Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor do I own Lord of the Rings.

A/N: Whenever Harry is a wolf he will be referred to as Shadow. Thank you Myra the Dovahkiin for the suggestion.

Harry talking through his mind

'Thoughts'

They entered the inn and walked over to the innkeeper. Shadow continued to watch out for dangers. He didn't want the hobbits to be attacked in a place where he wouldn't have a lot of room to defend on a short notice.

"Excuse me," Frodo asked a little hesitantly.

The man behind the bar looked down where he heard the voice and saw the hobbits and the strange wolf. "Good evening, little masters. If you're seeking accommodation, we got some cozy hobbit-sized rooms available, mister...?"

"Underhill. My name is Underhill." Frodo said after a brief moment of hesitation.

The innkeeper nodded. "Underhill, yes,"

"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him that we have arrived?" He asked.

"Gandalf? Gandalf?" The man kept repeating to himself to help remember. "Oh yes..." He said as he remembered. "I remember, elderly chap, big grey beard, and a pointy hat." The man said with a grin. "Not seen him for six months."

Frodo turned to the others and Sam asked, "What are we going to go now?"

"We will stay here and wait." He said.

He quickly got them rooms and found a table to sit at. Shadow laid down near the table and the others ordered dinner and drinks. He was glad that they had brought money with them. They made sure to get a plate of steak for Shadow.

As they ate Sam would occasionally cast looks at the door. Frodo noticed and quickly went to reassure him.

"Don't worry Sam, he'll be here. He will come." Sam smiled at his friend and relaxed.

Merry appeared with a large tankard and sat down with a satisfied grin. "What's that?" Pippin asked when he saw it.

"This, my friend, is a pint." Merry explained before taking a sip.

Pippin was shocked. "It comes in pints?" Amazement colored his voice.

Merry was too busy drinking and only grunted. Pippin jumped up and made his way over to the bar.

"I'm getting one!" He yelled.

"You've got a whole half already!" Sam cried out in exasperation.

Sam sighed as he turned back to his bread. Out of the corner of his eye he glanced at the corner before he turned to Frodo.

"That fellow has done nothing but stare at you since we arrived." He muttered angrily.

Both Frodo and Shadow froze and looked at the corner. There hidden in the shadows was a man smoking a long pipe. They couldn't see his face. Frodo was unsure what to think about the man. Harry watched him for a few seconds before he saw that the man had a protective/safe feeling coming from him. He went back to his food and watched others.

When the innkeeper walked by Frodo waved him over. "Excuse me?" The man leaned over being careful not to step on Shadow or his food. "That man in the corner, who is he?"

The innkeeper glanced over at the man in question. "He's one of them Rangers. They're dangerous folk, wandering the Wilds. I've never heard his real name but 'round here he is known as Strider." His whispered voice was laced with fear.

Unfortunately he was the only one being careful. Shadow was kicked in the face and he howled in pain before backing further under the table so that he could check for any damages. He never heard what Pippin said. When he knew that no damage had been done he went back to his previous place only to see a gold ring fly up in the air for a second and come back down on Frodo's finger.

Shadow stared at the empty space in shock. Even his scent disappeared and that scared him. He frantically searched for Frodo. Soon though he reappeared near the ranger. Strider grabbed him by the scruff of his neck.

"You draw far too much attention to yourself, 'Mr. Underhill'". The man hissed in anger as he dragged the hobbit upstairs.

He pushed Frodo into the room and Shadow followed. Just because the man felt safe didn't mean he was going to trust him with Frodo's life just yet. He quickly put himself near Frodo and growled at the man.

Frodo leaned into Shadow's side. "What do you want?" The tremble in his voice gave away his fear.

"More caution from you. That is not a trinket you carry." Strider said as he began putting out the candles in the windows.

"I carry nothing." Frodo said as he tried to hide what he carried since the man was still unknown to him.

"Indeed." Strider said with heavy sarcasm. "I can avoid being seen if I wish...but to disappear entirely is a rare gift." He said as he took off his hood.

Shadow now could see his face. He had sun kissed skin from all the time in the sun. He had a slight beard and grey eyes that had hints of blue. His black hair came down to his chin in a tangled mess.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"Are you frightened?" Strider accused.

"Yes." Frodo answered honestly.

"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you."

Before anything could happen the other hobbits barged in. Shadow snorted at the 'weapons' they were carrying. They would be useless here. Exceptionally against the sword Strider unsheathed.

"Let him go or I'll have you on Longshanks!" Sam screamed.

Seeing no danger Strider put his sword away and looked at the hobbits. "You have a stout heart, little hobbit, but that does not save you." He turned to Frodo. "You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They are coming."

Hearing that Shadow shifted and stood in front of Frodo even as Strider drew his sword. Harry glared at the ranger.

"That is the second time I heard you say something about Frodo being in danger. Who is hunting Frodo and who is coming?" He demanded.

"They were once men, great kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question, one by one, falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to Sauron's will. They are known as the Nazgul, Ringwraiths. They are neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting them." Strider said after he found that the man was protecting the hobbits.

Harry nodded and sat on the bed. "My name is Harry or you can call me Shadow."

"How were you able to do that?" He asked.

"Becoming a wolf?" Strider nodded. "I am not from this world. I was born in another and we have wizards in that world. I was born a wizard and some wizards, like myself, are able to change into their inner animal. Mine is a wolf."

"Interesting." Harry nodded. "We will spend the night here then we leave for Rivendell." They all nodded and the hobbits snuggled close to Harry.

As they fell asleep Strider observed the young wizard. He had long bluish-black hair that was in a braid and ended at the middle of his back. His eyes were very unique and Strider never met anyone who had emerald green eyes before. He was a head shorter than himself and was tan. His face was littered with scars and he was wearing loose clothing. He pitied the fool who angered this young man.

Strider sighed and turned to look out the window. His sword was in reach just in case. He just hoped that they didn't have a run in with the Nazgul.