Hi All,

Another chapter, yay! And it's a long one, so sit down and read!

Anyway, enjoy the chapter. I own nothing but the story…Everything else belongs to J.K Rowling and J.R Tolkien respectively.

Enjoy!


Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Hermione's POV

Out of all the things that Athena could have told me, she had informed me one of my worst fears. She had informed me that the man that we had hunted down, defeated and conquered, might still be alive, and living in the very world we had been thrown into. Voldemort might very well be, alive and once again, after us.

After her confession, we had joined the dwarves, who had made beds for us and after choosing a bed near Athena and Ginny, I fell into a restless sleep. My brain, my dreams was soon plagued by memories of hunting horcruxes, being tortured by his right hand woman, Bellatrix and the battle of Hogwarts, the war where had we had lost people we had loved. Memories of fighting for a cause, fighting the man that had made our lives a living hell. All at once, the memories filled my mind, and immediately, I tried to rid myself of the dream I was in, trying to wake up. After some time, I managed to open my eyes, sitting up quickly and panting for a breath.

It was still night when I had I opened my eyes. The crescent moon was still in the sky and while some of the dwarves were asleep, there were others having breakfast over a small fire. The sound of laughter and the sight of the dwarves brought a smile to my face, as it was a welcome sight after having sleep plagued with nightmares of the past. Bombur had fallen of the seat he had occupied and the dwarves roared in laughter. I then thought about what it would mean of Voldemort was indeed alive. Would the dwarves be able to fight him? Fight him in a battle? Perhaps, but what if it leads to their deaths? I for one did not want that to happen, and so, I prayed that Athena's encounter was only a one off, and that it was of the Necromancer's doing, and not we both feared.

I turned to look at Ginny, who was in deep conversation with Fili and Kili. She was also asleep when we had come back to the camp, and I had wanted to tell her, but we decided to wait until she was awake. She was now, and the two brothers seemed to be telling her tales of their youth. She laughed, enjoying the stories they told her. I then wondered if now was the time I should tell Ginny about Athena's encounter, but it wasn't mine to tell. I then looked around me, but frowned when I did not see her.

"She headed off this morning with Gandalf. She's going to stay, keep the elves occupied while we pack up and leave. I have a feeling that the elves will not let us go now that they know about our plans. She will meet up with us later, along with Gandalf." Balin informed me, walking past my makeshift bed.

I nodded. "Oh…wait what plan? We're leaving?"

"Aye…soon as dawn breaks. Athena will join us soon…do not fret. She is capable of stalling the elves. Her and Gandalf both…" Balin remarked.

I looked to Ginny, who now saw that I was awake and was bringing over a plate of food. I decided to tell her later about the encounter.

"Athena is staying?" I asked as Ginny approached.

"Both her, Gandalf and Thorin came up with the plan even before I was awake. The only way that we could leave unnoticed by this council was for Athena to stay and stall the council and we leave. Don't worry Hermione, Athena will join us soon. But Thorin is anxious to leave…something Durin's Day is soon upon us and we need to be at the mountain before then, so we're leaving and Athena and Gandalf speaking with the council." Ginny informed me.

"Sounds like a plan, but aren't we supposed to be there?" I questioned.

"Athena will think of something. She's not that dumb." Ginny answered.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh she isn't? Then why did she make me do all of her homework when we were at school?"

Ginny paused. "Well…she's not always perfect."

I smiled. "So, we're leaving soon yeah?"

"Yeah…there are some baths just around the corner there and the elves have provided us with clothing, appropriate clothing for us to wear. It seems that wearing leather pants and a corset are not lady like clothes." Ginny muttered. "Good-bye feminism and leather pants…it was nice knowing you."

I sighed, rolling my eyes again. "It won't be so bad. I think it's nice that the elves gave us clothing. Now we know what to wear and can adjust accordingly."

It was then I realised that Ginny had already bathed and dressed. Gone was her leather pants and corset, and replaced with a pair of long black tights, a green tunic and brown belt, and her leather boots. The tunic itself was embroidered with an elvish design, with leather straps and her hair was down up in a braided bun. She wore her wand harness, which was strapped to her leg and her cloak was draped over her shoulders.

"You look no different than you were dressed. You're still wearing pants." I said. I then looked and saw that her rainbow hair was losing a bit of its colour, and growing from her roots, was her original red hair. "You're losing your rainbow colour. That's a shame…I was just getting used to the rainbow hair."

"Well, it happens when you can't visit your local magical hairdresser and I cannot for the life of me remember the spells she used, but it's okay. Time to go back to red. And, no matter what, I'm not going to wear a dress, no matter how much you pay me. Athena is wearing a dress…she bathed and got dressed in this silvery green number earlier on. But, they still gave me a dress anyway and you have a dress as well." She stated, handing me what looked like a dress and towel of some sort. "Come, I'll show you the bathing area. It's massive and it has a fucking waterfall."

I gave her a look at her swearing but nodded, getting up and placing the plate of food she had given me on top of my bag. Grabbing the clothes, I followed Ginny through the halls into a room that look like a massive bathroom. There were columns draped in gold silk and in the middle of the circular room, was a pool, filled with crystal clear water. The water was coming from the waterfall that was at the back of the room. It seemed the room was built around the waterfall, as it showed the green hill and the grass, along with the flowers and a tree. It was small but beautiful. The light from the moon, and the impending dawn gave the room light, so I could see the marble benches, and the vanity mirror near the pool.

"Apparently they have many more bathing rooms but this was the one they gave to Athena, you and I. They have another for the dwarves but this one is for us. Also, we know the gallons work, and because Athena is staying behind to help stall, she has hers on so that she will be able to find us once the meeting is over. Here is yours…I'm already wearing mine." Ginny said, handing me my trusty DA gallon necklace that was on gold thread. "Okay, I'll leave you be."

She left the room, and I sighed, placing the clothes, necklace and towels onto the marble bench near the pool and placed my wand on top of the dress. Checking that I was the only one there and once satisfied, I stripped out of the clothing I had been in for the last few days. Stepping into the pool, I was surprised that it was warm, and soothing. I got in, relishing the feel of clean water on me, as doing a refreshing spell was not the same as washing yourself clean in a bath. I spotted something that looked like soap and after washing it in the water, it confirmed that it was soap, as soapy bubbles came off it. I used it, washing off the dirt, grime, the sweat and stuff that my skin would have gathered over the last few days and also decided to wash my hair.

After I was satisfied, I put the soap back in its place and got out of the bath/pool, grabbing the towel lookalike material. It looked like a towel, but the material suggested otherwise. I then decided to wrap my hair with it, and picking up my wand, I casted a drying spell over my body, immediately feeling dry, clean and refreshed. I decided to wash my underwear, washing it in the pool, drying it and putting them back on. I knew I had more in my bag, but alas my bag was back near the bed I had slept in.

I picked up the dress that was given to me and admired it. It was simple green and gold dress, with long sleeves. The sleeves were long, going down to my hands and it had gold bangles near the upper arm, like an arm band. I put on the dress, and was delighted to see that it fit me like a glove. I put my ballet flats back on, and removed the towel from my hair. Waving my wand over my hair, I walked over to the mirror near the vanity table and watched as it brushed itself straight and styled itself into the same braided bun style as Ginny. I then grabbed the necklace, putting it on and hiding the gallon in the bodice of my dress, so that only the gold chain was showing.

Satisfied with my look, I grabbed the rest of my stuff, heading back to the camp. Once I arrived, the dwarves nodded at my now refreshed look and Ginny smiled.

"So, just how are we expected to leave when there are elves everywhere?" I asked.

"Well, Miss Hermione, we were hoping you might have an idea." Balin replied.

A thought popped into my head. "You know what? I think I might…"

0*0*0*0*0

Athena's POV

Elrond was against the company leaving to conquer the mountain when Gandalf and I approached him early in the morning. It was still night time, and the gathering of the council was commencing at dawn. Elves loved to do early meetings, apparently.

I had slept, bathed and was now dressed in dress that seemed appropriate. The a-line dress was of a silvery green colour, made of silk and chiffon, and across the bodice silver metallic beads were embroidered in an elegant pattern and a silver sash was over my waist, with a moon pendant hanging from the sash. My hair was refreshed, styled as a more elegant bohemian side braid. I wore my gallon necklace, the gold necklace draped from my neck, with the gallon hiding in the bodice of the dress. I was wearing black boots this time, and the hem of the dress hid them. I wore the same cloak I had on earlier, and my wand harness strapped to my wrist, and I had my shoulder bag.

Gandalf was walking ahead of me, speaking in hush tones with Elrond.

"With or without our help, the Dwarves will march on the mountain, with Hermione, Ginny and Athena in tow. And I must admit, with myself too. They're determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe that Thorin Oakenshield feels that he is answerable to anyone. Nor, for that matter, am I." Gandalf was saying. We reached the top of the stairs, walking into what looked like a small courtyard, with a stone table in the middle. We stopped, Gandalf facing Elrond and I looking at the stone marble columns.

"It is not me you must answer to." Elrond spoke. I looked at him, frowning and he gestured ahead of him. Standing on the edge of the stone courtyard, was tall blonde haired lady. The lady began to turn slowly and I gasped. She was beautiful, with blue but kind eyes and pointed ears. I guessed that she was an elf, but a more powerful and elegant elf. Her dress was long, silky and elegant, and she wore a silver beaded crown on top of her head. In short, the woman was breath-taking and I found myself feeling insecure in the presence of her.

Do not bring yourself down so quickly. While I am flattered for the description you've given me, your own beauty is, in your words, breath-taking as well. I believe you will do well in this world, Athena Potter-Black.

I jumped at the sudden voice in my head and the woman smiled, giving me a small wink. I then wondered how she managed to enter her thoughts into my head, when she spoke again, that angelic voice filling my head.

You may have taken the extreme measures to protect your mind, and given what you've been through it's understandable, but I will not harm you. You are fascinating presence, and I merely wish to get to know you. Do not fear me, Athena, for I am here to help.

I nodded just swiftly, letting her know that I got her message and she bowed her head gently, before turning to Gandalf, who had witnessed the exchange, and was now walking towards her, a smile on his face.

"Lady Galadriel." He spoke, approaching her.

"Mirthrandir." She murmured, the same voice that was in my head speaking. She then spoke in the same language I had heard before, during Gandalf's exchange with Elrond when we had arrived. Gandalf replied in the same language, bowing as he spoke to her.

"I had no idea Lord Elrond had sent for you." Gandalf said, looking to Elrond and back to Lady Galadriel.

Another voice spoke up, and it was one that made Gandalf tense up very quickly.

"He didn't. I did…" The man spoke. We all turned towards the direction of the voice and I saw an elderly man emerge dressed in white robes, also holding a staff like Gandalf's.

Gandalf sighed, turning to me before bowing to the man. "Ah, Saruman. Athena, allow me to introduce you to Saruman the White and the Lady Galadriel, the Elf queen of Lörien. Lady Galadriel, Saruman, this is the Lady Athena Potter-Black, one of the witches that have graced us with their presence in this world."

Saruman's beady blue eyes bored into my own, before turning back to Gandalf. "Well, you've certainly been busy of late, my friend. First with the dwarves, and now the arrival of magical beings from another world. Come, we have much to discuss."

He gestured to Gandalf, showing him the stone table in the middle and Gandalf nodded, turning to me before taking one of the seats around the table. I followed him, taking the seat facing the rising sun, with Elrond opting to stand across from me and Saruman sitting next to me. His eyes were still on me, and I decided to stay quiet unless spoken to.

That would be wise. Saruman will try to gather as much information as he can, but I can sense that you are not quite ready to tell your tale of woe just yet. Allow Gandalf to speak for you, and when you can, speak to help him but for now, stay quiet.

Lady Galadriel was behind me, opting to stand like Elrond, and I gave her a slight nod.

"Tell me Gandalf, did you think these plans and schemes of yours would go unnoticed?" Saruman questioned.

Gandalf sighed. "Unnoticed? No. I'm simply doing what I feel to be right."

"The dragon has long been on your mind." Lady Galadriel observed.

"That is true, my lady. The dragon Smaug owes no allegiance to anyone. But if he should side with the enemy, a dragon could be used to terrible effect." Gandalf informed her. I nodded in agreement, as the dragons back in my world were mainly used for terrible things. It was wizards like Charlie Weasley, who helped saved the dragons and helped them be of use for good. Dragons were a misunderstood species, and I could tell that Middle-earth was no different when it came to dragons.

Saruman eyed me again, before turning back to Gandalf. "What enemy? The enemy was defeated. Sauron was vanquished, never to regain his full strength. So far, I can only sense a possible enemy, and she is at this very table."

Gandalf was about to protest but Elrond spoke first.

"Athena is not the enemy, nor will she be. I can sense she'll be an asset to this world. And besides, we have lived in peace for four hundred years, a peace that was hard won, and watchful peace. Same thing goes, I believe, for Athena. Based on what I've been told; she too has fought for a peace in her world. So I don't think Athena is the enemy here. Though, truth be told, I have felt a presence that may disrupt the peace, but I highly doubt it." Elrond remarked. I gave him a grateful smile and he nodded.

"Yes, a presence that may disrupt the peace, leaving us to think are we? Are we at peace? It was no coincidence nor a random act of fate that brought the trinity of witches. Not only that, trolls have come down from the mountains. They are raiding villages, destroying farms. Orcs have attacked us on the road." Gandalf stated.

"Sickness and really giant spiders in the forest…" I mumbled. Everyone turned to me, including Galadriel, who stood near my left side.

"Giant spiders? Gandalf, honestly…" Saruman muttered.

Elrond sighed. "Despite all you've described, it's hardly a prelude to war."

"Always you must meddle, looking for trouble where none exist." Saruman scolded. He may be more superior than Gandalf, but he really was getting on my nerves.

"Let them speak. The spiders have not been seen for centuries and trolls mainly keep to themselves and yet they emerge? Let them speak." Galadriel ordered.

Gandalf nodded. "There is something at work beyond the evil of Smaug. Something more powerful. We can remain blind to it, but it will not be ignoring us, that I can promise you. And like Athena mentioned, spiders in the woods, sickness that lies over the Greenwood. The woodsmen who live there now call it Mirkwood. And they say…"

"Well? Don't stop now…" Saruman pressed. "Tell us what they say."

Gandalf paused, looking to me. I knew that Gandalf was about to tell the group about the necromancer that Radaghast and I had encountered at the Fortress. However, it wasn't just a necromancer, there was a another presence, one that was quite familiar and I knew that I would have to tell Gandalf eventually about the other presence. It was only until I remembered the other presence, that I remembered Lady Galadriel.

Do not fret, for I am curious about the other presence. You say that you've felt this presence before back on your world? Why do you think that the very same man who hunted you is now in this world?

I sighed. Because he used a spell to harm me, a spell that felt like one I've had used on me quite often, and to make it even more disturbing, the pain focused on one spot. The lightning bolt scar on my forehead. This is no ordinary scar…It's a cursed scar, a scar given to me when I was only a year old. But I destroyed the curse and the man behind the curse.

I see…

Gandalf sighed, snapping me out of my trance with Lady Galadriel. "They speak of a Necromancer living in Dol Guldur. A sorcerer who can summon the dead, along with another who can inflict pain."

I looked to Gandalf, wondering how he knew about the other presence, but then again, Radaghast most have told something about the other presence and how it inflicted pain on me. Gandalf gave me a reassuring look and I nodded.

"That's absurd." Saruman snapped. "No such power exists in this world. This Necromancer, along with this other sorcerer, are nothing more than mortal men. A pair of conjurers, dabbling in black magic."

I had enough and I knew it was a bad idea but I needed to say something. "On the contrary, sir. They may be mortal man with the ability to do magic, but then again, I've fought mortal men who had the ability to do magic. Dangerous men who thought themselves inferior to those without magic and wanted to rule the world because they believed that they were immortal. Do not underestimate the ability mortals can do with magic. I am living proof of that."

Saruman glared at me, his blue eyes boring into my own green ones, but I refused to back down. Gandalf cleared his throat, hoping to stop the rising tension.

"Athena, calm yourself. But she is right." Gandalf spoke, placing his hand on mine. I looked away, taking deep breaths. "I thought that as well, Saruman, but both Athena and Radaghast-"

"Radaghast? Do not speak to me of Radaghast the Brown. He's a foolish fellow and why should I believe anything that comes out of your mouth, witch?" Saruman sneered.

"Saruman! Yes, Radaghast may be a little odd, I grant you that. He lives a solitary life. But Athena has saved my life and the company with her magical abilities and is a godsend to our world. Do not estimate her. But nonetheless—" Gandalf remarked before being interrupted by Saruman again.

"It is not that. I do not trust the girl, and as for Radaghast, it's his excessive consumption of mushrooms. They have addled his brain and yellowed his teeth. I warned him…" Saruman grumbled. "It is unbefitting that one of the Istari to be wandering the woods—"

"Basically you don't trust him because he likes to get high? Or you don't believe nor see reason with a fellow wizard simply because he'd rather do drugs than face real issues? I get why you don't trust me, but not trusting one of your own kind because he likes to have fun once in a while is not on." I snapped. He turned to me, and I sighed. "Look, I get it. Drugs or in this case mushrooms can make you a little disorientated but Radaghast helped me, and saved me. He was kind and I get that you don't trust me, but believe when I say that there is a darker power in that fortress. Perhaps it is one you've face before or a new one, but nonetheless, a dark power lies over there. One that could potentially harm this world. And you know what? I've only been here a short while and, if there is no way for me to go back to my world, this world could soon become my home, so I will be doing everything I can to protect it. Believe me when I say that…I will protect the inhabitants of this world, if it's the last thing I do."

Saruman peered at me, staring at me before he slowly nodded his head and was about to say something but then Gandalf placed something on the table, causing everyone to look at it.

"What is that?" Elrond asked, opening the package, revealing the sword that had almost harmed Radaghast. The gentle wizard must have given it to Gandalf and by the looks and reactions of the elves and wizards around me, the sword was of great importance.

"A relic of Mordor." Galadriel whispered, walking up to the table and standing next to me.

"A Morgul Blade." Elrond murmured.

"Made for the Witchking of Angmar." Galadriel uttered. "And buried with him."

"Witchking?" I asked, confused.

"A creature that brought and caused chaos and so much more to this world." She explained. She continued. "When Angmar fell, the Men of the North took his body and all that he possessed and sealed it within the High Fells of Rhudaur. Deep within the rock they buried him, in a tomb so dark, it would never come to light."

"This is not possible." Elrond denied. "A powerful spell lies upon those tombs. They cannot be opened."

"And what proof do we have that this weapon came from Angmar's grave?" Saruman demanded.

"I have none…" Gandalf replied. I frowned, wondering why the sword wasn't enough. I then wondered if they needed memories and if so, they could have mine. I saw Galadriel tilt her head at me and I wondered if I should do something.

"Because there is none." Saruman grunted. "Let us examine what-"

I spoke up. "Actually there is proof. Visual proof. I can show you my memories through a pensieve."

All eyes were on me and I could tell that they were curious. I knew that by showing them memories, I would have to explain how the pensieve worked and that it would reveal the presence using its magic on me but I knew that I couldn't let Saruman slander Gandalf or Radaghast. A pensieve shows people memories and it would show them my memory of what happened in the fortress and I happened to have my own pensieve in my shoulder bag. Would they go for it however, is another matter entirely.

"What an idea, showing a memory. Such magic doesn't exist, but you have the magic to do. A pensieve…how strange, but brilliant." Galadriel murmured.

"Pensieve? What is a pensieve?" Saruman asked. "And how can this help us?"

"A pensieve is a magical device that allows people to witness a memory of another. You jump, so to speak into that memory and you live as if you were there next to the person. The memories are real and are not tampered in anyway. They can be muted, or not at all there because the person refuses to show the memory but the memory is real." I told them.

"Such magic cannot exist! Even if it did, it would be useless!" Saruman snorted.

I turned to him. "Do not underestimate the power of the pensieve. It shows memories and reveals things that are vital. If you wish to see proof, then showing you all my memory of what happened at the fortress will allow you to see that that Gandalf, Radaghast and I say is true. So far, you've done nothing but belittle us and try to bring us down when we're trying to help. Which is why I'll be showing you the memory. You don't have to do much…you just have to see."

I stood up, pulling my shoulder bag to the front of me and reaching inside. I heard a gasp as my whole hand and arm went into the bag, but didn't think anything of it. I felt around for the box that held the pensieve, and when I finally felt it, I pulled it out and placed it on top of the stone table. Opening it, I lifted the circular bowl, placing the box on the chair behind me and pulling out my wand. I waved my wand over it, enlarging the circle, so that it was the size of the top of the table and gesturing to everyone to stand around it. They did, and I took a deep breath, before pressing the tip of my wand to my temple and removing the memory of Radaghast and I at the fortress. Gandalf frowned at my discomfort, but I assured him I was fine. The wand produced a blue silvery memory from my temple and I waved it over the dark waters of the pensieve.

"Okay, all you have to do, is place your head in. You will feel yourself fall and try to be cautious of the landing, but at all times, you must say close to me. Don't wander off, or go exploring because things tend to go wrong if that happens. Don't worry, you will still be able to breath in the water and time will pass very slowly out here. What may seem like hours in the pensieve is only seconds out here. Are we ready?" I inquired.

Elrond, who had been quiet, nodded, and placed his hands on the outside of the pensieve bowl. Gandalf followed suit, and Galadriel, who had a curious look on her face, followed after. I turned to Saruman, who glared at his fellow council members but then reluctantly placed his hands on the bowl. I followed suit, and taking another breath, I plunged my head into the pensieve and felt myself drop, falling into the memory. I had landed, and found myself standing outside of the entrance of the fortress, the narrow stone bridge that I had been what seem like ages ago and waited for Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf and Saruman to enter. Elrond came first, landing softly and he stumbled a bit, bit stood tall and nodded. Galadriel was next, landing with grace and holding herself steady. Gandalf and Saruman came together, landing on their feet with a thud and holding each other to keep steady. Saruman nodded his thanks to Gandalf and Gandalf turned to me.

"Well Miss Athena, what is this memory you wanted to show us?" Gandalf asked.

The sound of voices made us look to the forest, and emerging from it, was myself and Radaghast. I watched as Memory Me placed her coat on Radaghast's sled, and pulled out her wand, putting it by her side.

"What magic is this?" Saruman gasped.

"A memory, remember? That's me, with Radaghast, on the day we witnessed the necromancer and the dark power." I told him.

"Truly remarkable, this magic. It makes me wonder…" Galadriel murmured.

"Be on your guard, Athena. If the magic we saw did indeed come from this place, who knows what dangers lurk in the old fortress. So, keep your wand by your side and use it whenever you can. I suspect that whatever had the power to conjure those creatures will be in this very fortress." Memory Radaghast spoke.

My memory self nodded. "Of course…You be careful to. You're my only friend in this world at the present time and I'd like to keep it that way."

Memory Radaghast smiled. "I quite like being your friend and I'd like to keep that way too. Now Athena, let us walk into the old fortress."

"Out of all the friends you could have picked, Radaghast is the worse." Saruman muttered.

"You know, he might be, what we call in my world, a stoner, but he is kind and he accepted me with no problem. You really should cut him some slack. He is not the idiot you make him out to be." I snappe, my patience wearing thin. I shook my head, watching as the memory me walked past me with Radaghast and into the fortress. I began to follow them, not wanting to hear what Saruman had to say. "Be on your guard. What comes next will be of particular importance."

We all began walking on the bridge, heading into the fortress. Despite it being a memory, the smell was still as foul as the first time I was there, and I sighed, following myself, arriving into the archway that led down the darken hallway. I saw my memory self raise her wand and so I decided to press on, making sure the others were with me, and reaching the courtyard. I then turned around, watching as my memory self walked down the darken alley first, with Radaghast following.

Radaghast then took the lead, and we all saw him mutter as he did, while raising his staff. Galadriel then gasped, and we turned to stare in her direction.

"It cannot be." Elrond gasped.

The ghostly like figure that had attacked Radaghast had emerged from behind the stone figures, and we watched as my memory self called out to Radaghast who turned around just in time to raise his staff towards the ghostly figure. The ghost had the Morgul Blade in its hand, and continued to fight Radaghast with the sword. It then clicked to Elrond, Galadriel and Saruman that we had been indeed telling the truth, and we stepped back as Radaghast continued to fight, only to fall to the ground. Then my memory self raised her wand.

"Protego Horribilis!" She chanted.

"What kind of spell is that?" Gandalf asked, watching the ghost screeched, dropping its sword and disappearing as it screeched.

I watched as memory me helped Radaghast onto his feet. "A protection spell against dark magic. It's temporary but useful."

"Thank you my dear, but I fear that was only the beginning." Radaghast had whispered,

"This is where we saw the necromancer…brace yourself." I warned.

I turned to the alleyway, and pointed towards the figure that was edging closer. Suddenly, my memory self screamed out collapsing to the ground. Elrond wanted to go and help, but I shook my head.

"It's no use. It's already happened." I said. He nodded, and continued watching.

"Athena!" Radaghast cried.

I watched as my memory self held her head in her hands, and I remembered the pain I felt, how it circulated my brain and how it fixated on one very special spot.

"I don't know how, but the necromancer is using a spell that is used back in my world. A spell that causes great pain. It's called the Cruciatus curse, one of the Unforgivable curses that my kind is not allowed to use. It's a foul curse, and as you can see, it causes pain." I explained.

We all watched as Radaghast panicked, trying to get through to me. He then tried to lift me up, yelling at me to run and I could see myself struggling, before suddenly grasping him as he lifted my memory self's arm around his shoulders, his staff being used as cane and we watched as the pair ran from the fortress, running away from the black figure.

I also got to see the necromancer watch as we ran, and I could see the image of a black eye surrounded by fire and I saw that Galadriel, Gandalf, Elrond and Saruman had been rendered speechless. Suddenly, I felt myself being pulled out from the memory and I found myself back in the courtyard with the pensieve in front me. The others were pulled out as well, and for a moment, there was silence. Saruman sat back down, his face filled with emotions. Elrond crossed his arms, a frown on his face. I waved my wand, which was still in my hand, over the pensieve and shrinking it, before packing it away in its box and into my shoulder bag. Gandalf and I then sat back down, and Gandalf placed his hand on top of mine, giving me a reassuring smile. Galadriel, who showed no emotion on her face, was walking around us in silence. I returned my wand to its harness and waited for someone to say something…anything really.

"This…this changes nothing." Saruman whispered.

"This changes everything. You saw the memory, you saw what I saw. The Necromancer is raising the dead…what if he decides to do so again? What if he decides to raise Sar—" Gandalf bellowed.

"Do not speak that name. He was defeated, gone…he will not rise again." Saruman snapped.

"How can we be sure of that? We all saw the memory, the dark magic behind it. I also felt the other presence, one I believe was the one that cast the spell against Athena. So not only do we have one threat, but two. You cannot deny this. You now know that there is proof. The memory was proof." Elrond stated.

"That may be. But how would I know? I do not know of the girl's magic. She says it shows memory, but what if it isn't? " Saruman remarked. "But here's what I do know. The arrival of three magical beings of another world…a single Orc pack who dared to cross the Bruinen. A dagger from a bygone age has been found. And a human sorcerer who calls himself 'The Necromancer' is apparently working with another sorcerer, one who could potentially be from the witches' world and has decided to take up residence in a ruined fortress. Despite being shown the memory, it is not much to go on. However, we have a different matter entirely."

"An what may that be?" Gandalf asked, tired.

"The Dwarvish company that both you and Athena have find yourselves. This troubles me deeply. I am not convinced, Gandalf. I do not feel I can condone such a quest." Saruman expressed. "If they'd come to me, I might have spared them this disappointment. I do not pretend to understand your reason for raising their hopes."

I let him speak, blocking him out as I celebrated inwardly about distracting the council long enough for the company to leave. At least Saruman won't be stopping the dwarves. He can take out it on me, but the dwarves were on a quest to reclaim their home and Saruman was not going to stop them. At least not while I was around, or Gandalf.

They are leaving. You distracted us.

Yes, more or less so. But the pensieve and showing the memory was something I did not expect. I told her in my thoughts.

I figured as much. Will you help them?

I nodded discreetly. With everything I have, I will help them. They deserve the chance to try.

Suddenly, there was an arrival of the elf we had encountered when we first arrived, Lindir.

He looked shocked. "My Lord Elrond. The Dwarves…they are gone…"

I smiled sheepishly as I turned to Gandalf, who had a sheepish smile on his face.

"Yes…about that…"

0*0*0*0*0

Third Person POV

"You will follow them?" The Lady Galadriel asked, watching Athena from the courtyard. She watched as the witch prepared herself near the stone steps, waiting for Gandalf.

He nodded, his own eyes watching Athena. "Yes."

"You are right to help Thorin Oakenshield…and the witches, particularly Athena. I sense that her magic will help so many in this world, and that she will do many things, with little courage and a little help. I also sense that she'll find a family here, one she has not had before. But then, I fear, that this quest has also set in motion forces we do not yet understand. The memory that she showed us…I fell that we will need her, for she has a power others do not." Galadriel murmured, her blue eyes never leaving the witch. She then heard silence and turned to Gandalf, who still looked at Athena with a worrying look.

"The riddle of the Morgul Blade will be answered, do not fret about that. Something movies in the shadows unseen, hidden from our sight, and this quest, and Athena are somehow a part of that. For some reason, it will not show itself. Not yet anyway. But every day it grows in strength. You, both of you must be careful." Galadriel added.

"We will my lady…" Gandalf assured her.

"She is remarkable, Athena…teach her our world. Teach them all our world, for they all may be our saviours." She spoke. "Also, why the Halfling?"

Gandalf smiled. "I do not know. I just got the same feeling with him that I had with the witches. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small things, and the least expected, the everyday deeds of ordinary folk or the bravery of a kind woman that keeps the darkness at bay. You saw it yourself my lady, in Athena. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Why Athena Potter, or Hermione Granger, or even Ginevra Weasley? Perhaps it is because I'm afraid and they all give me courage."

Soft hands touched his, and he looked up into the crystal blue eyes of Galadriel.

"Do not be afraid, Mithrandir. You are not alone." She spoke, touching his face gently. She then began to speak in her language. "If you should ever need my help, I will come. Though, I have faith in you, and in her."

Her hands parted as Gandalf bowed, and when he looked up, she was gone. He smiled, before making his way to the courtyard near the rocky steps that would take himself and Athena out of Rivendell. He spotted her, holding his staff, hat and cloak and smiled again.

He had faith in the witch, and he thought back on Galadriel's words. He then made a vow to help the witches and to protect them.

Athena spotted him and smiled. "So, are we ready? So, in the matter of finding our company, I can and will be able to do a simple 'Point Me' spell and it will lead us in their direction. Shall we?"

Gandalf nodded, taking his robe and hat and putting them on. He grabbed his staff and nodded his head towards the witch. "Lead the way, Lady Potter."

"Oh no…let me guess, Hermione told you to call me that? Remind me to hex her when I see her. I am not lady!" Athena groaned as they made their way out of Rivendell.

Gandalf chuckled. His thoughts were still on the dark power, and on the memory that Athena had shown him. But like Galadriel, he had faith in the witch. He could only hope that the witch was ready for the task ahead of her. But he no doubt that she would be ready, and he would be there to help her.


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