Can't believe we're at the last chapter already. This has been so much fun to write and I never imagined it would receive as much support as it did so once again I would like to give a huge thank you for all who reviewed, favorites, followed, it means the world to us writer*HUGS*
I will apologize ahead of time if I get the Sindarin wrong cause I'm not very well versed in the Elvish language and I literally have a Sindarin dictionary in front of me as I try to write this. XD
The morning was peaceful, if Legolas ignored the burning gaze of pure hatred trying to destroy his essence as he ate breakfast.
It had already been a month since the mischievous twins of Elrond and Legolas's best friend Estel had left and Umbridge was still absolutely seething. Fred and George confirmed that their one week collaborations with Elladan and Elrohir had set a historical record for pranking at Hogwarts.
Soon after the elvish twins left Fred and George had also vanished, though not before creating a spectacular swamp in one of the major corridors. With no one left to vent her anger out on Umbridge chose Legolas as the source of all her problems. If only he could have the honor or claiming credit for all her woes.
Sensing the burning gaze on the back of his golden head Legolas returned Umbridge's furious gaze with a pleasant grin.
"Enjoying breakfast professor?" Professor McGonagall asked lightly buttering a piece of toast while keeping an ever watchful eye on the mass of students chattering merrily at the four house tables.
"Absolutely." Legolas chirped cheerfully seeing the pink toad clutching her armrests so hard her knuckles were white. He had helped some students sneak into her office last night and painted her pink office walls a ghastly shade of murky brown. The headmistress had been too distressed to step foot in the office until Filch had thoroughly repainted it.
Legolas was imagining all the things he could do to make Umbridge's life miserable then Great Hall door burst open with a loud clang. To everyone's great astonishment an elf, clad in a green tunic and traveling cloak with chestnut hair, strolled purposefully through the middle of Great Hall completely ignoring the jumbled mess of noises as students stood on their benches to see what was going on.
Legolas recognized the elf as a messenger of Greenwood.
A very flustered and outraged Umbridge stood to reprimand the stranger for bursting unannounced into her school. However Umbridge standing and Umbridge sitting made very little difference and the messenger either didn't notice her gesture or chose to ignore it.
The fair elf never spared a glance for anyone in the room, his head held high the messenger stopped before Legolas and knelt.
"Ernil-nin." The stranger said, head bowed respectfully to his prince.
"Eria."(rise) Legolas commanded softly, feeling slightly awkward as the students gawked at the scene. The staff looked on with intrigued faces, except Umbridge who was turning the same shade of pink as her fuzzy cardigan.
"Who are you?" The short women shrieked most rudely at the kneeling guest. The elf rose still pretending the fuming Umbridge didn't exist.
"Aran Thranduil innas bad ned min lefenar." (King Thranduil will be arriving in a week) Legolas raised his eyebrows surprised.
"Am man theled?" (For what purpose?) A whirl of different emotions raced through his mind. It had been over a year since Legolas had seen his father and was delighted at the prospect of being reunited, however he was also apprehensive.
He was a warrior of Mirkwood and he had left without a word to his father and king, Legolas was sure he was in for a long lecture when they did meet face to face. It was also extremely unusual for the king to venture out of their woodland realm and Legolas felt uneasy. What tidings did Thranduil have that was important enough for him to personally venture to a school of Men.
"U-iston." (I do not know) The ellon shrugged rather helplessly. He had only been told to deliver his message.
Legolas nodded his thanks and understanding.
"Hannon le. Im dartha ten bara." (Thank you. I await him eagerly). The messenger straightened and gave one last bow to Legolas.
Before the students or the faculty could fully puzzle out what had just transpired the elf had already crossed the length of the Great Hall with long graceful strides. The elf's departure was as abrupt as his arrival.
"I demand to know what's going on. What was that?" Umbridge had maneuvered herself directly in front of the high table furious that she had been completely ignored. An unusual hush came over the hall as students and teacher alike turned to Legolas for an explanation of the peculiar turn of events.
"He." Legolas said turning to Umbridge with the grace and dignity bestowed upon the Fistborn. "Is a royal courier from my homeland baring a message for me." Legolas paused for a moment before continuing. "The Elvenking of Greenwood will be arriving in a week's time to Hogwarts."
For a few moment after Legolas's pronouncement there was a general cacophony as exited, curious, and even fearful voices filled the hall. The other professors looked at Legolas with silent but questioning gazes waiting for him to explain further. Umbridge for once seemed to be at a loss for words as she glared at the blond elf before her.
"Why?" She asked. Legolas refused to admit that he had no idea either but didn't want to fabricate an excuse.
"The King has his reasons that are beyond you or I to question." Her beetle black eyes narrowed in loathing.
"I will not have more of your kind contaminating my school." Legolas was starting to lose the reins on his temper. Help came from the most unlikely source.
"Perhaps it would be wise to accept this Delores. Our guest is a King among his people after all and there is nothing to be gained from offending an entire nation." Snape drawled.
Legolas had to force his face to remain neutral but was quite surprised that the surly teacher would help. The man had not been hostile yet at the same time no one could accuse him of being friendly either. Umbridge huffed annoyingly.
"Very well." She said in clipped tones. "Perhaps he has come to take away a pathetic excuse for a teacher." She growled before storming away from the Great Hall.
"At this point I would be more than happy if the king saw fit to take me away from her." Legolas mumbled, to the amusement of the other teachers, when Umbridge was out of earshot.
Legolas was hardly surprised when instead of commencing with his usual lessons most of his classes that day were devoted to answering a maelstrom of question from the inquisitive youngsters. Legolas settled himself comfortably into his cushioned chair as his fifth year class filed in knowing he would most likely never have to stand up and teach.
"I assume you all have question you want me to answer?" Legolas asked. They class nodded in confirmation. "And I suppose it's pointless for me to try to continue with my lessons as planed?" A few chuckles and sheepish grins. "Very well then ask away." The prince sighed.
"Do you know the king?" Dean asked.
"I do." Legolas's eyes brightened as he thought of his adar.
"What's he like?" Hermione asked quill in hand and notebook open as if this were a lecture and she was going to take notes for an exam. The fair haired warrior smiled as he contemplated how to answer this question.
"Well some say the King has a short and hot tempter, which I admit he does sometimes, but he is also noble and just. He protects his people against the darkness and strives to do what he believes is best."
Legolas recalled fondly, his father sitting proud and commanding on the woven throne of the elven haven. "I have known the king for a long time now and he has never despaired or faltered, his confidence gives our people hope that Mirkwood will one day again be Greenwood the Great."
The class was deeply enthralled and much to Legolas's amusement Hermione was actually taking notes.
"How do you know him?" Harry asked. Legolas hesitated for a moment.
"I am Captain of the Guard." Not a lie just not the whole picture.
"Is that why you fight so well?" Ron asked actually leaning forward in anticipation.
"I fight to protect my kin and home. It is my duty and my honor."
"Does this 'king' actually rule anything?" A sneering voice came from the back of the class. Legolas wasn't surprised to see Malfoy's lofty nose in the air.
"I'm afraid I don't understand your meaning." His tone was level.
"I mean anyone can say they are king doesn't really make it mean anything. My father always said people who call themselves royalty or such nonsense are just arrogant simpletons with no real power." Legolas bit back his irritation and answered as neutrally as possible.
"The King rules over the vast northern forests and is the rightful heir to the noble house of Oropher. You have barely seen fifteen year of life penneth and my King has seen thousands I would keep that in mind before you are so quick to question and judge." Legolas saw Harry and his friends smirk as Malfoy was silenced with a sour frown.
"Why is the King coming?" Harry asked. Legolas made a non-committal shrug.
"The purpose of his visit will be revealed when he arrives." Ron gave an impish grin.
"If you're the Captain of the Guard and the King is coming all the way here to see you does that mean you're in trouble?" Legolas groaned in a very unprincely manner resting his head on the hard wooden desk.
"No, I don't expect so." His unfocused gaze swept the wizard. "Though I don't expect fa," He caught himself "The King to be particularly happy with me either."
"Why?" Hermione pushed. Legolas smiled guiltily.
"I took on this job as a favor for an old friend and it was rather abrupt. I'm afraid I failed to give due notice to the Elvenking and he will not be happy I ran off without telling him." Especially to a school full of Men. Legolas added as an afterthought.
There were a few giggles as the normally composed teacher looked like a child dreading a lecture from his elder. If only they knew how close to the truth they were. The class was full of question and Legolas answered them patiently until,
"What the King's name?" Seamus asked. Legolas froze, but the bell saved him and he quickly ushered the reluctant class out.
The week passed with much excitement and gossip from the student. Umbridge wanting to show up Thranduil in appearances, not that it was likely considering how much stock his father put in intimidating regalia, had ordered every corner of the castle cleaned and every suite of armor polished. It had also become a common occurrence for the High Inquisitor to be seen yelling yelling at students for untucked shirts and crooked ties.
The Afternoon classes had been cancelled and all the ocupants of Hogwarts were gathering in the large stone courtyard in front of the school to welcome Legolas's kinsmen.
Legolas joined the procession making its way to the large courtyard. He was dressed in a more formal soft blue tunic with silver embroidering along with grey leggings. An elegant crown of mithril lay upon his brow and his golden hair was braided carefully in a warrior's plait.
As the students settled into their four house groups on either side of the yard and the teacher took up their position in the center ready to greet their guest, Legolas stood at the forefront. He spotted Harry a few paces to his right offering an exited grin. He tried to smile back but his grin was probably more nervous than exited.
A lecture from his King was in order and, though the prince probably deserved it, he didn't have to like it. Umbridge was a little behind Legolas along with the rest of Hogwart's staff nose pointed impossibly high into the air in supreme smugness.
If anything good was to come out of this encounter it was the fact that Legolas knew he wouldn't be able to avoid his status as Prince of Greenwood much longer. He would savor every moment of Umbridge's horror when she realized she had spent months insulting, belittling, and antagonizing the Crown Prince.
Clear horns sounded in the distance and his keen eleven eyes picked out the vague form of two elves bearing the green and gold colors of Eryngalen.
Harry pushed his way to the front with Ron and Hermione to ensure he would get a good look at the elves. Wearing a formal tunic and an elegant silver circlet Legolas struck a strangely regal and ethereal image.
"Look they're coming." Hermione whispered pointing to the far side of the courtyard, Harry could almost feel the excitement coming off her in waves. Sure enough Harry could make out a procession of horses. As they grew closer two elves riding white stallions bearing impressive green and gold flags came into view but that wasn't what transfixed everyone's attention.
At the center of a dozen guards strode a splendid elk with a sleek, shimmering coat and giant antlers that stretched towards the sky.
However the figure riding on the elf was even more majestic. The king's fair face shimmered with a healthy glow and his pale golden hair caught the descending sunrays. He wore sweeping silver robes and a rich red sash. Shining jewels glittered on his long slender fingers. Upon the Elvenking's head rested a delicate crown of woven branches decorated with exquisite green leaves and dark red berries reflecting the essence of spring.
Atop his great steed the king was magnificent, imperious.
His piercing blue eyes swept across the awed students coming to rest on Legolas's form.
"Hail King Thranduil, son of Oropher." One of the royal guards announced with a bow to his king. In the back of his mind Harry thought that the name sounded familiar, where had he heard that name before? If Harry thought hard the king almost seemed familiar.
King Thranduil slid gracefully off his elk coming to a stop before the smaller elf. Legolas bowed deeply in deference.
"Adar." He said.
"Legolas." The king breathed. For a few moments the world was silenced in the sublime presence of such beautiful creatures. No one moved or said a word. Then to everyone's shock the king threw his hands up in exasperation seeming to forget he was in the presence of hundreds of wizards.
"Never would have thought it of you. Such irresponsible behavior. Not a word, not even so much as a note!" The king began and Harry stared completely dumbfounded at his elven teacher as the tips of Legolas's ears were tinted pink. "I had to get the news from Elrond."
"Ada…" Legolas tried to protest but was cut off.
"Don't you dare 'ada' me. You have any idea what I thought when I heard that not only had you run off another fool headed adventure but it was to a school of Edain children!" The king glared reproachfully at the wizards gathered before him all ogling the scene with open mouths.
Harry noticed the other darker haired elves trying to hold back chuckles as they watched their king. "Really what was Mithrandir thinking sending you off alone like that. You should be in Imlandris, or better yet, at home."
Legolas seemed to open his mouth as if to interject but gave up as it was apparent nothing would stop the Elvenking's tirade. Harry was reminded of Mrs. Weasley when she would reprimand the twins for getting themselves into trouble.
"Then I heard you were injured by spiders! By the Valar, I swear you are the only elf in all of Arda who can get himself wounded by a giant spider leagues away from Dol Guldur." The king was pacing back and forth in front of Legolas now, oblivious to the stunned Hogwarts staff.
"That's what Estel said." Legolas muttered. Harry didn't think the king heard as he continued to list the foolish things Legolas apparently had done.
Harry was just starting to think someone ought to rescue their teacher when the King suddenly pulled Legolas into a tight embrace. The smaller elf stood with wide eyes for a moment before he hugged the king back burying his face in the taller elf's shoulder.
Harry would have been able to hear a pin drop. In a voice so soft Harry almost thought he imagined it Thranduil whispered.
"I've missed you ion-nin."
"I've missed you too ada." The king pulled back regaining his dignified composure.
"Still at the rate you're going I will be lucky to still have an heir in a couple centuries." Hermione inhaled sharply while Ron choked on air. Momentarily forgetting that pointing was rather rude Ron lifted a shaking finger first at Legolas then at King Thranduil.
"You…You're… a Prince?" He stammered.
"Thranduilion! Legolas's last name. We hadn't used it for so long, how could I have missed it." Hermioned hissed frantically next to Harry. She was right. Examining Legolas with fresh eyes Harry wondered how he could have been so blind. The king was taller and broader but the resemblance was uncanny, the same flaxen hair, high cheek bones, proud jaw, and most of all, those brilliant azure eyes.
Pulling his gaze away from the two royal elves Harry fixed his gleeful gaze on Umbridge whose face was a mixture disbelief, horror, and consternation.
"You…a pri..a…what?" Words seemed to have fled the ministry women as she was left with only the ability to stutter and shake. The lightest of frowns flickered across Thranduil's face.
"You didn't tell them?" He asked raising an eyebrow. Legolas shook his head. The king didn't look terribly surprised. He gathered his silver robes around him and walked briskly up to Umbridge his gaze icy.
"I trust you have been treating my son with the hospitality he deserves." It sounded more like a threat than question. Harry's body was shaking with barely contained mirth.
"I…" Umbridge simply shook where she stood, the Elvenking's gaze pinning her down like a basilisk. All of Umbridge's hate and bigotry was laid bare before the King. Thranduil's face was now uncomfortably close to Umbridge making her appear more like a cornered mouse rather than the usual pompous toad.
"I see you have not." He said softly. The student and other professors did absolutely nothing to help. If anything Harry started hearing delighted giggles as all eyes turned to their headmistress.
"Know that I do not suffer the pitiful follies of mortals towards any of my subjects, much less towards my own son." Thranduil had not raised his voice but it would have been better if he shouted. The deadly calm tone he used now was more terrifying than anything Harry had experienced. The king was fingering his broadsword lightly.
"Ada." Legolas whispered putting a gentle arm on his father's shoulder. The Elvenking hesitated for a fraction of a second scrutinizing the wretched women trembling before him. The elf's lip curled slightly in disgust.
"Get out of my sight." Umbridge sprinted as fast as her stubby legs would carry her. The students erupted into a sea of cheers and applause. As soon as Umbridge had vanished Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her policy of supporting her fellow staff members forgotten.
"King Thranduil we are honored by your presence and welcome you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." She said formally offering a respectful bow. Thranduil gave a curt nod.
Legolas watched the retreated back of Umbridge with a barely suppress grin. For a moment the prince wondered what Thranduil might have done if he wasn't there to restrain him. It was well known the King of the Woodland Realm did not like the race of Men but he did not deliberately harm them either unless in dire circumstances; however, he could be slightly reckless when it came to matters concerning his only son.
"What brought you so far from Greenwood?" Legolas finally asked when the official greetings, introductions, and pleasantries had been dealt with.
"The Enemy is moving." Thranduil's face became grim. "You know Estel was tracking in the north. He found a creature, Gollum, and brought him to the palace." The king paused lowering his voice so no one would hear him but Legolas. "The One has been found." Legolas stared in shock.
"The One Ring? Are you sure?"
"Mithrandir is certain. Of course in Greenwood we have known for a long time. The Shadow grows in Dol Goldur, the time has come. You must return. Mithrandir is waiting to guide us back to Middle-Earth." Seeing the sheepish grin on his son's face Thranduil added.
"I won't even ask about how you managed to agree to teach at a magical school for Edain children in a different world."
Legolas looked at the students catching Harry, Hermione, and Ron's eyes. He didn't want to leave the wizards here but his duty was with the free peoples of Middle-Earth. Now that the One Ring had been found Legolas would play whatever part required of him to ensure the end of Sauron.
"When do we leave?"
"Immediately." Legolas nodded.
"Let me gather my things and bid the children farewell." Legolas slipped quietly back into the castle while the Wood-elves walked amongst the inquisitive students.
The elven warrior wasn't surprised when he found Harry, Ron, and Hermione waiting by the entrance leading back out to the courtyard. They eyed his bow, knives, and small pack.
"You're leaving aren't you?" Harry asked. Legolas nodded.
"I am penneth. It has been a pleasure to teach you this year but my place is elsewhere." Hermione looked up sadly.
"But who will be our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Will we ever see you again."
"And who's going to fight off the old toad now?" Ron asked seriously. Legolas chuckled.
"I am afraid this is our final farewell. I don't believe our paths are meant to cross again but remember this." Legolas crouched so he was on eye-level with all three students. "What you need to know to fight the Dark Arts isn't something I or anyone else can teach you. You must find it in here."Legolas rested a gentle hand on Harry's chest.
"Have courage young ones. Remember always what you are fighting for. Your friends, your home, your happy memories, these are what will lend your strength, and it is something I believe all three of you have an abundance of." Legolas smiled stepping away from the trio and towards the door. All three of their eyes were forlorn.
"Also," The Prince grinned mischievously. "You won't have to worry about Umbridge for a while. I think my father gave her enough of a fright to keep her subdued." This drew a laugh from the two wizards and witch.
Legolas slipped past the door and mounted the elven horse brought by one of the guards. After giving his gratitude to the rest of the Hogwarts staff the Prince trotted along his father's elk waving a last goodbye to the mass of students and teacher he had come to care for.
Dark times lay ahead of Legolas in Middle-Earth and surely dark times were also descending upon Hogwarts but whether Elven Prince or magical student each warrior would be guided by their courage and strength.
Darkness would come and, as surely as Anor would rise in the east, it would be defeated.
THE END
Elvish translation:
Ernil-nin – My Prince
Eria – Rise
Aran Thranduil innas bad ned min lefenar – King Thranduil will be arriving in a week.
Am man theled – For what purpose.
U-iston – I do not know.
Hannon le. Im dartha ten bara – Thank you. I await him eagerly.
ion-nin – My son
Adar/ada – Father/dad/daddy
I hope you have enjoyed this story. If you did let me know ;)
