Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings; they belong to J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien. I don't wish for their money only their way with words.
Summary: It is the night before the leaving feast to mark the end of Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts when he makes a heartfelt wish which leads him to a new place, a new friend and new ways to fight.
Chapter 4. Parting Companyindicates telepathic communication
Legolas had set a fast pace to reach the forest, that he could see in the distance, by nightfall. As a wood elf a forest always meant sanctuary to him.
Throughout their flight he had continued to check on the youth in his arms, he knew that orc poisons always had painful and often fatal effects. He really wanted to spare this child anymore hurt, afraid that it would send him back to the state they had first found him in.
As they were nearing the forest however, his worst fear was realized as he felt Mellon Nin trembling violently in his arms. The worried elf barely heard the muttered words, "Legolas, cold, so cold, can't stay warm. What's happening to me?" Legolas stopped so abruptly that Frodo and Sam who happened to be next to come along nearly ran into him.
"Legolas, what is the matter?" Aragorn called from near the back. He watched with foreboding as the blond archer kneeled on the ground and placed his charge down in front of him. He saw the concerned look on his friend's face as the elf felt the child's forehead before beginning to remove the top of the uniform to check on the bandaged shoulder.
By the time Aragorn had reached their side he let out a gasp for the skin around the bandage was turning black and leathery in front of them. It also appeared that a large black bulge had grown out between the shoulder blade and the top of the child's arm. On further inspection there was an identical one on the other side. The boy was now crying out in pain as the process continued.
Meanwhile Legolas did the only thing he could think of, he removed his own tunic and placed it onto the boy. Holding out his travelling cloak to Aragorn he hugged Mellon Nin tight to his own body hoping the heat would seep through to his now whimpering charge.
"Aragorn, please may I borrow your blanket to wrap him in, then could you place my cloak over both of us." The elf asked calmly.
"Elf, are you mad? You could catch what the child has and then where will we be, since we don't know what this disease could do to you." Boromir spoke out vehemently.
"Boromir, this is not a disease and even if it was it is not of the child's making. I promised that I would not leave him and I will not break my word no matter the consequences." Legolas replied just as vehemently.
While the two were arguing, no one noticed Aragorn turn towards the forest as though listening to something and it just so happened he was listening to a melodic female voice inside his head.
Aragorn, son of Arathorn, you must send Legolas and his charge deep into the forest alone. What is to come must be endured by the Prince and the boy only. Fear not for your friend, he is more than equal to the task ahead of him. If all goes well, you will see him again after a short interval. It is for their sake and the Fellowships that you must be strong and take this action. One more thing, make sure that the boy has everything he arrived with.
My Lady is there no other way, the child is has been poisoned and Legolas is not a healer. How can I send them away, it would be condemning them both. I believe Legolas would take the boy's death badly following losing Gandalf. Aragorn countered stubbornly.
Trust your friend and be there when he needs you. Things will not go easy for them when and if they return to your side. The Lady commanded.
I will see you all when you reach Caras Galadhon. With that the communication ceased.
Aragorn looked mournfully over at his companions, aware that he would seem cruel to them. But these instructions came from Lady Galadriel herself, and he knew she would not issue them unless there was very good reason.
He rejoined the others who were milling around Legolas and the boy. Reaching out and touching the elf's shoulder to get his attention, the ranger took a deep breath to steady his nerves then spoke, "Legolas, according to the Lady of the Golden Wood, you and the boy must leave the Fellowship immediately. Take the boy deep into the forest and remain with him, if the Valar wills it he will recover and then you can rejoin us in Caras Galadhon."
Aragorn couldn't help noticing the look of shock on his best friend's face, as he passed the boy's sword to him. "Don't forget this, Legolas." The ranger didn't need to look at his companions to know they also wore the same shocked expression.
It was Frodo who finally found his voice, "Strider, the child needs healing, he is one of your own people. Legolas is our companion and has done much to help us on our journey, how can you just send them away like this?"
"I am sorry but there is nothing else I can do for the boy. This is far beyond what I know off in healing and if it is something that could possibly harm the Fellowship then I cannot take the risk." He replied with a heavy heart.
A quiet dignified voice spoke from just in front of them, "It is alright Frodo, Aragorn is correct. I vouched for the child so it is my responsibility to take him where he cannot harm anyone. Do not worry for us Frodo, for I am sure we will both see you again soon. If not, I wish you success in your quest. Farewell, my friends." With that he turned and ran towards the forest with the boy in his arms, the others were all too stunned to stop him.
Aragorn hung his head, tears stinging the backs of his eyes, "Good luck, my friend and forgive me." He muttered under his breath in elven, but Frodo heard him and realized how dearly this had cost their ranger friend.
The other hobbits in particular Pippin, who had grown very fond of the quiet elf, opened their mouths to voice their protests but shut them again at a look from Frodo.
It was Boromir and Gimli who filled the quiet moment instead. "While I regret that our elf companion has left us, Aragorn, you have done the right thing. The boy is obviously dangerous if he is turning into something else. He could only be a minion of Sauron's sent to spy on us." Boromir enthused.
"I agree Laddie, the elf should have known better than to pick up strange beings that we know nothing about. After all we couldn't even see him at first, surely that can only be a dark power at work." Gimli chimed in.
Aragorn suddenly shouted, "Enough! It is done! Can we just continue on our way?" With that he strode forward not bothering to check if the others were following.