Part 4 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 4 picks up after the final battle of The Battle of the Five Armies, with equal parts of books and movies with the crossovers. OC's and real characters.
Everyone is together, dwarves, humans, elves, witches, and wizards, either in Dale or in Erébor. However, Jordan's curse has finally take over and she has the hardest choice she will ever have to make: love for the dwarf she would spend the rest of her life with, or the life of her brother who is counting on her to rescue him.
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 5Milhauke paced all over the back yard. The goblins and inferi he created were waiting for his order to strike. The one good thing right now was that he had the book written by Dark Lord Morgoth in his possession. But how was he going to get back to Middle Earth? The gate was sealed without the key! There had to be another way. Perhaps he should continue to build his army and take over this world first. Then he could use this world's outstanding resources and then concur his home land. He knew of the limitless amount of magical knowledge available at his fingertips. It would take time and he would need someone who knew the land. His thoughts went back to Jordan. She was the key to his success. Now he was glad Septimus talked him out of killing her. If she still refused to help him, he would just use the Imperius curse on her.
"Septimus! Where are you?" he shouted as he went back inside to search the house for his apprentice. "Spetimus! Septimus!" He was about return to the yard when he heard the basement door open. His apprentice was smirking when the door shut behind him. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing, Master. Have you made any decisions?" Septimus avoided answering the question. "What's your next move?"
Milhauke eyed him suspiciously. Doubt was setting in him that his apprentice was turning on him. "Yes, I believe I have. We will be going to the nearest wizarding community to gather some intelligence."
"Intelligence for what? You have the book you wanted. What more intelligence could you possibly need?"
"We will gather more magical knowledge of this world and use it to conquer it. Then we shall use our strength to take over Arda."
"Was that not also the plan the Dark Lord Voldemort had? And that Potter boy killed him easily enough."
"Yes, but our advantage is that no one knows we are here. We can move our base to a different location and continue building our army."
"But what about the Gatekeepers? Surely Blair will have told them about us, and undoubtedly they will come looking for Jordan."
"That is why we must leave quickly. Before they can gather their resources and come rescue her."
Septiums strongly doubted this plan. Milhauke was obviously falling apart and trying desperately to save himself. It would only be a matter of time before he snapped completely, and that would be Septimus' chance to absorb his magic. It would not kill him. No, he would have to wait for the right moment to suck the magic from him, then leave him behind for the Gatekeepers to finish off; and he would be long gone with Jordan by the time they arrived. The Gatekeepers would assume Milhuake killed her, and he would be free to do as he wished. He would be stronger and more powerful, and he would have the perfect little pet. Things could not be falling into place more perfectly.
"Where would you like to go first?" Septiums asked, trying to encourage and keep his master engaged.
"Ideally, I want to go to that school in England. What was it called?"
"Hogwarts, I believe."
"Yes, because they have an extensive library that could help us. But we would draw too much suspicion. And I don't want to stay in the United States. It's too obvious if Ruben comes looking for me."
"There were other schools in Europe."
"Still too close to where the Dark Lord was trying to set up roots."
"Weren't there schools in South America and Africa? We could go there. Or in Russia, Asia. There are schools all over this world. You just need to pick one to start."
"Yes. I think we should head south. I believe the school is called Castelobruxo."
"The one in Brazilian rainforest? It will be done." Septimus nodded, knowing he had preparations to make. He was about to return to the house when he spotted the book sitting on the podium. "Have you begun reading?"
"Not yet," Milhauke snatched up the book and tucked it in his robe pocket. "We need to hurry and leave this place. Gather anything of value in the house, then come back out here to help me with the creatures."
Septimus bowed and did as instructed. Milhauke walked around and made notes of ideas for being able to move the army unnoticed from the northern Midwest of the United States all the way to Brazil. He was not sure how to operate them, but he had seen these enormous vehicles the muggles used to transport various goods. He could commandeer one or two of those semitrucks and drivers to take them there. Yes, that's what they would do.
Finally settled on the plan, Milhauke extracted the book from his pocket and place it on the podium. The cover was exactly how he imagined it would be. Black leather binding and cover were sealed with a lock. He knew of the spell to easily open it and flipped to the first page when he noticed something odd.
"The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," he read the title of the first chapter. "What is this?" He skimmed the pages and found the next title, "The Fountain of Fair Fortune."
He slowly came to realize what he was reading was not the written word of Dark Lord Morgoth. It was a trick! Jordan had somehow switched the work he wanted with some other rubbish!
Furious, he knocked the podium over and screamed louder than he ever had before. "That bitch will pay! I'll kill her! I'll kill her!"
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Fili thought he was battle ready when he and the rest of the company joined the fight defending Erébor from Azog. Back then was nothing compared to how ready he was to fight now. He was tired of people he cared about being in dangerous situations and being ripped away from him. He lost his father, friends have sacrificed themselves guarding their people in the Blue Mountains, the Battle of Five Armies, and now Jordan. There would always be someone or something out there trying to take the good from the world. Right now, he had a choice: give in to his hurt and despair of his losses, or fight one more time.
It wasn't a hard choice. Spinning his sword in his palm, his shield in the other, he glared at the gate magically opening. He would rescue the love of his life and avenge her honor.
"Fili," Bifur grunted next to him.
"What is it, Bifur?" Fili grunted back. His eyes were fixed on Ruben and Priscilla opening the gate to Jordan's world.
"Don't lose your head over there."
"My mind is perfectly clear. You don't need to worry about that."
"But I do worry. If we are to be successful, you need to stick to the plan. Any impulsive decision you might make could put her life or yours in jeopardy. Don't do anything reckless. Understand?"
Fili nodded. It was a hard thing to force himself to remember. At the low point he was at, he had to be careful not to lose his compassion for life. Once that was gone, there would be no turning back and he might be comparable to an orc. He knew grief made people do terrible and illogical things. He did not want to be one of them.
The gate opened in the woods behind the house, away from any unsuspecting muggles. Ruben and Jeremy walked through first and the sunshine was beginning to set for the night. The tall oak trees covered the sky, making it look darker than what it really was. They walked closer to the house, wanting to scout the area before they signaled the rest of their party through.
Jeremy raised his wand and whispered, "Homenum Revelio." The markers appeared far away where light was visible from the house. "No humans are in the forest. Milhauke and Jordan must be at the house."
Ruben readied his sword, "that does not mean his army is not watching for us."
"That's true, but if what Blair said is accurate, the goblin creatures would not be able to keep themselves quiet, and the inferi would be attacking."
Ruben turned back to the gate and signaled for his family and the company to join them. "Jeremy and I will go to the house and confront Milhauke. The rest of you, surround the house, and stay hidden until we are able to draw the army through the gate. Do not engage with anyone until you have lured them back to Middle Earth. With our bigger army, Milhauke's won't stand a chance."
Everyone understood and dispersed. The Gatekeepers silently lead the way to the house and soon had it surrounded. They had a clear view of the property and were astounded by the sight. The dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf had never seen a house such as this. The two-story building with strange white tapered walls, windows of different sizes, orb lights glowing without flame, the steep roof, also tapered, with a different grey material. The yard looked like it would have been a lovely garden once or council space. Now it was trashed and full of dark magic. There were half a dozen cages full of the creatures Blair identified.
Milhauke was standing at a podium and pulled out the book Jordan had stolen. His grin split so wide, it distorted his face. Ruben nearly blew their cover wanting to wipe it off for him, until a slow realization did it for him. Something had gone horribly wrong for the dark wizard and he let out a loud scream and began breaking everything in reach. His tantrum startled the goblin creatures for a moment and brought his assistant back out from the house; whom did not appear happy either from his own discovery.
"I'll kill her! She is dead where she lies!" Milhauke began stomping to the house.
"You can't, Master." Septiums roared so he could be heard. "She's already dead! I don't know how, but I went to check on her and she's not breathing nor does she have a pulse. I tried to revive her but it's no use. She killed herself somehow!"
Before another word was spoken, the goblin creatures were sniffing the air and growing excited. They jumped all over each other, screeching, and gnashing their teeth; shaking their cage to be let out.
"We have company," Septimus' eyes bulged out of his head, realizing they were out of time.
Ruben drew his sword, knowing they had been discovered and stepped out from behind the tree. "Surrender, Milhauke!"
Mihauke and Septimus withdrew their wands and weighed their odds of survival. Jeremy, the company, Bilblo, and Gandalf also revealed themselves to show their strength in number.
Milhauke sneered, "Ruben, my old friend. You've come at last. I should not be surprised you made it here so soon."
"You are surrounded and have nowhere to go. Give up, and I'll show you mercy."
"I don't want your mercy. I only want you dead!" Milhauke spun around and magically unlocked the goblin cages. "Attack!"
Septimus unlocked the inferi and waited for the perfect moment to make his escape. Without Jordan, it should be simple for him, as the Gatekeepers were focused on Milhauke. He crept out of the way and used the creatures to give him cover as he tried to make for the opposite end of the forest. He did not get far when the fighting began.
The backyard flooded with dark creatures fighting to get to their enemies. Gandalf used his staff to light up the area, temporarily stunning the inferi. Bilbo used Sting to slice any creature that came near him. All the dwarves, except Fili and Kili, fought at half effort. They were doing the best they could to keep the creatures distracted and lure them to the open gate. It did not take too long for the chase to ensue. The backyard emptied of the dark creatures, leaving behind the Gatekeepers and a few of the company.
Milhauke could not believe his army was already gone! Furious, he turned to his apprentice. "Do something, you imbecile!"
Septimus stopped in is tracks and contemplated his next move quickly. There was no time to absorb his master's magic, but he could ensure his downfall. He glanced over his shoulder and saw more dwarves and Gatekeepers behind him. Turning to his master, "whatever you say, Master. Stupify!" A red spark shot out and Milhauke barely dodged out of the way in time.
All hell broke loose. Ruben attacked Milhauke while he was still distracted. He was able corner him but Milhauke also shot a red spark at him and hit Ruben square in the chest. Jeremy jumped into the dual and fought with Milhauke while trying to get cover behind the cages and furniture.
Septimus did not stick around when the army was gone. He fled the backyard and ran for the forest. Fili, Kili, and Karah chased after him. He sprinted into the woods, dodging around trees and jumping over fallen ones. He was not a well experienced wizard to be able to run and defend with magic. Kili would shoot an arrow every so often, but Karah was the most impactful. She was able to send bolts of red light as she ran. Only he zipped around fast enough to dodge her as well. Fili's rage fueled him to close the distance. He nearly caught him until Septimus pivoted away but right into the Karah's line of fire. Septimus fell on his side, Fili kicked the wand out of his hand. Kili pointed his bow with a loaded arrow, and Karah with her wand.
"Is he dead?" Fili demanded.
"No, just stunned. He'll wake up in a moment." Karah gritted through her teeth.
"Good. I want him awake when I kill him." Fili responded.
Kili picked up the discarded wand and handed it to Karah. "You'd better take this."
Septimus groaned and shook his head as if to clear his mind. Fili did not give him much chance to prepare before he grabbed him by the collar and punched him in the face, repeatedly. Soon, the apprentice's face was a swollen bloody mess.
"Where is she?" Fili screamed.
Septimus' disgusting grin spread over his face. "Wouldn't you like to know, dwarf? You're the one who fell in love with Jordan, aren't you?" He spit blood out of his mouth. "She was a beautiful one. I was only able to get a sample of her before I was called away. She tasted so sweet and her skin was so soft. Even the bumps of her scars felt like velvet."
Fili pulled out one of his swords to plunge into his chest. "You're dead!"
Karah grabbed Fili's arm before he could kill the man. "Where is my cousin?"
"She killed herself like the coward she is."
Fili dropped his sword and punched him in the face again. "Where is she?!"
"If you kill me, you'll never find her body." Septimus bargained.
"We will see about that!" Kili responded with an arrow pointed at his head.
"Wait! Step back, both of you." Karah stopped both dwarves, pointing her wand at Septimus, "immobulus." Septimus froze in place. Still keeping her wand at the ready, she touched his forehead to force a vision to come to her.
What she saw made her want to vomit. Through Septimus eyes, she witnessed Jordan being torturd by Milhauke, then being sexually assaulted by Septimus. The next memory was of Jordan laying on the ground in chains, and completely still. "Reverte!" Septimus was able to move around once more. "She's in the basement of the house. She killed herself to get away from you. You sick piece of goblin dung!"
"She didn't have to die. If she would have just accepted her fate, this never would have happened! She ruined plan after plan we had instore, plans I alone had for her."
"Because she is a better person than you and a more powerful witch you could have ever known." Karah's wand was dangerously close to neck. "We will take him back to my family. We can figure out what to do with him together."
Septimus sneered at her. "I'll never be a prisoner!" He snatched her wand hand and grabbed her around her waist. Pointing her own wand at her head, he used Karah's body as a shield from the dwarves. "Drop your weapons or she dies too!"
Karah did not give him another moment to act. She looked to Fili and Kili as a subtle warning, then stomped on Septimus' foot as hard as she could and elbowed him in the face. Running out of his reach to Kili's arms, Fili threw his sword through Septimus' chest. The next moment, he rushed at the evil man and twisted the blade to make sure he would die painfully. Fili's hate and rage were satisfied by watching the life leave his enemy's body. Kili held Karah close to his chest and would not let her go until he was sure she was out of danger.
Karah calmed her breathing and stepped back. "Let's go. We need to find Jordan and help the others."
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Jeremy was still dueling when Karah, Kili, and Fili arrived. Ruben was propped behind a tree with a large gash in his arm. Priscilla tended him the best she could, while still trying to shield them from magic being shot in their general direction. Karah ducked and covered herself, Kili, and Fili to help her grandfather. While she worked, she explained what happened with Septimus.
Ruben showed her his arm, his hand covered in blood. "Please tell me he lied and she is alive?"
Karah paused for a moment, and shook her head, not able to bring herself to say those words outloud again. "This is going to hurt some, Grandpa."
The hole in Priscilla's heart was about to completely take her. Once she was confident Karah had her husband under control. She quietly stood up and careened to the other side of the dueling. Jeremy had Milhauke pretty well distracted and did not see her out in the open. In her despair, she gripped her wand so tight she might have broken the wood. Staring down her target, she did not hesitate and shot him in the back. "Avada Kedavra."
Milhauke never saw it coming, or would have never suspected Priscilla to have the conviction to kill anyone. The last thing he saw before he was killed was the shock on Jeremy's face at seeing his mother avenge his sister and her family.
Jeremy cautiously approached the body and took the wand away. "I'll take care of this, mother. Go find Jordan."
Priscilla nodded and headed for the house. Fili saw her slowly walk inside, deciding he would not let her face this alone. He caught up with her and accepted her hand when she tightly held his for support. Together, they walked through the wrecked house and went to the basement door. It was not locked and the light worked. The fear they dreaded the most had been realized.
Jordan lay on her back, hands still cuffed and chained to the wall. She was perfectly still and the curse showed through her cuts and bruises. Her hair a knotted mess. Clothes torn and holy, in complete disarray.
Priscilla sank to her knees next to her granddaughter and smoothed the hair out of her face as she wept. "Oh, my poor little girl." The situation was building to be too much for her to handle. She already had to bury her daughter, son in law, and her grandson once. And as joyous as she is to learn her grandson was alive after all, she still had to live with the grief prior to the discovery. And now she was having to go through it all again for her granddaughter. She did not think she could take much more.
Fili stood alone, wanting Priscilla to have a moment. The agony in his heart he had when he sat on the lookout in Erébor pulled him down like nothing he ever felt before. He knew the pain of loss. He knew what grief felt like. But to lose his other half before their life even began, was a torture of a different kind.
"Your Highness?" Priscilla called to him. When he did not respond she tried again. "Fili?"
Fili knelt down next to her, "yes, my lady?"
"Will you please help me take her out of here?" She released Jordan's hands from the cuffs.
"Of course." He gently picked her up in his arms.
"I can use magic to carry her. I just need," Priscilla started to explain.
"No, my lady." Fili insisted as fat tears fell from his eyes. "I will carry her. I love her and was going to marry her. I'll not forsake my duty to care for her now."
Outside, Ruben was healed and almost to the door with Karah, Kili, and Jeremy behind him when Priscilla opened it for Fili. Everyone was quiet when they looked on Jordan. Her head tucked under his chin and cradled in his arms.
No one spoke a word as they walked to the open gate back to Middle Earth. When they crossed over, Jeremy closed the gate behind him. The rest of the dwarf company, Bilbo, Gandalf, all of the elves, and the armies were waiting for them. The goblin creatures were dead, and the inferi were burning in the fires.
Thorin came forward to get an account. "What happened?"
"It's over." Fili answered quietly and walked passed him for the mountain, bringing Jordan home with him. The rest of the family weeping as they followed.