"Lembas, eat and dress. We go to see Lady Galadriel immediately," Cassidy took a minute to blink blearily, her spell translating the elven language faster than her foggy morning mind could comprehend.
She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, opened them, and took in the scene.
Haldir was standing at her door holing out a small, leaf wrapped parcel. He was dressed in a similar outfit as the day before, and looked bright and alert as if he had been up for hour. Cassidy rolled her eyes past the broad shouldered elf and glanced at the sky.
"It's still dark," were the first words that she could muster.
"The sun will rise within the hour, you have slept for four. Eat, dress." He replied crisply.
Cassidy's mind wandered to the night before. She had joined Haldir's family for dinner as usual, but Rumil had insisted that they celebrate Cassidy's newfound language abilities and his and orophin's imminent return to the boarder guard. Now, if Cassidy thought that Rumil was fun before she could understand him... he was an absolute riot when she could. The younger elf was a merciless flirt and spent most of the night recounting tales from the family- mainly Haldir's, youth. At one point, he went into a very detailed explanation how when Haldir was but an elfling, he snuck out of their parents' flet and into a feast that the Lord and Lady were hosting to welcome a company of delegates from Greenwood the Great. Midway through Lady Galadriel's welcome speech, tiny Haldir marched up to the high table and declared quite loudly in a rather awed voice "you're vewy pwitty." At that particular story, Haldir shot his brother a glare that was particularly murderous, but Cassidy barely noticed through her tears of laughter.
It really was a brilliant night, but then, then he broke out the wine.
Cassidy would swear that she only had one, maybe two... okay maybe three sips of the fruity cordial, but Merlin was that wine strong. After her first sip she could hardly recall the rest of the night. There was a vague memory of Rumil and Haldir breaking out into a heated argument resulting in Orophin guiding Cassidy back to her flet- but she couldn't be certain.
An impatient cough brought Cassidy back to reality.
"Off we go then," she grumbled, taking the parcel and slamming the door on Haldir's face. Once alone, she quickly located a sobering potion in her bag to wipe away the fog of the previous night's wine. She always kept them in stock and that morning was particularly grateful for the habit. Of course, while she had technically started drinking a "bit young," but she also joined a war while being a "bit young" so really it wasn't the worst of her habbits. She grimaced slightly at the bitter taste, but sighed in relief as the pounding in her head quieted.
Upon inspecting the leaf wrapped parcel, she found a strange cake that seemed to fill her up with one bite, so she dropped the rest of the handy food into her expanding pouch. She then set about cleaning her clothes as she found that she was wearing the same outfit as the night previously, supporting her hypothesis about being guided back home by Orophin. She then tugged a brush through her hair for a few seconds before giving up and returning to swing the door open. Haldir was in the exact same spot. It was like he didn't even move an inch.
"Will you please wear one of the gowns brought to you, we are to be seeing the Lady Galadriel," he glared disapprovingly at her choice in attire.
"Why? Is it because you want me to look pwitty like her?" She asked, a smirk dancing on her lips. She was feeling much more alert after the sobering potion. Haldir's face turned bright red and he merely turned and began to walk in the direction of the large receiving room that Cassidy was originally brought to upon entering the city.
They walked in silence and as they walked, Cassidy's nerves began to grow. What if she wishes to speak to me about the archery incident? Cassidy wondered, bitting her lip slightly in nervousness. Such wasn't one of her best moments and the elves were exceedingly picky about their trees. Oh how Cassidy wished that she could simply enjoy her time exploring this strange world. It was so different, so unique... there was so much to learn.
Instead of exploring or asking questions however, she was stuck inside her own head, driving herself mad with worry. She completed her mission, but what about their war? What will they do without me? We've lost so many...
Cassidy knew that she had to find some way back to her world. There's always a way... always.
Her ponderings were cut short as they soon reached the base of the stairs to that grand reviving room. By that point Cassidy was far too nervous to go with her usual snark and so dutifully walked up the long and winding staircase. Part of her wondered how Lady Galadriel and the other female elves made it up and down those stairs so often without failing.
When they reached the top, Haldir knocked dutifully on the door and Cassidy found herself fidgeting. She heard the light and sweet voice of Lady Galadriel beckoning Cassidy in, and Haldir merely opened the door and gestured for her to enter. So, she entered the room alone, hearing the door shut behind her. Haldir, it seemed, would be waiting outside while she spoke with the lady of the woods. Cassidy put on her most pleasant face, inhaled deeply, and walked forward with confidence. I've faced Death Eaters and Dark Lords... what's a couple of elves?
When she came upon Lady Galadriel however, she was surprised to see her sitting at a table with Lord Celeborn and another figure who Cassidy did no know. Her instincts immediately kicked in and she ran her eyes over the rather tall, old man to asses his threat. He was indeed old, hunched over and bearing a grey beard. His clothes were in shambles and he had the most ridiculous pointed hat that screamed "old world wizard." Although his clothes had plant of spots capable of hiding a wand, his hand did not hover over any of them, nor did he favor a particular side... thus he was a wizard with experience in war or at lease dueling. He also seemed to bear a strange staff of knotted wood, perhaps some powerful magical object.
What comforted Cassidy most however, was the aura around him. She could feel the magic flowing off of him in waves. The elves and the woods all held the lingering feeling of magic, like the kind that comes from creatures made from, but not of, magic. This man however, this wizard had that all encompassing pulse of magic which ebbed and flowed with each breath. He was a wizard through and through.
"Ahhh," he spoke slowly and with a warm smile breaking across his face. "So you must be miss Cassidy Oleander. The Lady Galadriel has spoken quite a bit about you. From what I've heard... you say you are a wizard?" Cassidy was instantly drawn to the wizard's eyes. She had stood in the presence of many powerful witches and wizards before, and she knew that sharpness in his gaze. He was strong despite his appearance.
"Witch actually," she grinned and the moldy scandalized look that crossed the face of the Lord Celeborn. "I'll assume by the less than pleasant language that your Marchwarden used when we met in the woods that 'witch' carries some negative connotations around here... but where I'm from we call men with magic wizards and women with magic witches. I'm a witch."
"And I am a Wizard, Gandalf the Grey as I am known to men, of the race of Istari, wielder of the secret fire, and messenger of the Valar for the Free Peoples of Middle Earth," Gandalf spoke, a hint of a challenge in his voice. Okay, Cassidy thought wryly. If you wish for information, then two can play that game.
"And I am Cassidy Oleander," she replied, standing straight and announcing herself as pureblood were so fond of. "Sixth year Ravenclaw Witch of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Captain of the Mahoutokoro Competition Dueling Team, and proud Mudblood."
"Do you carry a staff young witch?"
"Do you carry a wand?"
They stared at each other for several moments, sizing each other up before Gandalf lifted the staff by his side, raising it to the sky and muttering a word in a language that Cassidy was not familiar with, shooting sparks at the clouds. She raised her eyebrows, unimpressed by his little sparklers.
"Wingarium leviosa," she whispered pulling out her wand and pointing it at the table the three elders were drinking tea at. Cassidy watched with delight as the table lifted, the teacups flying even higher and dancing lightly with each flick of her wand. She played around with them for several moments before placing them back down gently and casting a wordless warming charm on the tea, allowing Gandalf to take a sip of the newly warmed brew. The old wizard smiled.
"Did I pass your test?" Cassidy smirked. She knew exactly what he was doing. "You know though... if you wanted to see me use magic, you just had to ask. I'm obviously no muggle."
"From what I hear," he spoke in an amicable tone. "You hold the ability to search minds."
"I am more skilled in occlemancy than legilimens, but I have trained in both."
"Unique skills."
"Unfortunately necessary where I'm from."
"Ahhh, yes," his expression turned turned grim. "The Lady Galadriel and Lord Celebron have explained the things you showed them. Your world is troubled."
"Deeply so... and that is why I was wondering if you could help me find a way back."
The room fell silent and Cassidy swore that she could hear a pin drop. Both Gandalf and Celeborn instantly seemed to be immensely interested in looking anywhere but Cassidy's eyes. The girl turned to lady Galadriel who looked at her in pity.
"I consulted with Gandalf all night. He is among the most powerful and wise beings to walk Middle Earth and we fear that there is no way for you to return to your world," she spoke gently, her soothing and melodic voice did little however to ease the sharp stab of pain in Cassidy's chest. "I am sorry child, but it seems that you died in your world. One can not return to where they died, daughter of Oleander."
"But... if I'm dead... then how am I here?" she asked.
"We can only assume that the Valar sent you here. And perhaps, they sent you with a purpose." Gandalf stepped forward once more, ignoring a pointed glare from Lady Galadriel. "In your world you may consider yourself a student, but in Middle Earth, wizards are few and your powers are great. We too are in a war against a Dark Lord of great magic and evil."
"I... listen..." Cassidy's mind was whirling. I can never... never go back? My Aunt and Uncle... my classmates... oh Merlin what about the Order? Everything she ever knew was slipping away.
"I understand that you are upset," Gandalf continued. "But there is much stirring here in Middle Earth and you must have arrived with a purpose that-"
"Mithrandir," Galadriel's tone was scandalized. "She is a child, even by Edain standards."
"You said yourself, she's fought in a war before. She's-"
"Died," Cassidy corrected. "I fought and died in one war, a war for my world. I don't know anything about this one."
"We are facing a Dark Lord more powerful than any you've ever known-"
"Oh I doubt it," Cassidy cut him off. She found the grip on her wand tightening, the memories of Malfoy Manor no longer seemed so joyous, now they were terrifying. She died- she really truly died and would never see anyone she loved, ever again. She died for the same cause as her parents and those she cared about were stuck without her, fighting Voldemort. Now this wizard wanted her to fight another war.
"You are upset, I understand. But, now is not the time-"
"Enough," Galadriel interrupted Gandalf. "She is a child who has just learned of her own death, give her a few moments before you begin recruiting her."
"Did you not hear me my Lady?" Gandalf turned his attention back to Lady Galadriel, leaving Cassidy to attempt to gather her bearings on her own. "It is back! He is rising again."
"And so you ask a child to go to war for you?!"
"She is no child!" Gandalf yelled and suddenly pointed his staff at Cassidy, sending a beam of what appeared to be some sort of fire in her direction. On instinct she raised up her wand and wordlessly deflected the spell, sending the fire careening out through the window.
"I may not be a child," Cassidy finally spoke up. "But this is not my war. I have been preparing for and fighting a war since I was twelve. I died for a war. I am done."
She began to back up slowly for now she saw the truth in this wizard. His eyes masked a storm quickly surfacing and she could fear the anger of his magic crackling around him. Part of Cassidy wanted to compare this Gandalf to Dumbledoor, an aged and powerful wizard recruiting an army against evil. But, one thing that she always admired about Dumbledore was his temper. He was always controlled, always collected. This wizard had a temper to rival hers and she could feel it brewing in the air. He didn't actually know her capabilities and yet he was willing to toss her into a war that she knew nothing about. She was no Gryffindor, she never made such decisions without thought. In truth, she didn't even know if she was standing on the right side of such war.
"The fate of Middle Earth may depend on your actions," he spoke gravely, Cassidy could hear the power in his voice.
"I think that is quite enough, Mithrandir," Lord Celeborn spoke up. It seemed that even he thought that Gandalf was placing too much pressure on Cassidy.
"My child," Galadriel addressed Cassidy. "You have no obligations towards us. You may leave and perhaps we can speak again once tempers have cooled."
"Mark my words," Gandalf said. "You are needed in this war."
Without further acknowledging anyone in the room, Cassidy fled. Distantly, she could hear Haldir calling for her, but she was running and before she knew it, apparating further away. She could feel tears streaming down her face as she realized how true Lady Galadriel's words were... she was dead. And there was nothing she could do to return to her world. She found her internal monologue running wild as she wandered through a less inhabited section of the woods.
I'm stuck in "Middle Earth" where a temperamental Dumbledore is trying to recruit me into another war! Her mind turned her grief into anger, just as it did when per parents died, for anger burns and scorches while grief crushes the soul. She could deal with the fire, she was always good at dealing with fire. But, she couldn't afford to crumble.
She did however ponder her options. While traveling with the wizard Gandalf, the closest to her kin, was her initial plan, plans change. Cassidy wasn't wiling or ready to engage in another war. She didn't know enough about the word, the creatures, or the conflict and learning about a war from a general bent on recruitment was never a viable option. If she was gonna be stuck in this world, then she wanted time to adjust. She needed time to get her bearings and maybe, just maybe, lead a normal and insignificant life. She was tiered of prophesies and grand plans- being the child of several minor ones she constantly felt the the pressure weighing down on her and she could never imagine what life was like for Harry who had his destiny proclaimed to the world.
Now, the part of her that wanted to mourn, she crushed that ruthlessly. She just couldn't deal with the loss of everything, everyone, and all the things she fought for. She was never the best at optimism, so she decided that her best option would be to ignore all memories of her past. She knew that it would come back to haunt her, but she could worry about her soul crushing depression once she found some sort of stability far away from the elves who were scared of her powers, and the wizard who wanted to use them.
Making up her mind, Cassidy apparated back to her flet and gathered up all the supplies that she left. She then found her way to the kitchens and discovered an entire stack of those lovely leaf wrapped bowls. She smiled in triumph at her discovery as she carefully packed them away. Food was the only thing she wouldn't be able to make out of the contents of her pouch and despite her excellent scores in herbology, she doubted that she would be able to find enough roots and berries to survive.
Before she left the kitchen, Cassidy had a brief moment of guilt for stealing the food. However, she figured that at the end of the day it really couldn't be that much and the kitchen was huge. It obviously either served Lady Galadriel's court or a significant portion of the capital city's population. Plus, Cassidy got the feeling that Lady Galadriel wouldn't mind her grabbing some food to keep from going hungry.
Cassidy then apparated to the library where she snuck in and searched form maps of the landscape. A couple spells and speed reading charms later, she found several suitable maps of the area and carefully used a replication spell to copy them onto pieces of her own parchment. She longed to grab a few more tomes to learn more about the cultures of Middle Earth, but she drew the line at stealing books from a library.
With her newly pilfered supplies, Cassidy was ready to leave. She apparated back to her flet one last time so she could leave a note for Haldir. The Marchwarden was obviously unhappy about being given babysitting duty over her, but he had been her guide while she was in the strange elven society and she would've felt guilty about running away without letting him know. She carefully tamed her chicken scratch as she apologized for leaving without notice, however she explained that she needed some time to see this new world that she was dropped into and to come to terms with the loss of her world. She didn't bother to put Gandalf's name in the letter and she figured that Haldir would certainly show it to Lady Galadriel who would have to understand. She just wasn't ready to start another fight.
And so, Cassidy took one last look around the cozy flet high up in the trees before she left, a small, plain crystal on a pendant atop her note as a goodbye gift. She gazed at the treetop house and had a strange moment of sadness. She had only stayed there for a few nights, but somehow the little flet seemed like somewhat of a home. Yet, it was time to set off. Cassidy was only comfortable with apparating to the edge of the city where she took off into the woods.
Picking a direction that looked nice, Cassidy decided to travel North. With no destination in mind and no tasks to complete, she decided that she was on an adventure. She hadn't the faintest clue where it would take her, but she was going.
Casisdy looked over her shoulder one last time, observing the way the freshly risen sun cast warm yellow light down through the golden tree leaves. The elves of Lothlorien were a beautiful and unique species, but their fear of her magic couldn't allow her to stay. No, she needed to find either a fresh start where she could hide her magic, or beings who would simply accept her for it. Such was a rare thing, but... she had a whole world to explore.