AN: Whoo! Chapter 3! Hopefully you like it. :) please R&R

For disclaimer, warnings, spoiler alert look back in chapter 1.

The flight back across the sea to Alagaesia went a lot smoother and easier than it did before. Saphira flew high in the sky to appear as a bird to anyone who saw her from the ground. She flew past Teirm and followed the Toark River. The eldunari gave her some of their strength to allow her to fly for so long without stopping, but eventually she stopped to feed.

Let's rest at the end of the Woadark Lake. Eragon suggested and Saphira continued on for a little further until the end of the lake came into view and she descended. It was night and there was no moon out so Saphira felt a bit more at ease to know that she wouldn't be seen.

I'll return as soon as I can. Saphira said before taking off after dropping off Eragon and Harry on the ground. Eragon had kept one of the saddle bags so that they could eat.

"Where is she going?" Harry asked as he watched Eragon pulling out bread and cheese. Harry shivered from the chilly night and rubbed his arms. The thin hoody sweater he was wearing was hardly warm enough and the only reason why he didn't freeze to death while riding Saphira was because Eragon had cast a warming charm.

"She went to feed." Eragon explained and handed Harry his cheese and bread.

They both agreed not to build a fire because it could attract unwanted attention, but then Eragon saw Harry's shivering body and pulled out a blanket from the bag and placed it around Harry's hunched form.

"Thank you." Harry smiled and blushed. It made him feel warm inside every time Eragon did something nice for him. It seemed like every little discomfort Harry had, Eragon was quickly trying to accommodate him better. Like during their flight back over the sea, Eragon insisted Harry sit in front in case he wanted to sleep or rest—because you're ill and just recently attacked by the strangers—Eragon explained. Then, as they flew, when Harry became cold Eragon was quick to cast the warming charm. Now it was the blanket he placed around him. It wasn't much but it still warmed Harry to know that this stranger that he'd only just met was so worried about him and treated him like an old friend. Eragon was caring and Harry hadn't received such care from anyone in, well, a very long time now, if ever. And Eragon did it to make him comfortable and not because he wanted a favor or something.

Eventually Saphira returned and they went on their way again, for the eldunari insisted they hurry and shared a great amount of energy with her. After they started on their journey again, the eldunari insisted on continuing their sharing of their life memories with Eragon and Saphira, as they had since they left Vreongard. Eragon felt overwhelmed with all the memories and didn't even know what to make of some of them. Some seemed inconsequential and others seemed much more important but incomprehensible. For example, there was one memory by an ancient dragon name Valdr, where he showed them how beams of light turned to great waves of sand, then gave them the sense that everything that was solid was, in actuality not. Instead it was, as it were, mostly empty space. Another memory given by an even older ancient by the name of Vishtol who never spoke at all showed them a vast desert with many large sand dunes curving up and down and it looked much like a sea of sand. It looked like giant serpents had crawled through the desert to create the dunes and its curvy waves as such. The memory skipped ahead to what appeared to be a giant vortex of sand. The sand spun like a vortex then sunk down at the center, exactly as a whirlpool. The ferocity of the vortex was great and the size of it was even greater. Vishtol lingered on the vortex for much longer than necessary, obviously wanting Eragon and Saphira to remember it. The memory ended when Vishtol fled from the desert as a sand storm approached.

They were strange—some of the memories—and confusing, but Eragon had no choice but to receive them and try to learn something that might help him defeat Galbatorix. As he was assaulted by another memory, he unconsciously felt his arm being held tightly and a light pressure on his chest. When the memory ended he opened his eyes and saw that Harry had fallen asleep against his chest and had grabbed his arm to wrap it around him to hold himself steady. Eragon smiled and wrapped his other arm around the boy. He closed his eyes and continued with the memory assault.

When Uru'baen finally came into view the memory flow ceased. The eldunari thought it would be better to concentrate on studying the enemy's forted layer. The walls were much larger than what the dragon's remembered them being and much thicker. Eragon and Saphira felt a twinge of doubt about being able to get through to the city.

Harry woke up to see a well fortified city and an army—whom he presumed was the Varden that Glaedr and Eragon mentioned—camped just southwest of the city. Even though this wasn't his battle, his stomach still churned from the nerves. He recalled how scared and nervous he was during the final battle at Hogwarts against Voldemort and his death eater army and the feeling now was similarly close.

"The army looks a lot bigger. Queen Islanzadi and the elves must have joined the Varden now." Eragon told Harry. "I'm going to cast a spell to conceal us, don't get frightened if all you see beneath you is air." Eragon said and Harry was a bit surprised when he could no longer see Saphira's body beneath him. Harry remained silent and watched as they headed southeast of the camp and landed behind a hill.

"Aren't we going to the camp?" Harry asked Eragon without being able to see him. He twisted out of the saddle to get down but his foot was caught and he fell to the grass below, landing on his face. He quickly stood and brushed himself off, his face and neck burning red in embarrassment. He was beyond thankful that, at the moment, Eragon could not see him.

"I've called some of the leaders of the army here. It is important that nobody finds out about the eldunari and the only safe place to talk of them freely is here, away from prying ears and eyes." Eragon said.

As they waited they ate in silence and before long the leaders in question started arriving. When the Queen of the elves arrived, Eragon released their concealment spell on her order and once again Harry was able to see Saphira and Eragon. It took a while before everyone arrived and every time one did, they would ask who Harry was and what Eragon had found on Vreongard. Each time, Eragon would tell them to wait for the rest to arrive.

Roran arrived and gave Eragon a hearty, one armed hug.

"Harry this is my cousin Roran who is my brother in all but blood and Roran this is Harry, he came from the stars." Eragon said with a smile.

"The stars?" Roran asked with a bewildered look. "Now, Eragon I know you're pulling my leg." He chuckled. "I don't believe that's quite possible."

"Harry here's the proof that it is possible. We caught him as he fell." Eragon said and laughed at the surprised look on Roran's face.

"Well, if this is all true," Roran said and turned to Harry, "then it's a tale I'd like to hear."

"Sorry but you'll have to wait to hear the rest till everyone arrives." Eragon said.

They smiled and laughed a bit longer until Roran's face became serious.

"I must speak with you Eragon, do you think you can keep the others from overhearing?" Roran said and Eragon nodded.

"Oh, well I'll just wait over there." Harry said pointing off to the side but was quickly stopped when Roran placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It's ok Harry, you can stay." Roran said and nodded for Eragon to place the privacy charms. "Besides, if you're going to be staying with us rebels, its best you know who you can trust and who you need to keep an eye out for."

"What's happened?" Eragon asked as he finished with the spell.

"Orrin tried to stab me." Roran said.

"He what?!" Eragon exclaimed, eyes wide in shock.

"Aye, and would he have succeeded, I would be dead."

"Why would he do that? Orrin's not the violent type." Eragon asked. Harry noticed that both cousins stood with a hand on their weapons as if ready for an attack.

"The fool wanted to send a greetings party to Galbatorix and that would have put us all in danger. I disagreed and he lashed out." Roran said. "The thing is, I'm worried about Katrina. He wouldn't dare harm you and he knows now that he won't be able to get to me. But Katrina, he could harm her with silent knives when no one is looking."

"He wouldn't dare, but either way I'll place some spells around her to keep her safe." Eragon said then continued talking a bit more about King Orin with Roran.

Harry was quiet throughout their conversation, careful to note down the names being used. He especially didn't want to forget Orrin's name. He would keep a careful eye on him. As they continued their private conversation, Harry noted that the elf, Arya, as Eragon had called her, was starring at them rather curiously. Or was she starring at him?

It wasn't long after that, that everyone arrived and final introductions were made. There was Queen Islanzadi, Arya, and Blodhgarm who were elves. Then there was Orik, king of the dwarves, King Orrin of Surda, Roran, and Jormundur. Harry took a good look at Orrin and decided he didn't trust the man either. He looked much too self-centered and the angry frown he was giving him was also a sign that the man didn't like and or trust him, which let Harry know that he should keep an eye open at night, just in case.

Eragon first began to recount their journey towards Vreongard. He told them of Harry and how he had arrived. Harry noticed the elves where very interested on Eragon's discovery of the world being round as well as how Harry came to be in their world.

"It is strange, the way you were suddenly pulled away from your home and thrown into ours." Queen Islanzadi said, frowning but with a curious glint in her eyes.

"I'm very curious and I would be interested to hear more of your world at some other time of course." Arys said with a beautiful smile that had Eragon wondering if that smile was showing more than just curiosity for the unknown. He even felt nervous and quickly stepped next to Harry.

"Yes well, I have you beat there Arya," he returned a smile just as provocative and for a moment he wasn't quite sure he smiled to hold Arya's attention or to warn her to take hers off Harry's. "You see, Harry's already promised to tell Saphira and me first." Eragon thought he sounded like a child with that proclamation.

"I can always recount my story to everyone at once." Harry said quickly, smiling nervously. He felt something funny going on. He couldn't tell if they were flirting with each other or fighting over him like if he was a new toy.

"Yes, of course." Eragon said blinking to get back to the conversation at hand, "anyways, I think it's possible that Galbatorix had something to do with it."

"How so?" Orik asked frowning.

This was news to Harry too because Eragon hadn't told him this conclusion.

"Before I explain how we came to this conclusion, I must tell you of what we found on the island. They helped come up with this conclusion" Eragon said.

"They?" Roran asked.

Eragon gave a brief explanation of what eldunari were and told them all to open their minds. The voices were heard and there was shock amongst them all. The elves became happy and even fell to their knees from the overwhelming joy.

Harry watched as they all mentally spoke and greeted the eldunari. He joined Eragon who sat by Saphira waiting for the others to finish speaking with the dragons.

"Why do you think Galbatorix brought me here?" Harry asked Eragon with a frown.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but it's more of a suspicion than a conclusion. It just seems strange that you arrived near Vreongard and then those cloaked strangers attacked you." Eragon said.

Harry frowned at the ground thinking of the reasons why the crazy king would want him. "I can't think of a reason for him needing me, I mean, I'm nothing special."

Eragon looked at him, worry on his face. The others soon began to quiet down and then Eragon finally explained why he and the eldunari concluded Galbatorix' involvement in bringing Harry.

Our powers were drained and then Harry was suddenly being thrust into our world. We doubt it was a coincidence. The only person who would be powerful enough to do something as such is Galbatorix. Umaroth told everyone. It is only a suspicion, but either way, we must be cautious and be sure to keep Harry from falling into Galbatorix' hands. Whatever it is he has planned, we must prevent it at all costs.

"He should stay at the camp." Jormundur said and everyone seemed to agree with him except for Orrin who had a look of doubt and suspicion on his face, which didn't go unnoticed by Eragon and Roran.

"Well, now that everything is discussed and settled, why have you called upon us here shadeslayer?" Queen Islanzadi asked.

As Eragon discussed his plan of tricking Murtugh and Thorn while he and Saphira snuck into Galbatorix' citadel, Harry began wondering how he could help. Maybe he could propose to sneak in with Eragon and…Damn! I forgot I don't have my wand. Harry frowned at the grass. He decided he'd just be a burden to them.

"It's settled then. Elva, Arya, Blodhgarm and eleven of my spellcaster will join you." Queen Islanzadi said not at all happy that Arya was so insistent on accompanying the group, but resigned to it.

"How do you know the child, Elva, will agree to go?" Orrin asked harshly, "She has never before helped you willingly."

"She will this time." Eragon stated firmly and the tone of his voice quieted any more doubts.

After everyone dispersed back into the camp one by one, Eragon noticed that Arya stayed behind. He thought she might want to talk with them alone, and sure enough, as soon as Jormundur left, she turned to him.

"Something else has happened to you. You seem different, more sure of yourself and even, wiser, I might add."

Eragon smiled. "We discovered our true names."

Arya's eyes widened. "And, what do you think of them?"

"We're happy with them, for the most part."

"We also learned that the world is round, that there is a whole other world besides our, possibly more, and the eldunari shared many of their memories with us." Eragon said. He looked into Arya's green eyes and remembered Harry's own similar ones. He turned to look at Harry who was sitting beside Saphira listening to them quietly.

"I see," Arya said.

Harry remained quiet as they spoke and after a while longer, Arya too went back to the camp.

Eragon was waiting for darkness to take over the remaining sunlight and as he waited he told Harry where he would be staying.

"You'll stay with Katrina during the battle. She's Roran's wife."

Harry knew he shouldn't feel ashamed, but being who he was, he did feel that way because he was useless in a fight he could have aided in with his magic.

"I'm sorry, I wish I could have helped." Harry's head fell as he stared at the grass.

"No, Harry. Don't be sorry. This isn't your fight." Eragon sighed and stepped in front of Harry so he could look at him. "This is my fight to end once and for all. Right now, your only job is to stay safe until I get back so that we can get you back home." He smiled and Harry couldn't help but to smile back.

Keep an eye on Katrina too, Saphira interrupted. She's with child.

Harry turned to Eragon with a wider smile, "Are you using me as another form of protection for her?"

"No, of course not," Eragon's own smile betrayed him though, then the smile faded and he became serious. "Look, I know you're more than capable of protecting yourself with your magic. Even without your wand, magic is always there when needed. I know it's too much to ask but, would you mind keeping an eye on her?"

"Of course not," Harry said. "If there's anything I can do to help I'll do it. Don't worry, I'll do everything I can to keep her safe."

Once darkness fell, Eragon cast a spell to conceal Harry and himself before walking towards the camp. Harry felt Eragon grab his arm to lead him.

"Try not to make a lot of noise once we get to the camp. They may not be able to see us but they can still hear and see our footprints and shadows." Eragon said.

They silently made their way through the camp, slipping past many tents before finally stopping at one by the rear. Eragon knocked against the pole that held the tent together and then released the spell that concealed them as Roran popped his head out. They were promptly pulled inside, where they were each greeted by Katrina, in Harry's case introduced.

"Roran, I wondered, if it's ok with you, can Harry stay here with Katrina. He's a spell caster as well, and he can help protect her." Eragon asked.

Roran frowned, "If he can use magic, shouldn't he help in the battle?" He turned to look at Harry who was once again looking at the ground, but he quickly spoke up.

"I need my wand to use my magic and I don't have it. I can still use a few simple spells but not much to help in the battle." Harry turned his eyes down again, feeling a lot shier than he normally was. Maybe it was because he was in such small quarters with Roran and Eragon who were both a lot bigger than him. He was even shorter than Katrina and due to her large belly, he was thinner too.

"Alright," Roran agreed. "If Eragon trusts you, then so do I."

Harry thanked him with a smile before Eragon began placing protective spells on Katrina and Roran and to his surprise even on him.

"Really, Eragon, you don't need to place any on me." Harry tried to stop Eragon from placing the spells on him but his efforts were futile.

"It's just a precaution."

"But if something happens, then your energy will be drained, energy that you'll need."

"It'll be fine. The eldunari will provide enough energy for Saphira and me both." Eragon said smiling to reassure him.

Harry sighed and quietly allowed Eragon to finish. When the spells were in place, Eragon said goodbye to Katrina and stepped outside with Roran and Harry beside him.

Harry watched as the two cousins said what could be their final goodbyes. Eragon even told Roran to bury him and Saphira—if they should die—in their hometown Carvahall and Roran asked Eragon to watch over Katrina and their child should he die.

It reminded Harry of when he was to fight Voldemort during the final battle. He too had said goodbye to his friends, expecting the worst and preparing for it. He felt his heart ache for the two as they gave each other a final hug goodbye and then Roran went back inside the tent.

The tent flap closed shut and before Harry realized what he was doing, he turned to Eragon and hugged him.

"I'm sorry," he whispered into Eragon's chest. "I wish you didn't have to go and fight because…well, I know what you must be feeling. I had to fight a lunatic like Galbatorix too…please be careful."

Eragon was shocked that Harry was suddenly hugging him like that. It felt rather strange actually. He'd never hugged another man this way before because, well, it just wasn't very appealing to hug another man this way. Harry on the other hand was small and fragile. It felt ok hugging him like that—like he needed to protect and comfort him—and just as he had on their flight from Vreongard to Uru'baen, he wrapped his own arms around the boy.

"I'll try my hardest to stay alive, I promise." Eragon whispered after he found his voice. They remained like that for a few moments before pulling apart. Eragon was surprised to see that Harry's eyes had unshed tears in them. "You stay alive too alright?"

Harry smiled and nodded. Eragon smiled back before quietly slipping into the darkness and disappearing from sight. He sighed and blinked away the tears that had gathered in his eyes before slipping back inside the tent.

Harry felt rather awkward being in the small tent with Roran and Katrina. There was only one bed and Harry had taken to lying on the dirt floor with a few blankets strewn about. He tried falling asleep as quick as possible so that the two may have those few hours before the battle to themselves.

Obviously, because of the nerves, he couldn't sleep. His eyes were wide open and he quietly listened as Roran tried to reassure Katrina. Their quiet whispers and silent kisses had Harry blushing and even longing for someone to comfort him in the same manner. Even though he wasn't fighting and his life wouldn't be in immediate danger, he still wanted someone there. He felt nervous for those who were going out to fight. He wishes he could have had someone to comfort and love him this way back when he was preparing to die by Voldemorts hand for the greater good. Then again, maybe it was for the best that he didn't have someone because it only would have made it that much more difficult to go.

It must have been a few hours since he said goodbye to Eragon, and Roran and Katrina had fallen silent a while ago. Harry's own eyes were just barely starting to grow heavy when he began to hear the sound of chains as if they were clanking together. He figured somebody nearby was working and preparing their weapons and armor.

Harry sat upright in fright as there came a loud hollow boom. Harry felt Roran and Katrina wake too. They all waited in the dark trying to hear anything else, but all was quiet. And then came a dull thud accompanied by loud sharp clacks. That's when Roran pulled his boots and grabbed his hammer.

"Stay with her." Roran told Harry quickly before running out the tent, ready for an attack.

As soon as Roran left, alarm horns rang throughout the camp, pulling Harry into action. He too began pulling on his shoes. "Get dressed, quickly. I'll wait outside." He told Katrina.

Outside, Harry watched in slight fascination as the whole camp erupted into action. Men were pulling on their armor, women were helping them, and children stood in terror. He looked towards the city to see what the commotion was and what he saw frightened him. It was still too dark and too far away to see precise detail, but there was clearly an enormous dragon walking about the city. The dragon took to the sky and every time its wings flapped, the sky shook like thunder and the air around them vibrated. All the animals in the surrounding valley began to wail as if they too knew that there roamed a dangerous beast.

Katrina stepped out of the tent and watched with him as the dragon flew up higher and higher towards their camp.

"Its shruikan, Galbatorix' black dragon." Katrina whispered. Her breath was ragged from fear and Harry was beginning to feel the need to run.

They along with mostly everyone else around them watched as Shruikan released a torrent of flames into the night sky, whipping his long neck back and forward. The amount of fire was astonishing and they could feel the heat on their upturned faces. It sounded like crackling branches and rushing water, like a giant waterfall.

After Shruikan ceased the fire flow, he turned and flew back to the city. Harry's heart beat fast and he turned to Katrina to see if she was ok. Her breath was still rapid and she held a hand against her heart, but she looked ok.

"If that was to scare us," Katrina gulped, "then it definitely worked."

"Come on, let's get back inside. I'll make you some tea." Harry said and guided her into the tent. She sat a bit awkwardly, with her round belly in the way, as she told Harry where she kept the tea herbs and water.

Not a few minutes later, Roran ran inside their tent and began dressing with his armor. "We'll be leaving soon." He said as he tied his tunic and pulled on his chainmail. "Please take good care of her." Roran said to Harry and when he finished with his armor, he pulled Katrina into a tight hug.

"Be safe." Katrina whispered and Harry didn't have to see to know that tears marred her face.

"Always." Roran pulled away and placed a lingering kiss on her lips. He gave Harry one last nod and the he was gone.

Harry placed a hand of comfort on Katrina's shoulder and was surprised when she suddenly turned and pulled him into an awkward hug—awkward because of the belly.

She cried for a while, even as they heard the horns that lead their army towards the city. Many would not return and Harry desperately hoped that Roran did come back to Katrina alive. He also hoped that Saphira would be ok, and with an unusual aching pain in his chest, he hoped that Eragon would also be alright and be triumphant.

AN: Normally I don't take a whole month to update my stories, but summer school is kicking my butt. I'll try harder to get them out faster. Thank you for all of my readers, those who reviewed and even those who just took the time to read my story. It makes me happy to know that you like it so far, so please review and let me know what you think.

:3