A/N: This chapter is titled the way it is because my friend asked me to write a little Snape/Haldir chappy for her birthday. This is that chapter. It's all implied, so it shouldn't be too offensive for those of you who dislike it. Happy Birthday Shilo!!
Chapter 3: Lothlorien
Aragorn was the first to reach the edge of the forest. That surprised him, because Legolas could run swifter than the man could. But the elf was right behind him, carrying the girl, who was grimacing. "Mani marte?"
The elf replied, "She tripped."
"So you ran to her rescue? Trying to play hero to the damsel in distress again?"
Legolas glared at the human indignantly. "No, I knew we couldn't afford to be slowed down! So I took the source of the delay and made it nonexistant!"
Strider rolled his eyes, obviously not believing the elf's claimed motivation for aiding the girl, but said nothing.
He turned forward again to find an arrow pointed at his head. Three, in fact. They were surrounded!
Then he recognized the only elf in sight that was not aiming something at him. "Haldir, mellonamin." Aragorn greeted the commanding elf as his friend.
"Nae saian luume', Elessar," Haldir responded. *1*
* * *
Severus gazed fixedly at the blond hunk Aragorn had just greeted. Wow, he thought, I thought all elf males would be sissy-looking and girly like the one that has a 'thing' for Granger. But this one's just bloody fine! Sure, he may have long hair, but it just accentuates his masculine features, if that's possible!
The professor openly admired the elf's lean, muscular body emphasized by the tight clothes that were apparently typical garb for the elf race. He'd thought only Legolas wore it to show off his elven qualities, such as tallness, muscularity, and just because it went well with the hair. On Legolas, the clothes looked positively feminine, but on that other elf…Severus stopped his thoughts before he began drooling. The feelings rushing around in his veins were not easy to ignore, as they would soon be visible to everyone nearby.
Well, maybe not, he thought, my robes are pretty loose, perhaps no one will be able to tell. He didn't want to take that chance, however, so reluctantly tore his gaze away from the gorgeous elf.
I'd just be kidding myself, Severus thought. Why would a handsome creature like that want with a greasy potions master from a different realm?
* * *
Haldir was relieved to see Elessar unharmed, especially after he told them that they'd just come through Moria.
He tried to keep up a consistent dialogue with the Man-Who-Would-Be-King, but the strange man behind him was distracting. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the oddly handsome human's intent stare at him drop suddenly, a slightly guilty look on his face.
Hmmm, Haldir mused, is he interested? If he were, I'd gladly take him up on it! His piercing dark eyes intrigue me. Maybe he'd even let me wash his hair!
The elf controlled his thoughts. No, he considered, after having only Legolas to represent our race, he probably has false impressions of elves. So why would a cute man like that want an elf?
* * *
Severus observed his new lust-object through his peripheral vision. Was he just looking at me? He hoped so. That creature was the finest thing Severus had ever seen in either realm.
As Haldir greeted the Prince of Mirkwood, Severus chanced another look at the stranger. The elf clearly glanced at him for a moment, then seemed to remember he was talking to Legolas and looked back at the other elf.
Severus's heart leapt.
* * *
Once Haldir had greeted the two most important guests, he met the others. The elf said 'hello' to the Middle-Earthlings first. When he'd finished, he asked to meet the strangers.
An expression of mixed sorrow and amusement crossed Haldir's face when he saw Harry's hat. Hermione and Ron were so awed by all of the elves standing around them, they didn't hear Aragorn call them to be introduced. After dragging both youngsters over to where Haldir was, Aragorn introduced Ron and Legolas did the same for Hermione. The girl seemed so small next to the two elves. Not to mention the fact that she was embarrassed to have the guy of her dreams standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder. Her face was once again flushed. She gave her two best friends a glare when they couldn't help but giggle at her.
Haldir watched the interaction with amusement, then smiled at Hermione. Taking this as her cue to go, she blushed an even deeper shade of red and quickly walked to where the laughing boys were standing. She shoved both of them in annoyance.
Severus realized it was his turn to be met. Who is going to introduce me? He asked himself, realizing that with Gandalf gone, he had no real high-status friends; the elf was too girly to be a good acquaintance, in his opinion, and the man was even greasier than he was! No matter what status either had, he couldn't become chums with either one. I wonder what status Aragorn holds. He has to have quite a bit to be able to greet an obviously important elf in such a friendly manner. A mystery to ponder…
Disrupting his train of thought, Boromir came up from behind him. "Come along, Professor."
Severus nervously stepped forward to stand in front of the glorious elf. Boromir began to speak; "I Boromir, Steward of Gondor, present Professor Severus Snape of Earth. Professor, this is Haldir, commander of the armies of Lothlorien."
Elf and man stared at each other for a moment, motionless. Then Haldir slowly brought his right hand across his chest so that his hand lay over his heart. Uncertainly, Severus did the same. Haldir slowly nodded hi head once, and the professor quickly followed suit.
The elf spoke, "Greetings, Professor Severus Snape. We welcome you and your students to stay with us for as long as you please."
Oh hell, Severus thought, the way he said my name. It was so perfect! I hope he says it again.
The professor replied, "Thank you, Haldir of Lothlorien. Unfortunately, we must go with the Fellowship. We are greatly in their debt."
A small cry made them both startle out of their gazes. Dobby had been hiding in the shadows, scared of the unusual tallness of the elves. Then his curiosity had gotten the better of him and he had attempted to sneak closer to one of the elves to get a better look. The elf he'd been nearing was slightly startled by the odd creature examining him with such intense eyes. In the typical fashion of elves, his first reflex was to draw an arrow, nock it point it at Dobby's head faster than the house elf had time to realize the tall creature had noticed him. The deadly weapon aimed at his head had made Dobby cry out. Harry, seeing the murderous look in his interrupted professor's eyes, quickly dragged Dobby away.
Turning back to the elf, Severus said, "As I was saying, we will leave with the Fellowship. Although, the house-elf may wish to remain here."
Dobby let out a small squeak and quickly plodded over to the Severus. "If it pleases the professor, Dobby must protect Harry Potter!"
Severus, slightly annoyed at the house-elf's stubbornness, replied, "I am perfectly capable of that. Perhaps you'll learn something here. No doubt it would make a great story for the other house-elves at Hogwarts." The professor realized he was seemingly too nice and civil in comparison to his normal self. Was about to make a snide comment when he remembered that Haldir was watching. He stifled the suggestion of the house-elf's obedience that was on the tip of his tongue.
With a little more coaxing from the others, Dobby finally agreed to remain in Lothlorien, on the condition that the omnipotent author would check up on him occasionally and make sure the elves didn't shoot him.
The elves led the group into Caras Galadhon, the chief city of all elves. They went to see Galadriel, the Lady of Light. When Severus felt Galadriel in his mind, he glanced at her. She was looking back at him. She cast a quick, knowing glance at Haldir, then looked back to him. Then she did something totally unexpected; she gave him a little grin and a wink. Severus felt himself jump in surprise. Maybe what I'm thinking isn't a total loss after all.
* * *
Wow, Haldir thought as he watched the Fellowship and company leave Lothlorien the next day. That was amazing. He and Severus had spent the early evening of yesterday walking through the forest and talking. Eventually, they had gotten tired of talk and started on more physical things, more intimate things. It had been a night to remember. I hope he comes back someday. He saw Severus turn around and wave good-bye. Haldir returned the farewell. I really hope he does.
* * *
Severus was still in a daze. He hadn't really wanted to leave Lothlorien, but he had to keep his word to Gandalf. It was hard to think about his situation at the moment, because all his focus had to go into trying to paddle the elf boat. As a parting gift, Galadriel had given the four Earthlings free passes to Middle-Earth. Apparently, she had connections with the being that had created Middle-Earth, so she could give those things out. Severus thought hopeful thoughts and, as his arms got into a rhythmic swing he didn't really have to think about, he let his mind drift to thoughts of Haldir in those tight pants.
