A/N: Hey hey everyone! Here is the third chapter of this story. It doesn't quite manage to finish Fellowship, but I hope to have the rest and the chase after the hobbits in the next chapter :)
Enjoy :)
Any questions about this story should be asked in your review please! Or you could PM me.
Yes, I am using the film transcripts. As much as I love the book, it does over complicate alot of things.
Announcement: I got into my chosen university :D:D University of Dundee here I come! Your wonderful author will be a Forensic Anthropologist one day! XD
Summary: The World was destroyed. All that remained of it is a scattered group of wizarding refugees, whose leader is one Harry Potter. They sought refuge in the lands of Middle-Earth, and for thousands of years, they grew in number, becoming a race far greater than anything else. But darkness is upon them. Darkness which Sauron pales in comparison.
Rings and True Immortality
Chapter III: The Old Magic
By The Morrigu
''Cause, everything's broken
Everything's vacant
Everything's wasted time again
Sentiments hopeless
Innocence jaded
Everything's wasted time again
Ahh someday we might find
Some sacred place in time
But until then all we'll share
Are dreams we've left behind'
- Wasted Time by Fuel
Harry watched the fellowship with a concerned and aged gaze. Through time, and greater experience, he had learnt to spot the signs of the weak minded. People whom he should be wary of, people who when the time came, they wouldn't be able to cope with what was before them. As his emerald gaze scanned the group, he began to notice this. His subconscious had already acknowledged that the weakness in the group lay with Boromir, who could easily turn against them and go to grab the ring for his own means. A second weakness had been unknowingly created by Gandalf, by the whispering into Frodo's ear that he couldn't trust anyone. Even within the fellowship. Although Gandalf was wise, and had been around for some time, he had been on Middle-Earth for less than three thousand years. Harry had seen such statement, meant to be said in order to make people more vigilant, be the cause for whole armies to fall against the might of the enemy. Whether or not his old friend was aware of the possible effects of his words, he did not know. Harry frowned to himself, as he watched the approaching walls of the mines of Moria, and moved to be closer to Gandalf, quick enough to hear his parting words.
"There are many powers in this world, for Good or for Evil. Some are greater than I am. And against some I have not yet been tested."
Harry shot Gandalf a look, which the wizard picked up on, and bowed his head slightly in mourning. Something was going to happen, something that the wizard had seen. Harry didn't like it. He had enough experience when dealing with what might happen, that it couldn't be changed. That no matter how hard a person tried, what was planned in the future, will always happen, as some point or another.
"The walls of Moria!" exclaimed Gimli, breaking him from his musings. The excited dwarf made him smile slightly, as it was rare to see such creature quite so joyful. It appeared to be having an affect on the party as a whole, especially the hobbits. However, both Gandalf and he knew that within the walls of Moria, there would be nothing to welcome them. The dwarves had long since passed from these parts.
He allowed his feet to move swiftly over the rocks, moving with speed and grace that rivalled that of the elves, which was something that he had learnt over time, rather than an innate grace he was born with. Behind him, the fellowship were discussing the walls of Moria, and he overheard Legolas and Gimli's banter. He reached the area where the doors to Moria were first, and heard a slash behind him, and a gasp from Frodo. No doubt the hobbit had slipped into the pool of water. The hairs on the back of his neck rose, and he flicked his eyes towards the lake, feeling as though someone was watching. In all of his life, his instinct had never failed him. He stepped closer to the lake, frowning at it. To everyone else, it would merely seem as though he was staring at nothing, for no reason. The frown was barely decipherable on his face.
The rest of the group settled themselves in front of the doors, and Harry turned around to watch Gandalf attempt to open them. A wry grin appeared on his face, even as his senses were focused on the lake behind him.
"Those doors are foolproof. Unless you know the password Gandalf, we will not be getting in." announced Harry, raising his eyebrow towards the wizard, while his eyes read the writing on the wall, knowing that if Hermione were here, she would have worked it out by now. By the annoyed look on Gandalf's face, he knew that the wizard was thinking something similar.
"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves...Men...and Orcs." Sighed Gandalf, rubbing his temples lightly. Everyone had sat down on the rocks now, and appeared to have settled in to wait for sometime.
"What are you going to do, then?" questioned Pippin cheerfully.
"Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words." Replied Gandalf, annoyance highlighting his tone.
Harry smiled wryly, before setting down, his back to the lake. He brought his knees up to his chest, and appeared to be settled. He closed his eyes, and expanded his magic. It was so subtle, that he doubted even Gandalf picked it up. Through this, he could see Bill the pony trotting away, Frodo and Gandalf discussing the entrance to the mine, Aragorn stopping Pippin and Merry from disturbing the water and Gimli speaking to Legolas in a proud tone of all the treasures in the mine. Boromir had settled beside himself, and appeared to be unsure how to proceed.
"Speak, you obviously have something on your mind." Murmured Harry, opening his eyes and looking towards the man, who looked deep in thought.
"I do not understand why the ring cannot be used as a weapon." Replied Boromir in a low voice. Harry frowned slightly, not sure why the man was asking he of all people this.
"The ring will only work for its master. Everything other than that, it is trying to get back to its master. Isuildur died, not because he was attacked, but because the ring abandoned him. This is what will eventually happen to anyone who attempts to be the rings master. Men have been shown to fall to the rings power far quicker than any other creature. This is why it cannot be used as a weapon." Stated Harry softly. "All of the races of Middle-Earth, men, elves and dwarves, they have all had their minds used by the ring of power. Only the Elven Rings can attempt to hold the power at bay. That is why places like Rivendell and Lothlorien are safe havens. The fate for all ring bearers is death." Harry's eyes focused on Frodo, frowning. "But Hobbits have never been taken into the equation before. By all accounts, Frodo is doing remarkably well."
"You show great insight." Announced Boromir, frowning at him with guarded eyes.
"I have to. In the Councils of the North, you have to be prepared for anything. You have to know everything around you, that could come upon you from any angles. I have watched over the council for many centuries. Do not let my looks fool you, Man of Gondor. When the time comes, you shall see the full might that the experience of the age can have against the enemy."
"What do you mean?" asked Boromir, frowning.
"That is for another time." Answered Harry, as his senses began to alert him to something in the water. Boromir moved to stand beside Aragorn, who was watching the water as well.
"It's a riddle! What is the elvish word for friend?" shouted Frodo, as he stood up. Gandalf looked at him in surprise.
"Mellon."
The ripples in the water continued, and Harry still had his back to the water, even as the fellowship was watching the water nervously. The great doors opened with a creak, and Gandalf and Frodo entered the mine, with the other following slowly. Harry made sure he was the last one in the mine, and got in soon enough to hear Gimli's words.
"Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves! Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin, Balin."
Light pierced the room, highlighting it. There were bodies littering the room, bodies that had been their for decades at the very least. It was the remains of a battle that had been fought long ago.
"This is no mine, it's a tomb!" hissed Boromir, as his eyes gazed at the bodies of dwarves. Gimli gave off a strangled cry in shock, and Harry felt his stomach clench painfully, with the knowledge that both Gandalf and he knew what awaited for them in these mines.
"Goblins!" said Legolas spitefully, having grabbed one of the arrows that were in the bodies.
"Make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here. Now get out of here! Get out!" ordered Boromir, and Harry saw the Hobbits beginning to move back towards him. In that second, he sensed a movement from the lake behind. He swirled around, just in time to see Frodo being dragged to the water, being pulled from right beside him. His instincts acted immediately, and before the hobbits even had time to call for aid, Harry was chasing after Frodo. Behind him, he heard the trio of hobbits shout towards the other members of the fellowship. Harry knew that attacking the tentacles holding Frodo, the Kraken would just continue attacking. He moved with such a startling speed, that no doubt the hobbits, and in turn the rest of the fellowship had completely missed his movements, as he leapt into the lake, going after the creature itself.
He could distantly hear the members of the fellowship battling the creature, and the creature fighting back. Harry then grabbed onto the creatures main body, and concentrated on a his own magical energy. With a thought of 'reducto' the body of the Kraken exploded outwards. Harry reappeared on the edge of the lake, and watched as Boromir caught Frodo in his arms the second the Kraken dropped the hobbit. However, the force of the explosion and the battle, causing the unstable foundations that kept the entrance to Moria upright began to topple. The other members of the fellowship began the run in, and with Harry's aged and developed eyes, he could make out their movements as if they were in slow motion. Harry followed immediately, using magic to boost his movements to make his body move through the air at a pace that was unmatched. He slid his way into the mine, just as the entrance collapsed. The room was then plunged into darkness, with the only sounds being the groups heavy breathing.
Harry shivered absently, as the cold from his dive, and the blood from the Kraken had soaked him through. His senses told him that the two men were in much the same position, and he was also aware of the curious looks he was being given from the other members of the fellowship.
"We now have but one choice." Announced Gandalf softly, as he illuminated the mine using a crystal on his staff. Harry reached into his pouch, and brought out chain which had a glass pendant attached to it. Trapped within the glass was Hermione's patented blue-bell flames. He attached the chain around his neck, bringing eerie blue light into the mine. The members of the fellowship was immensely curious as to this object, but they were content to keep their opinions to themselves. The group then began to leave the area they were in, following Gandalf as he walked through the mines. Harry took up the rear, his senses alert to anything that could follow them. He had to stare down the pair of humans into walking in front of him, as the pair seemed to believe that only the most experienced should walk at the back.
"We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs, in the deep places of the world. Quietly now. It's a four-day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed."
The darkness was of the all-consuming kind, and if it wasn't for Harry's age and experience, he would find it somewhat daunting. But, he had faced things which were on par with such a darkness in his long life, and contented himself in admiring the mithril rocks, and watching the fellowship interact. The hobbits, as curious creatures, were content to listen to Gimli and Legolas' talks of their people, Frodo in particular seemed to be enthralled, no doubt due to his uncle's own stories. They listened with rapt interest to Boromir's tales of Gondor, which was the most powerful nation in Middle-Earth, discounting Aurum though. At this, Harry smiled to himself. They fellowship as a whole had yet to ask any burning questions of his own people, and he thought that that was down to Gandalf's almost differential treatment of him. Gandalf was their guide, their leader. Harry didn't come across as a follower though, and on a subconscious level this appeared to confuse the fellowship as a whole. But, this confusion wasn't to last.
"I have no memory of this place." Murmured Gandalf, when faced with three doorways to choose from. Harry frowned at his friend, as he sat himself down in the makeshift camp, as they waited for the wizard to remember. Time had passed, and as a whole, the fellowship appeared to be resting well.
"I have always said that your memory would be your downfall, Gandalf." Said Harry after some time, his eyes closed as he absently flicked the mirror that was around his neck, feeling the warm and comforting feelings of home from it.
"And I have never once doubted you for it." Replied Gandalf, his tone amused. Harry chuckled to himself, before pausing as he felt the mirror heat up. A frowned to himself, before sitting up straight, and getting the attention of the other members of the fellowship.
"Harry?" came the voice from the mirror, startling the members of the fellowship.
"Teddy? What is the problem?" asked Harry, replying in English, a language that was not spoken in Middle-Earth.
"Where are you?"
"We are in Moria, have been for three days, I think. It is hard to keep track of here. What has happened?"
"I am with the Ents, and I am about to head out to Minas Tirith to meet Hermione. Saruman is making an army, a cross between Orc and Goblin it appears. Far stronger than any other army. He calls them Uruk-Hai."
"How many has he made?"
"A few hundred at the moment, but at the rate they are being made, it will not be long before there are many thousand. We didn't account for this, no one did."
"What is being done?"
"Ron has dispatched the army from Bellum. Half is travelling south by boat, the other half is travelling south by horseback. The cavalry is staying North for the moment. But, Luna has seen something."
"Why didn't she inform me?"
"She didn't want to worry you. The Dark Lord has found the old scripture books, written by the Others. It has within the ancient rituals that were recovered from the Department of Mysteries, including many that Voldemort used. Ones to regain, or improve his body. We believe that he intends to try something new this time round. She urged you to contact Ron before the army left."
"I will."
Teddy ended the contact, and Harry renewed it before the others could interrupt.
"Ron."
"Harry. Teddy got to you then? Good. I am going to be riding down with the Phoenix battalion. Neville is going by sea. Everyone else is remaining here."
"Have you heard about the scriptures?"
"No."
"Sauron has them. Books detailing how to go about regaining a body, everything. He doesn't need to regain the ring now, aside from keeping his immortality. The scripts also go on about how to create multiple horcruxes. If he does this…it will ruin everything."
"Then the ring needs to be destroyed before he does."
"I need you to awaken everyone. We are going to need everyone for this. They need to start heading South as soon as possible. Send Bill and Fleur down once Bill as awoken. They need to ward two areas of the army to station at, within easy striking distance of Rohan, Gondor and Mordor. I shall let you pick the areas. It needs to be done though. Albus can hold down the fort while everyone goes, with Scorpius and Rose's help. We are going to need everyone else down here though."
"I shall pass on the messages. I think Ginny will be on her way down. Andromeda and Draco are going too, between the three of you, you should be able to combat the dark rituals. Cho will remain up here with the cavalry until they are called down. Aside from that, we shall have emptied Aurum of us all within the next week."
"Good. I shall see you soon."
"Aye."
Harry put the mirror away, and looked up to see eight curious looks directed at him.
"Whom were you just speaking to?" asked Boromir.
"One of our spies was giving me a report, and I was passing it on, like a relay." Said Harry, sharing a brief look with Gandalf. "He was warning us of Saruman's creations. The wizard has called them Uruk-Hai. Orc and Goblin cross-bred creatures. He wants us to be on the look out for them."
"How is such a thing possible?" questioned Aragorn, curious. "It reminds me a lot of a palantir."
"Nothing like one. It is just a method of speaking at long distances. It is possible by magic." He caught that doubtful looks, and grinned. "Surely you have not heard the rumors of the Riders of the North? Their ability to do magic? Albeit, done is a very different way to our friend here." He bowed his head to Gandalf. "This is how by pendant was made. It is quite literally, fire that is trapped within glass. Keeps me quite warm as well."
The hobbits looked curious, and Pippin sat himself down next to Harry, and grinned at him.
"Do you have pipeweed up there? Merry said that you wouldn't because it is cold."
"Once you get past the frozen wastes, it is no longer cold. In fact, Aurum borders on coast, with spectacular beaches and harbors. During the Summer months, it can get quite warm. But pipeweed? I have not the taste for it, little one. Some of my friends do, but it doesn't have the same effect on us as it does you. Our bodies are too different."
"Different?" said Merry, appearing at Pippin's otherside.
"Aye. Different. Our land thrives off of magic. Over time, our bodies have changed in response to the magic that is within our environment. We are, in a way, a completely different race to any others on Middle-Earth. We look like humans, but we are not. Some of our number never age. Haven't for over ten thousand years. Others age slowly. We have found that over time, the length of lives has decreased to a few hundred years in the latest generations, rather than that of the never changing, like that of the Council."
"Yet, you are not of Elven kind. This is extraordinary." Murmured Boromir, frowning. "I assume that Lady Hermione and Luna are of this Council?"
"Yes. The two Ladies, as well as perhaps two dozen more, are all that remains of the original group that traveled to these shores, blessed with immortality. They cannot be killed by magic or blades."
"Can you do magic?" asked Pippin excitedly, butting in before Boromir could raise another question.
"I can." Replied Harry, raising a fist in the air, and conjuring fire in the palm of his hand, causing the two inquisitive hobbits' eyes to widen. Both Sam and Frodo stepped closer, as Gandalf was smiling at the scene that was before him. "My magic is different to that of the Istari. Though, the two have never been tested against one another in open war before. I am quite looking forward to it at the moment. Saruman will be a great opponent."
"You do not fear him? The most powerful of the Istari?" asked Legolas, his all-seeing eyes boring into Harry.
"No, I do not. There is little things that I fear in this world, and a traitorous wizard is nowhere near the top of the list. Saruman knows of the magic that the mages of Aurum wield. We taught him some in fact, when he came to us. We educated him in various ways of mixing the materials that the ground could offer us, in order to create weapons and the like. The subject fascinated him. In return, we promised to never use our magic to participate in War. It would provide an unfair advantage. This is, unknown to most, one of the rules that the Istari have to follow. They are here to guide, not to fight. Saruman is currently breaking this rule of the Istari."
"Are you not breaking your promise then?" questioned Frodo.
"Until Saruman uses what it was that we taught him, we cannot use our magic within battle. We swore on our magic that we would not, so the promise must be upheld."
A silence echoed throughout the mines, until Gandalf cleared his throat, standing up and gesturing to a passageway.
"Oh! It's that way!"
Harry nodded his head at his friend in thanks, as the old wizard suddenly remembered the way to go. He followed from the back as the others walked through the tunnel, murmuring to one another about the wizard, whom Harry could see explaining to Merry that he didn't remember the way, but merely the smell.
"Have you ever met the High Lord?" asked Boromir, as he walked in front of Harry, with Aragorn a little further ahead with Gimli.
"I have." Replied Harry, shooting a curious glance at the man. "Why so interested?"
"The stories of the Master of Death are many. I am wondering how many of them are true."
"Tell me of these stories some time, and I shall answer your questions. I have no doubt that the High Lord is nothing but a fairytale down here in these lands. That most believe him to be nothing more than a legend, that has been exaggerated by the bards of old. Perhaps I can set this street for you, hm? You to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. I can tell that you are listening."
"One cannot help but to. Very few ever travel to the lands you hail from, so any stories that we hear tend to be lies." Answered Aragorn.
"You grew up in Rivendell, I am sure the stories you heard there were not all lies." Stated Harry with a raised eyebrow, as they exited the tunnel. Gandalf then spoke, interrupting them.
"Let me risk a little more light." His staff brightened, lighting up the tall pillars, and grand arches that stretched out for as far as the eye could see. "Behold: the great realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf."
Harry smiled, content for the moment, as he observed the looks of awe that were on the members of the fellowship's faces. He himself had visited Moria a handful of times before, and the city was not new to him, and after living in Dux Ducis for so long, he had grown used to such splendor.
"Now there's an eye opener and no mistake." Muttered Sam, as his eyes scanned the hall in wonder.
Harry smiled softly, until his emerald eyes focused on the ray of light he could see at the far end. His heart clenched, as he realized what it was for. Gimli appeared to have noticed it too, as he cried out in alarm, and ran towards the room the light was in. Harry followed, ignoring Gandalf's shout for them both to come back. He entered the room after Gimli, to see the dwarf sobbing over a tomb. Harry went forwards and rested a hand on it's surface.
He heard the others enter the room, and observe the mourning dwarf in silence. Around the room dotted various bodies, all died for the protection of the tomb. Harry watched as Boromir laid a hand on Gimli's shoulder, as Gandalf went towards a book one of the bodies carried.
"'Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.'" Translated Harry, reading the runes on the tomb. "Just as it was rumored."
Harry looked up at Gimli, who was still wailing to himself. He heard Legolas murmur to Aragorn softly.
"We cannot linger!"
"'They have taken the bridge…and the second hall.'" Read Gandalf, gaining everyone's attention, and Gimli's silence. "'We have barred the gates…but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums...drums…in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark."
The silence was palpable, and Harry could see Pippin moving for something out of the corner of his eye.
"We cannot get out…They are coming." An uncomfortable silence filled the room, which was interrupted by the sounds of something falling down a hall. Everyone whirled around to stare at Pippin, who looked sheepish. Then, the looks turned into horror, as the rest of the body fell down into the hall, including a chain and a bucket. The resounding crash echoed throughout the mine.
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" shouted Gandalf, snatching his hat and staff from Pippin in anger.
The rest of the Fellowship had relaxed, but Harry could sense a static in the air. The magic in the air was trying to warn him of something. The hair on the back of his neck was standing on end, and Harry felt the magic move, as vibrations echoed throughout the mine, well before the rest of the Fellowship. Drums, echoing throughout the mine.
Everyone whirled around, trying to work out where the drums were coming from. Sam pointed towards Frodo's sword, Sting, which was glowing blue.
"Orcs." Hissed Legolas, as Boromir ran towards the door to check. Arrow flung themselves into the door, and Harry watched as Gimli jumped onto the tomb, readying his axes. Harry then gatherd weapons and flung them towards where Boromir and Aragorn were blocking the door. Gandalf was gathering the hobbits towards one side of the hall, each of them had their weapons out.
"They have a cave troll." Said Boromir, his voice dry and sarcastic as he said it.
Harry reached into his pouch, and drew a pair of slightly curved blades, about a foot and half long, which had a greater reach than those that were strapped to his back. He held them both loosely to his sides, as Boromir drew his sword and readied his shield, and the two archers readied their bows.
"Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!" hissed Gimli, clutching an axe in each hand.
The orcs broke through the door slightly, and Legolas shot it immediately, Aragorn followed a second later. The two carried on doing that, until they managed to break down the doors. Immediately, Aragorn drew his blade, and join Boromir in slashing down the orcs. Gimli began to slice them using his axe, while Legolas drew his twin blades to cut them down.
Harry jumped into the fray, slicing the enemies without abandon, settling himself in the mix of things, in order to bring down the majority of enemies with little harm to himself. He dimly noted that Gandalf and the hobbits had joined the fray, and he wished them well. He sliced off an orc's head with a single slash of his sword, and paused as a cave troll smashed it way into the room. It was lead there by its trainers most likely, and Harry immediately set on after them, even as the Fellowship got over their shock. Harry brought down the orcs that were controlling the troll, before continuing to slay the orcs. He saw Sam escape the troll, with the help of Aragorn and Boromir who were pulling the chains. Legolas continued to shoot the troll which appeared to refuse to be brought down.
The next time Harry had a break from slaying orc, he could see that the troll appeared to have cornered one of the hobbits, and at a second glance, it was Frodo. His eyes widened, as his heart ran cold. Immediately, he leapt towards where Frodo was, and intercepted the mace that was aimed at Frodo. The mace hit him hard, causing him to smash into the wall. Where normally a man would die from the blow, Harry got up in time to see the troll thrust a spear into Frodo. Harry watched as the Fellowship, in anger at their friend's apparent death, began to fight the troll.
Harry crouched down besides Frodo, and pulled the spear out. He could see the glitter of mithril beneath the shirt that Frodo wore, and allowed the hobbit to regain his breath.
"You are full of surprises, my little friend." Murmured Harry, causing Frodo to look up at him in alarm.
"I thought you were dead!" said Frodo, stunned.
"We are both a surprise to one another, my friend. We are both obviously made of stronger stuff than what a cave troll could overcome, hm?" He held out a hand, and helped the hobbit up.
The two walked around the pillar, just in time to see the cave troll perish.
"Frodo?" called Sam weakly, staring in shock at the alive-Hobbit.
"You should be dead! That spear would have skewered a wild boar!" announced Aragorn, shocked.
"I think there's more to this Hobbit than meets the eye." Said Gandalf, a smile on his face, as Frodo revealed his mithril shirt. Harry however, was sensing what the magic in the air was revealing. More orc were on their way.
"We must go. More are coming." Ordered Harry, as he tied the sheaths to the two swords to his waist.
"To the Bridge of Khazad-dûm!"
They all ran from the room, out into the chamber, where orcs followed them as they ran towards where the bridge was. Eventually, orcs surrounded them on all sides, and Fellowship went into a circle. Harry had his swords pointed directly at the nearest orc, ready to kill them, when he felt the magic suddenly change. Become fiercer, warning him of a powerful enemy. He turned in time to see a fiery light appear at one side of the hall, and the orcs fled in terror.
"What is this new devilry?" hissed Boromir.
Harry recognized it. The magic, the essence it gave off. It was all Morgoth, the Ainur that had defected and created the ever-lasting Winter that existed on the lands South of Aurum. The Ainur who had never dared enter Aurum, because he knew what would happen if he dared. That Harry himself would have drove him out, as their magic was too different for the Ainur to have much of a chance. The Balrog, however, was not as powerful as Morgoth, but something told him that he wouldn't be fighting the Balrog today.
"A Balrog— a demon of the ancient world." Answered Harry, narrowing his eyes on he light, waiting for the creature to form.
A growling echoed through the hall, and Harry could see Legolas take an involuntary step back. The elf obviously had full knowledge of what the creature was.
"This foe is beyond any of you. Run!" ordered Gandalf, and they all ran towards where the bridge lied, Harry and Gandalf bringing up the rear. "Quickly."
Harry shared a look with the wizard, who nodded his head in acknowledgement. The wizard knew that his own fate was to be decided today, and he didn't want Harry to interfere, that much was obvious. They ran down tunnels, and Legolas stopped Boromir from falling in. Harry sprinted down the next set of stairs, leading the way to the bridge. He knew that if he remained at the back, he wouldn't be able to help himself but to fight. So he had to keep on going. He heard Gandalf roar something, and could pick up the last of it.
"Swords are no more use here."
But still, Harry touched his left forearm, where the holster that held the most powerful foci to have existed resided. He knew that if he drew the wand, then he would but a halt in fates plans for Gandalf, and couldn't bring himself to act. Even though he knew how much whatever were to happen to Gandalf, would hurt the rest of the Fellowship, he knew that he couldn't.
Harry ran down the stairs, until he reached a gap. Legolas carried on running, leaping across the gap with ease. Harry remained on that side, prepared to help the others across the gap. He could hear the Balrog growling as it approached, and the magic in the air had become much harsher and more pressurized, as though it wanted him to act as well. Gandalf jumped across the gap, and Legolas caught him. The distant sounds of arrows being shot reached Harry, and he managed to slice one before it hit him in the chest.
Boromir went next, leaping across with Merry and Pippin at the same time. Gimli jumped across himself, having to be kept up by Legolas, who grabbed onto his beard. Harry jumped back as the rocks under his feet crumbled, as Aragorn and Frodo did the same. He walked up the steps, watching where he could sense the Balrog to be with narrowed eyes.
The foundations of the stairway became unsteady, and Aragorn and Frodo leant forward, and Harry copied them, as the stairs began to tilt towards where Legolas was waiting to catch them. Frodo and Aragorn slid onto the stairs into their waiting arms, while Harry jumped onto them just as the stairs fell, swinging himself onto the stairs with the dexterity of an elf. They continued to run down the stairs, Gandalf leading the way, and Harry once again bringing up the rear.
Flames were behind him, as the Balrog's roars continued to echo throughout the halls. It took an almost inconcieveable amount of self-control to not turn around on fight. But this was Gandalf's fight, not his own. They reached the bridge, where they had to get across one at a time.
"Over the bridge! Fly!"
One by one, the Fellowship cross the bridge, Gandalf crossing last and remaining in the middle of the bridge. Harry paused at the end, backing up slowly, watching what was about to happen with concerned eyes. He could feel the confusion the Fellowship directed towards Gandalf, no doubt they thought that once they fled the cave, the Balrog would not follow. But both Gandalf and he knew differently.
"You cannot pass!"
The Balrog was now full visible, its body wreathed in flames, as it carried its whip in its hands, ready and prepared to fight the wizard. Gandalf raised his staff, concentrating on the Balrog with intensity. Harry felt Gandalf's own magic begin to rise, and had to step back slightly as his ears popped at the sheer amount of magic that was present. His skin felt as though it was electrically charged because of it.
"I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor!"
Gandalf's magic could now be seen surrounding him, and lit the whole bridge.
"The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udûn!"
The Balrog attacked Gandalf, who parried the blow, to the surprise of those behind him. No doubt, on some level, they didn't believe the friendly Gandalf to be capable of such a thing.
"Go back to the Shadow!"
Harry sensed Gandalf summoning his last reserves of magic, and Harry leaked out some of his own, causing the white light the wizard glowed, to have a tinge of green in, to the further surprise of those behind Harry. Harry saw the wizard nod his head in thanks, as he readied his staff once more.
"YOU...SHALL NOT...PASS!" roared Gandalf, striking the ground of the bridge with his staff, causing a flash of magic to appear. The Balrog attempted to cross the bridge, which broke beneath its feet, causing it to fall down into the abyss. Gandalf sighed in relief, and was half turned when Harry sensed it. The Balrog wasn't quite finished yet. The whip came up and wrapped around his ankle, pulling him down with the Balrog. Gandalf gripped the bridge, but he wouldn't be able to hold on for long.
"Gandalf!" cried Frodo, rushing forwards. Boromir stopped him, and Harry stopped Aragorn from doing the same.
"Fly, you fools!"
The wizard let go, and fell down into the depths of Moria, following the Balrog. Harry's stomach clenched, even as he forced Aragorn to turn around, and leave Moria, as the rest of the Fellowship left as well. The light from the outside was an extreme contrast to the darkness of Moria. Harry's eyes got used to the light, and he could see the members of the Fellowship mourning. Merry and Pippin were sobbing, as was Sam. Boromir was restraining Gimli, who appeared to be both angry and upset. Legolas was hard to face, as elves were unable to deal with death like the mortals, and his face was more solemn than anything. Aragorn, however, appeared to be ready to keep moving. Harry recognized this as his way of coping, and let the man be able to do this.
"Legolas, get them up."
Harry's eyes moved over the group, to where he could see Frodo, in the distance. The hobbit was walking away, in the direction of Lothlorien. Harry didn't have to see his face to know that the hobbit would be the most upset of the group. It was obvious in his stance, that the quest that they had set out on, would not be without casualties. Gandalf was the first one it seemed.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!" pleaded Boromir.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlórien." Announced Harry, his voice toneless, and his expression serious. To the shock of the fellowship, there was not an ounce of sorrow on it, but Harry knew that this would not be the last to be seen of Gandalf. "Come, we must leave."
Harry watched as the others got the hobbits up, and turned back to where Frodo stood. The hobbit was still walking, moving slowly, as though he was under a great burden. Although the burden could not be sensed or measured, Harry felt as though he could see the burden.
"Frodo!" called Aragorn, as he rushed towards the hobbit. It was then that Harry got to see Frodo's expression. His face reflected what the rest of the fellowship were feeling. Sorrow, despair, sadness. The feeling of great loss touched all of them, but seeing them upon the hobbit's face appeared to magnify the feeling in everyone.
"Lets head to the woods." Stated Harry, as he walked began to step over the rocks.
The woods of Lothlorien were vast. The trees were old, large and almost majestic looking. Those who lived within them, however, were majestic beyond comparison. Harry had visited the realm of the Lady Galadriel many times, and she to his own realm. The two were friends, as aside from the Ents of Fanghorn forest, she was perhaps the eldest being in Middle-Earth. She was the most powerful elf, due to both Nenya, her ring, but also her elven abilities. These abilities had only grown over time, making her a useful ally. But both Galadriel and himself considered themselves more as friends than anything else. Each of the members of the Council in Aurum were friends with the Elf Queen, although she was younger than them.
As they stepped into the lines of trees, Harry felt as though they were safe. He knew that the forest perimeter was well guarded, and the chance of them being attacked was almost non-existent. It would be a welcomed peace, after being on edge for so long in the mines.
"Stay close, young Hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell." Murmured Gimli, casting a wary glance to his surroundings. The hobbits copied this movement, and Harry felt the stirrings of amusement creep up into his system. He looked towards Aragorn and Legolas, who he knew had met the Lady before, but neither of them appeared willing to correct the dwarf.
He sensed another mind close, his magic echoed around him informing him of the presence. It was Galadriel. He saw Frodo stiffen, and knew what the Lady was up to.
'Do not be too harsh on him, my Lady.' He whispered with his mind, letting it lie upon the strings of magic that lay about he area, and felt the Lady pick up on it.
"Well, here is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!"
The arrows appeared out of nowhere, pointing towards the Fellowship. Legolas brought his own out, and had it focused on the closest elf with unerring accuracy.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." Said the leader, whom Harry immediately recognized as Haldir. Both Legolas and Aragorn appeared to recognize the elf as well.
They were led through the trees, and up onto a talon, where the elves gathered them all. Harry watched all of this with cautious gazes, making sure they didn't spend to much time concentrating on Frodo, and what he carried. He had no doubt that the elves knew precisely all about the Fellowship and the ring-bearer.
"Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil." Said Haldir in Elfish.
"Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien." Replied Legolas in kind.
"Oh, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us." Continued Haldir, and Aragorn nodded to him.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!" grumbled Gimli.
"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." Replied Haldir haughtily.
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" hissed Gimli.
"That was not so courteous." Murmured Aragorn to a smug looking Gimli. Harry chuckled under his breath at the dwarf. He had guts. Harry watched as Haldir's gaze focused on Frodo, and frowned to himself.
"You bring great evil with you. You can go no further." Announced Haldir, looking towards Aragorn in defiance.
Harry had had enough.
"Under whose authority do you order this?" asked Harry in English, which he knew Haldir understood due to his numerous visits to Aurum, where not everyone spoke Westron. "Lady Galadriel is aware of our arrival, and I know she offers us sanctuary. She is also aware of what we carry with us. Is it merely your own avoidance of what we bring here, as to why you refuse us sanctuary, Haldir of Lorien?"
The others watched as Harry stood and approached Haldir, standing toe to toe with the elf. To the others, it may have been a shock. Harry was usually quiet, joking with the others, and light hearted. Only when it came down to it, did his manner become aggressive. But the side they were seeing now was entirely different.
"The ring cannot come into our borders. It isn't safe for us."
"You fear it will take you over, Haldir? That you do not have the self control needed to keep the rings seductive qualities at bay? Are you so full of pride to not admit your own mistakes?"
"It cannot stay here. You must continue onto your journey elsewhere."
"No. We need to rest. In a safe haven. Unless you have good reason in which to oppose us, we shall continue from here to Caras Galadhon, I know the way well enough myself. Do not suppose, Elf, that you have the right to tell me what I can and cannot do. Although my comrades do not know of my identity, you do. You also know what I am capable of. Do not make me threaten our way into the forest, for it shall not be present."
Harry held his hand up, and the ring which was on his ring caught light. He did it in a casual way, so it did not seem purposeful. But Harry saw Haldir's eyes stray to the ring, the ring which had an emblem on, with a stone set in the middle. Harry knew that Haldir was aware of what the ring was capable of doing, and what it represented. All elves feared death in one manner or another. Their immortality made them grow used to such a life, and elves were by nature afraid of what his status represented.
"You may have sanctuary." Said Haldir in Westron, and nodding his head and going into a bow before Harry, before stalking off. Harry watched him go with calculating eyes, ignoring the surprised expressions on the Fellowship's faces. This was not the first, or last time, that they would be so surprised.
That is chapter three! Hope everyone enjoyed it enough to review :)
Any questions ask away!
Lots of love
Morrigu-chan x
