NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Don't Panic Ch3: Thenn There Were Two
Notes: Keep in mind that this is building into a nice, long, meandering story and plot. Enjoy the journey.
This Chapter: The Thenns meet a wizard, but they're familiar with magic because they've already got a Wizard 'on-staff' so-to-speak. Harry discovers an unexpected ancestral connection. The elves might discover their origin. And our little band of magical tourists go on a bit of a fix-it spree to spruce up the village... with magic of course.
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Last Time: ..."We bring this small gift as a token of our goodwill." Harry said, while noting a few sceptical looks and raised eyebrows at his description of a Mammoth as a 'small' gift. With a wave of his hand, Harry levitated the mammoth over his head to land between the two parties. Much to the amazement of the hunting party.
The leader of the hunting party, a tall, muscular young man, stared at the levitating mammoth, seemingly trying to figure out if he was still sleeping. "I am Torvald," he said slowly, finally pulling his eyes from the mammoth to the magic man. "My father is Chief Sigvald. We shall take you to him. Your magic is... incredible."
Oops, so much for subtle Harry thought as he looked over to his obvious house elf friend who had started levitating the Mammoth again.
He privately admitted to himself that he might have to pay a little more attention to the art of subtlety in future, but nobody's perfect.
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Chapter 3: Thenn There Were Two
As the hunting party returned through the snowy landscape they each made their own observations of their strange guests, suspiciously eyeing them, and quietly muttering to each other when it seemed they'd not be heard.
Svegg was known to be the gossip of the group, and suspicious of everything, so he was naturally the first to comment to his peers. "Look at that one," he said, gesturing towards Harry. "His clothing is completely unsuited for this cold weather. It's a wonder he's not frozen solid."
Dareg nodded, "True, true... but I'm more concerned that no one seems bothered by the fact that his friend looks just like those creatures from the Elder's stories of old." he scratched his head, "Is no one else bothered by that? That's a literal Child of the Forest, and we're saying nothing?" he finished, almost a little desperate in his incredulous whispered observations.
Some of the other stragglers listening in looked over at Dobby, then back at Dareg and shrugged. "Huh... I just thought his friend was short and ugly... seemed rude to comment" Svegg replied, now watching a little more closely.
"At the very least, that creature seems... uh… a little loopy." Dareg muttered. He and Svegg cast a few side-eye glances at the one called Dobby. The creature was standing atop the inexplicably floating woolly mammoth like some conquering hero. It was difficult to gauge Dobby's sanity with just a glance, but Svegg couldn't help but notice the not one, but four, hats he wore, and they were both pretty sure the creature had an array of coloured socks pinned to his outfit.
Svegg shook his head and replied, "every clan has their occasional strange member, maybe Dobby was just a bit too strange to keep around the others." Daregg eyed Dobby speculatively, "for all we know, he's the last of his kind. Maybe they were all a bit loopy. The legends do speak of them as powerful but somewhat over-enthusiastic creatures. They did carve faces into every Weirwood tree after-all. Can't expect a sane person to do that."
They all nodded sagely at Dareg's observation. Svegg piped in, "Well, those things are for the Elders to sort out. I'm just a simple man, Dareg. All I want is a warm hearth and a warm meal. As long as they're not a threat to us, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt."
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.
Sigvald continued, "After the great battle, we Thenns chose to maintain our independence in the True North" he gestured widely "That is where you find yourself, a cold land, but a free land"
"We continued trade with our southern allies for a time. But, over the centuries, they forgot our relationship, and the Battle for Dawn became a distant memory. We have little contact with the Southerners now, as our only harbor, Hardhome, was destroyed long ago, and those who live below the Wall view all above as savages."
So much of this was going over Harry's head, but he nodded along appreciating the brief history lesson, and still wrapping his head around his ancestor having made his way to this land. Likely through the Veil.
Harry would also have to ask later about this Wall, which seemed to carry some meaning beyond being a simple wall.
Sigvald paused before adding, "You may still have distant kin in this world, Ignotus Peverell's only daughter married a southern Magnar, Brandon the Builder, who took the name Stark. The Starks still rule the lands just below the Wall. But we can speak more on this later" Sigvald finished, clearly wishing to get onto the next topic of interest.
At this the Thenn Elders turned their questioning gazes towards Dobby, it seemed they'd been patiently waiting to address the one Harry had called an elf, but many suspected to be a Child of the Forest.
"And to our other friend here" Sigvald started, "Dobby, it is an honor to meet one of our old allies again. It does my heart good to know that these old friends of our people yet live."
Dobby glanced at Harry, looking confused and a little unaccustomed to being addressed directly.
Another Elder chimed in, asking Harry, "How did you come to be traveling with a Child of the Forest? We thought our old allies had vanished from this world centuries ago."
Harry furrowed his brow, puzzled. "Who are the Children of the Forest?"
The Elders looked at Harry, then to Dobby, and back to Harry with a deadpan look. Sigvald raised an eyebrow and gestured to Dobby.
One of the oldest amongst the elders chimed in, "Dobby, we know not how you've lost your history, but you are, as far as we can tell, a creature of this land. Your people were the original inhabitants in-fact"
Sigvald nodded, "despite initial conflicts with our First Men ancestors, the eventual alliance between ourselves and your people was crucial in our war with the White Walkers."
Another elder chimed in, "We've not seen one of your kind in living memory, but the alliance stands" the other elders nodded along.
Harry listened intently, absorbing all this surprising information. He'd intended to introduce himself to the first civilised people he'd encountered. Instead, he was being introduced to apparent ancient allies of both his ancestor, and Dobby's. What a weird day.
Harry thought on this, "I can't say for certain that they're the same beings, but it seems sensible to conclude that this world might be the true origin of House Elves." Harry looked to Dobby for confirmation, "No one in my world knew where they came from."
A few theories were clicking into place as he thought on this. The elves had expressed a satisfaction with the magic of this world, if they were truly from here, Harry could see how creatures that were used to this thick magic might find the sparser magic of his old world untenable.
Harry could imagine the Children, lost in the wizarding world, might have needed to bind themselves to the magic of witches and wizards to keep their powers. Harry would definitely be investigating whether the Elves could gain true freedom from dependence on the bond magic in this new world. He could see Dobby was thinking much the same thing.
"If what you say is true, we might be able to resolve a great injustice done to the elves, in my lands" Harry shared, "they live off my magic through a bond, but with this possibly being their native land, there is sure to be a way to free them from that bond."
The Thenn Elders exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity, mainly in relation to the casual references to magic Harry kept making.
The Sigvald nodded thoughtfully. "If there is a way to help the Children, or Elves, regain their independence and reconnect with their true nature, we would owe it to our alliance to try. We would gladly support such an endeavour."
Dobby, had been silent for most of this, letting Harry lead, but spoke up as the leader of his people in this matter, not really knowing if this was true, but willing to take the chance. "Dobby is pleased to renew the alliance" he stated, with a puffed-up chest, "Dobby's people is already free enough under friend' Harry's bond." he looked at Harry with admiration, then looked back to the Elder's with determination, "But Dobby's people are strong, and will experiment without a bond to see if it be possible" he declared.
At this Harry clapped his hands once, to bring it all back to the ground. "Well, it seems we're welcome, and an alliance already exists, so if you'll allow us, we'll get settled in. Can we be shown to a village plot to build on?"
With a few more platitudes the gathering of Elder's broke-up leaving Magnar Sigvald and his son to lead Harry and Dobby to an open space to settle, asking a few more questions as they strolled. Harry was definitely happy with this result. He may not wish to stay too long, but a place to settle the elves while he travelled would be a welcome outcome.
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Standing in front of an empty plot between two village huts, Harry realized he hadn't introduced Sigvald or any of the other elders to the rest of the elves. "I should mention that I've actually been traveling with an entire tribe of House Elves, approximately 150 in total," he told Sigvald and the assembled group of hangers on.
Sigvald raised an eyebrow, quizzically, "I'd gathered you had a small tribe with you, but I assumed they'd mostly be human." looking around to emphasize the lack of any unknown elves or Children of the Forest in the vicinity, Sigvald continued, "I assume you've left them at your campsite? Shall we send a team to greet them?"
Harry rubbed the back of his head, "Uh. No. No that won't be necessary, I have them here." He pulled the shrunken trunk from his belt, placed it carefully on the ground, and unshrunk it. This definitely dropped a few jaws, with some jumping back at the sudden re-sizing, and others reaching for weapons on instinct.
Sigvald gathered his wits first and glanced from the now-normal-sized trunk to Harry, with a raised eyebrow.
Dobby astonished the gathering even further by opening the lid and stepping physically into the trunk as if walking down a staircase, disappearing entirely.
Moments later, pops began to sound as more and more Children of the Forest – or elves, as they now appeared to be called – appeared all around the group, while some walked out of the trunk itself. A trunk that definitely shouldn't fit so many sentient beings.
Svegg, who had been observing from the sidelines leaned into his favourite group of town gossips, "Did anyone check if Marge put hallucinogens in our morning broth again?" he asked in all seriousness.
Harry, who'd heard this faint query from Svegg had to chuckle at that particular theory. Though he also made a note to determine who Marge was and double check any broth she served.
The elves shuffled in tightly around Harry, looking nervously at the surrounding strangers. At this display of nerves, Sigvald stepped up, putting on his most open and friendly face for clearly anxious potential allies.
To the surprise of his people, Sigvald bowed deeply. Followed by his advisors and the other observers after some slight hesitation.
"What a great honour it is to know our allies once more, and to see that your kind survive." Sigvald declared, speaking as a leader to trusted allies. "Be welcome here in our home. What is ours is yours. This is a bright day for the people of Thenn"
Harry was delighted to find a people who respected his friends. After looking to Harry, who nodded at him, Dobby stepped forward, bowing back to Sigvald, "Dobby speaks for the Elves" he declared, again puffing up his chest again, though unused to so much respect. "We's be accepting your welcome and offer of renewed alliance with my peoples".
Having concluded the slightly awkward semi-formal portion of the greeting, Dobby looked around at his still nervous brethren, "If it pleases all, the elves would like to return to their work for now?"
At the nods of approval from those around, the elves bowed and popped away, disappearing back into the trunk.
The Thenns exchanged astonished and pleased glances. They were largely alone amongst the people of the True North, being the only proper settlement and civilised nation. It was definitely pleasing to have friendly supporters and allies. They'd all witnessed the casual use of magic to pop in and out of the area, and felt safe in the knowledge that such powerful being were to be friends as opposed to enemies.
At this point Sigvald decided to break-up the impromptu gathering to collect his thoughts, "For now, get yourselves settled, feel free to erect a tent or structure here." he vaguely pointed at the empty plot. "We'll prepare a feast for this evening to welcome you all properly."
With the Thenns having accepted Harry and the house elves in full knowledge of their magic Harry felt a load fall off his shoulders. No matter what happened, it seemed the elves had a friendly home for the near future. Apparently their surprise shared histories and previously unknown pre-existing alliances was a huge help.
He also had no doubt, that in a harsh environment like this, there would be no shortage of work for them to pick-up alongside the villagers.
Harry was mostly pleased to have found some minor level of civilisation. Sure they appeared to be a large bronze age village or minor city-state by the loosest of definitions, but it was a much better start than he'd expected after encountering all those underwhelming nomadic tribes.
That they were both friendly and distantly connected with his family was a boon he put down to the better part of his Potter luck.
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The feast that night in the long hall was a cosy and lively affair, with villagers of all ages gathered to celebrate the arrival of their unexpected guests. Musicians played drums and simple whistles, filling the air with tunes reminiscent of old Irish folk music. Harry could feel the sense of warmth and camaraderie that permeated the air, binding these people together in the face of the harsh environment that surrounded them.
Harry and Dobby were seated at a high table, in places of honour next to Sigvald and his family, while the elves had scattered themselves amongst the villagers, mostly overcoming their initial nervousness. Harry had cast a blanket translation charm over everyone for the night. Though they'd need to figure out the new language in due course, as such charms are imperfect.
He also chuckled at the few elves who had insisted on joining the cooking crew and servers for the night. It took a bit of convincing, especially with some of the pots being larger than the elves. But they were nothing if not persistent. The bemused servers were left to watch as the many shared platters flew around the room to their designated tables.
The villagers ultimately treated Harry and the elves with respect and curiosity, sharing their stories and eagerly asking questions about their magics and the wizarding world.
As the feast went on, the Sigvald mentioned in passing that another man, much like Harry, had arrived in their village a few solar cycles ago, this immediately caught Harry's attention.
"He's also a wizard, but doesn't possess as much magic as you, he requires a wand." Sigvald shared, contemplatively, "but he has been a great addition to our people. He's proven himself to be a skilled fighter and a wise advisor. He's out on a hunt, but should return in two to three days," the chieftain said, his voice warm with affection for the relative newcomer.
Intrigued, Harry asked for the man's name, wondering if it was another magical refugee like himself.
"Our new friend goes by the name Sirius, though he's rarely serious about anything" Sigvald chuckled to himself on that last comment, using one of their friend's own inane jokes. "we don't use family names here as we're all family in a way, but from recollection he's a Black." He concluded
Harry choked on his mead, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. Dobby took to smacking him on the back to relieve the coughing fit.
"Sirius" he choked out, in a state of shock. His lost godfather, the closest thing he had to a father figure. The man he'd practically killed through his stupid misadventure in fifth year. Sirius who was surely dead after falling through the Veil...
"Of course" he whispered, "the veil. The veil brought me here, why wouldn't it bring Sirius?"
The thought that Sirius could be both alive and living in this remote village that he'd stumbled upon by chance was beyond belief. But with Potter luck in-play, he could just about see it happening.
Harry took a moment to calm his emotions, taking a deep breath to release the mix of elation and trepidation. He, was already convinced this had to be real, who else would have the name Sirius? Infact, he was desperate for it to be real.
Sigvald was watching him with some concern. Harry straightened himself up and continued the conversation following his coughing fit, "I.. I think I know him." he stammered.
"He's been here for years you say? Or I think you call them cycles?" Harry asked, still finding it hard to believe that his Sirius could have been among these people for so long.
"Yes, indeed," the chieftain replied with a smile. "He's become a valued member of the Thenn."
"He introduced basic wards to help with the preservation of our food, which has been a great boon during this last harsh winter. He also recharged our ancient wards, that stood since the time of Ignotus. We knew little of these things." Sigvlad admitted
"These wards help hold back the worst of the cold and blizzards, providing our village with a measure of security and comfort" he paused, for a moment, looking over his happy people, "We had not realised how weak the wards had become, it's more comfortable now than it's been in living memory. We've even managed to grow a few small crops this winter."
Sigvald went on to explain how Sirius had spent many moons searching for a way home, a quest that had taken him far and wide across the True North. That was the reason he still joined the hunts.
"Of course, even with his magic, Sirius is one of the worst hunters we have ever seen." Sigvald admitted with a find smile. "Nonetheless, we allow him to join the hunts for the magical warmth he provides, along with his uplifting spirit, he can certainly brighten even the worst day of hunting."
"When he first arrived, he was quite depressed, weighed down by grief" the Magnar continued. "But over time, he seems to have accepted his fate here. He often grumbles about how this place is far better than his home, which he seems to suggest was 'Demon Tor Island' or some 'Grim Old Place,' I've never been able to get more details, he doesn't like to talk about it"
Seeing he had Harry's rapt attention on the topic of Sirius, he concluded Harry truly did know the man.
Sigvald clapped Harry on the back and suggested, "It seems a grand reunion is due! Sirius will return in just a few days. For now, perhaps you should seek rest and recover from your journey."
At this comment Harry looked over the crowd, noting that many had already departed, with a few elves feverishly cleaning up, leaving the cooks watching on somewhat bemused again.
"Harry, from your earlier comments, I gather you intended to settle the elves in, but I never got the impression you'd hang around too long. You seem restless." Sigvald observed. "There's nothing wrong with a little youthful adventure, but please, settle in for the next few days with your friends, and we will ensure that you meet with your Sirius in due course. " Sigvald finished with a solid slap on the back and rose from the table.
Harry nodded, as they parted, his head still somewhat of a mush from the shock. "You're an observant one Sigvald" he said in parting, "but I definitely have no intention of venturing onward before linking up with Sirius. Good night, and thanks again for the warm welcome to your home".
At this Harry made his way back to the tent some of the elves had set up on their designated plot, going over all the implications of having his Godfather back. He was frankly giddy.
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Over the next three days Harry, Dobby, and the elves found themselves welcomed by the Thenns with open arms. The Thenns, led by his new friends Sigvald and Torvald, were eager to show Harry their way of life and proud to show him around their village.
Harry had taken a great liking to the friendly, simple people of Thenn Valley, and was keen to contribute something in return. The most obvious contributions would naturally be of the magical kind, but he was also acutely aware of his modern knowledge that could somewhat uplift their way of life, or at least ease some of the more complex tasks.
Harry didn't intend to make any major changes, for fear of damaging their finely balanced co-operative economy. In-fact, he'd have to be cautious everywhere he went in this world, as any technology in the wrong hands, or too advanced could be highly disruptive to the local economy and would counterintuitively damage the quality of life of the local inhabitants instead of improving it.
That said, Harry could think of many improvements that would be incredibly helpful without being overly disruptive. And maybe in future he could help these people more, in a slower, more planned evolution of their tech.
He was also very keen on figuring out some kind of magical solution for their toilets and waste handling. He wasn't sure how Sirius had overlooked that, but one whiff of the latrine area on the outskirts of the village was enough to put that towards the top of the list.
First, though, he'd make observations, figure out where the biggest gaps were, and only then would he be comfortable making changes.
He actually had Yappy follow him around with a clipboard taking notes on some of his ideas. Though he'd not forget anything in his mind palace, Yappy was so keen to help that he couldn't bear to turn him down.
The village itself was protected by a sturdy wooden palisade, expertly crafted and tall enough to deter any potential threats. Two large gates stood at opposite ends of the village, allowing for easy access and exit when necessary. A deep moat, filled with cold fresh water from the nearby river, surrounded the entire perimeter, providing both drinking water, fish, and an extra layer of defence against invaders.
Inside the village, large family huts were scattered throughout, each made of wood and insulated with moss and animal hides. The roofs were covered with layers of thatch, expertly woven to keep out the harsh elements. Each hut housed an extended family, with shared sleeping quarters and communal areas for cooking and socializing.
In the centre of the village stood a large communal building, used for feasts, meetings, and various ceremonies. It was adorned with intricate carvings, depicting the history and legends of the Thenn people.
The food storage vaults were located near the river, allowing for easy access to fresh fish and to ice for preservation.
Inside the vaults they had large wooden racks filled with smoked meats. Though, Harry observed that a supply of salt might help them extend the life of their meats even further, so he added it to the list. He could easily share a few years' worth of salt with the Thenns, without dipping too far into his reserves.
Baskets on other shelves contained an assortment of vegetables, roots, and berries. The Thenns took great pride in their hunting and gathering skills, as well as their ability to preserve food for the long winter months, often with the use of plentiful ice.
Villagers were shuffling in and out of the food storage vaults, preparing for the midday meal. Harry thought he also saw Marge, who he'd already had pointed out to him, pull some suspicious looking herbs from underneath some sacks, while muttering something about "the best soup they'll ever have". He resolved to stay away from the pumpkin soup at lunch.
Various other structures could be found throughout the village, each serving a specific purpose.
There was a blacksmith's forge, where skilled craftsmen fashioned everything from axes and, swords, to pots and pans, largely from bronze.
A small tannery processed animal hides, transforming them into durable leather for clothing and insulation.
A woodworking area, filled with shavings and the scent of fresh-cut wood, was where skilled carpenters crafted everything from furniture to the palisade walls themselves. They also spent their spare time carefully carving grand designs into wood, as a form of storytelling and record keeping. Harry suspected they would be excellent at the careful art of carving runes if he could come up with some simple strings to share with them.
During their stay, Magnar Sigvald and Torvald ensured that their guests were well taken care of, providing them with warm meals. Though they were all getting used to the elves taking up part of the cooking workload with gusto. None complained, it's not like there weren't other tasks to pick-up.
They were also offered more comfortable lodgings, after it was observed that Harry had only a simple tent. That conversation turned into a jaw dropping demonstration when Harry led a line of curious villagers into his humble abode.
The Thenns were also fascinated by Harry's tales of his world and the magical creatures he had encountered. Some of these creatures were actually known to the Thenn, which Harry was pleased to hear, because he'd be able to share some simple potions with the Thenn as well. Harry wasn't sure if they'd have enough magic to make them, but the elves certainly would.
One of the more surprising things Harry noticed was the importance put on education among the Thenns. He'd rather ignorantly expected them to be people of action, as opposed to knowledge.
While they didn't have much in the way of written record, he watched as the village elders, taught the children an array of core life lessons, with a particular focus on essential survival skills.
Upon further investigation, Harry was surprised to discover that the village healers, though lacking in more overt magical abilities, were in-fact able to prepare and use basic potions. That answered one of his questions.
They used a mixture of plants, roots, and berries to create poultices and tonics for the sick and injured. Harry reasoned that, with the heavy magic in this world, he wouldn't be surprised if the entire village was made up of squibs or weak magicals.
He also recalled that magic featured in quite a few of the early histories of the Thenns. With that in mind Harry observed the healers at work, taking note of their methods and ingredients for future reference. He suspected he might be able to learn something new here, as opposed to simply sharing his own knowledge. He knew there were a few elves with a special interest in healing and potions that would be eager to connect with these village Healers.
Harry instructed Yappy to share with the right elves, and asked them to spend some of their time creating a written record of the village potions and methods, while he was out exploring this world.
Frankly there was so much activity in this village it was hard to get a sense of it all. Potters crafted earthenware vessels for storage and cooking, while weavers created clothing and blankets from the wool of the hardy local mountain goats.
Harry even witnessed a talented local bard regaling the villagers with tales of ancient battles and heroes with the help of rudimentary props and puppets, clearly keeping the Thenn's oral history alive and vivid in the minds of the listeners.
Among the various roles and tasks in the village, Harry noticed a strong sense of unity and cooperation. Everyone worked together, their individual skills and talents combining to create a thriving community.
They did have a rudimentary form of currency, though it served only occasional purpose in such a self-sufficient community. It was apparently helpful in managing trade with passing nomadic tribes, though even then, some insisted on barter-based trade instead.
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Feeling by the third day, that he'd gathered enough information to make a difference here. Harry pushed up his sleeves and got to work on some of the more obvious improvements he could make for the villagers, alongside Dobby and the elves.
First, Harry focused on repairing the village walls and huts. The harsh climate had taken its toll on the wooden structures, leaving them in need of maintenance. And while they had the skills to fix all this, they couldn't easily collect the materials in Winter, and even in summer they were far too busy subsisting, especially growing and gathering food for the next winter.
Thanks to the versatility of the Reparo spell and a few other more specialised construction spells, it just took a few flicks of Harry's wrist to complete many of the repairs needed around the village.
The walls and huts were soon quickly repaired and reinforced, much to the astonishment and gratitude of the villagers. Much of the village hadn't been in this condition since the last long summer.
Harry, also added a few beams and struts wherever he felt they'd benefit the various structures. Knowing that moving these sorts of heavy wooden beamswould usually take teams of villagers to perform manually. Something that would usually betoo much effort for such small structures, and would be overlooked in normal circumstances. He was making sure they'd have sturdy, well-protected homes for years to come.
After completing the repairs, Harry turned his attention to the village's medical facilities. As he had already observed the healers at work, he offered to share some basic potion recipes that could be made using ingredients readily available in the area. He also asked the elves to stock the village with potions they made from the magical creatures and plant life in his trunk farm. If they were going to stay, there was no reason to be stingy with renewable materials like that.
The head healer eagerly gathered all the village healers, who listened intently as Harry lectured on various brewing procedures, the purpose of certain ingredients, and the use of various specialist brewing tools which were also supplied from his trunk.
They'd obviously never seen or felt the need to create anything like a crystal cauldron, or silver stirrers, but each had their purpose for some of the more complex healing potions, and Harry was happy enough to part with some of his spares, knowing he could make more if needed.
Under Harry's guidance, the healers learned the Wizarding version of the all-purpose healing salve for cuts and bruises. He taught them to brew a fever-reducing tonic, and he had Winky share a remedy for common colds, which required some of the trunk ingredients.
By far the most popular potion he shared with the villagers though, was a simple warming potion, usually taught in first year at Hogwarts. It was so simple that it wasn't technically classed as a potion by the wizards and witches of his old world, more as a simple remedy. It was simple enough, and the ingredients plentiful enough, that hunting parties could easily make a batch each night while on the move.
All it needed was some ground cinnamon bark, something he found out they had plenty of in the surrounding forest. In addition to fireweed petals, which were plentiful in mountainous regions like this. When boiled in a pot with a sliver of obsidian, and stirred by a magical or a squib, it produced a powerful warming potion which could ward off even the deepest chill. He found out that obsidian was known as 'dragonglass' here, and was found easily all through the foothills.
On finding out that the forest had plenty of cinnamon trees, Harry also took the time to teach the cooks how to strip the bark and dry it to prepare cinnamon spice. Something he was sure they could trade easily with passing tribes, in addition to using in their own cooking.
Harry also made sure to point out some of the creatures they could find in their own backyard that were seemingly overlooked in their pre-existing village recipes. He even pointed out the possible uses of Direwolves that he'd read in the more ancient journals from his library. Though he wasn't sure whether they'd bother with that route, given how obviously dangerous it would be to try domesticating or hunting them.
The healers, hunters and cooks were deeply grateful for all this knowledge, and Harry could see the difference it would make in the lives of the villagers.
Harry also gained the favour of absolutely everyone in the village when he placed a permanent switching rune on the latrines. He'd just vanish the stuff, but he recognised the inherent value of manure on crops, as horrible as that sounded. So he created a distant pit far from the village walls, that the sewage would be switched to.
He followed that up by placing a minor gas ward around the latrine, to neutralise all smells. He was practically hero worshiped for this, with some of the craftsmen promising, jokingly, to place a wood carving of Harry, watching over the latrines in rememberance of this great undertaking. Harry took the light ribbing in the humour it was meant. At least, he hoped they meant it as a joke.
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Chapter 4 Teaser:
… Sirius took a moment to calm himself, then smiled. "We're going to have so much fun Harry. Have you met the village yet?" he asked putting an arm over Harry's shoulder and dragging him back to the gates.
"Of course you have, what am I saying?" he corrected himself. "Better question, have you had any of Marge's excellent soup yet?" he sprouted a broad grin at that. He'd been helping Marge get her herbs into all sorts of food since joining the Thenn. He may be lousy at hunting, but he liked to think that the Sirius/Marge partnership in hallucinogenic mayhem at least lifted the spirits at mealtime…
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