*Hey guys, sorry this chappie took so long, but I was down in San Diego for a few days and I totally forgot my laptop! Eh, I guess it was for the best anyway, I had a really relaxing time! Also, I sadly probably won't be updating again until at least the weekend. My cuz Jessica (yes, that Jessica, of mithril fame!) is hanging out for the week and she's the type of person who has to be constantly entertained, so I prob won't get a chance anytime soon, sorry! As always, tanks mucho for all of ur reviews!

LOTR SECTION PEEPS:

Aislynn Crowdaughter- Damn, chick…that was one long review! He he he, I'm sorry you were disappointed with the chapter, but I truly appreciate that you actually took the time to explain your reasons for being dissatisfied rather than just saying "You suck!", so thanks! Now this is probably going to be a long response, just so I can discuss all of your reasons with you, hope you don't mind. Okay, so, yes, I totally agree with you that Umbridge has no power to dispel anyone from Hogwarts and that Dumbledore would not have stood for it any wayz. I was originally planning on having Dumbledore pull rank like he did when Umbridge sacked Trelawny, but 1) I didn't want the two instances to be so very alike and 2) I didn't want to give the impression that the elves were dependent on Dumbledore for their defense. What reason does she have? Well, she's just a mean woman who thinks she's better than everyone, especially non-humans. I have to disagree with you on the point that the elves were out of character. I really like to portray the mischievous, playful qualities of the elves you don't really see in the LOTR trilogy, but that are evident in the Hobbit. I specifically get my validation for their behavior from the scene wherein the Rivendell elves are very plainly and openly teasing and making fun of the dwarves as they enter Rivendell.

Ah yes, the Snape scene. Hmm, didn't like that one either, huh? To put it simply, Snape let him stay because he was totally freaked out. I mean, come one, if you're talking with this guy who is very scary and intimidating and then he talks to you inside your head, wouldn't you just let him stay rather than having to go through another confrontation?

The house elves, yes, I see that situation differently from you as well. Do you honestly think that elves continued to see orcs as their kin? Would they have been so apt to slay them during the wars if they did? The original orcs were indeed elves, but I don't think you could really group the two together afterwards. Yes, they did admit that elves could be enslaved but, it should be noted, they certainly didn't tell Voldemort or Umbridge, now did they? Do you think Hermione, Ron, Harry or Luna would really try to enslave them and make them into orcs? I should hope not (though you never really know he he he)! I'm sorry, but the thought of the elves allowing themselves to be put under the control of the ministry is absolutely laughable, and I can't see Umbridge, after horribly losing the battle of wits, even trying it. So yes, you gave me your opinion on everything, and here's mine! I hope you continue reading my fic, though you don't really seem to be enjoying it, because I certainly don't just end that whole situation like that.

Once again, I do truly appreciate your criticism and I really hope you don't think I'm angry or just being defensive or something like that. I'm actually kinda flattered that you would take the time to write such an exhaustive critique in the hopes of helping to improve my fic, which I by no means whatsoever claim to be even close to perfect!

Saki- he he he, thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Just imagine how much fun it was to write! Yep, Lego rocks! I'm actually still trying to decide how Draco should really get it, any suggestions? Putting Lego and co in the DA group? Hmm, I don't actually know if they'll still be around by then…but thatz all I'm saying!

Karone Evertree- Wasn't the fifth book kewl?! Garsh, I totally loved it! I, for one, was totally not expecting Sirus to die! But maybe I'm just stupid…it could be! He he he, they HAD to mock Umbridge!! An absolute must! She was a horrible, horrible woman!! Glad u liked!

Pirate-Chicha- he he he, thanks so much! I was trying to make it funny without it being utterly stupid and unbelievable! Yep, Lego's got all the right insults at all the right times! Don't stop, see, I'm laughing with you! Mwahaha!! Um…yes…anyway I'm glad u liked my lil comment… what makes it even more funny is that it is totally true!!! Ahhhhh, my cuz is just a lil dim witted! So….yess….okay…bye!

Jolinda- yay! I really made you laugh?! And now I shall commence with the dancinging ::happy dance:: tra la la lilly! Yes, Draco…still can't come up with anything just right for him yet, I want it to be really really good! mwahaha…any suggestions?

LOTRwolf- Yes, my cousin….rather a sad subject don't you think? Mwahaha! I even told her I did this, of course that was after she slipped right in the middle of the mall! How embarrassing! Huzzah, u likey me chappie! Cha, I totally think he would do it! Lego rocks! For full explanation, read the super long response above!

HalandLeg4ever- Yay! Glad u liked! He he he, they did everything but tell her that, huh?! Yep, they rock! Thanks for another awesome review!

Odd-I-See- Ahhhhh, crying with mirth!!!! I actually used a phrase similar to that in this next chappie! He he he, I like so had to add that line, I can't count the number of times I have felt exactly like that! Mwahaha, invisibility cloak, thatz a good one! ::slaps forehead:: why didn't I think of that?! Yes, I think we should all take the time to make a mental note: never insult an elf! I had to add the thing about words too cuz it is sooooo true! Rather than "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me," I live by the saying, "Sticks and stones only break bones, words can shatter the soul." Thankz again! U rock!

Willow26- ::happy dance:: geez, I luv reviews!! Despite the fact that u claim lego as ur husband ::sob:: u still rock! Mwahaha, after the fic is over, I will personally hand Gilethiel over to you for target practice! Best?! Surely u jest!! But thanks anyway!

HP SECTION PEEPS-

Slrmn82- Hey, thanks dude! Glad ur enjoying my lil ficlet! Yes, Umbridge sucks major and ohhhh yeeah Lego is totally kewl and awesome! Thankz for a really great review!

Lady Foxfire- Yay three reviews from one person! U rock! I'm bad about that, usually just hold out on reviewing till last chappie…he he he…oops prob shouldn't have admitted that! Anyway, yes, I am quite evil actually. Mwahaha! Was chap 5 the one about the house elves? I think so…hmmm…I luv cliffies!

HE he he, I was so tempted to have Ron say something to that extent, but I think I've been kinda hard on the poor guy lately, so I decided to give him a bit of a break…for a while at least! Mwahaha!

Yay! He he he, I'm sure memories of the look on her face will be running rampantly through his head at that time!! As for Fudge….I don't know if I'm even going to address him, I really don't like the guy for some reason, but you've put the idea in my mind. I'll think about that one. Thankx for reviewing!!

*So very many comments about Umbridge being hated! Lets all chant it together, "Dear Umbridge, I hate your stinkin' guts! You make me vomit! You're the scum between my toes! Love, Us!" Brownie points to anyone who knows what that is from!! Oh yeah, and I was just wondering if you guys liked that lil "funny moment" thing from the last chappie, cuz it was really fun to write and I was thinking of adding one in every chappie…wat do u think? Yay or nay? There's one in this, but I mean for future reference. Thanks!

Chapter 8

"…so then they just walk off, leaving Umbridge absolutely livid!" roared Ron. He, along with Hermione and Harry, were currently sitting at the large hearth in Gryffindor's common room, surrounded by a sea of their ecstatic peers. Tears of mirth were flowing freely as the students listened, enraptured, to the fifth year weave a tale of humiliation, utmost mortification, and boundless shame. Of course, every one of these emotions belonged to the much despised Professor Umbridge, so the only feeling not present in the room was pity.

"I can't believe we missed that!" cried Fred Weasley, clutching his stomach tightly.

"What I would have given…" wheezed the other Weasley twin between sobs of sheer delight.

"So go on then, what did the old hag do after that?" asked fellow Gryffindor and friend of the Weasley twins, Lee Jordan, quieting the large crowd instantly.

"Well," began Ron slowly, sharing a grimace with the two at his side, "that was when the toad noticed we were watching."

"And…"

"50 points from Gryffindor," answered Harry regretfully, "We're really sorry and all…"

"Is that all?" asked George incredulously. "Why, that is even more cause for celebration!" At this, the entire room broke out in cheers once more. A celebration lead by the Weasley boys was one to be remembered.

Fireworks, the twins having nearly perfected the procedure for the said entertainment with the aide of the multi-talented prince, lit up the room in bursts of colors from all ends of the spectrum, and highly enjoyable, though possibly dangerous, assortments of practical jokes exchanged hands freely throughout the room, courtesy of Fred and George.

Just before the clock was to signify the coming of one a.m., and after several hours of merry-making, the portrait-hole swung open unexpectedly. Resigned to the fact that it was most likely Professor McGonagall arriving to stop the fun, the whole of the party was surprised to see none other than their current hero and scourge of the "high inquisitor" waltz gracefully into the large room. Naturally, the elf was soundly patted on the back by each of the Gryffindors as he tried to make his way to Harry and his friends.

"Nice job there, mate!"

"Bravo, man, bravo!"

"That was soo brave of you!" gushed one of many admiring females of the group.

Nodding pleasantly at each of these exaltations, Legolas couldn't help but be amused by the children's immense dislike for the woman he had only hours before disgraced.

'Not that I blame them one bit,' admitted the prince to himself, a smile crossing his face as he recalled the woman's queer expressions.

"Hello, Legolas," beamed Hermione as the elf stopped just before the trio. "I do hope we weren't disturbing you."

"No, of course not," laughed Legolas. "Elves greatly enjoy celebrations and merriment of all sort. Often, elvish feasts and gatherings would last for days if not weeks. My father would present his finest wines and we would dance under the canopies of the trees, swaying to the music of the stars."

"That sounds amazing," sighed Hermione, a faraway look in her eyes.

"Doesn't it, though," interrupted Fred, mimicking Hermione easily.

"Couldn't help overhearing that you're quite the party animal, friend," said George, coming up alongside the elegant creature. "You'll join our little revelry of course."

"Strongly though I wish that I could, I fear I must regretfully decline your invitation," answered Legolas. "I have intruded upon your festivities in the hopes that I may speak with Harry Potter in private."

"Sure, no problem there," said George. Turning to face the rest of the crowd, the majority of which had gathered around the elf prince, George announced that the party was over for the time and all were to go to their rooms. Though they grumbled slightly under their breathes, all of the Gryffindors gathered their belongings and headed to their respective rooms. When one of the Weasley twins said a party had ended, they had good reason.

When the last of the party had left, including Hermione and Ron, Harry turned to the youthful elf and with a wondering look on his face, asked, "Well then, what was it you wanted to talk with me about?"

Motioning for the boy to sit down, Legolas too took a seat by the fire and said, "I simply wanted to inform you on what has been happening with regards to developments in preparations for your coming battle." His wonder quickly replaced with interest, Harry clasped his hands and sat on the edge of his seat, ready for anything the elf had to say.

"This afternoon," continued the elf, "You may have noticed two elves you had most likely never met accompanying me."

Nodding in agreement, Harry said, "Yes, I wondered about them, though I believe I saw one of them before."

"They are known as Keladon and Elendor. While Gilethiel and myself have spent the majority of our time at Hogwarts with you humans, my other companions have remained chiefly in the Forest, attempting to persuade the centaurs into an alliance with wizard-kind."

"The centaurs actually talk to you?" asked Harry.

"Ai. Centaurs and elves are alike in many instances Harry Potter. Our hearts are mutually entwined in the earth and heavens, though elves more so than centaurs. While centaurs tend to simply read the stars for general information, elves have a much more personal relationship with those celestial bodies. Also, while centaurs dwell among the trees and living beings of the forest, elves live in partnership with those beings, even speaking and singing with them. Yet through our differences, centaurs admire elves as the mystical keepers of the forest, and if any are to sway those creatures, it shall be we."

"Good look at that," said Harry amiably. "It would be really great if they did decide to help us out."

"Ai." The pair sat in pleasant, thoughtful silence for several moments before Harry's head shot up, as if he had just remembered something.

"Hey Legolas, can you do me a favor?"

"Gladly, Harry Potter. You need only name said task."

"Not much of a task really. I only want you to meet someone. A friend of mine who's helped me out quite a bit…well, he's tried to help me anyway, but that's beside the point."

"Tell me," said Legolas, the light of intrigue trembling in the silver-blue orbs of his eyes, "Who might this friend be that I have not as yet met with his acquaintance."

"A house elf named Dobby," said Harry, "He's been kind of anxious to meet one of you, actually."

"Ahhh, a house elf," said Legolas thoughtfully.

"Well, you don't have to meet with him," said Harry, suddenly frightened that he had made a mistake in his suggestion. "I would understand if you didn't want to, what with that whole monster issue and all."

"Nay," laughed the prince, realizing Harry's fears. "I would hold the little ones to the dark actions of their ancestors no more than I would consider an orc one of my kindred. Gladly I shall meet with your small friend."

Sighing in relief, Harry asked, "Do you think you could meet him tonight then? He should be along to clean in a few minutes."

"Certainly," replied Legolas, settling comfortably into his chair.

"Do you mind if I ask another question?" inquired Harry.

"Tell me, young one, does it appear to you that I currently have much else occupying my time?" grinned Legolas impishly.

"Guess not," laughed Harry. "What I wanted to know was why you reacted so differently to Umbridge. I mean, in comparison to Snape."

"You greatly dislike your potions master, Harry Potter. This, even those without the gift of the elves may infer. Though I must also admit to having little admiration for the human, neither do I despise Professor Snape to the point that I am blind to his intelligence and the great risk he takes in spying for the Order."

"You know about…"

"Hush, Harry Potter. I am aware of many things, some of which even you are not, but you will learn that some discussions are not meant to be had in casual settings," said Legolas quietly and with a quick glance around the room.

"Right. Continue then."

"Thank you for your gracious permission. As I was saying, I hold respect for Professor Snape, though grudgingly it may be, and would never degrade him thusly. Your Professor Umbridge, however," both males smiling widely at the memories, "I had no qualms in disgracing."

"She is a great lump of an idiot, isn't she?"

"Of that I am most certain, young wizard." Their laughter continued until interrupted by the opening of the portrait door once more. For the second time that night, an elf entered into the common room. The second being, of course, Dobby the house-elf.

"Dobby," cried Harry from across the room, "I have someone I want you to meet!"

Walking quietly and curiously up to the chair Harry had motioned to, the house-elf's eyes grew even more rotund and protruding than usual.

"Th-the True Elf," gulped Dobby in an awe-struck voice. "Oh sir, Dobby is most glad to be seeing you!"

Rising from his chair, immediately impressing the short-stature elf with his awesome height, Legolas bent to his knee in one fluid motion and gestured for the smaller being to move towards him. Moving as a moth inexplicably drawn to the light, Dobby stopped just before the prince, his moth hanging open in wonder.

"Dobby the house-elf, I was informed that you wished to meet me. Why would you wish for such a meeting as this to take place?"

Wringing his hands miserably, Dobby wailed, "Sir, Dobby tries to be a good house-elf, but, sir, he wants to be free. Dobby wants to go with sir and the other true elves and be free."

"Dobby the house-elf, are you treated kindly by the Professor and students at Hogwarts?"

Fearing that he had spoken ill of the good professor, Dobby rushed even closer to the elf and looking him desperately in the eye, "Oh no, sir must not think such things! Professor Dumbledore is a good master, he is! And the students is good too! Harry Potter is Dobby's friend!" cried Dobby, casting a watery glance at the boy.

"Peace, little one," said Legolas soothingly, placing a long glowing hand atop the bear head of the house-elf. "I believe wholeheartedly all that you say, and it is for that reason that I make a request of you."

Ever eager to please, Dobby nodded vigorously and awaited instructions.

"Dobby the house-elf, though he held no claim to you and though you were not ordered to do thusly, you have on several occasions done your very best to aide Harry Potter in any way you could. Yet I see even more of a role for you in the future, Dobby. You, who can walk unseen among enemies though clearly visible, must keep your ears and eyes open for any happenings among the staff or students with regard to Harry Potter. May I count on you to do this, Dobby?" asked Legolas, his gaze fixed on the little elf, who was quivering with pride at this request from a 'true elf'.

"Dobby will do this, sir! He will!" Moving across the room to commence with the after-party cleaning, Dobby could still be heard happily murmuring, "Dobby will, sir!" and visibly shaking.

Grinning knowingly, Harry said quietly to the elf prince, "That was really nice of you to say, Legolas."

Furrowing his brow in confusion, Legolas looked at the boy and said, "Harry Potter, I meant every word that I said. Whether or not you chose to believe so, Dobby will play a significant role in your future. Good night, young one. Rest well."

With that, Legolas swept quickly out of the room, leaving behind a very excited house elf and an equally confused wizard.

++++++++

*Good? Sucky? Somewhere inbetween? Let me know!! Plz review!!!!! I crave them!!!

Funny Moment- Okay, I dunno if you guys find this funny, but I think it is at least cute. So this seven year old boy Cameron, now currently living as a missionary in the jungles of the Phillipines for five years, was at my house. We're sitting there watching LOTR and I get all excited cuz one of my favorite parts was coming on. It's the part when Haldir is leading the Fellowship through Lorien and he stops and says "Lord Celeborn and Galadriel…" Is it just me and my brother or is that soooo hilarious? (yes we are dorks I know) His voice and the look in his eyes, itz just totally great. So anyway, I tell little Cameron-io to get ready cuz this really funny part is about to come up. The scene happens and I'm like rolling all over the floor laughing hysterically and my brother walks in and starts laughing too…just a total laugh riot okay. We both look over at Cameron and he's just sitting there. We're like, "Uh, you didn't think it was funny?" He's all, "You thought that was funny?" Mwahaha, I was totally making an idiot of myself in front of a little kid! One of the worst mistakes you can make! Aaaah!