Harry Potter: A Wizard in Westeros
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Harry Potter or the Game of Thrones. The characters along with their respective universes are the property of JK Rowling and George Martin along with the production companies who made the movies and TV shows.
Chapter 2 - Two Weddings
On the day of the double wedding, Harry awoke early to shower and eat a good English breakfast, the endless roasts and charred meat grew tiring after a few days of eating the same thing over and over.
Bill was waiting for Harry to arrive in his tent, eager to help him dress and put on his dragon hide armor. The boy was proud of the man he served; he was not shouted at or hit by his master. Harry also gave the young boy one of his horses, a new set of clothes for the wedding and a simple dagger along with ten gold dragons. No page especially a bastard got treated as well as Bill.
"Come and help me put on my armor, you can admire yourself later."
"I am sorry, Ser Harry, its just that I have never worn such clothes as fine as the ones you gave me."
"I promise to be a good master to you, Bill, as long as you give your loyalty to me."
"I promise you, Ser, I promise."
"Good, now help me with this armor. I still have to give the grooms my gifts before the wedding."
The wizard, wearing his black silk surcoat embroidered with his sigil over his dragon hide armor, walked to the tent of Lord Arryn where he also found Lords Stark and Baratheon.
"Good morning, milords, I hope you are both well," said Harry.
"Good morning, Ser. Eddard is nervous, it is his first wedding and this is my third," said Lord Jon.
"I hope you were able to rest enough last night," replied Eddard.
"I am just glad he worked wonders on our armor, otherwise the crowds might think Ser Harry is the groom! Look at his surcoat, had I not known him, I would thought he was a lord," said Lord Robert.
"I am not rich milords. I do not hold any lands or castles. I am simply well off," replied Harry with a smile.
"Oh spare me your humble denials. Rumors are spreading amongst the soldiers about the dozen trunks full of gold, gems and spices. You can easily buy a castle or a keep if you wanted," said Robert.
"Well the rumors are wrong, milord. I only have trunkful of each," said Harry in a matter of fact tone. "Well, here in Westeros at least."
"Only one trunkful each he says! And that is only here in Westeros. I bet he has a whole cave full of treasures," said Robert.
"I'm afraid I do not know what you are talking about, Lord Robert. I am just a poor blacksmith hoping that his lords would accept his wedding gifts."
Harry presented the two lacquered and intricately carved wooden boxes to the lords.
"Uh, thank you for these boxes, Ser Harry, they are beautiful," said a confused Stark as the other lords with similar expressions looked on.
Harry gave a laugh and said, "Open them, milords. While I am proud of my wood working skills, the real gifts are inside the jewelry boxes."
The two lords each opened their box and saw the treasures inside. Harry has added a necklace for each bride and groom to the rings he originally meant to give them.
Each golden ring had the sigil of the bride and groom's sigils on the band and a single clear diamond embedded in the ring. Each necklace, meant to be worn above clothes on formal occasions was done in similar style; flat golden discs about an inch in diameter with the sigil of the bride and groom.
"The necklaces can be worn for formal occasions while the rings are for daily wear," said Harry.
"It is a gift fit for a king, Ser Harry, but we cannot accept it," said Lord Jon as he took both boxes and gave them back to Harry.
"I'm sorry?" asked a confused and a bit hurt at the refusal of his gifts.
"It would be better to present them later along with the other guests after the wedding," said Eddard. "You can be sure that our future wives would love to thank you personally."
"Oh, okay. I thought you did not like the gifts," the wizard gave a relieved sigh.
"Let's leave them be to contemplate their last moments as a bachelor," Lord Robert threw an arm around Harry's shoulder and led him to the castle where the wedding will take place. "I will expect gifts as fine as the ones you gave Ned and Jon when Lyanna and I are wed. There will be few nobles who can match your gifts; they had little time to prepare."
"Of course, Lord Robert," said a laughing Harry.
The wedding itself was surprisingly short and anticlimactic but considering that it was held with little preparation and under the shadow of a looming war, he supposed it was the best that could be expected, Harry thought to himself as he looked at the others at the raised U shaped table where he was eating seated beside Lord Robert. The brides and their family were well dressed, the women in beautiful dresses while the men wore fine tunics.
Once they were done eating, the guests rose and formed a line to give their congratulations and gifts to the newlyweds.
"Let us get in line, Ser Harry, I want to be one of the first to give my gift so that we can see their faces after they see your gifts," said Robert. They were among the first ten to the line. One by one the guests were announced. Lord Robert left to go back to his seat and observe the other lords, ladies and knights give their gifts.
While the guest in front of Harry was giving his gifts and congratulations to the two pairs of newlyweds, the page approached him and asked for his name, the page did this for each guest
"What is your name, Ser?"
"I am Ser Harry Potter."
"Oh I see, thank you, Ser," the page had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he smiled.
"Ahem. Ser Harry Potter single handedly saved both Lord Robert Baratheon and Lord Eddard Stark from eight mercenaries and our two lords made their way back to the Eyrie. He was knighted by Lord Robert for this deed."
Harry's face reddened as his deed was announced, so far his was the only introduction.
"I see Lord Robert got you again, Ser Harry. This is my wife, Lady Lysa of House Tully," said Lord Jon.
"I have heard of your valor, Ser Harry. Thank you for saving my new brother in law's life," said Lady Lysa.
"Ser Harry will understate his help to us. Without him, I would not be here to get married. I would like to introduce you to my lovely wife, Lady Catelyn of House Tully."
"My lord husband is safe because of your efforts, you should be proud of it. Thank you for celebrating this day with us," said Lady Catelyn.
"My ladies, I'm afraid the stories were exaggerated, I only did what any man would do. My congratulations on your wedding; may you both your unions be blessed with strong, beautiful children and long happy lives. Please accept these simple gifts from a humble blacksmith," said Harry as he kissed each woman's hand and gave them his gifts.
He then bowed to the two couples and went back to his seat. "I know the introduction was your doing, Robert. It was embarrassing."
"Oh hush now, Harry, look they are all looking at you and your wonderful gifts, even the page is still gawking at the presents," said the laughing lord. "Lord Frey quite put out that he has to be the guest that will follow you."
The wives of Lord Jon and Lord Eddard were still admiring the gifts as were the guests, craning their necks to glimpse at the rings and medallions.
The next guest had to nudge the page to announce him before the procession resumed. The guests took some time to look and admire the rings and necklaces as they kissed the hand of each lady.
Sometime later, Harry was introduced to Lord Tully, his son and his brother.
"Lord Hoster, I would like to introduce you to my friend and savior, Ser Harry Potter. This is Lord Hoster's son and heir, Ser Edmure and the lord's brother, Ser Brynden," said Lord Stark.
"It is an honored to meet all of you, milords. I am Ser Harry Potter, at your service," greeted Harry.
"I was told of your bravery, Ser Harry, along with your aversion to praises. My advice to you will be to simply accept the praise; it makes for shorter conversation with pompous people. I wanted to meet you because of the sword that Lord Arryn gave me, it is a work of art and he said that it was you who made it," said Lord Tully.
"Lord Stark pointed you out to me yesterday and I saw your armor, Ser Harry. It is beautiful, almost too good to use on the battlefield. I can readily believe that the sword Lord Jon gave my father was of your making," said Ser Edmure. "It is a pity we have no time to have a tournament, many men would have wanted to test your mettle."
"They will have to wait for a long time, Ser Brynden. I am not going on any of the battles but if they do attack the Vale, I will meet them with my blade," Harry said to the three Tullys. "I had enough of killing, milords, but I will not hesitate to defend others. I will serve primarily as a blacksmith and armorer in the Vale for the war. I think I can help more by providing good weapons to the men. I will leave glory to the others."
"I see. May I see your sword, Ser Harry? Is it one of your making?" asked Ser Brynden.
"I'm afraid I do not know how to make more of these blades, I can only reforge them into new forms. My sword and daggers have been passed from father to son." Harry drew the sword and dagger and gave the blades to Ser Brynden and Ser Edmure to look at.
"Why these are made of Valyrian steel! Few men are lucky enough to wield one, yet you have three. You are a lucky to own these fine weapons," said Ser Brynden who passed the sword to his brother.
"Noble houses guard their Valyrian blades jealously, Ser Harry, though I see that you care for these well," commented the Lord of Riverrun.
"They are all I have from my ancestors, milord. No amount of treasure will part them from me." Harry replied as his blades were returned to him.
"Good, seeing 'Family, Duty and Honor' in young men gladdens me," said Lord Tully.
"Ser Harry, do you think my nephew and I can have a sword made by you? Lord Stark told me about the duel with your fellow blacksmith and the results of it. It does not need to be ornate, just well made for battles," requested Ser Brynden.
"I am sure I can spare the time but I will need to ask the approval of Lord Arryn and Ser George Smith, I am using their raw materials and I think they have already been earmarked for the war," replied Harry. "If you will allow me to use your forge here, I am confident that I can make you a satisfactory a weapon. It might not have jewels nor would it be flashy but I can guarantee that it will not fail you in your hour of need."
"I will tell Gerrold the blacksmith to extend you his full cooperation, Ser Harry," said Lord Tully.
"I will see him tomorrow then."
They enjoyed the rest of the day's feast that will continue until tomorrow, the lords would meet with their respective banner men to plan out the war the day after that. Robert's Rebellion as it came to be known to the supporters of the cause started soon after.
Harry decided to get an early start for the day. Garrold, the castle's resident blacksmith, observed how he worked and asked good questions. He was open minded about his craft so the two kindred spirits got along well. The results of the day's labors were a dagger and sword for the two knights.
Harry heard that Ser Brynden was called the blackfish by the men so incorporated that into his dagger and sword. The pommel, grip and guard of the paired blades were similar to Lord Tully's but enameled black and inscribed in silver was the word Blackfish on the grip. Ser Edmure's blades also had the same pommel, grip and guard but he enameled it in red and blue, the colors of his House, and inscribed Edmure into the grip. Gerrold made the beautiful leather scabbards for the four blades.
That evening, after the evening meal, Harry presented the blades he made for the two knights.
"Lord Tully, may I steal your son and brother for a minute?" Harry asked the lord as they were preparing to go out to the pavilion outside the castle where the drinking part of the feast was held.
"What is it, Ser Harry?" asked Ser Edmure.
"Well, I have finished your swords, I thought you would like to see them," replied Harry with a smile. "I have them in my tent."
"Ser Harry, go and ask your page to get it, I'm sure the men would like to see your work," said Robert with a smirk and a knowing look.
"A good idea, Robert. Go and have your page retrieve the weapons, " seconded Lord Hoster.
Harry turned to ask Bill to get the blades but the boy was already running back to Harry's tent. He saw Gerrold seated with a few of the soldiers so Harry asked him to join them as the weapons were presented.
"Gerrold here helped me a lot with the swords, he is also the one who made their fine leather scabbards," said Harry as he handed out the swords to their respective owner.
"Ser Harry is much too kind, I actually bothered him as he worked on your weapons, I was fascinated with the technique he used. I hope to be able to replicate it, he is an excellent teacher. He allowed me to contribute a little by letting me work on the four scabbards," corrected Gerrold.
"Four scabbards?" asked Lord Tully.
"I also made a dagger for each sword as a partner," said Harry as he gave them to the two knights.
"This is excellent work, Ser Harry, I loved the way you personalized it," said Ser Brynden as he showed the gathered men the sword and dagger.
"I am glad you like it. I heard a few of the men calling you that so I incorporated it into the design."
"It also has my name on the handle. You have my thanks, Ser Harry, I know it will serve me well in the coming battles," said Ser Edmure.
"It is an honor to make weapons for good knights. The men only have good things to say about both of you. If my work helps to bring you home alive, then I consider it a job well done," said Ser Harry.
"They are fine blades, Ser Harry. How much shall I pay you?" asked Ser Brynden.
"I used the castle's supplies to craft them. Please consider the labor as my gift to your House," said Harry.
"Your generosity is a fine thing but I must insist that you be paid for your work. You did miss out on the day's feasting while you slaved away in the smithy," said Lord Tully in a no nonsense tone.
"Whatever you think is fair should be enough, Ser Brynden, but you will only pay for my labor on the sword. I will not accept any payment for the daggers; those really are my gifts to House Tully."
"We accept them in the spirit they were intended for, Ser Harry. They will each give you seventy five gold dragons for your work, will that be acceptable?"
"That is very generous, milord. It is more than acceptable."
"I honestly think it is a bargain at that price considering that a castle forged sword is about thirty dragons. If this sword lasts as Lord Robert has been boasting, it is well worth the price," said Ser Edmure.
"It is not an empty boast, Ser Edmure. If you ever visit us at the Vale, I will show you the first sword Harry forged there. Ser George hung it on the wall of his smithy," said Robert.
Harry worked on five more blades the next day for Lord Tully who planned to gift them to the lucky men. They were rather plain looking in comparison to the other swords Harry made for the Tullys but their blades are all well-crafted and Harry had the sigil of the blade's owner engraved on the pommel and their words inscribed on the blade. All in all, Harry received four hundred gold dragons for the two days of work, he charged fifty dragons a piece for the five swords commissioned by Lord Tully and he gave a hundred of those to Gerrold for his work on the scabbards. The smith was very thankful as this was the most amount of gold dragons he has ever had for himself.
Harry and the host of the Vale decamped the next day for home. Robert and his men went back to his lands to gather his banners as did Eddard though Stark and his host will remain at Riverrun for a few more days. The wizard was eager to get home; he had many projects he still had to undertake like a new home and his playground.
Harry admitted to himself, as they rode for the Vale, that he wanted to join his new friends in the battles to come but it was not his fight nor did he want to upset whatever balance this world has. He knew that he could end the war with a few spells. Teleport to King's Landing, kill the king, bring the wife of Rhaegar to Dorne along with his children and the queen and her young to Dorne or Dragonstone then deliver Rhaegar to Robert and Eddard after finding out where Lyanna is. Two more teleports and Lyanna would be with Eddard. True, he will have to travel to some of the places on his broom or carpet but the end would be the same. Would the kingdom be at peace if he did that? Or would a more bloody conflict occur? He could also just use the Imperius on the main lords in Westeros and have himself declared king if he wanted. No army can stand against him, a wave of fiendfyre would eat them all up faster than even dragon fire would. There was no witch or wizard to stop him from his ambition if he chose to rule. The world as it now only has one law, might is right. In the end he knew this was all academic, he wanted to rule as much as he wanted to be immortal which is not at all.
Bill called him back from his musings; they were going to pitch camp for the night. Harry dismounted and helped the boy with their tent when it started to rain lightly at first which gradually became heavy. This would be the first time since the camping trip from hell during the horcrux hunt that he was caught outside in a tent while it rained; at least during the hunt he had a wizard's tent. Now he had to rough it like the others. He told his page that he would take a walk, Bill did not question him though he looked at his master like Harry was crazy, it was raining heavily but he was used to Harry disappearing for hours so Bill just shrugged and tried to get some sleep.
Harry teleported to a secluded spot high in the mountains of Lord Arryn's land. He had warded it before they left the Vale and left his wizard's tent there. He enlarged his trunk and took a warm shower before bedding down for the night. He woke up refreshed and looking for something to do. He looked into what he can do to make traveling and staying in a tent more palatable. The first thing he needed to remedy was the bed, sleeping on the ground even in a magical sleeping bed while it rained was not comfortable so he made plans to create a folding bed like the ones muggles used but more compact. He added a small picnic table and four chairs to the list of folding furniture he needed to make along with an easier to assemble tent similar to the muggle tents. It will draw attention to him but it will all be built by hand at the Forge so it would not be a problem. It would make bringing another horse or two for carrying the tent and folding furniture but it would be worth it, besides, he had many horses to use or he can build a small metal cart to carry his things so it can be dragged by just one horse. He daydreamed that he can make a glider that would allow people to get down from the Eyrie faster but he shot it down quickly, it was too advanced even if he build one by hand. It would also a pain in the arse to bring it up to the Eyrie.
Another week passed before he made it back to the Forge and he was surprised that some of the grounds near the ancient keep has been cleared and paved with flagstones. It the agreed upon place where he and Ser George would erect the playground.
"I had the men start on the playground, Harry, and they used the old flagstones we replaced a year ago to pave it. My steward also reported that the wood and thick ropes we ordered have arrived, I had him pay it with the money from my coffers and yes you can pay me back later. I figured you would want to start as soon as possible," said Ser George from behind Harry.
"I so, George, it will be good for the children to have something to do. Thank you for arranging this."
Harry worked on his playground for the next few days and it was finished quickly because many helped him. The day before men left for battle, they had a party to celebrate the opening of the playground, one last happy moment for families before they are separated by war.
Late into the War
The smiths and Harry were busy crafting the weapons and shields for the soldiers. They were all using Harry's methods so it started slowly at first but as they got more practice, they were able to forge the weapons faster.
Every week wagons would arrive with broken weapons and armor. In turn, the wagons were filled with new weapons and shields. They made swords, axes, daggers, war hammers, spear and arrowheads.
He has been training Bill to fight like him, using the young page's quickness and good footwork to his advantage. The young man has grown on Harry and he is like a younger brother to Harry so he made sure that he is prepared in the event that they need to take up arms. He made him green and black light armor from titanium alloy that he lined with dragon hide along with a fine sword and two daggers along with a crossbow. Bill also became Harry's apprentice in smithing.
He remembered when Bill came to him while he was doing his daily exercise, a few days after they returned from Riverrun, asking to be trained as a knight.
"Harry, why do you wake up early and do these things that make you sweat? The other knights do not do them."
"I was never trained like a traditional knight but my daily exercises help keep my body strong and agile. It's why I am faster than my opponents."
"I hope someday to become a knight, Harry. I have seen you spar with the other men and I want to be able to fight like you do."
"I can teach you but it will be hard work and it means you will have to exercise like I do."
"I promise to join you every day."
"Alright. Tomorrow you will join me. Right now, I want to see how you fight."
He has also established a cooperative farm and bakery in the Vale. The women would work on the farm and they will get paid in goods that the farm produces while the bakery sells cheap bread to those nearby and flour to those living further away. Inflation due to war has sent prices sky high.
Word came to the Forge, months into the war, that Lord Arryn needed four volunteer smiths to move to the front because the few smiths they had were shorthanded. By now, the smiths in the Vale were all working at the Forge numbering almost thirty and they all knew how to employ the new method taught to them by Harry.
Seeing as most of the smiths had families, were in their mid-forties and had little to no experience in combat, Harry took it upon himself to volunteer to be one of the smiths as did Ser George as did two of the unattached smiths.
They reported to Castle Darry, its owners have fled to King's Landing a month into the war, now the forward headquarters of the Rebellion. A tired and older looking Lord Arryn met them in the audience chamber.
"Good evening, good Sers. I trust your journey was unimpeded?"
"It was uneventful and safe due to your forces patrolling the roads, milord," answered Ser George.
"Good. I received word from Robert that the smith at Stoney Sept needs at least one more man to help him in doing the repairs. The four apprentices are able to work on most of them but he needs a fully trained smith to help him with the harder jobs. Who among you is willing to go there?"
"I would ask that you send me, Lord Jon. Ser George should stay with his liege lord and the other two smiths with you are not soldiers, the front is not for civilians such as them," answered Harry.
"As much as I want to refute Ser Harry's logic, he speaks the truth. The two other smiths who came with us, while brave, are not made for war. Lord Robert will be more at ease with a familiar face at the bellows," said Ser George.
"What you say is true, it would also make communications easier if Ser Harry and Hedwig would be in Stoney Sept. Very well Ser George, go on and rest after you eat, I know it has been a long journey. Ser Harry, I would like a private word if I may," said Lord Arryn.
"What can I do for you, milord?"
"Did you bring your armor with you?"
"Yes, I have it with me, Lord Jon. Why do you ask?"
"Your friends Robert, Ned and I made an agreement with you long ago that you would remain in the Vale and help us with your skills at smithing and it has been a great to us. The armors and weapons that your group has been sending to the front have saved many lives. I could say I am sorry to be sending you to Robert and into the thick of things but that would be a lie."
"What do you mean?"
"Harry, I have asked you to dispense with titles when we are alone. I would ask that, in addition to your duties at the smithy, you keep an eye on Robert if you can. He is a brave and courageous young lord but he is sometimes reckless. Westeros would need a king when all this is over, Harry. Eddard will have his hands full in governing the large north and both of us have no desire for the throne so it will be up to Robert to shoulder that burden."
"I understand, Jon. I will do my best to keep him safe," answered Harry gravely.
"Thank you. I have received word from my spies in King's Landing that, as we speak, Aerys is sending a force to stop Robert's advance led by Lord Connington, the current Hand of the King. Ravens have been sent to Eddard and his host to divide and reinforce Robert and I but it may take time we do not have."
"I see."
"I cannot spare any of my captains nor much of my soldiers to help Robert delay until Eddard arrive to reinforce him but I am sending him two companies of foot soldiers. I will give command of that force to you, I know it is not much but it is all that I can spare. All of them are experienced soldiers armed with the weapons and armors you have crafted personally."
"Jon, would they accept me as their commander? I maybe a knight but many still have doubts about my skills because I have stayed away from the front. Even in the Vale, some think of me as a coward."
"It may take some time but you will gain their trust and respect, I am sure of it. From those who volunteered I chose those that live near the Forge and they know that you have been doing your best to provide for their wives and children."
"They told you about those things?"
"Yes, the merchants sent me letters to tell me that if I wanted anything else delivered to the Forge, they are happy to do if I continue to pay the delivery charges so I know how you spent your money on that playground of yours and that you have bought cows and hens from Fairmarket and Gulltown out of your own pocket so that they can have cheese and milk for the children along with eggs for the dining room table. I also know of the expensive shiploads of flour exported from Braavos being rationed out to the residents of the Vale."
"I tried to keep my name away from those transactions, Jon. I am well off and the money paid by those lords for the weapons and armors they special ordered paid for most of the stuff."
"I know you tried to keep it a secret but the beautiful and intelligent white owl that delivered the orders gave you away. I wish all my lords and knights were as generous as you. We are at war yet they continue to squabble over money amongst themselves."
"I believe that those in positions of power owe a noble obligation to those underneath them."
"In an ideal world, that would be true but in reality most lords seek power and gold to fill their coffers instead of helping those under their rule. After this war is over, I want you to show those lords how a true lord should behave."
"Jon, you know that I am no lord."
"Yes, you are not a lord yet. Once we win this war, you will be. Robert, Ned and I would see to it. When the time comes, my two foster sons would offer you lordship in their lands but I hope that you will stay in the Vale."
"I do not wish for a castle or people and lands to rule over, milord."
"The three of us know that, Harry, and this is why we will see you become a lord. You will be a good lord to those under your care. But enough of that, the 200 men already love you, it will not be hard to prove you are also worthy of trust and respect. I know you can do it. Now go and eat. I will send for the two senior soldiers under your command to meet you in your tent, Clark and Greer are both loyal and trustworthy men who can be relied upon."
After the meal, Harry went to the tent Bill has erected for their use to find the two men whom Lord Jon has sent for.
"Good evening. I am Ser Harry Potter."
"Good evening, Ser. I am John Clark and this is James Greer. We were asked by Lord Arryn to lead the two companies that will accompany you to Stoney Sept."
"I see. Mr. Ryan and Mr. Greer, I know you are experienced soldiers who are to lead other experienced soldiers under my command. I will be relying on the two of you to guide and help me in doing my duty. I want to earn your trust and respect, not just because Lord Jon ordered you. I hope we can work well together. Please call me Harry when we are in private, I am not some stodgy old fart who thinks they are so high and mighty." Harry's last comment brought smiles that broke the expressionless masks the two men wore.
"I will do my best to help you, sir. I mean Harry," said James Greer. "Please call me Jim." He was a tall swarthy man who had thick black hair with grey in temples. "My wife, Martha, thinks the world of you. Thank you for all the help you are giving to the hamlets of the Vale."
"So you're Martha's Jimmy, she talks about you all the time. Martha is a good woman and excellent cook too. She reminds me of the mother of one of my childhood friends."
"You can call me John, Harry. I'm glad Lord Jon sent you to lead us instead of another highborn knight who thinks he knows everything to know about war." Clark was tall and well-muscled with short brown hair. "I think we will enjoy having you as our commander. My wife, Sandy, says you healed, my daughter, Patricia's broken arm. They both sing you their praises."
"I saw your daughter clutching her broken arm under a tree while Bill and I were riding by from the Bloody Gates. Patsy broke her arm trying to rescue a friend's kitten from a tree. She was so brave, trying not to cry even if I saw a bit of bone sticking out of her skin. Her only worry was that her friend might get into trouble. I just had to help her."
"She says you are her teddy bear. The kids from the hamlet love that playground of yours, the swing is her favorite," said Clark.
"Yes, the kids all play there. My nephew likes to play in the sandbox, building castles. The women folk have no worries leaving the kids there while they work at the farm because if that playground," commented Jim.
"I am just glad to help. The civilians should not be starving because the prices of the necessities have risen because of the war. I earn well enough from special jobs to help them so I do."
"I can understand why lords and knights pay well to have you make their weapons and armor. The swords you sent us never failed us nor does your armor. If it wasn't for the things you sent from the Forge, I doubt we will be here today," said John.
"For all those reasons, Ser Harry Potter, we will be happy to serve you," said Jim.
"Jim, you and your men are not here to serve me. I serve with you to help our fellow citizens get home to their families. I will do all I can to make sure of that you all get to see them again. I am sure you and the men know that I have tried to avoid the front because I do not want to kill, that is true, but I will do so to keep us safe."
"I believe we will get along fine, Harry. I think you and I have same the meaning of fairness in war," said John.
"John, many would not agree with my understanding of fairness in times of war. Fair means we all get to go home safe and damn those who oppose us."
"That, Harry is also how we understand the word fair," replied Jim.
Both seasoned soldiers went back to their barracks with a better hope at tomorrow.