( You can blame my audio books for this one. ( 105 hours, roughly for the series ) I came up with the idea, around the end of the first book, and fleshing it out as I worked my way through. I am not fully sure on some details on some of how the magic will work. And some of the plot beyond of the Inheritance series is still unknown.

Either way please enjoy. )

Chapter 01

Harry gave Hermione a final hug before he turned towards the black fire that blocked his path. Looking at the potion in his hand, he glanced back to where Hermione had been. But she had already swallowed her potion and left the room. Harry looked back to the potion in his hand and sighed heavily. He knew it would happen sometime, but not so soon, he would have to face down Voldemort.

"You think that as a kid I could have avoided dealing with things like this," Harry said out loudly.

Beside him a ghostly figure appeared, silvery white and transparent. It was a female around about twenty, with long hair and kind eyes. Eyes just like his own, if they had not belonged to a ghost. His mother's ghost to be precise. Lily Potter.

"If Dumbledore and the ministry had done their job, we would never had to deal with this again," Lily answered, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.

Lily since she had been murdered by Voldemort when Harry was only one, had decided to remain behind. She had been barely able to being reforming, when she saw Voldemort level his wand at Harry. She possessed Harry, thus able to rebound Voldemort's spell destroying Voldemort's body, and even blocking his spirit from clinging onto Harry when it fled.

She had been with him in dreams at first, then later on comforting him when he grew up. He never was well treated, but neither was he abused thanks to her possession. She could be seen by her sister Petunia, as a ghostly figure barely visible. This alone was enough to keep Petunia and her husband Vernon from doing anything to Harry.

Then once he was old enough, Lily began teaching Harry everything she knew. She started with the simple things that she had learned as a kid. Growing flowers and plants. He mastered them after nearly a year of trying and practice before moving onto other skills. Nothing to big, nothing that would have the Ministry of Magic or Dumbledore alerted to the fact someone was teaching Harry about magic.

She did not trust Dumbledore nor the Ministry of Magic at all. They did not listen nor considered the Potter's Will in the slightest. For it said that Harry was not to be given to the Dursley family. And it was not that Lily hated her sister or her sister's family. But rather they hated her and anything that dealt with magic. To even mention magic in their household was asking to be yelled at.

Still though, she kept the stuff she taught Harry a secret that no one else would ever know about until it was too late. As he grew order Lily helped him removed the bonds on his magic she had placed when he was very young. Even being a newborn, up till one year of age, Harry had been a little cyclone of chaos. He could use his magic very well and without meaning to.

Thus, in order to keep him from hurting himself or other with but a stray thought they bond his magic. Once he was older and more aware of his magic the binds would be undone. Normal wizard practice. But at the Dursley's that would not have been done that, so Lily showed Harry how to undo them.

The results, once this was done, Harry gained two very powerful abilities, though controlling them took nearly a year just to master. The first rather simple, and an ability Harry loved for it let him hide in any crowd. The ability to shift his features in any way he desired. As long as he focused on the change, he could take that form, the problem was of course the focus required, for if he got distracted the change could go very wrong.

The second ability was a sort of teleportation. Witches and Wizards had several ways of traveling about the world, apparition was the most common of these. Apparition was basically teleporting from one location to another. Yet Harry's ability to teleport was not really like other wizards. It was more like a jump through a hole in the air to another location and he could only reappear in a location he had already seen.

So, with these skills, and Lily teaching him the different thing she could about magic. By the time the letter came for him to be welcomed to Hogwarts. Harry was more than ready to expect it, as well as deal with the world that would soon lay eyes on him. The Dursley's did not like it one bit, but there was nothing they could do to stop him, not after Hagrid chased them across half of Great Britain and still managed to deliver Harry's letter to him no matter where they went.

Hagrid had then taken Harry to Diagon Alley, and together that had gotten all the items Harry would need to take part at Hogwarts. However, Harry got several other items as well, none of which were on his list of required items. The first was a bottomless bag, that could be used to store most any item. The second was a staff made of oak, with some runes on it that made it so Harry could store it in one location, then call upon it if need be. The other items Harry got were extra potion ingredients, some of which were a little harder to get.

Hagrid had not complained, seeing these things as Harry's drive to do as good as he could in class. The staff he had asked about, but Harry explained it off that he liked to walk when he could, and a good walking staff was hard to come by. Harry did not however also explain that the staff like a wand could be used to cast magic, much more powerful magic.

Soon Harry was back at the Dursley's till it was time to leave for Hogwarts. Lily had helped him study his books for hours on end. He already knew most everything in them, but as Lily pointed out, it was a good idea to review before he got to school. Lily's only concern was that Harry would not make any friends while at school, after all with his status as the 'Boy Who Lived' and Dumbledore seemingly planning something with her son, she felt something was up.

It was proven true when Harry realized Hagrid had not told him how to get onto Platform Nine-and-Three-quarters. However, with Lily's aid he was able to get onto the platform and board the train without any problems. Lily then found out, while watching to see who else would be at school that year, that someone had been sent to 'help' Harry onto the platform.

The Weasley family, who had shown up later then what was advisable, had gone through Kings Cross Station in a manner that would had drawn stares. Mrs. Weasley, Molly, was openly talking about magic and muggles, as well as the hidden platform so loudly that others people were giving her a weird look. And after she had made her sure her own kids had gotten onto the platform she actually looked around for Harry, though never calling his name before finally heading onto the platform herself. Lily, as such, warned Harry to steer clear of the Weasley family till she could find out what they were really after.

The train ride up was rather dull. Though Harry did meet two people he did take a liking to very quickly. The first was a round face boy called Neville Longbottom. As well as a bushy brown hair girl named Hermione Granger. The first he had gained when he had summoned Neville's lost pet toad back to him. And the second because he had done it without a wand or incantation. Hermione, it turned out loved learning more than anything else.

As such when they were all sorted into Gryffindor, rather than the house the Sorting Hat had wanted to put them into. They were very happy to spend time and learn together. Harry earned himself and quick rivalry and enemy in Draco Malfoy when Harry turned down his supposed help with finding the right friends. Then later some glares and praise when Harry turned down Ron Weasley's offer of friendship over his current friends.

The year itself, at least in classes was easy for Harry and Hermione. Their knowledge of the subject matter proved to be flawless, and when put into practice they would often be able to use the spell after a try or to, no more. Neville on the other hand struggled with almost every class. But with Harry and Hermione by his side, he never failed an assignment. And he was slowly beginning to show improvement with them tutoring him.

The odd events that had happened were pretty interesting to say the least. Harry earned himself a place on the school team thanks to his natural ability on a broom. He got quite a telling off from both Hermione and Lily for the stunt he had pulled there.

There was then the incident with the troll that somehow got into the castle. Thankfully no one was hurt. The person who tried and failed to jinx Harry's broom twice, both times Lily blocked by channeling her spirit into the broom to keep it completely under Harry's control. Then Hagrid earning himself a dragon egg later hatching and raising it for a few weeks in his hut.

Harry had to go against Lily's warning as he had heard the Weasley's had a brother who worked with Dragons. So, talking to Ron's older twin brother, who were also on the team with Harry, Harry was able to get a letter sent to said brother, who would have some of his own friends pick it up from a tower in a few nights. The night out sneaking with the dragon all the way up to the tower, then sneaking back into the dorm rooms was not a fun night.

Harry did have one fight night though, after receiving his father's invisibility cloak back from Dumbledore, who had not bothered to address the note. Lily knew Dumbledore's hand writing very well. He had explored the school before finding a mirror that showed the viewer their hearts desires. For both Harry and Lily, it showed them as the family they wanted to be. Lily not a ghost, but a real human, along with her husband James.

It was not long later they figured out the biggest mystery that was currently taking place at Hogwarts. What was hidden in the Third-Floor corridor off to the left side. Inside was hidden the Sorcerer Stone, protected by several defenses. However, they did not worry too much about it, till they realized that Hagrid had been tricked into giving away how to get around his defense.

With this in mind, Harry, Hermione and Neville had gone to Professor McGonagall, but that had not worked out. Harry had then tried to find out if Dumbledore was about. But to their surprise Dumbledore was gone. It made Harry realize that unless he somehow tricked the teachers into listening, Voldemort would have a straight shot at the stone.

So, Harry, Neville and Hermione took a shot at it. Harry knew that with his training he could at least have a small chance. They made it through the challenges with relative ease. Hagrid's challenge had just been told to them, by Hagrid and how to beat it. So, they slipped by without difficulty. Hermione and Neville figured out the next one and helped Harry to avoid getting caught in a massive vine like plant.

Harry though was able to beat the next one by catching a winged key to get through the door. Together they then figured out how to beat a game of chess, with pieces bigger than any Harry had ever seen. Big enough to kill them with a glancing blow should it hit.

Neville decided it would be best if someone remained behind and go and get some help. Both by sending a letter to Dumbledore, and alerting Professor McGonagall. He said this after the saw the huge troll that had been knocked out in the next room. Hermione did not like this idea, but went with it.

Harry and Hermione then went on alone into the next room. It was filled with potions and a small riddle. It took them several minutes to figure out the riddle before Hermione finally had the answer. It was at this point they began to argue a little bit. Hermione said it was pointless for Harry to go on alone, while Harry did not want Hermione to follow, less she get hurt or worse kill. Harry had at least some sort of protection from Voldemort if he was there, and he had better reaction times then her. Finally Hermione listened and hugged Harry tightly.

Which left Harry where he was now, facing the fire in front of him. He looked at the small bottle of potion in his hand, before nodding and drank it. He stepped forward walking through the flames, which felt like a warm breeze as the licked up against his flesh.

Once on the other side Harry chuckled before dodging out of the way as thick ropes shot up from the man in the center of the room. It was Professor Quirrell their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry ducked behind a pillar as Lily watched Quirrell in plain view of him, yet unseen.

"Hello Quirrell," Harry said, "I see I was right in thinking you might be the one after the stone."

"Yes, it was me," Quirrell said, though also sounding taken aback, "How did you know?"

"Your act slipped a few times when you thought no one was looking. Besides out of all the teachers who took part in guarding the stone, the only one who we could not easily guess who had done the task was the one with the Troll. So that means you let in the troll during Halloween, from there it is easy to place all the facts together," Harry said, though not mentioning that it was actually Lily who had told Harry about Snape's true loyalty.

"Very good," Quirrell said, slowly walking forward his foot falls barely audible, "And I am guessing you know where the stone is as well."

"Not a clue, and I doubt I would tell you anyway. You are working for Voldemort are you not," Harry said peering around the pillar to get a better view of the room.

At Lily's signal Harry jumped farther into the room, to a place Quirrell was not looking. He peered out into the room and saw the massive mirror Lily and himself had seen around Christmas. He grinned as he realized just how the last item was hidden, or at least how to find it.

"You dare speak my Master's name?" Quirrell spat, as he turned the corner to look behind the pillar Harry had been hiding.

"Speak it, I never grew up knowing it was a bad idea. Besides as the old rime often is quoted, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," Harry shot back, before adding a spell to the mix, causing Quirrell to spin about and defend himself.

Harry jumped again, to another location in the room, before Quirrell hurried over to where Harry had been. Harry jumped one last time, and appeared before the mirror, wishing with all his might that it would show him where the stone was hidden. To his surprise, it showed him, taking the stone out of his pocket then place it back in. At this point, Harry felt the stone in his pocket, and reaching into it, he felt the stone.

But before Harry could do anything else, Quirrell appeared around the mirror and lunged at Harry. Harry doing the first thing that came to his mind, drew his hand out of his pocket, stone clenched in his fist and swung it hard at Quirrell's face, bruising it badly, and cutting him along his cheek where the stone hit. Quirrell back pedaled several steps as Harry fell to the floor.

"Get him Harry, the magic from my death will destroy him! He cannot stand to touch you!" Lily yelled suddenly.

Harry glared and from his spot on the ground jumped twice. The first back across the room, the second back towards Quirrell who did not have time to react to Harry's teleportation's. Grabbing Quirrell's face, he dragged the man down using his weight and momentum. Looking down at Quirrell, Harry saw his face turning from living skin, to something like clay then finally to ash.

Harry jumped away at this, as Quirrell's body fell apart leaving nothing behind. Harry stared at the ash in shock as he looked up at Lily and asked, "How?"

"The magic and gift form my sacrifice at my death still lingers on you. As strong and as potent as it was when it first was given," Lily explained.

Harry could only nod, and looking down at the stone, he realized it was glowing a bright red. But before he could figure out why that was, a figure, made of the finest ash seemed to rise form Quirrell's body. It looked at Harry with disgust and undeniable hatred. Harry a little to surprise to think and figure out what he was seeing stared at.

It was this shock that kept Harry from focusing on a location when he jumped a moment later. The thing had lunged at him, as if to attack, and Harry had jumped to move out of the way. But without a location in mind, and with the stone glowing active in his hand, he jumped farther than he ever dreamed possible.

For Harry the experience was truly weird, normally for the jump it felt like he had traveled through a slightly tight tunnel. This time however, it felt like he was being squeezed through a tight pipe before running into a brick wall. Then came a blast of heat and pain unlike anything he had ever felt before, searing down his body and limbs.

Suddenly it was all over. He was standing in some sort of clearing, a young man aiming a bow and arrow at him. Harry could not help but wonder at this strange sight before the pain and exhaustion hit him, and Harry fell over out cold.

For Eragon, the teen Harry had seen, things were not going well. One second he was poised to make his kill, and drop a doe that he had been hunting for the last two days. However right when he had begun to draw his bow, an explosion had rocked the clearing. Eragon, raced forward once he had got over his shock, and loosed an arrow at the fleeing deer.

He missed by a hair's breadth. Not missing a beat, Eragon spun about and drew another arrow fitting it to the string and drew facing the spot that the explosion had taken place. Before him was a young boy, with bright green eyes and black hair. They looked at each other for a few moments before the boy fell over.

Eragon slowly moved closer, easing up on the draw of his bow. The boy was out cold, lying face down in the clearing, two stone by him. Eragon not worrying about the stones, carefully turned the boy over Eragon noticed really quickly the strange clothes he had on. They were of a much finer make than anything he had ever seen before. The shoes he had on were strange as well.

"Is he some sort of noble?" Eragon asked himself as he checked the boy over, he seemed to be fine.

Eragon then carefully poked the two stones that had appeared with the boy. The first, a smallish fist size ruby colored stone, slowly pulse with some sort of power. But it did not react to Eragon's poking nor to his touch. The other stone was a deep blue color, with lighter veins of white blue running through it. And unlike the other stone, this one was not rough cut, but finely shaped and very smooth.

"Where did you come from?" Eragon asked himself, yet knew he would not be getting any answers any time soon.

With nothing he could do them for that night, Eragon pulled the young boy off to a place where they would be out of the way and not out in the open. With this done and got a small fire going before working to make sure the kid survived the night. Noble or not, it would most likely be better for Eragon if the boy survived.

Once that was done, Eragon moved back into the clearing and glance about once more in the fading light. A twinkle of color caught his eye and he hurried forward. Not far from where the boy and the stones had appeared, was a second stone slightly small then the one the boy held. But this one was a deep purple color.

"Better grab this one as well," Eragon said to himself, "You never know, it might be his as well."

With that done, Eragon went back over, adjusted the fur blankets for himself and the boy and was soon asleep. When Eragon woke the next day, he noticed the frost covering the land. Restarting the fire to warm himself up, he first checked on the boy, who seemed to be only sleeping now. Then Eragon checked the area where the explosion had taken place. However, in the light of day, nothing more could be drawn out that he had not seen the night before.

The area was blasted flat in the center with a charred ring. Around the area, trees had been stripped of any remaining leaves, or in the case of the pines, stripped of their needles. But these facts were useless to Eragon outside one detail. Some sort of magic had taken place last night. And the boy had been sent here along with those three stones. Walking back over to the camp, Eragon began to make a quick breakfast of some jerky, when the boy began to awake.

Harry groaned as he shifted feeling very uncomfortable. It was like he had fallen asleep on rocked, and the ice-cold air washing over his face was extra odd. Opening his eyes, he blinked as he saw a tree above his head. Looking around him, he saw a teen watching him, while mountains loamed up all around them.

"How are you?" the teen asked, handing Harry a piece of dried meat.

Harry took the meat, studying the teen. He was dressed strangely, Harry realized, his clothes showed signs of being entirely hand made. But not in the good, extra expense handmade way, but rather the old-time hand made. Looking around, Harry realized he did not have a clue where he was either, this place, he had never seen it before at all.

The teen spoke again then, drawing Harry's attention to him, "Hello, I am Eragon. I rescued or at least found you last night."

"Harry," Harry answered, still looking about himself confused, "Where am I?"

"The Mountain Range known as the Spine," Eragon answered.

"The Spine?" Harry said, speaking the word as if it was foreign to him.

"Yes," Eragon nodded, "Eat, it might help you feel better."

Harry nodded, and chewed on the piece of hard meat, before asking, "Which country?"

"Alagaesia," Eragon said, looking a little surprised by the question.

Harry nodded, looking thoughtful as he chewed on the meat slowly eating it. He had never heard of a mountain range called 'The Spine'. Nor had he ever heard of the country called, whatever it was Eragon had called it. Which was very odd indeed.

Harry thanks to his ability to jump, had begun to explore the world as soon as he had mastered the skills. He had visited most every country, and seen many wonders around the world. True he never spent a lot of time in said countries, but he could still remember ever country name. On top of that Harry knew all the mountain ranges in the world, including several local names for them.

"So where am I," Harry muttered to himself, "Another world?"

Harry waited for Lily to answer, but this time she did not. Lily as a ghost was rather unusually. As she had bond herself to him at a young age through an incomplete possession could only really be seen and heard by him. As a result she never could travel to far away, unlike a normal ghost who could freely travel where they wished.

She admitted that this did have a risk, possession. If Harry was ever hurt or highly magically stressed, the backlash could affect her as well. She could not be killed from it as she was a ghost, but she would be forced into a sleep of sorts in which she could not be seen nor heard form. However, it was unknown how long this recovery for her could take.

There was also another side to this possession Lily had warned Harry about. Memories. Because they shared his body, he could see her memories. But thanks to early training in a skill called Occlumency, as well as Lily own mental skills. Harry never could see all of them, as they were blocked from his mind by both her and his own skills.

This was done for two reasons. One so he would be able to learn spells quicker, since he could access those memories with ease. Not only the ones of her casting, but of the hours spent studying the spells. And two to block out the more traumatizing memories that might leave him scarred for life for one reason or another.

"Great, just great," Harry growled out, around his breakfast.

"What is it?" Eragon asked, "If you are looking for those stones, they are right there."

Harry blinked as his mind caught up with what Eragon had said. Looking where Eragon had pointed he saw three stone sitting at the base of a tree. The first he knew about and recognized because he had just fought over it. The Sorcerer's Stone. The other two however he did not recognize in the slightest.

"The red one is not really mine, but I am protecting it. And I have never seen the other two before," Harry admitted.

"When you arrived, you were holding onto both the red and blue stone," Eragon commented.

"Okay," Harry said, getting up and walking over to examine the two stones.

Eragon watched as Harry tapped the two stones, and examining them closely. Before moving to sit back down, and finish off the piece of meat he had been chewing on. Once they had both finished Eragon set about getting ready to leave Harry helping the best he could. Then they set off at a quick pace.

Harry was not suited to the outdoors as much as some, Eragon quickly noticed. Not so much because the boy was weak or lacked the stamina needed to keep up with Eragon's pace. But rather his clothes were much lighter than needed to keep him warm. It was only the brisk pace that they had set that allowed Harry to keep himself decently warm in the chill morning air.

"By the way, where are we going?" Harry asked round about noon when Eragon passed him a piece of bread for lunch.

"My home village of Carvahall," Eragon answered, "For there we can help you find your way home."

"I am not sure if that will be possible," Harry said, yet out a small sigh of annoyance.

"Why is that?" Eragon asked, turning to look at Harry the best he could.

Harry did not bother to return the look. The small game trail they followed did not allow for him to keep his eyes off it, uneven as it was. Eragon obviously knew it well knew not to trip easily, though he did stumble once or twice.

"Because my magic will not allow me to," Harry growled out in annoyance then added, "Sorry, I did not mean to snap at you."

Eragon just nodded, "I am curious, care to explain to me why you magic cannot just take you home. Since it got you here."

"That is what is annoying me. To put it simply, I can use my magic to disappear and reappear any place I have at one point in time seen. However, for some reason this ability, which I refer to as jumping, will not let me return home. Nor any one of the locations I am familiar with," Harry said, sounding both annoyed and confused.

"Can you think of any reasons?" Eragon asked.

"Two come to mind, but I need to see a map of this country or the world before I can say for sure," Harry said with a shrug.

"Could you have just lost the talent to use this jump?" Eragon asked.

Harry shook his head, "Let me show you, see that tree that is growing up between those two-large stone ahead of us."

Eragon nodded, "Aye."

There was a soft sound, almost like the sound of breaking pottery, and suddenly Harry was standing by the tree. A second later he reappeared in front of Eragon, grinning up at him.

"The talent is not lost to me," Harry said, in a slightly smug tone.

"That was pretty cool," Eragon said with small laugh, and grin, "could you teach me? It seems like it would be a very useful skill."

"It is, but I am not quite sure how to teach it to someone else. Let alone someone else who cannot use magic," Harry explained.

"How do you know I cannot use magic," Eragon asked surprised by this.

"If you could, I am sure you have used it already," Harry said with a small sigh, "You are hunter if I am not mistaken, and you don't seem to have bagged any food. And your bag is now full with those two stones in it so it is not enchanted either."

"Fair enough," Eragon admitted, which was true he could not use magic at all.

"Either way, even with this ability which should be able to take me home. No matter the distance, I cannot travel to it. I don't understand why I cannot," Harry said as they set off again.

"So what are your ideas then?" Eragon asked.

"Time travel, or jumping between worlds," Harry answered in an off handled tone.

"Time travel, I guess I can understand. But how can you jump between world?" Eragon asked.

"No clue, as I said, they are only ideas. And until I can see a map of this country either could be true," Harry replied.

"Okay. So how is a kid as young as you are is already learning magic on such a high level?" Eragon asked.

"It is tradition for most young kids with magic to being learning magic around my age," Harry answered.

"I take it, in secret?" Eragon asked.

Harry looked back and shook his head, "No, I was at a school with several hundred other students to learn magic. I am… an expectation to most students though. Not through any talent great talent of my own, but magical gifts and training I began receiving at a very young age."

"School?" Eragon said sounding very shocked, "I think I would have heard of a school that trained magicians, let alone a school as big as you suggest."

"As such, my two ideas as to why I cannot go home," Harry responded, "Going back in time the school became lesser known, but still well hidden. And if I had jumped worlds, well then you would have never heard of my school even if it name was talked about by ever person in my home world."

Eragon just nodded, "Right."

"I can explain more when we reach your village or home. But for now, I want to think," Harry said, as Eragon took the lead again.

Eragon looked a little annoyed at this remark. Harry could tell he wanted to ask more questions. But Harry really wanted to think more on the matter. It was not that he didn't trust Eragon. But the honest fact was if Harry had gone back in time, or traveled cross from one world begged the question of, how. If he had gone back in time, a map of the area should reveal a geography Harry was in some shape or form familiar with.

However, if he had jumped worlds. Harry had no clue what so ever as to how he might return home. Worse still he would know next to nothing about the government that might be in place. Views on magic, how long his abilities might last. He could very easily be killed if he did not learn as much as he could soon.

Harry sighed as decided to worry about that later and focus on sorting out and containing his memories again. As well as shifting through the ones of the last few hours and days. His mind had been crowded with memories not his own as some of the memories Lily had been holding back slipped through. It would take a fair while before Harry could fully hold back all of the memories by himself, and talking was not helping him sort them out.

Skills and thoughts that were not his own tried to tell him what he needed to do. But he suppressed them as best he could. He knew that even if he was fully able to contain all of Lily's memories back behind a mental wall or chest, the fact they now belonged to him fully, was going to change him.

Harry had in many ways grown up fast mentally. His harder than normal life with the Dursley's, Lily's training, and several other factors had caused it. He had never really played games as a kid. The only true fun he had was with Hermione, and the times he had traveled about see the world. Which in turn gave Harry a dream of traveling and leaving England fully behind one day. Though for sure not like this.

They continued for the day soon reaching the edge of the mountains, at the edge of a cliff down into a large valley. Harry looked over the cliff face and stared down over a half mile to the ground far below. He smiled as he glanced over at the nearby waterfall which was fed by nearby streams, and began the river far below.

"This is a view I like," Harry said, as the wind rushed by, whipping his unkempt hair about.

Eragon glanced at Harry standing at the cliff edge and asked, "Are you fearless or something?"

"No, but with magic one can fly. And when you can fly you are truly free," Harry said, sounding happy.

"Just be careful, a fall from this height will kill you," Eragon warned.

"Don't worry, I have no plan on falling or jumping," Harry said, and returned to the camp Eragon was setting up.

They would not make it down into the valley today. But rather wait till the next day, when they could see again. So, they settled down for the night, still not talking too much. Harry was still having problems with the memories.

The next morning, Harry was even more tired than the night before. Memories of his mother's chased around his mind. Nightmares and wonderers had flashed before him. He had seen his mother and father fight Voldemort and escape. Facing the living dead. Their wedding. The first time they had seen him after his birth. His first birthday with the family friends. Lily passing classes.

"You seem rather tired," Eragon said as they began the trip down the path that ringed the mountains edge to the valley below.

"Nightmares," Harry mumbled, he could hardly believe the amount of memories that Lily's disappearance had unleashed.

"When we reach Carvahall, I will see about getting you some lodging at Horst's house. He is the town's blacksmith and a good man. He has the largest house, and should be able to help you. If not I will take you to my own home and see if my Uncle can help," Eragon said, after they were partway down the path.

"Thanks," Harry said, glancing down towards the town.

From this spot, he could make out the valley clearly. And he could make out the town of Carvahall. It was small with many farms around it. But it seemed to be well taken care of. The largest building, a house at the northern most edge, dominated the town, standing two stories. If what Eragon said was true, that was Horst's home. There were other large buildings but none as tall as this.

"It is odd," Harry said as they got closer to the valley floor.

"What is?" Eragon asked.

"The people who use magic in my world, much of their culture ideals and ways reflect an older age. An age in which you seem to live, rather than in a much more modern one that those without magic now live in," Harry answered.

"Is that good?" Eragon asked

"Neither, just is," Harry said with a small chuckle, "there are both good and bad things about each time."

They did not say anything else till they reached the valley floor and were in town. Eragon had asked Harry to wait outside a shop. Harry did as told; and soon heard some sort of fighting begin. But before Harry could enter a big man rushed passed with a young woman into the shop. The fighting quickly began to settle down as the female left. Soon Eragon and the tall man came back out.

"Thanks you," Eragon said.

"Don't mention it, I been wanting to do that for a while now," the man said, "It does Sloan some good to be humbled."

"The stones are yours if you should wish," Eragon responded.

"Nah, keep your sorcerer stones," the man said chuckling, "You can work in the forge to pay me back if you wish. I know how your uncle hates charity."

"I shall take that offer," Eragon said, before nodding to Harry, "I would also you like to meet a new friend of mine. I found him in the Spine, he appeared along with the stones, though they are not his."

"I see," Horst said, turning to look down at Harry.

Harry was rather forcibly reminded of Hagrid. Though Horst was not as big as Hagrid in any way. He was still a large man by human standers. He arms were thick and Harry could see muscles carved out his form. And he had a wild mane of black hair. However, like Hagrid, his eyes were filled with a soft kindness.

"He is lost, and could use a little help finding his way home," Eragon said before explaining what happened in the Spine.

"Interesting," Horst said, before nodding, "Well Harry you can stay at my house till at least the caravans reach here. Then we should be able to get you passage back into the empire itself or farther if you need to travel it."

"Thank you for your help," Harry said.

"You can help around the house as payment if you don't have coin," Horst said.

"Harry before I go, I want you to take this," Eragon said, handing Harry the large blue stone which Eragon had been holding.

"Okay, but why?" Harry asked.

"They say magic works weirdly. But when it hands you something, you had best to listen to it," Eragon said with a shrug, "And since you had this stone first. Best it be left with you for now. I will keep the other one."

"Okay I guess," Harry said, before asking, "When will I see you again."

"When the traders show up in about a week or so," Horst said.

Harry nodded then with the stone in hand, the group spilt apart. Harry with Horst and Eragon out of town to his uncles. Harry looked about as he walked down the road towards the large house. The town was so different from what he was used to. Yet at the same time, a part of it called to him. It might be the simple fact that here, unlike anywhere else he had been, he was just another face. Maybe a little bit odd, but still another face.

Over the next week Harry spent a lot of time in and around Carvahall. Horst and Elain, Horst's wife, kept Harry pretty busy running errands for them and helping them around the house. Not that they needed the help thanks to Horst's two sons, each older than Harry. He became known around the village, though most just thought he was visiting the village rather than having been found in the Spine. Mostly, Harry did not tell them otherwise as to keep people's concerns down.

In this time, Harry had to learn to adopt to the time he was now in. He was used to having it hard, and with only a few items of food. The Dursley's never gave him anything he really wanted, and preferred to only give him just enough. But lack of proper plumbing was really bothering Harry in many ways. He was making due though.

By the week's end, Harry had settled in and the snow, had fallen deep over the valley. Harry had left the house early and had left for a walk around town. He then spotted the group he had been hoping for since Horst and Eragon had first mentioned them. The Traders. The roving bands of nomads where one of the many ways smaller towns got much needed supplies and news from out in the empire. The groups also bought and sold goods needed to keep their own groups alive as well.

Harry had then raced back to Horst's home and let him and the family know that they caravan had arrived. Elain and Horst had their two sons quickly set to work getting the few things they would need for trading. Horst lacked very few things, and those things he did lack were not things he needed. So when he went to trade, it was more for special items for his family.

Once they were done and ready to go, Horst lead everyone out from the house and to the area of tents that the traders had pitched. It was not too far from the village itself, and soon the snow that had once been so soft was pounded smooth and flat. Horst left Elain work with her sons to get what they needed, while Horst and Harry searched the stalls for a map of the empire and known lands about it.

Harry noticed, much like Horst soon did they traders looked very worn down. The men carried their weapons with familiarity. While the women watched their children closer than normal, while concealing a knife or dagger the best they could. Even the kids seemed to be slightly withdrawn, never running too far away from their parents.

"It was almost as if they had been attacked," Horst said.

"Many times," Harry said, "Look how they look about for trouble, even when they know they are safe."

Horst nodded, as they came to one of the stands. This one was not nearly as busy as the other were, for unlike the others the things he sold seemed to more luxury items. Books and scrolls covered his stand, as well as other items that would allow one to partake in the continued pursuit of learning.

"Excuse me," Horst said, nodding to the man, "I am looking for a map of Alagaesia for my young friend here."

"Call me Arron," Arron said, "And are you wanting one just of the empire or the supposed lands beyond."

"As much of the land as possible," Harry answered quickly.

"Very well," Arron said, turning around for a few seconds before pulling out a large scroll from a barrel and rolling it out in front of Harry and Horst.

Harry studied the map, as Horst asked, "How recent?"

"All the towns marked within the Empire and Surda are within the last year. Those outside these regions, are guesses at best," Arron explained.

"I see," Horst said, leaning over the map as well.

Harry who had been bending close was measuring out distances pretty quickly. It was one skill he had picked up with his travels. Even thought he could jump a huge distance at a time, it always was good to know how far he had traveled. He could guess distances well by sight alone, and with a map and a rough guess at a known distance, in this case from Carvahall to Therinsford. He was able to map out the distances over the empire rapidly.

Horst after a few moments stood back up fully, "How much?"

"Two Crowns. Maps with Surda are a little rare," Arron commented.

Horst nodded, "Fair enough."

"If I might ask, why do you need the map?" Arron asked.

"I like exploring," Harry answered simply.

Arron only nodded and took the offered coins from Horst. Harry then rolled up the map carefully and placed it under his arm as he walked away. Horst glance down at Harry as they walked noticing he did not seem happy in the slightest.

"What's wrong?" Horst asked.

"I think I know why I cannot get home," Harry said after a few moments of thought.

"And why is that?" Horst asked.

Harry sighed. He had, mostly out of necessity explained to Horst and Elain about why he could not just use magic to go home. At least in part, and also why he needed a map.

"From what I can tell, I am no longer on my own world," Harry said grumpily, "Either that or I somehow traveled back millions of years. Which I doubt very much."

"You are not sure," Horst said more than asked.

"I am pretty sure about jumping between worlds," Harry said, "I could have traveled back in time, but from what I have seen, none of the creatures alive then, are alive right now. So, I can rule that idea out mostly."

"So, what are you going to do now?" Horst asked, glancing down at Harry.

"For now, I think I can relax for a little bit longer here. And help out over the winter, after that I am going to travel. Maybe find some way of returning home," Harry said with a small sigh.

Horst nodded and handed Harry a few coins saying, "If you find something you like this should cover you."

"Thanks a bunch," Harry said, a small smile creeping onto his features.

"Heh, don't thank me. Thank Elain, she has taken a liking to you," Horst said chuckling a little bit.

"Or at least my cooking," Harry said grinning.

"Indeed. Well just be back to my place by dinner time," Horst said, and walked off.

Harry nodded and began moving around the large set of tents looking at the items on display. Daggers, rugs, rings, food, candy, and maybe an odd item. Harry however did not find anything that he really wanted or needed. Several things did catch his fancy, most were outside his range, or rather pointless for him to get.

However, Harry did get something to eat. Things like candy were rare in Carvahall, so Harry made sure to grab two pieces. One for now and one for later before heading back to Horst's home. Once there he met up with Eragon, Garrow and Roran. Garrow and Roran, Eragon's uncle and cousin respectively, were friendly enough. Garrow seemed to have an hard edge to him, while Roran was much harder to read at the moment.

Harry did not talk but rather listened throughout the meal. What was spoken was mostly local gossip, of which Harry was becoming rapidly very familiar with. Harry also heard from Eragon about to traders down at the local bar who were opening trying to get the people to support the king. Harry suppressed a shiver as he realized just what those men were doing. Propaganda was a useful weapon.

Finally, the meal was over and everyone left for the field were the traders had set up their tents again. And then the performance began. Funny plays and shows of skill were down by the travelers. Then as torches began to burn low, casting a dull red light over the area, Brom the town story teller came forward. He spoke in a low town, yet it carried easily across the crowd. And even Harry was drawn into the story as Brom chanted.

He told of a time long since passed. Of dragons and their riders who protected the people of Alagaesia. How several of their own had flown far north and then they and their dragons were almost all killed. Only one survived. Galbatorix.

Galbatorix then fought across the country before one day finally returning to the riders. They healed him, but when he recovered and demanded a new dragon, they found him full of madness. They denied him, and he stormed off in anger. Then finding a young rider, Galbatorix tricked him, and with him killed one of the elders. Then Galbatorix killed the young rider, stole his dragon and fled into the wilds.

There, he met a Shade, Durza. Together they corrupted the young dragon and chained it to Galbatorix's will. This new dragon, Shruikan, was twisted with dark magic. And for many years, the pair stayed hidden till finally with Shruikan was big enough did they reveal themselves.

At this point thirteen riders turned to help Galbatorix. Fighting against the riders, either out of believed wrongs, or for power. Together they struck out, tearing into the riders and dragons. Though powerful the riders were not ready for a war with their own kind, and suffered badly. In the end, their leader faced Galbatorix in battle. Galbatorix was not to be denied and with Durza's aid defeated the rider's leader and forced him to flee.

Galbatorix pursued the leader, Vrael, and finally struck him down. With their leader gone, the last few riders fled. Over the years since then, Galbatorix then worked to control the lands the Rider's once watched over. His followers, now called the Forsworn, hunted and killed those last few riders that had escaped, while the dragons who had fought alongside the rides vanished.

Harry left not long after Brom finished his tale. It was a dark one, and if true explained why everyone seemed to hate Galbatorix. Harry jumped back to his room in Horst's house before then jumping to the top of the Igualda Fall as the head of the valley. He sat down, a large blanket about him as he stared out over the valley.

He pulled out the large blue stone from the bottomless bag and looked at it closely. He had done it each night before he had gone to bed, yet no clues were given up to him. As he rubbed the hard surface, he began to realize that something was moving inside of it. Stepping back, Harry set down the stone in a spot it would not be able to roll away and watched it.

He could hear, just barely something scratching around inside of the stone. Then he corrected himself, not a stone, and egg. And if his memory served him, a dragon egg. Cracking was already appearing along the surface of the stone, as Harry sat down watching. The spider web cracking ran along the egg, more of its surface breaking up with each passing second.

Then Harry heard a peep, as whatever was inside pushed against the egg trying to get out. Harry moved forward as if to aid it, when suddenly the egg rolled forward breaking in half. And out of it, rolled a small blue creature. Harry gasped as it uncoiled itself, and Harry realized what he was staring at. A dragon, a small blue dragon.

Harry froze as it looked at him. He could remember the dragon Hagrid tried raising all too well. It was dangerous from day one. And Harry was willing to bet this dragon would be much like Hagrid's own. But as the dragon stumbled over its own feet, a lot less coordinated than the one Hagrid had, Harry laughed. The small dragon stared by the noise jumped back in surprise, only to trip over its own tail.

"You poor thing," Harry said, suppressing a laugh and reached forward to help it up.

But as his left hand touched the dragon, Harry pulled back in sudden pain as his hand burned. He also felt his mental walls break, as he heard a yell of great annoyance in his mind. Harry focused to block out the possible mental attack, but whoever had made the mental shout had vanished. Harry blinked in confusion as the dragon got up and bumped his curled-up hand.

Harry jumped at the contact, almost expecting another burn, but nothing happened. Sighing Harry picked up the small dragon, and it soon curled up against his side falling asleep in his arms. Harry could not help but grin down at it as he jumped back to the house. He set the dragon in the bed, before closing the door and heading to bed himself.

"Hagrid was right, dragons are alright," Harry said as the dragon curled up against him, before he finally fell asleep.