Chapter 5
Disclaimer: I don't own HP or LOTR
A/N: I am going around fixing chapters just so my fans can sit on my cliffie a little longer
'And who are you to give such threats?" Bit Umbridge.
"Gandalf the Grey," Dumbledore said solidly not showing kindness or hostility.
Gandalf's eyes went to his Former friend and they burned with anger, "I do not know what part you played in this but know that after this I will never forgive you," his eyes softened and turned to where Aragorn lay still cuffed and sprawled on the floor, "I dare say that your father is worried sick about you,"
Aragorn averted his eyes, "I think he would not even care nor notice that I was missing," He said softly.
Gandalf could have jumped in surprise at what he had just heard the young man say, "We will talk about this later," he said softly to Aragorn, "Now I would be grateful if you would unhand the ranger and take off those Cuffs,"
With a scared nod from Fudge the Ministry wizards did as they were told, The second the cuffs were off Aragorn got up and while rubbing his wrists and rolling his shoulders walked over to Gandalf's side.
"Are you alright?" Gandalf asked softly to Aragorn.
"Been better, but I am not about to fall on the floor and die," Smiled Aragorn.
Gandalf raised and eyebrow and in return got one of Elrond's looks out of the young ranger, "Why didn't Elrond listen to his own common sense and get rid of you?" asked Gandalf but was surprised to see once again at the mention of Elrond Aragorn went silent.
"I will now bid you all good day," said Gandalf turning, "Come along Estel,"
Aragorn followed him towards the door.
"Running from the problem will not solve anything old friend," said Dumbledore Gandalf turned to look at him.
"I have more pressing matters to handle at the moment like getting this pesky ranger back to his worried family," Aragorn gave a look of surprise mixed with confusion and anger ,
"Gandalf?" he asked softly, "what is going on?" Gandalf just gave a short wave of his hand to silence Aragorn. It took every bit of his composure not to repeat what he had just asked Gandalf "Come now Gandalf I am sure a family of rangers will live with him missing a few more hours," said Dumbledore hoping that the ranger Estel would encourage this.
"I am in no rush to get home," Aragorn said, "I doubt I'll be missed," The young ranger seemed to be grabbing every chance he got not to go home.
"Are you……,"
Gandalf was cut off by Umbridge, "You and that boy are not going anywhere you are been detained," She spat. Aragorn shuddered if there was one thing he could not stand it was been held captive.
"Come now Dolores they are not in ligeance with Voldemort," said Dumbledore calmly and softly.
Meanwhile Gandalf and Aragorn were talking in soft voices.
"He has stood up for us twice just make up and be friends again then we can go back and you can see how little my family missed me," Aragorn whispered
"Fine I'll talk to him but you must promise after that you tell me what is wrong between you and Elrond," Gandalf said quietly.
"Deal," Aragorn couldn't help but giving a small triumphant smile.
"I can assure the ranger will not even know who Voldemort is," said Dumbledore trying to convince Fudge and Umbridge.
"If what you say is true there would be no harm in me asking him then?" asked Umbridge.
Dumbledore shook his head "By all means ask the ranger,' he said.
Umbridge walked over trying to look intimidating and Aragorn couldn't help extend his hight slightly to show he could be just as intimidating.
"You boy," she pointed at him, "Do you know who 'You-know-who' is?" she asked.
Aragorn raised and eyebrow, "No I don't know who," he said trying to keep his voice sturdy and normal.
Umbridge pulled out her wand and put it to his neck "Tell the truth!" she screamed.
"The Boy is telling the truth, Rangers as I have been told only lie when a relation, friend or fellow Ranger is in danger" Dumbledore said.
Gandalf nodded "And E…." he was cut off by Aragorn.
"Strider now Estel is my past."
Gandalf knew under the stern look Aragorn was breaking down. "And Strider has no reason to fear death the few he loves are well protected not even your dark lord himself could get to them,"
Umbridge looked Aragorn up and down, "Minister he is a criminal, he needs a constant name change and look at the dark cloths to hide in shadows and wait," Umbridge looked suspiciously at Aragorn. Aragorn opened his mouth to protest but Gandalf stoped him,
"Rangers have good reason to hide in shadows they are hunted men, not because they are criminals but they are descendants of great kings Strider is one of the younger rangers, and now holds two names and will pick up many more to come through out his life,"
"So you are telling me he ancestors were kings?" laughed Umbridge.
Aragorn bowed his head, "I'd give anything not to be" And there it was what Aragorn feared and knew it would come sooner or later Gandalf's staff coming over the back of his shoulders. "ESTEL SON OF ELROND YOU DO NOT MEAN THAT!" Gandalf bellowed, before talking more softly again, "Did you for one second think that the ranger would survive the war without you to lead them?"
"Halbarad has done fine these past five years"
"Are you telling me this ranger as you call him is someone important?" Fudge gasped looking at the shaggy and unkempt appearance of Aragorn.
"ENOUGH!" shouted Dumbledore "I'm now taking the ranger and Gandalf to my office to talk to them," With that Dumbledore led the two out of the hospital wing to his office.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Hermione left the library and went down into the entrance hall where Harry and Ron awaited her, "Before you ask, I have found nothing about Athelas, I can't believe it is none of the records in the library,"
"Don't worry 'bout it Hermione," said Ron, "Everyone will be on detention not just us," Hermione smiled Ron was right they had tried their best there was nothing more they could do about it.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Aragorn was so bored he had long ago given up on keeping up with the two wizard's conversation and was amusing himself by swinging on his chair; He gave it one powerful push up and the next thing he knew he was on the floor.
"Estel stop been so childish," Growled Gandalf to the young ranger.
Dumbledore looked at the ranger he was nothing more than a boy "Why don't you go out into the grounds no doubt you would prefer open air then been stuck inside,"
Aragorn looked at Gandalf his eyes begging for permission, "Well Estel what are you waiting for go, just keep out of the forest," Aragorn nodded and left and somehow managed to make it out side, we quickly became aware of how he was stared at. Some stares were showing fear others curiosity and he swore a few were hatred, but as he had been trained to do he ignored them. The forest looked welcoming to him but he knew better than to disobey Gandalf the last thing he wanted was another of those famous hit across the head from Gandalf's staff.
Walking along Aragorn heard a voice "I can't believe it I'm useless I can't even find the answer to a question about a plant that should be in book somewhere, athelas," Aragorn looked over to see a girl with bushy brown hair looking at a piece of parchment and suddenly it struck him the voice he had heard in one of his dreams before he felt warmth around him, it was hers she had saved him! It was time to return the favour.
As quiet as ever Aragorn slipped around the back of the tree and scaled it with ease, then carefully walked from branch to branch until he was directly above her. "Athelas or more commonly known as kingsfoil grows in the north of middle earth, has very strong healing powers, not to mention a beautiful smell, Athelas is often used by the rangers of the north for injuries in battle. A mixture of athelas and Grim-polion can make a potentially fatal mix if not used correctly other wise there is no risk in using athelas. And thank you for saving my life," with that Aragorn jumped out of the tree and down next to Hermione, "Name is Strider and you have my thanks for saving my life,"
Hermione blinked a few time, "I'm Hermione Granger and thank you for helping me with my homework,"
"Well Athelas isn't an uncommon thing where I come from and my father taught me about it," "Hermione," shouted a voice, "Hermione are you going to eat anything?" Suddenly Harry and Ron appeared.
"Hermione," said Harry "Isn't that the man from the lake?"
"Yes, Harry this is Strider, Strider Harry and Ron,"
Aragorn bowed his head slightly in greeting, "I'd say you are the other two who helped save my life,"
"It was Hermione really," Harry said earnestly.
Aragorn ignored him "I am forever in dept to you and if ever you need help you just ask me," Harry and Ron did not know what to say or do.
Aragorn gave a small smile at the looks on their faces, this was going to be an interesting few days since it seemed Gandalf and Dumbledore were only skimming their problems.