A New Place, A New Love
Author's Note: I am so sorry for the long lapse in updates. I have been extremely busy with school and a new baby in the family! Now that things are settling down, I hope to be able to post more. I have skipped over the meeting between Gandalf and Elrond for the sake of the story. I hope you like this. Enjoy
Disclaimer: You already know what I am going to say. I have none of the talent or money that came with this series.
Chapter 6
Minerva woke for the second time that day to find that Gandalf was gone, but from the indentation in the mattress she could tell that he had just recently left. She felt better now than she had in years. After everything that had happened with Albus and Harry, she was sure that all she wanted to do was forget all of the pain and suffering that had plagued her the past few years. She had wanted to escape the thoughts that haunted her of all of the students that she had outlived. She never expected to be thrust into a world with a second chance.
That's what Gandalf was, a second chance at love. Frodo and Sam, a second chance at protecting Harry and his friends…could it really be that simple? Everything in this world was a second chance at life. Even the hospital wing at Hogwarts looked similar to the one she was in now. She would not mess this life up.
Getting up slowly from the bed, Minerva walked towards the large window where she was met with the sight of a gorgeous kingdom. Green everywhere. Birds and other mystical creatures were soaring above the castle towards the painted orange and pink skies. The waterfall that brought the crystal blue water to a rest below was soothing to her ears. It was breath taking.
She was startled out of her thoughts by a voice behind her, "I am glad to see that you are able to move around," a tall elegant man with pointed ears and long brown hair said, "We were worried for a bit that you were not going to wake. You were very weak when you were brought to us."
Minerva stood watching the man hoping that she would get some kind of clue as to who he was. If he was here, then surely it is somebody that Gandalf trusts, right? Mustering up enough conscious thought to talk, Minerva addressed the man as politely as possible.
"I am grateful for all of the help and care that you have given me," she replied, "I do not remember much of what happened after I fainted, but I feel much better now. Thank you."
"You are quite welcome," he said as he walked further into the room, "Gandalf spoke kindly of you and Aragorn spoke of the power and bravery that you displayed while in battle. You are most welcome here, Minerva, and anything you may need, please let me know."
"I will," Minerva answered a bit sheepishly, "Thank you, uh…I do apologize...I don't think I caught your name."
"My name is Lord Elrond."
"Oh, I am very sorry. If I had known who you were I wouldn't have-"
"Do not worry, Minerva, it is quite alright. I did not tell you my name or title for fear that you would see me as anything but a friendly face. Gandalf should be up soon and I promised him that I would watch you while he handled everyone arriving."
"Everyone arriving?" she asked a bit taken back, "I thought we were all here already. Were there others that were left behind? Are they hurt?"
"Minerva, calm down," Elrond approached her placing a hand atop her shoulder, "The ones arriving are those who will determine the fate of the ring that young Mister Frodo carries. Your group is here and they are safe. I promise."
"Who is it that you are expecting?"
"Well, you will get to meet them tomorrow morning, but we do have representatives of the dwarfs, elves, and other beings coming to decide. It is nothing that can't wait until tomorrow morning. You have been through a lot, and when Gandalf comes up, he will insist that you relax and wait till morning."
Turning to look out the window again, Minerva nodded in acquiesce and went back to sitting on her bed.
"Am I allowed to leave this area," she questioned, "Or am I on house arrest till tomorrow morning?"
Elrond chuckled a bit before shaking his head, "It is not I or any of my people that keeps you here. I believe Gandalf wanted to ensure that you would be safe here, and has therefore kept you here under supervision."
"I am not a child," Minerva scoffed, "I can handle myself."
Elrond simply held up a hand to calm her before he spoke, "I do not think he wanted you to feel incapable. He is simply protective of you. He came here with many wounds of his own, yet when he heard that you were here and we were trying to bring you back, he refused to be tended to. He sat in that very chair until he was assured several times that you were gaining strength again, and only then were we allowed to treat him. It was actually quite humorous."
"I'm glad that you found that funny, my friend," Gandalf said as he emerged from behind Elrond.
"Gandalf!" Minerva smiled, "I heard you were welcoming some guests."
"Yes, and it seems that they have all arrived for tonight, my dear," Gandalf said as he came closer to her, "Now, how are you feeling?"
Taking in the serious look and tone of his voice, Minerva couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her. When both Gandalf and Elrond looked to her as if she had grown another head, she quickly schooled her features.
"I am fine, Gandalf," she assured, placing a hand on his arm, "I have suffered a lot worse than that, trust me."
"That is not as assuring as I think you hoped it to be," Gandalf stated, taking her small hand into his much larger ones.
"Well, I am fine," Minerva looked into his eyes, "I promise."
They stayed there looking at each other, a smile gracing both of their faces, for a while. Elrond decided to briefly break the silence to make his escape and leave the two of them alone.
"Gandalf," he paused to wait for the wizard's gaze before he continued, "We have your usual quarters set up for you. Unfortunately due to the influx of guests we have tonight, we had to place Minerva in your spare room. There is food and drinks waiting for you two. I will see you both in the morning."
With that, Lord Elrond took his leave and left Gandalf and Minerva to talk among themselves.
"Shall we, my dear?" Gandalf offered her his arm, and she nodded.
They walked in silence to Gandalf's quarters, and they were just like the rest of the castle. Everything was luxurious in a way that felt simple and comfortable. The windows were open and yet it was not too cold or hot. It was perfect. When she turned back to Gandalf he was watching her with a small smile on his face.
"I can tell that this room is okay," Gandalf smirked.
"It is perfect. Everything looks amazing."
As they walked around the rooms, Gandalf set up a table for dinner and helped Minerva to her seat. They spent the night laughing and talking about past adventures and things they did wrong. When they were both exhausted and ready for bed, Gandalf showed Minerva to her room.
"I hope this is okay," Gandalf gestured towards the four poster king size bed.
"It's better than okay," Minerva smiled.
"You should find some extra clothes in the chest of drawers over on that wall. The washroom is right through that door, and with that, my dear, I bid you goodnight" Gandalf said, turning to leave.
"Wait, Gandalf?" Minerva caught his arm as he was heading out the door.
"Yes, my dear?" he asked.
Minerva stood up on her toes before placing a soft kiss on his cheek, "Thank you."
"You are more than welcome, Minerva," he said while bringing a hand to caress her cheek, "I will see you in the morning."
And with that, Gandalf was gone, and Minerva was left to stare at the door while grinning little a schoolgirl. She couldn't wait for tomorrow.
