But The Gate is Holding...
Men were bracing the gate with wood and nails. Harry whipped out his holly wand and called out in a commanding voice, "Reparo!"
The doors to the gate immediately solidified and repaired. Théoden spun around and he breathed easier when his eyes landed upon Harry, "Wizard! Your spells are not holding."
"I told you it would only slow them and I repaired the gate, making the wood sturdier. I never said it would keep them out permanently." Harry countered. The words of Hildar suddenly came back to him, 'both wise and foolish'.
The king raised his voice and called out, "Legolas! Get them out of there!"
Harry looked out across the numerous soldiers, guards, elves and men for the Fellowship companions. He finally spotted Legolas standing above the gate, but not the other two. The elf looked over the wall and shouted, "Aragorn!"
Legolas threw a rope over the wall and those men on the wall helped the elf pull whatever was on the other end up over the wall. A loud cracking sound pulled Harry's attention back to the gate and once more he called out, "Reparo!"
The gate was once more whole and sturdy enough for Harry to look up at Legolas and possibly see what was on the other end of the rope. Harry was stunned when he realized it was Aragorn and Gimli being hauled up. With a surprised shake of his head, the wizard turned his attention back to the gate, "Duro!"
The wood of the gate was suddenly rock hard and Harry was pleased with himself.
"Pull everybody back! Pull them back!" Théoden growled.
Harry stared at the gate in confusion. "But the gate is holding..."
Théoden pointed in the direction of the gaping wall, "The castle is breached. They're coming from the Deeping. Your spells have bought us precious time, Vanquisher."
He had to resist sending any exploding spells at the uruk-hai army that were making their way over the walls from The Deeping. He was unsure how much damage he would cause the keep along with killing the enemy. Harry's eyes scanned the masses and saw the Fellowship leading others back to the hall as Théoden had directed. More accurately, Aragorn and Legolas were urging everyone to fall back, including the ever stubborn Gimli.
Aragorn once more grabbed ahold of Gimli and forcibly 'urged' the dwarf to retreat. Legolas paused in his own exodus to fire a few more arrows at the incoming enemy and when Harry had a clear shot, he too threw cutting curses, opting for the darker specialty of his ex-potions professor knowing only the counter-curse could heal such a wound.
Harry finally turned and entered the hall along with the survivors. Hitching his bag over his shoulder more comfortably so he could work, the wizard began looking after the wounded, starting with ensuring the king wasn't injured.
Théoden started in surprise when Harry's holly wand was pointed his way. The young wizard gave a lopsided grin and explained, "Just a diagnostic spell to see if you're well. Other than an accelerated heart rate - which under the circumstances is understandable - you're healthy."
Pausing for a moment, Harry looked at the guard standing beside the king. It was the same man that had ordered Harry to call the men back from the Deeping Wall. "Where is Háma?"
Harry didn't miss the wince and the wizard closed his eyes to take a slow breath, nodding. "I'm sorry. Are you injured?"
"Gamling," the guard grinned when Harry looked confused, "my name is Gamling and I'm not injured. Thank you for asking, Istar."
"My name is Harry." The wizard gave the guard a crooked grin and moved away quickly when a banging began at the door. "Reparo!"
The hall door solidified and repaired immediately. Harry began his protective enchantments before he went back to healing those he could. Most were grateful and were already on the mend. Some were wary to accept aid, but relented after seeing others healed.
"Harry!" The wizard looked across the room and made his way to Luna's side as she sat on the stone floor. Her large blue eyes held back tears of sadness. Harry's eyes widened in recognition of the man she held cradled on her lap, "His wound is deep. I've done all I can, but..."
"Haleth!" The man opened his eyes and gave Harry a weak grin, "Honestly, mate, you need to learn to dodge better or find a new job, yeah?"
The man in question tried to laugh, but coughed up blood. Luna wiped the blood gently with a soft cloth. Haleth gave her a weak smile in gratitude. When he spoke his voice was soft and tired, "I'll keep that in mind, young wizard."
Harry ran a diagnostic charm and frowned. "You! Give me a hand." With the aid of a teen, the two removed Haleth's chest armor and the wound was visible. Harry began chanting, "Vulnera Sanentur, Vulnera Sanentur, Vulnera Sanentur."
Haleth gasped shakily when he could pull more air into his lungs. Harry had summoned his potions and handed a blood replenisher to Luna followed by a healing potion. He stared at the few remaining vials and sighed softly. He had only one more until he could manage to find time to brew. Looking around, Harry found no easily accessible goblet and opted to conjure one before filling it with water.
Luna held the empty vials out to Harry who traded her for the goblet. Gently raising his head, Luna held the goblet to the man's lips and helped Haleth sip the water. The guard raised his hand and gripped the water to his lips and drank deeply as Harry casted a few more healing charms on him.
"You're not to move, Halteh. Your fight is over. Your ribs are tender and may break easily if you're hit." Harry sighed when he saw a stubborn set to the guard's look, "Don't make me immobilize you, because I will."
"Immobilize me?" Haleth blinked in surprise. "How, pray tell, would you do such a thing?"
"Magic, of course." Harry smirked and gave Luna a wink when he stepped away, but the scoff of sound and the groan accompanying it had his attention back to the stubborn guard, "Immobilis!"
Haleth stiffened immediately. The guard could only move his eyes which he did to see around him as Harry came back into his line of sight.
"Harry." Luna reprimanded her friend.
"You sound like Hermione," Harry gave her a small grin, but sighed when she tsked at him. "I warned him. He didn't listen."
"He will listen now." Luna tried to hide her humor, but her giggle escaped before she could stop herself. "Honestly, Harry. You never change."
Harry gave Luna a small smile before he peered at Haleth. The guard blinked and the wizard gave him a solemn nod with a flick of his wand, "Finite."
"Thank you, Lady Linovahle. I will stay put, Istar. I don't particularly care for the feeling of being immobilized." Haleth frowned in thought. "I felt... vulnerable."
Harry nodded in understanding, "I ask you not to join the fight, Haleth. I won't force you to stay behind, but I would appreciate it if you'd consider my request. As much as I enjoy your company, I'm sure healing you three times within three days is a bit excessive."
The young teenager had followed Harry and Luna quietly and helped them with the wounded that were scattered around the hall. It was late and Harry was exhausted. Luna managed to drag Harry to the table and he sat heavily with the others. The blonde motioned for the teen to join them. Harry gave the boy a lopsided grin, "I never got your name."
"I am Sondim," Sondim shyly glanced in the direction of the king and pulled into himself, "Son of Grimbold."
Harry looked at the others, confused at Sondim's reaction until Théoden explained, "Fear not, young Sondim. Grimbold is a fine man and brave commander. With the aid of these two fine healers, your father will be back on his feet come morning."
Realization dawned on the wizard and he gave the teen a reassuring - or what he had hoped would be reassuring - pat on the back. "I appreciate your help with the wounded, Sondim."
Throughout the late hours, the pounding on the door made it difficult to rest. Harry and Luna took turns checking on the wounded. The wizard repaired the door when necessary and checked on the protective enchantments each time.
Haldir approached the young wizard, "You should rest, Istar."
Harry gave a small tired nod, "I should, but I don't have the time. Once this war is over - or at least this particular battle - maybe I can get some sleep then."
"Even the immortal require time to meditate and refresh the mind."
"Especially you," Harry glanced at the Marchwarden and noted the man was not in full uniform. "I take it Luna hasn't mended your armor."
"On the contrary, Lady Linovahle has indeed mended the straps you cut to the best of her ability. My wound is bandaged adequately, yet there is no need to be in full armor, therefore I will allow my torso to mend further before aggravating it with full armor." Haldir handed Harry a small square of what looked like leavened bread. "At least eat. This is lembas. One bite will fill a man's stomach."
"Thank you," Harry took a small nibble of the lembas and sighed in relief when he felt the magic wash through him. "Elves are magical beings as well then? I mean, Luna is a witch and an elf and I have yet to get my head wrapped around that last bit. I've known her for six years as a human girl."
"We've been called magical, yes. Only Lady Linovahle is not a witch."
"Of course she is. How else did she go to Hogwarts?" Harry watched Luna who sat with the other elves noting for the first time that evening that she was working with herbs and bandages. She smiled patiently at one of the soldiers as she stitched carefully at his arm.
"Ah, in your world Luna Lovegood was a witch. Here, Lady Linovahle is an elf." Haldir stood watching along with the confused wizard. "It was the will of the Valar that she was temporarily gifted with magic in order to watch over you. Much like Lady Galadriel, there are limitations to their sight."
"So she speaks in broken, quirky sentences that sound like gibberish."
Haldir scowled, "My Lady Galadriel does not speak gibberish."
"I meant Luna." Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, "I'm knackered and not making much sense. I suppose."
"Hmm," Haldir wasn't nearly appeased by the wizard's explanation, "Once this war has ended, Lady Galadriel would be honored with a visit."
"That is assuming I survive."
Haldir gave the young Istar a small knowing look, "From what I have been told, you will."
Harry stiffened in surprise, yet really he shouldn't have been, "She's Seen this."
It wasn't a question, but it caused the elf to pause before speaking. Quirking an eyebrow at the scowl that news received, Haldir was suddenly curious, "I take it you are not fond of those with Sight."
"My whole life was predestined by a prophecy. I fulfilled that one, was given three months of rest and suddenly I'm sent here - 'it's destiny', she says, and poof I'm in Rohan - proclaimed the bloody Vanquisher." Harry growled in annoyance and rubbed his forehead. "I used to complain about my life being controlled, like I was a puppet on a string. And because of that bloody prophecy the entire wizarding world waited for me to kill the Dark Lord, because only I could.
"When the time came I killed the man, but then felt lost without a purpose. Honestly I hadn't expected to survive. He had over fifty years of experience to my six; the odds weren't in my favor. Suddenly he's dead and I'm free to just be… me. I had no idea who I was without an enemy to fight.
"Now I find myself in another world, with beings the likes I had never seen before: elves, dwarves, orcs, wargs and uruk-hai." Harry idly toyed with the leaf that wrapped the lembas in an attempt to control his growing ire. He didn't want his anger to unleash his magic, causing it to lash out at his surroundings like his fifth year in Dumbledore's office. "I have a new 'destiny' and while it isn't a prophecy, it certainly is a larger than life legend.
"Then I find out the only friend I have in this world has lied about who she is and brought me here without asking me if I was okay with leaving everything I know to come to this world." Harry grit his teeth and took a slow deep breath as he had felt his anger slipping out of his control, "I'm not so sure I care if I survive when it's all over. I'm… tired: of being used, of being manipulated."
"Perhaps that is why my Lady has requested to see you." Haldir rested his hand on Harry's shoulder. The wizard's head snapped towards the elf who dared to touch him.
"To grant me rest? Can she do that?" Harry cold glare met Haldir's steady gaze.
"Only the Lady of the Forest could say for certain." The Marchwarden gave the young man's shoulder a gentle squeeze, "Rest, Istar. Morning comes soon enough."
"Rest," Harry snorted and once again repaired the doors to the hall.
"Words I had never believed I would speak, but the keep has been breached. The Hornburg is overrun with uruk-hai." Théoden was eerily calm as he spoke, "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?"
Théoden watched the warded door to the hall as he reflected on the battle, "I have no qualms in taking the life of the uruk-hai for they are malevolent spawn created by an evil wizard with notions of grandeur above his station. I lament only for the men, my men, who were stalwart, virtuous and earnest.
"Though it matters not, for we - the people of Rohan - yet live." Guards stood straighter. The Fellowship and Elven warriors stood among them as Théoden turned to those within the hall with him. Harry stood quietly behind the gathered mass with Luna at his side. She slipped her hand in his, causing the boy to stiffen while the girl laid her weary head on his shoulder. "Hope is not lost and our people are not forsaken, for the riders come with the rising sun and we will outlive the tide of evil that would reach out and snatch that glimmer of hope from us. For we are the Rohirrim!"
Gimli's voice was almost lost within the shouts and cheers. "The sun is rising."
There was a mischievous glint in Aragorn's eyes when he turned to the king, "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
Théoden gave the man a look of pure amusement, "Yes. We will ride out in glory to the sound of the horn of Helm Hammerhand!"
"Yes!" Gimli shouted enthusiastically and Harry could only grin tiredly as the room was swept away with thoughts of victory.
"Is there a pony for the dwarf?" Legolas' amused voice barely carried over the noise of the hall.
The response the elf received was a low growl from Gimli followed by a hearty laugh. Harry simply shook his head, wondering what sort of odd friendship the two had; Legolas seemed to enjoy mocking Gimli's height whenever possible. Perhaps the wizard had missed the times when Gimli teased back for he hadn't witnessed that just yet.
"No, Haleth," Harry spoke before the guard could ask.
"But you heard the king!" Haleth tried reasoning.
"I did, but the answer is still no. As your healer, I cannot in good conscience allow you to join the ride," Harry grinned widely when the man's shoulders drooped with defeat.
Harry watched as the others prepared for another assault. His biggest question at the moment was where the horses came from, but no one seemed inclined to answer that question for him.
Two guards stood before the large double door awaiting the signal. Once the horn of Helm Hammerhand sounded that the doors were pulled open and Harry sent out a spell. "Deprimo!"
A large gust of wind swept the uruk-hai back, giving the warriors a chance to exit easily. Two rows of riders bolted towards the door behind the spell. Harry held still as the horses passed him on both sides. Théoden called a rallying cry, "Forth Eorlingas!"
Théoden lead the charge out of the keep into the Hornburg, slashing away at the uruk-hai as they went. Without pause, they stormed out of the gate and down the Causeway, right into the column of waiting uruk-hai.
Harry made his way to the top of the gate with Luna on his heels. The pair stood upon the wall. The battle raged on and Luna frowned at the carnage that lay before them. Out in the field - where the mass of uruk-hai had swarmed from - were large craters filled with broken bodies in and around them. Along the wall were more dead, both allies and enemy. Luna stepped closer to Harry who wrapped his arm around her shoulder in understanding.
Haleth cried out, "The sun! The others should be arriving."
Looking towards the east towards where his friend had pointed, Harry saw a white rider against the rising sun followed by the Third Marshall. "It's Gandalf with Éomer and his riders. They've arrived."
Éomer raised his spear over his head with a rallying war cry of his own that Harry couldn't make out over the fighting. The Riders of the Mark rode alongside the white wizard, slashing at the enemy as they advanced towards their king.
"Now that is a beautiful sight." Haleth said reverently.
Harry grinned and nodded in agreement. Luna gripped the edge of the wall as she leaned forward and watched with rapture as the valiant men of Rohan beat back the tide.
Hedwig came swooping down and landed upon Harry's shoulder. The four watched as the battle raged. Some of the uruk-hai army attempted to flee, others fought to the death. Harry canted his head and asked, "Were there always trees there?"
Cries of anguish could be heard from within the trees and the two men exchanged a look of confusion, "It was plains... how'd the trees get here?"
Luna smiled, "It's magic."
Haleth scratched the back of his head and gave a small shrug, "Sounds reasonable to me."
AN 2: Happy Wednesday! Okay so you may (or may not) have noticed that I 'try' to keep at a schedule. I post on Wednesday and Saturday (or Sunday, if Elipsa is super busy). So if you don't see something from me on one of two days, more than likely you'll see it the day after.
Potterfanforever - My Harry isn't short. (I love how hung up some folks are on this because I make silly comments.) Legolas, Harry & Gimli were standing at the Deeping wall. Now picture that wall in your head. It has tall areas and shorter areas; like square teeth on a Jack-o-Lantern. Harry & Gimli were unfortunate enough to be standing behind a tall area. Which is silly of course and had he switched places with Legolas, I'm certain they would have seen just fine without the conjured box. Well Harry would, not so sure about Gimli. That whole scene from the movie between the elf and dwarf was just too funny not to keep in my story and well, Harry poked my muse so poof he has a conjured box. One more chapter and you will see the last of the height comments. Well, until later and it isn't about him being short. I mean honestly, a guy has felt short most of his life (being friends with the towering Ron Weasley makes a guy feel not so tall) and then he meets hobbits. Who can have a short complex after that?
Fen Dweller - I like how your mind works. Hopefully you see that Harry does have some issues with Luna, but again, that whole thing about his mother dying / her mother claimed dead never entered my mind. Never stop voicing your opinion. If I do something wrong, it's better that I learn from it than to keep perpetuating the cycle.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, favorite, follow and/or review. All y'all just make my day shiny.
