Disclaimer: Not mine.

People have asked about pairings and after careful consideration I have decided. No pairings for Harry but there might be some background KiliTauriel and maybe even FiliSigrid. But that would be in the background and not pivotal to the story.

Chapter 2

Hari ignored the taunting words the orc threw at Thorin, furiously thinking of some way to get them to safety. He could not pull the trick with the wave of magic again for some time, unfortunately but his powers did have limits while he resided in Middle Earth. And if they attempted to fight their way out it was likely someone would die or at least be grievously injured, they were simply outnumbered by their opponents. Just by looking he knew that the hobbit at least knew nothing of fighting and one of the younger dwarves was armed simply with a slingshot. His skills lay in killing, not healing unlike Radagast and even Gandalf to an extent. When Thorin leapt to the ground and charged the orc Hari wanted to bash his head against the tree in frustration, of all the stupid things to do….it was something that he would have done many millennia ago. A flick of his wrist sent protective spells after the charging king even as the white warg lept forward to intercept him. Hari winced in sympathy as Thorin was hit even as he ducked under the warg but was relieved when the spells wrapped around the dwarf. He looked around for something and then froze, listening to something before smiling. Help was coming.

Of course it was then that Thorin took a massive hit before being tossed around like a ragdoll by the warg while its rider laughed. Thanks to his spells the bite didn't do much damage and Thorin managed to punch it in the mouth, being thrown aside in response. Thorin hit the rock hard and didn't get up. He was going to have to go after the foolish dwarf to keep him from being killed except the hobbit beat him too it. All they could do was watch in shock as the small body slammed into the orc about to kill Thorin, sending them tumbling to the ground before the hobbit managed to stab the orc. Once it was dead he moved to stand between the orcs and Thorin. Hari was impressed by his bravery while at the same time wanting to hit him over the head for being so foolish when it was obvious he didn't know what he was doing with that sword. The dwarves readied themselves for a fight only for several to cry out as they were lifted from the trees by massive talons. Hari watched as two eagles grabbed Thorin and the hobbit before simply throwing himself off the cliff, landing safely on another eagle. He grinned as he saw several orcs and wargs go plummeting into the depths as the eagles attacked. He looked over and waved at the other wizard riding his own eagle and Gandalf nodded back.

"Thorin!" The blonde haired prince yelled and Hari glanced over at the eagle carrying the wounded dwarf, he didn't look very good. Without Hari's protection spells it was likely he would be dead. As soon as they landed on the Carrock Gandalf went to Thorin's side and Hari felt his magic surge as he worked on healing Thorin enough that he would be able to walk. Hari stayed back as the dwarves joyously greeted their king and then watched as he actually hugged the hobbit, finally hearing his name. Bilbo Baggins….why had Gandalf chosen him to join this merry bunch? Then again he seemed to have the heart of a Gryffindor.

"You took your time catching up."

Gandalf chuckled. "After the way you stirred Saruman up what did you expect?"

"I have never liked him but he has grown ever colder and distant, more interested in the secrets of his precious tower than the world around him. Is he still dismissing my information?"

"Yes, but we are not. Things are in motion to move against Dol Guldur with or without his aide."

"Good. Sauron cannot be allowed to gain a strong foothold so close to Thranduil's kingdom and the mountain."

"Indeed." Gandalf agreed even as the company turned to them.

"Impeccable timing Gandalf." Thorin stated and the grey wizard smiled.

"It was, wasn't it."

"Look!" Dori called, pointing into the distance and they all turned to look as the sun rose.

"Erebor." Thorin breathed in awe as they all stared. "We're almost there."

"A raven! The birds are returning to the mountain."

"That Master Oin is a thrush." Gandalf pointed out and Hari shook his head, how could anyone confuse the two?

"But we'll take it as a sign anyway."

"I do believe the worst is behind us." Bilbo stated cheerfully and Hari sighed, it was never wise to tempt fate like that.

"Well we won't get any closer standing around up here and I don't know about you but I could do with some food." He pointed out, bringing their attention away from the mountain.

"Move on." Thorin ordered and the dwarves began moving down the side of the rock.

"Now that you are back I will stay for a meal and then leave for home." Hari told Gandalf who sighed. "You are back right?"

"Not for long, they will need a wizard to face Smaug and you are far better suited for that than even me." He traced his Ring thoughtfully and Hari nodded, he knew what Gandalf wore. Fire against fire though didn't always work all that well. "I will be with the others facing the evil of Dol Guldor but I will remain with the company until I am summoned."

Hari closed his eyes, the breeze pushing his hair back enough to reveal a distinctive scar. Could he do this again? Travelling with them, fighting with them, he would grow close and maybe even make friends with them only for them to die from battle or old age, it didn't matter, in the end they would die and he would be alone again but for the Istari and Elves. "Very well, I will face Smaug in your place." He agreed softly.

"Thank you my friend. Now, let's catch up to the others before they think we have fallen off." He teased and Hari laughed.

"You might fall old man."

"Who are you calling old?" Gandalf grumbled as they walked and Hari just grinned. Once the group was done they walked for another hour before stopping by a river to camp for the night. Fili and Kili quickly left to hunt for dinner while the others went through what supplies they had left.

"We need somewhere to resupply Thorin; we won't make it through Mirkwood with what we have." Balin eventually stated.

"There is a house where we may shelter and find supplies nearby." Gandalf pondered and Hari gave him a sharp look.

"Beorn? He isn't exactly fond of Dwarves."

"True, but he dislikes orcs even more and may help because of that."

"Or he could decide the company looks tasty."

"What other choose is there Hari?"

"Fine, but if you all get eaten don't say I didn't warn you."

TBC….