***If you are reading this note, I have fixed the problem of Chapter 2! Sorry, I didn't realize it was messed up.***
Part 4 of More to The Story. It's about a family that are the key-holders and Gatekeepers between our world/Wizarding World and Middle Earth. Adventure, friendships, and love. Part 4 picks up after the final battle of The Battle of the Five Armies, with equal parts of books and movies with the crossovers. OC's and real characters.
Everyone is together, dwarves, humans, elves, witches, and wizards, either in Dale or in Erébor. However, Jordan's curse has finally take over and she has the hardest choice she will ever have to make: love for the dwarf she would spend the rest of her life with, or the life of her brother who is counting on her to rescue him.
I do not own anything from the Hobbit or Harry Potter; only the OC's and their story. All Harry Potter/Hobbit references and characters belong to J.K. Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Peter Jackson.
Chapter 2
In the apartment, Nicole closed the door to the bedroom to give her and Thorin some privacy. Alicia was in the other room still brewing potions and watching over Gage.
"If I may," Thorin began having a guess to what she wanted to talk to him about. "This shut down is not quite what you think."
Before he could continue, Nicole was hugging him. "Right now, just hold me."
They stood silently for a moment, just needing comfort only the other could give. No words. No games. No flirting. No kissing. Arms wrapped around each other, giving a serene feeling of understanding and need for closure.
When she felt her brain settle, Nicole asked quietly, "tell me what's going on, please." Taking a step back, "what did Jordan get?"
Thorin felt the weight on his shoulders fill his chest, "it's a book, full of dark magic. They were notes, spells, and battle strategies from Dark Lord Morgoth."
"Who is that?"
"The evilest creature in existence. He's gone now, but unfortunately his legacy still lives on in his artifacts. They are almost impossible to destroy. They only way to keep them out of the wrong hands is to keep them locked away in secret locations all over Middle Earth. Erébor was tasked with keeping this book secret and secure."
"Is there a chance Jordan doesn't know what she took?"
"Given she found it in the first place tells me she did not stumble across it by accident. She was looking for it. And she must be found before any of that knowledge is put to use." He brought both her hands to his lips, "I want you to know, Nicole, my promise to you still stands. As soon as we find Jordan, you will be free to leave."
"Thank you, Thorin. I appreciate that. To be honest, I don't know what I'm going to do yet. For now, I can help your people heal and rebuild. We will stay for the time being if you will have us."
This gave Thorin hope! He vowed to himself he would not waste this time and try to be with her as much as possible. If there was a chance he could convince her to stay, he will take it. "I'm so grateful to hear that. Thank you."
Nicole's smile lessened when she circled back to her cousin. "But what are you going to do when you find her?"
"I will do my best to ensure your cousin's safety. She saved my life and the lives of my nephews and the company. I owe her, and I do care about her wellbeing. Besides, I don't Fili would ever forgive me if I let allowed any harm to come to her."
"Thank you, for everything. I know you are in a hard position right now. But because of you, my children have been safe during all the fighting and have a safe and warm place to stay while we put everything right again. I don't believe I'll ever be able to repay you for that."
"There is nothing to repay. Nicole, I lo-,"
"Your Majesty!" Lord Dain's voice boomed from the living room, interrupting Thorin's words.
Thorin growled and rolled his eyes in anger. If these interruptions continued every time he tried to be intimate with Nicole, he would not guarantee the safety of that person. Before he could happen again, he ignored his cousin and kissed her knuckles. "I love you, Nicole. What's mine is yours. I want you to do what you are comfortable with. Erébor will always be a home to you and your family."
"Thorin! Where are you?" Dain's voice was growing louder as he came closer.
Nicole quickly grabbed Thorin's cheeks to peck his lips before she missed her chance to show affection. It was almost one of the most awkward kisses she ever had, as they both kept their eyes open at first. Thorin was surprised, Nicole just did not want to miss, and accidently kissed his nose.
Stepping back, Nicole froze with her hands still up. "I'm sor-."
Thorin pulled her back in and head her so close, neither of them could hardly breathe. He let his emotions take over, devouring her mouth, tasting her tongue when she allowed him to. She probed his mouth until he granted her access as well. Both needed air, only taking small gasps at a time. They were so wrapped into themselves, they did not hear the door open.
"Mama?" Gage stood in the door way next to Dain, who was biting the inside of his cheek to hold in his laughter.
"Gage!" Nicole shoved Thorin away and she stepped back to create space. She knew it was too late to act like nothing happened. Her face boiled under the embarrassment of her son catching her kissing someone. This was not how she wanted him to find out, and he did not seem pleased. "Where is Grandma?"
The little boy glared at Thorin as he marched over to his mother and pulled her out of the room. He liked Thorin well enough, but he was not ready to see her kissing him. Memories of his father made him very angry at both adults. He was afraid he would forget his father, and did not want someone to try to replace him.
Dain finally let out his laughter when they were gone, doubling over with his hands on his knees. "I don't think the lad likes you very much!"
Thorin groaned while rubbing his face. "He did before I became intimate with his mother."
"Well, that's done for."
"Thank you for your support." Thorin replied dryly. Fixing his clothing and changing the subject, "I need your help, Cousin. I'm afraid we face yet another great threat. There is much to do."
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Jordan's hands slapped the sides of her head up to cover her ears as the loudest bell she had ever heard was attempting to make her deaf! It was so loud; the vibrations were felt through the walls and floor. Her gut told her it was an alarm because of her. Ori would not have kept her actions a secret. She had a guess as to what followed the bell once she left the library, and it was fight she did not want to have.
Not quite!
The mountain was a ghost town. No one was out and seemed to be locked in all of the available chambers. The stillness made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Her stomach knotted and she felt like the temperature rose in the halls and passage ways. In her rush to leave the library, she had forgotten to put on her invisibility cloak as well as put the book safely in her bag. Now she did not dare to stop and take the time. She could not linger in the mountain; for every second passing, the more likely she would be caught.
Rounding the corner, the light from the main gate blared into the mountain. She nearly hissed at the brightness. Breathing deeply, she pressed on to the exit she could barely see through the light.
"Stop!" One of the guards posted on the battlement shouted to her. "Halt!"
She did just to count and see how many guards were around. There was a half dozen up above and another half at her level.
"Didn't you hear the bell ringing? The mountain is on lockdown!" He ordered. He was the most decorated dwarf and the captain on duty. "Go back to your chamber or you will be arrested."
"No." Jordan spoke in black speech. She pointed her wand at them, "step aside and let me pass."
The guards did not back down. The pointed their weapons and clutched their shields tightly, ready to take her on. News had spread of the Gatekeepers magic, and they had all seen Jordan fly on her broom to protect the them with a wall of fire. However, they were under strict orders to not let anyone in or out of the mountain, including the elves and humans. Jordan was about to immobilize them when she heard more people arrive behind her.
"You shall not pass!" a voice boomed behind her from inside the mountain.
Gandalf raced toward her, with Thorin, the entire company, Bilbo, Elrond, Thranduil, and two other elves she had never seen before. Between them and the armed guards, they had her surrounded.
"Stay back!" Jordan shouted, the black markings growing darker and more threatening.
Fili refused to listen and pushed everyone out of his way. "Jordan, please! Let us help you. Drop the book."
"Don't move, Fili!" She pointed her wand at him. "I've come too far to fail now. No one will stand in my way."
"Why are you doing this? Do you even know what you have?" He continued to step towards her. He hoped he could keep her talking and distract her long enough to get the book away from her, and stop her from fleeing.
"I'm not messing around with you, Fili. Stay back or I'll hex you!" Jordan's warning was shaky. She did not want to do it, and he could tell.
"You're my One, Jordan. I'll not leave you like this. Let me help you."
"You can't. No one can. I can't be helped or saved! I have to do this."
"What are you going to do?"
"Don't ask me any more questions! I can't tell you."
Thorin interjected, "can't or won't?"
"Both!" Jordan snapped at them. She looked around her for an exit. She did not want o aparate if she didn't have too. There was no telling what would happen to her body with the curse being as powerful as it was. She was about to demand for the guards to move when she felt someone enter her mind.
"If you can't tell us, show me." A misty voice asked softly.
The memories came through vividly. Jordan as a little girl being cursed by an old man, from then on never being able to speak again. The next scene was years later and Jordan coming home finding her parents dead at the same man's feet. Her brother becoming Milhauke's prisoner. Jordan promised to do the old man's bidding in exchange for her brother's life. He placed his hand on her head, and ancient black marks appeared on her body, then dissolved in her skin. Suddenly, Jordan was on the floor, silently screaming in agony. The man warned her to do what she was commanded, and if she spoke of him or the task, or did not bring the book back, he would torture her brother in the same way until he died; and then hunt her down and kill her too.
Jordan felt like her brain was going to be pushed out of her skull. "Who's doing that? Get out of my head! All of you! Get out!" She screamed, the black speech spewing out of her mouth like venom.
All eyes shift to the female elf standing in the back. She was practically glowing in her radiant white light; light an angel or a winter nymph. Her long wavy blonde hair was crowned with a silver tiara. Her beautiful white dress was outshined by her naturally beautiful face, though she appeared cold. Her sharp blue eyes searched Jordan's face, into her mind and soul to discover her secrets. And she saw everything.
Galadriel's heart broke once she witnessed the terrible suffering from the young witch. Everyone present had dealt with loss and suffering, only Jordan's was actually targeted by another person fixated on doing her harm for no reason. She was making her way to Jordan when she heard another voice inside Jordan's mind.
"You'd better get a move on Jordan, or your brother will pay the price for your delay." It was Milhauke. He taunted Jordan unbeknown there was another presence of greater power invading Jordan's head.
"You're alive after all, Milhauke." Galadriel spoke to him directly.
"The Lady of the Light!" He panicked. "Get away from her, Jordan!"
"It seems all the dark creatures are trying to rise again." She goaded him, wanting him to show himself not only to her, but to everyone else. There would need to be proof showing Jordan was being blackmailed. "Why don't you come and join us? Are you so much a coward you must hide behind someone who's barley out of childhood?" She tried her best to use Nenya to pull some piece of him out of Jordan's mind. It took all her concentration and felt bad saw it was hurting Jordan in the process. However, Galadriel pressed on, not wanting there to be any doubt in Jordan later.
Jordan could feel the two figures fighting for power inside her head. She struggled to gain control of her own mind and body. Only her fight did not last long. Soon the curse took over again, somehow sensing the threat between Galadriel and Milhauke and it turned on her. It began choking the air out of her lungs.
Thorin saw the opportunity and snatched the book out of her hand. He expected it to be much more difficult and was shocked she did not stop him. He backed away in horror as he watched her fall to her knees, clutching her throat, gasping for breath. He imagined this was a similar fate of the dwarves who did not make it out of the mountain and perished from breathing in too much smoke.
Fili, Bifur, and Oin ran to her to try to help. Oin held her from behind and pulled up suddenly on her abdomen to dislodge what was choking her. Bifur stared on helplessly, ready to take over if Oin got too tired. It was Fili who figured it out. She was not choking on something in her throat, it was the curse and it was forcing her to keep silent. He ordered Oin to stop and they laid her on the ground and backed away. They hoped it would cease when everyone stopped trying to attack her. Just as she had some space, a misty figure arose out of Jordan's mind and she stilled, sucking in breath from her near-death experience.
"I don't believe it!" Gandalf bellowed and raised he staff threateningly toward Milhauke.
"It's true, after all." Elrond concluded, saddened by the reality.
Thranduil pulled out his sword after Gandalf, heightening everyone's battle senses. "Your plans have been thwarted, release her immediately."
Milhauke's nasty grin spread from ear to ear. "I think not, elf king. My army eagerly awaits to meet all of you. They are unlike anything you've ever seen before. I look forward to watching them devour you." He cackled his glee at watching the concern bestow over all their faces. "Now, Jordan!"
Jordan regained some of her strength and jumped to her feet. She pointed her wand at Thorin, Accio! The book sailed through the air and she caught it firmly. She avoided everyone's gaze accept Fili's. Her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest at seeing his devastation of her betrayal. Not able to keep the tears falling from her eyes, she spoke aloud in the awful black speech. "There is a something in infirmary for you." Risking injury, she disaparated from the mountain.
The company knew they would not find her close by, but the elves began searching the area and sharing all they knew of Milhauke. Thorin bared orders to the dwarves guarding the gate and the battlement to open and search the valley for Jordan and the rest of the Gatekeeper family. They needed to be told what they witnessed and warn them of the threat to come.
Fili began to withdraw into himself. He could not wrap his mind around the events taking place. Jordan was forced to betray all of them. He knew she was cursed; he had no idea she was being controlled or the extent of it all. Remembering what she said, he rushed to the infirmary. Immediately finding Nicole, he asked her if Jordan left him anything.
"I haven't seen her since before you all entered the war." Nicole contritely admitted. "Fili, wait! There was something left on your bedside table while you slept. Over here!" She led him to the bed and found a letter and a small bottle. "It's addressed to you."
"Fili!" Kili called from the door. "Uncle needs you at the gate!"
He desperately wanted to open the letter, however he knew this was not the time. He carefully put both the letter and bottle in his breast pocket and rushed back to the gate.
The whole company, Bilbo, and the high elves stood outside the gate watching what was taking place in the valley.
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Jordan did not waste a moment once she was outside the mountain. She landed in one of the empty parts of the valley, opposite of Dale. The elven and human camps were ways off, and the entrance to the mountain was even further. It was frustrating to control her temper as she to connected with Milhauke again. "Open the damn gate," she growled.
A tiny light illuminated before her and grew by the second, forming a large portal. It was impossible to see through it. The only way it would fully open is if the person who cast the key opened gate on their side first. Until then, it would remain a blurry light.
"Jordan! What is going on?" Ruben called in the distant. "What are you doing?"
She looked around the gate and saw her grandparents, her uncle, and Karah all running toward her. "Don't come any closer! You'll ruin everything!" She could still only speak in black speech, therefore only Ruben could understand.
"What would we ruin?" Ruben begged to know and kept approaching. He almost did not recognize her. The curse had altered her and was destroying her. It nearly broke him to see his granddaughter in such a state.
Dropping her wand, with both hands she cast a large wall of fire to block all of them. "I'm sorry." Snatching her wand from the ground, she looked over her shoulder and saw the gate had cleared.
Her house was perfectly visible, and Milhauke stood at the entrance of the gate.
Ruben held out his arm to stop Priscilla and Jeremy from pursuing. "Milhauke is alive!?" He could not believe his eyes. His best friend was alive! But it was not the man he grew up with. He had changed, and it made the hairs on the back of Ruben's neck stand up.
The dark wizard grinned wildly, "Ruben! My old friend!"
"Did you do all this?" Ruben asked, afraid of hearing the answer.
"Do what?" Milhauke pretended to not have any idea what Ruben was talking about. "Oh, do you mean cursing your granddaughter? Why yes, I did. I also killed her mother and father. Your grandson is still alive, for now."
"Let them go!"
"I can't do that, Ruben. You see, I have plans and I need them both to finish them. Don't worry, you'll see them again soon. Jordan, come here."
Jordan hesitated for a moment. She wanted to run to her grandmother and beg her grandfather to fix everything. She would be safe in their arms. And she almost did until Milhauke tortured her. "Stop it!" She screamed at him. Once it ceased, she ran through the gate and it closed behind her. On the other side she fell on her hands and knees at his feet.
"Give me the book." He demanded sharply with his hand extended.
Jordan stood and shoved his hand away from her. Holding the book up for him to see, she would pull it back away from him every time he would try to take it. "Give me my brother."
"Very well. Then come inside, it's getting dark and chilly out here."
"NO! Bring him out here, or I'll burn the book right now." Jordan held a fiery hand under the book. "Hurry up, old man!"
They were at a stand-off for a moment, both glaring at each other.
"Septimus! Bring the boy outside." Milhauke reluctantly complied. He was trying very hard to keep his composure and not lose his temper while she still had the book. He vowed as soon as it was in his possession, she would learn to never cross him again.
A moment later, Septimus was escorting Blair out of the front door. His strength had been returning to him slowly since his living conditions improved. He still looked tired and ragged. When he saw Jordan, he tried to go directly to her. Septimus stopped him, leerily eyeing Jordan up and down. She scowled at him and rolled her eyes.
"Now, give me the book and I'll give you your brother." Milhauke demanded.
"I'll toss you the book when Blair is at my side. If you don't comply, I'll burn it, and then set you and your henchman on fire."
"My, my, quite testy today! Young Jordan has really embraced her curse. Alright, I'll bend." He taunted and motioned for Blair to move. "Have you given any more thought to my offer? I could teach you so much. Join me, and your power will be unmatched."
"Go to hell! You had better make sure I never see you again, Milhauke. Because you won't survive if I do." Jordan quickly pulled her brother safely behind her. Chucking the book at Milhauke's face, "we are done here." She ushered her brother away from the house, forcing him to forego their happy reunion.
"I think not!" Milhauke called, getting them to turn back to him.
Jordan sensed he would double cross her. Pushing Blair out of the way, she dodged a curse. She pulled out her wand and pointed it at him, Accio key! Summoning the key to the gate and handing it and her wand to Blair. She bombarded both Milhauke and Septimus with fire. She gave her best effort to burn them, but they were both quick enough to evade her assault. It was enough of a distraction for she and Blair to run for their lives into the forest behind their house. There, they could find temporary safety until they could get the gate open. Growing up, they explored the forest and knew the it like the back of their hand; both in the day time and in the dark. There was a cave two miles from the house, the perfect place to hide and open the gate.
Blair only made it half way before he needed a minute to rest. He stopped and bear hugged his sister. "I knew you'd come!"
I will always be there for you, little brother! She hugged him tightly in return. It was like when they were young and her baby brother was frightened by a storm or a nightmare. Now, pay attention. Take this. Unwrapping the bracelet Fili had given her and put it on Blair. If we get separated, this will take you to Erébor. Ask for Karah, or the dwarf prince, Fili. They will take care of you and get you to grandma and grandpa.
"What do you mean? I'm not letting you out of my sight!"
Blair, listen to me. You are going to open the gate. I want you to keep my wand so you won't be defenseless.
"But what about you? You are coming with me!"
I'm planning on it. But if something goes wrong, you WILL close the gate behind you and not allow Milhauke to get through. No matter what, do not let him through. Do you understand? She waited for him to agree. I'm not defenseless. I've learned to control my fire. She held up her hand to show a tiny flame burning. Okay, we need to move. I think they found our trail.
"They might have released those creatures he made. We don't have much time."
They ran for at least fifteen more minutes. It was now dark outside and difficult to see. Both of them tripped and fell over tree roots, bumps, and holes in the ground until the came to their destination. To a passerby, it looked like it was just a pile of boulders. The entrance of the cave was camouflaged, forming the perfect hiding place.
Open it here at the mouth of the cave. It will cast less light. Jordan guarded the cave while Blair opened the gate. Go to Erébor, Middle Earth.
The key was ancient. The intricate metal design framed a beautiful orb of mist. The keeper of the key only needed to whisper into the orb of the land they wanted to enter and the mist would create a current picture of the location. The more specific the location you give, the closer you will be to your destination. Once the key was ready, the keeper would draw the gate, then placed on the lock on the right side. Any surface worked the best; thin air could be done, it only took longer to form. The gate would stay open until the key was removed on either side.
Is it almost done? I can hear them coming. Jordan stressed.
"Almost," Blair's wearied voice explained it all. After being imprisoned for months, lack of proper nutrition and care, then running for nearly twenty minutes, he would not have much energy left after opening a gate. "I'm so tired. It-."
He was cut off by an explosion of boulder on one side of the cave. Jordan readied her hands and lit her palms. She was not sure where they were in the dark. If she was not careful, she would end up burning down the whole wood. It was bad enough and they did not need any witnesses, especially muggles. She had to wait for them to cast another spell to see where they were hiding.
Both Milhauke and Septimus were impatient so she did not wait long. They were corning them in the cave and moving closer. The army of goblin-like creatures were joyously screeching and gnashing their teeth with every step. Jordan was able to keep most of them at bay, until one jumped down from the top of the boulders and ran for Blair. He was not quick with the wand to protect himself. He dodged out of the way; until it tackled him to the ground tried to bite and claw at his face. Blair fought through the cuts and pain to push it back enough and punched it in its face.
Jordan created a wall of fire to slow the rest of the creatures down then rushed to his aid. She was so done with all these creatures. If she survived and ever saw another orc or goblin again, she would probably lose her mind. Picking up the dropped wand, she kicked it in its side and it fell over in pain. Blair scooted away and she cast the green light over it, killing it with pain withered all over its nasty face. The wall of fire was doused by a hug wave of water and it knocked her off her feet. Blair coughed and sputtered to get water out of his lungs and mouth.
The gate was finally complete! Jordan did not waste another moment. She pulled her brother to his feet, cast the Portus Charm on the bracelet, put her wand in his hand and shoved him through the door. Another creature grabbed her from behind and bit into her shoulder. The curse was still upon her and it fell off her back and started choking and died. One of the few times she was grateful for it, as the curse bought her more time.
Grabbing the key from the lock, she threw it into the rapidly closing gate to her brother who was trying to rush back and save her. She heard him scream that he would come with help. Jordan sadly smiled at him, knowing he would probably be too late.
The gate closed completely and more creatures jumped her. There were too many to count as she fought her way free. She was able to burn enough to force them to back up. She tried to run deeper into the forest until she fell flat on her face. Struggling to get to her feet, one of the wizards cast the torture curse on her until she passed out.