:-[Chapter 7]-:

Deep in meditation, Harry was trying to sense his core. For weeks now he tried, only to fail each time. This time though, he was sensing something… something warm. This feeling felt familiar somehow. The young wizard was farther into a trance than he'd ever been before in his life. Suddenly in front of him there was a bright greenish light and from it came a pleasant soft warmth. Harry had finally found it.

:-[T.A.B]-:

Harry Potter had very few instance in his life that he could be proud of something he did. Finding his core on his own was one of them. With that part finally out of the way, the young wizard was also able to create a very small ball of light in his hand, his first wandless magic.

"Hedwig!" screamed mentally Harry. "You got to wake up! Wake up girl!"

The white direwolf woke up but was not happy to do so.

"What is it, Master?" grumpily asked Hedwig. "I was dreaming that I was running toward a tower so high…and you woke me up."

"Sorry girl but I have a very good news! I can do the Lumos spell wandlessly at will. As soon as I found my core, it was almost instantaneous, I don't really know why…"

Harry suddenly heard a voice he knew well in front of him. Opening his emerald green eyes, he saw Kalvyn, the archangel of time. The old man was wearing a simple black tunic with grey pants and a hood. The hood was dropped however, letting Harry see the purples eyes of the man.

"Hey, kid, how are you fairing?" said a happy Kalvyn

"Kalvyn sir! It's been a while." Said an equally happy wizard.

"Yes, I am sure you are, kid. I just needed to tell you some stuff before I go back to the Leaky Cauldron to watch everything."

Harry nodded, remembering that it was probably five minutes or so since the old man saw him last.

"Finding your core was the first step of mastering wandless magic. It is a very hard step that you were able to do so very rapidly, I'm proud of you." Said the archangel, making Harry stand taller.

"I also saw that you started on creating a mindscape while meditating, that is also a very good thing that you did. The Mind Arts are something that no many wizard of your world can do and even less here."

"The Mind Arts? Do you mean like reading the thoughts of people? Controlling what they do or say?"

"All of the above Mister Potter. Being a wizard is basically being a super human. You, have the potential of being even more powerful than that. Case in point with finding your core when you are barely twelve years of age. Without the stupid restrains that your world impose on itself, you are free to explore every branch of magic."

"And you've said that I can keep everything once I go back to the real world, yes?"

"Yes Harry. You will be able to keep every single spell you discover here." Smirked Kalvyn.

"That is all great Master. Can I go back to sleep now?"

:-[T.A.B]-:

Sura Snow was walking fast within the corridor of Winterfell, holding many sheets for the guest wing. She had been extremely lucky after her mother died. Lady Stark herself had accepted to keep her in the castle. Her mother was a simple servant who died during the massive storm that ravaged Wintertown months ago. The young girl was now working for the Starks themselves, exactly like her mother before her.

She was very sad for a while, tears always falling down her eyes before falling asleep. The pain of losing her was of course still there, but day after day, the joy of life came back again. Now, she decided to honor Lady Stark generosity by doing the best work she could.

At thirteen years of age, she was now a woman by Westerosi standard. Her moon blood had arrived the day after her mother died and other servant had to explain to her what was going on. She had a small cute face with brown reddish eyes. Those eyes were her best features, her mother always said, having them because of her father. She was lucky to be skinny without looking sickly. Her long black hair reached her lower back and was tied with a red string.

It was Sura's job to take care of the newcomer's room. She didn't speak to him yet. From what the other servant were saying about him, he was a good person, kind and very polite. The young girl was scared of him however. There was something about him. Something way more… she did not know how to put it. And there was his direwolf of course. The animal didn't hurt anyone since it was here.

While she was deep in her thought, Sura wasn't really paying attention around her. She ran straight into someone and felled on the ground with a small yelp. Looking up, she saw the exact person who was occupying her thoughts, Harry Winterstorm. She gasped almost in surprise, having bump into someone of great importance in the castle.

"Milord Winterstorm! Please accept my deepest apologies. I-I-I wasn't paying attention where I was walking." Sura said, while trying to get up quickly.

She saw that his direwolf was just beside him, making her stop. The animal was getting bigger and bigger, now the size of a big wolf. Those piercing golden eyes made her uncomfortable. It was like the animal was way too smart for what it was.

Winterstorm chuckled softly, lowering his hand to help her get up. He did so easily like she weighed absolutely nothing.

"My Lady, I am no Lord. I am simply Harry." He said he a soft voice.

She didn't move. The wolf was looking at her right in the eyes.

"Do not be afraid my Lady. Hedwig is very sweet when you know her." Said the gentleman with a smile. He lift his hand in front of her, like he wanted to hold her hand. "May I?"

Sura let him take her hand in his. The feeling felt electric for her but she managed to keep her composure. If Harry felt it, it didn't show it. The young girl let him put her hand on the white direwolf's head.

"See? She just a big puppy my Lady." Continued the young man.

"I-I'm no Lady, just a mere servant for House Stark. I'm the one who takes care of your room milord, if you didn't know"

Harry chuckled a little at that but not in a mean way.

"Aye, I know. I've spotted you a couple of times when I leave my room on the morning. May I have the honor of knowing your name, my Lady?"

"Sura, My name is Sura Snow" she said shyly, already knowing he would look down on her for her ancestry.

"Sura." Said Harry, feeling her name on his lips. "It is a beautiful name, for a beautiful girl. You may call me Harry if you so wishes."

Sura felt her cheeks warmed at the comment. Never before a boy say that to her. Most were idiots mocking the fact she was a bastard. Now, this handsome young man was complementing her.

"And you may call me S-Sura," she said. "but I'm not sure I could simply call you Harry. You are after all the guest to our Lord Stark himself." Said Sura, trying to gain a little confidence.

"I do not have any titles, Sura. I was fortunate enough that Lord Stark found me and Hedwig and accepted us into his castle. I am a servant of the Starks like you, nothing more." He finished with a small smile.

On this, the young man left her to her tasks. Shaking her head, Sura took the sheets she dropped earlier and entered the Harry's room to change his bed sheets.

:-[T.A.B]-:

In his solar, Rickard Star was looking at the fire, thinking about what action he was about to take. He about to take a host of two thousand men from the North to fight against the Sistermen who were about to rebel against their liege lord, Jon Arryn of the Vale.

His entire family was there. It would be the last time they would all be together for months, maybe a year. Even with his cold outside demeanor, he wanted to see them all before leaving to war.

"I've called you here so everyone knows their role in the times to come. Brandon, Eddard, Harry and myself will go to war. Benjen will stay here has the Protector of Winterfell during our absences. Do you accept this role, son?" asked Rickard.

Puffing his small chest in pride, Benjen stood ready to take this honor that very few third son could have in their life.

"Aye, Father. I will protect our family and the North while you're in the Vale." Said proudly the young boy. "Winterfell is safe with us."

"I know my son. I would let you stay here as the Stark of Winterfell if I did not think you were ready. Your mother and sister will stay with you to aid you to this task."

Both women nodded at that. The mother already knew her role as the matriarch of the family but it was the first time for Lyanna.

"Brandon will come with me join House Manderly in White Harbor. We will take one thousand and five hundred men and attack by the north side of the islands. Eddard will go back by land to the Vale with the rest of the army and Robert Baratheon. Lord Arryn will see to you both once you are back in the Eyrie."

Again, both sons nodded at their father, understanding their role without protest. Each wanted to prove to their father is their own way. Brandon was desperate to prove himself on the battlefield and as a leader while Eddard wanted to bring honor to the Stark name.

Rickard turned his attention to the last person in the room, waiting patiently in the corner. Harry Winterstorm had his back on the wall with his arms crossed, listening to the entire conversation with interest.

"And for you, Harry, I want you to go with Eddard and Robert. Lord Reed will accompany you all from Moat Cailin to outside of the Neck. From there, Lord Tully will add an escort to the Vale. I have send instruction to Lord Arryn. You and Eddard are not to fight yet. I know you want to but you are not yet ready. I want you both to observe and learn. This is just as important. Hedwig will stay here to help Benjen in his task to rule Winterfell, won't you girl?"

The white direwolf went from Harry to Lord Rickard and licked his hand, as if to say yes. Hedwig loved all the Stark, except for Eddard whom she still didn't know a lot yet.

"We will do as you ask my Lord. Thank you for allowing Hedwig to stay here." Said a thankful Harry.

"No need. You've explained your reasoning but I agree. She will be more useful here in Winterfell. Benjen, listen to your mother and to Maester Walys but trust in yourself. You are a Stark and we are the wolves of the North, remember this, always."

"Aye, Father. I will not forget it." Assured the young boy.

"I know, son. I know you will do what is necessary to protect our home. Alyn will be Captain of the Guard while Ser Rodrik comes with me to war. He will follow you around the castle. He is not to leave your side, under no circumstance, do you understand?" Rickard ask firmly.

"Aye, Father. You have my word as a Stark." Assured Benjen.

"Good." Said Lord Stark, satisfied with the answer his son gave him. "Now please go do your tasks before we leave in the morrow. I need to speak with Harry before."

The Stark family and Hedwig left the solar, leave the patriarch and the young wizard alone. The only sound they could hear was the cold wind rushing hard against the window.

"What can I do for you, my Lord Stark?" said Harry.

"As I said, you're going to go with Eddard to the Vale. You're starting to become a fine warrior, if Ser Rodrik say is true. I want you to stay close to my son, and help Ser Rodrik protect him. Continue your training with the guards while you are with them on the road and in the Vale. They have plenty of knights who can help you."

"Thank you for the opportunities my Lord. I don't know how much I can help with protecting your son however, Ser Rodrik hasn't let me use a real steel sword yet."

"I know. Go see our young blacksmith apprentice, Mikken. I ordered a sword from him for you." Smiled lightly Rickard.

"Thank you Lord Rickard!" said a very excited Harry. His first steel sword!

The young wizard left the solar in direction of the forge. The army's departure would be very soon and he wanted to get use to his new sword as much as possible before leaving.

He didn't see the young girl with brown red eyes looking at him behind the corridor opposite corner with a deep blush.

:-[T.A.B]-:

The temperature inside the forge was exhausting. The smell of sweat was also very strong due to the dozen of men working there at the same time. Steam was everywhere as the blacksmith were quenching sword, tools and others.

But Harry didn't care. All he wanted was to see his sword. The blacksmith Mikken appeared from a cloud of smoke with the weapon in hand.

"Greeting Mikken. Lord Stark said that you have a little something for me?" said Harry, jumping from foot to foot.

"Hey kid. Aye, Lord Stark ordered a sword for you a couple of weeks ago when we got the news of the war. Just finish it yesterday in fact. Lord Stark wanted a simple sword for you since it's your first. She will do the job, you have my word."

Mikken gave Harry the sword, which was in a simple black and brown scabbard. The sword was around twenty-four inches long and good quality castle steel. The pommel was what caught Harry's attention. It was a carved wooden white wolf, looking almost exactly like Hedwig. Even the eyes were two very small ambers to match her golden eyes. The young warrior absolutely loved it.

"This is perfect Mikken! I can't wait to try it in a spar." Said Harry, as he removed the sword carefully from the scabbard.

"Lord Stark also asked us to make you a shield. It's in the same style as the House guard, with the Stark direwolf on the front." Explained the blacksmith.

"Wow! Thanks again Mikken." Said a grateful Harry before getting ready to leave to find someone to spar with.

"One last thing young man. We the blacksmiths have made you a little something with the approval of Lord Brandon, Lady Lyanna and Lord Benjen."

Mikken made Harry look to a mannequin, harboring a beautiful steel armor. Said armor was exactly like the Stark's soldiers with the exception of a pin in the shape of a white wolf.

"Lord Stark's children wanted you to have the best to wear. We took care to make it a little lighter for you since you are still skinny as a twig." Laughed the blacksmith.

:-[T.A.B]-:

In the Westerlands, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West was sitting in his solar, reading the letter one of his many spies in Westeros send him.

For years, The Lion of the Rock had developed his spy network through the know world. Knowledge was power. Knowing which Lord are in debt, who hates whom and or course, any information on what can help the Lannisters obtain more power.

With the birth of his daughter, Tywin had high hopes to marry her to Rhaegar Targaryen so that she could become a Queen. Since her birth, she was raised to be one. Before her death, his love Joanna had done everything she could to help in that way.

His pride, Jaime was starting to become a very good fighter. He was a natural with a sword. Tywin didn't waste any time. As soon as he heard this from multiples masters-at-arms, he ordered Jaime to train everyday with many types of weapons. Sword, mace, spear, knife, anything that could poke or smash someone to death was put in his hands.

Tywin returned his attention to the letter his spy from the north sent him.

T.

Greetings, my Lord. I bring you news from the North. The great storm is finally over. The damage around Winterfell itself is of no consequence. Some wooden buildings have been broken but nothing too serious. Wintertown however has been partially destroyed by the storm. Several house succumbed to the violent northern winds. Lord Stark himself, along with his Heir and his personal guard, went to the city to help with the repairs.

I need to tell you this, my Lord. During the storm, Lord Rickard Stark went out during the storm with a few men. They came back with a young boy who was passed out and had a direwolf. The beast is still young however. Mayhap there is something to do with it. About the boy, Lord Stark doesn't want to say why, but this child has some importance to him. I will try to elucidate this mystery before the next letter.

The beast has earned me a violent beating from Lord Stark himself. I complained about it when it started growling at me for no reason during one of my lessons. I made the mistake of wanting to skin the beast alive and I believe the only reason Lord Stark didn't banish or kill me is because I was the one who gave birth to his children. I am however on a thin line; I am more watched than before.

Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon are in Winterfell, send by Jon Arryn. They travel by land, as the Heir of Storm's End wanted to see Moat Cailin. The reason for their visit is a joint war between the Vale and the North. The three minor Houses from the Three Sisters are about to revolt against House Sunderland.

Rickard Stark himself will lead the main northern army with his first son, Brandon. He will sail from White Harbour with the Manderly fleet. His second son, Eddard, with lead around five hundred men through the Riverland by land and then the Vale where he will join Jon Arryn and attack the islands from the south while his father will attack from the north.

The damned beast will stay here with the runt Benjen as will the girl, Lyanna. The young boy with whom Lord Rickard came back with will go to the Vale with Eddard and Robert Baratheon.

The old wolf is still receptive to my advices. I firmly believe he is still serious about marrying his children off in the South since he is looking for powerful allies. Your plan is about to begin, my Lord.

For the Seven,

W.

As soon as Tywin finished reading the letter, he got up and put it in the fireplace and watch it burn. While he was doing so, the Lion of the Rock was deeply in his thoughts. The first phase was possibly completed. Now, the second phase could begin.

:-[T.A.B]-:

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