Author's Note: Hello and welcome to this writing project of mine. It is an exercise in worldbuilding more than writing one coherent story, and so I made the decision to use the framing device you are about to read. This story has clear inspirations, be it the tales of the Dragonriders of Pern, the adventures of Temeraire, or the stories of Eragon and Saphira or Calen and Valerys

You are welcome to join the Harry/Fleur Discord, a lively and inspiring place: discord.gg/CpzggZbfyU

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I welcome you, dear reader. For generations, the royal chroniclers have been travelling far and wide and collecting tales from the kingdom's subjects and dutifully recording them for future generations.

My part in this monumental undertaking includes several chapters of the Gesta Draco Equitum which you are about to read.

It is my hope that my next words will sound as fanciful tales to you, difficult to believe stories of a bygone age.

Know then that we live in a world cursed by unknown means. Danger can appear at anytime during the day and the night belongs to terrors. As if from thin air, foul monsters and accursed abominations can appear anywhere and at any time.

But we are a resilient people and fight back. Our cities are mostly safe, and our courageous soldiers and demon hunters patrol the country. Their service and sacrifice ensure our peaceful lives.

Fortunately, we do not stand alone in our struggle. You see, there are dragons. All around us, in the cities, in villages, near lakes, in the mountains, or prowling in forests, one can find dragons.

From swift scouts and messengers to stout workers helping out in the fields, or valiant dragon fighters helping us keep the monsters at bay, our friends stand at our side.

Long ago, they lived alongside us in the world and we were neighbours, trying to live in peace while trying to survive in a hostile world. Sadly, nobody remembers when it happened and who it was that managed to form the first bond between a human and a dragon, but it brought a profound change.

No longer two separate peoples living in the same land, we have become one, working together for the betterment of both.

Nowadays, dragons have their choice of prospective partners, and it is a joy to behold when a dragon finds the person meant to be their partner, no matter whether they do so as hatchlings, or later as grown wyrms.

Sadly, I have not been so fortunate, but every dragonrider I have interviewed described the joining of their souls with their partner's as a transcendent experience, leading to a partnership as intimate as it is powerful.

Oh what it must be like to have the certainty that one shall never be alone again, their deepest fears banished by the power and unwavering friendship of a mighty dragon!

Nobody knows why the dragons chose to bind themselves to us instead of subjugating us, but all agree they are eternally grateful for that choice. And thus dragons are accepted as valued partners, honoured helpers, and beloved protectors of us all.

We honour those chosen by dragons and give thanks for their service. It is their stories I have been tasked to collect, and it was my pleasure to do so.

Allow me, dear reader, to start my telling with an ancient call, relayed from dragonrider to dragonrider for generations.

Dragons' backs we saddle,

Blue heavens to explore.

Mighty wings beat,

With a cheer we rise!

Dangers to brave,

Glory to earn!

Lo! Brothers! Lo! Sisters!

Hear the distant call!

Hermione Granger

Royal Chronicler