A/N: And once again this chapter begins with the HP world. Please read and review! I hope you like it!
Remus Lupin was not the happiest of wizards. It had been a few days since the last full moon, the Death Eaters had eluded them and he was tired and hungry. He had long lines on his pale face, dark circles under his eyes and he could swear he had some new grey hairs on his head. His friend and partner Sirius Black was in slightly the same state, although instead of being quiet he was cursing the two Death Eaters to high heaven. The past few days had not boated well for the pair.
"Sirius, I think we should rest. It's getting late and the Death Eater's will most likely be resting as well," said Remus, looking at his friend.
Sirius swore loudly before turning to his friend, taking in the exhaustion that Remus portrayed. They did need to rest. "Alright, but at dawn we move. I want to actually see them tomorrow." He said.
Remus nodded before settling himself down at the base of a tree, taking in the deep Irish forest and the clean air. He closed his eyes halfway and prepared to depart into the land of Nod. Sirius sat beside him, slightly more alert than he. As Remus found sleep coming to him, the blissful darkness that would send him sweet dreams, he heard a noise from above. It was the sound of a bird; most likely an owl and it came from directly above them. Opening his eyes and lifting his head, Remus found that indeed it was an owl, one he recognized as a school owl from Hogwarts. Wondering why a Hogwarts owl was in this part of Ireland, as he knew that he had not sent anything to Hermione in a month or so, he stood and gazed up at the circling scavenger. Sirius followed his movements, coming to stand beside him. As they were now in plain sight of the feathered messenger, the owl swooped down and landing on Sirius' out-stretched arm. It extended its right leg, showing a parchment letter tied to it with a piece of twine. Sirius used his free hand to un-tie the letter and once it was safely in his hand the owl took off back to Hogwarts.
"What does it say Sirius?" asked Remus, rubbing his eyes.
"It's from McGonagall. She says that Hermione is sick and overwhelmed by her Head duties and can not do any research for us." Said Sirius, scanning the letter. "It doesn't say anything more accept that we should be at the meeting in two weeks."
"That's odd. Hermione would never stop helping the Order for any reason; be it illness or other commitments." Said Remus, looking over Sirius' shoulder to read the letter himself.
"I know, but we're not at the school now. We don't know what's going on there so much as with Hermione." said Sirius.
"This is an odd letter. It doesn't hold any of Minerva's authority. It seems, almost sad in the way she had worded it," said Remus, taking it out of Sirius' grasp and reading it over. "Something's wrong here."
"If something's wrong with Hermione than something might be wrong with Harry. They're usually getting into trouble together," said Sirius, pacing back and forth.
"Could be,"
"We should go. No, we ARE going. Screw this mission and screw the Death Eaters. Something is defiantly wrong here and I want to know what it is." Sirius said walking in the direction they had just come.
"Sirius, we've been tracking these two for weeks, we can't stop now," protested Remus.
"I know that, but I want the truth. Besides, if something happens to Harry, Ron or Hermione it usually involves the Dark Lord," said Sirius.
"Sirius, Sirius, Padfoot!" said Remus as his friend walked back through the woods, destroying weeks of work and careful planning. They had spent quite a good deal of time preparing for the Death Eater meeting that had been held a few months prior to their woody excursion. The pair had carefully eavesdropped on the meeting, only to discover that two of the Death Eaters, Nott and Leason, were coming to Ireland to retrieve something for Voldemort. They weren't sure of what it was and what it was for, as the term used was foreign to their ears. None the less they had followed, packing supplies and taking careful precautions. They had followed their apparition into the outskirts of a small town and only for a week or so had they been following them in the woods. Now, so close to succession, Sirius had derailed everything they had worked for. It wasn't to say that Remus wasn't concerned for Hermione. He had taught her and knew that nothing would keep her away from class, her studies or anything else that involved a book and a trip to the library. This news was somewhat startling, but perhaps their was a logical explanation. Hermione might have been persuaded by Harry or Ron that she had taken on too much and should take a break. Cold season was still present so a slight bug was understandable. Yet there was something odd about the whole situation. Remus could smell it.
*
When prepared to depart from the Hornburg, the company gathered in the main hall of Helms Deep. Hermione had previously sent out a letter to her friends, telling them that she was alright and reminding them to study for their NEWTS. At present she sat anxiously on her horse, waiting patiently for the party chosen to set out to assemble and prepare themselves. The plan of action, so to speak, was to set out for Isengard, at the orders of Gandalf. The women and children of Edoras were to prepare to leave with the remaining guards who were staying behind to burry the bodies of the dead and burn the decaying Uruk-hai. A little ways away from the bodies, however, stood possibly one of the oddest things Hermione had ever encountered. It was a small forest, blocking their way out. It was similar to the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts, just as dense and foreboding and full of things that may or may not be dangerous to un-suspecting wanderers. However, the forest, while similar to the one in the world of Hogwarts, was actually more like a piece of Fangorn planted in front of the deeping wall. Hermione half suspected Merry and Pippin to wander out and wave cheerily to them, wondering what adventures had occurred in their absence. However, the forest lied still and quiet, not a noise of either bird or beast, and certainty not that of a hobbit, came from the wood.
"My lady, you have faired well in this war," said a voice from her side, that of Gandalf the White.
"I fair not well enough," Hermione answered.
"If the blood of your father flows through you, than you will fair far better than most ever will," said Gandalf.
"Your words hold wisdom that I will never amount to, but I cannot help but wonder if these moments I spend with the ones I love should be treasured, for they could be their last," said Hermione, head bowed.
"That, my lady, does hold wisdom that is well beyond your age. Even in times of peace, one must live every day as if it were their last. Life would be nothing without the chances we take," said Gandalf.
"Yes," Hermione said, her eyes cast downward on her hands.
"Do not worry, for though the road is perilous, the Valar will ensure the safety of all,"
Hermione nodded at his sagely words, rising her head from its bowed position and her eyes from their spot on Anya's white coat. Just then Théoden, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli rode up beside her and the Istar, heads held high as they prepared for the journey ahead. After moments pause Théoden rode ahead, signaling the beginning of the ride of Isengard. After minutes of riding, Théoden pulled his horse to a halt in front of the cluster of trees. Rising his hand, the rest of the party stood still behind him, waiting for his orders.
"Who could have put these trees here?" asked Gimli from his position behind Legolas on Arod.
"The forest...feels familiar. As if I have wondered under it's twisted bows before," said Legolas, scanning the thick brush slowly.
"We march on, through the wood!" cried Théoden a little ways away from Hermione.
Théoden rode forward at a slow, almost wary pace. The dark aura of the forest was almost frightening, the origin of the trees unknown, and as such the king was to take extra care in how he handled the ride through it. The others followed him obediently, taking the same steady pace so as not to arouse anything that might lurk in the darkness. Hermione, who was not far behind the king, stayed close to Legolas as the forest itself brought back horrid memories of previous excursions in dark woods that resembled one such as this.
"Horrible trees. I would like nothing better than to cut them all down and rid us of this sickening feeling," mumbled Gimli, gripping his axe in his steel grasp.
The feeling of cold and despair was what gripped the riders, wrapping around their hearts like a cloak and freezing them down to the blood in their veins. Hermione felt it clearly, and though her elven blood prevented such feelings from manifesting as prolonged periods in the wood would certainly do to the humans, she could sense magic in the trees, a magic that was eerily familiar to her.
"Thank god we're out of there. I would have gone mad if we stayed further," said Gimli, looking back with distaste as they rode out of the wood.
"It reminded me so much of the Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts. Although it was far darker, it reminds me of all the time I spent in it," Hermione said almost wistfully, banishing the bad memories for ones of a more cheerful state; those of the last year spent wondering the forest during unoccupied class time.
"Fangorn. This wood is like a piece of Fangorn deposited in our path, though how still puzzles me," said Legolas, recognition dawning on his princely features.
The party continued to ride until the mass of trees became as such, a mass of green, black and brown in the path of the Hornburg. As they moved farther away, Legolas glanced back, eyes looking almost sadly at the forest which so entranced him. In doing so, he caught another pair of eyes starring back at him. Large yellow orbs gazed back at the elf, though unseen to any eye but his own and that of Hermione.
"Eyes! There are eyes in the trees!" he called, causing the riders to turn and look in his line of vision.
As they did, Legolas turned Arod and began to ride off, back towards the wood. Gimli loudly protested this move; as his position behind Legolas was one he was know regretting. Hermione looked at where Legolas' gaze still rested, and saw a large shape, tall and stiff emerge from the wood. It's long arms grazed the ground and it's long body resembled that of a tree trunk. As Legolas took the first few steps away from the group, Gandalf called him back.
"Stay Legolas Greenleaf," he said, causing the elf to halt. As he did, the creature returned to the wood from whence it came. "Do not go to the wood. That was an Ent, a Shepard of the Forest, and he is merely there for protection."
"Keep moving!" cried Eomer from the front.
Hermione waited as Legolas came back to ride in pace with her and the rest of the group, smiling at him as he did so. Gimli seemed extremely pleased at Gandalf interference, as being carted off against his will was not something he wanted to experience.
The group rode on for the duration of the day and for most of the night, and only came to rest when midnight had settled. Camp was set by the river Isen, horses fed and watered, and meals were eaten. As everyone settled in for the night, watches having been taken and guards keeping a lookout over the surrounding area, Hermione stood on the outskirts of camp, sleep having not come to the young witch. Her gaze was upon the sky, it's black canvas littered with stars. High above she saw Erendil, it's form glowing brightly against the dark. Her garments and hair flowed in the light breeze and her thoughts, so caught up in the heavens, and came to rest on the evening star. Her mother rested safely in Rivendell and would hopefully remain there whilst other elves made for the Havens. After all, though her grandfather felt indifference towards her father, to deny Arwen Hermione would only add to the wall that was slowly building around the pair.
Elrond loved his daughter, and though he disapproved of her relationship with his adopted son, he softened his resolve when Hermione was born. He allowed Arwen to stay in Rivendell after the birth instead of sending her back to her grandparents in Lorien and tolerated Aragorn's visits when he was informed of Hermione's birth. He aided in her rearing and became a tutor before she was accepted into Hogwarts, to the surprise of her family. No one save Gandalf knew of the possibility of other worlds besides their own, and upon the arrival of Hermione's first owl he told them all he knew. Hermione had been delighted to study magic save that of the elves and listened to Gandalf's instructions on how to pass between the worlds. A meeting had been held with the headmaster of the school and glamour fashioned so as to blend in with the other students. Though after the first year of study her family was wary of letting her return, they complied to her requests and she continued her education.
As she grew, so did her skill, and at times she was found to be having lengthy conversations with her grandfather that, were she a normal elfling, would have been over her head. By the time she turned fourteen, when she returned for her two month holiday, she had confided in her mother the horrors of the previous year. After much discussion between the members of her family, Aragorn being dead set against her having any such dealings in a world where a dark lord now ran ramped, she returned. It had been during that summer that she had met Legolas who had come with Aragorn during one of his visits. He had found her sitting in the courtyard, a book on her lap, robin's egg dress flowing around her, and found his breath taken away. He had engaged her in conversation, and upon learning that this was indeed the daughter of Estel and Evenstar, saw the resemblance almost uncanny. At the time, love was something that had yet to manifest and was then a dream.
When one learns of their darling child, or in this case grandchildren, encounter with love the immediate thought is to lock up said child until they are middle aged. This was not the case with Lord Elrond. He had indeed been shocked upon learning of Hermione's feelings for some young man and his thoughts had immediately fled to the two boys she spent her time with or the suitor that she had softly let down from the world she was schooled at, but it was not so. Indeed, Elrond actually became quite happy upon finding that his granddaughter was enamored with the Prince of Mirkwood and had made no means to stop their courtship. Surprisingly he welcomed it. Any such alliance between the two elven realms was in the past, unthinkable, even when the young prince had a friendship with young Estel. Now, as loved bloomed between the two houses, the once unlikely alliance seemed possible.
For the pair in question, courting seemed to be a challenge unto it's own. Hermione found herself lying to her friends whenever she wrote to Legolas in long, detailed letters, instead saying they were for Victor. She made no mention of any time spent with the seeker during the summer, and instead made any such reference, no matter how small, of her elven love to that of Victor Krum. While she felt guilty of misleading her friends, she felt it imperative if her relationship with Legolas was to continue. Luckily he understood completely.
Of course, many challenges came her way, much to the worry of her loved ones. At the end of fifth year when she was shut up in the hospital wing forcing down potions that she did not need during her stay, it took much persuading on Elrond's part to convince both Legolas and Aragorn to not barge into the school and take Hermione back home as soon as they had received notice. Hermione herself was silently wishing they had, for she had to keep up and act of pain lest the school nurse be suspect. After the blast she had received, only a few days in the infirmary would be widely questioned. Only the headmaster had known of her true health, which after a few days became once again impeccable. Many battles over the last year which she had been dragged to caused the same amount of worry, and she feared that her small slip ups during said battles may have been noticed by not only her opponents, but by her companions as well. However, this time, when she received her customary letter from Legolas at the beginning of the year, the information she had received had told her to not interfere, to remain where it was relatively safe and her mother, father and grandfather had insisted as well. Elrond, by this time, knew of his granddaughter's position and, though proud, was not at all pleased. At least she was not gallivanting off with mortals.
"Ada,"
"Yes Arwen,"
"What of Hermione?"
Elrond sighed. He knew this would happen, as during the conversation he had previously had with his daughter, her child had not been mentioned. "She is safe,"
Arwen's eyes narrowed, "You know of what I speak,"
"She is safe Arwen. You should be leaving soon," said Elrond, eyes closed.
"I will not leave without my daughter. She is attached to this world and the people in it. I will not leave without her," Arwen, fury evident in her voice though she remained calm.
"She is not a child Arwen. She has chosen her path," said Elrond, turning to face her.
"She is my child. I will not leave,"
"She will not follow your path! While you dabble with the question of mortality she has already chosen the path of her people. She loves him Arwen," he said, his voice turning soft.
"I know,"
"She will not leave him when this war is over. You know this,"
"Ada, what do you see?" Arwen asked somewhat timidly.
Elrond sighed, gazing into his daughter's eyes. "The choice that was once presented to my brother and I by the Valar will be given to her. Her abilities speak for themselves and they will not let that pass with death," he said as he saw a lone tear form in Arwen's eye. "She will choose an immortal life, Arwen. She will carry with her all she knows and all her power forever. Despite the mortality that lingers within her, her heart will choose the life you are thinking of leaving."
Arwen turned away from her father. She knew her daughter would not be overlooked by the Valar that her power that was something akin to that of Galadriel would be taken into account. She had much mortality within her, from both sides of her family, and if not given the chance that Elrond foretold she would eventually die. Of course, death for one with such talent would be a waste and so she would have to make the decision that Elrond had had to make so many years ago: to be mortal or immortal.
"Where is she ada?" she asked, turning to look at her father once more.
"She is journeying with the more capable members of the fellowship. They ride towards Isengard. It seemed that willing her to remain at Hogwarts was futile,"
"Isengard," Arwen breathed. "How is she?"
"I have received word from Haldir," said Elrond, glancing at her daughter who was waiting with bated breath. "She is fine,"
Arwen breathed a sigh of relief. Though she was not pleased with her daughter's absence from school, learning that she was alright was enough to keep her from a far greater worry that currently gripped her. How could she leave now? How could she desert her daughter in this time? Though Elrond would undoubtedly make Hermione journey to the Grey Havens once the war was over, if she survived, Hermione would be torn just as she was. To leave with her people, or to stay with the ranger that she loved. It seemed that in all of Middle Earth, three elves suffered inner turmoil. While Arwen and Hermione did not want to leave Aragorn for family reasons, both loved him and he completed their family, Legolas would lose his best friend if he sailed away. His heart would break if he left Hermione, as would her own if he left her, and neither would leave Aragorn. Arwen knew that though he daughter would choose the path of the Eldar, her love for her mortal father would keep her from sailing in into the west.
"She will not leave ada,"
Elrond turned his head, questioning etched upon his ageless face at his daughter's words. "Who will not?"
"Hermione. You say she will take the path of elves, but her love for Aragorn, her father, will keep her here. You will not be able to make her sail."
"Arwen-"
"No. She will not leave by your bidding. Neither of us will. I love him ada, as does she. Legolas loves them both and not even Sauron could make him desert them. We will no sail, I will not sail," said Arwen, her tone firm.
"I will not let you stay here and die. You are leaving. When you are gone, Legolas and Hermione will follow. Prepare to depart Arwen Undomeil, for this is your last journey,"
With a fiery stare Arwen fled the room. Despite her words Elrond would force her to leave. A watch would be kept upon her until she departed Rivendell and unless her was proven otherwise, his decision would not change. Cloak in place, her horse ready, she began her steady trot flanked by two other elves carrying lanterns. Night lay heavy and the soundless creatures moved away from the house known as Imladris. Looking up, her face impassive and blank, she gazed at her father who looked out from his place on a balcony. She shed no tears, she said no words, but broke his heart with a single look. When he could no longer see his daughter, when the elves had vanished into the night, Elrond began to wonder if this was indeed the right path for his daughter, if maybe there was some other way.
*
Darkness crept over the camp, rolling from either sides of the river towards the riders who were now alert with fear. Mist was settled around them and the two towering shadows loomed over the company. Gandalf instructed that they remain still and as they did the earth shook with a tremor and voices lied upon the air. Whispers, sighs and faceless murmurs passed around them as the darkness moved northward. Long it seemed that they sat and stood, fear gripping their hearts with it's iron hand, until the dark passed into the mountain and the voices ceased and the mist receded.
"What was that?" Hermione breathed, looking over the camp at the frightened faces of the riders.
Her question, however, was not answered, for the company began to whisper their own in worrisome tones and the watch moved back. All were wide-eyed and not one slept. When she neared her companions, the four standing together tightly, Legolas pulled her to him, arms around her waist. Aragorn moved closer to her and Gimli fingered his axe nervously. It seemed that the unknown darkness had brought upon worry in them as well.
The riders slept little for the rest of the evening and only one stranger and questioning thing occurred: the river awoke. There had been the sound of rushing water, fast moving down the stones and when it passed the once dry Isen was full once more. All was silent until morning when they rode out to the dry and weedy acres that was now Isengard. Saruman and his servants had destroyed the land that was once green and fertile to the now charred and barren landscape that met Hermione's eyes. Before them, nestled in the Wizards Vale was what men called Isengard. It's tall, spire-like tower with its many halls and corridors was surrounded by a circular wall constructed of the same black stone like that of the tower. Smoke billowed out from behind the wall and the once white hand that stood atop a pillar was stained with something to the likings of blood.
As they followed Gandalf through the iron gates, Hermione saw a large pile of black stone rubble that had been seemingly broken off from its home. Lying on the pile, amidst empty bowls and platters, blowing smoke rings from wooden pipes were two figures with sleepy smiles across their faces. At the companies approach, one figure rose, nudging the other with his foot. Opening his arms he sleepily spoke:
"Welcome my lords," he began before spying Hermione amidst the men. "And lady, to Isengard!" Once again he nudged the other with his foot, finally succeeding in arousing him from his slumber.
"A fine hunt you have led us, and now here we find you feasting and idling-and smoking!" cried Gimli in a mixture of joy and outrage.
"We are merely enjoying the spoils of our hard work. We are on orders from Treebeard who has taken over management of Isengard," he said.
"Has he. I wish to speak with him. Come master Meriadoc, you too master Peregrin," said Gandalf, turning his horse.
Aragorn nimbly lifted Merry off the stone and placed him carefully behind Hermione, then repeated the action with Pippin on his own horse. As she rode, Hermione could feel the hobbit fidget behind her. Weather or not it was because of the horse or his close proximity to an elven lady was questionable. After all, Hermione had been told in one of the first letters she had received from Legolas of the hobbit's rather shy behavior towards the elves, especially towards Arwen and the other lady's present.
Upon finding Treebeard, Gandalf spoke a few words with the Ent and learned of the happenings in Isengard since he had been there last. He found that Saruman and his servant Wormtounge were held up in the tower and had not been seen in many hours.
"If he will not come down than I must go up. I wish to have a farewell visit," said Gandalf
"I will go as well, for I feel no peril anymore and wish to speak to the enemy who has done me so much wrong. Eomer shall come with me," said Théoden.
"As you will. Aragorn shall come with me as well. The rest will stay here and await us," said Gandalf.
"Nay! Legolas and I will go with you as we alone represent our kindreds," said Gimli.
"Hermione, I assume it would be fruitless to ask you to remain here?" asked Aragorn, looking at his daughter.
"I think it is high time the wizard met the witch," said Hermione, smirking.
With a nod they rode to the foot of Orthanc where they dismounted. The hobbits remained on the stairs while the others climbed up towards the door. Upon reaching it Gandalf rapped on it loudly with his staff, a hallowing ringing echoing throughout.
"Saruman! Saruman come forth!" he cried.
For some time there was not answer until a window above the door was opened and an oily voice, familiar to the travelers, spoke down to them. "What is it? What do you wish?"
"Go and fetch Saruman, Wormtounge," Gandalf instructed.
Moments passed before the door opened. However, there was no figure that greeted them, only a voice that so enchanted them it almost seemed that it was like that of a spell. As the spell held, they did not hear his coming nor noticed his presence until a minute later. Swathed in dirty white robes, dark eyes glowering, stood Saruman.
"Well, what do we have here?"
A/N: Firstly, I have to say, SORRY!!!!!! I am so sorry for the time in-between this update and now. Sorry!!!!!!
Ok, now that that's over with, I have a few things to say:
1) I wrote this, or at least began to, before OotP, so lets just say Sirius survived the Department of Mysteries.
2) I know I changed some things when they met Saruman, but...artistic license I guess…
3) Yes, I have seen RotK, so if some quotes sound familiar in this chapter than I might have taken some from the film unknowingly.
Now that that's over, I hope you liked it. The next one will not take as long…hopefully...I hope you enjoyed the bit on Hermione's background. I hope it answered any questions you might have had…it also makes the story flow better. And yes, finally there was some Arwen in this fic.
Thank You's('cause I love you people):
AliasVixen- sorry it took so long. Thanx!
Heidi- thanx!
Jenelf- thank you so much!
Celina- I'm trying to stop using so many quotes. See? Thanx!
silver-dragon- thanx!
Guardian angel of wolves- thanx!
Lazy butt- thanx! As you can see, I did!
PsychoticNetJunkie- thax! Sorry it took so long.
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Maethoriell Uini Tawar- thanx! I explained that, as you can see.
Remus Lupin was not the happiest of wizards. It had been a few days since the last full moon, the Death Eaters had eluded them and he was tired and hungry. He had long lines on his pale face, dark circles under his eyes and he could swear he had some new grey hairs on his head. His friend and partner Sirius Black was in slightly the same state, although instead of being quiet he was cursing the two Death Eaters to high heaven. The past few days had not boated well for the pair.
"Sirius, I think we should rest. It's getting late and the Death Eater's will most likely be resting as well," said Remus, looking at his friend.
Sirius swore loudly before turning to his friend, taking in the exhaustion that Remus portrayed. They did need to rest. "Alright, but at dawn we move. I want to actually see them tomorrow." He said.
Remus nodded before settling himself down at the base of a tree, taking in the deep Irish forest and the clean air. He closed his eyes halfway and prepared to depart into the land of Nod. Sirius sat beside him, slightly more alert than he. As Remus found sleep coming to him, the blissful darkness that would send him sweet dreams, he heard a noise from above. It was the sound of a bird; most likely an owl and it came from directly above them. Opening his eyes and lifting his head, Remus found that indeed it was an owl, one he recognized as a school owl from Hogwarts. Wondering why a Hogwarts owl was in this part of Ireland, as he knew that he had not sent anything to Hermione in a month or so, he stood and gazed up at the circling scavenger. Sirius followed his movements, coming to stand beside him. As they were now in plain sight of the feathered messenger, the owl swooped down and landing on Sirius' out-stretched arm. It extended its right leg, showing a parchment letter tied to it with a piece of twine. Sirius used his free hand to un-tie the letter and once it was safely in his hand the owl took off back to Hogwarts.
"What does it say Sirius?" asked Remus, rubbing his eyes.
"It's from McGonagall. She says that Hermione is sick and overwhelmed by her Head duties and can not do any research for us." Said Sirius, scanning the letter. "It doesn't say anything more accept that we should be at the meeting in two weeks."
"That's odd. Hermione would never stop helping the Order for any reason; be it illness or other commitments." Said Remus, looking over Sirius' shoulder to read the letter himself.
"I know, but we're not at the school now. We don't know what's going on there so much as with Hermione." said Sirius.
"This is an odd letter. It doesn't hold any of Minerva's authority. It seems, almost sad in the way she had worded it," said Remus, taking it out of Sirius' grasp and reading it over. "Something's wrong here."
"If something's wrong with Hermione than something might be wrong with Harry. They're usually getting into trouble together," said Sirius, pacing back and forth.
"Could be,"
"We should go. No, we ARE going. Screw this mission and screw the Death Eaters. Something is defiantly wrong here and I want to know what it is." Sirius said walking in the direction they had just come.
"Sirius, we've been tracking these two for weeks, we can't stop now," protested Remus.
"I know that, but I want the truth. Besides, if something happens to Harry, Ron or Hermione it usually involves the Dark Lord," said Sirius.
"Sirius, Sirius, Padfoot!" said Remus as his friend walked back through the woods, destroying weeks of work and careful planning. They had spent quite a good deal of time preparing for the Death Eater meeting that had been held a few months prior to their woody excursion. The pair had carefully eavesdropped on the meeting, only to discover that two of the Death Eaters, Nott and Leason, were coming to Ireland to retrieve something for Voldemort. They weren't sure of what it was and what it was for, as the term used was foreign to their ears. None the less they had followed, packing supplies and taking careful precautions. They had followed their apparition into the outskirts of a small town and only for a week or so had they been following them in the woods. Now, so close to succession, Sirius had derailed everything they had worked for. It wasn't to say that Remus wasn't concerned for Hermione. He had taught her and knew that nothing would keep her away from class, her studies or anything else that involved a book and a trip to the library. This news was somewhat startling, but perhaps their was a logical explanation. Hermione might have been persuaded by Harry or Ron that she had taken on too much and should take a break. Cold season was still present so a slight bug was understandable. Yet there was something odd about the whole situation. Remus could smell it.
*
When prepared to depart from the Hornburg, the company gathered in the main hall of Helms Deep. Hermione had previously sent out a letter to her friends, telling them that she was alright and reminding them to study for their NEWTS. At present she sat anxiously on her horse, waiting patiently for the party chosen to set out to assemble and prepare themselves. The plan of action, so to speak, was to set out for Isengard, at the orders of Gandalf. The women and children of Edoras were to prepare to leave with the remaining guards who were staying behind to burry the bodies of the dead and burn the decaying Uruk-hai. A little ways away from the bodies, however, stood possibly one of the oddest things Hermione had ever encountered. It was a small forest, blocking their way out. It was similar to the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts, just as dense and foreboding and full of things that may or may not be dangerous to un-suspecting wanderers. However, the forest, while similar to the one in the world of Hogwarts, was actually more like a piece of Fangorn planted in front of the deeping wall. Hermione half suspected Merry and Pippin to wander out and wave cheerily to them, wondering what adventures had occurred in their absence. However, the forest lied still and quiet, not a noise of either bird or beast, and certainty not that of a hobbit, came from the wood.
"My lady, you have faired well in this war," said a voice from her side, that of Gandalf the White.
"I fair not well enough," Hermione answered.
"If the blood of your father flows through you, than you will fair far better than most ever will," said Gandalf.
"Your words hold wisdom that I will never amount to, but I cannot help but wonder if these moments I spend with the ones I love should be treasured, for they could be their last," said Hermione, head bowed.
"That, my lady, does hold wisdom that is well beyond your age. Even in times of peace, one must live every day as if it were their last. Life would be nothing without the chances we take," said Gandalf.
"Yes," Hermione said, her eyes cast downward on her hands.
"Do not worry, for though the road is perilous, the Valar will ensure the safety of all,"
Hermione nodded at his sagely words, rising her head from its bowed position and her eyes from their spot on Anya's white coat. Just then Théoden, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli rode up beside her and the Istar, heads held high as they prepared for the journey ahead. After moments pause Théoden rode ahead, signaling the beginning of the ride of Isengard. After minutes of riding, Théoden pulled his horse to a halt in front of the cluster of trees. Rising his hand, the rest of the party stood still behind him, waiting for his orders.
"Who could have put these trees here?" asked Gimli from his position behind Legolas on Arod.
"The forest...feels familiar. As if I have wondered under it's twisted bows before," said Legolas, scanning the thick brush slowly.
"We march on, through the wood!" cried Théoden a little ways away from Hermione.
Théoden rode forward at a slow, almost wary pace. The dark aura of the forest was almost frightening, the origin of the trees unknown, and as such the king was to take extra care in how he handled the ride through it. The others followed him obediently, taking the same steady pace so as not to arouse anything that might lurk in the darkness. Hermione, who was not far behind the king, stayed close to Legolas as the forest itself brought back horrid memories of previous excursions in dark woods that resembled one such as this.
"Horrible trees. I would like nothing better than to cut them all down and rid us of this sickening feeling," mumbled Gimli, gripping his axe in his steel grasp.
The feeling of cold and despair was what gripped the riders, wrapping around their hearts like a cloak and freezing them down to the blood in their veins. Hermione felt it clearly, and though her elven blood prevented such feelings from manifesting as prolonged periods in the wood would certainly do to the humans, she could sense magic in the trees, a magic that was eerily familiar to her.
"Thank god we're out of there. I would have gone mad if we stayed further," said Gimli, looking back with distaste as they rode out of the wood.
"It reminded me so much of the Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts. Although it was far darker, it reminds me of all the time I spent in it," Hermione said almost wistfully, banishing the bad memories for ones of a more cheerful state; those of the last year spent wondering the forest during unoccupied class time.
"Fangorn. This wood is like a piece of Fangorn deposited in our path, though how still puzzles me," said Legolas, recognition dawning on his princely features.
The party continued to ride until the mass of trees became as such, a mass of green, black and brown in the path of the Hornburg. As they moved farther away, Legolas glanced back, eyes looking almost sadly at the forest which so entranced him. In doing so, he caught another pair of eyes starring back at him. Large yellow orbs gazed back at the elf, though unseen to any eye but his own and that of Hermione.
"Eyes! There are eyes in the trees!" he called, causing the riders to turn and look in his line of vision.
As they did, Legolas turned Arod and began to ride off, back towards the wood. Gimli loudly protested this move; as his position behind Legolas was one he was know regretting. Hermione looked at where Legolas' gaze still rested, and saw a large shape, tall and stiff emerge from the wood. It's long arms grazed the ground and it's long body resembled that of a tree trunk. As Legolas took the first few steps away from the group, Gandalf called him back.
"Stay Legolas Greenleaf," he said, causing the elf to halt. As he did, the creature returned to the wood from whence it came. "Do not go to the wood. That was an Ent, a Shepard of the Forest, and he is merely there for protection."
"Keep moving!" cried Eomer from the front.
Hermione waited as Legolas came back to ride in pace with her and the rest of the group, smiling at him as he did so. Gimli seemed extremely pleased at Gandalf interference, as being carted off against his will was not something he wanted to experience.
The group rode on for the duration of the day and for most of the night, and only came to rest when midnight had settled. Camp was set by the river Isen, horses fed and watered, and meals were eaten. As everyone settled in for the night, watches having been taken and guards keeping a lookout over the surrounding area, Hermione stood on the outskirts of camp, sleep having not come to the young witch. Her gaze was upon the sky, it's black canvas littered with stars. High above she saw Erendil, it's form glowing brightly against the dark. Her garments and hair flowed in the light breeze and her thoughts, so caught up in the heavens, and came to rest on the evening star. Her mother rested safely in Rivendell and would hopefully remain there whilst other elves made for the Havens. After all, though her grandfather felt indifference towards her father, to deny Arwen Hermione would only add to the wall that was slowly building around the pair.
Elrond loved his daughter, and though he disapproved of her relationship with his adopted son, he softened his resolve when Hermione was born. He allowed Arwen to stay in Rivendell after the birth instead of sending her back to her grandparents in Lorien and tolerated Aragorn's visits when he was informed of Hermione's birth. He aided in her rearing and became a tutor before she was accepted into Hogwarts, to the surprise of her family. No one save Gandalf knew of the possibility of other worlds besides their own, and upon the arrival of Hermione's first owl he told them all he knew. Hermione had been delighted to study magic save that of the elves and listened to Gandalf's instructions on how to pass between the worlds. A meeting had been held with the headmaster of the school and glamour fashioned so as to blend in with the other students. Though after the first year of study her family was wary of letting her return, they complied to her requests and she continued her education.
As she grew, so did her skill, and at times she was found to be having lengthy conversations with her grandfather that, were she a normal elfling, would have been over her head. By the time she turned fourteen, when she returned for her two month holiday, she had confided in her mother the horrors of the previous year. After much discussion between the members of her family, Aragorn being dead set against her having any such dealings in a world where a dark lord now ran ramped, she returned. It had been during that summer that she had met Legolas who had come with Aragorn during one of his visits. He had found her sitting in the courtyard, a book on her lap, robin's egg dress flowing around her, and found his breath taken away. He had engaged her in conversation, and upon learning that this was indeed the daughter of Estel and Evenstar, saw the resemblance almost uncanny. At the time, love was something that had yet to manifest and was then a dream.
When one learns of their darling child, or in this case grandchildren, encounter with love the immediate thought is to lock up said child until they are middle aged. This was not the case with Lord Elrond. He had indeed been shocked upon learning of Hermione's feelings for some young man and his thoughts had immediately fled to the two boys she spent her time with or the suitor that she had softly let down from the world she was schooled at, but it was not so. Indeed, Elrond actually became quite happy upon finding that his granddaughter was enamored with the Prince of Mirkwood and had made no means to stop their courtship. Surprisingly he welcomed it. Any such alliance between the two elven realms was in the past, unthinkable, even when the young prince had a friendship with young Estel. Now, as loved bloomed between the two houses, the once unlikely alliance seemed possible.
For the pair in question, courting seemed to be a challenge unto it's own. Hermione found herself lying to her friends whenever she wrote to Legolas in long, detailed letters, instead saying they were for Victor. She made no mention of any time spent with the seeker during the summer, and instead made any such reference, no matter how small, of her elven love to that of Victor Krum. While she felt guilty of misleading her friends, she felt it imperative if her relationship with Legolas was to continue. Luckily he understood completely.
Of course, many challenges came her way, much to the worry of her loved ones. At the end of fifth year when she was shut up in the hospital wing forcing down potions that she did not need during her stay, it took much persuading on Elrond's part to convince both Legolas and Aragorn to not barge into the school and take Hermione back home as soon as they had received notice. Hermione herself was silently wishing they had, for she had to keep up and act of pain lest the school nurse be suspect. After the blast she had received, only a few days in the infirmary would be widely questioned. Only the headmaster had known of her true health, which after a few days became once again impeccable. Many battles over the last year which she had been dragged to caused the same amount of worry, and she feared that her small slip ups during said battles may have been noticed by not only her opponents, but by her companions as well. However, this time, when she received her customary letter from Legolas at the beginning of the year, the information she had received had told her to not interfere, to remain where it was relatively safe and her mother, father and grandfather had insisted as well. Elrond, by this time, knew of his granddaughter's position and, though proud, was not at all pleased. At least she was not gallivanting off with mortals.
"Ada,"
"Yes Arwen,"
"What of Hermione?"
Elrond sighed. He knew this would happen, as during the conversation he had previously had with his daughter, her child had not been mentioned. "She is safe,"
Arwen's eyes narrowed, "You know of what I speak,"
"She is safe Arwen. You should be leaving soon," said Elrond, eyes closed.
"I will not leave without my daughter. She is attached to this world and the people in it. I will not leave without her," Arwen, fury evident in her voice though she remained calm.
"She is not a child Arwen. She has chosen her path," said Elrond, turning to face her.
"She is my child. I will not leave,"
"She will not follow your path! While you dabble with the question of mortality she has already chosen the path of her people. She loves him Arwen," he said, his voice turning soft.
"I know,"
"She will not leave him when this war is over. You know this,"
"Ada, what do you see?" Arwen asked somewhat timidly.
Elrond sighed, gazing into his daughter's eyes. "The choice that was once presented to my brother and I by the Valar will be given to her. Her abilities speak for themselves and they will not let that pass with death," he said as he saw a lone tear form in Arwen's eye. "She will choose an immortal life, Arwen. She will carry with her all she knows and all her power forever. Despite the mortality that lingers within her, her heart will choose the life you are thinking of leaving."
Arwen turned away from her father. She knew her daughter would not be overlooked by the Valar that her power that was something akin to that of Galadriel would be taken into account. She had much mortality within her, from both sides of her family, and if not given the chance that Elrond foretold she would eventually die. Of course, death for one with such talent would be a waste and so she would have to make the decision that Elrond had had to make so many years ago: to be mortal or immortal.
"Where is she ada?" she asked, turning to look at her father once more.
"She is journeying with the more capable members of the fellowship. They ride towards Isengard. It seemed that willing her to remain at Hogwarts was futile,"
"Isengard," Arwen breathed. "How is she?"
"I have received word from Haldir," said Elrond, glancing at her daughter who was waiting with bated breath. "She is fine,"
Arwen breathed a sigh of relief. Though she was not pleased with her daughter's absence from school, learning that she was alright was enough to keep her from a far greater worry that currently gripped her. How could she leave now? How could she desert her daughter in this time? Though Elrond would undoubtedly make Hermione journey to the Grey Havens once the war was over, if she survived, Hermione would be torn just as she was. To leave with her people, or to stay with the ranger that she loved. It seemed that in all of Middle Earth, three elves suffered inner turmoil. While Arwen and Hermione did not want to leave Aragorn for family reasons, both loved him and he completed their family, Legolas would lose his best friend if he sailed away. His heart would break if he left Hermione, as would her own if he left her, and neither would leave Aragorn. Arwen knew that though he daughter would choose the path of the Eldar, her love for her mortal father would keep her from sailing in into the west.
"She will not leave ada,"
Elrond turned his head, questioning etched upon his ageless face at his daughter's words. "Who will not?"
"Hermione. You say she will take the path of elves, but her love for Aragorn, her father, will keep her here. You will not be able to make her sail."
"Arwen-"
"No. She will not leave by your bidding. Neither of us will. I love him ada, as does she. Legolas loves them both and not even Sauron could make him desert them. We will no sail, I will not sail," said Arwen, her tone firm.
"I will not let you stay here and die. You are leaving. When you are gone, Legolas and Hermione will follow. Prepare to depart Arwen Undomeil, for this is your last journey,"
With a fiery stare Arwen fled the room. Despite her words Elrond would force her to leave. A watch would be kept upon her until she departed Rivendell and unless her was proven otherwise, his decision would not change. Cloak in place, her horse ready, she began her steady trot flanked by two other elves carrying lanterns. Night lay heavy and the soundless creatures moved away from the house known as Imladris. Looking up, her face impassive and blank, she gazed at her father who looked out from his place on a balcony. She shed no tears, she said no words, but broke his heart with a single look. When he could no longer see his daughter, when the elves had vanished into the night, Elrond began to wonder if this was indeed the right path for his daughter, if maybe there was some other way.
*
Darkness crept over the camp, rolling from either sides of the river towards the riders who were now alert with fear. Mist was settled around them and the two towering shadows loomed over the company. Gandalf instructed that they remain still and as they did the earth shook with a tremor and voices lied upon the air. Whispers, sighs and faceless murmurs passed around them as the darkness moved northward. Long it seemed that they sat and stood, fear gripping their hearts with it's iron hand, until the dark passed into the mountain and the voices ceased and the mist receded.
"What was that?" Hermione breathed, looking over the camp at the frightened faces of the riders.
Her question, however, was not answered, for the company began to whisper their own in worrisome tones and the watch moved back. All were wide-eyed and not one slept. When she neared her companions, the four standing together tightly, Legolas pulled her to him, arms around her waist. Aragorn moved closer to her and Gimli fingered his axe nervously. It seemed that the unknown darkness had brought upon worry in them as well.
The riders slept little for the rest of the evening and only one stranger and questioning thing occurred: the river awoke. There had been the sound of rushing water, fast moving down the stones and when it passed the once dry Isen was full once more. All was silent until morning when they rode out to the dry and weedy acres that was now Isengard. Saruman and his servants had destroyed the land that was once green and fertile to the now charred and barren landscape that met Hermione's eyes. Before them, nestled in the Wizards Vale was what men called Isengard. It's tall, spire-like tower with its many halls and corridors was surrounded by a circular wall constructed of the same black stone like that of the tower. Smoke billowed out from behind the wall and the once white hand that stood atop a pillar was stained with something to the likings of blood.
As they followed Gandalf through the iron gates, Hermione saw a large pile of black stone rubble that had been seemingly broken off from its home. Lying on the pile, amidst empty bowls and platters, blowing smoke rings from wooden pipes were two figures with sleepy smiles across their faces. At the companies approach, one figure rose, nudging the other with his foot. Opening his arms he sleepily spoke:
"Welcome my lords," he began before spying Hermione amidst the men. "And lady, to Isengard!" Once again he nudged the other with his foot, finally succeeding in arousing him from his slumber.
"A fine hunt you have led us, and now here we find you feasting and idling-and smoking!" cried Gimli in a mixture of joy and outrage.
"We are merely enjoying the spoils of our hard work. We are on orders from Treebeard who has taken over management of Isengard," he said.
"Has he. I wish to speak with him. Come master Meriadoc, you too master Peregrin," said Gandalf, turning his horse.
Aragorn nimbly lifted Merry off the stone and placed him carefully behind Hermione, then repeated the action with Pippin on his own horse. As she rode, Hermione could feel the hobbit fidget behind her. Weather or not it was because of the horse or his close proximity to an elven lady was questionable. After all, Hermione had been told in one of the first letters she had received from Legolas of the hobbit's rather shy behavior towards the elves, especially towards Arwen and the other lady's present.
Upon finding Treebeard, Gandalf spoke a few words with the Ent and learned of the happenings in Isengard since he had been there last. He found that Saruman and his servant Wormtounge were held up in the tower and had not been seen in many hours.
"If he will not come down than I must go up. I wish to have a farewell visit," said Gandalf
"I will go as well, for I feel no peril anymore and wish to speak to the enemy who has done me so much wrong. Eomer shall come with me," said Théoden.
"As you will. Aragorn shall come with me as well. The rest will stay here and await us," said Gandalf.
"Nay! Legolas and I will go with you as we alone represent our kindreds," said Gimli.
"Hermione, I assume it would be fruitless to ask you to remain here?" asked Aragorn, looking at his daughter.
"I think it is high time the wizard met the witch," said Hermione, smirking.
With a nod they rode to the foot of Orthanc where they dismounted. The hobbits remained on the stairs while the others climbed up towards the door. Upon reaching it Gandalf rapped on it loudly with his staff, a hallowing ringing echoing throughout.
"Saruman! Saruman come forth!" he cried.
For some time there was not answer until a window above the door was opened and an oily voice, familiar to the travelers, spoke down to them. "What is it? What do you wish?"
"Go and fetch Saruman, Wormtounge," Gandalf instructed.
Moments passed before the door opened. However, there was no figure that greeted them, only a voice that so enchanted them it almost seemed that it was like that of a spell. As the spell held, they did not hear his coming nor noticed his presence until a minute later. Swathed in dirty white robes, dark eyes glowering, stood Saruman.
"Well, what do we have here?"
A/N: Firstly, I have to say, SORRY!!!!!! I am so sorry for the time in-between this update and now. Sorry!!!!!!
Ok, now that that's over with, I have a few things to say:
1) I wrote this, or at least began to, before OotP, so lets just say Sirius survived the Department of Mysteries.
2) I know I changed some things when they met Saruman, but...artistic license I guess…
3) Yes, I have seen RotK, so if some quotes sound familiar in this chapter than I might have taken some from the film unknowingly.
Now that that's over, I hope you liked it. The next one will not take as long…hopefully...I hope you enjoyed the bit on Hermione's background. I hope it answered any questions you might have had…it also makes the story flow better. And yes, finally there was some Arwen in this fic.
Thank You's('cause I love you people):
AliasVixen- sorry it took so long. Thanx!
Heidi- thanx!
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Celina- I'm trying to stop using so many quotes. See? Thanx!
silver-dragon- thanx!
Guardian angel of wolves- thanx!
Lazy butt- thanx! As you can see, I did!
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Maethoriell Uini Tawar- thanx! I explained that, as you can see.