A/N I'm sorry I haven't been able to update. I moved across the country and my files decided to get lost so I just got them back. So here's the new chapter. Enjoy!! Constructive criticism appreciated.

'Anything written like this is the little annoying voice in Sydney's head. That little voice everyone wants to throttle.'

Disclaimer: Don't own anything LOTR or HP…I own the OCs and plot.

Chapter 5: Whisper

But the event that was to become the future, changing Sydney Brittan's perspective of everything, was not far away…

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Legolas led Sydney up a series of twisting stairs and long hallways. As she was trailing behind Sydney thought 'Wow! The size of this place is amazing! How am I ever gonna find my way around?'

Their path through the elven architecture took them past more paintings, tapestries and statues than Sydney could ever remember seeing anywhere. As they passed through some outdoor spaces misty waterfalls, vibrant colored gardens and mysteriously brooding forests also made up their surroundings.

Crossing through one of the many gardens Sydney noticed a statue set a bit apart. Legolas didn't stop, as he seemed to be leading her to something of great importance. As Sydney went past she did notice that an ancient sword lay broken in sharp shards at the foot of the figure. It seemed as though time had paused momentarily and the figure was simply waiting for destiny to send a champion to repair and wield its shattered weapon. Opposite to it was a small cove that appeared to contain aging frescos that told the tale of what had occurred.

Pausing momentarily Legolas said "I'll tell you that story when the time is right." Sydney just nodded.

'When is the time right for anything? After passing through yet more hallways Sydney's heart began to sink.

'I am SO going to get lost.' At last they came to a peaceful landing. A large archway marked its entrance. There stood the other people from the lake and (Sydney's heart fell even more) Gandalf. Lord Elrond had not yet arrived. Harry, Ron and Hermione sat closest to her on the left. Then she saw a seat in between Hermione and that boy… Diggory. It turned out that he was quite good looking - sandy hair with unruly waves, dark eyes, prominent chin… he'd win prom king in no time flat. Next to him was the Oriental girl.

'They'd make a cute couple.' Beside her was the blonde girl… this must be the one they called Fleur. She was… exotic looking to say the least. Long blonde hair, deep blue eyes…she could easily pass as the most beautiful girl, even amongst the elves. At her side the young girl ('Gabrielle') looked like Fleur's mini-me. A replica of the blue eyes and hair… these girls would stand out easily in a crowd. Next to Fleur's younger sister was a harsh looking boy, wait - young man. He had very short hair and looked tall even though he was sitting ('of course, everyone looks taller than me.'). Hermione looked up as Sydney walked onto the balcony and instantly remarked "Wow, you look nice."

'Besides the fact I have a huge bruise on the side of my face.' Sydney smiled in spite of her harsh thoughts. Legolas led her to her seat as he himself moved to stand in the doorway.

"Do you feel better?" Ron asked. Sydney was slightly taken aback. Ron had never really spoken to her directly before. Sydney appreciated the fact that he was so willing to speak to a complete stranger.

"Yeah I do, thanks for asking." Ron nodded. Sydney sat back in her chair and looked around. What were they doing here? When she spoke this question to Hermione someone else responded.

"We don't know exactly. No one has told us anything yet." His voice wasn't very deep, but it was pleasant. Sydney turned to look at a pair of brown eyes.

"Cedric Diggory." The boy called Cedric said as he stuck out his hand for Sydney to shake.

"Sydney Brittan." They shook hands. His hands were somewhat rough, like he played a rough sport. Sydney had to smile. Cedric smiled back.

"So I've heard. This is Cho Chang." Cedric said indicating the girl next to him. The girls both just nodded their heads and said, "Hi," to each other. By now Lord Elrond stepped onto the balcony. All chatter ceased. Elrond took his place in an ornate wooden chair that Sydney hadn't taken notice of when she entered the balcony. Once he sat down he cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Nine of you sit before me yet only five shall move forward, bearing the heavy burden of many responsibilities. Many millennia before your time a prophecy was written. It told the tale of three wizards and a witch coming together in a tournament as well as one human that possessed the power to change many lives."

"This prophecy," interrupted Gandalf "was set down for the five that shall travel to destroy the Ring of Power with the Fellowship of the Ring."

"Who is in this fellowship?" asked Hermione.

"Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm is one, as am I." Everyone looked from Gandalf to Legolas. They were all somewhat shocked to find that they were in the presence of royalty.

"There are seven others who have joined the Fellowship. The other five shall make twelve. Yet some may not live to see the end of our journey." A lengthy, gloomy silence prevailed. Sydney's mind was reeling.

'Okay, four of them need to go. Uh oh – wait….'

"Um, I have a question." Sydney said as she held up a finger. The elf lord nodded and everyone's gaze turned to Sydney. Slightly unnerved by the attention she asked, "Why only four? Wizards and a witch I mean." At Lord Elrond's silence she continued. "I mean, wouldn't it be better to have more because… they can do magic, right? Isn't that a… greater advantage?"

"We must also keep in mind," Gandalf answered, "that the enemy also possesses the power to do magic. You experienced this through the Dementors that came down to cut off our escape. Who knows what they else they may have in store?"

"Oh," came Sydney's defeated voice. No one spoke. Hermione sat there for a moment then an idea occurred to her… the three wizards and one witch were from the Triwizard Tournament (Everyone knew that besides Sydney)… but what about the one human? Sydney. Even though she knew the answer, she still asked, "What about the one human?" Lord Elrond looked at Sydney pointedly.

"Me?" Sydney breathed. She looked down at her hands, dumbfounded. She looked back up. "You've made some kind of a mistake. I'm only sixteen. I can't- can't."

"You have been chosen for this journey. A mistake was made before, but events have taken place to make a correction."

"Mistake?" Sydney asked curiously.

"Your mother," said Gandalf. Sydney's eyes widened. Legolas looked over at her sympathetically. Her breathing became labored and tears started to brim in her eyes.

"What about her?" she asked, her voice hoarse. Gandalf stood up and started to pace.

"I'm guessing from what you've been told that you don't know the truth. You were told that your mother was taken forcibly from your home and carried off into the forest behind your back yard. Your authorities claimed that her body was found with several bruises and stab wounds." Here Gandalf paused, then at Sydney's silence and steady flow of tears he continued.

Lord Elrond picked up from where Gandalf left off. "Since then someone has gathered information that the person to come to this time was actually still alive. That person is you. The enemy took your mother by mistake."

"Why? Why did it take so long for them to find me?" Sydney said in a watery voice. It was beyond her comprehension. Tears were now streaming down her face uncontrollably.

"They had trouble tracking you down. Your father's job had your family moving around in your time."

"My dad is in the Air Force… he's a Lt. Colonel. W-why do you keep referring to time?"

"All of you," said Gandalf, "have traveled back in time. "All that you do here will affect everyone in your past, present and future."

"As I said before, the enemy made mistakes. They took your mother when they knew she stayed behind at your old home. They thought that they could get information out of your mother as to where your current and future location would be." Lord Elrond explained. "Of course this was a foolish plan. A mother's natural instinct is to protect her child, even if doing so means risking her own life. They tortured her to her death yet she revealed nothing."

Sydney let out a small whimper. She sniffled and hiccupped at the same time, giving off an unusual sound. Hermione put a comforting arm around Sydney as Gandalf knelt before her. He seemed to be fetching something hidden inside the folds of his cloak.

"It was said that her last thoughts were of you." He then pulled out a locket on a fine chain. It was a heart intricately shaped out of gold with a single diamond glistening on the surface, as crystalline and pure as one of Sydney's own tears. Sydney heaved out an unsteady breath.

"She would have wanted you to have it." Gandalf took her hand and placed the locket carefully in her palm then closed her hand over it. By now Hermione was sobbing as she was crushing Sydney in a tight hug. Sydney was so miserable she was completely unaware of the tears that were pouring down Hermione, Cho and Fleur's faces. She was unaware of Fleur holding Gabrielle tightly to her side… and unaware that Harry Potter, who sat merely two seats to her right, understood her pain more than she could possibly appreciate. Sydney didn't see Cedric's concerned look as she cried softly. All she knew was that her mother had died to save her only child, a horrible mistake that could never be undone.

"I believe the people that are to go on this quest are the champions of the Wizardry tournament and Lady Sydney. This is how fate would have it."

"Wait, Gandalf, you mean that my friends, Sydney - they have no choice?" Hermione voice rose unsteadily as she was trying to comprehend what was happening.

"Yes."

"What about everyone else?"

"You will be sent to the elvish forest of Lothlòrien. There you will be under the advisement of their March Warden, Haldir." Everyone was silent. "You will train for a month during which time you will get to know the other members of the Fellowship. The others will remain in Rivendell a week to prepare to head to Lòrien. I know this is sudden, but it is destiny. And destiny can not be tampered with."

"Vat if ve fail?" asked Viktor. Lord Elrond and Gandalf's faces became grave.

"Then the world will be covered in darkness and evil. Your future as you know it will cease to be. You may not even have a future. None of us will." explained Gandalf.

"Now," Lord Elrond continued, "do you all agree to embark upon this quest?" After slowly looking around at each other there were various nods and mutterings of agreement. Lord Elrond looked at Sydney who seemed to be staring into a vast abyss of nothingness. After a time Lord Elrond rose.

"Very well. You should rest for you have much to do in little time. Your training will start at dawn." With that said, he and Gandalf stood and left the balcony. Sydney, along with everyone else, took this as a signal to leave. Sydney bolted out of her chair and left in the same direction that Lord Elrond and Gandalf had taken. She sprinted down the hall, ignoring the calls of her name from the rest of the group and clutching her mother's locket in her fist. Sydney tore past Lord Elrond and Gandalf, leaving them looking shocked at the sobbing young girl, with Legolas in hot pursuit.

Hearing the thundering of Sydney's running feet, her sobs and Legolas' shout's, doors along the corridor opened and elves slowly came out. With each opening door, it delayed Legolas' pursuit allowing Sydney to gain some distance. Blinded by her tears, she wasn't really paying attention to where she was going.

"Sydney! Sydney wait!" She ignored Legolas' calls and ran taking a sharp right and slamming into someone.

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Aragorn was continuing to read his book near the sword of his ancestor. The sword lay broken into fragments, but it held much potential. That's when he heard the sound of doors opening and shouts of a familiar voice.

"Sydney! Sydney wait!" Aragon stood and walked quickly towards the commotion when something barreled into him. He learned when he balanced himself and the being, that it was a person - a young girl. What he didn't expect was for her to start hitting him.

"Let me go!" she shrieked as her balled fists pounded roughly on his chest. Legolas broke free of the gathering crowd and stopped in front of Aragorn and Sydney, slightly shocked himself. Never had he had been in the presence of a sobbing female like Sydney. So he did what he thought was best. He took her in his arms and held her close. Legolas held her so close that all she could do was sob. "Shh," he cooed, "it's alright. I'm here. Shh, shh." Slowly he started to walk her to her room. Aragorn, still slightly confused, looked at Legolas. Legolas looked at him and mouthed 'later'.

Sydney wasn't aware of where she was going. All she knew was that after a few minutes of walking her head seemed to magically land on a pillow and slowly someone took off her shoes and let her float off to sleep in a beautiful bed that was like moonbeams riding on a cloud. She didn't hear Arwen come and ask if everything was all right. She didn't hear Legolas' response but felt a strong, yet gentle hand take the covers from around her and gently tuck her in. Tears still fell, but now silently. Soon sleep consumed her as she heard a beautiful female voice that seemed to sing softly especially for her, while a warm hand stroked her slightly damp hair.

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Sydney awoke with her head pounding slightly. Slowly she sat up and looked over to see a tray of grapes and apples that had been placed on her beside table. The vase of flowers was still in place. She looked straight across the room from the foot of her bed. A green tunic and some brown pants were draped over a chair. A pair of dirty brown boots were sitting in the chair.

As she woke up Sydney sat up completely in bed and began to eat. She hungrily consumed all of the grapes and an apple while she pondered the information she had been given the day before. She stood up only to realize that something was still clutched in her left hand, digging slightly into her palm. She opened her fist to find her mother's necklace had left in impression in her hand. She walked into the bathroom to the vanity mirror. Sydney looked at the locket. She opened it to look at a picture of her mother and father at their wedding.

Her mother's long blonde hair was pulled up in intricate curls that framed her face. The veil was pushed back over her head so that you could see her big brown eyes and her beautiful smile. She wore a long white gown that puffed out at the hips like a ball gown. She was gorgeous. Slowly tears formed in Sydney's eyes again. She thought of how her mother had saved her… and how all these years she was led astray from the truth. Her father wore a tux and had a happy, mischievous smile on his boyish face. Sydney let out a small bark of a laugh as the tears spilled from her eyes. That was her father… always getting into some sort of trouble. She remembered how her aunt said that she was happy that her grandmother chose her father for her mom, and not, in her words, a wimpy, gimpy excuse of a man.

'Catch me as I fall
Say you're here and it's all over now
Speaking to the atmosphere
No one's here and I fall into myself '

How she missed them both. Slowly she thought of how her mother had really died.

'This truth drives me into madness
I know I can stop the pain if I will it all away (If I will it all away)'

They had wanted her. They needed her for something. The prophecy said she would change someone. No, more than one person – many people. Maybe her hidden purpose would change the outcome of the war. If so her mother's death would not have been in vain.

Following the river of her thoughts unraveling like a spool of tangled thread, slowly Sydney's tears of mourning turned into tears of hate. She hated that her mother had been tortured to death. All she knew now was that these enemies would pay. She hooked the necklace around her neck with fumbling hands and turned to look at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were bloodshot and red, her bruise was subsiding, her hair was knotted and tousled but she didn't care. Her tears had turned from hate to sorrow again, but this time she knew she would be stronger.

She grabbed a brush on the counter and brushed her hair out. She tied her hair back into a tight ponytail that sat straight on the back of her head. Satisfied, she walked out to her room and donned the clothes. Sydney took a quick glance outside. It was dawn. She walked to her door after hearing a knock. Sydney opened the door and found Legolas standing there in a somewhat worn down blue tunic and brown pants.

"I'm here to begin your training. You will run with me down to a glade where you will get your weapons." All Sydney could do was nod and be glad that it was Legolas that would train her, not a stranger. "Let us go." He said. With that, he set off at a jog with Sydney trailing closely behind. They traveled down a familiar hallway, but then they took a different turn. Soon they came upon a set of stairs. Sydney went slower on the stairs, but was able to catch up with Legolas fairly quickly. In her mind she slowly turned over yesterday's events as she was still running through the hallways.

'Don't turn away
Don't give in to the pain
Don't try to hide
Though they're screaming your name'

'Sydney! Sydney, wait!"

Tears threatened to fall but Sydney told herself to be strong as she pushed them aside. Legolas had led her into a forest where almost all the leaves had fallen off from the trees forming a crunchy carpet beneath their feet. As she crunched through the fallen foliage all Sydney could think of was getting back home. She wanted to wake up tomorrow curled up in her bed and have this all be a dream.

'Don't close your eyes
God knows what lies behind them
Don't turn out the light
Never sleep, never die'

There was a small glade with a broken tree off to one side. Legolas and Sydney jogged past the clearing, seeing a meeting of Gandalf and the others. Members of the Triwizard Tournament were sitting on a large log listening to the Grey Wizard intently. As Sydney shot past her gaze traveled to Harry. He was younger than her and yet somehow he seemed to be handling being pulled into all of this. Her heart wrenched. This shouldn't be happening to any of them. What frightened her most was that this was only the beginning.

'I'm frightened by what I see
but somehow I know that there's much more to come'

They passed the glade and kept on running. Sydney lost track of time. All she knew was that her legs and lungs were burning as if they had been set on fire by Satan himself.

"Sydney, are you alright?"

"I have to stop." Sydney put her hands on top of her head as she slowed down and walked a little. "I don't have that much endurance. I'm a sprinter, not a long distance runner." Tears ran down her face. Partly because of the physical pain she was experiencing and partly due to the intense pain in her heart.

'Immobilized by my fear
And soon to be blinded by tears'

Legolas put his hand on her back, giving her a look of concern. Sydney shook her head.

"I can continue."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

'I can stop the pain if I will it all away'

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Later that night after the rigorous training session with Legolas Sydney collapsed on her bed in exhaustion. She didn't even bother to take her shoes off before she fell completely asleep.

As she dreamt flashes of her mother screaming filled her head. Sydney saw her mother's mangled, bloody body lying as it had been tossed carelessly in the backyard. Sydney shook in her sleep, tossing and turning restlessly. Arwen awoke and ran to Sydney's room, her dreams filled with Sydney's nightmares.

"Sydney, wake up." She gently shook Sydney's shoulder.

In her dreams Sydney's mother appeared bloody and bruised next to Sydney in Sydney's bed.

'Fallen angels at my feet
Whispered voices at my ear
Death before my eyes
Lying next to me I fear'

Somewhere far away Sydney felt Lord Elrond touch her forehead.

"She burns with fever. When she wakes give her my tea and send for me. I must contact Lady Galadriel and have her arrange a meeting and guard for the others from Earth."

Ripping through her nightmare with frightening intensity suddenly Sydney felt a peaceful presence in her mind. A tall, elvish woman with a regal bearing filled her dreams. All at once Sydney felt tranquility wash over her. The woman smiled at Sydney and held out her hand in welcome. Sydney felt slight apprehension. There was more to it.

She looked around her to see dark demonic beasts lurking in the shadows of a murky forest. In the distance she could hear a horn, sounding loud and clear in the distance. Something was going to happen. Sydney looked back at the woman's hand. Her eyes said one thing, "You can accomplish great things."

Arwen watched as Sydney's body slackened, her breathing evened. She smiled. She felt her grandmother guarding the young girl's dreams. They had won this battle – victory in the real world would not prove to be so easily won.

'She beckons me, shall I give in?
Upon my end shall I begin
Forsaking all I've fallen for I rise to meet the end'

A/N I'm so sorry for not updating sooner… I moved so that was difficult and then the files got lost… so I'm lucky I got them back. PLEASE REVIEW! ;)