I want to thank everyone who is still reading this story and is still hanging in there despite the time between updates. Unfortunately, school and a lack of corporation from my characters and my muse has a tendency to get in the way-much to my annoyance. That being said, I hope you all are still enjoying the story so far (and thank you for those who've left comments, made this story one of their favourites, and have become followers) and as always comments are appreciated, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: Once again, Harry Potter and his universe were created by the wonderful J.K. Rowling. The Hobbit, and all characters associated with his writing are the work of the brilliant and masterful J.R.R Tolkien.

Everything else belongs to me.

Paying very little attention to Dori's complaints about the rain and the abject misery the sudden down pour was causing, Thorin found his attention once again shifting to the newest member of their company; as it often did as of late. After weeks of traveling with her and the relatively amicable relations that had developed between Lila and the others, Thorin could still not find it within himself to completely trust the she devil—and it was not for want of trying. He had, in fact, made every effort to diminish the intense feelings he felt towards her, even going so far as to better acquaint himself with her; believing that if he perhaps knew more about her then the feelings might lessen by varying degrees.

But to no avail the feelings of distrust still lingered on in his mind, giving way to several troubling thoughts and ultimately affecting how he behaved towards the girl; try as he might to avoid it. His gaze shifted away from the sleeping woman riding next to him and back towards the uneven path ahead, a contemplative look on his face. Thorin wasn't certain what it was about her that unsettled him, whether it was the way she held herself, or the unnatural air about her, but he'd spent far too long relying on his instincts to believe that it was simply nothing.

"It is raining, Master Dwarf," the irritation in the aged wizards tone cut through his musings and had had him glancing back to see if he were still speaking to Dori; and he was indeed. "it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard."

Thorin was not surprised when Dori looked to the wizards in their company with a hopeful expression in his eyes, though he was surprised when they all shook their heads in answer to Dori's silent question; they seemed capable of –well– just about anything.

"Are there any?" Luna asked in a tone of voice that frequently reminded him of the way the elves of their world were prone to speaking in. One corner of his mouth curled upwards in a silent snarl of disgust in response to the thought and before he could stop himself his gaze briefly flicked to the blonde's ears. He of course knew that she was not of elf kind and could not be, but years of hate and paranoia had coalesced to form a formidable breed of mistrust; one that he'd had years to cultivate and often got the better of him.

"What?" Gandalf asked, his brow wrinkled with obvious confusion; an expression that seemed to be a rather common reaction where the girl was concerned. He had noted on serval occasions that after speaking with her that many (including those whom she was well acquitted with) had walked away from the encounter thoroughly befuddled and wearing an almost pained expression. He himself had walked away from such an encounter questioning whether or not he should be at all concerned about the supposed Wrackspurt infestation he apparently had and if she wasn't in fact somewhat mad. He still wasn't certain about her mental faculties, but the others had assured him that the creatures that she often spoke of were not ones that the majority of their community believed in.

"Other wizards?" She clarified, Gandalf's confusion evoking the barest hint of a smile on the girl's lips.

"There are five of us," He replied, pride evident in his voice. "The greatest of our order is Saruman, the White. Then there are the two Blue Wizards." Again, Gandalf's brow puckered in confusion, as if he were attempting to remember some long-forgotten piece of information. "you know, I've quite forgotten their names."

Thorin doubted anyone who knew Gandalf would find that particular fact all that surprising. He often forgot a great many things; usually at the most opportune moments.

"And who—"

"Fuck!"

The sudden utterance from Lila cut off whatever remark Bilbo had been about to make and had Thorin reacting instinctively as both ponies reacted adversely to the sudden and unexpected cry. He quickly wrapped the reins around the saddle horn and lunged in his saddle for the girl as she lurched and swayed dangerously in the saddle. No sooner had Thorin caught her than he suddenly found a small blade pressed against his throat and some type of element pressing in on him from all sides. He realised with a litany of curses that he had inadvertently lunged for a still sleeping soldier; one so used to war that her body had instinctively reacted to a possible threat. As much as Thorin wanted to, he could find no fault in her actions. She had reacted much in the same manner he would expect any of his men to react and though he would never admit it out loud he was completely at fault in this instance.

"Lila." He said in a rough voice as he endeavored to not end up with his throat sliced. He wasn't surprised to note that many of his men had their own hands on the hilt of their swords and that her own company seemed to be holding their breath as they looked on. It took very little time for her to regain her senses and react to what she had inadvertently done. She quickly jerked the blade from his throat and shifted away from his hold, her hands shaking as she pressed the empty one firmly against her eyes.

"Sorry…" She slurred out in a tone of voice that suggested it was not the first time she was having to make such an apology; and he very much doubted it would be her last. It had been many years since the battle for Moria and he still on occasion was forced to apologies to an unsuspecting dwarf that had woken him. The only difference is that he felt no shame over his behaviour (as it was not something he could help) and it was obvious that she did.

"I would expect nothing less for someone who had been in battle." His tone left little room for doubt that he was being sincere.

The corner of her mouth tilted upward and twitched, almost as if she were fighting back the urge to smile. "Careful Thorin that almost smacks of a compliment." He watched as she finally sat up and pushed a bit of her wild main from her face before grabbing the reins to her horse. "Wouldn't want anyone to think you're starting to like me." The look in her eyes told him that she was aware of how he felt towards her, and for reasons unknown had accepted the fact. Though he got the distinct impression that her acceptance would only go so far.