Chapter 5 – The Favoured One

Wow. I can just feel the set-down there in some of those reviews. Okay, so, so far, not many have really liked the 'flowery garbage and pretentiousness' in the previous chapter. I'm not going to try and explain why that chapter has been written the way it has been written, because that would defeat the purpose of writing it that way.

But I am glad to see so many reviews on it, even though it has been a while because that means it had an impact even if it was not what you expected. Besides, I'm quite sure the defeat of Voldemort has never been done in precisely that way before, and for that, I claim brownie points. Shoutout to Beloved Daughter for their review.

Also, thank you to Littwink for including my story in their Tumblr list. I'm grateful and hope that this little effort will continue to interest you enough to not take it off said list.

That said, my apologies for the six-year absence to everyone who appreciated this story in any way. I lost my muse and couldn't find my back to this story. As it stands now, six years is a long time and I've changed as a person too, so you may feel that change in the upcoming chapters. But I won't change anything about the existing chapters because I think I did achieve what I had initially set out to do back then.

So I ask for your patience, and hope that you will continue reading this little story. As lexisis pointed out, there is, even now, a plan, devious or not.

So, without further ado, Viola!

And don't forget to Read and Review, folks!


The gateway sealed itself, taking away the sight of family and friends, their tears and sorrow a contrast to the healing land behind them. Soon the wizard and his companions found themselves alone, eyes adjusting to the brightness, the silence, the peace in this green world. Harry breathed in the fresh, clean air and exhaled appreciatively, allowing the pain and grief of war to slide away. He looked to his side to see his elf-friend gazing about him with wide eyes.

"So, Dobby? What do you think?"

"It is good here, Master Harry Sir. But sir, where is we being?"

"You'll soon find out. Come along, we have a long walk ahead of us. Hedwig, Fawkes, enjoy the skies!"

The two birds took flight, swooping through the air, chasing after each other, and resting on the updrafts, but keeping a sharp eye on their two-legged companions below. The phoenix was glad for this opportunity to leave behind a world of which she had grown weary. Since the passing of the Hogwarts Founders, there had been a steady decline in the values of her school. Rowena and Helga had been her companions for many long years, and to see their school being manipulated and twisted to the purposes of lesser wizards had been repugnant to Fawkes. So, when Harry had offered her this chance to visit a new world, she hadn't hesitated.

Ahead of her, Hedwig soared through a brilliant blue sky, wings stretched to their farthest reach, a swift white dot among the few clouds. The very air here was rejuvenating, and both avians felt the magic around them. It was familiar magic, like a long-lost cousin, curious but not hostile. It swept through their bodies, making them shiver, and Fawkes crooned to the magic's melody. A fire elemental, Magic found a deeper resonance in the phoenix, and she could hardly keep herself from singing her elation.

On the ground below, Harry heard the joyful song of the phoenix and smiled. Addressing his companion he asked, "So, how do you like it, so far, Dobby?"

"It is feeling strange, Master Harry Sir."

"What do you mean?" inquired the wizard, glancing down at his companion who was keeping up with him by taking two steps to his one.

"There is a strange magic in the air, Harry Sir. It wants to change me, I don't know how."

"Well, I suppose that is to be expected. The magic runs through the very land and air around us. We're definitely not on the Earth we've known anymore."

"Could we go back?"

"If you want to, just ask. I'll open a portal for you. Though I suspect I'll have to set one up anyway sometime. Bet the family would like to know we're alive."

Dobby nodded enthusiastically.

As they walked along, the avians swooping down every so often, the meadows they had arrived in began changing ever so gradually. Avenues of sweeping trees appeared, intermittently spaced, leading further into this beautiful land. Sweet aromas arose from flowering bushes filling the air with their fragrance, and a short distance away, a path laid with yellow flagstones could be seen. They set their feet towards it, feeling neither fatigue nor fear.

They had almost reached the path, when Hedwig and Fawkes swooped down ahead of them, coming neatly to rest on the broad shoulders of a man who stood beside it. Neither Harry nor Dobby had spotted the man before this, dressed as he was in clothes that merged with his surroundings. The firebird crooned in welcome and the snowy owl chirruped at the stranger, bobbing her head towards her human and friend.

Smiling broadly, and petting the birds with gentle hands, the man turned to his visitors.

"Welcome to the gardens of Yavanna, young travellers. I am Orome of the Forests. Well met."

His deep strong voice carried within it the strength of the oldest trees and the whisper of the winds through the leaves. The newcomers were dazed by the power in his voice but recovered quickly enough to reply.

"Well met, Orome of the Forests. I am Harry Potter, this is my friend Dobby and those whom you have already met are Fawkes and Hedwig," Harry replied, raising a brow at the birds.

Orome's laughter boomed. "Yes, one has little choice but to present a welcome when feathered friends visit of their own will. Be welcome to Arda, friends. You have been long awaited. Come," he beckoned as he turned away, "I will lead you to the Halls of Healing, where you may rest."

Harry hummed and they walked along quietly for a while. Even with the silence that lay like a blanket over the lands, there was no denying their splendour. Fountains and garden pathways met and diverged amidst flowering bushes and towering silvery trees that bowed and swayed with the breeze. Now and again a bower could be spied hidden between a grove, or the rippling waters of a pond shone in the distance. And yet, they followed the yellow flagstone path, marshalled by the ever-present carpet of green studded with star-shaped white flowers, until at last, the path itself narrowed to a bridge over a bubbling stream, and the tall towers of buildings gleaming white and gold in the sunlight became evident over the tops of the thinning trees.

Time seemed to stand still, as the travellers walked on, bolstered by the land's inherent power so they felt no fatigue, and the avians above them rejoiced in the sweet winds rushing through their wings. Harry smiled up at them, feeling the warm sun on his face, and allowed himself to relax. At his side, Dobby walked straighter and taller, looking around him in awe, filled with energy purer than anything the house-elf had ever felt. As they finally began to near those bright dwellings, a figure appeared in one of the doorways, and Orome raised an arm in salute to the lady who stood there. Clad in grey and blue raiment, the figure descended to the pavement and raised a hand in welcome as they approached her.

"Hail, Este! Lady of Healing. I bring weary travellers from afar seeking respite."

"Orome," the lady nodded gracefully, a brief spell of serenity falling on the listeners with that one word. "Well met, and welcome indeed." Her gaze remained on the young human, however, and his curious companion, seeing the state of their clothes, and the shadows in their eyes. "You are war-weary, young ones, but spring blooms in your heart. Rest within these halls and replenish your strength. Come."

Bidding farewell to the Lord of Forests, the lady welcomed Harry and his companions into the Halls of Healing, leading them to their rooms where they could rest and bathe. The structure of the building they were in was such that it was well-lit without the need for artificial light. Having lived for years in an ancient castle, and having had Hermione for a friend, Harry appreciated the effect indoor lighting had on visibility, and looked around at his new surroundings with interest. The lady of the halls of healing led her guests to a comfortable chamber, indicated the bathing room nearby, and let them know they would be collected at mealtime as she left. Clean clothes had been laid out for both Harry and Dobby on the twin beds and perches for the birds stood at one side. Dobby could hardly believe that such luxury was meant for him to use and had to be encouraged by Harry to accept that this new life they had won for themselves came with new benefits. Besides, they were due some downtime and should make the most of it now that they could.

While man and elf took full advantage of their restful baths, Fawkes and Hedwig bathed in one of the many pools surrounding the Halls of Healing. Filled with spring water, and kept magically heated, the pools were naturally refreshing for the avians, who were able to benefit all the more due to their elemental connections. While it wasn't easy for a fire elemental to use the properties inherent in the waters of the season of rebirth, the immortal firebird could feel that the waters were benign and meant no harm. Under the quiet golden trees, with a sweet breeze bending the soft grasses, the two feathered friends played and enjoyed themselves, eventually launching into the air to dry off before swooping into Harry's room.

Dressed and ready to begin exploring, Harry smiled at his friends as they chirruped in greeting. "You look well pleased," he addressed them, chucking Hedwig under her beak fondly. The white owl barked at her human friend, amber eyes glinting as she nipped his finger lightly. He laughed, happy that his friends were enjoying themselves.

"Stay and rest. I think I'll go have a look around this place," he told them, rubbing a careful finger down Fawkes' brilliant plumage. The firebird looked at the raven-haired wizard with bright black eyes, feeling the magic around them, knowing that they were all slowly being changed. Even so, she felt no threat to their small party and was satisfied at being able to experience such pure magic.

Leaving his assigned room, Harry made his way down the corridors through which they had entered. It was easier to leave than to enter, a fact that he noticed was excellent for its defensive capabilities. Yet, the structure seemed not to suffer from any after-effects or strains of assault. Maybe it was just a natural strategy, Harry mused as he stepped out into the sunlit grounds.

There was no aim to his meanderings, strolling as he was through the gardens of Lady Este's estate. There seemed to be no end to the varieties of flowering and fruit trees amidst the evergreen groves. The air was clean and full of rich, healthy magic. Each breath felt like an experience of rejuvenation similar to the Druidic Forests in Wales, possibly even better, cleaner. And so very different from the foul miasma that had overtaken the Forbidden Forest in the last years of the War. The young wizard took great pleasure in breathing deeply, feeling each breath expand and contact his lungs, strengthening his core, and bolstering his control of magic. His connection with his internal power was gradually being cleansed; the taint of darkness was being washed away.

From a distance, Lady Este and Lord Orome watched the young human wandering the grounds, taking comfort in just existing in the moment. The winds seemed to wrap around him, trees bent to offer him fruit, and the very blades of grass swayed as he passed. He himself noticed none of this, but the Valar felt the changes in the air of Arda and knew that the young human before them was becoming part of the Great Song. It was not for them to know why; they had their orders.

"A curious being is this human," Irmo's soft voice expressed in wonder as he came to stand at his wife's shoulder. "Touched by Namo, and Nienna, and bearing the favour of Lord Manwe himself. His companion shares his favour from Yavanna and is touched by Aule too. The birds who travel with him are no less special, with the blessing of Manwe and Arien upon them. None of these would be possible without the Will of Eru." He watched the newest addition to the Ainulindalë weave his way through the trees like a wild spirit. The Master of Dreams and Visions he may be, but his sight was shadowed and he could not see what the future would bring with the inclusion of this human. And yet, Eru's direction was clear, and there was not a Valar among them who would stand against it.

"Has Lord Manwe said anything yet?" asked Orome.

"Nothing. We will probably learn more at the gathering."

"Then there is nothing to do but wait."

After a few more moments of contemplation, Este shook herself from her reverie. "We must convene this evening. Let us bring our guests a repast."

Taking their cue from Lady Este, the Valar lords also turned from their contemplation, leaving to their own domains, while the Lady went to the kitchens to begin preparations for the evening meal. It wouldn't do to let the guests starve, and while the Valar had little experience with foods fit for human palates, a light repast, such as they themselves took, may not go amiss.

As she made her way down the corridors, Este met the smaller humanoid who accompanied their human guest. "Well met," she greeted with a smile. The being straightened and turned from its perusal of the wall, and bowed in return. "Thank you, Lady."

As she made to keep going, it struck her that she could ask this being for the kinds of food they were most likely to enjoy. A little direction would not hurt after all.

"Your name is Dobby, is it not?"

"Yes, Lady Este."

"I wonder if you would help me with something?"

"What is it that the Lady wishes to know?"

"I am preparing the evening meal, and I would like to know if there is any kind of dish you and your companions would prefer."

Dobby's large eyes seemed to shine, and he bounced enthusiastically as he replied, "Dobby will tell you, Lady. All about the kind of dishes Harry Potter likes and what is best to give to the birdies! Let's go to the kitchens now!"

Bemused at the sight, Este answered, "It would not be seemly for the guest to cook while the host reposes."

Frowning a bit, Dobby stopped bouncing, but the immovable tone in which he spoke said much to Este. "Dobby will watch over Harry Potter in all ways."

Este thought about the nature of the bond these strange beings shared, and inclined her head in approval. "This way, then. I am sure we will be able to put together quite an inviting collection if we share ideas."

Nodding amenably, ears flapping slightly, Dobby walked beside the tall lady, looking forward to creating a delicious dinner for his friends.

In the gardens, in the meanwhile, Harry had been joined by Fawkes and Hedwig, hearing their joyful songs much before he could see them. The gifts unlocked by Death were helpful in more ways than he had initially known and he used them now to join his friends in the sky. Taking a running jump from the nearest slope, he transformed into a Royal Peregrine Falcon, the magical variant of the muggle bird. Flapping hard, he made his way into the clear skies above, joining his feathered friends in an erratic game of tag, which none of them truly won because of their magical abilities. They did have fun divebombing the ponds though, and pulling up at the last minute in a strange bird-only version of the Wronski Feint.

About an hour after they had settled onto the lawns, Harry sprawled out in human form again, a gong sounded across the lawns, signalling the call for the promised meal. Harry heaved himself up with a sigh and trotted off towards the large house in the distance, Fawkes and Hedwig soaring ahead of him. Dobby met them at the doors, bouncing in place as he excitedly waved them through. Lured by the aromas filling the air within, the hungry group of friends found the large dining room, a long table holding pride of place in the center between long rows of parallel-spaced columns that met in a high vaulted ceiling. The ceiling itself was painted with scenes of gardens and lakes, around two trees that seemed to shine with an internal light. If he focused on them long enough, the room itself seemed to darken in comparison, such was the strength of the light within them. When he finally managed to shake his attention away from the Trees, their presence seemed to leave rather reluctantly from his mind, tendrils withdrawing gently.

"Rare is it that a mortal has set foot on the Blessed Lands. Rare still more that the Light of the Trees has graced any but the Valar since the Fallen One was defeated. Our long memories keep an echo of their light alive, but even then, the Trees have never responded to anyone before."

Harry turned to see the Lady Este behind him, looking wistfully up at the paintings. Her face was calm, but her eyes held the shadows of terrible agony. "It seems you have been brought here for reasons beyond our understanding, young one." She tore her eyes away from the paintings above as the glow of the trees faded away. "Nevertheless, such things are for the morrow. Let us eat and think of happier things," said the Lady, as she led her young guest to the dining area.

It was a pleasant evening, as evenings go, filled with food and drink, pleasant company, and simple conversation. Lord Orome had joined them again and Harry learned some of the histories of this world he had literally walked into. Surprised as he was to unexpectedly find himself in not just a world that had, what were, for all purposes, living gods, he was even more surprised to be in the presence of two of them. It brought to mind the pantheons of the old world back home and mused that the experience would certainly be interesting from the standpoint of learning about a new culture.

It was interesting that these beings, powerful as they were, thought of themselves as the Children of a Higher Power, a being called Eru Ilúvatar, whose will they followed as the Father Creator. It was, however, as the Lady Este revealed, the Lord Námo by whose will he was welcomed into the Blessed Lands of Aman.

"And who is Lord Námo?" enquired the young traveller, as the company repaired to a sitting room with large open french windows that the avians took immediate advantage of.

"One of the Masters of Spirits, the Fëanturi, the Doomsman, and the Judge of the Dead," answered a deep voice from the doorway. Harry had sensed a presence approaching but was assured by his magic that the presence was no threat. As it was, he could not imagine anything being a threat to him within these Halls. Violence, it seemed, touched nothing within the walls of Lady Este's dwelling.

Lord Orome rose to welcome the newcomer as he moved swiftly towards Lady Vala and bent to place a kiss on a rosy cheek as she smiled. "My husband, Lord Irmo, the Master of Dreams," she introduced to their guest. Rising, Harry bowed to the Lord of the House and waited for him to be seated before returning to his own comfortable chaise lounge.

"Lord Námo. I suppose now I have a name to put to the face. I don't suppose he looks like a tall, pale, stick-thin figure wearing coattails and carrying a dragon-head staff, does he?"

The Valar laughed. "Yes, that sounds like him," Lord Irmo agreed. "But that's mostly because he was visiting your realm. He takes on different appearances in different worlds. It has to do with how the beings of that world, and indeed the individuals there, perceive him."

"And has nothing to do with him being a diva on occasion," stage whispered Lady Este.

Everyone laughed at the image that thought presented and went on to speak on various subjects. The evening passed quickly into the night and the companions soon parted ways to allow the travellers some rest and sleep. Outside, seen only by all the Valar, the stars shone with unusual brilliance, casting the light of Elbereth over the land of Aman.


And so we come to the end of my latest offering to this story.

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