Chapter 3: Welcome to Winterfell - Part 2
- « And you? » Lady Hariel asked, they had been left alone to finalize their plan, Neville had been kidnapped by Maester Luwin, and Teddy was sent to meet the Stark children. She had been readying to leave, when she stopped at the door, « Do you wish to talk with your family? »
Ned had often dreamt of his deceased family, how he would explain himself, his choices, would they approve of it? Of the man he had become? Would Brandon cared that he married his betrothed when his body was barely cooling? What would Lyanna thought when she realize that her son had become his bastard and thought his future was in the Wall? He didn't know if he refused because of his cowardliness, or because he had since long ago accepted his life and the choice he had made.
- « Let the past be the past, the dead should at least rest in peace. »
Lady Hariel smiled sadly at him before closing the door behind her.
It was only when he was left alone, that Ned felt heavier than he had ever felt. The meeting had to go well, the North and Westeros had all to win, and nothing to lose. The wizard had promised to help Bran and the other, if there was, control their magic. The last barrier to overcome was his friend himself, and he hoped for everyone, that his rage won't blind him. The fate of Westeros will be decided in one week.
Maester Luwin had studied the higher mysteries, but his studies had been disappointing as it had only been a mean to say that magic, if it had ever existed in the first place, was dead and gone from their world. He felt a childish envy to mock those who had scoffed at his interest, magic was real! He had escorted, or kidnapped in the eyes of other, Lord Longbottom to his office and was quite embarrassed when he let his enthusiasm take over and bombarded the man with his questions. Magic was such a fascinating subject, and he felt a bit light headed when he watch the man do miracle as if it was the most simple gesture. Bottomless bags were a commodities in their world, animated painting was the norm, flying was a sport…They had compared their knowledge, and even if the man could nor confirm nor deny if what the maesters said about magic was true or false, he was a goldmine of knowledge when it come to plants, and they both rejoiced when they realized that some elements hadn't change from their world to theirs, some plants, or at least their appearance and some properties were the same, and possibly magical, but to confirm this they needed to do some testing. Luwin never felt younger, it reminded him when he was a young man in the Citadel, still forging his chains.
Lord Longbottom, despite his muscular appearance, was a soft spoken man, with a calm confidence that put other at ease. He was extremely helpful and indulged his questions, and didn't shied away when asked about his private life. He had went to school with Lady Hariel, one of the many difference between their world, and which he approved, was married with two sons, had temporarily worked in the Auror corps, something which would akin to their knights, and then became a teacher at Hogwarts. Listening to him talk about the place of woman in their society, had reminded him of how wasted woman in their world were, denied so many opportunities based on their gender. Well, even the non magical side of their society was baffling in societal equality, the son of a seamstress could become a doctor, the daughter of a prostitute wasn't destined to be one, and if someone spread these ideas, it could be the end of their monarchy and would be considered treason.
They heard commotions in the courtyard, Maester Luwin would have dismissed as soldiers being too rowdy, but then he heard a burst of explosion, and immediately walk over the windows to see what happened. And this happened to be Lady Potter fighting the unmistakable figure of Greatjon.
Hariel would have rather not linger more than necessary, an unknown enemy was lurking around, and she wasn't there to defend Hogwarts or watch over her students, especially some particularly troublesome students who she knew were getting restless. She couldn't even use her snakes to get report as the weather weren't suitable for them. As soon as the negotiation were finished, she would go back to her school, in the meantime, she will have to trust Flitwick. Jory Cassel was assigned not so much to guide her in Winterfell, as to watch over her, and maybe keep the more belligerent lords at bay, and she half hoped for them to attack her as it would give her a chance to evaluate their fighting abilities. She sighed, now was not the time for this, the goal was to appear relatively harmless or at least helpful, she knew that Lady Catelyn had taken Teddy to present her to her children, while Neville had been kidnapped by the maester, eyes gleaming with wonder and excitement, and she was stuck making magic purse and casting warming and impervious charm on clothes…lucky her. The task was simple enough, and she was quickly done. Lady Stark had sent word that the greenhouse will be soon ready as there was already plan to build one, and it was only missing the special glass, because it was not needed this time, they only had to wait for the cheap glass to be installed and then they could cast the necessary charms.
Now that she had too much time in her hand, Hariel decided to go to the courtyard where she saw some soldiers training, maybe she could pick up something, how they fought, if they preferred to fight individually, or maybe in group. Watching them train was like traveling to the past once more, surrounded by medieval weapons and men who reminded her a bit of vikings. Unfortunately, none were hand to hand combatant, but she could still glean some informations, maybe she should try to learn the basic? To get a feel of their fighting style.
- « Well, well, well, if it isn't the famous witch. »
The man was massive, not as huge as Hagrid, but easily 2 meters, the man was sweaty from his training, he was breathing a bit heavily, but his eyes were still sharp and analyzing him, judging her strength, he was the type to only respect the strong.
- « Lord Umber, this is Lady Hariel Potter, guest of Lord Stark. » cut Jory.
The man was rude, and didn't hide his antagonism, if she back down, he would lose all respect and maybe think that they were pushover, troublesome man.
- « What are you doing here witch? Spying? »
- « Sightseeing, I was getting familiarized with Winterfell. »
- « Don't get used witch, at the first slip-up, at the first sign of threat, and you and your little friends will have thousand of sword at your throat. » Lord Umber warned, his words resonate in the now silent courtyard.
- « We have come because we don't want bloodshed, but don't take our words for fear, because it won't be our blood. » she promised
The tension was so thick that they could cut it, and Jory prepared himself for the moment the witch would draw out her wand and transform Greatjon into a dog.
- « Nice word, but can you back it up? »
Lady Hariel smiled, and it wasn't a nice smile, too sharp and showing too much teeth to appear anything other than threatening and bloodthirsty.
- « I hope your sword isn't just for show.
Jon Snow didn't know what to think of the recent turn of event. First magic was real, second, Bran was a wizard, three the mess was so big that Lady Catelyn didn't even glared at him once, four, the wizards were coming. Jon definitely didn't expected this when Bran came back from his escapade, promptly beginning to babble about his adventures, full of talking painting, ghosts, and magic wands. Arya was incredibly envious and Jon felt that given the chance she would also try to sneak into the castle, Sansa was in awe, Robb a bit skeptical, and Jon could felt in every fiber of his being, that something big would happen. His suspicions were quickly confirmed as not long after, their father announced that wizards would come to Winterfell, and thus, he and his siblings were strictly ordered to stay put and forbidden to go to the courtyard to meet the delegation or initiate contact with them. And so, they were all reunited in Robb's chamber which had the best view on the courtyard, trying to catch a glimpse of their mysterious guests, and Jon could only see from his position the red hair of the leader, and their black coat. They stayed in the room for a few hours, when Lady Stark came in with a blond haired teenager, a bit older than he and Robb, but otherwise pretty ordinary, and she ordered her children to make Lord Edward Lupin feel welcome, presenting them one by one and pointedly ignoring him. As soon as Lady Stark left the room, Arya charged at the man.
- « Are you truly a wizard? », interrogated the girl, tact still an abstract concept for his sister. Fortunately the wizard took it in stride, and didn't seemed offended, if not a bit amused.
- « Yes, magic wand and pointy hat. » he joked, well his ton suggest it, but it go over their head.
- « Prove it! »…yes, they should really teach her some tact…and manners.
- « Arya! » admonished Sansa, and Jon completely empathize with her, one day Arya will offend the wrong person, and he hoped today won't be the day, especially not during negotiation which could potentially lead to a war.
- « No problemo » smiled Lord Edward and with a wave of his wand and some unknown words « Expecto Patronum! », silver mist flowed out of his wand, forming a wolf. The translucent wolf jumped across the room on the ground or in the air, leaving behind him a trail of mist, surprised Jon immediately shielded the nearest siblings, and scrutinize the animal. Jon felt his muscle tense as it walk toward Arya, who slowly extended her arm to pet the wolf, but unfortunately for her, her hand passed right through him. Jon only relaxed after seeing the slight tension on her face replaced by a bright smile. Rickon seemed to want to follow the example of his sister, and wiggled out of Jon's arm, ran toward the magical wolf, and promptly fell into a fit of giggle as a translucent tong began to lick all over his face. Bran and Sansa quickly joined their siblings and tried in vain to pet the animal, eyes both shining in wonder and awe, while Robb watched over them nearby. Jon preferred to watch the scene from afar, he was more comfortable this way as the bastard shouldn't be seen.
- « You're not joining them? I'm Edward Lupin, but you can call me Teddy. »
- « Jon Snow, and now, I think Rickon is ready to fight everyone off your wolf and keep it for himself, he has sharp teeth. »
- « It is a patronus, happiness personified. »
Small talk wasn't his strength, he preferred and was used to watch on the sideline, and people normally didn't go out of their way to talk to bastards. But now, Jon cursed his inability to make small talk and desperately tried to catch the eyes of his brother who was more used to entertaining guests. His wish was fulfilled, and Robb joined them.
- « I am Robb Stark, pleasure to meet you. You definitely won over my siblings with your magic, prepare yourself to be pestered by them. » he joked
- « Call me Teddy. And don't worry, I am used to entertain children. »
- « Lot of siblings? »
- « Cousins, all eleven younger than me. » he explained
- « You'll need the training, Arya and Rickon have enough wolf blood for all of us. » Robb whistled impressed. « How long will you stay? »
- « Well it depend if the negotiation are a success, but we'll at lest stay until King Robert arrive. If it is a success then I may stay longer, but Hariel hates having to stay away from Hogwarts too long. »
- « Lady Hariel is the headmistress of your magic school right? Isn't she young for the job? » And female too, but Robb was smart enough to not belittled woman of power based on their gender.
- « She is older than she looks, wizard age slower. »
Teddy, as he insisted being called, was a pleasant company, quite easy going and talkative, a bit like Greyjoy, but with non of his arrogance, maybe because he didn't knew he was a bastard? He freely gave information about his world, but was smart enough to only give inoffensive informations, and was eager to learn more about their world, even if it seemed so ordinary compared to his.
- « Holy Shit! » exclaimed Arya, nose stuck on the window. « The witch is fighting Greatjon! »
Indeed, Lady Hariel, easily recognizable with her fiery hair, had her wand pointed at Lord Umber, whereas the man had drew out his sword. Before anyone could stop her, Arya dashed out of the room to watch the fight closer, she was quickly followed by Lord Edward and after silencing telling Jon to watch over their sibling, Robb ran away too. In his position, Jon had a clear vantage point of the fight, and he could clearly see that the witch was toying with Lord Umber, she was testing him, using variety of spell and analyzing how he reacted to it. And what he saw couldn't be put in words, it was like Sansa's tale had come to life, and more! Stone walls appearing, water shooting out of the tip of her wand, red light which pushed people away, a blue translucent shield…She was testing different spells to try to see how their soldiers would react to it, was she preparing for war and these negotiations were only a mean to collect intelligence? Or was she just cautious? The only relief Jon could find, was that the wizard weren't used to swords, and Lady Hariel for all her skills, had earned a few cuts and maybe bruises, if the worst were to come, maybe they could overwhelm them by sheer numbers…that is if they needed to leave their castle to fight.
The duel was extremely enriching, Hariel tried to stick with fifth year spell and see how they could be used against soldiers, and her students could at least hope to knock some down if attacked. She wasn't optimistic enough to think they could fought them off in a normal fight, where there would at least be one against ten, and the children didn't have enough fighting experience to stay calm against trained warrior, but they could fight long enough to run away, or to win time until one of the staff arrive and save them. It was time to end the duel, and the tip of her wand glowed the red light of a stupefy.
- « What is the meaning of this! » roared Lord Stark, Jory must have sent a man to inform his lord. « This is far too much for a friendly spar, Lord Umber, Lady Potter. »
- « Sorry Lord Stark, we got carried away. » It had been quite a long time since she had been chastised, and she didn't know what to feel about it. After promising to be more careful in the future, Lord Stark left them alone.
- « Well, it seems the sword wasn't just for show. » Hariel commented, as if she hadn't just thrown a fireball at the man.
- « You're not bad too witch. » retorted Greatjon, eyes looking at her smaller form in newfound respect, and with a dramatic whirl of cape, he disappeared back into the castle.
- « Hariel! » confronted Teddy, breath short after dashing down to assist the fight. « And you told me not to cause problem » wheezed out the boy.
- « Teddy, you have heard of a nuclear deterrent? I'm using it in a more one sided way. Now that we have shown them how useful we can be and how dangerous if attacked, they can only be fool to declare war on us. »
After the incident, life was calm in Winterfell, the next day they had been officially introduced to the northern lords present in the castle. Most of them seemed straight forward enough, but she'll have to keep an eyes out for Lord Bolton and his bastard, Hariel had known sufficiently slytherin to recognize someone ambitious and shrewd. Hariel was also introduced to Lord Stark's children, but the man was smart enough to not let his children linger around potential enemies, it would be troublesome if they get attached to them. Teddy was an exception, but mostly stayed with the two eldest sons, and while she had seen the youngest girl and Bran trying to sneak past their guards to talk to her, they were always stopped quickly. Neville had done wonder with the greenhouse, and it was now ready for use, and plans of creating other were already in march if things go well. Hariel had sent her godson in Winter town while transformed to try to gather some informations, if there was food stolen, or anything which could signal the presence of the man or woman who sent them here, but unfortunately, it seemed that petty crime like this weren't uncommon, especially when winter was coming. And while she could tell Lord Stark about the man, their alliance wasn't decided yet, and she couldn't trust them yet and it could also scare them off, knowing that a potentially dangerous wizard was gallivanting in his lands. This unknown put her on edge, she would rather be back into her school and find a way back, but she couldn't let in good conscience let the responsible in the loose, doing god knows what. She'll have to find a way to track him, and force him to say why he sent them into another world. Who was the target? Her? A student? The school? Or was it all part of something bigger. Annoying, so annoying, Hariel gritted her teeth, until the negotiation was over, and after that, it was hunting time.
Author's Note:
New Hogwarts students will be introduce into 2 or 3 chapters, I have already created some, but you are welcome to propose characters as I feel I can write my characters a bit too similar to each other. In the next chapter, King Robert will arrive to Winterfell!.
Edit:
Rawking made an interesting point about the fighting scene that I think many may share (why didn't just Hariel used a stupefy at the start of the fight?) , so I'll try to clarify it.
I hesitated a lot about posting the fighting scene. I didn't really know if Hariel would prioritise efficiente, with a quickly stunner, and in this case if Greatjon or the other would recuse this victory, like would they think it is humiliating to end it so fast? And challenge her again? Or would she try to show her strength? And try different experiment on him so she would know what to teach to her students? Also weirdly enough, the stupefy is more or less a fifth year spell, whereas some fire spell can be used as a first year, ( I don't take Hermione as an example since she is far superior as an average Hogwarts student), so students may be more used to these spell, and less likely to fumble with it during a fight. Also there is the intimidation factor, because a jet of fire will be more intimating than a red light, especially for the muggle who don't know magic. So I dragged the fight a bit for these reason, and because it is a message of Hariel to everyone, that wizard aren't to be trifled with, like for them, their magic are similar to feat of god, whereas knocking someone unconscious with a red light, while efficient and kind of impressive, won't leave as much as a mark as fire spell, invisible shield who can withstand the strength of The Greatjon... And they have something with song, dramatism (ex: Rains of Castamere, heroic song about some fight, men...), the bard won't even need to embellish the story, as it'll be unbelievable by itself
Thuder18: Thanks ^^
ZodiacsKlaroline : Unfortunatly, I hc the dead as in a state a semi consciousness, so Lyanna won't know what happens in the living world, and the dead don't really communicate between themselves. This pic is a few year between canon, so Ned hasn't yet agreed to let Jon go to the Wall.
PrincessRhaenyra: I know I should, but I have the weird talent to make a ten line sentences if I don't read again what I write. I'm trying to cut my paragraph shorter, but it seems I can't really judge well if they are short enough to be easier to read. Promise I try, hopefully it will get better.
marlastiano: :)
InfinityMask: 3 reviews :3, I will try to answer it all. I am the weird person who have only watched one episode of game of thrones and is in the weird place where I don't know if it is fanon or canon, but still write a fic about it, so there may be some incoherence which I would like if people could signal it. I hc Jon as someone loyal, and especially to his siblings, and while he may not have the greatest relationship with Theon, he won't let him get killed for the fault of his parents, (and he knows it well since he is a bastard) and has known him long enough to think of him as harmless and loyal to Robb who he considers as a brother. Thanks for you opinion for the Hogwarts houses ^^. And we are in the same wavelength! I'm only asking about GOT's character's reaction because I don't know them well, but I'm trying to put HP universe in a more central place. I have many plans for who sent them into Westeros and why, and I haven't decided yet which to pick.
Guest: Not really, they will introduce some of their culture, but not all, as Neville could help with the greenhouse because he had to know spell to do some maintenance on Hogwarts's greenhouses. So no new flying brooms, or create new wands or something which would be out of expertise of a competent teacher.
WeylandCorp 4: I know, but my update will be sporadic, and I don't think that a Beta reader could bear it for now. I'll try to edit it all and find someone to help me when I am in holiday. So during this time I'll count on the readers to point so typo if they detect some.
Mfoto: Thanks you! Glad you enjoyed it
FitsofRage: I am glad you liked this fic, I was despairing by the lack of non Harry centric fic, or Hermione, and liked the idea of normal Hogwarts student stuck into a Golden Trio mayhem, while Harry have to be the responsible one. Also, since I only watched one episode of GOT, and fic don't really center on him, I hc him as a little troublemaker, a bit too much of a trill seeking, curious and an adventurer in his soul.
Reikson: Nothing much happened, so you'll have to bear with it a bit longer...
Elfin69: 3 reviews, thanks ^^, 1. It is a secret, no spoilers (and also I'm still not sure yet), 2. Yes, Bran will become an honorary Hogwarts student. And no spoilies. 3. Happiness...maybe, maybe not, author likes to make their characters suffer, I thought about the fidelius charm, but it is cheating, so I just hc it as a complicated spell which get harder the bigger it has to cover, so no Fidelius charm for Hogwarts.
Padfootette: Glad you liked it, but it is not a good news for me if I update, because I have to study, I'm trying to not touch my computer, and if I update, it means I failed to the temptation T_T.
Edit 2: I have posted a poll for some one shot proposal, it will be something that I'll type on my phone et edit on my computer to relax. You are welcome to give some prompt, but please give some detail, like no: Rita Skeeter X Ned Stark, it will be funny... I definitely don't have the talent or imagination to write this...Especially for the one who wanted a JonXHariel, I don't think it will happen in this fic as they are nearly 20 years apart, and Hariel is definitely not a pedophile, so I put an option for this couple, even if I feel it'll be more gen than romance, if you have an idea, you are welcome to submit it!