The Winter King

Author Notes: At Kings Cross Station, Harry makes a choice to seize control of his own destiny. He never suspected he would be stuck in a medieval magical world where a dangerous game would be played. The Dragon of the North and the Winter King has arrived. All will kneel before him, or burn in fire.

Chapter 02: The Family of Wolves

Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and Warden of the North was a proud man who lived his life honorably. He was a proud father of five children. A successful war hero who wanted to live out the rest of his days in peace with his family. Today he was watching his oldest son Robb dueling with his bastard son, but in truth is nephew Jon Snow.

As he did with his own brother, they were dueling with wooden swords instead of real ones. With their skills, they could just end up hurting the other or worse killing one another.

He was none the less, proud of both of them as they both showed great skilled. Robb was expected to take his place as Lord of Winterfell one day so his skills with the sword needed to be sharp. Eddard knew Jon Snow was thinking of joining the Night's Watch. A proud group of defenders that protected the North from the Wildlings and other creatures.

"Try not to press so much into your attack Jon, it would leave you defenseless if Robb parries your sword." Remember you must have a strong attack as well as a strong defense." He calls out as Jon was trying to be relentless. Jon nods his head.

Eddard smiles as Robb presses his attack but quickly was able to defend Jon's own attack.

Many things could have happened but he was proud that Robb loved Jon as a brother as he did with his other children. The two were indeed close as brothers could be.

"My Lord Stark," A guardsmen said as he approaches the Warden of the North.

"Yes, Jory what is it?" Eddard Stark asks.

"One of our patrols capture a boy who appears to have attempted to sneak into Winterfell."

"Who is he?" Eddard asks.

"No idea my lord. He hasn't said a word. No one has ever seen him before." Jory replies.

"Robb, Jon with me," Eddard said as he follows Jory to the cells.

When Eddard Stark arrived at the cell, he saw a young man around Robb and Jon's age sitting the cell, without the slightest sign of fear. It was strange, he has seen defiance in captives. Even fear. He's heard men plead for mercy. But he has never seen confidence in a prisoner's face before.

"I am Eddard Stark, Warden of the North. Who are you?" Eddard asks.

The boy looks at him and says nothing.

"Has he spoken?" Eddard asks.

"Not a word. He's not mute. But he hasn't said a word."

"I know this may seem strange, but I have questions myself." The boy suddenly said. "And I cannot provide answers without my own questions being answered."

Eddard Stark heard the voice and knew it was the voice of a someone who knew how to carry himself. Eddard studies the boy clothes and realizes while they may not have been suited for the weather, they were indeed well made. Almost as if he was a nobleman himself.

"I have questions, you have questions. How do we begin?" Eddard Stark said a careful tone of voice.

"Well for starters, I would like to be let out of here instead of having to break out." The boy said.

"How do you plan on doing that?" Robb asks.

"These cells are made with half-pin barrel hinges. If I apply the right amount of leverage, the door will lift up and I will be free."

"Show me." Eddard Stark said. He wanted to see for himself if what the boy said was true.

The boy got up and removes the small bench in the cell as he places the bucket on its side. He carefully places the bench on the bucket when the end was underneath the cell door. He jumps on the end and the door gave a loud noise as it jerks upwards before falling down on the ground.

"Believe me now?" the boy said.

Jory drew his sword and made to intercept the boy. Eddard raised his hand to stop him.

"What do you suggest?" Eddard asks.

"We walk and talk. Be civil. I will answer honestly just as I hope you answer honestly."

Eddard looks at his son Robb who seem stunned at what he witnessed.

"Very well, I trust you don't mind I keep company don't you?" Eddard Stark asks.

"I get the feeling they would object if I spoke to you alone. So no, I won't object. Just don't try to kill me." The boy said.

"Very well." Eddard Stark said.

Eddard leads the way into his private studies. He sits down behind his desk as Harry stood before him. Jory and Robb stood at the doors.

"Did you come alone?" Eddard Stark asks.

"I did. Before I answer anymore. I need to know where I am." The boy said.

"Winterfell, Capital of the North." Eddard Stark said.

"I have no idea what that means." The boy said.

"You've never heard of the North; the Northern Kingdom of Westeros?" Robb said in disbelief.

"You may find this shocking, but this is the first time I'm hearing of Westeros." The boy said.

Everyone stop for a moment, completely shocked at what the boy just said.

"Do you have a map?" The boy said trying not to grin at their stun looks.

Eddard Stark went through his maps and pulled out a map of Westeros and the boy looks at it.

"I can confirm I have never seen or heard of any of these lands." The boy said as he hands the map back to Jory.

"Then that means you're not a spy." Eddard Stark said.

"No, I am not. My story is a long one. However, my name is Harry Potter."

"I'm listening," Eddard said.

It took some time for him to explain what had happened. He started with the basics of his life who he was and what he could do.

"So, you're from another world. And you have no idea how you got here?" Eddard Stark said slowly.

"No, I doubt I can return to my world. So it seems for better or worse, I am stuck here. I don't know if I have a purpose here, but I rather not start problems." Harry said.

"How old are you?" Eddard asks.

"I'm seventeen, I'll be eighteen in almost four months," Harry said.

"You're a year younger than Robb." Eddard Stark says.

"What do you hope for?" Robb asks.

"Truthfully, not much. I'm not sure what I can do in this world. I really don't have anywhere to go. So I might just travel." Harry said in an honest tone of voice.

"Many questions will be raised about your sudden appearance." Eddard Stark said.

"Father, I know this might not seem out of hand. By why not accept the boy as your ward? He can be a part of the Stark family. He clearly has the skills and intelligence." Jon said.

"That means I'm like your son in but name, correct?" Harry said.

"Will you be loyal to my house and those under me?" Eddard Stark said.

"If you are honest and treat me well you will find I'm loyal," Harry said.

"We have much to teach you. Have you've ever used a sword before?" Eddard Stark asks.

"I have, though I'm not skilled in the art of the sword. I've always used my magic." Harry replies.

"Robb and Jon will teach you how to use the sword. Also, I don't want you using your magic around here. While some would find it enlightening, it could cause trouble for me and my family if there are others who wished to kill you for witchcraft. However, if you threaten my family. I will execute you." Eddard Stark warns.

"Then I'll see that I'm on my best behavior," Harry said.

"My lord, are you sure this is wise?" Jory asks.

"Until he has proven otherwise, he will be treated as my ward Jory," Eddard said. "Robb, show him to his room."

Robb nods his head and takes Harry through the castle and to the room.

"This will be your room," Robb said. As he opens the door allowing Harry in.

"You disapprove of me," Harry said as he walks in.

"I'm not sure my father is being wise in the matter. We know nothing about you." Robb said.

"That is true," Harry said. "But the same could be said about you. I know nothing of you and your family. I can see that you wish to protect your family, but I can assure you of this. I mean them no harm. And I can tell, your family is a good family. For the time being, just trust me. If you wish to watch me, then so be it. I won't judge you for that. You seek to protect your family. However, your father has agreed to make me his ward. That means we'll be brothers."

"If I even suspect you to bring harm to my family. I'll kill you myself." Robb warns.

"Fair enough," Harry said.

Robb closes the door leaving Harry alone. Harry grabs his pouch and beings to sort the room to his desire. He grabs the pensive and slowly places it in the corner.

Harry pulls out his wand and waves it at the small fireplace. The fire instantly came alive bringing warmth to the room.

A knock on door cause Harry to turn to it.

"Come in," Harry said.

Jon came out inside and looks at Harry.

"You are expected outside for practice," Jon said.

Harry nods his head as he follows Jon outside.

Harry was given a sword with blunt edges as another boy grabs a practice sword as well. An elderly man stood before them.

"I don't know how things were done before you came here. But swordplay is something all Stark boys learn growing up." Ser Rodrik Cassel said.

"I can understand that. Just don't judge me too harshly. I haven't really fought with swords before." Harry said.

Jon attacks Harry and Harry brings his sword up to block. Only for Jon to kick his foot causing Harry to lose his balance and fall on the ground.

"You have to pivot. Don't stand in one place. It makes it easy to break your defense. Now let's try again." Jon said.

"Why would you accept a boy who is about to become a man as your ward Ned?" Eddard Stark wife, Lady Catelyn Stark née Tully said as the two of them watch the young man, young Harry train with Jon.

"He has nothing Cat. He's clearly educated and knows things. But he has nothing. Besides, in time, you will see something in him as I have." Eddard Stark said.

Catelyn Stark looks at her new ward and couldn't help but wonder who he was to entrust so much faith in her husband.

Arya Stark watch her new brother fights her half-brother Jon Snow. He was doing fair, but even she could see he was making mistakes. However, it was clear he was getting better the longer the duel was going. He was still a rookie.

Arya grabs a short bow and an arrow. It flew right between Jon and her new brother and she smiles as she takes off.

"Arya, our younger sister," Jon said as Harry looked at the young girl who shot an arrow at him. "She's like that," Jon added at Harry's expression.

"Was she trying to hit me?" Harry asks.

"No, only to get your attention. Now, again. Keep your guard up or I'll ring your head like a bell." Jon said. As he grasps Harry's head.

Harry didn't know why but he felt comfort in those words and brought his sword up.

Harry closes his eyes and calms his breathing. He remembers seeing many sword fighting during his childhood with the Dursley. Sword fighting was one of Dudley's favorite movie themes. Harry paused as he tried to remember some of the tips and fighting styles he saw in those films.

Harry attacks Jon but Jon bats his sword away before hitting him in the back.

Harry groans and realizes he wasn't going to become an expert today. He was going to have to practice. Do a lot of practice.

Harry turns to face Jon and gets his sword ready again.

Jon gives him a small smile before attack Harry again.

"Good," Jon said. As Harry was successful in blocking his attacks.

"I think that's enough for one day don't you think." Eddard Stark said as he let his presence known.

"Harry you know our father Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell. Beside him in Lady Catelyn Stark his wife."

Harry nods his head. Knowing he had to show her some respect.

"How old are you, young Harry?" Catelyn Stark asks.

"I'm seventeen," Harry said.

"He's Robb's age." She said as she turns to her husband.

"He has become my ward; he will fight for our family if we need him to. We will welcome him as a member of our family. He has nowhere else to go Cat." Eddard Stark said.

Now Harry understood what was going on. Lady Stark was against him joining her family because he was old enough to be a man. Harry knew Eddard Stark wasn't telling her to the full truth. He wouldn't have been able to survive in this world if he was left alone. Eddard most likely pities him for being stranded in this world and wanted to provide for him and teach him their ways until he could start repaying them back.

"I assure you, my lady, I will not abuse my welcome your husband has given me. From what I've seen, Jon and Robb will be good brothers. I look forward to becoming a part of your family. If my presence offends you, I will leave." Harry said slowly.

"I don't know what my husband sees in you. However, for the time being, I will accept you as our guest." Catelyn Stark said.

Harry noticed she didn't say, son. Harry didn't blame her. He was still an outsider and an unknown to her.

"Come, you boys have been practicing for hours. It's supper time. Harry, you will meet the rest of the family." Eddard Stark said as Jon walks forward towards the castle.

Harry walks in the room behind Jon. Everyone else was sitting down.

"Harry come in." Eddard Stark says as he walks behind Jon and sits down beside him.

"You know Robb, my oldest." Eddard Stark said as he points to his oldest son.

"This is Sansa, my second oldest." Eddard Stark says as he points to his daughter. "You've already met Arya." Arya gives Harry a small smile. "Next to her is Bran and beside him is my youngest son, Rickon."

Harry smiles to each of them.

"Everyone, this is Harry Potter. He also goes by the name of Hadrian Black. As of today, he is my ward. So he is going to be your brother." Eddard Stark said.

"Where's Theon?" Catelyn Stark asks.

"He already ate and didn't want to bother us during meal times," Robb said.

"Theon Grayjoy is also my ward. I've raised him like my own son after his father's Rebellion." Eddard Stark said to Harry.

"Let's eat," Robb said as they began to dig into the food.

Author Notes: made some changes, I hope they're noticeable. As you can see I put in that Ned Stark does not want Harry to use magic openly. Mostly in fear of retalation and it could put his family in danger.