With You

by Ydream08


Chapter 5

It took Aragorn a good few hours to tend to Frodo when he had returned by dawn. He informed that he has done everything he could for the hobbit, but Frodo still been in no shape to travel. Nonetheless they had to move on. They had talked about this: the Riders were after them, and the likelihood that they return at the first chance was unmistakable.

In the end, they all agreed to unload their baggages from the poor pony and switch their weight for Frodo's.

It was a smart solution alright until Aragorn offered an overfilled rucksack to Pansy.

"What?" she had asked absentmindedly. It was among the rare times that she had not picked up what was going on.

"It is your share," Aragorn explained. His eyes were raised as he held the rucksack, ready to help the straps to her shoulders. "Where do you think our rations and your sleeping bag are? Bill can't carry all if he is to carry Frodo. We must divide to be able to carry everything."

Pansy's own clutch bag hung by her hip but she had never minded carrying it. Carrying that bag that looked to explode, Pansy was not so enthusiastic for.

"No way. It is—" Pansy would have spat that it was heavy, but a stern look from Aragorn shushed her.

Seeing his warning, Pansy decided to whine about it (she would not bloody carry the bag), then noticed that the three hobbits and the man also carried equal or heavier loads for Frodo's sake. It was easy to deduce dear Frodo was as precious to the party as one and only Harry Potter had been to Dumbledore's people. The latter Pansy had proposed to give up to Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts, and she would admit any day that the animosity and scorn she had lived for that move had not contributed positively to her interests. People never forgot that. No matter the years that has passed.

Lesson learned eight years ago now, Pansy nodded her understanding to Aragorn about keeping silent and obliging to carry the bag. When she conceded, he softened his expression almost as quickly.

The swift change in his demeanor made Pansy unexplainably bemused. Not like she was doing it for his sake, but it was satisfying to see him so pleased.

Aragorn has yet to see the best of her.

With that thought in mind, Pansy recalled how Aragorn had said any help from her would be deeply appreciated. Magic-wise and all.

It was an old trick from her Hogwarts days, what Pansy had in mind.

In her Hogwarts years a House-elf had always loaded her school luggage to the train while she and her mum said their goodbyes. Of course, always arriving half an hour earlier, there would be many schmoozing with their circles before that. So, in between gossiping about what high society wore to the September 1st departure and keeping tabs on how her friends or Hogwarts students changed over the summer ( "Didn't you see Greengrass? The younger one—she prayed for filling her bra but it looks like somebody cast an Engorgio on her arse." or "Talking about fixing up, have you seen Flint's face? Now I wouldn't mind seeing it down there, if you know what I mean." or "Tall boys our year? Can't believe Potter is yet the tallest, but he is skinny still unlike Zabini." ), Pansy had never thought anything about train arrangements. Until the transportation arrived in Hogsmeade, and they had to take the carts or whatever from there.

No longer with her own house-elf, in Hogsmead station it had been Pansy's responsibility to unload her luggage and carry it to the collection point (House-elves of the school had always been lazier compared to those of her family). Draco had never been the one to show the courtesy of offering to carry for her (him being a spoiled dick), and by the time of their fourth year, the bitch Tracey Davis had listened to Daphne Greengrass about not landing a hand to Pansy, as if the blonde hag was the queen. Davis always learned her lesson eventually, Pansy made sure of that. However, after that year, Pansy managed on her own as prideful as she was to be seen asking for help from lesser people.

There was an easy way to carry her bag anyway. A spell that a witch should be able to do.

Knowing the spell by hearts, Pansy took out her wand and cast the good-old Weight-Lifting charm on their backpacks. It never made the weight non-existent, but now it was strikingly lighter. Important to note that they would be carrying these a long way.

"That is you, isn't it, Lady Parkinson?" asked an awed Pippin.

"Do you know any other witch here?" Pansy smirked and to her surprise she received even a bigger smile from the hobbit.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to assume! I suspected Merry all along."

"Funny," Merry cut in. "You know I don't have magic even in the smallest toe! Only Sam here can do the coin trick and you know it, Peregrin."

Pansy rolled her eyes as the two hobbits continued their bickering. She never understood Pippin's persistent amazement with her. She had thought his first impression of her would repel him— knowing that everybody thought of her as a bitch.

"We should head out," Aragorn said dismissively to get them back on track, but Pansy noticed the meaningful shine to his eyes. He approved what she has done for them.

Pansy hesitated to reply him with a smile, then decided to not make a big deal out of this. A long road ahead was nothing to be smiling about anyways.

They took to south, thinking that they would need fuel for the fire and it would be found where their direction crossed the Road, however risky it was.

After that brief explanation, Pansy merely followed Aragorn as the rest of the party did. None were keen to voice a comment even in passing by, afraid that danger was close.

Pansy found herself in step with Aragorn, walking second in line in their group. She observed him more than she looked around the land. In living memory Pansy has never cared for scenery, that was for sure. Hills and rocks and grass and clouds never meant anything to her because none were one of a kind.

Unlike the man she spied upon.

His drawn hood had fallen soon after they had set to travel. Better weather and their fast pace were not favorable to wear it either way. His brow was crossed in focus, set under it his eyes sharp as a Hippogriff alerted in its flight. His long hair streaked with the occasional greys -unfortunately matted and greasy by now (Pansy had a disgusting feeling her own hair was worse)- ticked off yet another trait in Pansy's list that prospective wizards she used to know never achieved: a head full of magnificent hair. If it was a duty of her to bear children, she would rather plan to make them beautiful, hair included; and the annoying fact was that her beauty by itself only made the half of a baby.

Forget about the baby details, she reprimanded herself because she was no longer her parents' daughter. Not entirely. A pureblood witch would have had a new House, an estate, a family and children to take care of by Pansy's age.

She was no longer held by the standards of her own society.

Focusing back to studying Aragorn's face, and noticing a pink hue on his temples because of the exertion of their walking, Pansy found him unmistakably attractive. Objectively handsome described Aragorn very well, too— he had the look of a man she would daydream about holding onto his arm.

Pansy imagined them arriving at the annual gala of the Nott's.

Aragorn would wear the most expensive robes, shade of grey that would compliment his eyes, and it would be personally tailored to his broad shoulders and admirable height. He would wear the shiniest leather shoes only the most wealthy could buy. His wrist watch would be custom-made by the most renowned watch-maker. His fingers would be adorned with rings that esteem his house.

Pansy couldn't imagine a few details now -Would he prefer a clean shave? Would he rather let his hair loose or braid it ?(either way definitely suitable for pureblood wizards) What kind of robes would he prefer: three piece or four?- but she could almost feel her fingers wrap around his bicep, and vividly see herself in a matching grey dress walking beside him as they made their entrance.

Blinking Pansy was brought to reality where the man in the lead was currently signalling them to halt.

There was a cry— from so far away that Pansy couldn't fathom the source. She has heard both an animal and a human share a sound similar to that. The list could grow if she added werewolves, trolls, house-elves… The Battle of Hogwarts had been a night anyone would wish to be deaf than hear the cries of torture, death, rage and ambition… even victory, with how it sounded as ugly as all.

This cry sounded sinister like those.

"We continue till dark," Aragorn repeated.

The hoarseness of his unused voice would become familiar to Pansy in the following days of their march.


Pansy would have opposed to the idea of getting included in taking shifts warding their humble camp at night, if it were not for the obvious tell that the hobbits were also inexperienced in taking watches.

They were five people in total, so it took one day to repeat a watch.

Pansy didn't know what to do at her first watch. It was pitch black not counting the faint glow of light coming from their campfire. Looking outward Pansy could hardly discern anything even with the aid of starlight. Pansy's eyes were not accustomed to be on alert to attackers that could jump out of a bush.

Honestly, Pansy Parkinson has lived in magically guarded family estates and the only bush she has concerned herself with had been the one under which she had lost her virginity to Draco in their fourth year.

So, yeah, her first watch to aimlessly stare into night was condescending. Her vision adjusted as the minutes passed, but it never felt like she was any good at this.

At least, sharing the watches with Pippin, Pansy felt at ease. There were no weary side-glances or distressed fidgeting that Pansy had to specifically read into. Sure, the boy scared a couple of times when a wild rabbit ran afar or a sudden howl from a dog was heard, but Pansy shared those moments scared shitless like he was.

Scared was better than feeling hot for daydreaming about a certain person.

Truth be told, even during watches, Pansy couldn't force the few images that recently liked to pop in her mind: Pansy kissing a path down Aragorn's torso as she descended on her knees, his strong hands coming to take a hold of her hair, her manicured fingers pulling down his trousers so that she could reach to feel his bare arse; another body part already getting taken care of.

Pansy had no idea why she has become so friggin horny but even in broad daylight, having walked hours, she would be stricken by the tingling in her core and the images would play in her mind.

She blamed walking so close to him at the end of second day.

So, during the third and fourth day she gradually fell behind and had Bill the Pony and half-passed-out Frodo as company. At least Bill liked Pansy. Must be because she petted his neck as they walked. "You like me better than Love; he doesn't always like attention... I hope he is doing fine. He must have visited the neighbours and stayed with them."

Fifth day was tiring as any day went. Pansy ignored Frodo's blank stare, she always did. Even his eyes on her didn't prevent her from thinking about Aragorn in that way. She might be fucked up, she thought momentarily. For her sanity, she never imagined anything more, but a girl could wish, right?

On the sixth day, Aragorn informed that the two of them would share a watch that night.

"You said we are going back to the Road. Why need to take a watch? Isn't it safe now?" Pansy anticipated Aragorn's response so corrected, "Safer?"

It turned out they have marched the wrong way, needlessly along North, so it was not bloody safer.

Heading to the correct direction then on, by nightfall they camped further outside the Road, having found a discreet and comfortable enough space.

"I'll get the fire going," Sam said and got to work. Pippin and Merry gently helped Frodo down the pony. They shared stale bread and dried apples while Sam put his own share aside to tend to Frodo.

"Why does he feel so bad, Strider? My master only has a white scar left of the wound, but he does not get any better," asked Sam.

Aragorn sighed. "It was a wound inflicted by evil. Frodo here is managing its ill effects better than many warriors, so believe in him Sam; and let's pray we reach Rivendell at once."

"How far is it?" asked Merry.

"We shall cross the Last Bridge first. After that, it is closer."

Pansy snorted and immediately felt Aragorn's piercing gaze on her. She looked up at him to see the silent irritation reflected in those grey irises.

"What?" Pansy retorted. "That answer was worse than saying 'You have to breathe' to a man who drowns. I mean, of course it would be closer if we cross a frigging bridge. That isn't a measure of anything. If I move one step that way," -Pansy showed where she thought the bridge was- "then voila, I am closer to that River-whatever."

Nobody commented on that. Pansy was aware Peregrin and Merry was sharing a look, but she couldn't keep her eyes away from Aragorn.

"Anyways… It seems I can't keep up with the cheer of you guys...so," Pansy rolled her eyes and stood up.

It was nearly time to sleep anyway. They would move with the first light.

"I better start my watch," she announced.

As stubborn as she was, Pansy refused to glance back at the camp to see how the rest settled down. When the rustling and whispers finally died down, a figure approached her and sat five feet away.

It was Aragorn, her watch companion.

They didn't talk all night.


Pansy skipped their quick breakfast for a very needed shower— if she could call casting Aguamenti that. It wasn't much without soap and shampoo, of course, but it made her feel a lot better.

Standing magically dried in her skin as the day she was born, Pansy glared at her dirty and worn outfits. Her coat remained the most sturdy piece among everything. Pansy had thrown away her knickers on the fourth day of their travel. The prospect of her bra, Pansy was stilling mulling over.

She could kill to go shopping at the moment. In fact, she would massacre for shopping and kill a few people/creature/whatever to visit her wardrobe in her shabby apartment. Either way she would have a clear conscious.

Sad truth was that those two options were currently unavailable as far away as she was from home. That meant her cleaning charms should suffice for now. Again.

While she was casting her last charm to make her garments possible to wear, she heard a throat getting cleared.

"What now?" she snapped and looked over her shoulder.

The sight of Aragorn standing by the particular tree that Pansy herself had marked to return to their campsite, alerted the young witch more than she cared to admit. It wasn't often that such pungent flames assaulted her from head to toe; they travelled to pressure her chest and each breath burned as if it was possible.

A healthy blush without make-up, what else could she wish, right?

When Aragorn's eyes rapidly darted to take her in, Pansy wished the man would walk up to her and help create waves of pleasure to cool the ignited fire in her belly.

He cleared his throat again.

"You are taking long. We must move on."

Nope, so much for wishing.

Pansy held his gaze and slowly turned towards him.

It was exhilarating to remain naked and unabashed under his curious leer. One hand lazily rested on her hip while she lifted her chin to give the air of utmost nonchalance. She refused to rub her thighs to relieve some pressure; as such the first indicator of what his presence meant for her would be her painfully hardened nipples and second, her instantly flushing complexion.

"You could use a drop of water yourself," Pansy said dryly. As an afterthought she allowed her eyes to drop to his crotch (Salazar knew her female pride soared to see his trousers tenting) and when she lifted her eyes again, she gave him a lascivious smirk.

Pansy Parkinson knew the steps to lead this situation whereever her heart (and body) desired, however she stopped herself only for one reason.

It wasn't entirely about the man in front of her.

Sure, she has had a fleeting thought the man was a Muggle. Merlin only knew whom his family was! He could be a beggar, not to mention. He was also righteous, stubborn, had a bleeding heart like a Gryffindor and he was loyal to a T.

Nothing on that list could have changed Pansy's mind if not for the last mentioned article.

The man was loyal for another woman. She knew that from their conversation in Bree.

Ever since leaving Hogwarts, Pansy has given chance to any fancy her heart has taken, including Ronald Weasley. Especially after throwing her engagement, Pansy had been much more generous with her intimacy. When all that she sought for was attention, what did it matter that it came from a Half-blood or a Muggle-born? What did it matter if the wizard was unemployed or worked for a living as a clerk or whatnot?

She has been single and Pansy had decided to be open-minded for her own interest.

Remembering Weasley and one or two married wizards she has involved herself with, Pansy recalled a few undesirable feelings.

She doubted Aragorn to be married, but her dignity could not withstand being a replacement or a convenience; both were what she has felt next to men who were (although subjectively) loyal to some other women.

Noticing the sparkle of Aragorn's necklace, Pansy repeated to herself that she did not want to be placed in that position again. Not when her only sensible chance to get back home was because of Aragorn.

Especially not when heart was not ready for anything, even physically, if whatever that might happen was fated to break it.

Shaking her head to clear her mind, Pansy dismissed Aragorn. "Not everyone wants to look like a homeless filth. I'll be there in the blink of an eye, Strider."

Pansy bent to reach for her trousers, and when she stood back up again, Aragorn was nowhere to be seen. For the better, she thought as the young witch cursed her way through getting dressed.

When she finally arrived at the camp, everyone was ready to head to the bridge.

They found it easily enough. The Road was thankfully empty.

"It is a beryl, an elf-stone," said Aragorn letting everyone see the green gem sitting at the center of his palm. He had gone earlier to scout the area. "Nothing comes to my mind to explain how it was there for me to find it, but I can only hope it means the bridge is safe for us to cross over. I do not trust the same to be with the Road, however."

"Do you mind?" Pansy asked but she had already taken the gem from him. If Aragorn was aggravated, Pansy did not take a second glance to see and care. "I'll give it back to you later."

Twirling the valuable stone in her hand, Pansy weighed it and tried to sense anything magical about it. She had to run some spells to see if there was anything particularly interesting about it for her, but regardless the beauty of the green jewelry had to be admitted.

The party continued to walk so Pansy decided it wouldn't hurt to try to use her wand and keep up with the party concurrently.

When she nearly tripped, she cursed. "Shite."

"Here," said someone. Looking up, Pansy saw Pippin. "I may help guide you, Lady Parkinson."

Thinking it wouldn't hurt, Pansy decided she could use the assistance.

"Take my waist. I need to be able to move my arms."

It wasn't before they took three steps that Pippin whispered curiously, "What will you do to the jewelry?"

In that moment Pansy knew this 'guiding' was not simply free.


*Bold and Italic sentences are directly quotes from LoTR: Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien.

**Excuse me for any mistake. I will edit in the morning :D

***Any guest readers, please don't forget to write yourself a distinct name so that I can reply to you :)

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Guest Review Replies:

Amy: Reading your feedback puts a smile on my face that lasts like forever and I completely adore you for liking this story so much! YES, Pansy has her own inadaquecy complex that she has to overcome (as a witch and as a woman) and Aragorn's firm support at that scene was my intention to show that these two can WORK! I'm happy you can see that as well! Honestly, when I think about the whole LoTR, the most exciting part will be when Eowyn comes into the mix. OH GOD I'M HAVING SUPERB IDEAS AT THE MOMENT (love triangles and all, you know:D) and that's because of your enthusiasm and show of support! Hearing from you always makes me more eager to write! Hope you've been doing well. Stay safe and healthy xoxox