Hey! This is just an idea I thought of. I've written the first chapter, I'm not sure if I'll continue, so if you want me to, please write a review telling me! Of course, in this version, none of the characters have died. (which I know some hate, but hey, my story BRO)

How could this have possibly happened? Bilbo couldn't comprehend it at all. It had been three years. Three perfectly wonderful years since he adopted his nephew Frodo. The lad was only a year old when his parents drowned in the Brandywine river, and their testaments said specifically that should anything ever happen, their little boy is to go under the care of Bilbo Baggins of Bag End, a place in which even the smallest Baggins child would feel at home. Frodo was four now, and as far as Bilbo was concerned, he was the sweetest and most adorable little boy he has ever laid eyes on. And dare he say, the most adventurous. Undoubtedly, Bilbo loved him to pieces.

So how was it that Frodo was being ripped away so unfairly from Bilbo into the greedy hands of the Sackville-Bagginses?

It had happened so quickly and unexpectedly. Bilbo had one day been reading a letter of recent news of Erebor from Thorin and the company in the front garden as Frodo played at his feet, when a frantic Master Worrywort came running up to the gate of Bag End. Considering the panic slashed across the fellow hobbit's eyes, Bilbo new something was immediately wrong. As soon as Worrywort informed him of overhearing some halfling caseworkers from Bree planning to make an appearance at Bag End, Bilbo sent Frodo to his room before asking to hear more.

"Caseworkers?" Bilbo asked. "In the Shire?"

"I believe so, Mr. Bilbo." Worrywort panted. "I didn't think much into it, until I overheard them ask of the whereabouts of Bag End."

Bilbo hesitantly reached his forefinger and thumb into his waistcoat pocket, holding a familiar object inside.

"Mr. Bilbo, they were talking to the Sackville-Bagginses."

Bilbo should've known. His first and only conclusion was that it was another one of the Sackvilles' schemes to inherit Bag End. They've been at it since Bilbo was no older than Frodo's age, and were especially infuriated since Bilbo adopted Frodo as his heir.

He wouldn't argue. As soon as the caseworkers came, Bilbo would offer them some tea, allow them to check the house, and they would see that everything was in order. Minus a few childish messes from Frodo that Bilbo wouldn't have the chance to clean up before they came.

The hobbit was thrown off when they asked to see Frodo before anything else. Bilbo couldn't decide whether to follow the hobbit who searched his house for who knows what, or with the two that kept asking his little nephew unordinary questions.

Does your uncle treat you with kindness?

Does he feed you regularly?

Does he every disappear in the night? Or in the daytime?

Has he ever left you alone for a long time?

Has he ever hurt you...?

Of course, Frodo would nod and shake his head honestly for each question. But, no more than that. It was mostly big, bright blue eyes that would look up at these strangers. These serious, and quite intimidating adult hobbits. When Bilbo tried to intervene, they sent him out of Frodo's room.

A few years ago, Bilbo would've hastily chased the other caseworker around his house for his abrupt behaviour, much like he once did with the dwarves. But with Frodo being Bilbo's priority, the master of Bag End sat outside Frodo's room, trying to make out what was being said on the other side of the door. And should his boy need him, he would barge right in. It was safe to say Bilbo was quite protective of the lad.

They left that day, but not on good terms. They would be back for another search and advised Bilbo to find his guardianship papers, as they would be back with the testaments of Frodo's parents. With a final glance of sending the caseworkers out the door, Bilbo caught a glimpse of the Otho and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins lurking outside Bag End as well.

Bilbo did what he only knew to do, and sent word to Gandalf and the dwarves that something was wrong.

The span of the following events seemed to go over Bilbo's head, until he realized that he was in a severe situation. He obtained his guardianship papers, that he had to dig deep in his study for, showing his legal ownership over Frodo. According to Drogo and Primula's testaments, the caseworkers pointed out that Bilbo's ownership of the boy was his parents' wish, and asked if Bilbo had truly thought of the responsibility it was. Bilbo couldn't help but scoff, for it was a foolish question. Of course he knew the responsibility of raising a child. If he hadn't, Frodo would probably still be in Buckland with his other uncle and aunt.

It was then things began to go downhill. They would point out details that were 'unsafe' in Bag End for Frodo, according to the guardianship guidelines. One was the few bottles of wine kept in the pantry and kitchen, that they claimed could be easily grabbed by Frodo and opened by him, and that they should be kept in the cellar. Bilbo responded that that was preposterous, for the bottles were far out of Frodo's reach and couldn't be opened by little hobbit hands. In contrast, the caseworkers muttered something about bottles being kept out for those who drank regularly that Bilbo couldn't help but roll his eyes at. They new little to nothing about him, and he certainly didn't drink heavily around Frodo. When Bilbo demanded to see these 'guardianship guidelines,' they informed him that it was legal Bree village property.

Many similar questions followed with things like Bilbo's pipe and his chest of treasure. From what Bilbo could suspect, the Sackvilles seemed to convince the caseworkers that Bilbo was using Frodo for some sort of financial benefit.

The breaking point was when they came across Sting one evening. Bilbo had explained cautiously that the sword was from a recent adventure and that he kept it stored away from Frodo at all times. They responded with disbelief as they had for everything else. At that point, they had crossed the line with Bilbo.

"Mr. Redwood, honestly." Bilbo was infuriated. "In the few years I've had Frodo, there has never been a problem. What could have possibly changed?"

"Mr. Baggins, we are arranged to make sure that children are being raised properly. Even somewhere as safe as the Shire it is a requirement. If that cannot be provided for Frodo in this house, we must make some decisions."

Bilbo tensed, putting Sting down on a nearby table. "Frodo, lad, go play in your room."

Frodo, who was seated in Bilbo's armchair, plopped down and scampered off. Bilbo pressed his lips into a thin line, resisting his hands from curling into fists. "I'm not sure what my unworthy Sackville-Baggins relatives told you, but Frodo has never suffered any severe injuries in this house, physically nor mentally."

"They are looking out for Frodo, and they've noticed unusual signs." Mr. Redwood responded. "We cannot take that lightly."

"Then take my word. The Sackville-Bagginses have no interest but inheriting this home for themselves." Bilbo argued. "They have no interest in Frodo except for what he will inherit from me. Taking him means what is his will be theirs."

Mr. Redwood sighed, picking up some legal papers and folding them neatly. "I understand it is difficult, Mr. Baggins. But, we do have policies. I believe if you do not consider them, Frodo would be better off somewhere else."

"Mr. Re-"

"We've given you many chances by now."

"I-"

"The Sackville-Bagginses will pick him up tomorrow. It will be further decided where he must stay, but right now, we'll need to move him for his safety."

"Mr Redwood. Mr. Redwood!" The caseworker made his way quickly out the front door of Bag End, Bilbo right on his tail. "They cannot take Frodo, he needs me!" But the worker was gone quickly, leaving Bilbo in the doorway in disbelief.

"Uncle Bilbo?" The smallest voice asked. Bilbo turned around and looked down to see his nephew. The boy had clearly been listening, and it didn't go over his head. He was bright, even at a young age.

Bilbo reached down and lifted the boy into his arms. "Come, lad. We...we have to talk."

The hobbit carried his little nephew back into the sitting room. He took a seat in his armchair, resting his feet on his chair stool. Frodo, who was still small, sat in between Bilbo's knees and his chest, facing his uncle with his feet against his chest. Bilbo noted how Frodo's feet were gradually becoming larger and gave the smallest smile, before connecting eyes with Frodo's bright blue ones.

Bilbo brushed a few black curls from Frodo's face, urging himself not to break down. "Frodo..." Bilbo choked back a sigh, as he realized how real this was. They would be there for the boy in the morning. His boy.

Frodo tilted his little head to the side in question. "Why am I leaving?"

That did it. Bilbo let out a shaky sigh as he pulled the boy close against his chest, pressing his face into the boy's curls. It took some effort, but Bilbo was able to bring himself to explain to Frodo why he had to go away for a while in a way that was appropriate for him to hear. Bilbo wish he could've argued how unfair it was, for he didn't do anything wrong that was worth losing Frodo. But, he couldn't tell that to a child. All he could do was explain to Frodo that he was going away with the Sackville-Bagginses, the family name lodged in Bilbo's throat like a deadly illness as he explained, and that everything would be alright. The night concluded with Frodo's tired protests, and Bilbo calming and soothing him to he best of his ability. Holding him tight, and whispering reassuring words until they both drifted off.

Bilbo woke up the next morning to the sound of the morning birds, realizing that they had slept his armchair all night. He looked down at the sleeping boy that was still in his arms, clutching Bilbo's suspenders like he had before they fell asleep. The tears on the boy's face were dried out. Carefully, Bilbo lifted Frodo and made his way down the hall to the boy's bedroom. He put the sleeping child on his bed, and unwillingly pulled out a miniature trunk, beginning to pack the necessities for Frodo. Day clothes, nightwear, a few blankets that would remind him of home. He put in a little toy bear that Frodo adored and few other of his favourites. Anything to distract him from the agony.

Bilbo lifted the trunk and put it in the main hallway, taking a look at the front door like it was a curse. The halfling didn't know when to expect his awful relatives, for it was never specified. Why was he not surprised? But, Bilbo wouldn't spend this morning like this. No, he needed to spend it with Frodo while he can. And afterwards, think of every little way possible to get him back. Hopefully, with the help of his dwarf companions, if they at all made the time to travel all the way to the Shire.

When Frodo woke up, his uncle waisted no time in bringing him to the kitchen and starting off like it was a normal day, with a few minor special treatments. Particularly, Bilbo would never allow Frodo a piece of crumb cake for breakfast, but today was an understandable exception. Frodo seemed to perk up during the morning, smiling progressively and eventually slipping a few giggles. And for a while, even Bilbo forgot of the situation, as he was so indulged with his brilliant little nephew.

The harsh knock on the door allowed Bilbo to jump up from his seat, snapping him back to reality. Frodo as well hopped from his seat, and clutched to Bilbo's leg from behind.

"Uncle Bilbo." Frodo's voice was nearly a sob.

"Sh." Bilbo shushed him, trying to soothe the child. Bilbo debated for a second wether he should even answer the door, or not. He shook his head, knowing that doing that would really risk never seeing Frodo, again.

Bilbo lifted Frodo into his arms. "I don't wanna." Frodo protested.

"It's going to be alright." Bilbo lied as they made their way to the door. He didn't even know if that was true, himself.

Bilbo stood in front of the door, allowing the Sackville-Bagginses to knock once again, with Lobelia calling Bilbo's name through the door. Bilbo felt Frodo burry his face into his shoulder, as the older hobbit reached to open the door.

Bilbo couldn't help but scowl when he connected gazes with Otho and Lobelia. He had spent years in the making to prevent them from ever coming this close to his doorstep, and now they were here. Worse than that, they were here to take Frodo away.

"Well then, let's waste no time. Otho." Lobelia pointed towards Frodo's trunk that she noted was in the hall. Otho unwillingly took it, and brought it outside with a grunt.

Bilbo couldn't help but give in to the frustration that was rising in his chest. He covered one ear of Frodo's as the other was pressed against Bilbo's shoulder. "This was all your bloody doing, wasn't it." Bilbo hissed at Lobelia.

The dreadful lady simply cocked an eyebrow. "I would know if it was, wouldn't I?"

She was lying straight to Bilbo's face, and they both knew it. Bilbo mumbled something under his breath as he lifted Frodo's head to look at his face. "Frodo, it's time to go."

"No."

"Yes, lad."

"Uncle-"

Before either of them knew it, Frodo was ripped from Bilbo's arms with a squeak. Bilbo couldn't help but gasp himself; Frodo being taken from him by Lobelia felt like the worst feeling in the world. And that was saying a lot, considering how many mishaps he had ran into on his quest to Erebor.

"Uncle Bilbo!" Frodo cried from Lobelia's arms as she walked down the steps with him.

Bilbo felt his heart shatter, his feet suddenly taking him down the steps after them. "Wait, wait!" Bilbo called in desperation. "Please. Lobelia, please. Just a minute."

Frodo squirmed his way out of Lobelia's arms and straight into Bilbo's, who was now kneeling on the ground while he held Frodo. Lobelia rolled her eyes and exchanged a look with Otho, who was also displeased as he waited at the gate.

"I know." Bilbo nodded to Frodo's unclear crying sounds that he mumbled into Bilbo's shoulder. "I know, my boy."

The hobbit lifted the little fauntling's face, wiping the child's escaped tears. "Frodo, I truly promise everything will be alright. I will see you again."

"Bilbo, come now, there is no reason to drag this out." Otho spoke up, not liking the words he was feeding Frodo.

Bilbo ignored his relative as he looked at his nephew. "Frodo. Listen to me, alright?" Bilbo took the soft little face into his hand as he pressed his forehead to the boy's. "They don't own you, nor your spirit, nor anything you may or may not become. You are you, and nothing will change that. And...and I will always be your u-uncle." Bilbo choked on the last word, fighting to contain himself.

Frodo sniffed, and Bilbo wiped another tear from the small lad's face. "Do you understand?"

The child slowly nodded, and Bilbo all of a sudden felt a hot tear run down his own cheek. Ignoring it, he pressed a kiss to Frodo's forehead, closing his eyes as another tear suddenly escaped him. He wiped them so Frodo wouldn't see and gave a smile. "Good boy. Now, go."

Frodo's hands slipped from Bilbo's as he made his way over to Lobelia and Otho. The boy ignored the stares of the two as he exited through the gate. Bilbo stood up, watching as Lobelia took Frodo's hand. The lad looked over his shoulder at Bilbo standing in the front of Bag End. His home and his uncle becoming progressively smaller as they walked away.

As soon has his relatives were gone with Frodo, Bilbo slumped onto the bench of the garden. A groan suddenly escaped him, and he buried his face into his hands. How could this have possibly happened? How could Frodo have been taken away from him? The Master of Bag End was given no warning. These abrupt people just came barging into his life and suddenly Frodo, the one he cared for the most, was gone.

Bilbo didn't know how long he sat there. Minutes, hours, seconds. But he lifted his head when someone familiar said his name.

"Bilbo?" The hobbit lifted his face from his hands, watery eyes capturing the figure that was attached to the voice. Bofur stood there, along with the other descendants of Erebor standing not too far behind him. Looks like they came after all.

They looked on with worry at their burglar as he stood up from the bench. "It's too late." Bilbo said. "They took him, already."

The hobbit made his way up the steps of Bag End, and closed the door behind him. Once inside and alone, Bilbo broke down crying.