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Mature
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Fandoms:
House of the Dragon (TV)Harry Potter - J. K. RowlingGame of Thrones (TV)
Relationships:
Harry Potter/OFCRhaenyra Targaryen/Laenor VelaryonCorlys "The Sea Snake" Velaryon/Rhaenys Targaryen VelaryonAlicent Hightower/Viserys I TargaryenHarry Potter & Corlys VelaryonHarry Potter & Rhaenyra TargaryenHarry Potter & Laena VelaryonHarry Potter & Harwin StrongHarry Potter & Alicent HightowerHarry Potter & Lyman BeesburyAlicent Hightower & Rhaenyra Targaryen
Characters:
Harry PotterCorlys "The Sea Snake" VelaryonRhaenys Targaryen VelaryonRhaenyra TargaryenLaena Velaryon (Daughter of Corlys)Laenor VelaryonAlicent HightowerViserys I TargaryenHarwin StrongLyonel StrongLyman BeesburyAegon II TargaryenHelaena TargaryenAemond "One-Eye" TargaryenSyrax | Rhaenyra Targaryen's DragonOC Dragonsmultiple OCs
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Lord Harry PotterPowerful Harry PotterHarry Potter in WesterosOld ValyriaThe Doom of Valyria (A Song of Ice and Fire)DragonsBaby dragons - FreeformParental Harry PotterProtective Harry Potterrhaenyra gets ladies in waitingUpliftViserys I Targaryen BashingViserys I Targaryen Being an IdiotGood Parent Alicent HightowerBad Parent Otto HightowerOtto Hightower Being an AssholeAdoptive Parent Harry PotterAccidental Child AcquisitionHarry adopts his way through Westerosteam blackAlicent is Team BlackHarry's OP-ness is limited by his moralityAbsent Criston ColeMostly Absent Daemon TargaryenMinor Daemon Targaryen BashingDimension TravelSlice of LifePolitics are backgroundplease read author's notes
Language:
English
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Published:2026-05-12Updated:2026-07-20Words:62,089Chapters:14/?Comments:432Kudos:1,846Bookmarks:1,016Hits:53,777
Harry's Guide to Raising Dragons and Nobles
Zizabelle98
Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Notes:
NOTES!!
1 - First of all there has been a slight change in the ages on the Velaryon kids. In this fic Laenor is the oldest, currently aged 12 (same age as Rhaenyra) and Laena is 11
2 - In this chapter we are exploring some of the city! This is a bit of out of context info for you, but the old city guard would have had 2000 soldiers: 1,200 swordsmen and 800 spearmen, split between 4 different bases around the city.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Corlys was willing to ignore the elephant in the room for as long as Harry was. The last thing he wanted to do was pressure or rush the boy lest he end up getting an answer he dreaded.
So instead when he rose the next morning, he simply greeted Harry quietly and moved to the bookshelves, intent on finding something interesting he could lose himself in until they left for their expedition. He chose Hogwarts, a History knowing that the only magical school in the country must have been a place of unmatched influence.
Occasionally, one of the dragons would come closer. He would freeze unwillingly each time, unused to the creatures being so docile, but they proved to simply be curious. He'd already given up on getting Bellona to leave him alone, the irritating hatchling having decided that she would find no better perch than he. She even roomed with him the night before. He had expected Harry to say something about it - after all, they were his dragons and he had never known a dragonrider to not be possessive and protective of their mounts - but the boy had merely laughed tickled the hatchling's chin.
They set off fairly early, once they had eaten and Harry had packed them some food and utensils which he carried in a strangely feminine beaded pouch - his friend's, he explained.
Walking through the streets of the Valyrian city was even more impressive than flying above it. There was no way they could explore the entire thing in a day or even a week, but Corlys had no interest in the residences.
Instead, they visited the audience hall they had debated the purpose of the day before and decided it was too small to be an arena of any kind and indeed must be the home of the city council. It was a large circular building, with high ceilings and seats that were positioned so that each council member could see each other. This was where the city-specific edicts and policies were decided, where councilmen discussed trade and justice and the health of their citizens.
They visited the long dried out famous Valyrian baths, a museum where artifacts of Valyrian history and conquest were kept, the palace of the dragonlord in charge of the city and its council, and Harry showed him the nearby manor in which he kept all of the dragon eggs.
And the armoury. Corlys fell to his knees when sighting the hundreds of Valyrian swords arranged on the wall.
"Please," he rasped. "may I take one?"
Harry just looked at him strangely.
"They're not mine?" He said. "You can take whatever you want."
Corlys wasn't even ashamed when he fainted.
He awoke back at Harry's home to find the wizard and two of his dragons - Janus and Bellona - staring at him. It only took a moment for his memories to return.
Anything and everything not inside the manor was unclaimed. The weapons in the armoury, the armours in the manors and palace, the ancient artefacts in the museum - all could be his! But gods, how would he ever carry it all? Perhaps Harry would be kind enough to give him a pouch with unlimited space like his own, even if he didn't decide to follow along to Westeros? What would even be the reaction of his people when he came back with such wealth? The King?! He could hardly even imagine it himself.
Lords would pay more than a King's ransom to claim a Valyrian steel sword for their House, forget the fruits of his previous voyages, if he could find a way to bring back the wealth of Valyria, House Velaryon would rise to heights never before even imagined! His House would be secured for centuries!
"Corlys?"
"Harry?"
His voice was weak, his eyes unfocused at the thought of so much wealth and prestige. He wouldn't be surprised if he was drooling.
"You alright there?"
"Yes."
Janus hissed, pushing his face closer to Corlys' and sniffing along his head. The dragon and wizard had a short conversation while Bellona took advantage of their distraction and clambered onto the sailor's chest.
"I'm really sorry, we should have taken things slower. I didn't mean to overwhelm you."
The wizard truly sounded upset, and Corlys rushed to reassure him.
"No Harry! I just - all the wealth of Valyria..."
"I think it's probably best if we put that to the side for now." Harry huffed amusedly. "Come on. Let's get you some food and talk about something else."
An hour later after having been fed and regaled with a ridiculous story in which Harry had to fight a schoolbook, Corlys felt better. Even after waking he'd still felt faint, overwhelmed with with the sheer enormity of the situation. Even if Harry refused to make him a pouch like his own, Corlys could still comfortably carry perhaps six swords wrapped in some carpet, as well as a set of armour if he wore it on his body. That alone would be worth more than his previous eight voyages. But now he had been fed, watered and distracted, and the knowledge of the wealth available didn't feel so heavy.
Gratitude, however, was another matter. There was nothing he wouldn't give this man if he asked. Gold, jewels, lands, ships, loyalty - hells even fealty! Fuck Viserys, kin they might be but this wizard had given him Valyria.
"So, listen." Harry began once he finished his story, his face forming into a more serious visage. Corlys immediately straightened to attention. "Your offer to bring me with you. Was that - like, really? You'd do that for me?"
He immediately wanted to shout an affirmative, but Corlys paused. Looking at this boy, beyond the serious set of his face and his intent stare, there seemed to be vulnerability. A shyness that Corlys hadn't yet seen from his companion. He considered his words carefully.
"Harry," he said. "you have given me more than I would have dreamed of in my most deranged fantasies. I would give you anything you asked for, and as you said yesterday: it costs me nothing to bring you with me."
"You do understand I've not actually given you anything right? I mean sure I'll be giving you an expanded chest for the stuff you want to take, but that's it. None of the things out there actually belong to me."
"I understand, although I would argue you gave me the opportunity to claim these artefacts, which is just as important. But even before that," Corlys waved his hand. "you told me of yourself, you gave me knowledge and information none other in this world know, you showed me things that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Even if you had just flown me to the coast so that I might step foot in the Valyrian Freehold for mere seconds, I would owe you a debt I could never repay." He cleared his throat uncomfortably and tried not to avert his eyes. "Beyond that, I have enjoyed your company. You are a kind and knowledgeable young man with interesting stories and a good heart. I would call you my friend if you would allow it."
The wizard smiled tremulously.
"Aw, man. Yeah, course. Friends."
"Good!" Corlys looked around, at the kitchen cabinets and the extensive library and the small farm outside. "It seems there are some preparations to make. If we can return to the ship and if you can lend some magic for my crew's safety, I can have them come and help?"
"Ah don't worry about any of that, I can have everything packed in like... a day? Maybe two?"
The idea of packing everything Harry owned it two days was mind boggling, but well Corlys was beginning to get used to how efficient things were with magic. Only -
"I must still return to my ship and have my crew make our own preparations." He said reluctantly. He didn't want to take advantage after Harry had been so generous, but they had come by broom and there was no way for him to return to his ship without the wizard's help. "We must prepare a room for you and make ready to leave."
Not that there was much to do for that, being anchored to a pile of rocks. Just an accounting of their stores and a revision of their needs for when they next stopped - at an actual port next time. Harry simply waived a hand.
"I can handle that. Expecto patronum."
From his wand came a whisp of white fog, which quickly coalesced into the shape of an animal.
"What is that?"
"Well it's not a stag."
Harry was looking at the silver creature in confusion.
"It's a dolphin." Corlys provided helpfully.
"Yes."
"You expected a stag?"
Turning his attention to the old sailor, Harry twitched. "This is a spirit guardian, formed with my happiest memories. It used to be a stag, like my father." He frowned. "Dolphins usually signify intelligence, curiosity and playfulness. They are also known to be highly protective of their communities... I'll have to research it later." He said decisively. "I can use this to send a message to anyone. Who's your second in command?"
Once again distracted by the implications of such magic, Corlys took a moment to answer. To be able to communicate with anyone, anywhere, near instantaneously! He'd never realized how the slow speed of ravens was such an inconvenience. News could travel so much faster, sailing and warfare would be so much more efficient, cultures and customs could be shared from across the world!
"Uh... Olfin of Hull."
Nodding, the wizard turned back to his guardian.
"To Olfin of Hull: hello! Please don't be alarmed! This is Harry Potter who you met yesterday and the silver animal is my spirit guardian. I carry a message from Lord Corlys. He offered to let me come with you all back to Westeros and I've agreed, so he says to please prepare a room for me, and make ready to leave in... three days."
Looking over towards the old sailor, Harry waited for approval before sending the ethereal dolphin off towards the ship to deliver his message.
"Great!" Harry clapped his hands and turned back to Corlys with a grin on his face. "Before we get to packing and all that, I want to talk to you about what happens after we get there."
"This is an expandable chest like your pouch isn't it?"
"Yep."
"Do you know how much gold you have in here?"
"Nope."
It was mid-afternoon and they had finally finished establishing expectations between them regarding Harry's integration into Westeros as one of House Velaryon's dear friends after hours of discussion.
As a powerful Lord in his own right, there were certain things that Corlys could guarantee without needing to seek permission from the Crown. Those being extensive land of his own on Driftmark upon which to live with his dragons and cultivate his potions ingredients, and the aid and support of House Velaryon in any issue or dispute Harry may find himself in. As unlikely as it was, Corlys was prepared to lead his House against even the Crown if they found themselves at odds with his new wizard friend.
Already, Harry was happy with this and insisted he needed no more. Just space enough for him, his dragons and his farm, and he was happy enough being left alone.
Unfortunately for him, as the owner of ten dragons, 117 viable eggs and actual magic, it was likely King Viserys would also show interest. In fact, Corlys planned to ensure it.
Corlys had explained that the most powerful man in likely the entire world couldn't just be some commoner in the service of House Velaryon. Although it was not something he could guarantee, Corlys expected the King to grant Harry lands and titles and the political power that came with them.
Harry in turn made it clear that he was willing to accept a title and whatever else came with it if that was the Westerosi way, as long as he didn't have to give up his personal morals and way of life. If he did, then he'd gleefully turn the King down and take Corlys up on his offer of a house on Driftmark. Or he'd just come back to Valyria.
It had become clear over the course of the day that Westeros and Harry's homeland were very dissimilar. Or perhaps it was just the wizard's commoner background. Political marriages were not a thing Harry would consider (although if there was anything any House in Westeros could offer Harry that he didn't already have, Corlys would eat his boots), and people were considered children for much longer than they were here - the old Lord thought he had ruined everything when he offered his eleven year old daughter up for marriage and accidentally offended the wizard.
"I get that I'm the imposter here, and I'll learn as much as I can to integrate as much as I'm comfortable, but I don't plan on making the Westerosi change their ways and I expect to be given the same curtesy - although I will keep trying to convince you to not marry your daughter off until she's at least 17, as is my job as a friend." Harry had said and Corlys considered that to be fair. It wasn't like anyone would begrudge the wizard his eccentricities in light of his power and history.
Then, they had discussed gold. Corlys had of course promised to provide for Harry's needs until he got himself established - he was about to become the wealthiest man in the world, he could afford to house and feed a man and his dragons - but recommended Harry consider selling his potions.
That was when Harry showed him a chest full of palm sized golden coins three times larger than the golden dragons they used in Westeros, and neither of them had any way of knowing exactly how much coin was in there considering the ever-expanding nature of the chest without completely upending it all and emptying it onto the floor.
"Well." Corlys said weakly. "Shall we just say that you're set?"
Harry laughed and clapped his friend on the back. "I think so. I do like the idea of a potions business though. Oh I'll have to completely reorganise my recipe list! Cosmetics are bound to sell well right? Though I think I'll keep the poisons locked up. The prank potions too - that can end badly with Muggles."
"How about we focus on getting everything packed first?"
"Yes, sir!"
With a few flicks of the wand, a second chest appeared next to the first and the word POTIONS was burned onto the top. Then another, and another, and another, until they had more than Corlys knew what to do with, each with their own designated purpose: edible crops, potions ingredients, books, eggs, food, office, research, art, tools, Valyrian steel and artifacts.
Harry pointed in the direction of the last two.
"Those are all you're interested in bringing from Valyria, right?"
"Aye."
"Great! Well I've got some runes to carve. It'll take me half an hour per box so you might as well find something to do for now, and then I'll ask one of the dragons to go with you while you go fetch your stuff."
Nodding, Corlys left him to it and went to fetch the book he'd borrowed.
Now that he knew dragons were intelligent enough to speak, it was awkward walking alongside one without making conversation Corlys thought.
Most of the dragons had volunteered to escort him around the city as he went artifact hunting he had learned, but Artemis had been the one chose due to her size, as it occurred to Harry that there was no way anyone could scour the entire city in the space of two days without having a convenient and speedy ride.
Harry had allowed Corlys to ride his dragon daughter. Insisted upon it in fact.
Artemis had consented to letting him ride her.
It boggled the mind - he was no Targaryen to be riding dragons. It turned out though, all you needed was to ask politely.
They started at the armoury (a good hour's walk turned into a simple ten minutes flight) and Corlys gleefully put sword after sword and spear after spear into their designated chest. Harry had been kind enough to inscribe a sizing rune on the outside so that Corlys could shrink and unshrink it with just a press of the finger. Corlys counted 300 swords and 200 spears in this one armoury alone. There were at least three more across the city, he knew.
He couldn't wait to see the faces of the Lords when they found out how many Valyrian steel weapons he had.
One of the ancient Lords' palaces was right nearby so that was where they went next and they pillaged five complete sets of Valyrian steel armour and a dozen dragonbone daggers.
Having spent most of the morning and afternoon at the manor with Harry, Corlys and Artemis only had enough time to visit the other three armouries before it was time to return for the night, each of which contained the same number of swords and spears. He idly wondered what had happened to the city guard's armour. Likely burned away with the Doom, he thought. Even in Valyria with capable smiths, Valyrian steel had to be expensive. A sword was one thing but an entire set of armour? No, the city guard's armour was likely made of regular steel or even leather, and the Valyrian steel sets reserved for the nobility.
He was thankful for Artemis' presence, not only for the security she provided but because she seemed to know the city like the back of her hand - or whatever - whereas Corlys decidedly did not. But he only needed to raise his sword and she understood he was asking for her to take him to the armoury, or tap his runic necklace for her to take him back to Harry's home.
By the time they got back, the entire ground floor was empty barring a few pieces of furniture and the ragged carpets. The library - both the books and the bookcases - was gone, the mosaics on the walls were gone, and the many chairs and sofas in the main room were gone. The only place left untouched was the kitchen, where Harry was sat surrounded by parchment and scribbling furiously.
"Good evening, Harry."
"Corlys! Hey, how you doing?
"To say I am doing well seems like an understatement."
Leaning back in his chair and massaging his wrist, the wizard grinned at him wryly.
"Yes I've come to understand that the prospect of Valyrian steel is a wet dream to the Westerosi and you're currently drowning it. Food's on the counter for you."
He nodded his thanks and fetched his plate. Flying from one end of the city to the other was tiring work, and Corlys dug straight in.
"You know we don't have these potatoes in Westeros." He commented.
"Really? Potatoes like singlehandedly saved two countries that I can think of from famine in my homeland."
"A good crop to have for winter."
"I guess so. Good thing I have a mad surplus." Harry said exasperatedly. Corlys had heard all about how a single instance of overestimating his crop planting, added to a week of accidentally eating more meat than anything else now resulted in a great excess of potatoes stuck in magical stasis which Harry never had a hope to eat. "I suppose I could send them North."
"You could."
That would go over either really well or really badly. Harry had learned well over the past two days - he had been struck speechless at the thought of multi-year seasons but had assimilated eventually and had become familiar with Corlys' map of the Seven Kingdoms quickly, so he understood that winter struck the North the longest and harshest, and it was in fact common for old men to kill themselves to avoid their families the extra mouths. But Northerners were prideful people - with good reason, to be fair, Corlys could hardly judge considering the size of his own ego. If they viewed Harry's gift as charity, he would not make friends of them.
"How have you gotten on today?"
"Alright." Harry answered. "I only got the downstairs done though before I realised I don't actually know how much of anything I've got, so- " He sighed explosively. "It's actually mainly been accounting. Although I'm too scared to go near that chest of gold."
"Anything concerning?"
"No. I'm really happy I have a habit of doing all the unpleasant work at once to avoid having to undo it again. I spent like an entire month extracting animal potions ingredients, morning to night, because I didn't want to have to repeat the experience every year. Now I won't have to worry about the lack of fireworms or pond-maggots or anything else for a good long while."
"That is fortuitous." Corlys agreed. "Once we get to Driftmark, I will provide resources to assist in identifying other potions friendly creatures."
"'Preciate it, man. I need to finish this and then I'm gonna have an early night."
They were right on time.
At noon the third day, everything was officially packed and their business in Valyria done. The only reason it even took that long was because most of the plaques at the museum had disintegrated during the Doom and Harry's assistance had been needed to identify the artefacts.
So now, Corlys was once again upon Harry's broom clutching him tightly as they flew over the Smoking Sea, eight dragons of varying sizes flying beside them with Bellona and and Persephone being carried by their kin. As usual, Bellona had put up a fuss at being separated from him. Her attachment to him was slightly alarming, but Corlys had learned that dragons were their own creatures and they did what they wanted; if she had taken a liking to him despite his House not having been a dragon riding one in Old Valyria, well who was he to say no? Her pained little squeaks when he left without her were heart wrenching.
Besides, with 2000 Valyrian Steel weapons, it was unlikely anyone would even notice a Velaryon bonding with a dragon - if in fact that was what was happening. Bellona could grow out of her strange attachment for all he knew.
They landed on the deck of the Seasnake and Corlys dismounted only slightly more gracefully than he had the first time. He was distantly aware of Galene landing on the outcropping of rocks beside the ship and Harry moving towards her as his first mate approached.
"Captain!"
"Olfin!" They clasped hands and he nodded, ignoring how his second in command was checking for any injuries. "I trust all has been well?"
"Aye, my Lord. No incidents to report and our stores are still well full."
In the corner of his eye Corlys saw Galene lift off and Loki swoop in to take her place.
"Good to hear. Once Lord Potter has collected his hatchlings you're to lead him to the cargo hold."
"Captain?"
The old Lord grinned. "He will be placing our gains in magical chests to reduce our weight. The dragons need somewhere to rest, after all."
Olfin gulped and looked up at the seven circling dragons, while Corlys' attention was on his crew members, watching for any signs of trouble as Janus landed on deck and began exploring.
As the three youngest, it was decided that the two hatchlings and Janus would remain on the ship at all times while the others flew above and decided on a resting schedule between them. With Harry's assistance in reducing their weight, the ship could hold even Artemis and any prey she might eat, ensuring all dragons could stop and rest their wings when they required.
Finally, Harry approached with two hatchlings perched on his shoulder and a smile. Predicably, Bellona launched herself at Corlys as soon as she saw him and began burrowing herself in his hair.
"All set, first mate?" He asked, ignoring the little dragon's antics.
"Uh - yes, captain. This way my Lord."
Raising his voice to ensure he was heard by all - even those enraptured by Janus, Corlys shouted. "Next stop: Volantis!" And more quietly: "I have a letter to write."
Notes:
Galene - a bright and gleaming light blue with pearly horns (2 at the top of the head and 2 from the side of her head), lithe. Female
Loki - deep forest green with pale green horns (2 at the top of the head) and frills, stout and bulky. Male
Artemis - pale silver with black wing membranes and a black horn (between the nostrils) and tail spikes, large and bulky. Female
Juno - dark gleaming purple with white wing membranes, tail tip, horns (2 at the top of the head) and tail spikes, medium build. Female
Eros - dark pink with golden frills and wing tips and white spikes (like a collar around the base of the skull), lithe. Male
Freya - light brown with bronze specks and bronze horns (4 at the top of the head) and spikes all around and down the neck, medium build. Female
Nike - white with gold specks and gold horns (2 above the eyes facing forward) and frills, bulky. Male
Janus - bright orange with a single light orange frill starting above the eyes, lithe. Male
Bellona - dark red with grey wing membranes and grey horns (2 above the eyes facing forward, 1 above the nostrils) and spine and tail spikes, lithe. Female
Persephone - yellow. Female
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