Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.
I was stuck on what to write for this chapter. We're at the part where "The Deathly Hallows – Part 2" movie and The Deathly Hallows book diverge. I did get out of the writer's block. Enjoy :)
"Neville." Frodo said, astonished to see his fellow classmate. "You look awful!"
Indeed, Neville had one swollen eye turning purple and yellow. His robes were ripped, but the cheerful look didn't falter. Frodo grinned, delighted to see Neville in good spirits.
"Seamus is worse." Neville said, while hugging Ron, Hermione, Aria, and Sam. Neville told Aberforth, profusely, "We've got a couple more coming through!"
"A couple more?" Aberforth said, shocked. He grumbled as Frodo followed Neville, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Aria, and Sam through the dark portrait hole. Frodo used his hand magic to form a bright ball of light, which stayed an inch or two above the palm of his hand. Good, he thought, this light will make the tunnel cheerier. He couldn't have been righter.
.
Frodo followed Neville and their friends down the passage. Frodo learned enough details from Neville to know what was going on at Hogwarts. The seven secret passageways were sealed off, leaving this passage as the only way in or out of the castle. Alecto and Amycus Carrow – they were brother and sister – stirred up trouble, resulting in Neville getting a few cuts on his face, thanks to their teachings. Then there was Snape, the Headmaster at Hogwarts, who was rarely seen. Frodo wondered what was going on with him, given Snape was the one who killed Dumbledore.
Eventually, the passage reached its end and the portrait hole was opened, revealing the Room of Requirement. Frodo learned this much from Neville: The Room of Requirement came in handy for two weeks straight, giving hammocks to the students and even offering the way to Hog's Head, where Aberforth gave them food. There was also a bathroom available, which Frodo, Sam, and Aria gladly used.
The moment Frodo was done and out of the bathroom, he was approached by Neville and Seamus. Frodo looked on at Harry, who just put on his Invisibility Cloak. Darn it! Frodo was expecting another adventure! Then Frodo remembered his job, the job that Dumbledore gave to him to follow through. Sauron's Horcruxes. The Real Orb of Truth was all that's left.
"Frodo?" Neville brought Frodo's attention back to reality. "Are you alright?"
"We're waiting for you to give us orders. Surely, you have a plan for this fight!" Seamus asked, encouraging the gentle-hobbit. "Or do you have something to find, too?"
"Yes, I do actually." Frodo addressed them both. "I need to find an orb. A glass orb. It's supposed to be the Orb of Truth. The real one, but I don't know where that is. Any help would be great. It's supposed to be related to Hufflepuff."
"We could look in the Hufflepuff Common Room." Hannah Abbott volunteered. She approached Frodo with keen eyes. "If that's what you want. We'll do it."
"Hannah," Sam approached her, calm but concerned, "you go. I'll take Mr. Frodo to the Hufflepuff Common Room."
"Thank you, but you're sure you don't need help?" Hannah asked.
"Hannah, you can come with us, if you want." Frodo suggested. "I think it'll be better if we keep our guard up." He admitted, "Just so you know, the Orb of Truth has something to do with the Fat Friar. I don't know why, but it does."
"All the more reason to go to the Hufflepuff Common Room." Hannah suggested. "I'm sure the Fat Friar is bound to be there."
"Mr. Frodo, do your invisibility and sound dampening spells. They might assist us." Sam said.
Frodo nodded. The last thing he wanted was Death Eaters following him. With a wave of his hand, he, Hannah, and Sam were invisible and cleared to move unnoticed. Frodo spoke to Neville one last time, before casting the sound dampening spell on himself, Hannah, and Sam. That done, the trio headed for the Hufflepuff Common Room.
They made their way out to the Seventh Floor Corridor. Frodo didn't bother stopping to say 'hullo' to students and staff. This quest was important. So far, there weren't any Death Eaters around, a good sign that he might find the Fat Friar before he was spotted.
After making his way down the Grand Staircase, Frodo reached the entrance to the Hufflepuff Common Room. There was the Fat Friar! Frodo would have to turn visible in order to speak to him! With a wave of his hand, he, Sam, and Hannah were both seen and heard.
Hannah approached Frodo again, telling him kindly, "I'll leave you three alone."
"You're not staying?" Frodo asked.
"Neville's waiting and there are bigger things going on. I'll see you after the battle!" Hannah said, taking her leave.
"Go on, Mister Frodo." Sam said, gesturing Frodo.
Frodo gulped. He could do this. It was just like speaking to the Grey Lady… of course, the Fat Friar might be friendly. Who knew!
"Excuse me, Mr. Friar?" Frodo asked the grey-robed specter.
"Oh yes!" the Fat Friar approached Frodo and Sam. "Ah! Mister Baggins and Mister Gamgee! I was hoping you'd come. I do hope Sauron isn't watching."
"That's why we're here." Frodo said. "We need your help! Sauron took something – an orb – a glass orb. He did something to it. We'd like to know where it is, so we can destroy it. You do know where the orb is?"
"That orb has caused nothing but trouble!" The Fat Friar said, beside himself with worry. "So, you want to destroy it? Mairon told me the same thing, but he wouldn't do it. He made it worse with dark magic!" The ghost looked up. Frodo did too, hearing deep, hollow sounds above. "Humph! It looks like a shield's starting to come up. We'd best make time! Whatever your business is with that orb, I hope that you are the one who destroys it."
"Do you know where it is? I promise I will destroy it!" Frodo said, concerned.
"It's where everything is hidden. You won't find the room if you don't ask. If you know, you need only ask. That's all I will say!" The Fat Friar said. "Now, is there anything else you need?"
Frodo smiled. "No. That's all."
"Yes. Well, I really must be going, as should you. Good luck with your quest! I hope we meet again." The Fat Friar said, kindly.
"Right." Frodo turned to Sam. "Come on, Sam! Let's find Aria!"
"If she's still on the Seventh Floor!" Sam cried out, following Frodo down the corridor.
Thanks for reading. :)