Author's Note: I want to say thank you for the reviews and feedback guys. It is appreciated, keep them coming!

I can't you tell how many times I rewrote this chapter just to get it right. Well until I sat my but down and refused to leave until I was satisfied. So any throught, critics, and reviews are welcomed.

Sorry guys no beta reader this time, so I apologize for any grammar mistakes they're all on the author. Anyone know a good beta reader?

P.S: Hey guys this is the same chapter just updated with a few fixes. Someone pointed out a mistake I had made and now I'm correcting it.

Chapter Three: Tea Party

He dreamed of drowning. Before him was an all-consuming inky blackness, his body weighed down in an endless void. Barely aware of his surroundings he floated, listlessly. A ship without sails.

There was nothing. But he was not afraid.

In this void. This place of nothing. All things seem so far away.

Will this be your ending? In the darkness, a voice rang out so achingly familiar but his mind was too sluggish to process it. To die forgotten? Faded from memory? Is this the ending you wanted?

He struggled to answer, reaching out past thick oil and the weakness of his body. Why not? Harry's mouth did not move but his voice echoed loud and clear through his lethargy. I've done my part, have I not? Am I not allowed to rest?

Silence answered him back.

Please, weariness ached in his bones down to his heart, let me rest.

No.

-Line break-

Harry awoke with a desperate gasp of air. He struggling for breath as the lingering echoes of electricity raced through his nerves, a dull fire scorching his insides.

"Finally awake I see."

"What?" Harry stopped to cough out a harshly, talking felt like hot coals against his throat. Taking another moment he allowed his vision to come into focus, only to see a familiar form standing above him. "Mouse?" Glancing down Harry noticed that he was lying on a soft cushioned cot. "Wha-what's going on? Why are you here?" Trying to lift himself up he winced with every pull of his muscles.

"No sudden movements now." Placing his hand on Harry's back with an uncommon gentleness, Mouse helped Harry slowly sit up. "You took quite the, heh, shock," Harry rolled his eyes at Mouse's chuckle.

Taking in his surroundings Harry released a breath of relief recognizing the surroundings of Knowledge's inner sanctum.

"I thought. No," Harry shook his head as he gathered his scattered mind. "I was fighting with some knight. I think it was some sort of spirit."

Mouse paused glancing away from Harry for a moment."Well, you're not wrong on that part."

Raising his eyebrows with suspicious disbelief Harry continues slowly. "What's that supposed to mean?" Gathering his strengths to stand he pulled his attention away. "I would assume you'd be a bit alarmed-Wait," snapping his head up quickly he zeroed in his focus onto Mouse, "how did I- did you bring me here? Wheres Knowledge?" Allowing his eyes to roam he realized for the first time that the familiar figure was nowhere to be seen. Missing Mouse's nervous fidgeting.

"I'm not at liberty to say." Mouse smiled sheepishly, rubbing broad hands together. "Just trust me its gonna be a swell time."

"The bloody hell is that supposed to mean?" Green orbs narrowed with annoyance. "You're a shit liar Mouse. What's going on?

"I'm not sure I like your tone." Mouse folded in his hands in a mock huff. "How about a bit more sugar in there if you'd please."

Taking an exasperated breath he tried to calm his jittering nerves. "Look I'm sorry I snapped at you. I'm just a bit on edge. " Taking another breath he gave Mouse a tentative grimace. "But you're right you don't deserve my anger. Now can you please tell me where Knowledge is? And what's going on?"

"Well as long as we're clear," Feeling foolish Mouse relaxed his defensive stance. " And no. I can't."

"Merlin's balls, man!" Giving Mouse a scowl he felt his anger grow, along with his magic, Mouse gave Harry a warning stare, sensing his strained control and mounting frustration.

"Easy, no need for a repeat performance." The bright smile aimed at Harry held too many to teeth to be called kind. "Though it would be interesting to see it up close."

Harry felt the blush of embarrassment color his scowl. "Not in the habit of attacking friends." Standing to his full height was difficult but he gave Mouse his full attention. "Just a bit stressed is all. I'm not overly fond of cryptic answers and dodgy conversations."

"Ah, but those reveal the most interesting things." Eyes dancing with amusement Mouse's smile became less severe. " But I'm telling you my lips are sealed tight. I'm just supposed to make sure your functioning."

A strange thing to say, as well as frustrating. "Was it Knowledge who told you to do that?"

"I wish," Mouse snorted out. "No. And that's all I'm gonna say on that subject."

"Okay." Harry sighed out. There was no point in getting angry, can't risk losing control over it. "Well, can you at least tell me who or how I was healed." He gave himself a curious once-over. There was no visible damage from his spell, even he had taken the full brunt of it. No scars on his flesh or tears in his robes, the same appearance since he somehow appeared in the Fade. The only evidence of his attack was just a few pained nerves. "Or is that on the 'can not ask list'?"

"Well, it wasn't a pretty sight, that's for sure." Tilting his head to the side Mouse glanced at Harry with mild boredom. "You came in smelling a bit like cooked meat, all still and quiet. I thought you were a goner for sure. Couldn't help but show off that power of yours?"

"Weren't you the one who called me stupid."

"Don't get cheeky." Mouse snapped out. "I called you dull-witted, not suicidal. You came in smelling a bit like chard meat. Haven't smelled that in a while," he grumbled. "As for the how? I have no idea, healings -especially on that level- not my area of expertise."

"Well," Harry growled trying to control his annoyance. "You're just a ray of sunshine, aren't you."

"Aren't I always?"

"Mouse, really what's going on?" Feeling thoroughly drained Harry leaned against the frame of the cot with a sigh. Green eyes pleaded for a response. "How bad is this gonna be?"

Mouse stared at him in quiet consideration. "I'm sorry." Harry hated the look of sympathy in his eyes. "This...this is above me. I can't."

"That bad, huh." Harry felt his body sag with defeat.

"Now, now what's with all the gloom." Harry snapped his eyes to see Knowledge stepping forward from out of the treeline. "I must say, it is quite remarkable that you still draw breath." She stopped in front of them with a beaming smile on her face, the familiar glow of her form shimmering as hunger danced in her eyes. "That was a sizeable amount of power you had released. How are you feeling?"

"Everything feels like I'm on fire but I'll live." He still felt the tingling sensation of electricity in his arms. It was remarkable that he had survived at all. He had put more force than he was able to control in his strike.

An unsettling thought.

"Splendid." Answering Harry's admission with a clap of her hands and a beaming smile."Shall we begin?"

Confused at her words Harry open his mouth but snapped it shut as another figure stepped from the treeline behind her.

A familiar presence. Large. Looming.

"Well shit," Standing nonchalantly was the same knight that had attacked him. "I was kinda hoping you'd be dead."

"A good attempt," A multitude of voices rumbled from the knight's helmet as their hulking metal arms crossed casually. "But no. Not dead."

"Just give me a few moments," he hissed through clenched teeth. "I think another attempt will give us better results."

Knowledge smiled at Harry's sardonic tone, "No need for such harshness. We are all allies here."

"Well, where I come from most handshakes don't start off with a sword to the face." The snark was practically dripping from his tone. "What was this about Knowledge? An amusing fight to the death?" He narrowed his with suspicion, "Or was this your effort to test my magic?"

Among the numerous things that Harry possessed Knowledge found his magic the most inquisitive projects. She would spend hours not only asking about his world but demonstration of his magic. A task he found too distasteful, his magic was a piece of him not some toy to be experimented.

"Come now, you were in no danger of death," Knowledge cocked her head with a smile as she brightened. "However, you are right in the sense that it was a test. But it wasn't mine." She nodded her head to the knight standing next to her."It was theirs."

"I think you're gonna give me a bit more than that," he growled his frustration. Turning towards the silent knight he glared fire at the hulking figure. "What purpose would you need that requires you to attack me? Or am I supposed to make a bloody guess?"

"Why, for a task you're going to help achieve." Knowledge stepped up to answer Harry's decreasing patients, practically shimmering.

"Pardon?" Harry's tone came out flat and harsh, "I think you need to explain."

"What is there to explain?" A glimmering head looked at Harry with confusion. From beside him, he heard the amused snort of Mouse.

"You know for a being that loves to spread knowledge you're being awfully cryptic." Harry gave her a cutting glare before taking a slow breath. "Let's start with the easy questions. For instance, why me? What task? Who is this person?" He ended his questions with accusatory finger point at the mysterious being beside her.

"I shall explain," the knight straightened into a defensive position clenching steel hands. "I am Valor and I act as guardian for these domains." A hollow empty metal helmet stared back at Harry. "The spirit of Knowledge speaks true. I have need of assistance."

"Yes," Mouse spoke up with sarcasm dripping from his tone. "Just the simple task of killing a demon. Because that's an easy thing to accomplish." A sliver of disdain dripped from his words. "Couldn't ask to grab some bread from the market, now could we?" Mouse coward back slightly when the Knight turned its metal head in his direction.

The air stood silent for a heartbeat or two before Knight turned back to Harry. "The little spirit speaks the truth." Taking a small step forward the knight continued forward. "But not just any demon but a powerful demon of rage. A dark fiend that has been plaguing the territories of others."

Of course, you are. Demons and spirits. Why wouldn't there be a creature of Valor. Bloody wonderful. Harry wondered when this place would start making sense.

"But," Ignoring the thoughts in his head Harry turned his attention towards Valor in confusion. "Isn't it supposed to be doing that?"

Spirits were just reflections of human emotion and constructs and a demon was just another darker reflection of man built with its own purpose and identity. Sometimes a spirit, though outside influences, become twisted losing itself or it is born with ill intent. Regardless, like any creature a demon craved territory, power, and other such things whether to protect itself or to find access to the other side, to Thedas.

"Yes and no," Valor explained. "This particular demon has been wading outside its boundaries with no other purpose but to cause wanted destruction. It does not wish for negotiation or to absorb power. It causes nothing but terror."

"So much ruckus," Knowledge sounded put upon. "It comes out of its little hovel and throws its weight everywhere. Burning things. Such a mess it makes." Turning her glowing head, she seemed to be imploring Harry to action. "This part of the Fade is peaceful and quiet. We live a nice coexistence we cannot have one bad apple ruin the whole bunch."

"Okay," Harry spoke up quietly still confused. "But why me? Surely you can rally a much stronger force than me?"

"Not really no," Knowledge sighed out sadly. "Many of the inhabitants of this part of the Fade aren't built for combat. We live in a place not worth effort or notice. We only wish to be left to our own devices. Valor here is our main defense. Those who can fight...well unless it directly affects them they will not act. Waiting for them to would only bring about a disaster in the long run."

"So why do you care?" From the familiar M.O of the spirit getting involved without any gain seemed odd.

"Coexistence means an easier and willing viability of information." Well, it was good as any reason for being like her. "Besides we would all prefer peace."

"Even with the demons living here?" He was confused and a bit stunned. From his understanding demons were the main antagonist and dangerous creatures of the Fade.

"Yes," she shrugged her shoulders mildly. "Just because a few of the neighbors are demons, that does not forgo the option of coexistence. They keep to their business and we keep to ours. Unfortunately, this creature wishes to destroy that."

"That doesn't really answer my question," Harry said, knitting his brows together. "Why me?"

"Well did you not fight a dragon, "Knowledge asked charmingly.

"Yes but-"

"You are also combat trained with spells," Valor spoke up in the face of Harry's sputtering. "This I can attest to."

"Okay hold on a min-"

"And did you not defeat an evil maleficar when you were nothing but a child." Mouse spoke up, enjoying the game.

"I don't see how that immediately makes me the best candidate to fight a demon," Harry retorted back stubbornly. "Killing this creature was never part of my curriculum."

He could not allow himself to get involved with this conflict. Once he aided them in killing this demon how quickly would they call on him again? Harry knew himself well. He knew how he could get attached with just an ounce of kindness and care, an echo from his youth. He did not need or want it. He had a home to return to. A home filled with people waiting for him.

"Harry," voice soft and pleading Knowledge stared at him beseechingly.

"Will you do nothing. Leave others to suffer." The looming knight accused neutrally.

"After all we've done for you?" Mouse sounded disappointed. "No care for your friends."

Damn it. "Fine!" The hollow creek of steel cage rang through his head. "I'll help you defeat the bloody demon."

"Excellent." Knowledge clapped her hands together, glowing happily. "Now to prepare."

-LINE BREAK-

"It will be nearly impossible to get into the heart of its territory without giving away your presence." Knowledge stated happily. "Rage, like many, guards its territory with an iron grip. "

Of course. Why couldn't anything ever be easy? "I'm assuming there's a plan to get us there?" Sighing tiredly Harry felt the familiar annoyance.

"Yes and no." Harry had to quirk an a raised eyebrow at Knowledge's mischievous smile. "There are cracks in their defenses. Little doors left unlocked, sloppy really, but something we can use. A slip through a barred gate."

"Can you really do that?"

"Normally it would be a dangerous prospect with no guarantee of success, but thanks to Mouse here it will be much easier." Knowledge gave Mouse an acknowledging nod. "He will be your navigator. Now, give me few moments to ensure your safe trip." With that Knowledge rushed back into the woods shimmering happily along the way. At least someone was having fun.

With one last glance at her retreating form, Harry turned his attention towards Mouse with an unreadable expression. "What?" Mouse scowled slightly. "What's with that look? Something on my face?"

"Nothing, I'm surprised you're coming with." For as long as Harry had known the spirit Mouse was never one to unnecessarily stick his neck out for anything. Harry was the exception since he was 'so dumb witted, light a newborn babe'. Surviving in the shadows and straying from dangerous things was ingrained in his nature."I never took you for the adventurous type."

"And you'd be right," Mouse spoke ruefully. "I'm not going to be in the thick of battle. My only job is to ensure you get there and you get out. The first sign of trouble and I'm as good as gone."

"Glad to hear." Harry rolled his eyes at Mouse's snippy tone. "But still isn't this a bit dangerous for you." He could not help the concern from showing on his face. "Are you...being forced?" He indicated his head at Valor's direction trying to keep his words from being overheard. That particular spirit seemed to intimidate Mouse the most.

"It's as dangerous for me as it is for you!" Mouse snapped. "You heard Knowledge? Getting into places unseen is my area of expertise. No one's forcing me here. So just shut it, okay." Ending his words in a huff Mouse turned away from him angrily. Baffled but concerned Harry opened his mouth to continue but stopped when he felt the familiar armored form of Valor.

Steeling himself Harry slowly turned around to give the spirit his attention. Cursing his small stature Harry looked up to the intimidating spirit take in the image. The armor seemed to be well used with a few scratches and nicks covering various parts of the plate mail. The right side of their shoulder was colored a deep red decorated with silver studs. The helmet had three horizontal lines allowing Harry to peer inside to see nothing but darkness staring back at him. Securely strapped to their side was the long sword that had nearly taken his head off and on their back was a large metal shield. All those individual accessories put together painted an intimidating picture.

Far worse to have it looming over you.

"There is a matter that must be addressed." Harry refused to take a step back as the spirit got closer into his personal space. "It cannot be ignored."

"Oh," Harry crossed his arms suspiciously. He refused to show his unease. "What matter would that be?"

"A weapon." Valor continued. "We will be going into dangerous territory. While your magic is formidable, another tool to defend yourself will be necessary."

"Valor speaks the truth." Mouse added in, "anything to help you kill a demon is essential."

"Okay." Harry nodded. He wouldn't argue with a valid point, "but I don't see a weapon lying around." He huffed out with a shrug. "Unless Knowledge has some sort of armory I can take a look at." Harry wouldn't be too surprised if she did have one hidden somewhere.

"No, the spirit Knowledge holds nothing in the ways of combat." Valor spoke up. "But I do. I will manifest a weapon for you."

"What?" While Valor had no organs to speak of Harry could practically feel the spirit rolling its eyes. "Manifesting a weapon is an easy feat."

"Okay... that makes sense." Uncurling his arms Harry gave Valor a nod of understanding.

"Oh, no signs of disbelief? No questions to prattle?" Mouse cried out in disappointment. "For shame."

Harry answered Mouse with a shrug. "Sounds like how magic works back home." Magic had the same function and theory. Mind over matter, and all that. Any spell required more than the correct phrase and hand movement. The intent behind the spell was needed as well. The act of belief? Harry understood that.

"Very well." Without further ado, a familiar flash of light blinded the area.

"By the Maker!"

"Merlin's balls, warn a guy first!"

Ignoring the outrage burst Valor continued forward. "Is there a preferred weapon of choice?"

Wincing the dazzle lights from his eyes Harry brought his eyes into focus. Before him were a multitude of weapons ranging from different functions.

"Nice to have the option?" He muttered bringing himself closer. "Any advice?" He asked curiously watching the slow spin of the weapons in from of him a bit mesmerized.

"A staff is the usual choice for any mage." Valor shrugged hulking metal shoulders in disinterest.

"It helps them with their spells I believe." Mouse nodded at Valor's words."I think it's a focus of some sort.

Hmm seemed like the magical user here had no need for magical cores or such. Just how different was the magic in comparison to back home?

"I'm a wizard actually," Harry muttered. "Well, when in Rome and all that. I'll guess take it."

Studying Harry carefully Valor turned the staff over carefully. "Very well," with one of the glowing staffs gently moved towards his hands. As it moved towards its blinding glow began to dim, morphing into long staff of solid wood.

"Will this be more towards your liking?"

While it was no Sword of Gryffindor. There was no hum of familiar magic coursing through his entire being, no red jewels encrusted on the hilt. The bark was smooth with two dark branches of wood intermingling like two coiling snakes that met in the middle.

With a small moment of hesitation Harry twirled it carefully in his hands testing the balance and weight.

"Are you familiar with that weapon?" Valor asked curiously, watching as Harry took a few steps back.

"No not really but I've had a few rounds with a weapons," Harry answered absently. Testing out the staff in his hands with a few practice swings. It felt perfect in his hands. The convenience of magic.

"Still got your ass kicked?" Mouse muttered sarcastically.

"I didn't say I was a good," Harry confesses. "Besides I mostly gonna be using this as another wand. Don't really need to swing it around. Besides I've used stranger things. One time I had to use a sword."

"You can DO that?!"

"You have to use whatevers at your disposal." During the height of the war, Harry had to rely on numerous means of protection. The Sword of Gryffindor would be one of those things used in desperation. He'd lost count the number of times he had been cornered without his wand on hand and no escape route but thankfully the sword had heard his call, every time.

"Really?" Mouse blinked in astonished surprise.

"Yeah," Harry frowned. "It's more surprising that your worlds magic user don't use something a little less stifling." Even in his world there were alot of creative ways to make a wand. As long as it was attuned to the wizard there were very few limitations in that regard. "Speaking of spells," Harry raised the staff slightly in the air pointing, "Aguamenti!"

At first a few droplets of water dropped from the tip of staff. With some effort Harry slowly pushed a bit more magic into the spell in response a larger amount of water began to flow like a running faucet. Giving a few moments he pulled his magic and watched as the stream slowly withered to nothing.

"This will do." It was no Oliver Wood but his magic worked just as well. At least nothing had exploded.

"Good," Valor nodded their metal head with approval as they studied Harry's form. "You say you are competent."

"Afraid I'll scoff up your fancy armor," Harry replied at Valor with a bite of teeth. He was still a bit bitter about his first encounter with the spirit.

"You misunderstand. This is a pleasing news" Crossing metals arms they nodded again to reaffirm their statement. "The ability to do battle is a worthy pursuit. Even you are worthy of it, with your crude method."

"Thanks?" He couldn't decide if he should be offended or not.

"Just take the compliment." Mouse with a sigh. "Trust me."

Before the conversation could continue the familiar figure appeared out of the treeline. A bit giddy Knowledge smiled. "It is done. Come." She beckoned the three of them to follow.

Without further ceremony they trudged through the thick darkened trees, the forest quiet and still, not a single living being to greet them. Within a few minutes they came upon an empty clearing. Knowledge was standing of to the side of it and in the center of the earth was a glowing magical circle, a glyph, in its center was a tall mirror.

"So that's our way in?" It was hard for him to swallow the magic was thick and alien. The air felt dry and practically vibrated with the hum of energy, it felt like the beginning of a bad storm.

"A bit on the fancy side wouldn't you say?" Mouse quipped out with a playful smile at Knowledge's still form.

"I had to be sure," she answered sheepishly. "Besides its been so long. The knowledge nearly escaped me."

"It shall do," Valor cut in sharply. "As long as the purpose is fulfilled.

"Yes," she nodded. "Now step through the mirror. This will be your gateway." She hurried them towards the center.

"But what is it?" Harry couldn't contain his curiosity as he stepped closer to the center. His eyes transfixed towards the mirror if strained his ears closer he could hear a soft melody playing through the static of magic.

"It is a fade pedestal," Knowledge smiled fondly at Harry's curiosity. "a form of teleportation if you will. It allows you to traverse through the fade. "

"A form of-"

"There is no time for idle chatter," Valor barked. "The demon awaits to feel our blade."

"Agreed," Mouse nodded. "We can have lessons later, we have more important things to do."

"But," Harry frowned in annoyance.

"Of course, I nearly lost myself there. You'd best be on your way." Knowledge laughed. The glyph glowed sharply with an unnatural blue light and a second after that the mirrors calm surface transformed into a blinding pool of light.

"Wait," Harry interrupted, staring at the mirror in awed confusion. The magic disorienting him for a moment. "How exactly are we supposed to use th-" Before he could finish his questions he felt a small force push him through the mirror.

"Questions for later," Mouse yelled out gleefully.

But Harry couldn't hear him though the thunderous roar of magic. Just the soft echoes of a voice whispering softly through the chaos.

Be safe.

This is my thank you section to all your reviews. So thank you: talldrow, Terrenall. 666, lordamnesia, mad thought, Twilightfairy, Prince Sheogorath, Tamha, and Luke Dragneel.

Twilightfairy; It took me a moment to figure out what you were talking about but you're right! Sorry about that grammar mistake I'll be fixing that with an update, lets say soonish.

Yes definitely! Harry does live in a world of magic but that place has it own limitations and borders. This version of Harry Potter is very inquisitive and trying to understand it all while trying to keep his head on straight in a world that breaks all those rules.

Prince Sheogorath; I'm kinda treating the Fade inhabitants a bit like eldritch horrors, in that they take the form that best calls to them and having Harry's brain trying to filter through the static.

I actually did not know dwarves existed in HP universe! Shame on me but you're right, they are definitely different from those in DA universe.

Tamha: All in due time my friend. :)

Luke Dragneel; Your correct on that front. There were a few scenarios I had written out where Harry came out the victor. But where's the fun in that! You also have to take in account that this is a Harry Potter not well versed in melee combat, the only duels he would have participated in would be the wand waving kind. Combat is a fast paced environment with little chance to really strategize your mostly surviving on instinct and adrenaline. Included with that, this is a Harry Potter that never made the choice to join the Aurors, so outside of the wizarding war Harry has hardly scene actually combat of that nature.

While Harry isn't helpless he is not a seasoned warrior.

Besides having him be badass in the beginning is never fun. Gotta build up to that. He's gotta earn it.