A/N: Throughout the story, you can assume that the story is following what happened in the show unless I specifically mention it. Eventually it will be too far apart, but we aren't there yet.
Lady Caitlyn Stark, Lady of Winterfell
Inn at the Crossroads
The door to the Inn creaked open, revealing the Lannister Imp who confidently strode in. As he looked around, his smug face bothering Catelyn, the tavern wench told him they didn't have any available rooms. Catelyn quietly put up her hood, attempting to hide herself from the Lannister.
"My men can sleep in the stable, as for myself, I don't require a large room." The Imp said, bringing out his coin purse. The wench once again repeated that they didn't have any rooms. Tyrion then held up a gold coin and began walking ever so closer to Catelyn, "Is there nothing I can do to remedy this?"
He got the assent of some sellsword who greedily took the offered coin, "Now that's a clever man." As he turned back towards his men, his eyes caught Catelyn, "Lady Stark? What an unexpected pleasure. I'm sorry to have missed you in Winterfell."
Catelyn sighed when the little man recognized her before removing her hood, she slowly stood, "I was still Catelyn Tully the last time I stayed here." She looked around the room slowly, causing some of the bannermen to shift in their seats as well as Ser Roderick to become uncomfortable, "You, Ser. Is that the Twin Towers of House Frey I see on your coat?" She asked, looking pointedly at a man sitting at an adjacent table.
"It is, mi Lady." The Frey soldier said, standing from his seat.
"And was Lord Walder a true and honest friend of my family?" she asked the man, causing Lord Tyrion a bit of confusion now.
"He was…"
"The Red Stallion was always a welcome sight at Riverrun. My father counted Jonas Bracken amongst his oldest and most loyal bannermen." She said to another man, causing him to also rise from his seat.
"Indeed, he was as well."
"I don't quite see the purpose of this, Lady Stark?" Tyrion said, becoming more confused.
"I know your sigil as well, a silver eagle. House Mallister. Tell me, how fairs your Lord?"
The man stood, "He is well, mi Lady."
Catelyn then turned back towards Tyrion and spoke, "This man, came into my House as a guest, and there conspired with the other Lannisters to murder my son. In the name of King Robert and the good Lords you serve, I call upon you to seize him and help me…"
As she spoke, she was interrupted by the return of two Peverell bannermen, one who slammed his fist against the door, "That's quite enough!" the man bellowed, causing all of the people present to shift their attention to him, "There will be no 'seizing' anyone. Go back to your drinks." The man said, causing all the men who were standing to sit and turn away from Lady Stark, "You two, Lord Lannister, outside. Now." He said, pointing at everyone one at a time.
Catelyn, usually fairly stoic, was shocked. She had not expected this reaction. She thought that maybe the banners had some latent loyalty to her family, and perhaps they did, but the arrival of the Peverell put a stop to that. She, however, did follow the command of the man and exited the Inn with Ser Rodrick and the Lannister in tow.
They made their way back towards the small group of Peverell bannermen that had been left outside. As they made their approach, the man who had slammed his fist took another aside and began whispering. Obviously communicating what had happened in the Inn. Once the man had explained the story, the other man sighed heavily and made his way back to speak with them.
"Lady Stark, please explain to me how Lord Lannister conspired to kill your son?" He asked, getting straight to the point. To be honest, the man didn't seem that terrifying as some seemed to think in the Inn.
"My son Bran was pushed from a tower he had climbed at Winterfell by that man's brother, Jaime. Bran told me this when he awoke from his fall. Then, they sent an assassin to finish the job. I have his note!" She said hotly, producing a coded note that someone had seemingly decoded.
"A note from an assassin is…" Tyrion started before being roughly grabbed by his shoulder and pulled backwards into another guard.
"You will speak when spoken to, Lord Lannister. Is that clear?" the man said, surprising Catelyn by the venom in his voice. She saw Lord Tyrion wince in pain as the man seemingly tightened his grip on the Lord's shoulder.
"I understand…" The Tyrion growled out and the tension on his shoulder released. He rolled his shoulder a couple times once released, trying to reduce the pain.
The head bannerman took the note and read it before looking at the Lannister Imp, "What say you Lannister? Whose handwriting is this?" the soldier passed the note to the short man.
There seemed to be some sort of recognition in the Imp's eyes, but Catelyn couldn't tell for certain, "I don't know. It is not mine; I can tell you that."
"Obviously not…" A cloaked figure said, seemingly coming from nowhere. Catelyn jumped a bit when she spoke, her voice coming from behind her. Where had this woman come from? Catelyn asked herself as the figure continued, "It's a woman's handwriting." Catelyn did a silent count and now saw eight Peverell banners… Slightly concerning…
The 'Auror Corps' men snapped to attention as the leader said, "Lady Lovegood, good of you to come. We have a situation here that my group has stumbled upon."
"I can tell, Johnathan." She said, a slight airiness to her voice but dangerous all the same, "Well, the lady's evidence is strong that the Lannister's are involved in this plot." She said to Catelyn's relief, "I don't see any evidence that Lord Tyrion is involved…"
"Thank you, my Lady." Tyrion said.
"Don't thank me just yet, Lannister. Your family is involved however... So, we shall ride for King's Landing together and speak with the King and your sister and brother." Luna said, looking over the assembled nobility before mounting a nearby horse, leaving little argument.
Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and the Westerlands, Warden of the West
"Tywin, calm yourself." Kevan Lannister barked, looking up from the letter his brother had just handed him.
"My son has been arrested and you tell me to calm myself?" Tywin retorted; his anger evident.
"This letter says nothing of arrest. Lord Stark has simply requested your presence to resolve a dispute between our House and them in his capacity as Hand of the King. Tyrion simply is there." Kevan responded calmly.
Tywin stood over his desk, his fists on the solid wood surface, "My informant reported Tyrion was held under guard."
"Perhaps? Who is to say? You do not even like the boy?" Kevan asked.
"For as much as a stain on the Lannister name he is, he is still my son."
"Then you ride for King's Landing. Use your skills that you had as Hand of the King not your skills you learned at Castamere, at least not yet."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 100 - 297 AC
Back at Harrenhal, the captured man from the ambush sat in a dimly lit, dank cell. He had a bag over his head, and his hands were bound by what seemed it him to be some sort of magic...
Outside the cell and masked by a silencing charm, Harry, Neville, and Astoria stood, silently watching the man.
Neville looked at Harry, "Who do you think sent him? They knew our route. Even the shortcut..."
"Varys, most likely... He would know that we are becoming more powerful and would want to stifle our goals." Harry replied.
"No, that doesn't fit his vibe," Astoria began, "He is the spymaster for a reason. He works in the shadows. A daylight attack in the middle of King's Landing is bold and reckless. I would guess someone much younger and arrogant."
The men both considered her thoughts for a moment before they both partially agreed.
"Not going to find out until we get in there. Astoria, you go on in and see if you can just pluck it out of his mind." Harry waved his wand causing the cell to unlock and a squeak signaled it opening. She stepped into the cell...
"Who's there?" The man asked. She gently removed the bag from the captive's head, revealing a terrified young boy. Probably not much older than five and ten.
"Oh, hello there, child." Astoria said as she conjured a chair for her to sit on, causing the boys' eyes to widen in surprise.
"I'm not a child." The boy replied.
"Of course not, my apologies." Astoria said as she leaned back into the chair, "Tell me, young man. How did you get wrapped up in attacking the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands?"
The young boy hesitated for a moment, fear still in his eyes, but Astoria seemed to put him somewhat at ease. He shifted uncomfortably in his bindings, looking at the glowing blue shackles before beginning, "I... I was desperate," he admitted, his voice shaky, "They promised me gold, protection for my family, and a way out of King's Landing."
Astoria nodded, "Desperation can drive people to do things they never imagined. What's your name?"
The boy swallowed hard before answering, "Tommen. Tommen Rivers."
"Rivers... A Riverlander name?" Astoria asked, looking back at Harry and mouthed 'Jon Waters, a slight surprise. The boy had lied about his name... "Tell me Tommen, who approached you to ambush Lord Peverell?"
"It was a sellsword. Said I could make enough money to leave King's Landing if I helped. I was just to shoot a crossbow." He began to cry, "I'm so sorry!"
"Look at me Tommen," She leaned towards him and looked into his eyes. She seemed to stare into them for about five minutes before she broke contact and stood. A second later she brought her wand to his head. "Avada Kedevra." She said and the signature green spell impacted his head, causing him to tip over, dead.
She stood up and walked towards the two men who were watching, "Cersei Lannister."
"Of fucking course, it was. What a dumbass whore." Harry said, rubbing his forehead with his hand.
"What are we going to do?" Neville asked as he unlocked the cell door for Astoria to leave, "Kill the Queen?"
"Maybe I should just blow up the Red Keep? Solve all my problems..." Harry replied, "Perhaps I should just burn down the whole town with Hedwig? Like the Mad King once wanted to do?"
"That would solve some problems." Astoria laughed.
"And create whole new ones..." Neville replied, knowing he would have to be the one to solve them.
"Perhaps we shall teach the Lannisters a lesson." Harry's eyes flashed yellow as he smirked.
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 145 - 297 AC
Harry stood in back of the Great Hall in the Red Keep with his 8-year-old son standing in front of him with Arya Stark next to him. He had decided this was a suitable time to show James and Arya how the King's Court worked. King Robert had yet to arrive, being late as usual. As he looked around the room, Harry saw the Lannister Lion of Tywin Lannister to his left, standing tall, defiant, and angry. To his right, the Direwolf of House Stark. Catelyn, Bran, and several others.
It was silent, deadly silent. Nobody wanted to move quickly in case someone took that action as a threat. Harry shifted on his feet, his Valyrian steal light armor flexing under his clothes.
A moment later, the doors to the Great Hall slammed open, revealing the large figure of King Baratheon flanked by his younger brother and Lord Stark. Behind them filed in about forty yellow clad Stormlands guards, which surprised Harry. He had expected to see the city guard. Perhaps the city guard is not as loyal as believed… The Lannister children would likely be arriving soon as this inquiry revolved around them.
He was proven correct a second later as Cersei, Jaime, and the children entered, followed by a small number of red guards. As the King sat on his Throne, he whispered something to Lord Stark who then asked the assembled Lords, "Lord Peverell, please step forward," Harry crinkled his eyebrows in confusion. He slowly made his way to the front of the crowd, still with the two young kids.
"Your grace?" Harry asked respectfully.
"Peverell, explain yourself! You have caused this situation!" Baratheon retorted, looking down at the Lord.
"Actually, your Grace, Lady Stark started it. She attempted to arrest Lord Tyrion in my territory. I simply ensured everyone could state their case and prevent bloodshed by having them brought to your court." Harry said as Robert just huffed and waved him away, sneering. Harry quickly retreated to the rear of the Hall to the children.
"Let's solve this then. Cat, tell me what happened." So, Lady Stark began. Recounting the story of Bran's fall, his recovery, the assassin, the left note, and finally what Bran remembered.
"Bran, is this true?" The King asked the boy who had been brought down to King's Landing for this trial. The boy looked frightened to death to tell the story. Bran nodded and the King said, "He nodded yes..." After a pause, Robert looked at his wife then Jaime his Kingsguard.
"Cersei, what do you have to say?"
Harry watched with great interest the dynamic between Lord Stark and King Robert during this part of the hearing. Cersei would tell her part of the story, a lie, and Ned would talk to the King then the King would ask another probing question. It seemed Lord Stark was feeding the questions to the King. Interesting.
Harry already knew everything, but that didn't mean that he got amusement out of Cersei and Jaime trying to weasel their way out of the accusations. The problem was truly that the only evidence was a piece of paper written in a woman's hand and the testimony of a child. Not exactly a slam dunk case unless the Lannisters admitted it, something they were unlikely to do. And, by the end, the Lannisters had admitted nothing. Tywin had served as their 'council', assisting in their defense.
"Who is to say that the boy even remembers correctly?" Tywin had asked at the end of the trial, "The Queen is a public figure, but not one difficult to mistake for another. There are four westerlands maids that went with her to Winterfell, each with golden hair. Could the boy have gotten them confused? Seen the Queen when truly it was another? I argue that there is no true, infallible evidence that Ser Lannister pushed Brandon Stark. We cannot rely on the memory as a boy that fell 30 feet, a fall that normally would kill, as the arbiter of fact."
"What of the assassin?" Lord Stark asked, "Could a maid, as you imply, pay for an assassin to kill my son because he saw them before getting pushed?" The tone was more of non-belief, but Eddard was running out of questions and Tywin had shot down most conjecture.
"A note, written in a lady's hand, coded to be unreadable without either the assassin or the writer… Perhaps someone else was the target? I don't know, but that is not evidence that my daughter wrote the note." Tywin retorted, looking disappointed in Lord Stark for using the note as central to the court's trial.
As he said that, King Robert put up his hand to silence everyone, "I have heard enough." He looked at the assembled Stark family, "While I do believe that someone tried to kill Bran, I cannot rule that it was the Lannisters. Come back with more evidence and I will revisit this."
Robert turned back to his 'wife' and other Lannisters, "I find you not guilty at this time. But this is not the end of our discussion."
Harry looked towards the Lannister group, each looking relieved. Tywin, however, looked totally smug. Harry wasn't surprised, the man truly did not believe that his children could do the things they were accused of, even though they did.
As the Lords cleared from the hall, Harry caught Tywin by the arm softly, "A word, Lord Lannister?"
Tywin sneered for a moment, "Tried to destroy my family and legacy today, Peverell. I'll remember this."
Harry just lightly chuckled, "Lord Lannister, it was not I that tried to do so. That would be the Starks. Was I supposed to allow your son Tyrion to be arrested and transported to the North? As a prisoner? I simply allowed the truth to come out. But in any case, I apologize."
Tywin snorted, "Perhaps that is true. But my family is not one to cross, you should remember that, Lord Peverell."
"Of course, Tywin." Harry replied as Tywin smirked and walked off with his guards, followed by his daughter and grandchildren. But before Cersei walked by, Harry grabbed her arm.
"My Queen, before you return to your chambers, may I ask, do you know anything of this note?" He handed the Lannister a small note.
She took the note and read it before crumpling it up and leaning into Harry's ear so as not to let the children hear, "You have no proof and I do not take kindly to threats, Peverell."
Harry whispered back, "I don't need proof and it wasn't a threat. One more attack from you on anyone and I will kill your children. Do I make myself clear?"
Cersei seemed to fill with anger but kept her composure, "If you hurt my family, I will burn Harrenhal to the ground like the Targaryen's did."
"Luckily, you don't have a dragon, Lady Lannister. But I find that even if you did, you would burn down your own castle before mine due to your sheer incompetence."
"Watch yourself Peverell. You are playing the Game of Thrones... You either win or you die."
"Well, we both know how your game will end then." Harry chuckled to himself as the bitch huffed and stomped away.
"Lord Peverell, what was that?" Arya asked, having heard the conversation along with James.
"Let's talk about it before you both go to bed."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 156 Later - 297 AC
Harry sat on the edge of the small bed that held James as Arya sat in the bed across the room, "Arya, you asked me what happened with the Queen?" The little girl nodded, smiling that Harry remembered her question, "Can you give me a guess? Either one of you?"
They sat in silence for a moment before James spoke, "Because she is an evil bitch!"
Harry chuckled, "James, your mother would tell you not to use those words! But I will ask you why she is an evil bitch? Arya?"
Harry watched as the girl looked at her hands then quickly peeked at him, making eye contact with him for a brief second. Harry felt a tickle in the back of his head then Arya said, "Because she tried to have my brother killed and you ambushed in the city."
Harry stopped smiling, "How did you know that?"
Arya looked at him sheepishly, "Your eyes said so."
"Can you normally read people's eyes like that?" Harry asked to which the young girl nodded yes, "Whose can you not read?"
"Lady Astoria, I can't read hers." Arya responded, "Am I in trouble?"
Harry's smile returned, "No, that is a wonderful gift, Arya. I will talk to Astoria about it when we return to Harrenhal. She will be very excited." He said, realizing that Arya was a natural legillimens and could read minds with ease, "But yes, you were correct. James, since you can't read my mind, why would do you think she had me ambushed in the city?"
The boy looked at his dad, "I don't know..."
Harry put his arm around his son, "That's okay, Arya?"
"Because... because you are more powerful than her father?" Arya said.
Harry smiled at her, "That is true, but not why she had them ambush me. Lady Lannister is arrogant; she believes that she is so smart and cunning, and everyone is dumber than her. But she recognizes another talent when she sees it. She knows that I am cunning and could cause her problems when her son attempts to ascend to King."
"Won't my sister be Queen then?" Arya asked, looking sad.
"She would be, if she and Joffrey were married." James interjected, smiling.
"Perhaps your father will see that Joffrey is not one to marry your family to... Maybe Sansa will marry a Northerner." Harry responded, starting to cheer up the young girl.
"Sansa would be a bad Queen. Joffrey would be a terrible King..." Arya replied ruefully.
"Why do you think that? What makes a good King? What is one trait that makes a good King?" Harry asked, trying to turn this moment into one of learning for his heirs.
The little girl sat there for a while thinking before sheepishly replying, "He has to be just?"
Harry nodded, "Oh yes, a King must be just. Able to tell right from wrong?" He asked the kids who nodded, "Edric the Second, King of the Stormlands was just. Everyone approved of his reforms, noblemen, commoners. He was murdered in his sleep by his evil brother after less than a year as King. Was that just?" The kids muttered no, "No, he failed to see the danger right in front of him and left the land to his brother. What about you, James? What should a King be like?"
"They have to be smart..." the young boy replied, just as shyly as Arya.
Harry smiled at the boy, "Ah yes, a King must be smart. Prince Rhaegar was smart. The most read and intelligent Prince in generations. He was so smart that he kidnapped a Lord's daughter and started a rebellion." Harry replied, causing the boy to look at his hands in embarrassment, "Alright Arya, give it another go."
Arya awkwardly answered again, "Kindness?"
"Most definitely, a Lord should be kind!" Harry smiled, "Aegon the Unlikely was kind, gave rights and protections to commoners. Sent food and supplies to the North during a harsh winter… But his kindness bred anger from his Lords. He dealt with two Blackfyre Rebellions and ended up dead trying to hatch more dragons." Harry then grabbed his son's shoulder, "Okay, one last one James?"
James just huffed and threw up his hands, "I don't know!"
"That's it, that's what makes a good King. The ability to say I don't know. But there is a second part to it, the ability to say I don't know and ask for help." The kids looked wide eyes and nodded, excited to learn something, "Why do I tell you this? Let me explain..."
"When you are Lord and Lady of Harrenhal you must remember that you may not be the smartest people in the room. You must ask for help if you don't know the right choice. Speak to your advisors, they will give your perspectives you may not have considered. I speak every day with Neville, Susan, Luna... We govern with collective knowledge, not just by my decree."
"But what if you all disagree." James asked, finding the obvious hole in Harry's lesson.
"That is when you rule as Lord. You decide. It may be the right choice, it may be the wrong one, but in the end, you are the Lord, and you decide. I have faith in you both, you will be excellent rulers of the Riverlands..." Harry said, smiling with pride.
"Are you a good Lord, Lord Peverell?" Arya asked, wondering what he genuinely thought.
"Of course he is!" James said rather loudly. Almost defending his father from a perceived attack.
"It's okay James, she is just asking..." He began, "I believe I am a good Lord. The Riverlanders are better due to our House, but how will I be described in history? Harry the Just? No, I will remembered as Harry the Betrayer, the Oathbreaker, the Peasant, the Lowborn, the Bastard, perhaps even the Cruel…" Harry told the children, "I will not be looked upon fondly in Westerosi history."
Both children looked shocked by his candid response. He leaned in closer to them, his voice lower, "But wizards and witches will remember me as the one that saved them from the evil of Britain. How House Peverell conquered the Riverlands and created a Kingdom of Wizards for ourselves. I will be remembered fondly with them, and likely even the Riverlander muggles, but many with remember me with hatred. And you will share in that pride."
"But you must be James the Wise, the Councilor. You must rule with dignity and justice. With intelligence. I will do the dirty work; you will do the real work."
"And I will have a Dragon!" James said excitedly, "Hedwig!"
"Yes, you will have a dragon." Harry chuckled, but turned to Arya who looked worried, "What do you think Arya?"
"Sansa was always the lady... I would make a terrible Lady!" she exclaimed, overwhelmed.
Harry slowly got up from James' bed and took a seat next to her, bringing her into a side hug, "No, you will be the perfect Lady. Smart, strong-willed, powerful witch, and a beautiful young lady. You have all the needed characteristics even if you don't like dancing and sewing. Leave that to the other Ladies."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 243 - 298 AC
When I was a boy, before I knew of magic, I was hated by my family. They hated my freakishness. My abnormality. My power. They feared what I would become. No longer the wimpy kid they could bully, but a wizard who could destroy them with a flick of a stick. They were right to fear me...
When I conquered Britain, I was supported by a thousand nameless faces. I was different then, seeing them only as pawns to move on my chessboard. Each doing their duty to me and country. But now, I see them as heroes all. My magical friends who followed me to this world have bled so much for me already. Now, I have asked them to do so again. They willingly accepted the call. Once again, they will march into the maw, but this time they will not be alone.
This time, I have the muggles of this world to do my bidding. The Riverlands, the Vale, the Crownlands, and the Reach. Each with their own forces, each with their own duty. When the time comes, and soon it will, the Riverlands will march our forces and destroy the Lannisters once and for all. Hedwig will burn them all to a crisp and Casterly Rock will be mine.
The Vale will catch the Northern troops by surprise if they are stupid enough to challenge me. I suspect Lord Stark, if he is as honorable as they say, will declare Lord Renly as King. This will cause some problems in King's Landing so he will need his banners to enforce his ruling. Something I will not allow to happen. As the Northerner host passes the Gates of the Moon, the Vale will take them from behind and destroy them. They will then join the Crownlands.
The Crownland Lords who now support me will be a lynchpin in my plan. Their soldiers will besiege King's Landing, pinning down any soldiers there while also giving them a morale defeat. The King trapped? Disaster.
Then there is the Reach with enough soldiers to field four armies. So, when the time comes, they will pin down the Stormlands and the Westerlands. Forcing Tywin to commit forces to his south to prevent a strategic defeat and loss of faith in his leadership if several strong castles fall. The Stormlands will be easy to confuse. Some will support Renly, sure. But others are more pragmatic. Willing to betray Renly. Plus, the child is not a strategic mind, perfecting the art of looking like he is doing something yet doing nothing.
When the time comes, it will be easy. The real question, what of the Targaryen girl with her dragons? Perhaps an assassin? Wildfire bomb? Decisions decisions...
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 296 - 298 AC
Harry's Hollow, the wizarding town outside New Hogwarts, was humming with life as Harry strode through. Several citizens had stopped to talk with him as he walked along, something Harry was happy to do. It developed a sense of community and opened him up to ideas that could benefit the magical people he ruled. Truly, Harry cared about his people. They had sacrificed much for him and his family…
He finally made his way into the center of the town and saw Daphne intently studying the Veil. She had her back to him, completely oblivious to everything going on around her. Harry smirked and began sneaking up on her, however he didn't use magic to mask his movements. If she discovered him, all's fair.
She didn't and once Harry was right behind her, he quickly grabbed her sides, squeezed, while whispering in her ear, "Boo!"
The young woman jumped while shrieking in fear before turning around and realizing it was Harry, "Harry James Potter! How dare you scare me like that!" she exclaimed angrily.
Harry looked at her confused for a moment before smiling. This was the first time he had been called by his full REAL name in almost nine years, "Woah, bringing out my real name? I'm terribly sorry Miss Greengrass. I didn't realize I gave you such a fright." He said before she began playfully hitting him, "Woah! This is domestic violence!"
"Oh really, my Lord?!" She said teasingly as she pushed him to the ground, "Better call the Aurors then!" Harry just rolled his eyes and quickly stood back up, brushing off the grass clippings from his robes.
He slowly approached her and put his face right next to hers, speaking quietly in her ear, "Perhaps I will put you in my dungeon to think about your actions."
Daphne smirked as she felt his warm breath on her neck, "You wouldn't dare."
Harry quickly backed off and smiled smugly, "Who knows! So, tell me how your research goes!"
Daphne grinned, "Of course!" She quickly grabbed her notebook, flipping the pages to find what she was looking for, "So, last time I said it turns off after about 38 minutes right? Well, I'm not 100% sure, but that appears to be a limit to the veil's design. I went back to where we discovered it and had some local muggles dig around it and found what appears to be an ancient tablet of some sort." She pulled what appeared to be an iPad out of her bag, which definitely surprised Harry.
"Does it have Flappy Bird on it?" Harry said, joking. Daphne just stuck her tongue out at him as she pressed a few times on the screen until a semitransparent blue wall shimmered into existence just millimeters in front of the veil's surface. Daphne quickly took a nearby stick and tossed it into the wall causing the stick to be vaporized on contact.
She turned it off and threw another stick at the veil, this time the stick flew right through the veil's surface and out the other side, "As far as I can tell, that was a shield of some sort. Perhaps advanced magics or technology were used, but the end result is the same. With that shield powered on, nothing can come through to our side of the veil."
Harry was truly impressed, "Wow, that's amazing. To think that device was under our noses all this time..."
Daphne beamed at him, "I have one more thing to show you." She flipped the pages revealing a list of drawn... to be honest, Harry wasn't sure what he was looking at.
"What are those?"
"I did a charcoal rubbing of the frame of the veil and found 36 different symbols, all constellations found in the night sky." She pointed out several to Harry in the sky before continuing, "I highlighted the ones that are slightly glowing when the veil is going." She showed Harry, indicating 6 symbols, "I don't know what they mean or how they are connected to the veil, but it's progress." She smiled happily.
"Indeed, it is. I am glad you are looking into it Daph. Perhaps we could reverse the connection to return to Britain." Harry said, curious at that idea.
"Yup! I am glad I could make some progress. Though the main problem is I can't turn off the veil to do additional research without risking severing the entire connection."
"Perhaps the datapad will shed some light on the subject?" Harry opined, trying to prompt her along.
"I will do some more research into the pad and get back with you with what I found!" She replied excitedly, "Thanks for your help, Harry!" She skipped up to him and quickly kissed his cheek before skipping away to her research hut. Harry just rolled his eyes at her antics and continued his stroll through the town.
Lady Luna Lovegood
Year 8: Day 334 - 298 AC
Luna strode through the Red Keep, her glamour spell changing her appearance to one of King Robert's maids. She was currently bringing drinks to the King she had been trying to make comfortable for the past few days. He was a pig, whoremonger, and a drunkard, but luckily for Luna, he was also predictable. He always had two glasses of the finest Arbor wine during dinner, whether he needed them or not.
As she entered into the hall, she spotted the two royals arguing at the table about something trivial. Perhaps on how Cersei was raising 'their' children or how Robert had besmirched her honor once again. Truly, it really didn't matter to Luna as she placed the two glasses of wine in front of the King. She also filled the Queen's drink again, not even receiving a thank you from the bitch.
Robert honestly believed he had no enemies besides maybe his wife. Even with the rising danger of the Targaryen girl and her dragons, he continued to exist as if he was invincible. Fool…
Luna waited in the room for more orders as she watched the King begin drinking her provided wine. She smirked ever so softly as he drained the first glass. That was truly all he needed to do to ensure his demise...
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 339 - 298 AC
The plan worked like shite. King Robert is currently bedridden after drinking a glass of wine that contained a poison concoction from Britain. Unknown in Westeros, it would have slowly liquified his organs by interacting with his stomach acid. However, he either didn't drink enough or his fat arse needed more than we gave him.
Lord Stark is acting as Protector of the Realm while the King recovers. At the moment, basically ruling as King. My spy in the castle reports a raven flew from the Tower of the Hand in the direction of Storm's End, likely informing Renly of the possibility of Robert's poisoning. I expect the boy to make his way to the Red Keep, but maybe the young Lord has more sense than I give him credit for.
The problem is now they know that someone is trying to poison the King. Luna has covered her tracks well, using a glamour to change her appearance again and taking care of the loose end: the woman she impersonated. She dumped the body somewhere she would be found and examined. They would assume that she was killed for her failure. I would guess they would now hire a drink & food taster. Luna would have to use a poison that acts much slower or perhaps over time the toxicity could grow. For now, Luna is to continue to spy on the royal family.
The Targaryen girl seems to be up to something in Essos with her two dragons. I am not sure what just yet, but I have several spies following her group and get reports periodically.
Additionally, I had James hatch the egg we stole from her and bond with it. It is still small, only a few months old, but it will grow with him and provide our family with another dragon.
Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and the North, Warden of the North, Hand of the King, Protector of the Realm
Year 9: Day 8 - 298 AC
Eddard confidently strode through the Red Keep, his northern household guard following close behind. The King had been poisoned from inside the castle, a young woman had been found dead, and there was nothing leading anywhere. The woman, an attendant of the royal family for several years, had been found dead near the docks with her throat slashed. She carried nothing else besides her clothes, a dead end. Witnesses were scant, that area had been minimally used since Duskendale had begun their harbor restoration, but the ones that did report anything said that the woman seemingly appeared from nowhere. Strange.
The guard had been doubled on the royal family, with food and wine tasters used. Hopefully that would stifle any further attempts to assassinate the King. However, that was currently the least of Eddard's concerns. With the King needing healing, he named Eddard "Protector of the Realm", a title that carries much weight. Essentially, Lord Stark was now King until Robert recovered. He commanded the armies and had the King's authority. That normally wouldn't be a problem, but the Lannisters always needed to make a stink. Right now, it was that Prince Joffrey wasn't Protector in his father's stead. Why that mattered, Eddard couldn't tell you, but they were complaining to say the least.
The problem was that Lord Stark knew that the King's children were in fact not his. They didn't exhibit the King's traits. All of the King's bastards had black hair, not a single one had the hair of the mother. Plus, he believed Bran and if the twins had had sex once, they had done it before...
As Lord Stark entered the great hall to hold court in the King's stead, he was surprised to see Lady Peverell with her eldest son and his own daughter. He smiled warmly but did not greet them as he had current business, and they would follow proper formalities. Thus, Lord Stark took his seat on the Iron Throne and began the court.
It took about an hour for him to get through all the petitions, but he could see James and Arya were watching attentively, curious about the process and how the court actually functioned. The most interesting for them was when a messenger from the Riverlands came to complain about the new trade tax levied by the Master of Coin to pay down the crown's debts. The man was obviously sent from Lord Peverell himself or maybe even by Ser Longbottom, but the intention was clear: insult the King by not coming themselves while also demanding lower taxes.
"Tell Lord Peverell that the crown, and by extension the Master of Coin, has the right to raise taxes on his lands and Lords at any time. If he would like to argue this, perhaps he should come himself?" Lord Stark replied, unimpressed with the man. Turns out he was actually Ser Longbottom's assistant, which was higher than Eddard had thought.
"His Lordship is very busy, Lord Hand. He does not have time to make a trip to King's Landing over a small tax dispute." Ser Pembrooke responded, slightly arrogantly. It was obvious that he viewed himself higher than Lord Stark, but in what way, he didn't know.
"Tell me, Ser, should the crown reduce the Riverlands taxes yet leave the other Kingdoms the same? What would the Tyrell's say?"
"Perhaps they should send their own representative to negotiate their taxes?" The man mockingly raised an eyebrow to him.
"Perhaps they should. But my decision still stands. If the Riverlands still wishes to protest, send at least Ser Longbottom..." Lord Stark replied, slightly annoyed at the young man who now stomped off to take more orders from his master. To be honest, Eddard really wasn't expecting anything to occur. Longbottom would probably just let it go. He ended court after the last issue was solved and made his way over to the visiting Peverells.
Lady Peverell smiled warmly as her son & his daughter bowed and curtsied respectively, "Ser Longbottom is not one to let things go, Lord Hand. I know him well." Lady Peverell joked.
Eddard forced a smile at the Riverlady. In truth, he distrusted the entire family. They always seemed one step ahead of everyone, reeking of dishonesty, and always looking for the angle that would benefit them the most, "Lady Peverell, I trust your steward has the wisdom to know when his efforts are fruitless." To be honest, he was shocked that she knew his hopes that Longbottom would drop it.
"You will not be Hand forever, Lord Stark. Perhaps the next one then..." she chuckled, "You know what the Riverlands always says, the Hand has the clock, but we have the time. Though I do not envy you at the moment. My steward is the least of your worries."
"Indeed, Lady Peverell." Eddard responded; his mind filled with thoughts about that proverb. Truthfully, he had never heard it before. Did it mean they would wait out the Hand so they could capitalize on it? Peverells were not his favorite…
"On to business then, Lord Stark. I was speaking with your daughter about how she missed Winterfell, so I thought a trip to the Capitol was an effective way to get a bit of home. Plus, my son could spend some time with his future goodfather."
Lord Stark genuinely smiled, "A good idea, my Lady. Arya needs to keep some Northern blood in her, and your son could use some northern values!"
"Well then, I leave them in your charge for two weeks." Astoria clapped her hands happily and pushed the two children forward, "I trust you will have adequate lodging for my stay?"
Lord Stark just nodded, and Arya ran into his torso, hugging him firmly as James just stood there awkwardly.
Sansa Stark
Year 9: Day 12 - 298 AC
"When will Arya go back to Harrenhal?" Sansa complained to her father as they walked in the royal gardens while Lady Peverell continued the children's lessons.
"Sansa, she is your sister, and she has only been here four days. Must you complain?" Her father responded, tiredly.
"She's just sooo annoying. At least James has the courtesy to leave me alone and only speak to me when I speak to him." She responded, looking up at him.
"James Peverell will be Lord of the Riverlands when you are Queen, you should get to know him. At least then when you see him again, you will not be strangers." Eddard said, trying to impart some perspective to the young girl.
They continued walking, passing some exotic looking plants as they spoke, "I think he believes he is better than me."
Her father just looked at her confused, "How so?"
"The way he speaks to me, it's like he doesn't want to. Like he is forced to." She said.
"Kinda how you treat Arya?" Her father questioned and Sansa prepared to respond he cut her off, "Arya has spent a few years engaged to him and they are likely good friends, perhaps he takes offense to the way you speak to her?"
Sansa stomped one foot, "She is my sister, it's different! And I am to be his Queen!"
He just raised his eyebrows at her antics, "And he will be Lord of the Riverlands, your sister Lady of the same. They owe allegiance to the King, not the Queen. You would do well to remember that Sansa."
The young girl just huffed in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest. Angry but cowed by her father's words. As they continued walking, Sansa noticed a figure trailing them. She glanced to the right of them a few times until the figure was about the cross in front of them.
"Lord Hand," the man called out, Varys 'The Spider', "And Lady Sansa, a wonderful day to enjoy the gardens, wouldn't you agree?" The man asked kindly, always surprising Sansa.
"Indeed, it is, Lord Varys. What brings you out to this place?" Her father asked.
"Just enjoying the warm weather this morning. My work gives me little time for the enjoyment of nature."
"Of course..." Her father replied skeptically.
"But I do have news of the rumored Dragon in the Riverlands... There is a land, not far from Harrenhal, that I have heard horses refuse to enter and men are bewitched to ignore. Where the mist and fog reach far into the sky... A dragon can be heard calling from within..." Lord Varys whispered as he looked around to ensure he was not overhead.
Her father smirked, "Perhaps it is time for a Royal Hunt in that forest."