Note

You guys are so unbelievable awesome I couldn't have come this far without you!

Thank you all so much for the favourites, follows, and especially the reviews. I love those awesome messages you send me!

I've gotten some regular questions from you guys and it seems I haven't been entirely clear upon some points in this story so I would like to make them clear now, so everyone is on the same page:

In chapter two I wrote that Harry wasn't able to feel his magic and that it was out of his reach. By that I mean that he doesn't have any magical powers anymore and he will not regain that power. He is a non-magical dwarf.

Another thing, this story contains some implied mpreg, for Harry is able to bear children. Right now I don't know if Harry will be with child at some point in the story (haven't made up my mind yet) but it's a possibility.

I hope that this helped clear some things out. If you have some questions regarding my story or you think that I have made something unclear, do not hesitate to tell me!

Enjoy!

Harry found himself standing once more in the stunning entrance hall. This morning had not been without drama in the brothers' household and he had been worried that he would arrive late to his meeting, not date, with Ralec. But now it would seem that he had come too early. Not that it mattered too much, because he didn't mind looking over the fine details in the captivating hall.

He ignored the bewildered looks he got from the few dwarves in the hall while he walked along the walls scanning their surfaces. He knew that he looked like he just tumbled out of bed. Although he had a new pair of trousers and a clean new shirt on the bigger clothes, from Karga, hung on his figure creating an unkempt image. That wasn't even mentioning his hair, gods above. He thought that it would be easy to keep compared to his short wild bird's nest but through the night it had tangled and turned into an absolute nightmare.

Earlier this morning he woke up to someone knocking on his door. Looking up, he found fresh clothes by the door and his old ones from yesterday were gone. After having dressed, his boots secured around his feet, he had gone to the bathroom to relieve himself and freshen up. He had been shocked when he saw the image of his bed-shagged hair in the small mirror, above the bowl with lukewarm water. He didn't like intruding on the family's privacy but he would admit to have looked through every drawer in the bathroom for a comb. But to his confusion, he couldn't find a single comb in the only bathroom of several long haired and bearded dwarves.

Unable to do anything about his hair, he left the bathroom after washing his face to join the dwarves in the kitchen. What greeted him upon his entrance to the kitchen were three dissatisfied dwarves arguing over what he assumed should have been their breakfast but was now only burnt black crisps.

What he gathered from their 'conversation' over the burnt food was that Bofur was to blame for ruining the second round of breakfast. Bombur, who normally prepared the families meals, had left in a hurry this morning to work. The king had had an unscheduled early meeting so the Royal Kitchen had been sent to work even earlier than usual to make sure the king was feed. That left Bofur, Bifur, and Karga with the chore of making breakfast that morning.

Karga had made the first attempt to cook breakfast but that had ended in the bin much like Bofur's was about to. Now Bifur wanted his try but Bofur and Karga argued against it since he was supposed to be even worse at cooking food than they were.

Harry had then stopped their bickering by offering to make the food but his offer had been ignored in favour of questioning by the state of his hair. The dwarves had looked at his head in absolute horror not even noticing one of the empty frying pans over the stove beginning to emit smoke.

He had only just uttered the words looking, comb, and borrow before they had taken him by the arms and seated him in a chair. Three serious faces surrounded him. Then with great embarrassment and difficulty the three dwarves proceeded to explain the importance of combs almost like they were explaining the importance of birds and bees.

Harry was once again confounded over the stupidity of dwarfish traditions and courtesy. It was not polite in any way or form to ask for another's comb, for the intimacy was only privilege to close family and one's significant other. He would have loved to avoid the awkward situation between him and the three other dwarves but at least he could avoid a scandal in the marketplace. Without this new knowledge he would have shame himself by screeched through the shops for a comb. When dwarves came of age they would fashion a comb of their own making but before that time came, they would share with their parents. Perhaps if this had happened at a later time instead of in the morning, Harry would have found the situation rather funny. But now he could only take in the information his friends gave while blinking owlishly, meanwhile thinking, that he would visit Dale at a later point to acquire a comb for himself. By dwarfish tradition, one didn't show ones comb to others and therefore Harry wouldn't need to worry about Bofur, Bifur, and Kagar finding out that he simply just bought one manmade.

But for now Harry was left with his two hands, ten fingers to comb through his wild mane of black hair. For a moment he considered using the fork before him which lay unused by the dining table as there had yet to be served any breakfast. Looking between the fork and his three friends Harry was sure that he could get away with using the fork as a comb for the rooms three other occupants was completely occupied with cooking. To increase their chance for success, the three dwarves had decided to work together but he could already predict the outcome of another ruined breakfast.

Deciding to intervene in the kitchen affair, he left the fork and concluded that he could play the little mermaid at another time for his rumbling stomach could wait no longer. The instant he took charge, Karga, Bifur, and Bofur each breathed out a great sigh in relief and fell heavenly down in different chairs.

After breakfast, he had had some time alone with a borrowed fork from the kitchen to tame his hair the best he could. So when he walked out the door to begin his first real day in Erebor he was slightly more prepared, he hoped.

Taking a chance, Harry pulled his eyes away from the wall to risk a glance around the room. Trying to avoid eye contact with his ever watchful crowd, he looked for the tall silhouette with black hair and red eyes. With his search unsuccessful, he found himself staring once more at the impressive wall, as if it was the most fascinating sight, even after having already walked along the walls for two whole rounds. He wouldn't say that he was normally a shy person who avoided contact with other people but the stares were confusing. How should he behave?

Ralec's presence was announced by the small abrupt stop of conversation around the room.

"I'm sorry if I have kept you waiting for long, Harry, but I was suddenly required to attend a meeting this morning with the king."

"It's no matter," Harry replied as he turned around to face the dark headed dwarf, happy now that he wouldn't have to walk another round. Ralec bore his well-groomed hair once more in a low ponytail. He had abandoned the rubies for gleaming white diamonds which decorated the lowest part of his hair and were woven throughout his twisted beard. He was once more clad in black but with a silver belt and heavy looking necklaces around his neck.

Ralec gave a smile in return while lightly shaking his head. "No it is not. I wanted to see you and I should have ignored the king's wish, he didn't need me anyway. Nothing should keep me away from you abnâmul."

"Please, Ralec, don't get into trouble for my sake. I would hate to be a bad influence on you. I feel like I have enough attention around here already without laying shame to your name." Silently cursing himself for looking like a homeless bum, he wondered why his appearance suddenly meant so much when it never had been of significance before. Technically, though he was a homeless bum.

"You have nothing to fear in that regard, Harry," Ralec replied amusedly while he let his eyes wander over Harry's hair. "Now shall we see to it?"

"Yes, let us go along before the king decides to interfere yet again," Harry said as they started walking towards the door leading into the mountain. "Have you met with the king?" Ralec asked curiously.

"No, I haven't even seen him," he answered, ready to clarify further by Ralec's confused expression. "But I'm starting to dislike this great king of Erebor very much. First, he ruins my friends, and my own breakfast, and then he delays you from meeting with me. If I didn't know better I would say he was trying to ruin my day."

Ralec let out a deep short laugh and Harry couldn't help but think he looked good with a smile to brighten his face. "The king can be a nuisance, I admit, but I don't think that he, nor any other dwarf for the matter, would intentionally ruin your day, Harry."

"Of course not. He must have far more important things to do," he replied in a light teasing tone. "Can I know where we are going?"

"We are going a level further down, both of the homes lie to the north side, very close to each other. They are perfect for housing one to two people," Ralec replied as they turned down towards a staircase. "I hope that you will find one of them to your liking."

"I doubt that I would find anything to dislike, Ralec."

Down the dark staircase with gold banister, they passed finely clothed dwarrows and dwarrowdams alike. Many of them acknowledged Ralec with a greeting or with a soft spoken, "My lord." Harry too received smiles and more curious looks but they weren't stopped.

They walked past many residences and even more dwarves with different hair colours and styles. Some were more finely dressed then others with fur, silk, and jewellery, but it was easy to see that none of them missed anything in their life.

They ended up walking through a giant tunnel-like hall with doors leading into houses on both sides. Gold metals and other glowing stones were crafted into the walls around the front doors. Ralec explained that each family could decorate the front of their homes with precious minerals and symbols to show skill, family name, and rank.

Harry couldn't help but notice that the further down the hall they got, the more impressive the beautiful displays became. Why would Ralec take him here, where he obviously couldn't afford to live? He knew, of course, that Ralec was interested in more than his friendship but he had thought that Ralec was interested in helping him find a home instead of flaunting his money.

"Here we are." Ralec stopped before a home decorated with emeralds and gold, coming together to form golden trees with green leafs. "My family and I use this home as a guesthouse for elven diplomats; the celling and doors are adjusted to their height. I had a feeling that you would like it." Here he turned expectantly to Harry to hear if he was displeased by the offer of an elven settlement.

"Just by standing here I can say that it is more than I had hoped for," he replied, stunned. "It's beautiful. Shall we continue inside?" He might as well have a look before he declined.

Ralec brought forth a key with more emeralds along the end. The door had no handle, so you had to use the key to open the door. Even though the door was big enough for a man or elf to walk through without bowing down, the keyhole was placed a little lower than normal.

They stepped into the living-room and he immediately noticed a big red and golden rug that covered most of the floor.

"I had my men here yesterday to replace all of the furniture. This house only has three rooms: the bedroom, bathroom, and this living room, which also has a small kitchen. We discovered that our elven guests like to bring and make their own food, so we had it made very recently." Ralec finished off by closing the door.

It was impossible to see that the kitchen was of newer make. The workers had cut through solid rock to expand and make room for a kitchen further into the far left corner. The cabinets and countertop were a bit high but it was a beautiful and open kitchen. Some of Ralec's men had even left a small stool on the smooth kitchen floor for his sake. The celling was lit by flowing light, making the room appear bigger than it was. Along the walls were bookcases and two light brown sofas backed up into the closest right corner with a dark wooden table in front. In the far right corner were two doors which would lead to the bedroom and bathroom.

Instead of walking further inside the small, comfortable home, Harry turned to Ralec. "I can't possible pay for this and you should know that." Harry stopped his words here hoping that Ralec would explain his thoughts on the matter.

"You don't need to pay me much and before you start." Ralec continued as Harry was about to open his mouth to disagree. "I will earn more lending it out to you then not lending it out at all, no matter how much we will agree on you to pay."

"You're right," Harry slowly agreed.

"Good. Now you will have to see the rest of this house, then I will show you the other one and you can decide on which one you want."

"There is no need to see the other house Ralec. I would be happy to live here."

Ralec, who had started to walk towards the two doors, turned around and looked confusedly at Harry. "You don't want to see the other house?"

Giving the confuse dwarf a kind smile, he lightly shook his head and explained, "I like this house already and it fits my needs perfectly."

"You truly are something else ,my abnâmul." Ralec came back and held out the emerald inlaid key. "But can you agreed on a price?"

"Me? Excuse me, but I'm not the one being difficult here and I…"

Their conversation went back and forth this way until they both came to an agreement. Harry couldn't recall ever being so stubborn and he wondered if it was another new dwarven trait.

"Let me be the first to congratulate you for moving into Erebor," Ralec joyfully said as he held out his hand for Harry to shake.

Harry took the hand to give it a light shake. "I couldn't have done this without you, thank you, Ralec."

"You are most welcome, dear Harry. Now what do you intend to do for the rest of the day?"

"I will have to get a job if I want to stay here so I want to send in my job application first. Maybe I'll have to change the address now that I have a place of my own." Harry let go of Ralec's soft, warm hands to fish the application papers up from his trouser pocket.

Taking the offered quill from Ralec's hand, he changed the address code per Ralec's instruction. "After that I'm to meet with my friend Karga at the market to purchase some clothes."

"Would you oppose of me escorting you on your way there?" Ralec asked taking back his silver pen and stuffed it back in his black shirt.

"You would have no choice, for I will not let you leave me here on my own," he replied back with a light laugh. "I still don't know my way around, and I would be more comfortable if you walked with me."

Red eyes lit with delight. "I will be the perfect escort and make sure that you'll be able to find your way back and forth in this mountain."

While Ralec led Harry toward the department dealing with employment and housing he made sure to explain where each hall and staircase they passed led to, naming each area. He even explained the underground system, which consisted of marks along the walls of Erebor indicating where you were and where you could go from there. They were normally used by the blind who could find their way around the gigantic mountain with only a hand along the walls, but the marks could be used by everyone.

After Harry left his application form, receiving glaring looks from the horrid teller lady on his way in and out of the department hall, Ralec bid him to find the way towards the marketplace. Harry was certain that he could do it and he knew that Ralec wouldn't let him walk astray.

Harry's radiant smile stopped many dwarves short on their journey around the mountain. He became more confident after each successful turn, and by the time they reached the marketplace, he had only made one wrong turn and he was beyond happy by his accomplishment.

"I did it!" Harry erupted with a blinding smile in place. "I can't believe I did it, thank you so much, Ralec, you have been a real help since I meet you yesterday."

"It is nothing my smart, kind, and beautiful Harry." Ralec then took his hands in his and kissed the back of each hand. "I have enjoyed my day with you greatly but I will have to get back to business. I will see you again soon."

"You are welcome to visit me at any time, Ralec. I'll see you later." With that they parted ways and he was left in the big hall. Booths filled with clothes, foods and other necessities could be seen in all directions. It was a marvellous sight and he couldn't wait to explore the markets' wonders.

Luckily, Karga found him before he wandered too far off. They walked through the colourful booths talking about their days. They bought two dark trousers and three differently coloured shirts, a black, dark green and one white, from a kind dwarf named Baldr who gave them good discount. Kagar also brought him some food, soap, along with others necessary household items. Harry was especially interested in a shop selling herbs. Some he could name but there were others he had never seen before. The shop owner was a dwarf by the name Gion, who was more than happy to answer his curious question about the foreign plants and their medical uses.

By the time they had gathered everything he needed, Karga was ready to go home and rest after a long day. She was looking forward to seeing his new house, but she thought that he should have some time to settle before she came to visit. Before they parted, Karga told him that Bombur would like to see him in the kitchens tomorrow after he had had his breakfast, so he needn't hurry. Then he was handed the green tunic he had arrived to this world in, before she gave him a firm shove in the back and left with a laugh as he stumbled.

Instead of going back home, he walked back to Dale to visit Thorsten. Thorsten was happy to see him again and ended up giving him a brush, even though Harry was willing to trade it for the only thing he really owned, the green tunic. Thorsten insisted that he'll take it for he, with only a few grey hairs, had no need for it and his wife, who had been dead for four years, had no use for it.

Harry stayed with Thorsten for dinner and had a wonderful evening with the gentle man. It was wonderful to have a friend in Thorsten, who was human, and he needn't worry that he would do something wrong.

After a long day, he stepped through his front door and breathed a sigh of relief as he closed the door. He had walked through this day without cursing trouble and he thanked his lucky stars for that. After stocking the food in the kitchen, he went to see his bathroom and bedroom. The bedroom consisted of a double bed with a small table at the side, a big closet, and a single bookcase. The floor was covered in a red and brown rug and the celling was, again, lit by flowing light. Folding his new clothes and putting them in the too big closet, he took the soap and brush and went to the bathroom for a bath.

The bathroom was bigger than the bedroom and had heat in the stone floor. The shower stall was big with glass walls and rough, uneven stone walls. A giant showerhead hung from the ceiling and there was even a stone bench inside. The toilet was of the same dark marble material as everything else. Then there was the dark wooden table with two dark green marble bowls for sinks with cobber taps, above it hung a mirror with a gold frame.

Setting his things aside, Harry stripped himself naked and admired his hairy, muscled body in the mirror. He knew that he was a bit smaller than what was normal for dwarven males but he didn't care. He had never before felt so masculine.

Apart from the crazy traditions, Harry already loved being a dwarf.