Disclaimer: All recognisable characters, concepts, sentences and objects belong to someone who is not me. I'm not trying to steal anything. Except a little glory. And fame. I wouldn't mind any Dark Lord's army at my back if someone decides to sue either.

A/N:    The story is of course an AU of Harry's fifth year. I may or I may not revise the story after I've read the book but the setting should stay Harry's fifth year. I've heard rumours that Rowling would kill off at least one character in the Order of the Phoenix and I'm sure I need whoever it is still alive.

This universe is a mix of both books and movies. The recognisable quotes come thus from either the books or the movies. But even if some sentences come from the scenes at Helm's Deep, I believe firmly Legolas was the only elf there. No elf ever died at Helm's Deep. End of my useless little rant as the events of Helm's Deep have no effect here.

            Thanks to all the reviewers, I'm really, really awed by all the responses I got for this fic. I've nearly 100 reviews when I sum the three categories in which I posted. Wow. All comments are appreciated, be it on the plot, the grammar, the syntax, anything.          

[]: Common Speech or Westron.

Last note. I love this part. I do, really. Especially the second half.

Chapter five a: Reunions

If there was only one thing to be said about Mad-Eye Moody, it was that he was vigilant. There were absolutely no mistakes about that. Such a trait of character had served him well to survive during his time as an Auror. Nowadays, the ex-Auror was physically too slow to be in the field but he was still as sharp as ever. It was a fortunate occurrence for Hogwarts as he was put in charge of the security in the castle and of its grounds, though the Headmaster refused to completely transform the school into an inapproachable fortress.

For his part, Gimli was hesitant about whether or not to be glad of this arrangement. On one hand, the students of the school were well protected. On the other hand, said students were going to be short one Defence against the Dark Arts professor.

"To this day, the Dark Lord has only failed once in his intent to kill. Potter has not escaped unscathed; you did. It is rather hard to believe. You-Know-Who is extremely powerful and he is able to introduce spies into the most unexpected places."

"Speak clearly or keep your insinuations, old man," Gimli growled in response. He took a step forward, staring down at the limping man. "We have never and will never serve any Dark Lord. And I will be glad to teach you this truth with…"

"Gimli," Aragorn interrupted him firmly, putting a restraining hand on his shoulder. "That will be quite enough. The children are watching," he reminded sternly.

The former dwarf glanced around, realising that most Gryffindors were indeed watching anxiously from a respectable distance, even the ones on their brooms. A formidable first impression we're giving. Curse wise-sounding old wizards and their strange ideas! He glared darkly at Dumbledore while Merry and Pippin argued with Moody.

"Professor McGonagall saw you handle the Weasley twins," the Headmaster had said earlier. "According to her, if you can manage to inspire these two's respect, you'll do fine against any other. She'll still wait and see how your lessons fare but I do not think she will trouble you. Most other professors will argue at first but they'll give you a chance because of Minerva's approbation. Once they've acquainted themselves with the idea and with you, they'll accept you. All the professors but two. Severus is a very complex man and has his own mind. You will have to deal will his unique reaction in your own time. But Alastor's help will be precious to you when the Aurors'll arrive this afternoon. But you have to convince him to believe you." And he had taken a step back to let Moody discuss with them. As promised, he had not interfered once. It was one hour ago.

The morning had started well enough, though. The weather was perfect for outdoor activities. They had met with Fred and George at the entrance of the castle and been introduced to the rest of Gryffindor's Quidditch team. A quiet boy with striking green eyes behind round glasses and with dishevelled hair, Harry, who had looked startled to see them and three girls, Alicia, Angelina and Katie, who had immediately started to whisper about the 'cute' younger men (the Hobbits) and the two 'hunks' (Aragorn and Boromir). The twins had not been amused. The Hobbits had. The Men had simply been embarrassed. When Gimli snickered a little too loudly however, Aragorn pointed out Angelina 'liked red-heads and thought men with a powerful build had a certain appeal'. He stopped laughing then.

On the pitch, they had been rejoined by the Weasleys' younger brother Ron and another girl, Hermione. Both gaped on seeing them there and whisked Harry away to talk under the twins' smug gaze.

The gaze became filled with consternation when they saw Hermione raise her arms in the air in exasperation and walk away from a befuddled Ron and an equally dismayed Harry. After a few more words, the green-eyed boy pushed his friend in the girl's direction. The joys of the teenage years.

The try-outs started soon afterwards, and both Ron and Hermione approached nervously the Fellowship to explain the rules of Quidditch and ask some questions about them. Other Gryffindors were interested too, including a slight boy who asked if he could take a picture of them and blinded them with the flash even before they had the time to finish answering. Students from other Houses also came and went. All seemed to humour the Fellowship when they claimed to have memories of a previous life and nodded dubiously before changing subjects.

Magic is normal and dark creatures are a common fact of life but reincarnation? Complete rubbish, Gimli had concluded mentally with some amusement. The only kind of magic Gregory Morrison had believed in was the skill Las Vegas showmen demonstrated to separate their audience from their money. And until two days ago, Gimli, son of Gloin, had always thought wizards and elves were the only ones with a chance for a second life. He didn't begrudge them their doubts. Mentioning Voldemort could have changed the students' minds but the Fellowship hadn't done that. It was Albus' school and Albus' students. If he wanted them to know Voldemort's doings, he'd tell them himself. The official story for now was that Albus got them out of a 'tight spot', invited the untrained wizards at Hogwarts and hired the older men as teachers. Soon enough, however, the children were absorbed by the flyers' aerial acrobatics. As Sam had put it, "I'm no expert but they sure can fly."

Halfway through the try -outs, after the current team had chosen a Keeper to guard the goals and two Beaters who would take over the Weasley's posts before the end of the term, Albus and Moody had arrived, asking the students to leave them some space to talk.

One hour later, the paranoid ex-Auror was still not satisfied. But frustration and anger were starting to boil in Gimli's veins. Patience had never been his best friend and he had had quite enough. "Do you know what I think of these palavers?"

He uttered contemptuously three words in Dwarvish.

"I am ignorant of the meaning of these words but I agree with the sentiment," Boromir intervened. "You refuse to be convinced by mere words," he resumed, eyes narrowed in concentration.

"You renounce, then," Moody concluded darkly.

"No."

Aragorn put enough command in this one word to gather the attention of all. Rising from his chair, he straightened to his full height before striding purposefully towards Moody. "Have the Men of these days forgotten the worth of a word of honour? Have the liars and the oath-breakers become so common truth can no longer be recognised?" He paused, grey eyes full of sadness never leaving Moody's. The ex-Auror was growing agitated but appeared unable to break Elessar's gaze and even the magical eye ceased to roll to focus on him.

"I am not a man of this time, Auror." The tone grew harsher and so did the former King's face, gaining an implacable and frightening intensity.  That was the man who had commanded armies and led them to apparent death. And even knowing this, the men had followed him willingly, proud and glad to serve such a lord.  "For me, an oath is as binding as a contract signed in blood. It is the only thing I can give you and I offer it now. The shadow may hold sway but I have never nor will I ever submit to it," he swore solemnly.

Finally drawing his eyes from Moody, he extended his fist and looked at Boromir.

The son of Gondor matched him gaze for gaze as he approached. Glancing at the extended fist, his eyes took a reflective look. But when he looked back at Aragorn, his features were resolute. "The shadow held sway over me once and I lost my road. But I found it again. This time, I will hold to it, [my liege King]." The man put his hand over Aragorn's.

"Men of Gondor. Your brother told me once 'We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt'," Frodo remembered with a fond smile. His smile grew sadder. "I lost my road too. Sam brought me back. I'd never have been able to do it without him. But the shadow has never and will never find me compliant." A third hand.

"You falling into shadows doesn't risk happening again, does it?" Sam remarked with a small smile. "But if you do, I'll be there to bring you back. I never let a friend down," he promised.

"Well," Pippin spoke in his turn, "the Shire was not Gondor. But there were brave people there too and we loved light and laughter." He looked at the clasped hands. "For the Shire. And Gondor, too," he added after reflection and he put his own hand over the others.

Merry covered his cousin's hand. "For the Shire. And Rohan." He hesitated. "Can I speak for…"

"I'm sure Eomer will appreciate," Aragorn answered dryly.

Gimli was the last. "For Durin's folk," he swore simply before nodding towards Aragorn

The man retracted his hand and turned back towards Moody. "This is our word, Auror. Take it or leave." The wizard hesitated. "Decide now! My patience is not infinite," he pressed, a fiery light in his eyes.

"I believe you." Moody looked startled to have said these words. Gimli wasn't. Men followed him to their death because of his strength of character. And despite all odds, they triumphed, seemingly thanks to his will alone. You never stood a chance, Auror.

"The matter is settled then," Aragorn held Moody's gaze for a couple more seconds before relaxing. He headed back to his chair, slouched in it and unfolded his long legs to look calmly at the flyers. Gimli snorted. Strider is back.

Boromir watched the Ranger move with consternation. "Someone please tell me his schizophrenic tendencies disappeared once he arrived in Gondor."

Three answers came at the same time. "I'm not schizophrenic." "They became less obvious." "No."

A question followed. "He is schizophrenic?"

Pippin was horrified. "Frodo? You never noticed?"

"To be frank, I just thought being unstable was in his character," he explained. He turned to face Aragorn. "After all, the first time we met, you scared me shitless, asked me if I was frightened and when I replied yes, you told me I wasn't frightened enough then undertook to scare me further."

Aragorn groaned and put his head between his hands. "Are you ever going to let me live it down?"

"Are you going to apologise?" Frodo shot back.

"No." He did not even hesitate.

"There you go." Neither did Frodo.

"I can see why you like them, Albus. They're as crazy as you." Moody commented finally. "I will still watch you, boys. But I do not think you are working for the Dark Lord. What kind of help do you need with the Aurors?" he asked gruffly.

"The Ministry has already agreed to let them teach here," Albus cut in. "What we need to do is to convince them that Peter Pettigrew was working with Voldemort. As you have pointed out, it is so extraordinary they have managed to survive that any other version is more believable."

"Trying to clear Black? I'll help. Black and Potter were my students; I never thought one would be able to betray the other. Not after some of the stunts they pulled. But I have to admit Black was magnificently framed. Does Potter know?" he looked at Harry while the boy dived under a Bludger. Harry? That was Harry Potter? Gimli stared curiously. The boy had appeared mentally well balanced and did not seem to be the attention-starved kid Conrad had described. But then, Conrad's an imbecile and Albus did say the kid didn't want particular attention.

"He discovered it before me." The old man turned back towards the Fellowship. "Have the twins already introduced him to you?" He resumed after their nod. "Fred and George will be among the most difficult students because of their … alertness. The Slytherins too will probably be problematic in your classes as you are so connected to Muggles. Harry Potter is generally a good student. But you will have to watch over him." He turned to look at the boy and nodded when the boy glanced back. "James Potter had a predilection for looking for trouble. His son has one for attracting trouble. And he has also received this slight disrespect for rules from his father and a fierce independence from his mother. If trouble finds him, he will try to deal with it on his own."

He was interrupted by a growl. Blinking, he looked towards the source of the noise before slowly raising his eyes to find Sam's blushing face.

"Sorry."

"Quidditch players often forget essential things like eating when they have to play. Did the twins forgot to bring you breakfast?"

"No. But I'm hungry again. Don't mind me."

A second growl was heard. "That was me, this time," Pippin raised his hand feebly.

"Time for second breakfast?" Boromir guessed with dread. Aragorn nodded in confirmation.

"What's second breakfast?" Moody asked.

"You do not know second breakfast? All civilised lands knew second breakfast," Pippin started to explain. "First breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, tea, …"

"I'm sure they get the picture, Pippin," Aragorn stopped him in his tirade. "In their past lives, they used to have six meals a day. I guess they want to take up that custom again?" he finished with a question.

The four Hobbits nodded decisively.

"Are your bellies going to growl until they are filled?" Albus asked with growing amusement. Another collective nod. "You'd better go and find Minerva, then. She'll find some food to feed you." He looked over the little ones' shoulder and added, "I think Ron and Hermione will be happy to help you look for her."

The Hobbits did not ask for more and left at once.

"Wait for me, you overgrown legged stomachs!" Gimli followed suit, acknowledging Aragorn's worried look in passing. I'm not leaving them out of my sight. "I could do with a little something, myself."

####

"Well, that definitely confirms it. They have never someone like us until now." Merry burped. "But Professor McGonagall was very kind to give us a plate that refilled itself automatically."

Beside him, Ron finally recovered the use of his voice. "How did you manage to eat so damn much?"

"Ron!" Hermione snapped from her own daze and glared at the boy.

"Sorry." He said automatically, not even bothering to change his awe at the Hobbits' performance into a contrite look at his use of profanity.

Merry laughed. "Call it an innate gift."

"I'd rather say a curse, Master Meriadoc. You've eaten me out of house and home more times than I can count," Gimli mock-glared at the Hobbits.

"You love us anyway, don't you, Gimli?" Pippin pleaded over-dramatically, turning big and instantly teary eyes towards him. "We took great pains to never let you starve, you know."

Gimli chortled. Who would have thought the Hobbits would become drama queens in the modern world? "No, you never let me starve. And that's your one and only redeeming trait," he added mock-sternly.

The boys shook with silent merriment, trying to be more discreet. They were coming back from McGonagall's office and their laughter had already drawn several times the attention of the students they crossed in the hallways. And what hallways these are, Gimli admired. The old castle was remarkably well built. From what he had seen, the foundations of stone were solid, deeply anchored in the earth and the corridors high and large. Of course, they would be quite chilly during winter but that was to be expected of buildings above earth-level. Overall, not as grandiose or flawless than the dwarves' greatest achievements but not bad for men.

"Can I ask you something?" Hermione asked suddenly. About time. Gimli had had the impression the girl could burst from curiosity at any moment and was about to give up on waiting for her. Hermione had spent her time throwing them intrigued looks when she wasn't gaping at the Hobbits. It would seem none of the questions she'd asked until then were the ones that really mattered to her.

"Go ahead," Frodo smiled encouragingly.

She opened her mouth then closed it again. Now she had decided herself to ask her question, she didn't seem to know how to formulate it. Kids! "What were you arguing about with Professor Moody?" she blurted out finally.

Gimli's eyebrows rose in admiration. Earlier on the bleachers, none of the students, even the oldest ones, had dared to ask what had happened between Moody and the newcomers. Now he thought about it, he did suppose their behaviour had been tense, and even threatening. Furthermore, the DADA professor was not someone whose business could be lightly intruded upon and Gimli had a very imposing figure. Asking frankly that question took guts.

"It could be private matters," he started to respond.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to intru…"

"But actually, we were convincing him we were not working for Voldemort," he finished. He expected her to turn wary of them. Instead, she surprised him again. After a small flinch at the use of Voldemort's name, she turned pensive.

"But that's ridicul… oh."

"It's crazy," Ron burst out. "You were attacked by the Dark Lord, how could you be working for him!"

"Ron!" Hermione gasped. It was a little late. The four Hobbits and Gimli had frozen and the boy flushed at his false step. Nowhere in their discussion had they mentioned the fact Voldemort had attacked them.

"How do you know that? Only the staff has been informed until now. And even they do not all take our word at face value," Sam commented with suspicion.

"I… we…," Hermione stammered, panicking a little.

"Did Professor Dumbledore tell you how he found you?" Ron interrupted decisively. At his interlocutors' shared puzzled look, he resumed. "Then, neither will we." He crossed his arms, challenging them to try and ask him something more, though the expression on his face was a little less sure than his posture.

Gimli shook his head and rolled his eyes. "There are really strange happenings in this school."

"Keep your secret," Frodo shook his head in amusement. "The Valar know we keep some of ours."

"Well… Thanks," Ron said simply, relieved. Nevertheless, Hermione punched him in the arm and glared at him. He shrugged helplessly in response.

"Is that why you were so interested by us?" Merry asked, giving her an opportunity to question them further.

Hermione frowned. "Yes. Mainly. Are you really going to teach us to fight?"

"These four will learn magic," Gimli nodded towards the Hobbits and headed back towards the entrance of the castle. "But Aragorn, Boromir and I will teach you how to duck, mainly. And how to call it quits and run too."

"Oh." Ron and Hermione did not seem to know what to make of that. The girl was trying not to look relieved while her friend seemed a little disappointed.

"Actually, we haven't had the time to talk about what you would need to learn with Professor Moody," Gimli resumed. "But ducking, calling it quits and running will be on the list."

"But if we have to fight bare-handed, say… Professor Lupin?"

Who? But Ron was already hurrying towards the man who had just passed the door.

"Professor Lupin! Snuffles!" A smile lit up Hermione's face as she followed Ron. The tired-looking man smiled back and the massive dog at his side barked in greetings.

"Hello Ron, Hermione. How are you doing?" he asked, shaking hands with the children.

"Fine, Professor." Diplomatically, they refrained to ask how he was feeling. The man looked like death warmed over, with an ill taint and circles under his eyes. Despite the silver streaking his light brown hair, he seemed young and a spark of amusement danced in the hazel eyes.

"Fighting me bare-handed, Ron? Why ever did that idea come to you? I have it on good authority a good hex could finish me off." he teased gently. For some strange reason, Ron blushed in response.

Merry coughed, drawing the children and the man's attention. Professor Lupin's eyes flicked over them then behind his back with an expectant expression as Hermione reacted. "Oh. Sorry. Professor Remus Lupin, former DADA teacher, meet Merry, Pippin, Sam, Frodo and…"

"Gimli. Son of Gloin." A voice interrupted her. A man appeared at the door behind Lupin. Gimli gasped and heard dimly sharp intakes of breath beside him. But he did not turn to check on the hobbits, all his attention focused on the apparition.

"Mae govannen, mellyn nin."

I know that voice. But the face…. The face evoked something familiar, yet Gimli had never seen it before. Destabilised, he discovered he had trouble breathing properly. The blue eyes were too dull and the skin didn't seem to glow with an inner light. The cheekbones were high but the rest of the bone structure looked off. For humans, such a face had nothing remarkable but if it was him…

"Leg… Legolas?"

There! The tilt of the head was pure Legolas. But the face…. We all have kept the same face. Why not him? His friend had lost his ethereal fairness. No, it was more; some lines of the face had changed. Even without the glowing skin or the pointy ears, he shouldn't have that different a face.

"Legolas?" How can my voice sound so unsure? It's not like it's the end of the world. Legolas nodded but his eyes were unreadable. The gaze wasn't intense enough, Gimli remarked, but the inscrutable expression was correct. He continued his perusal and lifted his hand but froze before he could touch the face.

"Legolas?" His voice was firmer this time but incredulity filled it. A flash of comprehension passed in the too dull eyes.

"[A mere illusion, dear friend. The Eldar still live on]," he explained. Incertitude and hesitation crossed briefly the eerily familiar face. "I've missed you."

Gimli stared stupidly before feeling a grin trying to break free on his face. Yes. Without even thinking about it, he crossed the few steps separating him from the elf and engulfed him in a bear hug. Legolas stiffened at first before wrapping his arms around Gimli. I'm taller than him now and at least thrice as big, Gimli realised suddenly and that made him laugh. If his laugh was a little hysterical; if Legolas' hold was a little too tight, a little too desperate, the dwarf could not find it in himself to care.

Yes.

"Legolas," he breathed the name again, confirming once more and for all the identity of the body in his arms.

"I always knew wordsmithing was not among your talents, Master Gimli, but surely even you can do better than repeat my name endlessly," the elf's muffled voice, full of emotion, came back.

There was also a faint trembling tone in Legolas' voice and that note, imperceptible to all but Gimli told him exactly what his elf wanted. Laughter to keep the tears away. Crazy elf. You don't want to start crying in front of strangers, do you? But you're right; we'll have a more private reunion later. Blinking his own tears of joy away, he huffed out loud, squeezed harder and lifted his slender friend off the ground to spin him around, shocking a breathless laugh out of him. "Feeling better, Master Lightweight?"

"You're breaking my ribs, you oaf! Let me down!" the elf complained indignantly. But he was laughing in delight and holding Gimli back with all his own strength so the dwarf ignored him. Still, a moment later and after another spin, he released the elf, grinning.

"You found us."

"You doubted me?"

"Never."

A dazzling smile. No, your appearance did not change that much.

Gimli's smile grew even bigger and he gave a mighty pat to Legolas' shoulder, almost sending the elf sprawled on the ground. Ooooops. Might have misjudged my strength a little bit. He tried to smile innocently but instead, he felt the corners of his lips seek to twitch even more upwards as he crossed his fingers behind his back. "You're really there," he tried to divert the elf's attention.

But rubbing his injured shoulder, Legolas gave him a suspicious and dark glare. Looking down on Gimli, an amazing feat since the dwarf was now taller, he drawled, "As usual, your grasp of the obvious leave me speechless."

That little… "It is my height that leaves you speechless, my friend," he shot back with heat. "How does it feel to be dwarfed?" A look of pure shock passed over Legolas' face and Gimli smirked in satisfaction.

"Dwarfed?" the offended tone turned considering then dismissive in a blink of the eye. "It would seem your improved height is getting to your head. I hope it helped it grow harder too, otherwise you would knock yourself out each time you forget to lower your head to pass a door."

"What!" Gimli roared, outraged.

"Enough! Enough! I ask for mercy," Frodo cut in between two hiccups, holding his stomach.

"And you're scaring the natives," added Merry helpfully, sending Frodo into another fit of laughter.

"No, we aren't," Legolas protested, looking at Ron, Hermione and Professor Lupin. The latter seemed to be nursing a headache while the two children gaped at them like madmen.

"They won't mind this, then," Pippin smirked before leaping into Legolas' arms. The elf managed to catch him but lost his balance when Merry tackled him at his turn. The resigned look on his face was priceless when Frodo and Sam rejoined the others dangling from his neck and sent him crashing to ground.

The sun is shining, we have convinced Moody to help us and the elf is down. Gimli grinned in satisfaction.

Beautiful morning.

####

"What do you think is taking them that long?" Boromir wondered, nearly one hour after the Hobbit's departure. The try -outs were finished and the Quidditch players were in the changing rooms. Aragorn, Albus, Moody and he had congratulated the selected ones before walking leisurely back to the castle.

"Who knows?" Albus replied, absent-minded. "Perhaps they have eaten one of the twins' Canary Creams and are waiting for the yellow feathers to disappear in the infirmary."

Aragorn looked incredulously at Albus. "It was a rhetorical question, Albus. I'm sure they're fine and probably still eating. There is a truce between the twins and our friends until we are more familiar with the layout of the castle." But a doubt nagged his mind suddenly. Something about Hobbits and wizards. Or rather, wizards leading Hobbits to find dragons, palantiri and even rings of power. "I'm reasonably sure they're fine," he corrected with some measure of dread.

"If you want to be absolutely sure, you can always ask Granger and Weasley. They're on the stairs," Moody pointed out.

The redhead and the bushy haired girl were indeed talking with agitation on the stairs. As soon as they saw the adults, they stopped their discussion and headed towards them.

"Where are the others?" Aragorn asked curiously.

"In the DADA classroom," Ron replied, a strange mix of perplexity and amusement in his voice. "They're waiting for you. And we, hum, well, we gotta go and hum…"

"See how Harry is doing," Hermione continued timely. "May we go?"

"A moment," Moody demanded. "Did you leave them alone?"

"No, with Professor Lupin and …"

"Snuffles," Ron filled the blank.

Hermione nodded with energy and repeated slowly, as if trying to convince herself it was the right version, "We left your friends with Professor Lupin and Snuffles."

"Remus is here?" Albus asked for confirmation, an interested glint in his eyes. Curiously, Aragorn saw Moody put a hand in his robes and turn to frown at the forest.

"Yes, he said he would talk with you later, sir." Hermione became a little worried. "Nothing's wrong, I hope?"

"I did not expect him so soon, Miss Granger," Albus smiled reassuringly. "But Snuffles and he are staying for at least a couple of weeks."

"That's great!" Ron exclaimed. "May we go tell Harry?" Ron asked.

Albus nodded and the children were gone in scarcely a blink.

"You realise they're hiding something," Moody commented with a touch of accusation.

"These two and Harry Potter are always hiding something, Alastor," the older man replied. "But they will not talk unless they wish so. Don't worry. Miss Granger has been named Prefect this year because she is a very responsible person. If their secret turns too dangerous, she will warn a Professor." He paused then added as an after-thought, "Of course, Miss Granger is also a Gryffindor and her definition of too dangerous may differ somewhat from what should be expected. But she is usually a very sensible young woman."

Aragorn and Boromir exchanged incredulous looks. Albus is slightly mad; Moody is paranoid; some of the professors we've met yesterday are downright eccentric and the students are lunatics. What kinds of people live in this school? Making a mental note that Albus had not really answered Hermione's question, the Ranger shook off these speculations and sighed. "In this case, I am nearly certain our friends are merely preparing a prank of some sort."

"A prank when you're about to be interrogated by Aurors?" Moody wondered sharply, giving a double take to Aragorn and Boromir.

"We'll answer any question they'll ask when they'll be here," the son of Gondor replied proudly. "Why should we stop acting normally until then?"

"Gimli will put his foot down if the little ones are too unreasonable," Aragorn added for the former Auror's benefit. "But you'd better get used to this attitude of theirs. They could talk your ear off or continue to act merrily even when the world is crumbling about them."

"It is a lovely disposition," Albus commented.

"'I wouldn't have them any other way," Aragorn replied sincerely. Except maybe when I want to throttle them, he conceded mentally. "Where is the DADA classroom? And what can you tell me about werewolves? Considering what some legends are saying about wizards, I'm not sure I can trust those about lycanthropes."

And the stories from Middle-Earth, accurate enough in those times, didn't necessarily apply nowadays. The werewolves who had all served Morgoth had disappeared before the Third Age. But even in the modern world, these creatures did not have a good reputation in the legends. Aragorn wanted to know if this infamous reputation was deserved.

Five minutes later, he had learned werewolves were cursed humans who transformed into wolves during the nights of the full moon. Losing all control over their actions, they attacked or killed men and no other creature. The other days of the month, they were normal people but they were still shunned by wizards.

Albus added he trusted Lupin with his life on normal days and would trust him over others even during the full moon. For his part, Moody said Lupin had never shown any inclination for the dark side.

"But," he added, "It would be much more advantageous for any werewolf to join the Dark Lord."

"It would," Albus agreed sadly. "But Remus won't."

He didn't elaborate further. There is a story there, Aragorn realised but he didn't press. Giving a side-glance to Boromir, he saw the other shrug imperceptibly. They would form their own opinion on Lupin when they'll meet him. But for the moment, Aragorn didn't know what to think of a society who used slaves – even willing ones – and discriminated a part of their population to the point that those concerned would do better if they joined someone bent on destroying said society. A sudden bark interrupted his musings.

"Looks like Snuffles is playing sentinel," Moody remarked.

"Lupin's dog?" Boromir asked, examining the source of the bark. The black dog guarding an open door was massive. Barely smaller than Hagrid's own hound, he was taller and bigger than all the dogs Aragorn had ever seen in this life.

"Snuffles doesn't belong to anybody," a tired but smiling man appeared at the door. "If he could stay with anybody, it would be Harry. But students can't keep dogs at Hogwarts and I found myself looking after him before I knew what happened. Good morning Albus, Professor Moody." He finally turned towards Aragorn and Boromir and added on a good-natured tone. "I'm Remus Lupin. Some of your friends are rather overwhelming."

Aragorn blinked at the non sequitur but shook an offered hand, studying the man. His hair was streaked with premature grey and the gold- flecked hazel eyes were surrounded by tired lines but he appeared friendly. And he was older and more worn out but it was recognisably one of the men on the wedding picture Albus had shown yesterday.

"I'm Aragorn and this is Boromir," he introduced himself and his companion before asking in an equally relaxed and friendly tone, "Which friends?"

"And overwhelming, Remus?" Albus intervened, amused. "Wasn't it you who claimed the Weasley twins were fun to teach?"

Lupin opened his mouth to answer but he was interrupted by a yell. "Strider! Boromir! Come on, what are you waiting for?" came Pippin's cheerful voice. He poked his head through the door.

Merry, as to him, emerged completely from the room and rolled his eyes when he saw them immobile. "Get moving," he demanded impatiently. "Oh, while I think about it, you lost the bet, Strider. It did not even take them five minutes. Remus, you don't mind talking with them later, do you?" he was already pulling the two mystified men forwards.

Looking over his shoulder, Aragorn saw Lupin shake his head with a strange glint in his eyes. "Go ahead. I'll present either my congratulations or my condolences later." He turned then to speak with Albus and Moody in a low voice.

"We told you to just go with the flow and not try to understand," Merry threw back in commiseration without looking back. Aragorn and Boromir stopped then, forcing Merry to pause too and stepping sideway to stare at the Hobbit.

"What did you do?" Boromir asked. From the corner of the eye, Aragorn saw Gimli exit the room.

"Pip, Frodo, Sam and I didn't do anything."

Boromir raised an eloquent eyebrow, glancing towards Lupin.

"Actually, I wasn't talking about these four when I said your friends were overwhelming," Lupin intervened.

"Then who were you talk… Merry," Aragorn interrupted himself suddenly to address the Hobbit.

"Yes?" Merry grinned from ear to ear.

"Which bet were you talking about?" Aragorn asked on a deliberately detached tone. Somehow, he had the feeling the answer to that question was connected to some rather overwhelming friends of theirs.

"The Naugrim. Me. Estimated time before the insults start flying. You lost. Again," the answer came from a slightly mocking voice behind Gimli. Legolas. Of course. Aragorn snorted and closed his eyes, leaning up on the wall behind him. He felt suddenly drained of a tension of which he had not allowed himself to acknowledge. Dimly, he heard Legolas and Boromir greet each other. The elves did come back on these shores, he thought with relief.

A moment later, he felt a presence in front of him. "Well?"

"I'm still foolishly hoping you'll take the hint one day and leave me what little sanity has not fled yet in your presence." Opening his eyes, he lifted a corner of his mouth in greetings.

"You're late," he said, looking the elf up and down. Surprise and confusion flashed through his old friend's eyes.

"You look terrible," he added with a mischievous smile. This time, amusement and recognition crossed Legolas' face. In truth, the elf did not look terrible for a man but he had a rather un-striking face. The bone structure was slightly different from what it used to be, dulling Legolas' features and diminishing his attractiveness. Considering the fact that unlike him, Arwen still had the same face, this change could only lead to one conclusion. No wonder no one has ever heard of the elves with this kind of disguise.

"And surprising enough, you look…" Legolas paused for effect, examining him thoroughly, "…tidy."

Howls of laughter welcomed that remark. Chuckling warmly, Aragorn detached himself from the wall to embrace the elf. "As strange as it sounds, I found myself missing your sharp tongue and quicker wit. Well met, Legolas."

"It has been too long, Aragorn."

####

Mae govannen, mellyn nin: Well met, my friends.

Next: Chapter five b: Reunions.

Aro: Legolas did not get paid; not in money, anyway. But I'm sure he had a lot of fun baiting Sirius and Remus. ;)

seer-cassandra: Give some credit to the twins. The four of them. They do have some restraint and will try to leave Hogwarts standing. But a wall or two and possibly a ceiling will suffer and it won't even be their fault. *grin*. I love being a tease. And why only the twins? What about Legolas and Gimli? Merry and Pippin? Sirius and Remus, the last two Marauders? The list is scary, isn't it?

Tori: Pas le même continent? Voyons voir, il y a les départements français d'Outre-mer, le Québec, quelques pays d'Afrique et je crois que le Viêt-Nam aussi compte quelques francophones. Okay, quel continent en particulier ? Chocolat… Hmmm. No comment.

Merci pour le compliment. J'essaie de faire de mon mieux et je suis contente de voir que ça plait. LOL, les Travaux d'Astérix ? Ca fait des années que je n'ai pas lu cette BD. Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ensuite ? Si je me rappelle bien, ils ont défoncé tous les étages pour s'en sortir, c'est ça ? Les sorciers anglais n'auraient pas beaucoup apprécié si Legolas avait fait cela. Je n'ai pas cette BD chez moi mais par contre, j'ai Astérix Légionnaire. La scène où il cherche le bureau des renseignements est aussi du même type. Et Legolas peut se compter heureux que je ne l'ai pas envoyé à l'agence de location de voitures, à Diagon Alley, au manoir des Riddle's….

I'm not done with Sirius and Remus yet and even less with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. After all, this story happens in the Harry Potter universe. Progressively, the fic'll focus on him. Actually, it will happen in …hum. Well, a rather long time will pass before that, in fact. For the moment, I'm focusing on the eight members of the fellowship who are here.  This reminds me. Where is the Stromcrow anyway? Never mind, he'll show up in good company. I hope you liked Aragorn/Strider/Elessar's 'schizophrenic' moment. Makes me wonder just how much time that man spent with Gollum/Smeagol. And you forgot Dunadan. And Thorongil too but I can't find any reason to use that name.

Wiccanwitch : Nederlands? Ik spraak een beetje Nederlands. I had lessons in Dutch during six years, plus two years during primary school. I started college this year. And yet, I've the impression to have forgotten almost all I've ever learned in this language. I'm sorry to say I never particularly liked it. But I'll still give it a try. Hoe gaat je? Ik heb je aanbid niet vergeten maar de correcties zijn nog niet klaar. And I'll stop here before making mistakes. The tenses in English are supposed to be tricky but I always had more trouble looking for the verb at the end of the sentence in Dutch. That's why I avoid using these kinds of structures. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement!

Sailor Sol: So, my first language is French, I'm writing a fic in English and I've just brushed up my Dutch. Unfortunately, I never learnt Spanish. That would have made some rather interesting replies to reviews…

Alynna Lis Eachann: Thanks a lot. Flattery will get you anywhere. Unfortunately, faster is not negotiable. Real life takes a lot of time and energy. And I too love Sirius and Remus. That's why I'm making them hang around Hogwarts for some time. And then they have to leave. *Sigh*. But they'll come back!

Child of Autumn: This fic is a drug. There is no other way to explain all the time I spend thinking about it. Does that mean I've created a monster?

JadeiteZ: :) yes, the elf is insufferable. But we love him anyway. And you're right on the other point, too. Do you think Trelawney should get the ball? *wicked grin* After all, nothing looks more like a dark crystal ball than another one. Neville has surely broken one or two of these items in his time, so this indestructible one would be very useful to Trelawney. Be scared, be very scared by what I could do with this.

Astraea: The slow pace at the start was my main worry. Thanks for telling me it works. But now all the main characters are in the same place and the pace will pick up soon.

Actually, posting the story in only one category is easier for me because I don't have to upload several times. If I followed precisely the rules, this story should be posted in the crossover section. But technically, it's a speculation on the future of Middle-earth and its characters which also happens to depict Harry Potter's fifth year. It should be in all three categories. But, as you've said, rules are rules and I prefer LOTR…

rogue solus: Don't get your hopes too high. I meant it when I said that would have been a plot hole. My storyline is very, very flexible but Legolas or any elf's Squib talent has never reached my mind. Now, I'm looking for a power which won't influence the story. Somehow, I don't have the feeling that saying he still hasn't found out his abilities would work, knowing he has spent a few thousands years back on Earth. And no, Sirius and Remus are definitely not paid enough.

Lunawolf: Not a crossover? Why not? It has characters from both Tolkien's and Rowling's universes. What's the exact definition of a crossover, anyway? And thanks for reading.

Computer:  Oh yeah.