A/N: I wanted to let Makura Koneko know that her question should be answered in this chapter.

Harriet asked how the ministry managed to find Dennis. They didn't. Most likely, they were simply checking every report on anyone named Dennis (and probably Ron, as well). I never had a need to explain this fully, and so I didn't.

Also, Harriet commented on how I seem to dislike Harry Potter, and points out in several stories that he always wants to be the hero. In most of the stories, (the HP/MITM crossovers come to mind) these comments are being made about him, not by him. Of course, now I have to reread everything I've written, just to see if you are correct.



Chapter 16: Answers and Questions

Harry read the letter several times that night. He didn't care about anything else except that Ron was safe. Ron was his first friend, and his best friend. He would get to travel some more, for the greater good of all, but that didn't matter to him as much.

Harry looked at the reddish owl and wondered why it was called Manchester. He knew his football teams, but Dennis had no idea what the sport was. Hermione suggested that maybe he had 'gone native.' To Harry, it made sense, although he would have backed Arsenal.

*

Hermione had similar emotions to Harry's. She and Ron were starting their relationship on a new level, when all hell broke loose. She wondered if he had changed, and if he would find her changed. Hermione laughed to herself, once, when she thought of his reaction to what happened to his sister.

*

Faramir was the happiest of the three. Faramir was also the saddest, since he had grown quite fond of the unicorn, and now he would have to dismount. As he did, he found Radagast standing next to him. He was grabbed into the wizard's arms and was hugged for all he was worth. Then Radagast sat him down, and told the boy he had to report to his commander. They would talk later.

Faramir found he had become a hero, again, and the hobbits of the Shire were making him take the glory. The young hobbit walked over to see Peregrine Boffin, the commander, and give him the news, and found himself surrounded by his neighbors, all looking to thank him. Mixed in with the hobbits, were men and dwarves, and even a goblin, who enthusiastically shook his hand.

Peregrine Boffin came through the crowd, walking a pony with him. "I believe you lost him," the Warder said, handing the reins to the boy.

Faramir could not have had a bigger smile. With many hands helping him, he was quickly in the saddle. He looked down on a sea of tired but smiling faces, and shed a happy tear.

*

Radagast talked to the unicorn, saying, "yes, you did a good job, and I thank you. No, you are wrong. You failed me at nothing. You did more than I ever expected or asked for."

Relieved, the unicorn gave her body a slight shake, and both bridle and saddle came loose, falling to the ground. The unicorn raced to the far trees and back into the forest.

"Randy, please tell me what that was all about?" Charlie Weasley asked.

Radagast let out a laugh, and told him, "I found the cause of our problems, and the reason your brother was safe. That was the unicorn that carried him and his friend away. She was overburdened, and left them near a city. She felt bad, so she put her protection on them, making them invisible to any magical search."

Charley grinned at the news. "I need to ask you, Randy. How do you thank a unicorn?"

"Please, don't," the wizard said, "You would only embarrass her more. She did it because she thought she failed me. That is also why she helped the young hobbit you saw. She had found my trail and was waiting for my return, when she spotted some orcs. She saw them attack Faramir, and she rescued him, because she smelled that I had touched him. She took him to the closest place she knew of, where his kind dwelt. She is an extraordinary creature, even among unicorns."

"I did not realize that unicorns possessed so much magic," Charlie said.

"They do. They are the most magical of beasts."

*

Fedelia fell into the back of the wagon. Never had she worked so hard to help her father. He always talked about responsibility, and she had been given it with full force. She had helped staunch more wounds than she had ever seen before. She felt over her head, and even her father admitted that it might be too much for her, and that meant something. Tad Underhill would brag to anyone about the things his daughter could do. She was asleep before another thought.

*

The enemy was destroyed, but for a few remnants which would be hunted down. Most of the troops headed to their homes. The hobbits would return to the Mark, with a later exodus to the Shire. The two groups would have a great deal of talking to do. Men and Dwarves would travel quickly, and most of them would be home in only two or three days. Portkeys were in use to a large degree. As it was, everyone who could be spared was home by the holidays.

*

Colin stood in the front yard of the Oakley house. He had never been in a muggle neighborhood, and felt out of place. Now, he was face to face, with someone called Jennifer, who said she was a friend of Dennis.

"I suppose you'll tell me how sorry you are about my parents?" Colin said, trying to keep emotion out of his voice.

"If you want me to," Jennifer said, "I know I came to hate it after my parents died. Everyone said it all the time." She suddenly hugged Colin, and whispered, "I am sorry, though." She stepped back and wiped the tear from her eye. "Sorry," she said, "How is Dennis?"

"He's fine," Colin said, "Mary is very good at talking people through their problems. She's helping him deal with it."

"Do you know why I liked him?" Jennifer said suddenly, "He was always sad, even when he laughed. I thought he was mysterious." She faltered in her words, and looked at Colin. "You have the same look on your face, but now I know why. It isn't fun to watch his sad eyes any more."

"It's called life," Colin said, "and I promise you, you will see him happy. Just give him some time."

"Thank you," Jennifer said, at the kind words, then added, "I've got a Christmas present for you," and handed him a small package.

Colin opened the package, and stared in disbelief. How had a muggle girl gotten her hands on Canary Creams.

When her grandfather arrived with her brother, the four walked into the house. Mary had 'forgotten' to tell Dennis or Colin about the guests who would be coming with them for Christmas Dinner.

*

Molly cried with joy when she arrived at Hogwarts. Almost all of the family had come for this special dinner. Charlie had said he couldn't make it, he was going to fetch Ron. That one message made the holiday wonderful. Her whole family was safe. She walked with her husband and the rest of her clan into the Great Hall and looked around. Instead of the long tables, there were smaller tables of various sizes.

Her eyes fell on Colin, with his brother, "Good for them," she thought, and then noticed the people around them.

"They're muggles," Ginny said, walking up to her mother She pointed out who the people were and how they related to Dennis. Molly and Arthur went over to talk to Mary Oakley, who told them everything she could about Ron. After they had taken enough of her time, they went to the table where Hermione Granger and her parents were sitting. Harry was with them, as well as the two hobbits they had been told of.

When the dinner was close to starting, Molly noticed Ginny looking at the doorway, and turned to see a lone boy walking in. She looked at Ginny, who seemed to know everything and asked why he was alone.

"There are now a number of orphans and abandoned children at the school," Ginny explained, "but his is the worst case. He is a Slytherin first year, and his family was found supporting the wrong side in the troubles we are having."

Molly stood up and intercepted the boy, saying, "Excuse me, but I notice your family isn't here."

The boy looked at her, and said, coldly, "They couldn't make it."

"In that case," Molly said, "I was wondering if you would, well, my youngest boy was caught up in all of this. He is safe, but he couldn't make it either."

The boy just stared at her, when Ginny came up, and said, "What we mean is that we have an empty place at our table, and would like you to join us."

"You're an elf," the boy said.

"Half-Elvin would be more correct," Ginny said, "but you are right. Would you join us? I'm Ginny."

The idea of having dinner with an elf, even a half-elf was too much for the boy, and he said, "Yes, and I'm David."

By the time David was seated at the table, between Ginny and Fred, he was doomed. Molly's mothering instincts had taken hold of her, and him. She even called him Ron by mistake.

"Mom," George said, "you shouldn't embarrass ickle Davykins like that."

"Awww," said Fred, "Did mommy make ickle widdy Davykins feel bad."

"They are so obnoxious," David whispered to Ginny.

"They are only treating you the same way they would treat Ron if he were here," Ginny told him.

"Tell Ron he has my undying sympathy," the boy said.

Ginny did a wonderful thing in David's eyes and traded places with him. He found himself next to the empty chair, and asked who that chair was for. Ginny hesitated for the right word, and said finally, "It is for my beloved."

"That would be me," Galdor said, as he set down next to the boy, then asked, "are you Ron?"

David smiled and said, "No, I'm Ron's replacement."

He had a wonderful Christmas after that, sitting between two elves and becoming the center of attention. By the time he had finished dinner, he wished he could stay with this family forever. By the time, she had finished dinner, Molly had already decided that he would. Ginny smiled at Galdor, who smiled back. Their simple plan had worked, and the number of unhappy children in the world would be reduced by one.

*

"And how was your school year?" Mrs. Granger asked her daughter in all innocence.

"My Lady attends school here?" Faramir asked, causing Hermione to blush, and everyone else to laugh.

"Yes, Dear Faramir," Hermione answered, "Your fair lady is merely a humble student."

"Is that true, Hermione?" her father asked, "I've never known you to be humble about anything."

"Dad," Hermione replied with embarrassment, "I don't think you know what has been going on."

"Yes he does," Harry said. "I heard Dumbledore tell them he wouldn't say anything." When both adults glared at him, he added, "I know what you think, but I would have told her later. She is my friend, after all."

Hermione's fear showed when she simply asked, "Daddy?"

"We're fine," her father said, "Thanks to Arthur Weasley, we were warned in plenty of time. We actually had more time than he did because of how ignorant wizards can be of muggle things. We were on a plane to the States before they found our house. But don't worry, the insurance covers most of it."

"They blew it up, dear," her mother added, when Hermione said nothing, "Destroyed the office as well, but no one was hurt. We didn't want to worry you."

Frodo was the first one to laugh, with Faramir a close second. Everyone was laughing except Hermione, who didn't get the joke. "Hermione," Harry said, "They didn't want to worry YOU."

"I still don't get it, Harry," Hermione said.

"They know all about you," Frodo explained, "Everything you've been doing, in glorious detail I might add."

"But I haven't said a word," Hermione said, "I made it a point not to tell them anything." She paused, then asked, "Where is Faramir?"

Everyone laughed again, even Hermione.

*

Albus Dumbledore looked over the crowded hall. The number of families that showed up was more than encouraging. He watched the Creevey boys, talking and smiling. At the Granger table, laughter was always frequent. The Chang family, sharing a table with Neville Longbottom and his Grandmother, were also in high spirits.

Albus looked for the one sore spot of the day, the lone Slytherin, outcast by everyone. Ginny and Galdor said they would take care of him, but he did not see the boy. He spotted him, of all places, sitting with the Weasley's. Molly Weasley had her arm around him, daring anyone to tell him to leave.

"A penny for your thoughts," Ginny said, as she and Galdor approached.

"My dears, welcome back to Hogwarts," Albus said. "I was admiring your handiwork. Will Molly ever let go of the boy?"

"I fear not," Galdor answered. "We brought out the best in the boy, and we accidently brought up the subject of his parents. By the time we left, Molly was telling David he would always have a place to stay."

"What sealed his fate," Ginny added, "was when George said he could take Ron's place, and Fred asked if they could get rid of Ron. The poor boy may even end up being called a Weasley."

Albus smiled at the two, "I have known the Weasley family for a long time. They always have mischief in mind, but they all have good hearts."

It is the quiet before the storm, Albus thought as he looked out over the hall. We will help the Ringbearer, tomorrow, but today we rest. Are we making the right choices. The final path must be traveled by one old hobbit in the company of children.

Dumbledore thought of showing the note to Galdor. It would be interesting to have his insight to Draco's message, as brief as it was. "The Ringbearer has his companions. D'Artangon must choose his own path." Cryptic, but obvious to the recipient..

"Have you heard anything from Draco Malfoy?" he asked the elves.

"Only one message," Galdor said. "Draco has his own plans, but he has made it clear that the Ring plays no part in it. He also made it clear that we can trust him to help destroy the Ring, but no more than that. He has sent you a message, I would assume."

Albus smiled at how astute elves could be. "Yes, he warned me not to interfere with the Ringbearer, or his companions."

Ginny let out a sigh, "Draco and his schemes. I do not trust him in this. He is playing two games. He married this morning, a fisherman's daughter. He has also sent messages to the dwarves."

"Married," Albus repeated in a confused voice, "That is unlike him."

"It is wise," Galdor said. "He went with the fishermen, and fought by their side. Now he marries into one of their families. We cannot touch him, for fear of angering our new friends among the men of the town. He is out of our reach."

"A clever move," Albus admitted, "I fear what we will face in him when we are done with our current task."

*

Voldemort smiled at Lucius Malfoy as he heard his report. He stood up, and walked over to his lieutenant. "I am impressed, Lucius. After everything I have done to him, he still trusts you enough to give you such information"

"You honor me, Master," Lucius said, "The boy still tries to make me proud of him."

"I wish to reward you," Voldemort said, "You have proven your loyalty and usefulness to me. I wish to give you this." The Dark Lord opened his palm, to reveal a fine silver ring, with intricate carvings, and a mounted diamond.

"If you remember from those books, this is one of the nine rings made for man. I would have kept it for myself, until I obtained the One Ring, but I give it to you. I will continue to age for a little while longer."

The Dark Lord took Malfoy's hand and placed the ring on his finger, saying, "You now join the ranks of the immortals."

"Thank You, Master," Lucius said, with genuine pleasure. "If there is anything I can do, please name it."

"There is," Voldemort said, as he led the man to the window. "Did you read the message you gave me? The place you have told me about is right there." He pointed to a plum of smoke rising in the distance. He then directed Lucius to look downward, to where eight pale figures stood. "Those are my riders, Lucius. They have sworn to follow me, even to hell itself. You are now their leader. You take orders from no one, except me. And you should expect any order that you give to be followed without question. They guard the pit for me until the Ringbearer comes. All you have to do is stop him, even if you can't kill him. I will do the rest."

Lucius bowed, saying, "As you will, master." He left to review his men.

*

Draco was content. He needed a complacent wife, and now he had one. Fiona believed every tale her brother told her, and several included Draco saving his life. Then Draco professed his undying love and asked for her hand, but told her not to answer until the troubles were over, if they did end. When he finally admitted that the troubles might not end, she insisted her answer was yes, and they should marry right away. Fiona felt it would be best to steal a few days of happiness, if the worst did happen.

No one refused them, and they were wed on Christmas Day. Draco even let himself be baptized, so Fiona would have a husband of her faith. Now he lay in bed, his bride asleep next to him, but he could not. In the past hour, his futures had changed on him, and he had to deal with it. He had consummated his marriage, and now every possible future he looked at showed a blond haired boy who would call him, "father."

Fiona stirred in her sleep, and Draco paused in the remaking of his plans. "I love you," he whispered, putting more feeling into the words than he intended.

*

Ron looked out over the Glacier, from inside the cave. Will was behind him, making sure they had everything they needed when Ron said, "I don't think we were followed."

"They wouldn't follow us this way," Will said, "They want us away from the base, and from the eruption. They don't know about these caves, or that the heat opened them up."

"How far do the caves lead?" Ron asked.

"Remember that protrusion of rock we saw in those first pictures?" Will asked in return.

"You mean the one that shouldn't be there, but everyone said it was natural?"

"Exactly, I think this cave leads all the way to there."

Ron pondered this. He had been almost right, from the start. Will filled in the missing pieces for him, and then became convinced of what Ron had told him. Will had made several phone calls, and called in a few favors. In the end, he was invited to join the survey crew. No one would turn down another mechanic, especially a free one. And Will had a reputation for fixing things.

For all of that, they were now hiding out in a cave, three miles from their camp, with a week worth of food left, and two fancy snowmobiles. The camp was now occupied by several men that Ron said were probably Death Eaters. Will didn't need to ask for an explanation. He had hung up the phone, to find a man sticking a wand in his face. Then Ron pulled out a wand, and began shouting. The man's wand flew out of his hand, and he became frozen in place. Ron surprised the second man with the same results. That was when Will started thinking again. He grabbed the emergency food supply, and thermal bags. He had Ron load any essentials on the snowmobiles that the two men had thoughtfully brought, and they headed off to the caves.

Will was right about that choice. The ash from the volcano was obscuring their trail. Even so, it could have been followed, and they were even spotted by others coming toward the camp. Will didn't know to ask why two wizards, who could apparate, and fly brooms, would use snowmobiles. Ron, for his part, couldn't stop thinking about that.



Will handed Ron a heated can of Beef Stew and said, "Merry Christmas."

As Ron began to eat, a red owl walked around a large rock, carrying a letter. Ron was amazed that the bird knew it was too dangerous to fly. The owl was clearly annoyed.

"This is your famous Owl Post," Will said with a laugh.

"Yes, it is," Ron said with a smile, "They deliver to anyone, anywhere." He took the letter and set his meal down, which the owl promptly started to eat.

Will looked up as Ron gave him a wide grin, "The owl belongs to Dennis. His name is Manchester." Will laughed, and Ron continued to read, "You'll like this. They've found Colin, and he and Dennis should be together at your house by this time."

Will and Ron paused as the unwritten words made themselves known. Ron tried to read the rest of the letter, but ended up handing it to Will. He took the letter and finished reading, letting out a small laugh at the end. Ron looked at him quizzically, and Will smiled.

"Your friends are coming, but they are stopping in Ireland to spend Christmas at the school. They should be here on Boxing Day or the day after."

"That's impossible," Ron said.

"After what I've seen, and heard you tell," Will replied, "I would think nothing is impossible."

"That's not what I mean," Ron said, "The school is in Scotland."

Will reread that part of the letter and said, "They specifically say the school is in Dublin. But you can ask them about that when they get here. And you can ask them about your sister being an elf."

Ron took the letter. Two months ago, he was having breakfast as usual. Now he was celebrating the holidays in a vent cave in Iceland, the school has moved, and his sister, well, that was beyond his understanding. He looked down to see that the owl had eaten all of his dinner, and was now perched inside the cave on a convenient rock. Ron shook his head, and said, "Merry Christmas, Manchester."