Chapter Ten: Warm Hearts; Rekindled Hopes

Disclaimer: I do not own the works of Lord of the Rings, this belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, or the works of Harry Potter which belongs to J.K. Rowling. Any familiar dialogue or scenes belong to their respective owners.

A/N: Hey guys, here I am again with another chapter! I hope you all enjoy, and please leave me a review to let me know what you think xD

oOoOo

Draco kicked a stone as he wandered around the beautiful gardens within Rivendell. After Elrond had dismissed the Council, he found himself wanting nothing more than to be alone. It was apparent to him that Hermione and Harry wanted some time to catch up themselves, and Draco wasn't about to start hanging around Gryffindors just because they were in a different time and situation. He still had his pride as a Slytherin, and that wasn't about to change.

Draco stopped at the edge of a waterfall and sat on the rocks, watching the water cascade down into the pond at its feet. It was so peaceful, he wondered if he was dreaming all of this or maybe he had died, and this was heaven. Although, he didn't think someone like him would have ended up in heaven when he died. Draco was pretty sure there was a spot reserved in hell just for him.

Shaking his head, Draco closed his eyes, believing he would wake up from this wonderful dream and find himself back in the service of Voldemort. He had been nothing but a slave in his Master's fortress, forced to follow every order he was given blindly to ensure his own survival. However, he had one small triumph for himself; something Voldemort had never managed to succeed in taking from him. Draco's blood innocence. He had never killed a single person when he was told to, and Draco was adamant things would remain that way unless he had no other choice. He wouldn't be forced to take the lives of those deemed unworthy of living in a world where Voldemort was king. Draco shuddered at the thought of what could have happened had things turned out differently.

His mind turned to his mother, and he felt his chest tighten, tears stinging his eyes. Draco missed her terribly, but all he could see was the vacant stare of his own shell gazing back at him. It was disturbing, and he couldn't conceive how his mother felt when she knew she was going to die. Was she prepared? Did she feel fear? Draco shook his thoughts away. He felt responsible for what happened to her. His mother sacrificed herself to save him, and he wasn't going to let it be a waste.

With a sigh, Draco stood to continue his exploration of Rivendell while pushing the anguish of losing his mother to the back of his mind. He moved back into the radiant gardens, the smell of flowers overwhelming him. Some of the flowers blossoming on the bushes were completely foreign to him. He couldn't recall ever seeing them in his own time.

Eventually, he reached an area where there was a stunning, intricately decorated fountain made of marble. Sitting on the fountain was Harry and Hermione, deep in conversation. For a moment Draco watched them and felt a pang of loneliness. He was alone in this time, and he had no one he could talk to. He felt envy knowing Harry and Hermione had each other amongst strangers. The pair looked up as he walked past them and he was surprised when they didn't throw an insult or scowl at him. Their expressions were neutral.

As he observed them, his jealousy turned to remorse upon spotting Hermione's bloodshot eyes. He could appreciate how she and Harry must feel. Draco felt the same when Crabbe died in the Room of Requirement after casting Fiendfyre. It was abnormal to see the two of them together without Weasley. Draco had questioned if he could have done more to help Weasley and, in retrospect, he wished he had tried harder. He felt wrong standing in this beautiful place when Weasley had done the courageous thing by giving them the window they needed to escape. Although Gandalf had said Weasley would have died either way, at least they would have been reunited for a time.

It would have been the right thing to do.

Draco scowled at his own thoughts. He couldn't even begin to tell right from wrong anymore. It was all just a matter of perspective whichever way it was looked at. Choosing not to do everything he could to help Weasley was a mistake, and Draco knew he would live with the questions of "what if" for the rest of his life. However, if he had chosen to stand by Weasley, he may be dead himself. Draco tried to tell himself he had been given little choice in this case, but when had he ever heeded Weasley before? Had Hermione not been there, Draco might have done things differently, but all their lives were at stake. He sighed, his reasoning doing very little to make him feel any better about the situation.

Draco tried to shake off the guilt, but while he seemed nonchalant on the outside, it was eating him up inside. He shook his head and left the clearing with the fountain, deciding he would return later when the two Gryffindors weren't there reminding him of his inner turmoil.

Draco found himself back at the bridge where he started, which would take him back towards the House of Elrond. With another heavy sigh, Draco kicked a stone and crossed the bridge, his head low, causing his blonde hair to fall into his eyes, and his hands stuffed in his pockets.

Back at the fountain, Harry and Hermione sat silently watching Draco's withdrawing figure crossing the bridge. 'Do you think he's lonely? His eyes were red like he'd been crying,' Hermione said, running a hand through her hair.

'I suppose he might be. He doesn't have anyone here,' Harry replied broodingly, picking up a stone and throwing it into the fountain.

'Is it wrong that I feel bad for him? I mean, he was so vicious to us throughout Hogwarts.'

'We were just as unpleasant to him. Hell, you punched him.'

Hermione smiled faintly at the memory, a blush colouring her cheeks. 'Yes, well, at the time he deserved it. If you or Ron had been laughing at that poor creature who was about to die, I would have punched you both too,' she told Harry, nudging him gently with her arm. At the mention of Ron, both Harry and Hermione looked down forlornly. 'He would have loved this place,' Hermione said after a few moments of silence.

'Yeah,' Harry said, rubbing his eyes behind his glasses.

'I miss him so much,' Hermione whispered, her voice cracking.

'I do, too,' Harry said hoarsely, trying to fight back his own tears. He took a deep breath to calm his emotions. 'Come on, Ron wouldn't want us to get upset. He would want us to remember the good times,' he said, pulling Hermione into a hug.

'You're right,' Hermione whispered back, shaking her head. She reached up, wiping away the tears trailing down her cheeks. 'Can we go to the library?' she asked, receiving a nod and a weak smile from Harry.

oOoOo

Harry looked back at the map he had borrowed from Bilbo. It was ancient, dog-eared, and discoloured with age. It dated back to the First Age but, according to Gandalf, it seems Middle-Earth had not changed much in the two thousand years since it was made.

Hermione was roving the aisles of the extensive library, quenching her thirst for knowledge as much as she could. She wanted to know everything about Middle-Earth, but most of the books were written in Elvish. Although Hermione knew Harry wouldn't question it – they had spoken at length about it, in fact, with Harry being particularly bitter for a short while at having that piece of information kept from him as well – but Hermione didn't want anyone else catching her. She resolved to come back later in the night to read those types of books.

'Trust you to find the library in this place, Granger,' came a voice from the doorway. They both looked up to find Draco leaning against the wall next to the door with his arms crossed.

'Malfoy,' Harry greeted casually, nodding at him.

Draco raised his eyebrows for a moment but held his tongue when the typical insults came to mind. Instead, he nodded back in greeting but didn't make any move to go over to them. They both looked at him in confusion for a moment before going back to what they were doing.

Draco sighed. 'Gandalf asked me to come and get you,' he explained with a shrug, and they both turned back to him expectantly. 'Ol' Lordy wants us to meet around some bonfire and exchange pleasantries,' he told them, his trademark smirk in place.

Harry's lips twitched at Draco's comment, but he just nodded and stood up from the table he was sitting at. Hermione frowned at Draco, placing her hands on her hips in disapproval. 'It's Lord Elrond, Malfoy. He deserves more respect,' she rebuked him, shaking her head.

'Oh? My apologies,' Draco countered satirically, giving her a mock bow.

The two Gryffindors came over to him. 'So, where are we meeting?' Harry asked, looking at Draco indifferently.

'In the gardens,' Draco answered, leaving through the door.

The two Gryffindors glanced at each other before following him. They trailed after him at a slower pace, whispering to each other. Draco disregarded them for the most part, but he felt that sting of loneliness again. He had thought about trying to build up some sort of truce with the two Gryffindors and imagined he would have to eventually, but he couldn't bring himself to do it just yet. Draco supposed being civil to them was a start, but he still found it hard to be, in any way, pleasant towards them without a plethora of insults assaulting his mind and possessing his tongue.

Aragorn, Gimli, and Boromir were lighting the bonfire when they approached the clearing. The area was small, but the Elves had gathered large logs for them to sit on.

Hermione was reminded of camping trips she used to go on with her parents. Her shoulders slumped, and tears threatened to fall when she thought about them. Now, Hermione didn't know if she would ever see them again. She had wanted to find a way to reverse the Memory Charm and try to form a relationship with them again. Hermione had no illusions her parents would be unreservedly furious with her for what she did. They wouldn't see it as protection, but a betrayal. Hermione frowned, reaching up to wipe away the tears gathering at the corner of her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione pushed the thoughts of her parents to the back of her mind and looked around the clearing. The Hobbits were sitting cross-legged in front of the bonfire, holding thin, sharpened sticks with sausages skewered onto the end. She couldn't help but smile at them and found the scene to be rather endearing.

Hermione glanced into the trees to see Boromir collecting more wood from the neat pile the Elves had made for them. Aragorn was off to one side, puffing on a pipe and gazing into the fire. He looked lost in his thoughts. Gimli was sitting on the log next to the Hobbits, telling them a story about how he slew an ogre with a handaxe all on his own and that it was a coming-of-age ritual. Remarkably, Hermione noticed Harry and Draco had moved over towards Gimli and were engaging in his story. It was so unusual for her to see them both sitting together, asking questions and not trying to kill each other.

Looking around further, Hermione noted that Gandalf and Legolas were missing from the group. Shrugging, she took a seat on one of the logs and gazed into the fire, oblivious to the piercing blue eyes that had been watching her since she walked into the clearing.

It wasn't long before Gandalf appeared with Lord Elrond. The group were sitting on the logs, murmuring to each other or staring into the fire. Draco had moved over to sit next to her, but he hadn't said anything to her. Harry and Gimli were chatting enthusiastically to each other, and the Hobbits were giggling at their own private jokes. Boromir and Aragorn were speaking in hushed tones, but there was a sense of animosity between them.

It was then Hermione noticed Legolas, standing away from the bonfire at the edge of the clearing. He was almost entirely obscured in shadow, but she could make out his outline and golden hair. When Gandalf and Lord Elrond reached the clearing, Legolas came out of the shadows and came to stand just behind the log that Aragorn and Boromir were standing on. His eyes darted to her, and Hermione felt a shiver run down her spine at the intensity of his gaze. The spell was broken when Hermione forced herself to look away.

'Good evening,' Elrond addressed them, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. Everyone fell silent and regarded him with curiosity. 'Today we officially recognised the members of the Fellowship of the Ring. I will give you a two-month deadline to prepare yourselves for the journey awaiting you outside the protection of these walls,' Elrond explained, looking at each of them in turn. 'All preparations must be made within this time. It would be a good idea to hone your skills,' he told them, directing this mainly at the Hobbits.

Elrond turned to look at Harry, Draco and Hermione. 'I have been made aware of your skills in magic, but it may be wise to learn another profession so you can still defend yourself in the event that you lose your wand,' he explained, glancing at Gandalf who nodded thoughtfully.

'I will spend some time training you in new spells and abilities,' Gandalf told them, smiling at Hermione when her eyes lit up eagerly.

'Yes, but I must also advise you to seek out training in the basics of archery or swordsmanship. You are not expected to be experts overnight in these areas, but it may save your life,' Elrond counselled, looking at them earnestly. 'Of your companions, Boromir and Aragon are trained in the art of the sword, both with their own individual techniques taught to them by their previous masters. Legolas…' he paused, nodding to the Elf in question who looked somewhat uncomfortable as all eyes turned to him, '…has mastered archery and daggers. He will teach you what he knows, but do not be discouraged at being unable to match his level of skill,' Elrond told them with a smile. 'Make your decision wisely, for this may be the only chance you get. You will not be forced to choose a profession, but it is highly recommended,' Elrond said, eyeing them all sternly.

'I choose the banjo!' Draco blurted out before he could stop himself. Everyone chuckled at this except Legolas, Lord Elrond, and Gandalf who rolled his eyes.

Elrond raised his eyebrows, looking at Draco in amusement. 'Ah, have you been taught the way of the Bard, Master Malfoy?' Elrond asked, his lips twitching.

Draco shook his head. 'Umm… that would be a no,' he answered.

'Then, I propose you begin with something simpler,' Elrond advised.

Draco smirked, saluting the Elf Lord good-naturedly. Elrond held back a grin at the boy's antics before turning back to the Fellowship as a whole. He bid them a good night, before leaving the group to plan out the next two months.

'Have any of you used a sword before?' Boromir asked them, leaning forward interestedly.

'Or a bow?' Aragorn added, receiving a nod from Boromir.

Harry glanced at Gandalf who gave him a small nod with his head to let him know he could tell them about what happened with the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, but the Gryffindor knew he shouldn't say too much. None of these people knew where they were from, and he didn't even know if Hogwarts existed in this time. Harry cleared his throat. 'I once killed a Basilisk with a sword,' he told them softly, and all eyes turned to him. 'I wasn't trained to use one though. It was just survival instinct,' he clarified, not wanting to embellish it in any way.

Before anyone could say anything further, Lord Elrond emerged back into the clearing carrying something wrapped in crimson cloth. On the side was gold embroidery but Harry couldn't make out what it was. 'Master Potter,' Lord Elrond said, and Harry frowned but stood and walked over to him, bowing his head.

'Lord Elrond?' Harry quizzed in bewilderment.

Elrond glanced at Gandalf in amusement for a moment for looking back at Harry. 'I believe this belongs to you,' he told the confused Gryffindor.

Harry took the wrapped object and lay it carefully on the ground. He unwrapped the crimson cloth from around it and gazed at what lay beneath in astonishment. He couldn't believe it, but it was unmistakably the Sword of Gryffindor. It was the same silver, ruby encrusted goblin-made sword he thought he had left behind in the commotion leading to him being in this time. Etched across the blade near the hilt were the words "Godric Gryffindor".

'How?' Harry asked in puzzlement, looking up at Lord Elrond.

Hermione and Draco were also gaping at the sword in amazement. Harry had told Hermione he had wished he managed to grab some of the trinkets he had at Hogwarts in his dormitory. The Sword of Gryffindor was among them.

Elrond smiled, glancing at Gandalf. 'An old friend,' was all he said, before turning and leaving the clearing again.

Harry looked at Gandalf in confusion. 'How is it here, Gandalf? I left it behind,' Harry asked, being cautious not to give away too much information.

Gandalf smiled, glancing down at the beautiful sword. 'Gryffindor chose you to be the heir of his sword while it was still being forged, Harry,' Gandalf told him reflectively, observing as Harry picked up the sword. 'When you left with me, the sword returned to its master. Nevertheless, Gryffindor believed you may have need of it and sent it here to be protected by the Elves, until it could be given back to you,' Gandalf enlightened, smiling at Harry's overwhelmed expression.

'You mean, Gryffindor is here?' Draco asked, looking at Gandalf in disbelief and something akin to dread.

'Of course, he is,' Gandalf countered, shaking his head as if this should be obvious. 'He does not often refer to himself as "Gryffindor" here though. His real name is Aiwendil, and he is a Maiar, like myself. However, to most he is known as Radagast the Brown,' he clarified with a fond smile.

Harry glanced down at the sword for a moment, before grasping it in both hands with the tip of the blade suspended in the air. Harry arched it over his head, and swung it out deliberately in front of himself, listening to the steel singing with every move. Everyone observed this with fascination, in awe of the stunning sword.

Gandalf smiled at Harry in pride as he wielded the sword with ease. 'Yes, it was always going to be yours, Harry,' Gandalf said, making the Gryffindor look at him in interest. 'It does have a lot to do with your heritage as well,' he added, tapping his chin pensively.

'My heritage, sir? How is that even possible? How could Gryffindor have known to make me the heir to his sword?' Harry enquired in incredulity, almost forgetting for a moment that they had an audience who were listening raptly. He had to try and not give anything away that they were from the future. He would need to have a more in-depth discussion with Gandalf later, away from inquisitive eyes and ears.

'Ah, now I can answer that,' Gandalf said, sitting down on the log next to Draco and leaning on his staff. Harry sat on the ground in front of him with his legs crossed. 'Do you recall the unique skills gifted to Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff?' Gandalf asked Harry, being wary himself not to reference Hogwarts or Founders around the other members of the Fellowship.

'Slytherin could talk to snakes. Ravenclaw had intelligence beyond anything anyone had ever known. Gryffindor possessed loyalty and strength unrivalled by anyone. And Hufflepuff was known for her healing expertise,' Harry remembered, thinking back to what he had learned about them in Hogwarts. Also, Harry had to wonder what this had to do with Gryffindor knowing he should be the heir to his sword.

'Very good, I see you were heeding the tales, while others, besides Miss Granger, were inclined to sleep during those lessons,' Gandalf said with a chortle and Hermione flushed slightly. 'Hufflepuff was not only proficient at healing, but she also possessed another talent which only the four of them and the Elves knew about,' Gandalf explained, grinning at them.

Draco frowned. 'So, how do you know what it is?' he asked, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

'Why, they told me, of course,' Gandalf replied, shaking his head. 'They are dear friends of mine, in fact. Of course, you would not know who they are if you were introduced to them, except for Salazar. He was the only one who did not have an alias, and that is his real name. Only his last name was one given in the tales. No one knows what his real surname is or if he even has one. Those were the names given to them in the tales told about them,' Gandalf elucidated, smiling at their stunned expressions. 'Now, where was I?' he asked himself wistfully. After a moment his face brightened. 'Ah, yes, Hufflepuff. Well, she is a very powerful Seer. Unlike other Seers you have come across, Hufflepuff could use this gift at will,' Gandalf explained, looking around at everyone fleetingly as they gazed back, absorbed by his story.

Gandalf sighed contently. 'Helga Hufflepuff can see the future, and she listens to prophecies spoken to her on the wind. She saw you and permitted Godric to see you through her sight. And that is how he came to distinguish the strength you held, deeming you to be the only person, other than himself, who could tune themselves to his sword and wield the power it holds,' Gandalf explained, looking at the evident surprise on Harry's face.

For a moment, everyone was silent as they took in what Gandalf had told them. After a while, Hermione looked up at Gandalf interestedly. 'You said the names we were told were just aliases, so what are their actual names?' she asked, tilting her head.

'Well, I have told you about Radagast, which is only the name he is known by in Middle-Earth. It has been a long time since anyone referred to him as Aiwendil. He lives in Rhosgobel on the western borders of Mirkwood. He cares mostly for plants, animals and birds. His familiar is one of the great eagles, Gwaihir,' Gandalf told them. Harry, Hermione and Draco glanced at each other in awe before focusing their attention back on Gandalf.

'Regrettably, Salazar passed from this world recently. He was killed by a Mûmakil while shielding his wife and young son. The Hobbits refer to them as Oliphaunt's. They are comparable to mammoths, only much larger and their tusks are lethal,' Gandalf told them forlornly, shaking his head.

Draco looked away into the fire at this news. He had always held a deep admiration for Salazar Slytherin, and it was a disappointment to know the founder of his house at Hogwarts was dead. Draco had been excited about the news of the founders being alive in this time and would have been keen to meet Slytherin.

'Salazar possessed the long life granted to the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, but that is all I know. He was very secretive about his life and his heritage. All I do know is he never lived among them. Salazar took up residence with the Elves of Mirkwood for a long time. His wife was an Elf, and his son was half-Elf,' Gandalf said broodingly, glancing at Legolas who nodded fleetingly in affirmation of this.

'He was friends with my father,' Legolas said softly, making everyone turn to look at him.

'Yes, Lord Thranduil and he were great friends. I believe Salazar was the only person Thranduil took council from if I am not misguided,' Gandalf said in amusement, his eyes twinkling.

Legolas nodded in agreement but said nothing to this. Hermione looked up at him, but there was no palpable emotion on his face. If she didn't know any better, she might have thought he was a statue, his face carved from marble. His eyes moved to hers for a moment, before concentrating back on Gandalf.

'Now, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff are both highly respected Elves. Helga resides in Lothlórien and leads the Elves there alongside her husband, Celeborn. Her heritage is of the Noldor and the Teleri. She is one of the most influential Elves of her time, and she uses this power to protect the realm of Lothlórien. Their daughter, Lady Celebrían, was Lord Elrond's wife,' he elucidated, chuckling at the wonder on their faces at this news. 'Helga's real name is Galadriel, the Lady of Light,' he said, smiling fondly as he looked into the fire.

'Now, Rowena Ravenclaw's real name is Kérishiéra, and she is both wise and beautiful amongst the Elves of Mirkwood. Kérishiéra is known as the Mother of Elves and is extremely thought of and respected. She is even more powerful than Lady Galadriel. Kérishiéra was one of the first Elves to come to Middle-Earth along with Oropher, King Thranduil's father. Kérishiéra was much older than Thranduil when they married,' Gandalf told them, tapping his chin pensively. Legolas glanced around at the assembled companions, his face set in stone. However, for a fleeting moment, his eyes softened when they landed on Hermione.

'So, she's your mother?' Hermione asked, turning to look at Legolas, her eyes wide with admiration. It was startling to find a link to Rowena Ravenclaw, someone she had always revered and found inspiration from, standing with them in the flesh. Legolas looked over at her, nodding slowly before turning back to look into the trees.

Everyone fell silent again as they took in this new information on these four powerful beings in Middle-Earth. Harry, Hermione, and Draco were still in awe at knowing they were present in this time. After a while, Draco turned to look at Gandalf. 'So, will we get a chance to meet them?' he asked, his tone hopeful.

'I am sure you will cross them on your journey with us. However, you must remember to address them in respect of who they truly are and not what you have learned about them,' Gandalf warned austerely, looking at Draco meaningfully.

Draco nodded, crossing his arms and looked into the fire. 'Are you a special person as well, Gandalf?' he asked, glancing at the old man in question.

Gandalf chuckled at the question. 'Yes, I suppose I am, but I am no more "special" than Radagast. I am a Maiar of the same order, known as the Istari. My real name is Olórin, but I have not been addressed by that name in a long time. I have been called many things: Albus Dumbledore by yourselves and those who live amongst you, Mithrandir by the Elves, the Grey Pilgrim, Incánus by those in the South, Tharkûn by the Dwarves…' he trailed off as he counted off the names, before looking back at Draco and smiling. 'But, most commonly, I am known as Gandalf which was the name given to me by the men of Arnor,' he advised with a small sigh.

Draco stared at him for a moment before frowning. 'Does it not confuse you to have so many names?' he asked, receiving a chuckle from the old wizard.

'It was perplexing at first, but you learn to accept the names you are adorned with. I look at each name as an endearment by the peoples who have given them to me. In their areas, I am known by the names they have chosen for me,' Gandalf told him, his eyes twinkling.

Harry looked back down at the Sword of Gryffindor lying on the ground in front of him. He looked over at Boromir and Aragorn. 'So, sword-fighting,' he said, changing the subject and making them look over at him. 'Is it a particularly challenging profession to learn?' Harry asked, tracing one of the rubies on the sword.

'It takes years of practice to master it, but this is not expected of you,' Aragorn advised, taking out his own sword which gleamed in the light from the fire. 'Boromir and I would teach you how to defend yourself,' he explained, receiving a nod from Boromir in agreement.

'We will not have you endure vigorous training,' Boromir told them, crossing his arms.

Aragorn looked down at his sword. 'This is a custom-made Elven sword, imbued with their magic,' he told them, sheathing his sword again. 'Frodo was also given a similar sword, but it is instilled with knowledge. It knows if the wielder is in peril and glows if there is an enemy in the vicinity,' he explained, gesturing to Frodo.

'People learn to fight or defend themselves with swords for many reasons. Some specialise in duels, others do it purely for their own enjoyment. There are those who fight for survival, while others learn to defend themselves and their loved ones,' Boromir explained, grinning at them. 'In your case, you will learn defence in case you lose your instruments for wielding magic. Your main weapon is your magic, and that will always remain so,' he told them.

'If you should wish to learn archery, Legolas is the best Elf to ask. He knows the bow and arrow as if it is an extension of himself,' Aragorn added, nodding to the Elf in question. Legolas made no acknowledgement that he had even heard what Aragorn said, but his eyes did flicker to him for a moment before moving back to the fire.

For a long while, the Fellowship sat in companionable silence until the sky was dark and twinkling stars shone overhead. The only light around them was the dying bonfire and the moon glowing brightly in the sky.

When the bonfire turned to embers, Boromir bid them goodnight and retired for the evening. Sam was trying and failing to keep his eyes open, while Frodo stared into the fire wearily. Merry and Pippin had fallen asleep back-to-back, snoring serenely. It was then that Aragorn and Gimli decided to leave as well, each carrying a sleeping Hobbit, while Frodo and Sam shuffled off to their beds as well, all wishing them a good night.

Next to leave was Gandalf and Harry hurried after him, explaining to Hermione and Draco that he wanted to speak to him further about many things that had come up in conversation that night.

This left Draco and Hermione sitting on their log, gazing wordlessly into the fire, and Legolas standing at the edge of the trees, hidden in shadow again. The atmosphere didn't feel as comfortable now with everyone gone, but after a while, Hermione decided to break the silence. 'So, what did you think of tonight?' she asked timidly, unsure if Draco would even indulge her in a civil chat.

Startled, Draco looked over at her as if he'd forgotten she was there. 'Uh… I'm not sure. Well, I guess,' he replied, crossing his arms.

'Yes, I agree,' Hermione said, before frowning at how awkward she sounded.

Draco sighed. 'You know, it's pleasant to be somewhere that no one knows you or what you've done. I don't feel judged here, but I do feel like an outcast,' he said to her, not sure why he was even telling her this.

Hermione nodded. 'I feel the same,' she responded, making him look over at her.

'At least you and Potter have each other,' Draco muttered, looking back into the glowing embers.

Hermione looked at him for a moment, and she felt Draco just confirmed her earlier thoughts that he was feeling lonely in this time. 'I can't imagine how uncomfortable you must feel,' she answered, looking down at her hands. Draco looked over at her with a frown but said nothing and waited for her to continue. 'And I know a lot of things happened in the past, but I think the best thing we can do is call a truce. We might never be friends, but we should at least have each other's backs. We don't know what to anticipate on this journey, but it would be easier if there wasn't bad blood between us,' Hermione said quickly, looking at the ground and blushing.

Draco's frown deepened as he thought about it. What Hermione said made sense, but he wasn't sure the past could be so easily forgiven. Draco didn't think he merited that kind of reprieve. He'd been a foul git to them for as long as he could remember. After a moment, Draco sighed. 'A truce, huh?' he reiterated, making Hermione look over at him. 'I guess it would make things easier,' he agreed, nodding at her.

'Good,' Hermione answered, smiling at him.

Silence fell over them again, but it was more comfortable now. Hermione couldn't believe she accomplished in getting Draco to agree to a truce, but she knew he was an intelligent guy who probably would have considered the pros and cons before assenting.

'I wonder what he's thinking about…' Hermione whispered, more to herself than to Draco as she peered into the darkness at Legolas. He was still standing at the edge of the clearing like he was guarding the area. Hermione had a feeling he would be the last to leave.

'Who?' Draco asked, looking around the clearing.

'Legolas,' Hermione answered, nodding towards where Legolas was standing.

Draco squinted into the darkness. 'I thought everyone else had left,' he said, tilting his head.

'He just seems so reserved. All the other Elves we have met have been quite jovial and light-hearted, but he isn't,' Hermione said, looking back down at her hands.

Draco glanced at her, raising his eyebrows. 'How observant of you. Do you often analyse people you've just met?' he asked in delight, earning himself a glare from Hermione.

Hermione shook her head. 'No, I don't, but are you not the least bit curious about the people we've met?' she asked him, stunned that he wouldn't care.

Draco shrugged. 'Yes, okay I am a bit curious, but I make it a point to not be blatantly apparent about it,' he answered, rolling his eyes.

Hermione huffed. 'Forget I asked,' she said, crossing her arms.

Draco smirked. 'Consider it forgotten,' he answered, his smirk widening as her glare intensified. 'Anyway, I have had enough for one night. See you tomorrow, Granger,' he said, standing up and leaving the clearing.

Hermione watched Draco until he disappeared behind the high hedges bordering the gardens. She looked back into the shadows enshrouding Legolas and found she couldn't see him anymore, but she could feel his eyes on her, and she shivered.

oOoOo

A/N: One thing I want to point out is the mention of Oropher, Legolas's grandfather. Some of you may wonder why Kérishiéra did not just settle with him instead of Thranduil, considering she is much older than the Elvenking we all know and love. For those who have read my original version of this story before I took it down from the site - you may remember the Elven curse. For those who have never read this before, this curse will be explained later in the story.

I also have absolutely no idea if Oropher was even one of the original Elves who came to Middle-Earth, so it's unlikely canon. When I read his backstory, there was no mention of what he was doing before he travelled to Greenwood the Great with Thranduil. There's not even any mention on when he came into being or who his ancestors are… so it just kind of happened.

Either way, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it xD I tried to be as careful as possible about giving away anything about Draco, Hermione, and Harry coming from the future, but if I did miss something, please let me know so I can fix it!

Please leave me a review/comment to let me know what you thought of it! I love your feedback!