Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.
Sorry for the delay. I was updating my fanfiction story summaries. :)
Frodo and Aria apparated back to Bag End. It was comforting being home after a trip. Frodo looked down at his hand. There was Rowena Ravenclaw's pendant, resting safely there. He gulped, knowing in his heart this journey would not be done alone or in a short time.
"Mama, Papa," Killian entered the room. He pointed to the pendant. "What's that?"
Frodo looked down at his closed fist. Should he tell his son this new quest? Should he put him in danger? He turned to Aria, searching for answers, but he couldn't find any. He sighed, realizing what he must do.
"Killian, sit down." Frodo led his son to the parlor table. Where could he begin? "Your mother and I found this pendant in the Hundred Acre Wood. It turns out the founders of Hogwarts left objects in the worlds they went to." He added, "I suspect one of those objects is at Hogwarts."
"Really?" Killian perked up with excitement.
Frodo raised a hand. "Now listen, this quest could be dangerous. I don't want you getting caught, or your mother and I will have to speak with McGonagall." He paused. "At the same time, I want you to have an adventure. You've been waiting for one. Here it is." He repeated, "Don't get into too much trouble."
"What's the point in having an adventure, if there isn't any danger?" Killian asked, smiling.
"You know, you're right." Frodo smiled. "I just wish you had gone on an adventure sooner." He told his son, softly, "Find the objects at Hogwarts. I have a feeling the smithy room is involved."
"A smithy room?" Killian asked, confused. "What's that?"
"A smithy room's where they make armor and weapons," Aria explained.
"I know what it is, Mama," Killian said, aloud. "I just wanted to know what it's doing there."
"I've been asking myself the same question for years," Frodo inquired. "Maybe you'll have better luck."
"I hope so," Killian said, uncertain.
"Of course," Frodo said. "Now, go on. I'll help you pack." He looked at Aria. "He'll be alright."
"Are you?" Aria asked.
"I don't know," Frodo answered, leaving the parlor.
.
The sea roared to life. A white tower stood at the top of an island, its windows glistening in the sunlight. Frodo made his way towards the tower, not knowing what awaited inside.
Yes! He reached an elven library. Now, he just needed to enter the restricted area… no! Wait! What was Sauron doing there, reading a book, followed by being bound in chains at the end of the room? He screamed harshly, gazing at the hobbit with fiery red eyes.
"Baggins." Sauron spat on the floor. "How dare you come to me at this hour?"
"You? You're dead." Frodo said, trembling.
Sauron laughed. "I'm only dead in your mind, boy! Did you honestly think the remnants of the Ring would truly go away? It's kept inside you, as am I. The more you learn about the Four Founders of Hogwarts, the quicker I shall return!" He cackled. "This isn't over! Not by a long shot!"
A fiery eye engulfed the area. Frodo was pulled forward, collapsing on the floor—
He stirred. His arms were still wrapped around Aria, protecting her while she slept. He caressed her, doing his best to keep his composure. He kissed her cheek, not ready to leave her just yet.
"Frodo, what is it?" Aria asked, sleepily. Frodo met her gaze. "What happened?"
"I saw Tol Eressëa," Frodo explained. "In the dream, but it's from another life." He moved his head towards the pillow. Aria turned around, resting her head against his chest. "I saw Sauron, too. He said the more we look for the Founders' objects, the sooner he will return."
"Then maybe we shouldn't find them," Aria warned. "Frodo, if this quest is too dangerous, as you say, then maybe we can stop looking for the Founders' objects."
"No Aria! I want to do this." Frodo said, resting his hand on her forehead. "Apparently, I have unfinished business with Sauron."
Aria sighed. "I hope you know what you are doing."
"As do I, Aria." Frodo sighed.
Thanks for reading. :)