Please be aware this is the last time I'm delving into the Wizardry World. So, this is the last time we'll be seeing Harry Potter in this series.
Chapter Nine:
A Way to Heal
Meanwhile…
Harry Potter was having a rough day. The only bright side was that Ginny Weasley finally accepted his proposal. As he walked down Diagon Alley, Harry spotted a light coming from Knockturn Alley. He just reached one of the side streets when a spell blasted his way. Harry banked against a wall before giving chase to the wizard that cast the spell. He finally found the wizard, who turned out to be Voldemort. Voldemort saw him, cackled, and vanished into a dark portal. Harry ran until he came to the portal and vanished through it.
On the other side of the portal, Harry flew towards the ground on his side. He was back inside the Sheltered Caves. Voldemort told him, as several villains cackled:
"Harry Potter! How long it's been since we last spoke. Shame the Boy Who Lived is going to die tonight. How shall I kill you?"
"I'm not afraid of you, Tom. We don't have to fight," said Harry.
"On the contrary, we do," said Voldemort. He jetted a green spell at Harry, who cast a red spell.
The two fought for a time. Each time that Voldemort weakened, he absorbed some power from the nearest villain, weakening them but making him stronger at the same time. Harry found it nearly impossible to break Voldemort. At one point, Harry fell to the ground, his wand a short distance away from him. He crawled towards his wand and shot another spell at Voldemort, who fired one right back.
As the two fought, Melissa entered the caves via portal, upon hearing word in the Animal Headquarters that someone was inside the Sheltered Caves once again. Seeing the action displayed, and realizing she had seven wishes left, announced for all to hear:
"I wish there was some way to defeat Voldemort." Melissa covered her mouth with her hand upon granting this wish.
The second Voldemort jetted a spell at Harry, Harry cried, "Expelliarmus!"
Voldemort was thrown backwards. When he stood up, he tried to absorb more power into himself, but found he could no longer do so. He cast another spell at Harry, but this time failed to throw it at him, as Harry's spell moved Voldemort's spell right back at Voldemort. Voldemort was thrown backwards, his eyes dimmed. The villains cried upon seeing Voldemort's dead body. As the villains fled, Aslan approached Harry and Melissa.
"You did good, Harry, but now is the time for you to return to your home," said Aslan. He turned to Melissa, "You did good this day. You've successfully taken care of one villain, ending his reign."
"I thought Frodo and Malinda were the only ones to stop all evil," said Melissa, confused.
"Indeed, but the prophecy for them was different. With luck, they'll figure it out," said Aslan.
"I should return home either way. Now that Voldemort won't be coming back, there should be peace in the Wizardry World," said Harry.
"Indeed. You put up quite a fight," said Aslan. "Your services are no longer needed, Harry Potter."
"Thank you, Aslan, for everything," said Harry. He turned to Melissa before heading back through the dark portal.
Melissa turned to Aslan. "What's going to happen to him? Mother Sinclair went on that witchcraft is no longer going to be used in the Limbo Worlds."
"Because witchcraft is a dangerous tool, Melissa, and goes to the wicked. I let Harry Potter and his friends come to the Evenshire Camp that one time. But trust me, that was the only exception made," said Aslan.
"Other than the time we were searching for the Emerald Diadem. This was the very room where the Emerald Diadem was kept, before it was destroyed," said Melissa. "I still remember that day."
"Yes, but those were the only two exceptions when there was need of Harry Potter and his friends. The Emperor-across-the-sea used them only for the purpose of getting Frodo Baggins to the places he was supposed to go. Everything works out accordingly. Anyone who attempts to look into their future will have dire consequences. Only the past and present can be changed," said Aslan.
"I realize that. Anyone who wants to see the future never has good intentions," said Melissa. "So, what shall we do now without our wizarding friends?"
"Trust me, I did not look forward to having Harry Potter come at all to the Limbo Worlds, but now we no longer need them," said Aslan. "Let's return to the Animal Headquarters."
"Where are Frodo and Malinda?" asked Melissa.
"They're right where they should be. So far, everything has worked out according to plan," said Aslan.
"And you know everything," said Melissa.
"Not everything, dear one," said Aslan. He and Melissa disappeared through a bright portal.
Returning to the Halls of Nature…
Three years had passed. Because Frodo was staying at the Halls of Nature, his clothing still included a tunic and breeches, but he also had to wear robes, while being allowed to still wear tunics, vests and breeches. Malinda was also given the option to wear work dresses, which she took without question. Frodo at first chased after Malinda, which was something Malinda wasn't fond of. Eventually, Frodo backed away, making it easier on them both.
Father Time had given Frodo and Malinda separate tasks during their stay. Frodo spent much time doing tasks in the rooms where the Guardians of the Elements were located. As he worked, he couldn't help glimpsing at what the Guardians were doing. Each of their talents impressed him, making him wonder if he had something worth showing. His favorite element was the rejuvenation, the healer's element. In a way, Frodo wondered if the Healer Guardian could cure him of his wounds that remained, including the poison that Shelob the spider gave him that still wounded him from time to time.
Malinda, on the other hand, was stuck doing chores for Father Time, Past, Present, and Future. Malinda liked Past and had many interesting conversations with him. Somehow, Malinda drew a greater interest in what Past brought, and would often spend her days off finding out what Past was doing. She had an okay relationship with Present, as she would often tell Malinda stories that were in-the-moment. Malinda found herself frustrated with Future, who typically was in a bad mood. It was very easy to get Future off-track and most days, he didn't like to be disturbed. As for Father Time, Malinda had a growing father-daughter relationship with him. Father Time almost reminded Malinda of her grandfather, which was something she admired.
One day, Frodo visited the Healer Guardian, who was surprised but glad to see him. The Healer Guardian said, "Frodo, fancy seeing you up and about."
"Silvan," said Frodo. He sat down across from him.
"What can I do for you?" asked Silvan, curious.
"I wonder if you can heal me of my wounds. The Morgul shard is out of my chest at last, as I've told you – thanks to Aslan's help," said Frodo.
"Yes, that Lion told me much about your current condition," said Silvan.
"Yes. I hoped to speak with you though. Can you heal me? Your powers must be useful to help me with these wounds," said Frodo.
Silvan nodded. "Speak to me again when you're ready. I'll see what I can do, but yes there may be hope to cure you of your injuries."
"Thank you," said Frodo.
Silvan added, "Unfortunately, as you know, I cannot cure you of all wounds, such as your internal scars. Those will have to heal with time. You understand."
"All too well," said Frodo. He left the room at once.
Malinda saw Frodo come out of the First Room where the Guardians were. She looked at him once before returning to her chores. As she picked up the bread, Malinda made her way into Future's room. She wasn't looking forward to seeing him again.
"Thank you," said Future, as Malinda set the basket of bread on the table. "Looks like someone was attempting to glimpse into their future again. You know what they say: whenever someone's good intentions for the future rest, no one can hardly guess." He noticed Malinda mouthing his saying with candor. Ignoring her mouthing, Future said to her, "You can make yourself useful and get those robes to the washer. I want those looking pressed and ready to go within the month." He stopped Malinda with a final word, "And Malinda, don't be so sour all the time. Be grateful we're putting you to work."
"It's not that I'm sour, sir, but I have a lot of work to do. I just rather get it all done. I was hoping for a break, which I really need," said Malinda.
"We gave you a break a few months ago," said Future.
"Yes, but isn't it time that I get another…"
"No time, child. Work must be done all the time. No matter where it's been. If we don't keep the schedule going, the whole system can collapse. Now get on with your chores," said Future.
Malinda trembled. She picked up the laundry basket, filled to the brim with robes, and left the room. She bumped into Father Time on her way out. As she apologized and excused herself, she noticed Father Time following her.
"Don't concern yourself with Future. He's already had enough trouble with wreckers in the past," said Father Time.
Malinda whispered, once she was out of earshot of Future's room. "I know, but he can be such a pain at times."
Father Time told her, "Word is that Frodo Baggins is seeking healing."
Malinda became sour. "Is he?"
Father Time looked at her, stunned. "You aren't excited to hear your friend is going through with healing his injuries? I'm surprised at you. He's your friend."
"I have enough trouble making friends when there's work to be done," said Malinda.
Father Time looked at her with a concerned gaze. "How long has it been since your last holiday?"
"A few months ago. Why?" asked Malinda. "Look, I'm really busy, Father Time. There's already enough to do around here. I can't waste it thinking about Frodo. I'm just glad he backed off, realized there's more to life than just a simple romance."
Father Time looked again, this time stunned. "Take a few days off. We have plenty of servants who can take over."
Malinda looked shocked now. "What? But I'm happy to do as much work as I can for you. Look at how much progress has been made."
"Yes, but you would never use work as a excuse to see how a friend is doing, especially if that friend is going through healing," said Father Time.
"But Father Time, I…"
"Need the break. You work too much, Malinda. While I am impressed, you're only a hobbit and that makes you human and mortal. You simply cannot do everything," said Father Time.
"I could if I tried hard enough," said Malinda. "That's my attitude of things."
"And how many friends have you gotten in all this time?" asked Father Time.
Malinda stopped to think. "I haven't got anyone. I told Frodo there was more to life working to make a living. So that shooed him away."
"Can you be sure that was the reason?" asked Father Time. "Go to him."
"He won't accept me," said Malinda.
"Go, Malinda. Your friend is in need, and he could use all the support he can get," said Father Time. He walked away.
Malinda climbed up the stairs to the second floor. When she reached the door she was looking for, Malinda knocked on the wood. She stood there for a few seconds, but walked away, just as the door opened to reveal Frodo on the other side. Frodo called to Malinda, causing her to react and look at him. Malinda tried to say something, but ran off before Frodo had a chance to question her. Finding no reason to speak to Malinda, Frodo returned inside his room and shut the door.
At the Animal Headquarters…
Thanks to his efforts with helping Frodo, Elijah Molvaro's reputation at the Animal Headquarters spiraled downwards. The animals there became wary of Elijah, and even the people staying there were afraid of him. Melissa was entirely suspicious of Elijah; there were signs she was jealous of him, but she did her best not to show it.
As Elijah walked through the corridors, he spotted two lions that should not be at the headquarters. He followed them until they entered a room. There, Elijah heard what sounded like villainous voices.
"If Kovu so much as takes over the throne…" said a voice belonging to Zira.
"Nonsense. Kovu has already taken his place as the King of the Pridelands. It sickens me," said a voice that sounded like Scar.
"Ooh. Can we take care of them? Can we?" asked a voice that sounded like Nuka.
Zira shushed him. "Hush now! Some eavesdropper might hear you."
"Now don't take this the wrong way," said a voice belonging to Hades. "But these heroes, particularly that Elijah sort, are bold, brash, and entirely annoying. If there's one way to take out a hero, it's to find their weakness and clearly, Elijah has a weakness for someone he cares about. All we have to do is snatch her and weaken her. That'll show him."
"He's not a threat to us, yet," said Zira.
"Hey, don't count your eggs before they hatch. That Elijah fellow is as much trouble as his original counterpart. They're dangerous," said Hades.
"Maleficent already has a plan in motion," said Scar.
Zira turned to Nuka. "You know what to do. Find the hobbits and take them down. Kill them if you must."
"Ooh, right away Mother," said Nuka. He zoomed off into a dark portal.
Elijah backed away from the wall. He ran just as Hades threw a fireball at him. Lucky for Elijah, the fireball landed on the floor, missing him by inches. Hades threw a fit and turned red in flames, before returning to his cool, blue flame-haired self. He returned to the room where Zira and Scar were still debating.
o-o-o
When Elijah found his way back to the first hall, he was cornered by Mother Sinclair and the bears. Melissa was watching the whole scene play out, as well as a concerned and wary Nash. Elijah attempted to explain himself, only realizing it was too late to say anything.
"I just saw Hades…"
Mother Sinclair declared, "Elijah Molvaro, you're under arrest for treason, back-lashing me and few other bears, and also lying in front of Melissa."
"What? I didn't do any of those things," said Elijah, offended and baffled.
"Don't deny them. Melissa witnessed the whole thing. Surely she can testify," said Mother Sinclair.
"You have it wrong, Sinclair," said Elijah.
Mother Sinclair looked appalled. One of the bears told Elijah, "You will speak to Mother Sinclair properly."
"Then why is she accusing me of actions I didn't commit?" asked Elijah.
"Enough of this," said Mother Sinclair. She turned to two more bears, which wore police caps. "Guards, take this Halfling to the dungeons. He's done enough trouble for one day."
As the bear guards dragged and escorted Elijah down the hallway, Elijah cried, "What have I done wrong? I know I helped Frodo, but this can't be! I deserve justice and…" His screams and cries for help carried on down the hallway.
Melissa looked at Mother Sinclair with an impressed gaze. "Well played, Mother Sinclair. I just might consider you on my top five list of well-deserved animals."
"We should have given that hobbit at least five days, after the treason he did in letting Frodo Baggins escape when he was told to stay," said Mother Sinclair.
"But the lying, just to get him in trouble worse and stuck in the dungeons for a week or two? I must say I'm impressed. You're learning from me," said Melissa.
Mother Sinclair added, with a bit of flattery, "And Jack Sparrow. Sometimes I wonder whatever became of that pirate captain."
"Do you fancy him? Jack Sparrow, I mean?" asked Nash, curious but concerned for Elijah. He murmured, "We should have given Elijah a fighting chance. At least a trial."
"What?" asked Melissa, hearing every word. "Elijah doesn't deserve a trial."
"Yes, he does," said Nash.
"Whose side are you on?" asked Melissa. "If Frodo were still here…"
"But he isn't. You should be grateful we did this for you, or else you'll both be locked in the same cell as him," said Mother Sinclair, biting their heads off.
Mother Sinclair then walked away with the other bears following her. Melissa and Nash looked at Mother Sinclair leave with stunned gazes. Melissa turned to Nash, but all he could do was shrug and talk about Elijah's fate, as well as that of Frodo's fate.
At the Halls of Nature…
In the hours that passed, Frodo returned to the room where Silvan stayed. Silvan gave Frodo permission to be healed, which Frodo thanked greatly. He spotted Malinda walking down the hall, lost in thought. Frodo called out to her:
"I'm going to be healed tomorrow, for my injuries."
Melissa nodded. "Right, as you should." Before she walked away, Frodo stopped her.
"Come here. It would be better to have a conversation that didn't involve calling each other," said Frodo, politely.
Once Melissa reached him, the bitterness she had began to resurface. Still, Frodo asked her, "How have you been these days?"
"I'm working, at least. It does keep me out of trouble from time to time," said Malinda.
"Aren't you worn out?" asked Frodo.
"Why the sudden interest in me?" asked Malinda.
"What are you holding back?" asked Frodo. "You didn't used to be this cynical."
"A lot has changed," said Malinda.
"Wait, please stay," said Frodo, stopping Malinda again. "We never seem to talk anymore." He didn't receive a response from Malinda. "Please talk to me."
Malinda held back what she was about to say. Instead, she said, soft but polite, "All right."
"I'm going to be healed and I would like it if you would come tomorrow. Please consider this. I'd like it if you did come," said Frodo. "Please, just out of friendship."
"But we aren't friends anymore, Frodo… at least, not like we used to," said Malinda. "I'm sorry."
Frodo felt hurt. He politely told her, "I'm sorry, too. For once, I thought things might turn around, but you haven't changed. I'll see you later." He walked away, leaving Malinda stunned. Malinda stood there for a couple of moments before walking away from the sight.