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Hello my lovelies. Yep, you're seeing another update from me. I've come a long way these past few days and am grateful for whichever muse has graced me with their presence.

I've dm'd a few of my reviewers who have been with me since the beginning, please let me know if you would like a message. I'm looking to gain input from my readers. I know, its a bit unorthodox. But, honestly, what part about 2020 seems normal anymore?

I own nothing here, this conglomeration of words has been inspired by the amazing works granted to us by Tolkien and Rowling. I'm simply a creative shuffler of letters.

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After the children had left the hall Theoden asked to be alone with Gandalf to discuss the threat of Isengard, the King understandably leary of the new visitors to his city. Though they had accompanied the Istari it was clear that the Mithrandir's reputation carried more clout than the others. Even Boromir as the Captain of Gondor did not sway the King.

Hermione sat in the room provided by Eowyn, it adjoined hers. The simple quarters were a luxury to the witch, the bed and wash basin may have well been dipped in gold. Carefully removing her tattered cloak she draped it over the foot of her bed, casting a quick reparo over the fabric, the material repairing itself instantly. As she unlaced her tunic and boots she noticed just how filthy she was. Blood and dirt caked her clothing, she was sure her skin was just as tarnished with grime.

Turning to the basin of water she gratefully splashed some on her face, the small rudimentary looking glass above the bowl giving way to the dirt streaking down her face. She began ardently scrubbing until she was sure that the murky water was evidence enough of having cleansed her skin.

A knock on the door drew her attention.

"Yes?" She answered hesitantly as she patted a cloth to her cheeks, drying herself as Eowyn entered the room.

"I am sorry, I wanted to wait but my curiosity got the better of me." The blonde woman closed the door gently behind her. "How did you come by my brother's dagger and the war band? That's a meaningful trinket for him to have given and I know nothing about you."

Hermione nodded her understanding, sitting down on the bed and moving her cloak to allow the woman to sit beside her. "I suppose I should start when I met him in Rivendell, many weeks ago."

"He told me he was going on a mission, but he refused to tell me where." His sister sat, her attention focused on the witch and her story. "He went all the way to Rivendell?

Hermione smiled, nodding. "He wanted to sit on the Council that Lord Elrond had convened to discuss the growing threat of Mordor. But he first confided in Gandalf regarding Grima and his suspicions of Saruman."

The two women talked until the golden rays turned amber as the day faded into night. Hermione explained Eomer's demeanor towards her, how he seemed to see her for her, not defining her by her magic. Eowyn could clearly see why her brother had been mesmerized by her. The woman before her was intelligent, strong and fierce as anyone she'd met before. Her actions today only improved the Lady of the Golden Hall's opinion of the witch.

"I must confess I was sure that my brother would never find someone to give his heart. I hope that the coming shadows do not cloud what you two have started." She smiled, reaching for the younger woman's hand. "I look forward to gaining your friendship, Lady Hermione."

The brunette laughed, brushing off the title. "Please!" She begged. "I hate the title of 'Lady'. Seems to be popular around here but I'm no noble. I'm just doing my best to help where I can."

A knock on the door interrupted the friendly laughter coming from the women. "Hermione?" It was Boromir.

Rising from the bed Hermione made sure her tunic was in place before opening the door for the Captain. "Yes?"

The man bowed his head when he sighted Eowyn on the bed. "Ladies, Theoden has an announcement, we are all summoned to the Hall." The blonde furrowed her brow. It seemed to have taken longer than she had realized once she noticed the setting moons' light beaming through the windows.

"We will be just a moment, please let my Uncle know." She politely requested, standing from the bed. Boromir nodded his understanding and Hermione closed the door behind him.

"I don't mean to impose but do you, by any chance, have something that I can wear?" The witch gestured to her tattered clothes. "I will need some time to clean and mend these but am not sure that I shall have that time."

Eowyn smiled, moving to the door. "I will be right back. Go ahead and get your clothes laid out, I'll have someone collect them."

Once she had left the room Hermione began to shed herself of the dirty garments, trying to quickly scrub herself with the rag before the other woman returned. The wound that Eomer had bandaged was healing nicely but would definitely leave a scar. She made a note to try to find sturdier bracers, or at least ones that could go over the ones she currently had.

As she finished washing her arms the gentle knock on the door indicated Eowyn's return. Ducking inside she presented a simple green dress to Hermione, a braided brown belt hanging over her arm.

"It's simple, I didn't take you as partial to ribbons and frills." Hermione beamed at the woman, they would clearly get along swimmingly. Eowyn grinned as she helped her into the dress, lacing it up the back quickly before fastening the belt around her waist. The pair made their way into the hallway, a few others making their way at the last minute at the summons of Theoden.

Spotting his niece and the witch the King smiled politely before turning to address his subjects.

"By my order as King of Rohan I am ordering the evacuation of Edoras." There was a collective gasp in the room and Hermione quickly found Gandalf's gaze. He did not look pleased with the King's decision.

"My lord, where will we go?" Hama, the soldier who had first greeted them asked, stepping forward before the throne.

"We will make our way to Helm's Deep. Send what riders you can, warn the villages to make their way to the fortress." Theoden spoke clearly and firmly. "The people of Rohan will survive, the mountain has saved us before. We shall make our stand there, away from our city."

Scanning the room until she found Aragorn and the others Hermione excused herself from Eowyn, crossing the room to her companions.

"This can't be good." She whispered as she came to stand between Legolas and the Ranger. The elf nodded his agreement.

"They are walking into a trap, I can see it on Gandalf's face. He thinks the plan folly." Legolas sighed. "I doubt there is anything to be said to change his mind."

Aragorn's expression was that of anger. "He should fight, Eomer will be here soon. The Rohirrim could hold the city." The Captain of Gondor nodded his agreement. Of the two of them they were most familiar with the battle tactics of the Horse-lords.

"The mountain may provide more shelter for those who can't fight." Gimli gruffly replied, earning him curious looks from his friends. "It may surprise you to know that there is some strategy in my head!"

As the city made it's preparations Hermione made her way back to her room to prepare herself for the journey to Helm's Deep. Nenya still adorned her finger, the swell of magic becoming more familiar with each passing moment. Knowing that Wormtongue would be reaching Isengard at any moment did nothing to calm her nerves. She was sure that Saruman would be suspicious of such a powerful magic that aided Gandalf in banishing him from the mind of the King. If Wormtongue saw the ring and knew what it was it would reveal her secret to the enemy. Shaking her thought she sat upon the bed, reaching into her bag.

She pulled out the small journal, Eomer would need to know of the new plan to abandon the city.

Putting her pencil to the page she scrawled her message quickly, hoping that he would see it sooner than later. 'You must make your way to Helm's Deep. Theoden is evacuating the city.'

She set the book on her bed as she went to work mending her travelling clothes. Thankful for the gown from Eowyn but she did not mean to make the next leg of their journey in a dress. She reinforced her bracers as best her magic could allow, the leather proving pliable with her stronger magic. Once comfortable with the adjustments she packed what she could into her bag, grateful for her expansion charm.

Glancing at the page open on her bed she was relieved to find the message gone, her Rider had seen it. Not seconds later his own message appeared before her.

'We will make haste. Are you and my sister safe?'

She smiled at the concern, writing her own reply once the words had faded.

'We are both fine. I enjoy her company. Please be safe, I worry for you.'

The message disappeared instantly, he must have eagerly awaited her reply, as she had his.

'You'll be in my arms soon, my Lady. We will meet at the fortress.'

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"Ah, thanks for coming. Potter. Weasley." Draco Malfoy held the door to his office politely for his former classmates, welcoming him into the room where Luna sat comfortably with a cup of tea.

"Luna what were you thinking coming to Malfoy?" Ron asked, moving to his wife's side.

"I figured who better to help with a mystery than the Head of the Department of Mysteries. It's not that much of a stretch my love." The woman smiled brightly, her wide eyes glimmering. "Besides, he had an idea that I hadn't thought of."

Harry turned to the former Slytherin who had moved behind his desk. "Why would you want to help us? The D.o.M. has no authority on Hermione's case."

"Call me sentimental. She may have been your friend but Hermione was one of the first to forgive me after the war. Did she ever tell you she wrote a letter of recommendation that all but guaranteed me this position?" Draco confessed as he sat down, gesturing for the aurors to do the same. "I had hoped that by providing years of testimony against former friends and family members I would have proved myself even mildly trustworthy."

Ron looked shocked at the news but Harry took him at his word. That did sound like something that Hermione would have done, especially after his role in the Wizarding Trials that led to the imprisonment of countless pureblood supremacists and death eaters.

"Well... what is your idea?" The raven-haired man asked.

"These journals that Luna brought with the Palantir mention a Radagast. A wizard from this other realm?" Draco asked, more confirming his understanding. Harry nodded, indicating him to continue. "From what I've gathered Xenophilius always described him with a staff, not a wand. What if the Palantir was not the only thing to cross the realms? If we can find something else this wizard left behind, like his staff, I'll bet we find more answers than we would expect."

"Just where do you suggest we start looking?" Ron asked, still harboring some unresolved tension towards the blonde man.

"How about where Granger did?" Malfoy suggested. "I've already sent Ares to the Det Norske Magidepartementent. I've requested an audience with their Head Unspeakable. Knowing my name would raise alarms I assured them I would be escorted by two of our Ministry's best aurors."

Harry smirked, impressed by the initiative. "When should we leave?"

"As soon as we have our answer." The blonde man replied, bringing his cup of tea to his lips. "Do you want to tell Shacklebolt, or should I?"

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"You seem well prepared." Hermione had not meant to sneak up on Eowyn as she had unsheathed a blade from the coffer before her, but her wide eyes and swung sword surprised the witch as she sidestepped the other woman's aim. "You're quite skilled with that!" She commented.

"Women of my country are not so timid as to not learn how to defend themselves with a blade." The blonde replied. "I fear neither death nor pain."

"Then what does frighten you?" The witch was curious as to anything that could frighten the woman before her.

"A cage, Hermione. Trapped in some prison until use and old age accept me." Closing her eyes Eowyn drew a shaky breath. "I will not stand by while my people suffer."

Reaching down and pulling a pair of bracers from the chest Hermione handed them to the other woman. "I've found that bracers help immensely with my form. And your sleeves should do well to hide them from anyone who may feel different."

The blonde beamed a brilliant smile, taking the leather arm bands from her friend. "I think you may be right."

Hermione returned the smile before leaving the Hall, making her way down to the stables. Theoden had promised horses to each of his guests, a gesture of thanks and to ensure all able bodied had their own steeds to aide in defense of the citizens. Opening the door the witch was met with the sight of Aragorn and Theoden attempting to calm a rather frantic horse.

"You should turn him free." She heard the Ranger tell the King.

"Brego was my son's horse." Theoden replied sadly, his eyes on the brown stallion. "I am not sure I would want to part with him."

"I understand your grief, sire. But he has seen enough of war." Aragorn sighed, turning towards the door and their audience. "Hermione, are you ready? The others are already outside the city."

She nodded, following him towards the horses that he had readied for them. Her horse was a mare, a beautiful golden creature with a thick brown mane. She approached the animal, her hand extended towards it's snout. The horse sniffed her loudly, rubbing its nose lovingly against her skin. Hermione smiled, gently petting its neck as she greeted the steed.

"Her name is Calina." She turned to see Theoden, his own horses' reigns gripped tightly in his hand. "She was sired by Firefoot."

The fact brought a beaming smile to her face. "Then she is from good stock."

The King chuckled lightly, making his way from the stable as she mounted Calina. Aragorn led the way on his own horse, the pair following Theoden through the city gates. Many of the townsfolk had already made their way out of the city, the line of people visible for miles across the plains as they made their way north towards the fortress that would hopefully provide them shelter and defense from the growing enemy.

She only hoped they would not meet any on their way.

Looking among the others she noticed that Gandalf was nowhere to be seen. She met Aragorn's eyes and he simply shook his head. He had obviously disapproved so strongly of the plan that he'd left to make preparations of his own. Groaning internally she only hoped that the wizard had a damn good reason for leaving them to make this trek alone.

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"Potter I was not aware you needed a lesson in proper procedure." Kingsley Shacklebolt was not pleased at the report presented by his Head Auror. Harry had admitted to taking classified information about an active investigation beyond the Ministry and had shared it with Mrs. Weasley. Auror's wife or not, she was not an Auror herself. On top of that he had also brought the Headmaster of Hogwarts and the Head Unspeakable into the fray, all without the approval of the Minister's office.

"Proper procedure be damned, sir." Harry replied nonchalantly. "I won't apologize for the decisions that lead to the first breakthrough in our case in months."

Sighing in defeat the Minister knew he had a point. The investigation had stalled for weeks and this was their first indication of a lead. "And if I were to deny this trip? It's no easy feat. Since Ms. Granger's disappearance the Norwegian Ministry has been less than forthcoming to welcome more visitors."

"Sir it's safe to assume that myself, Weasley and Malfoy are all prepared to turn in our resignation if you deny our request." Producing three sealed scrolls from his robes Harry set them before the Minister on his desk. "We aren't really asking for permission, sir. I'd be willing to wager that the Norwegian Minister would have little success in stopping us."

All cards had been laid on the table, quite literally, as the Minister couldn't help but chuckle. "You certainly are your father's son. I'll floo the Minister immediately. You are cleared to leave within the hour and I'll have the necessary papers drawn up right away."

Nodding Harry reached for the parchments, tossing them into the open fireplace.

"Won't be needing those?" Kingsley asked.

"No, sir. They were blank." He replied.

"Well played, Potter."

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The plains stretched before the pilgrimage of refugees, the mountains growing larger in their approach. The few soldiers who were left in Theoden's command brought up the front and rear of the caravan, a few scouts were ahead of the pack should anyone come across them. Boromir had volunteered to lead the scouts, hoping to aid in bringing any villagers into their group from the outskirts of the kingdom. The Captain had offered his skills to Theoden who had gladly accepted.

Hermione found herself following the horizon blindly, her mind wandering to the events that have unfolded over the past few days. She had reunited not only with Eomer, causing her heart to soar, but Gandalf had returned, a new lease on life granted to the wizard. So much had happened for her to process that she wondered when she would have the time to analyze the situations she faced. In true Hermione fashion she worried that the chance to analyze would slip past her and she'd find herself constantly dealing with each situation with little to no preparedness.

"Something on your mind?" She turned to see Legolas walking beside her horse, guiding the animal by the reign. "You were beginning to stray from the group."

Looking around she realized she was several meters away from the others, still following the course but apart.

Smiling gently she stopped Calina, dismounting to walk beside the elf. "I worry that we will have no time to plan our next move, Legolas. How do we expect to defeat our enemy if we are not all on the same understanding of how to meet them should they storm the fort. I know you've thought the same."

The blonde nodded, handing the reigns over to the woman. "We can only hope that we will beat the enemy to Helms Deep with enough time to utilize its resources. It is a mighty fortress that has never fallen to a foe. Theoden is counting on that fact to protect his people."

"Yet. It has never fallen to a foe yet." She retorted.

"That's a very negative way to view the situation, Hermione. Is there something else bothering you?" The witch mentally cursed the elf's intuition, realizing her facade was clearly compromised.

"We should have waited for Eomer. The Rohirrim would have been beneficial in ensuring the safety of these people and then we could have made our way to the mountain." The brunette woman huffed angrily. "Why make the journey with a fraction of your able forces?"

"Is that really why you would have wanted to wait for the riders?" He arched an eyebrow at his companion. "Or is your heart voicing that opinion?"

She couldn't help the indignant laugh that escaped her as she ducked her head to cover her blush. "Sorry. Am I that obvious?"

The elf stopped her, turning the witch to face him. "Do not apologize for matters of your heart, Hermione. What you feel for him, however brief you may have known him, is as real as you or I. He will come, but we must be prepared for if he does not make it before our enemy."

She knew that he was right, sighing in defeat as she wrapped her arms around him in a fond embrace. "Just because you're centuries older than me doesn't mean you can rub your wisdom in my face."

He pulled away, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I do not understand. How can one rub wisdom in another's face?"

Hermione couldn't help herself as she snorted in laughter, not even realizing that the elf would not understand the euphemism before she had said it. The look on his face only added to the humor of the situation as she doubled over, clutching her stomach as she laughed. She didn't notice Gimli and Eowyn approach the pair, curious as to her fit of giggles.

"Everything alright, Lass?" Gimli chuckled, clearly amused by the scene.

"Just a misunderstanding!" She wheezed, bracing herself against Calina as she tried to pull herself into some semblance of composure. "Thank you, Legolas. I needed that."

"You're most welcome. Though I am still not sure what I did." The elf smiled politely. Nodding to Eowyn he gestured over his shoulder towards the front of the line. "I am going to go join the scouts, the more eyes ahead the better."

"Don't stray too far, now." Gimli joked at his comrade, the relationship between the two progressing closer to friendship than racial enemies. Hermione smiled at the interaction as Legolas made his way towards the front of the pack.

"Now what was I saying? Oh yes!" The warrior from Erebor guffawed. "You'll appreciate this Hermione. Dwarf women are so alike in voice and appearance that they are often mistaken for Dwarf Men."

The comment produced even more laughter, this time from both women as they continued along the path beside the Dwarf. Aragorn and Theoden watched the interaction from a distance, both relishing in the first real smiles upon the faces of their loved ones.

"It seems my niece has made a close friend with this Hermione. What can you tell me of her and Eomer? My nephew would not have bestowed a war band upon someone who did not mean a great deal to him." The King looked to the ranger. "Who is she to him?"

Aragorn sighed, trying to be careful of his words. He was unfamiliar with the courting rule of Rohan nobility, if any. "They met in Rivendell. He had answered the call of emissaries on your behalf and they were close in company while he was a guest."

"Rivendell? When your fellowship was formed?" Theoden asked, still piecing together the past few months of his enchantment.

Nodding the Dunedain continued. "I observed them briefly and I believe that he was one of the few that judged her, something Hermione is not accustomed to. I'm sure you can understand what sort of scrutiny she faces, the council was no different until she proved us all wrong."

The King nodded his understanding, she had proven herself an ally to Rohan, fiercely defending it upon her arrival. "She is certainly willful."

Smiling Aragorn agreed. "That she is. Eomer is equally fond of her, the affection is quite mutual my lord."

"I would hope so, otherwise I would be concerned that she disarmed him to gain his dagger." The royal chuckled. "I do hope he can join us soon, we will need him before this fight is won."

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Eomer and his men were nearing the Entwash river, the water marking their halfway point to the fortress. He and his men rode hard, only stopping to rest their horse and to sleep in shifts, not daring to stop after nightfall. Ever since the Marshall had received the message about their people moving to refuge at the fortress his men were worried, he could see it on their faces.

These men took their oath seriously, not only thinking of their families but thinking of their people as a whole. Even in exile they had followed him to aid those on their way out of the kingdom. Not once did they question their leader, or how he received his message. Though many of his comrades suspected it had to do with the mysterious woman he had saved during the Uruk skirmish.

As they sat along the shore, risking being in the open for sake of not diverting further from their path, Eomer sat with the journal open on his knee, contemplating what he might say. The closer he got to reuniting with his family, and the woman who had captured his heart, the more he feared the enemy finding them first. He had been elated to read the words that Hermione had promised, she ended the exile of he and his men with a haste he hadn't expected. To see his Uncle's seal below her words nearly brought the hardened soldier to tears.

Eothain approached the horse-lord, clearing his throat to make his presence known.

"My lord?" He asked.

Eomer quickly closed the journal, securing it in his bracer and gestured for him to sit beside him. "We are making good time, my friend. We should reach Helm's deep by tomorrow's nightfall."

His friend nodded in agreement. "If we maintain our speed we should be able-bodied enough to fight off the enemy should we beat them to the fortress."

The thought was somber, all were wondering if they would beat the armies of Isengard to their kinsmen. "We can only hope that the wind is with us and we remain unseen across the plains."

Eothain smiled lightly. "We are going home. I suppose your mysterious lady is to thank for that. I was not expecting the banishment to be lifted so quickly."

Eomer sighed. "She is mysterious, Eothain. I'm captivated by her and from what she's told me she has been welcomed by the King. I'm certain he saw the war-band, if at the very least noticed she wields my dagger."

The other rider raised his eyebrow in surprise. "Does she know the significance of the band?"

The Marshall shook his head. "I didn't get the chance to tell her."

His friend laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You'll have your chance soon enough."

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The sun had just passed it's peak as the people of Rohan made a rest for a midday meal. A few villages had joined their troupe, the scouts warning the small outposts as they journeyed ahead. Their numbers were great and should they be sighted it could prove to be a terrible fight. Hermione and Aragorn sat atop an outcropping of rocks, their perch providing an ample view of the mass of people they were escorting.

Legolas had ventured ahead, keeping an eye out on the scouts, using his elven-enhanced sight to maintain a vantage point on the riders. Gimli was atop the hill with Theoden, no doubt boasting of the success of the dwarves under the lonely mountain since it's reclamation.

"Do you think this is in vain, Aragorn?" The witch asked, wringing her hands in her lap, fiddling with the ring she now wore openly. "This is a large group to travel such a great distance."

"The people of Rohan are a hearty folk. They will make it." The Ranger smiled over at his young friend. "You're forgetting something important."

She looked to him, concern evident on her face. Hermione had been quite careful in her actions since departing the city, no decision made lightly especially since Legolas had helped guide her back to the party.

"They have us." He wrapped an arm around the witch, patting her shoulders as a big brother would do. "Boromir is with the scouts, he will not allow a danger to get close enough for us to worry. We are close to the fortress, we will reach it before we lose daylight. Don't forget, we have a witch in our company."

She nodded, trying not to think of the worried faces of the citizens around her. Hermione noticed Eowyn walking amongst her people, handing out bowls of some kind of stew. She could at least busy herself with helping the standing heir.

Seeing her approach the blonde woman smiled, offering her a bowl. The smell quickly turned away any appetite she may have had but she instead offered to help hand out what amounted to odorous broth. Taking the pot from her she held the vessel as Eowyn dished out the vittles.

"Have you written my brother again?" She asked, looking into the younger woman's eyes with a knowing smile.

Attempting to hide her blush Hermione shook her head. "I haven't had the chance. I figured that I would let him know once we had reached Helm's Deep." Eowyn said nothing, just cast a sideways glance at the brunette as she continued serving the broth. Hermione knew that it wouldn't be the end of the conversation.

A loud horn sounded across the grass and the witch dropped the pot to the ground. She'd heard the same call in the forests along the Anduin. Aragorn was at his feet instantly.

"Boromir!" She gasped, her wand dropping from it's sheath. Looking to Aragorn she saw him already running to meet Legolas at the front of the column.

"Warg!" The elf shouted, quickly jumping to a higher rock and firing arrows into the distance. The Ranger mounted his horse with haste, calling for the riders to join him at the head of the group.

"Eowyn, get the women and children to safety!" Theoden called, having already mounted his horse and rallying the other riders from the rear. "Hermione go with them! They'll need you both."

"We can fight!" They both argued but were cut short by the King's glare.

"Go now!" He shouted. "Get them to the Fortress. Please, for me." His eyes were pleading as they locked with those of his niece.

Eowyn did not voice another argument as she pulled Hermione with her, urging the others around her to follow. "Make for the lower ground!"

The sounds of howling beasts rolled over the hills, the witch knowing the riders would hold them off as long as they could. Many men in the party were rallying to the riders, wielding axes or walking sticks but charging forward to give the others a chance to escape.

"If we make it to the valley floor we can cut across the streambed." Eowyn gasped, clinging to the hand of a child she'd pulled along with her. The young girl had tears streaming down her face, her eyes filled with terror. Hermione reached for her hand, pulling her from the blonde woman and bringing her to rest on her back.

"Stay together!" A few foot soldiers joined the women, practically herding the frightened citizens away from the battle unfolding on the hill behind them.

"Is there nothing we can do?!" Hermione yelled. "I can't leave them!"

"We must! These people need us, you know that!" Eowyn shouted. "Who will protect them if not us?"

The witch knew she was right. Trying to focus on the mountain side she kept one foot ahead of the other, hoping that the others would be shortly behind. Soon the sounds were far enough away that the only thing to meet her ears were the whimpers of those around her. The child on her back had fallen asleep and Hermione kept a hand on the child's wrist to keep her from falling from her shoulders. She tried to keep a sense of their pace with each beat of her heart but her pulse was so rapid she could barely maintain her own breathing, let alone any sense of timekeeping.

The sun had passed behind several clouds with no sign of the soldiers or her companions. The brunette woman attempted to push the thought from her mind, having never rushed away from a battle yet on this journey. She'd been at their side for each foe.

"It should be just over this rise." Eowyn's voice broke her concentration and she nearly stumbled, catching herself before waking her ward. Scrambling to catch up the woman climbed uphill, spying the massive fortress built into the mountainside. The stone keep was visible from this distance, it's massive wall seemingly carved from the very mountain.

"We made it." The blonde woman sighed in relief, the first time the witch had actively seen her breathe since they separated from the group. The remaining steps blurred together in exhaustion as the refugees made their way to the stone ramp leading into the keep.

The heavy wooden doors opened revealing villagers who had already made their way to the keep. Hermione suspected these were the people of the villages that sent the two children to Edoras. Many had already sought refuge, gathering in small groups to begin consolidating various supplies.

"We should get to the keep and prepare the war room." Eowyn helped transfer the sleeping child from her friend's shoulders to a group of women who seemed to be caring for and distracting the many lost children. A woman who reminded Hermione of Madame Pomfrey took the child seamlessly, not even waking her. "Come, the sooner we prepare it the sooner we can watch for them from atop the parapet.

Hermione nodded, her body and mind exhausted from the pace that had completely the journey to the fort, following the blonde into the Keep. Down a single corridor they made their way to a large room filled with various weapons and armors, a large thick table at the center of the room. On its top sat a detailed map of the fortress, complete with the surrounding points of approach laid out before the pair. Eowyn set to work piling wood into the cold fireplace, tearing a bit of her own skirt to use as kindling as the witch raised her wand, lighting the various sconces around the ceiling.

It took some time but soon all the necessities awaited the return of the soldiers, complete with a grindstone the two women hauled from the corridor to begin readying their weapons. The task had succeeded in keeping the women busy, a fact the brunette was grateful of.

The horn call echoed against the stone and the pair looked to each other in relief. Grabbing her by the hand Hermione led Eowyn out into the courtyard, the sight of the returning soldiers bringing a sigh of relief to the witch's lips. Theoden embraced his niece, glancing at Hermione with a look that made her heart stop. Someone hadn't returned. Straining to see down the rampart she sighted Legolas' blond locks and ran for him.

She pushed her way past the weary men until she caught sight of her friend, wrapping her arms around him.

"You made it." He held her tightly. The elf pulled them to the side of the courtyard, quickly joined by Gimli and Boromir. Looking around Hermione strained to see if Aragorn was bringing up the rear of the returning men.

"Lass." Gimli's voice was broken as he reached gently for her arm.

"Where is he?" She asked, standing on her tiptoes.

"Hermione." Boromir grasped both her shoulders firmly. "He isn't..." She shook her head violently at the words, not wanting him to finish the statement.

"Don't you say it." She gasped, her ability to draw her own breath halted. "Don't you dare!"

"He fell." Gimli hung his head low, the dwarf's expression twisted in grief. She backed away from him, her eye catching a glimmer of light reflect in Legolas's hand and saw the Evenstar pendant hanging from his fingers.

Her world began to spin as Boromir reached out to catch her before she fell to the stone. "We need to get you inside."

"We have to find him!" She yelled, several people stopping to stare. "We can't leave him out there!"

"There's nothing to be done, Hermione. He would want us to help these people." Legolas turned her to look at him as the Captain held her still. "You can still help all of them."

She sobbed in the embrace of her brothers, though the absence of one stung with the force of a sword.

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Night had fallen by the time Hermione found herself sat in the war room, her eyes weary from her grief. She could barely hear the planning taking place at the table as she reached for the small journal tucked in her bracer.

Her hand shook as she pulled out the charcoal pencil. Taking a steadying breath she brought the black point to the page.

'Eomer, Aragorn is gone. I need you. Get here soon.' She felt pathetic at the words but could cry no more tears. The enemy was still coming. The Ranger's death had not halted their approach. The only thing that brought her a mild comfort was the thought of reinforcements, and with them her Rider.

"Hermione?" She looked up to see Eowyn standing before her, holding a thin blanket towards her. "If you won't move to the fire at least take this."

She set the book on her lap, taking the swath of fabric with gratitude. She nodded a silent thanks, the understanding apparent from her friend. Looking down she saw that the words had disappeared as she barely registered the sound of the blonde's departing footsteps.

'I'm coming. Hold on, my lady.'