Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J. K. Rowling and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim belongs to Bethesda Softworks. I'm simply an author who loves playing around in fictional worlds. I do not make money from this nor do I want to. I write these stories for myself and for others to brighten their day.

Warnings: Male/male relationship with sex. Male/female relationship non-explicit. Killing, gore, and some torture.

Book 2

Magic Teachings

19th of Heartfire, 4E 205. Fredas

The air was getting colder. Wind was blowing through the trees. In a small clearing a house stood. Smoke billowed out from several chimneys on the rooftop. Inside the house people moved around in an attempt to get things ready before evening. Four years earlier a young raven-haired boy had entered the house. It had become his home. Come morning he was leaving. For the first time since he had arrived on Nirn, he was leaving his home without knowing when he would be back. Right now the eighteen-year-old raven-haired man was sorting through his belongings. He only wanted to bring things he would actually need. He was going to the Mages' College in Winterhold. He'd been there before so he knew what the living arrangements were like. He wouldn't have that much living space. He had packed his research material already and his clothes. He would wear his armour… 'What else do I need?' he wondered.

Downstairs Katla was preparing a feast. She was just trying to keep herself busy. She didn't like the fact that her son was leaving. 'All grown up,' she thought. She'd know it would happen, but time had passed so quickly. She was brought out of her musings by the scent wafting from the oven.

Ra'shall walked out of his lab and into his cub's room. "Here," he said as he handed several filled potions bottles over.

"Thank you," Harry said with a smile playing on his lips. He packed the bottles down.

"Excited are you?" Ra'shall asked.

"Yeah, a bit," Harry answered. "I'm going to miss you and Katla, but I really want to do this … and it isn't like we can't meet up. With any luck I'll be travelling for the College as well. I can always check in then."

"Just remember that Katla might be in Whiterun as well," Ra'shall said.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, kaazaak I know," he said. He looked down at his bag again. "That will just have to be good enough. If I have missed something now, I will just have to come back for it," he said. He closed the backpack. His fingers ran over the Elder Scroll attached to it. 'I wonder when this will take me back?' he thought. It felt so strange. Earth didn't feel anything like home anymore. His home was there on Nirn. 'I guess it doesn't matter how I feel about it,' he thought. Technically he belonged on Earth after all. He guessed that he'd be alright going back. He'd miss everyone, but he would be fine … eventually.

"Eh, Nirn to Harry."

"Huh?"

"You spaced out on me there," Ra'shall said. "Katla says dinner is ready."

Harry shook the solemn thoughts out of his head. He wasn't being dragged back to Earth now after all. "Yeah, I'll be right down," he said.

Ra'shall shook his head as he walked out of the teen's room. He walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Katla had lifted a pot of stew out of the fireplace. "Could you take the potatoes with you, please?" she asked the feline-man.

"Yeah, sure," Ra'shall said. He grabbed a couple of mitts before he picked the pot filled with potatoes up. He carried it over to the table and put it down.

Harry came walking down the stairs. His hair was standing every which way.

"What have you done?" Katla said. She was trying to conceal her mirth. It didn't work out for her. Clear laughter spread through the house.

The raven looked at her confused. "What?" he asked.

"Your hair is all over the place," Ra'shall said.

Harry reached up and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Maybe I should cut it before you leave," Katla said. She sat down by the table and loaded her plate up with food. She grabbed a loaf of bread and cut into it. "Would you like some?" she asked Harry as he sat down in his seat.

"Yes, please," the raven said. He reached out and grabbed the ladle. Meat and vegetables were covered in thick brown gravy. He held his plate out to Ra'shall and the feline loaded it with potatoes. "Thank you," he said.

As they ate, they talked about travel routs. Harry wasn't sure he wanted to travel through Whiterun Hold. Or rather he'd prefer staying out of Eastmarch. Ulfric had issued a threat to the White Peace. Harry wasn't scared, but he wasn't suicidal either. Unfortunately there were no other direct routs.

They sat back after they had finished eating. "Can we just not talk about Harry leaving for a moment," Katla said. She didn't want to think about it.

"Sure," Ra'shall said. "I'll go and get the dessert." He disappeared into the kitchen for a moment before returning with a smoking hot pie. He placed it down on the table before retaking his seat.

The rest of that evening was spent talking about nonsense. Just doing their best to be together without thinking about the coming day.

They went to bed late that night.

20th of Heartfire, 4E 205. Loredas

Harry looked up at Lakeview Manor. White smoke rose from his mouth as he breathed out. He had said goodbye to Katla, and Ra'shall had woken up as he opened the front door. He had been the first one up that morning.

The raven walked over to the small stable they had next to the house. He pulled a thick blanket aside. "Hello Midun," he said softly. The dark-brown horse neighed. "I know sweetheart," Harry said. He pulled her saddle up from the ground and placed it down on her back.

"Harry!"

The raven looked up. "Monah," he said. "What is it?"

"Here," the brunette said as she held out a daedric sword. "It is better than the one you have. I almost forgot about it."

"Thank you," Harry said. He opened his belt up and removed the scabbard of his ebony sword before replacing it with the daedric sword. Then he was suddenly enveloped in a tight embrace.

"You take care of yourself now kulsezii," Katla said. She looked down at him. "I don't want to be hearing that you've gotten yourself killed."

Harry smiled softly as he buried his face in her shoulder. "I won't let that happen," he said. "You know me." He back away from her.

"Yes I do."

Harry sighed. "I'm going to miss you guys," he said. He made sure that the bridle was tightened correctly. "You take care too."

Katla leaned in and kissed him on the forehead. "Good luck," she said.

Harry smiled as he backed up. He grabbed the horn and placed a foot in the stirrup before pulling himself up in the saddle. He shifted his backpack and moved slightly in the saddle. His eyes rose to the house as the front door opened. "I was trying to avoid this," he said.

"Just face it you're not getting out of saying goodbye to us properly," Ra'shall said.

Harry shook his head in amusement. "I know," he said. He looked from Ra'shall to Katla. "It doesn't matter where I go. This is home no matter what. I'll miss you monahsedovah, kaazaak. You take care," he said. "I'll see you soon."

Katla smiled. "Goodbye," she said.

"Take care cub," Ra'shall said.

Harry steered Midun over to the road. He didn't look back. He wasn't sure he could and then keep going. "Come on girl let's go to Winterhold," he said. He brought the steed into a gallop. He followed the White River down towards Riverwood. In the distance the sky was slowly brightening. He passed through the small milling town silently. The guards were sleepy. The nightshift had yet to be replaced.

As he reached the Honningbrew Meadery, he saw the first signs of waking. It was late in the autumn so they were done with most of the work for the year. Eimar waved at him as he passed. He waved back before hurrying Midun's steps once more. He steered her out over the plains north of Whiterun, making it back onto the road just south of Loreius Farm. They had to slow down their pace over the plain since it was so rocky. As they made it back on the road, they could pick it back up again.

They continued until they reached Nightgate Inn. Harry sat off Midun and walked up to the building so he could tie her bridle to the wooden railing. "I'll be back soon," he said. He walked into the building. He could do with some food. He ordered some salmon with baked potatoes and Honningbrew mead. He sat down by one of the tables and ate slowly. He'd grabbed a book from his backpack so he could read while he ate.

He put the Ransom of Zarek down on the table before pulling his bag up on the bench next to him. The book was packed down before he stood up. "Thank you for the meal," he said. He headed out of the inn and walked up to Midun. "Here girl have some carrots," he said. He petted her as she ate. The sun had risen to its peak. It was falling now. Once Midun had finished her treat, Harry sat back up in the saddle. "Let's try to get to Winterhold now shall we," he said.

…

"Ah, there it is," Harry said softly. He could see the College in the distance. He'd be able to arrive before sunset. He didn't know whether to feel relieved or nervous. The mages weren't the friendliest of people. They knew him, though; he'd been there before.

As he rode in among the houses of the small town, he realised that they had no stables. He would have to figure something out. One of the broken down houses could probably be converted into a stable. 'I should have thought about this,' he thought. Then he heard a neigh. "You hear that girl?" he asked. "Maybe there is a place for you to stay." He got off his mare. "Laas yah key nir," he whispered. Next to him Midun started glowing red softly. He could also see a gathering of red glows over by a broken down house. He led Midun over to them slowly. "Hello," he said as he entered the house. It had been cleared out and the broken roof was covered in thick canvas. He led Midun inside. "Do you have room for one more in here?" he asked softly.

A tan stallion came walking up to them. It was as if he studied Midun - judging her. Then he snorted and walked back to a bale of hay on the floor. Harry started taking the bridle and saddle off his mare. He brushed her coat out and removed twigs from her mane and tail. "That is better right," he said. "I'll be back before nightfall," he said.

Heading out of the little stable, Harry started making his way over to the bridge leading to the College. A weatherworn Altmer was standing under one of the great stone arcs leading up to the bridge. It was the same woman that he and Katla had met four years earlier.

"Cross the bridge at your own peril," she said. "The way is dangerous, and the gate will not open. You shall not gain entry!"

"Good evening, Madam Faralda," Harry said. "I have come to join the College."

Golden eyes narrowed slightly. "Do I know you young man?" she asked. He seemed familiar.

"I came here with my mother four years ago. She is the Dragonborn," Harry said.

'Ah, that makes sense,' Faralda thought. The young man had talked about coming back when was older. "In that case you have to prove your worth to the College," she said. "I wish to see you cast Fireball at the emblem on the ground."

Harry held his hand out as fire spread in his palm. He sent it off towards the eye on the ground.

"Well done," Faralda said. "Come with me."

They headed over the bridge slowly as Faralda lit the torches in front of them. "You need to speak to Mirabelle once we have made it through the gate," she said.

Harry nodded. "I'm sure I can recognise her," he said. "Thank you for leading me across." He bowed before walking up to the gate. He pushed the gate open and walked through. He shook his head. The Collage hadn't changed at all as far as he could see. A smile spread over his lips as he saw a familiar face. "Hi Colette," he said.

The brown-haired woman looked up at him. Her brow furrowed for a moment before she recognised the young man. "Harry," she said. "Have you come to join us now?" She smiled at him.

"Yes I have come to join the College," Harry said. "I need to find Master Ervine."

"Last I saw her, she was over by the Hall of Elements," Colette said.

"Thank you for the information Colette. I'll see you later," the raven said. He waved as he started walking towards the big double doors beyond the statue of Shalidor, the first Arch-Mage of the College.

"Welcome to the College," Mirabelle said.

"Tank you Master Ervine. I was told to come see you," Harry said.

"Another new student… I'm surprised at how many there are of you lately," the Master Wizard said.

Harry smiled. "Well I don't know about the others, but I did promise I'd come back when I was here last. I know the place quite well from back then," he said. He hadn't spent that much time around the Master Wizard last time around.

"You have been here before young man," she asked.

Harry nodded. "About four years ago. I was here with the Dragonborn. Colette helped me heal my poor eyesight," he said.

"Ah, the young raven that learned from our teachers. Many were hoping you would return," Mirabelle said. "In that case why don't we head straight for the Hall of Attainment? We can get you settled."

"That sounds like a good idea," Harry said.

"Right this way then. Don't wander off."

They walked over to the living quarters that Harry had stayed in last he was there.

"Do you remember the rules from your last visit?" Mirabelle asked.

"Yes," Harry said softly. "I'll keep my voice down and try my best no to do something that will disturb the others."

Mirabelle nodded. "Good, your room is right here. Please make yourself at home. Your first lesson is tomorrow in the Hall of Elements at sunrise. Don't be late," she said. "I'll be right back with a set of robes for you."

"Ah, that won't be necessary, Master Ervine. I have several sets of robes my self. They are all adequately enchanted. Thank you for the offer though," Harry said.

"If you say so young man. I will leave you to yourself," Mirabelle said. "Good evening."

"Good evening, Master Ervine," Harry responded.

The woman left, and Harry dumped his backpack on the bed. He needed to get a hold of someone who had a horse in the makeshift stable. At least one other mage had to have a horse there. 'I can unpack before I do that though,' he thought. He opened the pack up and started picking things out.

"I guess that's good enough," he mumbled once he was done. He looked down at his armour. 'I should probably get out of this now,' he thought. He could really use a bath though. There had to be a tub around somewhere. With the amount of people there were around they couldn't possibly not have one. He grabbed one of his mage's robes and some soap and walked out of his room. Blue light spread from his hand as he concentrated on a place to clean up in. The streak led to a small area under the stairs. There was a green cloth hung up outside a thick curtain.

Harry reached out and pulled the curtain to the side. There was a small sitting tub on the other side. He placed a small ball of light up on the wall. Magelight really was a practical spell. He could see a red cloth similar to the green one hanging on a hook next to the tub. He grabbed it and replaced the one outside. 'Now that should mean that this place is occupied,' he thought. He pulled the curtain closed and started taking his armour off. He held his hands out over the tub and combined his magic. Water flowed from his hands into the wooden tub. Creating water was one of those things that he was really glad he'd figured out how to do. It could always be used for something, and unlike water you found around Skyrim, it was clean. It meant that you could drink it, which could be a lifesaver.

Once the tub was full he stuck his hand into the water so he could warm it up. 'That's better,' he thought before stepping into the tub. He cleaned up quickly. There was a plug at the bottom of the tub that he could pull. Hopefully the water would end up in some kind of sewage system. He dried up with the help of his flame cloak before pulling his robes on and opening the curtain up. After gathering his armour up, he headed back to his room. The armour was placed down. 'Now where do I find someone who owns a horse down in the stables?' he wondered.

In the kitchen area upstairs several people sat by the dining table. "Hi everyone," Harry said as he entered the room. Eyes turned to look at him. "I arrived an hour or so ago. I'm joining the first stage students tomorrow. My name is Harry," he said. Most of the people by the table turned their heads away from him.

A hooded Nord stood up from the table. "I'm Onmund," he said and held his hand out. "It is nice to meet you."

Harry took the hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you too," he said. "I came up here 'cause I wonder who's in charge of the makeshift stables for the horses. I figured someone would know."

Onmund nodded. "Rhavaniel is in charge of that. She didn't like the fact that there was no place to keep them. There is a collector's box downstairs that you can drop some coins in case you're keeping a horse there. She collects the money and makes sure that they are taken care off," he said.

"Thank you for the information," Harry said. "You've been here for long?" he asked. They had started moving down the stairs.

"A few days. All of the new students are pretty recent additions," Onmund said. "Me and Brelyna Maryon and J'zargo are the first stage students."

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," Harry said. He walked up to his room and turned around. "Good night."

"Good night," Onmund said.

Harry walked into his room and closed the door. He sighed. 'Oh, well they seemed friendly,' he though sarcastically. He dropped into the bed and closed his eyes.

21st of Heartfire, 4E 205. Sundas

Harry walked out of the Hall of Attainment. It was early still, far too early to head to the Hall of Elements. 'I can always go check on Midun,' he thought. He headed out along the bridge. It was cold out. It was always cold in Winterhold. Why he didn't know.

Midun was standing next to the tan steed that had appraised her the evening before. "Hello girl," he said as he walked up to her. "Are you doing alright?" he asked. He petted her slowly. He had dropped some coins into the collector that morning. Most of his money was bars not coins though so he would probably need to talk to Rhavaniel – whoever she now was.

As the sky brightened, Harry made his way back towards the College. He stepped into the main building. In the main hall Tolfdir stood. The raven walked up to the aged wizard. "Master Tolfdir," he said with a bow.

The old man's blue eyes studied the young man in front of him for a moment. "If it isn't young Harry," he said. He reached out and placed a hand on the raven's shoulder. "It is nice to have you back."

Harry smiled. "Thank you. It is nice to be back," he said. He turned slightly as the front door opened. It looked to be his fellow students. He backed off from their teacher so he wouldn't be in anyone's way.

As the other students joined them, Tolfdir straightened up. "Welcome, welcome! We were just about ready to begin. Please come closer," he said. "So as I was talking about yesterday the first thing to understand is that magic is, by its very nature, volatile and dangerous. Unless you can control it, it can and will destroy you."

"Sir! I think we all understand that fairly well. We wouldn't be her if we couldn't control magic," Brelyna said.

"Of course my dear. Of course," Tolfdir said. "You all certainly posses some inherent natural ability. That much is not being questioned. What I'm talk about is true control, mastery of magic. It takes years if not decades of practice and study."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started," J'zargo said impatiently.

"Please, please! This is exactly what I'm talking about. Eagerness must be tempered with caution or else disaster is inevitable," the Alteration teacher said.

"But we've only just arrived here a few days ago – you've no idea what any of us are capable of. Why not give us a chance to show you what we can do?" Onmund said. He was getting irritated with all the theory.

Tolfdir sighed. He looked over at the only student that had yet to say something. He wasn't sure if the young raven belonged with this group. They had all taught him before after all. He had learned many of the things they taught to beginners already. 'I will have to speak to him once the class is over,' he thought. "You have been quiet so far what do you think we should do?" he asked the young Breton.

Harry tilted his head to the side. He forewent smiling even though he felt like doing it. "I believe that safety is important, but we could always start by learning something that is difficult to botch up. If you are concerned about our safety, then teach us something that is safe to start with," he said.

Onmund nodded. "Yeah sure, we're all pretty new to this. Let's just give it a check. What is the worst that could happen?" he said.

The other two started mumbling along the same line.

"All right settle down, I suppose we could try something practical…" Tolfdir said. "We can continue with our theme of safety and start with Wards. Wards are protective spells that can block magic. I'll teach you all a ward, and we'll see if you can successfully use it to block a spell, all right." he looked over at Harry once more, knowing that the young man knew the spell necessary. "Would you mind helping me with a demonstration?" he asked.

"Yes of course," Harry said.

"Good, now if you just stand right over there. I'll cast a spell at you, and you will block it with the ward," the old Nord said and pointed to the area next to him. As Harry moved to stand where he had been appointed, the other students moved up behind their teacher so they wouldn't be in the way. "There we go. Now, cast the ward spell and keep it up," Tolfdir said.

A bluish shimmer appeared in front of Harry. He wasn't even trying really. He doubted that Tolfdir wouldn't use something really dangerous against him – not with the other students around at least. He felt when the fireball Tolfdir sent hit his shield. It had actually been more powerful than he'd anticipated but not dangerous enough to hurt him.

"Well I think this is an excellent start," the Alteration teacher said. "I would like all of you to continue practicing with wards please. Tomorrow I think perhaps we are ready to begin exploring some of the various uses of magic throughout history. Could I speak with you Mister Potter?" he asked.

"Of course," Harry said. He followed the old Nord away from the other students.

"I understand that you showed an Adept level spell to gain entry into the Collage. Faralda was quite surprised. She had not quite expected you to do so well," Tolfdir said.

Harry chuckled softly. "Yeah, well she did teach me the basics. I didn't stop learning after that though. I just kept going," he said.

"That is very good young man," Tolfdir said. "The reason I brought you over here to talk to you is that you showed decent proficiency in the early parts of all the subjects back four years ago. We have already taught you these things, and while it doesn't hurt you to revisit them, it might become tedious. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind helping us keep an eye on the other students?" he asked.

"I don't mind at all," Harry said. "It's for everyone's safety right?"

"Exactly young man," the aged wizard said.

"I should probably go and join up with J'zargo so he can practice as well."

Harry walked up to the Khajiit. "So, would you like to practice the ward spell?" he asked.

Light blue eyes narrowed. "Just because you were chosen to demonstrate, it doesn't mean that the rest of us can't perform the spell," the Khajiit said.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that," he said. "But Master Tolfdir said we should practice so we should practice." He stepped away from the feline-man. He held his hands out. A cloud of frozen spikes gathered in his palm. "If you are good at using the spell then you shouldn't have any problems protecting yourself," he said. He shot the spell off at the feline.

"What in Oblivion are you doing!" J'zargo exclaimed.

Harry ended the spell. "Well, I guess you are more talk than you are action," he said. "Why don't you raise the spell before I shower you next time, hmmm? I won't actually hurt you." He sent off another bout of ice.

"Fuck you," the feline-man said. "Why do you keep doing that?"

Harry shrugged. "I have been taught by people who think that the best way to learn something is by doing it," he said.

"Who would do that?"

The raven shrugged. "My mother and uncle," he answered. "Uncle thinks that it is the very best way of teaching even if it does leave a lot of bruises on the pupil."

"Your family is fucked up human," J'zargo said.

Harry rolled his eyes. 'This is just going great,' he thought sarcastically. "Well if you don't want my help then I'm not going to help you," he said. He bowed to Tolfdir and walked out of the Hall of the Elements. The old Nord knew he was fully capable of using the spell. He didn't need to prove it.

…

The following two weeks or so were spent much in the same fashion. They learnt theory and practiced low level spells. Harry didn't mind the theory; it was quite interesting, but he was bored by the practical work. He had learned all those spells years ago. He did hang in there though. There were several lessons were his help was necessary to keep the College from being destroyed.

Who knew that untrained enthusiastic mages could create such destruction?