IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE! READ!

Here we go, chapter 2. Loving the reviews, thank you so much to everyone. Special thanks to LeeArt who has been talking about this fic with me and has been a wonderful help in writing this and confirming where to take it.
Note: I plan on bringing some other characters to Middle Earth. So far, Harry, Remus, Sirius(couldn't kill him either), Fred/George, and maybe Draco, still haven't decided on that last one. Some of them might just visit, others might stay in forever. LET ME KNOW! Putting it out there. I know Draco is in a lot of these Xovers, but still, that's because he's just such a fun character to write about. Sorry for Ron/Ginny fans, this won't be pretty.

Reviews=Inspiration. Inspiration=faster updates.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for any OC's I bring in at any point.

Harry adjusted his glasses. He'd long since given up on his hair ever lying flat. It just couldn't be. Around noon he heard the telltale POP of apparation. His wand was raised before he'd even fully turned to face the intruder. Except, rather than an enemy, there was a house elf.

"Winky?"

"Hello Mister Potter sir. Miss Hermione said to give this to you at this time sir." She held an envelope out to him. He recognized Hermione's familiar neat writing.

Dear Harry. I am sorry about this, but I am leaving. There is no place for me here and I have somewhere else so go. Would it sound insane if I told you Dumbledore hadn't died, merely gone to another world? I was shocked too. But he came last night and offered me a new home. I don't belong here. Deatheaters came and killed my parents last night. I killed Bellatrix. Yeah, she's finally dead. So, back to the story. I know what you might be thinking, what about Ron? The truth is that I caught him making out with Lavender last night. That's why I left. I'm sorry I couldn't say good bye in person, but I had to leave last night. Winky says she has a way to contact me. If you keep it a secret, especially from Ron, she may let you use it. The twins, Remus, and Sirius may know. I know that they can keep a secret well, troublemakers. I don't know why, but Winky said she's taken to considering me her mistress, now that she is technically free. Please look after her. I doubt I'm ever coming back, although Gandalf, I mean Dumbledore says that it is possible. You're like a brother to me. Stay out of TOO much trouble. I know you're a Maurauder, but still, nothing too bad, okay?

With love,

Hermione.

Harry read the letter over and again. His first thought was filled with shock. Hermione was leaving? The second thought was bathed in anger. "RON!" Harry quickly dressed and rushed downstairs. The Weasleys were all sat down to breakfast, but they looked up when they heard his shout. He grabbed Ron by the collar and held him against a wall.

"Bloody hell, mate. What's up?"

"I'll tell you what's up. How dare you kiss Hermione, then only a few hours later, snog Lavender?" Harry was beyond livid. "Don't you see what you've done. Hermione left because of that! She's gone, for what she says is probably forever!" Ron gaped.

"What?"

"Yeah. She saw you two, went home heartbroken, and found deatheaters in her house, her parents were dead! She killed Bellatrix. Then someone came to her with an option. She could leave our world, go somewhere she could be happy. Or, she could stay here. Guess which she chose Ron!" Now most of the Weasleys were standing. Mrs. Weasley was furious.

"You CHEATED on HERMIONE?" She nearly screamed. "RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY! You better have a wonderful explanation for this. That girl was like a daughter to me and if you broke her heart then you'll see yourself regretting it." Ron's face was pale. He knew he had no way out of this one. He was caught between Harry, his mum, and the rest of his family who clearly wanted to pummel him right then. Ginny touched Harry's arm.

"Let him down, you know he won't go unpunished." He shook off her arm. "Leave it alone Gin. I don't want to hear it. You can have him." He threw the useless git down, where Ginny promptly hurried to his side, checking his health.

"Ginerva Molly Weasley, get away from him this instant." Arthur commanded.

"But Father, don't you think you're blowing this out of proportion? After all, Hermione's a tough girl. Surely she can handle a little incident. And besides, it's just Hermione." Stillness. George reacted before anyone else could.

"Someone please tell me my remaining ear heard that wrong. Just Hermione? Just Hermione? I'm ashamed that you're actually related to me, either of you. Ginny, who was it that solved the puzzle that saved you in second year? Ron, who was it that got your sorry arse out of trouble on more occasions I can count. Even though you've been naught but cruel to her at times since you met?" George was an oncoming storm just waiting to be released on his worthless siblings.

"Don't George, they are not worth the trouble. Ginny, your birthday is soon, and your brother is an adult. You can both leave this house. NOW!" Mrs. Weasley barked when they hesitated. "I'm sorry Harry, I know you two were close."

"Not anymore. Ron did something I can't abide by, and I told Ginny months ago that we were not a couple. It's her own fault if she can't accept a few things. I'm sorry for disrupting breakfast."

"Not at all, dearie. They deserved everything they got and more. Please, have a spot of food. Too thin I tell you. Far to thin." The cheery woman smiled again, as if she had not just cast out her two youngest.

A couple hours later Harry was in his room once more.

"Winky." Her said softly. She appeared.

"Yes Mister Potter sir?"

"Hermione mentioned a way to contact her. Does it work?"

"She told me she might tell you. I believe it will. The way across dimensions if strange though. I do not know for certain."

"I would like to try to speak with her."

"Very well." Winky pulled a mirror from a pocket in her small dress.

"Winky?"

"Yes sirs?"

"When you were first freed, you hated it. What changed?"

"When Dobby died Winky knew that Dobby had died happy. His freedom was the most important thing to him. Why should Winky complain to have something that made Dobby so pleased? And When the Miss Hermione was hurt, she allowed Winky to help her. Winky knew that she could still serve a purpose while still being free sir. So Winky serves Miss Hermione."

"Even though it's unlikely she'll return?"

"Miss Hermione is Winky's mistress, Winky will serve Miss Hermione, keep her things in order so that if she ever should return, she has a place. That is Winky's place."

"You're a good elf Winky. If you ever need something, I'll help you out. Now let's try to talk to 'Mione." Winky held the mirror up to the light.

"Sun, great sun, our world's bright star, we call to Miss Hermione, wherever you are." The glass swirled to show a landscape unlike any other Harry had seen. Delicate streaks of color decorated painted hills. Regal arches of buildings seemed to be part of the land. A dark haired woman was speaking with three men and another woman who could be her twin. Suddenly Harry felt awkward.

"Hermione?" The first woman looked up.

"Harry?" What? This wasn't Hermione. Who was this? The second woman murmured something.

"Ahh right, I forgot my appearance changed. Yeah, it's me. Sorry, a lot has happened." Hermione picked up the mirror.

"No kidding."

"How are you? I mean the whole post-Voldemort thing."

"Easier if you were here."

"I wasn't staying after everything. It was too much."

"I understand why you left, still wish you hadn't needed to."

"This is where I belong."

"Why'd your looks change?" Tis outta be good.

"Remember how I told you I was adopted, and I couldn't remember anything before I was seven?"

"Yeah."

"That's because I was born here. These are my brothers, Elrohir and Elladan, my sister Arwen, and my childhood friend Legolas. When my father Lord Elrond discovered who I was he broke the spells restraining my identity and looks. This is what I would have grown to look like if I hadn't been kidnapped as a kid. My real name is Taurauthiel."

"I see."

"So this is Harry?" One of the two brothers asked.

"Yeah."

"I heard you saved her from a troll when she was eleven."

"It wasn't that big of a deal. But it was the start of our friendship." Hermione said softly.

"The start of the Golden Trio."

"I never thought we'd end up like this."

"I should tell you, I nearly pummeled Ron this morning when I read your letter. Ginny tried to defend him. They've both been cast out and disowned by the Weasleys. You never did anything to deserve that."

"I'm sorry for breaking up the family."

"They're sorry for hurting you. Mrs. Weasley didn't even flinch, just told them to leave."

"Good to know I left you in good hands."

"So you're really not coming back?"

"Probably not. This is my home, and that will not change. I may visit one day."

"I hope so." Elladan leaned forward.

"We thank you for protecting our sister."

"She's is my sister as well, and I would do whatever it took to save her if need be."

"Brothers, let us give them a moment alone." Arwen rose, grasping the twins' shoulders. Legolas stood as well, giving a glance to Taurauthiel.

"Is this what you wish?"

"It is, thank you, Legolas." The blond left silently, eyes understanding.

"He seems like a good friend."

"He was my friend for years when we were children. Oh, the trouble we used to get into. I think the five of us were worse than the three of us were at Hogwarts. Father couldn't stand it sometimes."

"Not possible."

"Probable."

"Nope. Don't believe it. Not our Hermione. "

"You think I can't cause trouble?"

"I know you can cause any kind of mischief you want. I don't believe you got caught. You turned yourself into a cat once for crying out loud 'Mione."

"I know. I remember. I was coughing up hairballs for weeks." The memories swelled, breaking through the careful wall she'd built around her shock and stress. Tears fell down her face as the past flashed behind her eyes.

"Mione?"

"Just thinking. All the time we spent laughing, crying,"

"Nearly dying?"

"That too. We were so naïve in first year, thinking that saving the stone was going to be the end."

"Not for the Golden Trio, not at Hogwarts."

"Then I went and got myself petrified."

"I had to save the day again."

"Lockhart was an idiot."

"An idiot you fancied."

"Did not!"

"Did too! You knew his favorite color, spells, dreams, everything."

"I read!"

"I know, just messing with you. Now really, how are you?" Harry looked closely at his best friend. Though her eyes and hair had changed, the look of them had not. They still masked her pain so that others would not see it. "I know you too well, don't even try to hide anything form me. I've seen that stare too much in our lives, Mione."

"I'm not going to deny it, not to you. I'm scared."

"Why?"

"Because I'm not just Taurauthiel Elarinya."

"What do you mean?"

"Out of the two Elven Maids of Rivendell, my sister and I, she is the Evenstar. From what I remember, that means that she carries a great power of healing, and grace. She is a wonderful healer. I am the Elarinya, the Morning Star. While her power is in healing, mine is in protecting by the blade, and bow, and spell. I am a princess here, and that scares me. What if I can't handle it?"

"Look me in the eye right now." Harry said, his voice firm. She had to obey. "You are the bravest, strongest, brightest witch of the age. I will not listen to you doubt yourself. Never doubt your abilities to adapt, to grow, to shine. Understand?"

"Yes Harry. Harry, make me a promise."

"What?"

"Never…ever…ever make me think you have given yourself up to an insane wizard bent on killing you, ever again."

"As long as there isn't any-"

"Harry James Potter, don't you dare back talk me. Swear upon the Sword of Gryffindor or so help me I will make sure you will wish that you had."

"Fine. I swear upon the Sword of Gryffindor that I won't offer myself up to an insane wizard bent on killing me again. Satisfied?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now keep talking about how you're adjusting to things." Harry smirked.

"You Marauders are all the same. Insufferable the lot of you."

"Now Taurauthiel, flattery won't get you anywhere, don't change the subject."

"You've been spending too much time with Sirius." She muttered to herself. It helped to talk to him. Time passed as the pair talked. Eventually Legolas stood at the door.

"Taurauthiel, it is time for dinner." She looked up. He enjoyed the smile on her face. It was the same one she wore when they were sneaking around Mirkwood as children.

"Thank you, Legolas. Harry, I must go."

"Don't be a stranger."

"At times I am a stranger to myself. Next time, see if you can bring the others I mentioned in my letter. It would be nice to see some other old friends."

"I'll try. Be careful." The mirror cleared, leaving only Taurauthiel's reflection in its surface.

"He seems like he cares for you very much."

"Out of the ten and a half years I spent in their world, seven of them were spent with only two companions: Harry and Ronald. Now that Ronald has made his true nature clear, Harry and I only have each other with whom to laugh over times past. Harry is one of the most accepting people that ever I have met."

"I am glad you found people you could rely on."

"And you? You seem to have done well with yourself these many years."

"Not so many, when you are immortal."

"Still, it has been a fair amount time."

"I suppose so. Our lands are filling with dark creatures. Much has changed since the easy days of our childhood. My father is concerned."

"While the rising darkness does concern me, I do believe I asked about your health."

"Still you miss nothing. I am well. Father placed me in charge of our armies a few centuries ago. It is a complicated job. For the longest time there was nothing happening, then the darkness began to spread. I have seen our Fathers speaking secretively with Gandalf. Father says only that I will know when I can no longer go unknowing."

"He always was cryptic."

"Indeed." The pair walked easily towards the hall. A weight had been lifted off of her shoulders, knowing Harry was not mad at her for leaving, and that he did not side with Ron. Not that she thought he would, but still.

[With Thranduil and Elrond]

"So she is home, it is good." Thranduil faced out towards thedistance, his eyes glued to his own lands.

"I nearly did not believe it when Arwen told me of it. But yes, she is home."

"Our days of peace are over, now that she and my son have been reunited."

"True. It will not be long before mischief will ring throughout our halls once more."

"The tide may be in our favor once more, my friend."

"Indeed. My thoughts on her return have mostly been from the view of a father. But as a leader, the return of the Morning Star does change things."

"Have you heard nothing of the prophecy, old friend?" Thranduil turned to look at Elrond.

"Which one?"

"The Lady Galadriel only recently foretold that with the rise of the Morning Star will come the winds of change and the light of hope. I believe a copy of her words was brought with us."

"Have it brought up to us then." Thranduil snapped his finger.

"Agormenion, the scrolls, bring them." An Elfvanished to return a moment later with the pages in hand. Thranduil sent him off again. The two Elven lords spread the sheet across the table. Elrond recited swiftly.

"The morning Star rises once more o'er painted hills

Her journey has been long along forgotten roads, and wintered falls.

With her will come the winds of change.

Those who have pledged loyalty to her and will answer her calls

Elven born and Mortal raised, her power is in her soul

Magic flows over the hils with the Rise of the Morning Star

Light to face the darkness creeping across her lands.

The power she weilds spans through times and worlds afar

She must journey with her companions to prevent the rise of the Enemy

But if the Morning Star fades as once it did before

Then the Enemy shall Rule

And the world is cast in darkness forever more." My daughter, I have only had her a few hours, and it seems already I must let her go so soon. Elrond touched his forehead, wishing for some vision that could prevent this.

"It does not say that she will be gone forever, only that she must leave a while."

"It matters not. I cannot prevent this."

"Do we tell her?" Elrond thought.

"No. She has had enough stress these last days. If a time comes when she must know, then she will know. For now, let her have her peace."

"Now, onto other things. The darkness grows."

"The Enemy is seeking a foothold in this realm once more." Gandalf sat with his staff against a pillar.

"You seem as if you know more than you wish to. Speak, friend." Thranduil said.

"It is merely the ghost of a memory, something that irritates and squabbles to be revealed, even to me."

"And what, by the Vallar, does that mean?"

"I do not know, not yet. But I sense that I will know soon. It will be on my coming journey that the answer will come to me. Yes, that seems quite right. This next adventure."

"Where do you venture, Gandalf?"

"I go to one of the most frivolous, exuberant, wild things in this world, or any other: a Hobbit celebration." With only those words the aged wizard left the room.

"Never." Elrond felt a whisper of a smile grace his features, but it faded quickly as it came when he saw his daughter striding towards the halls, Legolas at her side. She stopped for a moment to speak with the departing wizard. "It has not taken long for them to fall in stride once more, has it?"

"It has not. I wonder if they even realize quite how deep their bond runs?"

"They will come to see it in time, I believe."

"I hope so, old friend. I hope so."

"Now, let us move our minds from these dire thoughts. Our children will enter soon and we must seem at ease."

"Very well. But the darkness never stops, even for meals." The pair shared a dark chuckle, each lost in memories of darkness and suffering, each plagued with hope for a fute of hope and joy.