DeRanged: I apologize for the late update – I recently have started working night shifts so my schedule is a bit f'ed up to say the least. I will be trying to update sooner this next round, but really we'll see how that goes. Thankfully it is summer so we can all cross our fingers that it won't take me another f'ing year or two to update again. Anyway, thank you to those who have been sticking with me and reviewing – those really help my motivation to update, so keep them coming. Please!

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, because if I had I would look at either storyline and – like a YouTuber I quite enjoy (Thomas Sanders) would say – I would go "could be gayer" and promptly make most of the characters gay.

Enjoy the update!...Hopefully.

Chapter Six: An Introduction

Before the others could react Remus shot off into the brush as if swallowed by the shadows with Harry close behind – all they were really left with was Harry's shouted words:

"Stay here!"

Sam quickly grabbed the nearest thing to him – which just happened to be one of his frying pans – while scrambling to his feet in front of his Master Frodo, holding it before him like the weapon he intended it to be. Pippin and Merry, however, lunged towards where they had all piled their packs and pulled their swords before moving to stand on either side of Sam, Frodo behind them all. All four faced the edge of their camp where their friends had disappeared, ready for anything.

Strider was torn between staying to protect Frodo and the others or following the two Istari into the wood – he had promised Gandalf to watch Frodo, but he had grown to respect the two Men that accompanied them on their journey. Could he really leave them to face this unknown enemy alone – especially if it was the Nazgul caught up with them?

"You shouldn't worry about them," Frodo's quiet voice broke Strider from his internal conflict, "They've taken care of themselves in far worse situations, it seems."

Before Strider could formulate a response a sword tip poking into his back had him freezing and standing straighter, his muscles tensed in preparation to move at even the smallest opening from this unknown enemy.

"What's this? A Ranger off his guard?" the words were said softly, but the voice niggled at something in Strider's memory.

Before he could turn or even try to distinguish where he had heard the voice before he heard Merry speaking nearby, "Why should he be the only one on guard?"

What Strider hadn't seen was the young Hobbit walking silently behind the Elvin woman with Pippin to place their swords at her back threateningly. Not long after Harry and Remus came from the underbrush behind them – Remus had obviously returned to the shape of Man since he and Harry left the clearing – both with sword in hand and dangerous glint in their eyes.

"After all, he isn't alone is he?" Pippin said, the only sign of his nerves was the slight trembling of the hand which he quickly hid behind his back – wouldn't do for the possible enemy to see his fear.

Remus made his way to Merry's side and placed a warm hand on the Halfling's shoulder offering his support and silently showing his pride – Harry was doing the same for Pippin on the other side while he spoke, "No, he is not alone."

Strider felt the sword tip leave his back and quickly turned to see his "assailant" only to fight down a smile at the image of the usually composed Arwen held at sword point by two Hobbits barely half her size.

"It seems I am not the only one with my guard down, Arwen," the teasing was obvious in his tone as his eyes shone with amusement.

Arwen's own lips twitched with answering humor, "So it seems, Estel, so it seems," she said, allowing her sword to drop to the clearing ground and raising her hands to show them empty.

"Do you know her, Strider?" Remus asked, though he had yet to remove his gaze from the Elf who was held at sword point.

"Aye, I know her well Remus," Strider said with a gentle smile towards the two Men and Halflings behind Arwen, "This is the Lady of Rivendell, and daughter to Lord Elrond."

By now Merry and Pippin had lowered their blades at Harry's nod and moved to stand by Frodo again – Remus was proud to see that they kept their blades in hand and that none of the three had moved from their protective stances over Frodo. Neither he nor Harry had sheathed their blades either, but they did step back to give the Lady Elf the appearance of space.

"Arwen," Strider was a bit confused at the Men's response to her, but continued with introductions, "These are my traveling companions – we are on our way to Rivendell."

Arwen nodded regally towards the four Hobbits and two Men, before turning to Strider in obvious dismissal to speak in her native tongue, "Am I merely Lady of Rivendell and my Father's daughter to you, Estel?" she said in a teasing, light tone, "And what has slowed your pace? You should have been at the gates by now – even going at a Halfling's pace" she said, only he could see the small crease of worry that marred her brow.

Once again Strider was interrupted before he could respond, "It is rude to speak in a tongue that not all present can understand My Lady," Harry said in fluent Elvish, finally sheathing his sword and making his way to where Frodo stood surrounded by the other three, "And quite naïve if you believe no one but Strider understands it," he spoke in Westorn this time.

Remus shook his head in amused exasperation, though his gaze narrowed at the She-Elf's first words to Strider – why should the Man know her as anything else? Dread began to pool in his stomach as he glanced quickly in Harry's direction where the young Man had nudged Frodo into sitting on his sleeping mat again – had he pushed his cub towards a Man already promised to another? With a sigh he realized there wasn't much he could do if he had, all he could really do was be there to support Harry in the inevitable fall out – with this decided he sheathed his own blade and made his way towards his smaller friends.

Oblivious to his honorary uncle's turmoil, Harry had Frodo begin removing his vest and shirt so he could check the Halfling's wound. He removed the bandages covering the wound and set them aside. As he eyeballed the wound and ran the back of his fingers along the edges looking for any swelling or unexplained heat, he began to ask the Hobbit questions in low, soothing tones.

"Felt any dizziness, or headaches?" A hesitant nod was his answer.

"Hm, any pain?" Another nod, though this one was a bit more confident in delivery.

"If you had to gage it on a scale, with one being no pain and ten being the worst pain you've felt -?" A small hand holding up five fingers had Harry nodding his head in understanding and turning to Remus, "Could you get me the mild pain potion and maybe some of the antibiotic ointment?"

Remus nodded and quickly pulled out the small sac from around his neck once more while Arwen gazed on in confusion. Strider had come over to watch Harry in curiosity, hoping to learn more from this Man's unique healing techniques.

Harry ignored all this and continued prodding gently at Frodo's stitched wound, "Now is it a constant pain?" He got a shake of the head this time, "So does it come and go?"

Frodo shrugged and waved his hand back and forth in the air in a so-so gesture he had seen Remus and Harry doing, "Only if I move too quickly – it pulls on the stitches and aches a bit," he said.

Harry nodded satisfied, turning when Remus tapped him on the shoulder to accept the vial of pain reliever and the tub of ointment. He pulled out the cork on the vial with his teeth and handed it to Frodo with the instructions to "drink it all down, and try not to let it touch your tongue otherwise you'll be puking it up before it does any good" as he unscrewed the lid to the ointment. He balanced the ointment on his knee to quickly sterilize his hands before picking it up once more and beginning to spread it around the stitched wound.

He couldn't help but chuckle as Frodo wrinkled his nose at the smell of the potion before lifting it and knocking it back – trying to do as Harry asked and not let it touch his tongue.

"What has happened to the young Hobbit?" Arwen's voice reminded Strider of her presence and he turned with Remus to see concern lighting her ageless gaze.

Remus merely returned his attention to Harry and his small charges, leaving Strider to explain as it seemed Arwen liked him more.

"The Ringwraiths caught up to us at Amon Sul," Strider said in a low tone, though unable to tear his gaze from Harry's kneeling form, "Frodo was stabbed by a Morgul blade -," Arwen's horrified gasp cut off whatever else he was going to say.

"What?" her hands went to her lips, "Why have you set up camp when he is wounded so? The pace you've set – he's probably already a wraith by now," she said, turning a distrusting gaze to Frodo only to be met by a surprisingly harsh glare from the Halfling.

"He is obviously in good health outside of a little pain, which is understandable as he was stabbed," Strider couldn't help but be surprised with how cold Remus's tone was, even when the Man distrusted the Ranger his tone had been respectful and warm, "And what's all this nonsense about 'already being a wraith'?"

Harry was curious as to the answer as well, though he listened to the interactions as he continued to work, "The blade that the Ringwraith stabbed Frodo with is a cursed one – those who are stabbed with it either become wraiths themselves because of the lingering darkness of the blade, or they suffer because the remaining darkness inside them will slowly chip away at their health," Strider spoke in a grave tone, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched Harry work.

Harry hummed as he washed the ointment from his fingers with the soap and bowl of water Remus had summoned for him, "That would explain why the blade fought me so," he said, oblivious to the gazes of those around him, "but there is no darkness lingering within Frodo, I made sure of that," here he turned and winked at the weary Hobbit, clean bandages in his hands.

Frodo slumped a bit only to wince and sit up straight as his stitches pulled a bit, give Harry a sheepish smile when the Man tapped his head in a soft reprimand. The other three Hobbits and Remus looked relieved themselves at the news – they had all grown more tense as Strider explained the blade that had stabbed their friend.

"That is impossible!" Arwen's voice was harsh – and from the look of shock Strider sent her way, it seemed she had never used such a tone before, "Only Elves can heal such wounds and even they could not remove the darkness completely," her brow was wrinkled and Remus was slightly surprised she hadn't turned her nose up at them.

Harry paused in his wrapping to look up to the stars in exasperation, "Why do you Elves always believe that you know everything there is to know?" he said almost thoughtfully to himself.

He was completely oblivious to the glares the four Hobbits were shooting the She-Elf over his shoulder and head – even gentle Sam seemed to be trying to throw daggers at her with his eyes. Strider himself was shocked at Arwen's reaction – generally she seemed so calm and gentle, this seemed so similar to the children he'd seen in Men's towns throwing a tantrum because they were denied what they wanted. Remus was biting his tongue and struggling not to let the words of vitriol on the tip of it escape – he could swear he almost heard Sirius cheering him on and Severus offering up more words he could use.

It was Frodo who ended up breaking the silence that had fallen, "I feel fine – I don't feel any of the coldness Strider was speaking about. The only thing I feel is the pulling from the stitches and the slight tingle from the ointment," his words were soft, but seemed to carry more power because of it.

"An' Master Harry would never lie about somethin' that could hurt Master Frodo," Sam said, putting his hands on his hips and talking to Arwen very much like he would if he were reprimanding Pippin, "He and Master Frodo are like family."

Merry and Pippin were nodding along while crossing their arms and continuing to glare up at the She-Elf as they went to stand on either side of Harry – almost protectively. It was quite amusing actually as they had yet to put down their swords.

Remus didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the situation – laugh at such small beings trying to intimidate and reprimand an Elf of all things, or cry because his godson had so many people to come to his defense now. Shaking his head, the former werewolf walked over to place a warm hand on Frodo's curls and smile down at him when the Hobbit glanced up curious.

Strider himself felt a bit irritated on Harry's behalf and a bit hurt that Arwen would think so lowly of his intelligence – did she really think he would be dawdling if Frodo's life were truly in danger? Pushing his confusing thoughts aside for now, he spoke up, "I watched Harry heal Frodo myself – the methods he used-," he shook his head, "Are nothing I've seen before, and I doubt Lord Elrond has."

Arwen stood shocked as these beings – far younger than her – for all intents and purposes, reprimanded her. Even Estel – and all for this mortal boy who claimed to do what even her Father could not. Shaking herself mentally, she brought herself to her full height – Remus was amused to see her chin tilt up slightly which put her pert nose higher into the air – and spoke, "You have five wraiths waiting for you at the entrance of Rivendell – where the other four are, I know not."

Harry ignored her and finished wrapping Frodo's shoulder while Remus watched on, the Hobbits just took their cue from them – unknown to the wizards the Hobbits had come to a unanimous agreement that the two would be the leaders in this new adventure because of their knowledge of the world outside the Shire. Strider tensed a bit at the news, but quickly calmed when he saw the two Men beside him had not panicked – he may not have known them as long as the Halflings, but he had learned in a short time just how protective the two were of their smaller friends. If they were not preparing to defend the Halflings from the very shadows, then they had a plan or were confident in their current safety.

"You can dress again Frodo – should be good for the rest of the day and into tomorrow," Harry said, sitting back on his haunches to smile at his friend.

Arwen fought the urge to gape, irritation flaring brighter, "Did you not hear me?" she sounded like someone who was very used to people stopping to listen to what she had to say, "We must get Frodo and the Ring into Rivendell."

Harry finally turned to the She-Elf and raised a brow, "Yes," he drew out the word slowly, as if questioning her sanity for stating something so obvious, "What did you want me to do, Lady Arwen, leave his healing wound untreated so he could get an infection before he reached the gates? Isn't your father a well-known healer?" his tone revealed that he thought she knew better.

Remus was fighting so hard not to snicker – he could practically hear Sirius and Severus's ghosts cheering their godson on from the afterlife, the boy was practically channeling the elder Slytherin – as he spoke up, "Besides that, Frodo and the others are Hobbits – light on their feet they may be, but fast they are not," ignoring Pippin and Merry's indignant shouts, Remus continued, "And if you wish to take only Frodo, then how do you expect to travel? Especially as – you said – there are five wraiths waiting at the entrance. You cannot expect to fight five of them off and defend Frodo," he said.

From the blush on Arwen's high cheekbones, that is exactly what she had planned, "I rode here -," she started, but was cut off by Harry who had finally stood.

"So have the Nazgul," he said, tilting his head in a manner very similar to his wolf Animagus, "What is so different about your steed that it can outrun their demonic beasts?" he asked.

Strider watched the byplay with curiosity – he was seeing a side of Arwen he had never known existed, but as he continued to watch he realized that side had always been there. He wanted to stand up for the woman he loved, but he knew Harry was right – even Elvish horses had no hope against the Nazgul's steeds. And when the wraiths caught up – and there was no doubt in his mind that they would – Arwen would be alone in defending herself as well as Frodo.

"Then what do you suggest, traveler?" Arwen did not like this Man that spoke to her in such a manner, "We stand here and wait for them?" she started to smirk, thinking she had won.

Rolling his eyes at her dramatics, Harry turned his back on her to speak to Remus in a low voice, "Would you mind taking my pack?" he asked, nodding to where he had placed it near the pony who had been grazing peacefully throughout the interaction.

Remus already having some idea of what his godson was up to, nodded, "Shouldn't be much of a problem," he said shrugging, "Are you sure about this, though? You'll have to carry her as well as Frodo?"

Harry gave a careless half-shrug as he rolled his shoulders, "They're supposed to have strength similar to phoenixes right?" he said, fighting laughter at the outraged look on Remus's face.

"Are you asking me or telling me?" Remus asked – demanded actually – looking about ready to pull out his hair.

"Both?" Harry made it a question just to irk the man before transforming before Strider and Arwen's shocked gazes into his Griffin form.

He was beautiful. At first glance he seemed to be completely black in color, but as the risen moon glinted off his feathers and fur they were able to see flashes of different colors each time as well as a patch of shocking white on his forehead and right front foreleg. His front legs ended in talons that looked like they were able to snap Strider's blade in their grip, and his beak was sharp and deadly looking in its own right. His back and hindquarters seemed soft and silky to the eye, but they ended in clawed feet that spoke of an equal danger to the front. His tail flicked about lazily ending in a tuft of fluffy, black fur and it always seemed to avoid brushing the grass beneath all their feet, but only just barely. The wings that he stretched and gave a cursory flap were an impressive eight feet from wingtip to wingtip. But the most breathtaking were his eyes – once emerald orbs were now iridescent and glowing with an unspoken power.

The great beast that stood in Harry's place turned to a smiling Frodo, Ready to fly, my friend?

"Finally going to let me?" Frodo asked, smile becoming a grin as he pushed himself to his feet with Sam's ever-faithful assistance.

Harry snorted – coming out as more of a clicking noise than anything – as he spoke to his small friend, You were a tween the first time and I had Bilbo and Remus glaring at me across the dinner table! If you had asked again when they weren't around I would have let you.

Frodo looked surprised as he walked over to his friend, ignoring the curious look Arwen was sending his way, "Really?"

"He's right," Remus said as he walked over and lifted Frodo up onto his godson's back, standing with his hands ready to catch the young Hobbit as he adjusted himself into a more comfortable position.

"So does that mean that when we get to Rivendell, we can get a ride too?" Pippin asked, running forward to stand in front of Harry with pleading eyes.

"Yeah, can we?" Merry came forward to join his cousin, making Harry huff and use his head to butt them each in the chest gently.

Do I look like a bloody pony? there was a teasing glint in Harry's ever-changing orbs.

"Beggin' your pardon, Master Harry, but you kinda do," Sam spoke up from where he had come to join Remus who promptly started laughing heartily.

Harry's head whipped around – nearly unseating a laughing Frodo – to stare at the usually genteel Hobbit in shock, Et tu, Samwise?

"You can't really speak of not being a pony, with a Hobbit already on your back whom you are planning to fly into Rivendell, Harry," Strider joined in as he was finally over his shock, walking forward with laughing blue eyes.

And Strider too, Harry made a mock-sorrowful trill, Are you next, Moony? he turned to his honorary Uncle with an attempt at a puppy-dog eye.

Remus snorted, "They seem to be doing fine on their own," he said, winking at the Hobbits that had come to stand around him.

Somehow Harry managed to pull off a betrayed look before they all broke out into laughter – Frodo was practically lying across Harry's neck with tears of mirth filling his eyes. The only one who wasn't laughing was Arwen, who stood stiff while staring at Harry in shock.

Strider was the first to notice, "Arwen?" he stepped towards his lover, hand out and eyes glinting with worry.

The She-Elf practically flinched from his grip making the Ranger's eyes widen and glint with not only surprise, but hurt as well, "You speak as if you understand the beast," she said, looking between Strider and Harry.

Harry bristled at being called a beast as the Hobbits cried out their anger, Strider however was confused, "But I can understand him, Arwen," he looked between Remus, Harry, and the Hobbits in confusion, "As can they -," then he was struck by a thought, "Can you not hear him Arwen?" he asked.

"Of course not, Estel," Arwen said, crossing her arms, "He is an animal."

I am very much a Man, thank you Madam, Harry said, tail flicking about jerkily in his growing irritation.

The Lady jumped in shock, turning a wide gaze on Harry and meeting ageless orbs that had her glancing away within seconds.

Seeing Strider's confused gaze, Remus explained as Harry continued to stare Arwen down, "Unless we address someone in that form, then that person cannot understand us."

The Ranger nodded in understanding, though still a bit stung at Arwen's reaction to his attempt in touching her. She claimed to love him and yet acted as if he had murdered with his bare hands and reached to touch her with blood on his hands.

His thoughts were thankfully cut off by Harry's impatient voice, Well, come on then – we're in a rush aren't we? his gaze was still on Arwen who was avoiding his gaze up until he spoke.

"What?" her eyes flew to his and he could read the horror in her gaze.

Harry tilted his head, Unless the Nazgul can fly, this is the safest way into Rivendell, he spoke slowly, as if she would not be able to understand him otherwise.

She shook her head and took another step back, "I can ride -," she was cut off again by the huff the griffin let out before prowling towards her retreating form.

We don't have time for this, Harry said as he used his wing to wrap around the unsuspecting Elf and pull her into his side. He then reached his head around and pushed her onto his back with his head, uncaring for her weak protests or struggles. He crouched and gave a bit of jump to get her more firmly on his back – much to those watching's amusement she was laid across his back with arms and head on one side and feet on the other – before turning to his companions, Stay safe.

Strider nodded, coming forward and place a hand on Harry's neck in hopes of reassuring the Man, "I will let nothing harm them," the Ranger said, eyes gazing into Harry's own to show his sincerity.

Harry was shocked before huffing in amusement and using his beak to bump the Man's chin, Do not make a promise you may be unable to keep, Strider, he said, but please do your best to get to Rivendell with yourself and them in one piece.

The Ranger rubbed his chin, but smiled in understanding towards the Man turned griffin while nodding. He stepped aside to let the others say their farewells, walking towards Harry's side to help Arwen sit up correctly as the She-Elf struggled to right herself.

Merry, Pippin, and Sam crowded around Harry's front and began speaking to Harry and Frodo at one time.

"We'll be seein' you real soon, Master Frodo, Master Harry. Safe flying."

"Merry and I get first ride after Frodo when we get to Rivendell, don't you forget!"

"Shove off, Pip – won't be a ride if they don't get to Rivendell safe, will there. Be safe, Harry, get yourself and Frodo to Rivendell."

"Oh! Right, stay safe Harry! Frodo!"

Rearing his head back at the initial onslaught, Harry couldn't help but chuckle as he rubbed his head against each of their cheeks reassuringly while Frodo spoke to reassure them. Remus finally pushed them aside so he could stand before Harry and search his boy's gaze.

Cupping a beaked face between his scarred, calloused palms, Remus spoke softly to the boy that had always been his boy, "You will get to Rivendell, safely Harry James Potter," he said, amber eyes glinting gold and feral very similar to how they had when he had been transforming into a werewolf, "No stops, no idiotic heroics."

Harry leaned into his only remaining father-figure's hands, heart soaring at his concern and the obvious love in his gaze, I promise, Remy – straight to Rivendell.

With that – much like he had with Strider – Harry butted his beak against the elder Man's chin. Remus smiled and leaned forward and kiss Harry's beak and grin up at Frodo, reaching around to pat his leg before he backed away to give his godson room to take off.

Gathering his strength about himself once more – this would be the first time since coming to Middle Earth that he and Remus would be separated – Harry forced himself to look away from his father-figure. Turning over his shoulder to look at his passengers – one delighted, yet weary Hobbit and an outraged Elf – he gave an inquiring chirrup, Ready?

Frodo gave him a courageous grin and Harry knew that if Arwen wasn't trying to rally her strength she would be looking down her nose disdainfully at him. Grinning internally, Harry turned back to face forwards – this would be interesting. Crouching forward, tail whipping about in excitement, Harry was suddenly sprinting towards the clearing line.

Hands suddenly were gripping at the feathers along the back of his neck at the sudden burst into speed and he gave a triumphant cry as he leapt above the trees right before he reached the edge of the clearing, wings giving a mighty flap that stirred the very leaves with a large gust. Soon enough they were soaring across the sky, his legs tucked against his belly, and tail dancing smugly in the air.

After a few minutes one of the grips on his feathers loosened, but one remained tight fisted, Those feathers are attached you know, which means pulling them out would be right painful.

"Sorry," Arwen's voice was soft on the wind and she loosened her grip minutely, but it still remained tight.

Frodo glanced at the Lady behind him in shock, "Are you afraid of flying, My Lady?" he asked, no hint of mocking in his tone.

Arwen swallowed and gave the Hobbit sitting before her a wobbling smile, "If the Valar had intended for us to fly, we would have been born with wings."

Harry laughed fondly, You remind me of a friend I had growing up he told her, glancing briefly over his shoulder before turning to face forward once more, She didn't like flying much either, but when needs must she would be the first in the air.

"What happened to her?" Arwen asked, tilting her head to have a better gaze at the griffin's face.

There was a brief pause before Harry spoke, She died right after she returned to herself.

They were silent for a while before Arwen finally spoke up in Elvish, "I am sorry for your loss, and for my actions earlier."

Harry nearly froze, but forced himself to keep going lest they plummet to the earth below at her seemingly spontaneous apology. Turning to look at her, Harry saw true remorse and shame in her eyes.

Returning his gaze to the open sky before him, he responded, Change is difficult, as is facing the unknown – I don't blame you for your reactions in the clearing, nor do I hold any grudges. If you need my forgiveness, however, then you have it.

Arwen was surprised at the Man's quick forgiveness, but was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, "Thank you," she said, before switching to Westorn as she asked, "So how is it you are able to transform into such a magnificent beast, Harry?"

Harry was a bit confused as to why she continued to speak to him, until he noticed she avoided looking around or down – she was trying to distract herself form the fact they were in the air! Chuckling a bit, Harry gave another mighty beat of his wings to find another air current to carry them closer to Rivendell, I am a wizard, or what this world calls an Istari.

Arwen's gaze shot once more to the top of her carrier's head – an Istari? And he had forgiven her horrible manners of before? She had never known an Istari who would forgive such things easily, not even Gandalf would have forgiven her actions in the clearing. She feared her father's reaction when she returned home – for no doubt he would discover it, you could hide nothing from the Lord of Rivendell's gaze.

Slightly confused at the She-Elf's sudden silence from his announcement, Harry was about to glance behind him to make sure she was okay when something caught his gaze. Narrowing his eyes and forcing his eyes to focus in, his breath caught at the beauty before him. Deep and cradled within the hold of multiple mountains had to be the Elvin City of Rivendell. Open windows and stonework that blended into the mountainside with a river winding between its buildings and becoming a waterfall off the edge. The only thing connecting this hidden paradise to reality was a small bridge across a chasm.

From Frodo's gasp, Harry knew the Hobbit had caught sight of it as well, "Just like Uncle Bilbo described," the young Hobbit said, though he only seemed able to whisper.

Harry gave a trill of agreement as he began to fly closer and closer to the beautiful city, Lady Arwen, where would be the best place to land?

Shaking herself from her building dread, Arwen leaned forward to finally look down. After a few moments of searching she spoke, "Do you see the garden area, closest to the mountainside?" she asked, pointing to clarify.

Harry tucked his wings a bit and began to circle the city before he seemed to tighten his circling to one area, Here?

"Yes," Arwen nodded, leaning back to sit comfortably on Harry's back and wrapping her arms protectively around Frodo who had been leaning further and further sideways to see everything, "I will gladly give you a tour, Frodo, but you need to be in one piece for your friends' arrival and the tour," she said with a small smile.

Frodo flushed a bit, and gave the lady a sheepish smile before turning to the front again and sitting straight once more. Harry was descending and began noticing the figures that had steadily been entering the clearing – one seemed kingly, one sported familiar gray robes, but the majority were dressed with weapons.

My Lady, be ready to speak, Harry said as he continued to descend calmly, It seems they are expecting a threat.

And Harry was right, because the moment he landed he had spears and arrows pointed at him. Instantly, Arwen jumped down and came to stand in front of him protectively while calling out in Elvish towards the kingly Elf Harry had spotted earlier.

"Peace, Father, it is friends I bring," she said, arms out.

"Indeed it is friends, as I would recognize that mangy form anywhere," a familiar voice said, a rasping chuckle following.

In an instant, Harry returned to his form of a Man with Frodo still on his back though the Hobbit was blinking a bit at the sudden change, "Who you calling mangy, you old codger?" he said, eyes alight with amusement.

"Why I never," Gandalf said as he strode forward, beard twitching as he attempted to hide his amusement, "I see your manners are still absent, young Harry. I dearly hope you have not rubbed off on Frodo here."

Frodo's head popped up over Harry's shoulder as he blew the man's hair form his mouth, "He has manners, Gandalf – he just doesn't waste them on you."

The elder Istari spluttered in surprise while Harry leant over laughing while trying to keep Frodo on his back who was grinning quite smugly. A deeper laugh joined Harry's own, causing the Man to calm and look up to see the kingly Elf of before approaching with a smile and twinkle in his gaze.

"You must be Harry," the Elf said – there was a warmth and wisdom about him and the simple circlet of gold about his forehead gave Harry an idea as to his identity, "Gandalf speaks quite fondly of you and your Uncle."

Harry let Frodo slide from his back and smiled cheekily up at the Elf who – even with Harry's growth spurt up to a respectable 5'8" – towered over him, "I assure you, Lord Elrond, that all he has told you is vastly exaggerated."

The Elf raised an amused brow and gave a knowing smirk down to the Man, "Indeed?"

Harry smiled while batting his eyelashes in exaggerated innocence while Frodo covered his mouth in an attempt to smother his laughter. Elrond himself was hard pressed not to laugh as the guards around them lowered their weapons, smiling themselves at the young Man's humor. Gandalf was the one to break the amusing stand-off between Man and Elf, smile hidden in his beard.

"Where is Sam, Frodo? I do believe I asked him to travel with you," the Gray Istari said, looking about for the Hobbit's faithful friend and gardener.

"Threatened more I like," Harry snorted as he turned to Gandalf with his hands on his hips, "You told him you would turn him into a toad if he did not, you old goat!"

Gandalf drew back a bit and if you looked close enough you could see a bit of pink on his cheeks as he leaned on his staff, "Yes, well – I caught him listening in to a private conversation and -," he stopped when he saw Harry's unimpressed brow.

"So you threatened to turn him into a toad so he would do something he would have done freely?" Harry asked, tapping a foot while he stared the older Istari down disapprovingly.

To say Elrond was amused would be an understatement – he had not seen his friend act in such a manner since the last meeting of the light council when the Istari stumbled over himself in the presence of Galadriel. He quite liked this young Man already. All the other Elves watching on had a growing respect for the young Man who stood before such a powerful Istari without fear.

After stumbling over his words for a bit, Gandalf finally huffed, "What of Remus then? You rarely travel without him," he said, tilting his chin to mumble into his beard, "I would have preferred interacting with him – he is at least reasonable."

Harry heard him anyway and gave a laugh that sent chills down Gandalf's spine only, "Reasonable, is he? Just you wait until he gets here with Strider and the other three and we'll see which of us you prefer, Gandalf the Gray."

Gandalf swallowed heavily – perhaps he would not prefer Remus after all.

DeRanged: Well there it was people – the sixth chapter and their arrival in Rivendell. I have one question for the next update – and feel free to leave your answer in any review you may decide to bless me with – should I tell you about Strider, Remus, and co.'s arrival or should I skip ahead a bit? I may not do either, but those are my two avenues at this point, so unless one of the muses or plot bunnies decides to take a genius idea and smack me over the head with it – those are the options.

Thank you very much for reading and I hope you review!