James Potter was doing something very unusual for a teenage wizard – he was riding on the back of a horse. He had never even seen one of the creatures before, let alone ridden one, but all in all it wasn't too unpleasant. The horse seemed to sense its rider's nerves and was therefore taking care not to jostle the young man too much.
"So, tell me James Potter" said Elrond curiously. "Who are you, and where do you come from? We did not get much chance to speak before departing from Imladris".
"Well my Lord" began James nervously, "I am from another country, far from here. I'm not even sure how to get back. I am 15 years of age, and I live in England, except for when I go to school at Hogwarts".
"What unusual names" said Elrond. "And what do you learn at this 'Hogwarts'?".
"Magic" said James. "It's where all the young wizards and witches go in Britain for their magical education."
Elrohir, who had been listening in to the conversation from atop his horse, spoke up. "I thought there were only 3 wizards on middle earth" he said curiously.
"Well, that may be true" said James, "but I am from a different realm, where there are lots of wizards, and witches too". He did not comment on the fact that there were five wizards mentioned in Tolkien's writings; he did not know whether they had yet to appear and was cautious of not changing history.
"May we see some magic?" asked Elladan, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"It is impolite to ask such things, my son" chided Elrond gently.
"It's alright" said James with a smile, "I would be happy to". He whispered a spell which produced colourful fireworks from the end of his wand. The two elven twins and the dwarf brothers looked on in amazement, whilst Elrond simply smiled, having seen similar displays from his dear friend Mithrandir.
"You must be a very good wizard James" said Kili in awe. "When we asked Gandalf to do some magic to stop the rain, he got very grumpy and changed the subject!".
James chuckled to himself, having recognised the name Gandalf from the book he had read.
"Mithrandir works in mysterious ways, Master Dwarf" said Elrond. "What puzzles me is these magical forces you speak of that has allowed you to step from one place to another. I wonder how they came into being".
"I have been wondering about those too" said James, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Sirius was pulled through only minutes before us, and yet when we arrived, you said that you had received a letter from this 'King Thranduil' a few days ago."
"My only suggestion is that time may well work differently here to that of your realm" said Elrond. "I think that when we arrive in Mirkwood in a few days, you would do well to not get separated from your companion again."
The young wizard nodded in agreement, and carried on towards Mirkwood with the strange company, looking forward to the moment that he was reunited with Padfoot.
HPTHHPTHHPTHHPTHHPTHHPTHHPTHHPTH
Elethien was milling around the front courtyard of the palace. He had just returned from yet another spider hunt, and had given his report to Prince Legolas, who had been engaged elsewhere the past few days.
As he peered out into the distance, a party of horses appeared in his eyesight. The soldier immediately recognised three of the riders, and so, not being alarmed he called out to a nearby guard.
"Inform King Thranduil that Lord Elrond and his sons approach the palace" said the elf. The guard nodded in his direction before heading inside the palace.
It was not long before the party of six arrived at the open gates. "Greetings, Lord Elrond" said Elethien respectfully, placing a hand over his heart. He repeated the greeting to Elladan and Elrohir before turning towards the strangers. "Who is it that accompanies you?"
"This is Fili and Kili, nephews of Thorin Oakenshield and heirs to the throne of Erebor" said Lord Elrond. "And this young man here is James Potter, a visitor from another realm".
"Greetings to you all" said Elethien. "King Thranduil will wish to see you without delay. If you would be so kind as to follow me." After the party had dismounted from their horses, the elven soldier led them into the palace, ready to meet the Silvan elf king.
Mirkwood palace was every bit as grand as Elrond and his sons remembered it. Elethien led the party through the main entrance towards the biggest room in the palace, where King Thranduil held office.
The huge oak doors were pushed open, leaving Fili, Kili and James open-mouthed as they walked towards the dais where King Thranduil sat elegantly upon his throne. Even the dwarf brothers had to (begrudgingly) admit to themselves that the wide-open space was built using impressive stone work.
"Greetings to you, old friend" said Elrond respectfully, placing his hand over his heart.
"Greetings, my friend" said Thranduil in response. "It has been many years since you last visited the home of the wood elves. Tell me, what has spurred this sudden visit?".
"Well my Lord, as you see I have brought two dwarves and a human with me" said Elrond. "The dwarves are Fili and Kili, the nephews of Thorin Oakenshield, and the human is James Potter, friend of Sirius Black. They have come to humbly ask for their release. James and Sirius are not of this land, and I believe they are desperate to reunite and return to their home."
"I see" said Thranduil. He rose slowly from his throne, and elegantly moved down the steps of the dais to meet the party. "I am afraid you are too late. The party of dwarves escaped just over a day ago and took the human with them."