Harry Potter: The Last Exodus

An Unexpected Return

Harry stood frozen, staring at the familiar figure slumped on the floor in front of the shattered Veil. He took in the long, dark hair, the lean figure—and then he whispered, barely daring to believe it. "Sirius..."

At the sound of his name, the man's head lifted, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met. But then, before anyone could say a word, Sirius swayed and collapsed, unconscious.

"Get him to Aurora Sanctum Hospital—now!" Harry called, urgency in his voice. Several nearby wizards rushed forward, carefully lifting Sirius onto a stretcher. Without hesitation, Harry followed them out, his thoughts racing.

At the hospital, Harry spoke briefly with Hannah Abbott, the head healer and president of Aurora Sanctum. She nodded, understanding his silent request, and assigned Sirius to a private room where he could receive the care he needed.

"He's malnourished, and he's been through something unimaginable," Hannah said quietly as she performed a diagnostic spell, her face lined with concern. "He needs rest, along with a proper regimen of potions. He'll be in here at least a month."

Harry nodded, feeling a wave of both relief and worry. He hadn't seen his godfather in years—had accepted long ago that he would never see him again. But here he was, back, alive, yet fragile.

Hours passed, and Harry kept a steady vigil at Sirius's side, watching as his godfather's breathing grew steadier. Late into the evening, a soft groan broke the silence as Sirius finally opened his eyes. His gaze fell on Harry, a flicker of recognition and confusion swirling in his weary eyes.

"Sirius," Harry murmured, leaning forward. "It's me."

Sirius blinked, frowning as if he were piecing together a memory. "Harry?" His voice was faint, hoarse from disuse.

Harry offered a gentle smile. "Yes, it's me. You're safe now."

Sirius's hand moved slightly, but his expression clouded as he glanced around the room. "Where... where am I? I don't... remember..."

"It's all right, Sirius." Harry took a steadying breath, unsure of how much his godfather could handle just yet. "You've been through a lot. We're in a different place now. It's... a new world."

"A new world?" Sirius echoed, voice thick with disbelief.

Harry offered a short explanation, condensing the events that had brought them all here. "Magic was dying back in our world. We all had to leave, to save ourselves—and to preserve what's left of magic. This is... our new home."

Sirius lay back, digesting the words with a mixture of awe and confusion. "So... I really did cross over. I felt like... I was somewhere else. A veil... I don't know how I..."

"You've been through something none of us can imagine." Harry's voice softened. "But you're here now, and you're safe."

Hannah returned, her expression compassionate but firm. "Sirius, you'll need to rest and regain your strength," she said. "There are some lingering effects from... Azkaban. But with a regular potion regimen and rest, you'll recover."

Sirius's face relaxed, a flicker of acceptance easing the lines of tension.

"I'll stay close by," Harry promised as Sirius's eyes drifted closed again, a trace of peace settling over him.