Disclaimer: I do not own anything. This is not for profit. This is Pure fanfiction.

Chapter 4

Marching to Lannisport, 289 AC, Harry's POV

The combined forces of the northern men did not stay at Moat Cailin for long. After ensuring that the horses were fed, watered and rested, they marched towards Lannisport. Around 35000 northmen marched through the Kingsroad and the banners of all the houses of the North were displayed proudly.

As they passed through the Neck, the land of the crannogmen, the lands of his father's southernmost bannermen, Lord Howland Reed. The crannogmen were a reclusive lot of people and there were tales of how they had intermarried with the children of the forest, which caused their diminished stature.

They were poor people, surviving mostly from hunting and it was most likely poor nutrition which had a major part to play. Harry was always curious about Lord Reed, as he had visited Winterfell a few times to meet with his father. One such time, Lord Reed had narrated to him, Robb and Jon, about the story of the Knight of the Laughing Tree.

Harry was curious, so he had met with the crannogmen on his patrols across the North. They were reclusive and a little primitive, their villages and their people, but they were loyal and hardened people who had to fight to survive. Despite their smaller stature and crude weaponry, they were some of the fiercest warriors and hunters Harry had seen. The crannogmen lived in the swampy marshland in the Neck and could be absolutely ruthless as a guerilla warfare unit, should the North ever needed to stop an invasion from the South.

Harry had proceeded to help the crannogmen with a few of their difficulties. Providing and asking them to cultivate rice had worked wonders for the crannogmen as they used the advantage of the swampy land for their paddy fields. He had given them superior weapons, with steel tipped arrows and castle forged swords, spears and axes. Lord Reed had been immensely grateful and he had introduced Harry to his family. Lady Jyana Reed was very welcoming and warm and the children Meera and Jojen were happy children. Harry had felt a strange feeling and aura from the young boy, much as he had felt the same feeling from many of the other crannogmen. It was not a normal feeling, it felt familiar and distant at the same time, something extraordinary, something… magical.

Harry always had dreams, dreams since he was a child. He dreamt of another black haired, green eyed boy who looked a little too skinny and wore clothes that were too large for him. The boy wore something on his eyes, which had round edges and it was on the bridge of his nose. He mostly seemed unassuming apart from a scar on his forehead which was disturbingly noticeable and his green eyes. Eyes like his own.

Harry had seen the other boy who was strangely called Harry too, and his friends a boy and a girl as they went to a magical castle and learnt magic and spells and raced on brooms. Harry had as a child been very confused and sometimes scared of the dreams. The dreams seemed ludicrous but their continuity on such a regular basis was a mystery. Some of the things the boy had to face made Harry shudder.

Harry loved his family. He loved and respected his father Lord Eddard Stark. His father was a just and honorable man, a man as Harry had come to realise very quickly in this world few chose to be. He wasn't ambitious but a man who took his honor and duty very seriously. His father was known as the honorable Ned Stark, the Quiet Wolf.

His mother, Lady Catelyn Tully was the daughter of Lord Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Trident and the Lord of the Riverlands. House Tully's words were Family. Duty. Honor. And Harry's mother had been brought up by these ideals and had instilled the same in her sons and daughters. She was cold towards Jon initially which had turned into resigned acceptance. Harry had understood her not wanting to be around Jon, but the coldness and the harshness with which she would treat Jon would upset Harry a lot in his early days.

Flashback

Harry remembered the day she had struck Jon. He had felt so much anger and sadness. He had moodily declined to have supper and had gone to his room. He felt so angry. Unknown to him, his eyes were flaring up as the power locked within him struggled to break free. Harry screamed as he felt the power coursing through him. He then felt a foreign presence, trying to leech his power, trying to drain him until he would be a husk. His own power flared trying to fight the foreign presence as Harry struggled to stay on his feet. His head spinning, he fell face forward and knocked his head on the side of his head. He fell unconscious on the floor bleeding.

As his blood oozed from the wound, some of the blood started to dry out, and finally it disappeared leaving a dark stain on the garment Harry was wearing. The attack of the foreign presence subsided and the power around Harry swirled and settled into him.

Inside his mind, scenes flashed by Harry as he turned restlessly, his body burning up with fever. Harry lived as Harry Potter, felt his raw emotions, felt his desperation, his hopelessness and his continued struggle against evil. He saw the deaths of his parents, friends and even his own family. The memories continued to wash on him as he realised that he had to protect his family.

He felt the foreign connection to his magic seize, and his magic settled within him, flowing through his body. As Harry tried to regain consciousness, he felt Jon's voice, he followed the voice and he could see Jon and Robb in the Godswood, praying for him. He felt his magical energy flare up again as he once again lost consciousness.

He awoke in his body, much to the amazement of Maester Luwin. The days following he heard whispers of how he had been blessed by the Old Gods. When he saw the mark of the deathly hallows on the tree, he was sure that he had been given this power to protect his family.

As the days went by, Harry began exploring his magic and poring over books, trying to find anything that remotely spoke of magic. He tried casting a few spells which naturally came to him, but the spells fizzled out as soon as they were released. His other avenue, the mind arts was something he had relative ease of access. However, while he could sense emotions, he could not read the minds of people. He could tell when someone was lying but he could not use legilimency on them to find out what they were lying about.

He could however, organise his mind in a far efficient manner. Something he had always struggled with and he continuously used to practice meditation regularly to be able to acquire the near perfect recall a master Occulumens possessed. He needed a few more years to completely master it. This indirectly helped him in experimenting with ancient runes. Over time he was able to hypothesize that his magic was not fizzling out but had been redirected towards the Wall.

Harry kept tinkering with magic. He realised he could not use it on another person. He tried casting a tongue tying curse on an unsuspecting guard but got nothing. He gave up after sometime, dejected at his failure and just went to his room and turned intending to shut the door. The door suddenly shut on its own, with all the locks falling into place. Harry stared at his own hand which was tingling due to the magic cast. He was getting frustrated with this.

His prayers were answered but it did happen due to an accident. He was trying to repair a crystal goblet and as he cast the charm, the goblet fixed itself before again falling apart. As he was picking the glass pieces, he accidentally nicked himself a bit and some of the blood stained on the glass. He cast the charm again. The goblet stood as the pieces attached itself to the broken item seamlessly as it became whole. The goblet did not fall apart.

Harry realised by delving into his knowledge of runes, he could create an array where he would drop the sacrificial blood and the magic would sustain and another array where he would expect the results. Moreover, the runes and the blood magic ensured that the magic would not dissipate. He could replicate items with ease. He tried his hand at replicating gold. He was very surprised when he succeeded.

Harry realised that Nicholas Flamel of his old world would roll in his grave if he realised that a drop of blood could literally replicate a substantial amount of gold. Harry knew that he could not just replicate gold without any explanation. He did not want to reveal his magic to people. He had read the dim view people had on magic. So he certainly didn't want to take any chances.

So he had asked his father to help him buy three taverns. The taverns were made and Harry had overseen parts of the construction, whether to strengthen the foundations, or to make the tavern seem more spacious from the inside without making it obvious. He had built on a complex array of runes and had also incorporated a localised cheering charm and a slight loyalty charm, which would build positive disposition towards the establishment over time.

The taverns prospered over time. Harry encouraged the owners to add other amusements, inclusive of gambling during their functioning hours. The owners as they stayed on the same property had quickly grown loyal to Harry. It wasn't considered out of the ordinary as Harry indeed had enriched them. As they made adjustments to hide the illegal betting of money, and added more made up avenues of wealth, it made it easier for Harry to fudge the numbers further as he multiplied his treasury.

The North had only 3 towns and cities with White Harbour, Barrowtown and Wintertown. Harry wanted to open more taverns and inns across the North, but the North was a desolate and hard land. The North was sparsely populated and the people were poor, barely able to feed themselves throughout the year. His plan would work only if the population increased and there was more security during travel.

He then began to pay outrageous amounts of gold to people to join him to work. As guards, as builders, as masons, miners and other livelihoods of work. He had hired the Wild Hares, a northern mercenary group to guard the villages while the Winter Wolves were formed.

He then turned his attention to patrols as merchants coming into the North with goods and materials were being harassed by bandits and outlaws. As the number of wolves grew, he enforced patrols across the made trade route points and permanently set up a post of a thousand wolves at Last Hearth, to deal with the wildling raids and attacks.

Slowly as the establishments were built and the people started to prosper, after a few years, he established a high tax on the people he was paying a ludicrous amount to from Winterfell and a 80% tax was charged to the people working under him. From the tax he had separated a reasonable portion he would provide as pension for the old and the weak once they could not work further. He had further assigned another portion for building of houses and establishments in villages. Another portion was assigned to teach the children of the villagers and holdfasts different trades.

Essentially in a manner to hide his abilities he proceeded to create several establishments and businesses which would muddy and derail the line of thought. He had further plans to expand the potential of the North but for now, the North was better off than during King Robert's Rebellion. Much better off.

End Flashback

The promise of a good pay for honest work drew many men and women to him. The northern population slowly increased as there was a slow trickle of people coming to settle in the North. The boost in population helped the North then train more soldiers, so the thirty thousand men that were approaching Lannisport were not filled with green boys with pitchforks in their hands. The North had gathered thirty thousand men, all of whom were veterans of either previous war patrols or had experience in fighting for a couple of years at the least. His father did not call in the levies as he knew that the summer time could not be wasted in the North and he made the decision to call upon only veterans for the war.

Harry had future plans for the North. He had been replicating money and pumped it into trade. He had a fleet of ships made at White Harbour to trade with the free cities of Essos. He had pumped money into the caravans, giving them more security and better equipment. But he knew he had to involve the other lords to make the North stronger as a realm.

He was broken off from his thoughts by Ser Wylis Manderly who was riding next to him.

"Lord Harlan," he said, "Glad to see you again. I trust my father has not been haranguing you, has he?" he nervously laughed.

"Oh no, not at all." Harry said, "I completely understand Lord Wyman's enthusiasm. I enjoy our conversations. They do often lead to a mutually beneficial outcome, wouldn't you say so?"

Ser Wylis laughed out loud. "Aye, that's true my lord. You have a keen understanding of economics is what my father says. He is truly happy that the North is tapping into its potential for growth." he started enthusiastically,before adding "no disrespect to your father my lord."

Harry smiled, "No. I understand what you mean. We have always survived. I want more, I want us to thrive and succeed. Your father is highly appreciative of that and is willing to work with the Starks in order to achieve such a goal."

Harry then talked genially with Ser Wylis, talking about various things as they rode their way to Lannisport.

Near Stony Shore, 289 AC, Jon's POV

The patrol was riding hard towards Stony shore as they had heard the Ironborn had landed as per the scouts report. The captain of the group was a young man called Finn who had immediately sent out 3 more scouts to the other patrols to cut off the Ironborn and box them in, surrounding them from all sides. He then sent a raven to Raymund, his superior who was patrolling 5 miles away with two hundred men. The rest rode toward Stony Shore.

The scouts of the party came back stating that the ironborn were less than a mile away and a party of fifty men could be seen coming in their direction. Finn nodded and all the wolves began to equip their arms and began to gear up for battle. Jon readied his sword and shield as he adjusted his helm as the captain barked orders for formation. They readied themselves in ranks of four as Finn came towards the tail beckoning Jon to follow him.

"Now you haven't seen this, so follow me and only attack when I say charge, you got me?" Finn said seriously. Jon nodded, the oncoming battle on his mind as he felt a little bit of dread and nervousness which he shrugged off.

They started to rush towards the enemy. Jon could see from a distance as he was riding that a small band of Ironborn was heading their way. 'Start Volley' Finn shouted. Jon saw the wolves who had been all riding with their bows in their arms had each almost in uniform fashion 'Loose' he shouted and 50 odd arrows shot up in the sky travelling towards the ironborn.

The first volley of arrows skewered the Ironborn as while they saw the approaching riders, they did not expect such an attack. The second volley of arrows finished off the ones that did not manage to avoid the missiles or find cover. By the third vollew the Ironborn were in disarray as they were spread around land trying to avoid the missiles breaking any paltry formation they had initially made.

"Charge" shouted Finn, as the wolves neared the Ironborn and smashed into the remaining ironborn. The aerial assault had killed more than half the Ironborn and against mounted cavalry who were disciplined, well trained and experienced fighters, the Ironborn, outnumbered stood no chance.

Jon rode into battle as he charged and swung his sword at an incoming Ironborn. The completed its graceful arc as the man now fell to the ground, his head separated from his body. He saw some of the ironborn trying to flee.

"Don't let anyone escape as they will alert the other scum" Finn shouted and a roar of approval came from the wolves.

They proceeded to kill every single ironborn present. "For the North!" Finn shouted as the wolves roared together the same chant.

Winterfell 289 AC, Robb's POV

Robb overtook the responsibilities of Winterfell like a fish to water. Over time Robb had realised he had an interest in strategy and economics. Seeing his brother literally create wealth for himself that could make many a lord envious, he had also taken an interest in the same.

He saw to the daily affairs that were required of a lord and listened to the smallfolk's complaints and tried to find reasonable solutions for them. His mother and Maester Luwin would sit on the proceedings with him and assist him.

He also ensured that his skills with the weapon did not dull and started even more gruelling methods to be quicker, faster and more decisive in his fighting. It was very difficult and almost seemed tortuous to Robb but he had begun to see the results of his training. He was getting more toned and as he gained muscle, his strikes became stronger. He was training hard to also increase his stamina.

"My Lord", Ser Rodrick stated, "You have grown exponentially in the last moon. Your strikes have quicked and also strengthened and you have also learned to adapt to sudden changes."

Robb thanked the Master of Arms and proceeded to take a bath and freshened himself for the day. He sat down later to read on the reports on the economics of the North.

Quite some time had passed and Robb heard a knock on his door. On answering to enter, he saw his 8 year old sister Sansa coming into his room.

"Sansa", he greeted the little girl as the little red haired girl came and sat in front of Robb. "Mother seems upset." she said. "She did not speak much but retired to her chambers."

"Father and brother are away so she is understandably worried." Robb told her younger sister. "Where is Jon?" asked Sansa.

"He is patrolling the North on the western would be at Stony shore" Robb said.

"Oh." was simply what Sansa said not understanding completely. Robb then sat with his sister as they talked and Sansa gushed on, talking about her day and things and Robb could put his mind to stop worrying for a few moments.

They spoke for quite some time that day.

Near Lannisport, Ned's POV

After a long and uneventful march, they had reached Lannisport. From afar Ned could see the huge walls of the town and the vast camp of the king that surrounded it. The Banners of various houses and Great Houses of Westeros were struck up side by side on the walls of the city. And the camps which had the men of the respective houses. Arryns, Lannister, Tully, Tyrell banners were vibrant and the Baratheon banner was displayed in splendour.

As their army reached the camps, they saw a small group of men approaching them with the King's banners.

Stannis Baratheon, the king's brother approached them. His retinue took to help the incoming party with the area to camp the northern banners.

"Lord Eddard" said Stannis in his serious demeanor, "It is agreeable to see you. The King is waiting for you."

"Prince Stannis" Ned greeted as he motioned Harry to join him. "This is my son.."

"Lord Harlan" greeted Stannis as Harry approached them. "Prince Stannis, I hope you are in good health." greeted Harry. Stannis motioned towards the camp as he led his way to the king's temporary camp.

The Kings's camp had all of the high lords of Westeros and they all stood there looking at them as they entered the tent.

King Robert Baratheon, First of his Name, King of the Andals and First Men, the Defender of the Faith, the Protector of the Realm and his friend and brother in blood approached him. The years had not been kind to Robert. He had grown larger and fatter and did not look as fit as used to be. He still cut an impressive figure in his armor and the huge warhammer that was slung across his back.

"Ned" roared the King in joy. Ned and Harry knelt in front of the king as the king approached them.

"It is good to see you your grace." Ned said

"Always the honorable Ned Stark" laughed the king as he hugged his friend. "And this is your son, the Black Wolf?" asked the king.

Ned looked surprised at this. Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King stepped in. "We have heard of his exploits in the North and the Riverlands. The peasants and the merchants do speak very highly of your son."

Everyone looked at Harry, expecting him to respond and he simply said, "I was only doing my duty, your grace and my lord. Tales told can often be a little exaggerated at times." he finished.

Robert looked and Harry looked impressed. As did Jon Arryn. "So you have taken after your father. Ned I am so happy. We also have more good news. Stannis has smashed the Iron Fleet and now we can sail to the Iron Islands to smash those Iron Fuckers." Robert stated.

Jon asked, "How was the North affected Ned?"

"There have been skirmishes in the past which we have taken care of. Ironborn have landed in the Stony Shore but our patrols are taking care of them. We have a few villagers and peasants who have died but for now we haven't received any reports of any major attacks."

Jon Arryn nodded as he proceeded to tell Ned about the damages the Iron born had wrought on the westerns coasts of the rest of the regions. The damages to the Westerlands and the Reach were considerable. Many villages and holds raided, many women taken as salt wives. Some of the ladies of the Reach and Westerlands had been kidnapped. There was a lot of outrage and hate for the Ironborn.

Ned realised that by reaving and looting and causing harm to people who had never harmed him, Balon Greyjoy had given Robert the solidarity he never had until now. The lords wanted blood and Robert was all too willing to give it to them as war was something Robert could understand very well. By declaring rebellion, Balon Greyjoy ended up uniting Westeros. Now that the Iron Fleet had been destroyed, Robert would bring the full might of Westeros on the Iron Islands.

Sometimes Ned wondered if Robert enjoyed destroying more than building. No, that was not right. He was entirely sure of it as he heard Robert give his speech to the army.

They were leaving tomorrow and the Greyjoy Rebellion would be stamped out. It was his honor and duty.

Author's Note: I have another chapter almost ready will be releasing it shortly. Please do Favourite, Follow and Review. Thank you so much for all the love.