Aranel something.... could be heard creeping from the bushes. Hermione started to whimper into Harry's ear. Suddenly a huge spider resembling that of Aragog jumped out at them, waving its pincers with madness in its eyes. Hermione screamed. Harry grabbed her hand, and tried to run. But it was no use. The giant thing was gaining on them. Harry tripped on a tree root, pulling Hermione down with him to almost certain death. But instead of fiery pain leaping up his skin as sharp pincers connected with his legs, he felt nothing. He unscrewed his tightly clenched eyes, and looked upwards. Behind a blindingly beautiful figure was the dead spider, arrows through its eyes. Harry cast his gaze back to the figure. No, it was impossible. Something that was once so ugly could never become this beautiful, handsome. Could it?

"Harry. I understand that Aragorn has told you everything?" His voice was soft and lilting. "I must get you to my father. Are you hurt?" Harry could barely mumble a reply - he was so astounded that Snape was being nice to him! But then, it wasn't really Snape. Snape never really existed.

"I'm fine. Hermione was knocked unconscious by the fall."

"I know you are afraid, young one, but all will be well."

Harry nodded. He got up and brushed the dead leaves from his school robes, watching the amazing creature lift Hermione as is she were no weight at all.

"Is it true that you have..."

In response to the unfinished question, Legolas Greenleaf son of Thranduil heir to the throne of Mirkwood lifted his hair. "Yep, pointy ears. And their not made from gelatine. Come, Aragorn is waiting for us in the next clearing." "How can you tell he is waiting?"

"How can you not tell? He smells bad"