Disclaimer: I own nothing, unfortunately

Warnings: I am extremely bad with writing in the present tense and then going to the past tense, so I am sorry if I do that here and have not managed to correct it. There will be a lot of fighting, this will be a slash story, but not 'in your face', and always kissing faces off slash. Just love and respect

Summary: After the anti-climactic 'Final Battle', Harry finds himself in a new world, with a new love, family and a new understanding of certain traits.

Please Review! I would like to know if people like this, and how I could improve, as this is my first ever story =]

Sorry this is late, everyone. School has been such a nuisance, we are getting so much homework for our prelims, and it is a nightmare, and then there was Christmas, and now my Grandma is in hospital, and everything's just gone to the dogs. I will try to update at the same pace as before, but I am not completely sure I will manage.

Harry Potter and the Heart of Gondor

Chapter 10 – Old Friends Become Family

It did not take as long as I would have thought to get to the edge of Fangorn Forest, where we saw the smoking carcasses of the rest of the small army of Uruk-Hai. We immediately went over to make sure there were no half-size bodies in there, when Gimli found one of the elven belts, immediately showing it to the rest of us. I felt a smile come onto my face as I looked at the belt, and the rest looked at me like I was crazy, except for Aragorn, who knew what I was thinking. I started looking around for any signs of the hobbits having gotten away, hoping to follow the trail. As I crouched down I noticed two indents in the ground where the two had no doubt lay, before I followed the trail as it looked like they had crawled from the battle. I shouted back to the others, "The two hobbits lay here, but were bound and somehow managed to crawl away. They managed to cut their bindings on an abandoned sword," I looked to said sword and picked up a bundle of rope, "There was a brief struggle," I paused and waited for the others to catch up as I came across a larger indent in the ground following the two before signs of a scuffle were seen. I continued, "The Orc or Uruk-Hai probably managed to grab a belt of one of them, and they must have taken it off to get away. Their trail leads away from the battle, though still crawling, no doubt trying not to garner attention, and they managed to escape," I said, as we all came to the edge of the forest. Gimli finished for me, "And into Fangorn Forest," as I nodded to him. I looked back at the others with a smile, before turning and heading straight into the forest, ignoring the call from Legolas to be careful- I knew these trees would not hurt me; I was a friend of this forest as I travelled not long ago, I am still a friend now.

I felt Aragorn coming in behind me, no sense of hesitation at all; he trusted me implicitly. As we headed farther in, following the two trails, I started gathering my magic and releasing it in gentle waves to call to the trees and greet them. Aragorn no doubt knew what I was doing, if not the reason why, for he had a peaceful look on his face as the waves of magic washed over him; he had always said feeling my magic was a feeling so pure it could not be described. I had always though he was exaggerating slightly, but now that we had the bond, I could feel what he felt, and it shocked me slightly that my magic could feel to anyone else as it did for me; I had simply thought he felt it to a lesser extent than I. I smiled slightly at that, before concentrating once again on my magic and the trail. My smile widened slightly as I felt the answering waves of magic coming from the trees; my magic was waking them up.

My smile widened again to face-splitting proportions as we came across a 'footprint' in the ground that could easily be the size of a hole a very large boulder would leave if it had been removed from soft ground. I laughed joyously as I recognised the footprints of one of the Ents; the guardians of this forest. I quietly hoped that I would get to see my old friend Treebeard before we had to leave this place again; I had missed him. I looked around and noticed the dumbfounded looks on everyone's faces, except Aragorn's, as I laughed, no doubt wondering if the passing of Gandalf had made me go as insane as I always tried to be. I smiled at their shock, before turning and continuing to follow the trail; I had no doubt now that the hobbits were safe, if they were being taken care of by an Ent. I started following the trail more quickly, now that I didn't need to look properly for the trail, and I heard the others scrambling to follow me, shaking off the shock of my laughing in a supposedly 'dire' situation.

I vaguely heard Gimli say something about Orc blood on one of the leaves of the bushes surrounding us, before both Legolas and I froze; Legolas because he had spotted something ahead that worried him, myself however, because I had felt a familiar aura, one that I had known for over fifty years. Legolas said he saw a White Wizard approaching, and everyone started gathering weapons, trying to be careful to not be overcome by any 'spell', I, instead, ignored all of that and started running for that aura, tears in my eyes, before I shouted back to the others who were trying to get me to stop, "It's Gandalf!" and everyone could hear the joy in my voice as I disappeared from their view through a thick wall of brush. I faintly felt Aragorn's emotions, but I was too emotional myself to figure out what emotions he was feeling. I started slapping away branches, trying to get to Gandalf quicker, needing to see with my eyes before I fully believed. I could hear the others crashing behind me, though I was steadily getting ahead of them. I started getting frustrated with the branches and started blasting them away from me, all the while sending apologetic waves of magic to the forest, but it was tinged with happiness at getting my friend back.

I was suddenly on the other side of the foliage, standing in a large clearing with only one other occupant, who stood there with his staff in one hand, and his other arm out in welcome, dressed all in white, but all of that paled in comparison to the familiar face I saw, and before I knew it, I had hurtled myself across the clearing, straight into my best friend's arms, wrapping my own around him and crying into his shoulder, all the while muttering "You're alive" over and over. I felt him tighten his arms around me, murmuring in my ear to calm me down, though he held me as tightly as I held him, neither of us wanting to let go.

I heard everyone else finally come crashing through the brush on the other side of the clearing, and I felt Aragorn's shock and happiness, before I heard him running over and then I felt another pair of arms around me and Gandalf, holding us both as tightly as possible. We stood there as we heard the others approaching slower than Aragorn, and I could almost feel the happiness radiating off of everyone at finding Gandalf alive and well. I suddenly pulled back, accidentally pulling Aragorn with me, and hit Gandalf hard over the head repeatedly, saying "Don't you dare do that again, you stupid, insufferable, infuriating, annoyingly lovable wizard!" before I hugged him again, feeling him shaking slightly as he chuckled, though I could tell he was laughing sadly, if such a thing were possible.

I heard the others laughing slightly hysterically behind us, and reluctantly let Gandalf go to let him greet the others. I looked at Aragorn, my eyes sparkling with joy at having my old friend back, and smiled up at him, and I felt the love he had for me through our bond, and I felt happiness flow through me, before I turned back to the others, walking up to Gandalf's side and lightly glaring at him out of the corner of my eye. He nodded discretely to me and I knew we would talk later, when there wasn't a dire situation on our hands. I turned slightly as I heard a loud creaking coming from the trees, and I immediately accosted Gandalf; "Where are Merry and Pippin, oh great White Wizard?" as I heard a snort come from behind me, I mentally stuck my tongue out at Aragorn, before looking at Gandalf expectantly, as he was looking down at me with amusement in his eyes. He pointed to the ground and said one word that made me whoop and start running after the trail; "Treebeard" I ran along the trail, hearing some laughing behind me, and I felt exasperation and tolerant amusement coming through my bond with Aragorn, while he followed behind me at a more leisurely pace.

I was soon out of hearing distance of everyone else, and still following the path diligently, sending out calming waves of magic once again, letting the Ents know I was no threat, as I was moving too fast for them to properly grasp who I was. I'd gotten pretty far from everyone when I started hearing a dull creaking followed by a thump, repeating every couple seconds; footsteps. I whooped again before hurrying my pace, almost sprinting after the tree that was moving away from me. I called out to Treebeard, knowing my voice was a pitch higher in my glee, as the Ent turned around at the call of his name, two Halflings in his 'hands'. I grinned wider at them, knowing the moment they spotted me as their jaws dropped in shock, before they grinned as well, before waving wildly at me, all the while shouting greetings. I laughed as I slowed down to a jog, coming up to Treebeard with a smile, and quickly climbing him so that I sat level with his eyes, on a separate branch from Merry and Pippin, but about the same level. I positively beamed at them all, before quickly asking the two hobbits if they were alright, and then greeting Treebeard properly, and instantly starting a conversation with the slow-mannered Ent.

Not long into our conversation, Merry and Pippin throwing in comments now and then, but mostly staying silent and just enjoying the humorous debate between Tree and Wizard, we all saw Gandalf leading Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir into the path of the Ent, all smiling at the sight before them. We all had a rather short conversation, making sure all in the party were healthy, before we had to say our goodbyes to the strange trio and started making our way out of the forest, both myself and Gandalf sending out reassuring waves of familiar magic to help the Ents wake up again. It didn't take that long to make our way out into the sunlight, Gandalf calling for his horse, Shadowfax, and a couple others for ourselves to ride. We quickly mounted; Legolas with Boromir, Aragorn with Gimli and I with Gandalf, and set off at top speed for Edoras.

As we rode, I chattered happily to Gandalf sitting behind me, telling him of everything he had missed while he was dead to the world. It wasn't too long before I came to the meeting with Eomer, and I exclaimed over his apparent idolising of me, not understanding very well how someone could look up to me so much. Gandalf just chuckled before saying that there was no one who could be a better role model. I smacked him lightly on the arm for that comment, while he pretended to be wounded, and so it started one of our many little spats we had, snapping and griping at each other as if nothing had changed, though there was a little more warmth in our tones than usual; it was obvious to anyone else that we had missed each other.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

It was a three day ride to Edoras from Fangorn Forest, a time we all spent getting some of our energy back from the long chase of the Uruk-Hai. I spent most of my time talking with Gandalf and Aragorn, and the rest of it sleeping against the old wizard, unless he was sleeping against me, at which point I would help guide Shadowfax, and stop the old Istari from falling off. Near the end of our journey, we crested a hill and saw the small town of Edoras; home of the King of Rohan, Theoden. Gandalf had warned us that the king was ill in mind, and that he would need my help to help young Theoden fight against Saruman. I nodded determinedly; I would not let the little boy I once knew to suffer like this.

As we rode through the town, I noticed the sombre mood of the streets, the depression in the air, and the dark magic like a thunder cloud over the small town that brought the peoples moral down to an all-time low. I had a feeling it would not take much to break these people, and a lot of effort to save them; however, we would only be able to save them if they wanted to save themselves. We rode up the stairs to the King's hall, the place where he used to rule with an iron fist and a gentle heart; it now looked like it could be a Dark Lord's lair. We quickly dismounted by the doors and gave the reins to one of the men standing guard, before walking forward to enter the door, only to be stopped by one of the King's old bodyguards, and advisor. He looked at each of the others before his eyes settled on me, and he visibly faltered before seeming to gather his courage and asked us to give up our weapons. I almost bristled at this, before remembering he was only following orders and obviously did not want to even think about asking us to give up our weapons. I still glared at him though, knowing many people had backed down under my glare. I eyed him and his guards, before saying, "I don't think so" and walking forward to the doors, pushing them open with enough force to bang them against the walls on either side.

I strode inside, ignoring the guards calling for the other members to give them their weapons, and walked up to the throne which held the now decrepit King Theoden, his once golden hair and beard almost completely white, and his face covered in wrinkles. I swept my eyes over the room, taking in all the people there who could be a threat to us, and noticing the new addition to the King's council sitting in a chair to the King's right; Grima Wormtongue. I stalked up to stand in front of the throne, making sure not to unleash my magic until I needed to, no matter how angry I was. I looked at the King before saying, "Your hospitality has certainly lessened of late, Theoden King. It seems you do not even know friend from foe at the moment. That will certainly hinder your capabilities of being a good King. Hope you don't mind, dear nephew, but I think I'll help get Saruman out of your mind before he completely destroys it."

I heard a couple of people snort from behind me, as Theoden slowly turned towards me. Before he could speak, I had wandlessly petrified Wormtongue and entered Théoden's mind, immediately feeling Gandalf join me. I 'looked' around, taking in the detail of the place, noticing it looked like a large swamp with dying trees and murky water, before I noticed that Theoden was huddled in a corner, as an eight year old representation of himself, and Saruman's magic surrounding and controlling his mind, controlled through a focal point in the centre; a white focal point. Immediately I walked over to the child Theoden, crouching down next to him, and looking him in the eyes as he turned to watch me coming. I smiled gently at him and put my hand on his shoulder, ignoring his slight flinch, before he recognised me and threw himself into my 'arms', holding onto me like his life depended on it. I looked down at him in surprise, not having expected this of my honorary nephew, but then I shrugged and stood up, holding mini-Theoden in my arms protectively, surrounding him in my magic to help fight off the darkness.

I started chanting a spell alongside Gandalf, hoping to get Saruman's influence out of the King's mind without having to fight him through a battle of the minds, though I knew it would probably lead to that. As the white light in the centre of the darkness started coalescing into the shape of a man, I put Theoden down in a 'corner' and made a shield around him, saying "We'll be fine, and so will you. We just have to fight this guy first, and I will not allow any harm to come to you," before turning and walking to stand beside Gandalf, gathering my magic to stand at the ready. I barely had time to smile at Gandalf before we were both fighting, side by side, as we had done so many times in the past, for the mind of Theoden.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Aragorn's P.O.V.

I tried not to laugh as Harry looked disdainfully at the guards standing outside of the Hall of the King, trying to get Harry to give up his weapons. As Harry basically told the guards off, I couldn't help it and gave out a light laugh, knowing Harry heard me as I felt amusement through our bond, before we all followed him in, Gandalf going straight up to the throne with Harry, while the rest of us looked around for any threats in the hall. I heard Harry's comment about Théoden's hospitality and grew sombre as Harry entered the King's mind with Gandalf bringing up the rear, so to speak.

I caught a glimpse of white out of the corner of my eye, and turned quick enough to see a young woman racing for the King, no doubt thinking Harry was doing the King harm. I caught her as she was about to rush past me, holding her around the waist as I told her to watch and wait, even as she struggled against me to try and help her King. She went still, as did the rest of us, when Harry suddenly started glowing, and Gandalf's magic was felt in the air, before he too started glowing. Both men had looks of intense concentration on their faces, sweat beading on their foreheads, and their magic fluctuating wildly about them. The room became so full of magic it made it slightly hard to breathe, and I discretely motioned to one of the men by the door to open it again, letting the magic slide through into the air, where it battled against the unhappy emotions of the town.

We all watched in awe as the two wizards battled the evil magic in the King, as Theoden visibly became younger the longer they fought, as he became more aware of his surroundings as well as what was happening in his mind, and we all watched as a look of determination crossed his face before he lost all signs of old age except a few grey hairs here and there. Harry and Gandalf stopped glowing at exactly the same time, and both stepped back to stand a few feet away in front of the King, only for a white blur to race past them and embrace the King.

Harry turned to look at me with a raised eyebrow, and I just shrugged, sheepish.

*.*.*.*.*.*

Legolas' P.O.V.

I watched out of the corner of my eye the magic flowing around the two Istari; however, my attention was mainly on the woman dressed in white that Aragorn was holding back from rushing over to the King. I watched as she stilled, and looked on at the impressive feat of magic going on in front of her in admiration, and I noticed the way her eyes zeroed in on Harry, before lighting up in interest, and a strange emotion crossed her face before it was gone as the King started to become himself again. I decided I'd watch her carefully, she could not be allowed to try and interfere with Harry and Aragorn's relationship; it was rare to see a love so pure.

*.*.*.*.*

Harry's P.O.V.

After the King was feeling better, and the Worm was banished from the land, we all sat down to have a rest, particularly Gandalf and I; using that much magic in a person's mind without harming said person, and fighting someone with the same level of magic as Gandalf who could fight without worrying about harming the mind of the person, and having to stop Saruman's magic from creating irrevocable damage, was no easy feat. We were both weary after that taxing exercise. I sat with Aragorn on one side of me, leaning into his side, with Gandalf on the other, talking about a great prank the twins of Rivendell had instigated on the Lord Elrond. I smiled slightly as I listened; just enjoying the peace we had while we had it, knowing it would be gone soon. Theoden sat across from us, smiling softly at seeing me again, we had both missed each other; he was like a nephew to me, and I like an uncle to him. If he had had a choice, I have no doubt he would have joined myself and his father on some of our hunts in the Wilds, having never heard of a better adventure at such a young age.

I looked at Theoden, taking in all the lines he has on his face, the slightly greying hair, and the few grey hairs in his beard, and I let out a quiet sigh, knowing I had missed a lot while Aragorn and I were travelling between Rivendell and The Shire. I knew he would have had a tough time being King in these times; it was only a matter of time before a full-out war started. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would have been to have to rule with that on my mind, never mind having to do all else a king has to do. I felt respect grow for Theoden, and I knew Aragorn knew what I was thinking, for he squeezed my hand slightly. I tuned back into Gandalf, though I knew he knew of my moment of inattention, and I smiled at him apologetically while he just smiled sympathetically at me, as if he knew where my thoughts were, as I have no doubt he did.

We all became quiet as Theoden asked "Where is my son? Where is Theodred?" and I looked at him in surprise, having not known he had a son, though I should have; he would have had to have an heir. I listened in silence as the King's niece told Theoden his son had died while on a raid of orcs. I bowed my head in respect; he had been shot by a poisoned arrow, but had managed to live through a week, only lately succumbing to the poison. I listened with one ear as Theoden left the room while telling others to organise the funeral. I disentangled myself from Aragorn's arms, knowing Theoden needed someone to rage to that wouldn't hold it against him. I squeezed Aragorn's and Gandalf's shoulders before getting up and following Theoden to his room, where he was standing facing the window, looking out at the town of Edoras, his shoulders shaking slightly even as he tried to keep the tears inside. I looked behind me when I heard the swishing of fabrics, and noticed the King's niece had followed her uncle also. I smiled at her before walking up to Theoden and placing my hand on his shoulder, just giving him silent support until he was ready to start talking. If I had looked back I would have noticed the way Lady Eowyn was blushing and looking at me, but all of my attention was on the King, trying to help him with the loss of his only son. I vaguely heard the door being shut, before I turned Theoden around and placed both hands on his shoulders, looking him in the eyes before bringing him into a hug, knowing he just needed to cry at the moment. He would get to the raging part later. I held him as he finally let go, sobs racking his body as he clutched desperately at me, the only source of comfort he could get. He knew I would not scold him for showing his emotions in private, as his father had done to him. He knew I would just be here for him, no matter what; after all, that's what family does, is it not?

*.*.*.*.*.*

It was after sundown by the time Theoden had stopped crying or raging, and then apologising for it. I rolled my eyes at just the thought of it, silly boy that he was. I walked through the halls, eventually coming upon mine and Aragorn's room, slipping inside trying to be as quiet as possible. I knew Aragorn was awake, just resting in bed waiting up for me. I smiled slightly as I stripped off until I was only in my trousers, and quietly snuck into bed beside him; immediately I felt his arms wrap around me, bringing me into his embrace. I smiled as I relaxed, inhaling his comforting smell and resting my head in the crook of his neck, placing little butterfly kisses there as I felt him rest his head on mine. I knew he just needed to make sure I was fine; even though nothing had happened to me, even the thought of one of us dying was like a physical pain to the other. We also had the thought of what could have happened to Frodo, and were both worrying about our little brother. I sighed as we slowly slipped into the dream world, wondering how safe Frodo is.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

I stood beside Theoden as we watched the rock being put back in front of the tomb of his forefathers, which now held his son. I had my hand on his shoulder, showing my silent support even as others started leaving, having paid their respects for the young heir. Eowyn stayed with her uncle, his arm around her as she tried to stop the tears from coming, she was no doubt going to miss her cousin. Soon, it was only the Fellowship and Theoden and Eowyn left at the burial site. I wouldn't leave Theoden and the others wouldn't leave me; apart from maybe Boromir, but he was at least honourable enough to pay his respects and not fight with me at a funeral. I sighed as I turned to watch the sun; I was always thinking the worst of Boromir, it is always possible he could have a kind heart to people other than his little brother. I straightened as I caught sight of a horse that looked like it had two riders, one of which was falling off. I took my hand off Théoden's shoulder and started running for the horse. I heard Aragorn behind me telling the King why I just suddenly took off, before I was out of hearing range.

I slowed as I came up to the horse, calming it down quickly with my magic; there was no time to calm it normally. I stroked the horse's face for a second, before coming around to its side to see a little girl trying to wake what looked like her brother. I made my footsteps loud as I walked closer to her, in order not to scare her, even as she looked up fearfully. I crouched down beside her, my hand on her shoulder, sending calming waves of magic around me to calm her down, even if it was cheating. I smiled down at her, saying "I'm going to pick your brother up and place him on the horse, and then I'll do the same for you while I hold him up, and I'll lead you to the King's hall, alright? I promise no harm will come to you while I'm here," and as she nodded, I leant down and picked up the young boy, no older than ten, and placed him on the back of the horse, holding both steady so they didn't move about too much. I leant down again and quickly picked the little girl up, putting her behind her brother, before grabbing the reins of the horse and keeping one hand on the boy's arm, even as the little girl wrapped her arms around him, trying to keep him steady, and leading the horse to the town and eventually the Hall.

As we walked up the steps to outside the Hall, I looked up from watching the boy slowly wake as I heard footsteps hurrying down the steps to us, and noticed it was the Lady Eowyn with blankets for the children. I quickly helped the little girl down and picked the boy up again and setting him on his own feet as he became aware of his surroundings. I steadied him as he swayed a little, no doubt from lack of food, and took one of the blankets from Eowyn and wrapped it around the boy as she did the same for the girl, before leading the both of them into the hall and making them sit at a table as Lady Eowyn brought them some hot stew to eat. I sat beside the little girl and glanced up when I felt Aragorn sit beside me. I smiled wearily at him before leaning my head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around me, hugging me to him. I looked to the side to see the little girl looking at us with big eyes, no doubt having not seen two men so close before. I grinned at her, and she blinked at me before giggling slightly and returning to her stew. I didn't notice Eowyn looking at us with a confused frown on her face before turning away from us and watching the children.

I listened as the little boy told his story, about his village being attacked by orcs and being sent here by their mother, to warn the King that the orcs were getting closer to Edoras. I listened patiently as several people debated about what to do; whether to move to Helms Deep or to fight an open war. I knew that the King would eventually choose Helms Deep, wanting to protect his people as much as possible, even if there were a few drawbacks. I tuned out of the discussion to try and figure out the safest route through the country to get to the stronghold. I heard Aragorn in my head giving a few suggestions before he joined the debate as well, knowing Helms Deep was probably the best option.

I stayed silent as the others argued about where to go, Aragorn only putting in comments when he could sound neutral. I smiled slightly as Gandalf got slightly exasperated with the King before everyone finally acquiesced to going to Helms Deep. I got up at the same time as Gandalf and we both headed to the stables, he grumbling about the King's decision while I just smiled slightly before saying, "You know he would have chosen Helms Deep anyway; it is the best way to protect his people, whether we like it or not," and he sighed before nodding slightly. I rolled my eyes at his antics, even as we both walked toward Shadowfax in the stables. I helped him get Shadowfax ready, and then stood beside the beautiful horse and stroking it's head, stopping it from going as I looked up into Gandalf's eyes.

We both grew sombre as he knew what I wanted to speak about, what was stopping me from just wishing him good luck and sending him on his way, as it were. I looked at him for a moment, before looking back to Shadowfax as the horse butted its head against my hand. I kept my attention on the horse as I felt tears in my eyes, and I asked the question that had been trying to burst free from the moment he fell, "Why did you let go? Why did you not just stay holding on, so that I could pull us back up? Why did you have to die?"

He looked at me silently for almost a minute before replying, "What would you have done if you had been in my place? Would you have stayed holding on when there was a rather large chance that it would make both of us fall, you to your death, and I to my rebirth? Would you have preferred me to be the one who lived again with the knowledge that it was my fault both of us died, yet you were the one that would have stayed dead? You, who have found your true love, and have a family of hobbits? I like to think I know you pretty well, Harry, and I know you would have done the same as me, had it been you the Balrog's whip had caught. You are my best friend, Harry; I could not let you fall to your death. I would not. So I did the only thing I could; I let go and let myself die instead of both of us, safe in the knowledge that Aragorn did not have to lose the only person he will ever come to love, that Frodo would not have to lose his big brother, and that Bilbo would not have to lose his eldest nephew. You have a lot more to live for than I, Harry, even though I would have lived for you."

I felt my tears spill over onto my cheeks as I listened to Gandalf speak, and I felt relief that it had not been the fact that he had just given up that stopped him from holding on; that he didn't have any hope left. As he finished, I threw my arms around him, holding him tightly as I wept into his shoulder, crying out all the pain, despair, and anger I had kept bottled up inside of me. He held me as he let me cry, no doubt knowing I would feel better after this.

After a while I calmed down enough to pull back slightly, and look up at him. He smiled down at me as I said, "You're my best friend, Gandalf. I don't want to have to go through that again, but I understand," and I hugged him again, the both of us standing there for a few minutes, just revelling in the fact we were both alive and well.

I pulled back as I felt Aragorn coming, and smiled sheepishly at Gandalf, having kept him from leaving. I quickly helped him mount up on Shadowfax, before he told me, "Watch for my coming on the fifth day, at dawn look to the east. I shall find Eomer and the rest of his soldiers, and we shall be at Helms Deep before all hope is lost," I nodded at him as he kicked Shadowfax into a gallop, rushing through the doors just as Aragorn wrapped his arms around me from behind. I relaxed into his arms as we watched Gandalf ride into the distance, quickly becoming a small speck on the horizon, before we could not see him anymore. I turned around in Aragorn's arms and buried my face in his neck, holding him tightly; afraid he would disappear.

"I heard everything that was said, through our bond," He whispered into my ear. I nodded into his shoulder, having suspected he would have. I felt his hand on the back of my head, stroking my hair as my hand ran up and down his back, both of us giving comfort to the other. I knew the thought of myself and Gandalf switching places had scared him, more than he was likely to admit aloud, and I needed the comfort of bringing up the memories of Gandalf's death and coming to terms with them.

We pulled apart when we heard someone clearing their throat, and I wondered quickly how I didn't hear them come in. I looked up to see Lady Eowyn standing in the doorway, an unidentifiable emotion in her eyes. I looked at Aragorn curiously, wondering if he knew what it was, to see him glaring slightly at the King's niece. I blinked in shock, before turning back to Eowyn, "Our apologies, Lady Eowyn. It has been a long week," and I grabbed Aragorn's hand and pulled him out of the stables after me, wondering why he was glaring at the woman.

*.*.*.*.*.*

It was not long before everyone was packed and on the road to Helms Deep; half of the guards at the front, and half at the back, guarding the people. I rode beside Aragorn, with Gimli and Eowyn in front of us, as Legolas and Theoden rode behind us. Gimli was regaling Eowyn with stories of his homeland, as Aragorn and I listened in. When Gimli mentioned the similarities between dwarf men and women being so close that there were thought to be only dwarf men, I looked at Aragorn in confusion, and he smirked at me as he mimed 'It's the beards' as I snorted in laughter. I had thought all dwarves I had seen on my journeys with Gandalf had been male, and they had just kept the females hidden. I shook my head in amusement, laughing lightly as Gimli accidentally set his horse off at a gallop, managing to fall backwards off the poor beast. I felt amusement through the bond and knew Aragorn was trying not to laugh.

I looked further ahead as I heard a commotion, even as Eowyn helped Gimli back onto his horse. I looked at Aragorn in concern; there shouldn't be any reason for the size of commotion coming from the front. We both rode forward to see what the disturbance was, before I cursed and quickly turned and galloped back to the King. I shouted to him as I rode passed to get the Rohirrim, "We're under attack, Wargs and Orcs!" before turning and riding off, not waiting to see if the rest of the small army had heard me, I just needed the King to hear.

I took out my sword as I rode forward, ready to attack at any time. As I crested the hill, I immediately attacked any and all Wargs or Orcs in my path while simultaneously taking stock of the situation. I cursed under my breath as I saw the amount attacking us; we would lose needed men in this attack. As I fought, I cautiously searched around for Aragorn, finally seeing him near the middle of the battle, fighting with a few others at his side. I sighed in relief before I heard a shout and turned to see Gimli with a dead Warg lying on top of him and an alive one climbing on top of that trying to eat him. I snorted slightly at the sight before picking up a fallen spear and throwing it with deadly accuracy at the live Warg, letting Gimli deal with getting them both off of him. I rolled my eyes even as I turned my horse to block an attack from an Orc coming from behind me. I quickly killed it and its Warg before turning back to the battle just in time to be knocked off my horse by a Warg and its rider flying at me. I rolled with the fall before standing and reaching up to the orc as it went to ride past and flung myself into the saddle.

I head-butted the Orc, hoping to make it at least fall off, but it just shook its head to clear it and snarled at me. I rolled my eyes heavenward before taking one of my many daggers and stabbing it in the chest before getting pulled off the Warg as the orc fell, as the dagger lodged itself in the orcs rib bones, with my hand caught in a strap on the saddle. I let go of my dagger as I struggled to get my hand free, looking behind me to see where the Warg was going, my eyes opening wide as I saw we were heading for the cliff face. I didn't notice I had shouted out to Aragorn in my head, or that I had started bleeding from the way the strap was rubbing around my wrist. What I did notice, as my hand finally came free, was I was no longer on solid ground, and falling.

I cursed before I cried out as my body hit a rock that jutted out of the cliff face, my body flaring in pain as I tried to find any purchase in the rock so I didn't keep falling. I vaguely heard Aragorn screaming my name in my head before I felt my back hit the water and my mind went black.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Aragorn's P.O.V.

I stabbed a Warg and its rider before my head shot up as I heard Harry shout my name in my head. I turned around just in time to see a Warg tumble off the side of the cliff, with Harry stuck to its side. I cried his name out loud and in my head, even as I felt pain come from his side of the bond before it went black. It was still there, to my eternal relief, but I could tell he was unconscious. I quickly killed any Orc in my way as I rushed to the side of the cliff, Legolas and Gimli following me. I dismounted by an Orc at the Cliffside and quickly yanked Harry's dagger out of it, searching the Orc for anything else of Harry's before getting back on my horse and carefully trying to find a way down to the bottom of the cliff. I vaguely heard Legolas shouting to Boromir where we were going before I found a pathway that looked safe enough for horses to climb down, and quickly started trotting down it, not caring anymore for the winding down battle, Gimli following with Legolas bringing up the rear.

I felt pain through the bond and knew Harry was at least partially conscious, though there were no words coming through so I knew he wasn't very aware at the moment. I tried sending calming emotions to him, not knowing if it was working or even helping, but it was all I could do at the moment as I tried to find my beloved.

We came to the bottom of the cliff after more than an hour of careful riding, and started following the tide of the river, knowing it would have pulled Harry along as he was no doubt unconscious in the water. As we rode, my panic mounted, for I could not tell if Harry was getting better or worse, all I felt from him was a dull throbbing, and knowing he was in a lot of pain was not helping. We started looking in the water or any outcropping of land in the river, hoping to catch sight of Harry before he drowned or made himself worse. Before my panic came too high, I noticed a black shape further down on one of the islands, and I quickly raced over there, crying out in relief as I recognised the mop of messy hair poking out from underneath his cloak. I quickly dismounted and ran over to Harry, kneeling down and gently rolling him over while hearing the others coming up behind me.

I looked at his face to see it had a few cuts, before my attention was taken by his eyes opening, though they were unfocused in pain, I could see he was struggling to stay conscious. I sagged slightly in relief before jumping as his hand came to rest on my face, showing he knew who it was. I laughed through my tears - when did I start crying? - And placed a kiss to his forehead before gently picking him up, trying not to jar his wounds too much. I stood slowly, making sure not to jostle him too much, and turned to place him on my horse. As soon as he was seated, I leapt up behind him, looking over to the others with relief in my eyes, before setting off at a careful trot out of the river and onto the grassy fields, heading slowly but surely to Helms Deep.

*.*.*.*.*.*

Harry's P.O.V.

As Aragorn lifted me onto his horse, I had to fight off unconsciousness with a figurative stick, knowing it would do no good to fall asleep when I might have a concussion. I gasped slightly as we set off at a slow trot, before my body quickly grew used to the gentle swaying motion. I sat up slightly as I felt my energy coming back very slowly, no doubt from my close proximity with Aragorn, the bond helping me heal slightly. I leaned back comfortably against his chest with his arms wrapped tightly around me. I looked at Legolas and Gimli and smiled tiredly at them, knowing they were worried as well, just not as much as Aragorn. As we rode, I started healing my more major injuries with my magic, trying as hard as I could not to just fall asleep. I healed all my broken bones I had gotten by hitting that rock outcropping, and healed all injuries on my head; this taking up most of my energy. Now that I knew I was safe I rested my head in the crook of Aragorn's neck and slowly fell asleep, with the swaying of the horse's strides lulling me to sleep as much as Aragorn's breathing.

*.*.*.*.*.*

I was jolted awake by the surprise, horror, and dread coming from Aragorn. I blearily looked up to see what had happened and all signs of tiredness disappeared from my body instantly, replaced with adrenaline, and flowing magic. I stared, wide-eyed, at the army of at least ten-thousand Orcs and Uruk-Hai marching no doubt towards Helms Deep. I sighed tiredly, even as I brought my magic to attention; it was time I set some traps for some Uruk-Hai. I felt wicked amusement flow through me before I let my magic loose, letting it take shape as I guided it, setting traps that would hopefully slow down the army and weaken it considerably. I felt Aragorn laughing behind me, knowing what I was doing, and then I heard him whispering to Legolas and Gimli, telling them what I was doing, and they started laughing quietly as well. I smirked lightly, before mentally smacking Aragorn over the head and telling him to get a move on; we had to hurry and warn the King. He looked at me in concern, knowing the faster pace would not do my body any good, but I just smiled reassuringly at him and nodded. He nodded back and we sped up into a gallop, going as fast as the horse could go with two people on its back and not get tired too early.

It wasn't until dusk that we came over a hill and spotted Helms Deep in the distance, and I, knowing nobody would be able to see us in the dark, let a ball of light come into being on my palm, spreading light outwards so the horses could see where they were going and letting the people in the stronghold know we were coming. As soon as we came within 400 metres of the gate, we could hear people shouting to open the gate. I smiled slightly as the gates started to open, and we galloped straight through, barely pausing to let everyone know we were alive and well, before turning down a side road and heading up stairs to get to the centre of the Deep, to find the King.

As soon as we stopped I jumped down from the horse, my face a picture of determination as I asked one of the guards if the King was inside. He nodded at me and I nodded back before striding forward and pushing the doors open with a bang, a similar greeting as Edoras, and announced, quite eloquently, "We have a problem," as I walked up to the King. I didn't take any notice of the other people in the room, for if I did, I have no doubt I would have fainted from shock.

As it was, I could feel my magic healing all of the little things from my little tumble off the cliff, knowing I probably looked a bit of a mess. I watched as Theoden turned to look at me, a concerned frown on his face as he saw the state I was in, before my words registered and he asked, "What could possibly be worse than having an army of Orcs and Uruk-Hai nearly at our doorstep?"

I smiled thinly and answered "An army of Orcs and Uruk-Hai that number no less than ten thousand," I watched as his face drained of colour and his eyes became slightly bigger, before he nodded and sat down. I watched him for a minute, and he looked up at me as if seeking help. I nodded, not noticing the soft amber eyes that watched my every move; as if afraid I would disappear if he looked away. I started ordering people to change everything,; more archers on the battlements, but close enough so they could run to the main gate if needed, more reinforcements on the main gate, get a scout ahead to warn of the incoming army, to see how long we had left, more weapons made, and a whole boat-load of other things. I walked up to a map of the stronghold and started discussing tactics with a few of the leading guards there, before we decided on a few plans and started to set them out. I told one of the other guards to make sure there were no woman and children outside of the caves and to have a few guards stationed close to there so they could help guard them as well.

I looked to Aragorn, who was looking at me with a bit of awe, and I blushed slightly as I realised I had basically taken over the King's duties. I walked up to him and kissed him softly, before making him sit down beside the King, before I knelt down in front of Theoden, waiting until his eyes met mine.

"Theoden, do not make me punish you like I did when you were a child," We both smiled slightly at that, even as he puffed up indignantly, "I know I may be your honorary uncle, but that does not mean I actually am. I cannot lead these men to victory like their King can, nor can I give them the moral they need. They are looking to you to lead them, whether it is to victory or defeat, and they are looking to you to help keep their families safe. You cannot let these people down, Theoden, unless you choose not to fight and give yourself and your country over to Saruman, and we both know that will not happen. You cannot fail, nephew, because these people do not care which way they go, as long as if they are to die fighting, it will be for a cause, for a purpose, and not just unneeded battles. If we are to win, which I have no doubt we will, you will lead these people to happiness, even if it is not the end of the war after the end of this battle. What you need to do, now, though, is lead these people without fear, without caution, and with all the recklessness in the world; for what is death, but the next great adventure? If we can die to give other people hope, then we shall; but we will not go down without a fight, and Saruman and Sauron both will tremble at even the thought of Rohan's last stand. We will fight like we never have before, and we will kill every single Orc and Uruk-Hai out there that even thought of killing one of us. Do I make myself clear, King Theoden?" I stepped back as I said my last part, as Theoden stood up with a proud tilt to his head, and nodded to me determinedly. I nodded back, even as cheers broke out amongst the others in the room who had listened to my little pep talk. I smiled slightly bashfully at Aragorn as he stood cheering as well, before I walked over to him and stood at his side, looking out at all the rest. I noticed Legolas and Gimli cheering with the others as well, and rolled my eyes slightly at them, before I turned to face Theoden again, except this time from the side, and shouted "All hail Theoden King!" as I bowed, the rest following my example.

I looked up and winked at Theoden as we all rose, and people started to leave the room, a new hope, and determination in their chests, and a new reason to fight in their minds. When everyone but I, Aragorn, Theoden and a few stragglers were left, I turned back to the map of Helms Deep. Before I could get too deep into strategies, I heard a voice I had never thought to hear again, a voice I had hoped to hear every day since I came to this world.

"You haven't changed at all, have you, Harry?"

I whirled around, denying everything that my mind was telling me, even as I saw it with my own two eyes. I stared at him, the only father figure I had known from earth; he looked exactly the same as he had when I left; same brown hair streaked with grey, same golden amber eyes, and the same gentle nature hidden slightly by battle-hardened emotions. I felt Aragorn come up beside me in concern, though the only thing I could do was gasp out a single name,

"Remus?"

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

A/N: I will not make excuses for my extraordinarily late update, I can just say inspiration has never been a friend of mine, and likes to leave whenever it desires.

Other than that, I hope this is a good chapter for you all, and is a good apology for not updating in so long. Please review