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If you have hung on with me through all of this I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you're just joining me on this journey I welcome you with open arms. This story has been in my mind for years and now I am comfortable enough to share it on this wonderful platform with the world.

If you haven't noticed Canon is gone. This AU is unravelling before your eyes and I hope the adventure is worth the ride.

I'm still a normal person with no rights to these wonderful works.

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Gandalf led his companions across the remaining vast plains until a the city of Edoras appeared on the horizon, the hill growing in size on their approach. He had explained his harrowing tale of defeating the Balrog on their way, explaining the battle atop the mountainside. Hermione knew that some higher power had intervened and she wondered, briefly, if Nenya had been the cause. She had yet to tell her mentor that she held a Ring of Power in her possession, figuring that the topic would arise eventually. To this moment only Frodo, Aragorn and Eomer knew it had changed bearers.

The Ring remained in her pocket, her not daring to reveal it to the others just yet, especially since Gimli had returned her wand. She held some comfort in the fact that her Magic could still be harnessed, even tenfold, should she find herself without her wand again.

"Hermione?" Boromir's voice startled her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, slowly. Hermione wasn't sure of her own answer. "We had a plan, down the river and then trek to the East. Now we ride West and our fellowship is scattered."

He chuckled lightly and the laughter earned a glare from the witch. "This isn't funny, Boromir."

"It's not funny, indeed. But this is called improvising." He smiled at her. "This is not uncommon in battle. Sometimes your plans won't always work out. We just have to keep going, lass. That's all."

She knew he was right, she just didn't like the answer. Hermione always had a plan, and after that she always had a contingency in place. This flying by the seat of her pants wasn't sitting well with her.

Leaving Eomer behind in exile didn't help her demeanor at all. The thought angered her. He had travelled to the Council in hopes of helping his kingdom and his people and this was how he was repaid? To be exiled with his men? The entire military might of Rohan had been emptied by a bewitched King who had no idea what he was doing, and they had very little time to repair the situation.

"Gandalf, what is your play?" She shouted to the wizard ahead of her.

"First we must make the King see things for how they are. We must break Saruman's spell over him." The old man replied, his new white robes hidden beneath a gray shawl, his identity of Gandalf the Grey to remain intact.

Shadowfax led the party as they met the dirt road that led into the city, turning up the hill towards the main gate. As their horses trod on past the conduit the faces that greeted them were less than pleasant. Many grimaced at the sight of the outsiders, especially at the sight of the White tree blazoned upon Boromir's armor.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli muttered under his breath.

Looking up at the citadel Hermione saw a woman standing on the overlook, her blonde hair flowing in the breeze. She guessed that it must have been Eowyn, the description of Eomer's sister matching who she saw.

"Come, let us get to the stables." Aragorn urged, Gandalf already having turned onto that path. The stables were immense, not surprising the witch since they were in the City of the Horselords. Several of the stablehands whispered amongst themselves, clearly having noticed the Rohirrim sadles on three of their steeds. Having removed the hardware from the animals and placing them on the tacking shelves the group made their way out to the courtyard. The stables sat at the base of the grand staircase leading to the Golden Hall.

"Would you mind helping me up the stairs, lass? Perhaps you should put on your newest trinket, we should look our best for the king." Gandalf winked at Hermione as she offered him her arm.

"How did you know?' She whispered in shock, the ring having stayed in her pocket.

He looked at her with a bemused expression, an eyebrow raised and she sighed. There was still no getting past this man. She pulled the box out, carefully sliding the ring onto her finger and feeling the rush of magic through her nerves. Taking a steadying breath she helped Gandalf up the stairs, the rest of her companions following. She tried not to think of the band around her index finger, of the rush of power she felt flowing throughout her body.

They were met at the top of the stairs by several armed guards, the woman nowhere in sight. "We cannot allow you before Theoden, King, so armed. By order of..." The soldier sighed in disdain. "Grima Wormtongue, high counsel to the throne."

"Ah, but of course." Gandalf replied with a smile. He gestured to the rest of them, who began begrudgingly removing their scabbards and sheaths. Legolas handed over his bow with a glare, his quiver placed beside it on a large table outside the Hall doors. Gimli thumped his axe down beside it, bouncing the other objects on the surface.

Boromir attempted to negotiate the keeping of his weapons, being a Captain of Gondor but his title carried no weight. He laid his horn, shield and sword beside his companions weapons with a vocal huff.

Hermione removed her dagger, knowing that her wand was not visible and she kept the bracer tucked to her as it was on the arm 'supporting' Gandalf.

Having removed all their weapons Gandalf took a step towards the door but was met with a hand. "Your staff." The soldier nodded to the white stave in his hand.

"Oh." He sighed, his eyes twinkling gently to clearly keep playing on the 'old' act. "You wouldn't not deny this old man his walking stick, my lovely friend here can only hold me up so much on her own." Hermione stifled a chuckle from escaping. She knew exactly what he was up to.

Nodding in defeated understanding the soldier turned, gesturing for the grand doors to be opened. As the mighty panels were pushed open Hermione was greeted by the sight of a Viking-Style longhouse, complete with a cooking spit at the center of the hall, with a Throne at the opposite end. Several court members stood to the sides of the room, watching the visitors with a curious suspicion.

The man seated on the throne barely looked alive, let along the King of a mighty people. His hair was gray and white, an unkempt mess beneath his crown. The robes he wore showed tattered fabric and furs, he looked more a serf than a monarch. To his right sat a greasy man who reminded Hermione of Peter Pettigrew with how he hunched in his seat. His hair was black as night and clung to his face, his skin pale and pasty. He leered at the group, his eyes resting on the witch for longer than was comfortable before whispering something to the King. This must have been Wormtongue.

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late." Gandalf's voice boomed across the hall.

"Why should I welcome you... Gandalf... Stormcrow?" The king gasped out the question before turning to the other man with a gaze of approval.

"A just question, my liege." The greasy man replied. Hermione rolled her eyes as he stood and approached them. "Late is the hour which you choose to appear conjurer, with your lackeys in tow."

"Lackey?" Hermione couldn't help herself at the insult.

"A woman dare speaks in the court of the Great King, Theoden?" He spat, his spittle hitting the woman in the face. His eyes wandered her body and Hermione tried to contain herself from hitting the foul smelling worm.

"Be silent." Gandalf's voice was firm. "Keep your comments and forked tongue behind your teeth." He made his point by slamming his staff to the floor, startling the man away with widened eyes. "I have not faced death and flame and suffering to bandy crooked words with you, you witless worm."

"His staff!" He gasped. "I told you to take the wizard's staff!" Men rushed the group from the side wings, but they were met with the fellowships' brawn. Gimli began throwing punches, doubling the attacker's over quickly. Boromir and Aragorn were effortlessly fending off the others, with Legolas dispatching any of the remaining. Hermione noticed out of the corner of her eye, as she kept her arm crooked with Gandalf, that the soldier who had met them on the stairs held his men back.

Clearly the King's 'Counsel' did not hold favor with all.

"Theoden, son of Thengol." Gandalf approached the throne, letting go of Hermione's arm. "Too long have you sat in the shadows my old friend."

The witch noticed Wormtongue scrambling away from the fray, she moved to halt him but Gimli beat her to the chance. His heavy boot pressed into the man's chest, pushing him to the ground as he raised his arms in surrender.

"I would stay still if I were you, laddie." The dwarf growled.

"Hearken to me!" Gandalf shouted over the hall, pulling the bewitched King's gaze to him. "I release you from this spell." He held his hand towards the man, muttering the spell under his breath until he was interrupted by a croaking laugh.

"You have no power here. Gandalf the Grey!" Theoden cackled in a voice not his own, concerning both Gandalf and Hermione. Both had seen possession first hand and this was obviously a powerful enchantment. The King of Rohan was never known to be weak-willed so for him to be controlled in such a manner was alarming.

Gandalf threw his shawl aside, revealing his new robes which illuminated the hall, casting a blinding light over the Monarch who startled back in shock. "I will draw you, Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound." Thrusting his staff to point at the King Gandalf moved closer, an unseen force matching his will.

Theoden groaned in pain, gripping the arms of his chair as Eowyn appeared out of the wings, rushing forward to aid her uncle before being held back by Boromir and Aragorn. "Wait, my lady." The Captain pleaded.

Hermione edged closer, watching the King and Wizard closely, Nenya beginning to vibrate on her finger. She knew she must tread carefully, Saruman knew of her but he didn't know of the power she now wielded. She suspected this would end with that revelation.

"If I go, Theoden dies!" Saruman's voice echoed through the golden hall.

Gandalf thrust his magic forward once more. "You did not kill me, you will not kill him you snake."

The witch stepped forward, extending her palm towards the King. "My liege." She whispered, briefly noticing a change in his gaze. Theoden was still in there, trapped by this magic.

Saruman struggled to regain control but the combination of Gandalf's magic and Hermione's distraction was proving to be taxing on the enchantment. Reaching for his hand Hermione gently squeezed the King's knuckles as they held a firm grip on the arms, his skin white from the force. "Rohan... is mine." Saruman's voice was strained.

"Rohan belongs to it's king." She sneered back before whispering. "Finite Incantatum." Nenya shone brightly, nearly blinding all within the hall until everyone shielded their eyes away from the throne.

"No!" Saruman roared before being thrust violently back by Gandalf, the combination too much for the evil warlock as he felt his hold upon the monarch snap under the force of magic.

The King slumped forward, barely being caught by the witch as Eowyn pushed out of the hold of Aragorn and Boromir. Kneeling beside her Uncle she quickly wrapped her arms around him.

"Uncle?" She asked.

Before Hermione's very eyes the old man before her gave way to the strong appearance of the King of Rohan, Theoden was free. He looked over to his niece, a smile forming upon his features.

"I know your face." He smiled and she cried a happy sob and clutched his arm, kissing his hand.

He turned to the witch at his side who bowed her head politely. "Your highness."

"You and Gandalf saved my life, young lady. I owe you a great debt." He replied, patting her hand gently.

"You may find your strength better, if you grasped your sword?" Gandalf suggested, smiling at his old friend.

The soldier rushed forward, holding his sword towards Theoden as he knelt before the throne. Leaning on Eowyn to stand he reached forward, his fingers wrapping around the intricate hilt of his weapon. Unsheathing the blade the entire hall bowed before their king, a wave of relief having washed over his subjects.

Hermione heard a whimper and turned to see Grima attempting to release himself from Gimli's hold to no avail. She glared at the man, letting her wand drop from its hidden sheath.

"You are the leech responsible for the shadow that tainted this great hall. Do you deny it?" She seethed at the man before her.

"I have only meant to serve the throne, I swear." He gasped, tears of fear streaming down his face.

"Keep your false oaths to yourself, you coward." She snapped back, the tip of her wand inches from his face as he crossed his eyes to stare at it. "I've heard of you, tales that would not stand where I am from. Your treachery and equally disgusting lechery are inexcusable. What say you?"

"Mercy, please!" He begged.

The word caused Hermione to snap. She wrenched the man by the neck out of Gimli's hold, dragging the weak man like a dog to the doors as two soldiers hurriedly opened them for the witch. With a hearty toss she sent him sailing down the stairs until he stopped with a groan on the next landing. The action had caused a crowd to form at the bottom of the path. Hermione grabbed Eomer's dagger off the table, the blade recognized instantly by the Marshall's family as they watched the strange woman descend the stairs after the traitor.

"My king, help me!" Grima cried, looking up at the King and his Niece atop the courtyard. The monarch glared at the man, his expression unreadable.

"Did you show mercy to the Riders of Rohan before you banished them under the name of the King?!" She yelled. "Did you show mercy to the Men who still hold true their oath to the protection of this land?!" She raised the dagger high but felt an arm on hers.

She looked over to see Boromir had stopped her from dealing a dangerous blow. For a brief moment she saw Ron staring back at her before she shook off the thought. "No, Hermione. Do not spill more blood on this snake's account."

She huffed in defiance, wrenching her arm away. The Captain had caused enough of a distraction that Wormtongue was running through the crowd, pushing the citizens to the ground as he quickly mounted a horse, racing to the gate.

The crowd stared in shock up at their King, who had not been seen in months once the Wizard's hold had taken place. "Hail, Theoden King!" They shouted, all taking a knee before the Golden Hall.

The cries of the people fell silent upon the witch's ears. Watching him leave carried a different toll to Hermione. She wanted to avenge the wrong that caused her Rider to be banished, to make Wormtongue pay for his actions. Climbing the stairs she brought herself before the King and his remaining heir.

"I apologize for my outburst, my liege. That was not my place." She bowed her head. "I will not disrespect your hall further."

"Disrespect?" Theoden smiled lightly. "My dear do you think I do not recognize that dagger, or the Rohirrim war band upon your wrist? Anyone who has earned such favor or Eomer is always welcomed in my Hall."

Hermione beamed at the statement, looking to find Gandalf with a knowing smile beside her.

The King turned to Eowyn and furrowed his brow with an accompanying question. "Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"

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"Harry! Ron!" Neville Longbottom stood beaming at the Great Hall Entrance, arms wide to greet his friends. He had eagerly accepted their request for a meeting and was excited to see them again. Headmaster Longbottom had worked closely with the Ministry to rebuild Hogwarts after the war, it's student capacity greatly increased, including accepting squibs into the school. The school had become a shining success of the post-war rebuilding efforts.

"It's good to see you, Neville." Harry smiled, greeting his classmate with a firm hug. "The school looks amazing, you've done brilliant work."

"Thank you, it's been a process." He laughed, turning to Ron who greeted him with equal enthusiasm. "You two look great! I was surprised to get your request. Any news about Hermione?"

The aurors looked to each other, they had been hoping to discuss this in private."There is news, isn't there?" The headmaster sighed, fearing the worst.

"Can we speak somewhere else, your office maybe?" Harry gestured to the staircase.

Nodding Neville led them through the staircases, many of the paintings being repaired by the staff and several students rushing past them, probably off to Hogsemeade for the day. Several paintings had been damaged in the battle, some missing entirely, shadows of their frames the only proof they had been there before. A few ghosts still roamed around the castle, mindful of the students.

Entering the gryphon staircase Harry cast a notice me not charm, a spell that concerned Neville. This had to have been something serious if they were operating under Auror protocol at Hogwarts.

Opening the door into the Headmaster's office Ron and Harry followed their friend to a small sitting area at the front of the room. The office now boasted quite the menagerie of plants and flowers, vines and trees surrounded them like an arboretum.

"What is this about, guys?" Neville asked nervously. "Is it bad news?"

Harry was quick to calm his friend. "No, not bad news. Just a bit of a break in the case. Neville what we are about to tell you is confidential at the highest level. We need your discretion."

The Gryffindor alum nodded ardently. "You have it, anything to help."

Pushing forward one of Xenophilius' journals Ron began explaining the mushroom that Mr. Lovegood had described as a way to communicate with Radagast.The Herbologist side of Neville was ecstatic at the mention of a spore he'd never heard of before.

"A realm bridging mushroom tea? That's brilliant!" He pulled the journal closer, studying the page and the sketches of the mushroom that were scattered over the next several entries.

"Luna reached out to the apothecary and he didn't have any fresh samples, said it was very difficult to grow, but he gave us this." Harry pulled a small vial from his robe, handing it to the Headmaster. "He said a master herbologist would be able to grow it, he just didn't have the equipment or time to do it for us."

Grabbing the vial Neville quickly covered it with his palm. "Help me close the windows." He rushed over to the curtains, pulling them across the windows and blocking any sunlight into the office as Ron and Harry did the same. With a wave of his wand he dimmed all the candles until only a few bioluminescent plants provided light in the room.

Uncovering the vial carefully he examined it closely, straining his eyes to see it in the dark.

"Neville, mate?" Ron cleared his throat. "Wouldn't some light help you see it... you know... a bit better?" He rubbed the back of his neck in confusion.

"Not with mushrooms, they thrive in dark and wet settings. I need to build a small incubator for it, I can have it planted in a few hours. May I keep the journals? I'll keep an account of it's progress and compare it with Mr. Lovegood's writings." Neville's face split into an excited grin as he looked at his friends. "What does this have to do with Hermione? Bridging realms?"

The aurors looked to each other for a moment, both smiling in agreement. Of course Neville could be trusted.

"We think Hermione has travelled to another realm and this might be the key to reaching her."

"That's great!" Neville shouted, his eyes bright. "Of course, anything I can do to help!"

Suddenly they were interrupted by a tapping at the window. The Headmaster tucked the vial into his robes, buttoning the pocket tightly before moving to pull back the curtain. Expecting an owl the men were surprised to see a Hawk on the other side of the glass.

"Is that... It can't be." Harry whispered, moving forward to open the window. The Hawk lifted it's leg at the sight of the auror, revealing the thin note attached.

Unravelling the parchment he read the contents quickly before shoving the note at Ron.

"We need to get to the Ministry. Now.""Go." Neville urged. "I'll owl you with updates daily."

Nodding the aurors rushed out of the office, leaving the Headmaster to set to work sketching out a small incubator box for his new project.

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The Funeral procession wound through the main street of Edoras, the walkway lined with every citizen of the city. The crowd was quiet, the only sound being the rustle of banners in the breeze. Hermione followed Theoden, Gandalf at her side as they descended their path out of the main gates. The burial mounds of the kings of old were blooming with small white flowers, their petals shining in the fading light of day. Eowyn waited at the opened mound, surrounded by her ladies in waiting and other women of the court. Her haunting voice led the group in an Ancient Rohirrim chant, lamenting her fallen cousin.

Hermione fought back tears, Eomer should be here. She held the small horse from her bracelet tight in her hand, her thoughts on her distant Rider.

The bearers gently transferred the Prince's body to it's final resting place, the King solemnly watching as his son was laid to become one with the earth. Eowyn could not finish her song, a sob leaving her mouth before she could cover it with her palm as she cried. The witch made her way through the crowd, moving to the woman's side. She placed a gentle hand on her arm and was met with a crushing grip as Eomer's sister clutched her hand hard.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Eowyn. I promise Eomer will be here soon." She offered some words of comfort but Eowyn continued to cry, clearly trying to hold her will together. Hermione guided her away, leading her back up the path as the door to the tomb was sealed. The blonde woman's shoulders shook with each step, the witch knowing that grief was slowly encompassing her today and she was trying to remain strong. Strong for her people and strong for her Uncle.

Looking back Hermione saw Gandalf standing with the King, the procession having dispersed back towards the city.

"Let's get you back to the hall, my lady." She whispered gently, guiding her to the stairs.

"Thank you." Eowyn whispered, squeezing her hand once more.

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Luna made her way through the hallways of the Department of Mysteries, having not set foot in this part of the Ministry since her fourth year at Hogwarts. Her bag hung at her side, still covered in the many pins and stickers as it had been in her youth. The ministry had kept the department open, under the provision that it maintain a sense of translucence with the Minister and his Department Heads. The Unspeakables now had the ability to publish their findings with the Ministry, allowing their centuries of research to be acknowledged by the magical community.

All of this was thanks to the new Head of the Department who had taken over the position after the war.

The newest Weasley approached the door of the Head Unspeakable, a large green door with a silver knocker, matching much of the decor throughout this wing. Taking a deep breath she wrapped her dainty hand against the knocker, lifting the heavy metal until it dropped against the door with a deep thud.

"Come in." The voice drifted through the door.

Turning the handle Luna found herself in an immense office, various artifacts adorning the shelves on the wall like a miniature museum exhibit. Time Turners sat still in locked cabinets, dates and names written beneath them, books floated above her, their pages turning by an unseen reader.

"Well now, if it isn't a Weasley." Draco Malfoy sat at the large desk opposite the door, sipping a cup of steaming tea. "What brings you to the Department of Mysteries, Luna?"

"I need your help, Draco." She smiled gently, approaching the davenport. "I found this in my father's study and I've never seen anything like it. Could you take a look at it?"

He set the cup down with a clatter, clearly surprised at the statement. Malfoy had been cleared after the war but his reputation had preceeded him. He had maintained a professional relationship with the Golden Trio following the war but he was still Draco Malfoy. Son of the Treasonous Lucius Malfoy would remain branded on his notoriety for the rest of his life, regardless of any achievements.

"O-Of course, Luna." He stammered, standing and gesturing to a table in a corner of the room, it looked to be a workbench of some kind. "I'd be happy to take a look."

The blonde woman smiled, moving to join him at the table. She carefully set her bag down, opening it to reveal the Palantir.

The former Slytherin's eyes grew wide at the sight. Having been in the position for a few years now he had yet to be surprised by a consultation, but this orb before him stumped him. He'd seen nothing like it. It was shaped like a prophecy orb, but larger. It was also an opaque black with blue colored patterns that resembled clouds, but they rotated within the orb, as if in a liquid.

"You found this in your father's study?" He asked, leaning forward and pulling a pair of glasses from his robe. "Was there anything else with it?"

She shook her head. "It was a bit of an... accidental find." She knew better than to lie to the Head Unspeakable but she could remain vague.

"I've never seen anything like this, Luna. Would you be ok with me studying it further? You're more than welcome to stay with me, it is your father's possession after all." Draco had many more questions and keeping her with him would ensure that he could ask them as he continued his examination.

She nodded. "I'm sure Ron and Harry will be on their way shortly. I left them a note that I would be bringing it to you but I didn't discuss it with them first. They might not be happy about this." She smiled wistfully as she leaned closer to the Palantir.

He stood abruptly. "What? Why would they not be happy?"

Luna realized in that moment that she hadn't remained vague enough. "Oh... well... We found it while we were investigating..."

"Investigating what, Luna? You aren't an auror." He eyed her curiously, removing his glasses.

"Perhaps we should wait for them." She suggested politely, moving to sit at one of the chairs across from his desk.

He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. A meeting with two aurors, let alone Weasley and Potter had not been in his plans for the day.

Walking over to his window he saw his messenger hawk perched outside the glass. Opening the window he extended his arm towards his familiar. Scrawling a quick note and attaching it to his leg he sent Ares off.

"What are you doing?" Luna asked, curious at the need for a letter at the moment.

"Telling your husband and Potter to get their arses here now." Malfoy explained, moving to sit back at his desk, folding his hands atop his work. "Your investigation... It's Hermione, isn't it?"

The woman nodded, no longer denying what her classmate had obviously figured out.

"How can I help?" Her eyes met his and she was shocked by the concern on his face. "Let me help find Granger."

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Gandalf and Theoden came through the doors, the wizard holding the hand of a small girl and the King holding an unconscious boy in his arms. "I need aid!" He hollered, the boy stirring awake at the shout. "Bring food and blankets."

Hermione and Eowyn, who had sat at one of the tables in silent company rushed forward, ushering the children to sit at the table as servants brought over bowls of steaming soup and bread.

"What happened? Are you hurt?" Hermione asked the girl, taking her hand from Gandalf.

She shook her head. "Mama said to go to Edoras, is she here yet?" The little girl looked around, panicked. "Is Mama here?"

Hermione shushed her gently, sitting her down before one of the bowls of soup. "Tell us what happened, we can help you. You're safe now."

"The wild men came. They tore down everything, the whole village." The boy replied groggily as Eowyn helped him sit beside his sister. "It was burning. All of it."

Theoden closed his eyes in anger as he sat on his throne, processing the words his young subject had just uttered. A wave of guilt crashed over the King, while he was under that horrid spell his people suffered needlessly. At the hand of someone he once called an ally.

"They'll continue burning through the westfold, they will stop at nothing." Eowyn was furious, they all could see that much.

"Where is Mama?" The girl cried, reaching for woman beside her. Hermione wrapped the blanket around the children and gently brushed the girls' hair from her face.

"We'll find her. Eat, please." She pleaded with the frightened child.

"This is just a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash on your lands, Theoden." Gandalf sat beside the throne, having taken the counsel set at the right hand of the king. "You must stand and fight?"

"With what army, Mithrandir?" Theoden scoffed. "Eomer and his riders will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Even if we could reach him it would take weeks to get my men back to the city, let alone on patrols to the villages."

"I can reach him." Hermione spoke up, rising from the table.

"Forgive me, my dear, but no amount of fondness can stretch that distance." He brushed her aside and she stepped in front of him, forcing him to look at her.

"Don't underestimate my power, your majesty. Need I remind you who freed you from that curse?" Reaching into her purse she pulled out the small journal, opening a blank page and using a bit of charcoal wrote a quick note that read. 'Return to Edoras, the banishment is lifted by order of the King.' She handed the book to Theoden.

"Please sign here." She pointed below her passage. He furrowed his brow, taking the rudimentary quill from the woman. He signed his name beneath the words and was surprised when the marks disappeared into the parchment.

Hermione smiled. Eomer had read it instantly. A moment passed before letters began appearing before them.

'The Rohirrim is ready. We will depart at once.'