Summary: When Eddard Stark gets thrown in the dungeons, he finds another prisoner in the cell across from his. They talk, with the other man asking questions about his Ned's family. Ned never learns the man's name until the man, one Harry Potter, who fought with him in Greyjoy's rebellion comes to call, rescuing Ned and the other prisoner. Only, their manner of escape is rather peculiar, seeing as it is escorted by dragons.

I do not own either GoT or HP. GRR Martin and JK Rowling owns them respectively.

This will be Harry/Rhaegar.

Lord Eddard Stark fought right alongside his king, Robert Baratheon, steel clanging against steel. The ironborn were hardened warriors and pirates, choosing death in battle over surrender at each battle and on each island. Horses screamed and people yelled and shouted, dying all around them. Thoros of Myr was around here somewhere, his bewitched flaming sword cutting down man after man.

The kingsguard surrounded Robert, every one of them protecting the king. Ser Barristan Selmy fought alongside Jamie Lannister.

As the sun rose on the last battle of Balon's failed rebellion, Ned could see bodies spread out everywhere. Bodies of Stark, Baratheon, Lannister, Tyrell bannermen were splayed together where they had fallen. The ironborn bodies numbered more, with their shields of the kraken fallen next to them. Ned heard a yell from one of the iron born, something along the lines of one of their princes falling in a fight and then there was a charge from the Grejoys and the others.

Instantly, the kingsguard closed ranks around the king and Ned made sure Robert was protected. Ice was bloody and was about to get more bloody as the day went on, cutting through the many raiders that made up the Iron born army. Sweat dripped into his eyes as he fought and exhaustion crept up through his body as he slipped in mud that was mostly blood. Howland Reed was no where to be seen in the battle and Ned hoped his friend was okay. Howland had readily agreed to accompany his liege lord, seeing as he knew that Ned was still not on the best of terms with Robert.

It seemed that the ironborn were trying to herd him away from the king, away from any friends or any of his bannermen. The Greyjoys of Pyke yelled and shouted in their own language as Ned cut down two and three more took their place. He distantly registered a slash to his thigh and cut down the offending man as blood slipped down his leg. He swayed in place and saw the mace too late as it was brought down onto him. He tried to block it with Ice but in just a few seconds before it would connect with his head, the weapon and the person wielding it went flying back.

Power came flooding in around him and a man came charging up to stop next to him. The man, as Ned took a swipe at the closest iron born and then took a look at the person who had saved his life, had untamed black hair and dark green eyes. Eyes that glowed.

"Careful there!" the man yelled then pulled out a blade that had come out of nowhere and struck at the closest opponent. The blade looked similar enough to valyrian steel that Ned thought that the man was a Lord of some house but he didn't recognize him as anyone from the North or from the south. Sickly green light flashed out at three Greyjoys farther away and they immediately keeled over with sightless eyes. Ned's eyes widened and then the battle continued, only with Ned occasionally having to duck out the way as the man threw out words in a foreign language.

The battle lasted until late morning and Ned watched as Balon Greyjoy bent the knee to Robert Baratheon. Balon's only remaining son, Theon, stood behind the throne, shaking with fear. Ned sighed and sheathed Ice, listening to Robert as he made demands of Balon. Fortunately, the Lannisters had no bannermen or sworn shields in this battle and thus, couldn't butcher another royal family.

He saw the man who had aided him on the battle field stand quietly at the back of the hall, alongside Howland Reed. The sword that the man had used was strapped to his back and the man's green eyes weren't glowing anymore. It almost gave Ned cause to think that he had imagined it.

"You will give us your son, to keep as a hostage," Robert was saying. "Lest you get anymore ideas about rebellion."

Ned walked over to where Theon was standing and crouched down. "Hello, Theon. Would you mind coming with me? I'm Lord Stark."

Theon shook, his legs near trembling.

"Get boy," Balon shouted, turning to his only remaining son. Balon's tone was harsh, unforgiving, like everything that had gone wrong was Theon's fault.

Theon shook his head, his grey eyes gone wide with fear.

"Theon, come," Ned spoke quietly.

"I'll take him back to the ship," Howland said, walking up to him.

"Thanks," Ned remarked, watching as Robert turned to him and came over. Ned also watched as Howland scooped up Theon and heard Theon's heartwrenching cries as they went.

"Almost as bad as the dragonspawn," Robert said, staring after Theon and Howland. Ned chose to ignore that word, remembering Robert gleefully looking down at the bodies of Aegon and Rhaenys after the Sack of King's Landing. "Ned, you said you wanted me to meet someone?"

Ned turned around to look back at the man who had saved his life. He caught the man's eyes and gestured for him to walk over to them. The man narrowed his green eyes but dipped his head, walking over to them in a graceful way, almost like he was a Braavosi water dancer.

"Lord Stark?"

The man's voice was curious and foreign, almost like a Valyrian accent but Ned had never heard a man speak like that.

"What is your name?" Ned asked.

"Harry Potter."

"Strange name. Which house are you from? You're probably from Essos more like," Robert responded, looking the man over. "Well, I have yet to knight Jorah Mormont and Jacelyn Bywater. I can knight him at the same time."

"Knight?" Harry repeated, his eyes flicking between Ned and Robert wearily. "Your Grace, I-"

"Nonsense. You saved Ned's life," Robert interrupted. "It's no small thing. You put a dent into these Ironborn too."

"Thanks," Ned spoke as he watched his bannermen walk up and into the ship that was bound for home. Ser Harry James Potter, stood next to him in the foggy morning. It was chilly but not too cold. Not as cold as it would be in the next few years since winter was here. It was lucky that the siege at Pyke had lasted for only a few days. As it was, Ned had to get home and quick to ready the North.

"You didn't mention anything of my magic to the king," Harry commented idly. Ned had found out that Harry was 25, one year younger than him, and had been traveling the world for a while. But Ned had yet to figure out where exactly Harry originated from.

"Robert… is not a man you mention that to," Ned replied quietly. "He speaks of the Targaryens as dragonspawn and is quick to think poorly of anyone who talks of strange things."

"Ah… I have heard of the Targaryens," Harry offered. "Their dragons were something to behold, I hear."

"If you had come to Westeros eight years before and had visited King's Landing, you would have seen the dragon skulls in the red keep," Ned responded. "They were magnificent."

"It all ended at Rhaegar Targaryen's death, or so I hear," Harry muttered. "His brother and sister are still moving about Essos."

Ned's eyes widened. "You have met Rhaegar's siblings?"

"I ran into them, yes," Harry said, shrugging. "The girl is rather timid, fearful. I made sure to drop off a random bag of gold with them before I left."

Ned sighed and looked up to see Theon standing by the railing of the ship. The boy was scared of everything and everyone now, unsure of his standing. "You are welcome to come with me back to Winterfell."

Harry turned to look at him. "I may join you on your ship but I may not stay in Winterfell for too long. I like to travel."

"Ser Harry?"

"Hmm?"

"What is your magic, anyway?" Ned asked. "I have never heard or seen its likeness before."

"That's because I'm not from around here," Harry explained then Ned watched the other man walked over the plank and onto the ship.

And so it was. Every few years, Ser Harry James Potter ventured back into Winterfell. He met little Robb and Jon, with whom Harry had raised a quizzical eyebrow to Ned, and then eventually he met little Sansa and Arya, baby Bran and Rickon too. Lady Catelyn appreciated hearing that Harry had saved Ned's life in the battle but was apprehensive about the man. The fact that Harry never seemed to grow older made Catelyn suspicious, knowing of the strange tales of the far North.

She spoke about it in length to Ned a fair few times, saying that she wasn't too sure about Ser Harry. Ned had said that the man was a friend to him and the subject was done. Harry always enjoyed coming to Winterfell and seeing the kids, taking a liking to Arya and Jon.

Over time, Ned and Harry grew to be close friends, with Harry leaving him a notebook to write in, in case Ned ever needed help with something. Be it a bad winter or raiding by wildlings. Ned wrote in it and Harry wrote back, writing descriptions of wherever he was at the time if Ned wasn't asking for advice. Sometimes, it was Essos and other times it was Dorne, in which Harry spoke of the Red Viper and his seductions. Ned's cheeks had reddened at that entry in Harry's book and he knew it was just playful on Harry's part, trying to get a rise out of Ned. Other times it was to places that Ned had only ever heard of. Sothoryos or Lys or Volantis. It was once occasionally the Basilisk Isles that Harry wrote about and Ned had laughed once or twice at Harry's commentary.

These isles deserve their name, Ned. I once fought a real basilisk and it was fully grown, almost 60 feet in length, unlike the basilisks in this world, and that was something. I've seen a basilisk here and it pales in comparison to the one where I came from.

Or something like this:

Ned, you do know that I know who Jon's real parents are, right? Even if everyone else doesn't see it. I see it. You're a Stark through and through. Maybe we should rescue his aunt and uncle. Though, the few times I've seen Viserys Targaryen, he seems like he really is Aerys' son from what I've heard of the man. Mayhap we should just keep an eye on Daenerys.

He had written back something like:

Harry, would you keep an eye on Daenerys? I would feel better if someone was keeping an eye out for them. They did not deserve this, to be hunted and on the run like common criminals.

Or he had written to Harry about the direwolves and asked for his opinion.

Eh, I see no harm in letting your children adopt them. Strange magic is in play here and I suspect… I might have had something to do with it but I am not too sure. Have you heard of wargs or skinchangers? The wildlings have them. You write of each wolf imprinting on the children. They might be wargs… Let me know if your children have any questions about it or talk about having wolf dreams.

And when Ned received word that Robert and his family were coming to Winterfell, he wrote Harry. They had just recently learned of Jon Arryn's death and Ned was cautious, having received Lysa's letter about the Lannisters. He hadn't heard from the man, wizard, or whatever he preferred to be called, in a while and just wanted to let him know.

Ned, be careful. I can't come now for various reasons but let me know how that visit goes. I'm in Valyria right now and the wonders here are incredible. The rumors about it being dangerous to get to are true but I'm okay. I would not… The last time I came back to Westeros, I visited King's Landing and took a peek at the crown prince. You would do well not to agree to a marriage with one of your daughters to him. He might even be worse than Aerys. If trouble finds you, use those portkeys I gave you last time I visited. They might come in handy for something.

The first night that King Robert Baratheon was in Winterfell, Ned stayed awake in bed with Cat. He pondered Harry's words and luckily, he had read them before the king had arrived. Robert had proposed marriage between Joffrey and Sansa, as a way to join their houses. He hadn't really noticed or studied Joffrey at dinner time but he had seen him watching Tommen spar with Robb. He had seen Joffrey laugh at his younger brother, with Joffrey sneering at Tommen.

"Ned?" Catelyn asked, rolling over in bed and raising an eyebrow. "What are you thinking of, dear?"

"Robert wants to join our houses with marriage," Ned whispered. "He suggested Joffrey and Sansa."

"Did you say yes? Sansa would be quite happy with that match," Catelyn remarked, her lips twitching up into a grin.

Ned shook his head. "I did not."

Catelyn's eyes widened. "Why ever not?"

"Harry wrote something in the book," Ned spoke. "He said he had gone to visit King's Landing and had walked away with a vastly unfavorable opinion of the crown prince."

"Seven hells, Ned. Harry says this and that and you still listen to him? I don't trust his magic," Catelyn said, frowning.

"He said that Joffrey could be worse than Aerys," Ned offered quietly. "I do not want our daughter to be married to that kind of man."

Catelyn went silent at that, thinking. "Mayhap, you can suggest Myrcella for Robb? I know the princess is young but we can wait. Robb can wait."

"Alright, little Cat," Ned spoke, grinning and pulling her into a hug. "I will suggest it. I already… Are you sure you are okay with me going south to be Robert's new hand?"

"I'm tolerating it," Catelyn murmured, her nose wrinkling. "The South is not a good place for us."

"I will be safe," Ned said. "I know Arya and Sansa are upset that they're not going but with Ser Harry's letter, I do not think sending them to court right now is a good option. I could ask someone to come up North to tutor Arya."

Catelyn frowned. "Ned, she needs to learn how to be a proper lady and that is not learning to swordfight."

"My sister learned," Ned replied. "I was glad she was able to protect herself."

"Your sister is not here with us."

"You know as well as I do that Arya usually eventually gets what she wants," Ned responded, wrapping his arms around Catelyn to ward away the sudden chill that he felt. She returned the sentiment, snuggling into his arms. He was unsure whether that was anxiety about going south, where none of his siblings had returned, or the weather. The hot springs of Winterfell were still working so mayhap it was something else. "I could write to Ser Harry about Sansa. Perhaps Doran Martell has a son that he can marry to a Stark."

Catelyn gasped. "So far though!

"Doran Martell is a good man," Ned tried. "Even though his sister and his sister's family is dead, he does not bear a grudge against us. And I think Ser Loras has other proclivities."

Catelyn frowned and pulled away. "The Dornish are strange people!"

"Our oldest daughter is strong," Ned said. "I think she would do well in Dorne."

Ser Harry, if you would not mind, would you send a letter to Doran Martell? I would ask him if he has a son for Sansa and perhaps a tutor for Arya in swordfighting. I do not trust anyone from the South but a Dornish knight perhaps would be acceptable.

Harry wrote back a few days later, finally resurfacing from wherever he had been in Valyria. Ned wondered what the man was seeing there, if it was indeed islands of fire. He had guessed that Harry had gone there to look at the ruins and maybe look at the ruins to see if there were left over scrolls of the dragonlord magic.

I will gladly get word to Doran. I know he has a son, Quentyn Martell, who is the older after Arianne Martell. Arianne is the heir to Sunspear so Quentyn would be… available, so to speak. I should be on my way back to Westeros in a few months so be safe in King's Landing. I will also see about getting a tutor for Arya. She's much like your sister, isn't she? What did you call it, the wolf blood? Arya Stark will be a handful during her teenage years.

You said Jon was going to the Wall? Why in the seven… Tell him to be safe. It's… Magic is coming back to the world and I don't think it will be very boring at the Wall in the coming years. Winter is coming, I can sense it. And if I can do that, the natural magic of the world is rising. I don't like it but then again, I did contribute to it. There was an accident two years ago and well… Everything will change when I go back to Westeros.

Ned raised an eyebrow at Harry's last sentence, wondering what the wizard had gotten into. He would ask him when Harry arrived back in Westeros in a few months.

An hour before Ned left Winterfell with King Robert a week later, he pulled Robb aside. Grey Wind was standing next to Robb, looking between them with lit up eyes. The direwolves were now tall enough to reach his children's waists and still growing. Catelyn was still at Bran's bedside, praying to the Faith for their son's life. Ned had written Harry the morning after Bran had fallen and had asked if he could come and see if he could heal Bran. Ned had seen Harry tend to at least a few Stark bannermen at the siege of Pyke and knew he was a proficient healer. Or whatever he called it. He knew that Harry didn't call himself a maester.

Robb looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Father?"

"I need to show you something, Robb," Ned murmured, gesturing for Robb to follow him into his solar. He hadn't shown any of his children Harry's book but with him leaving, Ned needed someone to know of its existence, in case something went wrong.

"A journal?" Robb questioned. "It looks like the book you use to keep track of our expenses. You showed it to me a few years ago."

"It's not," Ned remarked, picking it up and opening it to the latest page. "It only looks that way because Harry spelled it to look like it."

"Spelled?" Robb repeated. "Like… magic? Is this like the old magic that came with the dragons?"

"I have told you about my friend that saved my life when Theon's father rebelled?"

"Yes… Ser Harry Potter? What about him?"

"He is a wizard, like the Rhoynar water wizards of old but far more powerful," Ned explained. "I have been writing to him for advice all these years and he mentioned something about Joffrey. He saidthat I might… Sansa might not like being married to the crown prince."

Robb's eyes widened as he looked between the book and down to where the girls rooms were. "That's why you suggested that I marry Myrcella when she's older. Because what Ser Harry said."

Ned nodded. "I trust Ser Harry with important matters, just like I trust you as my heir."

Robb grinned.

"I will be making preparations for the wedding when I am in King's Landing," Ned spoke, smiling hesitantly. "Myrcella Baratheon has been known to have a gentle heart. I think you two will do fine. However, the letter from your Aunt Lysa..."

"It concerns you and mother," Robb said. "I heard you two talking about it."

Lord Eddard Stark nodded, turning to look over to where King Robert was getting ready to ride south. Robert was insisting on riding on horse back, instead of riding with his family in the carriage. He was blaming everyone other than himself when none of the horses were big enough to carry him. Ned sighed and turned back to his son. "I will investigate matters in the south and whether or not Lysa was telling the truth and why Jon Arryn died. In case something goes wrong though, write to Ser Harry through the notebook. He can give good advice. Anyway, he is planning on arriving here in the next few months to see if he can help Bran."

Robb's eyes widened. "You think something will happen?"

"No. You just need to be prepared and I will appreciate it if I know you have someone to go to for advice."

A few months later, Ned was arrested and thrown in the dungeons. Jory Cassel was dead and so was the rest of his house hold that he had brought with him to King's Landing. King Robert Baratheon was dead and Petyr Baelish had betrayed him. Cersei had imprisoned him, her lion's claws coming out to protect her bastard children. He was grateful that his children were not in King's Landing, grateful to Harry for warning him of at least Prince Joffrey's nature. Still, he had not expected Robert to die or for Robert to be murdered by the queen. He had not expected Baelish to betray him but granted, he may have been rusty at the courtly intrigue.

He cursed loudly at a particularly bad inset of pain and the nerves in his leg felt like they were on fire. He tried to move around a little, alleviate it but to no avail.

His leg still hurt, throbbing each time he moved around. The chains around his wrist clinked when he moved to attempt to fall asleep. It was also hard to tell whether it was day or night here. It was cold and dank, spider webs strewn all around and not a sound was heard. There was no light around for what seemed like miles and no other person around for-

"Hello?"

Ned started, his eyes widening at the hoarse tone. It had sounded like it was coming from across the hall, near the end of the tunnel in the dungeons. "Is someone there?"

"Please..."

"I'm here," Ned finally spoke, his voice hoarse also from lack of water. Though the person, who was most certainly a male, was also hoarse. The man almost sounded like he was half dead, like the effort of speaking was too much. There were significant gaps between the man's words and Ned flinched when he heard a distinct whine or whimper. "Where are you?"

"At the end of the hall… Who are you?"

"Eddard Stark. Who are you?"

"Eddard Stark? Lyanna Stark's brother?"

Ned raised an eyebrow. Mayhap the man was a servant or one of the smallfolk but he didn't expect Joffrey or Cersei to care about one of the smallfolk enough to throw them this deep in the dungeons. Though, he had already underestimated Cersei's willingness to protect her children. Maybe it was one of the smallfolk…

"Yes, I'm Lyanna's brother," Eddard replied quietly, raising his voice just enough to be heard by the other man. "How long have you been here?"

Ned waited a while for an answer and finally thought he had offended the man somehow, but the other man spoke what felt like an hour later. The other prisoner started to speak than coughed, falling into a fit that lasted a while. Ned flinched at listening to the other man. The captive was probably ill with some sickness, maybe even dying.

"… I'm sorry."

Ned's eyes widened. "You're sorry? For what? I don't think I've ever met you before. You do not sound familiar."

"We have met. Once. At a tourney that seems like it was a long time ago. I don't exactly know how much time has passed since I was put in here."

AN: AN: I have created a facebook page for readers of my stories to ask questions, leave comments, anything like that. I will also be putting polls for pairings eventually on there too so feel free to like the page. And I will try my best to post updates on stories too.

Just search for 'molmcmahon' on facebook if you're interested.