The next morning, a gentle knock on the door had awoken Harry from his sleep. Sunlight was streaming through the high windows, and he sat up groggily, rubbing his eyes as he glanced over at Daphne, who had fallen asleep next to him. Aelindra, curled up at the foot of Harry's bed, opened one eye, then settled back with a lazy yawn, unbothered by the noise.

'Daph, wake up!' He shouted mentally.

Daphne shot up in surprise, "what in Merlin's name!" She looked from Harry to the door and back and said, "I'm so sorry! I fell asleep on your bed!"

Harry chuckled quietly, "It's fine. No worries at all."

The door opened, and Oromis stepped inside, offering them a placid smile. "Good morning, Harry, Daphne. I hope that both you have rested well."

"Yes, thank you," Harry replied, glancing at Daphne, who gave a quick nod of agreement.

"There's so much to process, to understand about this place, about… everything." Daphne added.

Oromis nodded knowingly. "Please freshen up and then meet me in the clearing just uphill from here. Glaedr and I will be waiting." At that, he knelt and gave Aelindra a few scratches behind her neck. She cooed at that. He then got up and with a final nod in their direction, he exited the room.

'Harry.'

'Yes Daph.' She hadn't scolded him as yet for the nickname.

'Please may I have some privacy to use the little girls room.'

Blushing furiously, he bounced off the bed and flew out the door, closing it behind him.

-oIo-

Glaedr's massive form took up most of the space in the clearing. His body formed a U-shape around the table where they were sitting. Aelindra was happily chasing smoke rings that Glaedr puffed through his humongous nostrils.

"Where do we begin?" Daphne looked to Harry who shrugged nervously.

"Then let us start where we can. Perhaps you would share with me something of your world?" Oromis said.

Harry looked to Daphne, whose gaze softened as she nodded. "We come from a place called Earth," she began, then paused, seeming unsure of how to explain something so familiar and yet complex.

Harry picked up where she left off. "Back on Earth, there are those who can use magic – witches and wizards, and those who can't - muggles. Most of us go to a school called Hogwarts, where we learn magic from a young age although we are only allowed to use magic from the age of eleven when we get our first wand. Hogwarts itself… well, it's ancient. There's magic in its walls, secrets hidden all over. It's not unlike this forest," he said, gesturing to the room around them. "Alive in its own way."

"Hogwarts?" Oromis repeated, his tone contemplative. "I have read many accounts of different realms and lands through the archives of the elves, yet I know nothing of this place. And you say it is a school of magic?"

'Did he say elves?' Daphne butted into his head.

'Is he an elf?' He responded.

"Yes," Daphne chimed in, responding to Oromis while looking at Harry. "It's where we've spent most of our lives, really. We learn spells, potions, and there are enchanted creatures – much like this forest, Hogwarts has hidden histories, secrets woven into its foundation. And, well, Harry here happens to be rather famous in our world." She gave him a teasing look, which he responded to with an embarrassed smile.

"Sorry, sir, I don't meant to offend you, but are you an elf?" Harry asked sheepishly.

Oromis's eyes glimmered with a soft amusement, and he nodded gracefully. "Yes, Harry, I am indeed an elf, as is Glaedr in spirit, although he has taken on his draconic form." He gestured toward Glaedr, who watched them with a calm, golden gaze. "Elves are an old race within Alagaësia – though formerly from beyond the seas – known for our close bond with nature, our affinity with magic, and our unyielding pursuit of knowledge and balance. Unlike humans, we live for centuries, our lifespans extending as long as our spirits remain strong and undimmed. Magic flows through us naturally, a part of our very essence rather than something learned or borrowed."

He paused, letting his words settle, then continued, "For us, magic is not channeled by a tool, such as your wands, but by the strength of our will and the harmony we maintain with the world around us. The Ancient Language binds us, acting as a law of nature that shapes our world. When we speak it, we are bound by the truth of our words, and in that way, it offers both great power and profound responsibility."

Daphne leaned forward; eyes wide. "So... when you say something in this language, it becomes real? It can't be undone?"

"Precisely," Oromis replied, a gentle yet solemn expression crossing his face. "The Ancient Language is more than words; it is a connection to the very fabric of Alagaësia. Speaking it without understanding this connection is… dangerous." He looked between Harry and Daphne, his gaze lingering on Harry's scar. "But I suspect you already understand the weight of bearing magic."

Harry glanced down at his hand, where the Gedwey Ignasia pulsed lightly, then unconsciously brought it up to brush his scar as he spoke, "Oromis-"

"You may address me as ebrithil." Oromis raised his hand.

"What is that?" Harry appeared confused, as did Daphne.

"It directly translates to master in the common tongue, but inherently means teacher."

"Thank you, ebrithil, anyway, back in our world, there was someone… someone who caused a lot of pain. His name was Voldemort, a dark wizard who wanted to rule over everyone, to take over not only the magical world but the non-magical world as well." His voice softened, and now he found himself absently tracing the line of his scar. "It took everything I had to stop him, with help from friends, but I always failed."

Oromis's gaze grew somber. "A wielder of magic corrupted by his own desires… it seems there are struggles common across all worlds." He looked from Harry to Daphne with a calm intensity. "Your bond, both of you, is an extraordinary one. I suspect that the magic of your union, formed by an ancient rite, has deepened your connection, allowing you to hear one another's thoughts."

Daphne nodded, her expression serious. "That's what I suspected. In our world, we call it Legilimency, the ability to read minds, but this is different. It feels as though our thoughts are bound together."

Oromis looked at them thoughtfully. "A bond like yours is rare, even among Riders. It will strengthen with time, just as your bond with Aelindra will, Harry" He paused, as though considering his words carefully. "This world can be harsh, but there is also harmony to be found here. You have come at a time of great change in Alagaësia."

"Not Daphne?" He asked, piqued.

"I can only suspect but there is no precedent upon which I can look to for answers." Oromis smiled.

Harry listened, absorbing Oromis's words. The bond between him and Daphne was undeniable; he could feel her in his mind, an almost subconscious presence, and she could feel him.

A sudden chirp from Aelindra, who was now bored of chasing smoke rings began sniffing the air and brought their attention back to the room. She trotted over to Harry's side, nudging him with her nose as if urging him to do something. He smiled, reaching down to scratch her scales.

"I think she's hungry again," he murmured with a grin.

Oromis chuckled, rising from his seat. "Then let us tend to her needs. Harry, will you fetch her bowl of deer?" Oromis walked over to Glaedr and appeared to begin a deep conversation while Harry tried to get Daphnes attention.

'Daph, can we trust him?' He asked.

'I think so, why?'

'I want to show him our magic and ask that he show us his.' Harry stood up at that and slowly withdrew his wand.

'I think it will be fine, but do we really want everyone in this world to know our secrets?' she challenged.

'What a Slytherin thing to say.' He smiled at her, this time showing his teeth.

'Ewww, there's broccoli in your teeth, okay if you want to be an impulsive Lion then by all means, go ahead.' She huffed mentally while Harry bashfully closed his mouth with burning hot cheeks.

He focused his wand on the pile, which was about fifty meters away. Glaedr, perked his head up and watched curiously.

"ACCIO!" he shouted. The bow of meat shot off the distant table, dropping a few pieces a long the way and zoomed straight to Harry who expertly caught it.

"Intriguing!" Oromis said eyeing Harry's wand, which was still in his hand even though he caught the bowl with two hands.

"What was that!" A different voice sounded behind Daphne.

"Hello Eragon." Oromis dipped his head, allowing Eragon to come forward.

A blue shadow landed upon the edge of the cleared and then bowed respectfully to Glaedr.
Harry was in awe. This dragon was a lot smaller than Glaedr but no less majestic, if not more so. The boy, Eragon, was around Harry's age, maybe a bit older, wearing an outfit that was probably fashionable in the 1200s.

"Ebrithil." Eragon greeted Oromis. He stole a glance at the pair before returning his focus to the elf.

Oromis dipped his head in approval at which point Eragon turned to them.

"Hi, I'm Eragon, and this is Saphira." He gestured towards the dragon.

Saphira stepped forward and gazed at Harry, then to Aelindra who went to snuggle against Daphnes legs for safety.

'Greetings, strange ones.' A strong female voice reverberated in Harry and Daphnes heads.

"Hullo," Harry waved stupidly. "Nice to meet you both!" He then extended his hand to Eragon who shook his hand gingerly.

"Can you do that again?" Eragon asked Harry abruptly. Daphne sniggered and Oromis was content to just sit comfortably on his chair and observe the interaction.

Harry nodded, pointed his wand at the fruit bowl that was on the table and said, "ACCIO!"

The bowl flew into Harry's hands.

Eragon stumbled forward, his mouth agape as he gawked at the flying bowl now snug in Harry's hands. His gaze flitted from the bowl to Harry's wand and back again, eyes wide with wonder. "What… how did you make it move like that without the ancient language?"

Harry grinned, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Oh, just a little charm we call 'Accio.' It lets you summon things to you." He waved his wand in a playful manner, as if it were a mere toy. "Pretty handy, isn't it?"

Eragon scratched his head, looking slightly flustered. "That's… well, that's not how our magic works here. You used words, but the magic in Alagaësia flows through thought and intent. No one here needs a… stick."

Harry chuckled, twirling his wand with an exaggerated flourish. "Yeah, wands are kind of essential where we come from. Don't worry though, I've met my fair share of people who thought they didn't need one either. Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, for one," he added with a laugh.

Daphne rolled her eyes, nudging him. "Harry, please don't explain wands with Crookshanks as a reference. We're supposed to be impressing people here, not confusing them. But since when did you give your cat to Hermione?" Harry shot her a sharp look at this.

Eragon laughed, his shoulders relaxing as he looked at Daphne with renewed interest. A faint blush crept onto his cheeks as their eyes met. "Well, I can't say I understand it all, but it's… fascinating. Both of you. Nice to meet you milady."

Saphira snorted rather loudly.

'I am not sure whether Harry would like you courting his mate.' Saphira projected to everyone.

Harry laughed and raised an eyebrow at Eragon's slight stammer and smirked, enjoying the obvious tension. "Right, so, Daphne and I are fascinating, huh?"

Daphne elbowed him hard, and Harry winced, but he kept his mischievous grin as he whispered to her mentally, 'Looks like someone has a crush on you, Daph.' Completely ignoring the comment about Daphne being his mate.

'Shut it, Potter,' she shot back, though he could feel the warmth of her amusement through their bond.

Saphira, who had been watching them with growing curiosity, suddenly turned her sapphire gaze on Aelindra, who had taken a proud stance next to Harry. The mighty blue dragon inhaled deeply, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in the smaller dragon's scales, which glistened like molten silver under the sunlight. 'Such beauty and grace in one so young,' Saphira marveled, her thoughts directed to both Eragon and Harry.

Aelindra gave a delicate trill of pleasure, basking in the praise from the older dragon, and dipped her head in a show of respect.

"Yep," said Eragon, "all dragons are vain." At which point they all laughed.

'Enough.' Glaedr's voice immediately turned everyone silent. 'You are here for your education.'

Oromis gestured for them all to sit, breaking the light-hearted exchange with a gentle wave of his hand. "Now that we've settled a bit, and exchanged pleasantries, let us speak more freely."

They all took their seats around the table, Saphira and Glaedr settling nearby, their watchful eyes never leaving the young Riders and their companions. Oromis began, his voice low and measured. "Eragon, you are here for a purpose, you understand that purpose, have been in battle and killed for that purpose. As I said last week, you have rid the land of what is probably the second greatest evil there is, with Galbatorix being the first."

Eragon nodded.

"Harry," Oromis' expression turned solemn, "you must first be aware that Galbatorix was once a rider like you and Eragon, but his path diverged a long time ago, twisted by ambition and grief. Alagaësia, as it stands, has felt his tyrannical shadow for nearly a century. Once, he was one of the most gifted Riders of his time, but after the death of his dragon, he succumbed to a profound rage and demanded a replacement—a desire the other Riders refused to honor, fearing the darkness in his heart."

He continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. "In his wrath, Galbatorix defied our laws and broke ancient covenants. He stole a dragon egg and twisted its young mind to bond with him, using forbidden spells and forbidden magic. This dragon, Shruikan, was forced into a life of torment and servitude, forever tied to a master it had not chosen. With Shruikan by his side, Galbatorix began a campaign of terror, slaughtering Riders, burning cities, and imposing his rule on all."

Harry and Daphne exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Oromis's words sinking in. Daphne asked, "Why hasn't anyone been able to stop him? Surely, with so many powerful beings here, there could have been a chance?"

"Galbatorix possesses power beyond imagination," Oromis explained. "With every Rider he killed, he absorbed their knowledge and strength, growing more formidable. Those who rose against him were crushed swiftly, and in time, fear and despair settled across the land. He all but exterminated dragonkind." Glaedr growled loudly, Harry had a fleeting image of a Dodge Charger and felt Daphnes thoughts of agreement brush against him.

'He must die. That is the only solution that will save all the races and bring us to an era of peace for however long it may last. Galbatorix is as cruel as he is vicious.' Glaedr impressed upon them.

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine. "And Eragon and I… we're supposed to change that?"

Oromis placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Change is never certain, young one, but hope springs eternal. You and Eragon are not alone in this; you have each other, your dragons, and those who believe in a better world. However, the task before you will demand everything you have and more."

Daphne took Harry's hand, her gaze steady. "Then we'll prepare ourselves and learn all that we can."

Oromis nodded approvingly. "The bond between a Rider and their dragon, and between you two, is your greatest strength. Together, we may find a way to bring light back to Alagaësia and, perhaps, to heal the scars that bind it."

"But what if I don't want to?" Harry asked, "I just want to go home, I know it is selfish, but I have my own war, my own demons, my own evil enemy that wants me dead just as much as this Galbatorix wants us dead." Daphne stiffened next to him.

Eragon opened his mouth in disbelief, "I can't believe that! Nobody is eviler than Galbatorix? Which city are you from?"

"Peace, Eragon-finiarel, they are from a different – land." Oromis hesitated for a second before turning to Harry and Daphne, "Harry. Daphne. I understand your longing to return home, however, we still have present issues that need to be addressed and while you are homesick, you are also bound to this land through your bond with Aelindra. You cannot abandon her."

Eragon raised his hand.

Oromis acquiesced.

"Thank you Ebrithil," he faced Daphne and Harry, "when Saphira hatched for me, I didn't understand the bond for the first few days, but I began to understand its importance as time went on, at first I thought of her as a pet." Saphira snuffed at this, Eragon called it her snorting huff, therefore snuff. "Eventually, I couldn't bear the thought of being away from her for more than a few hours, I constantly worried whether she had eaten or was safe but now, I feel the roles are reversed. I would never leave her side."

They nodded their understanding.

"...Sorry, Saphira," Eragon cast her an apologetic glance, earning a playful growl in response. "But now, I understand that she's part of me. Without her, I'd be… well, lost." He looked at Harry and Daphne with an earnest expression. "If Aelindra chose you, then you're meant to be here, even if the path ahead seems daunting."

Harry took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Eragon's words, but he couldn't shake the gnawing feeling of uncertainty. Is this really where I'm supposed to be? He thought, feeling Daphne's presence pulse gently in his mind. There was a sense of security in it, a reminder that he wasn't alone in his struggles.

'Harry,' Daphne's voice came softly, almost like a whisper in his mind. 'Are you afraid?'

'Honestly? Yeah,' he admitted. 'I've faced all sorts of monsters back home, but this… this is a whole new world, literally. And the idea of being stuck here? I don't know, Daph…'

Daphne's mental presence was steady, calming. 'I feel it too. Part of me just wants to find a way back, to see Astoria and my family again. But…' She paused, and he felt her gathering her thoughts. 'But, Harry, I think maybe we were brought here for a reason. Maybe there's something we're supposed to learn from all of this, something that might help us in our own world.'

'Maybe,' Harry replied, his thoughts colored by doubt. 'But what if we can't go back, Daph? What if we're… stuck here?'

He felt her hesitation, a flicker of the same fears he was grappling with. 'Then,' she answered slowly, 'we make the best of it. We learn what we can. And we do what we do best – stand together and fight. For this world if we must, and for ours if we get the chance.'

Her resolve surged through their bond, grounding him. Taking a deep breath, Harry found himself looking at Aelindra, who was nuzzling Saphira. In that moment, he felt a sliver of understanding – maybe there was more than one path to protecting the ones they loved, and maybe this world had something to teach them.

He glanced at Daphne, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Then let's face whatever comes, together, he sent, feeling her silent agreement echo in return. He had faced one dark lord already. Maybe, just maybe, they were ready for this one too.

"Ebrithil," Daphne began, shooting a quick glance at Harry, "we shall remain here for as long as is necessary, or until we find a way home but not without assisting your cause. We shall study with you and do our best. I do not have a dragon, but I have been trained as a Duelist for the past four years by professionals in the sport. Our magic is different to that of Alagaësia but we can channel it in the same way, I can feel it and understand it's nature. So yes, we will stay and fight. Harry will honor his bond with Aelindra. So I say, so mote it be."

Daphne waved her wand at that, and Harry felt a wave of energy seep into him. He felt immense appreciation and awe towards her. He wouldn't want to duel with her!

Oromis stared at her for a few seconds before responding, "On behalf of all älfakyn and – Glaedr – we accept your assistance and ask only that you both give this your undeterred focus and dedication. You will both train alongside Eragon and Saphira, as will Aelindra when she is older. Shall we begin your first lesson in magic?"

Daphne caught Harry's gaze and they both nodded in silent agreement as Oromis began.

"Magic in Alagaësia is a force governed by truth – by the words of the Ancient Language. It cannot lie, and so neither can those who wield it in its purest form. Our magic is limited by the energy within us, by our understanding of the natural order, and by the laws of this land."

Eragon listened attentively but shot Harry curious glances as Oromis continued. Harry, though trying to keep a straight face, kept flashing Daphne sidelong glances, as though he were sitting too far away from her.

Oromis turned to Eragon suddenly. "Eragon, what do we know of the conservation of energy in spellcasting?"

"Uh, well," Eragon fumbled for a moment, visibly trying to recall the lectures that had been drilled into him. "Magic uses… it draws from our strength. If you try to cast something beyond your limits such as an extremely heavy item or a lengthy distance, it can - "

"- drain you entirely, even lead to your own death," Oromis finished with a slight smile. "You are remembering, but only just."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying I can't just summon whatever I want? Even if I know the right spell?"

Oromis nodded. "Precisely, Harry. Alagaësian magic takes as much as it gives. To pull the meat to you as you did would require focus, perhaps even more than your incantation needed. It is rooted in intent."

Daphne glanced at Harry with a mixture of intrigue and caution. 'I think I'd rather stick to incantations for now. I'm not ready to collapse because I was hungry.'

Oromis gave a quiet chuckle, as if he'd caught a fragment of her thought. "You will both learn the Ancient Language in time. I will teach you, and in doing so, you may unlock new depths of magic—if you have the patience."

Harry shot Daphne a wary look. 'Patience has never been my strong suit.'

'Tell me something I don't know,' she replied with a smirk, making him stifle a laugh.'