Author's Note
So this chapter begins with The Battle of the Plains. King Narmacil ll takes a large army to confront the Wainriders, but they underestimated their enemies and he dies in battle. Or atleast that's how it's supposed to go.
Obviously, I've decided to change that. Gondor is stronger now, than it would've originally been had Draco and Harry not been in Middle Earth.
I must reiterate though, between their arrival in Middle Earth and the start of what happens in The Lord of the Rings, over one thousand five hundred years have passed.
Obviously I'm not going to write a chapter per day, or even per year, because that would be ridiculous. I hope nobody is disappointed by that. Anyway for those of you that are enjoying the story so far and send positive reviews, thank you.
They came, is all I can think at the moment. Banners proudly flying, with their King at the head of the host. The Army of Arnor had come.
Once this fact spread through the camp, cheers rang out from the men. I settled for a smile. King Narmacil and King Araval met in the space between the armies and clasped arms.
Narmacil had mounted his horse and he and his honour guard had gone ahead to greet our allies. After a few moments, the two Kings rode into the camp side by side.
Captains of Gondor and Arnor met to speak of logistics. The men of Arnor slowly trickled into our camp. We are lucky that they were expected.
With that in mind, those that planned for the construction of the camp made sure that there would be space for our allies. I headed towards the tent where the two monarchs were and resigned myself to long talks.
It was as I suspected. After trading greetings, all the generals and I conferred with the two Kings as to what our plan of attack was. It's also then that we were told of the composition of King Araval's forces.
Two thousand were cavalry. Two thousand spearmen, one thousand archers and five thousand swordsmen. The discussion ended up taking so long that refreshments were brought to us.
I was glad for the wine. By this point, dusk was fast approaching and as I was contemplating my silver goblet, another horn rang out. It came from the direction of the forest.
Almost everyone rushed outside. I didn't. This was noticed by Araval and Narmacil, who were still in the tent as well, though they had risen.
I rose then and put the goblet down. Then I took up my staff and spoke. " More allies Your Majesties. As Tuilalcaron went to Arnor to request help, so did I as well. Let's go meet them. "
Without waiting for either of them, I left. There were more important things on my mind at the moment than propriety after all.
Making my way to the rear of the camp, soldiers part to make way for me and their Kings. Once I make it to the front, I pause and look besides me. I give a sheepish look at Narmacil, who's standing next to me. He snorts, but his lips are twitching. Araval looks confused.
That's when gasps and exclamations ring out and I turn my attention to the forest. Two elves are riding side by. Both are on pure white horses, who's hides shimmer in the light of the setting sun.
Behind them, marches a host four abreast. Out of the corner of my eyes, I can see the men gaping. Even their leaders. None of them have ever seen elves after all.
Once the elves are near enough, they dismount. Their silver hair gives their identities away. I step forward then. Clasping hands with first Celeborn and then Celebrindor, who despite the occasion, has a look of excitement on his face.
His father looks slightly exasperated and I hide a smile. I turn then. " King Narmacil of Gondor and King Araval of Arnor, meet King Celeborn and Prince Celebrindor of Caras Galadhon. "
The Kings step forward then and exchange greetings with the elves. It's Celeborn that speaks next. " You must forgive our abrupt arrival. It is at my son's insistence. "
" He has never met any men and so in his youthful exuberance, persuaded me to march ahead instead of waiting for the others. "
I can see that everyone that's nearby is listening attentively. Araval asks then " others King Celeborn ? "
" Yes. There are two more elven hosts converging on us. One is lead by the other Elvenking, Thranduil and the second is led by my grandsons, who lead their father, Lord Elrond of Imladris's army. "
Narmacil, Araval and all their general's brows shot up. The youngest general even let out a gasp. One of the generals of Gondor spoke then. He likely didn't intend for us to hear, but the sound of his whispering carried over.
" It's almost like we're caught in a dream. I had half believed the elves to be myths, now I see them with my own eyes..." Narmacil coughed. The general looked extremely embarrassed to find everyone's eyes on him.
Celebrindor chuckled. He looked towards me then though. " It's not just us who came Eladar. " He motioned with his shoulder. I turned then and my eyes widened.
Approaching us on a bay horse, was Draco. His eyes were locked on mine. I didn't hesitate. My mind reached for his. We didn't bother with words. Our emotions crashed into each other like tidal waves.
The only thing that outwardly showed our reactions, were matching smirks. He had reached us by then and dismounted. He bowed his head to the monarch that he hadn't met yet. " Hail Narmacil son of Telumehtar, King of Gondor. "
Narmacil gave him a keen look. " It is an honour to meet a healer of your renown, Tuilalcaron the Green. Your powers will be sorely needed in the battle to come I fear. "
It's then that the elves entered the camp proper. The Kings went off in conference, while Draco and I escorted our elves to the healers tent.
They were always the talkative type. As we walked, they described the wonders of Caras Galadhon in full to me. Fortunately, despite their admiration, they had no wish to leave Caras i-Ngelaidh.
Once they were settled, Draco and I made for my tent. There, away from prying eyes, we fell upon each other. We couldn't go too far sadly, this was hardly the place. Still, the excitement of the moment, brought back memories.
FLASHBACK
The journey by broom was difficult. We had taken precautions beforehand, by applying warming charms to our clothes. Even so, the spells started failing as we flew over the North Sea.
It was a long flight. It wasn't like playing Quidditch where movement was constant. We basically flew in a straight line for the most part.
We had plotted our course long before we actually made the journey, so we knew we were headed in the right direction. We had chosen to settle on the largest island in the Shetlands. It was known simply as Mainland.
The sun had already risen by the time the islands came into view. Our disillusionment charms held up better than the warming charms fortunately.
Thus, no muggle eyes saw us. We saw a couple of scattered settlements, but no muggles were out and about yet. We chose to land in the central part of the island. We chose it because of the wood plantations and the farmland. Easy to steal some supplies if it came down to it.
We wasted no time. Once we landed, which incidentally was in a clearing in a forest, Draco removed the tent. All it needed was a tap with his wand and it immediately assembled.
That was an inbuilt feature, he didn't cast any spells. Just as well, because the Trace was still active on both of us. The moment the tent assembled, I could feel a faint buzzing in the air.
It was indicative of wards. We only hesitated a moment before we entered. Once inside though, I couldn't conceal my surprise. I remember the Weasley's tent and I remember my shock at how big it was on the inside.
That tent was nothing compared to this one however. Based on just a cursory glance, I'd say this tent is atleast thrice as large.
" Draco, not that I'm complaining, but this tent is ridiculous. Just how big is it? " At my question, a cocky smirk appears on his face and I groan, just knowing that he's going to brag.
" There are four large bedrooms and five bathrooms. There's a kitchen, a dining room, a library, a parlour, a greenhouse and the dueling room of course. "
My brows shoot into my hairline. Narcissa Malfoy seemingly spared no expense when she had this tent commissioned. Something moved out of the corner of my eye and I spun around, wand in hand. Hedwig's judgemental stare met me. Draco laughed.
I shot him a playful glare. Inside of the tent, because of the wards, we could use magic without it being detected. I used my wand and conjured a bowl and then I filled it with water. I took my shrunken trunk out of my pocket and restored it to its proper size.
I dug around until I found a perch for Hedwig as well as her owl treats. I then put some in her bowl and turned around. Draco went down one of the passages just as I turned towards him.
I followed him, taking my trunk with me as I went. He ended up in one of the bedrooms. He had restored his trunk to it's usual size but he hadn't unpacked. That's when he turned towards me.
He looked tired. Sounded it as well, when he spoke. " I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. Come...let's go sleep. " My pulse quickened for a moment, but in the end, my mind trumped my hormones.
I let out a large yawn then and gave him a sheepish smile. We both slowly undressed, just leaving our clothes on the ground. Then, just in our underwear, we crawled into bed. Not long after my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. For the first time since the death of Sirius, I had a peaceful night's sleep with no nightmares keeping me up.
I slept so well in fact, that I woke up at about three in the afternoon. I would have been embarrassed, except Draco had clearly slept as long as I had as well. He was woken up by my movement. He let out a huge yawn and started slowly rubbing his eyes.
I kissed him on the cheek and then I got up. Nature calling and all that. Then instead of going back to bed, I started looking for the kitchen. My growling stomach demanded that I satiate my hunger.
After wandering around for a bit, I finally found it. It was bigger than I thought it would be, but I didn't waste any more time. Through rummaging in the cabinets, I was able to find a couple of things.
A kettle, two cups and a tin of muffins. I filled the kettle with water and put it to boil. I decided on making us coffee instead of tea. With a murmured spell, the coffee beans were ground and sugar was added, just in time for the kettle to boil.
You have got to love magic. After making the coffee, I took four muffins, blueberry, with me to the bedroom. Draco was coming from the direction of the bathroom as I came from the kitchen.
We ate in companionable silence then. When we finished though, Draco had a pensive expression on his face. Before I could ask him what was wrong, he took his wand from the bedside table and summoned the wireless.
" Neither of us have a subscription to the Daily Prophet Harry, but we do have this. I'm curious to hear what's being said, if anything, about our dissapearance. "
We were waiting in baited breath then, as he fiddled with the thing, trying to find the news reports. After a minute, he found it and adjusted the volume slightly.
" Citizens of Magical Britain, we bring you breaking news! The Boy-Who-Lived, who some have taken to calling, The Chosen One, has gone missing! What's more, he isn't the only one. "
" We can now reliably confirm that Draco Lucius Malfoy has gone missing as well. The question on everyone's lips is, who's responsible? Minister Fudge had been forced to resign in disgrace, after You-Know-Who was seen in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, in front of dozens of witnesses. "
" After spending an entire year calling Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore, dangerous lunatics, the pair have now been vindicated. It also leaves many people wondering, can the Ministry be trusted to protect us? "
" Startling revelations have come to light about the former Senior Undersecretary to the Minister For Magic, Dolores Jane Umbridge. It appears that Ms Umbridge used an illegal blood quill, to torture students with. Empowered by decrees signed by the former Minister, she presided over a reign of terror at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "
" After everything that happened this year, to top it all off, we have two students that have gone missing. Wild speculations abound as to what happened to them. Some say they were secret lovers who decided to run away together. "
" Others have said they were kidnapped. The most nefarious one however, is that young Draco Malfoy decided to kidnap Mr Potter. This was considered the most likely scenario and it is that theory that gained the most believers at the Ministry. "
" Just a few minutes ago, Acting Minister, Amelia Bones launched a raid on Malfoy Manor. Accompanying her were eighty aurors. The Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore accompanied them. They put up anti apparition wards before they broke down the Manor wards and stormed it. We are awaiting confirmation later on as to what they found. In other news..."
Draco cut the transmission there. We looked at each other then, stunned. I knew that there would be some people who would panic, but this was just ridiculous.
Still, according to Draco's mum, there are many of Voldemort's minions at Malfoy Manor and he might be there himself. Surprisingly, I don't feel anything. It is the job of the aurors to deal with dark wizards. If they thin the ranks of the enemy then all the better.
According to Draco, the next broadcast would come at seven pm so that left us with just over three hours to kill. Both of us took showers, separately, then we got dressed.
He and I both on the runic necklaces I made for us. It had a localised muggle repelling as well as notice-me-not charms on them. Then, holding hands, we set off exploring our new home.
Over the next two hours, we explored the forest we were in, noted the streams as well as the wild animals. It was good to note, just in case we ever needed to forage.
We found mushrooms, rabbits, salmon as well as various edible herbs and berries. This whole place had a sort of rugged beauty and charm. It could grow on me. We actually spent longer than we intended outside. We had to rush back so that we could hear the evening bulletin.
He flicked his wand as soon as we entered the tent. " Citizens of Magical Britain, we bring you breaking news! Earlier today, Malfoy Manor was stormed by the Ministry and we now have confirmation that You-Know-Who himself was in residence. "
" After an intense battle with Albus Dumbledore, he fled the property, flying away without the aid of a broom! He took Bellatrix Lestrange with him. As to the rest of the house's occupants, dozens of Death Eaters were in attendance. "
" They used lethal spells, so the aurors were forced to kill them. All in all, ten aurors died during the assault and twenty were injured by various degrees. No Death Eaters survived the exchange. Fifty of them died. "
" Among them, a number of recently graduated Hogwarts students and their fathers as well as the parents of current students, Parkinson, Bulstrode, Crabbe, Goyle and Nott. The horrors don't end there however. "
" Within the cellars of the Manor, a number of prisoners were found. A dozen tortured muggles and half a dozen wizards, who were Ministry employees. Up and down the country, praise has been heaped upon the Acting Minister, Madam Bones and hopes that she will fill the position vacated by the disgraced Cornelius Fudge. "
Draco look at me then and simultaneously, we break out into laughter. I give him a fierce hug. Finally! An adult that actually does their job. Magical Britain couldn't be in better hands.
FLASHBACK ENDAccording to Draco, who also utilised birds, the enemy rode harder than we expected. They would in fact be here by midday tomorrow.
He had already informed Celeborn, so there was no need for him to be at the meeting personally. Something that we took full advantage of. We knew we needed our strength the next day however, so we didn't get carried away.
As usual, when I fall asleep next to Draco, my sleep is peaceful and unbothered. So it was to no surprise to me at all, that I woke up before dawn the next morning feeling very refreshed.
Neither of us bothered with bathing. We merely cast freshening charms on ourselves, then we made for the cooks tents, where we took a loaf of bread to share and a hunk of cheese.
Two mugs of watered down ale washed it all down. " Draco, I know the plan was that you'd help the healers but I'm going to need you in battle. You've trained our elves well. They know how to administer potions. "
" What's more, thanks to the runic staves you gave them, that are charged with your healing magic, they can stabilise the patients at the very least. "
" This is the largest army we've ever been against. I think therefore that it's best if we provide ranged support with our magic. " He has a contemplative look on his face. The light of the rising sun illuminates his face.
He's just about to reply when a warning horn is sounded. I curse. Neither of us have our staffs with us. Still, I sigh. There's no need to panic. We trade looks, then we each hold an arm out.
Muffled screams and oaths sound in the direction of our tent. Draco smirks and I return the gesture. A second later, our staffs fly into our outstretched hands. Then we hurry towards the perimeter of the camp and the rock formations. The higher ground will allow us to see better.
Once we've climbed on, we look around. It's Draco that nudges me to look towards the west. It's then that I see it. Movement in the trees. A moment later, my brows climb.
Thranduil atop an elk, leads thousands of his warriors out of the forest. Their armour glitters gold in the morning light. With them is Elladan and Elrohir, leading their father's army. What surprises me however, is who's with them. Thousands of dwarves, led by their King on a massive war goat. Finally, the last of our allies have arrived.
The next few hours are spent making the final preparations, as well as getting into position. The dwarven engineers, with remarkable speed, construct catapults.
Luckily, here is a ready supply of rock. The men and elves are put to work, breaking up parts of the rock formation. They are then stacked in piles near the catapults. The dwarves brought barrels of pitch with them, which they use to cover the rocks as well as a mile long stretch of grass. I grimace. I hope the fires don't spread towards the forest.
Eventually, a massive dustcloud becomes visible on the horizon. The human and elven archers are already atop the ' hills '. The dwarves then load the catapults and light them on fire.
We hear and feel the enemy before we see them. The ground starts trembling like there's an earthquake.
We wait, they're close enough now that details can be seen. They wear mail shirts with long tan tunics over them. They also wear helmets, with the faces of the men showing, or they would, if they didn't have cloth covering their mouth and nose.
It happens in an instant. Horses and men squealing and screaming as they plunge into trenches. The momentum slows slightly as most of the front line falls in various places.
The elves then fire the first volley of arrows. All of them meet their mark. It doesn't entirely stop their advance though. There isn't a single trench afterall. Once they're halfway towards us, the catapults launch fiery projectiles.
Draco and I had split up. He stood by the elven archers. I stood with the men. As soon as the second volley of projectiles were fired, we both raised our staffs and cast in unison. Ventus. A large gust of wind hits the mile long stretch of pitch just a few seconds after it ignites.
The fire is pushed backwards, into the incoming chariots. Screams fill the air. More volleys of arrows, from all the archers now, fire at the enemy.
That halts the momentum of the enemy entirely. It's then that our cavalry hits them in the flanks. We had hidden them from sight earlier using Nebulus, which creates fog. The screams of their men and horses as well as well as the tremors of their own momentum, hid our movements perfectly.
It's then that the dwarves charge, followed by the rest a moment later. After that, Draco and I move onto the next stage of our plan. You see, the chariots of the enemy were made to run over grassland and other smooth surfaces, but not in mud.
The bulk of them are now on softened sand. Instead of using large jets of water, which run the risk of hitting our allies, we go for a different solution. One that's unfortunately more magic intensive.
I look across towards Draco and he nods. We both raise our staffs up with both our hands and then bend our wills upon the clouds. I really hate magic like this, purely intent based, but we have no choice.
Slowly, more and more clouds gather and darken. After about three minutes, thunder booms. I wince. This magic is very draining. After another minute, it starts drizzling and then more and more rain starts falling.
Controlling the rain over such a small area is an intense exercise in control. Soon the ground is drenched over a square mile area. I can see the movements of the chariots stopping entirely. That's when we release our magic and I sag downwards, breathing heavily. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Draco sink to his knees.
I don't let it distract me though. He has an invigouration draught. It's then that I take mine. It doesn't restore my reserves but the physical effects of my tiredness fades away. I have exhausted about half of my magic. I can still fight however.
I make my way down, as I do, I see Draco heading towards the healers tents. I make my way towards the battlefield then, sword drawn. Despite our efforts, there are still hundreds of functioning chariots. One of which charges in my direction once I leave the camp boundary.
I snort. I point my staff at at. Bombarda. The chariot is blasted apart, killing all four men on it. That's how I spent the next hour. Destroying all chariots in my vicinity or alternatively, killing those on foot with my sword.
It's exhausting work. So much so, that I eventually stay stationary, leaning against an abandoned chariot breathing heavily. I can see the the tiredness on the faces of our side, but they fight on. Eventually, horns blow and men, elves and dwarves raise their weapons and cheer in victory.