Chapter Nine: A Past Not Yet Come to Pass
Disclaimer: Worlds: Not mine. Plot: Mine. Additional Made-up Characters NOT in the Original Canons: Mine. Familiar Characters: Not mine. Also, any familiar dialogue is from The Lord of the Rings films and all credit goes to Peter Jackson and J.R.R. Tolkien of course for the books. Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. Any familiar quotes seen from other films/games belong to their respective owners.
oOoOo
Hermione tried to calm her wracking sobs as Draco pulled her into the Portal. Her stomach flipped, and she felt nauseated as everything spun around her.
Through her tears, Hermione could see clocks in different shapes and sizes encircling them; the digital and original faces were moving backwards at a rapid pace. One by one, the clocks vanished, and peculiar objects replaced them; some looked similar to scales, others looked like sundials, while others didn't have a name Hermione could associate them with. However, from what Hermione could tell, they didn't look like any time-related object she had ever seen before.
Draco, on the other hand, had to concentrate very hard on not emptying the contents of his stomach. He clung onto Hermione, knowing she was his only anchor at the moment. Draco was acutely aware that if he let Hermione go, they might not make it out the other end. He also knew travelling through time could be calamitous and hoped they would end up where they were supposed to go.
Different colours flashed before their eyes like they were disco lights. Draco and Hermione witnessed snippets of their lives, being young, attending Hogwarts, and some were even recent. Tears filled Hermione's eyes again as Ron swam across her vision, the look of resignation on his face before the Killing Curse struck him. Hermione clutched to Draco and closed her eyes, not wanting to see any more memories.
Draco didn't like watching parts of his life being shown to him. Most of it was just him being ordered about or trying to impress his father and failing miserably in so many cases. Draco stumbled, tightening his grip on Hermione as the ground disappeared from beneath their feet, and they had the sensation of falling. Draco's chest seized up at the thought that they had done something wrong and were not going to live through this.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the Portal turned a violent shade of bright green and spewed them out. Draco and Hermione landed on a hard-stone ground in agony. After the ringing in his ears receded, Draco became mindful of Hermione clinging to him and, without thinking about who was crying against him and soaking his shirt, he enfolded her in his arms.
There was a cacophony of sound as chairs and yells emitted around them; something about spies and who they were. Draco registered a familiar voice saying, 'Something happened,' but he was too dazed to look up.
'R-Ron,' Hermione whispered against him.
Draco was pulled out of his stupor, and he looked up to find an arrow, an axe, and a sword all pointed at them. Draco's eyes widened in alarm, and he gently shook Hermione, making her look as well. Hermione shook her head, her brain not registering they were about to be killed at any moment. Draco swiftly stood, before reaching down and hauling Hermione up with him.
'Who are you? Where did you come from?' the man behind the bow probed.
Hermione strained to focus on him through the tears still clouding her vision. Thoughts of Ron assaulted her mind, but she forced her grief back when she comprehended they were in grave danger. Hermione wiped her eyes, before glaring at the man holding the bow. 'Go on, shoot,' she whispered dangerously, her gaze drawn to his eyes which were the most stunning shade of blue she had ever seen.
'Uh… Granger, don't goad him,' Draco whispered from beside her, but Hermione disregarded him.
Hermione looked at the other two with the bowman; a Dwarf holding the axe, and a ruggedly handsome man holding the sword. She presumed if they were going to kill them, they would have already.
'Do not tempt me,' came the silky voice of the bowman, his eyes darkening in irritation.
'Stop this! Now!' came the familiar voice Draco heard previously and he was stunned to see Dumbledore, alive and well, walking towards them. In tow, was Harry Potter, who broke through the growing crowd towards them.
'Harry!' Hermione exclaimed, running into his arms.
'Gandalf, I trust you have a good explanation for this?' the Dwarf said, turning to look at Gandalf while gesturing at Draco and Hermione.
'All in good time,' the old wizard answered, and Draco recalled they had to call him Gandalf here.
'Enough!' came another, imposing voice. Everyone turned to look up at a man standing in the archway. His entire demeanour and the way he held himself demanded respect from all those present. Everyone fell silent as he moved through their ranks, and they moved out of his way as he came to stand next to Gandalf. He eyed them suspiciously, before turning his intense eyes on Gandalf. Draco was astonished to see Gandalf almost shrinking under this man's gaze. 'What is the meaning of this, Gandalf?' he asked the elderly wizard steadily.
'These are the other two allies I promised, Lord Elrond,' Gandalf answered quickly, bowing his head.
Lord Elrond's gaze turned back to them, but his eyes lingered on Hermione for somewhat longer than Draco. He frowned, looking back at Gandalf questioningly. 'We have much to discuss later, Gandalf,' Lord Elrond said softly, but his tone left no room for any dispute.
'Of course, Lord Elrond,' Gandalf assured him, looking at Draco and Hermione. 'Allow me to speak to my companions in private and then I shall come to you once they are settled,' Gandalf stated, and Elrond nodded after a moment.
'In light of their delayed arrival, the Council will be postponed until we have debated this further,' Lord Elrond declared, loud enough for all those present to hear. Some of them protested but fell quiet when Elrond's gaze turned on them.
Gandalf nodded. 'Of course, I apologise for causing delay,' he answered, before turning to Harry, Hermione, and Draco. 'Come,' Gandalf said, leading them away from the inquisitive onlookers to a secluded area away from prying eyes and ears.
Harry hugged Hermione again. 'I thought you were dead,' Hermione cried, burying her face in his chest.
'So did I,' Harry answered, caressing Hermione's hair gently. 'Where's Ron?' Harry questioned, pulling away and looking down at her anxiously.
Hermione shook her head as fresh tears escaped her eyes. Harry felt his stomach drop knowing it couldn't be anything good. Draco was the one who answered, 'Weasley… he sacrificed himself so we could get away. It was…' Draco trailed off, shaking his head. He still couldn't believe what Ron had done. It was admirable and courageous. Two words Draco never thought he would ever associate with a Weasley.
Harry closed his eyes, tears prickling at his eyes. 'Ron…' he whispered sadly, kicking a stone away into the trees.
Gandalf observed them with a frown. 'There was nothing anyone could have done for Mr Weasley. I had hoped my visions were mistaken, but…' Gandalf said forlornly, shaking his head.
'What do you mean?' Hermione asked in a small voice, looking up at the old wizard curiously.
'It was inevitable. Whether Mr Weasley came to this time or stayed in the future. It was always going to happen,' Gandalf clarified, leaning on his staff.
'So, Ron would have… died either way?' Harry asked, lowering his head dejectedly.
'I am sorry,' Gandalf answered, placing a comforting hand on each of Harry and Hermione's shoulders. 'I understand your need to grieve, but we must press on with other matters,' Gandalf told them, an urgent undertone in his voice. 'Do you need more time?' he asked, looking at Hermione's tear-stained cheeks, Harry's disheartened eyes, and Draco's bemused expression.
Harry took Hermione's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. 'No, it's okay. I doubt Lord Elrond will be thrilled with another delay,' Harry replied, looking back up at Gandalf.
'Well then, come with me,' Gandalf told them, signalling for them to follow him. 'You have arrived in Rivendell, the home of the Elves. The year is three thousand and eighteen, and the date is October the twenty-fifth,' Gandalf enlightened them as they walked with him down a path towards a waterfall and some stairs. Gandalf led them to a small table. 'Sit,' he told them, summoning a teapot and cups to the table.
Harry, Hermione, and Draco glanced at each other before pouring themselves a cup of tea each. Gandalf poured himself one, before leaning back in his chair. 'We have much to discuss,' he told them, receiving nods from them. 'Firstly, I must ask if you brought the Time Travel book and the Anann K'ɔvn with you,' Gandalf enquired, looking at Hermione in particular.
Hermione nodded and opened her beaded bag, pulling out the book and the necklace. She placed them on the table, and Gandalf picked them up, stowing them away in his grey cloak for the moment. Harry watched curiously, making a mental note to ask Hermione about it later.
Gandalf took a sip of his tea before eyeing them. 'Now, I would like to discuss your heirlooms. As I have advised Harry already, these must be kept concealed for the time being. It would not do to have anyone find out about them yet,' Gandalf explained, eyeing Hermione pointedly.
Hermione glanced at Harry before reaching up and removing the Evenstar necklace from around her neck. With a sigh, she carefully placed it into a pocket in her beaded bag. It was then Hermione realised that she was still wearing the Death Eater garb from earlier. She grimaced, making a promise to herself to burn them later.
'Good,' Gandalf said with a smile, clasping his hands in front of him on the table. 'Now, I can imagine your endeavour to get here was rather trying,' he said solemnly, watching Hermione's gaze lower to the table while she played with the hem of her cloak. Draco stared off into the distance with unseeing eyes.
'I am afraid your perils have only just begun,' Gandalf counselled, making all three of them look up, two pairs of eyes were quizzical, while the third pair showed determination. 'Harry has had the luxury of finding out some of what is to come as he has been here longer, but all will be explained during the Council meeting,' Gandalf clarified, and they nodded. 'If Harry has time, I am sure he will fill in any missing pieces as well,' Gandalf added, receiving a nod from Harry.
'You arrived a little later than I predicted, so the meeting has been delayed for now. However, I must stress the importance of why these peoples have gathered here,' Gandalf told them, leaning forward and eyeing them all in turn.
'"Peoples", sir?' Draco asked, finally finding his voice after a while of not knowing what to say to anything going on. He felt like an outcast. The Slytherin surrounded by Gryffindors who Draco had despised for the last seven years and the man he was tasked to kill but couldn't. He definitely felt out of his element.
'Yes, the Men, Elves, and Dwarves of Middle-Earth. It is not very common a meeting like this arises, but this threat imperils everyone,' Gandalf elucidated, smiling at the Slytherin who only frowned back.
Gandalf turned to Hermione. 'A word of caution to you, Hermione. Woman are treated very differently in this age. I have spoken to Lord Elrond about it, and we are both of the opinion you will not be welcomed at the meeting,' Gandalf told her and held up his hand to halt Hermione's tangent before she could start it. 'However, I have entreated for you to be regarded as I am. I imagine once Lord Elrond steps in, there will be little problem in you joining,' Gandalf explained, and Hermione nodded, biting her lip in apprehension of what was coming.
'Sir, when will the meeting be held?' Draco asked, crossing his arms and looking at the old wizard.
Gandalf shrugged nonchalantly. 'As soon as I am done placating Lord Elrond with the knowledge he desires, you will be summoned. I will send for someone to provide you and Hermione with fresh clothing in the meantime,' Gandalf explained, standing up and walking away. When he reached the stairs, he turned back to them. 'I am relieved you all made it here safely,' Gandalf said with a smile and a familiar twinkle in his blue eyes. With that, he disappeared down the stairs.
An awkward silence fell across them now that Gandalf wasn't there to keep them occupied on what he had to tell them. Draco stood and walked to the elaborately carved railing, leaning against it dispiritedly. Harry and Hermione scrutinised him for a moment, before talking in hushed whispers about what had happened.
oOoOo
When Gandalf entered Elrond's study, he didn't quite anticipate the Elven Lord to be as outraged as he was. 'Gandalf,' he said in warning, his eyes gleaming dangerously.
'Lord Elrond,' Gandalf hailed, keeping his tone light.
'I want answers,' Elrond stated, gesturing to the seat in front of his desk.
Gandalf sat down, unsure of whether to be greatly amused or somewhat terrified at the way Elrond was speaking to him. 'What would you like to know?' Gandalf asked him, raising his eyebrows.
'The girl,' Elrond said simply, sitting back in his chair. 'Tell me about her. I want to hear everything,' he demanded, clasping his hands on the desk in front of him.
Gandalf sighed, knowing there was no way out of this discussion. He knew what he was about to tell Elrond would have him interested in Draco as well. 'Very well, but I must warn that this information is to remain strictly confidential. Even they do not know the truth yet,' Gandalf stressed, narrowing his eyes at Elrond.
'As you wish. You have my word,' Elrond vowed, nodding for Gandalf to continue.
Gandalf sat forward in his chair and looked at Elrond in slight amusement. 'Hermione is a…'
oOoOo
Harry, Hermione, and Draco followed Gandalf wordlessly as he led them to where the Council Meeting was being held. Harry and Draco had been garbed in Elvish robes much the same as what Lord Elrond was wearing, and Hermione was dressed in a long green gown which was tied at her waist with a golden rope. Arwen, Elrond's daughter, had been the one to pick it out, but Hermione would have favoured something less… Slytherin.
Gandalf paused at the entrance to the Council Chamber. 'Now, please mind your manners and do not speak out of turn. It will not be tolerated by anyone present. You are going to be sitting among leaders of the free peoples of Middle-Earth,' Gandalf explained sternly, looking at Draco in particular who pointed at himself in mock-surprise. 'Oh, I know all about your loose tongue, Mr Malfoy. Do make sure you keep it from wagging,' Gandalf warned, raising his eyebrows at the Slytherin.
'I would never…' Draco started, but at Gandalf's cautioning glare he held his hands up in surrender. 'All right, no tongue wagging. I got it,' he said, crossing his arms and sighing.
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other in confusion, wondering what that was about, but they didn't have much time to ponder the mysteries of Draco Malfoy as Gandalf had turned back to the entrance and was leading them into the Council Chamber.
The two Gryffindors and solitary Slytherin followed Gandalf to the middle of the circular room before stopping in front of a round pedestal made of stone. Mumbling broke out amongst those in attendance, but the three newcomers did their best to ignore them.
Gandalf moved to the side of the three, and they bowed their heads to Lord Elrond like the old wizard had directed them to do. 'Lord Elrond,' Gandalf greeted in a loud voice, bowing his head to Elrond. 'You have already become acquainted with Mr Harry Potter,' he said, and Elrond nodded to him and signalled to a seat next to a small man.
Harry, who was already aware he would be part of the council, nodded to Elrond and took the seat he had been allocated. Harry gave Frodo a small smile as he sat down, receiving one in return.
Gandalf nodded before placing his hands on Hermione's and Draco's shoulder and looked at Elrond. 'I would like to introduce Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Hermione Granger. Lord Elrond, I humbly request you permit them both to attend this meeting,' Gandalf entreated. Just as Gandalf had presumed, many of those assembled, mainly the Men, stood and began arguing about allowing Hermione to sit in on the meeting.
Hermione held her chin up, trying not to let the words of these people upset her, but some of the remarks were harsh and cruel. These Men, Dwarves, and Elves knew nothing about her, yet they instantly judged. Hermione took a deep breath, remembering what Gandalf said about the time period. Women were treated differently here and were not considered as fighters or warriors. War was not a place for a respectable woman.
One offensive statement directed at all women from a man with light brown hair made Hermione turn and scowl at him, her composure forgotten. All manners she assured she would keep in check also went out the window. Hermione pulled out her wand, aiming it at the man who looked back in confusion.
'Hermione!' Gandalf exclaimed, grasping her wand arm and forcing her to lower it. 'Boromir, that was unkind!' Gandalf barked, chastising the man Hermione now knew as "Boromir".
Hermione's glare did not leave Boromir, and red sparks shot from her wand in response to her anger. 'Women are not inferior,' Hermione said in a tone of voice which demanded she be heard. All those who were still quarrelling stopped and gaped at her.
'Hermione-'
Gandalf was cut off by Elrond. 'No, Gandalf, let her speak,' he ordered, and Gandalf nodded, taking a step away from Hermione.
'War is no place for anyone, but everyone is affected by it,' Hermione started, looking around at those assembled before her eyes moved back to Boromir. 'Including women,' she bit out through clenched teeth, her glare returning. 'I have seen war and what it does to people,' Hermione said, moving her gaze over everyone again. 'I have seen death, destruction, and chaos first hand due to the followers of a mad man who wanted power. Myself, Harry, and our best friend were captured and tortured,' Hermione whispered, her voice shaking, but she reached down and covered her hand over the bandage covering the engraved carving in her arm. She wasn't quite ready to reveal that just yet. 'We did everything we could to stop him and in the end…' Hermione trailed off as tears filled her eyes.
There was a moment of silence where everyone looked at each other, unable to say anything to rebuke her. Hermione eventually looked back up with determination. 'I watched my best friend sacrifice himself so we could escape and come here to help in your war!' Hermione shouted, clenching her fists. 'I will not stand here and let you call me weak just because I am a woman,' she snarled, directing this at Boromir. 'You do not know me, and you do not know what I am capable of,' Hermione added, her eyes flashing at him furiously as more sparks erupted from her wand.
Hermione sighed, putting her wand away and took a deep breath to calm herself down. 'Do not speak to me of war. I have seen enough of it to last me a lifetime, and there are stories I could tell you which would give even you nightmares,' Hermione finished, turning away from Boromir.
Draco reached up and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze before letting her go. He may dislike Hermione, but what she said struck him as well. They had all lost a lot in the war.
Boromir sat back down, stunned by Hermione's words. 'I… apologise,' he whispered, motioning for the other Men to sit back down. Hermione nodded to acknowledge she heard him, but she didn't turn to look at him again.
Frowning, Harry lowered his head to hide the tears filling his eyes as he thought of all those he had lost. His mother, father, Lupin, Sirius, Ron… all gone because of Voldemort. Harry clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, his resolve to end the reign of Sauron filling his being. Sauron was the cause of everything, and Harry couldn't help but ponder how things would have turned out if Tom Riddle had been resilient enough to fight off the effects of the Ring.
Lord Elrond, on the other hand, was moved by Hermione's speech. He knew much of what she had spoken of from what Gandalf had told him. Elrond regarded them for a moment, before nodding slowly, and two new seats appeared. There was one between the Elves and Dwarves, and the other appeared next to the ruggedly handsome man who had threatened them with a sword when Hermione and Draco first arrived.
Draco moved towards the seat between the Elves and the Dwarves while Hermione took the remaining seat. The man next to Hermione gave her a small smile which she returned before concentrating on Lord Elrond.
Elrond stood and looked around at the members of the Council. 'Now we are assembled, allow me to introduce the free peoples of Middle-Earth who are in attendance for our newcomers. My brethren, the Elves…' he pointed to the Elves sitting by Draco. 'The Dwarves…' Elrond then nodded to the Dwarves who held up their axes, letting out a war-cry. Elrond raised his eyebrows at this, clearly not impressed. 'The Men of Middle-Earth…' he said, gesturing to Boromir, the rugged man, amongst others. 'Gandalf the Grey and the Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, of the Shire,' Elrond concluded, smiling over at Frodo.
Draco raised his eyebrows and smirked in amusement at the tiny man, but bit his tongue when Gandalf sent him a threatening glare. Draco shot him an innocent smile, before leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms.
Everyone looked at Lord Elrond as he paced in front of his chair. 'Three Rings for the Elven-Kings under the sky. Seven for the Dwarf-Lords in their halls of stone. Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die. One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne. In the Land of Mordor where Shadows lie. One Ring to rule them all, one Ring to find them, one Ring to bring them all together and in the darkness bind them. In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie,' Elrond recited, closing his eyes when he finished.
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other and shrugged, while Draco stared at Elrond in bewilderment. Harry looked down, noticing the Ring lying in Frodo's palm. He glanced at Frodo worriedly before looking back at Elrond.
Elrond opened his eyes and clasped his hands behind his back. 'Strangers from distant lands… friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor,' he said, looking around at everyone gathered. 'Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite…' Elrond paused, his eyes hardening as they fell first on the Dwarves and then on the Elves. 'Or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate. This one doom…' he trailed off and turned his attention to Frodo. 'Bring forth the Ring, Frodo,' Elrond said, motioning to the stone pedestal.
Elrond returned to his seat and observed as Frodo, who was much smaller than he appeared when sitting down, stood up and moved towards the pedestal. He looked around uncertainly, before placing the Ring in the centre after receiving a small nod from Elrond. Frodo returned to his seat and took a deep breath.
The Council members whispered urgently amongst themselves, some pointing towards the Ring in incredulity while others stood to get a better glimpse of it. 'So, it is true!' Boromir cried in shock, his eyes widening.
'Sauron's Ring! The Ring of Power!' exclaimed the blonde Elf, who had nearly shot Hermione and Draco, in disbelief.
'The doom of man!' the Dwarf, who threatened them with the axe, said grimly.
Hermione frowned as an uncomfortable humming sound filled her ears. Several members of the Council also seemed to perceive of this, and she noted they almost looked as though they were falling into a trance as they gazed at the Ring.
Hermione glanced at man next to her who was eyeing Frodo uneasily. Her gaze turned to the Elf who looked very uncomfortable as he stared at the Ring. He snapped his eyes up, locking them on hers. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes and looked away, leaving Hermione feeling perplexed. Was it because she had aggravated him into shooting them before? Or because she stood up to him? Hermione shook her head, before turning her attention to the Dwarves who were glaring at the Ring.
Boromir looked around at the Council before standing. He approached the Ring slowly as if drawn to it. 'In a dream…' he began slowly, his voice quiet, 'I saw the eastern sky grow dark, but in the West, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying: "Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found",' he paused for a moment as he stared at the Ring. Elrond and Gandalf exchanged a troubled glance before looking back at Boromir who was reaching out to pick up the Ring. 'Isildur's Bane…' he whispered, just as his forefinger touched the Ring.
'Boromir!' Elrond shouted, standing from his chair.
Gandalf stood furiously, chanting in a different tongue. Around them, the clouds darkened as the Ring responded to the speech. 'Ash nazg durbatulûk…' he began as thunder rolled overhead. Boromir stumbled away from the Ring in fright, and the Dwarves looked around in alarm. 'Ash nazg gimbatul…' he continued as Elrond reached up to massage his forehead, his expression one of discomfort. Boromir continued to back away from Gandalf and the Ring in dread. 'Ash nazg thrakatulûk…' Gandalf spat, and the ground began to tremble. Hermione looked around in dismay. Boromir fell back onto his chair heavily, covering his head in distress. The painful expression on Elrond's face grew. Hermione looked at the Elf who seemed to dislike her and noticed his eyes were closed in pain. 'Agh burzum-ishi krimpatul,' Gandalf finished, and nature returned to normal as if nothing had happened. The only indication that anything had happened was the terror still plain on Boromir's face and the looks of disquiet on the Elves' faces.
After a moment of silence, Elrond turned to Gandalf. 'Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris,' he said sternly, his voice low with irritation.
Gandalf nodded at him ruefully, retaking his seat. 'I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West!' Gandalf claimed to the Council crossly, signalling towards the Ring. 'The Ring is altogether evil,' he added, shaking his head.
'It is a gift… a gift to the foes of Mordor!' Boromir stated, contradicting Gandalf.
Draco looked at Boromir in confusion. 'How did you figure that one out?' he asked, frowning at him. 'Gandalf just said it was evil and you think it's a gift? I really don't think those two things go together if I'm honest,' Draco said with a shrug as a few people mumbled their agreement.
'But why not use this Ring against them?' Boromir asked the Council, standing and pacing in front of the members. 'Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay…' he said, looking around at them all. 'By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy! Let us use it against him!' he finished, and the Council broke into whispers.
'What good would that do, though? The only thing I have seen the Ring do is corrupt those who it takes hold of. Instead of using it for good, which I know you would try to do, you may end up using it for evil without meaning to,' Harry stated, receiving a smile from Gandalf and a frown from Boromir.
Harry stood and moved towards the Ring which he picked up to the surprise of everyone present. It didn't seem to affect him at all. 'Even if there is a way for us to wield this Ring, would you really want to risk turning on everyone and everything you love and cherish?' he asked, placing the Ring back down and frowning at it. 'I know a man who let this Ring corrupt him. Apparently, he was quiet and friendly, until it found him…' he trailed off, remembering what Gandalf had told him about Voldemort.
'But, despite that, there is always the chance that using it will help us win,' Boromir argued, trying to reason with Harry.
Hermione frowned. 'But the risk is too high. You could end up wiping out everything,' Hermione said, shaking her head.
Boromir turned to look at her with a frown and opened his mouth to answer her, but the rugged man next to her cut him off, 'You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone… it has no other master,' he said, shaking his head and narrowing his eyes at Boromir.
Boromir's eyes snapped to him. 'And what would a Ranger know of this matter?' he asked him coolly, glaring at him in disgust.
The Ranger said nothing to this, and Boromir turned away from him dismissively. The blonde Elf stood abruptly. 'This is no mere Ranger,' he growled, and Boromir turned to him with raised eyebrows. 'He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance,' he said heatedly, glaring at him.
Boromir turned back towards Aragorn in quiet disbelief. 'Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?' he questioned in alarm, looking almost terrified at the thought.
'And heir to the throne of Gondor,' the Elf added, his eyes flashing.
Aragorn frowned, shaking his head. 'Havo dad, Legolas,' Aragorn told the Elf in Elvish, and Hermione discovered the Elf's name from this. (A/N: Sindarin Translation: 'Sit down, Legolas,')
Legolas sat down, ignoring Boromir's glare. 'Gondor has no King,' he told him scathingly, before turning to look at Aragorn. 'Gondor needs no King,' he muttered, sitting back down and scowling at Aragorn.
Gandalf leaned forward in his seat, resting his shoulder against his staff. 'There is a dark side inside all of us. Most have the strength to fight against it, but others are consumed until there is nothing left but evil. This is the very essence of what this Ring does to people. It is evil, and Aragorn is right. We cannot use it,' Gandalf stated to the Council.
Draco sighed, leaning back in his chair. 'I really don't want to do this anymore,' he whispered, closing his eyes.
'You are here for a reason, Malfoy,' Hermione said sternly, making Draco look up at her. 'And a time will come when you'll appreciate that coming here was the right decision,' she told him, her voice a bit gentler.
Draco frowned, looking at the ground. 'Perhaps,' he said slowly, crossing his arms.
Lord Elrond's lips twitched slightly at the exchange before he turned to look at the Council as a whole. 'You have only one choice,' he said, looking down at the Ring before looking back at the members of the Council. 'The Ring must be destroyed,' he resolved. Boromir crossed his arms, looking a little disappointed at this, while Frodo looked at the Ring in contempt as the humming grew louder in his ears.
'Then, what are we waiting for?' the Dwarf shouted, standing unexpectedly and grasping his axe. He rushed forward, swinging his axe down on the Ring. The axe shattered with a deafening crack, sending the Dwarf stumbling backwards on the ground with a thump. The Dwarf gawked at the unscathed Ring to Elrond in disbelief while his companions helped him back to his feet. Frodo winced as an angry image of the fiery eye hit him, and he slumped in his chair, clutching his forehead. Gandalf looked at him in concern.
Elrond raised his eyebrows. 'The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Glóin, by any craft that we here possess,' Elrond explained, shaking his head. 'The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came,' he told them and stood from his chair. 'One of you must do this,' he announced, looking around at them all sternly. Everyone stared at him in stunned silence, before looking away with downcast eyes as if a great dread had descended upon them.
'Get Potter to do it. He loves getting himself into and out of danger,' Draco suggested to Elrond, breaking the silence and smirking at Harry who glared at him.
Boromir ran a hand across his forehead before looking at Elrond resignedly. 'One does not simply walk into Mordor,' he said in a quiet voice, making everyone turn to look at him. 'Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep, and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire, ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly,' Boromir said anxiously, shaking his head.
Legolas stood, glaring at Boromir. 'Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed,' he shouted at Boromir irritably.
Hermione was astonished at how quickly Legolas seemed to anger and made a mental note to stay away from him as he didn't seem to like her much anyway. As Hermione thought this, Legolas's eyes moved to her again, and she couldn't help but acknowledge how strikingly beautiful he was. His eyes were like sapphires that drew her in, but Hermione forced herself to look away from him, not wanting to drown in their depths.
Legolas's words seemed to rile Gimli. 'And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!' he shouted, causing the Elf to turn his glare on him instead.
Boromir leapt to his feet. 'And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?' he yelled heatedly, but his words seemed to fall on deaf ears as Legolas continued to glare at Gimli.
Gimli sprang to his feet, stepping towards Legolas who was quite a bit taller than him. 'I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!' Gimli roared, clenching his fists and this caused an argument to erupt amongst the Elves and the Dwarves. Legolas held out his arm to stop the Elves with him from attacking the Dwarves, but that was about as much as he did. Legolas didn't join in with the dispute. After a few moments, the Men stood and joined in with the quarrel as well. 'Never trust an Elf!' Gimli barked at Legolas over the commotion, and the Elf's glare intensified.
Shaking his head tiredly, Gandalf stood angrily while Frodo looked on in curiosity before his eyes were drawn back to the Ring. 'Do you not understand? While we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows! No one will escape it. You will all be destroyed, with your homes burnt and your families put to the sword!' Gandalf barked crossly.
Hermione reached up to rub her temples as she took in the sea of annoyed faces, shaking fists, accusatory fingers, and yelling coming from the Council members. 'Why can't they just talk about it? Do they really need to shout?' Hermione asked herself, not realising Aragorn heard her until he chuckled.
'Such is the way of the Council,' Aragorn answered with a smile at her. 'They think shouting will get their point across,' he said, shaking his head.
'It's really childish,' Hermione answered with a smile, receiving another chuckle from the Ranger.
'I will take it,' came a small voice from across the chamber. Hermione looked across at Harry who was standing next to Frodo, his hand clasped on the Hobbit's shoulder and a look of concern on his face. 'I will take it!' Frodo said again, raising his voice over the arguing people. Gandalf closed his eyes forlornly, having hoped it wouldn't come to this. The quarrelling died to stunned silence as everyone turned to look at the small Hobbit in astonishment. 'I will take the Ring to Mordor,' Frodo reiterated, looking around at them in determination.
'I can't decide if he's stupidly brave or bravely stupid,' Draco said, breaking the silence and earning a few chuckles. Gandalf rolled his eyes, smacking Draco lightly across the back of the head.
Frodo shook his head. 'Probably both,' he answered with a chuckle before looking at Gandalf. 'I do not know the way to Mordor,' he added.
Gandalf smiled and moved over to stand next to him. 'I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear,' he promised, smiling sadly at the Hobbit.
Harry placed his hand on Frodo's shoulder, before looking at Hermione and Draco meaningfully. The two came over to stand with him in front of Frodo. 'This battle is as much ours as anyone's. Gandalf said so himself. Plus, having some help along the way can't hurt, right?' Harry stated, giving Frodo a hug. Hermione smiled at Harry proudly, while Draco rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.
Harry and Hermione moved to stand next to Gandalf, both looking at Draco with raised eyebrows. Draco sighed explosively before moving to stand on Gandalf's right, next to Harry. 'I just know your hero complex will be the death of me one day,' Draco muttered, glaring at Harry.
'Oh? I can't wait,' Harry muttered, smirking back at him.
Aragorn's lips twitched, and he moved towards Frodo. 'If by my life or death I can protect you, I will,' he promised, taking out his sword and kneeling in front of him. 'You have my sword,' he pledged. Aragorn got back to his feet and moved to stand between Harry and Draco. Gandalf winked at Elrond who watched in amazement of what was unfolding.
'And you have my bow,' Legolas announced, bowing his head to Frodo before moving to stand behind him next to Hermione. Hermione glanced at him, noticing him looking at her before she turned her eyes back to the Council.
'And my axe,' Gimli avowed, much to Legolas's chagrin as the Dwarf moved over to stand next to him.
Boromir approached them, much to the uncertainty of everyone who offered their protection to Frodo. While everyone knew Boromir meant well, his willpower to fight the effects of the Ring had already proved to be weak. 'You carry the fates of us all, little one,' Boromir stated with a sigh, before glancing at Gandalf and then looking at Elrond. 'If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done,' he pledged, and tried to smile at Frodo, but it looked more like a grimace in light of the circumstances. Boromir moved to stand behind Legolas and Gimli.
Frodo looked around in wonder as the greatest fighters in Middle-Earth stood at his side to protect him. 'Here!' shouted a voice. A rustling of leaves from a bush revealed another Hobbit as he pushed through it. 'Mr Frodo's not going anywhere without me,' he said, standing next to Frodo and crossing his arms.
Elrond looked at the Hobbit in amusement. 'No, indeed it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret Council, and you are not,' Elrond said, making Sam smile guiltily back at him.
'Oi!' came another shout, and from another bush jumped out two more Hobbits who sprinted past an astounded Elrond to stand at Frodo's side. 'We're coming too! You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!' one of them said determinedly and crossed his arms. Elrond rolled his eyes while Gandalf chuckled in amusement.
The other one who appeared with him spoke next. 'Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. Quest. Thing,' he said, making Hermione giggle.
The other one looked at him in disbelief. 'Well, that rules you out, Pip.'
Elrond rolled his eyes again, shaking his head in amusement before surveying the group proudly. 'Twelve companions,' he said thoughtfully before nodding. 'So be it,' he added with a smile. 'You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring,' Elrond announced.
'Great! Where are we going?' the Hobbit called Pip asked, and everyone turned to look at him in incredulity. Harry and Hermione chuckled, while Draco reached out and patted Pip on the head.