"You're looking handsome," Rose complimented as Harry entered their room. She was feeling extra happy because she had gotten a job writing the music for a new film called, "Forever Silent." Today the four of them were going to celebrate by taking her out for the afternoon. They were going to picnic and hike at the lovely Botanical Gardens about thirty minutes away. They would have to drive because Rose was not a wizard.
Rose sat at a cushioned stool, looking in the mirror as she fixed her hair. Harry watched as her graceful hands played with her shimmering, blonde locks. In the end she wore it down, with a little clip in the back to keep the hair from her face.
Harry slowly walked over to her and kissed the top of her head.
"Ready, love?"
She looked at him through the mirror and smiled.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready enough."
She tipped her head back looked at his face upside down. Harry chuckled and lowered his face. He touched his nose to her nose and then pecked the tip of it. She laughed softly and brought her head back up.
She looked at herself one more time in the mirror, fluffed up her wavy hair, and got up from the chair.
Harry was surprised when she rushed over to him and gave him a tight hug. He clasped her back, wondering where this was coming from.
"Oh, Harry," Rose muttered before he could ask anything, "You have made me the happiest woman on earth."
Harry squeezed her tighter and smoothed her hair with his hand. For a moment he thought of Thaurthoniel. He still had not gone back to the elves. It was gnawing at the back of his mind. He released Rose quickly and walked towards the door leaving her standing there looking confused.
"What's wrong?"
Harry stopped as he reached the closed door and turned. Guilt surged through his body as he looked at Rose's innocent face.
"Nothingjust, Ron and Hermione are waiting."
She smiled slightly, but still had a doubtful look on her face. She knew something was wrong.
She walked forward, past Harry, and opened the door. She suddenly felt slightly annoyed at him. She knew he was keeping something from her. This hadn't been the first time in the week she'd been staying there he'd behaved strangely like that.
"Hey there," Hermione chimed, "Ready?"
Rose nodded, feeling much less happy than she started out to be. With that the four of them headed out to Rose's car to begin their drive.
************
Rose felt better as the day progressed. The picnic was lovely. The four of them set up in a deserted meadow, where pretty white wild flowers sprouted out here and there.
They munched on delicious ham and cheese sandwiches and champagne.
At the moment they were all silent. Ron was lying flat on his back, looking up at the sky, while Hermione rested her head on his chest and did the same.
Rose was walking out in the meadow, her white skirt swishing in the wind. She had brought her notebook. It was made of a moss green, rugged leather material. She wrote her inner most thoughts in it, as well as poems, storieswhatever her fingers felt like writing. She sat on a nearby stone and pulled a pen from her pocket. She placed her pen on the paper, and it began to write, as if by magic. She felt so peaceful.
Harry was sitting on the blanket, resting on his hands, watching Rose. He knew she was upset with him. She had avoided his gaze all through the day.
"You haven't told her yet have you?" Ron asked quietly.
At first Harry was concerned that Hermione would question him, but she soon answered his question, " I already know about Thaurthoniel, HarryRon told me."
Ron gave Harry a guilty look, "Sorry, mate."
"I don't care," Harry said truthfully, "Hermione's my best friend too. I just didn't know how another woman would take it."
"Not well, I can assure you," she said sounding slightly perturbed, "You're not a player Harry, tell Thaurthoniel the truth. Don't leave her hanging and cause excess pain."
Harry knew Hermione was right. Easier said than done, he thought to himself.
"There is more on my mind" Harry muttered.
Ron and Hermione listened quietly.
"Dark is rising again," Harry continued, " A new dark lord is coming into power. He goes by the name, Mercenian. I learned all this from Sirius. First the incident with Percy, then the elves, what next?"
The wind howled eerily. Harry saw Rose turn around and watch the three of them.
"What is there we can do?" Ron asked skeptically.
"We can watch our backs. Look for clues. Protect the one's we love," Hermione answered.
Rose had begun to walk back. She had picked a few of the flowers and had them in a bouquet in her hand. All three of them smiled as she approached them.
"It's so beautiful here," she commented looking around at the sky.
"I know," Hermione agreed, her head raising a little as Ron sighed deeply.
Rose sat down next to Harry. She didn't smile, but handed him the flowers.
"These are for you," she said. Her eyes suddenly looked sad to Harry. They were a very pale green at the moment. Harry looked down at the flowers and suddenly felt very weary. He looked back up at Rose and muttered the only words he knew were true, "I love you, Rose."
She looked down and didn't say anything.
Ron stirred uncomfortably and suggested, "How bout we go for a walk on one of the trails?"
"Good idea," Rose answered smiling for the first time.
The four of them got up and headed towards one of the wooded trails said to be about two miles.
The beginning was awkwardly quiet.
"Nice trail" Hermione commented.
"Yeah," Harry breathed. He was walking beside Rose but she refused to look at him, that same sad expression on her face.
"Oh! Hermionelook at this plant," Ron said in a very obviously clear voice, "maybe you could use this for your research"
Hermione gave Ron a very queer look at first, but then caught on.
"Ohoh yeah! Let me look at this! Ronyou can help mewhy don't you two go on aheadthis couldtake a while!"
Harry gave his two friends an exasperated look and Rose was smiling slightly.
Harry sighed, "Well, if you insist." He looked at Rose, who looked back with a faint smile on her face. Harry's heart lightened.
They walked in silence for a while, and later, to Harry's delight Rose touched Harry's hand and wound her fingers through his.
"I love you Harry," she whispered. Harry heard it as though she shouted it.
He stopped. He couldn't go on like this. He was hurting her, and he knew it. He had to tell her about Thaurthoniel. He was going to go back to the elves as soon as possible and tell her the truth.
He turned to look at Rose. She started before he did, "Harry, I'm sorry I've been so cold this whole dayit's justI'm confused. I know I love youand I know you love meit's just, at times you feel very distant and reluctant, like something's holding you back. Maybe I'm just imagining it, but I just feel sad thinking that there is something that is coming between us."
Harry sighed and took both of Rose's hands in his. "Rose, I am truly sorry, I should have told you before. There is somethingsomething I need to tell you," Harry noticed Rose's face fall, "Nothingthat I think, would ruin our relationship, but it has been in the back of my mind ever since I returned" Harry slowed his words as he noticed a movement in the woods in front of him.
"What is it?" Rose asked tentatively.
"II thought I saw something" but just as he said that, a figure stepped onto the trail. Rose gasped and Harry quickly pulled out his wand. The figure wore a dark green cloak, with a hood that covered their face. The person walked slowly towards them. Harry stood in front of Rose and forcefully stated, "Who are you?"
The figure stopped and slowly pulled back the hood. Harry thought he might throw up when he saw who it was.
"Thaurthoniel," he said in a shocked whisper, "Whatwhat are you doing here?"
"Not happy to see me, my love?" she said with a slight smile on her face, but a sad glint in her eyes.
He heard Rose shift behind him and he flinched at the words "my love".
"Why did you seek me out?"
She walked forward. "Father needs your help and has sent me to fetch you. Actually, I offered to come and get you, hoping you might be glad to see me. But obviously the night we made love has meant nothing to you." She said this with a hint of resent in her tone. Harry felt very guilty at this moment.
Rose spoke for the first time, "Who is this, Harry?" she said with an angry voice, looking with narrow eyes from the faces of Harry to Thaurthoniel.
Harry was fighting an internal struggle. Part of him just wanted to run away. Another part wanted to blow up at Thaurthoniel for ruining his moment with Rose, another part of him wanted to run away with Thaurthoniel, she was so bloody seducing.
"Ohyou haven't told your lady friend about me? Am I that unimportant to you?" Thaurthoniel sounded hurt, and Harry began to feel more and more like a complete bastard.
Rose looked like she was about to explode. Her eyes were watering and her face was turning red and agitated. "Harry, what is going on?"
Harry looked at Thaurthoniel who was gazing back at him with hurt written all over her face. He then looked back at Rose, and his heart shattered. He had hurt her. He had hurt Rose. How could he? He felt wretched and miserable. He didn't deserve her.
"Rosethis is Thaurthoniel, the daughter of Lord Orien, the lord of the Elves. Last time I went to themshe and I"
"You slept with her," Rose filled in forcefully.
"Yes," Harry muttered, "But it was right after I found out you were dating Greg."
Just then, Harry heard voices in the distance. He slowly turned his head to see Ron and Hermione emerging from the trail. They looked happy, but when they saw the three of them standing there, one looking like she was about to cry, another looking like she was about to scream, and another who looked like he was going through a complete mental breakdown, they stopped short.
Harry heard Ron mutter, "Bloody hell"
"More of your friends?" Thaurthoniel said shakily.
"Harry what's going on?" Hermione said strongly.
"Thaurthoniel has come to tell me I am needed with the elves."
Rose made a disbelieving noise and a tear trickled down her cheek.
"Rose" Harry started and touched his hand to her arm but she jerked away.
"Do you love her Harry?" she said shakily.
Harry looked at Rose and knew what his answer was, of course he didn't. But then he looked at Thaurthoniel and saw a hope in her expression so great that it led Harry to whisper, "I don't know"
Rose made a quick sobbing sound but forced herself to cease. She was not going to break down, not in front of all these people. She quickly walked away, where she was quickly embraced by a comforting Hermione. Harry looked down, completely engulfed in his confusion. Why didn't he just tell Thaurthoniel the truth! Why did she have to make him feel so bad! He felt a sudden anger towards her as she came slowly towards him. He turned quickly towards her.
"Harry, love me or not, you must come. Father needs you. He has found a clue. Will you not come? Do it for the elves Harryit is our hope."
Harry knew what he must do. He must go. He turned to his friends.
Ron was staring at the ground, a look of disappointment in his face. Hermione was giving Harry a pleading look and Rose would not look at him at all. Her hand was rested on Hermione's shoulder and she was looking in the other direction.
"I must go," Harry said weakly. He saw Rose's shoulders shudder, as she silently wept. This was tearing him apart. He wanted to leave Thaurthoniel and the elves and fix this. But he could not. He knew what was moral, and to help for the greater good was what was right.
"Then go" Hermione said quietly, "Keep safe."
Ron nodded slightly. Harry took that as agreement. Harry whispered a good-bye and turned back to Thaurthoniel. She took his hands and he flinched. He hated the touch of her. He knew it was not her fault, but he could not help his heart. She whispered the familiar chant that would bring them to Thinderfell. He felt a swirling sensation and whiteness came before his eyes. All he saw was Thaurthoniel. She was beautiful, no doubt of that, but beauty was not enough.
After a short while color began to seep into Harry's eyes. He saw the familiar building standing before him. He sighed inwardly. What a mess my life turned out to be.
************
"Thank you for coming, Harry," Lord Orien said as Harry entered his private room. Harry noticed a different look to him. He seemed tired as usualbut there was a glowing about him, a slight essence of happiness.
"What is it you wish?" Harry asked, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice.
"There is hope Harry," he said with a new enthusiasm, "We may be able to rescue my son."
Harry couldn't help but feel happy for Orien.
"But how? After all this time?"
"Yes, I myself find it hard to believe, but I have evidence. Let me explain."
Harry nodded and sat down in a nearby chair as Orien did the same.
"Two days ago, a young elf named Gindelion was hunting deep in our forests. He happened upon this," Orien pulled out a huge gleaming green stone. It looked like an emerald. "This is called Pineast. It is a very rare stone that is very important to elven rituals and culture. I gave my son a collection of these for his twentieth birthday. They are used in powerful spells and remedies. He always carried them with him, not daring to let them out of his sight. When Gindelion found this is the forest, sitting on a rock, I knew it had been left by my son. You may be thinking, anyone could have left this stone. Well, I know one way to be sure. Inscripted on all the stones, I carved the letters HNstanding for Haenon Nuntius. This is elven for a phrase, written by a great human philosopher Socrates: Know Thyself. Elves do not take much time to look into other beingsbut a mentor who was very wise taught me. He had known this man, and knew what he said was very true.
So I inscribe it on my sons gift. Haenon Nuntius. And so it was on the gem Gidelion found. No doubt my son left it there so one of us would find it.
But there is more. Gidelion picked up the stone and looked around. To his surprise he found another, lying a little distance off. He went to that one as well. It had the same inscription. Then again, he looked ahead and he saw another one, glinting in the sunlight. This turned out to be a trail of Pineastsleading to a small birch tree.
On this birch tree Gidelion found an inscription. He saw that it was hastily made and very smallbut he made out what it said. Haenun Octuius Feltium. Hoc ignituis oeiriun beltutui. In English that would be I am still alive. Look under fire tree.
The fire tree, as we call it, is a large oak, in which we marked the very center of the forest. We mainly hold secret meetings there along with sacred ceremonies.
Harry, we have tried and tried to get under it, without cutting it down. The tree is sacred to us, it would be against the spirit of the forest to tear it down. I came to you in hope that you might know a way."
Harry looked at the ground, taking all this information in. He didn't know of a spell that could find a secret hide away or lift a tree up from its roots without killing it.
"I will have to see this tree," Harry concluded.
Orien nodded and sent for Rieltus.
"You called my Lord?" he asked as he briskly walked in.
"Yes, please take Harry Potter to the tree."
**************
"What should I do?" Rose asked shakily. She was seated next to Hermione on the couch. It was deep into the night. Neither of the women were tired. Ron had taken a trip to Percy's house to catch up on things. He really hadn't talked to him much since the incident. Ron felt that maybe he could get some more clues about Mercanian.
Hermione sipped a little of her tea and looked at Rose. She looked shaken and tearful. Hemione patted her hand in pity.
"Stay, Rose. There is no point of you leaving now."
"Thanks, Hermionebut, now that Harry's gone, I feel so out of place. This is your house too, I really don't want to trespass on your privacy."
Hermione chuckled, "Privacy? What with these two slobs running around? Slim chance. Rose, it's my invitation. I know Harry would want you to stay and I want you here because you're great company. It's nice having another woman to talk to once in a while." Hermione found that only too true. She really didn't have many girl friends. She saw Ginny once and a while, but they had grown apart. They were very different people. There was also her boss, Katbut she didn't click very well with her. So then there was Rose. They still weren't completely close, but she felt the most comfortable around her.
Rose nodded slightly and murmured, "Thank you. You really don't know how much I need someone to talk to. Plus it would be so much more convenient with my job here in London."
Hermione smiled. She then wondered if Rose had any other friends. She didn't want to ask her straight out, in fear of being rude, but her question was answered when Rose said, "Don't get me wrong, I have friendsbut they're not wizards. And they're really not supposed to know about wizards. Plus, they just wouldn't get it. You know Harry."
"I see," Hermione whispered softly and sipped a little more tea. "He loves you Rose, you know that."
A small tear trickled down Rose's face. "I know. It just hit me so hard. I asked him if he loved her and he said I don't know'. What if he loves her too?"
Hermione didn't know what to say. "RoseI can't see into Harry's heart, but after knowing him for most of my life I can tell when he's serious about something. I didn't even know he had an affair with Thaurthoneil, until Ron told me. That's how secret it was. But when he met you he could hide a thing. He was happier than he had ever been. It was like he was complete now. You literally made him the happiest man alive."
Rose smiled as her cheeks glistened with tears. "He's so lucky to have you as a best friend," she said weakly.
Hermione blushed, then without helping it yawned. Rose did the same.
"WhewI'm exhausted. All this drama is super tiring," Rose said, sounding happier than before.
"I know what you mean. Let's tuck in. Ron said he wouldn't be home till in the morning, so there's no point waiting up," she said this with disappointment in her tone. Rose smiled.
"You really love him don't you."
"More than anything."
"You're a lucky gal. Ron's a nice guy. I'm really happy for you."
"Me too," Hermione said smiling. Just thinking of Ron made her heart jump.
Rose yawned again. "Well, I'll see you in the morning."
"Everything will be alright, Rose," Hermione said comfortingly.
"I hope."
***************
Harry stood, looking up at a marvelous, big oak tree. How in the bloody hell am I supposed to know how to get under it? Harry thought angrily to himself.
"Do you have any idea?" Harry heard Rieltus ask hopefully.
"Not quite," Harry muttered, trying not to sound so pessimistic.
Rieltus made a frustrated grunt and kicked at the ground. Harry wearily sat down on a near by rock and urged his brain to think of any way he could solve this. Suddenly, a thought came to mindhe had once been able to get under a tree- the Whomping Willow, in his third year.
Harry suddenly jumped up.
"What is it?" Rieltus asked excitedly.
"I think I've got it. There must be a secret button or something that when pressed may open a secret door of some kind. I've come upon this very instance in my past, trust me."
Rieltus looked doubtfully at Harry, but none the less began to search the tree. Harry followed suit. He pressed every cog and piece or bark he could lay his hands on.
After about an hour of the tedious procedure, they ceased.
"UhhhhhI was so sure we had it!" Harry moaned exasperatedly.
"This tree has been more trouble than it's worth" Rieltus said angrily and punched the tree slightly. A look of amazement spread over his face.
Harry jumped up to see what was happening. He found to his delight that Rieltus must have hit the exact spot that opened the three.
A large hole had appeared near the base of the tree, just large enough that a full-grown man could fit through.
"Should we go in?" Harry asked wearily.
"It is not safebut I fear we have no other choice, we should take action now." He pulled a silver dagger out of his belt and held it out. Harry looked at it in amazement as it glittered in the sunlight. It was decorated with jewels and in the blade an elfish saying was engraved.
Harry then pulled out his wand, ready to attack.
"I'll go first," Harry said bravely. He climbed into the whole. It felt like some sort of slide. With one more look at Rieltus he pushed himself in and went sliding into a pit of blackness.
***************
"Oli!" Rose cried as she met her brother for the first time in months. She had felt it was time to see him again. He was residing in Oxford in a beautiful mansion. They had met in a rural diner sort of restaurant for Oliver had claimed it was known for the best hamburgers around.
"Rose! God, its good to see you!" he briskly walked up to where she was standing by the table and gave her a warm hug. The two of them had always been very close. Oliver found it very easy to talk to his sister about all the wizarding ways and gossip, plus she listened with the greatest interest in the world.
They both sat down as a waiter approached them and asked them gruffly what they wanted to drink.
"I'll have an iced tea please," Rose said cheerfully.
"Give me a coke," Oliver said with gusto.
The waiter gave them a sullen look as he passed out the menus and left them with a grunt.
"Nice place you picked, Oliver," Rose said with mock enthusiasm as the two drinks were sloppily placed in front of them.
"Just wait till you taste the food."
Rose chuckled and looked out the window. Suddenly she was reminded of the time she and Harry had gone out to lunch. God, it had only been a month agobut things had passed so quickly. Had it already ended? She couldn't bear to think about it.
"You all right?" Oliver asked curiously, noticing his sister's quietness.
Rose sighed, "Oh Olithere's so much going on"
Oliver nodded and looked at her pressingly, hoping she'd continue.
She looked up at him and laughed, he was always so concerned with her business.
"Wellaren't you going to tell me what is going on?" He asked exasperatedly.
"Finefine," Rose trailed off, "You're really going to laugh at this."
Oliver gave her weird look, "Okay thenshoot."
Rose groaned, "I'm dating Harry."
Oliver choked on his coke and looked quickly up at Rose.
"HarryHarry Potter?" Oliver sounded very shocked, and didn't try to hide it.
"Why, yes. Is that really hard to believe?"
"Yes! Rose, first of all he is practically the most famous bloody wizard in the world. Second of all, how long have you known him? I mean, the wedding was just a month ago! Third of allthat's just weird." Oliver faded out and Rose gave him an irritated look.
"I really don't care if he's famous or not. I'm not a wizard and really that doesn't come between us at all. If people have a problem with that they'll just have to deal. Okay, I admit I haven't known him that long, but before we seriously dated, we went to lunchand uhh talked." Oliver gave her an annoyed look.
"Wowyou had lunchthat's a great step. So what then, you just started snogging and everything's great?"
"God, Oliver, don't say it like that. It was actually very romantic," she blushed and Oliver rolled his eyes, "Things were bad for a while, cause he found out I was dating Greg, but then I dumped him and Harry and I met again at this dance. And things just clicked. It was like something in me was screaming that he was the one."
Oliver stared intently at his sister. Then broke out into a smile.
"Sounds like you have the symptoms of true love, Rose. I can tell from personal experience."
"So you're okay with it?"
"What do you mean? If you're happy, I'm happy. Plus you don't need my consent for Merlin's sake."
Rose chuckled, "It's kind of hard without it. I know you'd make the poor guy's life a living hell if you didn't like him."
"I guess it's an older brother's instinct."
Rose chuckled, but her heart fell at his next question.
"So what is Harry up to now?"
"Ummnothing muchjust working."
To Rose's complete disappoint Oliver saw through it.
"RoseI've lived with you practically my whole life. I can tell when you're lying. What's wrong?" He had a tone of anger in his voice.
"Oh, Olijust things. Before we started dating, he got involved with this other woman, and then she came back thinking he really did love herand now he's working on the elves, and she's there with him." She felt tears well up in her arms, but she took in a deep breath and forced them back.
"Oh Rose" Oliver said with pity in his voice, "I'm sorry. Merlin, Harry better come back or he'll have hell to payfrom me."
Rose smiled weakly at this comment from her brother.
"Thanks Oli. I know Harry and I love each other. It's just hard putting all my trust into him."
Oliver sighed and patted his sister's hand.
"I know the feeling. You just have to though if you want the relationship to work. It'll be okay Rose."
She smiled, thinking of the very same conversation she had with Hermione the night before. How come Harry had to wiggle his way into all her conversations?
"HmmI hope you're right. God, I wonder what he's doing now?"
***************
Harry landed with a thud on what felt to be cold, damp earth. He quickly stepped forward as he heard Rieltus whooshing down the slide.
He took out his wand and muttered "Lucio," and watched as a lantern spouted from the end of it. Rieltus now stood beside Harry with a look of apprehension on his face.
Harry raised his lighted wand and took in his surroundings. There were many inscriptions and pictures on the walls. They seemed to glitter slightly. He gasped as he noticed large boxes and barrels filled with shining gold treasure. It was amazing. It was like some treasure chest.
"What is this place?" Harry muttered weakly to Rieltus.
"It looks like some sort of tombthe tomb ofoh no, the tomb of Iscipulus!"
"Who's he?" Harry asked ignorantly.
Rieltus gave him an amazed look, "He is only the most worshiped elf in our kingdom. Legend has always said he was buried in a tomb, deep within the wilderness. I do not know the story of how the big oak became sacred, but I believe this tomb had something to do with it."
Harry was curious on the subject, but did not pursue it more. They needed to find Sentonius as soon as possible.
"Where should we go?" Harry asked dumbly as he gazed at the mesmerizing treasure.
"There!" Rieltus exclaimed, making Harry jump. He quickly turned around to see what Rieltus was looking at. An entranceway. It looked black and cold. Harry felt a fearful shiver go down his spine.
"Let's go," Rieltus murmured. He stepped forward and Harry followed. They stopped when they reached the new room.
"I'll go in first," Harry offered. Rieltus nodded. Harry took in a deep breath and made his way into the dark chamber.
He shined his light around the room. To his horror he saw blood splattered on the walls, furniture ( a table, some chairs, what looked like a small bed) scattered across the room, and what looked to be a body huddled into the corner. Harry forgot about Rieltus for a moment and quickly ran over to the slumping figure.
It was no doubt an elf. He was extremely pale, with dried blood plastering his face. He looked half-dead, but Harry could tell he was breathing and heavily. He could tell for the moment he was knocked out.
"Merlin" Harry muttered, but suddenly he cried out in anguish as he felt someone jump on his back. Whoever it was weighed a ton and Harry fell backwards. He looked up at the man who had attacked him. He could not see his face for he was masked and dressed all in black. The man carried a wanda wizard, Harry thought. The man raised it to perform his deathly spell, but before he could do anything, Rieltus suddenly emerged from the shadows, raised his shining dagger, and pierced the man straight in the heart.
He stepped back a couple of steps groaning as he dropped his wand to the floor. Harry scrambled up and stood beside his elf friend. The man slumped on the ground and no sound came from him anymore.
"He is dead," Rieltus said calmly, "My dagger always kills quickly."
Harry whimpered. "You saved my life," he said in awe at Rieltus.
Rieltus smiled slightly and looked away, "I would not see you die! It is my duty to aid when help is needed."
"Thank you," Harry said, not knowing what to say.
Rieltus smiled again, but then quickly returned his attention to the prospect at hand. He soon saw the other body Harry had been absorbed with. He rushed over.
"This is Sentonius," Rieltus said, with a bit of anxiety in his voice.
"Let's get him quick. He look's really bad." Harry used a floating charm, which made Sentonius's body rise from the ground and begin to float in the air. It followed them as they quickly made their way back to the main room they landed in.
"How do we get out?" Harry asked with fear in his tone. But before Rieltus could answer, the slide in which they had come down had changed into thick stairs.
"Wow" Harry breathed. Rieltus led the way, quickly leaping up stairs, three at a time. Harry was far less graceful, and made sure Sentonius was not injured in the process.
Finally the three climbed out of the secret portal and into the blinding sunlight.
***************
Ron climbed into bed next to the love of his life. He kissed Hermione sweetly on the lips and then slouched back and breathed out with an exhausted sigh.
"Work tiring?" Hermione asked, knowing the answer.
"Merlinis it ever. Ludo's great when he's not your work partner, but when he is..." Ron groaned, "Believe it or not I can understand why Mr. Crouch resented him so much. I mean, he's such a bloody pain in the asshe really has no sense of responsibility."
Hermione smiled, thinking of how much responsibility Ron had.
He caught the action and added, "Alright, alrightit must be funny hearing this from mebut seriously, think of how irresponsible Ludo is compared to me now. That's about enough to drive you insane."
"You're already driving me insane," Hermione said playfully as she stroked her hand on his face.
"Oh really" Ron said with a boyish grin on his face, "Maybe this will help." He quickly turned off the light with a swish of his hand and searched for the lips of his Hermione.
************
Harry, Rieltus, and a revived Sentonius sat with Lord Orien in the impressive counsel room of Thinderfell. Harry felt extremely exhausted and fearful. After he had time to think about everything his nerves seemed to have returned. Now he was sure there was someone trying to kill him. Was the man they killed Mercenian? Somehow he doubted it.
"My son," Orien said with an obvious relief in his tone, "Now that you are well again, please tell us what happened. Darkness is rising yet againI am just glad we were able to save you."
Sentonius nodded, thanks written on his face. "I suppose I should start at the beginning" he started thoughtful, as he was thinking of all that had happened.
"A month ago, I was walking on the edge of the woods. In the corner of my eye I saw something black swish along the fringe. Fear overcame me at first, but then curiosity. I slowly edged towards the brim of the woods, but then, because of my stupidity and the fact that I was unarmed, two large men attacked me. I started to yell as they tied me up, but then one of the men took a large limb and hit me over the head. I suppose I was knocked out, for I do not remember anymore."
A look of pure hatred was coming over Orien's face. Harry silently envied Sentonius for the love that his father had for him.
"When I woke next, I was in a chamber. I presume the same chamber you found me in. I was tortured. I was beat. I wanted to die more than anything in the world. The names of the two men I found were Yugle and Henry. They were not elves. They were wizards, for they carried wands. They used this curseCrucio, they said. It was the most terrible experience in my life. I cannot bear to repeat the memories." Sentonius looked down quickly. He looked like he was trying to force the painful memories out of his head. Harry could only relate too well.
"Are you able to continue?" Orien asked understandingly.
Sentonius nodded, took a deep breath, and continued, his voice slightly shaken now. "The days and nights passed by like an eternity. I feared I might never escape. But one day, I was taken out. They said I was to meet a man. A man named Mercanian." Harry quickly looked up at this.
"They brought me to him. They called him their master. He was tall, with wavy brown hairand cold pale gray eyes. He ridiculed me and told me he had told my father you were dead. He told he would not give in to him. I found a secret hope that day. After he had finished with me, the two began to take me back to the chamber. I couldn't bear it any longer. I escaped, by force. I don't know how I did it, but when I did all I knew was to run. I ran as fast I could carry myself. I then heard their footsteps behind me. They were heavy, but they were fast. I knew I would be captured, so I quickly devised a plan. I came to the nearest tree and sketched a messagethe message that you found, saying I was alive and where to find me. They caught up with me, but did not see the message. They chained me up and dragged me along behind them. They were cruel. But I thought maybe I could make a trail for someone to find. A trail that would lead them to the tree. I reached into my pockets and felt the familiar satchel that carried my Pineasts. I knew father would know it would have been me who made the trail if he found them. So I dropped them as silently as I could while I returned to the chamber. All I could do was hope. That night, they did the most awful things. They beat me like never before. I'm sure I nearly bled to death. It was horrible. I was unconscious. So, then the next thing I knew was that I was back here. I was rescued. I can not thank you enough. I owe you my life." He said the last few sentences with a gratitude so great Harry felt honored to have done the job.
"So do I," Orien added, "Rieltus you will be given a special ceremony and medal in honor of your achievement. Harry, I will give you anything you ask."
Harry sighed. He knew exactly what he wanted more than anything in the whole world, "I want to go home."
Orien smiled understandingly.
"Of course. You have been through much. But I beg you stay one night. We will have a feast in your honor. But now, I suggest you rest. The guard outside will show you your room."
Harry nodded and slowly got up from his chair. He felt extremely dizzy all of a sudden, but he managed to reach his room all right. It was the same room as last time. The thought of sleep sounded so appealing to him at the moment.
He slowly opened the door, thinking of the appealing thought of a nice warm bed to crawl into. But that inviting thought vanished when he stepped into the room.
"Hello, Harry Potter," Thaurthoniel said slowly, "Alas, we meet again."