Don't Panic: A Wizard's Guide to Westeros (HP × ASOIAF)

Don't Panic Ch3: Thenn There Were Two

Dareg chuckled, still eyeing the peculiar duo. "You're right, Svegg. It's not our place to question. Let the Elders figure this out. Besides, there's mammoth on the menu, so you'll not find me complaining" 

With that, the party continued to follow their feet back to their home, mainly arguing over the best way to cook a mammoth. 

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As Harry entered the main wood hall of the village, he couldn't help but be reminded of the Viking longhouses he'd seen in history books. The hall was vast, with a high, pitched roof supported by large wooden beams. Long wooden tables spanned the length of the hall, accompanied by benches on either side, where the villagers would presumably gather to eat. At the centre of the hall stood a great fire-pit stove structure, notable in that it was clearly large enough to roast an entire mammoth. The fire filled the space with warmth and the satisfying scent of woodsmoke. 

Towards the end of the hall, Harry noticed a group of elders gathered around a smaller fire pit. The flames cast dancing shadows upon their weathered faces, highlighting the lines and creases that spoke of age. Some looked welcoming, whilst others were clearly cautious or concerned, nonetheless, all were watching Harry and Dobby with interest as they approached. 

It was evident that one of the hunters had run ahead to brief the elders on Harry's arrival. He imagined they'd been given the longer walk through the village to give the elders some time to gather. Despite looking cautious, Harry was definitely picking-up on a welcoming vibe from the lot of them. 

Upon reaching the elders, Torvald introduced Harry and Dobby to his father Sigvald, the Magnar or Chief, who looked them up and down, and gave a diplomatic smile. "Hadrian Black Peverell" Sigvald started, seeming to roll the name around in contemplation, "The people of Thenn Valley welcome you and your... friend" he glanced at Dobby seeming a bit unsure on that point, but continued anyway, "you bring us this mammoth as a gift, but what is it you seek? We rarely receive visitors" 

Harry hesitated for a moment before answering. "We seek refuge and respite in exchange for this mammoth, Magnar Sigvald. We've travelled far, from another land, and know not where we are." 

Sigvald's eyes narrowed. "We don't know you, and we don't know your people. You've yet to even tell us of your tribe or its size." he paused, "We welcome visitors" he added, in a more friendly tone, "but refuge is a lot more to ask. You'll have to tell us more. What brings you so far from home?" A few of the other Elders nodded and grumbled in agreement. 

With a nod, Harry began his tale, keeping it short. "I fought in a war to protect my people. But after the war ended, I was betrayed by those I once fought to save. In search of a new life, I found myself here through magical means, accompanied by my loyal friends, the elves, who chose to follow me." harry gestured at Dobby, getting some strange looks at his mention of elves. "Your village is the first sign of civilization we've encountered in this cold land." 

After a moment of silence and apparent contemplation, Sigvald spoke. "Your tale is an honorable one, and we'll hear more of it later. We will consider your refuge request." Sigvald looked around getting mostly nods or grunts from the other Elders. 

"But there might be more to this than you thought. Your Peverell name is of great interest to us." Our founding ancestors millennia ago were led by a powerful Shaman Magnar, the great Ignotus Peverell. 

He appeared from a far-off land, much as you have. With his knowledge and magic he led us through a great war we call the Long Night.  He led us and our other First Men allies to fight the White Walkers in the Battle for Dawn." 

Much of the context of this apparent ancient war was going over Harry's head, but he was shocked to hear the connection with these people and his own direct ancestor Ignotus Peverell.