Alright my wonderful and marvelous readers, the answers are here! Hopefully lol. If you still have questions, leave me a review and I'll answer them at the beginning of the next chapter. Now, it's time to find out just what happened to the girls during that year.
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Except for my own characters and ideas.
And now, a special thanks to:
LadyDunla- for her continued support. You are amazing and make me keep writing so thank you!
Mistress Serah- for her beautifully long review. It made me so happy I nearly cried :)
My two guest reviewers for their amazing-ness. Thank you both!
And thanks to all my readers, you guys are awesome!
Edit: Another special thanks to "guest" for pointing out that Sirius is only hit with a Stupefy in the book, and the killing curse in the movie... So I've changed it to reflect the book universe. My only excuse is that I've been in pharmacy school for the past 5 years and haven't had time to read my favorite series over again. Plus, I hate the fact that Sirius dies so, I possibly... Skip... Over it? *innocent smile*
Also, ABC Family always has Harry Potter on, so I just watch it while I'm taking a break from studying... So I blame them :)
"Hm" was all Gandalf uttered, considering the two girls in front of him. 'A year… ' he thought. He didn't think that the girls were lying, he just wasn't sure how to handle the drastic time difference.
"Perhaps some wine and an explanation is in order." Gandalf gestured for the girls to follow him and the still silently staring Elf Lord. "And maybe, some Old Toby… for your nerves" he whispered to Elrond.
"One moment Gandalf."
Turning back, he saw Arianna reach into a bag she had, it's strap crossing her chest to prevent it from being dislodged easily. Gandalf watched, surprised, as Arianna's arm up to her elbow disappeared into the bag.
"Expansion charms" Isabella explained, seeing Gandalf's expression. "She threatened me with being her "new curse" practice dummy when I tried to see if I could fit her in the bag." She smiled, but Gandalf noticed that it didn't reach her eyes.
A soft "found it" turned Gandalf's attention back to the first girl, effectively distracting his thoughts from the once bubbly brunette. Arianna now held a square flat object in her hand and Gandalf was once again surprised to notice that it was a mirror! 'Now was not the time to check one's appearance' he thought exasperatedly. He almost missed when Arianna drew out her wand and tapped the mirror with it.
"Hermione" she in toned and both girls looked at the mirror, as if waiting for something to happen. Gandalf was about to walk over and scold the girls for their silliness when suddenly, the mirror spoke!
"There you guys are. We were starting to worry that you had been captured!"
"We're fine. The attack on the wedding caused enough of a confusion and distraction for us to sneak back into Hogwarts. We just wanted to make sure everyone was alright before we asked Lord Elrond to inactivate the archway, in case we need to come back."
A different, male voice answered. "No, everyone is fine. Shaken up a bit, but safe nevertheless. You two are safely through then?"
Arianna gave the mirror a small smile. "Good. And yes, we've found Gandalf and Elrond as well.
"Alright. Keep in touch and keep an eye out. Be safe you two." With that, the mirror stopped speaking and Arianna placed it back in her bag. Looking at the now composed elf, as if girls talking to mirrors and walking out of archways claiming to have been gone for a whole year were daily occurences for him, Arianna asked him to close the archway.
A raised eyebrow was all that answered her. "I believe you should explain to us first why you wish me to close the arch, and then I will consider it."
"We haven't the time! He could come through here any moment. We are not asking you to close it indefinitely, as you can open it once more!" Isabella cried passionately. Gandalf, however, detected a note of fear as well.
"In this situation, Lord Elrond, I feel that action should come before words." Gandalf whispered to his long-time friend.
"Very well. But you two will explain yourselves afterwards."
Isabella shuffled nervously, but Arianna had grown out of the ability to be scolded after… 'No' she berated herself, 'Don't think about it now. There are things to do.' Straightening her shoulders, she lifted her chin and watched as Elrond walked up to the archway, placing his hands on either side of it. He began chanting in the language of the High Elves, the only words Arianna were able to understand were "Ardh Annon". There was a roaring sound and, as the girls watched, the center of the arch began to fill in, until it was nothing more than a free standing wall.
"Now," Elrond was panting slightly, it had taken more energy to close Ardh Annon than he wanted to let on, "it is time for that explanation and some food." He walked out of the veranda, Gandalf beside him and the girls following.
The elves had laid out a small feast for their visitors. Gandalf, it would appear, wasn't the only one that had noticed the girls diminished looks. The table was laden with a beautiful summer salad, a few different types of cheese, fruity wine made from last year's blackberries, and assorted rolls, including Isabella's favorite from the last time she was here: nekte lereth. It was a sweet bread, sticky and heavy from the honey used to make it. Its name literally meant "honey bread" and it was delicious.
Giving her friend a worried look, Isabella pulled Arianna off to one side. "Promise me you'll eat something."
"I'm not hungry Isabella. Don't worry, I'll eat when I am."
"Don't worry? You haven't eaten properly since… since…" Isabella was unable to continue but, Arianna knew what she meant. Seeing her friend's broken gaze, Arianna gave her a sad smile. "Alright, I'll eat a little bit. Come, let's not keep Gandalf waiting any longer. He might burst." Isabella rewarded her with a half-hearted chuckle and wiped her eyes.
"Yes, that would be just dreadful."
Walking to the table now occupied by Gandalf and Elrond, the girls sat down and pulled some food towards them. Arianna picked at her salad while Isabella neatly ate her favorite bread. Finally deciding that it was time to tell their story, Arianna took a sip of her water and looked up.
"Why did we leave? We could have helped them!" Isabella nearly shouted. They had just gotten out of the arch and Isabella was fuming.
"Because we aren't prepared to help them" Arianna stated simply. "There are so many things we can do to help, but most of it is here and we need to go get it. Then we're going back."
Isabella's smile was blinding. "I knew it! I knew you had a plan!" Arianna just stared at her.
"Well… okay, I didn't know. But I'm so glad you do!" Isabella corrected, bouncing up and down in excitement.
"Calm down Bells. Now, we've been gone for 3 weeks, give or take a few days. We're going to have to be very cautious and not get caught because the teachers won't let us go back. Go to your room; pack a set of clothes and anything else you think might be handy. I'm going to go to my room and do the same. Meet me by the statue of Merlin, on the 2nd floor. And don't get caught." With a quick hug, the girls raced up the stairs, through the abandoned classroom, and down the hallway.
As the girls ran pell-mell down the hallways, they ignored the cries of the portraits, asking them what they were doing, why they were in school and would they just slow down? Unbeknownst to them, several of the portraits raced to the headmaster's office, fighting for room in the frame hung for this very reason. Shouts ranging from "students racing in the hallways" to "they're covered in dust and their cloths are all ripped!" filled the round office. Standing up, the headmaster rushed out of the room. He hadn't heard any solid details, but he was positive he knew who the students were.
The girls rounded the corner by the Great Hall and almost ran smack dab into the Headmaster. "Welcome back Miss Evergreene, Miss Phoe. Perhaps we should go to the hospital wing?"
"We… we can't! We don't have time." Isabella finished, lamely. The Headmaster just looked over his glasses at her. "Miss Phoe, you both have been gone for 9 months. So if you do not mind, I would like Madam Pomfrey to examine you… and make sure you're alright." He finished gently.
The two were stunned in silence. 9 months? They had missed the whole school year? But… they were only gone for 3 weeks!
Arianna opened her mouth, a million questions running through her mind but, Dumbledore held up his hand and stopped her. "Questions later my dear, first let us make sure you are alright after your journey."
"Headmaster, you don't understand. We need to…"
"The wonderful thing about Merlin, my dear, was that he was a magical genius. When he found the Gateway Arch, he created within it a sentient thought… an ability to think and discern. It was taught how to pass its ability on, thus creating the same ability in the Arda arches as well. Unfortunately, many of the other world arches had been destroyed at that point, and as far as I know, only Arda and our world has remained connected. Therefore, these arches not only guarantee safe passage, but also allow the traveler be delivered exactly when they are needed. No matter when they leave. Thus, I'm afraid you can afford the time to an examination by Madam Pomfrey, so if you will just follow me…" and with a pointed look over his glasses, he turned and walked up the stairs, confident that the girls would follow.
"How did he know where we were?" Isabella whispered to her best friend.
"He's Dumbledore… he probably planned the whole dratted thing." She mumbled back, keeping her eye on the brightly-clad Headmaster.
Madam Pomfrey bustled around both girls for an hour, at least. She ran diagnostic spell after diagnostic spell until Arianna was sure she was going to be turned into a muggle x-ray. Eventually, the strict matron gave up and admitted that there was nothing wrong with the girls except a few lost pounds. "That still doesn't mean you're leaving here anytime soon!" she proclaimed, her gaze fierce. Nodding obediently, the girls then turned to their Headmaster, who had been standing off to the side watching with a smile on his face.
"And now my dears, I believe it is time to tell me of your adventures."
So Arianna started talking. She told about the discovery of the archway, being dropped in a field and her confusion now as to why they weren't taken to Rivendell instead. Dumbledore looked pensive at this information, and made the girls go over everything they said and did while in the room with the Gateway. Arianna finally remembered how the gate hadn't actually been activated until Isabella mispronounced the word "harder". Dumbledore looked intrigued.
"Perhaps, Miss Phoe, Miss Evergreene… the Gateway was unsure as to where you wanted to go. It is sentient after all, and must have recognized the word slightly. But it wasn't sure and thus decided where to place you... just a theory of course, I doubt anyone will ever understand how it really works. But continue, please."
Giving the headmaster a puzzled look, Arianna did as requested, with Isabella helpfully adding in details every now and then. And if most of them involved a certain dark haired Durin brother, no one commented.
"And so, I thought that we could come back, get some books on healing, possibly a few odds and ends that would help, and then go back." Arianna finally finished. She was exhausted, having talked for almost 3 hours. Stifling a yawn, she looked towards the headmaster, waiting for his reaction. He merely smiled, stood up, and stated that it was time for bed. When the girls protested, he held up his hands for silence and spoke.
"I have much to think about tonight… and tomorrow I believe I will have some answers for you and a possible plan." With that, he turned and left the infirmary.
The girls fell asleep quickly that night and dreamed of their companions.
They awoke to Madam Pomfrey bustling about their beds and the smell of a much-missed Hogwarts breakfast. "Oh good, you're awake. The Headmaster will be down shortly. Now eat up, and drink those two nutrient potions as well."
The girls ate quickly and, pulling twin faces of disgust, downed their respective potions. Finally, their meal was finished and the headmaster had walked in.
"Good morning my dears, how are you feeling today?"
"Fine, thank you Headmaster. You said you would have answers?" Arianna asked, eager to continue on and hopefully return to Arda.
"Yes, I do. But first, do you two have any questions?"
She did. Quite a few actually and she wasted no time in asking them. "How do you know about Arda? How do you know about the arches? Lord Elrond mentioned that each Arch has a twin, where is the twin to ours? And before we left, I had found this book. Do you know what it is?" she had removed the book from her bag, having carried it with her all through Arda. Thankfully, it hadn't been damaged, as Madam Pince would have had her head.
"One question at a time my dear, one at a time. Yes, I do know of this book, as I placed it in the library hoping one such as yourself would find it. As for your first question, I have never been to Arda, but I am in possession of Merlin's… memoir of sorts, and he describes the finding of the Gateway, his travels to Arda and other worlds, and his awakening of the archstone in great detail. In fact, the Gateway is the reason why Hogwarts stands where it does, to offer protection and sentry for it. As for where it's twin is, it is believed to be in the Department of Mysteries, a thought of mine that has recently been proven true by young Mister Potter. Unfortunately, its actions are most curious and perhaps it has been tainted somewhat."
Noticing the confused looks the girls gave him, he continued. "Mister Potter's godfather was hit by a Stupefy and fell through the Veil. He did not appear on the other side and was, I believe, transported away. How this happened, I do not know, as no one gave the archway anything that could even sound like a direction. Perhaps being surrounded by dark objects and unknown magic has affected it more than I thought" he mused to himself. Seeming to come back to himself, Dumbledore steepled his fingers in front of his face and peered over his glasses to the girls.
"Voldemort also knows of Arda."
Jumping at the name, both girls felt fear grip their hearts. Voldemort?
"What? How does he know? Why would he even want to know?" the girls asked at the same time, twin looks of horror on their faces.
"I have spent many years trying to keep the truth from him. You two are not the first to use the archways however, and I'm afraid that I have not been entirely successful in my endeavor. I have made it so that it isn't his whole focus and that it seems more like a myth, but once again, with the encounter in the Department of Mysteries, and Sirius Black's fate, Voldemort will have figured out that the archways are real, as is Arda."
"But why? Why would he want to go there?" Isabella asked. Arianna thought she knew… and that knowledge was like a cold fist in her gut.
"Bells," she started gently, "their world is full of beauty, kindness, and innocence. But it is also home to evil such as our world has never encountered. Their trolls are smarter, the orcs are numerous and ride those terrible wargs, and I doubt that those are the only creatures there that would join him. Our world has become more regulated, tamed, and conquered. He would have more allies, more for an army, if he went to Arda and stayed."
"You are quite right Miss Evergreene… except on one point. He would not stay there… he would destroy it and then travel back to here with his new found army to take over the wizarding world and destroy the muggle one. We cannot let this happen. I have decided that next year I will teach Harry my suspicions on why Voldemort survived, and I would highly recommend if you two planned on finishing your schooling before heading back through the Gateway."
"Can't we destroy him before he attempts to go through?" Isabella was trying her hardest to figure out a way to prevent her friends from being exposed to even more evil.
"I'm afraid not. If my suspicions are correct, we cannot kill Voldemort until the right moment. And I cannot risk lives needlessly in an attempt to keep him from the arch. We shall just have to hope that we can distract him long enough…" The headmaster paused, lost in his thoughts and worries. Shaking his head, he looked at the two girls with grandfatherly affection.
"Now I believe I can convince Madam Pomfrey that the best place for you two would home. Mr. Evergreene will be coming to see you this afternoon, right after I inform him of your return. He has been terribly worried, but trusted me to know that you two were- relatively- safe. I had him explain that you were both sent to Arianna's cousin's home in Australia after her aunt had taken ill. We can just say that you two wanted to finish your education here at Hogwarts, which will allow you to be re-enrolled with the new 7th year class. Now if you will excuse me, I have your parents to inform."
"Headmaster, how did my mother handle that story?" Isabella asked nervously.
Looking at her, Dumbledore answered slowly. "She… handled it with ease my dear."
Nodding, Isabella hung her head. 'Of course she did' she thought bitterly. Arianna pulled her into a hug, which cheered Isabella up a little.
"You must have been happy to see your father again" Gandalf said gently. They had listened to the girls for the past 2 hours as they told of their conversations with the Headmaster. He did not like the sound of this Voldemort.
"It was." Surprisingly, Isabella was the one who answered. Arianna was staring at the table, her eyes looking slightly glassy. Glancing at her now silent friend, Isabella continued their story.
The girls had spent the summer researching everything ranging from defensive spells, to dragons, to healing spells and protective charms. When school finally started up, the teachers were surprised to learn that Isabella had developed a more serious attitude towards her studies. The girls continued their research and were able to finally start practicing the spells they had learned. Once a month they would meet with Dumbledore to ask if he knew more about what Voldemort was planning. They also tried asking him what he was training Harry but, the Headmaster never told them, instead he would smile and say that they had enough on their plate as it was.
Before Arda, the girls had their life plans pretty much set. Arianna was going to attend university and become a Charms Mistress while Isabella wanted to become an Auror. Now, however, both just wanted to finish out the year as suggested and then return to the world and dwarves they missed most. Arianna barely even felt a twinge as she thought about missing her NEWTs.
It was a Saturday night towards the end of their school year when things started falling apart. The girls were in the library when screams caused them to jump up. A fifth year ran in, shouting about Deatheaters being in the castle. Screams and cries of terror filled the air as students started running for the doors.
"No!" Isabella cried, racing to the front of the frantic mass and slamming the doors shut before anyone could get out. "We stay in here, where we're safe." Arianna pushed to the front in order to help her friend, in case anyone tried something stupid like hexing her.
"Fifth years and higher, partner up with a younger student. We will be more able to protect each other if we have only a few to focus on." Doing as the red head ordered, the older students found a younger one to partner with. The two girls found themselves with two shaking first year Hufflepuffs. Arianna wrapped her arm around the shoulders of the small boy, while Isabella held the little girl's hand. They pulled both of them farther into the library, after having performed locking spells on the doors. There they waited for about an hour, hearing crashes and spells being cast in the hallways below them. A great shattering was heard, causing all the students to jump. It was later discovered that that had been the noise of Bellatrix Lestrange destroying all the windows in the Great Hall. Eventually, they heard a voice calling for Madam Pince. Recognizing it as Firenze, the castle's resident centaur, the librarian hesitantly unlocked and opened the door, her wand at the ready.
"Madam Pince... the headmaster has fallen. Everyone is outside in the courtyard." Upon hearing those words, Arianna let out a cry and raced out of the library, Isabella and the rest of the students on her heels. Skidding to a halt, her eyes widened in horror. There, at the base of the Astronomy Tower, was the crumpled form of Albus Dumbledore; kneeling next to him was the sobbing form of Harry Potter. Arianna felt something inside of her shatter. 'What do we do now?' she thought brokenly.
Dumbledore's funeral was a heart-wrenching affair. Arianna had cried all her tears before and just sat there, dry eyed and lost in shock. Her father, Tim, sat next to her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Isabella sat on Tim's other side, his other arm around her shoulders as well, while tears streamed down her face. Isabella's mother was notably absent.
After the funeral, Arianna caught sight of Harry. Nudging Isabella in the arm, the two girls walked over to him. "I know how important he was to you Harry." Harry glanced at the red head and just nodded. "Harry... we need to tell you something. Can we go somewhere?" Nodding again, Harry allowed the girls to steer him to the abandoned classroom. Once inside, they explained where they had been the year before, Dumbledore's fears, and what they had planned so far. They also explained how to access the archway, gesturing to the desk that stood in the front of the room. Harry looked surprised, then worried, and then thoughtful. Sighing deeply, he decided to explain to the girls exactly what he and Dumbledore had been doing and what he was going to do.
"Take Ron and Hermione Harry. You know they would gladly go with you."
"So, we convinced Harry to include his friends in the plan, even though he would have rather left them out of it, for their own protection. We went home for a week before we were invited to the Burrow. We stayed there for a month, helping the family get ready for Ron's older brother's wedding. At the wedding, we were attacked by deatheaters, causing everyone to scatter and hide. We saw this as our chance to break into Hogwarts and get to the Gateway. Arianna cast "Notice-me-not" spells on the door to the classroom and the desk. Save for Harry, no one will be able to find it. So here we are, and apparently we were only gone for 3 days." Isabella finished.
"What exactly is your Harry's quest?"
"We cannot tell you, as the least number of people that know about it, the better. I'm sorry Gandalf." Isabella answered.
Nodding, Gandalf acknowledged the logic in that statement. Remembering the voice in the mirror, he asked "So what are you two supposed to keep your eyes open for?"
"The twin arch in Arda. As we've already had Elrond seal this one, we're hoping that it will prevent Voldemort from appearing in Rivendell and destroying it."
"Will you be sealing the other one when you find it?" The Elf Lord finally spoke up, wondering how they would go about doing it.
The two girls looked between each other before Arianna finally spoke. "No. Harry and Hermione agree with Dumbledore's reasoning. They feel, and I agree with them slightly, that if Voldemort were to realize that both the arches were now closed, after he had heard that at least one of them was open last year, then he would know that we were on to him. It might cause him to think of the other secrets he has and worry that we may know about them. This would lead to making Harry's job even more difficult and dangerous."
Nodding his acceptance once more at their logic, Gandalf asked something that had been weighing on his mind for a while. It may not seem important in the grand scheme of things he reasoned, but it was making his nose twitch. And he hated when his nose twitched.
"Arianna... what of your father? Did you explain to him where you two had gone again?"
Arianna closed her eyes and Isabella looked at her friend with tears in her eyes once more.
"No Gandalf... we did not" the red head answered softly. "My father is dead. He was killed in a Deatheater raid on my village. Wizards and muggles had lived there together peacefully for a hundred years, with those possessing magic just taking extra precautions to hide it. If there is one thing that Voldemort and his followers hate, it's wizards and muggles mingling. Isabella and I were in Diagon Alley, looking for a pair of two way mirrors so we could try to communicate with Harry while we were here. When we came home, we found the village destroyed with the Dark Mark hanging over head. Father was... lying in the street, not moving." Arianna finished, her dry eyes looking up and locking gazes with Gandalf.
"I refuse to allow that to happen here. This world will not be destroyed. We already know what to do to take down the evil bastard, so Isabella and I will be helping our dwarves take back their home, where they will be safest from this new threat."
Seeing her anger and determination, Gandalf believed every word uttered. He also realized that these girls would die before they allowed Arda to fall to ruin.
"Come, we will set you up with some beds for the night. Sleep well and do not despair. The elves will help stand guard over Arda." Lord Elrond had stood up, his brow creased in worry. Silently gesturing to the elf waiting in the shadows, he had them lead the girls to their rooms.
"Tomorrow we will be going after Thorin" Gandalf confessed to his old friend. "So tonight, let us think on this dire turn of events."
The elf lord nodded as he followed the wizard back to the library. 'Dire turn indeed' he thought.
Well, I hope everyone liked it! It's the longest chapter I've ever written as I tried to answer as many questions as possible and fill up some of the gaps. Hopefully it's still believable and not a complete reach lol. Please please please review and let me know what you think!
Seriously, all you gotta do is type in the little box down there! It's not that bad :).