To Train A Bad-Ass
By Stargatesg1fan1 Disclaimer: I own nothing of any recognized characters or universes within.
Women Bonded to Harry Potter in This Story
Ros is Played by Esme Bianco Leaf is Played by Kae Alexander Ygritte is Played by Rose Leslie Missandei is Played by Nathalie Emmanuel Daenerys 'Daeny' Targaryen is Played by Emilia Clarke Melisandre is played by Catrice Van Houten
Margaery Tyrell is played by Natalie Dormer Sansa Stark is played by Sophie Turner Tyene Sand is played by Rosabell Laurenti Sellers Myrcella Baratheon Lannister is played by Nell Tiger Free Cersei Lannister is played by Lena Heady
Arya Svit Kona is played by Sienna Guillory Hermione Granger is played by Emma Watson
Chapter 30
When Harry, Arya, and Saphira did emerge from their tent they were all dressed for battle. Saphira was wearing her armor. Yet it was charmed to be hidden. Those who looked at it would only see her scales. It was also charmed silent and with comfort charms Harry knew so that as far as she was concerned she wasn't wearing it.
"There's a familiar mind nearbe," Harry said as he went in a certain direction.
Sure enough it only took a few minutes walk to arrive at a tent where Angela was brewing something in a cauldron. Harry recognized various poisonous ingredients hanging on a tripod over one of the fiery vents from the earth. Solembum let out a short yowl to alert Angela of her visitors. Angela looked up and saw them. She glanced between them and then smiled.
"Good. You two have gotten together. It's about time," Angela said. "You don't seem surprised," Arya said.
"I have my sources on things," Angela said with a shrug. "You two both deserve some happiness." She tilted her head and said, "Though it looks like you haven't fully done the deed. Taking things slow are you. Only a speed an elf could handle," She said with a shake of her head.
Angela didn't appear to be surprised at Eragon's appearance. She reminded Harry a lot of Luna Lovegood. Solembum had gone up to Saphira and began to rub against her. The two discussed Maud the werecat in Ellesmera.
"As amusing as ever Angela," Harry said with a grin.
"I'm glad I amuse you," Angela replied. "So I assume you have met Orrin. What did you think of him?"
"A bit eccentric but otherwise not a bad man from what I could tell," Harry replied. "I'll admit that I am surprised at all the natural philosophy glassware he had carted out to a battlefield without breaking."
Angela's ears literally perked up at this.
"Can you describe what glassware he has?" Angela asked eagerly.
"Better yet I can show you," Harry said as he projected an illusion of what was in Orrin's tent.
"Oh this could prove interesting indeed," Angela said. "If you'll excuse me I need to pay Orrin a visit," She added while gathering up herbs and poisonous ingredients."
"Of course," Harry said as he and his ladies moved on.
It was after they had moved away that Arya said, "I do believe she became sexually aroused when you showed her all the glassware Orrin had with him. She had a distinct scent about her."
"I thought I was imagining things," Harry admitted. "You were not. I do wonder if she plans to pay Orrin for the use of his equipment by tending to
his more personal equipment," Arya suggested with an amused grin. "How interesting," Harry mused.
Trianna's tent was hidden behind a spur of rock meant to conceal it from enemy magicians in Galbatorix's army. Harry had his probe scan for the woman and it took them directly to her. Trianna burst out of the tent as they approached with several of the Du Vrangr Gata magicians behind her looking rather frightened yet ready to do what battle they could.
"Shadeslayer," Trianna said with surprise. "We were preparing to do battle with what we thought a formidable foe. We did not realize it was you we were sensing."
"My apologies for startling you. We just arrived and got settled in," Harry said. "What brings you here?" Trianna asked.
"We have at our disposal some allies," Harry said while Blodgharm and two other elves were concealed behind him.
Harry had revealed his ability to cloak objects and himself from sight to this guards. It had been decided to always keep a few guards concealed with him at all times.
"We wanted to coordinate their actions with yours," Arya added. "I see," Trianna said. "These allies are spellcasters?" "They are," Harry confirmed.
"I suppose any additional help would be appreciated. In truth we are glad you are here. We did not relish trying to take on the enemy magicians the empire's army is likely well supplied with," Trianna admitted.
"Then let us discuss strategy," Harry said. "My plan is for your magicians to search out enemy magicians. When you locate them you can tell me and I will join strength with you. Together we will slay those magicians. Then I will deal with the troops they were previously protecting," Harry said.
"A sound plan," Trianna said. "When you say deal with what do you mean?"
"Those who would turn aside from Galbatorix if not for their livlihoods being threatened shall be spared but put into a coma that appears like death. Those who would not turn aside from Galbatorix will be slain," Harry explained.
"How do you intend to ascertain one group from the other?" Trianna asked.
"I have a spell which can do it quickly," Harry said.
Harry was making plans to relocate those families of the soldiers he would spare. Even if it only amounted to 25% of the army that would still turn Galbatorix's men against him. Harry knew it would only work this once. In the future Galbatorix would likely find a way to bind his men to him through magic.
Over the next few hours Arya and Harry talkd with the members of Du Vrangr Gata that were present. First these magicians were assessed for their knowledge about magic. A lot of what they knew was blended in with superstitions. Most were taught in extreme secrecy by a relative so as to avoid attraction the attention of Galbatorix's government. They knew very little of the Ancient language. About a third of the spellcasters were better dispositioned to deal with healing. Harry and Arya gave them a wider range of spells to use to treat injuries before sending them off. Tunaia was the bodyguard best suited to healing although all could accomplish it. Tunaia went off with the healers to help them practice the healing magic.
Those with Harry with the exception of Arya didn't know it, but Harry established a time dilation field around the tent where he met with Du Vrangr Gata. He, Arya, and Blodgharm worked with the human magicians to practice spells. Many of them needed the practice under proper tutelage. That evening when he dropped the time dilation field, Harry was asked to see Nasuada about an urgent matter by a messenger.
When Harry and company entered Nasuada's pavilion she wasted little time in telling him, "Scouts have reported a company of about one hundred Kull approach from the northwest. They fly a white flag and have asked to speak with me. I would like you to be present when I do so."
"Of course," Harry agreed. "I learned some parts of Urgal culture during my training."
"That could be useful," Nasuada said.
Nasuada had her people tie back the front of the pavilion to make it more open. They knew when the Urgals had arrived because of the cries of disdain from that part of the camp. The people of the Varden jeered at the urgal as a single warrior came into view of the command pavilion. This urgal was perhaps eight and a half feet tall with long black hair and curling horns. The males were called rams. This ram wore only a loin cloth and a metal plate between his horns to protect the top of his head.
"His mind is strongly shielded," Harry reported from where he stood near Nasuada.
Jormundur and the other commanders of the Varden were present. The guards quieted the crowd as the ram stopped before the pavilion. The ram then let out a long ululating bellow until his lungs were empty. This had several men drawing swords ready to strike him down.
"What treachery is this, Lady Nightstalker. I was promised safe passage. Do humans break their word so easily?" Nar Garzhvog, the ram, said.
"Do not take offense," Harry whispered to Nasuada. "This is the way Urgals greet war chiefs. The proper response is to then butt heads."
"We will keep our word," Nasuda said. "My men are just not used to urgal war chief greetings. I am unaccomstomed to them myself. My ally Eragon Shadeslayer is aware of them though," She added while gesturing towards Harry.
Garzhvog turned his attention to Harry.
"You killed many of my kind in the dwarf's mountain Rider. You also freed us from Galbatorix's flame-haired shaman. For that you have thanks," Garzhvog said. "I am Nar Garzhvog of the Bolvek tribe. I speak for my people. My people love war. Since the fall of the Riders my people have grown so much our land cannot hold us."
"That is why you made a pact with Galbatorix," Nasuda surmised.
"Yes. In exchange for killing his enemies he would give us land. He betrayed us. He bent the minds of our ruling dams, the Herndall. My mate was sent to Galbatorix to ask him why he betrayed us. She did not return. For his betrayal our people will fight him with you," Garzhvog said.
"For what price?" Harry asked. "For land to feed our people once we have Galbatorix's blood," Garzhvog replied.
"You will have to curb your population at some point. You cannot grow without restriction. Yet you are not at that point," Harry said.
"It is not natural to restrict our people. But I will speak to them of it," Garzhvog replied.
Nasuada said, "The Varden agree to this as well."
"As do the elves," Arya said knowing her mother's mind in this.
"I cannot speak for my king in this," Orik said from where he stood nearby. "But I will speak to him of it."
"You and your warriors can camp along the eastern flank of our army," Nasuada said after a moment of silence. "Keep a little distance between your camp and ours."
"Very well," Garzhvog said before he left.
"Spread the word that the Urgals are not to be attacked or provoked unless they attack first," Nasuada told Jormundur.
"Aye my Lady," Jormundur agreed.
Orrin was approaching the meeting pavilion when a messenger came in and shouted, "A horseman is approaching from the empire."
The leaders made their way to the front of the encampment. Harry followed alongside Arya. His bodyguards were also with him. A single rider pulled to a stop thirty yards from the poles at the front of the Varden encampment.
"By refusing King Galbatorix's generous terms of surrender, you choose death as your fate. Negotation is over. If any of you still hold regard for the all-knowing, all-powerful King Galbatorix, your rightful sovereign, flee! None may stand before us once we begin cleansing Alagaesia of every subversive and traitor. If you do not you will suffer the doom of your herald," Haram, the Empire's messenger, shouted before pulling out the severed head of the messenger the Varden had sent.
Haram tossed the other messenger's head towards the Varden and sped his horse back towards the Empire's forces. Haram didn't stand a chance. Saphira let out a roar that caused Haram's horse to jerk to the right throwing the man from its back. Haram fell into a gout of flame that came out of one of the vents in the ground. The Varden let out a cheer at this turn of events.
"I think they will attack at dawn," Nasuada said. "I think you are right," Harry said. "We had best all be ready." Harry's Tent
"I know we have only been together as a couple a short time," Arya began as she laid cuddled up with Harry after they had just been physically intimate. "But I feel given what may happen tomorrow I should say this." She met his eyes and said, "I love you."
"I love you too," Harry replied. Their lips met in a tender kiss that went on for some time. "You didn't have to say it back," Arya said. "I was not expecting it."
"I didn't say it out of any obligation," Harry said. "I said it because I meant it. You're right. I wouldn't normally say it so soon. Yet given what we are going into tomorrow it is not better left unsaid."
The couple talked for a little while more before falling into their resting trance.
"Let me," Harry said the next morning as he saw Arya working to fasten up her armor. "Thank you," Arya said. "You look beautiful today," Harry complimented which earned him a smile from Arya.
"Thank you. Just don't let it distract you," Arya teased. "Let me help you with yours," She offered as he finished with her armor. She helped him get his armor fastended up. Her hand came down and cupped his crotch. "Just checking to make sure it is adequately protected," She whispered into his ear before lightly nibbling on it right ear lobe.
"You don't want me to be distracted yet do that," Harry said playfully turning to face her. "Just giving you something to live for," Arya bantered back.
"Oh is that what you're doing," Harry said with a grin. There was a knock at the wards of the tent. "Come in," Harry called.
Blodgharm stepped into the tent and saw Harry and Arya holding one another.
"My Lord, My Lady," Blodgharm said. "The army is preparing for battle. My warriors are all ready."
"Good," Harry said.
Harry's probe had been monitoring the surroundings and couldn't help but take note that Harry and Arya hadn't been the only ones engaged in some pre-battle stress relief with the opposite sex. The elves had paired off into couples or small groups for some fun.
"We'll join you momentarily," Arya said.
Blodgharm nodded and backed out of the tent.
"I love you," Harry said.
"And I you," Arya replied.
The two kissed and parted. Saphira was already waiting outside having wanted to leave the two lovers to their time together.
"It would seem Angela and Solembum got in a little poisoning of the Empire's forces while we slept," Saphira sent to Harry and the elves surrounding him as the guards emerged from their tent.
"That will make things easier," Arya said. "How did the examination go?" Blodgharm asked as Wyrden returned.
"It went well," Wyrden said. "The Urgals are eager to prove they are not mindless monsters to be slaughtered. They have realized they cannot afford to have another Rider to want them all dead after seeing Eragon in action in Farthen Dur. They call him Firesword."
"Nasuada asked if one of us could examine the minds of four Urgals who are going to be her guard for this battle," Blodgharm explained.
"A wise precaution," Harry said.
It was a sad truth that Nasuada was actually more expendible than Eragon and Saphira. Therefore even though the Urgals were now somewhat trusted if they turned on the humans it was better they were near her rather than Eragon. Or at least that was how it was viewed by most people in the leadership of the resistance forces. Harry had a green dream the night before
that suggested if it weren't for the presence of the elves, it would have been him that the Urgals would have been guarding. As it was, with thirteen elves watching his back along with a host of dwarves under the command of Orik, Harry was well protected.
An hour before dawn the cries from the enemy camp began due to the poison Angela had slipped them. It was not pleasant to hear. Yet it would help the cause of the resistance.
Earth
The Hermione Granger known by many as Path-Hermione watched as the local version of herself struggled to read a book while laying in a reading nook next to the window. The local Hermione was staying with Harry at a very nice hotel as they continued their world tour. They were taking a brake from sight-seeing to just relax. Harry was off doing his thing while Hermione did some pleasure reading or tried to.
Path-Hermione had come across this universe in her multi-verse travels and found it was very intriguing. It wasn't one of the Path seed verses where her Ascended husband had seeded his power into his local counterpart. Yet despite that the local Harry was growing quite powerful and branching out into the multiverse. Path-Hermione could see her local self was struggling over the fact her boyfriend was living other lives in the multiverse with other women.
The young woman would eventually be alright on her own. In the meantime, she was struggling with the facts of her life. She loved Harry and couldn't imagine being without him. That didn't make the reality of the situation easier to digest. So, Path-Hermione decided to help out a bit. She would be getting something out of it as well. Path-Hermione created a soul-star within local Hermione. This soul-star linked the two Hermione's on the level of their very souls. Path- Hermione would experience everything local Hermione experienced. The soul-star could be customizd to work several different ways. It could send a constant feed of experience between the two beings it connected. It could work one way. It could send periodic updates of life experiences. It could even be configured to send only the highlights. Path-Hermione set up the soul-star to send her a constant feed while she was in-universe and only the highlights when she was out of the universe. Local-Hermione's non-highlight experiences would be fed to a backup storage medium of sorts maintained by Path-Hermione's replicat. That meant the experiences of Local-Hermione which didn't make it through in the highlights were stored via replicat in case Path-Hermione ever wanted to experience everything.
Hermione had made the soul-star one way. Local-Hemione wouldn't be finding out anytime soon or possibly ever that she was now joined with an incredibly powerful version of herself. Through this link, Local-Hermione and her Local-Harry would become part of the bond with Path-Hermione and her husband Path-Harry. Eventually that bond would spread to Local- Harry's other ladies. In this way Path-Harry would experience everything his local counterpart experienced including all of the Local-Harry's ladies. Path-Hermione and Path-Harry would make the decision to hold back access to their greater power along with knowledge of their existence. It made things more interesting that way.
Path-Hermione decided she did not want to overly influence her local counterpart at this time. She only made a few minor "alterations". She made it easier for Local-Hermione to accept the fact that Local-Harry had multiple partners. She also made it easier for the Local-Hermione to accept some interesting sexual experiences when the time came. Path-Hermione had to grin as she felt her husband Path-Harry's approval of her actions in this universe. She also felt his arousal at the thought of experiencing sex with some of the beauties connected to this universe through his local counterpart. Hermione herself had to admit that some of the local ladies such as Daenerys and Arya were stunning. Hermione was pleased at the level of lust her younger local counterpart inspired in him. His lust was just as intense if not more so for her local counterpart as it was for the other beauties. She still had it.
The resistance forces initiated the battle the next morning. They had no choice but to attack first for if they waited for the Empire's forces to be ready they would be doomed. While the sound of hammers and swords ringing against shields, other weapons, and flesh was heard, Harry focused his efforts on finding enemy magicians. It was a woman from Du Vrangr Gata, Laretta, who found the first Empire magician. Harry and Arya were sitting on Saphira's back together and joined their efforts mentally to overpower the enemy magician. Harry drained all of the magician's energy into a gem on his belt. Then he took control of the group of men the magician had been defending. He quickly determined with the help of his probe which men were redeemable and which were not. Those loyal to the Empire were drained of all their energy.
Those who only fought due to their families being within the Empire were drained into a comatose state. Harry stored all of this energy into that gem. While they were doing this both Harry and Arya fired arrows at the enemy forces. With their enhanced senses they still managed to hit a target each time. Harry's bodyguards were doing the same. Harry had conjured a massive batch of arrows for their use before leaving the tent. The arrows would last half a day with how much energy he put into them. But that was enough. With Harry, Arya, and the twelve elves firing arrows they killed several thousand of the Empire's troops over the course of the battle.
Once the Empire had gotten over the somewhat surprise attack by the Varden, they started using their war engines. Catapaults sent hard baked ceramic projectiles. Trebuchets sent barrels of burning liquid accelerant. Ballistae sent six foot arrows. The damage the war engines were doing was significant. Harry acted quickly. He tapped into the power he had been storing in the gem from taking out groups of soldiers. He focused the power into concentrated beams of energy. He began launching them at the war engines. He sensed the resistance of the wards protecting the war engines. Yet the amount of power he sent into the attacks could not be denided. The wards were overwhelmed. In short order all of the war engines were no longer working. The Varden in the rear of the battle who had a bit more breathing room cheered.
"They've been ordered not to try to kill you or Saphira," Blodgharm reported to Harry at one point.
They were using mental communication at this point because it could be heard over the sound of the battle. Harry and his elven allies had taken note of the fact that none of the enemy magicians had attacked Harry or Saphira directly.
"It makes sense," Arya said. "Galbatorix wouldn't want to harm the only known female dragon."
"It also seriously handicaps his own forces. I can attack from a distance with immunity," Harry mused.
"I do not think we have the luxury of staying out of this physically," Saphira sent. "The Varden need us in the fight as a show of force. Look at how the superior numbers of the Empire are tiring out our soldiers."
"We should fight as a show of force," Harry said. "Shadeslayer, let me wear a glamor to look like you. I will act as a decoy," Blodgharm offered. "No. I will be safest to fight from Saphira's back," Harry said.
Saphira didn't fly into battle. She made her way on foot to the front lines. The elves and dwarves surrounding Saphira fought into the front lines of the Empire troops protecting Saphira's sides and back. Harry and Arya focused on Saphira's front, any enemy that got past her teeth and claws that is. They quickly cut down the enemy forces in front of them in a half circle. They could have pushed deeper into the Empire's forces. Yet that would have been foolish opening them to attacks from all sides. This action from Harry and company gave the regular resistance forces a breather. The Empire's forces temporarily focused on Harry's group. It seemed they were focusing on taking out Harry's defenders. The elves worked flawlessly together no doubt from many hours of practice.
The probes following Harry and Arya were capable of many things. The Harion floating cloaked above the battlefield was capable of far more. The Harion had already scanned the entirety of the Empire's forces the night before. Using time dilation it had then produced golem bodies for each of the soldiers who were redeemable. Harry had then animated the golems with animation charms. Only the soldiers who were loyal to the Empire remain. Over half the men there who Harry and the Varden were "slaying" were actually golems. The golems had not actually killed any of the resistance forces. They were directed to be just a bit slower than they could have been.
The hours passed in battle. Harry could tell the Varden were tiring. It wasn't as bad as it would have been had Harry's group not relieved the Varden periodically at the front lines. Yet they still tired. Despite the Empire's forces being reduced to golems the golems were still being fought. Harry had worked with Rhaezael to figure out how to convert energy from one of the advanced power sources they had to the type of energy stored in gems in Alaegaesia. They had been successful. During a lull in the battle during one of their retreats Harry proved how useful.
"How are you able to do this Shadeslayer?" Yaela asked as Harry finished filling up the two gems she carried on a belt she wore to the brim with energy.
"Yes. You should be exhausted," Sutara said. "I have been filling up my gems for a long time in preparation for a battle like this," Harry lied.
When Harry finished bolstering the energy reserves of his guards they prepared to head back into the fight. By this point the actual Varden soldiers fighting had been reduced to around 30,000 according to the Harion's sensors. With the golems it looked like the Empire still had 60,000 soldiers. The sound of a trumpet broke through the sound of battle.
"The dwarves are here," King Orrin cried from where he fought nearby.
"Take heart men of the Varden," Harry called while channeling a sonorous charm so that his voice carried. "The dwarves have arrived. King Hrothgar leads all dwarf warriors to our side."
A cheer rose up amongst the Varden. Then a few minutes later Trianna contacted Harry mentally.
"Shadeslayer, a ship comes up the Jiet river," Trianna reported. "I will go investigate," Harry said.
Harry told his guards what he was going to do. Blodgharm insisted on joining Harry and Arya upon Saphira's back which they allowed. Then Saphira took flight. When the ship came into view Harry recognized the Dragonwing. He had been expecting the ship for some time. Saphira came down out of the clouds and Harry was able to see the deck of the ship. Saphira pulled up short and hovered there. That was when Harry met Roran's gaze.
"Roran," Harry said in Roran's mind. "Think your answers and I will hear them. I did not expect you to come to the battle. But I shouldn't be surprised."
"You knew of our journeys then?" Roran asked.
"Aye, shortly after you departed Carvahall I became aware of it. Leaf has been keeping me informed. This is a battle we're in. There isn't a lot of time to chat. Are you staying and fighting or going?" Harry asked.
"Staying and fighting," Roran replied. "Then Leaf will watch over you," Harry replied before directing Saphira away.
Suddenly every man present on the Dragonwing found himself clad in armor. It was unlike any armor they had ever seen. It was flexible and black. It looked like dragon scales.
"More magic," Horst said from nearby Roran. "Leaf is looking out for us," Roran said. "Let's go kill us some soldiers."
"Are you alright?" Arya asked mentally with concern as she and the others rejoined the fight when Saphira had touched down into the battle once more.
"I am," Harry assured. "I can spare Tothen and Sutara to guard your cousin, Shadeslayer. It wouldn't do to have you
distracted in battle over concern for his well being," Blodgharm said. "I would appreciate that," Harry replied.
At one point Harry's group was fighting near Hrothgar's group. It was during a lull in fighting on their part of the battlefield when Harry's group was taking a slight respite.
"The elves changed you a great deal more than in just your education," Hrothgar said. "Not the elves," Harry replied. "The dragons." "It sounds like a tale I must here," Horthgar said. "But perhaps at a better time." "It'll be an interesting story to tell perhaps when the war is won," Harry replied.
The fighting picked back up and they were forced to return to battle. The other forces nearby needed a break. Roran caught glimpses of his cousin fighting and it was a sight to behold. It was eye-opening for all of the villagers from Caravahall present. Saphira was even more impressive. Between the reinforcements from the dwarves and the fact that Varden were able to rotate out with Harry's group, the Empire was being slowly pushed back. The efforts of the golems to not fight too hard was also extremely helpful. When it looked like things were not going well at all for the Empire, a horn sounded from the rear of the Empire's forces. A drum beat began to play. A dragon rose up from the back of the Empire's forces on the horizon. It was a red dragon. An armored man sat upon the dragon's back.
The probe at Harry's back immediately provided him details on this new Rider. "Murtagh," Harry thought with anguish.
"It's Murtagh?" Arya replied with alarm. Harry nodded. "You will not fight him alone," Arya insisted.
Harry looked back at her and then glanced back at Murtagh.
"I do not want to fight him at all," Harry said. "He will have to be subdued. He's carrying some kind of object of immense power. No. There are multiple objects."
Harry's probe was finding it hard to scan the details about the orbs Murtagh had magically concealed on his person. Murtagh raised his right armored hand and let out a blast of ruby energy at Hrothgar. The ruby energy consumed the wards set up by the dwarves to protect their king. Several dwarves fell dead as their energy was consumed. Hrothgar too fell dead. The sounds of dismay from the dwarves was immense.
It became obvious to Harry in that moment that Murtagh was being compelled by Galbatorix to do the king's bidding. Harry and Arya on Saphira's back rose into the air. They rose above the Varden but did not proceed forward. Murtagh did not proceed forward.
"Make him come to us," Harry said. "Where he will be vulnerable to us," Blodgharm agreed from the ground.
The other bodyguards prepared to attack the moment Murtagh flew closer on his dragon who Harry's probe was revealed to be called Thorn. Murtagh appeared to be smarter than that though. He raised his hand to let out another blast of ruby energy. Murtagh's hand was pointing towards the Varden's leadership.
"Can't have that," Harry said as he anchored himself in space and summoned Thorn.
Murtagh had to clutch at his dragon to avoid falling off as Thorn was jerked towards Harry. An alarmed Murtgh raised his hand trying to send a blast of ruby energy in Harry's direction to stop the magical pull. He didn't actually want to kill his brother and it was very important that Saphira not be overly harmed. When it became appartent that wasn't going to work, Murtagh desperately sent all of his magic towards the force pulling him. It was enough to break the summoning charm. But by that point Thorn was much closer to Harry's group. The elves were able to reach up with their magic to attack Murtagh. They were immediately engaged by the remaining magicians the Empire had left. A furious battle of magic and wills began to take place. The Empire magicians were far outmatched by the elven spellcasters. Yet they managed to delay the elvish guards from attacking Murtagh.
Murtagh took his only opportunity with the distraction to have Thorn close the distance. The two dragons clashed. Harry had to release the anchoring spell. He and Arya clung to Saphira as the two dragons grappled. Harry sent a ball of telekinetic energy at Thorn's head that knocked the dragon for a loop. Saphira was able to get the upper hand on the smaller dragon. Her claws dug a gouch in Thorn's thigh that caused Murtagh and Thorn to cry out in pain. Thorn plummeted away from the engagement and slowed his fall with his outspread wings. Murtagh and Thorn touched down on a plateau not far from the river. It was about that time that Blodgharm and the other elves were engaged by two familiar magicians. The Twins were carrying some of the same power sources that Murtagh had. The elves were struggling against the Twins.
By the time Saphira touched down on the plateu Murtagh had healed Thorn.
"I looked for you but was unable to find you," Harry said. "Galbatorix had spells concealing me," Murtagh answered. "If I had known I would have found a way to get you out of there," Harry said. "You can't hope to match Galbatorix," Murtagh replied. "Things have been stolen from him before without confronting him," Harry pointed out.
"True enough," Murtagh agreed. "You do have a way of doing the impossible. That is what we would need to be free of him. He punished me for spiting his years of hospitality. Then when Thorn hatched for me he made us swear fealty to him in the ancient language. We cannot defy him now."
"I will find a way around that," Harry promised.
Murtagh was silent for a moment. Then they both looked over towards the battle where the Twins were squaring off against the elves. The Twins were casting balls of energy at the elves who blocked them all. It was clear that only the power sources the Twins carried allowed them to remotely hold their own. But even then Harry imagined they would be overwhelmed given time. They would likely not have that time because Roran was creeping towards the Twins from behind a pile of dead bodies.
"You do not intend to warn your allies?" Arya asked from where she sat behind Harry, speaking for the first time during the meeting.
"They were not kind to me during my imprisonment. It was them who carried out my capture with the help of a group of Urgals they enscorcelled," Murtagh explained.
For a moment one of the Twins glanced towards the pile of dead bodies where Roran was concealed almost as if they sensed him. But only Harry could see Leaf crouching behind Roran with her people's version of a Notice-Me-Not upon her. She was concealing Roran magically.
"That is our cousin Roran," Harry said.
Murtagh looked surprised. When the Twin looked back to the battle, Roran leapt up and brought his hammer down upon that Twin's head. The other twin fell to the ground convulsing so intertwined had their minds been. Roran finished them both off with his hammer.
"Our family is strong," Murtagh said. "They are," Harry agreed. "What are the power sources you have on you?" Murtagh appeared surprised by the question.
"How do you know about those?" Murtagh asked. "I have learned much. But apparently not that," Harry said.
"My oaths to Galbatorix forbid me speaking of them. Anyone who has them has to swear additional oaths," Murtagh said while glancing at the Twins.
"I will find a way to free you brother," Harry said. "Tell Galbatorix the truth, that you could not get close to me long enough to overcome me because of the strong elvish spellcasters I had near me. You could only speak long enough because the Twins provided a distraction. A distraction which is over now."
It was at that moment that Murtagh sensed Blodgharm and the other elves rapidly moving their way. He mounted Thorn. Before Thorn leapt into the air Murtagh glanced at Harry and Arya one more time.
"I hope you succeed," Murtagh said.
Then Thorn leapt into the air and rapidly flew away. Blodgharm was the first to reach the plateu.
"Are you alright Shadeslayer, my Lady?" Blodgharm asked looking slightly winded.
"We are fine," Arya assured.
"We drove the enemy off," Harry added.
Blodgharm nodded in satisfaction. Harry immediately had Leaf retrieve the power sources from the bodies of the Twins for later study.
Hermione's dream began with an orgasm. In her dream she was having sex with Harry and they were both climaxing together. Feeling him finish inside of her as she orgasmed was one of the best sensations in existence for Hermione. Laying joined afterwards was pretty fantastic too. Having Harry inside of her for the first time was different as well.
"That was wonderful," Harry said before kissing her and slowly drawing out of her. Hermione felt empty. She cuddled up against him feeling sated. "Happy birthday love," Hermione said automatically. "How does it feel to be thirty-five?"
"About the same as thirty," Harry said. "Waking up to morning sex from my beautiful wife is certainly a great birthday present."
"Oh this isn't your birthday present love. This was just round one. Tonight I think you are really going to like your gift," Hermione promised. "Mum has already agreed to watch the kids until tomorrow so we can celebrate your birthday properly."
"I love you so much," Harry said with a grin. "I love you too," Hermione returned before getting up and walking naked to the bathroom.
She could feel Harry's eyes on her bum. She glanced back and sure enough he was admiring her rear unrepentantly. She was glad she could still inspire such feelings in him. If it wasn't for the metamorphmagus powers he had given her she doubt she would be able to after three kids.
As her day progressed in the dream Hermione got to meet her three children. Gerard Potter was 11 and would be starting Hogwarts the next month. Jon Potter was eight years old. And their younger sister Rose 'Rosie' Potter was an adorable five year old. Hermione thought all of her children were adorable. They were a mix of her and Harry. Hermione also learned what it was like working two golems at once. Although typically she used two. One of those golems was teaching her children both non-magical and magical disciplines. A second golem was taking meetings for her and running errands. Then there was the version of her that was her actual body. That version was at home working.
She and Harry were both part time researchers/inventors for their company which had expanded beyond the spaceflight and fusion reactor technology they rented/sold to the non-magical world. They were dealing in most major technologies and had even developed a line of non-magical appliances that worked in a magical environment. The ability to have a laptop in her home was a godsend for Hermione. Granted that laptop was more advanced than anything sold to the public. It was the latest Rhaezael had in his archives from the Furling and Alterran databases. She loved her job. It didn't even feel like a job half the time. The AI version of her own personality which Harry had created for her could take over one of her golem bodies and handle all of the mundane parts of her job. She only did the exciting parts of the research. Given that her family had billions upon billions of dollars personally they did not need to work. Their company was projected to break a trillion dollars in the next ten years. Despite learning about this during her dream day Hermione's mind kept going back to what her older self had planned for Harry's birthday surprise.
Potter Manor's Room of Requirements
Harry entered the RoR they had built inside their home to find a familiar scene. It was from the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. It was on the docks after the task in the lake had ended. Harry found himself standing there having just helped Gabrielle Delacour out of the water. Fleur rushed over and wrapped her sister in a towel while Harry got Hermione out of the water and dried her off.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you," Fleur said as she turned to Harry and wrapped him up in a hug. Pushing her scantily clad body against his. "You 'ave earned such a big reward for what you have done for me."
With that Fleur dropped to her knees and pulled down his swim trunks. "Fleur, I can't. Hermione is my girlfriend," Harry objected. "Nonsense Harry. It would be wrong to turn down your reward," Hermione said from his side.
Harry couldn't tell if the Fleur servicing him with her mouth was actually Fleur or if it was Hermione. He had been able to tell early on in their golem play because of his ability to sense magical signatures. Since then Hermione had gotten craftier and learned how to mask magical signatures. It was actually Hermione servicing him while the Hermione at his side was a golem. But to Harry it felt like this was the real Fleur.
"Don't you just love the feel of her mouth on your dick Harry," Hermione whispered in his ear. "Look at how much lust you are inspiring in our classmates."
Harry glanced over to the spectator stands and saw that all of the males had disappeared. Only witches under a certain age remained. All of them were opening their robes and playing with themselves. It was a treat for Harry's eyes. Susan Bones, Hannah Abbot, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, both Patil sisters, Luna Lovegood, Katie Bell, Alicia, Angelina, and more. They were all watching and masturbating.
"Given time I am sure they will all beg us to have you fuck them," Hermione whispered. "You have many birthdays." Her hand came around and cupped his balls. "But for now you have Fleur's tight pussy to try out."
Hermione woke up in her bed incredibly aroused. "That was a very strange dream," Hermione thought to herself. She looked over and saw Harry
sleeping next to her. She bit her lip. "Should I? He'd probably love to wake up that way." Harry was treated to waking up with Hermione's mouth upon him. It was glorious.
The Empire still had a significant force of just over twenty thousand actual men in the field. With the death of the Twins there weren't enough magic users to protect those men. So, the Empire had sounded the retreat. Murtagh being forced to retreat no doubt also played a part.
"Come, let us go heal those we can," Harry said.
Harry renewed the strength of Arya and his guards. James, Lily, Sirius, and Amelia also showed up and began healing those they could. All four had been given the serum which allowed them to more easily wield magic windlessly. Those they healed were typically unconscious so didn't see them. Those who were awake simply thought the four were part of Du Vrangr Gata. Harry was not sure how he wanted to handle the Hrothgar situation.
"My Greensight suggests that Hrothgar's successor will also be sympathetic to our cause," Leaf informed Harry. "If that makes your decision any easier. I know you didn't want your ability to travel through time to be widely known."
"You're right. I do not," Harry said. "Rhaezael," Harry sent. "Yes Harry," Rhaezael replied.
"Jump back in time a short distance and replace Hrothgar with a golem. Put the real Hrothgar in stasis," Harry instructed.
The Harion flickered momentarily above, coming back from its short time travel jump the moment after it left.
"It is done," Harry said. It was at that point that Harry came upon a group of warriors lamenting Hrothgar's death. Orik
staggered out of the kneeling position and over to Harry.
"Did you kill the coward who did this?" Orik asked.
"He fled when facing all of us. He was very powerful," Harry admitted.
"Barzuln," Orik swore. "Hrothgar was like a father to me. It's like losing my father all over again."
"I'm sorry for your loss my friend," Harry said while placing a hand on Orik's shoulder.
Harry felt a little shitty inside for not telling Orik yet that Hrothgar lived. Yet he did not want it commonly known he could time travel. People would seek him out to remedy all of their ills if they knew what he was capable of.
"How will this affect your people?" Arya asked.
Arya knew in general how things worked among the dwarves after spending so much time around them. She did not know the specifics.
"Hrothgar must be returned to Farthen Dur to be entombed. My clan Durgrimst Ingeitum must select a new grimstborith. The new king will be selected from among the thirteen clan chiefs," Orik explained.
"Uncertain times are ahead," Harry said. "You have my support my friend."
"Thank you Eragon," Orik said before returning to the group that was doing some kind of lamentation for Hrothgar.
Harry's group moved on from Orik's group and came upon Roran. The two cousins stopped in front of one another. Roran opened and closed his mouth several times. Then he punched Harry on the chin. Harry turned his head so that Roran wouldn't hurt himself. Given the strength and durability the dragons had blessed him with the blow didn't really hurt Harry.
"I deserved that," Harry said.
"You did," Roran agreed. "But you also deserve my thanks for how you have helped us even after you were gone. Things would have been much harder for us without the help you gave. I know you did not mean to bring the Empire upon us."
"Roran this is Saphira and this is Arya," Harry said while gesturing to his companions on either side.
Blodgharm and the rest remained a respectful distance back.
"I have heard a lot about you," Arya said. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I agree," Saphira projected.
"She speaks," Roran said with surprise.
"I do," Saphira answered.
"Come. We need to speak with the other leaders. You can accompany us," Harry said.
Roran nodded his agreement and fell in with their group. When they reached Nasuada's pavilion, Nasuada and Orrin were within.
"Eragon," Nasuada said. "I am glad to see you are alright."
"After a battle like that I am not sure anyone can be alright," Harry replied. "I'd like you to meet my cousin Roran. Roran this is King Orrin of Surda and Nasuada, the ruler of the Varden."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Orrin replied.
"I agree," Nasuada added. "Are the rumors true that the entire village of Carvahall came on the Dragon Wing?"
"Yes my Lady," Roran replied. "Galbatorix sent the Ra'zac after us. A good portion of the village stayed behind in Surda while those of us willing to fight came."
"Extraordinary," Orrin said. "We owe you great thanks for slaying those two magicians. They were formidable."
"What I want to know is how the Twins managed to withstand the might of twelve elves," Nasuada said.
"It would appear Galbatorix entrusted them with small magical power sources of some kind. These sources supplied them with magical energy. I have retrieved them from their bodies to study," Harry explained.
"I see," Nasuada said, unhappy with events. "Did you discover the identity of the new Rider?"
"I did," Harry said. "But I'll have your word that his identity does not go beyond those in this tent."
"You have it," Nasuada said.
Orrin nodded. Harry cast a binding on the two using his wizarding magic to make sure they couldn't tell others.
"It was Murtagh," Harry said. "Galbatorix has Murtagh bound by oaths in the ancient language to do his bidding," Arya added.
"I am sorry to hear what befell Murtagh after all he has been through. He fought for us in Farthen Dur," Nasuada said. "I can see why you don't want his identity getting out. Not only would it demoralize our people to know one who fought beside them is now an enemy. The dwarves would also seek retribution for Hrothgar."
"I will find a way to free him from his oaths," Harry said. "In that case I don't want him facing retribution for actions he could not control."
"I believe you will," Nasuada said.
The council went on for a few minutes longer discussing next steps. Then Harry's party left. Outside the pavilion they found a party from Carvahall along with Jeod waiting for them.
"It's good to see you again Horst," Harry said as he sweapt the man up in a bear hug. "It's good to see you as well Eragon," Horst said. "You've certainly filled out since you left."
When Harry greeted Jeod it was with a forearm clasp and Harry saying, "Thank you for helping my people. I assume you found the gift Leaf left in your trunk."
The last was said in a whisper while leaning in close to Jeod's ear. Harry drew back and saw Jeod's nod and whispered, "Thank you." Jeod had found the gold hidden for him in his trunk. "We will talk tomorrow," Harry told Roran. "It is getting late and we all need rest."
Roran nodded and departed with the villagers back to the Dragon Wing. Harry knew they should probably go to Helgrind to rescue Katrina's golem. Doing so seemed like such a waste just to protect the secret of the golems. Yet it would also give them the chance to accomplish killing the Ra'zac, something that should have long ago been corrected. When they made it into their tent, Harry and Arya immediately began to bathe. They rinsed off quickly and then shared a bath in the large tub. They were so exhausted they almost fell into their dream trance there. Harry was with it enough to carrying himself and Arya to their bed and hit them with a drying charm. He pulled the covers over their naked forms and they fell into their dream trance that way.