Good grief, it's been months since I've updated! And reading back on all
those awesome reviews I've received almost makes me doubt that I can pull
it off! But I'll update none the less!
To my reviewers: Yes, I'm finally updating! everyone jumps for joy Wish me luck! If this chapter is total crap I may re-write it though!
WARNING: Possible OOC, potential AU. You've been warned.
Draco's POV
So, somehow, this, this, THING, after whipping my arse without even trying, was dragging me to have a bit of a chat with someone who called himself the King of Mirkwood. Where's Granger when you need her? She'd explain what's going on.
Alatril, or whatever her name was, was leading me like a dog, my hands tied and a rope secured around my neck so that it would not tighten and choke me, but that it would not loosen and allow me to slip away either. She hummed a tune as she dragged me through the halls, completely ignoring me. I growled, but kept up with her relentless pace.
Finally we reached a set of enormous oak doors, hand carved with intricate designs of trees and vines. I glanced at the armed guards, both carrying a sword, knives and a bow and quiver of arrows. The woman leading me spoke with them in a language I didn't understand, and they nodded. One of them entered the room and announced something.
"May I ask WHAT is going on?" I said, more demanding than inquiring.
"We're requesting an audience with the King."
I had managed a peek inside the room as the doors had opened a bit to admit the guard. There seemed to be a large party going on.
"In the middle of all these festivities?" I asked sweetly, trying to buy more time to construct my lies. The woman looked at me with an expression that clearly said 'Duh.' I resigned myself to my fate, knowing it was useless to argue. I was not going to lower myself to be beaten by this..... girl..... again.
The guard returned and bowed us into the hall, which was deathly silent. The music I had heard a moment ago was silent, and all eyes were on us. The woman seemed to be basking in the attention as she smiled an walked down the middle of the pathway that had cleared itself for us.
"Come on." Alatáriël hissed, jerking the rope that bound my hands. I was led through a large crowd of extremely beautiful people. Well, they were! Their skin was flawless, much like my own, and most had fair, golden hair. I suppose a few of them could pass for Malfoys if they trimmed their hair. They at least had decent posture, and a seemingly natural poise. I easily picked out those people that had threw me in the dungeon, they were of the few who had dark hair.
"My Lord." She bowed low in front of Mr. Barbie and a man whom I assumed was his father, sitting on tall carved thrones. On the other side of Mr. Barbie's father was one of the guys who had 'rescued' Granger and I, as well as a lady of the most ethereal beauty I have ever seen.
"Alatáriël, welcome. I was not able to greet you properly before." The king guy smiled warmly. Alatáriël nodded.
"It is not a problem, my Lord. I understand that you were busy." Alatáriël dropped to her knees before the three. "Milords, this human has claimed to me that he is a Prince of wherever he hails from. I humbly request permission to punish him for his blatant lie."
"One moment! You said you'd let what's-his-name pass judgment on me!" I exclaimed, outraged. The woman glared sharply at me, and once again I found reminisce of my father. I fell silent, but glared back.
"His insubordination must be excused, he claims that a King would bow to his father. I believe he is delusional, potentially dangerous. Perhaps we should send him to Lord Elrond, for he is skilled in healing, of the body and mind."
There were murmurs throughout the room. I glared at various people, but that only fueled their whisperings, it appeared. Inwardly, I sighed. This place was screwed up.
An elegant woman approached. She wasn't as radiant as the others, in fact, by their standard she was quite plain, but she was kind of pretty I guess.
"Lady, the poor wretch is indeed delusional, but it is no fault of his own. The father he speaks of has poisoned his mind since he was a child."
MERLIN THAT GIRL WAS GRANGER!
"Granger! Get me out of this mess!" I demanded. She sent me a sharp look.
"Malfoy, as much as I dislike it, I am helping you. Stop being a brat for once." She hissed.
I noted that the King was looking on in amusement.
"Please have mercy on him, he does not know what he is saying, or to whom he speaks. He has been, all his life, deceived into believing his superiority by Lord Voldemort and his father." She pleaded. The two kings appeared even more amused.
"Do not worry, Lady Hermione. No harm will come to him." King Thranduil smiled again. "Please, young man, tell me. Why do you think I should bow to you?"
I was taken aback by the question. "Because. I'm pureblooded, I'm magic, and my father could buy you out of your crown." I said in a very matter of fact tone.
"Ah, of course. And I, Thranduil, son of Oropher, one of the Grey Elves of Doriath, of a long line of full-blooded Kings of Elves, I am Immortal, and I could buy the crown right back." I hesitated, and Granger took the opportunity to interject.
"Milords, I am ashamed that I could feel such, but I loathe him and his family. I merely ask that you treat him with some modicum of respect, as he is a fellow student, and no more."
I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, right. Like you mean that, Mudblood." I sneered. She looked livid.
"Be thankful I do not have my wand, Ferret, or I'd hex you to Mordor and back!" She paused. "Or perhaps not back."
There were gasps of surprise and horror amongst the other people. Oh come on, surely that insult can't be that offensive to them?
"Lady Hermione, you would wish Mordor on this boy?" one of the men asked. It was one of the dark-haired ones who had been hanging out near her.
"Yes, Elrohir. He deserves it almost as much as his father." Granger said.
"Milord, shall I return him to the dungeons?" Alatáriël asked. The 'king' seemed to be debating for a moment.
"No. Put him in a room with a 24 hour guard. Will that satisfy the Lady?" He glanced at Granger. She nodded.
"Nothing too extravagant, don't waste it on his ungrateful arse." She said. The people looked slightly astonished at her language, but then again, with the formality that these people displayed, I imagine 'ladies' were not supposed to curse. Alatáriël bowed.
"Come, child." She said, tugging the rope a bit. I held back a retort as she led me out of the hall. Almost as soon at the door closed, I heard music filter out again, a lively dance tune.
Hermione's POV
I watched as Draco was led away by that she-elf. Almost the moment the doors closed, the band began to play again. This time, it was another light, airy dance tune.
"Would you care for a dance, Lady Hermione?" Elladen asked again. I shook my head.
"I did last time." I replied. He grinned.
"Honestly, I won't take no for an answer." He said, spinning me off into the crowd of dancing elves. I chanced a glance up at the dais where Legolas and King Thranduil sat. Aragorn was missing, as was the ethereal beauty who had sat next to him. I assumed now that that woman was Arwen. I didn't get a chance to look for them in the crowd, Elladen was attempting to teach me the moderately complex steps.
I laughed along as I kept messing up. I finally got the steps right... just in time for the song to end. The next song was a much slower one, a waltz almost, just with a weird beat. Elladen led me over nearer the wall where there were a few benches that one could sit on. I sat down with a sigh, flushed from dancing.
I had only sat a moment when Prince Legolas approached me.
"Good evening, Lady Hermione." He said. I smiled up at him.
"Good Evening, Milord." I said hesitantly. For some reason, I was not sure how to act around him. He was being kind enough to me, but I was determined not to read anything into it.
"May I have this dance?" He asked. Suddenly, for a moment, it seemed like the world had stopped. My mouth went dry.
"O-of course..." I said, standing up and taking his hand.
"Lucky you, Legolas. I had to drag her onto the dance floor!" Elladen joked. I flushed red, turned, and did something very immature. I stuck out my tongue at him. Both Elladen and Legolas laughed.
I followed Legolas into the crowd, suddenly incredibly self-conscious. He placed his free hand on my waist as I placed mine on his shoulder.
"I just remembered... I can't dance." I said. Legolas laughed again. I loved his laugh, it's so warm and smooth. Like honey...
"Well, just follow my lead then." He said.
For the next few moments I stared at my feet, trying to make sure I didn't step on his feet.
"Don't worry so much." He said. "Look at my face, not my feet." He chuckled. I smiled and did so.
"You look quite beautiful. You could pass for an elf right now." Legolas said quietly. I jumped slightly.
"I will take that as the highest compliment possible, Prince Legolas." I said shyly.
"Lady Hermione, if you do not mind my asking, what is tour relationship with that boy? Malfoy, was it?" Legolas asked. "You do not love him at all."
"I do not hate him. What I feel for him is the opposite of love." I replied.
"Truly you don't hate him?"
"No. The opposite of love is indifference. I do loathe him, but I am indifferent to him as well. I could never hate him."
"Why not? From the way you spoke to and of him, you would think him a mass murderer."
"His father is. And aren't you contradicting yourself? You're saying that I can't hate him, and then asking why I don't."
Legolas laughed.
"You think too much, Lady Hermione. A Scholar, I'm sure, is what you'll be."
I laughed slightly. The song that had been playing now ended, and another began. This one was a bit more melancholy, but beautiful nonetheless. I spotted Elrohir approaching from behind Legolas' back. He tapped him on the shoulder.
"Might I be allowed to cut in? Technically, I am the Lady's escort, and I have yet to have a dance with her." He said. I smiled. Legolas nodded, and then bowed to me.
"Thank you for the dace, Lady Hermione." He said, before he vanished into the crowd. Elrohir then took my hand and began leading me in the dance.
"What we're you and Legolas talking about?" He asked casually.
"Malfoy." I said. "Debating weather or not I hated him and why."
"Do you hate him?"
"No. I am indifferent. Sure, I dislike him, even loathe him. But not hate."
"And why is that?" Elrohir asked.
"Because. Hate is a passion. So is love. Love and hate are too close for me to hate him." I explained logically.
"Indeed. You have the analytical mind of a scholar. You say you attend a school of wizardry?"
"Yes. Hogwarts."
"How is that possible? I've never heard of a female wizard, much less a school where children could go learn the art."
"I come from a different world, Elrohir. Very different." I said simply. The rest of the dance was spent in silence. When the song ended and the band struck up another spirited dance tune, I excused myself.
"I'm rather tired. I should sit and rest, I haven't had this much excitement in quite a long time." I said as Elrohir led me back to one of the benches.
"I'll go get you something to drink." Elrohir said before striding off. Almost as soon as he was gone, several she-elves approached me.
"Hello, Lady Hermione." One of the said.
"Hello... Erm, if you don't mind my asking, how do you know my name?" I replied, unsure.
"Everyone knows your name now. Is it true what they say? That you're a female wizard?" another of the elves asked.
"Well, I don't know entirely what's been said in these rumors, but I am a female wizard. We're called witches where I come from."
"My name is Alassë Anwamanë. These are my sisters, Eámanë and Merenwen. Merenwen does not speak Westron, though."
"Pleasure to meet you." I said pleasantly.
"[Can you show us some magic?]" Asked Merenwen. I could only tell that was her question because of her tone.
"She wants to know if you can show us some magic." Alassë clarified.
"I'm sorry, but I need my wand to do that. And I'm not sure, see, my magic seems amplified here. I don't want to break anything." I said. Alassë translated for Merenwen. She looked slightly saddened. "I can try, though." I said in an attempt to comfort her. Alassë translated this and she brightened up considerably. "Tomorrow, alright? Meet me back here in the hall. I'll see what I can do."
It was then that Elrohir returned with drinks. The girls bid me farewell and left.
"I see you met the Anwamanë sisters." He said. "Pleasant enough, but a bit gossipy." He handed me a goblet of red liquid. I immediately recognized it to be wine.
Somehow, I didn't feel like protesting the consumption of alcohol by under age people. Probably because I was the only one under age in this entire hall. I took a sip and found it to be quite to my taste, almost like a light fruit juice, but with a slight tang.
I was, by now, quite tired. I tapped Elrohir on the arm.
"Do you think I could return to my rooms now? I'm quite tired." I said. Elrohir nodded. We left quietly, nodding to the guards, and returned to my room. So tired, was I, that after I bid Elrohir a good night, I did not bother to change out of the dress before falling asleep on the large bed.
There you go, extra long chapter to make up for not updating! Or kind of longisher I guess. In any case, I hope you enjoyed! Review please! Flames will be used to burn the Dust Bunnies into oblivion.
To my reviewers: Yes, I'm finally updating! everyone jumps for joy Wish me luck! If this chapter is total crap I may re-write it though!
WARNING: Possible OOC, potential AU. You've been warned.
Draco's POV
So, somehow, this, this, THING, after whipping my arse without even trying, was dragging me to have a bit of a chat with someone who called himself the King of Mirkwood. Where's Granger when you need her? She'd explain what's going on.
Alatril, or whatever her name was, was leading me like a dog, my hands tied and a rope secured around my neck so that it would not tighten and choke me, but that it would not loosen and allow me to slip away either. She hummed a tune as she dragged me through the halls, completely ignoring me. I growled, but kept up with her relentless pace.
Finally we reached a set of enormous oak doors, hand carved with intricate designs of trees and vines. I glanced at the armed guards, both carrying a sword, knives and a bow and quiver of arrows. The woman leading me spoke with them in a language I didn't understand, and they nodded. One of them entered the room and announced something.
"May I ask WHAT is going on?" I said, more demanding than inquiring.
"We're requesting an audience with the King."
I had managed a peek inside the room as the doors had opened a bit to admit the guard. There seemed to be a large party going on.
"In the middle of all these festivities?" I asked sweetly, trying to buy more time to construct my lies. The woman looked at me with an expression that clearly said 'Duh.' I resigned myself to my fate, knowing it was useless to argue. I was not going to lower myself to be beaten by this..... girl..... again.
The guard returned and bowed us into the hall, which was deathly silent. The music I had heard a moment ago was silent, and all eyes were on us. The woman seemed to be basking in the attention as she smiled an walked down the middle of the pathway that had cleared itself for us.
"Come on." Alatáriël hissed, jerking the rope that bound my hands. I was led through a large crowd of extremely beautiful people. Well, they were! Their skin was flawless, much like my own, and most had fair, golden hair. I suppose a few of them could pass for Malfoys if they trimmed their hair. They at least had decent posture, and a seemingly natural poise. I easily picked out those people that had threw me in the dungeon, they were of the few who had dark hair.
"My Lord." She bowed low in front of Mr. Barbie and a man whom I assumed was his father, sitting on tall carved thrones. On the other side of Mr. Barbie's father was one of the guys who had 'rescued' Granger and I, as well as a lady of the most ethereal beauty I have ever seen.
"Alatáriël, welcome. I was not able to greet you properly before." The king guy smiled warmly. Alatáriël nodded.
"It is not a problem, my Lord. I understand that you were busy." Alatáriël dropped to her knees before the three. "Milords, this human has claimed to me that he is a Prince of wherever he hails from. I humbly request permission to punish him for his blatant lie."
"One moment! You said you'd let what's-his-name pass judgment on me!" I exclaimed, outraged. The woman glared sharply at me, and once again I found reminisce of my father. I fell silent, but glared back.
"His insubordination must be excused, he claims that a King would bow to his father. I believe he is delusional, potentially dangerous. Perhaps we should send him to Lord Elrond, for he is skilled in healing, of the body and mind."
There were murmurs throughout the room. I glared at various people, but that only fueled their whisperings, it appeared. Inwardly, I sighed. This place was screwed up.
An elegant woman approached. She wasn't as radiant as the others, in fact, by their standard she was quite plain, but she was kind of pretty I guess.
"Lady, the poor wretch is indeed delusional, but it is no fault of his own. The father he speaks of has poisoned his mind since he was a child."
MERLIN THAT GIRL WAS GRANGER!
"Granger! Get me out of this mess!" I demanded. She sent me a sharp look.
"Malfoy, as much as I dislike it, I am helping you. Stop being a brat for once." She hissed.
I noted that the King was looking on in amusement.
"Please have mercy on him, he does not know what he is saying, or to whom he speaks. He has been, all his life, deceived into believing his superiority by Lord Voldemort and his father." She pleaded. The two kings appeared even more amused.
"Do not worry, Lady Hermione. No harm will come to him." King Thranduil smiled again. "Please, young man, tell me. Why do you think I should bow to you?"
I was taken aback by the question. "Because. I'm pureblooded, I'm magic, and my father could buy you out of your crown." I said in a very matter of fact tone.
"Ah, of course. And I, Thranduil, son of Oropher, one of the Grey Elves of Doriath, of a long line of full-blooded Kings of Elves, I am Immortal, and I could buy the crown right back." I hesitated, and Granger took the opportunity to interject.
"Milords, I am ashamed that I could feel such, but I loathe him and his family. I merely ask that you treat him with some modicum of respect, as he is a fellow student, and no more."
I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, right. Like you mean that, Mudblood." I sneered. She looked livid.
"Be thankful I do not have my wand, Ferret, or I'd hex you to Mordor and back!" She paused. "Or perhaps not back."
There were gasps of surprise and horror amongst the other people. Oh come on, surely that insult can't be that offensive to them?
"Lady Hermione, you would wish Mordor on this boy?" one of the men asked. It was one of the dark-haired ones who had been hanging out near her.
"Yes, Elrohir. He deserves it almost as much as his father." Granger said.
"Milord, shall I return him to the dungeons?" Alatáriël asked. The 'king' seemed to be debating for a moment.
"No. Put him in a room with a 24 hour guard. Will that satisfy the Lady?" He glanced at Granger. She nodded.
"Nothing too extravagant, don't waste it on his ungrateful arse." She said. The people looked slightly astonished at her language, but then again, with the formality that these people displayed, I imagine 'ladies' were not supposed to curse. Alatáriël bowed.
"Come, child." She said, tugging the rope a bit. I held back a retort as she led me out of the hall. Almost as soon at the door closed, I heard music filter out again, a lively dance tune.
Hermione's POV
I watched as Draco was led away by that she-elf. Almost the moment the doors closed, the band began to play again. This time, it was another light, airy dance tune.
"Would you care for a dance, Lady Hermione?" Elladen asked again. I shook my head.
"I did last time." I replied. He grinned.
"Honestly, I won't take no for an answer." He said, spinning me off into the crowd of dancing elves. I chanced a glance up at the dais where Legolas and King Thranduil sat. Aragorn was missing, as was the ethereal beauty who had sat next to him. I assumed now that that woman was Arwen. I didn't get a chance to look for them in the crowd, Elladen was attempting to teach me the moderately complex steps.
I laughed along as I kept messing up. I finally got the steps right... just in time for the song to end. The next song was a much slower one, a waltz almost, just with a weird beat. Elladen led me over nearer the wall where there were a few benches that one could sit on. I sat down with a sigh, flushed from dancing.
I had only sat a moment when Prince Legolas approached me.
"Good evening, Lady Hermione." He said. I smiled up at him.
"Good Evening, Milord." I said hesitantly. For some reason, I was not sure how to act around him. He was being kind enough to me, but I was determined not to read anything into it.
"May I have this dance?" He asked. Suddenly, for a moment, it seemed like the world had stopped. My mouth went dry.
"O-of course..." I said, standing up and taking his hand.
"Lucky you, Legolas. I had to drag her onto the dance floor!" Elladen joked. I flushed red, turned, and did something very immature. I stuck out my tongue at him. Both Elladen and Legolas laughed.
I followed Legolas into the crowd, suddenly incredibly self-conscious. He placed his free hand on my waist as I placed mine on his shoulder.
"I just remembered... I can't dance." I said. Legolas laughed again. I loved his laugh, it's so warm and smooth. Like honey...
"Well, just follow my lead then." He said.
For the next few moments I stared at my feet, trying to make sure I didn't step on his feet.
"Don't worry so much." He said. "Look at my face, not my feet." He chuckled. I smiled and did so.
"You look quite beautiful. You could pass for an elf right now." Legolas said quietly. I jumped slightly.
"I will take that as the highest compliment possible, Prince Legolas." I said shyly.
"Lady Hermione, if you do not mind my asking, what is tour relationship with that boy? Malfoy, was it?" Legolas asked. "You do not love him at all."
"I do not hate him. What I feel for him is the opposite of love." I replied.
"Truly you don't hate him?"
"No. The opposite of love is indifference. I do loathe him, but I am indifferent to him as well. I could never hate him."
"Why not? From the way you spoke to and of him, you would think him a mass murderer."
"His father is. And aren't you contradicting yourself? You're saying that I can't hate him, and then asking why I don't."
Legolas laughed.
"You think too much, Lady Hermione. A Scholar, I'm sure, is what you'll be."
I laughed slightly. The song that had been playing now ended, and another began. This one was a bit more melancholy, but beautiful nonetheless. I spotted Elrohir approaching from behind Legolas' back. He tapped him on the shoulder.
"Might I be allowed to cut in? Technically, I am the Lady's escort, and I have yet to have a dance with her." He said. I smiled. Legolas nodded, and then bowed to me.
"Thank you for the dace, Lady Hermione." He said, before he vanished into the crowd. Elrohir then took my hand and began leading me in the dance.
"What we're you and Legolas talking about?" He asked casually.
"Malfoy." I said. "Debating weather or not I hated him and why."
"Do you hate him?"
"No. I am indifferent. Sure, I dislike him, even loathe him. But not hate."
"And why is that?" Elrohir asked.
"Because. Hate is a passion. So is love. Love and hate are too close for me to hate him." I explained logically.
"Indeed. You have the analytical mind of a scholar. You say you attend a school of wizardry?"
"Yes. Hogwarts."
"How is that possible? I've never heard of a female wizard, much less a school where children could go learn the art."
"I come from a different world, Elrohir. Very different." I said simply. The rest of the dance was spent in silence. When the song ended and the band struck up another spirited dance tune, I excused myself.
"I'm rather tired. I should sit and rest, I haven't had this much excitement in quite a long time." I said as Elrohir led me back to one of the benches.
"I'll go get you something to drink." Elrohir said before striding off. Almost as soon as he was gone, several she-elves approached me.
"Hello, Lady Hermione." One of the said.
"Hello... Erm, if you don't mind my asking, how do you know my name?" I replied, unsure.
"Everyone knows your name now. Is it true what they say? That you're a female wizard?" another of the elves asked.
"Well, I don't know entirely what's been said in these rumors, but I am a female wizard. We're called witches where I come from."
"My name is Alassë Anwamanë. These are my sisters, Eámanë and Merenwen. Merenwen does not speak Westron, though."
"Pleasure to meet you." I said pleasantly.
"[Can you show us some magic?]" Asked Merenwen. I could only tell that was her question because of her tone.
"She wants to know if you can show us some magic." Alassë clarified.
"I'm sorry, but I need my wand to do that. And I'm not sure, see, my magic seems amplified here. I don't want to break anything." I said. Alassë translated for Merenwen. She looked slightly saddened. "I can try, though." I said in an attempt to comfort her. Alassë translated this and she brightened up considerably. "Tomorrow, alright? Meet me back here in the hall. I'll see what I can do."
It was then that Elrohir returned with drinks. The girls bid me farewell and left.
"I see you met the Anwamanë sisters." He said. "Pleasant enough, but a bit gossipy." He handed me a goblet of red liquid. I immediately recognized it to be wine.
Somehow, I didn't feel like protesting the consumption of alcohol by under age people. Probably because I was the only one under age in this entire hall. I took a sip and found it to be quite to my taste, almost like a light fruit juice, but with a slight tang.
I was, by now, quite tired. I tapped Elrohir on the arm.
"Do you think I could return to my rooms now? I'm quite tired." I said. Elrohir nodded. We left quietly, nodding to the guards, and returned to my room. So tired, was I, that after I bid Elrohir a good night, I did not bother to change out of the dress before falling asleep on the large bed.
There you go, extra long chapter to make up for not updating! Or kind of longisher I guess. In any case, I hope you enjoyed! Review please! Flames will be used to burn the Dust Bunnies into oblivion.