Disclaimer: all characters belong to J K Rowling and Warner brothers. Not me. Sucks don't it!

Harry Potter and the Call to War!

Chapter 4: Through the Mountains



(A/N I decided to put just Harry in this chapter! The next chapter will be out quickly and will hopefully begin to wrap up a few things. I have a lot planned to happen soon and I want everyone in the correct position for it. So in the next chapter we'll have Snape and Lucius meeting and then headed to Voldemort. We'll temporarily wrap up Sirius and Brin, they will take a break until the big battle coming up. Dumbledore still has a bit more to do. But I will begin to focus on Harry so I can move to time along a little faster. So look for a shorter update sometime next week. Then a much longer one a week after that.)

****** Harry, Thursday June 27th and Friday June 28th ******

Harry sat upon a stone outcropping that jutted out from the mountain face. The cool mountain air bite at his cheeks and caused him to shudder in the predawn light. During these hours Harry enjoyed writing his thoughts and experiences down into a leather bound book he had brought with him. He crudely sketched the view that lay before him onto the pages of his book. It was definitely one of the most breath taking sights he had ever seen. Hogwarts always had it's grandeur, but there is just something about being so close to the heavens and staring down on the world around you that puts perspective into your life. The great forest lay far below them and if he squinted he could see the hills they arrived at many days ago.

After turning a page he began to scribe the first few days of their ascent into the higher elevations of the mountain. Tensions had grown thick since their encounter at the base of the mountain. They had decided that the creatures that had attacked them were under someone else's control, and most likely they were being followed so they had increased their pace. Everyone was constantly on the lookout when they traveled and they had begun to post a guard at night. Harry enjoyed taking the early morning watches because it gave him a chance to write and study more of the books Remus had given to him.

All of them were growing tired from their grueling pace and soon they would need to take a day to rest. The previous day they had spotted smoke rising from a spot a days journey away. They had decided to take a chance that this was one of the half-breed camps that scattered around the mountainside and make for the camp.

Harry had learned much about the giant community structure from the books they had picked up before starting their journey. It turns out that the giants were structured in a ladder system of governing. The full blooded giants sat at the top of the system and they stayed to some of the highest elevations in the mountain range. The giants had no major ruling body, but the prominent members of the giant community would usually get together to make decisions affected the entire giant community. Beneath the full blooded giants where those like Hagrid. These giants ranged in many different sizes. They are somewhat friendlier to strangers and humans because many humans live with them. They govern themselves more independently, but still answer to the full blooded giants. Then come the savages, they are the lowest form of giant's. They to range in size, but from in breeding or simply genetic defects they have no real intelligent thought. Though they are not intelligent they still tend to work together in a tribal system of life. The savages and the mixed blood giants have constant skirmishes for control over territory on the mountain.

They could only hope that they would arrive at a mixed blood camp. If it would turn out to be a savage encampment then they would be lucky to escape with their lives, not to mention they would have to return in the direction of their pursuers.

The first lights of dawn began to rise on the horizon and Harry arose from the ledge to draw his sword from it's sheath. He had begun to focus upon his skill with the blade after finding how ineffective magic was against the warriors that had ambushed them. He wouldn't allow himself to be so outmatched the next time he faced a opponent. He knew just how lucky he was to escape with his life from the last beast that attacked him. There would be no way he could be as lucky again and he intended to be able to hold his own in the next fight. While he wasn't training with Remus he had begun to study many other forms and styles of blade work to improve.

The climb had gotten tougher the last few days. They used magical ropes that would secure them to the cliff faces while they moved through tougher portions of the climb. Harry's arms and legs ached from the abnormal amount of hard labor they were being put under. He was extremely grateful that he had gotten a book on healing potions, because now he could brew potions to ease his muscles and remove blisters during his morning watches. Harry was beginning to show the signs of the rugged journey they were under. He had bruises and cuts all over his body, not to mention a nasty cut on his check from where a large grouping of rocks broke loose and he had slid twenty feet down the mountain. All in all the trip was transforming him, both mentally and physically.

As the sun had almost fully begun to crest the horizon, Harry used magic to rekindle the fire and then prepared breakfast for his comrades. After he had finished his morning meal he walked over to one of the two tents and peeked his head in to rouse Hagrid and Remus. After he did the same with Madame Maxime he returned to his tent to get a hour of rest before they would have to once more set off.

The brief rest flew by and soon it was time to set forth. Remus flicked his wand and the two tents returned to their folded state. Harry placed one into his pack and Remus took the other. The full moon would rise the next night and Remus would have a tent all to himself, but with the night watches there would be no need for someone to go without a bed.

Harry was glad that they treated him as a adult, and gave him equal responsibility to the group. He actually strive to do more then asked of him, especially when it came time to make camp. He had become quite good at setting up traps to catch wild game, as well as spells that would disable intruders and alert them to the presence of unwelcome guests. Harry had actually learned to place some rather deadly spells in hidden places, he wouldn't take the risk of allowing someone to actually make it through to them during the night.

Soon they began to climb once more, it would take them till noon to reach the encampment they had spotted. It was Hagrid's turn to take the lead and Harry and Remus chose to take up the rear.

"Hey Remus, could I ask you a question?" Harry kept his eyes focused on the narrow rock ledge which they were using to cross a particularly difficult path.

"You just did, but you can ask me another one." Remus chuckled to himself.

"Ha Ha, but seriously. What was my mother like? I don't have a whole lot of memories of her." Harry had been thinking about the past a lot recently. Questions like this roamed his mind in the early morning hours.

"There is no real simple answer to that question Harry. Your mom was one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. People may tell you that you are just like your father, but that isn't entirely true. Your have more of your mother in you than you could possibly imagine. She would never put herself before others, and she was always standing up for what she thought was right. Heaven help you if you told her she couldn't do something, because nine times out of ten she'd do it just to prove you wrong. I've never meet a more self sacrificing individual." Remus gave Harry a sad smile before returning his attention to the dangerous ascent.

"I sometimes try to imagine what it would be like if she was still around sometimes. I wonder what she would say to me, or what it would be like just to be able to spend a day with her." Harry tried to mask the sorrow in his voice, but some things cannot be truly hidden.

"She'd have been proud of you Harry, her and James. You've turned into the fine young man they hoped you would. Lily's greatest wish was that no matter what you always stayed true to yourself. Because no one else really matters in the end. She would of been proud of whatever you do Harry, as long as you remain true to yourself." Remus jumped a small crevice in the rock and then continued walking.

Harry remained silent for a hour, he weighed Remus' words and went back over his life to determine if he had always remained true to himself. He was left to define what he valued and what held priority in his life. Things like Quidditch, though fun, were not really important in the long run. Though he could easily get a job on a team after school he knew that he wouldn't. It began to make sense as to why Dumbledore had chosen to teach at Hogwarts. Dumbledore had the chance to influence people before they could ever make the mistakes that would lead them down a life of darkness. He had the opportunity to let all of his students know that they always had choices. Dumbledore's lectures over what is right and what is easy never made more sense. He showed all those who came to him that there were always choices to be mad, just sometimes the right choice was not a easy path.

Had he always made the right choice, or did he at one point taken a easier path. Harry was left to his introspection's till Remus finally called his name.

"Harry, we've arrived. We'll head over to that rock encroachment and try to get a view into the camp. We are looking for the signs of whether this could be a savage camp."

Harry nodded and then drew the hood up on his forest green cloak. After making sure that his sword and wand were attached to his belt he began to move carefully through the forest. Remus was about thirty yards away and Hagrid and Madame Maxime had taken up defensive positions higher up. They would be able to cover Harry and Remus in case there was trouble.

Harry crouched low behind a tree, letting his other senses take over for the moment. He listened to the brush around him. The snap of a twig caught his attention. Someone was attempting to sneak up behind him. Harry took another three steps forwards and let his hand drift to the hilt of his blade. He waited for his watcher to close the distant. He let his instincts tell him when the attack would come. He and Remus had been practicing on how to anticipate a attack so that you could strike quicker and defend better. Harry waited just for the right moment and then drew his sword from it's sheath. He turned just in time to position his blade in a way to deflect the heavy club that had been aimed at his head. The club struck the blade and glanced off to the left. As soon as the club made contact Harry spun to the right, letting his cloak swirl around him. While he spun behind his enemy he drew his wand and shouted the stunning charm. The red spell struck it's target and the figure slumped to the ground before it got a chance to utter a single word.

Harry crouched by the body and used the Lumos spell to alert Remus to the danger present. The dimly lit wand attracted Remus' attention and soon he had backed up to where Harry still stood with his sword pointed to the chest of his attacker and his wand ready to take on additional foes.

"He tried to get the jump on me, but his attack didn't go according to plan." Harry spoke to Remus, but his attention never wavered from searching for more dangers around them. Remus just nodded at Harry to show his approval.

"Watch my back, and I'll take care of this one." Harry returned his sword to it's sheath and moved forward a additional ten feet to make sure no one else could get to Remus while he interrogate the giant he had captured.

The giant was a bit taller than Remus, but still no where near as big as Hagrid. Remus pulled him over and leaned him up against a tree. Then he cast the binding charm to cause chains to wrap around the giant and attach him to the tree. After casting a additional silencing charm over the giant he cast enervate on him to wake him from the magically induced state of unconsciousness.

Immediately the large man tried to break free of the bind and scream in protest to his confinement. Remus quickly got his attention and tried to calm him down.

"Listen, we mean you and your tribe no harm. We will release you in just a few moments." The giant stiffened and then ceased his struggle.

"We just have to be sure before we approach your camp. Are you Savage?" The giant looked at Remus for a second and then shook his head in indignation at the thought of being considered a savage.

"Then your a mixed blood?" Remus wanted to be absolutely sure of the giants origin. The giant shook his head in the affirmative.

"If I release you do you promise not to scream or try to bash my young friends brains in again?" The giant nodded in response to the question posed. Remus drew his wand and muttered the Finite Incantenum charm to remove the spells on the giant.

The Giant carefully rose to it's feet and examined Remus and Harry with a look of awe on his face. Before speaking to them.

"You are magic users, we haven't seen those with magic around here for many years. I'm sorry that I attempted to attack you, but these are extremely dangerous times. We can not be to careful, and it is now common place to attack before asking questions." The giants words troubled Harry and Remus and they attempted to gather more information before stepping into the giants camp.

"My name is Remus Lupin, and this young man's name is Harry. We are on a quest to the encampment of the full blooded giants. We were hoping to find rest in your village, and possibly find where we might find their camp this time of year. We didn't realize that we had come at a bad time or we wouldn't have wanted to trouble your people. Tell me, if you can, what is troubling your people?" The young giant gave them a apprising look before answering the question.

"They call me Ranor and I don't think it is my place to discuss matters concerning our clan. However we are always willing to welcome those who come in peace. You are more then welcome to come with me back to our camp. We will give you food and then our leaders will determine if we can point you in the direction you seek." Harry turned and sent green sparks from his wand in the direction of Hagrid to inform them that they were welcome to come down.

Ranor lead the four to the village that they had spied from so far away. They had indeed run into several more giants scattered through the forest before they made it to the camp. Harry thought of how lucky they were to have run into just one giant on his own. It could have been much worse. Harry, Remus, and Madame Maxime received strange looks for the robes they were wearing, but Harry hardly noticed. He was to bust taking in the sites that surrounded every turn in the path. Houses of every imaginable size ran along the paths, and they all looked like they could be packed up and moved in only a hours notice. Most of them were of a crude wooden design, but some seemed more established. Occasionally you would find a house with a stone fence surrounding it, or one with animals in a pen on the outside. Giant's of every imaginable size roamed all through the streets. Some looked like they could pass as humans, and others looked just to absurdly large to be allowed to enter into human populated areas. If humans did live in this area they would have to be well aware of the giant's by now. That's probably why the ministry resurrected wards so far away from the mountain. Sometimes they would pass a larger structure, or a strangely designed one. Ranor would explain it's purpose, this would range from food storage to general meeting places and pubs. Ranor explained that the giants had no use for money and each member of the clan worked to take care of everyone else.

Soon they came to a building much larger than all the rest of them. Ranor explained that this was were the wise members of the clan meet to discuss matters that pertained to the tribe. It was customary to enter the hall and wait till you are recognized. This was done to measure just how important you needed to state your grievance. If it was of importance you would be more willing to wait till you could be dealt with. Sometimes people stood for hours in silence before they were recognized to state their grievance. However silence was not what they were meet with when they entered the room. In fact they walked into a rather spirited debate, which would answer many of their questions.

"I tell you we should leave this moment, the savage are moving in mass and they will be here by tommorrow." A younger looking giant wearing many animal skins sewn together shouted at a older looking giant who was around Hagrid's size.

"The savage have never outright attacked us before, and they will not strike now. We will ride out and meet them as we always do." The older giant responded, his temper clearly flaring. Another older giant, slightly smaller then the last, with a long white beard spoke up.

"However, it is true that the savage have been acting oddly recently. We have reports of two attacks on other clans this week. They are far more aggressive then they usually are. Perhaps we should wait and see." This giant spoke softer then the others, and he seemed to be a lot older then the other four sitting at a crescent shaped table.

"There is no time to simply wait and see what happens, the savage are moving in numbers greater than they have moved in before. They sit at our doorstep and all we do is discuss this in meeting. We should be moving towards one of the other clans so that we can find safety." The younger giant spoke once more.

"I say we fight, we have never backed down from the savage before. If they want this land then they will have to take it from us." A giantess slammed her fist into the sturdy table causing ale to splatter out of her great mug. The fifth giant who had been keeping quite the entire time spoke up. He appeared to be middle aged, yet when he spoke he drew the attention of all those around. Harry recognized him as the leader of this council.

"We will send a message to the Full blood council and let them deal with the change in the savage. As for the savage who a reportedly on their way here." The giant was about a half foot taller than Hagrid, and he began to run his fingers through his beard before making his final decision. He looked over the court room before his eyes fell on Harry and Remus.

"Perhaps the answer to our problem has just presented it self. You two there, what is your business in this chamber today. It has been many years since we've had direct contact with wizards." Remus stepped forward to speak, but the giant quickly silenced him.

"No, let the younger human speak. I want to here the words from a mouth that is young and less likely spout lies and deceit like his ancestors." Harry stepped forward and chose his words carefully, there was obviously still some bad blood between humans and giants.

"We come seeking council from the Full blooded giants court. Times have become dangerous in the human world as well. We saw your camp from afar and we hoped that you could possibly provide us with a direction that we might seek the Full blooded encampment. We meet Ranor in the forest when we were checking to make sure that we weren't walking into a savage encampment. He informed us of your clans hospitality and then brought us to you." Harry looked the giant straight in the eye, he had already read that giants determine your worth by your first meeting. He wanted to stand strong and show that he spoke with honesty and courage. The giant stared right into Harry's emerald eyes and Harry stared right back into his large brown ones. Neither taking their gaze off each other despite the silence that had fallen between them. Soon the giant let out a laugh and leaned back in his chair.

"Perhaps there is hope for the next generations of humans after all. Very well, you may stay with us for the night and we will feed you. However the matter of directing to the Full blooded encampment is a completely different matter. Perhaps if you were to be able to offer us something in return we could strike up a agreement." Harry wasn't sure what the giant was driving at, but they did know where the Full blooded giants are. As long as he didn't commit to anything it wouldn't hurt to keep talking.

"What type of service could we offer you? As I told you before, we are on a journey and did not bring anything of value." The giant waited a moment, he was judging how best to approach the issue of what he wanted.

"We have been having problems with the savage lately. Normally we would handle this ourselves, but times have changed. Something seems to have united the savages and in the last two weeks they have been actively attacking our tribes. We are planning to send word to the Full blooded council to look into the matter. I would not ask you to actively fight for us, but if you and your companions agreed to use enough magic to drive them off we would be quite grateful." Harry knew exactly what the giant wanted. He wanted them to use magic against those who couldn't defend from it. Giants had a natural resistance to some magic, but mixed bloods were more susceptible to it.

"I can not condone attacking those who can not defend themselves. Besides if there are to many then there is little two wizards and a witch will be able to do." The giant smiled at Harry and then spoke once more.

"The savage have never before attacked in numbers greater than ten, and I don't expect you to actually attack them. Only use magic to drive them away, I'm sure you have spells that can make them think twice before charging into battle." Harry pondered this, it wouldn't hurt to simply cast a few illusions and make a little light show.

"If we agreed what would your gratefulness entail?" The giant smiled once more and then made his offer.

"I would send a escort to take you directly to the Full blood camp. From there you would be on your own." This was better then Harry had hoped for, it could shave a month off there journey. They could arrive sometime in July if they were lucky.

"Fine, but we will not directly attack the savage unless it is necessary, and in exchange you will arrange escort to the Full blood encampment. Do we have a agreement." Harry steeped forward and stuck out his hand to shake on it and seal a oath. A handshake was something that couldn't be gone back on in giant costume. Harry decided he would have to think about how humans could do this so freely. If anything, he had found a new respect for a simple handshake.

"I Agree young human. Now rest, for tonight you sit at Torags' table as his honored guest. Ranor will show you to some lodging you may use in my house and will bring you to the festival hall tonight for the feast. You have come at a most grand time, for we always feast before battle." With that Ranor lead the four travelers to Torags' house.

The house Torag lived in turned out to be right across from the festival hall and also one of the largest buildings in the village. Ranor showed Harry, Hagrid and Remus to a room and gave the second to Madame Maxime who was quite pleased to not be sleeping in a tent. Even though wizard tents were nothing like the ones Muggles used, it was still no house. Harry took a brief shower and then changed his clothes so that he would be fresh for the evening before settling down to a book to await Ranor.

The time quickly passed and Ranor soon arrived to take them to the festival hall for dinner. Harry was especially hungry because he had not gotten much to eat that day with all the excitement in the afternoon. His eyes got large when they saw the piles of meat that sat at the table. Flies flew over some of it and not all smelled the greatest in the world. In moment Harry had lost a great deal of his appetite.

"Young human, come down here and sit by me. Bring your friend with you." Harry sat to the right of Torag and Remus sat to his left. Hagrid and Madame Maxime were lead to seats a little farther down the table.

"It's a good day for a feast. Bring out the ale." Torag shouted and soon many giants of various sizes where bringing out tankards that could easily hold three butter beers. The tankards were filled to the brim with a substance that had a distinctively bitter smell to them. Harry made a mental note to write a new book on giant etiquette that advised you to run away from any offered hospitality.

"Mite big for you there, young human. Perhaps we could find a nursing mother to get you some milk to drink." Harry recognized the challenge that Torag had set before him. He had been insulted and it was a giant custom to not just let it slid by. Harry noticed that many of the giants were now staring at him to find out his reaction the offered challenge. Remus and Hagrid were staring at him as well. So after inwardly slapping himself for what he was about to do, he smiled at Torag and replied.

"No, I think this suits me nicely." Before anyone could react Harry had grabbed the tankard with both hand and threw back the contents. The bitter substance slid down his throat and some escaped the corners of his mouth and rolled down his robes. Harry chugged the substance till the tankard ran dry and he slammed it back down on the table. No one reacted at first, but soon all the giants were cheering and Torag was laughing harder then them all. Harry let fourth a mighty belch, only increasing the cheering in the room. Torag turned to Harry and gave him a extremely hard smack on the back.

"You earned a name from me young human. From now on I'll call you Oxgor. Because you may be small, but you hold your ale like a ox." The cheers erupted once more and all the giants raised their tankards to him.

"Lenalfa, bring some more ale for Oxgor. I'd like you to meet him then as well." Torag called down to a young giantess who was just a foot taller than Harry. Harry looked down to Hagrid who was looking at him with the biggest smile Harry had ever seen on the giant. Then Harry's gaze fell on Remus who had a look somewhere between awe, amusement, and downright hilarity on his face. Harry quirked a eyebrow and then grabbed a hunk of sheep meat off the table. He gave the meat one last look before starting to eat it down. This was the epitome of the saying ' When in Rome do as the Romans do.'.

The young giantess soon returned with another full tankard and set it in front of Harry. Torag stopped her before she could head off to help someone else. Harry now could see here fully in the light. She definitely wouldn't be able to go into human cities when she was older. She wasn't ugly by giant standards of anything. Just rather large by anyone who wasn't a giants standard.

"Now Oxgor, I'd like you to meet my daughter Lenalfa. Lenalfa just received a letter telling her she was accepted to that wizard school Hogwarts. Do you happen to go there?" Harry was taken back, she was only eleven. Harry shock off his shock and replied.

"Yeah, that's where I attend. I will be starting my fifth year this coming fall. I'm sure you'll love Hogwarts Lenalfa. It's really a blast." Harry smiled at the young giantess who turned a bit of a blush.

"I ask that you make sure that she gets a fair shake of it down there Oxgor. Giant's aren't always treated like equals and I ask you to look out for her and make sure she's safe and happy there." This was something Harry didn't even have to think about. Of course he would do this. He would do it even if he hadn't been asked, it was just the right thing to do.

"I promise you that as long as I am at Hogwarts no harm will come to your daughter, and that I will do all in my power to make sure she gets treated well." This time Torag stuck out his hand to Harry. Harry quickly took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

"As I said before, perhaps there is still hope for the humans." Remus had a smile of pride on his face and so did Hagrid, they both had listened to the exchange.

The rest of the evening past in a literal blur to Harry. He drained the tankard three more times and couldn't remember anything. He had vague flashes of standing on the table with Torag and several of the other giants singing. Then nothing at all past that. Harry awoke the next morning with a headache that made the pain he felt around Voldemort feel like a tickle. He couldn't for the life of him understand why the giant's would do something like this before a fight. Remus just stood at the door to the bathroom with a purple concoction in his hand. He watched Harry crawl as low to the ground as he could, all the while trying to hide his head in a pillow to stop the light from getting in.

"Here Oxgor, drink this. It'll making the pounding go away." Remus and Hagrid chuckled at Harry's new name and over the fact of how quickly Harry snatched the potion and drank it down.

"Not funny guys, and you are not to ever mention last night again. At least after you tell me what happened." Remus and Hagrid began laughing once more as Harry's head slowly returned to normal. As the headache went away various details of the nights events began to come into focus.

"Never mind, don't tell me what happened last night. I don't think I want to know anymore." Harry groaned and fell back into bed.

"True giant ale, it gives yer a kick en the pants. We'll have ter hit the tavern when we get back Harry." Hagrid chuckled, but Harry could tell that the half giant was actually rather serious over the matter.

"All right, enough of the Harry abuse. When do we go meet the Savages today?" Remus smirked before replying.

"Don't you mean Oxgor abuse. By day he's mild mannered Harry Potter, but by night he's duh da da duh OXGOR!!!" Harry cringed a bit.

"The potion is just starting to work, but please keep your voice to a reasonable level. When do we ride out?" Harry posed his previous question again.

"WE RIDE OUT IN A HOUR! IS THIS REASONABLE ENOUGH FOR YOU!!!" Remus shouted at the top of his lungs. Harry just grabbed some battle robes and walked into the bathroom.

"When the world stops pulsating I'm going to kill you Moony!" With that said Harry shut the door and proceeded to drown himself in the large bathing basin.

An hour later twenty five set fourth from the mixed blood camp with Togar, Harry, and Remus in the lead. Harry was dressed in sleeveless battle robes that had a split in the front and back below the waist to allow maximum leg movement. Harry's wand and sword were at his sides and he rode on a large horse. Out of the twenty five who assembled, only twelve were small enough to ride horses. All were decked out in full battle armor and most of the giants hefted large war hammers. They had chosen to meet the Savage before they approached the area surrounding the village. This would give the Wizards more room to work. After 30 minutes on horse back they reached a area with a large flat plateau on the mountain. The savage would have to pass through here to meet them. The ground was rocky and devoid of anything. No trees or bushes grew, and no boulder jutted up from the soil. Now they waited for the savage to rise to the other side of the plateau. After twenty minutes Harry began to believe that they were not attacking at all. Soon he was proved quite wrong.

The screams of the approaching savage mingled together to form one of the worst cacophonies Harry had ever. They were cries that sounded like they came from the very bowels of hell. The sound of stones being shook free from their resting places and falling only added to the dreaded symphony of approaching mayhem. Harry looked at Remus, who nodded in return. They both drew their wands and began the complex spells they had discussed on the ride to the battle field. Remus began to weave his illusion spells and crafted a dragon out of thin air. Harry probed Remus' magic, and entwined his own into the spell. He combined spells he learned at Hogwarts with destructive battle magic to create blasts of fire that would blaze from the illusions mouth. He caused the spells to create walls of fire that would char the ground when the flame struck it. Even though the magic was cast one hundred and fifty yard from the assembled forces, they could still feel the edge to the mighty blasts of heat. The illusion would not last for long, but hopefully the savage would scatter upon seeing the beast.

Soon the savage began to crest the plateau's eastern side. The ran at full pace over the rocky terrain that lead to the plateau. They wore tattered rags and their hair grew long and tangled. Their skin was caked with dirt and Harry could smell them even before they came to the top of the two hundred yard plateau. They ranged in sizes just as the mixed blood giants did, and they carried large rocks and tree stumps as weapons. First ten crested the plateau, then twenty, then thirty. Their numbers kept increasing till more than forty savage had reached the plateau.

The first of them caught site of the illusion dragon and kept up the pace of the charge. Harry worked the magic and caused the beast to let fourth a mighty blast of fire that struck near the lead of the savage army. The savage would not be dissuaded, something pushed them onward. Like a river the broke around the flames and continued to charge. Soon they reached the dragon itself and the illusion flickered and faded from existence. Harry looked to Remus to see how he should proceed, only to find Remus not having the answers either. Torag voice filled all their ears as he shouted the new orders.

"Messenger, ride at top speed back to the village and tell them to flee. Have them take the northern route to the Full blood camp. We will hold them off as long as we can and then collapse the pass to buy more time for them to escape. Once I give the order we will retreat to the west and head through Mountain troll country on the long route to the camp. Just try to hold them off as long as we can." Torags voice betrayed no fear to the greater number that they had not prepared to face. He leaned over towards Harry and Remus and spoke quieter to them.

"It appears your magic did not work, and that the savage are not as defenseless as you thought. Will you use your magic against then now? Come Oxgor, we will see if you fight as well as you drink." Harry turned back to Remus who had drew his sword and had his wand ready in his other hand. Remus looked at Harry and spoke first.

"Do you know anything about fighting on horse back?" Harry ran through everything he had read on the subject.

"A little, do we have any other options in this matter?" Hagrid who had selected freed his war hammer shook his head in the negative.

"Well at least when this is over we'll have a full escort to the giant's camp." Remus chuckled at the strange twist that now putting them against a horde of savage.

"Yer ready then 'Arry?" Harry drew his sword and then made sure of his balance on the horse.

"I'll see you three after the battle then, remember, we can't die yet, there's still much to do." With that Madame Maxime gave each of them a nod before drawing her wand and preparing to meet the onslaught. Torag gave the battle orders.

"Riders prepare to charge, footmen follow immediately after." Harry settled himself better on the back of the horse and picked his first target from the savage who were now one hundred yards away.

"CHARGE!!!" Torag shouted and the horses took off in a flat out gallop towards the first of the savage ranks.

Harry pushed his heels hard into the flanks of his horse, urging it to increase it's speed. He leaned closer to his mounts neck and leveled his wand at the front of the first rank before him. Now was not the time for indecision, it was a time when you either acted or you were killed. He synchronized his hand movements till his wand leveled with the rolling gait of the horse. He watched after shouting the incantation for the powerful jet of fire he had used in conjunction with the dragon illusion. The flames rolled ahead of him and bite into the first of his now approaching enemies. The fallen savage screamed in pain and clawed at their charred flesh. They tore hunks of the blackened skin from their bodies and then collapsed to the ground from the overload of pain. Harry rode into the indentation that was now refilling with savage at full gallop. He lost sight of those around him as his horse trampled through the savage hoards. He rode through most of the initial savage till he reached some of the larger slower moving opponents. Harry slashed with his sword wildly in every direction as he went onward. Some fell as Harry's blade slashed into their exposed flesh, leaving room so others would continue to replace their fallen comrades. Harry ducked under a large tree trunk that was swung with enough force to remove his head, and at the same time he plunged his blade into the mass of tangled hair that he could only assume was the savage's head. As he retracted his blade from the falling giant he turned and fired a series of stunning spells into the savage that were closing in around him. Several fell, only to find themselves trampled by other savage who clambered over their fallen bodies. He turned just in time to deflect a club that was aimed at his left side and strike with a slash at the one who attacked him. Harry pointed his wand to his left and shouted a spell to cause a small shock wave to knock down those in the immediate vicinity. He turned his horse to the side and pulled back on the reigns to cause the horse to rear up on it's rear legs and bring it's hooves down upon the skull of a fallen giant. Though the savage were to numerous to defeat they were not the most skilled of fighters. Harry spotted Remus to his left and directed his horse in that direction, pushing through those who attempted to hem him away from his comrades. Harry was now soaked in the blood of the fallen and sweat streaked down his face. This all combined with his own blood and that of his horses from minor cuts from where the enemy had clawed at him. Harry moved to Remus and took up a position on his left side so that he could concentrate his efforts on one side. Remus was thankful for the protection and proceeded to protect the right flank. Harry and Remus fought together for 15 minutes, moving in a circle they caused more and more of the enemy to fall. No matter how many attacked they managed to repel the savage. They could not last forever and their numbers already began to dwindle under the fierce combat. Savage showed no mercy and Harry saw many a mixed blood giant fall to their horde. Harry cast mainly dueling magic, because the savage wouldn't be able to remove the spells. His horse was hit by a club and fell to the ground with him on it. He rolled free from the horse and kicked to his feet, never releasing his grip on his wand and sword. The giants began to press in on him, they would take advantage of his size. Harry pressed his back against Remus' horse and cast the same fire spell he had used at the beginning of the battle. A cone of flames swept around those who attempted to kill him and many of them fell to the ground, the smell of their charred flesh filled Harry's nose and made him gasp for air. Harry barely had time to look into the face of one that had fallen, but those seconds would stick with him forever. He saw the pain in the eyes of the dying, he felt the sorrow for what he had been forced to do. Harry didn't have time to think, a whistle through the air caught his attention. Savage were hurling large boulders into the very heart of the battle. They crashed around him, breaking bones of friend and foe. Harry cast a physical shield charm to try to deflect the barrage that now fell like rain. Remus reached down and hoisted Harry onto the back of his horse. Harry slid his sword into it's scabbard and began to fire stunning spells at any who dared approach. A loud rumble caught his attention and he looked out to see a rock slid had started. The debris pilled and blocked the path that they had used to ride onto the plateau. Harry paid for his lack of concentration when a smaller giant swung his club and smacked him squarely in the side. Despite the pain Harry spun around and cast a stronger severing charm that cut right through the giants neck. It's head fell towards the ground and it's body collapsed backwards. A trumpet sounded the retreat and Remus brought his horse to a full gallop. He rode back through the masses of the dead and dying to the path that they would use to escape. Remus didn't pause to wait for anyone else, he simply spurred his horse onward and descended into a small forested area on the mountain side. Five minutes at full gallop brought him to a clearing that they were to use as a rally point if anything went wrong. Things definitely went wrong and Remus was hopping to meet up with the survivors there.

Harry strained to see into the few who had gathered. Harry thanked whatever force was listening when he saw Hagrid and Madame Maxime sitting on a old log. Hagrid was tending to some rather nasty cuts and Madame Maxime was using magic to seal up the worst of the injuries.

"'Arry, I'm glad ter see yah made it through alrigh'" Hagrid helped Harry down from the horse and Remus dismounted after him.

"Takes more than a few savage to slow us down!" Remus said in a jocular manner.

"How many survived? Did Torag make it?" Harry tried to count the few that remained in the clearing. However he could only find nine there. Hagrid answered him in a sad voice.

"Only ten survived, us included. Torag wen' off inter the forest." The enormity of the situation pressed down on Harry. They had lost fifteen men and had taken to many lives themselves. Harry walked off into the forest to contemplate the loss. Remus was about to go after him but Madame Maxime stopped him.

"No, He needs to sort this out for himself." Remus nodded and then sat back down to tend to his own injuries.

Harry leaned up against a tree at the edge of the forest. He had walked to where the trees no longer grew and the mountain face dropped off in a thousand foot drop. He looked out at the setting mid day sun and noticed the red tinge in the sky. Harry pulled the sword free from it's scabbard and looked at the red stained blade. The sword had bitten into flesh and taken lives, it had lost it's innocence and now knew the scars of life. It had served the purpose it had been designed for. It fought and shed blood, taking what could not be given back. Harry realized that it wasn't the sword he was thinking about. It was himself, he had fought and drew blood. He had taken what couldn't be returned. The blade fell loose from Harry's hand and clattered to the ground. Harry fell to his knees with a wave of nausea.

"It's never easy is it?" A voice from the left drew his attention. There stood Torag, his arm bracing himself against a tree.

"It's only when it becomes easy that you need to worry. Your a good kid Oxgor, you know what's right and what's wrong. I pray that there will be more like you. Every time I set foot into battle I remind myself that those are my kin I am facing. We are bonded and nothing can break that apart. Each life that falls to my hammer is another that I must bare. You have to keep reminding yourself what you are fighting for. We each fight for different reasons. I fight for the sake of my tribe. At the end of the day I must determine what if what I fight for is worth it. There will always be those out there who wish to fight. So tell me Oxgor, what do you fight for? Is it really worth it?" Harry didn't reply, he just let Torags' words run through his mind.

"Come Oxgor, It is a long ride to the Full blood camp. The sooner we leave mountain troll country the better." Torag walked back in the direction of the clearing.

Harry rose and collected his sword once more. He moved back to the assembled group who were preparing to move out. Without saying a word he took out his pack from his pocket and enlarged it. He threw it on his back and set off with the rest of the giants who were now following Torag towards the snow capped peaks. His mind swirled with questions that only he could answer. Little did the assembled giants know that they all were now being closely followed by inhuman creatures, and that they were still in grave danger.

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(Hope you liked, see author note at top for info on next chapter and future plans. Remember to review!) BYE