For Disclaimer, Spoiler Alert, and Warning please look back in chapter 1.

AN: Wow, it's been so long huh? Sorry for the extremely late update but I've been so busy with school. And then I was almost done writing this back in January but my computer deleted it and I felt so angry I couldn't write anymore for a while. But any who, enjoy. R&R please :)

Eragon was glad that the Menoa tree gave up the pendant as easily as she did. He ran back towards his tree house and couldn't help but wonder whether the pendant was a trap. It's possible that the stranger who gave the pendant to Blodhgarm could be in liege with Galbatorix, after all, he did know that this exact situation would arise. What if the pendant was a way for Galbatorix to complete his purpose in taking over Harry's body?

Eragon slowed to a stop and lifted the pendant up to inspect it. Simple in form, with a thin silver chain and a small round clear crystal, it looked like any other pendant. No signs of a magical trace on its' surface and he couldn't feel any type of power emanating off it.

What if it really is a trap? Eragon thought.

It's very well possible, Saphira answered, but what other choice do we have? If Harry continues under Galbatorix' mentle attacks any longer, he won't have the strength to stop him from completely taking over.

But if it is a trap, then all the strength Harry has already put up so far would have all been for nothing. Eragon held the crystal between his thumb and forefinger trying to find any trace of magic to determine if it was dark or not.

Perhaps it is safe, Saphira said, it has been in the possession of Blodhgarm and, for many years, the menoa tree. I think if it was sustained by dark magic then one of them would have been able to sense it. I highly doubt it would have passed their notice being as old and experienced as they are.

Eragon nodded as he accepted the truth of Saphira's words. Then let us hope that this will work. He said and then began running again.

Once he arrived at the tree house, Eragon immediately went and sat next to Harry's prone form on the bed. He could see the painful strain he was under by the crease in his brow and the perspiration on his neck and forehead. He was getting worse by the minute.

What now? Do you just place it on him? Saphira asked, blinking her large eyes in curiosity and excitement. Eragon could hold off on the excitement and replace it with anxiety. He was too worried to be excited.

"Perhaps." He said out loud. He unhooked the pendant and lowered it onto Harry's neck so the crystal was resting on his rising chest. The moment the crystal came into contact with his body, Harry's eyes shot open exposing their black iris', revealing Galbatorix' presence within. Harry's hand shot up to grab the crystal and he gasped out in a harsh whisper,

"Laques ceterus animus ut redimio mihi!"

Eragon watched as a white light erupted from the crystal grasped in Harry's hand. The light leaked out around his fingers blinding as it reached Eragon's eyes. He squinted and watched realizing that, as the light slowly faded back into the crystal, the black of Harry's eyes faded leaving only his bright emerald eyes, just as they were before.

With his eyes back to normal and the light gone, Harry's hand loosened around the crystal and fell away, the lack of strength evident in its show of uselessness.

"It turned black." Eragon said as he saw the crystal was no longer clear but black, a pure solid coal black.

It has only trapped Galbatorix. Glaedr said joining in their conversation in curiosity at what happened.

Harry's eyes turned to look at Eragon for a quick second before closing in exhaustion. Eragon reached over and hooked the necklace behind Harry's neck and then pulled the blanket up to Harry's shoulders.

So, since his soul has been transferred to the crystal, can't we just destroy the crystal and Galbatorix along with it? Saphira asked.

No. All that would do, I'm afraid, is set Galbatorix free to return to Harry's body. Glaedr said sounding a bit defeated. Think back young ones, do you recall when those strange cloaked ones captured Harry on Vreongard and performed an unknown ritual on the boy? Well, I am beginning to think that it was done in order to bind Galbatorix's soul to Harry's. This is probably how—once Galbatorix no longer had a body—he easily found and merged with Harry's.

Eragon frowned. It was all beginning to make sense now. With the approaching battle, Galbatorix must have felt threatened and prepared something to fall back on just in case he lost. Somehow he was able to bring Harry from his world and bind himself to the boy. Eragon hoped the crystal would completely eradicate Galbatorix, but for now—at least until they figured out a way to destroy the connection between Harry and Galbatorix—it would have to do. He was just thankful that the bastard was no longer hurting Harry.

"We'll have to find a way to break their connection then." Eragon said as he wiped off the perspiration that had pooled in the hollow of the boys neck. When he finished he stood and went to lay with Saphira, his eyes shutting in exhaustion. The little sleep he'd gotten earlier was barely enough. He really needed a bath first, but he thought it could wait a little longer. Right now, he just wanted to forget the pain that Galbatorix was and sleep.

Harry felt the crystal's power as soon as it touched his skin and he immediately felt relief rushing through his mind and body. He could think clearer and breathe easier and then he was heard a spell as if coming from his memory. That's when he knew exactly what to do to get rid of Galbatorix.

He snapped his eyes open but only saw darkness, and then he quickly grasped the crystal and said the spell. It was Latin—he was sure—but he'd never heard it before now and he said it like if he'd practiced it many times before. Either way he was glad he said the words because almost immediately he felt Galbatorix' presence and power over him being sucked out like a vacuum. Slowly, his vision returned to him and he could see that he was inside a room somewhere and through his peripheral vision he could see Eragon sitting beside him. He didn't know how, but he knew it was Eragon who saved him once again. He wanted to say thank you but he lacked the strength to do it. Once he could no longer feel any trace of Galbatorix in him, he quickly glanced over at the rider and then his eyelids slid closed. He was asleep in seconds.

Harry woke slowly and very peacefully. He could feel a light cool breeze grazing over his cheeks and shifting his hair across the pillow. He opened his eyes and felt better rested. He still felt weak, but that was to be expected.

Harry sat up in bed feeling lethargic. He could just lie back down and fall asleep, but he wanted to figure out what had happened and where he was. He stood and wobbled over towards the open door where the breeze was coming in through.

"A tree house?" He said out loud and then felt a brief moment of panic at the height he was at, but then realized it was probably safe since he hadn't fallen yet. It's a pretty fancy tree house. He went in search of a bathroom to relieve himself and when he was done, he searched for clean clothes. He saw the strange bath and wanted to have a long hot one, assuming there was hot water way up in the trees.

At this point, he figured the house belonged to Eragon, guessing that the large cushion in the corner belonged to Saphira. He found clothes behind a different door and knew they were Eragon's. He borrowed black trousers and a black long-sleeved shirt. He took the clothes back to where the bath was and filled it with hot water—to his delight. He stripped and slowly eased himself into the scalding water, enjoying how it relaxed the tension in his back.

About half an hour later—after washing his body thoroughly—he got out and dried himself. He pulled on his trousers—or, Eragons—and blushed as he realized that he was much shorter and smaller than the rider. He pulled on the shirt and it too was too big so he tucked it into the trousers and rolled up the sleeves up to his elbows. He left the bathroom and went to pull on his dragon hide boots. He left his dirty clothes on the floor next to the bed and bent down to pull a boot on. Of course, being as clumsy as he was sometimes, he lost his balance and fell back.

"You ok?"

Harry opened his eyes and saw Eragon's face above his. The rider had caught him before hitting the floor.

"Oh, ya. Sorry," Harry blushed as he stood, still feeling the warmth that Eragon's hands left on his body as he caught him.

"Glad you're doing better." Eragon smiled.

"How long have I been, sleeping?" Harry asked as he sat on the bed and pulled on his boots.

"About a day and a half." Eragon sat next to him and watched as he tugged the trousers into the boots. "I'll see about getting you some clothes that fit better." He said and smiled when Harry blushed.

"Thank you." Harry said just as he finished fixing the trousers and tying the boots and then apologized for borrowing them without asking first.

"Come on," Eragon stood and lightly tugged on Harry's arm. "I figured you might wake soon so I brought you some food.

They walked into the other large room and Harry saw that it resembled a dining room, with a small intricately carved wooden table and chairs. On the table were different plates of fruits, and jellies, toast, veggies, and a big bowl of soup.

"So, am I on a no-meat diet today?" Harry asked as he sat down, noticing the lack of any type of meat.

Eragon chuckled and explained that they were at the elves capital, which meant adapting to their eating habits, which consisted of no meat.

As they ate, Eragon explained everything that happened since Harry fell unconscious during the battle in Uru'baen. He explained how Nasuada tried to kill him and how they had to flee. He told him Blodhgarm's story and how a stranger gave him the pendant.

"We need to find him. He might be the only one who might know how to destroy the bond between you and Galbatorix." Eragon said as he served Harry more soup.

"But where do we even begin looking?" Harry began sipping his soup, chewing on some mushrooms and pretending it was meat.

"Blodhgarm said he met him at the northern edge of the Du Weldensvarden Forest. The best chance we have is leaving the empire, going north and start asking people if they've ever heard of this man, Nicolas Flamel."

Harry inhaled too fast and choked. The sudden revelation of the name caught him by surprise and it was something he was not expecting.

Eragon was next to him in an instant patting him on the back asking if he was ok, but all Harry could think about was Flamel. What was that old bloody coot up too?! Once he composed himself and stopped having coughing fits, Harry drank some water and stayed quiet as he wondered what the old wizard was doing in Alagaesia.

"Do you recognize the name?" Eragon asked.

Harry nodded, "He's from my world."

Eragon frowned, "Blodhgarm suspected as much, but to have you confirm it," Eragon sighed and ran his hand over his face, "this just makes it a lot harder for us."

Harry, glad you're awake and well, Saphira said suddenly. I would come up there but I think it'd be best if you both come down right away.

Eragon noticed the urgency in her voice and quickly motioned for Harry to follow him. They walked down the stairs—Eragon went first so he could catch Harry in case he fell.

Where are you Saphira?

The western edge of Ellesmere, She said. Arya has arrived, with most of the elven army at her back.

This took Eragon by surprise. It had only been a few days since he left Uru'baen and for Arya to have arrived so quickly surprised him, but also worried that she would leave right after him and in such a hurry.

Harry kept up with Eragon's pace, but found that his energy was quickly draining out of him, Must be from fighting against Galbatorix for so long. I need more rest. Harry thought but didn't mention it to Eragon.

The first thing that Eragon saw when they reached the elves who were entering Ellesmera was Saphira walking besides Arya, the second was a green ball of energy running and flapping its wings between Saphira's legs.

"It hatched?" Eragon asked in complete shock. The green egg was now a green dragon hatch-ling, much like Saphira had been in her first days after hatching.

"Yes, Eragon, his name Firnen." Arya said with a smile and then showed him her Gedwey Ignasia, indicating that she was the new rider.

After they greeted each other formerly, Arya, Saphira, Eragon, Harry, Blodhgarm and a few other elves in Arya's trust headed to the grand hall where Islanzadi's throne room resided. That is where Arya explained how not long after Eragon fled with Saphira and Harry did Firnen hatch. She had already decided to leave Nasuada's ranks, especially after declaring herself against Eragon and sending out a command for his and Harry's capture.

"I have no idea what she's thinking. If Galbatorix wasn't able to capture you then, I highly doubt any of her little soldiers will be able to." Arya said sinking into a chair near the throne where her mother once sat, high and proud.

"She is blind like an old bat." Blodhgarm said.

"Yes, this is why I have called most of the elves back to their home here in Du Weldensvarden. I sent the rest to retrieve the eggs and the eldunari that you mentioned remained on Vreongard."

Eragon and Saphira thanked her for sending them and both were quietly relieve that they wouldn't have to make that long trip again.

They all remained quiet for a moment before Arya asked, "Where is Glaedr?"

"I have taken him to Oromis' resting place. He desired to be left alone for some time." Eragon said.

Arya's expression fell a little as she could now truly understand what it would be like to lose her other half. "I will pay him a visit after some time then," She looked over to Harry then, "How are you doing Harry? Forgive me for not asking sooner, my mind seems troubled as of late."

Harry blushed at the sudden attention but thanked Arya for asking. "I'm much better, thanks to Eragon and Saphira of course."

"That's good to hear, and what happened to Galbatorix?" Arya realized she had forgotten that it was the king that had caused Harry's coma-like state in the first place.

Eragon explained then how he retrieved the pendant from the Menoa tree and then explained what happened when he placed it around Harry's neck.

"I still don't understand, how did you know what to say Harry?" Eragon asked him then. He wanted to ask earlier but that was when Saphira called them to come down from the tree house.

"I don't know really," Harry said looking out into the distance as he thought about it. "As soon as the crystal touched my skin, the pain rushed out of me and then, somehow, I knew that spell as if I had practiced it many times before. Perhaps the spell was charmed to imprint itself onto the memory of the one in need of it."

Eragon nodded as he thought the same too, "The only problem now is finding a way to detach Galbatorix' soul from your own. The pendant has only trapped him, but it will return to Harry if it is destroyed." Eragon told Arya, and then explained how Harry recognized the name Nicolas Flamel and that he was indeed from his world.

"What will you do then" Arya asked just as Firnen jumped onto her lap to sleep.

Eragon thought about it for a moment and then spoke while looking at Harry, "We can still head north of the Du Weldensvarden Forest. If that man was there, then surely he must have interacted with someone. We can start by searching for his trail and once we find it, we can start figuring out what he was doing here."

"Perhaps you might even find out how he was able to travel from your world to ours and back." Blodhgarm said to Harry. "You may find your way home."

Eragon saw the hopeful look that crossed Harry's eyes and he couldn't help but feel a tight tug in his chest. He knew Harry would go home eventually, so why did it make him feel so conflicted about it?

Harry was exited to know that it was possible to go home if he found out how Flamel did it, but then he felt saddened at the fact that he would leave all the friends he made, behind, Eragon in particular. He felt strongly for the rider and it hurt to imagine the day when he would have to leave.

The group continued talking for a while longer and Arya explained how the new elven queen would have to be picked and she still hadn't decided whether she wanted to step into her mother's shoes, so to speak. She was tired and after talking for hours, she raised her hand and dismissed everyone to rest and to recover from their journey. Eragon and Harry, of course, were already rested so Eragon took Harry to explore Ellesmera and its beauty.

Harry would have rather gone back to the tree house to rest but didn't say anything when he saw the look of excitement on the riders face. There were only a few hours left until sunset anyways, he thought he could suck it up till then, and besides he liked the idea of spending more time alone with the rider.

"The trees here are so big—I've never seen anything like it." Harry said as they walked along one of the many routes between the trees.

"I thought the same thing when I first set eyes on them." Eragon said as he walked close beside Harry. "I fell in love with this forest and I've learned to call it home."

Harry looked up at Eragons expression that shone peaceful and happy. Harry thought about his own home and felt a bit sad. Even though he'd built his house out in a forest, he was alone most of the time, and even if it was peaceful to live in, he felt a bit overwhelmed by how hard it was to call it home. Not like here in Ellesmera where Eragon had friends and Saphira surrounding his home. All Eragon had surrounding him was the distant mountains and his giant telescope, Pretty pathetic, he thought and looked away when Eragon turned to him.

"When will we leave?" Harry asked quickly before Eragon could notice his expression.

"I thought we should rest for another day or two," Eragon said and carefully pulled Harry to a stop. "Are you ok?" Eragon asked and Harry felt like kicking himself. The rider noticed his mood after all.

"Yea, I'm just, a bit tired." He smiled weakly and Eragon pulled him away from their original route and towards another direction.

"You should have told me, I would have taken you back to rest." Eragon said worriedly and Harry felt even worse for making Eragon worry.

Before they could walk more than a few steps, Harry turned into Eragon's body and wrapped his arms around the rider, tears traitorously falling down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, I didn't tell you because I wanted to come with you. I didn't want to be alone." Harry said quietly, not understanding where these emotions were surfacing from. He knew he felt weak but it didn't matter because he wanted to be near Eragon. But why do I feel this way?

He felt Eragon's arms wrap around his waist and felt warmth he hadn't felt in a very long time. He felt safe and happy and…home.

Eragon carefully carried Harry up the stairs of his tree house. They had explored after Harry confessed to wanting to spend time with him and had eventually fallen asleep under the Menoa tree.

To be honest, Harry's hug had surprised him even more than the first time they hugged back at the Varden's camp, just before he left to infiltrate Galbatorix' citadel. This time, Harry hugged him because…well, he wasn't exactly sure why Harry had hugged him. Because he was sorry for not telling him that he was tired? Because he wanted to spend time with him? Because he didn't want to be alone? It didn't make sense. But then he hugged the smaller boy back, and that made even less sense. Of course he cared for Harry a lot more than he should, which scared him because he had never felt so protective of someone like this, especially after such a short time after meeting them. He cared and worried for Arya when he first met her, but with Harry, it was different. He just didn't know why.

Once up in the tree house, Eragon placed Harry on the bed and removed his boots. He pulled the blankets up around the boy and then sat beside him on the bed, and watched. He didn't know why, but he thought that maybe he could figure out what it was about harry that made him feel like he did.

You will give yourself a headache. Saphira said to him as she swooped in and landed gracefully in the tree house.

I'm just, confused. Why do I care so much? He's not family, nor have I known him for long. Eragon said as he stood and removed his own boots.

Because you have a kind heart little one. Saphira said and lifted her wing so Eragon could climb under it. You care because it is in your nature to care.

Eragon smiled and thanked her but he still felt something different. There was something else that made him care for Harry. Perhaps in the morning, it will be clearer. He thought to himself and promptly fell asleep.

AN: Sorry for its shortness, but I had to post something, right? Anyways, not much going on in this chapter, except that they are starting to realize they feel differently about each other. I can't assure you when the next chapter will be up because of school, I will be graduating in June, hopefully, and I got a full schedule. I will try harder to squeeze in some writing. Please Review, thanks.

*The Latin spell translates to; Trap the other soul that binds me

:3