Chapter 16

With King Robert's grim pronouncement hanging in the air, Ned Stark turned to his men. "Ser Rodrik, Jory, secure all the Lannisters present in Winterfell. We cannot allow any to slip away."

Ser Rodrik and Jory nodded, swiftly leaving the chamber to carry out the command. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone braced for the impending confrontation.

Ned looked at Harry and Dany. "We'll need to be prepared for anything. Stay close and be ready."

Harry nodded, his expression serious. "We'll be ready, Lord Stark."

As the group dispersed to their respective tasks, the anticipation of the trial and its consequences weighed heavily on their minds.

—

The great hall of Winterfell was filled with lords, ladies, and onlookers, all buzzing with curiosity and speculation. King Robert sat at the head of the hall, his face a mask of stern resolve. Beside him, Ned Stark stood, his expression equally grave. Cersei Lannister stood before them, her face a picture of cold defiance.

Robert's voice rang out, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. "Cersei Lannister, you stand accused of treason and adultery. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

The crowd reacted with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Gasps and whispers filled the hall as the severity of the charges sank in. Some exchanged incredulous glances, while others leaned in to murmur their thoughts to their neighbors. The accusations were grave and scandalous, threatening to shake the very foundation of the realm's power structure.

Cersei's eyes flashed with fury. "I demand a trial by combat," she declared, her voice steady and commanding.

The room fell into a stunned silence before erupting into a cacophony of noise. Lords and ladies exchanged frantic whispers, their faces a mix of shock and intrigue. The gravity of the situation had everyone on edge, and the demand for a trial by combat added a dramatic twist to the already tense atmosphere.

As the whispers and murmurs continued to ripple through the crowd, King Robert addressed Cersei again, his voice booming over the noise.

"Who will be your champion?" Robert asked, his voice carrying a mix of disdain and curiosity.

Cersei's eyes gleamed with a mixture of defiance and satisfaction as she paused for dramatic effect. "I name Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, as my champion," she declared, her voice unwavering.

A collective gasp swept through the hall. The Mountain's reputation for brutality and sheer strength was well known, and the choice was unexpected. Everyone had assumed Jaime Lannister would be her champion. The tension in the room escalated, with shocked expressions and hurried whispers filling the air.

Nearby, Sandor Clegane, known as the Hound, stiffened at the mention of his brother's name. His eyes burned with deep-seated hatred, his loathing for Gregor evident in his clenched fists and tense posture.

King Robert's expression hardened as he turned to face the assembly. "Very well," he said, his voice grim. "Who will stand as our champion?"

As the crowd's shock began to settle, eyes turned to Harry, whose expression remained resolute. He stepped forward, his voice carrying a quiet confidence. "I will stand as our champion, Your Grace."

The hall erupted once more, the atmosphere charged with anticipation and dread. The announcement of the champions had set the stage for a clash that would determine the fate of Cersei Lannister and potentially shift the balance of power within the realm.

Jon, Robb, and Ned exchanged concerned glances, their worry for Harry palpable. The stakes were incredibly high, and Harry's role in this was far from safe.

King Robert's voice cut through the din, authoritative and resolute. "Maester," he called, turning to the elderly scholar. "Send a raven to Lord Tywin Lannister, informing him of the events that have transpired here. Instruct him to be present in King's Landing when we arrive with Ser Gregor for the Trial by Combat."

The Maester nodded and hurried to carry out the king's orders.

Robert then turned to his guards, his expression hardening further. "Ensure that Cersei is kept under lock and key at all times. Ser Jaime Lannister will be charged with her protection." A grim smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "And if she escapes, all the better. It will give me a chance to kill her and the Kingslayer both."

Ned looked at Robert, a mix of apprehension and understanding in his eyes. The complexity of the situation weighed heavily on them all, but they knew the path forward was fraught with peril.

Harry, standing tall and resolute, nodded at Jon and Robb, signaling his readiness for what lay ahead. The brothers clasped his shoulders in support, their faces set with determination.

As the hall slowly emptied, preparations for their journey to King's Landing began in earnest. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the anticipation of the trial by combat that would determine not just the fate of individuals, but the future of the realm itself.

—

The courtyard of Winterfell was bustling with activity as preparations for multiple journeys were underway. Horses were being saddled, supplies packed, and farewells exchanged. The urgency of recent events had set everyone on edge, but the tasks at hand provided a momentary distraction.

Harry, Dany, Robb, and Jon stood together, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation.

"Are you sure about this?" Robb asked, his concern evident as he looked at Harry and Dany.

Harry nodded, his face resolute. "We need to inspect our new holdings and ensure everything is in order at Moat Cailin. The Neck is a strategic location, and we must secure it."

Jon, standing beside them, nodded in agreement. "We'll join the Royal Party at The Neck. It's crucial that we stay involved in the events unfolding in King's Landing."

Robb sighed but accepted their decision. "Just be careful. We'll need each other more than ever in the days to come."

Ned approached, his face lined with concern and resolve. "Once you reach The Neck, stay vigilant. The situation in King's Landing is volatile, and we must be prepared for anything."

As the final preparations were being made, Harry pulled Robb aside, ensuring they were out of earshot from any prying eyes, especially those loyal to the Lannisters.

"Robb," Harry began in a low voice, "there's something you should know. Once we're a good distance away from Winterfell and out of sight of any Lannister eyes, we'll be using Fawkes to transport us directly to Moat Cailin. This will give us an extra week there to finish off some crucial projects."

Robb's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "That's a clever move, Harry. It'll give you the time you need without raising suspicions."

Harry nodded. "Exactly. We'll make sure Moat Cailin is well-fortified and ready. If anything happens, we'll be able to hold our ground."

Robb placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Thank you. Knowing that you'll have that extra time makes me feel a bit more at ease. Just stay safe."

Harry gave a reassuring smile. "We will, Robb. And we'll keep you informed of our progress."

With their secret plan set, Harry and Robb rejoined the group, the sense of determination renewed among them. 

Ned, who had been watching from a distance, approached. "Is everything all right?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Harry nodded. "Yes, Lord Stark. We've just discussed a few additional precautions to ensure our safety and the success of our mission."

Ned's expression softened slightly. "Good. Take care of each other out there."

With final farewells exchanged, Harry, Dany, Jon and Robb mounted their horses, ready to depart for Moat Cailin.

—

With final farewells exchanged, Harry, Dany, Jon, and Robb mounted their horses, ready to depart for Moat Cailin. As they rode out of Winterfell, they wasted no time, spurring their horses to their limits to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the castle. The urgency of their mission pressed heavily upon them, each beat of the horses' hooves echoing the weight of their responsibilities.

The cold Northern wind whipped past them, but they pressed on relentlessly, knowing that every mile brought them closer to the safety of distance from prying eyes. Once they were confident they were far enough from Winterfell and any potential Lannister spies, Harry signaled for them to slow down.

"Here should be good," he said, glancing around to ensure they were alone.

Dismounting, Harry called out, "Fawkes!" In a burst of flame, the magnificent phoenix appeared, its plumage gleaming with an ethereal light.

"First things first," Harry said, reaching for the shrunken trunk he kept around his neck. With a tap of his wand, it expanded to its full size on the ground.

As Harry retrieved his trunk and expanded it, Robb and Jon stared in awe. They had heard tales of Harry's magical items, but seeing the trunk's true nature was something else entirely.

"What in the Seven Hells is that?" Robb asked, eyes wide as he watched the trunk's compartments unfold.

"It's incredible," Jon murmured, stepping closer to get a better look at the spacious interior designed to hold the horses comfortably.

"It's my trunk," Harry explained with a grin. "It has multiple compartments, each with its own specific purpose. This one here is designed to accommodate animals, with habitats tailored for their needs."

Robb shook his head in amazement. "You've got to show me how this works someday."

Jon chuckled, still inspecting the trunk's interior. "Leave it to Harry to have something like this up his sleeve."

Harry smiled, pleased with their reactions. "We'll have plenty of time for that. Right now, let's focus on getting the horses inside so we can get to Moat Cailin."

With the horses safely stowed away, Harry shrunk the trunk back down and placed it around his neck.

"Everyone, place a hand on Fawkes," Harry instructed. "He'll transport us to Moat Cailin."

Following Harry's lead, they each placed a hand on the phoenix. In a burst of warmth and light, they found themselves standing in the courtyard of Moat Cailin.

Robb looked around, still processing the rapid series of events. "That was... something else."

Jon smiled, feeling the magic of the ancient stronghold. "I could get used to this."

"Welcome home," Harry said with a smile, feeling the magic of the place resonate within him.

Dany looked around, her eyes filled with determination. "Let's make the most of our time here. We have much to do."

As Jon and Robb surveyed the revitalized Moat Cailin, their astonishment was palpable. Gone was the ruin they remembered from their childhoods, replaced instead by the grandeur of a fortress reborn.

"It's... incredible," Robb breathed, his eyes scanning the towering walls and sturdy towers that now stood proudly against the backdrop of the marshes.

Jon nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the fortress with a sense of wonder. "I never thought I'd see it like this. It's like stepping back in time."

Harry and Dany exchanged a satisfied glance, pleased to see their friends' reactions to the transformation. "We wanted to restore Moat Cailin to its former glory," Harry explained, his voice tinged with pride. "And with the help of magic, it's become more than we ever imagined."

Dany nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with admiration for the accomplishment. "Magic has played a crucial role in this restoration. It's amazing to witness what can be achieved when it's wielded with skill and purpose."

Robb and Jon looked on in awe, impressed by the scale of the restoration and the power of magic at play. "It's truly remarkable," Robb remarked, his voice filled with admiration.

Jon nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Moat Cailin has been reborn, a testament to the dedication and vision of those who worked tirelessly to make it a reality."

Harry then spoke up, his tone thoughtful. "But our work isn't over yet. I've been considering the potential of constructing a canal that would connect the Fever River to the Bite River. Not only would it open up new trade routes and opportunities for commerce, but it would also enhance our strategic position militarily."

Robb's eyes widened with realization. "That's brilliant," he exclaimed. "With such a canal in place, we could control access to the North and strengthen our defenses significantly."

Harry nodded, pleased to see Robb's enthusiasm. "Exactly. It would give us greater control over the flow of goods and people in and out of the region, as well as provide a vital link between our lands and the rest of Westeros."

Jon chimed in, his expression thoughtful. "This would undoubtedly have significant implications for House Frey as well. Lord Walder Frey's control over the crossing at the Twins has long been a source of power and influence. With a canal connecting the Fever River to the Bite River, our ability to bypass the Twins would diminish his hold over the region."

Robb nodded, understanding the implications. "Indeed. It would be a strategic move that could potentially shift the balance of power in the Riverlands."

Harry snorted, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I daresay most of the Lords of Westeros would relish the 'Late' Lord Walder Frey losing his stranglehold over the Neck."

Dany chuckled, the irony not lost on her. "It seems fitting, considering his reputation for arriving after the battle is already won."

Robb joined in the laughter, his expression tinged with satisfaction. "Aye, it would serve him right. But we must be cautious. The Freys are not to be underestimated."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We'll need to proceed with caution and anticipate any potential repercussions. But the prospect of breaking the Frey stranglehold over the Neck is too enticing to ignore."

With their plan taking shape and their resolve strengthened by the thought of challenging the status quo, they continued to discuss the implications of their proposed canal project, knowing that their actions could have far-reaching consequences for the North and beyond.

—

Building a canal connecting the Fever River to the Bite River was no small feat, even with the aid of Harry and Dany's magic. The task was fraught with complexity, requiring meticulous planning and precise execution.

Firstly, there was the matter of excavating the canal itself. The terrain of the Neck was notoriously difficult, with dense marshes, rocky terrain, and unpredictable waterways posing significant challenges. With magic, Harry and Dany could manipulate the earth and water, but they had to be careful not to disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem or cause unintended environmental damage.

Next, there was the issue of maintaining a consistent water flow. The canal needed to be deep and wide enough to accommodate ships and barges, but also shallow and gentle enough to prevent flooding and erosion. Harry and Dany's magic could regulate the water levels and control the flow, but it required constant vigilance and adjustment to ensure stability.

Then, there were the logistical challenges of construction. Materials had to be transported and assembled, workers had to be coordinated and managed, and unforeseen obstacles had to be overcome. With magic, Harry and Dany could speed up the construction process and overcome physical limitations, but it still required careful planning and coordination to ensure everything came together smoothly.

Overall, building a canal of such magnitude required not only magical prowess but also strategic foresight, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication. Harry and Dany were up to the challenge, but they knew it would require every ounce of their skill and determination to see it through to completion.

—

With only a week to work with, Dany and Harry wasted no time getting started on the planning for the canal. They gathered their maps, surveying tools, and magical instruments, determined to make the most of the time they had. Their goal was to lay the groundwork for the project, outlining the route of the canal, identifying potential obstacles, and devising strategies to overcome them.

Meanwhile, Jon and Robb, eager to assist in any way they could, approached Harry and Dany, ready to lend their support. "How can we help?" Jon asked, his expression earnest.

Harry nodded appreciatively, grateful for their enthusiasm. "We could use your help in surveying the terrain and assessing the feasibility of various routes for the canal," he replied. "We need to identify the most advantageous path that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes efficiency."

Robb nodded in understanding. "Consider it done," he declared, his determination clear.

Harry turned to Jon with a thoughtful expression. Retrieving a set of five stones from his trunk, each carved with ancient runes, he handed them to Jon. Dany recognized them instantly as Wardstones, creations of Harry's friend Hermione.

"These are Wardstones," Harry explained, his voice grave. "They have been enchanted with protective spells to ward off danger and detect any hostile presence nearby. I need you to place four of them at the boundaries of the lands that I hold as Lord of Moat Cailin. Once all four are placed, I will activate the wards by placing the larger Keystone in the heart of Moat Cailin."

Jon nodded, recognizing the significance of the task. "I'll make sure they're placed securely and discreetly," he affirmed, his sense of responsibility evident.

As Jon and Robb departed to fulfill their respective tasks, Dany turned to Harry, a curious expression on her face. "Have you placed any wards around Winterfell?" she asked, her tone filled with intrigue. "I sensed that Winterfell had some very robust wards."

Harry considered Dany's question, his brow furrowing in thought. "The wards around Winterfell existed long before I arrived," he explained, his tone contemplative. "They're ancient, possibly dating back to the time when Winterfell itself was built."

He paused, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes. "It's said that Bran the Builder, the legendary ancestor of House Stark, was a skilled architect and builder," he continued. "But there are whispers that he had magic. I think he may have been a wizard, imbuing his creations with powerful magical protections."

Dany listened intently, intrigued by the possibility of ancient magic woven into the very fabric of Winterfell. "Do you think there's any truth to this?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Harry shrugged, acknowledging the uncertainty. "It's hard to say for sure," he admitted. "But I intend to inspect other structures attributed to Bran the Builder, such as the Wall, Storm's End, or the Hightower, to see if similar magical protections exist."

Harry nodded, his mind racing with theories and possibilities. "More than that," he stated. "The Valyrian Freehold has also intrigued me. The bond between the Valyrians and dragons is unlike anything else we've seen. It's possible that a wizard or a witch with a proficiency in blood magic played a role in its founding."

His thoughts turned to the three dragon eggs nestled safely in his trunk, a tangible reminder of the mysteries surrounding the Valyrians and their ancient civilization. "When I first felt a connection to the dragon eggs, it sparked a suspicion that there's more to the Valyrians' story than meets the eye," he explained.

Dany's eyes widened with fascination, her curiosity piqued by Harry's insights. "Do you think we'll ever uncover the truth about the Valyrians' origins?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Harry smiled, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "I believe we will," he replied. "With time, patience, and a healthy dose of magic, perhaps we'll unlock the secrets of the Valyrians and the ancient mysteries that shroud their civilization."

With their conversation delving into the realms of ancient magic and lost civilizations, Harry and Dany found themselves embarking on a journey of discovery that would take them to the very heart of Westerosi history.

—

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, Harry and Dany made their way to the heart of Moat Cailin's ancient crypts. Carrying the Keystone between them, they descended deeper and deeper into the earth, the air growing cooler and the darkness enveloping them like a shroud.

Robb and Jon followed close behind, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls as they navigated the labyrinthine passages of the crypts. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that seemed to crackle with the promise of magic.

Finally, they reached a cavernous chamber, its walls lined with the silent sentinels of generations past. In the center of the chamber lay a pedestal, awaiting the arrival of the Keystone.

With practiced precision, Harry and Dany placed the Keystone upon the pedestal, their hands glowing with the ethereal light of their magic. As they poured their energy into the stone, a faint hum filled the air, growing stronger with each passing moment.

Robb and Jon watched in awe as the runes carved into the stone began to glow with a soft, pulsating light, casting intricate patterns upon the cavern walls. The ancient magic of Moat Cailin surged to life, filling the chamber with its power.

At last, the transformation was complete. The Wards of Moat Cailin had been activated, their protective magic extending outward to encompass the entire stronghold. Harry and Dany exchanged a satisfied glance, knowing that they had fulfilled their duty to safeguard their newfound home.

With the Wards in place, they ascended from the crypts, the weight of their task lifted from their shoulders. As they emerged into the cool night air, they shared a moment of quiet reflection, grateful for the opportunity to protect those they held dear.

Robb and Jon approached their friends, their admiration evident in their expressions. "That was... incredible," Robb remarked, his voice filled with respect.

Jon nodded in agreement, his eyes lingering on the runes that adorned the chamber walls. "You've done something truly remarkable here," he added, his tone tinged with awe.

Harry and Dany exchanged a humble smile, grateful for the support of their friends. Together, they stood in the heart of Moat Cailin, united by a shared purpose and a newfound sense of belonging.

—

With the Wards of Moat Cailin now in place, Harry led the group to what was now essentially his solar within the stronghold. The chamber, once neglected and dusty, had been transformed into a warm and inviting space, illuminated by the soft glow of magical torches that lined the walls.

As they entered, the group took in their surroundings with a sense of wonder. Books and scrolls lined the shelves, artifacts and curiosities adorned the tables, and maps of the surrounding lands hung upon the walls.

"This will be our base of operations," Harry announced, his voice echoing in the chamber. "From here, we can oversee the restoration efforts, plan our next moves, and keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area."

Dany nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's perfect," she remarked, her gaze sweeping across the room. "A place where we can work together to ensure the safety and prosperity of Moat Cailin."

Robb and Jon exchanged a glance, impressed by the transformation that had taken place. "It's hard to believe this was once just a forgotten corner of the stronghold," Robb remarked, his tone filled with admiration.

With a flick of his wand, Harry conjured a holographic projection of Moat Cailin and its surroundings, hovering in the air before them. The intricate details of the stronghold and its environs shimmered with magical energy, casting a soft glow that illuminated the room.

Robb's eyes widened in astonishment as he recognized the familiar layout. "Is that...?" he began, his voice trailing off in disbelief.

Harry nodded, his grin widening. "The Marauders' Map," he confirmed, gesturing towards the holographic display. "Hermione added it to the wards when she enchanted the stones. Now, we'll always know who's around and where they are within the stronghold."

Jon's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he leaned in for a closer look. "That's incredible," he remarked, his tone filled with awe. "With this, we'll have an edge in monitoring the comings and goings of anyone within Moat Cailin."

With a sense of satisfaction, Harry manipulated the holographic image, zooming in on various sections and highlighting key points of interest. As they studied the intricacies of the Marauders' Map, a newfound sense of confidence and unity filled the room, binding them together in their shared mission to protect Moat Cailin and those who called it home.

---

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