Me, Myself, and Death

by QuiteMike

FemHarry struggles to defeat Voldemort when Eragon and Saphira appear in their world. No slash. Starts fourth year, not very cannon. Ron Bashing, good guy Albus, Sword fighting adventure. There will be Death, favourites will die,it will be gory, and the whole world rest on Alyse Potter shoulders. The world shall be covered in ashes. Pairings have not been decided

2. Chapter 2: Stick the Landing

Disclaimer: Nothing mine, etc.

AN: Another Chapter! Much longer, if you like this size or would like them smaller please let me know. A lot is explained in this one, and it moved the story along quite nicely I think. Please review!

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Albus looked forward to this day every year, when life returned to Hogwarts. The great hall buzzed with excitement as friends animatedly filled each other in on their adventures over the summer break. A feast fit for the gods heaped the four great tables, and new but eager 11 year olds sat at the ends closet to the head table, overwhelmed from the sorting but excited.

Scanning the Ravenclaw house, Albus search for the brilliant pair of emerald green eyes of his favorite jet black hair of Alyse Potter was easy to spot amongst her housemates, her face lit with a brilliant smile as she laughed at something her best friend Lisa Turpin had just said. She looked a little skinny, her robes hung a little too loosely from her frame. Looking down Albus sighed into his plate, the Dursely's it seemed were back to their old tricks, barely giving Alyse enough to keep her from starving. Alyse had already endured so much in her short life, the world she lived in had very little love in it, Voldemort had taken more than her parents lives that fateful night.

Yet, Alyse came out remarkably unscathed, with love for life and a compassion for the world around her. A rare genuinely kind individual, who's would give the shirt off her back for a friend in need, and sacrifice for those she loves. It always amazed Albus how optimistic Alyse managed to remain with everything that has happened to her, and like her mother she had a hot temper if you messed with her. Albus put his head in his hands, and oh how he had failed her, despite his best efforts for the past three years, something different always seemed threaten her life, and worse Voldemort was getting close to returning. Albus could feel it, the soft disturbance in magic, Voldemort will return soon.

"That poor girl." Albus whispered, "There just isn't enough time." There wasn't, Albus knew this. The odds of defeating Voldemort and fulfilling the prophecy were stacked impossibly against Alyse, there was simply not enough time to prepare her for what she must do. She was a tough kid, but Voldemort will returned to soon, and his support is to great. It broke Albus's heart to think what the war will cost Alyse, what more could Voldemort take from her? Her first true friend Lisa, her last and only recently united remaining loving family, her Godfather Sirius. Both would destroy Alyse, she would blame herself for their deaths, and they would lose the wonderful person who was Alyse was as she withdrew into herself. Even events conspired against them as the Triwizard tournament was reintroduced this year at Hogwarts, after political and monetary pressure from Lucius Malfoy. Alyse deserved, no needed a peaceful year of school to learn what she must. However, the school is now host to one of the most dangerous competitions in history because of the actions of one her greatest enemy's allies. Albus couldn't ignore the gut tingling feeling something bad was about to happen again. It would be lucky to get Alyse through this year alive, let alone to final showdown with evil several years away. "The enemy is to powerful, we need help." Albus whispered into his hands.

It started like a soft invisible ripple, a small surge in the magic from the center of the hall, that quickly dissipated outwards fading. Albus jerked his head out of his hands as a second stronger disturbance of magic again rippled through the hall strong now enough to be noticed by others. Rapidly the hall started cool down, a soft blanket of fog erupted slowly from the floor. Albus like all his students froze watching the ghostly trails of his breath, silently transfixed as fog filled the bottom foot of the hall from the sudden drop in temperature. Albus was on edge, his hand twitched ever so slightly to his wand. Then he noticed the ceiling of hall began to ripple softly, and more noticeably the calm starry night and full moon began to disappear as thick black storm clouds rapidly rolled in from the edges. The moon illuminated the rolling dark clouds with a white glow before it two was consumed by the oppressive volume of the dark storm clouds and snuffed out the light from the sky. The hall was silent, pupil, and teachers alike transfixed on the disturbance. Then unlike any the enchanted ceiling had ever done before, a blue flash of lightning struck the floor in the center of hall, followed by a deafening thunderclap extinguishing all the enchanted Candles, throwing the Great hall into darkness.

"Silence!" Albus bellowed at the students as they panicked, already half out of their seats. Waving his wand, Albus silenced them, the lightening strike was odd, there was no electrical discharge, no scorch mark.

Everyone stood paralyzed some half out of their seats, some from the floor after falling half buried in fog. The storm clouds in sky recapturing their attention as they began to swirl, slowly at first then more rapidly with a noticeable blue light illuminating them from some unseen source high above the clouds. The clouds then started to slow, parting with a small hole from the center like the eye of the storm, lighting the dark hall with a brilliant baby blue glow. Then slowly from the hole in the clouds, a small blue ball of light, like a drop of water the size of thumb nail dropped into the hall. A feeling of calm and contentment enveloped Albus as he watched the ball of light come to a stop a meter from the ground where the lightning had stuck. All fear of danger fled his mind, it gave off the essence of purity, harmlessness, a representation of everything good in the world, but he could sense a conscious, a presence emanating from the orb. Albus was positive that they weren't in danger but the magic was foreign to him, almost as if from a different world. Then a second blue orb began to descend from the sky slightly bigger followed by another, steadily increasing in speed before coming to rest by the first two. The orbs began to descend faster and faster as more came to join the first ones above the floor, forming a line of light connecting the sky to the hall below, as hundred of orbs began to collect, earning an 'aww' of appreciation from the spectators. Albus noticed distantly that the orbs presence had removed his silencing charm, a dangerous show of their power, but he was unable to be concerned do to the calming presence of the orbs.

The sky darkened as the last orb and the clear source of the blue light behind the clouds, floated down into the hall. Packed into a tight sphere half buried in the fog on the floor between gryffindor and Hufflepuff. The sphere of orbs began to rotate, faster and faster touching the center of the great hall floor. The spinning sphere began to spark as energy rippled across the surface releasing blue smoke that clung to it until it disappeared entirely from view. A deep thud echoed out from the smoke with finality, the clouds stopped swirling instantly as if on the clouds reversed, and fast as spells from a wand the orbs shot back out of the smoke in a line, back into the clouds. It seemed like seconds compared to their decent as the orbs returned to the clouds, blue flashed across the ceiling as the last orb returned, the starry night sky enchanting the hall again, the candles flickered feebly gaining strength returning the warmth slowly to the room. Only a dense ball of wispy blue smoke remained in the dissipating fog, in the center of the hall.

As the euphoric sense of calm faded from the great hall, Albus barely noticed he was now standing at the head table leaning eagerly towards the blue smoke in anticipation as most of the students had also shifted, silently waiting for something no knew. The smoke began to slowly revealing the shadow of man with his head down, hunched over on one knee holding himself up with one fist, and a sword in his other hand pointing towards the head table horizontally. Crouching by what appeared to be a black trunk of sorts. The spectators collectively gasped as visitor became fully visible in the center of the great hall. Students, teachers, and Albus alike stared uncomprehendingly at the man who had appeared so dramatically, and yet to move in the center of the hall.

Alyse : just before disturbance

I was trying hard to eat and stay engaged to my best friends Lisa story, but it was hard to mask my disappointment. Another year had come and gone and death still had not sent the help that he promised. I had convinced myself what had happened was real. Personally I didn't believe I was creative enough to create Death's appearance, nor any other explanation why the venom did not kill me. Although it was two years later, and still help had not come, it was getting harder to stay convinced what I thought happened was real.

The threat of my convicted murderer Godfather had done little to improve the living conditions the Dursleys saw fit to impose upon me. The beatings had thankfully stopped somewhat, but my portions were still hardly sufficient. I wished I was a healthy skinny like Lisa, who was beginning to curve in all the right places. I just look skinny and skeletal, unhealthy and unattractive.

Lisa broke me out trance, "So if you have no objections, you'll just sign this contract and you officially become Ron Weasley's wife."

Choking on the mouthful of potatoes I had just taken, I hurriedly coughed out my reply, looking agast. "ugh hell no! What are you talking about?"

"Ah, Miss Potter is still listening to me, you had zoned out. I naturally assumed you were thinking about your true love Ron." Lisa theatrically crooned, clasping her hands in front of her.

Maturely I pretended to examine a small dagger before plunging it into my chest, dramatically taking my life. "Stalker is more like it, Ron is almost as bad as Draco. I would rather die than marry either."I finished glaring at my best friend.

Laughing Lisa held up her hands in surrender. " Just making sure your still with me. I'm still marrying Blaze tho. " Lisa finished dreamily staring off at Slytherin table.

Laughing I chucked a small piece of bread at her which she neatly ducked. " Please you and I both know your going to fall for Neville, Lisa." I laughed even harder at her now shocked face.

"Thats just mean..." Lisa broke off a a small tremor seemed to ripple through the air. "Did you.."

Back to present

Blue orbs, my heart seemed to stop as a hope rekindled in my chest was this it. I stared, unable to take my eyes of the strange man, no boy. No it was not because he was undeniably handsome, dark brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, or his powerful muscular build evident under the white tunic and leggings he was wearing. Nor, the spectacular blue iridescent sword with white veins spider webbed down the blade, its surface rippling in the candle light. I couldn't take my eyes off him because upon his shoulders, sat a Sapphire blue Dragon hatching the exact colors of his sword. It stood no taller than half a foot with its head under a wing, looking both fierce and elegant despite it size and pose.

The dragon was the first to move, pulling its head out from under its wing looking around hall, causing another gasp from its audience. It drank in its surroundings eagerly, its sparkling sapphire blue eyes locked with mine as it did a second sweep of the crowd, uncanny intelligence evident in its eyes as stared intently at me. Seeming satisfied it squeaked excitedly bouncing and humming softly from the boys shoulder, nudging him the face with its snout a couple times, before happily returning to inspecting the people nearest too it with curious excitement from the safety of his shoulder. Slowly the boy opened his eyes lifting his head from the floor to the front of the hall where Dumbledore stood leaning over the head table. Seeming satisfied he slowly stood, sheathing his blade across his back an identical blue sheath that was detailed beautifully with intricate vines running down it. He rotated, sweeping his gaze in a circle around the hall as he went, causing the students withdraw back into their seats as he began to move.

Looking at his dragon inquiringly as if in conversation, he swept over the ravenclaw table again until he finally locked eyes with me briefly, his brilliant brown eyes excited and cautious. His eyes made me feel safe for the briefest of moments, a rare feeling in my life, until Dumbledore finally found his voice.

"Welcome travelers! Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am the head master Albus Dumbledore, and to whom do we have the pleasure of hosting this evening?" Having collected himself, Albus had come to stand in front of the head table, with his arms spread open in a gesture of welcome, his eyes twinkling. If he was wary of boy he did not show it.

The boy turned to his dragon again seeming to have a silent conversation before the dragon nodded to him, stepping forward he came to a stop in front of Albus at the front of the hall. " My name is Eragon Brom's Son and my dragon, her name Saphira. We invoke the treaty of VraelVraelVrael the Great, and seek an audience with you."

*QM*

While the name of the treaty meant nothing to students or teachers, Dumbledore visibly paled the front of the hall, pausing momentarily "Certainly, if yVraelu would kindly follow me to a private room behind me." Spinning on the spot Dumbledore turned to Professor Mcgonagall. "Minvera if you could keep the children in the hall and seal it until we return." Satisfied with the nod he got Albus turned back to his guest. " If you would follow me Eragon."

Looking back at his trunk Eragon waved a lazy hand at it grinning in satisfaction when it rushed to the front of the hall to follow them floating a foot off the ground. The hall gasped at the wandless magic, and the black trunk most had failed to notice. If the attention bothered Eragon and Saphira they did not show it. Leading them to a small door behind the head table Albus lead them to a small room feigning calm.

Inside, Albus's mind was rearing with concern and excitement. Never had the Treaty of Varel been invoked since its creation since after the last great war with the goblins thousands of years ago. Not because it was nefarious in nature, but because the conditions required to fulfill the treaty require a visitor from another world, and not just any world, Alegaseia.

Conjuring a couple stools and a table in front of the fire, Albus invited Eragon to sit. "Eragon and Saphira, you have come a long way is there anything we can get you? Food? Drink?" Albus asked politely taking his seat across from Eragon.

" Thanks but I'm fine Professor Dumbledore, but some strips of meat for Saphira would make you quick friends. She has not been a hatchling in a long time, she has to eat more when she is this size." Eragon accepted with a smile, grateful for the hospitality.

This startled Albus slightly, folding his hands he asked quietly. " Please, call me Albus. Not be rude but Saphira's intelligent, she talks?"

"As intelligent as you or I, she is unlike any dragon in your realm." Eragon replied waving him off, "Its easier if she tells you, she will touch your mind to talk if you let her. Just don't slam your shields up."

Amused Dumbledore turned to Saphira folding his hands on the table. "What kind of meat would you like Saphira?"

Deer If you have it. Thankyou old one for not shooting spells at us as we landed, we were unsure of what to expect. Saphira responded kindly, gliding off Eragon's shoulder onto the table.

" It is always best, to try to ask before shooting." Dumbledore replied, smiling widely, pleasantly surprised at her contact in his mind. Dumbledore snapped his fingers summoning an elf, who appeared with a pop wrapped tightly in his Hogwarts towel. Giving it the order the elf popped away for 30 seconds before popping back with a plate laden with meat.

Thankyou Saphira projected to Everyone. Startling the elf at the contact with its mind causing him to pop away unexpectedly.

"To the point Eragon why are you here and for how long?" Dumbledore asked expectantly, his desire for information winning out, over his usual pleasantries.

"Officially we are here because of a magic accident in my world that sent me spinning into your world. We seek asylum under the treaty of Vrael the Great. Unofficially, your world approaches destruction, and hero of good is not ready. I was brought here by Death himself as he rules over both worlds. I am here to protect Alyse Potter so she may do what she will be here till she no longer needs us." Eragon said formally, in a voice that sounded beyond his years.

" You will win the war for us then!" Dumbledore jumped in excitedly, his blue eyes twinkling, and pleading.

Looking down guiltily, Eragon prepared to disappoint Albus. "No, we are not here to win your war for you. We are here to protect Alyse, so she may do what she must to end the war, I am not the hero of this war. I may help even the odds but I will not kill Lord Voldemort personally, we are more of a bodyguard."

Albus sighed with a smaller smile on his face, " That is unfortunate, but your help will still be invaluable. The Treaty had favorable comments about Dragon riders, still this gives me new hope for the outcome of this war! Why did Death send you here, and how do you know of Alyse and Voldemort already?"

"I think it is best that we wait until Alyse can join us to finish this conversation. I swear on my magic that I am a friend and alley and who has traveled a long way to give aid to the side of light, and will not hurt any children in any way, of light or dark allegiance until we finish this conversation." Eragon swore on his magic, surprising Dumbledore.

Clapping his hands together Albus stood, "Well it is time to go rejoin the students and explain what we can and are willing to share, best to keep our enemies guessing. I will tell the masses you are only here for a short while, hopefully our enemies will make the mistake of thinking you'll be gone soon and not properly address the threat. Leave your trunk the elves will move it for you once your sorted. You are 14 yes?"

Nodding Eragon held an arm out for Saphira who hoped back up onto his shoulder, humming happily now that she was fed.

"Look the door!" Lisa exclaimed excitedly, grabbing onto Alyse's arm. "I wonder if Eragon is staying here, did you see how gorgeous he is." The whole hall went quiet as Eragon and Albus emerged again.

" If I may have your attention, students, and faculty alike. I know many of you have questions about our guest. Eragon and Saphira are from another world..." An excited buzz of whispers exploded around the houses, many just stared with disbelief. After a couple seconds Albus continued, " They were caught in a magical accident that brought them to our world."

" While they are here we will extend our hospitality, and let them join us learning magic, and when the spirits, the blue orbs we saw earlier come again, Eragon and Saphira will be called to go back," a small sigh of disappointment could be heard from the female population. " Eragon has shown aptitude enough to join our fourth year class, so it appears we have one more student to sort."

Motioning to McGonagall, he stepped off too the side, to allow her to take center as she summoned the stool and hat to her. Putting on a stern face she began, determined to treat him like any other student, regardless to her obvious confusion on what was going on. "Eragon if you will sit here, I will place this hat upon your head, and it will sort you into your house that you will live, study, play for the next four years. They will be your family, the houses are Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin." She quickly explained what each of the qualities of the houses, and the house point system. " Without hesitation Eragon sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the sorting hat upon his head.

"Yes, yes quite the anomaly, looks 14 but with enough experience to be over 100, how confusing. Loyalty, cunning, and very brave. However a desire to learn is constant, to easy." The hat spoke up earning a startled hiss from Saphira. "Better be Ravenclaw!" The hall went up in cheers, as the Ravenclaw's celebrated loudly for their new house mate. Eragon took a seat new to the first years at the end of the Ravenclaw table. Eragon tried smiling encouragingly at the first years, however they seemed mortified just by his presence.

"A couple things students before I let you retire for the night. Now that our guest is seated how about we learn some history! First Eragon and Saphira are the second Dragon and Rider to visit our world. The First was Vrael and his Dragon during the last wizarding war against the Goblins. With Vrael's help we won, and governing body you know today, the wizigamot, was formed shortly after, and Vrael then returned to his world. Vrael did help make before he left however, the first treaty in the wizigamot, and as you heard it is called the Treaty Of Vrael the Great.

Its a set of laws designed to protect the Dragon Riders when they rarely, albeit accidentally come into our world. First, is Eragon is allowed to carry a weapon in public. Second, is that they have diplomatic immunity against those that harm their dragon. Free advice students, and staff, if you harm his dragon he is allowed to punish you up to and including death. Please remember that sword is across his back is not for decoration, if you harm his Dragon you may not live to regret it. Third Saphira is not similar to the dragons here and is not bound to the regulations of dragons in our world, she is intelligent as any of us and don't forget it" Dumbledore paused, letting that sink in searching the face or everyone in the room before he continued.

"While his magic does not work due to the slight differences in the properties of magic in our worlds, he has exception control over magic similar to mine own when I was his age. It will take him but a short time to cast at fourth year level by what he has shown me, with a little study.

Now it is late due to the unseen events that brought us our new student. As a treat first period is cancelled Tomorrow" This was met with a cheer of enthusiasm from the students, excited of the prospect of sleeping in on the first day of classes. " Welcome everyone new and old to another year, its sure to be an exciting one. Now go rest up, and if the ravenclaw fourth year could stay behind for a couple minutes. Prefects." Dumbledore concluded walking back up towards the head table as the teachers swarmed him, McGonagall was at the lead, the look on her face promised interrogation.

The prefects snapped out of the trance, and started the organizing the first years for the first trip to the dormitories. The older kids started taking leave, if a bit begrudged to incase anything else happens.

Eragon POv

Eragon breathed a sigh of relief as the great hall began to empty out, Its been a long time since we've made that kind of entrance Eragon thought tiredly to Saphira.

It has. Three years ago when the spirits start transporting us here I was a huge fierce beast. Saphira voice rumbled in his mind sadly, Now I am smaller than most Eagles. How am I to protect you. With a slow hop she glided off his shoulder onto the table coiling up.

Hey its only for a couple years, besides you've taken such good care of me its my turn for a while to do the same for you. I know that deep inside you is a fearsome beast that has shattered the Empire's army's and destroyed whole battalions herself. Eragon said soothingly scratching the soft leathery skin under her jaw, forcing her to look at him. Fierce and beautiful, as ever my dragon, and you will be big again.

and were still together. Saphira finished, feeling a little better hoping up and nuzzling his hand, A soft hum coming from deep in her chest. Besides I've carried you everywhere for more than a hundred years its your turn! She leapt off from the table, squeaking happily as she circled him.

Its a special bond between Dragon and Rider, their minds are linked allowing them to share emotions, thoughts, and pain. Eragon could feel her happiness through their link, while they were both old, the spirits had given them brand new bodies. Only dead materials could move between worlds, with the exceptions of spirits, their bodies had to be left behind. While they were old spirits he could feel the impulses of his age acting on him, he didn't feel as old anymore. Eragon felt a little reckless in his impulses, like a kid again, thankfully he still had his memories of why not to be reckless, no point making the same errors twice. Not just a new body but really and truly 14 again. Eragon felt like a human, but he could still feel the elven strength in his body, the spirits had not taken the dragon's gifts from him.

again we are to save a world against all odds. Saphira said landing softly in front of him. Together?

As always Eragon agreed.

"Splenid." Dumbledore's cheerful voice brought Eragon back to his surroundings. A small crowd of students had gathered around him and Saphira he assumed were the fourth years from his house as they were the only ones left in the hall. " I still must have a word with Eragon, if you all could wait up in the common room for him when he joins you shortly. I will send him up with Alyse when we are done." Eragon did not miss the small glare Lisa threw Alyse as she got up to leave with the others.

With the dismissal, rest of Eragon's classmates cleared out talking excitedly as they headed for the door. Only Eragon, Saphira, Alyse and Dumbledore remained. "Now if we could move to the room behind the head table again, I would love to hear this story. Alyse if you would join us please."

Smoothing the front of her robes self consciously, Alyse stood as gracefully as she could manage.

Conjuring three soft lounger chairs by the fireplace, and a small coffee table, the motley crue settled in. Dumbledore sending the elf again for tea and meat for Saphira. Landing with a soft thump on the table Saphira dug in, ignoring everyone. Unclipping his sword Eragon leaned it against the fireplace within reach before sitting. Alyse a little uneasily, folding her hands nervously in her lap spoke up softely. "Why am I here professor?"

" I asked you to be here." Intercepting the question, Eragon leaned in on his elbows his brown and green eyes locking together as Alyse's face turned confused, so many questions on her face. "Your part in the story is essential for it to make sense. Death sends his regards, he's sorry about the wait."

Silence dominated the room as the intense staring match between Alyse and Eragon continued, emotion on her face changing from confusion to shock. Breaking the eye contact she leaned softly back in her chair, " It was real...It happened, I really did meet death." Alyse whispered softly in wonder, as she looked back and forth between Dumbledore. "He... sent...help.." She said slowly, as she conquered he astonishment. "He sent help!" She said louder with a squeal, bolting off her chair, launching herself in a hug at Eragon out of excitement.

Laughing, Eragon returned the hug. " Yes, were here." Releasing her, Alyse returned to her seat a breathtaking smile on her face.

Shocked slightly by what he was hearing, Albus asked confused. "Death? You made a deal with Death?! What did you promise!? Alyse!"

Seeing Albus becoming agitated, Alyse rushed in to explain. " Yes, I met Death. Yes, I made a deal with him, but it was for something I was already destined to do. It was Death who told me the prophecy, not Tom Riddle. Death determined I was incapable of killing Voldemort on my own, Eragon is a gift to help me succeed."

Shocked Albus leaned back into his chair, doubt etched on his face. "You saw Death in the chamber? But that means, you died?"

"No I did not die." Alyse began slowly carefully picking her words. "I was about to. The basilisk fang had punctured my arm when its momentum stabbed itself upon the sword of Gryffindor. It then fell on me crushing my leg, I was dieing. Death saved me said my job was not done yet, I still had to kill Voldemort. Then one of the blue things you saw today came inside of me and removed the basilisks venom. Giving Phakes enough time to save me from my internal injuries." Alyse finished showing Albus the scare on her arm from the fang.

" Why didn't you tell me?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes still untrusting.

" Would you have believed me, you barely do now." Alyse shot back sharply. "I would have been in mugungo's by the end of the week. Death gave me Natural oclumacy to keep you out of my head too."

Jumping in Eragon pulled an old charred looking book, and a small clear vial with a black wispy smoke like substance inside it. " Death said you wouldn't believe it, the first is a memory from Death himself, from when Ariana was hit with the final spell, till they went beyond together. The book you should recognize from the dig in Egypt, you watched it burn as Grindelwald destroyed it, when you lost the race to recover it back in WWII."

Dumbledore's sat dumfounded as he stared between the vial and book, his hands tightly clenching the arms of his chair. "How did you know about Ariana?" his voice shook.

Eragon ignored him, seeing that they weren't getting anywhere. " I swear on my magic that this is a real memory from death unaltered and true, that the book is the real thing recovered from the fire by Death a long time ago, and that everything we have told you about her deal with death is true. So mote be it." His hand glowed a faint blue as he sore the vow. Motioning his hand he levitated a cup of tea to himself to prove he still had is magic.

Albus's mouth open and closed several times wordlessly, struggling to comprehend. "How are you doing that?"

"The magic of my world requires a more intimate feel of magic, we do not use a medium like a wand. I find your world's magic easier to access blindly by feel, even when unstructured by formal spells, as all the ones I know don't work here."

"Well, I might as well summon my pensive, I would like to view this memory myself before we go any farther." Albus stated sending an elf with a snap of his fingers retrieving the sallow bowl from his office.

Placing the pensive on the table, Albus quickly poured in the memory, before leaning in anxiously.

The room was dark, with only a small light illuminating what he could only assume was death, standing as immortal as ever with his scythe. Albus felt his skin crawl as he felt the eyes that he could not see lock on his, this was not just a memory. Today Albus would speak with Death.

"Yes Albus this part is real time, your not in the memory yet." Death began his rasping voice somehow comforting almost to Albus. "I saved your Alyse, I have sent help with no malicious intent. Eragon is a great ally for you, but he is not yours to manipulate, he is in charge when it comes to Alyse. The horcrux inside her is gone, and with that the need to sacrifice her, continued pursuit of this will end with you embedded on Eragon's sword, got it."

Albus nodded dumbly, he felt exposed, how could Death know his plans, yet at the same time how could he not.

Death continued. " Eragon will explain the book, but here is the memory of Ariana. I hope it brings you peace."

The scene faded into a crowded back yard spells were flying everywhere. Reds of stunners, yellows and purples of cutters, and the sickly green of Ak's. Three boys, the moment of his worst nightmares was in front of him, Grindelwald, Albert, and Albus himself in a duel to death.

It was exactly as he remembered except for a prone figure leaning up against the house, unbothered by the spells destroying it around him.

"Ah Albus you caught up." Death rasped, playing with his scyth. "Here it is pay close attention to Grindlewald."

Popping up from a crouch that Grindelwald had used to dodge conjured chains, he spun his wand the silent Ak exploding from his wand in a ball of green light, streaking toward the back door. The back door bursted open, and Little Ariana sprinted straight into the center of the fight meeting the spell in the middle of the yard.

" NO!" Albus, screamed helplessly, desperately sprinting to her form, its lifeless body dead swaying on her feet, already slumping when his own ak hit her, as she began to fall.

Collapsing to his knees, Albus held his head in his hands as he cried in grief as he knelt next to his sister prone form, "It wasn't me... All these years I thought it was me."

"No it wasn't." A soft form pulled his head out of his hands, the spirit of Ariana said kneeling in front of him. "I love you Albus, please it time to forgive yourself." With one last loving look into Albus's eye she stood, walking over to death and taking his hand in hers. "I am ready."

"Albus." Death said turning, "Only the memory shall remain, no Death, no ghost of Ariana will be here if you play this memory again, neither will our talk. Those parts were for you, if you choose to show your brother what happened it will be from the perspective of a cat hiding under the steps. Take care Albus."

Landing in an undignified pile on the floor, Albus shakily stood, tears still on his face from the memory. Carefully removing the now white memory, he placed it back in the vial and then his robe pocket. Gracefully sitting back in his chair he looked at Alyse and Eragon again, tears still in his face. They needed to wrap up things quickly, it was getting late and Albus had to go see his brother and show him the truth. "This book, was the last copy of a spell invented by an Egyptian Pharaoh, made to end the reign of a dark wizard. It was unfortunately not ready for them in time, the runes still needed some balancing. In a desperate attempt, the pharaoh sent out 6 complete sets of their progress and the possibilities, the original incomplete set you see here was buried in the center of the city.

Only one copy escaped the city one night and eventually made it to the hands of young man of the ancient Peveral family. A family that would later become know as Gryffindor." Dumbledore paused fingering the charred cover of the book almost fearfully. Seeing Alyse confused face he hastened to elaborate. "Why would pureblood families Alyse, who look down on anything remotely muggle in activity, own some of the oldest and best enchanted armor, swords, and bows? Even to go as far as to make it mandatory for every member of their family to learn how to use the crudest and most basic form of all muggle weapons. To attempt master an art so distinctively muggle even when they despise almost every aspect of muggle culture."

Alyse shock her head, it made no sense, a culture that hated the other above all else engaging in such a muggle activity. It could only mean one thing, "Because they have had to use them." She responded unsure.

Giving her a brilliant smile, Albus said, "Exactly. Why is Hogwarts in a defendable castle, why did Godric make his sword? Why, because they had to. This spell, once it was completed, and yes it was completed, can be traced throughout history. It is one of a kind, and requires tremendous power to cast. It prevents anyone from using any magic with the intent to harm, incapacitate, or kill another. How I've no idea, the amazing part of the spell is its ability to linger. When cast, the magic is in residual form, like nuclear waste, slowly breaking down over the years until its gone. How long it last depends on the castor casting it."

"So it effectively strips their magic to hurt people, the unforgivables, all they have left is muggle method to push their agenda." Alyse nodded with comprehension.

"Yes, but it comes with a great price, we also loose our defense. Defensive magic intent falls under the same category as to harm. All magic is determined by intent of the castor. While it prevents people from running around killing with a flick of the wrist, also brings us into medieval war. Gruesome, horrifying and haunting full frontal warfare, it may turn the tide of the war but sacrifices anyones innocence who fights in it. I don't know how Death could expect me to even think of casting it. Muggles don't train in it, our halfbloods and muggleborns would be near defenseless against the trained arm of a pureblood. " Dumbledore finished, looking disgusted at book, then expectantly at Eragon.

Saphira seemingly pleased with her meal flew back to Eragon's chair resting on the arm, responded to everyone with her mind, causing Alyse to almost fall out of her chair.

Because old one, it gives them a chance, outright defeat or slim chance at success. To not complete it and cast it would be their doom.

With wide eyes Alyse lifted her head out of her hands, an expression of shock. shakily she muttered. "huh, she spoke...um in my head. Oh I've lost it, I mean Albus said she was intelligent but she just talked! I thought I had shields for this."

Laughing Eragon rushed in to explain. " Its mind talk, she can project her thoughts into peoples head, it doesn't usually get caught by oclamcy shields because...well I'm not to sure to be honest."

Its because my mind is different from yours Little one. Your defense is built for other humans, not a Dragon. Only masters of the art even think of defending from the minds of beasts.

"Well, we cannot make a decision to cast or not to cast until it finished at any rate, I need to think about it. This could decide the war, but in our favor, it seems this would just make things worse." Dumbledore said pocketing the book, before continuing " We need to wrap up for tonight, that decision is long off. Why did it take two years for you to get here, and what was that blue orb thing that brought you hear and healed Alyse, could I make one if Alyse was hurt?"

"Travel between worlds is not instantaneous, but it is not slow either, considering we were transported between worlds, something that should by all rights be impossible. For three years we traveled between dimensions, surrounded by the blue glow of the spirits." Eragon explained, gesturing with his hands wildly.

"Spirits?" Alyse interrupted, unable to stop himself. "Is that what the blue orbs were?"

Eragon smiled patiently, enthused by his captivated audience. " Yes, they are incredibly dangerous. In our world a sorcerer can summon spirits to give them power, but to do so its like imprisoning the spirit against their will until they are released. However, if one summons a spirit to powerful the sorcerer become possessed by the spirit, becoming a shade, one of the most evil and powerful beings in our world. When and if you are lucky enough to meet a free spirit in the wild they look like the orbs you saw, and give off the good peaceful feeling you felt in the great spirits would have you believe they are more pure and innocent then they really are, to make the idea of summoning, and imprisoning them to a person one of the greatest inhumanities possible. Unfortunately from a healing perspective you cannot summon them in this world."

"How extraordinary!" Albus said excitedly, his right hand subconsciously stroking his beard in thought. " The power of the Spirits must be far beyond anything possible for normal magicians to achieve."

"Unimaginable Power, thankfully summoning is not possible in your world, the possibility of disaster it too great." Eragon said soberingly, absently scratching behind Saphira's ear as she curled up on his lap, humming.

The spirits that brought us here, are the medium between our worlds controlled by Death, instructed us while we traveled on your progress man and wizarding kind. Along basic info of the girl we are to protect, namely her appearance, a basic rundown of what happened to make her the girl who lived. Saphira projected to Albus, Alyse and Eragon, rejoining the conversation now that she had finished her dear meat.

Jumping in after Saphira, Eragon quickly moved to fill in the gaps before Albus could get distracted with another question, seeing the look in his eyes. " The basics on Alyse gave us the basics on our enemy was very limited information, on Alyse and Voldemort. Thankfully the wizarding progress lesson gave the basic of Hogwarts as well so we should be able to become a part of your world fairly easily, and begin our mission. I am here to end the dark lord, then the spirits will come to take me back." Eragon gave Alyse a kind smile, which she returned shyly.

Albus sat quietly for several minutes, digesting all the information Eragon and Saphira were throwing at him. Nodding he replied smiling warmly, " Agreed, as long as you can keep up, you shall stay in the fourth year class, I'm sure Alyse will help you. How old are you two really? You both seem much older than your bodies suggest. Your both look so young." Dumbledore asked clearly confused.

"The sprits, souls, demons whatever you wish to call them have made us young again so we can better blend. I myself am 14 again, and Saphira is a hatchling. Saphira's growth is also different in this world she will be this size for another two years, then her growth will be explosive for a year so she is ready for battle, and can breathe fire, she cannot right now. In the world we just came were both several centuries old, in bodies immortalized at our primes, and we still have all our knowledge all those years have given us. Although we truly feel young again, unburdened by the weight of hundreds of years of memories, almost foolish again. We feel innocent, the world is again wonderful and new, we are truly kids again." Eragon honestly, trying to sort out how he and Saphira felt about the change, playing with his hands.

"Well, thats a small relief, I do not pretend that a Dragon no matter how smart, spitting flames around a school with children worried me. You are in reality 14 year olds again, with far more knowledge than one would usually have. The spirits truly do have amazing power to both rejuvenate the body and the mind. How do we start?" Albus asked, seeming amazed at the immense power of the spirits, and satisfied with Eragon and Saphira's response to his questions.

Eragon smiled, "The treaty makes it clear what is to happen and is recognized by the wizigamot. Although few except the oldest of pureblood family's have a copy of the treaty as it was Vrael -the first visitor and dragon rider from our world-and the leaders of the time who formed your government and wrote it. This is going to stir things up and hopefully sway things for the light of good."

"Well, I believes that covers everything immediately pertaining this evening." Albus said seeing Alyse try to hide a yawn from her couch." I'll leave it too Alyse to get you to the Ravenclaw common room, and introduce you to the others. Now before I leave, you and I are going tomorrow morning to go to diagon alley for your school supplies, and we should be back in time for your first class at 10:15am. Do try not to stay up too late." Tucking his pensive under an arm, Albus left small room.

Standing with exaggerated stretch, Alyse politely waited watching saphira fly around the small room while Eragon fastened his sword to the harness on his back. "We best be moving, our common room isn't the closest by any stretch."

Snapping his fingers at his jet black trunk, it rose a foot from the floor and floated over to him hovering near by. "Lead on."Eragon said cheerfully.

Alyse just shook her head, impressed by the blasé way he was using wandless magic, leading the pair back into the great hall its candles dimly glowing for the night. They walked in silence through the great hall, Alyse continually glancing back at his trunk and then shyly at him out of the corner of her eye. "Its really quite impressive how you keep doing that, its rare for older wizards, let alone someone of our age to use wandless magic as well as you do. Albus said it had something to do with your world's magic?" Alyse shyly unable to hide her curiosity.

"To cast magic in my world you need to be able to feel magic, sense it, taste it, feel the burn of power that is constantly on the edge of your finger tips. It requires knowledge of an Ancient language to weave the magic. Everything, people, objects, elements have a name in this dead language and that name gives you power over that object. Your knowledge of the language determines how versatile you can be as a caster. These words are called true names, everything has a true name, the more you understand the name the more effectively you can control that thing, with less words."

Interrupting quickly, Alyse explained also spinning on the spot in at the base of the marble staircase. "And this is marble staircase, that can take you all the way to the seventh floor. The ravenclaw common room is located in Ravenclaw tower, which can be accessed from the 5th floor. Its not the farthest from the great hall, the poor Gryffindors have to go all the way to the seventh. Your magic seems limitless." Alyse finished leading him up the staircase, giving him a smile.

"I bet the view is worth the walk to the seventh floor." Eragon rationalized before continuing explaining his magic. "Magic in my world is limited by energy, so you can only cast a spell to accomplish a task that you could accomplish manually. To move a mountain, you have to have enough energy stored and available to cast that if you had too you could move the mountain manually, rock by rock all at once. As you use your magic your magic reserves grows, its a muscle. How you word the spell in the language determines how much energy it takes to cast the spell, and what the spell does. Due to the nature, there is no limit to what you can do as long as your wording is creative enough, you have enough energy, and your knowledge of the ancient language is sufficient." Eragon paused as he looked at Alyse, her face was scrunched up in a small frown, trying to make sense all the information Eragon had just shared.

"Why do you think your magic doesn't work here?" Alsye asked curiously, turning of into what he assumed was the fifth floor corridor.

"The ancient language to control magic does not work here. I can feel your magic and with a bit of will make it work. It seems magic here has more to do with desire and intent of the caster. Magic is not bound to the power of a name like in my world that is why I assume it does not work here. Naturally like your magic there is limits, you cannot raise the dead, the further away you target or task is, the more energy it takes to cast. It is very dangerous because if you word something wrong or try to tackle a spell that requires to much energy, energy will flee your body until you are dead. It takes years of practice to learn your limits.

"So the magic is really dangerous then, More so than ours?" Alyse asked drinking in the information, Eragon smiled nodding, it seemed the Ravenclaw lived up to their reputation.

"Fortunately your world does not have the capability for our magic. It is a dangerous and volatile magic, it almost destroyed my world, yours is better off without it." Eragon finished, as he and Alyse stepped into a winding staircase.

"This staircase leads to the Ravenclaw tower entrance. As a Ravenclaw, we are supposed to be the wisest of the castle. So to get into the Ravenclaw tower you have to answer a riddle. If you get it wrong you must wait until someone else gets it right. Its how you learn." Looking into Eragon's brown eyes she rolled her own, gesturing at the ornate door in front of her, with no or knob or key hole, just a bronze knocker in the shape of a raven. "As if that would keep anyone who is smart enough to guess the answer, we are constantly kicking out hufflepuff firsties. Its like an initiation to them or something."

does it change often? I love riddles! Saphira excitedly projected to Alyse, squeaking happily from Eragon shoulder, speaking for the first time since they left Dumbledore.

Alyse laughed amused, "Almost every week. Tradition is tradition, I still say give me a password any day, at least it keeps out those who aren't suppose to be there." Alyse shook her head reaching up to rap the bronze knocker once.

A ghostly voice drifted to them from the door. "The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?"

Alyse thought for a moment before she spoke up, "A coffin."

"Undeniable" The door said as it opened to let them in.

"hmm" Alyse said quietly as the door swung open a short spiral staircase. "A little morbid for the first day of school, nothing says welcome like a coffin joke."

Ascending the small stair case Eragon gasped softly, causing Alyse to chuckle. The common room was beautiful, with big glass windows on the far wall giving a spectacular view of the starry sky. There was all sorts of couches and loungers around the fire place and in front of the windows. Several tables behind them, for studying he assumed. Behind the tables were two staircases he assumed went to the dorm rooms, the entire house was themed in the bronze and blue of Ravenclaw. The common room was empty except for the group of year mates that had sat around him in the great hall, and a short wizard looking out the bay windows. It surprised Eragon. "Where is everyone?"

Hearing the question the short wizard desended upon them shaking Eragon's hand firmly. "The curfew for first years is 11:00pm but I cleared it out to prevent you being swarmed on your first night. I am Professor Flitwick, your head of house, and the charms teacher."

"It's an honor." Eragon responded for him and Saphira.

Leading them to the small group lounging on a tight group of couches arranged in a circle around a large coffee table, Flitwick cleared his throat dramatically to address the group. "Now Eragon and Saphira, I personally welcome you to the Ravenclaw house. We are family, and the people you see around you will be the ones you spend the majority of your time around. Now as family we look after each other, help each other when we are struggling with studies, bullies, etc. In house arguments or squabbles are to remain in the common room, we must appear united to the rest of the school. Our squabbles are our business, and no one outside the house needs to know about them. If you need tutoring come talk to me and we'll schedule it. You will share a room with Michael, Terry and Anthony, and please make sure Saphira that you don't eat anyones pet." Earning a nod from Saphira. "Alight I imagine that traveling dimensions tiring so goodnight, and if you have any question be sure to ask your year mates or prefects." With flourish he turned and strolled out of the common room.

"I like him." Eragon mused out loud as Professor Flitwick walked away.

"He's the best, he teaches charms." Alyse agreed taking a seat on the empty couch in the circle. Saphira leapt off his shoulder gliding softly to the coffee table as he unclipped his sword leaning it against the couch sitting.

"She's beautiful. Your Saphira right?" Alyse introduced herself better to Saphira breaking the ice to start conversation in the circle. With the attention off him Eragon turned more fully to Alyse, she was undeniable beautiful he decided, as she bravely reached toward Saphira. Alyse had black raven hair that fell to her shoulders, emerald green eyes , a beautiful oval face. She had a warm if unsure smile on her face, as saphira sniffed her hand.

I like her. Saphira hummed in his head, leaning her trianglualr head into Alyse's hand.

Of course you do everyone likes flattery. Eragon retorted.

A pretty blond girl on the couch on Alyse's immediate right leaned against Alyse as she reached over to shake his hand. "Lisa Turpin. And these are the rest of our housemates as your are now a Part of Ravenclaw!" Going around the cirlce she started naming people, pointing who was who as she went. " This tall lanky guy sitting next to me is Terry boot, the handsome one next to him Michael Corner," Micheal immaturely stuck his tongue out at Terry. " and on the other side of Michael is Anthony Goldstein. Then the fine woman next to Anthony is Su Li, the beautiful red head next to her Mandy Brocklehurst, and finally Padma Patil, Padma has a twin in Gryffindor. " Lisa was clearly the bubbly type, Eragon mused as he was introduced to everyone in the circle. "The eight of us, well nine of us now that your here make up the fourth years of Ravenclaw."

"Its nice to meet you all, I'm Eragon as I'm sure you all know, and this is Saphira. You can talk to her directly, and she wants to say hello. Saphira way of communicating is scary at first because projects her thoughts into your mind so don't be alarmed when you feel her conscious in your head."

Hello little ones, its wonderful to meet you. Saphira projected her thoughts to the group, earning a collective gasp from the group except for Alyse who was getting used to it.

"Wow..you ..you talked." Lisa muttered out loud. "ho ma, um wow. um are you excited to be at Hogwarts?" asked Saphira with a new respect for what she was really talking to.

Yes it quite fun to be on an adventure again. Saphira replied happily, hopping towards her to sniff her hand. Its all right I won't bite.

Warily Lisa stretched out her hand and scratched Saphira under the Jaw like they had seen Eragon and Alyse do as they approached, relaxing as Saphira started humming and leaning her triangular head into her hand. Laughing Lisa cooed, "awe your just a big softy aren't you?"

I like her. Saphira comment to Eragon.

Of course you do. Eragon teased rolling his eyes, happy saphira was enjoying herself.

Moving in front of Alyse Saphira pressed her head into Alyse's waiting hand again. Thankyou, your beautiful too. She projected to Alyse and Eragon only.

suck up. Eragon teased, as Alyse turned a bright red, earning a snort from Saphira, smoke trailing from her nostrils.

The group started loosening up, the girls crowding around Saphira, admiring her. The guys group around Eragon, Terry seemed to spokesperson for the group, "that is an amazing sword mate, what is it goblin?" He asked eagerly.

Drawing the sword from his sheath by the couch Eragon held it up for their inspection. "This is a hand and a half sword made by the finest elven smith in my world, from the metal of a falling star, it is unbreakable and never dulls. The goblins wish they had a sword like this, it is finer than anything they can make. The swords name was Fire in a language back home but is unpronounceable here. When it was first made, every time I said its name it burst into flames. " Passing the blade to Terry, Eragon smiled warmly at them, "It has saved my life in many battles."

"Wicked, do you think you think you could teach us to sword fight sometime?" Terry asked as he held the sword before passing it to Anthony.

"I would have to ask Dumbledore but I don't see it being a problem." Eragon replied, making eye contact with Alyse. "Has anyone tried before?" It was an innocent question, but Eragon was curious who was pureblood.

Only Anthony nodded, "A little, its a bit of a tradition from my dad's side. We are pureblood's but we have given up most of the beliefs of the hardcore pureblood families. Sword fighting is in our families charter that we all must learn, its the one real tradition we still do as a family." Anthony explained proudly, unaware of the significance of the information to Eragon.

Sheathing his sword as he got it back from Michael Eragon asked curiously, "Flitwick is the Charms teacher, who teaches the other classes?"

" Professor Moody is new, and he teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. The position is cursed, no teacher has lasted longer than a year in almost 40 years, and most end up dead." Lisa finished dramatically drawing her finger across her throat, as the girls rejoined the conversation.

"Oh please Lisa, they do not, what about Lupin last year or Lockheart the year before?" Alyse asked rationally, walking up ahead beside Lucy.

"Almost all!" Lisa defended, "They just got lucky."

"I wouldn't mind if Professor Snape didn't get lucky." Terry joked leaning back into his couch with his arms behind his head.

what does Professor Snape teach? Saphira asked the group, her sudden comment cause Padma and Mandy to jump at the unexpected at the contact again.

" He teaches potions, and is Head of Slytherin house." Padma supplied after she recovered, turning to face Saphira. " He is particularly nasty to Lisa and Alyse but I hear he's like that to the entire Gryffindor house, due to their rivalry with slytherin. But no one is sure why he hates Lisa and Alyse. No Terry I don't think its because he likes men. " The group laughed quietly to this.

"I think it makes sense." Terry defended himself quietly. " Transfiguration is taught by Professor Mcgonagall, and Herbology is taught by Professor Sprout. I wonder if she was hired because of her name?" Terry asked grinning at Anthony.

"Most definitely." Anthony replied, reaching over to smack his best friend on the back of the head. "It couldn't be that she is brilliant."

"I'm just saying her named helped!" Terry responded tackling Anthony causing the couch to tip over backwards as they wrestled, Micheal cheering from his own couch and shouting encouragement.

"ugh, boys." Su Li rolled her eyes and continued. " History of magic is taught by Professor Binns and is a ghost. Madam Hooch is the flying instructor, Professor Trelawney teaches Divination, and rubbish if you ask me. Professor Hagrid teaches care of magical creatures, Ancient runes is taught by Professor Babbling, Arithmancy by Professor Vector, and um ..I think thats it?" Su Li finished looking at Padma.

"You forgot Astronomy and Muggle Studies which are taught by Professor Burbage and Professor Sinistra respectively.

"So this is the lovely Ravenclaw common room, the view is much better earlier in the evening. You can see the mountains and the lake and the grounds quite spectacularly from here. Thats most of the important, the rest we can learn and explain as we go, its almost 12 already. Its mostly a quiet dorm due to the studious nature of our house, so please be respectful. Curfew is back in common room by ten, in bed by one, and if you'll follow me I'll take you to our dorm room. Goodnight Ladies." Terry said in a rush, dusting himself off after getting up from the floor, clearly tired and wanting to rap up.

Goodnight little ones it was lovely meeting you all. Saphira projected to the girls who responded in kind.

Following the guys Eragon was lead up the right staircase carrying his sword under one arm and Saphira in the other, his faithful trucnk floating behind him. "The right stair case is for the guys." Michael began, "If you try to go up the girls one by accident or on purpose, its spelled to turn into a slippery slide sending you tumbling and alerting Flitwick of what you tried to do. Quite embarrassing really."

Opening the fourth door, labeled fourth year boys smartly, Eragon was treated to the sight of large room with four large four poster beds, and four tall dressers. Another door on the far side that appeared to lavatories. Floating the trunk in front of the bed without oneEragon was a little nervous to open it, they didn't know, death packed it.

"This bed is yours as you can see, Toilets, and showers threw that door. I imagine your tired, so Goodnight and we'll see you in first class I imagine once your done with Professor Dumbledore." And with that the group dispersed leaving them to their business, going to their own trunks and beginning to unpack into their dressers.

Saphira leap off his shoulder and onto the bed sitting, watching Eragon carefully as he examined the trunk. Opening his own trunk, Eragon discovered a note, a small dagger, and keys on top of the clothes in his trunk, a set of locks lined the top edge each labeled with a number from 1 to 5.

Eragon and saphira,

This is a wizards trunk, the trunk is larger on the inside than the outside. The keys you see open different compartments of the trunk as you can see the number one is currently turned open. One is clothes, two is weapons and Armor, three is your forge, and four has some living accommodations, living room, bathroom, bedroom, and small kitchen. The fifth will only open once Voldemort is dead. I would share what each do only with people you trust and leave the keys in the clothes drawer for connivence. Only you will be able to open the trunk after you key yourself in by pricking a finger with the blade. It only takes a drop of blood, but it prevents any one but you from opening or moving it. You can key in more people but choose wisely. Well, thats it! I hope you have a good life, good luck, and don't fail.

Death

Ps. I'd wait to look inside everything until your alone, and burn this please.

Death thought of everything, it makes you wonder what else he knows. Saphira commented lazily from the bed, having seen the note through her connection to Eragon mind.

Smiling Eragon focused on the feeling his magic, clearly thinking his intent and desire for fire incinerating the note instantly. He smiled when the note burn't to a crisp after a bit of focus. It will be nice to learn some spells. Then slowly he unpacked his clothes into his dresser, and keyed himself into the truck. Using a toothbrush found in the cloths drawer he brushed, slipped the sword the harness off and putting it and the sword beside his bed within reach. Changing in some fresh clothes Eragon climbed into the soft bed that was now his. Crawling up to his side, Saphira coiled up against him.

Goodnight little one. Saphira thought sleepily.

Goodnight Saphira. Eragon thought before soundly fallen asleep, it had been a long day.

*QM*

"Eragon...Eragon." A voice softly called from the door of their room.

"mm what?" Eragon asked groggily, siting up to face the shadow in the doorway.

"Dumbledore is waiting for you in common room. He request that you have a shower, get dressed and meet him down there when you were ready." The male voice rushed, clearly uncomfortable being there.

"Mmmk tell him I'll be there shortly." Hoping off the bed Eragon grabbed a set of clothes from his dresser and headed to the showers.

Morning Saphira, Dumbledore's waiting for us. Eragon projected to saphira.

Good morning. Saphira replied lazily, she was laying on her side, her head tuck under her wing and her tail wrapped tightly around her body.

Being told of the advancements of society while being hurtled through space and time is one thing, seeing them first hand was something else. To Eragon, a boy grew up in a world, of outhouses and camber pots, the loo a marvelous invention. Clean and efficient he couldn't help but think to Saphira as he flushed a loo for the first time. Eragon had used showers in the Elven capital back in his world, but a shower that charmed to stay the perfect temperature was a thing of beauty.

As he finished his shower and got dressed, Eragon happily thought to Saphira, I am really going to like it here.

And we have only been inside the castle, imagine what the outside world will hold. Saphira replied taking off from the bed and landing on his shoulder as he was brushing his teeth. And the deodorant makes you smell so lovely.

Hey I am very manly. Eragon playfully retorted not missing the joke. Satisfied he was presentable, Eragon grabbed his sword strapping it to his back, relaxing with its familiar weight.

With his new morning routine completed, Eragon and Saphira headed down into the common room. Dumbledore was sitting in a lazy boy looking out bay windows over the mountains, he was not alone however, Alyse Potter was also with him sitting on another couch next to his. The reason was obvious as the view offered from the tower was spectacular, the sun was just peeking over the mountains, lighting the lake with warm red colors the rippled and flowed with its waves.

"Good Morning!" Eragon called brightly to the two of them startling Alyse slightly, which amusing to say the least. " Terry did not do the View justice last night"

"Good Morning Eragon and Saphira. I agree, of all the houses I still believe the Ravenclaw's get the best view from their common room. If you can wake up early enough to catch it. I trust you both slept well." Dumbledore asked, grandfatherly still looking out over the lake.

"The accommodations are fantastic, far beyond anything in the world we came from." Eragon agreed enthusiastically, unclipping his sword from the harness so he could sit comfortably on the couch next to Alyse. Jumping from his shoulder Saphira landed between the two, stretching elegantly.

"Good Morning Eragon and Saphira." Alyse said warmly flashing the two a dazzling smile, her green eyes sparkling, her raven hair looking a bit ruffled and unruly, and in Eragon's opinion very Beautiful. " What are the accommodations like in your world?" She asked Eragon curiously, her eyes still locked on his.

The question surprised Eragon slightly, he had expected it yesterday, but I guess with a dragon on your shoulder and a sword on your back people tend to get distracted. " Think chamber pots, and straw mattresses." Eragon responded smiling scratching Saphira's head absently.

"That sounds horrid!" Alyse replied honestly after a thoughtful pause.

The beds are very soft here, and the dear excellent! Saphira projected to everyone wiggling happily as she thought of dear, looking at Dumbledore expectantly.

The group laughed at her enthusiasm, " Hungry are we? Well its probably not wise to keep a dragon waiting." Dumbledore chuckled, not missing the hint. Summoning an elf, he had the it bring up some breakfast for everyone as well as meat for Saphira.

As everyone tucked in to eat, Saphira ripping at the strips with gusto, causing Alyse to pause on more than one occasion as she growled softly.

" Now Eragon, today we are going to Diagon Alley to get you your school supplies. Don't worry about the money I will cover whatever you need. Now although this is a wizarding alley with no magical folk, they won't know of your arrival until the daily profit is delivered around ten, it is imperative we are done before then as to not be swarmed by the crowd. Does that sound fine?" Dumbledore explained, having finished his cinnamon bun.

" It does. News travels that fast here? Won't me walking around with a sword and a dragon on my shoulder make us stand out a bit anyway though?" Eragon asked rationally excited to explore their new home.

" Yes unfortunately, our media takes little time now adays. Saphira would draw attention and that brings me to my second request. Saphira would you be willing to stay at school with Alyse until we return? I can magically make Eragon's sword invisible, as I can you, but I cannot hide your mind Saphira. Anyone with magical aptitude will realize we are hiding something." Dumbledore asked as he poured himself more tea, taking a long sip as finished.

Eragon gave Saphira a meaningful look. Do you think you'll be safe here by yourself?

Saphira looked over at Alyse sizing her up. I think I'll be all right she seems like a tough kid, besides were supposed to be looking after her, and the castle seem safe. It will be some good time to get to know Alyse. Saphira finished leaning her head into Eragon's hand. Will you be fine, you always find trouble when I let you go off on your own.

" I'll take really good care of her Eragon, nothing will happen to her, we'll be waiting for you in charms at 10:15 when you get back." Alyse reassured, playing with her hands uncomfortable about being put on the spot.

Laughing kindly, Eragon responded, "Saphira was more worried about me, I always find trouble without her."

He does! Saphira projected to the everyone. Eragon doesn't even always find it, it finds him. Although, this okay with us, just keep a good eye on him Dumbledore. Saphira said warningly at the end earning a soft laugh from Dumbledore and Alyse.

"I'll keep two eyes on him Saphira, we'll be back before he knows it." Dumbledore assured her standing from his chair, "Well Eragon we best be going, wizarding world starts early, its nearly eight."

Standing Eragon reattached his sword to his back, "I guess we'll see you in charms, have fun you two."

"We will Eragon, she'll be okay with me." Alyse reassured giving him a wave, as he and Dumbledore headed towards the door.

Hogwarts was quiet as Eragon and Dumbledore headed to his office on the seventh floor, to floo to diagon alley. The walked mostly in silence, Eragon was distractedly listening through his connection with saphira to the conversation she was having with Alyse, and marveling at at the castle. Alyse was currently interrogating Saphira on their world, drinking up everything saphira told, as her thirst for knowledge seemed endless.

Eragon Smiled as they approached a gargoyle on the seventh floor, Alyse and Saphira were becoming fast friends, which was surprising she usually stayed to herself. Saphira method of communication requires her to touch the mind of the person she is contacting, just like there are pleasant people, some minds are nicer than others, easier to be in close contact too.

"Kitkat." Dumbledore said firmly without, pausing his stride, the gargoyle leaping aside at the password revealing a spiral staircase.

"Smooth." Eragon commented appreciatively as they entered a lavish two story office. A large desk with two chairs dominated the room, although a large assortment of what he assumed were magical instruments were scattered throughout the office. A gold stand for a bird that was missing sat off to the right next to a fireplace.

"This way Eragon." Dumbledore said kindly, waving his wand at Eragon's sword making it disappear. Striding to the fireplace, he grabbed a handful of green powder from a pot in a holder that sat off to the side. " Good, now do as I do, grab a handful of floo powder, throw it into the fire, step inside and shout clearly 'Diagon Alley'" With a green poof he vanished, having demonstrated how to use the floo.

Eragon stared momentarily stunned, "All right thanks for the warning." He said to no one in particular, "Here we go." Grabbing some powder from the same jar he tossed a handful in making the flames green. Slowly he stepped in surprised at the lack of heat. "Diagon Alley!" He shouted.

In a flash of green the office disappeared, Eragon came tumbling out a different fireplace next to Dumbledore covered in soot. The first thing Eragon noticed was he could no longer feel Saphira's mind, meaning they must be far away from Hogwarts.

"See easy." Dumbledore said smiling, offering Eragon a hand, and vanishing the soot with a wand.

Eragon was however, stunned at the street around him, never in his life had he seen an odder sight. "Wow." He breathed.

Magic was everywhere, witches and wizard's hawked items, potions ingredients all around the front of shops. People in all different colors of hats and cloaks bustled past. Brooms, toads, and even owls were for sale. Ministry posters detailing the its endorsement of the Triwizard tournament that seemed was taking place at Hogwarts. Wanted posters, mostly for a Sirius Black and the crazy thing was most of them moved!

"This Eragon is Diagon Alley." Dumbledore said starting to walk through the crowd, walking towards far end. "Where one can find almost anything he needs, from brooms, to wands, and even potions Diagon Alley is the place to find it. Now our first stop is Olivanders, where we will get you a wand."

"What's the Triwizard Tournament?" Eragon asked cautiously, uncertain as he watched a person fight some sort of leopard in the moving photo.

"Ah the Triwizard Tournament is one that used to happen quite regularly between the three schools of Durmstrang, Hogwarts, Beuxtabons. It was cancelled because of the high fatality rate but some pureblood traditionalists have pushed it back through this year to take place at Hogwarts. Three competitors one from each school, compete in three dangerous tasks to see which school is the best. The winner gets a Thousand gallons, and Hogwarts will host the tournament this year. A group of student from each school will be coming to stay with us in october (?) for the duration of the tournament. I was going to mention it last night, but with your arrival and all that happened it slipped my mind. Professor Mcgonagall is announcing it this morning at late breakfast." Dumbledore informed Eragon politely, stepping closer to the poster to examine it. "and I believe the creature in this photo is an Egyptian Nadu, deadly creature that."

The next hour continued in much the same manner, Eragon following Dumbledore from shop to shop gathering the necessities for Hogwarts, and explaining customs as Eragon asked of the wizarding world. Finding the right wand had proved rather simple, the third wand he held was the right one, Oak and Dragon heartstring, who'd have thought. A good wand for defensive magic Ollivander had told him. After Ollivander's they went to Madam Malkin's buying two Hogwarts uniforms, with a slightly modified cloak allowing his sword to better strap to his back, without having the harness on the outside. Some slacks, dress shirts some, ties, a school bag, writing supplies, and a leather jacket that caught Eragon's eye with a built in heating charm. The idea was comfortable while fitting enough to not get in his movement should he have to fight. Eragon's favorite purchase however, was a simple watch, guaranteed to work at a depth of a mile. Lastly they stopped at Flourish and Blots to pick up all his fourth year texts.

"Thank you so much for everything Dumbledore, I don't know how I'll ever repay you." Eragon said excitedly as Dumbledore shrunk the bags and placed them in his pocket.

"Keep Alyse safe and that will be thanks enough." Dumbledore replied, "Have you ever had ice-cream, I know this wonderful little place, that sells lemon flavored ice-cream" Eragon laughed at Dumbledore's antics, he seemed to really be enjoying himself this morning. Leading him up the street to a small shop Florean Fortescue's Ice cream shop. "I recommend chocolate for your first time but..."Dumbledore drifted off, never finishing his statement, and Eragon was suddenly on guard, sensing a foul shielded mind behind him.

"Why Albus Dumbledore, what a surprise, I would have thought you would be at Hogwarts for breakfast, first day of school and all." A mocking voice drawled from directly behind him, turning slowly with Dumbledore, Eragon sized the blond man warily. The man was of average build, strikingly blond hair that flowed to his shoulders, he carried himself with an air of superiority like there was a bad smell under his nose, and a foul looking snake cane. It was safe to say Eragon didn't like him instantly. "Why could this be the new four year that my son sent me a pensive memory about last night? Our visitor from another world, without his dragon? Or his Sword? Eragon was it?" Lucius voice was sly, mocking, sickeningly cold, it made Eragon want to draw its sword.

"Why Lucius Malfoy, a pleasant surprise." Dumbledore responded with a sickly sweet voice. " You are right, this is our new student, we came to get his school supplies, Eragon's been sorted into Ravenclaw house."

Lucius was quick to cut in at this point, seeing his opportunity. "I heard." He tisk'd condescendingly. "Such a disappointment, although, not as bad as if you'd been sorted into Gryffindor. Those with potential go to Slytherin, you would do well to make friends with my son Draco. He could help you make friends with the 'right' sort of people." Lucius emphasized, taking a step closer to me, his voice becoming silky. "And give you a 'unbiased' perspective of wizard politics that would help you go far. Your power, with the 'right' guidance you could become legendary. That is..." He trailed off his eyes lingering on Dumbledore. "That is if you can stay clear of the misguided views bent on delaying the progress of wizarding society."

"It is only progress if it benefits our society." Dumbledore cut Lucius off, but lucius ignored him staring intently at me.

"Just remember Eragon, you could be part of the greatest movement in wizarding history, or..." Glancing back at Dumbledore with a condescending glance, his voice adopting a threatening tone. " Or, you can die. Listening to misguided whisperings of an old fool. Choose carefully, you only get one chance, don't choose the wrong sort of people, there is no room in this world for the weak." Lucius finished staring intently at Eragon waiting for an answer.

"I think I can decide well enough on my own, who the right sort of people are, Lucius." Eragon said coldly meeting him with unwavering gaze despite being almost a foot shorter.

Lucius glared for a couple seconds before spinning on his heal in a billow of robes and storming out of the shop.

"I think we should forgo ice-cream today Eragon we have much to discus." Dumbledore quickly once lucius left leading Eragon back to the fireplaces where they entered the alley.

Grabbing some bag from his pocket he said kindly," You first Eragon, just say Hogwarts."

Without hesitating Eragon, disappeared in a flash of landing back in the Dumbledore's office face first on the carpet, Dumbledore arriving shortly after. Chuckling he helped pick Eragon up, clean of the soot and remove the charm on his sword, gesturing to the seats in front of his desk.

Saphira were back, lots to tell. Eragon said to her as he relocated her with his mind, briefly filling her in on his morning rapidly.

Good, fill me in later little one, we are in the common room. Alyse has been introducing me to everyone whom wakes up. Lisa did not seem impressed when she sat down with Alyse this morning. I'll see you soon its still about 45 mins to class. Saphira updated Eragon.

"It takes some practice Eragon, try to hop as you say the destination." Dumbledore began, taking a seat across the desk from where eragon had sat. "What is more important is you just met Lucius Malfoy, a figure head of the death eaters and a loyal servant of Voldemort."

"Lucius attempt to sway me is fruitless, I myself killed an oppressive dictator in my world, why would I help one here. Of course to them I am only 14, our advantage is they don't understand how many years of practical experience I really have." Eragon assured Dumbledore, noticing him visibly relax hearing that.

"Its not that I don't trust you Eragon, but if you sided against us there would be little we could do to stop Voldemort, we would be decimated." Dumbledore said honestly, folding his hands contemplatively. "The important thing is for you to befriend, and gain Alyse's trust before the tournament starts, and the other three schools get here. Lucius political pressure was a reason it was reinstated this year. I can help it but have a bad feeling about it, its incredibly dangerous. Alyse won't be allowed to compete but it I feel better with you their to watch her back."

Eragon stood taking this as his leave, " I will Dumbledore, but not just her friend because of the mission, or because you asked me too. Alyse is a good person, I want to be her friend. It's 9:30 I'm going to head to the common room to catch them before class." Eragon said, accepting his bags as Dumbledore enlarged them for him.

"Good luck Eragon, also." Dumbledore said holding up the book death had given him from Egypt. "I have started looking through it, Its going to take me at least two months to go through it and hopefully complete it. Regardless of weather or not we cast it when I do finish I would like to meet the 1st of November to discuss what i have discovered from it, and if you are willing, join me at the International Wizarding Community or IWC for the monthly meeting. To feel out some international support. If I feel what is to happen this year does we will have much to discuss, because it will mean a war." Dumbledore stated leaning back in his chair looking tired.

"Of course." Eragon said as he exited the office.

The Castle was much more alive as Eragon made his way back to the common room, passing housemates in two and three easily distinguishable due to the crest on their robes. In good time he made it back to the common room slipping in the open door as two exited, avoiding a riddle.

Alyse and Saphira were easy to spot in the common room having not moved from the couch they were on earlier, Lisa having taken his spot since he left. Saphira was sitting on Alyse's shoulder nudging her playfully in the ear with her snout. The room became quiet as people began to noticed Eragon had returned, making him uncomfortable. With red ears he quickly made his way to his room dropping of his bags, changing into his school robes and filling his schoolbag with the books he needed and some quills. Grabbing his wand came back into the common room over to Alyse and Lisa, sitting between the two, his unclipped sword resting on his lap. Once he had sat down the conversation started in again in a rush around the room, he could hear his name being mentioned everywhere.

"Welcome to the famous Hogwarts silence and rumor mill, I have been on the wrong side of both to many times." Alyse said with a forced smile, trying to make him feel better.

" I did make quite an entrance yesterday, I guess we deserved it. Good morning Lisa how are you?" Eragon asked politely, able to feel the tension between the Alyse and Lisa.

"Fairly good, First day is always fun, teachers tell us how much harder we have to work, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff's stress, and the whole day passes with little to no work. Chatting with saphira all morning has been fun too." Lisa whipped off with impressive speed, Eragon imagined it was something you got used to about Lisa.

"Where's the rest of our year, do they walk down with us?" Eragon asked Lisa curiously as he didn't see any of the others from last night.

"Nah, not usually, theres three distinct groups in the fourth years of our house. Terry, Anthony and Michael are a group, they've been best friends for years, they generally stay to themselves unless they need help with homework. Padma, Mandy and Su are another but they are to much dresses and makeup for Alyse. The last but Greatest is Alyse and myself, I was the first one she met, and her first friend here." Lisa counted the groups off on her fingers, before standing up, "Yup thats all of them, I'm going to grab my book as I am the only one yet without them, I'll be right back." With that she took off back to the dorm rooms.

"Well, thats the general story, to be honest. I assume Dumbledore told you the story about me today?" Alyse said quietly, changing the subject quickly in her friends absence. Eragon nodded sadly, besides a general on how society has progressed, Eragon and Saphira didn't get much more information than the basics on Alyse, Dumbledore, and Hogwarts.

Leaning in to speak softly to not be heard by everyone," Lisa gets along with most of them all right, its me they have a problem with, every year something weird happens that seems to deal with me. The girl group tends to gossip and most of the time around here its about me, your local celebrity. Lisa chose me over the three of them and their gossip, and I love her for it. But, when she's not around me they get along, its hard being friends with the girl who lived. The boys tend to hang around the other girls for the same reason, and it bothers her a bit, she's always liked Michael. Lisa feels a little threatened by you, she'll warm up, don't let it scare you off. You don't look at me like a bug like most do. You haven't even asked to see the scar which is more than even Lisa can say, its like you understand. Oh shoot! I forgot my charms book I'll be right back." Alyse finished a little confused why she just shared so much with almost total strangers, even if death sent them. Slightly upset at herself for voicing her insecurities, she go up in a hurry, hastily grabbing her bag heading to the dorms.

What did I miss? Eragon asked Saphira confused at Alyse's behavior.

Lisa flipped at her last night. Saphira replied softly empathetic having just shared thoughts with Alyse all morning.

Reaching out to contact someone mind to mind shares more than mere words, emotions, and unintended information also pass through the link. The ability reach out and touch people mind allows Eragon and Saphira to reach out and scan the surface thoughts of minds around them. Similar to the way someone would listen to a crowd whispering. Back in Aligasia it allowed Eragon and Saphira to sense hostile people around them who intend harm, or discover people who are shielding there minds. If a threat is discovered, Eragon would crush that persons defenses, invade their mind and learn their intentions, neutralizing them if they needed to. Here however, Eragon had only been able to read surface thoughts, any attempts to reach further into an enemies mind hasn't worked. He would have to learn legimines just like everyone else it seemed.

What was she worried about? Eragon asked curiously, leaning back into the couch, idly drawing his sword that was resting across his lap couple inches.

Her mind has not been trained. Saphira Continued. When she is distressed or panicked the thoughts flash across the surface of her mind for everyone to see. Alyse is afraid Lisa will leave her for the other groups.

Why would Lisa do that, Alyse and her have been friends since first year. Eragon asked confused turning his head to look at Saphira on his shoulder. Their practically family.

Yes, but Lisa is the youngest of a poor family. Saphira replied as if that explained everything, shuffling her wings restlessly.

So, what does that have to do with it?

Alyse doesn't want to admit it, but she knows Lisa is Jealous of her. Lisa thinks everything just comes so easy for the girl who lived, a big trust fund, attention of the hottest guys, a spot as a chaser on the Ravenclaw quidditch team and almost perfect marks in school. Saphira finished dryly, his disappointment in Lisa's character evident. Last night Lisa flipped because Dumbledore chose Alyse to stay behind to show you to the common room. In Lisa's words 'a spoiled princess who gets the whole world handed to her because of the scar on her head. Alyse then told her that she also sat in while you explained things to Dumbledore and Lisa lost it even more.

Doesn't Lisa know how much she has lost, that she trade all of it just for her parents to come back? Eragon asked angrily temper flaring, he too had lost his parents at a young age.

No Lisa chooses not to see that, all Lisa see is a girl who gets everything she wants, and as of this morning apparently our friendship. Seeing Alyse taking care of me for you this morning didn't help either, Lisa couldn't understand why we asked Alyse and not her. Lisa also get along well with the rest of her class, unlike Alyse. Alyse fears it would be too easy for her to leave her for the rest of them leaving her alone. It won't take much more for Lisa to throw a fit and eave Alyse, their friendship is on the edge as it is. Saphira finished sadly, staring at the sword on Eragon's lap, as Eragon processed all the information.

it would appear that its going to be harder to become her friend than we thought. To Alyse, lisa is her best friend, and first person to treat her like family in her life. Alyse won't risk loosing her for us. Eragon commented frustratedly to Saphira, scratching her under her chin, earning a soft hum. But we'll find a way.

*QM*

Alyse couldn't help but feel sorry for Eragon as he stood at the front of the charms class, being examined by the whole of her class like a little bug. While Eragon seemed at ease at the front of the room, it wasn't because he enjoyed it, he was used to it. To Alyse, his smile seemed a little to forced, his shoulders too tense, and the glance at Saphira after every question betrayed how much Eragon wish he could be anywhere but there. Eragon hated the spot light, but like Alyse had been pushed into it before and become accustomed to it.

Alyse felt guilty when she grabbed Lisa at the end of class and fled the charms classroom. Eragon had been sent to help her and she had just left him to fend off the horrid mob of Hogwarts, something she had been exposed to almost every year since he started Hogwarts. The horrid questions, the staring, never able to fit in, to be normal. Alyse however, had a friend Lisa, a good friend to bail her out, her anchor. Eragon didn't have anyone yet. The girls were worse, staring, batting their eyelashes at the finest man at Hogwarts right now, and the balls of Susan Bones. Latching to him like a piece of meat staking her claim, and it made Alyse angry. Why? All the girls were staring at him, but seeing Susan hanging off his arm just...just..

Shaking the dark thoughts that involved kicking the slut out of Susan, Alyse focused back on her best friend was saying. Oh all right, Susan wasn't a slut, the rumors came from the Hogwarts mill and she knew how true those to be.

A more pressing issue was her best friend. Lisa had never shouted at Alyse like that, sure she had seen the envious look in first year when she had received her invisibility cloak, or when she got accepted onto the Quidditch team in the first year. Alyse however, had never seen Lisa react as strongly as she did when Eragon showed up. It was like Alyse had stolen something that was rightfully hers. For the first time since first year Alyse feared she might lose Lisa as a friend. The thought was devastating, Lisa had always been there for Alyse. In first year when they went to save the Philosopher's Stone, Lisa went with her. In second year when everyone thought she was the heir of Slytherin, Lisa stood by her, and then when it was time to rescue Ginny, Lisa went with her. Alyse couldn't bare the idea of loosing her first friend, and it wouldn't take much more to do it. Lisa seemed on the edge, did she fancy Eragon was that it? Whatever it was, Alyse would have to keep a distance from Eragon for a bit. Eragon could protect Alyse from a distance, it was unfair but, until Lisa calmed down it was the only option.

By the time Alyse had reached her and Lisa's station in herbology she was feeling overwhelmed by the way the year had been shaping up so far. Placing her head on crossed arms on the desk she sighed wishing for a hot bath and nap. It was only second class of the year, she had almost lost her best friend, a deadly tournament would be taking place this year and she couldn't shake a bad feeling she had about it. Worst of all, Alyse was burning bridges with a man who was sent to keep her alive because her best friend couldn't handle them being friends. "I hope Eragon will forgive me for ignoring him." Alyse whispered tiredly to herself.

Eragon's Pov

I rewarded myself with a smirk as we left charms class. Alyse and Lisa had rushed for the door soon as the bell rang, leaving Saphira and Myself amongst the crowd of wide eyed admirers of hufflepuff. Amongst them, the girl whom I had sat with in charms, due to a two per desk set up that left us awkwardly without a partner, was linking her arm in mine to drag me to herbology. Susan bones had silky red hair and a beautiful face and was pleasant enough, although clearly admiring. Her ability to ignore Saphira's soft growling at her contact was impressive.

Charms had been fun, I was relieved when my feather light charm worked a couple tries after my partner had her first success. The magic was different, but it was a rush to cast spells rapidly, feeling only slightly fatigued after several dozen spells. Saphira comment that more powerful spells probably would drain magical energy much quicker, though still minimal compared to our own magic. Towards the end of class, Professor Flitwick had Saphira and I come up to the front and briefly introduce ourselves, and answer some questions. I explained what the farm we grew up on was like, and about the sword across my back. It was weird being back in the center of attention, I hated it of course. It took all my practice not to bolt and be patient with everyone's questions, without Saphira I wouldn't have made it. We were now headed to herbology, if we could every make it out of this blasted crowd.

Just when it was beginning to look hopeless a strong boy with a round face and blond hair grabbed me by the arm dragging me free of Susan, much to her protest.

"Thanks mate." I said once we were free of the crowd and he had released my arm leading me outside the castle. "I thought she had me for good."

"No problem Eragon, Neville Longbottom." The boy said with a grin shyly extending his hand. "It'll calm down after a couple weeks, when the other schools show up for the tournament."

Grinning I shook his hand, "Here's to hoping. I must say the castle is much more impressive from the outside. How far is herbology?"

"Thats right," Neville said, running a hand through his hair as he stopped to look back at the castle. " You've never been outside, she really is quite Marvelous. The first years ride across the lake on boats, and see it for the first time all lit up a night. It leaves quite the impression. The herbology class is in those greenhouses, and is personally my favorite class."

but you do not have a green thumb. Saphira commented from Eragon's shoulder, looking curiously at Neville's hands. Her comment had startled him and it took a quick explanation from Eragon on how Saphira talked for him to recover.

Recovering Neville laughed, "No Saphira, its a figure of speech it just means their good with plants."

So no green thumb? Saphira asked again, her blue eyes still staring at his hands.

"No green." Neville confirmed laughing at the puzzlement in her thoughts.

Eragon sat back quietly and listened to Neville explain to Saphira about all the different types of plants in the wizarding world he could. The two seemed to be on their way to becoming fast friends. Neville lite up as they talked about all the different plants, shedding his shy personality.

As they finally reached the greenhouse Saphira was convinced Neville was pulling her wing.

so no green thumb, but you have roses that eat men? Will they eat my Eragon? Saphira asked in an afterthought, sounding much fiercer than her size eluded.

"Yes... there are man eating roses, and I suppose they might try too eat him." Neville answered unsurely, fidgeting with the edge of his school bag, not missing the dangerous edge in her thoughts.

then I shall burn them to a crisp! Saphira growled, squirming on his shoulder, causing Eragon to laugh making Neville relax when he realize Saphira was just joking.

"Would it be all right if we sat with you Neville? Or do you already have a partner?" Eragon asked as approached the door.

"Of course, Hannah ran ahead to get the one three person desk at the front. We were a...hoping you would." Neville explained excited, as he opened the door to the greenhouse.

The Green house door closed with a bang, causing the few students, older lady who Eragon assumed was Professor Sprout look up at the disturbance. Face coloring, Neville lead Eragon and Saphira up to a desk at the front that a pretty blond witch with pigtails sat, smiling widely at Neville as they approached. Alyse and Eragon locked eyes briefly as they approached the front, her green eyes looking stressed as she returned her head to her arms, head hidden under a mop of black hair. Lisa watched him as he moved hungrily, giving Eragon what he assumed she thought was a winning smile as he passed.

"Oh good! you did manage to rescue him!" The blond girl said with enthusiasm putting her herbology book down on the desk, extending a hand to him. "Hannah Abbott, I sent Neville on a rescue mission when I saw Susan sink her claws into you."

Shaking her hand Eragon accepted the spot on her left as Neville took the one to her right. "It was much appreciated, if she held on much longer I was sure Saphira would have bitten her."

Just a small nibble. Saphira commented making Hannah slightly jump.

"Wow." hannah said laughing. "You are too cool Saphira. how are you liking Hogwarts."

Saphira never had time to Answer as Professor Sprout decided to start class then, today the class would be repottingthe Venomous Tentacula. It is a green, spiky, toothsome plant with mobile vines that try to grab living prey. Venomous Tentacula expels venom from its shoots, and its spikes are deadly. Its bite is highly poisonous. Thankfully the ones they were repotting today were still young, their venom still hadn't come in yet but, that didn't mean their teeth didn't hurt.

As the class set off, most rushing to the cubboard for the best safety gear, Neville went over the list making sure he had all the steps and getting the best plant materials first directing both Hannah and Eragon what to gather. It amused Eragon how the shy boy transformed around his plants.

"Alright so moon calf dung, pete moss soil mix, and three large constricting pots. All thats left is safety gear then we can grab our assumably cranky Tentacula. Remember to keep them as far away as possible they get a little grabby if you get to close." Neville said completely focused mixing the mooncalf dung into the pete moss soil mix. "Oh, and don't forget to grab some Dragon hide gloves..."

"Neville!" Hannah eyes frozen on Saphira, still holding the pot she was carrying.

"...they're the best for keeping out the poisonous barbs, even if they are a little bulky." Neville continued obvious.

"Neville!" Hannah tried again, stopping Neville's hands pointing at Saphira.

Finally catching up, Neville's eyes widened comically, "Oh bugger, I didn't mean Saphira..."

Sharing a look with Eragon Saphira winked, jumping off his shoulder onto the table, crouching low, stalking to Neville. What type of gloves she hissed in his mind, couching low and advancing towards him in a threatening manner.

"No Saphira please...I...I" Neville begged cowering behind his text book, Hannah's hands covering her mouth in horror. Eragon's laughter spoiled Saphira's fun however, Neville peaking out over his book as Saphira joined in, laughing in both his mind and out loud, making a weird barking like sound. " Your not mad?" Neville asked with a slight tremble in his voice unsure.

Projecting to both Hannah Eragon and Neville Saphira responded still chortling. Dumbledore told Eragon in the Diagon alley how important the properties of your dragons bodies are. Besides, if they are weak enough to be killed and harvested by your men with pointy sticks they are hardly proud Dragons at all. All four of them were laughing now, and in short fashion the class had passed and they were heading back to the great hall for lunch, with more than a couple bumps, scrapes and bites.

Neville reenacting the mistake Ernie Macmillan had gotten to close to his groups Tentacula and had been grabbed in a toothy bear hug by the plant, causing poor Ernie to emit a quite girlish scream. Making necessary a trip to the infirmary, to heal all the small tooth marks on his face that were bleeding quite viciously despite their size.

The group was almost back in entrance hall when a group of three students from Slytherin blocked their path in the hallway. Neville face began to pale and Hannah had grabbed Neville's free hand and was standing slightly behind Neville, looking around him. The shorter platinum blond who was standing slightly in front of the other two with his nose almost impossible high in the air was the first to speak.

"Well, well, well what do we have here. Our new guest hanging around the squib and huffleslut." The blond paused as he laughed with his two goons. Neville and Hannah flinched a little as he spoke, Neville's face reddening gripping Hannah's hand tighter. Eragon by this time had unmistakable placed the blond as a Malfoy, his resemblance to his father from earlier in the day was uncanny. " You would do well Eragon to stay away from their sort. I can help you choose who's the right and wrong sort of person to be seen hanging around. Some wizarding families are just better than others, I'm Draco Malfoy." He finished what Draco seemed to think was a convincing speech, extending his hand towards Eragon.

Stepping in front of his new friends Eragon ignored Malfoy's Hand stepping in front of him menacingly, Saphira growled lightly from his shoulder. "I will only tell you this once Malfoy, I am not your friend. I will never associate with your sort. My friends who are standing behind me and are who you just insulted, and are the people I will continue to hang around. I will become friends with them because unlike you, they are worth a dam." As Eragon slowly drove his point home, Draco's face slowly began to redden, his hand dropping to his side and clenching into a fist. " You are the same type of scum your father proved to be this morning when I met him. So stop wasting my time and get out of my way."

The crowd that had gathered around them began to laugh enjoying Draco's humiliation, causing Draco to redden more. Whipping out his wand Draco trained it on his chest as his two goons did the same, deciding to show this worthless outsider who's world he was in. "How dare you insult me, it would be an honor for you to be my friend. But I see what you really are now, no better than those two losers blood traitors behind you. I look forward to the day When I sell your Dragon for potion ingredients." Draco drawled smirking, at Eragon.

Eragon moved so fast Neville would have sworn it was a blur, and Draco found himself at the tip of Eragon's sword, which was now firmly in his hand and under his throat. Freezing Draco's eyes widened as he looked up into the fierce brown eyes of Eragon, realizing his mistake. Draco's goons who had yet to say anything, stood their helpless, looking just as frightened as Draco. "I will only give you this one warning Draco, you try to harm my dragon, and I will kill you, I don't care who your family is. "

Stepping back from Eragon's sword Draco swore angrily, putting his wand away. "You think your so tough with that sword, wait till my father hears about this." Draco said with as much dignity as he could before he fled down the hallway, his two goons trailing him.

Satisfied they were gone, Eragon turned to Neville and Hannah, sheathing his sword. "Well, that escalated quickly."

"You..um didn't have to do... that Eragon." Neville said shuffling his feet awkwardly.

"No! We are thank you, we are." Hannah rushed in, seeing Neville was uncomfortable, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Its just...well...were used to it. Draco and his gang have been doing it since...well..first year."

First year! You've allowed that pathetic hatchling to snap at you for three years. Where were the rest of your classmates? Saphira practically growled in their minds, her anger seeping through her thoughts.

Looking down at her feet, Hannah hesitated her face burning in embarrassment. "We stood up to him...the first few times, we really did it was just hard without support from our classmates. I mean were not really...popular in our house...or any of the others for that matter."

why? Saphira asked softly, her thoughts layered with sympathy.

Hannah sighed dragging Neville over to a bench in the hallway and sitting down. " I was too talkative I guess, I never really got on well with the rest of the girls, and Neville was a little clumsy and had a bit of trouble with his magic when we first got here." Hannah explained staring at her and Neville's hands in her lap.

"When I fell off my broom at a flying lesson and broke my arm, Hannah stood up for me to Draco. When asked why she would help a loser like me, she said I was her friend and ever since they have always bugged the two of us." Neville continued giving Hannah a warm smile.

"I guess once we started getting older, and the insults started getting meaner we let them win. We gave up, we started to believe a little ourselves." Hannah finished, looking at Eragon sadly. "You didn't have to do that, they're going to be on your backs too now. We would have understood if you hadn't defended us."

remind me someday to kick Draco's ass proper. Eragon thought to Saphira, as she rubbed her snout on the side of his cheek.

Gathering his thoughts Eragon place a hand on Hannah's and Neville shoulder crouching down to their eye level where they sat. Making eye contact with each of them before he spoke he said softly, "I am your Friend, and as your friend I will be standing up to all the Draco like assholes of the school. I am not embarrassed to be seen around you, let them do their worst I have a Dragon."

I as well little ones. Saphira said in each of their minds warmly.

"Good now!" Eragon said dramatically standing up with a flourish pointing in the direction of the great hall.

To Lunch! Saphira finished in their minds happily, wiggling on Eragon's shoulder with her wings half unfurled. Neville and Hannah quickly fell into step with them, laughing at Eragon and Saphira's antics.