Hi! This chapter is a bit longer! If you think the relationship between Harry and Legolas is progressing too quickly, please let me know!
Also, please don't hate me too much at the end of this chapter, I couldn't help myself.
Thank you to Verity Grahams for her amazing beta-reading skills :D
Enjoy! *Hands out tissues cautiously*
Harry POV
I woke up with a small gasp, a cloud of confusion settling around my shoulders like a heavy blanket. At first, I couldn't remember what had happened - I thought I was still safely at Hogwarts, chatting with Ron and Hermione and planning what we would do that summer. Then everything rushed back like a tidal wave, a mass of information flooded my mind within the span of a few seconds, my shoulders slumping in resignation. I took in my surroundings, wondering where we were. It was beautiful with the ancient trees and soft blue lights surrounding us. Elves were wandering about, walking up and down incredible flights of spiraling staircases which wrapped themselves around each tree. I sighed, looking down at the bandage that was wrapped around my chest, and began to remove it bit by bit. A noise to my right made me pause, suddenly aware of the rest of the Fellowship haphazardly placed in the small area and asleep.
"Harry? What are you doing?"
It's Legolas, his voice was tender as he spoke, though I'm only focused on how close he is to me - he's only a hair's breadth away from our thighs touching, his grey eyes holding happiness and concern.
"You shouldn't be removing that, it hasn't healed enough."
He takes my hand in his own, squeezing gently, but not releasing it. I don't pull away, letting my other hand fall to my lap uselessly.
"It is, though I'm not sure what helped Death's efforts to heal my wounds take hold again. These bandages aren't really needed now. Actually, I feel like it never even happened," I say, my voice is barely above a whisper.
I'm afraid of waking someone else up. Legolas nods and lets go of my hand, the loss of warmth oddly saddening. I continue to take the bandages off, slowly revealing unblemished skin, it shows no hint of there ever being a scratch let alone the wound that would have killed anyone else.
"See? Gone," I smile. "As healthy as a horse." I grin at the Elf beside me, who mirrors it with his own as I'm enveloped in a tight hug. I pause, not expecting this reaction, then slowly wrap my arms around him in return.
'This is nice… really really nice.'
"I have wanted to do this since you woke up in the river, but did not want to hurt you," Legolas muttered. His grip tightening momentarily before he lets go and puts distance between us once again.
"It's okay, I don't plan on being injured like that again anytime soon," I chuckled. We are both quiet after that, though the silence isn't uncomfortable.
We spend the next few days resting and mourning, everyone somewhat surprised by my sudden healing, having expected the injury to still be there, or at the very least leave a scar behind. It's during the night of the third day that I overhear a conversation I probably shouldn't have listened to.
"Why is everyone so welcoming of Harry?" Boromir questions, honestly curious.
"Why wouldn't we?" Legolas asks, confused.
"Isn't his timing and abilities at such a young age suspicious? He arrived just in time to come with us on the journey to Mordor," Boromir explains.
"Even if he had, he couldn't have known the Fellowship was going to be formed," Aragorn explains.
"Yeah, plus Mr. Harry has helped us a lot! If he were evil he wouldn't do that," Sam added. All four Hobbits nodding along, in agreement with the statement.
"It's still suspicious, he is likely a spy for Saruman, and just tricking us into a false sense of security," Boromir insists.
"If that was his plan, don't you think he would have finished the job a little sooner than this?" Legolas questions.
"Maybe, but not if he already has a plan for a specific time and place."
"I agree with the Elf, Harry is trustworthy," Gimli interjects. He's glancing at the sleeping wizard - though I can tell that Legolas knows I am awake.
"I don't trust the wizard," Boromir says, frowning.
"Boromir, Harry explained he isn't even from this world. How could he be in league with Saruman? He has had no time to build that kind of bond or trust with Saruman. He would have to rely on Harry a great deal, trust him implicitly to complete a task such as this?" Aragorn replied, his voice calm but stern.
"I - you might have a point," Boromir reluctantly admits, thinking about it. "But I am still uneasy."
I let myself fall into a deep slumber, not wishing to hear any more. I don't see Legolas' tense posture relaxing when he notices my breathing even out as I drift off to sleep.
We spend two more weeks in Lothlorien, Boromir watching me on occasion, calculating. He is noticeably nicer though, which I deem a step in the right direction. On our last day in the city, we are given provisions to last a little while, we are also given canoes to traverse the river - two to each canoe.
We thank The Lady Galadriel for their hospitality as she sees us off, and I get into a canoe with Legolas, each taking a row. We went in companionable silence, occasionally catching gazes and sharing gentle smiles.
'Maybe, just maybe I can hope? Maybe it's okay to hold onto whatever this is I have with Legolas. I don't think I have ever felt this way about another person before. Can I call this love? I don't know. If he weren't an Elf, if he didn't have a similar lifespan to me then I would never let myself feel such a thing. Hope is precious and yet so dangerous, it has the power to do more damage than an Unforgivable. But he does, so I let myself hope since I would not have to watch him age and die…left alone and in pain.'
I continue to let my mind drift along those lines of thought, wondering as well what Legolas was thinking. Did he think about me? Was he wondering what it would be like to hold my hand as we walked along? Does he think about my lips the way I think of his? Or maybe he doesn't really feel the same way? Could I be deluding myself?
I'm snapped out of my train of thought when I feel a large group of dark auras running, and running fast. I can feel them running alongside us, and yet towards us along the shore, I am comforted that I can't see anything. They feel darker than the Orcs. I looked at Legolas, wanting to know if he had felt the same thing. I could tell in his grey eyes, the worry was shining in them, and a silent agreement to not say anything until we reached a resting spot. Things remain disarmingly calm around us as we drift down the river until I'm enveloped by black.
"Hello, Harry." A voice sounded around me, and I turn until I see who spoke.
"Death," I reply. I am sure the man in front of me can't be anyone else.
"Correct, I am almost impressed, if it weren't for you instinctively knowing just by looking." Death grinned, leaning forward on a cane as though to get closer without actually walking forward. "I am glad to see you're healed now. Really, what were they thinking putting you in the water?" he tsked, shaking his head in disappointment. I'm assuming he doesn't actually want an answer to that.
"Why did you speak to Legolas, why did you tell him about this?" I asked, almost fearing the answer.
Death shrugged, idly looking his black nails over - I can't help but wonder if they are painted or not. "Why not speak to the Elf? I know how you feel about him, and I have no other choice but to approve. You could do much worse," he said with a smile. This time the grin was more feral, his laugh grating on my ears. I shift uncomfortably even though he wouldn't hurt me, or couldn't really.
"Okay. So why are you here now?" I'm more curious about this, considering he could have appeared earlier.
"Hmm, well it seems something is going to happen to your precious Elf and soon. I'd give it a few hours at least, or most. I'm not really sure when it comes to the passing of time. I thought it would be considerate of me to warn you. Oh, and even if you tell him it will still happen. Funny how these things work."
Death frowned thoughtfully, a finger tapping at the cane in his hands as he straightens back up. I felt dread pooling in my stomach as he talks, fearing only the worst. Something is going to happen to Legolas? And soon. I can feel myself begin to panic, just to pull myself out of it when a cold hand settles on my shoulder.
"Don't panic, Harry, he won't die. Not for another few thousand years at least," he said, frowning again. It is as though the thought of being unable to reap a soul for that long displeases him, or maybe even worry at seeing me panic, but that's hardly possible.
"Right. Good, yes that is very good."
I breathe a heavy sigh of relief, looking at the man that's now only an arm's length away. Something tells me I should be petrified right now, but I'm not. I can see tiny specks of red in his eyes, but I find that I am not intimidated, in fact, I am unfazed.
"Good," Death snorts. He removes his hand a moment later. "Then you can do me a favor and not panic. Just be ready to do what you must. I need to leave now, but I will return."
He snaps a finger, smirking. Before I can think of a reply, I am already blinking at the rush of sunlight in my eyes.
"Are you okay Harry?" Legolas asks. He's probably concerned that I spaced out for so long, but I smile at him, trying to ease his comfort.
"Yeah, I'm alright, just got paid a visit that's all," I reply. Legolas nods understandingly. "Listen, something is going to happen in the next few hours. Whatever it is, you will be okay, and so will I."
"What are you talking about?" he frowned, gazing at me in worry.
"I wasn't given the full details, just that something is going to happen and I won't be able to prevent it." I shrug. Legolas says nothing, and we settle back into an uneasy, worried silence.
By midday, we reached two colossal statues, and I heard Aragorn explain what they are.
"The Gates of Argonath, also known as The Pillars of Kings, the statues made in the likeness of Isildur and Anarion to honor the former kings of Gondor."
Awe and pride was coloring his tone, and we all looked up at the giant statues as they loomed overhead, getting closer with every stroke of the oars. The detail was tremendous, it wasn't just the perfect carving of the face, you could see the majesty of a King in their features. I looked at them, drinking in everything I could at the moment, having not seen anything so wondrous before - even at Hogwarts.
Continuing on, past the statues, we don't stop until we reach a small clearing. The forest was but a few feet away. Beaching the canoes we step out, grabbing our bags in the process. The feeling of dread grew stronger as we walked farther onto land and I glanced anxiously over at Legolas. I knew something would happen, and the moment was only drawing closer. I am hoping to convey my feelings to Legolas without having to say it, to say that I am worried, that he is important, and that I would do anything to keep him safe. Legolas nods slightly at me, he understands and then moves over to where Aragorn stands.
"We should keep moving, there's something foul on the air headed this way," Legolas said hurriedly, hoping Aragorn would agree to keep going. However, the male frowned at the Elf.
"It's too dangerous to traverse these woods at night. We will remain here for now," Aragorn said. He looks to Legolas, and then to me, as though to tell me as well.
"It's not safe here," Legolas tries again, but Aragorn only shakes his head. He looks around at the little camping area already making preparations to stay.
"Where's Frodo?" Aragorn asks, frowning.
"He's gone to fetch wood," Sam spoke, looking up from the pack of food in front of him.
"And Boromir?" Aragorn questions worriedly.
We both glance over to where he had been stood, and there are his pack and shield, alone without their owner. Everyone had felt Boromir's lust for the ring, and heard him speak of using it at the council. An uneasy feeling rises within me as I held back my groan. I waste no time, heading straight into the woods. Something tells me things are about to end rather badly for one of our fellowship. I can feel a trembling of anticipation, deep inside, instinctively knowing that this could be what I had been warned about, or at least leading towards it. I quickened my pace, feeling the dread grow in the pit of my stomach - I needed to find them and fast. I can hear the others following, likely sensing my sudden urge to move. Thankfully the forest is not that thick, and I quickly rush through the brush and trees, trying to detect where they are.
I do - they are deep in the forest, and I am still the closest. I can't stop myself from cursing aloud when I sense Frodo suddenly disappear. I know that he likely put the Ring on, and I can only hope that someone will find him soon. I pause to catch my breath, knowing it would probably be pointless to keep moving in that direction. The decision proves to be the wrong one, as all of a sudden a small army of Uruk-Hai rush to meet me. I know that most of them are heading straight for the Hobbits.
I take a deep breath and follow the Uruk-Hai, knowing that the Hobbits are vulnerable. As I reach the clearing, I see that the Hobbits have gone, but there was Boromir. He has already felled many of the Uruk-Hai. He moves brutally cutting them down with many a graceful swing of his sword. I don't pause much longer than those few seconds and hurry to join him, pulling my own sword from its sheath. I feel its weight in my hands, and I know I can do this, I can fight side by side with Boromir, I can survive this night. My vision narrows, focusing only on the enemy surrounding us. I cannot pay attention to Boromir who is fighting in the distance, I continue swinging my sword in what I hope are precise arcs, piercing the Uruk-Hai where their armour is weak. I dodge many arrows that are aimed at taking me down, a hole in my chest is not an experience I wish to repeat.
My focus falters momentarily as I feel Legolas getting closer, my attention is diverted enough that I fail to notice an Uruk-Hai arrow soaring towards me. As I finally notice, avoiding the arrow I see that the Uruk has already been slain, Legolas' arrow sticking out of its head. I find him easily in the chaos, smiling at him in thanks, but I have to look away when another arrow flies straight towards me.
There is a sudden influx of Uruk-Hai coming towards us from behind, they are chasing the two Hobbits I had thought had been lost. I frown, recognizing Merry and Pippin, I knew Frodo was headed away from here, but I worry about Sam, the only one that is not accounted for. Merry and Pippin enter the clearing, frightened but daring, fighting how they are able. Boromir quickly rushes over to protect them, but Merry and Pippin are not useless, they manage to knock a few Uruks out with well-aimed rocks. I force myself to refocus on the battle, Legolas is nearby occupied with his own group to fight, his bow is singing as it slays Uruk after Uruk. I'm distantly aware of him putting his agility and flexibility to use, absently wondering how his hair doesn't get in the way constantly.
We are severely outnumbered and are being pushed back by the sheer number of our opposition. My attention shifts when I hear a cry from the Hobbits. I turn swiftly, only to see a thick black arrow protruding from Boromir's chest, but he does not fall. Boromir stands guarding the Hobbits, and I am in awe as he continues to fight, purposefully standing between the Uruks and their prey. I want to rush over to help him, but I'm held in place by the unyielding Uruk-Hai, Legolas only a few feet away to my right.
"Dammit!" I growl.
I quickly summoned my wand, and begin firing curses, but also trying to handle the sword to push them back. Neither Legolas or I could help while they closed in around us. It succeeds - somewhat. Enough for Legolas to smoothly switch from his bow to his own sword, having run out of arrows, but unable to make the switch sooner. There's still too many, and it's like they are focusing the majority of their forces on Legolas and I, but I don't understand why? They would undoubtedly focus on finding Frodo? I desperately hope that this doesn't mean that they have him, or any of the Hobbits. I can feel myself slowly tiring, but I force myself to keep going despite noticing my spells are doing less damage. I absently debate using both wands, but a sharp cry from Legolas stops me in my tracks.
I look over and see the arrow lodged in his stomach, blood starting to spill. I glance over to Boromir, he is somehow standing, defending Merry and Pippin against a whole horde of Uruk-Hais. The leader of the attack stands about a meter away from him, staring him down, his crossbow raised and aimed directly at Boromir. It is clear, despite his continued fighting, that Boromir has lost. The huge Uruk lazily released another arrow which finds its home in Boromir's chest. Boromir chokes, blood spilling from his lips. There are many arrows in his chest now, how he is still standing is a mystery, but I know there is no helping him. Boromir will not survive this battle, but Legolas can, even if I have to threaten Death himself. I cast a reducto, which successfully gives me time to run towards Legolas, the one that I fear I cannot live without, the one that is bleeding out on the ground. I manage to produce the strongest protego possible, and I create enough space to make my way to him, cradling his head in my lap.
'I have healing abilities.' I tell myself, "I haven't tried using them before, and this might not even work, and I'm already tired. But I need Legolas to live. Merlin, I need him.'
I distantly realize there are tears, they fall down my face, I only notice as I see the small patch of drying tears on Legolas' chest, who is barely conscious. I put as much pressure on the wound as I can and pull the arrow from his stomach. Then I focus everything I have on the wound, I desperately pour my magic through my hands into his stomach. I can't move my eyes from his, and Legolas' eyes don't leave my own. Despite the pain he feels which is evident in the far-off look in his eyes, he reaches up to wipe a tear away with a weak smile. I can tell he is weak when his arm falls like a dead weight beside him.
"Nín Laich," Legolas whispers.
I know what the words mean, and a choked sob escapes as I accept that Legolas really does feel the same as me. The words don't leave me, dancing around in my head; 'my sweet'. I can't look at him, I have to force myself to focus on the wound, pushing my magic to its limit, ignoring all the blood gushing over my shaking hands.
'Please, please, please. I cannot lose him - not Legolas.'
I squeezed my eyes shut, and my heart clenches as my focus fades for one second, I can't see if the blood has stopped pouring, I can only feel it's warmth on my hands. I finally summon my courage to look back down, my hands now glowing, pulsating with bright blue magic, the flow of blood slowing until, finally, it stops altogether.
Legolas groans slightly, and I gently shush him. I can feel my magic leaving me as I heal him, the hole slowly knitting together. I am filled with relief as he heals. I don't let up on the shield or the healing. I am all too aware that Legolas has finally given in to the need to pass out. I can't regret my choice, but I can see and feel Boromir falling nearby, his light flickering, as he fights the inevitable, barely holding on.
Merry and Pippin are quickly taken by the Uruk-Hai horde, but I keep myself grounded where I am. It is a waste if I move before the wound is completely healed. I feel a pang of guilt at not rushing to their aid, but I cannot lose Legolas.
The Uruk-Hai are trying to destroy the shield, but their efforts are pointless - for now. Magical exhaustion soon catches up to me, pulling me into the darkness of unconsciousness. The last thing I am aware of are the hands that are too big to be human grabbing at me, my wand slipping from my grip. The last thing I see is Legolas' slumbering face, my wand left balancing on his chest - then everything turns to black.