THE SOUL'S EXCHANGE

a daughter's father

After the tourney, Alicent retired to her chambers, her steps heavy with the weight of the evening feast ahead. The tournament’s conclusion brought the expected pageantry, but her mind was occupied elsewhere. The moment she stepped inside her room, she dismissed her maids with a wave. "No one is to disturb me unless it is Hermione," she ordered, shutting the door behind her.

She didn't need to prepare for the feast just yet. There were far more pressing matters—dark, light, and grey magic books spread across her chambers, remnants from her old world, gifts from Thanatos. She picked up one of the tomes and leafed through the pages, her mind preoccupied with the looming issue of how to control the accidental magic that would undoubtedly begin manifesting from Sirion and Aegon. Sirion had the advantage of experience, having lived a past life as a wizard, but Aegon… he had only just inherited his magic, tethered to her core moments before birth.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden weight on her back. Startled, she dropped the book as a familiar black grim dog leaped onto her, licking her face. She laughed, recognizing her old friend instantly. “Padfoot!” she exclaimed, tears pricking at her eyes. The massive dog continued licking her face, nudging at her in his usual playful manner.

The dog shifted, transforming into Sirius Stark, her godfather. He wasted no time, pulling her into a fierce embrace. Alicent clung to him, the years of separation, the loss, all crashing down in a wave of emotion. “I thought I would never see you again, you idiot,” she choked out, hitting him gently on the chest. “Why did you push me away? The Stupefy was meant for me, not you.”

Sirius held her close, cradling her as though she were still the little girl he had once protected. “You are my pup, my little puppy,” he murmured, brushing a hand through her hair. “Every wand, every sword, every arrow that comes for you will have to go through me first.”

Alicent broke down in his arms, her tears soaking into his furs as he comforted her. But their quiet moment was interrupted by small noises from across the room. Sirion, sensing the new presence, began making sounds to grab his mother’s attention.

Alicent stepped out of Sirius’ embrace, walking over to the crib where her son lay. “What’s wrong, my sweet?” she cooed, lifting him up. The baby’s eyes, wide and curious, flicked between his mother and the unfamiliar man in the room. Recognition dawned in Sirion's eyes as he locked onto Sirius.

Sirius froze, his eyes darting between Sirion and Aegon. His hands shook slightly as he carefully took Sirion from Alicent and placed him back in the crib, his gaze frantic. He turned back to her, voice breaking as he whispered, “My pup, my pup…”

Alicent frowned, concern flooding her expression. “Sirius, what’s wrong? Dadfoot, talk to me.”

Sirius gripped her shoulders tightly, pulling her close once again. “You’re my pup. Little pups like you have no business having other pups.” He shook his head, a mixture of disbelief and frustration clouding his features. “Besides, I’m too young to be a grandfather!”

Alicent blinked, taken aback. “Sirius—"

But Sirius didn’t seem to hear her at first. He was pacing now, his movements erratic as he muttered to himself. “James would kill me. He would absolutely kill me if he knew his little fawn had pups before she even turned twenty. And you—what were you thinking? You’re still so young, you’ve barely had a chance to—”

Alicent could barely contain her laughter, despite her godfather’s clear panic. “Sirius, you need to calm down.” She placed her hands on his shoulders, forcing him to stop pacing. “I’m an adult. You said it yourself, I’m eighteen. And these are my children. Which means you’re a grandfather now.”