "The honour is mine."
Kaito straightened, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Your arrival has caused quite a stir. Everyone is curious about you."
"I've noticed," Harry said dryly, glancing at the still-staring nobles.
Kaito chuckled. "It's not often we have someone as striking as you in court."
Harry narrowed his eyes slightly, catching the subtle undertone in the words.
Before he could formulate a response, a small figure practically launched herself onto Shinji's lap, beaming up at Harry.
"Is this the dragon man?"
Shinji laughed, ruffling the girl's hair. "Yes, Emiko. This is Lord Harrison."
Emiko, around eight years old with round, mischievous eyes, gasped dramatically. "You really ride a dragon?"
Harry smiled despite himself. "Yes, I do." Asuma translating for him.
She clapped her hands together. "That's so cool!"
At least someone in this court was refreshingly honest.
As they conversed, Harry kept an eye on the court, his wariness never fully leaving him. The way some of the Daimyō's advisors kept glancing between him and Shinji made his instincts bristle.
His thoughts were interrupted when the Daimyō clapped his hands loudly, drawing the hall's attention.
"Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our honoured guest! One who has been blessed by the dragons!" The man's voice carried easily, though Harry noted the way his eyes barely lingered on his children.
Harry forced himself to smile, bowing his head slightly in thanks.
The Daimyō's sharp-eyed concubine leaned in, murmuring something into his ear. The man nodded before addressing the hall again.
"And to mark this occasion, we shall host a special performance. Let us honour our guest properly."
The crowd erupted into polite applause.
Harry wasn't fooled.
This was more than just a feast.
Someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
And as he met Asuma's knowing gaze, he had the distinct feeling that the real game had only just begun.
The performance was a graceful ceremonial dance.
The hall was bathed in the glow of lanterns, the shadows flickering with each measured movement of the dancers. At the centre of the formation was a girl, no older than fourteen, dressed in flowing silks. Every motion she made was deliberate, her hands tracing delicate patterns through the air, her feet barely making a sound as she moved.
Harry hadn't been paying much attention at first. Feasts like this weren't really his thing, especially not the ones that carried the weight of politics behind every word and gesture. But when the girl's eyes locked onto his, her expression shifting into something softer, almost flirtatious and he blinked in confusion.
Beside him, Shinji snorted. "That's Naomi," he whispered, keeping his voice low so only Harry could hear. "She's my half-sister. Fourteen years old." His lips curled up in amusement. "And very clearly making doe eyes at you."
Harry's eyebrows furrowed. Why?
Asuma leaned in from his other side. "Her mother is Mei Hoshiko," he murmured. "The Daimyō's second concubine. That woman is ambitious. Always trying to one-up the rest of the family." His smirk turned knowing. "Maybe she thinks snaring the man who controls a dragon would be the perfect way to secure her status."
Harry winced. Oh, hell no.
"That's disturbing on so many levels," he muttered under his breath, resisting the urge to grimace. "Even if I wasn't ga—" He cut himself off abruptly, but it was already too late.
Shinji raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't what?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Nothing."
Asuma, however, was watching him with open curiosity. "You know," he mused, "I assumed you took in the boy after his mother died." His gaze sharpened slightly. "But you never once mentioned her. And now you're saying you're not interested in women?"
Shinji looked between them, his eyes widening slightly in realisation.
Harry sighed, rubbing at his temple. This wasn't exactly how he wanted this conversation to go. But, then again, he supposed there was no point in hiding it.
"There is no mother," he said finally. "Teddy is my son, by choice and blood. His donors gave away their right." He looked at them both, voice steady. "And I have no interest in women. At all."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then Shinji let out a soft laugh. "Well," he said, smirking, "that's certainly going to disappoint a lot of ambitious noblewomen." For a thirteen-year-old, he was surprisingly snarky.
Harry groaned.
Before he could say anything else, something shifted in the air.
It was sudden, an abrupt, sharp ping against his magic, like a thread of tension snapping in the room. Instinct kicked in before his conscious mind could catch up, his body moving on its own, hand lifting. His magic surged outward, invisible but solid, and—
CLANG.
Two blades froze mid-air, suspended just centimetres away from Kaito and Shinji's faces.
For a heartbeat, there was silence.
Then the entire room erupted into chaos.
Asuma and Tanaka moved instantly, both of them shooting towards the direction the blades had come from, cutting through the panicked crowd with practiced ease. Guards flooded the area, shouts rising in alarm as nobles scrambled back. Harry didn't hesitate, he grabbed Emiko, the little girl letting out a startled squeak as he lifted her, before ushering both Kaito and Shinji toward the Daimyō's guards.
"Stay close to your father," he ordered sharply, setting Emiko down once they reached safety. "Don't move until I say." Forgetting Asuma was the only one to understand him.
His eyes flicked across the room, assessing.
Two of the concubines stood near the back of the hall, their faces carefully composed, but Harry saw the flicker of disappointment in their eyes.
Not shock or fear.
Disappointment.
Were they disappointed because their plan had failed? Or because Naomi hadn't had the chance to approach him before the attack?
Madam Shijimi moved quickly, hurrying to check over her sons. The Daimyō, meanwhile, was red-faced with fury, his eyes blazing as he slammed his hand down onto the armrest of his throne.
The entire room fell silent.
Then, to Harry's utter bafflement, Madam Shijimi shoved her ugly cat into one of the concubine's arms, the woman recoiling slightly at the sudden burden. He had to fight back a laugh at the sheer look of disgust on her face.
Turning back to him, she spoke quickly, words of gratitude, her voice earnest, her hands pressing together as she bowed deeply.
Harry could understand her thanks, but Asuma had the twin earring. And Asuma was currently busy hunting down their would-be assassin.
Which meant...
Harry let out a slow breath, dragging a hand down his face.
He was going to have to mime his response, wasn't he?
Brilliant.
~
The palace was no longer safe.
Harry had known the moment the assassin struck that he couldn't stay here for long.
Shinji, for all his royal training, was rattled by the attack. He had apologised over and over, even though Harry knew it was hardly his fault.
Harry had ruffled his hair with a small sigh. "Shinji, it's not your fault that there are horrible people in the world."
The younger prince had looked up at Asuma for the translation, then eyes wide, lower lip trembling before he launched himself at Harry, wrapping him in a tight hug.
"I'm so thankful that you're my friend," Shinji mumbled against his chest.
For once, Tanaka looked almost relieved. There was no longer the careful wariness in his eyes when he looked at Harry. No hesitance in his bow when he thanked him for saving the prince's life twice now.
Still, whispers filled the court.
And the whispers were turning into plans.
Harry had heard them, the hushed voices of nobles and advisors, the murmurs of 'the dragon must belong to us…' and 'to control the beast is to control power itself…'
It was infuriating.
The sheer audacity of these people to think they could take Nox from him. He had barely begun formulating a plan when Asuma entered his room, his usual lazy expression replaced with something far more serious.
Harry's stomach twisted.
"The concubines are getting bolder," Asuma said, tone dark.
Harry raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "What now?"
"The second concubine, Mei, is pushing for the Daimyō to marry her daughter Naomi to you," Asuma said.
Harry froze.
His entire body went rigid, breath caught in his throat.
"She claims that tying a dragon to the Daimyō's line will bring prosperity for generations," Asuma continued, watching him closely.
Harry let out a slow breath through his nose, fingers flexing at his sides. Of course. Of course they would try this. It was just another manipulation, another way to control him like a piece on a chessboard. This was Dumbledore all over again.
He wouldn't allow it.
Harry turned to Shinji and the guards, voice calm but firm. "I'm sorry. But I'm recovered now. There is no way I will stay here with Teddy being in danger of assassination attempts just because some concubine wants me to marry her daughter." His green eyes burned with determination. "I will not risk my son over their ambitions."
Shinji looked crestfallen but nodded. "I understand." His voice was quiet.
Asuma, however, was more blunt. "You should leave tonight. The Daimyō is weak-willed. He may resist now, but his mistresses know how to bend him to their whims."
Harry exhaled sharply. "Then I'll leave."
He turned to Asuma. "But before I go, I want you to write a formal letter to the Daimyō. Make it clear that I find his concubines' manipulations offensive and that their attempts to steal my dragon are an insult. That if these attempts continue, I will not stop my dragon from showing her ire. That Prince Shinji has been an honourable host, but the Daimyō's concubines have bought shame to the household."
Asuma let out a low whistle. "Bold."
"Too much? You did say it would shame Shinji if I left, this just lets us blame someone else."
Shinji laughed, shaking his head. "Not at all. People here are already worshipping you like the Sage of Six Paths."
Harry frowned. "Who?"
Shinji just waved a hand. "It's a long story."
That night, Harry packed everything into his trunk, shrinking and slotting away his belongings.
Shinji, meanwhile, tried to return the pouch of gold Harry had given him.
Harry shook his head, pushing it back into his hands. "Shinji, that's nothing compared to what I have. Keep it."
Shinji hesitated but nodded.
"Though," Harry hummed, thoughtful. "I should probably figure out how to exchange my gold for the local currency."
Asuma snorted. "You think gold is what will keep you from going under the radar? Not, I don't know, the dragon?"
Harry shot him a glare. Then was told there are pawn shops and banks in certain towns.
Then he turned to Shinji, Asuma, Tanaka, and Saito.
He pulled out four small boxes and handed one to each of them.
Inside was a simple silver band etched with delicate runes and a small pendant on a black string.
"When you wear the ring, it will burn if there's poison nearby," Harry explained. "And the pendants," he hesitated. "If you ever need my aid, rub some blood on the back of the stone."
Silence.
Shinji's hands trembled as he closed the box. "Harry…"
Asuma just grinned. "You're making it hard to say goodbye, you know."
Saito held the ring up, examining the runes before slipping it on. "Thank you."
Tanaka, for once, just nodded, slipping on the ring without a word.
Nightfall arrived quickly after that.
Teddy was strapped securely to Harry's chest as they snuck through the palace corridors.
Nox was waiting, her golden eyes sharp and knowing.
Harry quickly put her saddle on, ignoring her complaints.
"Why must we leave? They worship me here. I am their deity."
Harry groaned. "Oh, Merlin, not this again."
The others were watching him with bemusement as he muttered to the dragon.
Finally, sighing, he summoned some of the decorative bowls, embroidered blankets, and drawings people had made of Nox. He shoved them into his satchel.
"There," he deadpanned. "Your worshippers will not be forgotten."
Nox rumbled in satisfaction.
Harry placed Teddy in the floating crib and sent it floating up to attach to the front of the saddle. The sphere clicked into place, protecting the sleeping infant.
It was time.
They were saying their goodbyes when shouts were heard. Torches in the distance.
Asuma acted instantly, gripping Harry by the waist and launching into the saddle before setting him down gently.
He smirked, brushing a strand of Harry's hair from his face. "Be safe. It would be a shame for such a beautiful man to perish in the middle of nowhere."
Despite knowing Asuma was teasing, Harry blushed.
Before he could respond, Asuma slipped off Nox's back, tossing the dragon earring to Harry.
With a final command, Nox spread her wings and leapt into the air.
Below, lanterns flickered like fireflies in the night, torches weaving through the city as the palace faded into the distance.
~ Asuma POV ~
Asuma stood at the edge of the palace courtyard, watching as the dark silhouette of Nox disappeared into the sky, the massive dragon blending into the night like a living shadow.
Hari was gone.
It was for the best he supposed.
He had known it would come to this, had seen it in the shifting undercurrents of the court, in the way the advisors whispered behind their hands, the glint of greed in Concubine Mei's eyes.
The Daimyō was a weak-willed man, swayed by those who promised him power or pleasure. It had only been a matter of time before they turned their sights on Harry.
And Hari, for all his power and mystery, was no fool.
Asuma let out a slow breath, dragging a hand through his dark hair as he thought back on the past two weeks.
Hari had been an enigma from the moment he had arrived. He was careful in what he revealed, his words chosen with precision, his actions meticulous.
But Asuma was a perceptive man.
And he was sure—absolutely certain—that he had more than one Kekkei Genkai.
The things he had seen, the raw force of his abilities… it was beyond anything he had ever encountered. No clan, no bloodline he knew of, possessed that particular combination of power.
But Asuma had never dared mention it aloud. The palace was riddled with spies, and even a whisper of such potential would have painted an even bigger target on Hari's back. He didn't even dare to mention his possible connection to the Senju clan either.
He had already drawn too much attention.
And yet…
What a shame.
Asuma smirked slightly, exhaling smoke from the cigarette he had lit.
It really was a shame that Hari had to leave.
For all the trouble he brought, he was good company. Clever, sharp-tongued, and more powerful than most shinobi could dream of.
And if Asuma was being completely honest, he was beautiful.
The thought drifted unbidden through his mind as he recalled the way Hari had looked at the feast. Dressed in those finely embroidered robes, his dark hair loose and gleaming in the candlelight, his sharp green eyes taking in everything around him with calculating intelligence.
Yes, beautiful was the right word.
He shook himself, pulling his thoughts away as the sound of hurried footsteps filled the courtyard.
The Daimyō arrived, his robes in disarray, Concubine Mei huffing as she struggled to keep up with him. The guards stood at attention, their hands hovering near their weapons, unsure of what to expect.
"Where is he?!" the Daimyō bellowed. "Where is the dragon and its rider?"
Asuma flicked his cigarette away and smirked.
Showtime.
Shinji stepped forward, the perfect image of a composed young prince. He held himself with regal grace, his face impassive, his hands folded behind his back.
"Father," he greeted smoothly, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority.
The Daimyō turned to him, nostrils flaring. "Tell me, where has Lord Harrison gone?"
Shinji tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes glinting. "He has left."
Mei let out an indignant noise. "Left? He cannot leave! We must send men after him at once! We must—"
Shinji turned his sharp gaze on her, his princely mask never slipping. "You misunderstand, Concubine Mei. Lord Harrison was willing to stay in the capital for a time. He wished to share his knowledge, his culture, his ways with us. But when he heard whispers of your intentions—" his eyes darkened as he glared at her "—to force him into marriage with your daughter, despite his loyalty and protection of both your sons, he took it as an insult."
The Daimyō paled, while Mei's face twisted in fury. "I only—"
Shinji did not let her speak.
"You shamed him. You disrespected him. After all he has done to protect this court, after he risked his life alongside our guards, you tried to bind him to this palace like a caged beast. He feared for his son's safety, worried that if he was forced into marriage, someone would see fit to remove his child—his rightful heir."
Silence fell over the courtyard.
The Daimyō looked stricken. Mei's expression turned tight with anger, her hands curling into fists.
Shinji reached into his robes and pulled out a letter, stepping forward to hand it to his father. "Lord Harrison left this for you."
The Daimyō's hands trembled as he unsealed the parchment and began to read.
Asuma watched carefully, noting the way the blood drained from the older man's face as he reached the latter half of the letter.
Then, suddenly, he turned to Mei and slapped her across the face.
The crack echoed through the courtyard.
"You foolish woman!" the Daimyō roared. "You have angered the gods' champion! Do you not realise what you have done?!"
Mei staggered, her expression one of pure disbelief. "B-But—"
"You will isolate yourself in shame for the next three moons," the Daimyō declared, his voice thunderous. "You will receive none of your usual gifts, none of your influence. You will remain confined to your quarters."
Mei's eyes widened. "My Lord, please—"
"Silence!"
She fell quiet, her lips trembling as she stared at the ground.
Shinji stepped back, his face unreadable. Asuma exchanged a glance with Tanaka and Saito. The plan had worked better than they had expected.
The Daimyō took a shuddering breath, clutching the letter in his hands as though it would somehow undo the damage already done. "I must write to him. I must—"
"You will do nothing," Shinji cut in smoothly. "You will leave him be. He has granted us his protection for now, but if you seek to manipulate him, you may find yourself on the wrong side of his dragon's fire."
The Daimyō swallowed hard. He had seen Nox's power firsthand. He knew the truth of those words.
A heavy silence followed before the older man finally sighed, sagging with the weight of his own cowardice. "Very well."
Asuma exhaled slowly, watching as the tension began to settle.
The four of them—Shinji, Tanaka, Saito, and himself—exchanged looks once the Daimyō and Mei departed, leaving the courtyard eerily quiet.
Shinji let out a small breath and smirked. "That went well."
Saito chuckled. "A bit too well. I almost feel bad for her."
"Almost," Tanaka added.
They fell into silence for a moment before Saito glanced up toward the sky. "Where do you think Lord Harrison will go now?"
Tanaka hummed in thought. "They were heading northeast, perhaps the Land of Snow?"
Asuma's gaze flickered toward the sky. And for just a moment, just the briefest of moments, he could have sworn he saw something else.
A bird.
A bird of fire, soaring in the same direction as Harry had gone.
Asuma blinked, and it was gone.
He shook his head, exhaling another cloud of smoke before glancing up again, murmuring under his breath.
"Good luck, Hari."