Enchanted by stridermagic

Chapter 3

The next time Harry fell through time and space was Christmas break during fourth year. After the first two times he had traveled to Rhaegar's side, he had bought a trunk, filling it with food, water, clothes, a magical tent, medical supplies, and a pocket full of coins from Westeros he had multiplied with magic. He kept it shrunk and tied around his waist, the trunk itself affixed with strong ropes to keep it on.

He had just been to a tutoring session with Madam Pomfrey when the sounds of a fire crackling entered his awareness and swords clashing against each other. One minute he was in the quiet Gryffindor common room and the next, he was in a clearing. There were trees all around him as he steadied himself, taking in the various people around him.

Prince Rhaegar was one of them, his silver hair making him stand out, and the rest were people Harry didn't recognize. Five people ranged around Rhaegar and none of them looked remotely like they were going to stop trying to kill the crown prince. Harry shivered, just now realizing that it was lightly snowing, spelling a charm for warmth around him, then ran over to help. He didn't have any experience with a sword except for killing the basilisk in second year but he did have magic.

He fought his way through to Rhaegar's side, the other young man's back turned to him, and cast a blasting charm. The men around him and in front of him yelled in surprise, dropping their swords as they were pushed backward several feet.

"What is it with you and people trying to kill you?" Harry questioned, eyes narrowed, as Rhaegar turned around, his purple eyes wide in surprise.

"Harry…" Rhaegar trailed off, glancing over towards the downed men. "I'm glad to see you."

"Surely they recognized you," Harry spoke then tilted his head, seeing the inky strands of hair.

"It's been a mild winter," Rhaegar explained, sheathing his sword and walking over to stand over the men. The men and one woman had pieces of armor that didn't match, enough to make Harry think they were not real knights. "Mild enough to make people think they can loot."

"You mean they need food," Harry summarized quietly, walking over to stand beside Rhaegar.

Rhaegar nodded, shivering a little and taking a step to close the distance between them. "There's been a food shortage ever since the harvest wasn't as good this past year."

Harry glanced behind them, to where a tent was pitched and a fire was going in a pit. A thick cloak, one with a red trim, lay on the ground next to the tent and he flicked his fingers, watched as the cloak landed in his arms. He casually laid it over Rhaegar's shoulders then reached into his pocket, where his trunk was.

Rhaegar turned to watch him, eyes soft with affection. "You always come when I'm in danger. I wish I could return the favor."

"You've already done a lot," Harry spoke. "You… understand me."

"As you do me," Rhaegar whispered.

"Now, I do have food with me," Harry murmured, glancing at the group of people who were still cowering. "What kind of food would be acceptable?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't know if the fruits and vegetables you have here are the same ones we have back in my home," Harry said, shrugging. "I have some bread otherwise."