The morning air was crisp as Harry stood in the courtyard of Winterfell, watching as the Stark men prepared their horses. The ground was still dusted with the remnants of last night's snowfall, and the sky was a heavy gray, promising more to come.
Jon Snow was fastening his cloak when Harry joined him. "We leave within the hour," Jon said, securing his sword belt. "The Wall isn't far, but the road can be dangerous."
Harry nodded, gripping his wand. "I'm ready."
Lord Eddard Stark approached, his expression serious. "Jon, you'll introduce Harry to Lord Commander Mormont. If he speaks the truth about the dead rising, the Night's Watch must prepare."
Jon dipped his head. "Yes, Father."
Ned then turned to Harry. "I do not fully understand your magic, but I know a warrior when I see one. The North does not cast aside those who stand against the darkness." He hesitated. "Be careful beyond the Wall. My brother Benjen went missing there. If you find any sign of him…"
Harry could hear the weight in Ned's voice. He nodded. "If I do, you'll be the first to know."
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The Road to the Wall
The journey north was cold and quiet. Harry rode beside Jon, their cloaks billowing in the wind as the towering Wall loomed in the distance.
Jon finally broke the silence. "You said you fought an army before."
Harry glanced at him. "Yeah." He didn't talk about the Battle of Hogwarts often. Too much had been lost. But Jon wasn't just making conversation—he was searching for something.
Jon's grip tightened on the reins. "Robb is preparing for war. If it comes to that, can magic turn the tide?"
Harry exhaled. "Magic is powerful, but it's not an easy answer. It won't stop betrayals or keep men loyal. War isn't just about strength—it's about the choices people make."
Jon nodded, deep in thought. They rode in silence after that.
By nightfall, they arrived at Castle Black. The Wall loomed high above them, an endless stretch of ice and stone that seemed to touch the sky.
Ghost padded ahead, his white fur blending with the snow. The guards at the gate let them pass, but the Night's Watch men eyed Harry warily.
As they entered, an older man in black stepped forward. "Jon Snow," he greeted. His eyes flicked to Harry. "And who is this?"
"Lord Commander Mormont," Jon said, dismounting. "This is Harry Potter. He has seen the White Walkers."
The Lord Commander's brows furrowed. "Then he best come inside."
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A Warning from the North
The fire in Mormont's chamber crackled as Harry recounted his encounter beyond the Wall. The White Walkers, the wights, the cold blue eyes staring back at him.
When he finished, Mormont was silent for a long moment.
"I've heard many tales," the Lord Commander said finally. "Most men dismiss them as stories. But you…" His gaze was sharp. "You believe what you saw."
"I don't just believe it," Harry said. "I know it's real. And if the Wall falls, nothing will stop them."
Mormont exhaled. "We need more men. The kingdoms are too busy tearing themselves apart to send help."
Jon clenched his jaw. "Then we prepare with what we have."
Mormont nodded, then turned to Harry. "Magic… we have not seen much of it in the Night's Watch."
Harry looked at the flames. "It may be the only thing that can stop them."
Mormont studied him. Then, to Harry's surprise, he smiled. "Then we best learn how to use it."
Harry exchanged a glance with Jon. The war was coming, and the Night's Watch was ready.
But the dead were ready too.