"But Dumbledore!" Scrimgeour started to yell.

"I'm afraid that we cannot reverse what is happening. Apparently the balance that kept our worlds apart is threatened. It may be that we can fix the problem; it may be that it's already too late. We don't know, do we? And there's no point in wasting energy in an endeavor that we have no clue about. Now, the problem of the war we're in, that is what we need to concentrate on," Dumbledore said. He turned to Eragon. "We have a problem. Until our worlds mix, there's the problem of you and Saphira. Murtagh and Thorn as well. The biggest reason I decided to keep the two dragons unconscious is that I don't want the fight to threaten anyone else. And if they wake up, given what you've told me, they will invariably fight. But I see that it has put a great deal of stress on you. So, we'll have to move Thorn and Murtagh somewhere else. After that, you'll be free to move about the castle and the grounds, and visit your dragon. I cannot in conscience keep an innocent man locked up for no reason, and I'm sure you can use your best judgment. Just keep in mind, though, that you will be watched, and you mustn't get into a fight."

"I completely understand," Eragon said. "I'm afraid that magic will be known to the Muggles if our worlds combine."

Scrimgeour and the others blanched and protested. Eragon shrugged. "Well, for one thing, every human in the Empire and Surda knows that the 'gracious King Galbatorix' is a magician. Magic is only used by a few, but even still, everyone on Alagaesia knows of magic's existence."

"So, your magic will become known to the Muggles," Dumbledore said. "And so would the existence of your dragons, and any other races that live in the land."

"Yes. How can you hide the knowledge when so many people, thousands, know about it? The knowledge will spread. At first, it may be discounted as rumors and ramblings of madmen. But, sooner or later, when the war continues, it will be seen," Eragon said.

"There are thousands of wizards," Scrimgeour started.

"I'm talking about ordinary people who couldn't use magic even if they wanted to," Eragon cut him off with an apologetic shrug.

"So, what exactly will happen then?" Scrimgeour asked.

"How should I know? Fate is strange, and more often than not, there's more than one path," Eragon said. "I promised, in the Ancient Language, that I would go back to the elves for more training. I'll wait until our worlds combine, then leave to do just that."

"Ancient Language?" a witch asked.

"The language of the elves, and the words help direct magic. You cannot lie in the Ancient Language. So any promise you make in it, you must keep," Eragon explained.

"So that's why Murtagh's oaths of loyalty are unbreakable?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes," Eragon said. He was itching to get out of the room now.

"Sounds much more effective than an Unbreakable Oath of our world," Scrimgeour said. "With that oath, it's either do or die."

"Enough talk. My guest hasn't eaten in hours, and I'm sure we're all in agreement that we can do nothing to him? Whereas we need to find a place for the other young man, and his dragon," Dumbledore said. There was something in his voice that made the others agree.

"So, Eragon, I want you to stay in this room until I have made arrangements," Dumbledore said to Eragon. Eragon nodded.

Rumors flew about the castle all day long. No two were exactly the same, and some got so distorted, they didn't make any sense even to the whisperers. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, all who've seen the two dragons, disregarded most of the rumors. It was right before dinner, and everyone was either seated or getting seated. Harry counted an extra seat at the Head Table, where all the professors eat.

Dumbledore seated himself in his customary place, but he seated to his left someone new. Everyone in the hall began whispering. Including Ron, Hermione, and Harry.

"Who do you suppose that is? Some guest, for there aren't any teachers missing," Ron asked Hermione.

"I don't know," Hermione said. She felt at a loss for not knowing. "Hush, Dumbledore's going to speak for sure."

Hermione was right. Right after she said that, Dumbledore stood up again. The hall grew silent. Everyone waited.

"We have guests at our school. Eragon Shadeslayer, is from a land called Alagaesia," Dumbledore said. "Alagaesia is, apparently, not part of our world." This was met by some laughter from the Slytherin table. "He is a Dragon Rider, and his dragon is the last female of her breed. Saphira is the dragon's name, and both will be staying with us for a while." This was met by astonished gasps. "To separate the dragon from her Rider could cause harm, and no good. The other dragon and his Rider have been moved, for they are agents of a madman who controls much of Alegaesia. Eragon will be leaving us as soon as he is able. Unfortunately, that may only be when our worlds meld together." The last was met with protests of impossibilities from the students.

Hermione watched as Eragon simply smiled and shook his handsome head. His features were smoother than anyone's she ever saw. Almost like a feline. Then Eragon stood, and whispered something to Dumbledore. Dumbledore nodded, and sat down, while Eragon remained standing. He looked around, and with a deep breath, started to speak.

"I'm Eragon. I'm also called Shadeslayer, or Eragon Shadeslayer, for I have slain a Shade. I have fought in two battles, and trained with the elves. I am a Rider, a Shur'tugal. I'm no good at speeches, but I want you to know, that I'm no older than most of you. In my world, I am a man, but in your world, I am what you call a teen," Eragon said. "I have met with the elf queen, Islanzadi, and the dwarf king Hrothgar, before he died valiantly in battle. I have sworn fealty to Nasuada, leader of the Varden, rebels against Galbatorix's Empire. I have done many things, but still have many more to do. I wanted you to know, that if our worlds mix, it will be utter chaos. There's no telling of where in the world exactly Alagaesia will appear. Or how the land will be distorted. But topography may be the least of our problems. If there is any slight possibility that our enemies join forces, we are in danger. I just wanted to say these things, because they needed to be said."

"Elves?" Harry asked. "He couldn't mean house elves."

"No, he couldn't," Ron replied, a little absently. He was already digging into his food.

"If he came from a different world, then the races there must be different," Hermione said. "You know, this is the first I've heard of this kind of thing happening."

"Everything has a first time," Ron said.

"Well, I hope it doesn't happen again. At least, not in my life time. Who knows how other worlds have evolved? How different they can be?" Hermione said.

"You know, Hermione is right. In fact, in a way, we have two separate worlds in our world. Think how different someone is from a different country, let alone a Muggle from a wizard," Harry pointed out to Ron. "Anything could happen. Anything can happen now, too. That guy, Eragon, didn't tell us what exactly his world was like."

For once, Ron didn't argue. He continued to dig into his food. Harry started to do likewise. Hermione watched the strange, handsome young man.

Then, the food cleared, and everyone was dismissed to bed. Hermione wondered where the young man would be placed during his stay.

Eragon was introduced to all of the professors at Hogwarts. The only unreadable one was Snape, the one who used to be Potions teacher until finally getting the job he wanted. Slughorn was readable, but barely. He had a secret, but as Eragon had no reason to pry, he didn't. McGonagall, the one who he first met when he woke up, was one tough teacher. Understanding, but rule abiding just the same. Hagrid was obviously fond of a boy named Harry Potter, and his two friends, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Hagrid kept thinking about how to tell those three that the castle's guest was going to sleep in the cabin with him. Eragon wasn't exactly sure if he wanted to stay in the small cabin with this big man. The others were teachers who taught the students magic. Eragon was glad for the food, and glad for the release. He didn't like being cooped up, not after having the freedom of the skies.

After the meal, Eragon was escorted by the enthusiastic Hagrid to the small cabin. how can a big man live in a house that small? It's smaller than the farm house I grew up in! Eragon thought to himself.

Eragon?! What happened? Saphira's voice was groggy, and full worry.

Well, we're in another world, and any time now the two worlds could mix. Murtagh and Thorn have been moved to an undisclosed location. Hopefully, the witches and wizards here can contain him. Anyway, there's also a war in the magical community, Eragon told her all he had learned.

I'm coming to see you. I don't care if they like it or not, Saphira said in reply.

"Hagrid, I'm going to wait out here a moment for Saphira. We like to keep each other company," Eragon told Hagrid.

"Saphira is your dragon, right?" Hagrid asked, not quite masking his excitement.

"Yes, she is. She's not the biggest, but then, she's actually very young. But that doesn't stop her from being one of the wisest beings I know," Eragon said. "We speak to each other using our minds. She can be quite gentle, or quite fierce. It depends on her mood, and of course, whether she needs to fight or not."

Eragon looked up at the sky at the sound of Saphira's wings. A shadow covered the stars, and Saphira landed neatly in front of the cabin. Eragon ran to Saphira, and Saphira stretched her neck to accept caresses as soon as possible.

"Saphira, this is Hagrid. I'll be staying in his cabin with him, until we can move on to Du Waldenvarden," Eragon said.

How can he live in a hut that small, let alone have guests? Saphira asked.

Don't know. Maybe the inside is bigger than it looks. Some buildings are bigger inside than what they look like on the outside, Eragon replied privately.

"We'll, I'm pleased to meet you, Saphira. If you need anything at all, let me know, and I'll try and get it for you," Hagrid said.

Tell Hagrid that I am grateful for his offer, Saphira said.

"She says thanks. She won't speak to very many humans besides me," Eragon said.

"Oh. Alright, then," Hagrid said. He always wanted a dragon, and he was a little jealous of Eragon. He left the Rider and Dragon, but watched them through the window.

Eragon checked Saphira over, despite her reassurances that she was fine. Saphira then returned the favor. Eragon then caressed her head and neck, feeling the smooth, gem-like scales beneath his fingers. The scales were warm. Satisfied that Saphira didn't need to hunt quite yet, he went inside to sleep.

Eragon woke at dawn. Hagrid was still asleep. Not wishing to wake his host, and wishing for more private time with Saphira, he quickly got dressed, used magic to shave his encroaching beard, and quietly exited. Saphira greeted him silently. She also respected the sleeping host.

The saddle had been taken from Saphira when she had been moved to the forest. Eragon wondered where it was. He'd need it, if he was to leave as soon as the worlds mixed. Eragon stood by Saphira, wishing that the moment could last all day. Eragon had a feeling that he wouldn't get the quiet peace with Saphira he wanted. He noticed that Saphira's scales needed polishing.

Eragon turned back to the hut. Hagrid was just coming out, and was pleased that Saphira had managed the night. Eragon had heard of Hagrid's love of "dangerous" creatures, and a large soft spot for dragons especially. It was going to be an interesting time here for Eragon.

"Saphira hasn't eaten yet," Eragon said when pleasantry was exchanged. "She'll either need quite a bit of food, or to hunt."

"We'll see if there's anything we can give her first. How much does she eat?" Hagrid asked.

"Depends on how hungry she is. Hunting, she'll have a deer or two," Eragon replied.

"We'll have to speak to Dumbledore before letting her hunt in the forest. The forest is dangerous, and there are creatures that shouldn't be hunted. I wouldn't want Saphira to get cursed by eating the wrong thing. Or attacked by others of the same kind," Hagrid said.

"Saphira says she can take care of herself," Eragon said, with a laugh. "But you're right, it wouldn't be good if she was cursed or attacked. I hope the castle has enough food for a hungry dragon as well as all of the people here."

"I'm sure there's enough food. The problem is, how to get her inside?"

"Saphira is capable of eating outside. And so am I," Eragon said. "It's a fine morning."

"We'll still have to get your food, as well as Saphira's. What will she eat?" Hagrid asked.

"She prefers meat, but she'll eat anything," Eragon said, as they headed towards the castle. It was still early, and no one was around the grounds except them. Everyone was either asleep or getting an early breakfast.

As they walked into the Great Hall, everyone fell silent, and all heads turned towards Eragon. Eragon, used to the attention that being a Rider attracted, just followed Hagrid up to the head table. On the tables, food had been set out. Bacon, eggs, sausages, some fruits, toast and cereal were set out. Eragon picked the choicest fruits, and ate some dry toast. He didn't touch any meat, a fact that was noted by the professors. Eragon ignored the pointed stares at his ears, and slightly angled features. It was just as well he was used to that, too. He refused to hide his features. Who cared if he looked like a rugged elf?

Eragon ate in relative silence, only talking when spoken to. He was courteous, and always answered the questions as an equal. No matter what this world's standards were, Eragon was a man. Not a confused teenage boy. He had the guidance of a being at least ten times wiser than himself, and logical reasoning to fall back on. Eragon knew that offense given here could mean disaster. So, he didn't get close to anyone, except maybe Hagrid. Hagrid was at least honest at all times, and though he wasn't the brightest, he certainly wasn't dumb. He also seemed very interested in Saphira, where all the others were afraid of her.

After eating, Eragon asked, "Where can I get some food for Saphira? She's hungry, and I don't know what lives in that forest. I wouldn't want anything to happen to her."

Dumbledore arrived just then, and with a nod to everyone, seated himself next to Eragon in his accustomed spot. He then turned to Eragon, and said, "I will have some food brought to Saphira. There are creatures in the forest that would even attack a dragon, especially if it is hunting one of them. I give permission for her to hunt, but she must promise not to go after any magical creature."

Eragon relayed the message to Saphira. Saphira agreed. She didn't mind not hunting. It was easier to just be fed. Eragon relayed the agreement to Dumbledore.

"Mental communication has its perks, I see. Very well, tell her food is on the way," Dumbledore said. Turning to the students, he called out, in a voice that commanded attention, "I need some volunteers to bring food out to the poor blue dragon who is residing with us."

No one volunteered, not immediately. Then, only three students volunteered. They reported to Dumbledore, and he introduced them to Eragon as Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Eragon merely smiled, and said what a pleasure it was to meet them. Eragon told them what Saphira wanted. Ron's eyes boggled at the amount of food, but Hermione only nodded. Food had appeared for the dragon, and the three students plus Eragon and Hagrid, carried it out to Saphira.

Once they saw Saphira, the three students almost dropped the food. They hadn't expected to see a dragon quite so beautiful. The sapphire scales were somewhat dull from travel and dust, but a good dip in the lake and maybe some polishing would bring out the shine again. Saphira, who didn't care what others thought of her, ate her meal as quickly as possible. Then she turned her head, and scrutinized the three students who had brought her food. Then she snorted, and turned towards the lake.

"Saphira says she's going to go swim. Is there anything in there that's dangerous?" Eragon asked.

"Just a giant squid," Hermione replied.

"And some Merfolk," Harry said. "But they live very deep down."

"Giant squid?" Eragon asked. He knew what a squid was, from his studies with the elves, but he never heard of giant squid.

"A really big squid," Hermione said.

Giant squid or not, I'm going to swim, Saphira told Eragon. She took off into the air, only to dive deep into the lake.

Eragon smiled, wishing that he was on her back for the swim as well. He wanted to fly with her, as well. Then he smiled. He'd have plenty of time for that later. He'd better learn as much as he could about this world. He had a feeling that the knowledge will help later on.