Hasn't it been a loooooooooong time? I mean it was about this time last year I published the first chapter of the series.

Please read the A/N at the bottom of the page after your done reading.

Before I start the story I would just like to acknowledge the people who commented and followed this story! That was what really made me want to continue. That and the promise I made at the bottom of last chapter, and I never break a promise!

Making plans

Their camp was set in a small clearing, at the foot of a large mountain that Harry didn't know the name of. Their camp was a day march into the thick of the spine. The trees were tall, with dark green leaves and even darker bark. A deep sense of foreboding lay thick in the forest. Sometimes Harry would see something move in the corner of his eye, but when he looked directly all he saw were dark shadows of trees. There was a round fireplace that at the moment was nothing but black ash and a half burnt log. Set up around the fire was three swags. They were made of though leather and the inside was lined with dear fur for extra warmth. They had spent the last three nights here, Harry had wanted to keep moving but Brom had gone back into town to 'set some things straight' before they continued.

By setting things straight Brom meant that he was going back into town to warn Garrow, as well as picking up some more supplies and some leather for saddles. So Eragon and Harry were left alone at the camp till Brom returned.

Harry had considered telling Eragon and Brom of his magic but decided against it. He would eventually, but now wasn't the right time. Arasei agreed the last thing they need right now is another thing to think about She had said and you heard what Brom said. A sorcerer can look into someone's mind and find even his darkest secrets. The moment our enemy knows of your power is the moment we lose the advantage.

Harry agreed, but he knew it was only a matter of time before Galbatorix would find out.

Harry continued to practice his magic, and his progress showed no signs of slowing down. He focused mostly on things that would help him in battle, like fire, lightning and ice spells. He also tried to increase his physical strength and speed by using magic but was so far unsuccessful. Harry was limited however, to what and when he could practice. Keeping anything secret from someone in a camp this size was a challenge.

Harry hoped he could get moving soon; he was getting sick of waiting around.

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After 4 days at the camp Brom finally showed up. He said that people had been very suspicious that Eragon and Harry had left. They hardly noticed at all in fact. The fact that they townsfolk rarely see them because they lived outside the town had something to do with it.

Brom had come back with several important objects. He had two swords, a map, some more food and a strange amulet that he never wore but insisted was important.

It was on the morning after Brom's return that he divulged his plan to them.

"This is where we are." Brom said pointing at a mountain in the spine. "We will cut across to this pass and then march down the ridge of the spine." As Brom spoke he traced the path with his index finger, slowly dragging it down the page. "When we reach this mountain we will traverse across here and make for the ocean. Once there we will follow the coast until we reach Cereoun. Once there we can pay for a ship to take us to Surda."

Harry was not surprised that the Varden was in Surda, or at least close to. Despite what the King tried to make them believe, it was common knowledge that Surda was no friend of the Empire.

Harry didn't question Brom's judgement, he was glad they had a plan. Harry thought he would go mad if he didn't leave their camp soon.

The next day they woke extremely early. It was still dark and the ground was drenched with dew that had yet to dry. They packed their things in relative silence. Arasei didn't try to talk to Harry very much except to remind him to pack his dagger.

When all the stuff was packed and ready they had a quick meal of hard bread and cheese before they set off, all before sunrise. Brom set a fast, brisk pace heading off in the direction of a pink and reddish sky. Harry had to focus on the ground to avoid tripping, yet still he and Eragon stumbled more than once. Brom looked straight ahead, yet still managed to stay upright with ease. Brom regularly checked the map, yet he seemed to have a pretty good idea of the land. He knew to skirt around lakes before they reached them and when to take the high ground to avoid muddy swamp-like areas.

Arasei and Saphira avoided flying, but sometimes the trees were to close together for the dragons to walk through and they were forced to fly over. The Dragon kept low to the ground. Even this low flying unsettled Harry though, no matter how discrete the Dragon tried to be when taking off, there was always a great whoosh of air, branches snapping and a thud as they kicked off. Harry knew that from a distance none of this could be heard, but still, he worried.

Every now and then Brom would purposefully walk through a river up stream for a while so as to disrupt their trail in case they were being tracked; but Harry felt that this would only delay their hunters. If someone knew where their track began, that person could easily track them. The dragons left obvious marks on trees (bark getting scratched by their scales and talons) and no amount of walking through water could get rid of that.

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Harry rolled out his swag and listened to the sound of Brom and Eragon's wooden swords clash together. Harry lay down with out slipping between the folds of his swag and groaned mentally as his cramped and bruised muscles stretched out. He heard Arasei laugh still getting beaten up by an old man.

Harry sulked can't I at least get a little sympathy? He pleaded.

Arasei just chuckled again and replayed the memory through their link. Harry watched himself hold the sword out in front of him, looking rather confident, facing Brom who was facing Harry, arm ready and tense to fight. Brom hedged left with his body. Harry fell for the fake and lifted his sword up to block but Brom whipped his sword low under Harry's guard and cracked Harry on the chin. Stunned Harry took a step back but Brom followed up with two vicious blows to his ribs. "too slow" the memory Brom commented as he stepped back to allow Harry to recover.

Harry stood back up with a wince. He felt to where his ribs had been hit and felt a tender stop that he was sure would bruise. The real Harry saw this and glanced down at his own chest, where a purplish lump was swelling.

The memory Harry readied his sword again and waited for Brom to initiate the fight. This time Harry stepped away from Brom's slice and countered quickly as Brom pulled away. Harry was rewarded with a sharp whack to Brom's shoulder. Brom, taking advantage to Harry's over balanced position, grabbed onto the scruff of his shirt and used Harry's momentum to send him sprawling in the dust.

Harry blinked the worst of the dirt away. As rolled over onto his back and saw Brom reeling for a finishing blow. Harry kicked Brom in the chest, which made him stumble and gave Harry enough time to scramble to his feet.

Harry went onto the offensive this time. He kicked some dust into the air hoping to get some in Brom's eyes, but the cloud of dust rose no further than his waist. Harry sent his whole body in a slice to Brom's ribs. Brom blocked with ease and sent a quick counter at Harry, forcing him to take a step back. Harry wasted no time and rushed at his opponent. Bringing his stick high above his head, Harry prepared to delver an arching blow that was sure to finish his opponent. However Brom took advantage of Harry's unprotected abdomen and delivered a sharp jab to his middle.

Memory Harry doubled over and fell to the ground and didn't get back up.

The memory ended and Harry looked over to Eragon's fight with Brom. It was clear Brom was the better swordsman, but Eragon managed to put up a good fight. Harry was surprised by how good his friend was. As Harry watched, Eragon blocked, cut and danced out of the way with the agility of a cat.

Arasei sensing his thoughts said Don't let it bother you. Every one is good at different things. If it were a contest of magic, you would easily win and leave Eragon in the dust.

Harry sighed and rolled over I know he said but sometimes I get the feeling that Eragon thinks he's superior, because he is stronger and a better fighter. I mean, we have been best friends since I can remember and now…

You're falling apart Arasei finished

Harry sighed again yeah.

Harry, don't let it get to you. Eragon is still your friend, brother even. He would never forget that.

I know Harry said as he closed his eye it's just sometimes I do…

Wow, really a good progression to the story. A little bit of character development and a bit of action to keep you entertained.

Anyway to put your mind at ease I have fully planned the first book of (what I hope to be) a series. These plans outline the major events up to the ending of the first Eragon book. I won't spoil to much, but we see a bit more of the Harry Potter universe come into play.

Anyway I want to hear your opinion on one matter I am struggling with, pairings. Let me know in the comments what pairings you want. (No pairings or Harry/OC etc.)

Also I want to thank all those who have stayed with the series, over the last year. This includes all those who commented, favourited or followed this story. This sort of support is what made me come back. Please show some support, give me some constructive feedback but most of all let me know what YOU want to see happen in the series!

Anyway signing off (hopefully for not as long as the last time)

Death's Alien