Hello! How are you?

--E--

Professor McGonagall exhaled a pound of stress before frowning. "If the Headmaster said you cannot, then you cannot. This matter does not concern you three."

"If it concerns Voldemort, then it does concern me!" Harry fumed, his eyes bright and wild like the red lacing his scar. "I sensed the ripple just like Dumbledore did, so I should be there interrogating him too!"

"He's not interrogating him. He's only trying to resolve tonight's confusion and, hopefully, it will be without conflict. Now, off to bed, all of you. You're all passed curfew and I will take points away and give you all detention -- yes, I will, Ms. Granger -- if you do not comply."

Ron frowned. "But, why's Dumbledore letting that thing in his office? He knows it's evil, so-"

"Ron! He knows what he's doing," Hermione scolded. "We have to trust that he'll clear things up and that the little man will leave."

"To bed, all of you." McGonagall turned away. "And don't try anything tricky. I've been kind enough to not give you detention straight away, but anything more and I'll take no exception. And, Harry," she paused, noticing the droplet of blood on his scar. "Everything will be sorted out. Just do what's given to you."

He gritted his teeth before turning away.

--E--

"So, you're saying this castle is a school?" Bilbo asked and set down his teacup.

"Yes," Dumbledore said. "Hogwarts is its name."

"Amazing! I thought this castle was a kingdom!"

"A kingdom..." The Headmaster sipped his cup's rim. "The world you said you were from -- Middle-earth, yes? -- does it still practice monarchy?"

Bilbo, with his feet dangling off his chair, nodded. "Although the Shire uses a municipal system instead. Much more efficient, if you ask me -- Wait, one more question," he started suddenly. "If this is a school, then those teenagers from earlier were students, not guards?"

"Precisely."

"Ah, I see. Well, it's good to see young people so alert, then."

Dumbledore smiled.

Two hours ago, Bilbo was allowed a room to prepare himself in: a large tub and spare clothes -- the smallest shirt and trousers available. He was surprised that it fit him, not hanging off his body or awkwardly proportioned. Magic, he thought gratefully.

After a dinner of baked potatoes and bean casserole -- hot food healing his stomach while soft linen soothing his skin -- he recovered and met with the old man, Dumbledore. He discussed concerns with him-- a wizard, as Bilbo discovered with the self-refilling teacups, the magical trinkets on his desk, and the moving portraits decorating his office. The magic that swelled in the room impressed him, reminding him more and more of Gandalf: pleasant and fascinating. The Headmaster also seemed like Gandalf as the discussion matured, especially with the way he was easy to talk with, with the way he dropped sugar cubes in his cup with delicate fingers, and even the way his smile reflected great age and wisdom. Just like Gandalf.

In the discussion, the wizard had informed him the very best he could: "It appears to me, with information available, that you are not from our world. Obvious, yes, especially with your description of wizards, but the magical imbalance I talked about can support this conclusion. Although, Mr. Baggins, the why of the situation are hidden from all of us."

"Well, yes, magic is how, but the why is definitely more interesting, yeah."

"Yes, I'm thinking the same as well. I have predictions, but they're all half-baked."

For a moment, they turned to their thoughts, letting the air thicken in theories. Little to think, but plenty to process. Bilbo set down his cup, arms crossed, and tried to reason why it happened. It was hard to explain, but he was not clueless; the ring in his pocket seemed to buzz with excitement ever since he woke up in the forest.

"All I can say though is that I need to get back. My company may be in trouble."

"Understandable. Your company -- Thorin Oakenshield's, correct? -- is probably worried about you."

"I'd be surprised if they were! They were just taken captive of woodland elves, so I'd guess they're occupied at the moment."

"Elves..." Dumbledore knitted his eyebrows, then chuckled. "You'll have to describe them to me later."

They took another moment to ponder. But, the only thing that seemed worth talking about was the Phoenix beside the Headmaster's desk. It cried a musical note and Bilbo perked up.

"Well, I can't say I have the faintest idea on why I got here and how I can get back, but I must say your Pheonix is magnificent," the hobbit said, gesturing to the bird's vibrant red feathers. "I've only read about them in books, but seeing one in person is truly breathtaking."

"Hm," Dumbledore hummed. "I'm sure Fawkes is flattered. Although, he has been rather curious about you too, I think." The bird had eyed Bilbo like he was a new toy ever since the discussion started. "But, then again, I have to say I am too. There is no creature of your biology that this world has ever seen... well, I guess there are goblins. They're very similar to your stature, although your overall description is uniquely hobbit-owned."

"Good gracious, goblins being the closest thing to a hobbit? That's quite sad, but I suppose it makes sense compared to two different worlds and such. Although, I find it strange that no hobbits abide here." Bilbo shrugged. "Oh well. In any case, I suppose a hobbit is not as sightly as a Phoenix."

"I wouldn't say that. Hobbits -- as you've described -- seem interesting. The whole bare-feet quirk, I am rather jealous of. But, that also brings to mind a question: are hobbits magical?"

When Bilbo glanced at the wizard, he noticed he looked a few degrees more serious, a few degrees more business-like. Fawkes suddenly became still too.

"Uh, no, not really. We're non-magical folk, but we're used to witnessing magic like my friend, Gandalf, and elvish medicine and herbs and buttons and whatnot."

"So then, you cannot use magic, but carry it?"

He tensed. "Yes?"

"Please tell me, because I'm afraid your magic is very unknown to me. The ripple I was talking about had to have been your effect."

In deep thought, Bilbo picked up his tea, held it to his lips, but did not drink. It had gone cold. "Well, uh, it was just a little something I came across... It's definitely helped me stand on my own two feet in the wild... definitely a treasure... But, yeah, I guess it technically is magical," he murmured.

"May I examine it?"

He hesitated, seeing the wizard's searching look, but then, with an idea, with a stroke of slyness, with something he was not proud of, he glanced at the wall; a small sword leaned against it. "Sting glows whenever orcs or goblins are nearby. Very helpful when you're traveling."

A moment passed before the Headmaster let go of Bilbo's eyes, got up, and strode over to the sword, relieving Bilbo more than the bath from earlier. Not only did his shoulder relax, but the ring in his pocket started to cool as well. With a head turn, he saw the man's finger hover gingerly over Sting like he expected the sword to attack. But, it only reflected honey light.

"Ah, yes, there's some magic there. Not like ours... a bit more potent, but in a modest way," Dumbledore said aloud. "A nice blade, you have."

"Thank you. It's helped me out more than once," he said and sunk back into his chair. Now, his tea tasted better.

"Yes, yes, well --" Dumbledore returned to his seat, Fawkes calling for attention "-- I guess we do need to discuss some more before it gets any later. For instance, I propose you stay here at Hogwarts. After all, it makes sense for you to go back to your world from the same place you came, but also because it is much safer here than anywhere else right now."

"Why?" Bilbo asked. "Is there trouble afoot?"

"Yes, and I'd advise you not to concern yourself over it. It's a headache and a half and I don't think you need that.

"Anyway, since this is a school, you must follow code: you'll be officially titled as a guest, but you cannot interfere with our students' courses, although I'm sure you wouldn't."

"Of course not," he smiled. "I like to think myself to be a bit of a scholar, so I understand the annoyance of that."

"Wonderful," Dumbledore eyes' twinkled, then he stood up again. "Although, I see nothing wrong with popping into the library and prominent rooms in the school every now and then. You might find something to help you get back... and, besides, it could be dull being in your room all day."

Before Bilbo could thank him again -- for food, for fresh clothes, for generosity and care -- footsteps erupted behind him. With a quick glance, he recognized the man and woman from the forest. They still seemed to have pale, ghost faces. He straightened himself and returned their prying looks with a smile.

"Good evening, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall," the Headmaster said. "If either of you two would escort our guest, Mr. Baggins, back to his room, that would be much appreciated."

"Oh, wait a minute," the hobbit started, noticing the red mark on the greasy man's nose. "You're the fellow I-"

"Yes," Snape flashed.

He cleared his throat. "Uh, sorry about that. Didn't know what to do at the time."

"Water under the bridge." McGonagall faked a smile.

There was an exchange of anxious glances between the wizards -- a small facial stretch from Bilbo -- before Dumbledore chuckled and assured the man and woman that there was nothing to fret over. But, Bilbo noticed, they did not seem convinced.

In a few strides, Dumbledore picked up Sting again and looked down at the hobbit. "Also, while you stay here, I'll need to keep this for you, and you can understand why."

"Of course."

"Splendid."

Once the hobbit departed with Snape, who seemed to take offense at Bilbo's attempt to start a conversation, the forced smile of McGonagall's face revealed itself: astonishment.

"Albus, what is that creature?" she breathed, appalled and amazed.

"Mr. Baggins is a hobbit," he replied. "A very charming fellow, I might add. We covered a lot in the last hour and it was rather refreshing."

"But, how did he get here? Where is he from?"

"I will inform you and Severus in a few moments."

She frowned. "Alright then... but, what is a hobbit?"

He shrugged mirthfully.

--E--

"Well, I am going to admit that I am rather proud of how much we've covered in the last hour, especially since this is a between-worlds problem and all. Such things can be boggling to grasp. Anyways, I've come to understand our problem." Dumbledore painted out the information, explaining hobbits, Middle-earth, and the ripple. "It'll be hard how to send him back to his world when we cannot place how he came here, unless either of you know about falling into ravines and popping up in another world. But, until we get there, we need to house him and keep him safe -- especially with the magical disturbance he caused. I fear the worst of it, if dealt wrongfully."

"Yes, yes, Albus, about that..." McGonagall began. "I'm sure we all sensed that ripple, Potter especially, but it really concerns me as to why you'll let him abide here. With the Dark Lord back and the Ministry running amock, a powerful evil in Hogwarts will not make anything better. Certainly, the magic will attract the Dark Lord's attention and put us all in danger."

"Of course it will. All of us were in danger from the start, which is especially why we need to contain Mr. Baggins in Hogwarts. It is the safest place to be, if I am so bold to say, and it would be tragic if his magic was taken advantage by Voldemort. There is no doubt that the magical ripple reached his senses as well. Such power cannot go unnoticed by the sensitive."

"But, the magic will put the students at risk," she said. "And with the Umbridge woman in the way of things, I cannot imagine a worse situation."

"Yes, she is rather unpleasant, but I'm sure we can steer Mr. Baggins clear of her. Although, with an encounter or two, I'm sure he will know."

"Albus," Snape started, his voice low and articulate. "What are we to do with him, then? A being of evil shouldn't go unsupervised."

"Correct, it shouldn't. Such power makes me grow uneasy, but I do not believe him to be evil. We'll need to keep an eye on him, yes, but only for extra precautions."

"Not evil?" Snape's eyes narrowed. "Albus, you cannot say that. He's the source. You cannot deny that."

"I know." Dumbledore pulled Sting a few inches out of its sheaf, indented designs shimmering. "He is not the source, but he carries it. He's told me of this magic sword, but it is not the source. The power he carries could be more devastating than, dare I say, Voldemort's. And, I fear it is still on his person."

Snape and McGonagall looked at each other.

"But, it's an object I cannot understand, and it would be unwise to take it from him. Foreign, cursed items will be fatal if we cannot comprehend its abilities, especially one causing this much of a disturbance."

Snape frowned. "So, we'll just have to make sure Mr. Baggins behaves."

"I believe he will, but, with something like this, I know I cannot hesitant in drawing a wand. I hope I do not have to. He is a pleasant little fellow."

"We will see."

The Headmaster set Sting in one of his drawers and it delighted him when it fit like a toothpick in a shoe box. "Well, my friends, I will say that hobbits are definitely interesting creatures. Though, I don't think I can fathom eating five to six meals a day... I'll have to inform the chiefs about that."

Snape cleared his throat. "Rather demanding, isn't he?"

"I wouldn't say that. He's a creature with certain needs. Besides, I'm sure the house-elves would be delighted with a recurring fellow." Dumbledore folded his hands together. "Until everything is sorted out and Mr. Baggins is returned to his world, we will need to keep an eye on him as well as everything else, but I'm sure we can manage. Let us have patience and peace with us."

"Understood," McGonagall nodded, and soon Snape bowed his head as well.

"Excellent, but --" his voice dropped and made both of them jump "-- I must ask of you two to do the hardest, most impossible task, something that cannot happen if taken lightly, nor something I can see going smoothly." He smiled without humor. "Keep him away from Harry."

--E--

Have a golly good day!