The Master of Death: The Return of the Hobbits

Volume 3 - Chapter 01

Harry held onto Frodo and Sam as they both doubled over, feeling queasy. Sam groused, "I was hungry before you did that. Not sure I can ever eat again."

"You're a hobbit," Harry corrected Sam, "you'll be hungry again in no time."

Frodo tried to laugh, but only ended up groaning. There came a loud explosion and the ground shook violently. Frodo allowed himself to drop to the floor on his arse and held his head, asking, "Where are we?"

"The volcano was erupting," Harry started to explain when another explosion rocked the building. "Okay IS erupting. I had to get us out quickly and traveling with one extra isn't as difficult as it is with two."

Sam looked at the wizard. "That didn't answer the question." The hobbit then looked at their surroundings. "Minas Morgul?"

"I couldn't go far without risking injury to one or more of us," Harry shrugged unrepentantly, "and I needed somewhere safe for us to land. We know the nazgûl are gone and left the place empty."

"So we go to Minas Tirith next?" Frodo asked. "That's where he said he was heading."

Harry looked up and shook his head. "No. I can sense him here so I'll have to look for him. Since we know where the other three were, I imagine his chamber will be nearby."

Sam gaped at Harry. "You sense them?"

"Well," Harry gave a bit of a shrug, "yes. It's not something pleasant, but it's there. A sort of pull. A sense of duty, like you need to do something, and you're being pulled by an invisible force." Harry looked towards the door. "And it's really annoying."

Frodo looked in the same direction that Harry was before asking, "What is it?"

"The Oathbreakers are moving again. I don't notice one or two ghosts unless they're close, but when it's the entire army…" Harry's words tapered off and he shuddered. "But the Witch-king. He's… well dead, but he's undead… that makes no sense. He's in limbo, but not like the other three were. The reason they were in their chambers was because that is where the other nazgûl had put them." Harry frowned and ruffled his hair as he scratched his scalp. "I'm not sure if I'm making any sense."

Sam winced. "Not really, no."

Harry walked towards the door to search for Er-Murazor's body. The hobbits followed him. Harry pulled Sam's pack out of his pocket, resized it, and gave it back to him. Then Harry tried again, "I'm sure you remember that the One Ring controls all of the other rings of power. Which translates to the nine rings given to the Kings of Men were controlled by Sauron." Frodo agreed. Sam nodded along so Harry continued trying to explain as best he could, "Apparently it went further than just controlling the rings, it kept bringing the nine back from the dead as wraiths, ringwraiths, or nazgûl… whichever you want to call them. Remember, Ji Indur explained it: Anytime their body was destroyed they came back to the world of the living and would be here in their chambers.

"No mere man could kill them. So, Er-Murazor used his morgul blade to stop his three brothers from going to Sauron about my arrival here in Middle-earth. They couldn't come back as they had before. Their rings were removed, severing the connection enough to keep them dormant."

"So someone killed the Witch-king, or destroyed his body?" Frodo frowned in thought as they went down the somewhat familiar path towards the chambers.

Harry guessed, "Seems the most likely scenario since he's here."

"I wonder who did it," Sam pondered. "A hobbit maybe? We aren't men, we're halflings. A dwarf, perhaps, or an elf? They aren't men either… male… adult males, yes, but not men."

"I haven't a clue who did it and it really doesn't matter." Harry gave Sam a half grin and an amused shake of his head. "I explained at the river back when we were all together, that I'm the MoD. As the MoD, I can sense the spirits of the dead, wraiths, and ghosts." Harry paused and turned to open the door on his right. "And there he is."

Er-Murazor laid on his bed. His body was unmoving, much as the other three had been. The hobbits followed Harry inside and they stood at the Witch-king's bedside. Harry's breath hitched as the man's torment hit him before he even touched the ring. "Er-Murazor? What's wrong?" Harry asked as he placed his left hand on the dormant Witch-king's forehead.

The voice was a whisper of sound, deep and resonating with emotions, 'You showed me kindness - showed my men kindness by releasing them from this burden - and I repaid you with betrayal.'

The young wizard smiled down at the prone, still body. "You didn't betray me, Er-Murazor. You did what you had to do."

'I did not resist the call. I killed in His name,' the voice sounded desperate to be understood.

"You're a strong warrior and a good leader."

'How can you say I'm strong when I couldn't fight Him?' Er-Murazor's voice was barely above a whisper when he finally spoke aloud, "Master..."

The hobbits jumped when they actually heard the Witch-king speak. Harry snorted in amusement. "One must not argue with the Master of Death."

"Please," Er-Murazor's voice shook with emotion, "forgive me."

Harry placed his right hand on the ring, gripping it firmly. "Of course, I forgive you. Rest now." Harry pulled the silver ring from the man's finger. The Witch-king's body shuddered and disappeared with an audible sigh to be brought to Death's side for his final rest. Within moments, Er-Murozar's armor, weapon, crown, and clothing crumbled to dust. Harry breathed deeply and stepped back as he dropped the last ring into his mokeskin pouch.

The three stood in the empty room for a beat. All of them lost in thought before Sam shifted his weight and asked, "Now what?"

Frodo commented, "I think the volcano is done erupting."

They walked to the nearest window and looked out over Mordor. From their vantage point, they could see that the lava still flowed - even though the volcano was no longer erupting - Barad-dûr destroyed, and the Eye no longer hovered over Middle-earth. Harry turned to leave as he suggested, "We go to Minas Tirith, I suppose. You don't have to come with me, but since we're done with our task, I imagine it's a good time to bring the Fellowship back together."

Sam shared a look with Frodo and agreed, "I say we go with Harry. If that's where the war is, then that's where our friends will be."

"I'm hoping the war is over now that the ring is destroyed," Frodo replied, "but I think so too. We need to go to where the war is… or was…" Frodo offered the bag Harry had made for the ring back to the wizard, "It really did help."

Harry held the bag in his hand, brushing his fingers over the shimmering cloth, and smiled at Frodo. Harry handed it back to him. "I made this for you, Frodo. The ring may be destroyed, but a gift is still a gift."

Frodo accepted the bag and held it to his chest with a soft smile. "Thank you. I'll treasure it always."

They made it to the door before they heard the thundering horde coming their way. Harry instinctively put up his hand as the door crashed open, a protective shield had the orcs bouncing back out of the fortress and falling off the bridge into the green miasma below.

Harry didn't wait for the orcs to stop coming. He figured it would take a while for them to realize their mistake in thinking the fortress was still their sanctuary. Besides, Harry was in a bit of a hurry. Instead of waiting, Harry continued walking forward slowly, allowing the shield to clear their path for them. The hobbits followed in the wizard's wake watching the orcs fall to their deaths. Frodo hitched his bag higher on his shoulder and kept up the pace with the others. Sam began a running commentary about the surprised expressions on the ugly orc faces or what their last thoughts could have been before they fell into the green mist below the bridge.

At the end of the bridge - or the beginning, depending which direction a person was moving - Harry stopped between the gargoyles and erected a magical ward between the two. It was only a temporary measure, but it gave Harry enough time to create something more permanent. Frodo crouched and watched the etched runes that Harry began drawing into the stone. Frodo asked, "What are you doing?"

Sam canted his head to the left, trying to read the symbols. "It looks like words. Like what Lady Luna had you write."

"It is," Harry agreed. "Norse writing from my world." Once he was done, Harry pushed some of his magic into it and the runes pulsed with power. "This is like a magical door to access the bridge and from here the fortress. It will keep all evil out, deflect unwanted intruders, and anyone with the intent to harm the occupants of the fortress gets zapped." Harry pointed at a cave troll that had just spotted the three. "Ooo just in time. Watch," Harry said and simply stood there, looking up at the troll barreling down on them. The hobbits hid behind Harry and watched as the troll bounced off the barrier. The ward zapped the troll with electricity that visibly crackled across its skin causing it to spasm and twitch. Harry beamed at the hobbits. "Since we are the current occupants of the fortress, it is protecting us."

"What happens when we leave? Who will it protect then?" Sam asked as he looked back at the huge empty fortress.

"Anyone who comes to this fortress, and isn't evil, can enter past this magical doorway with no problem. When that happens, they'll be the ones who are protected." Harry shrugged. "It's not perfect, I'm still learning these runes. Maybe when we have more time Luna can help me update them. The intent for now is to keep this fortress from being occupied by evil again."

"What if they don't use the bridge?" Sam frowned, looking over the side of the bridge... carefully.

"If they can get through that green mist, I guess they deserve to have the run of the fortress." Harry shrugged. The wizard frowned and looked at his friends. "There are a lot of orcs and trolls headed this way. It's going to take us forever to get through this."

Both hobbits flinched and Sam offered, "I'll be a bunny again."

"No!" Frodo blushed at the amused look on Harry's face. "I'll be the bunny this time. Sam should get to experience flying at least once."

"Uh huh," Harry said, chuckling.

Sam just blinked in bemusement then shrugged his indifference, "Okay."

Harry turned Frodo into a small kitten that Sam scooped up and cooed at. Harry handed Sam Frodo's bag, Sam slipped the kitten inside then strapped the bag across his chest. Harry pulled out his wand casted a disillusionment charm on them and the broom before Sam awkwardly climbed on behind Harry. Once the hobbit settled behind him, Harry took to the sky and flew over the heads of the enemy.

Sam held onto Harry's waist and soon they were nearing Osgiliath. Sam had been quiet during the trip until he finally asked, "Why doesn't Mr. Frodo like flying?"

"I have no idea," Harry said honestly. "I love flying. It makes me feel so free."

"Can you go faster?" Sam asked.

"Oh, you bet." Harry grinned. "Hold on tight!"

They zoomed past Osgiliath and made their way towards the white stone city, Minas Tirith. They made good time as there was still fighting and yet many of the enemy were also trying to run away. A green mist of motion went from one group to the next across Pelennor Field, swarming the enemy and leaving death - and frightened allies - behind.

"Are we going to the ghosts?" Sam asked.

"Yes," Harry informed him, "at the rate they're going, the battle will be over soon."

"I'm surprised there's anyone left to fight," Sam stated.

"Considering how many fled, I agree." Harry slowed their approach and they hovered above the fighting until Harry found a safe place to land. As soon as they were on the ground, Harry threw up another ward, safeguarding the area they stood in. Harry prompted, "Grab Frodo, I'd rather he wasn't a kitten in this mess."

Sam hobbled off the broom, scooped kitten Frodo out of the bag, and set him on the ground. Harry reversed the spell and Frodo stifled a yawn before he asked, "Are we there yet?"

"Yes," Harry said, straddling his broom once more. "Stay here behind the wards until it is safe."

Frodo blinked a few times before squinting at their surroundings. Sam stepped forward, alarm plainly written on his face. "Wait! Where are you going?"

"There's still fighting happening. If I can put an end to it, I will. Now stay safe." Harry kicked off and flew across Pelennor Field, ignoring the retreating armies, and stopping the others from fighting... literally slowing everyone across the field until he found someone he recognized.

Harry swung around and came to a stop in front of Aragorn. Hovering on his broom, Harry released his spell on the future king and Aragorn stumbled forward, checking his swing. The man looked around at the slowed masses and asked, "What did you do?"

"Oh they're still moving... just veeeeery slowly." Harry shrugged at the bewildered look from Aragorn. "I want them to have the chance to change their mind and maybe leave instead of trying to kill each other."

"Most of the enemy has retreated," Aragorn said as he looked around. "What of the hobbits?"

"They're safe," Harry gestured in the direction he had left the two friends, "waiting for it to be safe to leave the wards I set for them. What more do you need to bring this to an end?"

Aragorn pointed out one of the few living oliphants and suggested, "Think you can get them to go away instead of killing good men?"

Harry glanced at the huge beasts and asked, "How do you know those on the oliphant aren't also good men?" But he didn't wait to hear the answer and flew to the beast - or more accurately to the man steering the beast.

When Harry reached the bald man with the reins in his hands and released him from the impediment spell. The man jerked, he was in shock or just gaped for no reason. Harry peered at the man and asked, "Do you speak Westron?"

The bald man said... something while gesturing wildly. Harry looked towards where he was pointing, or flailing, and drifted towards that person. Harry grabbed the arrow from in front of the man's bow so it wouldn't hit him - or anyone, really - and released him. The second man also jerked in shock, looked around then shouted at the bald man. The two bickered back and forth then the bowman finally - finally - turned to Harry and said, "I speak."

It was a start. Harry gestured to Pelennor Field then towards Mordor. "The war is over. Sauron is destroyed. It is time for you and your people to leave. No one else needs to die."

The bowman looked around Pelennor Field then spoke to the bald man. Both men gestured wildly as they spoke - there was a lot of arm flailing going on - then the bowman looked at Harry and he asked, "Eye dead?"

"Sauron, the Eye, is dead. Yes."

Bowman grunted, spoke, and gestured. Because apparently neither man could speak without using their hands. Bald man grinned hugely, spoke, gestured - because of course he did - and then nodded at Harry pointing towards the east. Huh, so not back to Mordor. Harry nodded back and asked the bowman, "Do others speak Westron?" Harry nodded towards the other two oliphants.

The bowman shook his head, spoke to the bald man who raised a horn. The bowman told Harry, "Signal. Go home. Leave?"

"Excellent," Harry said with a grin then went around each oliphant and grabbed up a dozen or so arrows and a few spears that had been shot and thrown respectively. Then he went towards the men on the ground looking for someone who might be in charge and found Legolas mid leap off a dead oliphant.

Harry released Legolas and smirked when the elf landed awkwardly. Legolas looked around stunned and finally spotted him. "Harry!"

"The war is over," Harry announced. The bald man began blowing the retreat and Harry released the rest of the field. "Are you okay?"

"I am," Legolas said as he watched the entire field stutter back into movement.

It was rather surreal to watch the huge beasts make a turn to head east, away from the fighting. Harry felt so small compared to the massive things. Gimli's voice bellowed from behind them. "That still only counts as one!"

"Yes, but the fighting is over. I still win," Legolas informed the dwarf.

Gimli huffed and he frowned at Harry. "And I suppose I have you to thank for ending this, too?"

"Too?" Harry asked as he hopped off his broom. "I'd like to think I had a hand in ending this one, but another one?"

"Aye," Gimli gestured to where the green mist of the ghost army flew towards Minas Tirith. "They showed up at Helm's Deep and killed the uruk-hai that were swarming the keep. Said you sent 'em."

"Huh. That must be what Aethelfrid was talking about."

"The emissary?" Legolas asked.

"Yes. He showed up in Ithilien, said they helped Aragorn but the curse wasn't broken. He never said how they helped." Harry began walking towards the front gates. He could have flown, but that would have left the other two behind and they were still conversing. "Still, if they helped save lives, I'm not going to complain."

Pelennor Field was quite large and it took a while for them to make it closer to the gates. Halfway there was where the green mist of ghosts still hovered. There was a lone figure of a living being amongst the mist. Harry guessed it was Aragorn and headed towards them. The trio picked up their pace and the ghosts broke formation, allowing them to enter the circle.

As one the ghosts dropped to a knee - all but one, their king who wore a crown upon his head even in death - to show their fealty to the Master. Harry nodded back to them, feeling awkward, but doing his best not to insult them. Aethelfrid rose immediately and spoke, "Master, I present his majesty, King Morthec."

"Master." King Morthec raised a fist to his chest and bowed his head in respect before continuing to speak, "We have fulfilled our oath. The future king of Gondor has just released us."

Harry smiled at the ghosts and nodded. "Then it is time you were at peace."

Each of the ghostly warriors saluted the Master of Death before allowing themselves to cross to the peaceful end they had been longing for. Harry, for his part, stood patiently as they moved in large squads. There was a massive number of ghosts and Harry refused to move until they were all honored. King Morthec was the last to go, he looked at Harry and gave him a ghastly grin. "Thank you, Master. You honored my men. I am forever grateful."

"Be at peace," Harry said once more and sighed contentedly when he was gone. "Sending them on is the best part of the job. They're usually quite relieved to go."

"You did a good thing, Harry." Aragorn gestured and the group continued on towards the front gate. "Their aid was quite helpful. They saved a lot of lives: here, Helm's Deep, and the boats."

"Boats?" Harry asked. "You three seem to have gone on one hell of an adventure."

"Harry?!" Frodo and Sam's voices came from within the ward. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn were looking around for them and Harry gestured for the two to come over. The two hobbits ran toward them laughing at the surprise on their faces.

When they were all together again, Harry shook his head in amusement. "I told you to stay until it was safe. You could have come out any time."

"Frodo wasn't sure when you would think it's safe enough for us," Sam groused.

"You didn't know either," Frodo countered. Harry just chuckled and watched as white tents began popping up.

Frodo and Sam looked expectantly at Harry and the wizard chuckled. "Did you want something?"

"Well..." Sam shrugged. "You have us spoiled, Harry. How can a regular tent ever compare to yours?"

Laughing, Harry pulled his tent from the red beaded bag. Gimli frowned at the bag. Legolas peered at it and Harry handed it to the elf before he erected the tent. "It's a tad..."

When the elf's words trailed off, Harry grinned in resignation and prompted, "Go ahead, say it."

"Girly," Gimli said quite forcefully.

"That it is… and for good reason." Harry nodded in acquiescence. "It belongs to one of my best friends. Her name is Hermione Granger. She was quite young when she performed this tricky bit of magic. Hermione made the bag nearly bottomless, extending the inside in order to fit all of our belongings without making it weigh more than a few ounces. Before I came here to Middle-earth she gave it to me because it contained everything we took with us during our war against a dark lord."

"Is that what you did to Sam's pack?" Gimli asked while Legoas looked more closely at the old red beaded bag.

"Exactly," Harry agreed. "Magic here is much easier for me. It flows through everything, making it simpler to manipulate." The wizard took the bag back and dropped it into his pocket.

A loud cry of 'Gandalf!' caught his attention. Frodo and Sam were grinning up at an old man wearing all white with long white hair and beard leaning on a staff. Harry had a half grin at the thought that he didn't look much like Dumbledore. "Ah, Frodo... Sam... it does this old man's heart good to see you two looking so well." Gandalf peered over to Harry with a small grin buried in his beard, but his eyes were twinkling merrily. So... perhaps a bit like Dumbledore. Gandlaf asked, "Are you who I'm to thank for taking such good care of my friends?"

"I suppose so. I'm Harry," he answered, and reached out his hand for the old man to shake, which he did.

"Well meet, Harry," Gandalf said with a sincere smile.

Pippin showed up right about then from seemingly nowhere to ask, "Has anyone seen Merry?"

Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas all looked surprised. Aragorn told Pippin, "We left him in Dunharrow with King Théoden and the Rohirrim. He was to return to Edoras with Éowyn and the women."

Pippin deflated. "Oh."

"Cheer up, Pip," Frodo said. "At least he'll be safer there than in this battle."

"Frodo?" Pippin's face brightens. Frodo chuckles as the two hug.

Harry felt his mirror vibrate and pulled it out immediately. "Naneth?"

"Gwador!" Luna answered back. "[Good news. The injured elves from Helm's Deep arrived safely. The rest, apparently, went to Gondor.]"

Harry looked around with a frown. "I haven't seen them yet, but I just got here not too long ago."

Legolas appeared beside him and he smiled at his beloved. Luna swooned, "Legolas..."

"[Hello, Love. They came from the west with the Rhorim. When we find them we can give you another call.]" Harry gave up the mirror and Legolas wandered off for privacy.

Harry watched everyone talking animatedly with each other, over each other, and decided he was ready for a nap. He walked into his tent and flopped onto his couch. Harry had just kicked his feet up on the coffee table when the rest of the Fellowship - sans Merry - made their way inside. Everyone - with the exception of Frodo and Sam - were astounded at the sheer size of the inside and began exploring.

Legolas stopped and handed back the mirror, "Thank you, Harry."

"Hmm," Harry said and stifled a yawn.

- - - - MoD-V03 - - - -

Harry stretched and yawned. It wasn't a long nap, but it was much needed. He still felt exhausted, yet his mind was less foggy and muddled. Harry wasn't sure what time it was, but he woke to a familiar sight: Sam was cooking again and Frodo was setting the table. Harry pushed up off the couch and asked Frodo, "Is there enough seating for everyone?"

Frodo looked around the table and did a hand wiggle to signify 'eh' or something of the sort. "We should be okay," Frodo hedged. "Aragorn is at the healing tent helping out, but even if he comes back we're okay."

"What's wrong?" Harry asked as he moved closer. He looked around the room at the stoic Fellowship and frowned with concern.

"It's just not the same without Merry,' Pippin said.

"Have all of the injured made it in yet? Luna helped me learn more healing spells." Harry rubbed his face, trying to wake up quicker.

"Pelennor Field is quite large," Gandalf said. "We are uncertain if all of the injured have been found. Unfortunately it has grown dark and more treacherous to be out on the battlefield to search for survivors. It has been decided that we will have to wait until the sun rises once more to continue."

"Luna said something about Lórien guards coming. Their eyesight is superior to any human's," Harry prompted.

Legolas flailed, then pointed at Harry as he exclaimed to Gandalf, "I told you we would be fine and you argued that it wouldn't be safe. Gandalf. We just survived a war. I imagine guard duty and searching for survivors will be significantly safer than what we've already encountered."

"Now I feel bad for taking a nap." Harry sighed. "I can help. I know a spell that will show any living beings in the area making finding the survivors much easier. Once I find someone, I will make magical flames that won't spread but can brighten the surroundings."

"What about wargs? Wild beasts and scavengers that come for a feast?"

"All the more reason to find the living and get them out of there," Harry said and walked towards the tent flap, food and relaxing put to the back of his mind.

"Harry!" Sam called and the young wizard stopped to look at the hobbit who was making his way forward.

"What-"

"It's not a home cooked meal," Sam said in apology as he handed Harry a lembas bread, "but you haven't eaten in hours either."

Harry smiled at Sam, accepting the lembas. "Thanks, Sam."

He pulled out his broom as he stepped out of his tent and took to the air. A quick homenum revelio had a number of spots light up in the dark field and Harry went on a search for survivors.

Timeline:

TA 3019, Mar 16 A/L/G arrive at Battle / Harry frees the Witch-king / F/S/H head to Minas Tirith / H finds Merry