Part 3 of More to The Story. It's about a family that are the key-holders and Gatekeepers between our world/Wizarding World and Middle Earth. Adventure, friendships, and love. Part 3 picks up at the beginning of The Battle of the Five Armies, with equal parts of books and movies with the crossovers. OC's and real characters.
The Company and Gatekeepers are divided. Some of the company remain in Laketown with the younger members of the Gatekeeper family. The parents and grandparents are still missing. The danger of the dragon, orcs, and greed were on everyone's minds. What would become of them? Erébor? The Wizard and Muggle world? Nothing was certain.
I do not own anything from the Hobbit or Harry Potter; only the OC's and their story. All Harry Potter/Hobbit references and characters belong to J.K. Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Peter Jackson.
Chapter 10
The bedroom Jordan had been assigned was incredible! Once she magically cleaned it, there was a full-sized bed and night stand, closet and vanity. She eyed the bed with loathing, wanting to get some sleep only knowing that's not what she was going to get. Nightmares were the only way she could communicate with Milhauke. No rest for her. It will be the first time she reaches out to him, and it would be dangerous and costly. The forced connection was dark magic he used to get inside her mind. If she used it, she knew she would become more susceptible to becoming a dark witch herself. She wanted to find another way to save her brother; to not travel down that path. Only it was too late and there was no time for anything else. She was not completely sure how to do it, so she laid down on the bed, calming her mind to drift off. Keeping her subconscious on her brother and the evil man she wanted to speak too.
Opening her eyes, she was back in her old bedroom laying on the bed. Clearly someone had tried to go through the very little left behind and thrown a tantrum while they did it. The bed and door were damaged, like someone or something had struck it. Annoyed, she wondered what they were hoping to find? All her personal belongings were with her.
As quietly as she could, she tiptoed out of the room and hoped to get to the basement to speak to her brother first. Blair needed to know she was coming for him. She made it to the living room and the evil wizard was sitting on the couch, seemingly waiting for her. A scowl came over her face and hot fire erupted from her hands. If he wanted to try to torture her, or pick a fight, she was ready.
Apprehension kept Milhauke still, as he was not sure if her magic would harm him like his could to her. "Ah, my little monster has returned! I thought I heard someone walking around upstairs. Lovely to see you, Jordan." Milhauke's voice dripped sweetly with venom and eyed her flaming hands. "What do I owe the pleasure? This is a strange turn of events. Normally it is I who must seek you out, though I am delighted to see you."
Bring me my brother. Jordan demanded fiercely.
"Do you have the book?"
Not yet.
Milhauke did not cower like she had hopped. He ordered his apprentice to fetch Blair. All the while keeping his guard up for an kept her hands blazing until her brother was in sight. He was in much better shape having been healed, bathed, and wore suitable clothing; though he was still too thin and his skin had not seen any sun.
Ashamed of what had become of her and did not want him to know. She tried so hard to keep the curse under control when she talked to him. Are you alright?
"Yeah," he answered. His hands were tied behind his back and Septumus held him wand point.
"Your dear sister has some news, Blair. Translate for us." Milhauke commanded.
Blair's heart hurting for his sister. She was different now. Her skin was shadowed with black markings he did not recognize. She carried herself in lethal confidence, almost unstable with rage. Worst of all, her eyes lacked all empathy and emotion. No joy, love, not even fear or hatred. She had been pushed too far and hurt too much she was now on the verge of being a sociopath. "She said she's in the mountain and should have the book soon."
"Very good." Mihauke smiled and made himself more comfortable on the couch.
Are we still meeting at the pier? Or can I just find you hear? This is much easier for me. Jordan stated arrogantly. She glanced over at Septimus who was eyeing her up and down. She wanted to set him on fire just for looking at her. If he kept it up, she would do it too.
"I believe I can accommodate your request," Milhauke nodded his head. "Come back home. We can do the exchange, then Septimus and I will be on our way."
Where are you going? Jordan arched a brow at him.
"I don't believe that's any of your concern, now is it? Unless you'd like to come with us? The offer still stands for you to join me and become my new apprentice."
She let her hands set fire defensively, making sure he understood she was declining. I'll be back soon with your book. It was becoming clearer and clearer that Milhauke was afraid of her and she liked it. He should be! If he broke his word he would pay. He would regret the day he was born.
"You know, Jordan, you have grown so much and your magic has been become so powerful. I did that. You would not be where you are if it weren't for me. You wouldn't be this strong if it wasn't for me."
You're right. I wouldn't be like this if it weren't for you. Jordan agreed and the black tattoos screamed, the whites of her eyes turned black, and the flames were blazing. I hate you! And when this is over, you'd better disappear. Because if ever see you again. I'll watch you burn in the flames of this curse and make music with your screams as you die.
Milhauke raised both his hand and wand, "Crucio!"
Jordan was not quick enough to block him. Her fire was doused and she fell to the floor and violently twitched from the invisible hot knives stabbing her all over. She curled into a ball to try to protect herself from the pain.
"I don't believe I'll be the one screaming, Jordan." Milhauke mercilessly tortured her for another moment then stopped. He watched her unfold onto her back on the floor. He thought about cursing her again for good measure, to remind her of her place. Only he saw Septimus watching her too attentively. His apprentice had a fascination with the young witch he could not completely explain. Milhauke thought it was love, or at least a romantic obsession. But Septimus also enjoyed seeing her in pain, whether he was the one doing it or someone else.
Blair got down on his knees and begged, "please stop! You don't have to do this to her anymore! You've already blackmailed her to-,"
Septimus smacked the back of his head, "shut up, boy! You only speak to translate."
Milhauke sneered down over Jordan. "I look forward to our next meeting. Consider carefully your next move. You are powerful, Jordan, and I have enjoyed seeing grow into your magic. But it would be unwise to challenge me again." He stated with some confidence, only his eyes betrayed him and reveled his fear.
Jordan finally had the energy to sit up and she glared at him, Don't push me to challenge you, Milhauke. I might not come out the victor, but neither will you. She was about to shoot fire at him until she saw her brother loose hope in her. He was the reason she was doing this and she would not fail him. She glared at Septimus to make sure he understood her threat as well. Once she stood up, she was beginning to feel herself wake up on the other side of the dream. I'll contact you again when I'm near the book. I'll need you to confirm I have found the right one.
"Till then," Milhauke replied.
Once Jordan was gone, Septiums took Blair back to the basement and locked him up. He could not stop thinking about Jordan and all the possibilities he could do with her. She was truly remarkable and he could not wait to make her his slave. When the time was right, he would absorb Milhauke's magic, kill him, and take Jordan for his own. She will do all his bidding. Anything he thought of, she will do; including warming his bed. Of course, she will fight him and he looked forward to her fight, craved it even. He would take her beautiful body and use it every night until he tired of her. Then he would absorb her magic and kill her too. Only there were a few obstacles that remained in his way.
When he returned to his master, he fished for the information he wanted. "Will I no longer be considered your apprentice?"
"Yes, of course you are. Don't be a fool." Milhauke scoffed. "Adding Jordan to my plans will help us unlock magic we've never known. Now that the Dark Lord Voldemort has been killed at that wizard school by the Potter boy, we will have to learn this magic another way. Jordan is controlled under my curse and already allowed dark magic to seep into her soul. It won't be long now and it will completely overtake her. She will be the most vulnerable and I will manipulate her to my will. I will harness her magic and be the most powerful sorcerer of all the worlds."
"What of Sauron?"
"Simple enough. Jordan will be the distraction. I will have her challenge the fallen elf, and while she is doing so, her family will try to stop her and possibly come to her rescue. Sauron will eliminate her, Ruben, Priscilla, and the rest of the family, undoubtedly spending much of his strength. And that's when I will take him down, absorb his power, and take over his forces." Milhauke grinned at his genius plan. "Then once I've taken control of his forces, you will be my second in command and we will take over all of Middle Earth. Once that has been accomplished, we will take over all the other worlds through the gates Ruben guarded. None shall be safe from my rule."
Septimus approved of some of the plan. He would have to find another to take Jordan's place for Sauron. Perhaps he could find a way to send the Gatekeepers to the dark lord without her. Milhauke would think she perished along with her family. When the time was right, he will absorb Milhauke and Sauron's magic, kill them, and take Jordan for his own. And last, he will rule all of the worlds. Simple enough. He just needed to be patient.
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Jordan disappeared from her home by forcing herself to wake up on her end. She was still tired and sore and wanted to stay in this nice and warm bed. Fili would be coming soon, maybe they could stay and cuddle here. She just wanted to spend as much time with him before she would leave him, the Mountain, Middle Earth, and her family behind. There would be no coming back, or even guarantee she would survive the exchange. She did not trust Milhauke or Septimus any more than she trusted He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
After rolling out of bed, she saw herself in the mirror and felt the same anger she had in her dream. The black speech marks were clearly legible and her eyes were slowly going back to normal. Tonight, might very well be her last time she spends with Fili; she was not about to waste it talking about the curse. Wanting to cherish the memories she made as was going to make were her only priorities. She settled on just wearing her favorite Hockey Town t-shirt and her long-sleeved plaid button up shirt. Her hair was growing out and becoming unruly, so she put on her lucky knit hat. It gave her a little confidence and made her feel like herself. Looking in the mirror once more, she was relieved that her eyes were finally back to normal. It took her a moment to realize she wore nearly the same outfit she first met Fili in, and she could not help but chuckle. Seems fitting for it could be the last time too. Just as she finished putting on her finishing touches, Fili was knocking on the door. She greeted him with a smile, her stomach doing summersaults and her hearted fluttered.
"You look amazing," he let his eyes travel over her. He stuttered a little because even though her skin was covered, her clothes hugged her in all the right places. "You'll need your cloak, it's cold outside." He was already dressed as if he was traveling somewhere, with a heavy shirt, boots, a long coat with a hood, and a sack over his shoulder.
Outside? What about the elven archers? She asked once she retrieved her cloak from the bag.
"They won't be able to see us from where we will be. Are you ready? We're running out of moonlight."
The walk was not terrible long. There were times it felt like they were going in circles. Until finally they reached some sort of elevator. It was surprising one existed in the mountain, since there were mostly stairs to take you where one needed to go. They got off at the very top, and went through amazing carved doors. Stepping outside, they were on the very top of the mountain!
"I found this spot this morning. I needed to get away from the treasury for a bit." Fili explained as he led her to a blanket and cushions he had already set out for them.
They were able to see for miles and into the horizon from this height and the clear night. The moon and stars were glowing bright. They gave off a sense of calm and hope. Once they sat, they could take in the breath-taking view and the chill in the air.
He reached into his pocket, "this is for you." Taking her hand, he wrapped a bracelet around her wrist. "I thought you would like it."
It was beautiful. It was a multi-layered wrapped bracelet, with red ribbon, gold chains, soft brown leather, and accented with diamonds and black semi-precious stones.
Are you trying to buy my affection? She teased.
"No, of course not!"
Because it's working. I just don't have a gift to give you in return.
"You don't need to give me a gift. And I didn't buy it. I found it while we were looking for the Arkenstone. I saw it and I thought it suited you."
Jordan looked back up at him and could see the intensity in his eyes. It was making her feel uncomfortable and guilty. She tried to lighten the mood and changed the subject. You know, you can't buy happiness. But you can buy wine, and that's kind of the same thing. Let's go find some! She tried to stand and pull him with her but he stopped her.
Fili's lips cracked into a smile. "I have some here." He opened his sack and pulled out a bottle. Once each of them had a glass he began to speak. "I brought you up here to tell you something."
She took a sip from her wine hoping it would calm her nerves.
"Actually, I wanted to tell you a couple things. The first is, I'm sorry." He began until Jordan cut him off.
What?! She was flabbergasted and thought to herself, what on Middle Earth does he need to be sorry for?
"I'm sorry for the way I acted on the beach at Long Lake. Do you see how my uncle is suffering from the Dragon Sickness?" He waited for her understanding before continuing. "Part of the reason I can't go against him is because I know how he feels. I don't really know how to describe it to you, but I'm sure what I did to you when I tried to force you to come with me was my own form of Dragon Sickness. It came upon me so suddenly I didn't see it coming. The fact that I know I'm susceptible to Dragon Sickness is what is keeping me from spending any extra time in the Gallery of the Kings or the main treasury. I've only been there when Thorin ordered me to. But at Long Lake, I was so scared that you had been killed by the dragon. When you came back, I was determined to keep you by my side at all costs. I was going to take your wand away from you, know you would never part from it. I wanted to tie you up, and bring you to the mountain with me, and no amount of fire you shot at me was going to change that."
What made you stop? Jordan asked, remembering the look of pure rage on his face.
He sighed in disappointment, "I saw how scared you were of me. And somehow, I realized I should not force you do anything. I did not want to take you and keep you locked away in a safe place like a piece of treasure. That's when I realized I was acting like a dragon coveting his hoard. The curse of my family had come upon me and I was determined to break it."
You did break it! You should be so proud of yourself. I'm proud of you. I wish I could break my curse like you did.
Fili asked hopeful, "don't you think you can?"
No. Jordan replied with a shake of her head. What else did you want to tell me?
He smiled and took a sip of his wine. "Nice changed of subject. Do you know about our custom of 'Ones'?"
I have an idea. She confessed.
"Females dwarves are so few in comparison to the males. They are cherished, treasured more than gold and precious stones. When a dwarf finds their One, their treasure, they are bound to them so deeply, it's like they were missing a part of themselves and were made whole."
Jordan listened intently, loving the sound of his voice. His words were like poetry and wonderful to hear. At the same time, also terribly alarming! Where was he going with this?
"I've known for some time now," he continued. "Jordan, you are my One, my treasure, my other half." He took her hand and kissed it. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I wish to marry you."
Stunned! Jordan forgot to breathe, she stared into his eyes. The joy that she felt was reflected in his gaze. She noted that he had not exactly asked her to marry him, only stating that he wanted too. Clearly, he was working out all the details in his mind, and that sort of calmed her. She had to be patient and wait to hear what else he was going to say.
"I know you are unfamiliar with my customs, and I want to do right by you. I thought you deserved to know my intentions. I also don't expect a reply from you right now. Given everything you have been through, I don't want to rush, because we can take our time. If you did marry me, you would become a princess. And with me being the next in line for the throne, you would also be my queen; unless Thorin does indeed marry and produces and heir. And I believe he has set his heart on your cousin; so, it is a possibility I might not be king after all."
It was the first time it had actually been said out loud what Fili's responsibilities were. Jordan assumed he was somewhere in the line of succession. She just never realized he was the first person in line for the throne. Getting married was one thing, being a queen was another. She was American! She did not have what it took to be royalty.
Fili could see her distress and wished to ease her worry. "Jordan, I love you. You would make me the happiest dwarf Erébor has ever seen. I will protect you, cherish you, and be a good husband to you. Because you make me want to be the best version of me possible. And Even if you don't wish to marry me, you still have changed me for the better."
She felt the tears swell in her eyes. This was so confusing! She knew if she really put her mind to it, she would accept any challenges she would have to face to be with Fili; including accepting royal status and the possibility of being a queen. She loved him with her whole being and wanted to be his wife. Only he deserved to know the whole truth about her. He was declaring his love for her and she knew she will be tearing out his heart when he learns of her betrayal. But she already promised herself she would cherish this time with him. Yes, he deserved the whole truth. And right now, she would give him some of it; tell him exactly how she felt.
I love you too, Fili. Jordan replied and the stopped for a moment. She needed to figure out the right words to say. Nothing would make me happier, than to be with you for the rest of my life. He smiled at her, delighted with her honesty. But right now, I'm too broken. I miss my family, and as happy as you make me, I'm not ready to let go of them.
"I don't want you to let them go. I want to bring our families together. I want to help you carry your burdens." He explained. He thought over her words before asking carefully, incredibly scared of the answer. "Are you saying, no, to marrying me then?"
Jordan reached up and held his cheeks with both hands to touch his forehead to hers. I'm saying, 'Not yet'.
He nodded his understanding and softly pressed his lips to hers. He wanted to feel her love on him. He was disappointed to postponing their engagement. He respected Jordan and where she was coming from. He just wished for more right now. He could and will wait for her. Until then, he would appreciate having her with him in this moment; loving the feeling of her seductive lips on his. The kiss grew in passion and his mind stop working properly. Taking a chance, he probed her mouth open with is tongue, loving the way she tasted. If this was how she kissed, he could not stop speculating how seductive the rest of her could be. He let his large hands wander; one roamed over her back, the other down to her hips and his fingertips brushed her bare skin. He wanted to go all the way with her in the worst way possible. His body must have listened to his desires as somehow, he was laying on top of Jordan, covering her entire body. If he did not pull away right then, he was not sure he could keep himself in check.
Thankfully, Jordan must have come to the same conclusion. She had been actively participating in the make out session, loving every minute of it. For those few wonderful moments, she was at peace, happy, carefree. Her feelings for Fili were impossible to ignore and he was the only one she was thinking of. She wanted to be with him for forever. If he asked her again to marry him, she would probably say yes.
Blair.
Her brother's survival rested in her hands. Pulling back, Jordan scooted out from under him to create some distance. She found her glass of wine and took long drink. Was there something else? You mentioned a couple things.
"Yes, there is something else I wanted you to know." He sat up and took a long drink himself. Once he had his composure back, he took her hand again. "Should something happen to me tomorrow, I had a will written. I met with Ori and Balin to be my witnesses; if I perish, my share of the treasure will be divided between my mother, brother, uncle, and you."
That's very thoughtful of you. And unnecessary since I probably won't survive anyway. Jordan had to keep reminding herself as to not get too carried away in any circumstance. Isn't there another way around fighting? There has to be something we haven't tried yet.
"Time has run out, and there isn't anything else we can do. All we can hope for us is Dain to show up and help us in numbers. But please, let's not talk about tomorrow. Let's just be with each other while everything is quite and no one is bothering us."
They stayed at the lookout for a couple more hours. The midnight curfew was approaching and they had to get back to their respective chambers before the company, especially Bifur, and her cousins came looking for them. They walked back, arms wrapped around each other's middles and peacefully bliss. Once they reached Jordan's door, Fili pulled her close once more and kissed her.
Touching his forehead to hers, he whispered, "I love you, my One."
I love you too.
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Jordan shut the door behind her and immediately broke down sobbing. She had never felt so happy. Never in her life did she think she could pledge herself to someone. Fili wanted to marry her, and she wanted him to be her husband, to be his wife. She would give up her magic, her music, her life, all for him. But it was not her life that was on the line.
On top of all that, what really made her so upset was the hurt she felt in her heart for what she was about to do. There was no other option and everyone will see it as betrayal. Her family would cast her out, Fili would hate her, and there was a chance that her brother would be murdered regardless. But she had to try. Even if she was killed in the process, Blair was still counting on her, and she would not forsake him.
If only I could forget Fili. Then it might make it easier, she thought. Or he could forget me. Her head snapped up at that realization. He could forget her and all the feelings that he ever had for her. She reached into her bottomless bag and pulled out the bottle she needed. Plucking a few hairs from her head, she added them to the potion, capped it, and shook it to ensure that it was properly mixed. Then she wrote him a long letter, allowing her tears to stain the ink and parchment. Finally spent of energy, she crawled into bed and fell asleep.
