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Once not so long ago, a world now wreathed in flames and filled with naught but ash and creatures of the worst sort once cheered at the return of the Girl Who Died protecting the Boy Who Lived returning to life and her acceptance to the greatest Wizarding school in the magical world, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Raised under a false name under the careful watch of her Uncle in hiding, Regulus Black and her Godmother Minerva McGonagall until she was able to reclaim her name and face the stares and comments towards her great absence. All starting with a smirk from the tall woman reading the long scroll of names who cleared her throat and clearly read aloud, “Jaqiearae Black.”But just when the wars they imagined to be over, the Boy Who Lived, didn’t, leaving only the Girl Who Died, and died, and died to save what was left of their world. With the school in flames and crumbling around them Albus Dumbledore rallied the mandrake doubles of his students and agreeing allies. An illegal act, creating doubles of anyone for purposes of war, one that had her sentenced to a lifetime of serving the school she’d fought so hard to defend in place of her being sentenced to Azkaban for that and her role as a Death Eater to gain information for the Aurors.Calming the students and guiding them back to their dormitories once they were secured as the Aurors secured the grounds and checked that after the Dark Lord fell his followers were rounded up and locked away. But much like the Hydra, you cut off one head and more pop up to claim their place. Just as the dust was settling on his grave three different fractions rose and started their own reign of terror. So in yet another last ditch effort Dumbledore’s Army and Order of the Phoenix members already bearing Dark Marks split into groups, using their already tight bonds with the dark Wizards to infiltrate their ranks.Word spread of a single joining event, all three planning on attacking at once. Without time or chance to warn anyone they dared to trust in the Auror system a plan was set in motion and followed to the T, sparing thousands that would have otherwise died. Under the cover of darkness the teen spies all split through the barriers of the homes the dark armies were claiming as headquarters and raced out silently, snatching any and all Muggles, animals, towns and suburbs along the way leaving large patches of nothingness behind.Ensuring of as many innocent lives and resources could be spared as the others in Dumbledore’s Army rounded up all student and their relatives of the three Wizarding schools of the east still standing freely, shrinking their homes, schools and marketplaces as others in the Order of Phoenix and other trusted Aurors hid all creatures and locations they could of their world to be re-housed later in a safer location yet to be determined.…Swarms of broomsticks and various flying objects and creatures flew straight into the floating open door of your home leading out to the secret lands you’d entrapped it in years prior for it’s secrecy through your faked death and later search for the horcruxes. All filling the space you’d allotted them while the small group of your closest allies joined you on a long racing flight through enemy lines you blasted your way through with the aid of your two shielded Dragons you and Charlie Weasley were in charge of guarding, Norberta and Opal.With one last barrage of curses you cast the enemy forces split and a town came into view through the melting barrier you had broken with a long thought forgotten enchantment in Draconic. Gripping your brooms tighter you and Charlie felt the shrunken Dragons curl around your backs tightly as the portkey Seamus called for and enlarged it for everyone to get a hold flew straight at your forming circle. But just as you latched onto it your eyes opened wider as the enchanted and tattered book flipped open and sucked you all inside..All around you words swirled and the flapping of pages grew into a colorful blur as what once was a white world with black blurry stripes grew into a painful collision with your gasping at being the first of Dumbledore’s Army to crash into the mahogany door sealing off a small closet and the carpet coated floor inside. A quick shift of your hand had the group of brooms shrinking to save them from damage.One after another crashing through the opening and falling on top of you and Charlie, sending pained groans through the small home as your pile of squirming teens climbed and wiggled your way free from the split door. One by one they all ducked in the main hall avoiding the low ceilings and beams aiding the next in line as the two Dragons climbed down from their gripped position on the top of the split door, having jumped off just before your crash.With another groan you were helped up by your adopted Twin Brothers, Fred and George, both chuckling as they brushed your bloodied and matted pale silvery blue curls slipping free from your loose ponytail formerly covering your purple eyes that appeared green when looked at from the side. Gently they helped shift your torn flannel shirt over your blood stained tank top from the slowly bleeding wound on your shoulder. Then shifted your bangs off your reddened cheek that was already covered by the massive pink swirling scar covering nearly the entire left side of your face under your side swept bangs from when the Dark Lord tried to kill you and your Cousin Harry as children.George, “No worries.”Fred nodded and brushed your ponytail back over your back, “All upright now.”Your head turned to Seamus in a steadying grip on the arched beam you limped out under, eyeing the teen who was sitting down gripping the wrist he’d landed hard on as Dean helped him wrap a long bandage around it. “Seamus? What, exactly, did you use as a portkey?”In another staggering step on your badly throbbing dislocated left leg your weight shifted back to your right with the twins to support you he replied, “Professor Dumbledore said to pick something they wouldn’t find, so I picked this old book my Gran used to prop up her seeing glass with.”Running your fingers over your face Hermione sighed blinking her tear reddened stinging eyes leaning back against the wall under Ginny’s depressed and slumped cried out frame against her chest, “You’re not supposed to use books Seamus.”Seamus, “Why not?”Turning your head you caught sight of a short man with a chestnut head of curls eyeing you from behind a doorway with an even taller man in all grey with his beard pooling over the shorter man’s face.Percy, “The Wizard Merlin used a book as a portkey once and hasn’t been seen since.”With a quiet head nod the twins led you closer to the wall placing you in full view of the peering pair as well as the group of scowling bearded men behind them. After a weak chuckle you said, “Hi. Sorry to intrude. Bit of a mix up on our escape plan. Sorry for the damage and the shock.” You glanced back at the closet drawing your wand from the sheath in your pocket, which with a simple flick mended the closet and door back to its former state drawing the pair out as the taller of the two stated, “You’re a Wizard?”You nodded, “We all are.” They glanced over the group of mangled and blood soaked teens, all having to either break free of physically tortured roles in gaining trust of your faked allies or the escape itself.Stepping forward the tall man extended his hand and said, “I am Gandalf the Grey. You’re all so young.”You smiled, switching your wand to your other hand and shook his hand, “Jaqi Black.” His brow rose, “Family name, not a title.” Causing him to nod his head with a relieved smile.One by one you pointed to each of the group, “Fred, George, their brothers Percy, Charlie and Bill, all the redheads are Weasley’s, their Sister Ginny in on Hermione Granger.” In her head nod her eyes shifted to the familiar blonde in the bunch of short men whose shoulder bumped into his brother’s holding his wide eyed stare on her making her shift her gaze to Ginny again to keep from blushing recognizing him from your dreams on the trio from years prior.“Cedric Diggory, Victor Krum, Oliver Wood, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood beside Draco Malfoy, then Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and, where are…” Your head turned as a loud roar sounded over head, “Ahh, there’s Hagrid.” The roar died and with a knock at the door two crouched figures appeared after Alastor had used his eye to search the houses to find you all, having you finish, “Hagrid on the right and Alastor Moody on the left. There’s more but they’re in the school and at home.”With a curious expression over your head from the smaller man you giggled and held your hands up aiding the Dragons that had walked across the thick doorframe to crawl down to your shoulders and you to say, “And Norberta and Opal.”With a firm grip on his ax the sternest of the group neared the short man as he stated, “Bilbo, Bilbo Baggins.”You smiled at him, “Pleasure to meet you Mr Baggins. Again, so sorry for having interrupted your party.” Making the small Hobbit grin for a moment until his eye wandered to the still flowing trickle of blood down your chest through your shallow breaths at your badly bruised ribs. Looking up at the man creeping over with his ax you asked, “And your name?”He scowled at the creatures on your shoulders as Gandalf stated, “This is Thorin Oakenshield, future King of Erebor.”Thorin, “What is the meaning of this Gandalf? You urge us to secrecy and yet you bring these children and their, beasts, to our meeting?”Your eyes lowered to Bilbo as he eyed the other rooms trying to see if anyone else was hiding there causing him to flinch slightly and smile at you nervously, “Your home, I presume?” He nodded, “We do apologize for intruding, normally our magic is blocked from allowing us to enter the homes of others unwelcome, it wasn’t our intention.”Thorin, “And just what were you intending?”Your eyes shifted to him, “We were escaping a war, and used an enchanted item, that was supposed to take us out to a hidden island, there we were meant to regroup and move forward from there, but Seamus didn’t know we’re not supposed to use books, and we got sucked inside and here we are.”A soft clearing of a throat sounded from a white haired man behind Thorin who gently tapped Thorin’s hand to lower his ax and say, “Excuse me Miss, you appear to be bleeding. Perhaps we could aid you in your mending and we can discuss this further.”You nodded and glanced at Bilbo, “You look hungry. Should be about time for supper. Allow us to make up for the intrusion.”The teens around you all rose as tall as they could manage as you snapped your fingers and a door appeared causing Bilbo flinch again and eye both sides of it curiously, with a smile you met his eye saying, “I promise you won’t be harmed.”He nodded and followed your group, all limping your way through the long dim hall that opened, after a colored wheel turned beside the door on the other end, to the Hospital Wing in Hogwarts. Side by side the group of teachers all grouped around the bruise and burn coated figures of Snape and Regulus both sharing a bed, eager to count the number of survivors of the brave teens leading the charge.With a relieved exhale Minerva raced to you and the twins pulling you into a tight hug and ushered you over to the bed closest you while Bilbo and Gandalf both led the timid group of Dwarves through the doorway. In a curious glance from you to the group Dumbledore stepped forward, meeting Gandalf who met him halfway to share introductions, with Gandalf fully assuming he might possibly be the head Wizard in charge.Albus, “Welcome, I am Albus Dumbledore.”Gandalf shook his hand, “Gandalf the Grey.”And he motioned to his side at Bilbo who was eyeing the giant pair of phoenixes gathered around you crying over your wounds healing them, that were slowly being exposed layer by layer as you stripped while the other adults claimed a teen to start tending to. Around you Regulus and Severus sat listening to your assumed head count of those you had seen take hits. Minerva eased the list in her hands down ticking off each survivor with Sirius, Tonks, Harry, Remus, Arthur and Ron the last ones you had no clue what had happened to them. Harry and Tonks at least you could ask the clearly distressed Ginny for information on them as they had taken your portkey to fetch her themselves. A ruffle of your hair from Regulus’ wand helped to clean your hair of blood after the cuts on your scalp were healed.“This is Bilbo Baggins, and the rest of our Company, Thorin Oakenshield, his heirs Fili and Kili. And his Cousins and other kin Dwalin, Balin. Oin, Gloin. Bifur, Bofur, Bombur. Dori, Nori and Ori.” Each bowing their heads as they were introduced before the teachers were introduced.Glancing around Thorin asked, “What is this place?”You met his gaze as you rose right after a loud crack from your formerly dislocated left hip and knee being popped back in place with a brace added over your knee. Holding your gaze on him you pulled on your freshly magically washed shirt over the self cleaning tank top in the pinch you gave it making it wave then settle around you again. “Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”Thorin’s brow rose at your lack of a reaction to the pain clearly showing in your eyes, “A school for Wizards?” You nodded, “Are you, are you all students?”Dumbledore motioned his hand to you as the door opened and Mrs Weasley raced in and drew you and her children into tight tear stained hugs tearily ignoring the absence of her son and husband. The very pregnant Fleur waddled in slowly beside Dobby and Kreacher who were holding the hands of your Nephew Teddy slowly walking between them. “Miss Black is our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.” Causing their eyes to shift to you as you bent to grab Teddy and give a gasping smile at him while you raised him to your hip pecking him on the cheek. Next your Aunt Narcissa Black and her Husband Lucius walked in with relieved smiles on their quiet path to their Son’s side giving him calming hugs and helped to clean him up as well.Thorin met your eyes again after your hair shifted to a bright yellow to match Teddy’s after his excited giggle as Opal nuzzled her head against his while Norberta flew to Charlie’s shoulders again. “You let your child around that creature?”“Opal would never harm a soul, unless provoked and left no other option. Antipodean Opaleye’s are notoriously docile and friendly. All the more cruel why someone had chained her in a bank to guard their hoard after they stole her from her nest and after she hatched blinded her.” Causing his lips to part, “I’m not certain what grudge you hold against the Dragons of your world, but ours share our emotions, no matter the size or defense they hold, they all only attack out of fear. We respect them and they respect us.”You met Bilbo’s eyes as your hair turned back to silvery blue and said, “Right, Supper.” Turning to Dumbledore you said, “We’re early for Supper still, correct?”To which he nodded, “We can add a few more tables to the end of ours, plenty of food to go around.”Bilbo nodded and smiled at you softly, saying “Thank you.”After another catching of Thorin’s curious gazes at Dobby and Kreacher you said, “Do you have a problem against House Elves as well?”His eyes rose to yours as he playfully repeated with a growing smirk mirrored on his kin’s faces, “House Elves?” You nodded, and he shook his head, “No, no problem at all.”You rolled your eyes and let Draco grab Teddy as you accepted the crutch Fred had passed you and led the way through the castle. After speaking to Regulus and Severus Narcissa and Lucius turned to your enchanted doorway joining Alastor for another search over the sleeping city for any sign of others lost along the way.Barely five feet into the hall leading to the Great Hall the Dwarves’ smiles dropped at the flood of cries coming from the hoards of children all sniffling and rubbing their faces as older teens and young adults they knew tried to calm them. Each glancing up at you as you passed for the long path to the empty tables filling with the children that rose in tears from their magically mist induced naps at the tremors due to the use of the portkey to join you for the meal.Softly through the sea of distressed students the tap of your crutch was heard and halfway around the teacher’s table a weak grin split across your face seeing Barty trotting over to you through the crowds and curious Dwarves. In a rush at once you were engulfed in a warm hug as you shifted your crutch to the side heading him mumble into your hair, “There you are, Darling.”In his pull back the little hand on Em’s raised arm patted your badly bruised once split cheek and you said, “Just a bruise. It doesn’t hurt.”Barty ushered you around the table, “Come, let’s get you settled and fed.”Once in your chair your crutch stood behind it and in a reach over to you Em was claimed and settled on your lap mumbling, “We all shook Mummy.”With a grin you answered sweetly, “Yes, well, we’re safe now.” At her large yawn you kissed her cheek and said, “Now, I believe it’s story time.”With a sleepy nod from her Barty lifted her again after her hug around your neck you felt the eyes of the settling Dwarves on you through. A peck on the cheek later and Barty said, “Sleep tonight. You need it.”“I know.” Peering up at him he stole another peck on your cheek and grinned at Em saying, “Now, which story did you want tonight?” In his stroll back through the vast hall towards the open doors leaving the oldest Dwarves muttering between themselves in their own gravely language at a guess for how old you were as they began to notice the slight point growing on all your ears.In their new seats the younger Dwarves mumbled to each other about where all the adults were before Ori asked, “Miss Black?”Your brow rose in the turn of your head to face him, “Yes Ori?”In a hushed tone he asked, “Where are all their parents?”Averted gazes from the teachers close by as well as a few from the DA did as well while you answered, “Like I said, we were escaping a war. Their parents sent their children to us for safe keeping, we managed to save the adults able to make it to the meeting points in time. We saved who we could.”Ori asked in a trembling tone, “Who would attack children?”After a steady exhale you replied after glancing over the Dwarves giving all the hundreds of quieting children claiming their seats with the aids of hundreds of house Elves pained glances, “In our world no child is safe. Any and all creatures were targets. The adults did what they could, but we had to learn to defend ourselves.”Thorin, “So you formed the school?”“No, we formed our own armies.” Causing their lips to part, “There isn’t a teen over thirteen that hasn’t seen some form of battle since the war began. This school among others have been around for centuries.” In a shift of your gaze you eyed Neville releasing his baby sister Nellie from her tight hug, having shared the news of what had happened and that you were all safe now inside the world of the book.The usual gasps filled the hall at the magically filling tables causing Bilbo’s face to light up at the selection mumbling, “I’m in Hobbit Heaven.” Then filled his plate as you did the same with the Dwarves slowly joining in after you assured them they were not taking any of your supplies and there was plenty to go around.After dinner was over Albus rose and gave a small speech that they had now found a new world, one that they would be safe in that was far from the war and dark Wizards that had hunted them. But curiously enough for the Dwarves most of the children all glanced to you after and only seemed to relax at your confirming nod..On your feet again you guided the men back through the emptying Great Hall where they watched the children wishing you a good night as you did the same naming them in return turning for the distant dormitories guided by the other Professors and older teens among your group. All who were helping to take care of the younger children taking up newly formed dormitories in the school and toddlers and infants. Over their heads Norberta and Opal flew to speak with Fawkes and the giant Phoenixes. Back again into the main hall you made your way to your waiting enchanted door only to see Lucius, Alastor and Narcissa enter again shaking their heads, “No sign of them.”With a nod you said, “Well, maybe they landed farther along in the book?”Alastor, “We’ll smoke them out eventually.” Patting you on the shoulder in his move past you, “Don’t you be staying up too late now. I won’t be having you passing out on us. Padfoot might be loose but I will not be letting you slide out of pace.”Narcissa said, “I’ll keep watch over Teddy tonight.” Giving you a gentle hug in her move past you.“Thanks.” Through the door you led the way and once inside the smial again Thorin asked, “Who is Padfoot? Should we be concerned?”Turning to face him you shook your head, “Padfoot is my father’s nickname. Him and my uncles and my brother Ron didn’t land with us. They’re off alone,” in a glance at the window you mumbled, “Harry and Tonks are somewhere too, unless they blocked a curse from Ginny so she could make it through.”Thorin, “I apologize for your missing people, though we cannot aid you in searching for them. We must wake early to barter for horses.”Shaking your head you said, “If they were close by I would know it.” Making his eyes narrow, “My bloodline, we can all sense one another. They are too far from me to sense them.”Thorin met your gaze as you accepted the offer to move into the sitting room around the still lit fire, “What, what is your plan now? For your people?”You exhaled slowly, leaning against Fred’s side on your right, “First we need to find an unclaimed stretch of land to set up our homes. These are just the children from the Wizarding World, there are more hidden in our protected homes, then we still have the non-magic population to rehome as well.”Balin, “Non-Magic?”Fred, “Like us, but without the powers.”Kreacher popping up in front of you drew your gaze and handed you a slip of paper, “The Muggles have been fed my Mistress.”Dobby appeared at his side adding, “Though their ears haven’t changed as the Wizards have.”“Good to know. Thank you.” They bowed their heads and zapped off to your home to join in watching over Teddy and the others.After a small momentary huddle initiated by Fili alerting his uncle to his need to know Hermione better, Thorin turned back to you and said, “Out past the Misty Mountains there is plenty of land to claim.”“Misty Mountains?”He nodded, “We would show you, for a fair trade.”“What sort of trade?”Thorin nodded his head to the sleeping Dragons, “You tame Dragons, we happen to be heading after a Dragon who stole our home.”“So we handle the Dragon for directions?”He shook his head, “There’s a destroyed city at the base of our Mountain called Dale, you handle our Dragon, do whatever you will with him, and we grant you the ownership of Dale.”After a glance at Charlie to the left of George, refusing to leave you with the strangers, who shrugged through a nod, you extended your hand to the Dwarf who rose with a smirk to accept your shake, “You’ve got yourself a deal.”Approaching with a table hovering beside him Gandalf pulled out a map he laid across it and shared a better view of where you were headed as well as informing you of a large stretch of Southern Greenwood unclaimed for centuries now. A topic that stirred the mention of Moria, bringing up a creature, later upon research in one of your books on mythical creatures was discovered to be defeated quite easily.With a nod Thorin rose from the table stating, “Well, Miss Black, we should get our rest. As I said, we rise early to barter for horses in the morning. We’re leaving by sunrise.”He paused at your black brow rising, “Wouldn’t flying be easier?”Thorin lowly asked, “I am not flying on a Dragon.”You smirked back, “And ours would never allow you to mount them. I meant Thestrals.”Thorin, “Thestrals?” Causing you to nod and draw out your magical creatures book summoned from home you opened to their page explaining what they were to the curious group of huddled Dwarves..It didn’t take long for the men to make their way to their preferred beds while you turned back for your door that led you straight into your home. Charlie and the Twins hurried off to spread news of your deal and round up volunteers for the first leg of the journey in the morning.Right onto the glass wrapped ballroom you went and eyed the sky mirroring the one around the bag holding your hoard of shrunken dwellings. Canus Major was right in front and as the clouds rolled in to hasten the snow coming in you sighed and turned to your bedroom. Glumly on the bed Ginny sat and looked up at you watching your path to her side. Leaving your crutches by the bed you magically pulled off your shoes leaving them by the bed easing your task of settling up against your pillows. “Hey Gin.”Tearfully in the quiver of her lip she asked, “I told him I never wanted to see him again!” After a sniffle she said, “Then the ass goes and says he loves me, and to be happy. Then pushed me and Tonks to the portkey when the group spotted me taking the last of their library.”“Tonks was with you then?”Looking at you she wiped her cheek asking, “She wasn’t with-, why, didn’t Dad and Ron show up with her?”You shook your head, “They must have fallen somewhere later in the book.”“We are going to look for them, aren’t we?”“Alastor, Narcissa and Lucius took a flight trying to look for them around the city,” you shook your head, “No sight so far. First we have to help the Dwarves resettle so we can settle in their old city of Dale. Then we can spread out a full search of, what they call Middle Earth.” In the quivering of her lip your hand settled on hers resting on her leg and you said, “We’ll find them. No doubt the longer we are here I’m bound to get a glimpse of where they are, or they might even be on the way.”Ginny nodded and sniffled again wiping her cheek, “Can I sleep with you?”You nodded, “Of course.”“Maybe if I’m with you I won’t dream about Harry.”“Well if you don’t want to dream I can help there too,” waving your hand calling a vial of dreamless draught from your office you passed over she downed and you laid back with her snuggling close in the dimming of the lights to get some sleep. Though as she drifted off your slitted eyes flashed to silver and you watched the memory of Harry sacrificing himself to save the pair and how Tonks blocked a fireball curse from hitting Ginny and got sent off on her own. Forcing your eyes shut you tried to clear your mind focusing on your meditations to refocus calming yourself to head off to sleep yourself hoping for a dream of your father..Inhaling deeply your eyes cracked open at the mooing of your alarm clock you silenced then struggled to your feet to brush your teeth offering a spare brush to Ginny. Combing your hair was next to pull it back up into another ponytail before adding your boots and limping your way down to breakfast finding the Twins, Bill, Percy, Luna, Draco and Neville all up around the table filling their plates from the spread Regulus had set out as you took your own seat to eat as much as you could before helping to gather the herds you would need.A quick stop to the Forbidden Forest later and you were outside the hidden home resting under a tree waiting for the others to wake and exit the home as they had intended. Stolen admiration ended with the cracking of the front door making you turn again ready to help the men up onto the steeds.Outside Bagend in the bright sunlight Bilbo eyed the giant carriage borrowed from Madame Maxime the Dwarves had loaded with their belongings, commenting on the spacious mansion housed within discovered to be your family home at Nori’s questioning. One that would house the Dwarves and Wizards not on their flying shift around it through the days, lowly Thorin named the first group to join him on the first leg. After Bilbo’s own inspection leaving his own bags his eyes shifted to the winged pure white horses the Twins ensured to be secured properly. Open mouthed he gawked at the gorgeous creatures before he said, “Those look nothing like the sketches you showed us.”You chuckled softly, eyeing the elder Dwarves inching closer to the timid Thestrels sniffing them as they neared, choosing their passengers on their size and smell, “It’s alright Bilbo. You can’t see them, but they’re around us.” He spotted Bofur, the first to climb on his, floating curiously mid air on a shifting invisible body leaving strange hoof marks in the dirt path below. “Which is why, I thought Buckbeak might be a better choice for you.”His brow rose, “Buck-beak?”You nodded your head and he approached, eying the same clothes you had worn the night before yet scrubbed clean with the large brace on your leg drawing a limp from you as a grey feathered mixed creature stepped from out behind the Pegasus to eye the small man at your side with a curious squawk. “First rule with Hippogriffs Bilbo, is never insult or disrespect them, very proud vain creatures. So when approaching, you bow, like so.”He eyed and watched your bow at the waist leading to a curious glance from Buckbeak at why you would request his permission to approach when you cared for and disguised him and his father for the past few years since you and Percy had saved their lives. Bowing in return anyway he squawked at you and nuzzled his beak and forehead against your cheek as you approached before realizing you were training the small man how to greet him properly.In another cautious glance over him Buckbeak inhaled then lowered his head in return. After his timid tro closer the Dwarves all watched you help him up onto his back and led Buckbeak to the front of the Pegasus as you walked to straddle your Father’s motorcycle left outside by Hagrid the night prior. Sitting on the seat beside the shrunken dragons in the sidecar at Bilbo’s yearning glance at his home you drew your wand shrinking it into a protective orb. In the spell the gaze of those watching shifted curiously at its sinking and leaving an empty patch of dirt in place of the small house under the hill at the base of a massive tree and surrounding gardens. A gasp left Bilbo at your pocketing the orb you’d trapped it in your bag settled in the sidecar before you met his eye to ask, “You didn’t want to bring it along? I can put it back, it’s a bit of a habit, we never leave our homes behind.”He shook his head, “No, thank you. I’d hate to leave it. It will be safe in your bag?”You nodded, “It’s enchanted, keeps everything safe inside, besides the orb is enchanted as well.” Making his smile grow. With a smile of your own you kick started the bike revealing the source of the roar from the night before drawing awed expressions on their faces George called out, “Brooms up.” Causing him, Fred, Bill, Percy, Luna, Draco and Neville to hover around you for the first leg of the trip. Steadily you led the path down the road and at the curve took off into the sky with Thorin’s Thestral following after stirring a ripple of the others and Buckbeak to do the same as the Pegasus did the same pulling up the rear.Up into the frigid air you inhaled sharply trying not to cry knowing you were heading off leaving those lost to their own just so you could hope these men would be truthful and grant you the land promised to house your people. You wanted this to be true, to be real, and that you would not be left to drastic measures to protect your people and ensure prospering in the future. Still snowflakes fell around you from the clouds above and you tried to keep your gaze off the sidecar where your mother’s cat Crookshanks should be lounging had you not lost your second bag in the trip he was napping in. You should have left him at home, but he kept yowling insisting to go with you and no doubt would teleport to your lap anyways had you left him behind. The bag was enchanted so he should be safe, you hoped he was merely lost with one of the others and could show up one day dragging the bag he was in ready to leap into your arms, as soon as you’d let go of your father whenever he would be found.
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All morning you flew and upon landing in a clearing for a break at lunch the Dwarves watched as you and the Twins had circled the camp of resting steeds and dismounting Dwarves. Out the opening door of the wagon the rest of the Company exited with tables of food prepared the teens who would be taking over the next leg were levitating out to the hungry group. Joining in on the inspection of your curious circle of the camp their eyes rose to watch a protective barrier grow around the group before you led the trio to the wagon you climbed into heading to your own lunch. Hushed whispers spread through the Dwarves gathering on the grass that died in smelling the stew dishing itself out in a wave of Cho’s wand, only for Kili to step closer to Charlie and ask, “The others aren’t going to join us?”Charlie smirked at him offering him a roll from the floating basket he accepted, “They’ll come around. Always do.”Dori, “Always?”Charlie, “Well, Jaqi tends to pull away the longest, the others should be somewhat normal in a day or two.”Nori, “Why does Jaqi take longer?”With a soft chuckle Charlie replied, “How long are you planning on stopping for lunch, bit of a tale.”Thorin’s brow rose, “At least a couple hours to rest the, Thestrals. We have time.” Mainly hoping to feed the shared curiosity about your past seeing it seemed to be the deepest of your young group.Charlie sighed and said, “Well, first off, Hogwarts has four founders, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Jaqi’s related to all four.” Stirring impressed looks from all the Dwarves. Now the first three got along, and Slytherin had the idea that only pure blood families from Wizarding lines should be allowed to study in their schools since the Muggles were attacking our people unjustly. He eventually left the school and wasn’t heard of since. A long way down his line were the Gaunt Family with the youngest, Morfin and his Sister Merope.Merope fell in love with a Muggle, a non-magic folk, but he didn’t feel the same. She ended up using a love potion on him, after she’d gotten pregnant she thought he’d actually loved her, so she stopped giving him the potion, and he not so shockingly ran off. She died shortly after their Son was born, Tom Riddle. He was sent off to a Muggle orphanage and was at eleven accepted to Hogwarts.Flash forward decades later, Morfin kidnapped a woman from a Noble line from France, the Pears. His father took her jewels and money and eventually they had a Daughter, Jewelia, after she was born Riddle had found his father’s family and went to speak to them. When they refused to accept him he killed them along with the Gaunts blaming the murders of the Riddles on Morfin. Now orphaned Jewelia was adopted by the Evans family, who had two Daughters, Petunia and Lily. Jewelia and Lily both happened to share a birthday, and seemed like twins anyway, even without Jewelia’s morphing abilities, um, that’s how Jaqi can change her appearance.” Earning a nod from the Dwarves and Bilbo while Gandalf listened intently under his furrowed brows.“Riddle had tried when he was in his twenties to get a position at Hogwarts but when he was refused he jinxed it and broke contact with the world forming his alliances with other Wizards all hating the Muggles and Wizards that protect and befriend them. They called themselves the Death Eaters.When they turned eleven, Jewelia and Lily were accepted to Hogwarts. Jaqi was born their last year in school, same day as Fred and George, same room too, Jewelia had been scared about having her first child and she came to Mum about tips. One day they were mid discussion and they both went into labor. And when Jaqi was three, he’d found out about a prophecy of a child that would bring about his death. He assumed it was Lily’s Son, Harry, so he went searching for him. That’s when he learned he had a Cousin. He tried to convince her to join him,”The Dwarves all spotted his momentary pause and hatred mingled with remorse at adding this next part, “When Jewelia refused, he tortured her for the location of Lily, her Husband James and Harry. She refused again, and he killed her.”All their lips parted, and they saw the deepening of his pained expression, “What he didn’t know was that the man, Peter, that had led him to her saw Jaqi and enchanted the cupboard she was hidden in to muffle her sounds. But she saw and heard everything through the broken slot in the door. She was terrified, and with Wizarding children their powers are purely instinctual, so in moments she was with her Aunt, Uncle and Harry just in tears. Not long after, Riddle found them. James died first, trying to give Lily a chance, but she only made it to the nursery.But, now there’s a rule, with the killing curse, you can only use it on one person at a time. He didn’t know Jaqi was a morpher so he didn’t think twice about trying to kill the infant cowering behind a cat. Riddle’s body was destroyed and his soul was cast off. Leaving Harry as the Boy Who Lived, and Jaqi as the Girl Who Died Protecting Him. Regulus, her Uncle and Remus took her when her Father Sirius went off after Peter. Sirius was arrested when Peter faked his death, leaving Regulus and Professor Minerva, her Godmother to raise her in hiding, not a hard thing to do with her morphing. Fred and George took it the hardest, it was just after Halloween, right before yule time.But there was a knock at the door and Remus showed up with her hidden under his jacket. They had to give her a sleeping draught to help keep her quiet for the trip to our home. Mum jumped in to help watch her, while him and Regulus went to try and get Sirius free. We swapped off summers and holidays between our homes until they went off to school and the world found out she wasn’t dead.”Balin cautiously asked , “What happened to Harry?”Charlie, “He was sent to his Aunt Petunia’s on his mother’s side. Not the nicest woman, but soon after we’d convinced her, with Jaqi’s Cousin’s help to send Harry off to some boarding school in the middle of nowhere, and we used to give him potions and enchanted jewelry to turn his hair different shades. We’d already had such a large family nobody really paid attention to how many of us there were around. Anyway, through school Riddle found a way to get a new body. Tried each year to try and kill Harry when he could. But Jaqi, thought of another way to handle him than head on. Convinced him she wanted to join him, brought him close, found out through Regulus he had these items he’d cursed so he couldn’t die while they were intact, and as she got closer she was able to sneak glimpses into his memories and find out what and where they were.Few years ago, Jaqi was his second in command, playing the spy for both sides, publicly they would duel and go at each other then in private she would give him locations and times to follow through his plans that the Aurors were ready to counter. The final plan, was to attack Hogwarts. So Jaqi did what she did best, set a trap for him and the Death Eaters, his followers. Went through the school making Madrake doubles, roots that with certain ingredients can form as a double someone can control with their minds, she made one for all the students, who she evacuated to her home, along with the Aurors and Order of the Pheonix. After it was over, she’d killed her Uncle, taken full control of the Death Eaters who she turned over to be imprisoned and was soon arrested herself.”Thorin along with all the Dwarves interjected, “What?!”Charlie nodded, “We had a new Minister of Magic, and he wanted to set an example. They all started screaming when she was sentenced to life. But Percy managed to convince them, with the help of the revealed to still be living former Minister Rufus against that. Jaqi’s parents were the first ones in their family to do anything positive, and she took that legacy very seriously, and she took it very hard that her Uncle was the one to start a war that nearly destroyed our world. She, like her parents were still painted with the same brush as their families, something she used to her advantage in gaining Riddle’s confidence. So after the crowds finally calmed down the former Minister Rufus sentenced her to a life serving and protecting the children of the Wizarding world. Forcing her to spend the rest of her life as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, but if any of the Death Eaters she asked them to pardon due to their spy status turned or harmed anyone she would be executed for breaking the condition that they would never rise again.”Dwalin, “Then why were you running?”Charlie, “Because three different groups of Riddles last followers rose after two years of recruiting. We all split up, taking a group, found the date they were going to attack the main Muggle towns as well as the Wizarding shopping centers, grabbed everyone and everything we could and ran.”Fili, “Then why would Jaqi be so upset, you’re safe now.”Charlie lowered his glass after taking a drink, “Because thousands of children are orphans now because she gave the order to run. She’s barely 21, we’re not that far from her age either, it’s a heavy decision to bear.”Thorin, “21? How old are her son and daughter?”Charlie chuckled softly, “Teddy is her Cousin Tonks’ and her Godfather Remus’ Son. Left him in her care. Em is nearly three, though she’s adopted. Helping Barty to raise his daughter from another woman.”Balin asked cautiously, “They passed, Teddy’s parents?”Charlie, “Tonks and Harry, didn’t make the first leg of the plan. Their group found them out and looks like they forced Ginny to take the portkey and run. Sirius and Remus were, with our Father, Arthur and our baby Brother Ronald, we got split up in the last stretch of barriers we had to break.”Bill, “They’ll turn up though.” Percy, Bill and Charlie nodded as well.Percy, “If anyone can find them Jaqi can.”Charlie, “Family trait. The Black family are just magnets to each other, can’t keep them apart for anything.”Thorin wet his lips, “Is that why the children look to her over Albus?”Percy, “She taught them how to protect their families. Hid them, for months. When they were at school she housed the families of the Muggle born students before the final showdown at Hogwarts and put doubles in their places to avoid suspicion. She gave them hope. As terrified as we all were, even Harry, the Boy Who Lived, all the Aurors, the Ministry, all centered around what information she fed us. As terrifying as the Death Eaters and Riddle were, she was fifty times worse, but every time she’d take the full brunt of it all to keep them all safe.”Wetting his lips Draco rolled up his sleeve, “The Dark Mark, for Riddle’s followers. Ours came easily under Jaqi’s orders, but hers and everyone else’s, they’re earned after two weeks of endless torture.” Through misting eyes Thorin understood how you’d managed to have handled such pain in their mending of your injuries without a reaction. “As the mark heals you’re not allowed to shed tears or it starts to bleed heavily. Encourages a set of behavior allowing yourself to be attacked heavily and show no response, to disturb your opponent. For nearly 18 years it’s been a compounding pain, so for now, she’s a living breathing raw open wound, but she’ll come around, we all will.”Fleur shifted in her seat leaning against Bill’s side deepening his smile as he stroked her swollen baby bump, and said in a thick accent, “Darkness never lasts for long, moon always rises again my Mother say.” Joining her hand with Bill’s in a stroke of her own making the Dwarves chuckle lightly.Bofur, “If I may, just how are you certain that last group will show up?”The table chuckled as Dean said, “Because Seamus here can’t manage a spell without something exploding.”Causing the brows of the group to rise before Bill added, “Meaning they probably got stuck on the tail end of the portkey as it blew up once we were sucked inside, sending them to a different location.”Thorin, “And her punishment, Albus is enforcing it?”The teens all chuckled as Charlie answered, “Not anymore. She volunteered for the job a few years before the sentence. That’s why that punishment was chosen. Trust me she’d have gone into hiding if it had been anything else.”Bill, “Besides, barely anyone left of the old Ministry Wizengamot to enforce it. We’ll have to start all that council over ourselves and go through the laws and verdicts of Fudge’s and Rufus’ to right their wrongs.”Gandalf, “I would assume Albus would be grateful to have the child of all four founders teaching Defense in his school.”Percy, “We all are. Even just on her Father’s last name it’s quite an achievement for the school. It being one of the oldest pure blood Wizarding lines around. The Pears as well in France.”Thorin, “Similar to the Durin clan then for us Dwarves. Descendants of he first awoken Dwarf.”Seamus, “Thought we weren’t supposed to use the term Dwarf.”Dean nudged his side, “I think that’s just in our world.” Turning his head to Thorin, “Your people don’t mind being called Dwarves?”Their brows furrowed as Thorin replied, “Why would we?”Dean, “It’s a very complicated explanation all stemming down to they’re really short people, usually under four feet that were called that.”Thorin, “Our kin range from four to lower five feet on average.”All the heads turned as you exited the doorway between the twins who lowered the trays in your arms to the table coated in the odd sandwiches as you asked, “Alright, who had blueberry jam with pickles?”Seamus swallowed his mouthful and said, “Well my Sis Sally came by last night to borrow some jam, not sure how it got in the pickles.”Dean chuckled, “Must have been a snack she made for Dennis, he eats pickles and jam. Been trying to win him over for months yet.”Seamus rolled his eyes, “She’s barely 11…”Hermione chuckled taking the seat between Fili and Charlie the Dwarf eagerly eased out for her as you and the Twins took the empty seats on the other side of Percy between him and Oliver who shifted his coat from the seats beside him for Neville and Luna. Your eyes met Gandalf’s to ask, “So, Gandalf, why exactly did our ears change when we came here?”Gandalf, “Well it appears your kin were changed into Elves.” Stirring up a lengthy discussion on the various races with a promise to share their histories after dinner to your group and the small children back in Hogwarts eager to know the answer as well.Once the group felt rested and fed enough you found your feet and went to the carriage again leaving the new wave of teens in charge under Charlie’s watch. Shrinking your bike you held in your hand into the carriage you went saying, “I’m off to study hall.”Mumbling lowly the Dwarves repeated your last two words until Hermione said, “For the students making up their final year, to catch them up before the big exams in June. She is helping them to study all they have missed and gotten behind on.”Looking you over Bofur asked in a bump of Fili’s boot against his, “Miss, Granger, was it, are you a student too?”Shaking her head she grinned saying, “No, I’m going to be a part of the new Ministry Council though. Once we’ve settled, that is. Help to get us off on the right foot.”Her eyes shifted between the two Dwarves in front of her then she turned accepting the broom Charlie offered her with a smirk, “Come on Hermi, front of the line.” Guiding her in front of the steeds being mounted and taking their places the pair mounted their brooms while Cho helped close the door behind Bilbo then mounted her own broom after trotting back into place beside Cedric.In a glance at her he asked playfully, “You sure your comet will last through the snow, my dear Chosovee?”Rolling her eyes she fired back, “Just mind your own wobbles, Ceddy. No wind so far and the snow is quite fair.” Chuckling to himself he joined her in Charlie’s call to kick off and surround the steeds to keep watch of any dangers. Filling in the lines Dean, Seamus and Viktor kept watch as well with the latter curiously eyeing the familiar blonde Dwarf who kept talking to his brother between nods at Hermione’s back. *Through the bustling halls you limped your way to your study hall where you were joined by the supposed to be graduating class from last year hoping to catch up for the set make up exams in June. Crossing the room you felt their eyes on you inspecting you for any more injuries before you sat on the edge of your desk saying, “We’ve managed a good distance so far. By what our new friend Gandalf can tell we can make the trip from six months in just under one, hopefully.”A teen asked, “How can we be certain they will keep their word?”In a sigh eyeing Barty trotting in the room with Em in his arm from his free period you answered, “We must hope for the best. If not, then we find a new patch of land.” With a grin you accepted Em and sat her on the desk beside you saying, “You’re late.”Barty huffed, “Couldn’t sleep, bit sluggish, another false labor last night.” Making you chuckle as he turned and darted out of the room while you opened the lunch box for Em so she could eat with you.“What topic do we start on today?” hands shot up and you wrote down each on the edge of the black board to get to later and started on the first keeping focus between the lessons and your daughter. When the lesson was done Regulus arrived gladly accepting watch over Em until Barty would be through his classes for the day while yours lasted nearly to supper.…Under the cover of moonlight the castle rested as the Company waited in the grassy clearing overlooking the hills housing the Whomping Willow, Hagrid’s Hut and the giant lake on the path to the forbidden forest curiously awaiting the mythical beast they had only heard tales of. Hissing whispers echoed through the giant open corridor causing them to turn around with widening eyes at the bright green glowing eyes revealing a firm enchantment on them between blinks of the giant serpent exiting the opening behind you.After a darting of her tongue to catch the scents of the strangers you calmed her about Tulip turned her head and made her way to Hagrid’s Hut to claim her waiting dinner the Professor had joyfully claimed the task of granting her that night. With parted lips they eyed her near endless body as it slithered past them and down the waving grass coated hills.Ori, “Are all Basilisks that big?”“We’re not certain. Normally they live in seclusion from what we can tell, far away from other creatures until they need to feed. Though our war killed most of the largest we could find near to her size. Most of the rest were roughly seven feet long at the most.”Motioning his hand over his face Dwalin asked, “And the, eyes? You, chose to enchant them?”You nodded, “She’s incredible. When the twins and I first found her in the chamber she was so frightened of me.”Thorin, “She, was frightened of you?”“The last person to speak to her in parcel tongue hexed her into killing one of the Muggle born students.” His lips parted, “It took weeks for her to even leave her tunnel with her eyes closed after we found the potion to grant her control of her eyes. It helped with her trusting us, being able to have contact and be close to us. Of course Minerva wanted to see her and the Chamber for herself, as did our Creatures Professor. Quite a find, first Basilisk to be recorded past hatching out of the wild. Centuries old, she’s seen and heard so much, least we could do was protect her.”Fili, “From what?”“The Ministry wanted to take her, study her, in their own way.”Balin, “Kill her and put her on display you mean.” You nodded.Thorin glanced down the hill at Hagrid stroking the giant serpent along her side loudly praising her size, commenting she must have grown another foot in the past few months before meeting your gaze again with a soft smile, “You seem to have a habit of collecting dangerous creatures.”You smirked back replying, “Careful King Thorin, I might just add you to my collection.” Stirring a ripple of chuckles from the group. All together they watched your left eye go milky as Opal exited the corridor, growing to her normal size with her left eye shining in a bright purple as she leapt into the sky. Claiming her nightly flight with the aid of a draconic spell sharing your sight with her fueled by your trusting bond as your weekly phoenix tear elixir had been slowly repairing her sight from her former half blind status at your stealing her.Your trust of the creature loosening their nerves around the surprisingly docile winged beasts he’d once imagined attacking his men when you had finally slept. But even the flames they spat barely sent off any heat at all, leaving only fading whisps of white flames across the boots of the Dwarves at their near stepping on their splayed out wings or tails, mere warnings to announce their presence. Glancing up he caught the sight stirring a smile from your clearly near broken state, the pale grey scales coating the under wings reflecting light from the moon in a shimmering pattern casting off small glimmers of rainbows between her long relaxed flaps. Like living flying opals if he had to put it in words for his kin to understand. Even he had to admit she was beautiful under the pure moonlight, every ounce of her formed to destroy and defend what was hers, and yet in her broken and tortured former life she had still held a peaceful trusting heart claiming her saviors as her greatest treasure to defend eternally.Turning back to look at you again he could clearly see how you had claimed them, bearing a similar pain and firmly beating heart ready to fall for any of the innocents around you. All these giant deadly creatures and yet they coiled behind you for protection, barely past a child yourself and yet your words of finding some of the most beautiful and kindest of creatures within the most deadliest of shapes echoed in his mind.Tulip being the greatest example of this, one look and you would die or if you were lucky be petrified, and yet you saw a deep aching loneliness in the creature’s past, forever being separated from the world around her, a simple potion later and her loyalty was yours. Opal just the same, broken chains and even leaving yourself half blind, even temporarily, showed your offer of trust and freedom for her to once again fly and see the world she was barred from.A single look at you in this world with these people and strange creatures clinging to your protection and guidance he could feel it, his entire being joining them as his frail trust extended to consider you fully a member of his Company. A cry from a swooping screech owl however broke your peaceful moment making you stand and wince putting your weight on your still throbbing hip at the echoing chorus of cries coming from the large room of orphaned infants and toddlers.Their calming was soon aided by the Dwarves who all surprisingly cooed and sang to them easing them into sleep once again to the melody Thorin played on his harp. One girl in particular claiming a handful of Dwalin’s beard stirring a misty eyed smile from the burly warrior. A single glance from you stirred a curious thought about his attachment that was silenced with a pat on your back by his Brother stating girls are few and far between for their race, children even more so..All night after being unable to sleep from your pain after a visit to Madame Pomfrey to inspect your clearly just bruised and inflamed hip you helped to keep watch in the nursery and fell asleep on one of the spare mattresses there for those on watch. Changing of those on watch had Ginny climbing off the mattress behind you at Cho’s waking you both for her own round on watch. Groggily you made your way to the Hollow for breakfast where in her own poorly roused spirits Molly had pulled together a breakfast with Percy and the Twins’ help. Her forced smile lingered and kept your gaze on her until the others broke up for their own rounds and tasks with Ginny going to help Fleur finish her blanket she was making for her daughter.Quietly helping to clean up you found Molly in the kitchen and wrapped her in a tight hug she gladly melted into, “We’ll find them Mum.” Your cheek resting against her head. “We’ve found the brothers from my sketches, more Elves are the ones from my other sketches with the guys. Gandalf says the Elf territories are on the way to Erebor, bound to find a sign the closer we get.”In her pulling back she wiped her cheeks and said, “No doubt with Sirius out there surely we’ll see smoke signals in the distance if their supplies are low.” Making you giggle and reach out to fix the collar on her dress.“Do you need any more supplements?”Shakily she inhaled and shook her head settling a hand on her belly, “No, stocked up before we left. No doubt I’ll be showing by the time we get settled. Won’t have to find the words to say it then.”Chuckling softly you said, “He’ll be over the moon. More babies.” Stirring another teary grin onto her face, “You know you love having tiny feet racing through the house, between explosions that is.”Chuckling herself she nodded, “I had just settled to having grandchildren over, and now another baby of my own.” Her eyes flinched from the window to you again, “Ginny talked to you?”You nodded, “Harry pushed her and Tonks ahead, stayed behind.”“And the baby?”Smoothing your fingers over your forehead you answered lowly, “I can’t sense her line growing yet.” Parting Molly’s lips, “But it did take a few months for Fleur to set me off, I might just be too distracted to feel it yet.”Molly wet her lips, “She hasn’t been getting sick lately.” Inching closer she asked, “Have you spoken to Romilda yet? Told her about Harry?”After a sigh you answered, “Romilda’s pregnant,” parting her lips, “And very emotional, due in just a few months, if we could just keep her calm and safe until it’s a bit closer then we can be sure her son’s safe.”Molly, “A boy? What, what are her plans? She’s so young.”“Dad’s taking him, she won’t keep him. We’ve got the legal side wrapped up, dissolution of custody papers signed along with the adoption papers. He’s gonna be my brother.”Molly, “Does Ginny know?”“Not yet. I was going to give it a few days then tell her.” Tearily you added, “Though I know it’s only going to hurt her more.”Molly nodded, “We’ll see her through this.”
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From the Hollow to your first class you went and remained guiding the students through their usual lessons after knowing that Narcissa was helping Draco watch over Teddy and Em. Fred and George headed your place in the flying rounds through the week and to force herself out of reach of fawning relatives Ginny started coming to join you for RoR club at noon. Each day her mood seemed to fluctuate while all your dreams when you could manage to sleep were centered around your blonde duo.Saturday however brought you from your night curled up in the nursery keeping watch over Em and Teddy between lingering stares up at the wall of windows revealing the starry night. Still the stars standing for Remus and your father shimmered showing that they were alive but still not close enough. Numbly you endured without sleep and held up the façade of calm and ease while internally you screamed and sobbed hoping that you could trust yourself to get your people through this. It was clear, there were those still furious at all they had suffered at your call to flee, those among the Order who were slowly coming around to the fact that you were forced to have sided with Grindelwald and set him free so you could survive. Though carefully placed meetings with them at their request answered their questions and calmed their worries on your intentions for having done so. Dumbledore would surely never forget or understand how he had pushed you to do it. It seemed all that was left was to gain your own forgiveness for your methods.…Blinking in the warm early sunrise you glanced around the camp before your head turned at Dennis’ wand pointed at your left, your lips parted at the giant scar coated wolf sniffing around the pulsing barrier around your camp with a mangled and scarred metal clad sneering creature muttering in some foreign tongue. The Dwarves all clutched their weapons then dropped them at the boy’s clear stating of “Ridikulus!”A whirling whisp passed over their figures before the creature riding the wolf exploded into a pile of candy and pieces of paper as the wolf turned into a small yipping puppy looking around curiously before trotting away. Lowering their weapons the Dwarves all looked at you as your body relaxed as you softly said, “Huh..” Turning your head to face Dennis you said, “Well done Dennis.”Fred chuckled patting him on the shoulder, “Easy enough way to deal with,”George, “Whatever those were.”Thorin, “That was a Warg with an orc rider.”Again you nodded and replied, “Hmm. Easy enough to handle and for all the students to manage if needed.”Dwalin, still aching from his loss of contact with the small child he cradled through the night asked, “That spell..”You met his eyes, “We have a creature called a Boggart, it takes the form of whatever you fear. You think of something funny about it, say Ridikulus and laugh at it’s shifting into what you imagined. Laughter is it’s greatest weakness, drives it away.”Thorin, “And it won’t turn back?” You shrugged, “Comforting.”You smirked at him, “We don’t know everything about our world just as you don’t about yours. How do you fight them, these Orcs and Wargs?” They all raised their weapons and you nodded again then glanced at Dennis, “We’ll stick to our shifting spells for the students. Only use force when necessary.”Thorin nodded in agreement as Balin replied, “Very understandable. Best not force the bairns into that task when a flick of the wrist will do just as well.”.Slowly the men watched your bruises and swollen left leg heal, even with the aid of your potions and tonics revealing just how exhausted you had truly been upon your arrival. All joining around you aiding in your tending the children between traded shifts of flight as they accepted your offer of sitting in on a few of your lessons with the first years, the only classes with enough spare seats allowing them to join between similar offers from a few other Professors as well. Then in the night returning to aiding in your nightly shift of patrols on the halls with the prefects as a certain restless infant left one of the fiercest of the group completely defenseless as he cradled her sleeping form against his chest through his gentle humming at his Brother’s side.All returning your protection and aid to their quest with whatever duties they could claim as you learned each other. Working tirelessly and relaxing in your already firm friendship before collapsing into a sleeping pile on the lone large mattress you’d added to the infant’s room to be there when needed and allowing little Melody, or Lulu as Dwalin called her for the shortened Khuzdul translation of her name, her chosen security blanket.…Clearly a shout sounded from the mouth of a tear stained child surrounded by others you had separated her from due to their bickering with Minerva and Trelawney’s help, “This is all your fault!! We never asked you to do this! To hide us! You should have just left us alone!” She jerked her hand from her friend’s grip as she stepped away from you in your frozen stance with your emotionless yet soft gaze at her while the Company eased into the doorway from the nursery curiously, “My Parents are dead because of your plan!” Tears rolled down her cheek yet again as her lip quivered through her spitting out, “You’re just as bad as they were! Just another heartless Death Eater!” On her heel she turned and raced away as shocked expressions rippled through the crowd all glancing between you and the girls little Sister Becca who walked to you with fists curling in front of her eyes as her face curled in grief.Between her sobs against your shoulder after your crouching down to hold her she mumbled out, “Mummy said to stay with you. I told Gemma Mummy knew you would keep us safe. Gemma didn’t mean it!”Along the wall the men clearly caught your momentary slip of a near unbearable pain in your eyes before it slipped away behind your mask once again. You locked eyes with the calmed child, wiping her cheeks gently, “I know it hurts, and I can’t promise you’ll see them again, but I will do everything I can to protect what they loved the most. Gemma is hurting, if she, or anyone here needs to hate me to grieve their losses, let them.”With another quivering lip she replied, “But-…”Your thumb claimed another of her tears, “Anger is expected in grief, and easier to release with someone nearby to pin it on. If anyone is angry with me, or hates me, let them. It will pass. Fighting does nothing to ease our pain in times like these. Do you understand?” She nodded with a sniffle stirring a soft smile from you, “Good. Now I believe it should be time for your candy club meeting correct?” She nodded after a wide eyed glance at the clock on the wall then raced off after flashing you another smile. Leaving you to rise in the dispersing crowd in Minerva’s comforting pat on your shoulder after Trelawney’s offer for tea she would put on for you both in her office. Trembling hands had you sliding them into your pockets and walk to the same grassy hill to look over the lands and swaying forest once again as the sun shone above you brightly while the world thundered around your rain soaked camp around the barrier guarded carriage.Wordlessly the Company all gathered around you to hear you ask, “How am I supposed to tell a four year old that I’m glad they will never see their parents again. That they should be glad as well, because, yes, they’re orphans, but their children possibly won’t be. How do I get them to understand that?”Balin gently rested his hand on your shoulder, “They’ll understand when they’re older. The other older bairns know. The little ones will come around.”Gandalf joined you, “You said it quite masterfully.” He leaned forward spotting Kreacher popping up and passing Teddy to you stirring a smile from you at his sleeping body snuggling to your chest calming after a bout of crying signaling his need for a nap. Em came next sleeping in Barty’s arms sitting beside you giving your arm a comforting tap with his own while Dwalin’s head turned with a growing grin at the squeaking girl reaching for him from George’s arms, soon to be passed to him as they laid out resting their heads on your lap as George said, “No tears now.”Stirring your smile back as Fred said, “Our dads, Moony and little WonWon will probably fall from the trees any day now.”George, “Besides, they haven’t missed a birthday yet.” Deepening your smile.“No they haven’t.”Kili, “Birthday?”You smiled at him, “Our birthday, April first.”Silently you caught a glimpse of their inner cogs working at the upcoming date stirring a soft chuckle from you as you looked out over the distance once again hoping their words would somehow come true...In their splitting up to help keep the children distracted you stood with Barty and together went up to the Divinations tower and filled the love seat across from Sybil’s arm chair raising the cups of tea she had poured for you both. “I do not see grim tidings, oddly enough.” Making you smirk.Barty, “There’s always time for them to find us.” Making you three chuckle in the settling of the children in your arms.Sybil, “They will calm. It is fresh still. We can see it, between their classes they do have moments of sadness, as they will. Then they see the suffering in all of us. They are not alone. My symbols all point that we can trust these Dwarves.”You nodded, “I can’t sense any reason not to. If Crookshanks were here we could tell better.”Barty, “No doubt he’ll turn up, Love.”“I know, always does. Maybe Dad caught him.”Sybil extended her hands for your empty tea cup and turned it around in your setting it in her palms. With parting lips she eyed it then clasped them shut in a soft, “Hmm.”Your brow inched up and Barty said playfully, “Sounds like a more comforting hmm, than a dangerous one.”In the rising of her gaze she stated, “I see babies. Triplets, apparently.”Barty scoffed in your giggle and he teased, “Just can’t let me have multiples on my own can you?”Handing over his own cup he looked Sybil over as she looked his over with another, “Hmm.”This time lower making Barty say, “See, now there is a less pleased hmm.”Sybil looked up saying, “I see a painful encounter with a duck, but you will not be alone.”Barty looked to you, “Ah, our marks I take it? Have you decided on when yet?” In a shake of your head your eyes flickered to silver and you stood in their flash back to purple.Sybil, “Something is coming?”“No, Ginny needs me.”Barty grinned accepting the second cup of tea her tea pot filled on its own, “Thank you.”Sybil, “I am certain young Ginny will mend.”Barty, “Oh, I am sure of it. Few hundred broken plates and she might bounce back nicely in a month or so.”Sybil, “Ooh, maybe we could do that, have a broken pottery activity!” Excitedly sipping on her tea, “We let them use small mallots to break pottery to coat tables and picture frames and such.”Barty grinned, “We could give it a shot, talk to Minerva about it.” *Straight from the room you used your enchanted door to set Teddy in his Nursery to sleep and went through the hall where you heard crying through Ginny’s door. “Gin,”In a sob she called out, “It’s open, Jaq-,”Easing inside you closed the door behind you and strolled through her room finding her on the mat in front of her tub drying clearly the reason for her pinkened skin around her baggy sweater, sweat capris and socked feet. Settling down beside her your hand landed on her knees and she said, “I lost it-,” Slumping into your chest she sniffled in your arms draping around her, “Now there’s nothing left-,” A sob racked through her as your eyes filled with tears. “No piece of Harry!”Until she calmed you held her crying silently until she sniffled and sat up in Kreacher’s return with a mug of tea, “Tea, to help you heal.”Ginny nodded, “Thank you K.”Sniffling again as you wiped your cheeks and straightened up at his gentle pat on your arm, “Grilled cheese and cocoa coming up.”You nodded, “Thank you.” When he left the room you looked to her again saying to Ginny as you folded your fingers around the rim of the cup you guided her to set down parting her lips. “You’re going to want both hands to hit me with.”Shaking her head, “What-?”A deep breath later and you said, “Your baby wasn’t the only piece of Harry we have left.”She shook her head again, “Like a Horcrux?”You shook your head, “A baby.”Her mouth dropped open and she said after a moment of her eyes scanning over the ground, “Romilda?” You nodded, “Why-, I know why you didn’t say, but, why the secrecy?”“Because, it’s painful.”“When’s she due? She’s not mad at me? We’ll all want to see it. It’s Harry’s!” she gasped, “Did Harry know?”“She never told him, if he guessed why we took her out of the group or not I don’t know. As far as I know she isn’t mad at you, just didn’t want to hurt you again.” After wetting your lips you said, “She’s signed adoption papers.”“Adop-, who? Who’s getting the baby Jaqi?!”“Dad.” In that she exhaled and leaned back against the tub wiping her cheeks, “I’m sorry. We’re just trying to keep things calm now, there’s just so many babies to look after, and she’s miserable and,” you sighed, “And we haven’t told her yet, so she’ll be bound to burst into labor when she hears,”“So we don’t tell her.” She shook her head when your eyes met, “We can’t tell her, if it hurts the baby-, we haven’t publicly said anything. So she can assume he’s just lost with Ron or something.” In her eyes looking over the ground again she sniffled and wiped her cheeks again, “Is it terrible I’m relieved?”“No.”“I’m barely 18,”“I know,” shifting to sit by her as she grabbed her tea again she slid to lean against your arm, “Dad’s not, after having to share Em, he was getting a bit nostalgic for another baby in the house.”“Names? Have you two picked yet?”With a grin you said, “I think Phineas would be adorable.” Making her smirk, “Just think, little half Veela FinFin,” making her chuckle weakly.“You think he’d have Lily’s hair?”Grinning at her you said, “One would hope we might have a bright green eyed curly fiery haired little boy to bring home. Even dark curls would be lovely, unless Romilda had actually been using that necklace of hers to darken hers after all, then white or silver.”“April then?” you looked at her, “When she’d be due?”“April.”Back again K appeared and you grinned accepting the cocoa and plate of grilled cheese sandwiches, “Thank you.”K, “Mistress, Mrs Granger is here asking to speak with you.”“Huh,” you muttered softly to yourself.Ginny said, “You go, I’ll go see Mum after the tea.”Leaning over you kissed her forehead saying, “Let me know if you need me.”“Wonder what she could need. She’s rarely so formal.”On your feet you took a bite of one of your sandwiches hovering the plate in front of you for a moment to do so with a sip of cocoa after. Down the hall to the sitting room K led you to you found her anxiously seated with a cup of tea all her own she set down to shift facing you when you sat beside her on the couch hovering your cup to take another bite of your sandwich. “Jaqi, this is all new, and I haven’t shared this past my husband yet, but, I’m pregnant again.” Making you grin around your mouthful at another old dream coming true, “But I was wondering, is there some magical form of prenatal vitamins? Since the old world we came from is gone and I can’t just pop round to the shop on the corner.”A wave of your hand brought a jar you passed to her, “Only have the grape ones left, but I can brew up some more by the end of the week. Same as the others, once a day, preferably with food or things tend to get a bit, gurgly, in your belly. Trust me, try to avoid it.”With a nod she folded her hand around it then asked, “What do you think of the Durins? I just came from a meeting with Fili and Balin. Asked for permission to sit on watch tonight with Hermione tonight. Not sure why. I mean, if she likes him why ask us?”With a giggle you said, “They still wear armor and fight with swords and axes, it seems a lot of their traditions might be a bit old fashioned. They seem respectable, and Fili seems to be will intended. Plenty genuine on his feelings for Hermi. Just needs time, and permission obviously from family for them to learn one another closely to see if it would work.”She nodded, “I just don’t want my little girl to get her heart broken. Viktor didn’t pan out, now this-,”“Well if he does you can be certain we’ll be blowing up their mountain.” Making her grin at your teasing smirk after a moment of panic at the threat, “He won’t, they will all love her, and no doubt she’ll be pampered and adored all her life, though limited to flats.” Making her chuckle as you giggled again. *Under the moonlight in her seat Hermione smoothed her fingers along the knees of her jeans and once again let out a soft giggle making Bofur grin and look at her instead of the dopey eyed Prince staring at her left enjoying the sound of her happiness in being in his company. Bofur shifted from his own seat to stroll over from his own seat asking, “Ah, Miss Granger. Now you have me curious,” Peering up at him her grin doubled as he asked, “What has you giggling?”Hermione sheepishly glanced away then answered looking back, “Talked to my Mum earlier, she’s pregnant!” In her eager squeak the men smiled at her, “Dad had a bad accident as a boy and was told not to expect children, so needless to say I was a shock, now she’s had another surprise!”Bofur, “Congratulations. Quite a blessing.”Hermione nodded and wiped her cheek in a stray tear from the corner of her eye worrying the men for a moment until she said, “This one will be safe. No more war with Wizards and Muggles. They won’t have to be scared for us anymore.”Bofur’s hand reached out to pat her shoulder kindly through Fili’s gentle pat on the opposite one in saying, “You’ll be safe. We won’t let anything happen to you.”Again her grin widened in her eyes searching the Prince’s and she nodded then looked out to the barrier again settling her hand on top of his stirring a massive grin onto his in its drop to her lap for his first heart swelling bout of hand holding. Grinning himself Bofur eased back to his own chair trying not to draw attention to himself by holding back his pleased chuckles. Softly after a few moments Hermione led a series of questions hoping to draw more of the mystery man’s life to her knowledge when her patience was overweighed by her bubbling curiosity after years of waiting.Ending with her question of, “Do you like sports? There’s a Quidditch match tomorrow at Hogwarts, did you want to come?”“Absolutely!” After a moment of bliss at her invitation and grin up at him he asked, “What’s Quidditch?” making her laugh to herself and start to explain it.*Up at the crack of dawn Fred, George, Cedric, Oliver, Tory and Moran stood with you in the pitch out back of your home readying for your first training session. Battle worn and still exhausted you all grinned seeing Ginny joining you hoping that the exercise might help to lighten your moods before settling into your new supposed homes. All the Quidditch pro teams began to ready themselves for this upcoming season stirring up a much needed hope in the hidden masses. A light at the end of all this darkness and right on time for this World Cup Year. While Fili sat up relaying the terms of the sport to his relatives all too eager to join in on the sporting event at the first sight of the brewing storm around the campsite hindering travel a day the men relented to relaxing and helping the Prince continue to woo his One..With widened eyes in the company of your exhausted group joining the sea of children and teens you were spotted wincing lowering onto your seat in the Professor’s box with Teddy and Em in your arms through Barty’s day with his wife in case she went into another false labor. Ravenclaw and Slytherin both took to the pitch and buzzing themselves the Dwarves perked up while Dwalin nuzzled Lulu closer to his chest worried the noise might make her cry only to calm in her giddy giggles and focus on the rattling lamb toy her parents had left with her.Through the start of the game Charlie explained a bit more of the game while Hermione smiled after sneaking a bit closer to Fili’s side and practically made him melt in easing her hand under his arm to rest there. Off to the side though focused on the intro to Quidditch book you had given him the night before in a joint snack trip, Ori listened as Neville clarified a few details he was confused about.With growing smiles they all watched intently as the smallest of the children had grouped their chairs closer to the front rows for a better look with snacks in floating trays enchanted to not go flying when they would begin their excited cheers. By the end of the match on the way to the winning team’s choice of cocoa when you had joined them the Dwarves had gotten fully into the sport and happily praised the team members with the plays they each enjoyed the most. With Dwalin’s being the most contained only due to Lulu being asleep against his chest driving his tone to an excited slur of whispers..Cocoa would be followed by Hogsmeade the following day and in a joint gathering off all the former Death Eaters in your office. Around the agreed upon design far from intimidating, a duckling that would stare outwards quack and walk in a figure eight followed by tiny duck prints to face outwards again. The sheet of paper was soon obstructed by the offered forearms as you exposed yours by tugging up your long sleeved shirt and held out your wand you then pressed to the mark etched into your skin.Blood trickled up around the image now bubbling up on their exposed arms replacing the Dark Mark stirring up amused smirks on their skin mirroring yours. A sign of new beginnings, though at their insistence the crown remained, though now a crown of woven bluebells sat atop the head of your duckling with tiny blue petals joining the duck prints in its eager trotting. Each of you coated the marks with thin gauze and wrapped them adoringly with a shared promise to be better and do better protecting the people you had left from facing suffering like your lost past again.Again Draco returned to his models for a possible mock up of Dale thanks to sketches from the elder Durins of what they could remember of the destroyed city as for measurements and the basic layout of the cities borders. A map of the land around Erebor sat open on the table as well with ideas for how any bit of it might be used. Angmar would have to be cleared if the Elf King refused as the Durins claimed he would to allow you to use any bit of his lost lands. And the full mountain range to Moria certainly would prove to be ample enough space to house double your Wizarding world and the twenty miles North of the Grey Mountains and Angmar leading to the ocean would be more than useful to create a decent buffer between the Dwarves and the Africa sized island along with all your others for the safety of the Muggles housed on them as well as the magical creatures and shrunken cities.It would take some doing but mish mashing all of the lands together would take some doing to fit everyone in ideally but it could be done in the usual magical way to accommodate all needs. Each land’s monuments and idyllic formations would be divided up for the Wizarding world to claim fully reminding them of their culture’s pasts with hopefully Muggle colonies nearby if possible to try and lull them back into some sort of contact in case of more muggle borns in the future. It would be delicate work but somehow things would even out, especially if you weren’t left to the negotiating with world leaders so unfamiliar with you.Slipping out of the room as agreed earlier you returned to your bedroom with Lucius and Narcissa in tow. Finally with your worst bruises mended your eyes shut easing the back of your shirt up and your ponytail aside over your chest in a hunch to rest your forehead on Lucius’ shoulder. Behind you Narcissa sat with wand drawn saying, “I will try to make this brief.”“Take the time you need.” Steadily her eyes sank over your burn and scar coated back and sides from the battle to the portkey you helped to blast the other DA members through. Closing your eyes you inhaled and sent your mind off to focus on Opal and Norberta exploring in the gardens while Idris preened on the edge of the frozen fountain losing the battle against the gentle fall of snowflakes onto his feathers in the first sting of her singing your back.Fully bathed and changed the Dwarves curiously wondered where you had gotten to as they had promised to show you some defense tips with some of their spare blades alongside Hermione to act as her chaperone. Thorin and Dwalin trailed after the Princes heading for your bedroom only to find it cracked already. A faint scent of singed skin had Thorin step in front only to have his lips part seeing Lucius holding you steady while Narcissa’s wand tip burned your badly scarred back in a small section then raised the stopped from the vial floating at your side to drip across your back. Instantly unscathed skin was revealed in the burns healing before she moved onto the final patch luring another muffled whimper from you in your mental pull back feeling someone else watching you.Deeply you inhaled and exhaled after she was done and helped to secure your bra strap again and lower your shirt in Lucius’ forehead tapping yours muttering to you softly before folding one of your Phoenix candies from your shop to help give you a boost of energy until you could eat again.The gentle knock on the door earned your response, “It’s open.”Raising your eyes you smiled at the group as you stood at Kili’s asking, “Do you have more scars like those?”The corner of your mouth twitched up as you three moved closer to them joining them on the path to dinner as you replied, “Those were the last. Best to wait until the bruises heal to do it. Not nearly as painful to remove them as getting the scars in the first place.”Fili, “Can’t imagine how painful that must have been.”You smiled at him, “And you’ll never have to. Hopefully none of us will after we’re settled.”Lucius, “Everyone is aligned now, none of us will allow any to rise up again.”Narcissa, “Certainly not with our thorough scans through all the collected lands clearing out the few stragglers hiding within.”Tugging up your sleeves you crossed the room grinning at the men in the swing of your ponytail around your shoulder and onto your back you grinned through their inspection of your bound arm saying, “I can’t wait to see what sort of lesson you have in store for me.”Upon your reaching him Thorin’s hand reached out to hover an inch from the bandage, “You are injured.”When his eyes met yours you said, “Just the skin,” you looked to Dwalin pointing to his bared forearm coated in markings, “Your kin have tattoos as well.”Thorin chuckled saying, “In that case, we cannot wait to see it healed.”In a giggle you said, “You might like it, it’s a duckling.”With a chuckle Thorin turned joining you for the walk to the gardens asking, “And just what does a duckling signify?”“For me, freedom.” His eyes caught yours in a grin, “For others, adaptability and resilience.”Thorin, “Admirable.”In the short walk you joined Hermione in her timid step out of her room in a pink hoodie and some jeans over her sneakers. At your side she strolled with you joining in on the silent speculation of what was in store for you both. All your prior lessons were with wooden swords and today you tried for steel long swords with the elders before the brothers would split up and guide you on their bows and arrows grateful for your ability to expand their quivers with multiplying charms.
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Hogsmeade was a pleasant sight for the Dwarves to get a glimpse of what Dale could look like. Simple shops were laid out and following the students with your purse to fund their curiosity at your urging their inspection of all had intrigued them. More and more they could see just what your people were able to achieve while Gandalf himself took his own stroll at Severus’ side to hear what everything was and possible uses while he shared similar items that he had used and known his kin to use. Curiosity and the openness of your people in welcoming his only deepened the hope that your people could flourish together. Already Fili had gained steady physical contact with Hermione and had even been approved by his kin to openly take hold of her hand after having seen how open your youth seemed to be in openly stating pairings in such a manner.At home in the nursery you sat with Ginny both changing the toddlers into a fresh set of clothes as she said, “Any word on the lycan families yet?”Shaking your head you said, “Two of the girls in school stopped taking their potions and haven’t felt any changes so far. They never had a full change as they only started to show signs as teens after our potions came out, but their older brother stopped too, and he’s changed before and even his symptoms are gone.”Ginny, “Full moon’s next week, their plans?”You inhaled and said, “They’re going to try it clean. Tell me what happens after.”Ginny, “What could this mean for Wheezes?”Shaking your head you said, “Oh that’s no problem. I’m more concerned at whether or not being sucked into this book we might have seen the end of lycanthropy. I mean, people like Remus, attacked and innocent could be free of having to worry about all that anymore.”Ginny leaned closer, “Remus is a werewolf?!”Narrowing your eyes at her you said, “You are a pitiful liar!”You giggled as she snorted after saying, “I always thought flopsy was the problem.” Falling sideways in her laughter your giggled yourself onto your back with Em leaning over to flop onto your leg while Tonks crawled towards Ginny and her laughing mess in her shift from laughter to tears. Instantly her face scrunched up and in her sniffle you sat up sliding over to lay with her as the toddlers snuggled between you and she whined out, “I just want to know they’re okay.”As tears rolled down your cheek and the ridge of your nose pressing your forehead to hers, “We’re gonna find them. Had a dream with Crookshanks jumping on Ron’s face waking him up and pops was laughing.” Making her giggle and sniffle again wiping her cheeks as you rolled onto your back lifting Em into the air in a smiling gasp at her whimper at the souring mood. “Look at you, flying,” making her giggle as you lowered her to your chest to kiss her nose, in the ripple of her hair to yellow mimicking Teddy’s in Ginny’s lifting him above her you asked, “Heard about the Harpies might be holding tryouts after this season.”Making her smirk to herself, “Best I give it a season to mull it over.”“Certainly would make that match hell for the fans to see us battle it out.”“Oh no doubt. We would have to have the boys carry us up after that onslaught. Days, it would last days,” making you giggle again.In a pained giggle you said, “My body is sore just thinking about it. Have to stop.” Again you grinned lifting Em in her giggles.Ginny did the same to Teddy asking, “Any plans for another training session with the love birds?”Again you giggled, “Tonight. You know, I just might master the long sword before he moves in for a peck on the cheek. She grabbed his hand and e nearly collapsed last night.” Making Ginny snort again. “Hermi is just swooning at that, he’s so sweet.”“Oh, and no doubt he has no clue how perfect he is by treating her so pricelessly. Certainly has my vote for joining the family.” After a huff from her she lowered Teddy to her stomach asking, “I might pick up a round on guard if Mum keeps it up. Just burst into tears looking at me yesterday.”Sitting up you sighed making her look at you as you settled Em on your lap, “You cannot, say anything.” Instantly her brows went up and she started to sit up, “You’re not going to be her baby for long.” Her mouth dropped open and you pointed at her, “Not a word. She hasn’t told pops yet, and she’s in that, just, emotional bubble right at the start of it before everything starts swelling up.”Softly she said, “Wow,”“Yup, so she went from the cusp of having one grandbaby soon to crying through the Hollow to having another of her own, I mean, come on.”With a grin she said, “You know Em is her grandbaby too.”With a grin you said, “Though she rarely cries.”Looking you over she asked, “Any clues on your blondes?” Avoiding the painful silence on the topic of babies, “Our ears are pointed now like theirs are.”“Gandalf says Elves live on the way to Erebor, we’ll probably run into them on the way. Says this Lord Elrond an old friend of his would be interested to meet us.”“So which one do you think you’re meant to date?” Rolling your eyes made her say, “Come on, Hermi’s dream guy shows up to sweep her off her feet, you gotta be curious in the least.”In a huff you said, “Oh I don’t want to think about having to choose, I’m the worst with relationships.”Ginny, “Technically Seb was a good choice, he just couldn’t keep his zipper locked down half a world away.” Making you giggle to yourself. “These blondes could be your Prince Charming.”“Which one?” You asked in a giggle.Making her chuckle and say, “Why choose?”“Oh?” you giggled out and kissed Em’s cheek in her giggle copying yours, “Two stepdads? You want two steddads Jellybean?” Kissing her cheek again making her giggle again as Ginny kissed Teddy’s cheek.Ginny, “World knows if anyone deserves two baby daddies slash Prince Charmings it’s you.” She giggled again in your giggle against Em’s cheek. “You know it’s true. Tons of babies, tons of laughter and smiles. There’s always-,” together you both said, “Room for love.” She nodded again, “Always. Date around.”“I don’t think Elves date. Apparently according to Hermi, through Fili, they choose one partner, forever. Because they live, forever.”Ginny let out a burst of air making Teddy giggle after clapping his hands on her cheeks, “Wow. That’s some dedication. Wonder how long Dwarves live.”You shrugged, “Either way Hermi’s bound to have her snuggle buddy for years to come.”…“Ridikulus!” One after another each student took their turns in the large group lesson for your younger year students with laughter soon filling the halls around you as the Dwarves looked on chuckling softly at the joy these third year children were discovering. Slowly at the next bell your classroom cleared leaving the young Princes both trying to see what the creature found their biggest fears to be. Their own smirks stirring confused back steps from the creature who continuously turned to face you swirling between forms only to shift at what the Dwarves had feared.Slowly the First Years began to trickle in and you said, “All right, time to rest.” Sharply the eyes of the warg turned away from Ori and landed on you before it’s body shifted onto its hind legs and rippled into the same empty mirror haunting you for years puzzling the men.A single silent wave of your wand had the boggart sent back into the wardrobe that locked itself and walked back to the wall and you said, “I have my first years next, if you want to use my door up there, Hermione is in charge of tea today if you like.” You added in a glance at the golden haired Prince who seemed to give a puppy dog stare at Thorin who relented with a smirk at Bilbo’s grabbing his elbow to guide him to the stairs as the first sign of pouting coming.Around the table in the corner of the kitchen as she waited on the biscuits she was baking to finish Hermione stood glancing between three pages of notes before scribbling down the next line in her first draft of the book she was trying to get out. Curiously at the images of the people from varying stages of your life both good and bad the Dwarves looked them all over and Thorin asked, “Are we intruding?”Looking up she shook her head, “No, not at all King Thorin.” Setting the stack in her hands down on the table, “Just trying to work out some knots.”Thorin, “Knots?”She nodded and looked to Fili who lifted a cutout of the Death Eaters escape from Azkaban asking, “What is this? I cannot read this tongue of yours yet.”“Oh, that’s a clipping of the Daily Prophet on the mass escape of the Death Eaters from Azkaban years back.”Balin, “More criminals for you to capture?”Shaking her head she replied, “No, all this, it’s all for a book I’m trying to get down.”Bilbo, “A book? On what? Criminals? Ooh, murder mystery?”In a chuckle she said with a sheepish grin, “It’s actually a book on Jaqi’s life. Surviving the Black Plague.”Them men shifted and Kili asked, “Miss Black survived a plague?”Fili, “Was it named after her, for surviving?”Shaking her head she said, “No, our old Minister of Magic Fudge, he used to call her family that, the Black Plague. ‘No bad Witch or Wizard from her line’ was his excuse. Used it to shift a whole council of Wizards into locking her up and having her brutally beaten when she was only eleven for not handing Tulip over.” Open mouthed the Dwarves eyed the clipping of you in Lucius’ arms being taken back to Hogwarts. “Then each year after, protecting the school and all of us, all the same. Black Plague this, Black Plague that, till Riddle came back, then he doubled down when his followers were busted loose.”Bofur raised the collage of images on another page, “This lot?”Hermione, “More Death Eaters. I’ve gotten a good chunk of the book down, been journaling on it for years and Jaqi’s helped with details, approved my writing it.” Her eyes sank to the scribbled over image of Fenrir Greyback that Ori flashed her, “What about him?”Inhaling sharply she replied, “Fenrir Greyback. Werewolf. Normally, those afflicted are innocents, attacked by other werewolves by accident or in their change. Not him, used to enjoy hunting and attacked countless people just kept avoiding getting caught, Muggles and Wizards alike.”Thorin, “Why is his face marked out?”Flatly Hermione replied with the men noting her reluctance to say, “He was one of Riddle’s followers, when Jaqi was sent to Azkaban, he watched her. Then when Riddle came back he broke out with the others and when Jaqi joined him to spy, Fenrir used every chance he could to get close to her.”Dwalin asked in a protective growl, “Close how?”Hermione huffed and said, “You cannot tell her, but, when a Death Eater gets their mark they are bound to a table and tortured for two weeks,” the image made the Dwarves’ fists clench to keep that image from their head when they thought of you, “Fenrir, took advantage of Jaqi’s being incapacitated.” Loudly Thorin growled and he wiped his hand over his mouth to cover it in a shift back and forth on his feet, “Lucius stopped him, before he did more than mess with her hair.”Dwalin growled out with a fiery gaze, “He breathing?”Hermione shook her head, “No, the men, in the family they lured him somewhere and, well Ronald said, they blew him up. He didn’t do much, but she was still practically a child still and he was in his fifties most likely,” Looking down in closing the notebook in her hands she stood saying, “She’s had to face a lot, being a shield or a scapegoat in a war is one thing to endure, but being, meat, no one deserves that. That’s, it’s all about change, we have to change things. Prejudice, assumptions, bias, it all burns us. Our world went up in flames from it. People need to know what they all did to her, to all of us, so they never do it again. Someone needs to say what happened, no shift on it, no fluffing it up, the pain, the ugliness, all of it.”Averting her gaze to keep from crying she turned at the oven timer to bring out her cookies hearing the men shift after her. Lowly Thorin spoke clearly, “None of my kin would ever,”Hermione shook her head setting the tray down to cool on the burners, “Oh no, I didn’t mean-,”Thorin raised his hand, “I have to say this, women are rare in our kin. To have a daughter is a sacred blessing from Mahal. Even outside of our own races we would never dare to treat a woman any less, even though their women are far more frequent in number. None will dare treat any of your women cruelly or callously, we will ensure it.”“I don’t doubt that, but thank you all the same. I didn’t mean to get so riled up, it’s just,”Balin nodded inching closer at her arms crossing in a glance away, “Just what, lass?” Ignoring the chocolate icing filled bag that started to decorate the cooling biscuits.Hermione sighed and looked at them again, “Jaqi, the Weasleys, Neville and Harry used to all come to my parent’s shop. My parents are dentists, and well, one day at their usual cleanings I sneezed and the furniture floated off the ground. And I was so scared, because Mum and Dad couldn’t leave me with a sitter because they were so scared if something would happen when they were gone, but then Jaqi changed her hair color making me smile and Charlie fixed the furniture. She gave me books on her world, a sort of Muggle Born care package. This was when I was nine, two years before I would get my letter from Hogwarts, and she spoke to Minerva about me. Jaqi gave me such, hope, that I wasn’t a freak, that I wasn’t alone. And my parents were so glad, that there was this whole world that would accept me and welcome me.And breaks and summers we would stay with them and we got added to the family. Then I got my letter and we went to Diagon Alley for the first time to get my wand, and it cost galleons, so expensive, Jaqi gave me a coin purse filled with more money than I would need for all my schooling as an early birthday gift to pay. Even let me use her Mum’s cat for school. Part of why I studied so hard in school was to ensure her belief in me wasn’t wasted, her investment in my future was worth it. But she didn’t see it as a debt, or gaining some sort of payoff in the future, I was family, she included me as family from that sneeze, and I stupidly never noticed it for years until I saw her add Luna to our family. Barely spoke at all, and it clicked in my head, and it just grew more and more obvious as time went on, she has no friends for long, she has family.”Fili, “Well she couldn’t have chosen a better one to dote on.”Making Hermione smirk again in her move to use the spatula to ease the biscuits off the tray onto the decorative platter, “Thank you, she does seem to know who to choose, who needs her.”The men all took hold of the trays and platters they carried into the sitting room with grins while she hovered the tea set in front of her. In their chairs they all took their seats sharing the list of those on the morning leg of the trip after the ice storm was due to have waned to get them past the usual terrible patch of land plagued with bad weather all year round.…The start of February led to more snow and icy weather leading to you and the triplets guiding the wagon through use of a protective bubble pulled by your father’s bike with the duo around you to keep the barrier up in the ever changing storm at your sides on their brooms. Hours on your final day off before the big pink explosion in the school you rode as long as you could last between stops for food and kept going until you had to stop for the day at the worsening storm freeing you to head to bed trying to get some sleep.Ignoring the weekend festivities for those trapped in the sea of sharing love and adoration for their significant others you and Ginny sat up with the toddlers again watching old movies. It was only 24 hours and would soon be over, so for as long as you could between naps after a particularly grueling training session that morning in the freezing temperatures you made it to the joint dinner in the Hollow with those not distracted otherwise then went off to tuck the toddlers in for story time.Alone in the cold, less bothersome to you by the day, you sat alone in the glass wrapped ballroom staring up at the stars with tears rolling down your cheeks while the snow dropping clouds expanded hiding all sight of the sky. Silently Regulus came up behind you wrapping you in a comforter and tugged you up onto his lap humming sweetly to you through his own worried tears in your turn to cry in his arms as your hair had fully turned pitch black.…Alone with trembling hands as you felt your strength still draining drastically at keeping the world trapped in those orbs while you watched Draco taking your place with Luna in raising the barriers alongside Neville. Seated by the Bur brothers you watched them setting up the pop up grill Gloin and Oin readied the fish the boys had caught for dinner in a nearby stream. Scouting ahead to see how far you had to go Gandalf had left you all muttering about the ruins off in the distance revealed in a break in the dark grey clouds and growing snow storm.Quietly listening to the men chatting around you, you finished your dinner and handed over your dishes to Kili in his assigned chore for the night. A pair of bodies strolling through the snow had you on your feet however joining Draco who drew his wand calling for you, “Jaqi, trolls.”A third one appeared in your path to his side and you asked Thorin, “How do you normally handle your trolls?”Lowly Thorin replied, “Normally we attack them, but when possible wait till sunrise, they turn to stone.”“Hmm. Sunrise.” Their eyes all followed your hand drawing your wand you pointed at the trio moving closer to you and clearly stated, “Lumos Solem” sending out a clear beam of sunlight through the barrier right at the trio freezing into stone as they shielded their faces.With parted lips they all approached your sides bubbling into impressed cheers between pats on your back as Bilbo stepped closer to examine the trio, soon joined by Balin who mumbled, “Must have a hideaway somewhere. Even with this storm they’d need shelter.” He turned to meet Thorin’s eyes in a silent question.One that was answered as Thorin asked, “Up for some scouting?”His smirk soon mirrored on your face, with your nod the group joined you on the first timid armed steps outside of the barrier with each of the young Wizards between them ready to cast the same spell you had if needed. Not long after with your free hand covering your nose and mouth you entered a cave the Dwarves had discovered. Blindly they trekked inside until your wordless flick brought an orb of light to linger on the tip of your wand filling the cave with glowing birds flying around casting off light easing the path.Behind you disgusted grunts from the twins brought their hands to dig in their pockets until a set of marble sized pink mist filled balls were drawn and thrown at the walls around them exploding into a thin cloud of mist soon filling the cave with a slightly nostril stinging sent of grapefruit allowing your hand to lower finally. With raised brows the Dwarves all thanked them before examining the gold and treasure Neville cast a cleansing spell sending out glowing nifflers made of light over to wash through it breaking any hidden hexes or curses. And he, Luna and the twins helped guide it all into a small enchanted chest they passed to Gloin.Curiously you eyed everything while Thorin gave you a once over at your nearly weaponless state causing him to claim the first blade he grabbed for himself before passing you and the twins the other three after shouldering a second one for Gandalf at its curious markers. On the path out again you eyed Nori helping Bilbo secure the dagger he’d found for him tucked into the dirt while Hermione stood at Fili’s side with a timid smile as he did the same, respectfully strapping it to her hip then claiming her side and eventually her hand once again on the trip back to your barrier.Back to the camp in a gust of wind the clouds parted as your eyes scanned over the snow in a half circle making the men brandish their weapons. In the gust of wind your hair shifted sweeping over your face, and with a pat on Fili’s shoulder Hermione rose higher on her toes in her place between him and Kili where they had nudged her for safety. “It’s her father, their bond, she’s caught something on his location. Between your shoulder blades under your loose flannel and t shirt your tattoo of the Canis Major Constellation circled by your father’s name was trotting and in the lifting of your eyes Draco came closer to your side.“Draco-,”Lowly whispering, “I feel it too.”All through your family line the magnetic pull of your kin had been recorded all the way to the first, claiming his children and he were bound by stardust, hence the naming after stars, each child after bringing a tattoo for their namesakes that would help guide you to them. However the rare ones with different names were granted tattoos marking the planets they were born under with their names forming the borders of the round colorful orbs, yours being a small copy of Pluto’s gorgeous multicolored surface trapped within your name now spinning slowly on your Father’s back waking him from his slumber to gather the others.Quietly you turned until you found the constellation glittering brighter in the sky between a batch of clouds as a whisper of West echoed in your ears from the presumed voice of your long since passed ancestors. Softly you whispered, “West.”Moving closer to you Thorin’s hand rose shifting your hair after seeing the glittering stars in the sky to find the stars on your mark glittering and in moving around you he asked, “The stars speak to you, truly.” After a pause he asked, “Which way?”“West.”“Convenient.” You nodded, “Gandalf wished for us to pause in Rivendell, perhaps while we rest you might scout around, see if you can muster up a more specific location.”“Thank you. Won’t take long.”Thorin nodded, “To bed then, we eat at first light.” In naming those on watch he watched you shift on your feet then he said, “Bed, now. I am abusing my rank over yours. Rest up.” His playful gaze made you chuckle to yourself and nod, “We will see you at breakfast, Miss Black.” Over to the camp you led the way into the carriage and made your way up to bed feeling you were ready to drop at any second. Just barely in time you knelt on the end of it and plopped across it rather ungracefully making Regulus sigh in the doorway after following you up from his stop in the kitchen to help remove your shoes, empty your pockets and tuck you in.After changing himself he came back to lay behind you mumbling, “Find you in the morning guys. Just one more night.” Draping his arm across your middle.…With sunrise however once your breakfast was cleared you led the path, Thestrals, Pegasus and Buckbeak back through the lone doorway to the shielded campground where you heard the familiar distant humming of Gandalf on his return to you. As you dropped the shield, he came into full view between wafting waves of gently falling snow with a growing smile until he strolled past the trio of snow coated statues before noticing your new weapons. Once the tale of your night was shared Gandalf strapped the blade Thorin had held for him around his waist and joined Bilbo on Buckbeak once again after stating, “Not far now, should just be over that ridge there.”You nodded climbing onto your bike between the twins to lead the way, their lift off triggering the same ripple of trots after your bike before your lift of and wings extended sending the winged creatures into the air behind you. Gripping the handles tighter you adjusted the gear drawing the roar of your bike lower. Percy in the basket beside you peered over all he could see to look over the areas around you for any hidden signals or barriers while you kept watch for any possible attacks in the lead. Behind you the Thestrals fanned out around Buckbeak giving them all plenty of flying room in the vast sky above the seemingly endless green forest the snow oddly ghosted over.Below you just as the ridge was cleared Percy leaned forward after Neville shouted, “Down there, is that a path?”Percy nodded, “Clear shielding spell, but it stretches quite a ways.” His eyes followed the path you flew over as figures darted underneath at the roar overhead until Percy pointed as well, “There, looks like a clearing.”You nodded and began to lower causing the others behind you to do the same, slipping easily through the barrier to ride through the oddly warm snow free dirt path the creatures trotted curiously behind you eyeing the path under the massive trees. More and more darting figures grew before you in the distance. Forming clear armed lines that eyed you curiously as you stopped and climbed off your bike when it silenced and Percy hopped out of the sidecar as you shrunk your bike then placed it back in your bag.Behind you Gandalf dismounted and joined your side with a kind smile speaking in clear Elvish to the soldiers, “We apologize for the surprise but we are here to speak with Lord Elrond, peacefully.”A set of nods were traded before the horse bound forces turned leading your group into the city as the twins landed and walked alongside you and Percy, shrinking and pocketing their brooms. Each step stirring the tingle in your tattoo to grow, the trotting mark drawing the twin’s attention in the bare patch of skin from your tank top drawing smirks on their faces before looking forward again as you untied your flannel shirt from your waist and pulled it on leaving it open then rolling up your sleeves..Finally the city grew before you with your path stopping in a courtyard where a pair of stern looking dark haired Elves eyed your group on their entrance along with the creatures or lack there of at the few floating teens the innocent Elves witnessed. The first glimpse of the duo parted your lips for a moment recognizing them and hints of the style of the city you had dreamed of for so long.Behind you feet hit the ground at the ripple of dismounting teens and Dwarves, all eyeing the approaching pair greeting Gandalf fondly between glances at the Thestrals in your midst now walking curiously through the courtyard exploring it. All stealing a glimpse of the color changing eyes as you looked between them. All trying to focus on your right eye as your left eye sat in the middle of a heartbreakingly large set of swirling white scars over the left side of your otherwise flawless face revealed as you brushed your hair into a long ponytail until your bangs swung back to cover it again.Lowering your gaze a grouping of pounding steps were heard until a familiar face popped up between a set of trees at the top of the steps behind Elrond with a growing grin as it called out, “Pumpkin!” Widely a stunning smile split across your face parting the lips of an approaching blonde Elf with his long curls pulled back and secured wrapped in long ribbon. After a set of pops you stepped forward curling into your Father’s arms as Arthur apparated at his side reaching out his arms to his sons all rushing for him, while Draco opened the doorway he called for to send word to the soon to be racing forms of Ginny and Molly Weasley. Timidly Ron landed beside Remus who gave a weak chuckle at being pulled into your tight hug.In a glance over your group Ron’s eyes landed on Hermione who was released by Fili to step forward with a shocked gasp at the orange cat in his arms. In a teary gaze she met his as he stated, “He still hates me. But I couldn’t just leave him.”Her smile grew as she accepted him and gave him an awkward side hug, “Thank you, Ronald.”He nodded his head and stole a glance at her on her path back to Fili’s side as she stated, “This is Crookshanks.” Fili’s smile grew as he gave him a gentle pet as Ron joined his family hug feeling the eyes of a searching Elleth landing on him as she stood eying his family from the balconies above.More racing steps were heard and finally a crashing tearful hug was landed as Molly curled into her husband’s chest with Ginny soon after as Dobby led Teddy out in teetering steps to his Father who gained an excited squeal from him dropping him to his knees to curl around him tightly. With closed eyes your forehead met with your Father’s in his continued hug as he smiled stating, “I knew you’d find us.”With a chuckle you glanced at Luna, Neville and Draco who all approached to hug Sirius as well. Shifting on your feet looking at Remus’ scanning glance over your group you asked, “Tonks wasn’t with you?”Remus shook his head and watched your brows furrowed as you mumbled, “But, I’ve seen her here.”Over Draco’s head your father said, “No doubt she’ll turn up then.”A clearing of a throat succeeded in turning your attention to Elrond again as Gandalf’s explanation had ended leaving a stunned look on the Elf Lord’s face before he asked, “How fortunate to have you among us finally. We have heard a great deal of you all and your people for so long. If you might join me in my study I might have a meal prepared.”Sharply a turn of your head at your enchanted doorway you spotted Albus’ arrival asking, “Miss Black, I wonder if you might assist in the wrangling of Pixies. Terwilliger’s wand was taken and now my knowledge on their capture has been tapped.”Weakly you giggled saying, “We need to tether that boy’s wand to his arm.” In a glance to Lord Elrond you said, “Back in two shakes.”With a grin Sirius turned to say, “You should come with us. See Hogwarts for yourselves.” Following after you once the Thestrals had passed through the doorway behind Buckbeak.The curious enchanted doorway had the Elves curiously following after your group inspecting the dull wallpaper lining the tall half of the wood paneled hall ending at another door opened to the shrieks and shouts of children fleeing the obnoxious Pixies.A single dip of your hand in your pocket into the mokeskin pouch there you drew out an enchanted bundle of what looked to be red berries that gave a halting jingle for the creatures who watched you twist the bundle making it split for you to toss down the hall splitting up to multiply and bounce around jingling as they did. All at once the creatures swarmed for what seemed to be their favorite treat and were bound in red twine they could not escape easing the task of getting them back into their cage brought over by a seventh year who summoned it from upstairs.All around you the hoards of children giggled and grinned up at you in their returning to their chosen tasks unaware of the sinking hearts of the Elves trying to gauge how many were in your care.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Turning from the passing children, as the last creatures passed through your doorway heading for the distant hut Hagrid would feed them at, you led the others to the enchanted staircases. Peering upwards at the moving staircases the Elves tried to reign in their focus on the teens around them instructing them on which fake stair to skip and each talking portrait along the way to return each greeting to politely.Finally the door to your classroom opened up and inside you spotted Em in Barty’s arm smoothing her hand down Idris’ side while her father looked you over. “There you are, Darling. Knew you’d find the way to nab those Pixies. Popped in here to wait them out.” In a wide grin he approached Sirius saying, “There you are old man.” Giving him a half hug and gently leaving Em in his arms he instantly melted around, “Some time with Gramps, Angel. He’s been missing you terribly.” In his move to your side your gaze shifted to the curly haired Elf Lord staring intently between you and Barty then back to your desk to grab the box of left over orange gummy candies you claimed one of and popped between your lips.From your office door opening on its own a tea set flew out and in the arranging of desks Molly came down the stairs with a tray of snacks in hand with Narissa after carrying more followed by Lucius and Regulus. Widely smiling after kissing Em’s cheek he greeted Narcissa and Regulus before telling Lucius in a shake of his hand, “Thank you, for keeping them safe.”Lucius shook his head, “No need. Knew we’d find you.”Regulus grinned saying, “Hope you enjoyed your vacation. Now the real fun begins.”Lucius turned as you let out a breath taking your seat sneaking an energy boosting treat between your lips with another gummy candy before raising your cup of tea to your lips through the startling shift of your left eye to milky white in the swoop of Opal landing on the back of your chair to curiously look the visitors over.All the Elves listened carefully while Lord Elrond questioned Albus more about the school and the wards all under your care. Sharing a candy with Opal you stole another glance at the Lord whose brow twitched up when your eyes met his.By your side your father took that seat smiling widely in cradling his granddaughter in his arms listening to her babbling and returned her playful kisses between glances at you completely ignoring his tea. Remus across from you did the same with Teddy. Softly you chatted with Barty about the full plan of keeping Em in your care as his wife was being induced in a couple weeks to let her relax before the big event. Though in his talks a stroke of Opal’s head to your cheek in her path across your shoulders a grin from you came in the shift of your gaze to the face of your curly haired blonde Elf still staring at you intently. Wondering still on your current bond to the father of your known adopted daughter since he had named you so affectionately upon entering.Suddenly in the ripple of your hair turning mint green in the Lord’s held gaze in another sip of is tea followed by a tuck of his lower lip into his mouth for the lingering droplet of his sip there to be claimed, Elrond’s eyes shifted to yours watching as the clapping infants mimicked your hair color. A shift of Opal’s wing in her turn around brushed back your hair exposing nearly all of the scarred portion of your face. Their parting lips made you say in the ripple of your hair to orange mimicking Teddy’s, “I’m part Metamorphmagus, as is my cousin Tonks, Teddy’s mother. Simply meaning we can change our shapes at will.” His eyes scanned over your face again lingering on your scar for a moment, “If my scar is bothering you I can mask it.”His eyes shot to met yours, “My apologies. Your Father, mentioned your scars.”Your half smile broke his words, “You imagined something smaller? Understandable. You can stare if you like, everyone does at first. But eventually it doesn’t matter anymore.” As your sentence ended Dwalin entered the room with a fuzzy footed onsie coated Lulu in his arms grinning as he went to take an empty seat by Fili’s side. Again curiously you eyed the blonde in the back of the Elven group with his eyes still locked on you before your eyes shifted to Molly as you accepted the refill on your tea and plate of snacks for you with a soft thanks hushed in her pat on your shoulder insisting you build up your strength.Elrond, “I was wondering, Miss Black, your Father and I had been discussing the topic of horcrux, I believe he called it.” Your eyes shifted to your Father at your side as he lowered his mug from his first sip and nodded. “In these lands, how do I begin this..” His eyes lowered to his hands resting on his lap for a few moments before he looked up at you again and explained about Sauron and his Ring that had gone missing for the past 500 years almost, “Is there a way you would be able to find it?”Gandalf, “Perhaps this is not the best location to be discussing the ring, in the nearness of so many children.”Linking your mind to your father’s eased the task of sending your doorway to the garden dining room in Rivendell, through which your chairs lifted making the Elves cling to their cups and reach for their floating plates of snacks. And you floated through it to settle around the table widening Gandalf’s eyes that narrowed again in your quick grin at him, “Better?”Gandalf nodded, “Yes. Now, I believe this topic is a matter for the White Council, to make a move you might consider consulting the brightest minds to the task.”Elrond glanced from him to your father asking with slight irritation, “Might you be able to fetch Lord Celeborn, and of course King Thranduil must be involved as well.”Leaning over your father shared, “I will fetch Lord Celeborn, if you wouldn’t mind fetching King Thranduil.” Looking at the Lord he stated, “If you would not mind lending her a memory to get to Greenwood.”Lord Elrond nodded, “Of course,” offering you his hand palm up as you stood with glowing fingers extended, “Once you return perhaps you might share what your plan is now, among this Company?”Absorbing the memory your hand retracted and replying, “I’ve been told it’s quite well known, Smaug’s claiming of their home.”Elrond’s lips parted for a moment as your father grinned at the planned adventure, “You intend to join them?”“We have a contract.”Elrond, “And your benefit?”“King Thorin promised us Dale and to introduce us to the Elf King near Erebor concerning the Southern half of the forest his people abandoned.”His brow arched, “What about those lands?”“We need a stretch of land to place our school and other buildings.”Elrond, “You cannot keep your lands how they are, inside the doorway?”“Not for much longer.”Elrond, “Is it dangerous?”“It takes quite a bit of strength to maintain the spell, and protect so many. If we were granted those lands we could seal it properly and begin reharvesting and settling the other cities around it. We don’t mean to harm any of the Elves around us if that is what you’re concerned about.”His head shook, “No, I would never assume that. I’ve learned too much about your people through your Father, Mr Lupin and the Mr Weasleys to believe your people to harm us.” In a shift of his gaze to the setting sun he stated, “I will have a meal prepared. This meeting will take much time to conference on the topic of the One Ring.”Beside you your father stood and whispered to you, “Probably head home first and freshen up, King Thranduil is a bit attached to appearances.”A soft giggle from you came and you asked, “Have you tried to find the ring? The easiest way at least?”Sirius smirked, swallowed his last bite of his sandwich and replied while he brushed his fingers over his mustache and beard, “I was waiting until you were found, so we could try and aid them through this together.”With a nod you drew your wand in your step around the table saying, “Simplest first, may take some time depending on the distance, but who knows how long fetching will take.” Pointing your wand into the distance you said, “Accio Sauron’s Ring.” Then you aparated home to your bathroom while Elrond turned his focus to Gandalf asking why he would demand a full council when your father had been so adamant you could assist them quite easily in this matter. *Once clean you exited the bath drying your hair with a spell as your wand sent warm burst of air through it and crossed to your closet in the fresh underwear you’d picked out before. Adding the corseted halter top in thick silver material with deep green swirls and vines covering it with a matching shrug to cover the exposed stretch of back to the base of your neck matching the patch of exposed chest between the two straps reaching from your chest to the strap around your neck. Over that you added the layered thick deep green and silver lace skirt just barely reaching your knees with looped strips of lace between the bunches of the outer deep green layer secured by detailed silver etched broaches.On your way to your bed you smoothed your fingers on one hand through the ponytail you tucked the top half of your curls back into and secured your hold on the heeled ankle boots you were holding in the other. Sitting down you propped up a foot to add your heeled ankle boot and hastily tied the laces then moved to add the other and stood again with a soft exhale.In the center of the vast throne room you landed alone and couldn’t help but giggle at having done so, leaving you right in the middle of this familiar hall. But a single glance to your left brought on a dazed wandering path across the winding walkway to take in each inch of this kingdom, each detail far greater than you had dreamed. Your inspection however caused you to miss the entering of the new set of guards all eyeing you curiously as you circled the risen portion of branches holding the stairway to the throne. A ruffling of material caused your head to turn, when your eyes landed on the redheaded guard you stated, “Lord Elrond has sent me with an invitation for your King for discussion and dinner.”After his pause in admiring your eyes and silvery blue shimmering hair he bowed his head and turned saying, “I will inform him.” He turned and raced off to pass on your message while the two with him claimed their places, holding you well within their sights when you continued your innocent wandering. In the distance you heard fabric shifting and the sound of barely audible boot steps towards the throne room until the same doors they passed through were opened again. Through them a pair of blondes surrounded by redheads crossed the walkway towards your currently distracted body facing away from them on the lower steps at the base of the throne admiring the stained glass sloped roof above you.Under the glass small multicolored lights flickered across you and the shimmering curls laying across your back allowing them to admire the color until you got the feeling of being watched. When you turned the King’s eyes scanned over you fully as you eyed the group in return and walked down the two steps bringing you barely to the King’s shoulder. Timidly your hand rose only to curl your hand across your middle as your eyes narrowed for a moment. “I’m not exactly certain if shaking hands or bowing is the proper greeting for Kings.”His eyes shifted from your curled hand sliding back to your side to say, “Normally those presented to me bow, at least their heads. What lands do you hail from that this is unknown to you young Elleth.” He knew who you were but it seemed his mouth decided on him asking anyways.The corner of your mouth twitched up causing his brow to rise curiously, “You wouldn’t know them if I told you. As it goes I am simply tasked with a question. Are you able to join Lord Elrond for dinner? He has quite a topic to cover it seems.”“It takes a matter of weeks to-.”His words halted at your hand rising to snap summoning the doorway that opened revealing the open courtyard in Rivendell, “Not for me.”Sharply his eyes turned to you again as you giggled softly and walked towards the door only to turn partway and say in a quick nod of your head, “My name’s Jaqiearae Black by the way, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.” Then you turned again leaving him stunned in place by your giggling smile, watching you pass through the doorway before he cautiously led the group through when he spotted one of the Elleths on the way to set the table for your meal who bowed her head.Safely on the other side his eyes landed on your back once again and he shadowed your wandering path to the outer dining hall with only a glance back again to assure himself the doorway was still open and waiting for him there while he returned to wondering just what sort of creature Elrond had sent to fetch him. What sort of marvel his long treasured One could be.A trio of whistles from you was echoed distantly halting you from a wrong left turn to follow the path on the right with the confused Elves behind you wondering why you were sent if you clearly had no clue where you were going. Up to a half wall with cutouts you got and huffed seeing the waving twins down below you making the Elf Prince behind you clear his throat making you turn as he said, “There is a staircase to the right, just around the corner.”Curiously you turned following his direction and you smirked saying, “Aha.” And trotted down the steps making the Prince and guards smirk at your excited tone at the discovery.King Thranduil behind you stated, “It is quite uncommon to send a messenger who has no idea where they are going.”At the foot of the stairs you smirked at him saying, “It would be uncommon wouldn’t it.” When he reached the bottom you said making his heart rate spike in your allowing him to step closer in your slight twisting stance, “Too bad I’m no professional messenger or you might crack a smile in amusement, Your Majesty.”Again you turned following the echo of conversation and peered around each corner and turn until you entered the courtyard again feeling the eyes of all the Elves looking you over especially when they stood to greet the Elf King and Prince behind you. The curly haired blonde especially remaining focused on you instead of the King hastily smoothing his hand down the row of buttons on his chest to calm himself.Thranduil eyed his friend looking over a set of his maps on the table and stated, “Normally a warning is sent before a visitor has crossed our borders.”His words drew Elrond’s attention to the doorway with a soft chuckle, “Ah, yes, Miss Black, you remember meeting her Father on your last visit?”Thranduil mentally traced back and nodded, “Yes. He must be pleased to have her back.”Elrond welcomed him inside to claim a seat, “He is. You should speak with her longer. But first, I have a few things I wish to discuss first.”Your head turned seeing your father enter from another entrance on your right with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel after him. On his feet Elrond stated, “Ah, yes, welcome to Rivendell. It seems Mithrandir here has deemed it necessary to hold a meeting before a move was made in this matter.”Moving closer you grinned leaning in to kiss Em’s cheek as you joined your father on the path back to your seat luring the King’s eyes to you and especially your giggling child while Elleths arrived adding more chairs for the Elf Lords.Within ten minutes the Elves had broken into a full blown argument and Albus subtly led the teens off through your doorway back to the school.Galadriel leaned forward in her stating to her clearly done son in law, “There is no means of discovering that weapon without dooming-,”Quietly you sat being openly stared at by your blondes in your focused gaze on the maps on the table finalizing your own mental plans. Intently they watched you stroking Crookshanks on your lap after Em nodded off along with Teddy a distant ring had your head turn following the cat’s shifting gaze and the sharp rise of your wand cut off the argument making them all stare.Sharply Galadriel’s eyes shot to the ring as it came to a stop in front of the tip of your wand and the courtyard fell silent as your eyes met Lord Elrond’s asking, “This it?” Your eyes shifted to the ring saying in his nod, “Certainly a nasty little one, slowly leeches on the soul of the bearer for sustenance.”Lord Elrond, “Miss Black, your father stated you have means of destroying horcrux without us requiring to travel to Mt Doom.”Looking at your father he explained, “Where it was forged.”In a nod you looked to him again saying, “Easiest way by far, Basilisk venom.”Elrond, “Basilisk?”Beside him Lindir asked, “Exactly how common are Basilisks in your world?”With a smirk you said, “Not at all, in fact I have the only one in captivity.”In your standing Thranduil led the others in a ripple to stand when you did, and Elrond asked, “That is how you were able to destroy the others you found?”On the path to your doorway you answered folding your fingers into Crookshanks’ fur in his cheek rubbing on your shoulder, “Basilisk venom mostly. Nagini, Myself, well, we had to die, but, that’s another matter entirely. Harry did well enough having his drained by a Dementor.” In another glance at the hissing ring you said, “Time for a visit to Tulip.”Lips parted at your statement and Lord Elrond asked, “You, died?”“Couple times. Last time, I was battling my Aunt and I got her to use a torturing curse on me, it angered my Uncle into firing a killing curse at her, I threw myself in front of her. Sort of woke up, in a crossroads of sorts, where I was given the option to stay and pass on or to return again. I chose to return.”Back into the maze of halls out of your classroom you went feeling your mind going fuzzy and unable to link to the Chamber directly so you made the next best pathway. Straight up to the Serpentine Tower to the end of a seemingly dead end after hearing echoes of the distant masses of children. They eyed the massive portrait with a large wingback chair facing away from your group with a pair of crossed legs under a thick velvet deep silver robe and a hand clasped book being read by the man within the vast library painted.
“Great Grandfather.”
Your hissing words nearly urged the stunned Elves to step back until Thorin mumbled to Elrond in Elvish, “It’s her Mother’s Kin’s tongue to converse with snakes.”With a soft snap the book was closed and the legs on the elderly man uncrossed and planted before he rose, freeing his beard to drop over his chest to his belt. In a turn the group looked over the silver haired man with shimmering purple eyes flashing from a bright green in the turn while a hint of softness flashed into his features in his path around the chair stating, “Welcome back Dear One.” His eyes scanned over the group as his hand waved at his side through the slow swing of the portrait revealing a doorway they followed you through and down the staircase. At the base of that their eyes scanned over the deep green tiled walls and floor with a shimmering glowworm covered ceiling lighting the path along with the self lighting lamps in the massive corridor branching into several different rooms and halls.In a glance back Fred and George said, “Welcome to the Chamber of Secrets.”Elrond’s eyes shifted to you repeating, “Secrets?”You nodded, “My ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of this school, the man in the portrait founded this place, hid a Basilisk inside for his descendent to unleash one day in case of an attack on the school to protect the students.”Sirius chuckled and added, “Our bloodline hasn’t always been the best when it comes to living in peaceful worlds.”As you neared the last door a warmly lit silver and maroon study came into view as you added, “Now we use it as the office for our company.”Fred, George smiled saying, “Weasley Wizard Wheezes.”You giggled as you led them through the office and headed to a full rack of venoms, eyeing each then making a clicking sound with your tongue and sighed, and turned to the group “We sell defense and joke items in the Wizarding world.”Elrond, “Defense items?”You nodded, “Like the Pixie Wrangler you saw earlier. We can give you a fuller idea later.” You turned again and led the group from that warm silver and maroon room into a green and silver snake room with various freely resting and moving snakes shifting curiously while inspecting the passing group and nodding their heads and returning your greetings to them.Across the nearly fifty foot room you opened the final door freeing you all into the massive hall ending with a giant carven head with an open mouth as you called out softly, “Tulip, I was wondering if I could have your assistance with something.”Behind you the Elves inched tighter as they heard the echo of slithering around them as Lord Glorfindel in middle of the group spoke out, “Miss Black, if I am not mistaken Basilisks eye contact can kill.”When your head turned to them they eyed your soft smile as you replied, “Tulip would never harm anyone unless threatened. Her eyes are enchanted allowing her control of that ability.” His eyes left yours when the glowing green eyes appeared through the large mouth of the statue drawing an attempted withheld gasps from the Elves at seeing Tulip in her partially coiled risen stance eyeing the vast group before lowering to you and flicking her tongue out towards the ring you held hovering in front of you.In her lowering their nerves calmed at the near smile easing onto the giant snake’s face at your stroking her snout while she released something near a purr and whispered back, “Another item to melt?”You nodded and she opened her jaws revealing the massive fangs Fred and George both held jars under catching the venom she released, just barely enough for an inch when combined after her big lunch. In a sleepy smack of her lips she nuzzled her head against you then Em’s back sweetly and circled around you to return to sleep off her meal after you had thanked her again and agreed to take her out for a walk later on the grounds when she’d woken.Behind you after Fred had called the doorway you led the way through the doorway into Rivendell again as you dropped the ring inside the venom and sealed it in a protective orb while a muffled screeching sounded out as it dissolved and fizzled into nothingness while your eyes traveled to the distance along with Elrond’s. In a glossy silver shade your eyes widened and fixed as a whirl of images flooded through your mind in mere seconds while your Father held you steady drawing the Elven eyes back to you when your eyes flickered back to normal again and you shook your head.Curiously Elrond’s eyes scanned over yours as he asked, “You have the gift of foresight. What did you see?”“A large supply of massive spiders and a crumbling tower,” Your eyes shifted to Thorin’s, “Your Father, does he have facial tattoos?”He nodded and stepped closer, “You saw my Father?” Gently your hand reached out with a faint glow as your fingers tapped the side of his forehead sharing the image of his face then lowered, “That’s him. Where is he?”You smiled at him softly and said, “Give me a moment.” A single pop sounded as you apparated into the darkened hall a few feet in front of the now cowering Dwarf you crouched before and gave a soft smile to as you stated, “Thrain, Son of Thror?”His bright blue eyes met yours from behind his lowering hands to eye your extended palm as well as the large cat in your other arm, “You know me?”“Thorin sent me. He is waiting.” A flash of eagerness and glee went through his eyes as he stood laying his palm on yours and held on tightly with a stunned gasp as you apparated back again. When you had arrived safely his eyes turned to the murmured Khuzdul speaking group approaching that happily led him towards the doorway you switched to your family home to help him scrub and change as Hermione gladly offered to make him something to eat.You shifted your gaze to Lady Galadriel walking to join you in a steady pace saying, “Just what creature are you, Child?”Her eyes scanned over you trying to pierce your mental wall before you answered, “I should warn you, my people have laws against scanning the minds of others without permission.”Sirius spoke in latin, “I did warn her of that.”Her eyes met yours coldly, “These are the lands of my kin and all will endure inspection upon arrival. You will tell me what you are!”You nodded, “I am a member of Dumbledore’s Army, the Order of the Pheonix and Leader of the Death Eaters.”Thranduil stated, “It is my understanding that you are in fact their Queen.”Barty smirked saying, “Merely modest.” Making the King look from him to you seeing your brow tick up in a glance at him before you looked to the Lady again.Softly around you Elves echoed the final title as Galadriel’s eyes scanned over you, “And just what does it take one to become an Eater of Death? Let alone their Queen.” Lowly in your arm Crookshanks growled at her move closer.With a smirk you offered out your glowing hand she smirked back. Tapped with her fingertips onto your palm only to stagger backwards. Dropping to her knees rocking back and forth slowly curling into a ball as the Elf Lords caught the echoes of the memories you had granted her lingering in your now emotionless eyes, “To become a Death Eater requires weeks of torture to ensure your loyalty and seal in our mark. What I showed you was merely the first few hours. If you wish to continue?”Your hand extended and her ragged breaths between tears streaming down her cheeks continued as she curled tighter and shook her head, “I am 21, and unfortunately, that is not the worst I have endured. A mind is a fragile thing, you should be very wary of tapping the minds of my kin without permission. No telling what you’ll be forced to endure. But, do as you wish, after all, curiosity did kill a cat, but satisfaction brought it back.”Her eyes scanned up to you tearfully seeing the truth in your words as you went back to your seat stroking Crookshank’s head calming him to a content purr. Stunned the Elf Lords joined you in sitting as Galadriel managed to stand and stagger away using the rails and walls to remain steady on her way to her usual apartment to rest. Mumbling to herself, “Such shadows, such weighty darkness.” Quietly Lord Glorfindel and King Thranduil settled down keeping their eyes locked on you wondering just what you had faced to torment Galadriel so with just a few hours of recounting.With a grin your father stated before you could sit again, “Oh, and Pumpkin, Remus and I had formed a barrier spell around Lothlorien, though I doubt it would be anywhere near to one as powerful as one from you.”Fred and George clapped their hands, “One good old fashioned Bubble Charm coming up.” Turning as you did the Elves watched you again, and guiding your doorway your father opened it in a clearing in Lothlorien where they joined the Elves there in watching you and the twins cutting the sides of your hands. Together you joined your fingers and palms into a woven knot in between your circle, then deeply inhaled and closed your eyes raising your wands muttering the ancient spell sending light pulses out through you and their wands and your glowing hand forming a giant bubble around his lands.When the seal became solid your fingers unlocked and you stepped back revealing a ruby coated ring spinning between your palms that dropped into yours when the spell ended. In a turn when the pair pocketed their wands again you offered the ring to the Elf Lord who eyed it carefully as you stated, “Only those with your blessing may enter these lands, all foes are unable to cross your borders.”His eyes met yours in shock as he slid it on his finger unable to feel anything special about the ring even in his great power and knowledge, “Thank you, Miss Black.”In an absurdly deep reach into your bag you felt the Elf King’s eyes scan over you when your hand retracted with a duo of candies in your palm. The small bright red and gold wrapped candies had the Elf Lords eyeing them curiously in your unwrapping one to slip between your lips. Looking over the dimly glowing Lord Celeborn compared to the others you offered him the second candy, “It’ll help you feel better.” His brow arched up, “It’s chocolate covered cherry flavor.”In another glance at the rectangular candy he collected it and folded back the shining paper revealing the feather etched bar he curiously sniffed then placed in his mouth eyeing you as he chewed it slowly then swallowed it. A single double blink later his pale complexion shifted and began to glow brighter than the other Elves around him. In a quick glance down to look himself over then up to you again, asking, “What was that?”You Fred and George answered with wide grins, “Pheonix Phables.” His brow rose, “We own a shop, sell healing, protective and joke goods. Those are one of our top sellers. Big surge of energy from the chocolate and all minor ailments fade at the Pheonix tears kick in.”Celeborn, “Pheonix tears?”Legolas, “You know where to find Pheonix?”“Yup. We have a great deal of mystical creatures from our world if you’d be willing to learn about them properly.”With the return of the Dwarves food was served and Crookshanks leapt from your lap with Opal climbing onto his back to take her back to your home he teleported off to gladly in search of his own mini fainting couch by the fireplace in the main sitting room. Lord Elrond guided you from there to the larger dining hall. At your father’s side after his kissing your cheek in his move to take Em to bed in your home along with Remus with Teddy your gaze rose to the curious curly haired Elf who had managed to ease his way to your other side. Curiously you flashed him a grin and watched him inhale sharply at your asking, “What’s your name?”Instantly his eyes flinched to Ron, who popped up, draped his arm around your shoulders saying, “Allow me, Sis, this is Lord Glorfindel, Lord Glorfindel, my sister, enjoy,” his hand patted your back and you looked at him as he turned to head back to the side of the Elleth he was formerly speaking with.A silent motion of Glorfindel’s hand had you nodding accepting he just didn’t seem to want to talk to you and turning to head to the waiting table leaving you curious of where to sit for a moment before claiming the chair beside the twins after seeing Thranduil at his seat seemingly refusing to sit until you had. Down by the Dwarves your group had settled with the Elves near to the other end around Elrond, who seemed eager to share your comments on interest in lands seemingly out of use.Your half of the table mainly speaking of home and the future of their people as the curious Elves all stole glances at you through the meal. Especially noting the stark contrast between the painfully large scar on your face they would have normally hidden from the world that nearly was forgotten entirely when you smiled and laughed with the Dwarves. In a glance down the table your eyes locked with the Prince’s causing him to nearly choke on his food stirring a smirk on your face before you turned to look at Bofur as he shared another one of his jokes stealing your attention from them.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When the plates were cleared and you were finishing the last of your drink you turned to face Thorin as he called out your name on your path to join the others back home to rest. Ignoring your exhaustion you joined the Dwarf King at the other end of the table where he had gone to bid the Lords goodnight to take his leave then stated, “I will leave you to your discussion.” Gently his hand planted on your upper arm on his path around your back heading to join the others leaving you to sit in the bare seat Legolas stood to ease out for you. In crossing your legs the Elves sat around you while Gandalf tried to steal some wine without Elrond noticing only to huff in being caught.When he sat down again the Elf King stated, “Lord Elrond informed me of your interest in Southern Greenwood.”You nodded, “Yes, it seems to be a large section of unclaimed land, if you’re willing to allow it.”Flatly he replied, “You can summon yourself anywhere you wish and summon doorways between kingdoms and destroy cursed items that have tormented these lands for ages, what good would my refusal do should you wish to claim those lands.”The glimmer of amusement in your eyes caused him to lower his wine glass before even taking a sip while you stated, “You could just as easily stab me through the head with that sword on your hip, and here I am, still breathing.” Through his eyes narrowing on you in shock trying to decipher your meaning he drew in a deep breath. “I have barely any skill with a blade and from what I’ve seen of the archery grounds here I could easily be brought down by any Elf properly trained, not even mentioning I could barely hear you walking up behind me earlier. We are Wizards yes, but we have laws. We’ve escaped from one war and don’t wish for another. If you refuse Thorin has mentioned the lands of, Angmar, are under orc rule, free reign nearly once we clear it. Our intention is a safe place for our people.”Thranduil, “These laws, would they be shared with our kin as well?”“If you like. Of course our new Ministry is going through and weeding out the worst and most tedious of them currently, but when it is complete we would gift you a copy if you like. I should say, those laws are for our people not to be held to yours, the main being do no harm to others and keep our magic hidden from non magic folk, of which we have thousands to rehouse as well.”Thranduil, “You mention these great numbers of people requiring such vast stretches of necessary lands, and yet I’ve seen none to require it.”“I could show you.”Legolas, “These non magic folk, if they are not your people why defend and help them escape at all?”Your eyes shifted to meet his, “The same way I would assume you would defend a child lost in your lands from those spiders of yours without question.” The lips of the Elves around you parted as he swallowed dryly, “My Uncle started a war that tore our world apart, and my decision to strike back and flee left thousands of children orphans, and thousands of confused non magic folk who were unable to defend themselves homeless. Not even mentioning the buildings and creatures we managed to save. From what I’ve learned through Gandalf Elves aren’t unfamiliar to being driven out and having to start over.”Your eyes shifted to the King’s again, “My people are just as big a threat to yours as yours are to mine, but none of my people have the heart for another war to face when ours has lasted for nearly 60 years already with others that had tried to start war on the same terms for centuries prior. I am not saying you would be banned from our lands, Dale, I’ve been told was a market city, our goods could be traded to our kind and yours. Most likely we’d put the non magic folk there. While the forest would be for our school and other smaller reserves and magical setups you would be welcome to visit, and should you need help in enforcing your borders, or even getting rid of those spiders we could help you.”Thranduil, “In exchange for what exactly? Gold?”You smirked again, “We have our own hoards of gold stashed away and spells to turn dirt to gold and gems. We are new here, and would settle for friendship and trust.”His eyes narrowed again stirring a giggle from you as you stood and snapped your fingers calling your doorway again, snapping their eyes to it, “First, I’ll show you our masses in Hogwarts, then our collected non magic folk.”After a steady inhale he stood and followed after you and nearly was brought to tears watching the dining hall empty sending the sea of children out to bed with the aid of the house elves as they bid you and the Dwarves good night. With the last of the children you led him to the nursery where Dwalin was collecting Lulu’s fresh diaper to changer her before bed as more house elves and older teens and Aurors changed and tucked them in.A tap on the King’s arm pulled him away from the doorway to follow you through the enchanted doorway again into the Black Family Home towards your study where they all eyed the room full of enchanted orbs floating inside. One by one they eyed the creatures moving around inside before looking at you again as you said, “This is all we have left of our world. These orcs and trolls and goblins have ruined yours, let us help you rebuild it. We have just as much to lose as you do, and have next to no knowledge of the world we’ve been dropped in.”Thranduil inhaled slowly as he inquired, “What happens to the children?”“The older ones will remain here in the school, when we settle an orphanage would be set up for the infants possibly. Dwalin has already grown fond of one of them, I’m certain others would be willing to foster some.”Thranduil, “My people rarely, even, see children. A great number of us would willingly house them.”“Either way, there would be a vetting process, and they would have to be taught about our ways and what to expect.”Legolas, “Even I’ve managed infants before.”You smirked at him, “Really now, have you had one that zaps itself onto the roof if you scare it playing peek-a-boo?” His brow rose, “We are born magical, and children have little control over it when they get angry or scared especially. We only receive our wands when we are eleven and head off to Wizarding school. They are not much different than your children, but there should be some knowledge given to their guardians on how to handle those situations.”Thranduil nodded, “Understandable. What knowledge of your kin did you give to Dwalin?”“I gave him an enchanted pendant to signal me should he get worried about anything. She’s still an infant, it shouldn’t start until she’s a bit older.”He nodded again and glanced towards the door again, “I suppose we should take another look at those maps and see what borders we could work out.” All the way back to Rivendell again he stole more glimpses of your home and listened as you shared the answers to their questions about your family and its place as one of the oldest in your world leaving them a bit puzzled on just what rank that would place you at with your reluctance to be named as Queen..Rolling your eyes you shifted back in your seat and tried blinking through your exhaustion as you focused your attention to the Elf King’s face. Tearing your mind from the wondering of where he had gotten such a bad injury to the left side of his face blinding his left eye that must be so exhausting for him to keep hidden under his powerful illusion. Though even without it he still was stunning to look at, and with a scar larger than his you really had no grounds to judge him wishing to keep the injury hidden. Spotting his inner cogs turning as he once again mentioned some fault to the area you had mentioned in attempts to settle at least an idea of where you could plant the school at least before you collapsed from the weight of the enchantment. On his left Lord Elrond stole a glance at the Elf King then looked back at you spotting your withheld irritation clearly, so similar to your Father’s expression when trying to learn one of their kin’s more complex card games.With a glance at the pocket watch you subtly pulled from your hidden pocket you sighed as the King had finished his latest excuse and said, “I see the Company was correct in their wagers.” Rising to your feet you added, “I have to rest.”Hastily the Elf King rose signaling the Elves around him to do the same as he asked, “Wagers?”Meeting his eye you stated, “We will clear your lands of any pests, current and abandoned and leave them to you. We will simply clear and claim the mountains as our own. If you’ll excuse me.”He took a step to his right blocking your path asking, “We have not come to an agreement. Are you wishing to reschedule for another time?”Wetting your lips you replied, “King Thranduil, you clearly are hoping to have your lands cleared and returned to you. That is what I am promising. We will look elsewhere.”Hastily he asked, “You mentioned mountains. What mountains?”“The Grey Mountains and those in the lands of Angmar.”Sharply he drew in a breath, “Those mountains are riddled with Dragons. You would unleash destruction on us all!”With a sigh you turned to a glowing cloud of mist passing around the Elf King then filling out to your normal form again softly stating, “I have an early class in a few hours to rest for, if you wish to we can continue this argument tomorrow after school hours are through.”After his parted lips shut he hastily followed after you on your path to the lone doorway open to your family home where you halted at his hand grabbing your wrist revealing his racing pulse as you caught the memory of a war he fought in and his watching his people being attacked by corrupted dragons. Rolling your eyes to hide the flash of silver and misting of your gaze you caught a glimpse of Elrond’s amused smirk when you turned to face the King with a forced flash of a smile, “Yes, Your Majesty?”With narrowed eyes he repeated, “Those lands are riddled with Dragons!” In a moments pause his eyes widened at Opal flying through the doorway and landing on your back tilting her head as she accepted your lending her part of your sight turning your left eye milky white.The Elves stepped back as he released you, unable to grip his sword as you stopped them by saying as Norberta joined her on your right side, “So are our lands. But our Dragons mean us and you no harm.”Elrond cautiously stepped forward saying, “Your Father mentioned your knowledge of their tongue.”You nodded, “Draconic. I am fluent in it. Some of our oldest spells stem from it. There are even myths to state our first Wizard was gifted his powers through befriending a Dragon that wished him to live eternally beside him.” Your eyes shifted back to Thranduil, “The Dwarves are well aware of our bond, part of our deal, in return for reclaiming Erebor we earn Dale. I am certain we can extend the deal to the northern mountains if we work out a fair portion of lands to share through them. No harm will come to your kin concerning Dragons. Now, as I said, I need to rest.”Thranduil urged, “Your class can wait.”Your brow rose as you crossed your arms stirring a confused once over from the King at the clear refusal of his order, “If you were unaware, I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor and I have six classes of students to prepare for quarter exams on Tuesday. Now Monday through Fridays I teach from 8 to 5, after that I am free to continue this discussion since it is a weekend.”After drawing in another breath eyeing his partially stunned reaction to your final statement, “I will see you tomorrow, Your Majesty. The doorway will switch back to your Kingdom when I pass through allowing you to return home if you wish. You have my word my people will not harm yours. We are far too tired and simply wish to settle and start again.” Turning around after those words his eyes scanned over the smiling Dragons bidding the group goodnight in the recited Elvish they had learned through your lessons with Gandalf before the door closed then promptly opened again to the Throne Room in Greenwood. *Turning to Elrond Thranduil asked, “What?!”Smirking Elrond motioned his head to the side, “I’ll brew us up some tea.”Thranduil joined him on his left, “Miss Black abandoned our negotiations all together to-, to go on some death mission to the Grey Mountains!”Elrond glanced up at his friend saying, “Negotiations? For all your reasoning to refuse her claiming the portions she suggested I am surprised you wish to claim them at all.”Thranduil scoffed, “I refused nothing.”Glorfindel chuckled, “The Western stretch apparently contains trees that will maliciously poison the youth, twice you mentioned them. The East is far too rocky to use for housing and the Southern stretch around the old keep is full of marshes and the North floods, just what portion were you allowing her?”Thranduil inhaled sharply as he entered the small study claiming his usual seat as Elrond prepared the kettle, “I was simply trying to see to the Children’s safety.”Elrond nodded, turning to catch his eye, “Ah, yes. Seeing them safely away from your borders.” Earning a chuckle from himself as he returned to the tea.“I am not being unreasonable. They have dragons, what do they need of my lands?” Elrond raised a brow at him, “Yes I know, homes. Why my lands? Why not, live in the plains below Laketown?”Elrond smirked, “Men now claim those lands. Those overpopulating Rohan have moved closer to our borders to claim their own kingdom. Rhovanion plains now have a new King to claim and protect it. I would not allow them to go against those armies. Men would be far to willing to abuse their naïve ways.”Thranduil sighed, “My people are far too crowded in our lands.”Elrond sighed again knowing his own people could use the extra lands that reclaimed forest could offer. “We will discuss it tomorrow. She has duties to see to, same as we do. We will plan a dinner or something agreeable to Miss Black and continue the terms then.”* In a soft groan you walked through the halls and stopped at a thick mahogany door a tune softly rippled through from a harp that halted with your gentle wrap from your knuckles on the door. Shuffling footfalls later you greeted Thorin with a weak smile, his head bowed to you, “Miss Black.”You bowed your head in return, “I was wondering if I could have a moment?”He nodded stepping back to allow you inside the room he’d been gifted to join him on his bed near the foot as he claimed a spot a foot away eyeing the map you set between you on the bed. “This area between the Celdwin and Carnen Rivers, is that occupied?”Thorin shook his head, “No, it’s far too hilly and it gets too harsh to house in through the winter.”Wetting your lips you asked, “Would, and I know you might have to consult your Cousin King Dain, would your kin mind if we claimed it for our schools at least to start settling at least some of us?”He nodded, “Of course.” Patting your hand gently, “Was King Thranduil that obstinate?”“Apparently there is no habitable land in all of Southern Greenwood. So, we will help clear it and hand it over to him. Also, these Grey Mountains, would we be able to claim a portion of those as well? I know you said the lands of Angmar were all ours, but a portion of those would help to house Durmstrang and Bauxbatons schools.” His lips parted, “I know those lands used to be your kins,” you wet your lips again, “I was thinking, we could combine the Grey Mountains all through Angmar and down to Moria even.” The idea parted Thorin’s lips as he considered it.“You would only want a portion?”You nodded, “Yes, if you could find a set of maps for those peaks I could tell you which ones. But we need I would say at least two peaks, and then the valleys between we could occupy leaving your kin the rest in the Grey Mountains. Moria would be yours, and we could mix in the bits between Moria of course.”He nodded, “Of course.” He wet his lips again, “This deal would greatly calm any objections to a union between Fili and Miss Granger. Oh, I am to ask for a future date to discuss the full courtship expectations from her Parents.”You smiled at him, “Our people and yours have different cultures on courtship, but I am certain they would love to meet the rest of your family. We’ll have to discuss it with Hermione of course,” Your brows furrowed, “Does, does this much thought always go into all of your relative’s romantic choices?”He smirked at you, “Fili is my heir, and since my,” a soft blush struggled to coat his cheeks as he continued, “Future Consort, Bilbo and I will be unable to continue my line Fili will be claiming my throne when I pass on.” Your momentarily parted lips drew a curious furrow from his brows, “Do you object to Miss Granger claiming Fili?”You shook your head, “Of course not. Simply, this might seem a bit, odd, to ask. You both don’t want children or is it simply the obvious reason why you assume you’re barred children?”“We have magic in our world but two men cannot reproduce on their own.” His eyes scanned over your face, “Is that not true in yours?”“Well, we have a potion to change the gender of the drinker, it’s usually used for, fertility issues like these.”His lips parted as his eyes lit up, softly asking I a hopeful tone, “We could have a child?”You nodded, “As long as one of you would be willing to live for possibly years as a woman until successfully birthing and nursing the child or children.”“The young, are there any, defects?”You shook your head, “No. Just one painful transformation for the drinker later and a set of fertility boosters, if you wish to speed it along, and, Baby.”His hands cradled yours, “You have no idea what you’ve just offered me, my kin. This potion is easily crafted?”“It takes, three weeks to brew properly if I recall, but it is easy to make.”“I, that is, Bilbo and I would not be the only ones of my kin to require aid in this.”You smiled at him, “Thorin, part of our place in Dale and your kingdoms would be to help aid in situations like this. We want our people to flourish and find peace. We would protect our lands, ours as in both of ours, and yes, we would love to help you with this.”His smile grew as he tried to reign in his urge to tackle you in a hug, “When we get to Erebor we will find the maps to settle the issue of the peaks, the valleys and plains are yours. The area between Celdwen and Carnen are yours along with our sharing Dale. I cannot thank you enough for this!”You smiled at him, “Hey, kids is kinda what I do now.” Making his smile grow, “I’ll let you sleep, or ambush Bilbo or whatever else you’re planning, thank you for being so agreeable.”He smiled at you walking you to the door where he smiled up at you and crashed into you with a tight hug you returned as he repeated his thanks earning a giggle from you. When you left to head to bed as he raced next door to knock on Bilbo’s door that opened leaving the Hobbit nearly knocked over through his excited kiss...Heavily out of bed in the sounding of your alarm your body rose feeling as if you had just collapsed onto it without having slept at all. And you sat up rubbing your face brushing your orange curls out of your face. Onto your feet you rose and trudged your way to the bath, the usual routine filled of primping simple makeup and then you were in your closet adding tall socks you added under your black jeans. Tucking in your yellow bird coated white blouse you pocketed your wand sheath and enchanted pouch and stepped into your heeled boots you zipped up. Softly your heels clicked in the path to the nursery next door, a ginger lifting of Em from her crib had her changed and pulled into a fresh set of clothes before she could stir again in your arms on the way to the dining room.Wide eyed you froze for a moment seeing Lindir right beside Regulus, who grinned at you saying, “Your dad went to fetch his things and got a request for company.”“Ah,” your eyes turned to Linder and you said, “Hi, am I allowed to ask your name or are you shunning me too?”Regulus chuckled, “This is Lindir.”Lindir bowed his head, “It is a pleasure to meet you Queen Jaqi. I am not aware of who might be shunning you, however I for one would never shun you.”In Em’s fussing you turned to the table saying, “Good to know, and I’m no Queen.”Peering up at Regulus Lindir’s brows inched up slightly concerned only to have Regulus shake his head saying, “Come, I’ll show you what juices we have. Jaqi’s still adjusting to everything.”Moving past the pair in eyeing your usual seat beside Fleur you noticed the Elf King across from it peering almost adoringly at Em as she stirred. Remus was next to trudge in with Teddy in his arm and a spare jar of pureed food for Em to go with the sliced fruit Neville set out for you while Ginny hovered your plate over to you. Dwalin, Lulu and the other Durins eager to get an early start.In the opening of the jar of food you listened to King Thranduil state, “Miss Black, you did state you required rest, and that your classes do not start until 8, now we have an hour and a half to cover this matter while you eat, and feed your child.” Shifting Em in your grip his eyes sank over your exposed duckling tattoo curious for the meaning behind it while you helped Em to feed herself between accepting bites of food from the fork hovering in front of you from your plate. “I believe we were discussing central Greenwood before you had to retire for the night.”You nodded, “Let me guess, screaming toads live there?” The few teens conscious smirked curiously looking at you and the King curious what he had put you through the night before.His brow rose as Elrond chuckled and interrupted, “I do believe we could manage to be a great deal civiler this time around?” He glanced between you both smirking as you eyed the map Thorin slid closer to you with a confirming nod reminding you of your prior agreement as Bilbo curled around his other arm happily beaming at you remembering your offer.“It was civil.”Thranduil nodded, “I was simply stating the faults in the locations suggested, and no, there are no screaming toads. Though there are some very unfriendly owls.”You nodded and rolled your eyes again forcing the memory of his injury flashing painfully into your mind stirring a curious tilt of his chin, “As I said, we will clear your lands and return them to you. King Thorin and I came to an agreement. Your lands are safe, if you need help with sealing spells for your borders once they’re cleared don’t hesitate to ask.”His lips parted suddenly feeling a rush of panic at not playing a part in the terms at all. “What agreement?”“We are claiming part of the Grey Mountains, all of Angmar along with the bare patch between the Celdwen and Carnen Rivers.”Thranduil, “But of the final territory those are full of hills and far too harsh to live in.”You smiled at him, “We will manage.”Thranduil glanced over asking, hoping to see what you had shared of your plans with the Durins, “King Thorin. You would freely allow them to house their Dragons near your lands so, willingly?”Thorin smirked at the Elf King, “King Thranduil, we have met their Dragons and inspected the varying breeds, all share a deep respect and wish to remain free and protect their young and future homes and ours. They have no corrupt wish for gold or jewels, simply freedom and peace. In time you will learn as we have they are far from the beast that stole our home.”Elrond, “And what will you do with Smaug and the countless others dwelling in those mountains?”His eyes following as Bill sat bedside Fleur and claimed Em from your arms with a grin softly saying, “Jellybean let’s let Mummy eat, hmm?” Giving you a wink reminding you he had taken the task of watching her today with Fleur.“They will be thoroughly dealt with and cleansed to join our herds if possible.”Thranduil, “And if they refuse to join?”Charlie, “It is unpleasant but if need be there are many uses for the body parts of Dragons.”Thranduil’s eyes locked on you when Glorfindel drew your eye asking, “Your thoughts on that?”“If they are a danger to our people and our Dragons’ peace they will be handled. Our herds have been alerted to the wild herds and have all agreed no retaliation for claiming their lives if need be.”Glorfindel, “Retaliation?”Charlie, “In our world they are very much family minded, live in groups. We almost never find one off on its own unless it’s been cast out for breaking their laws or stolen as a hatchling.”Elrond, “What are their laws?”You smirked at him, “They have over 5000, all varying by breed stemming back to their births. That would take quite a length of time to share.” With a sigh you glanced at the clock on the wall and accepted the vial Kreacher had passed you.In a simple uncorking you downed the vial as he softly stated, “Your potion Mistress.”Looking him over curiously the Elves noted his vest and shorts bearing your family crest and shimmering buttons well polished in his pride for serving your kin, his hands extended accepting the empty vial. Eyes lingered on you as you seemed to appear a bit more energized while you listened to Thorin distracting the Elves with talks of trade agreement meetings to set up in the future allowing you to slip away when it was time to head to your first class.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It had to be tonight, just had to be, tonight you would face the dragon. Notes were sent out to Charlie and his friends from the dragon grounds to ensure they would meet you there. Two energy boosters later and you slumped into your seat in Minerva’s office for lunch knowing you couldn’t make it down and up again all those flights of stairs to the Great Hall.Severus was next to ease into his seat still feeling a bit stiff from his own lingering injuries asking, “Did you sleep well at least?”“Doesn’t feel like I sleep at all these days.”Barty strolled in next with Em in hand as you shifted her high chair closer to you only for him to say, “Now now you can barely lift your arms.”Again you huffed and said, “You know they ambushed me this morning? I had to leave cuz we were deadlocked last night and said we could talk after school and they were there at breakfast!”The group chuckled and Minerva said, “Well with those dreams of yours did you really expect to be family right off as they only stared at you? Barty has said the King seems to be quite interested in our world.”Severus, “What of the other one? Any progress?”“He asked me if it was true that Basilisks were dangerous, and yesterday I asked him his name and Ron introduced us, then nothing, just ushered me ahead to sit with the others.”Minerva chuckled, “Perhaps he feels he is not able to speak to you socially yet. Some form of tradition to gain, some form of social status before you may converse in private or public without a chaperone.”“That is-,”Barty, “Plus, he’s a Lord, apparently the Elf King chooses to treat you as a Queen, standing when you do, refusing to sit until you do. Maybe it’s a matter of rank.”“But I’m-“Severus, “To them a Queen is a Queen. Land or not. You have some form of say and are their main face for our people. Even Gandalf holds you in high regard.”“Ugh,” hanging your head for a moment you said, “We were supposed to get a new start not have to keep playing the Queen thing.”Minerva, “Who’s playing? You have inherited the control of Death Eaters and still have their loyalty even if their agendas have changed from attacks to defense.”Severus, “Any news from the Dwarves?”“Not particularly. Oh, remind me to look up the ingredients for a gender shift potion,” his brow inched up, “Bilbo and Thorin want to have babies.” Earning a nod from him, “I said I would assist them with it.”Minerva, “And the dragon?”“Tonight. Then hopefully the settling in the land between the rivers at least so I can relax a bit tomorrow. We still have to vote on Dale but we can at least set the shops down in the new lands to ease some of the weight until we can clear Angmar down.”Minerva, “That would be best. Handle it soon before we have to see you in a coma.” Earning your weak agreeing chuckle.Barty, “Plan for the face off?”“Um, Phoenix shift most likely, taunt him while the guys wrap the chain harness around him. Who knows maybe some of his fire might give me a boost of energy.”Severus, “Either that or it will at least keep you nice and toasty.” Making you smirk at him. **In a huff Thorin sat in front of the fireplace in your sitting room tapping the pipe he wished to be smoking on his knee while Dwalin glanced at him after easing the nipple of the bottle between Lulu’s lips he had just fixed for her. “Now now, she’ll be down for her nap in a bit and you can smoke then.”Thorin huffed again, “You know it isn’t that. We’re so close, and now we’re held off by, classes and meetings with the Elves wishing to detail every moment of our allies settling.”Dwalin, “Ah. Well certainly the classes of course,”Thorin shook his head, “I understand classes. Exams and such, their young need training and care.”Dwalin, “Well which is it Then?”Thorin looked at him, “Elves! Why must they meddle with the Wizards? Why could they not just allow us our task, had we not wasted the past day in Rivendell handling the matter of the Ring, which aided us all I can agree to that, but the matter was settled with such ease it stunned the Elves. Surely that could have waited another day at least! We could have been settled now, but Miss Black is now more exhausted and irritated herself with their ambush this morning! Surely they can see just how it wears on her!”Dwalin, “Surely they do.” Thorin looked at him saying, “What? Was your expectation I would defend or explain their actions? I’ve no clue what rattles around in those heads of theirs same as you.” At the figure entering the door he grinned saying, “Afternoon, Miss Granger.”Thorin’s head turned sharing the soft grin they gave the teen entering to say, “Jaqi sent a note, wanted to let you know, after her last class she wanted to give Smaug a go.”Thorin’s lips parted, “Surely if she needs to rest-,”Hermione shook her head, “Said it was best not to put it off, she might want to eat first, so roughly five or six she should be heading out with the guys. If you wanted to go that is, watch them catch Smaug.”Thorin, “Of course we would want to be there. Is there any way we might aid Miss Black at all?”Hermione, “Um, I’m not exactly sure. Neville’s stocking up on herbs from the greenhouse for some more energy boosters, the Dragon crew are handling that end with Charlie, not much to do really. Just rest up I suppose. Seventy years nearly, the mountain will need some cleaning.”Thorin, “Of course. Thank you for informing us.” She nodded and eased back out of the room to return to her list of laws she was writing comments on with the other teens and remaining Aurors chosen for the new Wizengamot alongside Dumbledore.In a hurry Thorin jumped up and went off to spread the word soon bringing back all of his Company into the sitting room to think of how best to aid you, mainly ending with those who lives there longest trying to make a map. Though in a passing trip from Sirius and Remus memories were borrowed in their process to make you a better one just like those they used in their Marauding days.…Five o clock came and out of your blouse you stripped, leaving you in your near sheer backless tank top topped with a rib length corseted top, both in a light grey coated in black diagonal patterns. Through the halls you strolled down to the main floor of your house where you found the Elf Lords ready to continue your conversation only to tag along after hearing where you were going. Estel in Elladan’s arms was eager to have met, you, Em and to see Sirius again and now was just shaking from excitement and ready to see Smaug being taken out of Erebor.With lips parted taking in your skin baring appearance the Lords followed you through your enchanted doorway into the snow capped chilly field on the edge of the forest thanks to the memory from Thorin. Thankfully you had found a break in the snow and wind easing the temperature even without the warming bubble your uncle had cast around those looking on. Around you the Dragon team mounted their brooms as Charlie strolled through your reopened enchanted doorway with a shrunken Ukrainian Ironbelly the size of a cow behind him. A grin eased across his lips in spotting you and Charlie said, “Boris here asked as Imperial to supervise the safe capture of the thief.”In Draconic he greeted you stating, “No one harms you little one.”Moving closer and giving an almost purr in your hand stroking against his cheek when your foreheads met, “You are always welcome to monitor us.”In a pull back you turned with the twins accepting the map in your hand holding your wand and as Charlie mounted his own broom the Elves watched Boris take off towards Laketown lake where he seemed to expand five hundred times over. Now standing taller than Erebor itself folding his wings again with a snarl waiting and watching the mountain. Before the others could speak in a burst of flames you leapt up and mouths dropped watching you shift into a white and blue Phoenix between the red and gold twins starting your flight towards the front gate. A flick of the wand in your foot threw the gates open and inside your trio soared while the Dragon team remained in place outside.Following the path on the map at the door of the treasury you shifted back and pocketed the map and shot a purple charm out of your wand jolting the sleeping beast from his sleep. Up he rose and with a smirk you said, “Aren’t you simply adorable?”Sharply in his jump up you shifted again and dove towards the hoard grabbing the shimmering stone through the showers of gold coins raining down off his body and circled around soaring right through the wall of flames he blew at you. Instantly the flames seeped into your feathers and all those weeks of travel wore away in your body sucking up all the flames to now wreath you in sparks. Another circle as he sat up and the twins joined you in planting your feet onto his body apparating him outside.Out again shooting from their hiding places the Dragon team circled Smaug now visibly floundering in the air trying to remember just how to fly. Pillar after pillar of flames erupted from him to be absorbed by your trio after your wide swooping turn flinging the stone towards your father who used his drawn wand to hover it the rest of the way to hand over to the now teary eyed Thorin cradling it in his hands.Chains encircled Smaug now frozen in a wide eyed stare at Boris baring his fangs in a warning growl alerting that he would breathe flames if necessary.Unable to fight all of you Smaug relented and allowed himself to be chained into the enchanted harness the Dragon team used the proper charm on to shrink him to the size of a toy pig. Tucked in Charlie’s arm he coiled up afraid of being eaten only to see Boris shrinking himself to fly after the team escorting him to the Dragon Breeding Grounds.A sudden gust of wind in front of the cheering group had them finding you three still coated in soft white flames and sparks for a few moments and you with ripples of colors in your eyes settling back to normal as you said with a grin, “King Thorin, Erebor. As promised. Now, it needs some tidying, and your hoard is in need of proper gathering, the exit sent it all topsy turvy.”Tightly around your middle he hugged you making you giggle in hugging him back as he replied, “I can never repay you for this. Dale does not seem half as worth what you have given us, not to mention all else that was promised.”With a smirk you said, “For that, you can start with a tour while we give you a bubble charm of your own.” Making him chuckle and nod in Fred and George apparating the group inside the mountain whose doors eased shut behind you.Cleansing pulses shot out of the wands of the Aurors in the group while you, Fred and George formed a ring of emeralds of protection you gave to Thorin controlling the bubble charm around the mountain. The deeper you got into the mountain the more the Dwarves grinned seeing the cleaning supplies start to get to work freshening up the mountain gradually growing brighter with the forge fueled lanterns after Norberta grew to her full size and lit each of the stacks stirring the entire mechanism back to life.A swing of the giant hammers had you summoning muffling charms around the children in your party in your clearly visible flinch into Glorfindel’s side when the massive dangling mallots collided. A quick apologetic grin was answered with a timid pat on your shoulder blade and you kept moving onwards glancing up at the mallets that still made you flinch again and slide your fingers along your thighs trying to shake the memory of the explosions from your escape that had burned and battered you so badly. A brush of the King flanking up on your other side had your attention drifting to the wrap on his arm you shifted your head slightly to get a stolen clarifying glance at the design stitched into it. Only for his eyes to catch your eyes clamping shut for a moment in your next flinch.Unable to resist seeing the damage Smaug had been wreaking in the treasury Thorin led the way to the scattered sea of gold you held your hand out to keep the others from touching.Curiously the Durin’s eyes all rose to you only to drop to the gold at your father’s stating, “That is quite a hex.”Thorin, “Hex?”“We’re going to need nifflers.” At that you and the twins were off through your door linked to the niffler habitat in Hogwarts with your attention grabbing whistle stirring up the curious hoards of scavengers.Hermione clarified, “Something in the hoard is hexed, and the hex has spread through the gold. One of the easiest metals to curse, just seeps through anything gold it comes into contact with. Seems to be a befuddling base with, blind greed touch to it?”She glanced up at Remus who said, “This is going to take a while.” Glancing down at K, who accepted both Teddy and Em he took to the corner of the ledge he summoned a play area for the two Estel joined them in curiously under the watch of the twins.The return of your trio drew all eyes to you and then lower to the excited herd of Nifflers all peeking up then grumbling at a cursed coin they reached as you started down the steps, “Now, we’ll cleanse it and you all gather it up.”Kili muttered, “We should find some buckets…”Who then looked at Fili and then to Hermione when she said, “She’s talking to the Nifflers.”Fili crouched down asking, “Niffler? How can this little-,” at that a spotted niffler jumped up and started to burrow into his jacket only to have your wand out halting his actions saying, “we do not steal from our friends.”In a whine the creature released the hilt of the dagger he’d already pulled the sheathed blade on it into his pouch. Fili’s mouth dropped open, “Hey!” Taking the dagger back and you lowered the niffler and closed the door while Fred set a barrier up on the entrance so they couldn’t go farther into the mountain. In Hermione’s giggle Fili couldn’t help but grin and join her on the steps while she brought out a set of parchment and a quill she enchanted for the official inventory. Then passed a second quill and piece of parchment for Thorin to write to his family, a letter then sent off with an eager large Raven who had been following you all since your entrance.Curiously while you and the men let out cleansing spells into the gold the Nifflers slid down the steps then began to fill their pouches astounding the Elves and Dwarves before their waddle over to the twins filling series of see through chests they filled and marked the quantity on by gently shaking the Nifflers empty. The amusement of the Nifflers never seemed to cease for the children in the circle of Elves while Thorin and Balin made a trip to the library for the hall of records to complete their end of the bargain.Upon their return, the hall had been sorted and sluggishly you slumped onto your father’s back feeling a vast depletion of your newfound energy that had been drained drastically yet again by the vast amount of hiding spells you were enforcing against your hopes for it lasting longer. “Up you get Pumpkin.” He said grabbing your legs to carry you piggy back up the steps.All heads turned to Molly and her large grin holding a plate of rolls she passed out to you all. Accepting each grateful thanks with her usual head nod as Fred and George took the exhausted Nifflers back to Hogwarts after Thorin had smiled as they clung to the gold coins he had offered them in return for their impressive sorting skills. Holding her empty tray Molly said, “We found the large kitchen on this floor, got a dinner started and Arthur is helping the girls set the tables.” Her eyes scanned over to Thorin, “I hope you don’t mind. We heard there was some sorting and there’s been an awful lot of traveling and popping about..”Thorin chuckled softly lowering his roll from his pleased bite, “We don’t mind. Thank you in fact for remembering food.”She smiled, shrugging, “I’m the Mum, it’s what I do.” Guiding the group towards the wafting scents from food as the Elves stole a glance back at you.Into the seat offered you were settled and grinned at Molly. Seeing Tauriel holding Em after her hair had been grabbed to inspect one of her braids and lowered into the high chair summoned from your home beside Teddy, who had latched onto Ellohrir’s arm in his try to get up without him after their playing together. Estel grinned in a chair of his own beside the pair with your father beside him while your head turned finding the King settling in the chair on the right of Glorfindel, who seemingly had stolen the empty chair on your right. A silent challenge hadn’t gone unnoticed between the two making you face forward to lift your glass bottle pretending to ignore the smirks on the faces of the men in your family around you. The subtle purple wine cooler you sipped on in the first of a round of elated toasts and cheers brought from your home helped to ease your taste buds for the hearty meal.A glance at his mother’s glass had Ron stepping straight into a night of puzzled stares in his discovery of him soon having another younger sibling to look forward to. Questions through the meal were briefly answered by the Lord on your right and glances at the King already looking at you brought on questions for you in return from him. This lasted until Thorin cleared his throat in noticing the time and stood, “Miss Black, we owe you a great deal, you and your people. For now I believe it best we call it a night, allow you to rest before your first class in the morning. I would like to give you these,” he said accepting the stack of pages bound in a leather cover Ori lifted from a table off to the side, “All our records on Dale including the ownership documents. As promised Dale is yours. We cannot wait to see what you do with it.”Hermione popped up to accept the pages in your place and joined you all in heading through your doorway, against their wish to sleep in the mountain with your ring in his possession Thorin accepted your offer to continue dwelling in your home a bit longer until supplies could be gathered for him and his men. Gladly Dwalin was the first to return with Lulu to put her into her bed for the night as you took Em to do the same beside Remus. Up for a while unable to sleep your father and Regulus sat up with the Elves to take them to their homes later on while you went off to bed.Along with those papers for Dale Hermione and Neville had sifted through were rough copies of maps of the Grey Mountains and an impossibly vague layout of what was known of the kingdom of Angmar. Alongside Draco while you slept they worked up a better image of how things could be laid out. And when you woke again Draco had already gotten a great deal of his first draft on a possible model for how Dale would be set up. Having spent the entire time stroking his finger against the opal coated ring he accepted watch over from the twins after their having shielded the city and made a full copy of its layout..Around the breakfast table you were pleased to not have an ambush waiting for you only to sigh at Regulus’ saying, “We are having guests after you’re off work.”“Do I even have to ask?”Regulus chuckled and in feeding Em your father said, “I might have let slip we were possibly resettling tonight. They were wishing to see it for themselves if you don’t mind, Pumpkin?”With a shrug you answered, “Why not?”.Between classes your mind lingered on the sketch of the lands you had claimed. Through your doorway Fred and George had gone ahead with Draco to fly over it and set up a basic sketch of where everything would be set. The clear locations for your home and that of Malfor Manor and the Hollow were settled in a circle of hilly paths in between each vast plot of land they contained. Around those the Tonks household and those from among the Death Eaters and Order of the Phoenix on the other side of Godrick’s Hollow. The opposite end of the vast stretch of land would house Hogwarts and Hogsmeade complete with Black Lake. Between them for the time being you would settle the structures to be sent to Dale once the design was finalized making up a temporary home for Diagon Alley for the time being.An odd addition you knew might come up to ease the use of your enchanted doorway was sketched up by you and around a lone hill near to your circle of homes was a series of curved stone staircases. Under each staircase were a trio of arches that could be linked to different kingdoms later on, all connecting up to a platform at the top of the hill with a colored glass statue of a dragon under a glass dome held up by connected arches to allow stargazing or views off into the distance.The sketch was sent out and agreed upon by everyone in your circle while word was sent through Minerva alerting everyone of the need to evacuate the school at six pm, those classes for the day would be waived for the day to ease the transition to the school’s new home. Dumbledore still kept his distance from you trying to settle to the fact of who you had freed while pondering why. But all through the school one thing rang clear, a name had been chosen by the children and teens for the new lands housing homes and the school, Pumpernickel..Five pm had you atop Opal’s snout with your group around you eyeing the area you were to leave your home. Vast stretches of hills with winds whipping between them casting waves of snow to cascade through them with nothing to stop them until they naturally found a bank for the snow to form inside of. Down on the ground the Elves stared up open mouthed eyeing Opal glittering in the flickers of sunlight through the clouds freeing snow down around you coating your hair and billowing sweater on the breeze.After everyone inside had emptied with only the house Elves inside refusing to leave to ensure nothing fragile was broken the stunning size of the near palace sized squared Black Family Manor was set out with its white blue accented exterior under its protective bubble now allowing soft snow to fall through it to coat the gardens below. Malfoy Manor was next and tucked into its own safe bubble while your family and friends filed back into the house to get out of the cold.The Hollow was set next and seemingly welcomed the snow to freeze the marsh and lake around the back of it earning a giddy squeak from Molly, who hugged your father as Arthur now had hold of Em and Teddy and was telling them a story elatedly. The hug was gladly returned in a chuckle from Sirius and joined in on by the rest of the Weasleys around her. Godrick’s Hollow followed after and the remaining houses after relaxing you a tad.The Wizarding City buildings set for Dale, both muggle born and magical alike were let out next into small spiraling suburbs to weave between the hills with cheering Wizards and Witches waving up at you and your group in gratitude filing back into their homes and buildings.Waves of eager voices spread through the school as everyone gathered the infants and toddlers to carry out into Rivendell, with Elrond’s permission to keep them safe and warm in the resettling already easing the strain on you with less bodies to weigh the school down.All while the curious Elves there stood with lips parted seeing the hundreds children were left to your care and without families of their own on top of the hundreds of younger students among them. The elder students and teens living in the school for protection filed into the lands around your guests choosing to rough the cold to witness the transition.In a ripple of languages bringing the Elf Lords to realize just how vast the people you had collected actually was all shared what was going on in a flurry of translation guides and chains of teens to spread the word through shared languages in groups until everyone understood what was happening and what still had to be done.The massive school and lake came into view from the expanding orb and were planted within your new borders with special barriers of reinforced strips of land to keep Black Lake separate from the rivers around the lands protecting the creatures within. The school settled as an island again off on its own with only the bridge tracks from Hogsmeade station to connect it to the rest of the lands to continue its imagined seclusion to be continued in these new lands. Of course with the Forbidden Forest stretching out as close to its former boundaries as possible though a set of hills surrounded by mini waterfalls required to shift a section you had earlier cleared for shifting from the Centaurs and Acromantulas who held claim over that small sliver. In a shimmering ripple the school at once flickered in their eyes at least as an old set of ruins in a swamp with warning signs around it.Celeborn asked Thorin on his left, “Is that how my lands will appear? Ruins or a swamp?”Behind him your Father stated, “No.” The Elf Lord jumped earning a smirk from him behind his mug, using it to hide the reaction as he claimed a sip of his tea, “It only appears like that on the schools to keep Non Magical creatures out. Old spell, came with the castle, refuses to change.” Earning a relieved sigh from the Elf Lord when the spell’s effect faded from their sights simply revealing the school and lands in all its glory now filling with snow while the curious creatures within exited to steal a glimpse of their new lands around their territory.The last touch, while the cheering students and teens filed back into the school Dumbledore created a bridge for them to cross the body of water around it to get back inside, were the sets of arches Opal landed by that your father led the Elven and Dwarven groups over to through your doorway.Peering up at the arches curiously while Opal landed the Elves commented on the statue up top and the construction of the odd structure they did not understand the use of until you hopped down off of Opal’s snout and grinned saying. “So, I had a thought, you all are friends, and it is a bit absurd to have to travel two weeks to invite one another to dinner, or having to find one of us in passing to borrow my doorway, so I am offering this.” Their eyes shifted to the arches you pointed at, “Each arch could be used as a doorway of your own. If you agree I could form arches in a bare stretch of garden or forest so you can travel to and fro whenever you fancy.”In the tick of your brow upwards Thranduil stated, “I for one think it is a marvelous idea. I can already place the proper location in the main gardens for arches to link our lands with yours. As for connecting the Elven and Dwarven lands perhaps we might compromise with a link through Dale when you might rebuild it.”Thorin nodded, “I agree.” His eyes looked over your face and he asked, “How far can your doorways link?”“How far would you want them to?” You asked in a smirk making him smirk back.“The Blue Mountains, my kin have a keep there, where we traveled from back near the Shire. To connect that and Erebor would be incredible if possible, travel between our lands would be far safer than facing months across Middle Earth. Then there is the Iron Hills, two weeks farther West.”Smoothing your palms together in the joint agreement of the Elves you said, “Alright, let me set up these Lords first then we can make a trip to Erebor for yours.” Earning a nod from him. Reaching up your eyes locked with the King’s in the tap of your glowing fingers to his uninjured cheek as he focused his mind on the area he planed for the arches. Of which you linked in a spiral pattern of solid pillared stone. All with cutouts from top to bottom laced with growing vines of flowers branching up to a statue of a sleeping fawn at the feet of a proudly stanced Elk above its child with a statue of the doe inside the arches made of stained glass with small hung lanterns in waves above her, similar to fireflies in the distance.Celeborn was next with a trio of statues around a wiggling line of stone arches rising and falling while in spirals formed of stained glass with lanterns between lighting the stained glass swan statues awing the Elves drawing nearer to them in wonder.Rivendell was last with the most simplistic, around a joining of small streams with little use from his people bridges would link on a platform above holding the arches with lanterns of glowing ships between them lighting the vines of flowers coating the roof and pillars forming the arches.Your structure held a link to Hogsmeade and Erebor alike, the latter was your destination while Charlie and the Dragon team let some of the more restless Dragons from the breeding grounds out for some flight time inside your borders fully agreeing not to cross them as they eased learning that their new permanent home was coming soon. Snow gently fell and under the giant protective dome now covering these lands you stood easing the ring for it into Minerva’s palm. Her grin split a bit wider in her path back to the school through your doorway easing the ring onto her finger while you joined the others through to Erebor.
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Inside Erebor the arches already chosen were requested to be different, these with doors informed by you that would follow Thorin’s orders of protection and not allow any Dwarf through if he did not accept them as his ally. Giant doors etched with a raven and a boar filled the duo of doorways Thorin hugged you for again. And still hurried back to your home again to continue their planning for the steps ahead, namely assisting Dwalin in proving a sound home for you to grant him full custody while doing the same for Fili to have a solid footing to offer Hermione in the near future to start the cohabitation phase of their courtship.Taking hold of Em and Teddy while your family and friends were off to Hogwarts hearing of Fred and George’s planning with Gandalf a fireworks display to keep the trio in line you joined the Elf Lords to Rivendell to inform the young children of the change while Dumbledore gave his own speech at Hogwarts.A glance behind you had the Elf King right there looking over the children in your grip and he asked, “Might you be convinced to taking some tea in Greenwood? Then I might show you our lost keep we plan on rebuilding.”“Alright.”In a shift on your feet you turned to follow the path to the archway to Pumpernickel again, once on the other side of it you led the way to the archway around the hill for Greenwood ignoring Novum floating above the King’s head and the black giant fox following after him, both darting off to explore the new lands. Overhead the freed Manticores and Firecrabs to be soon sent back to Hogwarts after being freed from their own protective bubble habitats to lessen their jostling you spied the giant Ice and Thunderbird flying overhead with their young hatchlings behind them. A grin eased across your lips while the pair in your grip giggled and cooed as Opal took to the sky again to join them.Glorfindel asked, “Those birds, are they common in your world?”In a turn back to him you asked, “You can see them?”His eyes met yours and Thranduil asked, “Should we not be able to? As in some form of protecting charm on them?”You glanced between the pair, “Only Morphers can see them in our old world.”Glorfindel, “So others are unaware of their existence? It would make sense, only those traveling through Manwe’s gardens could know of them. Though there are paintings of them widely dispersed by those who have.”In a deflating exhale your lips parted then you wet them to say, “They were trapped, in a series of vaults in our school, nearly tore it apart in their being set free. They were so scared when the vaults were opened again, but me, Cedric, Fred and George managed to calm them down. The dragon should be out too.” In a nod you turned and pointed with a finger parting their lips at the crystal and fur coated dragon soaring through the air from the Forbidden Forest while the Chimera and her giant mother exited with the Centaurs for a search of their own. “The giant Chimera was trapped too, her daughter she managed to free helped us get her out, those two can be seen, it’s really difficult to make friends with Chimera, but they’re actually very sweet if you give them a chance.”Turning again you kept on going down the path while the stunned Elf Lords kept inspecting the creatures on the school grounds then swiftly caught up to you again. Lowly you said, “I suppose it makes sense, the dragon told me they had come from a different world and ours along with us, and our new world was too dangerous for our children. So they let themselves be trapped in those vaults as a way of enchanting the school lands against harm from harsher creatures.”Glorfindel, “From what I understand they are quite rare, even in Valinor, to have hatchlings on your lands is incredible. Manwe surely would be pleased these creatures are returned with you.”Thranduil asked in your silence and downward glance adjusting the pair in your hold, “Are you tired,” in a glance up at him he stated, “If your arms are tired we might assist in carrying your children. We have quite a distance yet.”In a soft exhale you said, “If you like. Though be careful, Em is now fascinated with braids and may knot up your hair in trying it.”With a hint of a grin he reached out his hands and gingerly accepted Em from you resting her in the crook of his arm against his chest and her wide eyes flickered from bright green to a pale icy blue for a moment matching his. Turning your head you passed Teddy over to Glorfindel who just as gladly cradled the boy against his chest and commented, “Quite an amazing thing, having so many children around you. There still is no sign of his mother?”“I had a dream she was in Rivendell, so she’ll turn up. No doubt she’s finding her way back or we’ll stumble across her.”Thranduil asked in an adoring gaze at the girl in his arms tracing the design on his outer robe while draping the wrap more around her back even in her ignorance of the cold in your warming bubble around the pair while you slowly gathered snow in your curls and across your sweater. “If I might, what is the meaning of Em as a name?”With a grin you answered, “Her full name is Emmeline Ophelia Rose Tennant-Black.” The full name being much more beautiful and fitting for the child the King stroked his hand across the back of, “Emmeline means Industrious or hard working. Ophelia is the name of a moon and Rose was my mum’s middle name. We usually shorten the names of infants to help them learn it easier.”Glorfindel, “Quite beautiful. What might Tennant mean?”“Tennant is Barty’s new family name, we hyphenated, Barty’s decision. Along with Rose.”Thranduil, “Yes, your father shared that he is wed now, and expecting more children soon, even to the point of granting you full custody of Em, does that please you?”In a weak chuckle you replied, “It won’t be a full cut off, we still will be sharing custody, merely she will be sleeping in the nursery in my home to let her sleep while the infants settle to their schedule. I’ll even be going over to help them out to get some relaxing time with her or so they can get a nap in.”Through the arch you led the group for the King to turn open mouthed to take in the system of arches adoring the design you had given the arches then he looked to you in your asking, “For that arch I hope you don’t mind I placed arches in Southern Greenwood as well.”“Not at all, thank you.” His eyes scanned over you asking, “I was hoping we might also schedule your visit out to cleanse and seal out lands.”With a smirk you shifted on your feet and stated, “I have some time now, might as well get started.” With his wrap being lifted up over Em’s head in her giggling game making him grin at her again after your lean in to kiss her cheek when she peeked up at you. Stepping back you stole a peck on Teddy’s cheek as well making Glorfindel grin as well in the planting of your hand on his arm for a moment and you moved to the arch you needed. Straight out the other side you eyed the snow coated forest curiously differing from the Northern warm near spring like kingdom in its darkened state.Rustling from above had you drawing out your wand and in the men clutching the toddlers closer to their chests protectively before their lips parted in the eruption of your dragon patronus that let out explosions of ghostly white flames from between its jaws. Flooding out even to the farthest reaches of the Northern Kingdom while a giant bubble charm encased both portions for you to pass the blue topaz coated ring the King slid onto his finger with a pleased grin. Above you the splitting poisoned bark was being shivered free by the stirring trees while the webs of the spiders that had fled withered awayThrough the light lingering in floating orbs the ruins of the abandoned ruined palace came to your attention. Closer over the fallen leaves and thick snow you walked across with ease with a growing group of curious Elves passing through the archway to inspect where their King was behind their curious Prince. Inhaling deeply you eyed the ruins in the open charred patch of land settled in a wide circle of clearly splintered trees chopped down decades past. In a dip down your fingers on the land the snow refused to touch and it recoiled in the sound of dragon fire and hoards or orcs chasing the Elves out of these lands farther North away from the flame wreathed creatures.Glorfindel asked, “Miss Pear?” When you stood up he eyed you in the flicker of your eyes back to normal from their silver state, “Are you unwell?”“No.” Inhaling again you stepped forward repeating softer, “No,” lowly in Draconic you whispered an incantation with your fingers swiping slowly at your sides forming symbols into the earth that began to pulse while your body was coated in white flames again. As you continued to speak the Elves gathered watching the blackened earth shifting back to a softer brown more suitable for welcoming plants and the continued snowfall.Yet through that dirt the cursed and ruined palace began to shimmer sprouting and weaving together again in all its former glory parting the lips of all looking on. Sheathing your wand again you stepped back to look at the group all taking in the image of you in a shimmering spectrum of colors reflecting off the palace behind you under the glimmers of moonlight between the gathering clouds. With trembling fingers you moved closer to the group in the ripple of your hair from glittering variations of colors across your curls to silvery blue again when your fingers smoothed through them.With a glance at you Thranduil turned saying after a confirming glance at his Son, “There is a meal waiting, we should get you something to eat.” In what you meant to be a shift of your body to join the others your eyes flinched to a flock of birds dropping acorns onto the ground that chipmunks scurried out to help bury. Shifting in a half circle you back stepped a few steps and bumped into Thranduil’s free arm lowering his gaze to you when you turned to look at Em when she leaned in to kiss your cheek.Glorfindel, “Surely the forest will begin sprouting again soon enough.”“No doubt if the chipmunks are on the job. Determined things, nearly took out a Bowtruckle colony at Hogwarts. Had to rehouse the chipmunks, lay out barriers to keep them away, bring in these turtles to keep them from crossing the little strip of land to get to their tree.” In the glance up at what you took as an unamused expression you flashed a quick grin, “Sorry, rambling.”In a shake of his head you caught what seemed to be the most content expression he’d had on his face, “It is an interesting story. Though, if I might, what is a, Bowtruckle?”“Oh, it’s a little green creature, they live in colonies, they sort of look like stick bugs, if you have them.”Thranduil, “We do, in a few months you might find them all over our kingdoms aiding in our gardens.”“Well Bowtruckles I doubt would want to live in your forests. They only live in wand wood trees. Naturally defend them, tend to attack any who try to take even a leaf. But they can be bartered with long enough to take a sample. Part of how we protect the bunches of wand making tree populations.”Thranduil, “And the lands you have chosen will grant you enough space to replant them?”“Oh, we won’t leave them in Pumpernickel.”Glorfindel, “Pumpernickel?”You nodded and flashed him a quick grin after having passed back through the archway to Northern Greenwood, “The children voted on the name for it.” His eyes narrowed for a moment and you said, “This coming from a group taught in a school named Hogwarts.”When you looked forward again a quick grin flinched across his face while Thranduil led the way, saying, “I am certain they thought long and hard on it.”“Doubt it, hard to pin down the attention span of a four year old. Almost named post it or spoon, which I think spoon would be sort of adorable, but that’s just me.” The Lords shared a quick confused glance then faced forward again mentally conferencing it must be tied to some old joke neither of them had been privy to just yet then shared glances at the children in their arms.Straight to the dining hall in the Royal Wing you were led and into the seat Prince Legolas eased out for you with a grin you sat feeling his eyes on you in your soft thanks. Around the table he went to his seat across from you while the King and Lord filled the seats around you, the wide yawns of the duo had K and Dobby popping up and reluctantly they passed the children over while K grinned holding Em closely saying, “Time for a nap, little Miss.” Patting her back in her lean against his chest while Dobby did the same for Teddy and they zapped away.Legolas asked, “Those two, they seem to care deeply for the children.”You nodded, “Yes, well K took care of my father, uncle and me growing up. He’s happy to see the next generation and Dobby is glad to have a family to care for that appreciates him. Plus they’re too adorable not to want to snuggle up to.”Glorfindel, “They truly do seem pleased to care for your family. Must be quite helpful in caring for infants.”“We do handle most of the caring, just naps are difficult sometimes around work.”Thranduil, “Does Barty have a pair?”“He has Tippy, we have had three more willing to live with him and his wife to help her through Barty’s classes.”Glorfindel, “He intends to continue working after the birth?”“He’s given a month off for paternity leave, I mean once he’s back again for the end of the school year. His wife is staying home after, her work is mainly easy to handle from home anyways.” Your eyes scanned over the Lord asking, “You disapprove?”Glorfindel looked you over, “Not at all. We have heard a great number of stories from Arthur of his time at work while his wife Molly cared for their children. Many families I am certain are not able to remain at home through childcare. Were you?”“I worked, and trained, then again I didn’t actually give birth.”Thranduil, “That is irrelevant.” Over your shoulder the first course was served and in your soft thanks the Elf blinked connecting his eyes with yours for a moment then gave a slight bow of his head and slipped out of your sight joining the other retracting Elves with a second round of them pouring wine into your glasses beside a second glass of water. After a nip at your lip you listened to the King in his sharing plans of rebuilding the furniture and decorations to replace what was lost in the evacuations unknowing yet of what the curious Elves inspecting the repaired castle that was already fully housing all that had not been carried out by those fleeing.Smoothly your finger eased along the stem of the fork you raised to start on your salad which then led to a second course of chicken when your attention shifted to Lord Glorfindel in his clarifying a term Thranduil used by sharing a story of their shared youth. Through which you raised the glass of raspberry wine and gave it a curious whiff then took a sip. The sweet taste melting into a full body warmth when you raised your next fork and the knife after lowering your glass.Each bite seemed to lull you into a growing warmth until after the move to the sitting room across from a music hall with a choir practicing to an orchestra had your eyes drooping fully when Thranduil got called out of the room for an arriving message. The subtle shift in your seat to tuck a leg up against the arm brought Legolas to tap his father’s arm after crossing the room turning his gaze to you finding Glorfindel curiously looking you over.A gentle tap of the Lord’s fingers to your hand and a sigh from you came in a full body wiggle curling up more in your seat making the Lords look at one another only for Thranduil to say, “I suppose we might move her to one of our guest beds.”Glorfindel fidgeted his fingers curious about who would carry you only to have Legolas spare them the argument and carefully raise you in his arms stating, “Now neither of you have crossed any boundaries.” Smirking to himself in his leading the way to the chosen guest apartment.With the covers eased back by Glorfindel, Thranduil helped to remove your shoes for your legs to be eased under the covers while a servant lit the fire. Tenderly Glorfindel covered you up stealing a longing glance at you nestling further into the bed. Quietly the men slipped out of your room they eased shut hoping you would get some rest, which they were pleased to know that Remus had agreed to stand as your substitute for the few final days of this week to help you rest more. To distract themselves they went back for the sitting room to play a card game that dissolved into a questioning few hours of what to say to you when you woke..Inhaling sharply in a jolt up out of bed your eyes were wide with the image of Bellatrix’ body through the sound of Delphini crying out for her. Settling on your knees you sighed and rubbed your face brushing your hair back and zapped home after climbing off the bed you remade. Crossing your room you sighed pulling out of your sweater and jeans letting your shoes float back to their usual cubby as you pulled on a pair of shorts and a flowing tank top. Downing an energy boosting potion the ballet slippers dangling by the door were grabbed in your walk to the glass encased ballroom.Once inside you sighed eyeing the snow still falling around the room while you shut the doors behind you and walked to the center. Dutifully the slippers were added with simple stretches made and onto your feet you rose in the starting of the music player in the corner. If you couldn’t sleep you might as well rehearse for your next role. One by one you went through the steps ignoring the cold, the pain and growing light filling the hall around you.*“Ada, Miss Black is gone.” That had the King torn from his conversation with Lord Glorfindel as to what to have prepared for breakfast.Thranduil, “What?”Legolas, “When the fires were to be relit the bed was found to be empty.”Glorfindel, “That means Miss Black only got less than three hours sleep.”Thranduil, “In the morning we will merely check that she had returned home safely.”Disappointed their plans had fallen through for their flighty One’s morning surprise they all headed off to bed so they would be rested fully hoping that the reasoning behind their early morning visit would excuse dropping by uninvited. Still all the same they got ready and found their feet to make their way through the palace to the archway for Pumpernickel where they crossed the snow coated pathway to get to your home. Passing through the front gates they approached the front door eyeing it curiously until Glorfindel eyed the chord from the bell and gave it a timid tug then glanced up to the house in the echoing bells sounding inside.Regulus was the one to answer the door and smirked spotting Lindir who had joined the Lords and Lady Arwen from Rivendell joining the others. In a tilt of his head he said, “Come on in, morning, morning,” greeting each of the passing Elves with an especially wide grin making Lindir blush and glance at him again, “Just getting started on breakfast.”The sound of faint music in the hall had Arwen asking, “You hold performances from orchestras here as well?”In a turn of his head Regulus mumbled, “No, hmm.” Turning from the kitchen to follow the music where he found your father standing up with Em in his arms. Watching you en point with one foot jut out in an exaggerated stretch while you bent back in an exaggerated arch sending your curls flying back nearly brushing against the floor in their swing to brush along the back of your shin.A sudden swing of your extended leg and you were upright with arms stretched up bowing to cross in the shift of your weight for an exaggerated standing split with your leg raised on your right. Every inch of the pose just like the other was carefully inspected by the awed Elves before the sudden drop of your leg to start the first of three spins with your leg in attitude behind you while your arm shifted in arches through your spin. A series of steps joined you with the company of dancing dummies who joined you.A line of en point bounding steps around three of the spinning dummies had two more following you into the grand jete with the trio straight up with arms arched upwards while you arched back against your back leg in what seemed to be an exaggerated exhale deflating you. A landing from you first came in a swing around the dummy with an arm raised with your leg bending backwards to anchor on its side for an exaggerated swell of the music accenting the lunge the dummy made.Rolling slowly over its shoulder held up by your bent arm you stood in another split in his rise then with its arms circling under your lowering leg in a faked lovers embrace through another exaggerated lunge you were lowered and lifted to spin and be raised up to droop backwards in the end of the music.Lowly Glorfindel asked, “Is this a common form of dance?”Regulus smirked as Ron passing by answered, “Ballet, one of the oldest classical forms. Didn’t think she’d be rehearsing so soon.” Walking on to the kitchen, “I’ll start on the toast.”Sirius sighed and entered the room in your being lowered and you clearly showed signs of exhaustion in turning to notice the group watching. Leaving Regulus in the hall to say, “Jaqi’s in a film contract for three more films, thought she’d rest more before rehearsing again.”Legolas, “Film?”Regulus, “It’s sort of like a play, but recorded. We can show you one later. Jewels used to perform all the time, so did her family. Come on, let’s get you your seats for the food and she’ll with us shortly after she cleans up.”Thranduil, “The show, Miss Black is dancing with puppets?”Regulus chuckled shaking his head, “No, they’re just enchanted to take the place of the others in the show. Once we’ve finished settling all of our lands and reshaped Dale the full set of dancers should be around to rehearse eventually.”*Up to your side your father strode saying sweetly, “You didn’t sleep?” In a turn you sighed and he asked, “Riddle?”“Bella and Delphini.”With a nod he leaned in to kiss your forehead in your lean against his chest, “It wasn’t your fault, she wasn’t mean to be there. Had she stayed home with Delphini, well, we’d still have had to find her eventually, though it was not your fault she attacked Neville and gave you the sign you needed to get Riddle into your trap.”“I know.”In a stroke of his hand across your cheek he stated, “It will pass, in time. I am certain Delphini is much better off out of the hands of Bellatrix, those years in Azkaban did not aid in her sanity.”“Grindlewald has her,” that lifted his brow and you said, “him and Queenie. I don’t think he knew I knew, kept her at the other end of the house.”“See then,” he said with a weak grin, “She’s got Queenie and Gellert, not the worst models to grow up after, arguably not the best either yet still, not the worst.”You nodded, “What else is there?”“I rebuilt their southern kingdom,”“Ah, no wonder the King seems so pleased.”“I saw how it was destroyed. Dragons, orcs, he has every reason to be terrified of dragons, they destroyed his home and killed his father and nearly him.”“Ah,” in a cupping of your cheek he said, “In time he will see our dragons are nothing like theirs. It’s all in the blood, ours are clearly family based, theirs are singular. Now, let’s get you freshened up so they can try to thank you properly, hmm?”“Daddy?”“Yes Pumpkin?”“They don’t seem to want to know anyone else, Thranduil and Glorfindel.”With a hint of a smirk on his face he answered, “Well there certainly was a great deal of questions about you, Em and all included. There was also a great deal of talk on Ones, would it be so terribly bad if they were yours? A King and a Lord, quite a feat, the Pears would no doubt be pleased.”Again you sighed, “I just found you, we’re finding home here, I don’t need to think about dating, let alone two potential suitors.”In a tilt of his head he said, “I doubt their intention is to make you choose.”“Both of them? Seriously?!”In a chuckle he said, “Now, now, I’m no saint and truly, love is love. Just get to know them, if they give the hint to wish to both court you, why not let them. I doubt they would lead you wrong, Pumpkin.” Rolling your eyes you leaned in to kiss Em’s cheek in her waking grumble and joined him in the stroll out of the room reaching down to pull off the slippers you magically had untied one at a time that swung at your side when you split up for you to head upstairs. In your turn though you caught the gaze of the blondes in their own turn to enter the kitchen at the other end of the hall, both still floored by your flawless and fluid motions they had never seen in a dance before that somehow had them aching to see more of the supposed art form taking decades to master.A hasty shower and pulled into a sweater and jeans with thick knee high socks pulled on, with a ruffle of your hair you turned to Norberta and Opal in your fireplace stirring on their way to head to catch their own breakfast in the new river on the edge of your lands. Crouching down feeling the ache of your muscles stirring the pair towards you with curious grins, “I was wondering if you might be able to give me a light, help me spark up again?”Fully agreeing they both grew to the size of cows and in your shift to a phoenix you walked into the fireplace onto their heating rack beds there and they both gave you two good burst helping to build you up again. Changed back you hugged the pair and followed them down for their stroll to the back door to the gardens you passed by to join the others at the table. The empty seat beside your father and Remus was claimed by you and in your move to fill your plate you caught the eye of the King who asked, “Miss Black, we were hoping to inquire if you slept well?”Forcing a grin you said, “Not really. Didn’t want to keep you all up, figured I’d come home and keep busy. Sorry to fall asleep on you.”Shaking his head Thranduil replied, “No need to apologize, you are exhausted.”Arwen stated, “If you wished Miss Black we might have some of our healers see if we might be able to help you relax enough to get some rest unless you must work today.”Remus patted your shoulder saying, “I am managing her courses the next few days to allow Jaqi some rest. I think that might be lovely. Day of relaxation.”To which Legolas smirked stating, “No better healers for relaxation than in our kingdom. Surely it would give us a great way to repay you.” In that the glint of mischief lit up in the Prince’s eyes followed by a pleased near pleading glance from his father mirrored on the faces of all the Elves around him.“I guess I could give it a try.”.When you were through eating when they had hoped to head over right away Bill raced into the room saying, “I need a baby!”Shaking your head in his repeated tries to correct what he said you looked to Ginny saying, “If you’d fetch Mum, I’ll get the Delacours.” As you stood you mumbled, “So much for relaxing.” Heading for your enchanted doorway that appeared a few feet from you making the Elf Lords glance between one another.Percy in Ginny’s dart out of the room to aparate outside the Hollow explained, “That would mean Fleur is in labor.”Within ten minutes the Weasley clan were gathered and heading up for Bill and Fleur’s suite where Molly was already helping her relax when a flood of French speaking people flooded through your home including Vivienne, who they instantly assumed to be you until they spotted your return under Ollivier’s arm. By the circle of Elves Sirius stated, “That would be the Pearisiyea clan. We call them the Pears.” Their eyes all shifted to him in Remus’ leaving Teddy to Draco’s care to fill in for your first class. “Jaqi’s great grandparents, found them when she was 14 I believe.”Glorfindel, “They were lost?”Sirius chuckled and shook his head, “No, sorry, um, Jewels was orphaned as a baby, turned out they saw Jaqi’s picture, who clearly resembles Vivienne and their lost daughter Suzsienne, Jewel’s birth mother.”Thranduil, “And they are here because-?”Fred said in passing with arms full of supply baskets you had prepped weeks before, “Their family is intertwined with Fleur’s.”George behind him said, “Two oldest pureblood families in France.”The longer the Elves focused on the passing families the more they couldn’t help but stare, a realization making Lindir back step until his view was blocked by Arwen then he moved to Regulus’ side making him smirk and pat his shoulder saying, “No need for that face. Old Veela lines. Natural born beauties none can resist. Normally they use suppressants to lessen the effect but we caught them out of bed seems like.”Legolas, “Veela? That sounds like some sort of creature.”Regulus chuckled, “You could say that, pureblooded females when angered have a way their faces can shift to, well they sort of grow beaks, and you just never want to piss them off.”Glorfindel, “Beaks?”Sirius nodded and let out a chuckle at the frightened gazes on the King and Glorfindel, “No worries, Jaqi is an eighth Veela at best. Most of the allure but none of the drawbacks of the match.”Thranduil, “Mrs Fleur’s family, they are pleased with the match between herself and Arthur’s son?”Regulus nodded, “Weasleys are pure blooded. They have expectations but overall even without being Veela he comes from a great family, plus he had the draw of being close to Jaqi so her family knew she would have a trusted ally close by to count on if need be.”Elrond, “The appeal was Miss Black then? Would they not be related?”Sirius, “Not close enough to worry about. The last child between the Pears and Delacour’s was four generations back, and I’m roughly a cousin to Arthur, if that. It’s been generations since they married into our clan.”Glorfindel, “What other expectations would their families hold past bloodlines and purity?”Sirius smirked catching the pitifully hidden meaning for asking, “Mostly comes down to breeding, able to provide a stable future, personality after that they have to be able to join the clans well, overall if the major boxes are ticked then there is no real issue with the match if the couple are happy.” Earning confirming nods from the pair.Entering the hall Thorin asked looking over the group while Fili grinned easing to Hermione’s side to steal a greeting clutch of her hand stirring a grin onto her face while Thorin asked, “Have we missed something?”Sirius said, “Fleur is in labor. There is still plenty of food, eat up.” Earning nods from the Dwarves who hurried to eat to continue in their task of readying the Royal Apartments to suit their goals.
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Barely half an hour was all it took with Molly’s help to guide it along as you kept the families distracted allowing them room to breathe and into the room crying the blonde haired baby girl with hazel eyes taking after her father’s. Victoire Belle Weasley was passed around while Fleur was given the proper potions to return to her former slender figure allowing her to stand and hurry to your side saying excitedly, “Now our daughters can grow up practically like sisters.” Stirring a grin onto your face accepting her tight hug before she made certain you were next to hold her as she said, “You would be godmother, won’t you? Oh please do?”In a giggle you nodded saying, “If you like.”She nodded and bounced on her feet, “I would, I insist!” making you giggle again as she said in English, “Now my girl will have the best godmother and two amazing aunties to help me mold her.” Stirring grins onto Ginny and Gabrielle’s faces.Around you the flocking visitors ooh’ed and aww’ed over the little girl you then passed to her grandmother and you said, “Now, you need to eat so she can eat later.”Back to the dining hall while the Dwarves stood accepting their chances in admiring Vici and congratulating her alongside the Elf Lords. At your side Vivienne eyed the guests you named starting with the Dwarves before she looked a bit more interested in the Elves. Who Ollivier was already looking over between glances at Em he had claimed drawing their eyes in return in his color changing hair trick his sons around him followed. All to give Em practice on her colors between stolen pecks and hugs for the excited girl answering where you had gotten most of your looks and shifting skills from on top of your full appeal.The Elves all nodded their heads to their names being called and upon the titles being named they all bowed their heads and curtsied appropriately Vivienne eased to your side snaking her arm around your back and you forced a grin onto your face knowing what was coming. “It is on these occasions it makes me wonder when I would get to see our precious great granddaughter carrying another child.” In a glance at you she brushed the curls from your face behind your ear, “The perfect age for breeding,” the word made the Elves’ brows give a subtle twitch along with how clearly uncomfortable you were, “Now just to find a husband, one daughter already, plenty promising for a son to follow suit.”In natural fashion Luna stated in a flowing tone asking, “Jaqi, wasn’t there a planned stop for you in the King’s home?”In that a gentle nudge after a round of parting hugs and pecks on the cheek were issued to you and you were ushered to a few steps in front of the King who took your shifting gaze as a sign to bid your family farewell, all those visiting whom bowed deeply in your leaving with them. Silently you walked to the front door where you pulled on your boots and led the group outside and let out a sharp breath and Glorfindel asked lowly, “Please tell me they were joking.”In a glance up at him you said after another quick exhale, “They have certain, expectations.”Elrond, “Yes your father mentioned that.”“Well, they’re, it’s hard to explain. They’re French, if you didn’t notice their accents differ from ours. They’re from France, a different country, whole other set of culture rules, and I am sorry you were being propositioned,”Thranduil parroted back in a tone seeming more offended than confused at the notion of their possibly offering an engagement right then and there, “Propositioned?”“It, they’re not greedy, they are a bit vain on occasion but that is just how they were brought up to be. They’re proud of their bloodlines and status in their home country, and to be honest, even the highest ranked families a girl in their line snagging a Noble with an actual title is nothing to scoff at.”Thranduil, “You are a Queen.”You sighed, “Of sorts, but not the sort most people would brag about.”Arwen, “Still the title-,”Her voice trailed off and you clarified, “The Death Eaters are murderers, torturers, kidnappers and worse. I didn’t run a country I told murderers who to kill, what lands to attack, at best I was more of a General in an army than a Queen. All of the blood but none of the frills.”Elrond, “A Queen of our old lands would do the same. None of us I assure you would consider you any less no matter who you kept in line.”Facing forward again you listened as Arwen asked, “Breeding age? That is how women are offered to their Ones?”“When it comes to nobility it all comes down to continuing the family name and bloodline, namely sons. Kings more so.”Elrond, “King Thranduil has an heir, if that would be an issue ever.”“Yes, but in our world it is best to have an heir and at least one spare.”Thranduil, “Surely-,”“Women up until a couple generations back were considered little use except for marrying up or laterally to retain or gain status. If unable to bear children they would be cast aside and marriages were severed so the man could wed again with her named barren.”Elrond, “That is absurd!”You shrugged, “It is our past. Now we have freedoms but still, as I said, marrying up would not be a terrible thing. I am sorry, again for you’re being put on the spot like that. Please don’t hold it against them. They just want the best for me.”Glorfindel looked you over, “How could you be so calm-?”Turning your head you caught his eye showing the pain in yours parting his lips, “My grandfather Morfin and his family took their daughter Suzsienne,” parting their lips again. “Either by force or by enamorment from her trip to our country, a way her parents hoped would help to lure her back in a term of studies in art courses back to the family profession of performing away from her wish to start a shop of her own. She died giving birth to my Mum, nameless buried as Morfin’s Wife, no more. They spent decades searching for her and I helped them find her. I look like her, I’m talented like them. It all comes down to pain, they lost their girl when she was younger than I am now, never got to meet my Mum. So they sort of forget sometimes I’m not their daughter. Dad would never allow them to force me into anything as concrete as marriage. Just wants me to be happy.”Legolas said knowing it would irritate his father, “Even if you would miss a chance to be betrothed to a King?”In a giggle you replied through the clench of Thranduil’s jaw you had missed, “Titles are often more dangerous than treasure hoards. He loves Mum, anything less than my incandescent bliss is downright absurd grounds to propose at all.”Arwen, “That is a lovely way to word it.”You giggled again, “It’s how my Mum did, in her journals when she was at school carrying me and they were going to elope no matter what her family said, or his, she was assumed muggle born at the time.”Thranduil, “Ah, she would have been found unworthy a match.”“But Gran came round before she passed.”Legolas, “Did she? That is admirable.”You giggled again, “I was too adorable and had too much of the Black resolve to be disowned. Even as a child. And a promise the male line would not die out. My aunts Andromeda and Narcissa had children, the former disowned for her choice, Narcissa married Lucius from another Sacred 28 clan the Malfoys and obviously had Draco. At the time Bellatrix didn’t have any children, got locked up too early after her wedding.”Lindir broke his silence asking, “Your uncle, Regulus, did not marry?”With a grin you shook your head in a glance at him, “No, he was barely in his late teens when I came around and he spent most of his time helping to act like Remus’ boyfriend while me Harry and Neville grew up under fake names as Remus’ children to draw the eye of anyone more than a fling. Plus he traveled most of the year either way for anyone to be pleased waiting for his return.”Arwen, “No pressure to carry on traditions?”“I never met Grandfather, he had passed before I was born, only met Gran and she was gone when he was quite young. And the war was going on, not good footing for baby making.”Glorfindel, “These discussions do not make you uncomfortable?”Glancing up at him again you shook your head, “No, my life has always been an open book for the most part. Does it bother you?”Shaking his head he replied, “No, not in the least.” Keeping eye contact for the few moments until you faced forward again.**In their move to the hall when they had finished eating and passed on good wishes to Fleur and Bill the Dwarves left with Fili keeping hold of Hermione’s hand to pull her with them. Allowing, once out of earshot for Thorin to look to her making her say, “They’re her great grandparents, to be quite, blunt, back home to nab a King or Lord is a good thing for a family’s reputation. There’s no shortage of families believing their daughters would be a great prize for a King.”In that Thorin calmed, “Surely, they could see that Jaqi was uncomfortable.”Hermione’s head tilted slightly, “They are very traditional, surely they intend to aim for what is best for her. Only, they realize that they can only offer guidance for what they might choose for her, as even us teens would have bigger sway over what she chooses along with her Dad and Regulus. Narcissa and Lucius haven’t been close long but even they would never force her into an unhappy union. Narcissa married well but she did it for love. Sirius would never allow any less, not after losing her Mum.”Bilbo, “That is comforting.” He said settling more against Thorin’s side under his arm.In a quick wetting of her lips she asked, “I wonder, could I ask you a question, Thorin?”With a nod he replied, “Absolutely. Would you prefer alone?”She shook her head, “No, merely, you have known, in the least, King Thranduil,” he gave a quick nod urging her to continue, “Even distantly, and I was wondering, he seems, him and Lord Glorfindel, rather intent on Jaqi. Her opinion, her company, you know him, she is, by their behavior being held up as a Queen, so is that Elven habit for Royalty, or, something more? She’s had a rather rough start romantically, if it’s merely curiosity or some sort of befriending out of a thought of debt-?”Thorin inhaled curtly and cut her off, “No, truly, I do not understand exactly what Elven tradition for courtship might be, however King Thranduil as you have stated before and the Lord were frequently in Jaqi’s dreams. And knowing that it would not be impossible to conclude she is their One.”Hermione, “The both of them?! Is that normal?”Oin grinned saying, “My Love was gifted two Ones,”Balin, “Our Amad as well. Quite common among Dwarves in fact.”Hermione looked to Fili who quickly said, “Only the Dams do,” giving her hand a gentle squeeze, “You have not had dreams of another?”Hermione shook her head, “No.” Then looked to Thorin again, “Thank you. I do apologize if it seems-,”Dwalin spoke shaking his head, “Not at all. You are merely defending your sister, we all understand that. Elves are strange to say the least. No matter how rough they might travel round the bend to get to the point we trust neither would dare insult the Lass’ reputation or harm her feelings.”Hermione shifted on her feet, “Well, I should let you get going. Another meeting of the Wizengamot over the new laws, fun.” Making the Dwarves smirk in her shift to plant a quick peck on Fili’s cheek and release her hand to step away.Thorin cleared his throat at an elbow bump from Dwalin, “Miss Granger, I wonder,” she paused and turned to face him with brows curiously raised, “As a member of the new council for your kin we were hoping a fuller list of requirements for those wishing to adopt, from your, orphans.” The final word biting at him and those around him.Hermione glanced to Dwalin, “Is this about Lulu?” Dwalin gave a quick hopeful nod, “Oh if that is the case you don’t need to worry. We’ve already drafted the papers for you to foster her.”Dwalin softly repeated, “Foster..”Hermione, “Please don’t take the term to heart, but we’ve adjusted the process, the system would take six months of fostering and then adoption papers could be drafted. We have agreed all of us you are a more than suitable parent, and have backdated it to when you first took her care. It is merely a term there is no risk of her being taken from you.” Stirring a misty eyed grin onto his face, “It is merely paperwork, though if more Dwarves wished to act as foster parents then we would have interviews for them, of course it would be a matter of, bonding for the children. We wouldn’t force them into uncomfortable situations. The Elves also have asked of the process, mainly for the babies, but there are a great deal of older children left over..”Balin, “Well that wouldn’t matter, any bairn is a blessing. I am certain were the Elves to claim all the babes our kin would wholly welcome their elders.”Thorin, “I was wondering, Jaqi, is not included in your meetings.”Hermione shook her head, “No, she turned down a spot on it, sure like Dumbledore she’s granted honorary status, as sort of tie breaker votes, thought she felt it best she enforce the laws, not write them. Did not want anyone to say that we could be swayed by her, not that she wouldn’t sway us to reason, I think she’s merely tired of all the nonsense the Ministry put her through. Might change her mind later.”Thorin lowly asked, “So she would hold no sway in housing the orphans?”Hermione, “She was written as their godmother, all of them,” parting their lips, “We documented all of it, all their parents brought their papers and files and family albums and even for a few shrunken family homes and property including memories of their families. Lulu included. She might not have say over the laws pertaining to adoption but she has final say in relinquishing custody.” She looked to Dwalin, “Part of how we’ve agreed to settle on approving the future adoption. Even without being part of our council she will always hold a huge weight on how this generation shapes itself to be. To right it, all of it, don’t be afraid she’s out of the loop, but it’s best to have a neutral council and a neutral Minister to enforce them.” After a quick pause she added, “I will let you back to your plans.”Thorin, “We might be inviting our kin by the end of the week, a celebratory dinner would be called for.”Hermione giggled softly, “Sounds like fun.” Turning to stroll off while Balin leaned in to give Dwalin a subtle half hug stroking his back in his wiping his cheek at a long withheld tear at the confirmation that Lulu was going to legally be his soon.”Balin, “Roughly five months brother, if that, and surely we could add her to our records even before the contracts are drawn up. Surely they would not separate you when she has done all to accommodate your link to Lulu.” Another pat later and he said, “Let us go and work more on her nursery, hmm?” Dwalin nodded and Thorin glanced to Fili patting his back to guide him along to fixing up his own apartment Fili and Kili would be sharing until Hermione and him would reach the dwelling portion of their courtship through which Kili would be acting as their chaperone until their final months before marriage.**Back to your loaned apartment you were left with Arwen. Who helped you to change into the simple bound top similar to a halter top. She paused in eyeing the tattoos across your back and sides added to the duckling on your arm making her say in helping you into a pair of thick bikini bottoms coated in thick overlapping ruffles you assumed to be for modesty, “Your marking of the duckling, it is quite beautiful, for a tribe of murderers.”With a giggle you replied, “I changed the mark to a duckling after arriving here. I wanted us to change what we stood for. Sever ties from Riddle.”“What was it before?” Curious of what symbol could be tied to the Dark Wizards.“A snake slithering out of a skull.”“Ah. I prefer your choice.” Making you chuckle to yourself under your breath.Over your shoulders she helped you to add the robe and her eyes hovered over the scar on your belly making you glance down and say, “From my surrogacy.” Her eyes met yours and you smirked saying, “It’s complicated. I was pregnant, in a way.”“One day I hope to be in your circle of trust to learn the tale.”In a giggle you replied as she secured the tie on the robe, “I doubt I could explain it for you to appreciate my choice without teaching you about a few of our more rare creatures.”“I would enjoy learning about your world immensely.” She said turning to guide you to the door.Peering up at her you asked, “Are all Elves over six feet tall?”Widely grinning at you she answered, “Elves and most races of Men, yes. I am a bit short due to Ada being half mortal.”“I must be considered travel sized then.” Making her chuckle again guiding you out into the hall to the shared public bathhouse where you paused asking, “They won’t use anything lavender, will they?”“Lavendar?”You nodded, “I start to sneeze and swell up. Back home a friend sent me a lavender lotion, I puffed up like a raspberry and my throat nearly swelled shut before Remus got the right potion for me. I have a weekly supplement for protection for passing by it but to have to soak in it or rubbed on me it won’t work.”“Ah, I will speak with the healers, the bath is first, no lavender involved. As I am aware normally petals are used in some oils for the sleep treatments.” Through the door you spied the Lords in the bath you passed flashing you quick grins before she left you to the watch of a Healer who helped you out of your robe and joined you into the tub in her silk slip where she led you to the bench in the middle.The odd herbs were being added by a servant while the Healer moved behind you with a bowl in hand she filled then carefully began to pour the mixture across your shoulders. Across the room behind another set of screens Arwen hushedly informed the Healers in charge of the later forms of treatments of your reaction to lavender making their mouths drop open before they hurried to gather all the lavender they had shoved in a bag they sent away with another servant. Through the screen in Elvish Elrond clarified what he had heard and Thranduil began to mentally trace where all the lavender was in his kingdom to prevent you any harm.Back to the side of the tub Arwen went in time to see the Healer saying something in Elvish making you look at Arwen in her translating, “She is wishing for you to tilt your head back.”Timidly you did and closed your eyes for the Elleth to pour more across your face, from that your head straightened again at Arwen’s warning then you were asked to stand and join the Healer out to the next section over where the Elf Lords had taken the larger tables and had begun to lay down. The elders watched your frozen stance staring at the table the Healer had led you to making their and her lips part seeing your hair ripple to pitch black and your eyes clamping shut as you forced yourself forward to the table you climbed up onto to lay face down.Behind you in Arwen’s stepping away Thranduil stated with a towel draped across his chest stating, “This is Iris, one of our healers, she is here to help relax you.”Beside the table you eyed the vials and she spoke up to clarify she could speak your language, “We have removed all oils including lavender.”Wetting your lips you laid your arms flat by your sides in her easing a towel over your hips causing you to draw in a deep breath. Looking you over her eyes focused on the tensing of your shoulders, “Thank you.” The flinch in her move to undo the tie across your back parted the lips of the men watching your clear trouble simply laying on the table. In a tear easing out across the bridge of your nose almost making them take you out of the room they heard you mumble, “Sorry.” Your eyes opened and landed on the concerned bunch and you clarified, “Last time I was on a table it wasn’t pleasant. Just a bad memory.”Another exhale later their concern for your comfort eased in Iris’ smoothing oils over her palms that lowered to your back timidly. Glancing at the men again you heard Thranduil stating, “Hopefully that memory will ease with continued sessions.”You raised a brow while Iris stole a glance at the moving tattoo on your arm and the dog on the base of your neck sitting still with the stars giving a slight shimmer over a few small scattered tattoos around your sides and back. “I’m fine.”Their brows rose again and you sighed relaxing into the table some more trying to ignore the chilling effect from one oil to the warming effect of another. Relaxed at your ease Iris’ grin eased back, still releasing deep breaths at the pain she still felt swirling inside you even with your mental wall locked up to keep the painful memories to yourself. Each press and swish of oil coated brush stroke lulled you farther from the irritations of the morning while a slightly dazed expression slid onto Iris’ face at the faint shimmer your skin was giving off that was beginning to draw the eye of others.Turning over when your top was secured again a second towel was added over your chest and a the now trio of Healers moved in to work on you from head to toe massaging and coating you in herbs, creams and oils. The one at your feet paying special care for your heavily bruised toes and heels that had them wondering how you had been walking at all with injuries like that.The bruises easily faded calming the now reclined Lords being coated in soaked leaves you were then coated in. Three more treatments came before the final rinse came and then you were changed again and in good need of a nap the Lords gladly sent you back to your gifted apartment to nap at their insistence to let you rest away from your plotting family. Though while you rested the same question of their being propositioned, in your terms for betrothal to you had them stunned to near silence wondering if the union could truly have been settled so rapidly and possibly met with such welcome from your extended kin.
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Warm and lazily you laid across the bed you were borrowing again. Sleeplessly and taking in he details of the ceiling for the nap you were meant to be taking and still seemed to lack the control in doing. Even trapped in the hands of the Healers painful memories of being told their loved ones had died to dragons. There was so much pain here trapped in these stoic faces it made you afraid to know what memories might have been trapped in these sheets by the maids tasked to keep the room in order. More and more you tried to just let your mind drift off to other things but it always looped around to the lesson you would have given, the path you would lead the others on when you went to tackle Angmar and each and every task at home you had put off for another day now able to be done with this free time.But free time meant you might run into your relatives, who had no doubt bothered the Elves and possibly angered Thranduil especially in your being hoisted up at him on a platter. Clearly he was upset and even in his curiosity if you it seemed nothing would break his hard exterior. But all you had done and said it wasn’t that surprising to you, what with your loving dragons and his clear hatred of them far from unshared by his people. The sooner you would get the lands settled the sooner he wouldn’t have to put up with you anymore.In a huff you rolled out of the bed that remade itself and you mumbled, “Maybe I can pace myself to sleep.” *“Did you see how she flinched?” Thranduil asked finally moments after it was confirmed you were taken to bed by Arwen.“Clearly there is a weighty burden on her. One she cannot seem to be free of just yet.” Celeborn stated.Glorfindel, “That was no burden, she flinched when Iris touched her. It is hard to imagine what memory she might have with a table to have caused a flinch like that.”Elrond, “From what her Father had stated, along with young Ronald she was a pivotal warrior in their forces. Perhaps it is lingering weight from the battles.”Thranduil, “How truly terrible could their wars have been to have troubled her so? Even touring through the forces in Erebor she flinched terribly in the crashing mallets.”A distant echo of a horn and message from Lothlorien had called Celeborn home taking the others with him to give your Ones something to distract from going to sit with you. *It seemed to be empty. The full Royal Wing now empty and you huffed not having anyone to show you how to get back to the gardens. Summoning an orange from home you peeled it and shifted the peel to seeds you sent home and began splitting the slices. Stepping out into a garden, not the right one, you froze seeing a near eight foot Elk and continued chewing quietly in the turn of its head to face you.“Hi,” in a blind shift of fingers you pulled off a slice of your orange asking, “Do you like oranges?”Closer it walked not seemingly afraid of you while it curiously looked you over wondering why you seemed to be afraid of him. When he took the slice off your open palm he eyed your hand mid chew lifting to possibly try to touch his snout mid inspection of his body language, he shifted his head closer relaxing your expression into a curious grin. Stroking your hand along his cheek you asked, “I didn’t know there were Elk in the gardens. You wander here often?” Reaching down to tear off another slice for him making his ears wiggle slightly in glee for the treat looking you over as you did the same for him.
“The stables are just beyond those trees.”
At your open mouthed stare at the creature whose voice entered your head his head shifted back slightly with ears swiveling for any danger until you said, “You can talk?! Do all the Elk here talk or just you?”Calming down after swallowing the slice you offered he replied, “All animals speak, the trees and brooks as well, for those who listen. Do your animals not speak?”“Um, our animals are different than this world’s. We did have Elk, but I never saw one myself to find out. I don’t think they did.”That made him pause and blink a few times now understanding your initial fear, “Are you all this big? I didn’t think they got this big back home, maybe six feet with the antlers but you’re what, close to eight? How do you get so big? Special food or potions or, no, I mean the Elves are big so why wouldn’t you be…Even the horses in Rivendell are big according to my Dad, still haven’t got to see any of those either.”When your voice trailed off he turned and you stepped closer hoping you didn’t scare him away only to state, “I am Tuo, come we will run.”“Oh, okay.” You said walking with him into the garden wondering what he meant by that..Through the woven trees you kept your hand on his side trying not to lose him while you kept your barefoot pace over the crunching brittle leaves in the cold air wishing you had brought more than just a t shirt and capri cut sweats to wear. But you didn’t expect to be running with an Elk or doing anything but taking the expected nap everyone kept telling you to take.An open barn looking building came into view between the trees and with parted lips you took in the carvings and murals on the walls and half doors with symbols etched onto each making you to assume they were the names of the steeds dwelling there. The one with the crown on a golden plaque was where you stopped and in a curious glance at the equipment inside you cursed to yourself mentally realizing you would have to add all of it. Lowly you said, “Ok, you’re gonna have to help me make sure I put this on right..”The bridle was first in your hand as it was first on the pile and turning to face him you eyed the straps and worked it right side up. Leaning in he slid it over his snout and you secured the strap that would loop around the top of his head in front of his antlers. Two buckles later and three times asking if you had secured them properly and not too tight you flicked the reigns off your wrist they were trying to tangle on and let them dangle. Holding back his chuckle Tuo watched you on your toes eyeing the saddle you lifted with lips parted at the hefty piece that you turned with and raised up as high as you could and levitated it the rest of the way to lower into his back. A quick duck under his belly eased the task of securing the strap there.When it was completed and you stood peering up at him another curse crossed your mind and you turned around saying, “Got an idea.” In a reach up you gripped the top of the half wall around his stall and pulled yourself up to sit on it freeing a grin from him in scooting closer so you could grab the knot on the saddle and climb up the near two foot distance onto his back. Unsteadily you sat and tilted your head remembering the reigns you wiggled your fingers bringing he into your grip. Slowly his first step was taken and curling your toes on the stirrups in his short walk to the open path in the trees ahead. His entrance didn’t go unnoticed and as you brushed your mint curls out of your face a group of other stage approached and joined you for the walk out to whatever path he was taking you to. **Heavy groupings of racing hooves had the Lords pausing in their return. Lowly Elladan asked, “Bit early for the herds to be racing, is it not?”Thranduil, “It is.” Leading the path closer from the archways towards the source where his lips parted seeing the bolt of the herd sprinting full speed making the others step back not having seen them race that fast before. Though it was the echo of giggles trailing after them bringing the whipping yellow hair and matching shirt flailing around you barely visible on a glimpse, “That was Miss Black, on Tuo…” The tone of his voice more for his being impressed his steed had taken so well to his One.Glorfindel, “Didn’t Tuo bite the last person who tried to dress him for you outside of a call to battle?”Thranduil found himself smirking in reply, “Yes.”Another long loop around and slowing in his trot Tuo came to a stop by the King’s side sending your silvery blue hair into a full swing into your face. With a hold of the knot to keep from sliding into it his eyes sank to your bared shoulder when your shirt drooped off it again while Glorfindel watched your wide smile come into view brushing your wall of curls back to fall over your back in your soft chuckles. “None of you said anything about talking animals!”Stroking Tuo’s snout Thranduil’s head tilted eyeing your feet barely able to reach the stirrups then is view snapped back up to your eyes in Glorfindel stating, “Yes, your father stated you might enjoy seeing our herds back in Rivendell.”Thranduil, “I am curious, how in Arda did you manage to convince Tuo to allow you to dress and mount him?”“He offered, found him in a garden.”He nodded then peered at Tuo gently stroking the ridge of his nose hearing him say, “Little Queenie was frightened of me. They have only silent Elk in her former lands. All of whom hid from her, same as their horses.”Legolas asked, “Have you ridden before?”“Well he’s the first Elk I’ve seen. I’ve ridden Hippogriffs and a Chimera before. Oh, and an Acromantula once years ago.”Celeborn, “Hippo-,”“Hippogriff, it’s a magical creature with a body like a horse but its head and front legs are like an eagle,” parting their lips, “And they have wings. Buckbeak and his father Arturo are at the school they love to meet people, I can show you later.”Thranduil, “Did you ask for aid in dressing Tuo then?”You shook your head, “Tuo told me how to do it.” Again his eyes sank to your legs and the huge jump down you would face.Thranduil, “I have to ask, how did you add his saddle?”“Well I had to float it up about a foot, I can barely reach his back.”He nodded and you caught a playful glint in his eyes, “And, how might I ask, did you get up onto it?”In a playful glare you replied, “I climbed on a half wall, Mr taller than a tree. How do they get so big? We have deer at Hogwarts, but they’re barely to my shoulder at their head,” Making the King’s brow tick up.Glorfindel, “Is that normal? They are not sickly?”You shook your head and let out a playful scoff, “Well not everyone in our world could break six feet, I’m just a few inches shy of it I think, haven’t gotten measured yet for this season, the twins hit 6 ft 5 couple years back and they’re the biggest out of my friends and family. I suppose the animals suitable for our sizes I guess.”Elrond, “That must be it. No doubt soon enough they will grow in time.”Thranduil asked, “If you would care for some tea I am interested on how you might get down.”“Keep it up and I’ll jump on your shoulders and use your fall to cushion the drop.”Stepping over he said, “Swing your right leg over towards me,” rolling his eyes and trying not to grin or laugh. In a huff you did as he said though a squeak escaped you in your backwards slide off the other side of the saddle making Glorfindel step forward catching you in his arms taking in your momentary stunned expression and bright yellow hair while your body instinctually curled up in his grip. Legolas and the twins having to turn to cover their mouths to keep from giggling themselves, not just at your reaction but the King’s wide eyed gawking stare at the now empty saddle.Against the Lord’s chest you peered up at him in the ripple of your hair to mint as you flashed him a quick grin, “Thank you.”Glorfindel rather flatly tried to join in the teasing game, “Surprising how you managed to remain upright at that speed yet you slide off when Tuo is still.”Tuo turned his head watching as you were lowered to your feet and brushed your hands over your middle only to turn your head lifting your hands to retract the strip of hair tangled in one of the buttons down his chest leaving your head at a slight angle. “Well, what can I say, bundle of contradictions.” Easily the strip was free and you brushed your hair back peering up at him in another quick grin that dipped in your catching his expression flinch. Not as you had imagined at your being too forward or close once again crossing his lines but as his eyes locked onto yours seeing them bleeding out from bright green to a stunning mint shade under a flicker of sunlight free from the leaves above awing him entirely at how much more incredible you were in person to the countless times he had dreamed of you.Thranduil, “It appears you are.” He said walking around Tuo’s head looking you over for any injury, “Still-,”“Oh speed is nothing,” you reached out stroking Tuo’s neck, “I am shocked he could get that fast, decent cruising speed on my fireball broomstick nearly.” In another tilt of your head you asked, “Your neck isn’t sore?”In a chuckle he shook his head with a clear smile in his eyes, “No little Queenie, my antlers do not trouble me. Thank you for considering my pain after our run. I am fond of you.” He added with a bump of his snout against your cheek making you giggle to yourself.“I am fond of you too, Tuo.”You replied slowly making Legolas grin while Thranduil stated, “I will undress Tuo, Legolas can see to it the tea is prepared to your liking.”A motion of his hand had you moving forward at the Lord whose hand was just now dropping from your upper back, once at the forest you sensed the men folding in around you as if to protect you from dangers including twigs and small pebbles they scooped out of the way with their toes. By the time you had reached the gardens again a downward glance to avoid a small lizard crossing your path ended with your double take bringing the returned King back to your attention. “Tuo resting?”The King replied flatly, “Eating.” Earning a nod from you and you looked forward again making him look you over again in your pause to look down at the frog that hopped onto your foot you lowered again allowing it to continue on again. “I will add spare straps to my saddle to help you climb up in the future so you may ride unassisted.”Looking up at him for a moment his brow ticked up at your blank stunned expression, “What?”Thranduil, “Tuo demands several runs a week at least. He will be expecting you to share them with me from now on.”“But, what?”“Tuo decides who runs with him. It is quite an honor for a steed to claim you, especially an Elk at that.”“What if you need him? I can’t just-,”Thranduil shook his head, “Tuo has decided,” That was all he said and he turned away leaving you inhaling repeating his statement in your head mockingly and you turned forward at a timid pat on your upper back from the quiet Lord signaling the others were moving on again.Back to the sitting room you were settled into your former chair and the Lords watched you crossing your legs in a move to keep from curling them up in your chair to keep from offending the group with your assumed comfort in another person’s home knowing at least in your world that would be taboo. Elrond took the silence for his advantage to ask, “Miss Black, did you rest at all? We were not gone long.”“Couldn’t sleep.”Celeborn, “Is that unusual for you, to be so troubled with sleep?”A sharp smirk from you melted into a quick grin and you answered, “Always had trouble sleeping for one reason or another.”Glorfindel, “Surely something could be done to right this.”“I usually fall asleep eventually, for how long I never know, but I do.”Legolas, “Is there a tonic you might take?”“There is, it takes three days to brew it though. And I’d rather eat dirt for how it tastes. If anything I could always type up my exams for next week, that usually does the trick in a pinch.”Thranduil nodded, “If you require privacy from your relatives you may draft up your exams in my study, simply inform us of any supplies you might require.”“Just a chair and a desk should be all.” Through the tea comments on dates to invite you to inspect the herds in Rivendell and Lothlorien slowed with stories on their favorite trails. Before you knew it, it seemed all at once they scattered again and you were standing in front of the now cleared desk the Elf King cradled the supply of notes and books across it to another surface to grant you plenty of room.In a sigh you eased between the desk and chair bringing it closer to your legs to sit down summoning your notes and typewriter from home. Tucking your legs up on the seat you reeled in the scroll of perforated pages and flipped to the right section on your legal pad for the full exam. “Fifty pages, should definitely be enough,” you muttered to yourself ignoring the hushed whispers from down the hall as you raised your hands and eyed the first line you began to copy word for word.Clicks and dings filled the room while the pages would fill and then tear themselves free to make the first page of the pile you would copy later for each of your sixth and seventh years. The other exams were already completed, how you were lulling yourself off to sleep since landing here when you could manage to find the time. Curiously at the noise the Lords peered into the doorway with Estel between their legs being the bravest as he crossed the room to your side. A dip of your arms had him brought up onto your lap and a grin eased across his lips at the downright stunning peck on his cheek you gave him asking as you began typing again, “Can you read yet?”Estel shook his head saying, “No. Lord Elrond has begun teaching me on the Valar and history of Valinor since my last birthing memorial.”Again the reel shifted to the left again with another ding and you continued the line, “That sounds like a hefty subject. If you ever wish for some good stories you just let us know. I have the biggest library at home. It has a copy of every book ever written inside of it. Infinite choices. Thousands of worlds to get lost in. No greater weapon than a library you know.”He peered up at you, “To throw at people?”In a giggle you replied, “Knowledge is power. The more you study the easier it is to uncover what most men have ignored or forgotten. Never judge a book by its cover and never underestimate the vast supply of secrets hidden on the number of pages alone.” In a grinning glance at the boy you said, “I’ve read a book with over 5000 pages once and all it did was tell me that Galapagos turtles love gooseberry jam and a journal with barely 50 pages used told me the secret to bringing down the darkest Wizard of our old world.”Estel, “How do you know, which to read then? Where to look?”Your grin deepened, “You don’t, that’s the adventure of it all.” Earning a giggle from him at your next peck on is cheek.When he looked ahead again he asked, “What is that?”“This is a typewriter. Instead of writing by hand each letter is on a key and you can compose letters, or exams, like what I am making much quicker.”.A glowing orb popping up in front of you had you sighing and planting another kiss on Estel’s cheek saying, “I have to head home. My great gran is on a spree. Go have fun.”On his feet while you sent the stack of tests home along with your typewriter he peered up at you and asked, “Will you be back to visit tomorrow?”“I don’t know,” crouching to his level saying, “I would hate to impose on Lord Elrond.”Elrond shook his head, “No imposition at all. I had planned to aid Celeborn in a matter you might take a tour of the kingdom while it is being settled.”Celeborn gave a steady nod, “You are more than welcome Miss Black. I will send a guide to fetch you and give you a proper tour.”Thranduil, “And I might add that you are welcome in our kingdoms whenever you wish.”A statement the Lords gave an agreeing nod to before you kissed the boy’s cheek at the next glowing orb making you stand muttering, “I know, I hear you.”Zapping home again making the men and Estel stare at the empty spot before Glorfindel asked, “Did you hear it speak?” The men shook their heads and he claimed Estel saying, “Come now, I will show you some tracks I found earlier, we can discover the source together.” Stirring a grin onto the boy’s face..Past a series of halls you grinned at your extended family still fawning over Fleur and Vici who all turned to start digging into how your day went. The lot of them being overly pleased you were invited back to following day. Until sundown they stayed then went back to their hidden island homes to get some rest and continue their own planning for a party when you finally got the lands settled. Finally in their absence however your eyes dropped shut to the sound of Idris’ song after landing on the couch behind you and with the nudge of Crookshanks you were on your side curled up for him to nestle in your arms as K appeared with blanket in hand to cover you through Dobby feeding the fire..The squeak of a distant mouse outside had Crookshanks up and groggily your eyes cracked open at the tail swiping across your cheek. Up to your room you went passing it to peek into the nursery. Sleeping in matching rocking chairs your father and Remus both slept with the toddlers on their chests no doubt from the story time last night evident by the book hovering still in front of them. Gingerly you closed the book putting it away then moved the toddlers to their cribs and covered the men with blankets and turned back to the hall.Just a few hours to daybreak you spotted Cedric, the twins and Ginny who waited for you to grab your socks and sneakers to head to the mist and snow coated pitch for training. Shivering once in the cold breeze you braided your hair back into a ponytail and watched Troy and Moran doing the same in their slumbering stroll through your doorway ready for the first of many grueling sessions to come.A warm shower was to follow and changed into a fresh pair of jeans with tall socks over them and a warm sweater you fluffed your hair out on your way to fetch Em. Ginny at your side readied Teddy while your father and Remus were off to the Ministry for their first day back to help in all there was to be done. A quick change and into your arms before she had stirred the both of you carried the sleeping children nuzzled against your chests. Fred and George grouped around you joining Draco and Luna in their readying to head to the Council meeting.One handed in a jumble of arms you helped to make the breakfast and collect prepped jars of food for Teddy and Em to feed them while you stole bites of your own meals.The sounding of the door bells had you smiling at Em’s mimicking them and not three minutes later K came into the room with a blonde Elf behind him making Ginny beside you ask lowly in Latin, “You know him?”“Nope, he’s new.” After stealing a glance at her your gaze shifts back feeling his eyes on you only to see his eyes flinch to Ginny widening his gaze for a moment. “Oh I know that look.”Ginny looked him over, “Why’s he looking at me?”“Looks like I won’t be the only one being invited to dinners and tea everyday.” Earning a hushed huff from her.Closer he came to the edge of the table and you flashed a grin at K’s stating, “An Elf to see you Mistress.”“Thank you, K.” Looking up at the blonde now focused on you, you said, “Morning, I take it you’re my guide today?”With a bow of his head he stated, “I am Haldir, Son of Halmir, Your Majesty. March warden of Lothlorien.”In a motion of your hand you introduced everyone then in his focused gaze at Ginny for a moment you said, “If you’d care to join us there’s plenty of tea and food for everyone.”Stepping to the side he accepted the cup Luna offered him the hovering teapot filled for him when he took a seat on the chair beside him. Once settled his eyes rose to you in your asking, “What exactly is a March warden?”“I head the patrols on the outer borders of the forest inner city.”“I hope this isn’t adding too much to your day by being set up as a guide.”“Not at all, Your Majesty.”The repetition of the title had the teens smirking around their mouth fills and behind their teacups and in his third glance at Ginny she decided to forgo the day being checked on hourly by Molly keeping her active to ask, “You don’t mind if I go?You shook your head and said, “That way I suppose we can look after the little ones together.” Another bite of your breakfast had you wince at the continued pain from your jaw making you look up at Mr and Mrs Granger in their coming down for breakfast, “Mr Granger, I have a question.”“Sports for 50.” He replied with a cheeky grin then took his seat asking, “What can I help you with, my Dear?”“I was wondering if your shop might be up today?”Hermione joining the table asked, “Teeth bad again?”You nodded, “Tried numbing potions but they just wear off and I think it’s making my sleep worse, can’t even lay my head on the left side.”Mr Granger nodded with a more serious yet comforting grin, “Of course, how’s two? Fred and George said there were some touches yet on the potions they are giving us and we still have to set up our new Wizard currency till.”“Two is perfect, thank you.”When you looked back to Haldir he inhaled and took another sip of his tea hiding back from shouting his hundreds of questions at Ginny and yourself waiting patiently for you to be alone on the tour. Again you looked to Hermione asking, “Prince Charming still sleeping off another night of hopeful gazing into each other’s eyes?”In a playful smirk your way she replied, “Thorin has them readying deeds and lineage papers to send off to relatives of those who used to live in Erebor. Trying to get ready to open those gates and let everyone in. Said his cousin King Dain doubted the gates would work so he wants to give him a big shock and burst in it seems. They did mention something about synchronizing a flock of ravens too.”“Ooh, I am loving his family more by the day.” Making her giggle as you did.
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Bouncing in a tug of your boots up nearly to your knees the fur lined marvel of accessories certain to help keep your feet warm that had a manageable thick sole matching Ginny’s pair. The boots laced themselves while you pulled a fur lined wrap you probably wouldn’t need in Lothlorien if they kept it warm like the others you covered Em in while Ginny used a matching one to cover Teddy. A mokeskin diaper bag filled pouch was the last thing and out you went following the stoic Elf out the door to the open gate for the walk out into the snowing city to cross to the archways.To break the silence you asked, “So, Haldir,” at that his head turned to face you also allowing him to catch a glimpse of Ginny fixing the wrap around Teddy in his reach out to grab at the snow falling through your warming bubble around you five. “Any siblings?”“I have two brothers, Rumil and Orophin, Your Majesty.”“Do they live in Lothlorien too?”“Yes, they do. We all share rounds on the guard.”“That’s nice.”Ginny, “I can’t imagine working with my siblings.” That brought his gaze to hers as she said, “Not that I don’t love them, but I can’t imagine what job could bring us together and keep us from driving one another up the wall. Short bursts we can work together, but every day,” in a sharp exhale she grinned at Teddy in his hair mirroring hers earning him a kiss on the nose while Em drew the Elf’s eye hiding under the wrap she pulled up over her head then popped out of cracking a hint of a grin onto his face making her giggle.“I am sure we could find something. Won’t be that long till I’ll have a baby brother myself. Have to wait a few years before the real co-working can happen, still-,” in catching his glance at you, you added, “Dad’s adopting my cousin’s son when he’s born.”“Congratulations. Expanding ones family is an incredible thing.” It seemed he inhaled to build his courage before asking, “Are you the eldest child, Lady Ginny?”The title had her pause a moment before answering, “Youngest. Not for long, Mum’s pregnant then there’ll be eight of us.”Softly he repeated, “Eight children…”Ginny nodded, “Hopefully it’s another girl so I won’t be the only one. First in generations for the Weasley line.” Looking up at him she asked, “Your parents live nearby?”Shaking his head he replied, “No, our parents have sailed to Valinor at the end of the Second Age.”“Valinor, you can’t travel back, can you? Dad mentioned it and occasionally I hear about it from the Lords, but I was curious. If you don’t mind my asking.”Haldir, “Not at all, Your Majesty. It is no secret. The Valar control transport too and from Valinor. Those sailing from these lands in this age are called home by the Valar. Only the Noldor have ever left Valinor without the blessing of the Valar and were heftily banished in response.”“Really? So Elrond can’t sail home?”Haldir, “Lord Elrond is among the half Elves, from the line of Beren and Luthien. A noble line. When he was a child the Feanoreans, elders of the Noldor race, in search of their Silmarils, a sacred trio of stones Feanor had forged for his father High King Finwe, they sacked Doriath and Queen Earwing their mother leapt from the tower with the stone.”“Oh,”Haldir, “But do not fret, the Valar Ulmo took pity on her and transformed her into a sea bird and she flew all the way to King Earendil’s flying ship to safety.”“But, what about Elrond?”Haldir, “Lord Elrond and his twin brother Elros were taken by Maedhros and Maglor, Feanor’s eldest sons. You see, when they had sacked Doriath centuries before the twin Princes Elured and Elurin were taken by Celegorm’s servants into the forests around the kingdom and were left there. When they were returned for the pair had vanished. The act of the essential killing of the toddlers haunted the brothers. They were Queen Earwing’s younger brothers you see, she escaped with a set of servants carrying the Silmaril their parents were killed for.”“Why did they take Elrond and his brother? To be hostages?”Haldir, “No, they were raised as their own.”“Bit morbid…I’m afraid to ask, what happened to Elros?”Haldir, “Upon their maturation the Valar, due to their half Elven status they were granted a choice to live as Elves for eternity or to live a mortal life. King Elros chose a mortal life. His descendents still survive in the kingdoms of Gondor and Rohan.”Ginny, “That must be awful, poor Elrond. Fred and George are miserable just a day apart, I can’t imagine eternity.”Haldir, “It is tradition however for Lord Elrond to raise the future King of Gondor. Young Estel is from Elros’ line. A way of keeping his brother with him.”“The brothers, who took Elrond, are they still around?”Haldir, “Upon retrieving the Silmarils the brothers were unable to touch the sacred objects for the atrocities they had committed to retrieve them. Maedhros threw himself in his painful despair into a flaming lake of lava. Maglor chose to cast his stone into the sea and to wander the shores of Aman for all eternity. Though no word has been heard of him leading to our belief he had been called to sail.”“Hmm…is that why Elrond isn’t a King? Who raised him?”Haldir shook his head, “No, as was the choice of Lord Celeborn the pair refused the title of King. They have no need of it.”Ginny, “And King Thranduil does?”Haldir, “King Oropher fell in battle, he was chosen to rule the Silvans, in his stead they decided he was to keep the title out of respect for their Prince.”“This is going to be a tangled history to learn isn’t it?”With a hint of what you guessed must have been a try to chuckle he replied, “There is several thousand years of Elven history to share if you are willing, and yes, a great deal is quite interwoven. To learn one line is to entangle them all.”Ginny, “Hopefully they won’t mind us waiting a bit to learn it all then. Since it will take a while.”Haldir, “It is not required of you and your kin to learn our history. Those willing to learn are patiently led through it. When you are ready we will be more than glad to assist you, Your Majesty.”A glance up found you finally at the arches and through the right one you were led and once again you were staring upwards at the miles of winding steps up the trees leading to the tree top city. Lowering your gaze again you focused on the path. He began to guide you both on feeling the gaze of others looking you over as you continued to keep the wraps around the toddlers in your arms at the mild chill in this forest city Haldir explained to be to ready their gardens for a big colorful burst when spring hit.By the end of the third hour Em had fallen asleep and Teddy was halfway drooling when the Lords after their meeting was through had found you. Respectful nods were given to Ginny then their eyes dropped to the bodies draped across your chests urging on a decision to have tea in one of the ground level sitting rooms while the toddlers slept in a bassinette a couple of servants had brought out for you. Ensured to be fully covered with your wraps the pair slept away drawing longing gazes from all Elves able to see them in their safe distances. Estel still sat fixing a set of feathers into a woven bit of string he was trying to complete to give to you.Glorfindel, “You seem well rested, Miss Black.”Forcing a quick grin in catching his eye you replied, “I slept a little. Bit more than usual lately. Got up in time for training.”Thranduil, “For your show?”“Oh, no. Quidditch training. Have to build up our stamina and strength again. Been a couple years since we had a competing season. Had to pause on it to stay hidden and safe. Season official training camp starts up in august for pro teams.”Elrond, “Ronald did show us a few matches on your board. I cannot wait to see how it differs in real life.”Ginny, “Well there’s a match at Hogwarts in a week. It would be best to work you up to professional Quidditch. Some of Jaqi’s games can get quite brutal.”Thranduil, “Is it safe? For you to be in such a, brutal, sport?”In a smirk you replied lifting your cup, “It’s only brutal if the other team can catch you.”While you drank his brow ticked up then dropped again in saying, “I cannot wait to see what sport you have devoted yourself to even in the face of danger.”Shaking your head their eyes were on you again as you said, “We’re born staring danger in the face. Danger is nothing new to be terrified of. Regret however, never charging head on at what you want, now that’s terrifying.”Celeborn, “I agree. A lifetime of regret is nothing to a pinch of risk. As long as you are successful at least.” He chuckled to himself in the last sentence making you smirk again.At your mild shiver and hand tugging your sleeve over it on your lap Legolas stated, “Miss Black, if you are cold we might have lunch in Greenwood.”Celeborn, “I do apologize, I should have mentioned the chill prior to inviting you. Only, Elves, we do not feel the cold. That trait must be delayed in your kin’s shift to Elven status.”In a glance at a pocket watch you pulled from your pocket you replied, “Lunch would have to wait. I should get going. I have an appointment.”Thranduil, “One of your classes?”“No, my jaw’s sore, Hermione’s parents are going to tend to it.”Glorfindel, “Your jaw?”You nodded, “In our escape one of my back teeth got cracked, the others are facing sideways so they have to be taken out.”Elrond, “You are having teeth removed?”Glorfindel, “We have herbs to mend our oral ailments if you would wish for some.”You shook your head, “No thank you. Have to get them out, had the appointment for a few months off but it can’t wait. There’s not enough room for them anyways.”Thranduil, “You are certain removal is best?”You nodded again, “Wisdom teeth are normally removed.” In the confused stares you added, “My four teeth in the back are crooked and one is cracked. Long overdue to have them removed, but, war is hell and leaves little time for dental appointments. I was much better afterwards. I promise.”.Looking you over steadily he noted your still tense and strained muscles clearly not eased by your resting at all with an evident twinge of your jaw telling of the pain there. The doorway to the buildings meant for Dale were bustling and easily you led the guys through the streets they admired the quaint structures from the Muggle world muddled into the Wizarding portions all oddly crafted and being scrubbed and mended by their owners. Along the way they paused catching the gasps and excited waves from the shop owners and people passing through in their errands.“Our shop.” The men all peered back at the building you were passing they had frozen wondering what it was tasked for all boarded up still and the headless charred figure raising and lowering a hat towards its shoulders, “The sign took a fair bit of damage in our escape. Used to look like Fred and George with a bunny popping up under the hat.”Glorfindel, “Why are you not on the sign?”You giggled saying, “It was a purple eyed bunny.” Making them look down at you, “I get enough attention and mostly the guys spend more time here. I just help with ideas and crafting the objects, picking up occasional shifts.”Thranduil, “Still-,” his words halted at your next giggle while you led them around another corner and up the stoop into the waiting room. The pastel yellow room with quaint chairs in pale green adorned with flowers around a section for toys and tables of magazines in varying subjects. Curiously the men watched as you filled in the first empty line on the sheet on the clipboard waiting on the counter then took your seat at the elderly woman saying with a grin, “They’ll be right with you, Love.”After a nod and a soft thanks you turned to guide the men to the chairs they filled around you while Estel eyed the jumble of colored wires and beads beside a sand box with random shapes inside. In a glance at him Ginny said, “The wand, you have to slide it under the table.” Taking one in her hand to demonstrate for the excited boy nipping at his lip guiding the tiny ship through the waves of sand and tunnels throughout the box. “They have magnets in them.” Widening the boy’s grin for the short time they got to play until you were called back and you stood to head to the exam room.Once on your feet your eyes shifted to Glorfindel in his asking, “You are certain of this?”Weakly you chuckled saying, “If you are so concerned come watch for yourself.” Hastily he popped up and a hint of a grin eased across his lips in accepting Em into his arms cradling her sweetly while he followed after you with Thranduil guiding Elrond and Celeborn behind him. Legolas gladly remained behind with Estel happy to explore the other toy sets left out for children.Curiously the Lords eyed the odd chair you climbed onto and instruments around you not noticing your grin at their inspection of all around them or Mr Granger’s entrance. “Ready for the fun finally Jaqi?” Quietly the men remained against the wall looking on.You giggled and nodded, “Yes, ready to try out your monthly helping of draughts?”He nodded with a grin, “Yes. Should be so much easier now.” Mrs Granger finished setting up the tray table and you were eased back and given a pair of sunglasses when the light was switched on, “Let’s get you numbed up and have a look at how badly cracked, if at all, that molar is.”Closing your eyes under the sun glasses you heard him unscrew the lid to dab a q tip into the numbing tonic he then eased over your gums leaving the lower half of your face without sensation at all. Carefully while his wife consulted the xrays he used the mirror to inspect the molars then said, “Ooh, that is a painful crack, no wonder you can’t sleep on it.” The statement made the Lords inhale deeply irritated they had missed the source of your pain.Reaching over he grabbed the pliers making the men swallow dryly only to hear step by step from him what he was doing. Sure enough with a single firm tug the first tooth was out, the one that was badly cracked nearly split in half, with three others to follow, all with chips and cracks of their own.Delicately his wife passed him the phoenix tear elixir he eased the lid off of, accepting the clean dropper he filled and then lowered into your mouth once he was sure there were no fragments inside. Four drops later he grinned eyeing the now healed gums stating, “All mended. We should have accepted your offer for aid years back.”Mrs Granger placed the suction tube into your mouth making the men’s heads tilt slightly to see what it was for until she explained its use while her husband eased out another bottle he poured a syringe full between your lips reversing the effects of the numbing tonic. Steadily you shifted your jaw and grumbled at the temporary tingling that faded before he said, “Now, onto the cleaning. Get this out in one full swoop.” Weakly you chuckled and the group listened in while the men peered over you seeing what he was doing as well as the healed empty spaces from your wisdom teeth.An easy cleaning later the group all joined you on your feet to head out to the front counter. There as you scheduled your next appointment they watched you pull out a folded set of muggle bills the men eyed curiously while you counted out the 23 galleons and then paused seeing your supply of sickles dwindled down to four left then glanced up at Mr Granger and his smirk asking, “I got it all but the three knuts, I can drop by Gringotts later-.”He shook his head and chuckled, “I am certain we can break your sickles with our Wizard customers. Quite a number have come in since hiding us away. Though I imagine when the engagement news breaks we’ll have to add another till for Dwarf coins.”With a grin you stated, “Thank you all the same. I know it was short notice.”“You’re family. No way we would let you suffer with those molars. I do hope it helps you sleep tonight.” He nodded as you did after a kind pat of his hand on your arm, “See you later.” Turning to head back behind the door in your turn to head back to Glorfindel who you noticed cautiously easing his arms tighter around Em’s back in her slumbering wiggle to keep her body from shifting past her own will allowing her to sleep.Ginny now on her feet again as Legolas lifted Estel once the bead track set was put back into its former corner took your empty side asking, “Where are we off to now?”Legolas asked hopefully in place of his still speechless father wondering how you had managed the pain for so long with such injuries keeping you from sleep, “Lunch?”Smirking at him you said, “You talked me into it. Lunch it is.” Making him grin to himself as you led the way back to the archways through the crowded streets..Distantly while the Durins led their kin through the open archways with Hermione in their midst to help allow their people to grow accustomed to seeing her among them you were again at the same table across from the Lords fazed into a debate. The children had been taken home by K and Dobby for a proper nap in their own beds and Ginny remained in Lothlorien accepting Haldir’s offer of a longer tour. Quietly in a daze of you own tapping a finger to your lips from the hand supporting your chin through your sideways lean onto the arm of your chair. No true focus came to your thoughts simply a daze of something familiar you were trying to place.The flap of wings suddenly had your eyes on the bird that had landed in the palm of Lord Celeborn before sifting to the long since staring Elf King and Lord Glorfindel who had finally realized what their leaving you from the discussion had left you to. Blankly you watched the message be opened from the corner of your eye still focusing on the pair memorizing your relaxed moment and seemingly intimate gaze. Galadriel called however and off again to your home you went alongside Lindir, who had been invited to join you for dinner again. .Back through the archway you passed to your home and into the empty kitchen to make yourself a snack while Lindir joined Regulus in the gardens. Humming softly to yourself as Kreacher set up the plates and poured you a glass of the juice he levitated from the ice box as your hair shifted back to silvery blue from peach at the burst of cold wind half a mile back. Ignoring the meal being started by a team of House Elves you turned for the study off to the side of the library to settle yourself into your favorite thinking chair trying to uncover just what your body was meaning for you to remember.In your seat in front of the large window overlooking the gardens you stopped humming and smiled at Opal in her approach to curl up on your lap with the vial of phoenix tear medicine she waited patiently until you had finished your first cream cheese and jam coated cinnamon raisin bread sandwich to have it applied. Through the doorway however, as you raised the bottle to unscrew the lid Kreacher passed through the open doorway stating, “The Elf King is here to see you Mistress.”Your head turned to smile up at him wondering why he wasn’t with the others as he entered the doorway and stepped around Kreacher to claim the seat across of you while Kreacher mumbled something about tea on his exit, “Thank you K.”Turning your head you met his eyes through unscrewing the lid drawing his eyes lower to it and Opal in his settling into the chair and said, “Miss Black, I apologize for leaving so hastily earlier.”You shook your head, “No need to apologize, I understand. I imagined you might have been gone longer however.”“Lady Galadriel tired of my arguments with her wishes.” With a narrowing of his eyes he spotted Opal’s fingers clenching on your jeans as she tilted her head back and held her lids open through a harsh tensing of her muscles at your rapid pair of drops you released from the dropper. Lowly in her eyes clamping shut she coiled up with a pained whimper burying her head against your stomach for a few moments. “What is that?”“Pheonix tears mixed in a healing elixir to bring her sight back.”“She allows you to inflict such pain on her?” His eyes met yours with a curiously ticked up brow on his flat expression only making you wonder if his face could form a smile at all with how little expression past irritation you had seen from him.“When she was a hatchling she was stolen by Goblins. Raised and blinded in the lowest levels of Gringotts bank.” Making his lips part at what she had faced. “They taught her touch is followed by pain. When I was eleven I had to pass her to get to my vault, I managed to sneak a Draconic whisper to her along with an enchanted pendant that me shrink and bring her here. Took weeks to get her to let anyone but me close to her without recoiling, at least until I shared my sight with her.”“She was blinded and raised as a weapon, why would your first instinct be to heal her?”“Because her entire life she was kept away from the light, living in fear for centuries. Opal is from a breed of the friendliest and most docile Dragons that have never been recorded harming anyone. She’d never even flown, felt the earth, wind or sun at all, take away your feelings for Dragons and place yourself in that life.” His lips parted, “Would you wish for me to pass by and do nothing to free you.”“They never suspected you?”“The keeping of Dragons in Wizarding dwellings is forbidden. They had no way to conduct any search for her and no right to reclaim her, not after how she was treated.”His eyes lowered to see her now set of one cerulean and silver shimmering eye contrasting her milky one as she smiled at the Elf King and looked around the room in Norberta’s stretch and climb out of the roaring fire to join her for their daily flight through the gardens. Quietly the King watched their trot through the doorway then looked at you again, “Why do they live with you? If you are not meant to keep them so?”“Their residence here is allowed by the Ministry after they were not granted places among the Dragons in the breeding grounds. Both were stolen and hand raised by humans, they are acknowledged by their kin and welcome to visit but are not able to fulfill their roles in the clans in their wish to remain with our family after we’d given them such a safe place to live.”Behind him two whooshes drew flinches from the King that turned to watch them grow to their normal size to fly out under the protective dome before looking at you again with another quick smile as you drank some of your juice. “I was wondering. Your potions, your scar, why do you keep them when Mr Lupin has mentioned elixirs to mend them?”“With or without the scar the pain lingers. I have no reason to hide them, everyone nearly from my old world knew about them. Why bother hiding them now.” You wet your lips, “Though should you wish assistance in mending yours I would help with that.”His lips parted as his eyes narrowed again, “How-?”You giggled weakly raising your glass again, “There’s hardly a shielding spell a Morpher cannot see through. Part of my appeal for my teaching position.”His eyes scanned over you again then to the vial again, “It hurts?”“To mend yours yes, well, your eye at least. I would have to singe your face and then heal that with the droplets.”“Singe my face?”“It isn’t half as painful as it sounds.”“You’ve done this before?”“On both ends, yes. Earning my mark left me with quite a number of scars. The skin should feel no more than an irritation, the eye would have to be done over time slowly for how much it hurts.”For a few moments he sat silently wondering back at your behavior noticing how you had not recoiled or treated him unfairly for having them and certainly not the worse by treating him with pity due to the massive wound. “When, when could-?”“I could start on your face now if you like. You would have to lay down though.”His eyes turned to the chaise lounge you motioned your hand to and he nodded, standing with his wrap still draped over his chair with his crown on top as he curled his fingers and moved to the chaise in your finishing your juice and rise to your feet. Leaving the glass behind you moved to his side when he had fully draped across it finding a comfortable position, drawing out your wand you watched as he drew in a deep breath looking up at you.Curling your leg under you he swallowed dryly in your sitting beside him. Internally muddled at feeling your leg’s contact with his side and raised hand moving to partially cup and tilt the face of the King as he dropped his shielding spell revealing the scar he expected to frighten you. Only his eyes lingered on you watching as you raised your wand to press to his forehead in a gentle stroke to his cheek after a soft warning count.Halfway through you opened the vial and let out the droplets across his healing skin. A slow breath escaped him after his holding it expecting far more pain. Something closer to the flames inflicting them, again he drew in another breath and watched simply focusing on your hand still cupping his cheek and tilting his head to ease it into a better position to finish. The contact was what he focused on, wondering at how often you had done this for your friends, what sort of scars had you erased from your body he would never see should you ever grow intimate. The number of hidden spots his Healers no doubt had found through the massage that might never be voiced unless by your will to share.Wetting his lips when your hand drew back he asked, “And my eye?”“You’re going to pass out most likely.”“I can endure the pain.” He uttered sternly hoping for it to be true.You nodded and drew in another set of drops into the glass dropper, then said, “We should probably stick to a drop a week, or even a month depending on how often you wish to endure it.”Before he could say anything the droplet fell into his eye bringing an excruciating wave of pain causing his eyes to roll back then close and his head to turn aside through his body slumping. Fire coursed through his body much hotter than those he had faced to receive his scars and half blind state suddenly followed by a harsh chill worse than that of crossing the vast tundra of Helcrax his mind had not gone to in centuries about the travel from Doriath to Lindon. Reentering the room Kreacher, after his peek in earlier brought another vial for you to raise the King’s strength again along with Em, and shared that while Remus was called to another late meeting Neville had Teddy. For half an hour you let the King settle while you shared some of the snacks with Em, who’s happy giggles at your story you were reading to her eventually stirred the King.Groggily he shifted, patting the chaise beside him hoping to find you still there only to open his eyes finding one pristine view of the room with a blurry muddied mess of colors on the opposite side. Your voice caused his head to turn and take in your halfway blurry figure and shimmering silver hair matching Em’s, “There’s a vial on the table, you should drink it. It will help you gain your strength back.”He wet his lips turning his head to claim the vial he uncorked and downed before sitting up at the return of nearly half of his depleted energy. “How long was I unconscious?”You glanced up at him eyeing the faint outline of a silvery blue iris and pale grey pupil in his formerly milky eye, “Half an hour nearly.”Standing up he passed the vial to Kreacher in his reach for it and moved to reclaim his former seat, adding his crown again and accept the tea and snacks you offered. “Does it appear normal?”You motioned your fingers and a small mirror appeared in front of his face he turned and tilted to get a better look before you sent it back again, “Another application should have it mended.”He nodded, “I believe a week should do.” Slowly he raised the shielding over the eye making it match his other eye.“You look hungry.” With brows raised he stood as you did and joined you on the walk through the house to your kitchens.Curiously he asked in a glance at Em, “The children, they share your ability, could they-,”In a glance up at him you asked, “See your scars?” To which he nodded and you said, “Yes, but to children so used to scars and creatures like Dragons and Basilisks it’s hard to put to words what sort of person could terrify them in a single glance.”In your passing the table however, Thranduil lowered claiming the seat beside Em’s high chair you set her in where he smiled at her sweetly allowing her hold of his wrap for inspection resting over his arm.And in spotting the Durins entering the room making Severus lift his gaze from his book while Lindir continued to listen as Regulus finished the story he was sharing. In drawing a ledger from his pocket Severus stated, “King Thorin, Jaqi informed me of your wish for the birthing potion.”Thorin nodded as Thranduil asked, “Birthing potion?”Thorin met his eye, “To aid my Consort and I in conceiving.”Thranduil glanced between him and Bilbo, “And, what is in the potion to solve the obvious dilemma?”Thorin met his eye with a smirk, “It will change me into a Dam allowing me to carry and nurse our child.”His expression dropped as Lindir scooted forward asking with a slightly hopeful tone, “They have potions to do that?”Snape met his eye giving him a nod before telling Thorin, “There are a few ingredients I will need from you first though. I was told you might not find it agreeable.” In a silently growing grin Lindir’s gaze shifted to Regulus’ at his hand settling on top of the one Lindir had rested on top of the table, a far more intimate gesture to the Elf than Regulus realized. A silent confirmation of a promised chance to give children a try themselves when they reached that point in courtship.Thorin, “Anything.”Snape nodded, “I will need a clump of your hair and a few of your beard hairs as well. Plus a few drops of blood.”Thorin nodded, wetting his lips, “You can shave my head if it is required.”Snape raised a brow, “I admire your dedication, however, the only potion requiring that much hair should never be agreed to by you and your kin, for future reference.”Dwalin, “What is that potion for?”Snape, “It turns the drinker into a naked mole rat. Irreversible as far as we can figure out.” Smiling Thorin joined the Professor on the stroll through the door to the office to claim the small dime sized clump of hair, five beard hairs and the specified drops of blood he sealed in vials within the privacy of the other room. The vials were sent up to your room and they rejoined the table for tea and the snacks you entered the room with.
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Not so subtly reaching out to trace a finger across the back of your hand when you had set aside a knife from slicing up a piece of melon for Em Thranduil asked, “If I may, Miss Black, where did you receive this scar? Your brother Ronald has the same one.”In a glance at him you said, “It reads ‘I must not tell lies’,” With a brow twitching up he looked over your face as you said, “One of our old Professors had a barbaric way of punishing students. An enchanted quill that etches the words into the skin of the writer.”“That is-!”“She’s dead now. And was stripped from the job rather quickly.”“To carve words into children!!”“She hated children.” In a glance over your face you said, “The ministry sent her to try and get her to rope the children into line believing Dumbledore was after the Minister position. It may sound crude but it’s a badge of pride now,” parting his lips, “Proof we said no, stood up for those being punished cruelly without proof or reason.”“Is there proof that this new Council will not follow the steps of the old one?”With a grin you said, “Change is hard. We’re starting with the laws, soon we’ll have a vote for the new Minister. None of the old ones can run. We have to have hope that we can grow to be more than we were.”Absently his fingers had smoothed across the back of your hand and stopped at your rings they traced over before he realized and asked, “Do these hold significance?”Lifting your hand you said, “This one’s a mood ring, Percy bought it for me when we were little, just changes colors based on your mood. The other was from my grandfather, Morfin Gaunt. Used to be a horcrux.”“And you still wear it?” he asked lifting your hand to shift it for a better look at the ring. “This symbol-,”“The Deathly Hallows.”Lifting his gaze he replied, “This is Namo’s mark. The Valar heading charge of the Halls of the Dead. Where rest and peace can be found for those fallen through the ages.”“Interesting.” His brow inched up and you shook your head, “The birds and dragon only I could see along with the foxes are at home here, stated they knew this place. Now this mark has ties here as well. Almost like breadcrumbs.”“Breadcrumbs?”“It’s from a Muggle fairy tale. Hansel and Gretel go walking in the wood and leave a trail of breadcrumbs, only birds eat it and they get lost falling into the clutches of a witch who eats children who lives in a house made of sweets.”His lips parted, “They share that tale with children?!”You nodded, “Not even the end, they shove her in the oven and eventually find their way home. Meant to keep children from wandering off in the wood. Witches are often evil in their tales. And yes, I still protected them and will protect them.”“Why?”“You happen to be terrified of Dragons and you haven’t tried to kill mine once. Why?”Almost offended he replied as calmly as he could, “They are yours. Unlike our Dragons yours are kind. Protective.”With a nod you said, “People are unique like snowflakes. There is good and evil in everyone, like two wolves, it all matters on the one you feed. We cannot punish them all for what their ancestors did out of fear centuries before they were born.”“And if they begin to attack your people again?”“We won’t let them find us. It is unpleasant to do but if we must we will keep the Muggles from attacking our children again. Or theirs by using us as scapegoats.”.From tea to chasing Em through the maze of the sitting room in which you were fort building for her chosen story time Teddy was now joined into while Neville and Luna were off to the council Thranduil stood with his head tilted. Carefully and silently taking in the pitiful fort Em had been guiding you in making to her preference. Holding back his comments between grinning moments at the child in his arms stirring misty eyed memories of when Legolas was little. Only to crouch and crawl into the fort grinning at Em.A sway of his hair however across Teddy’s face had his eyes on the boy with his mouth agape at his vanishing mid sneeze. “Jaqi!” He had never said your first name aloud and as Em giggled covering her mouth beside him his head turned to see you crouching to look inside, “Teddy’s gone.”“Mhmm,”You murmured and scooting closer to Em he whispered, “Does that happen often?”Em shook her head still giggling and said, “Cookies.”Softly he heard your voice through the halls call out, “Found him.” Within a few moments you had returned and the boy had a soft sugar cookie in his hands he was nibbling on, “Somebody snatched himself a cookie.”Again you lowered and crawled into the fort opposite the King at Em’s side and he asked, “How did you know where he was?”“Just a guess. If he’s not there he’s up in Remus’ closet playing in his sock drawer.” Making his eyes narrow at you from the startling truth, “babies are a mystery. Just have to learn what they like and where they love to hide.” You said pressing a kiss to Teddy’s forehead, “Now, Peter Pan.” The pair were settled between you and leaned back against the now useful wall of pillows and blankets captured in a stolen snap of a picture from your enchanted camera. He grinned through your animated reading of the story he wished he could decipher the words to for himself in hopes of joining in on the voices.At least until a cleared throat later Prince Legolas had arrived to call his father away. Between sweet goodbyes for the children a tender cradling of your hand was stolen along with a press of his lips to your knuckles while his eyes lingered on yours memorizing every detail of this moment. Then he was simply gone with a wish to see you again the following day. Back to the story you went though slowly it began to dawn on you that if they continued to keep divvying up your days with planned outings and visits the remaining hidden lands would never get placed..All through his meetings his mind kept going back to you and the children with little chance to focus on anything else until finally he found Glorfindel and just had to explode all that had happened and shared the memories, a skill they had perfected over the centuries at their bond of sharing a One..In your solitude however when Hermione managed to get back again with an exhausted slump into her chair at dinner after the juggling offer of bites of food offered to Em and Teddy you asked her a favor. “Hey Hermi?” Instantly her brows rose in her glance your way as you readied to take the dozing children up to their nursery for bed you asked, “Could you possibly ask the Dwarves if they see the Elves, any of them really, they all seem to keep everyone up to date, but tell them you’re having a dinner thing with the Durins and I’m invited so I can’t do anything tomorrow?”Hermione, “How often are they bothering you?”Scooting Em higher on your chest you replied, “Not bothering, if they were intending to bother me they seem to be trying for the killing with kindness method, but no, I wanted to try for the clearing tomorrow. I only have this week off. Do you think they’ll agree to it?”Hermione, “Oh for sure,”“Thank you,” You murmured on your way to the nursery.In a glance at the twins she asked, “She didn’t eat did she?” To which they shook their heads gathering up a tray full to take up to you..Alone in the rocking chair peering at the sleeping pair, Em now in the canopy topped bed Draco and his girlfriend had put together for you after finding where the box had been stored. Your fingers smoothed across the scars from Umbridge. Tears began to prickle into your eyes and up onto your feet you stood and walked through your home.At the front door you pulled on your boots and jacket and stepped out into the cold. Silently you sniffled your way down the path straight to Godric’s Hollow you walked through the slowly falling snow passing the darkened homes to the empty graveyard. Off to the side just beyond the trinket filled graveyard now packed with memorials for those lost in a temporary set up until something more suitable could be voted on by the new Ministry. Shakily you exhaled resting your hand on the doorknob to your old home and you stepped inside.Clouds of mist escaped your lips in the walk inside after shutting the door behind you. Into the front room you peered and stepped inside eyeing the chilled couch and armchairs inside. In a ripple your aunt, uncle, mother and Harry appeared with spreading grins. Moving closer you warmed the room with a wave of your hand and onto an armchair you sat across from them. “Hi.”Your mother was the first to respond, “Hello my girl. You seem well rested.”For a moment your head tilted and Harry asked, “How is Em and Teddy? Ginny was by earlier, said the Ministry is starting up again. No doubt Remus and Tonks are busy.”In your pause James asked, “Is something wrong?”Shaking your head for a moment you replied, “No, not really, only, Tonks fell somewhere else.”Lily, “You haven’t found her yet?”You shook your head again and your eyes shifted over Harry again, “There’s something else, too.”Harry, “Is Ginny ok? I know she’s upset with me still.”“It’s Romilda.”Harry, “What about her? You pulled her out weeks before anything happened.”“There’s a reason for that.” Hastily you wet your lips and said, “She’s pregnant.” Harry’s lips parted and you said, “Due in a few weeks.”Harry, “I’m, a baby? But, it was just-,”He huffed and your mother said, “Sometimes the once is all it takes.”Harry’s hands smoothed over his face, “Well, does Ginny know? She said she lost-,”You nodded, “Ya, she knows.”Harry, “How is Romilda taking it? I do want you all to be a part of it’s life. You’re my family, it has to know you.” The panic in his voice was clear.“Romilda is giving custody to Dad.”James chuckled, “No telling what sort of name that will entail.”His playful smirk at you had one mirroring back at him making Harry ask, “Has he picked a name?”“Well it’s a boy, so I thought Phineas,”Harry, “Phineas?! You are not-,”“Oh come on, then we can call him FinFin.”Harry inhaled sharply with his lips pursed a moment and Lily said, “That is adorable. James even you have to agree.”Jewelia, “Any thoughts on middle names?”“Rubeus,”Your eyes shifted to Harry and he nodded, “Yes, Hagrid would love that. He was the one to take me to the Dursley’s,” after a pause he asked, “Would you ask him to be Godfather?” You nodded, “Ron would be uncle so he shouldn’t take it too hard. Is he taking it hard?”“No worse than the rest of us.”Lily, “Does Romilda know about Harry?”You shook your head, “She’s on bed rest. Had trouble with blood pressure, we want to wait until after she’s given birth. As far as she knows you’re with Tonks. She’ll be livid, but, she’ll get over it, eventually.”James, “She will be in his life?”“We don’t know. She hasn’t asked to be obliviated. We thought maybe birthdays and Christmases at least she might come by to see him. Or at least when he’s older let him get to know her. For now we just have to get Fin born safely and have her settled back to health and just let everyone see how it goes from here. I think she’s going to work with her aunt in her jewelry company.”Harry nodded, “That makes sense,” in a glance over you he asked, “Ginny mentioned you met your blondes? I know she mentioned another one talking to her recently. That he might like her.”“They all seem polite. Bit, odd, well, not odd, stiff really. But that’s just a matter of difference in culture.”They didn’t remain solid much longer but they listened to what you had wished to get their opinions on. Though in your standing to leave Harry sat glancing around, “Huh,” When your eyes landed on him he said, “You remember my patronus memory?” You nodded and he said, “I think this is it. Us, here in your old home sitting and talking.” After a pause he said, “Jaqi, in my room, in my trunk, the old cloak. I want you to have it. It’s safer with you. No telling what my kid could end up doing with it.”With a smirk you said, “As if mine would be better.” Making him chuckle as he rippled away in the chilling of the cottage again you were left alone again and walked through the room back out the front hall closing the door behind you turning back into the cold dark path ahead. On the way back however you spotted a few curious Elves wandering through your lands who bowed their heads at your brief wave. Timidly they kept to exploring presumably with your blessing without any argument from you and once they saw you enter your home again a couple timidly peered into your family grounds looking on at the snowcapped gardens. *A drowsy morning after a night of tossing and turning for you came with both toddlers sitting up through the film you had playing after they had woken up from a loud storm passed through the post breakfast stop to the house from the Elves. Curiously over the table they glanced and in Fili’s place by her side Hermione’s eyes snapped wider for a moment and she said at Elrond’s statement of, “I had hoped to inquire if Miss Black was free this evening to join us for dinner. We have not had a proper meal prepared for her to follow a full tour of Rivendell just yet.”Hermione inhaled hastily and rambled out, “Not tonight, I’m afraid we’re expected in Erebor today. Family luncheon.”Fili looked at her and in her foot bumping his he gave a grin and a nod stating, “Yes, one of our courtship requirements the meeting of the clans.”Kili nodded after having caught on to Fili’s fibbing grin, “Oh yes, uncle hoped to ease Jaqi into meeting Amad.”Nodding abruptly Elrond’s lips parted only close at her stating, “Tomorrow should be free for her though. If it would be good for you?”An easy grin slid across his lips, “Tomorrow night would grant us ample time to prepare for her visit.”Hermione, “Sounds like fun.”Elrond bowed his head, “We will leave you to your meal, kindly pass on our well wishes for her day of relaxing and bonding with your kin.”Hermione gave a quick nod and after they had left Fili looked at her asking, “My Dear, why are we imagining a dinner tonight with Jaqi? If she is requiring-,”Hermione shook her head, “Jaqi wanted to try for clearing the mountains today. Caught a hint that they might try to invite her over again, they have every other night nearly since we got to Rivendell.”Fili nodded saying, “Well I’ll pass on word to uncle to keep up the ruse, though I doubt they will be leaving Erebor today at all.” *By eight you were stocked up and mounting your broom leading the twins and Death Eaters with a few chosen Aurors behind you out to the mountains in the distance. Thick clouds shrouded the peaks leaving them dark and echoing with chittering and shouts of the creatures bickering below.A firm whisper of “Lumos Solem” let out an eruption of light from your wand earning waves of shrieks below as you all dropped small enchanted orbs that sucked the darkened creatures around them inside them before turning to ash when full. The Dragons all being trapped, lifeless in clear crystals as well when they refused to respond to your shouts in Draconic. Crevices were found along with hidden doorways allowing you inside through the wave of arrows all turning to dust when they hit your protective shields. More and more enchanted orbs were released clearing the vast stretch of peaks you sent waves of light through between spells to seal each of them again.Under the weak sunlight flickers through the snow dropping clouds above you exited they Grey Mountains and cleared a blocking ridge of rocks free allowing a bubble tunnel to the front gates of the protective wall of mountains housing the Kingdom of Angmar you forced open and unleashed the same wave of attacks clearing out the peaks and valleys. By hours end you had sent out an eruption of light from your Patronus all cleared out the lands you coated in another massive bubble charm with a casting of a giant yellow duck to float above the lands alerting the others in the distance of the confirmed claiming of territory.A spare piece of parchment was set out and Sirius and Remus worked it into another enchanted maps for your new sets of lands. Your doorway appeared once again and the final orbs were produced before you.One by one you released the trapped Muggle cities, that over your traveling had been simplified greatly as far as their technology and weapons, wiping them from their minds. Reducing them back to working the land by hand and simple body operated machines with only swords and bows and arrows to hunt and defend themselves. Small portions of each continent were mingled together in their own set of adjoining peaks above Angmar in the plains leading up to the open ocean above it. Each town and city settled safely in the hundreds of open miles with the volunteering Muggle born Wizard’s homes being placed where they belonged within for them to aid in patrolling and securing the Muggles into their new homes.The kingdom was filled and the valleys in the inner circle set up as a giant set of orchards and farms to help them get restarted. The miles of open ocean eased the need for more space, the enchanted islands you had made to hide people and the Africa sized one to house the magical creatures were settled next not far from your great grandparent’s island. Including those housing the taken Muggle landmarks and magical portions of their former cities you had preserved to be filled in and adjusted as a new magical world adjoining the cultures you had allied. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang now housed in their shifted countries relaxing the Professors while the four other schools you had gathered up were being repaired after having been damaged in the escape now eased with the settling to gather workers and supplies much easier.One by one ducklings were cast up into the sky stirring curious stares from the Elven kingdoms nearby until after you had assured the Dragon Grounds had met their approval you had moved onto Moria. Through the halls you had thrown open on a discovered back entrance more of the creatures inside fell to your numbers while those pouring out the now open front gates had gathered the forces in Lothlorien being joined by those from Rivendell and Greenwood. All looking on the Elves readied to face the hoards flowing full speed out in search of shelter until the lips of the Lords parted seeing your telling dark blue hair whipping around you in your blurry shot out of the gates.A simple swish of your arm and into waves of flower petals the goblins on the outer ring of rocks fell. Behind you more flashes of light and pools of snow and confetti exploded from the fleeing masses between more enchanted jars sucking in more and more until you had cast your dragon patronus lighting up the armor of the shielded Elves your eyes fell to. Wave after wave of light washed over the mountain and through it between the bounding patronus of the others behind you until your circling path above the field lowered steadily in the pounding of your heart through the twins forming another enchanted bubble around the peak. Just a foot above the ground your eyes left the forest with Elves now invisible again except for the exiting group of Lords atop their steeds exiting the forest edge you hoped that they would not be angry for not including them.The sudden lift of your wand you stated, “Morsmordre,” a shot of yellow shimmering light exploded into the air above the new bubble charm lighting up the Elven armor again. Glittering balls of yellow light formed a quacking duckling now clearly for their observance a way of marking the land as claimed and cleared. All at once a wave of relaxation washed over you at the emptying of the rooms once housing the enchanted orbs now holding only BagEnd easing the hefty burden on you.Lowering their gazes again they watched the groups behind you heading off to share the news with the others at your signal knowing this might take a while having them sealing the gates again and using the enchanted doorway to get to your home again to have access to pass on word from there. In a steady hover after approaching the group you gave them a quick wave, “Hey.” Looking them over you said, “Nice armor.”Elrond broke the silence, “Thank you, Miss Black. You have no armor?”Shaking your head you said, “We lost the art of making magic armor back in the Dark Ages. Chain mail doesn’t do much to defend against curses.”Curiously Glorfindel looked over your broom asking, “How does your broom stay aloft?”Catching his gaze you said, “Well they are carved from anti gravity trees, imbued with a bit of magic and also we can funnel our energy to help keep it afloat or to steer and control speed.”Legolas, “It does not look comfortable to sit on it for long.”With a shrug you said, “You get used to it. And usually the task for using them distract from any pain.”Celeborn spoke next, “That was an incredible sight, to have such an immense force cleared out with such ease.”“I am sorry, for not warning you. We didn’t know it was this close to your lands.”Celeborn, “No need for apologies.”Elrond, “It was merely a precaution to gather here after noticing your ducks,” he said gesturing up to your fading mark, “we were uncertain what it meant.” Again he glanced up saying, “I am curious, why ducks?”Pulling up your sleeve you revealed your mark of the same excited duckling etched into your skin, “Our new chosen mark for the Death Eaters. Draco is watching with one of our telescopes marking off the lands we cleared from home.”Thranduil took the moment of silence to ask, “Was your lunch successful?”“Hermione handled it. We had to get started on this. But I was heading over to Erebor now to give Thorin the word.”Elrond, “If you are free afterwards would you still be able to join us for dinner? We have a meal to be readied for you pairing along with our full tour of Rivendell you were promised.”“Sure, shouldn’t be long.” In that the men turned and rising up again you drew their gaze to watch you shoot off over the forest towards Pumpernickel though the building snow ignoring the cold as you slowed spotting the archways in the distance. Circling the hill you found the one for Erebor and over the heads of the Dwarves on watch there for the full stretch of the mountain up to the Royal Wing. On the landing of it you felt eyes land on you in the swing of your leg over the front of your broom to hop down gripping the broom you shrunk and sent home for the walk through the halls.In a ripple your hair turned back to its silvery blue shade in the echoes of Khuzdul shouts that someone was approaching the King’s Quarters. Not ten yards later you halted with a smirk hinting on your lips at the line of guards forming in front of you, the largest of which clutching his double headed ax stated, “Name yourself and your purpose here stranger. None are welcome to seek audience with the King without proper decorum.”“My name is,”Their expressions shifted in Fili’s calling out in his path from visiting his grandmother to his apartment, “Miss Black!” Hurrying over the guards parted and you flashed a grin to the Dwarf who asked looking them over, “I do hope you haven’t found any difficulties in arriving here.”“I might have startled a couple dozen guards in my entrance.”Fili chuckled saying in his turn guiding you along, “Uncle is with Bilbo, discussing possible changes to their apartment. Any news? I mean, to visit so suddenly. Hermione only went home for dinner with her parents almost an hour ago.”“Nothing bad, just came to hand over a few more rings to your uncle.”At that Fili grinned wider and hurried a step to reach the door giving it a loud knock before entering at the muffling argument. Into the apartment you went and ignoring the growing shouts in the halls behind you ahead you went eyeing the rigid green marble apartment onto the main sitting room where you found Thorin and Bilbo whisper arguing over a pair of chairs making you smirk. With a clear of his throat Fili stated, “Uncle,”The pair turned their heads and smiled seeing you making them move closer in Thorin’s stating, “Miss Jaqi. You are well?”With a nod you reached into your pocket drawing out an amethyst and moonstone coated pair of rings, “I have come to give you these. Moria and the Grey Mountains are cleared and shielded as promised. As it turns out there was nothing but ocean past Angmar and we were able to settle our hidden islands nicely without any troubles, so no need to delve into the peaks for sharing. All yours.”His lips parted and he accepted the rings into his palm, “Surely we cannot take it all. We have had a verbal agreement.”“And the lands are yours, no longer needed by our people. We have ample land. I underestimated just how spacious the empty peaks in the Misty Mountains down to Moria from Angmar.”Thorin, “All the same, we will inspect the Grey Mountains and at least save it for some use to better our future trade or,” outside in the hall shouts grew making his head tilt a moment, “investment…”The doors to his apartment burst open and in a turn you stepped back to Fili’s side allowing the trio of midnight blue gown clad bearded women surrounding a twin of Thorin bickering with a fiery haired Dwarf with tusks braided into his mustache and beard. The latter shouting out, “Thorin we have an intruder in our lands! Some flying-,”In the motion of his hand to the side Thorin stated, “Cousin, I do not believe you have been introduced to Miss Black.” Their heads turned to you and you flashed them a quick grin. “Who has just arrived to inform me that the Grey Mountains and Moria have been cleared and set in a barrier like the one around this peak.”Dain shifted on his feet with him, former Queen Niro, her daughter Diaa, granddaughter Dis and grandson Frerin were named by Thorin each nodding their heads to you with hushed greetings to you. “Queen Black, we have heard ample about you and your kin. I was not aware of the intrusion having you behind it.”Shaking your head you replied, “It is alright. I assumed I could pop in and out without troubling anyone. I’ll try to refrain from that in the future.”Thorin, “You are always welcome here.”Fili, “Nearly family.” Making you grin at him a moment then look back to the bearded and braided sideburn bearing Dams with hairy chests coated in dazzling necklaces reaching down their low neck gowns also flashing the crease of their propped up cleavage.Niro stated, “True, we have been meaning to plan a dinner of some sort for all of us to be introduced properly to discuss the matters of courtship progressing.”“Of course. Hermione can set the day and we’ll adjust our schedules accordingly to all be there.”Dis, “You would allow Miss Granger to arrange her own courtship meeting?”“It is her courtship. None of us own her. Women have fought hard for centuries for the rights we have to govern our own lives, she is of age, when she needs us we will be there to support her.”Diaa, “Though, you are a Queen.”“85 Wizards call me Queen. In a few weeks we will have a vote for our new Minister of Magic, I am not the Queen of all Wizards.”Niro, “That matters little. 85 is a respectable number of subjects. Why we have had clans dwindle to twelve before and still hold miles of territory. Merely, is there not some requirement of Miss Granger to have a representative in these matters?”“No. I trust Fili is a good and respectable lad who will treat her well. If you would prefer to have another present with her for your comfort in meetings on courtship she has her pick of relatives. One of us is bound to be free.”Looking you over Dis’ lips parted and she asked slightly in shock, “You hold that much trust in my son?”In the spreading of your smile you said, “I do, and I trust in Hermione’s judgment. Because if he insults or harms her I doubt any of us could get to her in time to keep her from what she would do to him. She is well known as one of the brightest Witches of her age, and she’s spent enough time with me to catch on to a hefty helping of curses to defend herself.”Diaa, “Is it so well hidden your magic? Even with Gandalf we can sense his strength. Miss Granger appears so, demure. No insult of course, Miss Granger is quite an agreeable young woman, a few glimmers of some fire in her from time to time we might pride ourselves in fanning.”“She warms up to people. Just one of those people to stun you one day when you are trusted to her inner circle.”Her eyes looked you over and Dain asked, “How might we quicken that process? We should like to have courtship nailed down in contract by years end.”“Time together in shared interests should help. I know Fili’s lessons on your culture and home helped her get to know him better, formed some common ground. Like any friendship it takes time, though for our courtship at least it is not uncommon to be firmer set with your intended than their families for a time. Families take some, finessing, to find how you settle into them. Ours is all a bit patchwork so it shouldn’t be that hard for her to warm up to you when you understand one another’s personalities and quirks.”Niro, “Quirks? Truly our courtships differ greatly. It is family first, both lines must settle firmly before certain tasks are usually allowed to progress.”“Hermione is happy, well loved and looked after. That is what matters most.”She nodded, “True.” Her eyes shifted to Fili then Thorin before she asked, “We were informed you have a child yourself, conceived near to Miss Granger’s age.”“Yes, my daughter.”Niro, “In comparing our life spans we are trying to line up the peak times for fertility in hopes for timing heirs safely for health.”“Physically, Hermi should be able to have children currently. Though the topic of timing children is usually done within the couple for when they feel ready.”Dis, “And if we were to suggest putting off children a few years, that would not be too aggressive a demand?”“Well,” you chuckled weakly, “Babies tend to ignore schedules, but I don’t doubt a friendly suggestion to wait would be turned down. Rarely, unless the marriage is for fertility issues alone, are babies demanded right away.”Diaa, “That is comforting to hear.”Fili, “See, I did tell you she would understand.” He looked at you, “I am still considered a bit young for children.”Softly you whispered, “So am I,” making him chuckle in your soft giggle.Bilbo, “Yes, a good manner of reason among her kin, reason enough to agree how this apartment might be a bit, clammy, for Hobbit children to be raised in.”With a grin you caught his gaze in Thorin’s defeated sigh and said, “If you would prefer I could fit your home inside this apartment. Might have to raise the roof a bit to mold to this one. But that means you could expand your library, so, pluses.”Thorin, “Finally a compromise! I don’t care about the settee, we are to have a child!”“As it were, I have been asked to dinner.” Making Fili chuckle to himself, “In Rivendell. I should head out, just let me know when you want to make the swap. Won’t take much, and I can even set up a private garden getaway for you if you like, it’ll have your tree and everything.” you added with a quick wink to Bilbo widening his grin and you bid the group farewell and made your way back out to the ledge shifting to your phoenix form to fly to the arches and back out into the snow.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Landing in the snow in a shivering shift you exhaled peering up at the snow as you strolled around the hill to the arch for Rivendell feeling your energy tapering off signaling you might be falling asleep on the generous Elves again. All the same you poked your head through the archway and stepped into the empty garden and nodded mumbling, “Of course, alone again…”Brushing your curls out of your face you sighed and crossed the garden to the courtyard, though as your foot readied to hit the cobbled design a shriek left you in dropping at a sudden swoop of color. Wide eyed with yellow hair you eyed the crying peacock you had missed on top of a planter looking over its chicks around the base of it. Seated in the grass your hands moved to your lap and rushing fabric turned your gaze to Lindir, who hurried over muttering to the bird with a sway of his hand shooing it off the planter. Facing you when it hopped down his hands extended and he stated, “Apologies, they tend to wander these gardens near sunset.”You shook your head with a weak chuckle stating, “No matter, I was a bit distracted.” In a glance past his shoulder you asked, “Was that a peacock? I’ve only read about those. Too cold in England for them.”Lindir nodded and looked you over when you were on your feet again, “Yes, your uncle informed me of that. They are usually very kind, that one however is, well, I cannot find the right word at the moment.”You shook your head and eased up your sleeves to your elbows, “That’s alright. Tends to be one in each flock it seems.”Lindir’s hand motioned to the side as you noticed a trio of Elleths slinking out of sight after confirming what the source of the scream was, content you had been startled and were righted, passing on news of your arrival. With a grin Elrond came into view and the tour began after Estel had rushed to you to hug your legs and happily let you prop him up onto your hip after a tight greeting hug. Between the Lords you walked holding the boy until Ellohrir claimed him to head off to their planned task before the meal stirring up distant giggles as your hands smoothed together at the odd feeling at not having a child in your arms.Glorfindel, “Miss Black, how is your daughter?”In a glance at him you answered, “She is good. Spent this morning with my aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley.”Thranduil, “I do not recall meeting them. Were they among the Pear clan?”“No, Petunia is my Mum’s adopted sister. They’re going to be settled in the Muggle Born suburb in Dale when the plans are settled.”Celeborn, “They are not welcome to dwell in your land near your home?”“Well Dudley is going to work in our shop and Vernon, Petunia’s husband, is going to work with Arthur, Ron’s dad, and being in Dale near the new Ministry will help. They’re Muggles, so the shorter the distance the better for daily commute. It’s no trouble for me to go the distance, suits everyone involved.”Celeborn, “Yes, it does seem to. It is refreshing to see a whole clan joining together to aid in raising your child. Rarely do we have such wide connections of kin after our wars.”The final stop led you right to the waiting dining room where you were guided to the seat between Thranduil and Glorfindel who hushedly ensured that even when the others were speaking in the excited kingdom rippling with tales of your feats and the clearing of the foul creatures once threatening Lothlorien’s borders that you were not excluded. At the drooping of your eyes in the tea after Glorfindel saw to your escort to the apartment appointed for your use and again you slid out of your shoes and burrowed under the covers..Through the door to your apartment Glorfindel strode hearing you still sleeping. Across the room once in the doorway of your bedroom he paused feeling a grin ease across his lips seeing you lying on your side with the top blanket folded over you in the sideways sprawl you had taken across the bed. Above the blanket a poof of burnt orange curls supporting the reasoning behind the name Sirius had given you. Above your body your enchanted camera popped up snapping a picture of the content Lord making his body straighten up at your grumble and hand reaching up to grab the picture to see what had been captured. The grin on the Lord had you mumbling, “Morning Glori.”The nickname had his smile flinching wider for a moment then retracting at your easing the covers back revealing you were still fully dressed. A mentally murmured freshening charm on your teeth and breath was cast and up you sat sending the camera and picture home. Through the motion of your hair being brushed back it rippled back to silvery blue lulling his eyes from root to end in awe before they snapped back to your face seeing your fingers tapping at the corner of your eye to not disturb your makeup still there from the day before. “Good morning, Miss Black. I was wondering, I am set to make a round of our outer borders and I was curious to inquire if you might care to join me?”“What would I have to do?”“It is merely a ride through the outer borders, an addition to your tour, if you will,” his eyes scanned over your face testing to see if he had used the term correctly, “Unless you would prefer not to.”“No, it, um, I’m up.” Swinging your legs over you slid to the end of the bed to set your feet down to stand up once your boots were added again. Flashing him a quick grin you neared his side in his turn to guide you through the apartment and into the halls on a winding path out to the stables. There you grinned again seeing the tan speckled horse who walked closer to Glorfindel and you by proximity. Up to the saddle Glorfindel strode checking that the reigns were still tied in place there on the knot only to glance back seeing your hand raised stroking the horse’s snout. “Hi, aren’t you gorgeous.”A stroke of his cheek and he snorted happily pressing his face into your palm before Glorfindel stated, “Lipte, Miss Pear has agreed to run with us today.” His hand was offered and after another stolen stroke of his snout you settled your hand in his palm he raised to lift to the knot, “If you would hold the knot, I will lift you up.”In a nod you smoothed your fingers around the knot and felt his hands settled around your hips for a moment before the effortless lift of you up to where you could swing your leg over. In your turn his right hand slid across the small of your back and his left fell to your thigh in case you would slide until you had wiggled yourself to a steady position.A single glance at him had his hand moving to hold the stirrup he eased his foot into beginning his climb up. His hold on the knot had his arm wrapping around your side soon joined by the other in his curious inspection of your now mint curls when he took hold of the reigns. A click of his tongue by your ear had you biting your lower lip to keep from smirking feeling his slight shift closer to your back in Lipte’s turn to start the path out through the woods.Quietly you rode with your hands settling on the knot with your shoulders shifting back to press against his chest for a moment in Lipte’s bound over a fallen log. Steadily with arms closing in around your sides Glorfindel kept stealing glances at you from the corner of his eye ensuring you weren’t frightened in the speed picking up or bothered with his being so close to you. After a few more moments Glorfindel broke the silence, “Did you sleep well?”“Mhmm, odd dream though.”“Odd how?”“I was following my shoes through my house. Nothing happened, just following my shoes.”“That is peculiar. Do you have dreams like that often?”“Usually when I am following something it means someone’s coming.”“Someone?”“Oh, um, it happened with Em, Teddy, Vici and my Mum’s friend Bernadette, back when I first met her. Nothing ominous, just, someone’s coming.”“Ah.”“Do you have odd dreams?”“Not particularly, usually they are memories for me.”“I bet that would be a nice way to sleep. No ominous clues or seeing what’s coming.”In another glance at you he asked, “Is it troubling to you? I know Lord Elrond loses sleep from time to time with is foresight.”“Not so much now. Keep hearing hooves though. Something about horses. It’s never quite clear.”“Would seeing our herds help you uncover the source?”“Doubt it. Usually when I try to force it they tend to burrow deeper.”A statue on your right had him naming it and his arm closing in a bit more on the first turn taking you through another band of trees leading to a small stone walled bridge across a small stream. Another half an hour you rode until you were breaking through the trees into the falling snow with a weak giggle escaping you at his hand settling behind him to scoot closer to your back. Though his hand then shifting to your middle came at Lipte’s rearing up to bound over another obstacle hidden by the snow. Closer to your knee after hoping to settle on his own leg his hand settled in his scouring glances over the horizon through the falling snow.“This is what you do? Ride out here to just see if you can see anything?”By your ear he let out a breathy chuckle stirring bumps across the back of your neck, “It is simple, but an exciting change of pace from simple patrols of the forest.”Scanning his eyes over the side of your face before tearing his eyes away at your asking, “See anything dangerous?”“No. A few foxes. Rabbits, the usual.”“How often do you catch things on the borders?”“I don’t always get this round, though overall, others are discovered roughly once a year. Mainly wanderers or messengers from Gondor always seeming to forget the proper markers to follow.”“Might have something to do with their facing South not East.” At that his head turned to look you over and you pointed, “That gorilla looking thing, right?”“Gorilla?”“It’s an animal.”Again he looked to the statue, “You can see that statue?”In a giggle you replied, “There are few masking enchantments a Morpher can’t see through. One of our perks. Saw them on our way in. No one else mentioned them.”“I shall pass on the note to Lord Elrond.”“It’s alright, even then they won’t see them, just the shadows to follow. Old magic.”A wide grin split across his face at your slump into his chest at the next bound over another obstacle, softly you replied, “Sorry.”Shaking his head he removed his hand from your belly stating, “No harm done.” Though tentatively his hand lingered on your middle in his guiding another turn in adding, “I believe we should just make it.” Clicking his tongue his eyes dropped to your hand settling on his thigh to steady yourself. The act stirring a blush across his cheeks in a bite of his lip to keep from smiling like an idiot in the sudden jolt to a thundering pace off to a hill reaching up into the clouds also hiding the tops of the massive trees behind it.Up to the top of the hill you stopped and your lips parted seeing nothing but white. Though in a low grumble the shake of a head stirred a ripple of waking reindeer below shivering the snow off their bodies mingled with white birds the size of small cars ruffling their feathers under the weight of the raining snow from their sleeping counterparts they tucked their heads under again. Soft glittering light cascaded across them only to dim again at the folding clouds blocking off distinguishable dividers between the snow and slumbering creatures. Lowly you whispered, “Woah.” Smoothing your hand at Lipte’s shoulder in a chortle from him.Glorfindel sweetly looked you over and felt this might be the time. Secluded location, a welcomed activity alone you surely were enjoying now all that was left was to ask for a kiss. “Miss Black?”“Hmm?”Anxiously his fingers shifted across your middle as you watched the sun peek out then hide again, the feeling of snow settling quicker over him and you dropping his gaze feeling his nerve leaving him at the monumental physical gesture he hoped to gain. “Perhaps,”“Perhaps what?”After a hasty lick of his lower lip in a glance away he said, “Perhaps we should head back.”With a grin you replied, “Whatever you say, you’re steering the way.”Your playful tone had him chuckling weakly, “That I am. We should not be too late for anyone to have worried.”“Why would they be worried? Do they always assume the worst?”Again he chuckled in Lipte’s turn allowing him to keep hold of you, “No. Merely since you are my passenger extra care is expected.”“Ah,” in a reach into your pocket tightening his grip at your subtle lean to your left you drew out a pocket watch his eyes lowered to, “It’s only, wow it’s 6 o clock.”When you closed the lid again he stated, “That is quite convenient.”“Yes, I could help you pick one if you like, or we have watches you strap to your wrists. This one was my Gramp’s.”“You were close to him?”“Never met. But he had great taste in watches. Dad let me pick one.”“Were they close?”“Not really. It wasn’t a pleasant childhood from what he has shared.”“Then why keep them?”“Because watches are useful, and hold more sentimental value as an heirloom than monetary value. Popular brand and style so they come by cheap and often.”“Was he closer to his mother then?”“No.” Making his brows furrow in confusion. “Turns out the only ones getting along at home was Dad and uncle Regulus.”“I am confused, their parents had to have some form of affection to marry.”You shook your head, “No, all for the sake of keeping the bloodline pure. Besides they got more money in their inheritance by pooling their resources.”“That is-,”“Not pleasant, but not uncommon in the Black line. Great many centuries women were bartered for and not uncommonly wealth and stability was chosen over affection.”“Ah, I take it that is the Pear clan’s impression as well. Explaining their propositioning you up for marriage.”“They want me to be comfortable. Though if they saw my vault they would see I have more money than all of Erebor could spend in a lifetime. Quite content to not want for anything on my own.”“You are against marriage then?”In a giggle you said, “No, merely I am not desperate in need of funds to hasten a decision for a spouse.”“Are you against marriage? Since you seemed to jump to that conclusion,” you asked with a giggle.“Not in the least.”“I am curious, Celeborn has Galadriel, and yet Thranduil and Elrond have children but I haven’t met their wives..”“Oh, well, Elrond wed Celeborn’s daughter, Celebrian. She was attacked by Goblins centuries past and sailed west to Valinor to be healed. Queen Latea, she sailed not long after Legolas was born believing Thranduil and his father had died in battle.”“Oh that’s awful. Why would she leave Legolas if Thranduil was supposedly dead?”Glorfindel stated as Lipte started down the hill, “He was heir to the throne, is, still is heir, I mean. It was not ideal, though in her grief reason was not prevalent. Legolas was left to a trusted servant.”“I would have hit her and locked her in a chest.” Making Glorfindel chuckle lowly, “As un-Elfly as that might sound.”“Trust me, there were many who hoped to do just that, they scoured the forest to find her, only finding her ransacked caravan. Never made it past the outer ring.”To yourself you muttered, “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”“Not all can bear nightfall. Latea agreed to an arranged union, though it was contractual the loss was felt deeply. For Legolas’ sake I would agree, however. Celebrian, when she sailed her children were fully grown.”“Do you have family here?”“Not by blood. My family is patchwork like yours.”“Small world.” You muttered making the corner of his mouth tick up again.“Long or short route back?”“Again, you are steering.”“That I am,” another click of his tongue and Lipte trotted off through the snow at a steady pace encouraging him to keep his hold on you. Perhaps not as successful as he had hoped but all the same a decent first try he could improve upon with practice..Into the courtyard after a scenic route back again you felt the body once right behind yours now gone in his sudden shift off of the saddle, though his hand remained on your thigh to hold you steady. “Hopefully, this will be a more successful dismount, swing your leg over kindly,”Keeping hold of your leg in your scoot back a bit he watched and guided your other leg down to dangle before his hands found your hips and with your hold on his shoulders he helped you down. His eyes hovering over your face in the retraction of his hands, watching you smirk up at him, “I do believe you have mastered the dismount,”Weakly he chuckled and your head turned hearing Estel call out, “You’re back!”In a giggle you bent to scoop him up again accepting his tight hug, “Did you sleep well?”He nodded and Glorfindel led Lipte to be unsaddled, a task that had him back at your side by the time you had reached the nearest tree. Again to the table you went and took the seat drawn out for you and with the cheerful chatter around you a question to you drew your attention from trying to figure out what seasoning was used in their sausage scramble.Celeborn, “Miss Black, we were wondering, your battle, how is it you can conjure and vanish that white dragon of yours with such ease?”“My, oh, my patronus.” Hastily you wet your lips and said, “It’s not a real dragon, not exactly, see it’s a shielding charm. We have a Patronus charm, normally used to stave off Dementors, creatures who feast on your happy thoughts, though we’ve found out since landing here it helps to deter Orcs, Goblins, Wargs, you name it.”His eyes narrowed for a moment, “If it is not a real dragon then why does it appear so?”“Well everyone has their own unique patronus form. Dad’s is a moose, Uncle Regulus has a badger, Percy has a squid, that one’s fun to see. While Luna has a bunny and Hermione has an otter. Mine, well I think it has to do with my memory.”Thranduil asked slightly concerned, “Your memory?”“Yes, see to conjure a Patronus you need a strong memory, something substantial. For you it might be when your children were born, something so unfalteringly happy, it can be simple but it has to be happy.”Elrond, “And what memory is yours from? If you don’t mind my asking.”“Not at all. It was Opal’s first bath.” His head tilted along with the other Lord’s in a minor wave making you smirk and giggle, “It would be easier if I showed you.”With a nod they watched your eyes blink to silver before they were riding with you through Gringotts to your vault hall. Echoes of roars had them halting then following behind your younger and present self at a kind wave from present you. Wide eyed they peered up at Opal dirty, chained and bleeding roaring again in agony parting their lips only to see her flinch back at the goblin using a rattler making her coil up. “Audio training, she was taught to feel pain at the slightest sound. Kept her docile, if it was quiet she felt safe.”A skip ahead after their watching you speak to her in Draconic had your path out again where they watched you drop a charm folding around her wrist in her blind watch of your path away. Again time skipped to show you and Regulus disguising yourselves to break back into Gringotts and then to your charm to shatter the chains on Opal and shrink her down. Each step and click of your heels made the Lords flinch along with Opal in her concern until she was lifted into your hold with claws pressed into your arms in terror.Home again they looked around watching your stroll into your bath where they watched you turn on the water, for all her knowing could be to drown her. Only for you to ease her into the water sharing your vision for the tiny dragon in her timid giddy splashing between swipes of healing creams to heal her cuts. “This is my memory.” Tears all but filled their eyes seeing her grime coated scales being cleaned to their shimmering white shade before her curling up onto your bed when you laid down to sleep naming her in the process after learning she had been called only Beast her whole life. A glimpse of her exploring the gardens at breakfast was the last they got before they were back in the dining room.“In the grand scheme of things, I stole a dragon the bank was not allowed to have in the first place, something so insignificant, but to her, it was everything. I had no control over anything in my life growing up, but I could save her.”Thranduil, “That is, an incredibly powerful moment. When you first shared freeing her with me, I did not imagine her former life to be anything close-,”“To having such a magnificent creature cowering in fear from a rattle?” he nodded, “There is a history of fear concerning magical creatures. For centuries the go to method was to kill first then dissect. There were a few brave, heart strong Wizards, who said no. Who chose to try and live near them and take notes to see how we could live together. Dragons took quite some time to manage the feat, mostly due to size and they do love a good unbreakable contract void of any loopholes. Pride themselves on their intellect and histories, very seldom forget who wrong them.”Elrond, “Ronald mentioned you stood up for your basilisk. Faced imprisonment for it.”You nodded and Glorfindel asked, “Were they harsh with you in your time behind bars?”“There were no bars, and they were more than harsh.” Making his gaze darken in anger and his hand rose to smooth over his lips, “They beat and starved me, every day for just over a month. My family scoured everywhere trying to find out where I was being hidden. They put me in Azkaban. Where they throw the murderers, worst of the worst. There are no bars, but between the Dementors and other jinxes there, there really is no hope for escape.”Elrond, “If, why then, were you released?”“I wasn’t. My uncle Lucius found out where I was and blasted his way in. He carried me back home and nursed a good bit of my injuries keeping me safe until he could secure safe passage for me to be returned to Hogwarts. Ministry was in uproar, first from Fudge wanting me back, demanding it and then the Aurors who refused to go and fetch me seeing the pictures of how bad off I was.”Legolas, “But they never threatened to take Tulip again?”Your smirk troubled him but did more so when you replied, “Every chance they got they sent in spies to search the school and questioned the other students to the entrances for the Chamber. Up until we began our new Ministry they wanted her. Now, by all the times she has helped to protect the students she has protected status.”Celeborn, “Who else has hurt you?”“That’s a terribly long list.”Elrond, “You are certain you are safe now?”Glorfindel, “If you ever do require shelter and protection-,”“I understand, and I am safe, thank you.” You paused for a sigh still seeing the worry in their eyes making you say, “There is a great deal of cruelty in our old world. Old prejudices we still hold onto, that we need to shake. So many have suffered by unjust systems set up in hopes to protect us. Our new system and Council, we have to try to be better. Sure we’ll slip every now and again, even I do sometimes, but we have to be the change we want to see. We can’t just sit around and hope for someone else to speak up.”Hastily you wet your lips seeing their hope bubbling up again, “I may have been many things, I had to hide for most of my life and so many people expected the worst of me from my name alone, but I am not one to step away from cruelty. I refused to, always, even if it hurt me.”The pain was clear as tears prickled in your eyes clenching their chests at your try to hold back your full reaction. “Dad and uncle, they had horrible childhoods, beaten and shouted at and put down if they ever showed an inkling of straying form the path. They had to uphold the family name. And they were so angry, then dad saw Mum first day at school slapping a boy who called her and aunt Lily Mudblood for being muggle born. And she said she’d hit him every time he said it. Course at school you can’t fight so he ended up with various curses and jinxes for years until he got the message. Took Dad a while to finally get the message, be the change. Being a Black was going to be a brand but symbols and names can change meaning if you push hard enough. People were going to hate me, but it wasn’t half as hard as Dad had it. I had a family who loved me, who would be there for me.”Legolas, “From what I have seen your kin do not hate you.”Weakly you giggled blinking away your tears, “I never gave them much choice. I was the lesser of two evils. One day the orphans will understand. Their parents do. They are safe, their children are safe, even if apart, so even if their children hate me to their dying day I’ll bear the weight of it.” Your lowered gaze to your mug you tilted in seeing it was empty had Lindir up with teapot in hand earning a soft thanks from you.Sweetly he stated, “They will understand. We all do, children taken from falling cities.” A grin from you in catching his gaze lured a tiny grin from him in return watching the black roots of yours now fading back to silvery blue.Thranduil, “Speaking of Orphans, your infants, particularly, we all have had a number of couples who have stated a willingness to claim care of them.”“Well we do have a great number of Aurors still waiting for work. Though if anything we would have to have the Ministry voting first to have the official fostering begin. I’ll talk to uncle see if he can round up a group to begin vetting if you like.”Elrond, “Is there an intricate process involved?”“Um, it’s more of a, pitifully worded, vibe thing. They just inspect the home, not for anything in particular, just to see how the baby would fit into their lives. If they have near to 50 weapons on display on the walls for example,” making Elrond chuckle in your weak smirk, “Suggestions would be made for magic babies to be safe, and then pairing couples and babies is where the vibes come in. Lulu chose Dwalin, babies do have favorites, more so in our world. So there would have to be small groups of the couples brought in to mingle with the little ones to see if they bond with any.”Celeborn, “And if no bond is made right away?”“Then I suppose they might just choose.”Glorfindel, “How could you possibly choose?”“Personality, appearance, gender, one that might have come from good families perhaps.”Elladan, “Were you to choose, what standard would you choose with?”“I would take them all, as I did. They are my godchildren, all of them legally. I hate that they have been without a family for so long, but we all work hard to see they are not neglected.”Ellohrir, “Of course, I did not think at first you would be chosen for all, now it does make perfect sense to choose you.”Thranduil, “A fitting choice. You are a superb mother.”“I try.”Glorfindel, “Exactly.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
By nine you were off home again receiving confirmation from Percy that the hidden islands were now emptied. And those families were settling back into their homes excited to learn all they could of what they had missed on their new world from the back issues of the Daily Prophet detailing all the updates including the nominations given for Minister of Magic, along with other positions in the Ministry. Crude maps were given of the new layout of the globes being made of this world and the Wizarding lands within it to be sold before long. Listings of all that was needed for the coming city of Dale to be formed were posted as well along with Rita’s full page delving into the impending engagement of Hermione to a certain Dwarf Prince. Though whenever possible other tiny paragraphs were written with other possible pairings including Ron, Ginny, Regulus and of course you, which was a rotating list of names and faces without a solid answer..Through the snow and bustling suburb you walked until you found the house formerly Number 4 Privet Drive. Biting your lip you walked alone to the front door and gave it a gentle knock. Inside shuffling was heard paired with giggles and when the door opened Petunia was there grinning at you as Vernon peeked out of the living room. Rapidly smiling she stepped back motioning her hand to welcome you in, “Come in, come in Jaqi.” She peeked through the door at the quickening snow then shut it and joined you all in the living room asking, “Any news? There were some explosions earlier.”“Ex-,” for a moment your lips parted and brows furrowed before you said, “Must be fireworks. We did settle down the other hidden islands and towns,” easing their worries greatly as you smiled at Em, who was coloring beside Dudley at the coffee table. Over to the couch behind her you went kissing the top of her head as you sat down and said, “It’ll be all over the papers by noon no doubt, everyone being resettled. Short version, most of the Wizarding world is in a ring of mountains in the land of Angmar down to a Dwarf city called Moria, fit quite nicely into the Misty Mountains, as they’re called.”Em, “Misty?”“Yes,” you replied in a smiling giggle making her do the same in her turn to coloring again.She nodded and Vernon asked, “So, we’re safe now?”You nodded meeting his eyes, “Yes. We’ve sealed the lands and everyone knows their new jobs joining in producing food and clothes, things like that. Even have a series of cities for the Muggles we managed to gather up.”Dudley, “What, what, do we, do?”You flashed him a weak smile, “Well, I know you’ve been getting along well with Arthur, and we’ve actually come up with an idea of sorts.” They nodded, “We don’t have very much Muggle born representatives for European Wizarding communities, as it were, so we were hoping you might help us by joining a sort of council to ensure that needs are met and if anything arises you could bring it to our attention. Arthur could fill it in more thoroughly than I am,” you said with another quick chuckle.Vernon, “A Council?”Petunia, “Like a neighborhood watch, type thing?”You shook your head, “No, you would have a place in Parliament, meeting regularly with the Queen and being our buffer, so to speak.”They all nearly choked on the air they were breathing as Vernon replied, “The Queen?!”You nodded, “Well, she wasn’t exactly very willing to deal with us when we first proposed hiding her lands. Burning, was mentioned with shouting, and shin kicks were issued, well, it didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped, and she sort of banished me from her kingdom.”Petunia nodded with her lips pursed before releasing a soft snicker, “Well, I do suppose we could see where the difficulty would lie in that.”Dudley, “Don’t know how banishment was s’posed to stop you.”You smirked at him as Vernon smiled saying, “Well, if you’ve already set it, in their minds, you know,” he wet his lips, “It doesn’t sound too hard. Neighbors have grown quite peaceful, and I am getting used to the comfortable lifestyle you’ve switched to. Change in the cars is nice to, what do they run off of?”“It’s a bit hard to explain. Sunlight and some other, elements.”He nodded giving your hand a gentle pat, “Just leave it to us. We will be your buffer.”You smiled and glanced at Petunia when she scooted forward, wetting her lips as her hands folded across her lap nervously, “Last time, you mentioned the orphans. Vernon is a much better negotiator than I am. I would very much like to help, if I can.”You nodded and replied, “I know. We are in need of foster families. I will add you to our lists, and will send word to the other members of the Council for a meeting for you all before you meet with the Queen.” They all joined you on your feet in Em’s climb onto your lap ready to go, and walked you to the door where you paused saying, “Oh, about Harry’s son, would you want to come over when he’s here?”Petunia nodded with a teary gaze, “Absolutely. We would love to.”“Shouldn’t be long now. Week possibly.”A finger wave and turning around you nuzzled Em closer to your chest in a warm bubble and heard the door shut behind you after their animated goodbye to the little girl and you. Grinning to her you asked, “How was your morning?”Animatedly she shared about the coloring she did widening your smile after her having snuck to the garden to get snow to throw at Dudley making you giggle. *Breakfast had gone well for your relatives, at least until the papers had been delivered. The announcement of his name in the papers the following name beside the absurd Lockhart, that had named himself once again, drove Remus to nearly choking on his morning tea wondering how anyone could name a Werewolf as their Minister. Sure he had managed to complete his year teaching at Hogwarts without his secret being outed.And since falling here he had startlingly found himself without the uncomfortable feelings around his first shift Sirius, Ron and Arthur had set up a safe place to lock him inside when the moon rose only to find him still without a reaction at all even without his potions. But with all the Order members on the Council he had obviously been the clearest choice in both experience and demeanor as an Auror and his vast studies into races, creatures and magical plants and objects.The teens had all slipped out of the room smirking the more his brow twitched taking Teddy and Vici with them eventually leaving the trio of men with two of them smirking wildly relaxing in their morning off to move into the sitting room.With a huff Remus threw his jacket he’d jerked free from onto his arm chair in the sitting room in the Black Family Home. “A Werewolf! They can’t possibly elect a Werewolf!”Regulus, “Technically that’s just a rumor.”Sirius nodded his head, “Yup. Besides, how can they prove it? Obviously something changed in us when we were sent here. You’ve been cured!”Remus rolled his eyes, “I have to tell them.”Regulus, “Not going to do any good. Werewolf or not you’re better than Mr La-dee-da Look-at-Me Airhead Blondie.”Remus raised a brow and Sirius added, “Plus, even if it did come out how would you prove it, hmm? Your shift hasn’t happened once!”Remus, “Still-!”Sirius, “Still nothing. All they can find on you is a very unruly pet rabbit from school that all these tall tales on your absences are based around.”Remus sighed and Regulus clapped him on the back, “Just accept it as a sign that good things are to come.”Giggles signaled Remus to come out of his slump when Sirius sat up and grinned at Em in her race for him to accept the hug she offered, “Hello jellybean.” He said kissing her cheek puling her up onto her lap.Regulus gave your arm a gentle tug letting you settle between his legs on his fainting couch to relax against his chest, “Sleep well? Lindir said you slept at Elrond’s again.”“I followed my shoes again.”Remus, “ooh, must mean Fin is nearly ready.” Making you giggle to yourself before he asked, “Do I smell, horse?”“Glori took me on a forest tour. The outer rings. Pretty much a ride around the outside their forest. Showed be this cool spot on a hill with these huge birds and reindeer sleeping. Blended in with the snow could barely see them in it.”Sirius smirked behind his mug, “Sounds cozy.”“Could be, if he wasn’t so damn serious all the time. Barely spent eight minutes up there.”Regulus teased, “Sounds like someone’s catching feelings.”Turning your gaze to Remus who smirked saying, “Have you picked yet?”Playfully you replied, “Gin says I should just keep both. Give Em two step dads.”At that your father snorted and leaned in to kiss Em’s cheek, “More power to you if you do. Besides, we could use ample arms for our little herd. Any word on their comment on fostering?”“Yes, I said we could start the vetting at least.”Regulus hummed out laying his arms across your middle, “No problem, already have a team in mind. Lindir can help us get started tomorrow after the vote.”“Oi!” From the doorway you spotted Troy and Moran, the latter saying, “Thank you for calling it late today. Missus is having terrible cramps, and everything’s swollen. I will be glad when our girl is here. Just hate seeing her so miserable the last month.”Troy rolled his eyes, “Just wait till you get to teething.”In a roll you climbed to your feet changing your clothes in a flick of your fingers before tugging back your hair into a braided ponytail crossing the room, “Then there’s the first flu.”Sirius, “Dragon Pox.”Regulus, “Ooh, stomach virus.”Remus, “Wait for puberty.” Earning groans from all three as you giggled and continued out to the pitch in the back to go tear yourself apart..Painfully sprawled across the floor on your belly you groaned through Draco’s barefoot walk across your back and legs post workout soak only to shift your head seeing Fili pausing in the doorway looking you over. “Hey Fili. I think Hermi’s at Luna’s.”Fili shook his head, “No, I, um, I was sent to ask about uncle’s apartment.”“Ah,”Inching closer he asked, “Is there a reason you are being walked across?”Draco, “Helping to relax her muscles.”Fili nodded and you groaned out in the final popping of your throbbing hip, “Quidditch practice.” Draco stepped off you and bent to help you up then helped you stretch your arms in various ways. “I’m good. Body’s on fire but let’s go resettle a home.” Grinning widely you guided the Dwarf back into the snow pulling on your boots and coat for the start of the long walk to the archways and then up to the Royal Wing. Full designs were set up and unable to help it Thorin asked, “If I may, I hate to trouble you with more pressure, only-,”“Fred and George started your potion last night. Two and a half weeks roughly and you will be a Dam.”In that his eyes lit up and he said with a spreading smile, “That is fantastic! So soon.” Anxiously he wet his lips and his eyes scanned over you, “You are in pain. Was this too straining on you?” he asked with worry in his tone.Shaking your head you said, “Quidditch practice. Getting used to training again.”Dwalin patting lulu’s back in her nap against his chest in a sling asked, “Have you tried hot rock press yet?”Fili, “She had her cousin Draco walk across her back and legs.”That made the Dwarves halt and Balin clear his throat to say, “Miss Jaqi, no offense to the young lad, but he is a bit, on the slender side.” Making you giggle to yourself.Thorin offered his hand, “Come, in this we can aid you.”Not two floors down you were stripped to your underwear and entered the steam room where a pair of Dams helped to lay and stretch you out. Then rolled you over to coat your back in oil and settle hot rocks across your back. Nearly an hour he asked you, “Feeling better?”“Oh, if you weren’t practically married to Bilbo I would kiss you,” lowly he chuckled.Bilbo in settling into his favorite armchair after having explored the tiny island turned garden getaway, “I just might let you.”The comment adding more chuckles and in the silence after Dis stated, “It is comforting to see you so at ease with offering affections after being offered up like cattle by your relatives.”“I imagine their intentions weren’t far from your parent’s in helping you court Vili.”Dis, “Had I a child already there would be no reason to have bartered up for the sake of fertility.”Holding your grin you replied, “Well I’m young, ample child bearing years ahead, they just don’t want me to miss any chances. Marrying well means comfort. For some people breaking it off with Barty would mark me as damaged goods, Em helps to confirm I am far from barren and of some use to continuing bloodlines.”Dis’ lips were parted and she stated, “You speak rather frankly on this matter.”In a shrug you replied, “The Black family is a lot like the Durin line, heavy name has heavy expectations. I am the only child of the male line so far, Draco the female line. Babies are a must.”Dis, “I was not aware such weight was enforced on your children.”“Not many realize what comes along with being from the Sacred 28. Both the privilege and the problems.” In a glance over her face you said, “But you don’t have to worry about all that. My bundle of sticks. For now,” your eyes narrowed a moment, “Dwarves don’t use cufflinks do they?”Her brow inched up, “Cuff, links?”“One of the traditions we have for engagements tends to be cufflinks, little decorative metal studs used to hold the ends of the dress shirt sleeves. If not I can think of something else.”Dis, “I am certain for special occasions Fili might wear some of your own clothing designs belonging to your people to wear them.”“No rush on that, plenty of time to think of gifts.”.A call for Thorin to head down for a meeting had you turning to head home again where a shrill call from your owl had you reaching up to let him perch on your arm asking him in a stroke of his head, “You deliver all your letters already?”His shrill reply had you heading up to your study where you left him on the edge of the desk while you thought of who you could send him off to. In a shrug you brought over a firefly decorated sheet of parchment you uncapped your feather tipped pen to write to Thranduil.
‘King Thranduil,
This is a bit impromptu, however I seem to be at a loss for who I might write to. You see, I seem to be at a lack of composed notes to send off with my overly eagle owl who abhors the lull in my communications since graduating. If this letter bothers you I will refrain from sending them in the future, though the delivery of this one might buy me some time to compose a few more decoy letters to keep my owl distracted for a few weeks.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but thank you all the same,
Black’
A quick blow over the letter and the ink was confirmed dry, in the folding of the page your owl fluffed up his feathers listening to where you were sending him in the drip of the yellow wax you melted onto the crease that was stamped with your duck seal. The final touch of scrawling his name across the front of the page later and your owl took off rather excitedly while you brought out your usual list of contacts to start with Newt and work your way down to those not living with or near you to avoid irritating your owl. *Halfway through an inspection of his wine supply in hopes of throwing a celebration soon the sound of wings and an eager screech had Thranduil’s eyes rising to the large dark owl with a pale yellow letter in its talons. Suddenly it dropped the letter and his eyes flinched wider and he reached up to grab it noting the elated screech of the eagle who circled him and landed on his shoulder. Curiously he eyed the unintelligible writing on the front making him turn it over feeling his lips part seeing the duck seal.Tauriel beside him asked, “My King?”Thranduil, “From Miss Black, I cannot read this,”Hastily she replied, “If you require privacy-,”“No,” cutting her off he strode away mumbling, “Who knows Westron…” Glorfindel was just as clueless in this as he was. Celeborn was mainly the same, Arwen knew a few common phrases and he would be damned to take your letter to Rohan or Gondor for their aid. He had heard Bilbo holding trouble reading your notes before leaving him to hope Elrond was not as rusty as he had always claimed. If not he might be left to drastic measures to convince one of your relatives or kin to translate it for him.The seal sat broken and the page was admired in the King’s path through his kingdom after having given mental orders on what to do with his wine requests, off to Rivendell he went with growing wonder at just what you had written to him about. Inside his study Elrond sat and raised his gaze from his book when Thranduil had entered curiously looking over the bird on his shoulder, “I require your assistance in translating a letter.”Elrond, “Oh,” his eyes wandered to the yellow page in the King’s hand, “What language?”“Westron. Miss Black wrote to me.”Elrond nodded, “Yes, well, depending on the subject matter of the letter-,”“I doubt it will be very intimate, we have yet to share our intentions.”Elrond sighed and his eyes narrowed accepting the page only to say, “I do not understand half of these words, and the script-,” After a moment he called out, “Lindir?”Around the corner into the doorway from his own study Lindir appeared, “Yes, My Lord?”Elrond, “Has Regulus taught you Westron? I have seen you borrowing their books.”Lindir nodded and entered the room with hand extended to accept the page offered up to him. “Yes, through our mental bond. The language washed through me all at once.” Lifting the page he softly read the simple message leaving the King more puzzled than anything. “Regulus has mentioned her owl before, Fluffball, is what he called him.”Thranduil, “Why would Miss Black consider me to be against receiving her communications?”Lindir, “From my perspective Miss Black has a reluctance to forcing bonds with others. It has not been long we have known one another there is caution at forcing her company or friendship on others. Written correspondence outside of official reasons is quite an intimate thing.”Elrond, “True.”Lindir, “Would you be responding?”Thranduil, “Yes,” he replied sharply, then shifted to begin pacing with fingers smoothing over his lips, “I must word my response to promote further communications. Outside of official matters as well.”Taking his usual seat for dictating he brought out a blank piece of parchment and began to address the letter to you, carefully copying down the letter sentence by sentence eventually filling a page. The ending of which being a series of possible invitations from him and the other Lords, including Celeborn having dropped by for tea with Arwen to add to the list to the sound of the owl’s impatient noises. When the page was just barely folded the owl on the King’s shoulder gave an eager cry and leapt off to snatch the letter and fly off before it was sealed leaving Lindir wide eyed.Elrond, “Miss Black was not kidding just how eager her owl truly is.”Lindir, “I believe it is because she may write the letter out of his sight if it is particularly lengthy.”Thranduil, “I must hope that the letter was adequate to encourage new communications.” **Hours had passed and finally the telling screech sounded in your room as you finished off the final set of exams you would be giving the next week. Reaching up you accepted the letter and let your owl head over to his perch to puff up for the night to rest. Curiously your brows furrowed seeing your name on the open letter and opening it you turned it over seeing a full page response you leaned back in your chair to read. Setting it down you groaned rubbing your face, “More invitations…”In a huff you stood and went down at the growl of your stomach to the kitchen. Alone there you started to slice up a few potatoes while your carrots boiled on the stove. Through the door however your eyes rose to Lindir in his approach anxiously avoiding your gaze. “Hungry? Just making some veggies, but I can whip you up something if you like?”In a timid shake of his head he replied, “No, no thank you, Miss Black.”“You can call me Jaqi if you like.” You said lifting the cutting board you carried to the strainer in the sink you used the knife to dump the potatoes into for a quick rinse.“Thank you, Jaqi,” your name added softly before he mustered his voice again to state, “I do hope I did not overstep any boundaries.” That made you look at him and shut off the water to dump the potatoes into the water filled pot you floated over to a spare burner.“What boundaries would those be?”“My translating and taking dictation for the reply for your letter to King Thranduil.”“Trans-,” you wet your lips then asked, “Thranduil can’t read?”Lindir shook his head, “Not Westron, this tongue, Regulus taught me, and Lord Elrond took notice of my borrowing your books.”“Huh,” you said to yourself as a matter of fact-ly, “I did not even consider that. To answer your question, no, I am not upset. Honestly Puffball has a hard time controlling himself. He didn’t seem upset?”“Puffball?”In a giggle you replied luring a ghost of a smirk onto his lips, “The King. I know Puffball was upset he didn’t even let you seal the letter.”“Ah, King Thranduil was not upset, a bit curious why you would have a reluctance to correspond with him, though as it was your first correspondence it was understandable. Puffball did seem rather impatient, yes.”In a glance over Lindir you said, “Regulus is at the Ministry till seven, sorry to say, if you were here to see him.”Lindir, “Oh yes, he informed me yesterday.” Timidly his eyes scanned over you and he asked, “Are you requiring a translator for letters in the future?”“Well,” you said moving to the carrots to blow on one you raised out of the water, “Lord Celeborn has taught me Valinorian, so I can write to him, I wouldn’t want to add to your work so it can wait until I get the others to share the languages they know.”Lindir gave you a soft grin, “That sounds like an excellent plan.” After another glance at your ring in your taking a nibble of the carrot you slid back into the water again, “Have you spent much time with Miss Em’s father?”That had your eyes on his again and you shook your head, “No, he’s playing mother hen for his wife between classes.”“Regulus speaks so fondly of her, is why I ask. Do you believe he would wish for a daughter?”A smirk eased across your lips as you checked one of the potato slices, “Regulus would be happy with a chicken if that was what he was given. Gender is irrelevant, he loves children.”That made Lindir smile more, “That is reassuring.”“Would you want daughters?”The question made him blush and he replied as confidently as he could muster, “I have a sister whom I assisted in rearing. I have only witnessed the boys whom Elrond has claimed as his wards before.” Timidly his gaze dropped and shifted to the newspaper on the table that his head tilted to read on the story about you and some mystery affair taking you from your duties in school. “Is this fiction?”Shifting your gaze you reached out pulling the paper closer to him and yourself, “Oh, mostly.” His eyes rose to look you over, “The paper has a habit, two days before an election they don’t write about it. We’ve had a week full of reading on it, it gives the people a chance to mull over their choices before the vote tomorrow. Rita Skeeter, the author is given the front page. The bottom flap is on Ginny and her ‘Mysterious Blonde Beau.’ Yesterday’s was all on Hermione and her ties to the Durins. It’s all fluff, Rita’s just blowing smoke, that’s a delivery boy from earlier in the picture.”Lindir, “And it is allowed, for her to write such lies on your honor?”In a giggle you replied, “No one takes much weight on what Rita says or writes. It’s usually just taken as amusing gossip, besides, there’s been worse scandals than alluding to a possible romance for me.”Lindir, “You are not offended then?”“I am offended that she couldn’t spell my school house correctly, or even bother to write that I am Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher and not trying to take over Professor Trelawney’s position in teaching Divinations. Where she got that nonsense I’ll never know. Other than that all fluff. If you really want to see some juicy stories of hers I should bring out copies of her column when I was in the Triwizard Tournament. Ooh, now that was scandalous.”“It is common for you to be a topic in the, Daily Prophet, then?”“Among other publishings. Newspapers, Magazines, random bits on the radio news feeds. Whole family since I got into Hogwarts have been famous.”Curiously reading more into the story he asked, “This states you are, sentenced to the school?”His eyes rose and you nodded, “When I killed my uncle Riddle, part of my coming out publicly as Leader of the Death Eaters was being named Defense Professor for the rest of my life.” His eyes narrowed a moment, “It is complicated. There was a Minister Riddle was using as a Puppet in charge, who when Riddle died was set free of his mental fog and wanted to set extreme punishments to Death Eaters, wanted to sentence me to prison for life. Ensure I never saw Em again. Then Rufus, our previous Minister the puppet took over for when I faked his death to save his life came back and bound me to the job so I wouldn’t be in prison. He needed a sentence but wanted it to be lenient for saving him and others.”Lindir, “That is troubling to hear, you being treated in such a manner. Even as Queen.”“Queen to the evil guys doesn’t scratch up fluff to any of the Aurors past making me a target.”Lindir, “Regulus is an Auror,”You nodded, “And a Death Eater. He was a target too. It’s different now. When Riddle died and more groups rose up the skew on us changed. They wanted us to save them.”Lindir nodded again, “This-,”In the breaking of his voice you sliced off another piece of your next carrot you stabbed with your fork, “It’s troubling, and confusing, but you have my word, we’re safe now.”“Yes, I, it is all so, painful. New faces and new names, hearing the stories and now meeting those involved, you were children, in war, that is, terrifying. I will adjust, in time. Merely pardon our awe at how resilient you all have been.”With a grin you said, “We sacrifice for those we will never meet, just like those who plant trees they will never live to lay under. We have to be better.”Through the door Regulus came smirking and causing Lindir to shift in his seat, “Ah, there you are. We closed early so we might start our first round of foster interviews, would you be available to help translate?”Lindir glanced at you seeing your grin at him and bowed his head to you then rose, “Of course.”
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Deeply you sighed and focused on your dinner feeling your hair darken to black recounting the years, at the focus of Delphini being taken away by Gellert you had rinsed your plate and glanced up at Teddy’s cry. Zapping upstairs you grinned and crossed the room to bring the boy out of his crib to change then cuddle with him ensuring Em remained asleep in the bed near his. On a walk through the house Teddy had nodded off again when you had helped him through the last bit of pain he was feeling in his latest tooth coming through his gums.A gentle kiss was left on his forehead and you tucked him in again. The idyllic nursery making your eyes prickle knowing how many nurseries and parents had lost out on a sight like this, their babies sleeping soundly in their homes. Straight to your bed you went pulling the covers up to your chin and clenching your eyes shut wishing Opal and Norberta good night in their place in your fireplace..A fluttering of folded paper wings caused your eyes to open revealing the pink winged origami pig circling your head. Smacking your lips you reached up to grab the pig that stopped flapping and unfolded revealing the ripple of unfolding layers of paper naming all the different topic up for polling today in the Ministry of Magic. With a grumble you sat up looking them all over feeling a smirk as you looked at the last item on the list, Minister of Magic.The two names listed already naming their victor in your mind, two months back Aurors were nominated usually but this one also included a wild card nominee, Gildroy Lockhart. Your nominee however, out of the thousands of young inexperienced newly named Aurors and the hundreds of experienced yet timid Senior Ministry members you had submitted one name you believed to fit the new shift in the Council and Aurors. Bringing a new breath of air into the ancient and slightly absurd laws and treatment of certain races and creatures, Remus Lupin.The time however was brought to your attention by the clock on your bedside table that gave a soft moo that gradually grew louder. Leaning over your finger reached out to swipe around its chin bringing a smile to its face before it laid down and went to sleep again in your rise to your feet. Easily you tugged on your favorite socks and jeans before adding a tank top for under your silk teal blouse you buttoned up and tucked in, rolling your sleeves up. Your last step was to add your heeled boots leaving your silvery blue curls laying over your shoulder to your belt in its swaying shift as you walked to your bedroom door. Raising your arm you collected the pouch dangling from a tied ribbon and the wand resting an a protective sheath you secured in your back pocket on your walk towards your front door to go and grab something to eat before meeting with Dwalin to finalize the paperwork for Lulu’s adoption.Em and Teddy were both out of the Nursery puzzling you as to who had been up before you. In your kitchen however you froze at the tall golden haired blonde Elf rising to his feet across from your Father, who was feeding Em in her high chair, bowing his head to you when you entered. A quick smile formed on your face as you nodded your head in return and looked at your Father when he stated, “Lord Glorfindel here has requested to accompany us to the Ministry today, Pumpkin.” His smile inched larger as you met the stoic Elf’s eyes the corner of his mouth quirked up hinting at a smile.You smiled at him moving closer to accept your seat across from Glorfindel who brushed his shirt tail back and lowered again reclaiming his cup of tea. You smiled at Regulus accepting the large stack of pancakes and eggs he brought you. The Elf King and Prince trailed after him eyeing the foxes stitched onto the pot holder he was flipping over in his hands admiring the details you had added to them in your hope of making them the perfect gift for your Uncle when you were little.Thranduil, “Impressive detailing coming from a child. Normally it takes decades for our young to master the simplest of techniques on straight lines let alone patterns.”Uncertain if you should reply or not your hand rose to cover your mouth as you chewed, or attempted to at least in your confusion at the Elves watching you. Your Father however broke the silence saying, “Well my Pumpkin’s always been a head in front of the rest since she was little. Even passed me on quite a few skills.” Regulus smirked as he eyed the men obviously paying more attention to you than anyone else leaving your family with assumptions of their own.As you ate he led them through a random slew of questions holding their attention until your dishes floated to the kitchen after you downed the last of your juice Kreacher had brought you. In the rise to your feet they all rose again drawing another smile to your face as you stated, “The Durins said they would meet us at the archway in Erebor.”Thranduil nodded asking, “Have you decided on when to start on Dale yet?”Your eyes locked with his in your soft sigh sliding your fingers through your curls, the lower part that had gained a knot in being pinned against the chair back behind you. “Thorin and I haven’t set a time to meet up and plan that just yet, and that would have to involve the Councils as well. But Draco has started drafting a few models for the city.”Glorfindel drew your eye asking, “Your Cousin works with city planning often?”“City planning, no. But he was always skilled with models in school and also helping with them to show our evacuation plans.”He sent another hint at a smile to you before his and your eyes snapped to Thranduil in his asking, “I assume you will be given the final design clearance before any actions are taken?”For a moment your eyes shifted to his face slightly stunned wondering what he was hoping to hear, “The designs will have to be cleared by the Council of Aurors along with Thorin’s Council for shared shop space, now that our Ministry is back on its feet it will go through the proper channels.”He blinked at you only to glance at Regulus when he stated, “Besides, bout time we took some weight of the young ones’ shoulders now that we’re safe again.”“Just back to being a Professor and Chaser again so you won’t be forced to have me popping up randomly and ruining your day.” Your head turned to face forward as you looked towards the smiling Dwarves bowing their heads to you on your appearance through your door popping up just to the left of the arches, missing the stern expression on the Elf King’s face as your words sunk in. Your words leaving him in a helpless place, without any clue as to how he could still find himself on your path daily now. Though after that his mind raced as to how you had been the face of your people for them and you would wish to release that right you were gifted, something close to how he’d been granted his crown as well in his mind.…Behind you Thorin, Dwalin and the Princes followed after you as Balin and Bilbo peeked ahead through the archway into your temporary set up of your Wizarding city and shops waiting to be rehomed for Dale. Each one drawing awed smiles from the group now joined by Lord Elrond and Celeborn along with his Grandchildren eagerly tagging along around Tauriel. The bustling streets twisted and wound around you with floods of people in varying layers of clothing sparking interest for your group at the variety in cultures only backed by the several languages sounding out around you. All of you were headed through to the large rotating set of doors in the middle of the dead end alleys taking the place of doorways into the Ministry of Magic until they could set up the flue system again.Through the vast black tiled halls lit by the roaring green flames in the fireplaces along the walls with soaring paper notes flying above the sea of heads you led your curious group. Just at the fountain full of golden statues you smiled at Remus as he looked you over with Teddy happily seated on his hip clapping and giving an excited giggling squeak. The boy’s hair shifted to a bright orange an action raising the brows on the Elves behind you until they glanced at you approaching him and accepting him from Remus as your hair shifted as well. Stunned they eyed your hair flicker from orange to yellow and then to bright pink as Teddy giggled through your kissing his cheeks. On your left Remus cleared his throat asking, “Jaqi, since it happens to be a Full Moon…”Raising a brow you replied, “Dad said you haven’t had any ‘bad hair’ days since falling here.”Remus wet his lips, “Jaqi-,”With a sigh you cut him off, “Fine! But you will be there at story time!”Your head turned to the snorting origami flying pig bumping into your head causing you to raise Teddy in your arms to kiss his cheek and say, “I have to go vote, but after, you are all mine.” He giggled again when you kissed his nose and his hair mirrored yours shifting back to a silvery blue as Remus accepted him again along with Em after your kiss for her as well. In a glance back at the Elves you said “Shouldn’t take too long, I’ll meet you up in the Council Room.” They nodded and watched you, Sirius and Regulus joining Lucius and Narcissa in the lines of voters leaving the men to look at Remus.“If you’ll follow me.”Thorin joined his side asking, “You aren’t voting?”Remus glanced at him replying while the Elves watched Teddy and Em looking them over mirroring their eye and hair colors between waves at them they happily returned with easy smiles, “I already did. I um, was nominated for the Minister of Magic so I had to vote last night along with the other candidates for the other positions as well.”Legolas, “Minister of Magic?”Remus peered back at him replying, “Mainly I would ensure the Aurors hold the order in our lands and oversee any trials of those breaking our laws.”Dwalin, “You’ll be King then?”Remus shook his head, “More like a Judge than a King.”Elrond, “Who is your King then?”Remus, “That, in our old world it was a collection of countries with both magical and non-magical, each land had their own leaders. The Wizarding world doesn’t have a single ruler, we have selected Aurors to form a Council and Minister from each region to ensure our laws are kept.”Celeborn, “Their rulers do not oversee these laws?”Remus wet his lips, “There was a break between the magical and non-magical worlds after our people were victimized and hunted for centuries. We hid our abilities. Some of our people lived with their non-magical kin in the towns they grew up in, others lived in our magical villages sealed and protected for safety, it all depends on the person and we live by the laws of the lands we live in as well as those set for our own kin.”Thranduil, “Your people were persecuted and you still saved them. Was this a collective decision to do so?”Remus glanced back at him, “There’s good and bad in everyone. Like Sirius keeps saying, it’s what you choose to act on that defines you. No matter what their ancestors had chosen to do to our people they were helpless against what the worst of our people had done to our world. None of us with a conscience could willingly sit by and let them suffer without a chance of defense.”Wetting his lips Dwalin asked, “Will we be meeting the non-magical leaders as well?”Remus chuckled, “We’ve set up Councils in a couple of the countries willing to sit with us, the others have been made to forget our recent interactions with them, as far as your meeting them, unfortunately the ones sitting with our Council would be unwilling, at least at this time to do so. Possibly in the future hopefully we can ease them to it.”Glorfindel, “You are content in hiding your world from theirs?”Remus shrugged, “I was raised in a Muggle town, went to their schools until I was accepted into Hogwarts, lived there even after, even the Black Family Home entrance was hidden in a Muggle town. We don’t lurk in the shadows we just don’t go around moving whatever we want and popping from place to place unless left no other choice.”.The final hall of doors ended with a polished set of double onyx carved doors that opened for your group. As they filled their chairs they eyed Hermione and Neville. Both glanced at the door smiling up at you when you entered removing your top hat with a ribbon stating ‘I Voted’ trailing after a flying pink pig doing laps around. At your seat your fingers slid around the rim of the hat you set in your lap, and you lowered into the seat beside Neville while Regulus and Sirius, both removing their hats as well, sat around you and Hermione with smiles of their own. The Council having decided the night before to waive the fostering break to have a child settled fully and ease even a tiny sliver of the volume of cases they had hold over.With a smile shared between Fili and Hermione she tapped her fingers on the papers in front of her saying to Dwalin, “We are here today for the finalizing of the adoption of Melody Evergreen.” On the end of the table an enchanted quill took down her words as she stood reading the papers through and guided Dwalin through each of the signatures and initial spots with your finalizing signature taken last before a set of seals and stamps were added and his copy was passed over to the beaming Dwarves. Their assumption to simply head back again were held off as Neville stated, “Now all that’s left is the final transfer of property.”Dwalin, “Property?”Thorin drew in a breath, “Her inheritance you mean?”Neville nodded, “The family home was lost but there is a vault in Gringotts with the family albums and a bit of their valuables and keepsakes Lulu’s birth parents had set aside for her, just in case.”Dwalin wet his lips asking, “How would we go about that transfer?”Their eyes shifted to you causing you to say, “I’m on my way to Gringotts after this, I can take you. It should just be a few papers to sign and the inspection to see if you wished to keep it open for her when she’s old enough for Hogwarts or to close it and add it to the treasury in Erebor.”..Out of the Ministry you were back in the crowded streets as Balin clutched the leather folder with the documents to his chest happily for his Brother in front of him. The line behind you all peered up at the crooked building causing Kili to point at it and say, “Um. It’s a bit…”You giggled softly, “Always been like that.”Fili smirked as he mumbled, “Don’t think Amad would be pleased with leaving a hoard inside that.”Thorin leaned in to ask softly, “Is this the same place that held Opal captive?”You glanced at him and nodded, “Though I’d prefer if you didn’t mention her. They assumed she broke out on her own.” To which the Dwarves nodded as the Elves glanced at you curiously.Through the doors they all eyed the Goblins looking them over as you led them straight for the head Goblin that gripped a stack of papers and pulled a lever forcing a set of wrought iron woven steps aiding in your climb to be level with the tall counter. “Miss Black. I wish I could have seen you again on more pleasant terms.”You nodded your head smiling at him, “As do I.”Peering at his papers he turned around to show you and Sirius when he climbed the steps beside you eyeing the papers as the head Goblin stated, “First, the affects of Mr Harold James Potter. Vault 687. Left, as per his wishes, to Sirius Auroras Black concerning his property, his funds however have been designated for Hermione Jean Granger, Ronald Billius Weasley and Ginny Molly Weasley. Do you have the key?”You nodded presenting the small key from your pocket, “Yes.”The page was flipped after Sirius had signed, then stated, “Oh, Harry has a son, due this next week, whom I am adopting.”The Goblin replied with a hint of a grin onto his face, “Oh, that is pleasant news. Though his orders were clear-,”Sirius nodded, “Oh yes, I was merely asking if we might keep the vault, for his son?”The Goblin nodded, “That we can do. For now it will be reserved in your name and can be transferred upon the age of eleven. There is a minimum of one hundred galleons to keep a vault that size.”Sirius nodded, “Yes, the funds will be transferred today.”The Goblin nodded his head, “Good,” His eyes shifted back to you, “Next. Properties and funds of one Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange, as per their wishes are to be passed over to their Niece, Jaqiearae Suzsieanne Anistasiea Pluto Black.”You accepted the quill holding back the wince you wanted to give at your stomach clenching lowering the quill to the page and signed your name as the men behind you did their best to memorize your absurdly long name before you presented the key. His eyes shifted to the men behind you and he drew out another set of papers asking, “Finally, Is Dwalin Son of Fundin present?”Dwalin nodded climbing the steps that grew mid climb on his half so he could see over it to say, “Adoption papers are signed, sealed and all.”The Goblin nodded his head passing him the papers to sign before you drew a key on a lime green ribbon from your pocket and passed it to the Dwarf while hearing, “Vault 227 for one Melody Durin nee Evergreen.” The Goblin motioned his hand to the waiting set of Goblins beside the counter, “They will show you to your vaults, you may let your guide know if you wish to retain her vault. The annual fee is one galleon per season for a vault that size and earns a Sickle of interest each half year when left untouched.”Dwalin glanced at you asking after you descended the steps, “Is that a reasonable fee?”You nodded, “For our currency there’s the Knut, it’s bronze, it takes 29 to equal a silver Sickle and it takes 493 to equal a golden Galleon. I would say it’s fair.”He nodded and joined the Dwarves in the cart in front of yours you shared with your Father and Uncle with Glorfindel, the King and Prince squeezed in behind you with the other Elves in the last cart. At Vault 227 the carts jolted to a stop and you joined the Dwarves in walking to the massive door you handed the key over to unlock it before soft gasps came from the Dwarves at the small pile of Bronze, Silver and Gold piles in secure cases around a set of boxes. Entering the vault Dwalin knelt beside the first box he opened to find a photo album he raised out carefully and eyed the cover photo of the smiling couple with a squirming infant swaddled in their joined arms stirring tears from the Dwarves.Carefully is fingers traced her name etched across the cover before he opened the book seeing a photo of her parents first meeting after a heartfelt note to her to let her know they loved her and knew that she would be safe under yours and Albus’ protection and granted a safe home should something happen to them. Page by page they watched the moving snapshots of their lives together including animated happy shots of the middle aged couple that had to wait for some time and struggled to finally have their little girl. Her growth was documented through the pregnancy and the few months they had her. All before the last with a picture of you holding her above a note reminding her that no matter where they were they would always be watching over her and let her know that you were to be trusted and would never let any harm find her in their absence as her assigned Godmother at your parting. The book was painfully closed again as Dwalin wiped his cheek smoothing his hand over the cover again he placed inside the box again he closed and stood eyeing the few boxes, only moving to the box marked nursery he found a bed set matching the blanket Lulu always snuggled with along with a small blue whale.In a glance at you he asked, “Could you transport this box to my home?” You nodded and waved your hand transporting them while he eyed the other boxes and amount of coins in the vault before he looked at the waiting Goblin to say, “I would like to keep the vault.” The Goblin nodded and led you back to the carts..Next was Harry’s vault instantly stirring tears to your eyes. Wetting your lips you joined Sirius inside to collect the boxes marked photos, books and trinkets propping up his firebolt Sirius had gifted to him you sent back to the Black Family Home. On your exit a group of Nifflers were brought in to help sort the stacks to be divided between the beneficiaries. Though the portion of property delegated to your father was left in place to be left to his son..The carts started rolling again and took the stunned Elves and Dwarves through the roller coaster ride ending in a vast hall. Dimly lit with only giant gashes in the walls and floor with scattered massive broken chains so much more heart breaking in person over the memory you had shared. All of you passed through to get to the massive door your guide opened with the key and a hand planted on the door to the Lestrange vault across the wide hall from another marked Gaunt. With your wand drawn you watched the massive door swing open revealing the large hoard nearly a third of Erebor’s hoard earning gasps from the group behind you. Beside you Sirius and Regulus joined you on the walk inside drawing the cursed objects you eased into an enchanted chest that appeared right in front of you from your pocket pouch.A huge dent was left from that and you added the various portraits to the chest as well before waving your wand to start sending the gold into other marked chests with various vault numbers on them until they were filled. Each Weasley received one, with Molly’s and Bill’s being the largest matched only by Remus’ with plenty to care for their little ones in the years to come. The rest were marked for Neville, Draco and another for Hermione only adding to the security of a union between Fili and her at her clearly wealthy status and prestigious rank in the Ministry. The rest you split in four between Sirius, Regulus yourself and your Aunt Narcissa, her portion containing the enchantment free jewelry inside as well, clearing the vault. Though half the chest for your father’s vault was sent back up to Harry’s old vault for his son.Now empty the vault sat as you watched the line of Goblins carrying the chests to their designated vaults while you exited with your chests of the cursed items and your portion of gold floating behind you on your walk to the Gaunt vault another Goblin had arrived to open for you. Eyes shot open wider as they watched you walk inside the larger vault equal to Erebor’s hoard, by their eyes, filled with various items and relics inside dating all the way back to before Slytherin himself.The chests were added and you eyed the mounds of gold you could never even hope to spend in your lifetime that had been sorted easing the task of assigning a portion to each orphaned child in a set of scholarships to pay for their supplies at Hogwarts each year. This agreement set up with each shop owner who would be given a list of each student that would be receiving them, for which vouchers would be mailed to them to turn in during their shopping trip for the goods already paid for by you.Outside again you caught the stunned glances of the Elves and Dwarves causing you to freeze before you stated, “A lot of my relatives died in the war and Death Eaters usually will their belongings to their leaders. I inherited the vault from my Great Uncle on my Mother’s side that stretched all the way back to Salazar Slytherin, so it already had quite a balance already.”Balin, “You could feed a mountain with that for centuries.”Your eyes locked with his to say, “I’m going to pay for the orphans’ school supplies. Least I could do with this money.” Quietly they followed you back to the cars and through the winding crowded streets as they all buzzed eagerly for the results of the polls coming in that night. Once back at the archways you hugged the Dwarves and Bilbo before they left to go snuggle with Lulu and show her the old toy she had been separated from. The Elves remained with you as you accepted Teddy and Em from Remus while your relatives tried to calm their friend down in his mild panic attack at the continuing lack of a moon induced shift on top of the. Your smile grew as you glanced up at Legolas as he invited you back to Greenwood for tea, an invitation the others joined in on as well to gain more time with you and the duo in your care.
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Tea was set and a turn of your head had you asking the Elk who neared the table at the duo in your arms with giddy ear wiggles luring giggles from the curious pair reaching out to touch him. “Tuo, your antlers.”Pressing his snout into reach of the children he replied, “I lose them every year.”Your eyes shifted to Legolas with Estel on his knee who said, “Elk and deer shed their antlers yearly. Perfectly common.”“Ah.”Thranduil, “Yes, his former pair were collected and will be reused as decorations somewhere.”Tuo stated gleefully, “I did not know you had little ones, Queenie.”“My little girl Em, and her cousin Teddy.” With them in hand you followed the Elk, who brought over more of his herd, including his own children for the pair to see. Em’s free wandering brought Estel to her side to point out more in a hope of making friends. The wide yawn from Teddy making the young Elk tilt their heads in confusion until you scooped him up to take the sleepy pair back into your arms to head home again.Watch rounds called Glorfindel away, though his request to join you for breakfast was accepted and the Lords parted after your goodbye to Estel leaving Thranduil to escort you home. Once through the archway his wrap was slipped off and around you he draped it, folding the front flaps together in a loose knot ensuring the children were covered. “There. Now the snow cannot touch them.”“Thank you.” Looking forward again you asked, “Can I ask you something?”“Anything, always.”With a nod you stole a quick glance up at him, “About Lindir, is he always so shy? I know the Elves I’ve met so far keep to themselves, but he seems, not especially, but more, skittish? Not in a mean way about him, I’m just curious.”Lowly the King chuckled to himself and caught your gaze again, “I find it is more of a matter of restrained excitement. To have met your uncle finally, and now in doing so among his Mother and Sister he will have quite a large family. All of whom seem to be very accepting of him. Not to mention the potion you are aiding Thorin with could allow him to have children of his own.”“Is it a big difference between genders for Elves? Other than the obvious baby topic?”“Not particularly. Though we do prefer women to be Healers not warriors, however they are not kept from learning to defend the kingdom, often are prompted to by their relatives to do so.”“Makes sense.”“Are you considered lesser as a female?”In a giggle you replied, “Women in general are a notch below, but with a name and temperament like mine, I am a Black through and through, meaning, for some to tread lightly. For me not lesser, but other, not good, not bad, just other.”“How will your daughter be taken?”“Well I hope. Though, it is hard to say now. Three years till schooling begins.”Thranduil’s brows inched up, “Three? So soon to send her away?”Smirking at him you replied, “Muggle schools start at four or five years old, to begin socializing. It is merely a daily trip to the school, they still are at home each night. Simple subjects, colors, shapes, basic numbers and letters. Gradually growing in subject each school year. Learning their history, literature, sciences and sports before at eleven Wizarding schools begin invitations.”“That is the path you took?”“Yes. We all did. I assure you it is not anything torturous. Usually the same hours my classes hold, though I believe they let out a few hours earlier when they are younger. You do not teach your children?”“Not in infancy.”“Well children are like sponges, best time to start on languages especially.”Through the front gate you walked and up to the door Thranduil opened for you. And again took in the size of the home you led him through back up to the familiar nursery he entered behind you removing his wrap and cradling Em in a scoop from your hold allowing you to lay Teddy in his crib and cover him up. Again Em yawned in a brush of her fingers through Thranduil’s hair laying over his chest and she asked, “Will you read Bunny and the Bear?”At the bookshelf your fingers trailed the bindings of the books until you found the right one you flipped through to find the right mini story inside. Crossing to the bed Thranduil sat on the small four poster bed ducking under the canopy to settle her down onto the bed where he watched you help her to change into her favorite pajamas and covered her up. “At the beginning or where we left off last time?”“Beginning, so he can read the bear.”Settling beside her your hand shifted over her head and onto his shoulder drawing his eyes to it the flickered silver in the warm wave through him of his soaking in the language his eyes now registered when your hand retracted and he looked at the page again. A grin eased out onto his face in settling on the other side of the little girl sharing sections of the story with you warming his heart at the moment your camera captured a picture of them. Then it zapped away to go film Luna and Draco helping Neville in the Greenhouse with little else to capture since Bill and Fleur had gone to stay in the Hollow allowing her to spend ample time with Vici so she wouldn’t be at home alone all day when Ginny didn’t end up staying over there.Slowly in her struggle to remain conscious for the whole story her head drooped and you closed the book that floated back to its home on the bookshelf. Covering her up you kissed the top of her head in the shift of her hair to midnight blue in the joint easing off her bed you raised the roll guards on and blew on the glowing crystal lamp to light it casting stars through the room. Out into the hall you went easing the door shut behind only for the awed King to peer downwards in folding his wrap over his arm again. Lowly after a glance at a sheep passing through a painting on the wall he asked, “Perhaps we might be able to have a second session for my eye?”“Missing the pain already?” you teased turning away guiding him to the next room he paused in the doorway of recognizing it as your bedroom from the memory on Opal’s first night of freedom. “You can come in, just mind the fireplace, Norberta lets out smoke in her sleep sometimes.”Tilting his head he eyed the pair of sleeping dragons curled up on their metal racks and hammocks, entering the room he turned his head seeing you opening a box on the bench by the window you drew out the vial from. Curiously he glanced around not seeing where you would have him lounge, when you turned his head straightened as you asked with a smirk, “You look uncomfortable.”“It is not usual to be unaccompanied in a bedroom,”In a giggle you folded the bottle in your palm collecting an energy booster vial as well and you said, “We can go to my study if you would prefer it.” Already you had turned to go and he bit the inside of his lip regretting saying anything in his parting glance at your painfully comfortable looking bed he could have been near you again, now surely off to separate couches again. Clearly having not so subtly pushed you away from possibly being by his side when he awoke again, yet in the comfy office he set his wrap on the arm of the couch he lowered onto removing his crown he set aside on the table to his left in dropping the disguise on his eye. Half blurry you came into focus when he shifted sideways raising a leg onto the couch in a lean back against the arm behind him and watched you settle on the edge beside him.The stopper was filled and holding his eyes open his hand fell to your lap and at the drop falling into his eye his hand clenched onto your thigh then went limp at his passing out. Sealing the bottle again you set it aside and in a glance down your hand went to shift his ring to inspect it, from the vine one and the antler wrapped white stone. Curiously his hand was raised and tiny scars were found on his fingers that curled in the turning of his hand a third larger than yours. With a loss of what to do you sat there laying his hand back on your thigh and yours over the back of it slipping back to your thoughts in the closing of your eyes. Slipping deeper into sleep in the winding of your thoughts causing the slump of your body backwards, unnoticed until a deep inhale from the chest under your back had the matching icy blue eyes landing on you at the notice of the weight across his side and hand.Wide eyed he took notice of your body in a backwards lean with eyes closed slumped awkwardly with your hair pooled on his other arm and the back of the couch under your head. Carefully he pulled his arm out from under your hair after the snap of a second picture. Unable to do anything else as your body began to slide off the cushion he scooped you up in his arms and stood, timidly carrying you back to your room to settle you into bed and removing your boots he left at the foot of it. By the light of the fire he took in the tender moment wondering how long he had been asleep to have you nod off and turned to collect his crown and wrap before heading home. Just taking another pat of his hand on yours after a press of his lips to your knuckles as a stolen gesture of thanks for the time being.…Consultations from families and a few single Elves were completed, and the following day for Quidditch was to be used for a way to introduce couples to the babies. On top of this the Dwarven families would be included as well to meet the elder children, a fact shared with the younger students and their siblings if they wished to allow it, otherwise they would stay with you through the summer.Hours the Dwarves feasted and danced in a closed celebration for their kin sure to be followed later for guests from other races, but mainly this being a way for him and Bilbo to share a simple ceremony for the binding of their union for their kin compete with private crowning to be followed later as well. It didn’t matter if it was public for now as those ceremonies can take up to five months to prepare for. The big matter being the sharing of the news that Thorin would be assisted in becoming a Dam to bear children of his own. The existence of such a potion exploded through the Dwarves and a mention of your orphans solidified those couples feeling too old to try again for another child to offer up their homes to any child in need of protecting..Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff. The whole school split into supporting colors and the Durins were joined by the hopeful couples and all Dwarves willing to test the Wizarding sport seated opposite the Elven Lords, their families and those hoping to foster as well. In the Professor’s box you sat through the match trying not to smirk seeing the flinches of the Elven Lords seeing what sport you were training for. The rough game stated to be downplayed in the rules and dangers from professional Quidditch, this game only lasting two hours but a broken arm and an unconscious keeper showed them just how vulnerable the sport could leave the young Queen they were all growing to care for cheering and clapping for her victorious Puffs.All the same Dwarven eyes flinched between the thousand children watching the match and the game above trying to see if they felt a draw to any of them. Outside the school in one of the courtyards an expanding tent was set up with activity tables the Dwarves milled through to socialize with the children the DA helped to gently guide to interacting with the guests. Tentatively they submitted, while those more stubborn children found it easier to be approached outside in snow related sculpting and fort making, in which the Dwarves were able to improve their outcomes greatly.All this occurred while the Lords joined you in guiding the Elves to see the infants. If the older children were heartbreaking enough the dozens of babies made tears flood to their eyes and in a pause between the bassinettes and the Elves eyes shifted to you. Inhaling shallowly you turned and said, “I want to try something.” Your eyes shifted to the Lords, “If you could translate,” earning their nods, “I would like to see if I can sense the child they are meant for. Just a simple reading of their palms.”The couples all agreed and anxiously approached you one at a time seeing your own timid stance on touching them making the Lords narrow their eyes as you were so eased with contact of your kin. Though a single touch of the first hand and they saw why, a flinch of your eyes to silver. Breaking the contact an easy grin flashed onto your face and you motioned the pair through the room to a single stirring child you scooped up to hand to the couple understanding this would be the first of a few supervised meetings with the child before they would be allowed to house them and be checked in on weekly.The next couple raised their hands no less eagerly and in their gaze over the children you didn’t even need to touch them for your eyes to flash to silver and back before guiding the pair to a child near to the back a bit older than the others but no less loved instantly.Names were given for each child the Elves claimed at once in their hearts until a curious couple was guided to a bassinet with twins parting their lips, the both adoringly cradled and cooed at in their joining the couples in a stroll around the walls of the room in speaking to the children.A single Elleth however seemed to be frightened when it was her turn and when you touched her hand you knew why, wars had taken her family, husband, children and all, though only happy tears were in her eyes when she held the youngest in the group and arguably the smallest. The beds slowly emptied leaving only a single child left you neared only to stop seeing Celeborn step forward offering his hand making you chuckle weakly and graze your fingers across.In a nod of your head you guided him to come and greet the girl left in the bunch, a shimmering Veela girl who cooed happily up at him when he held her in his arms taking in the white haired amber eyed girl. His finger was circled by hers and turning around you spotted the toddlers carried in by Aurors on sitting watch today who had led them out to be with their older siblings and possibly their new Dwarven foster families.Each child and infant being accompanied by a House Elf, who introduced themselves to the possible foster families, including Celeborn, who in his reluctance to accept need of the creature stole a glance at you in helping to bring in donated breast milk bottles for the babies each child gladly drank from. Already upon seeing the girl he was holding he could feel the link she was meant to be his and to earn the right to adopt her fully he would follow any rule for the right to keep the girl you had brought into his life now gripping his fingers on the hand holding the bottle.Around him the other Lords and Arwen grouped greeting her fondly until a sudden sneeze from an infant had the single Elleth let out a shriek before you turned and popped off as well after it leaving Thranduil to hurry over explaining what had happened. Right back again with a leaf in his hand from one of the greenhouses you returned the child the Elleth relaxed having him back in her arms with an assurance that the house Elf would aid in other instances of vanishing in the future. An aspect now making the creatures all the more welcome in their homes showing an added protection for their children..Overall it seemed to be a big success, though a pair of siblings after having met with a nice couple of Dwarves were near inconsolable at having to go live with a distant great uncle they had never met over the nice couple. The five year old especially taking it hard while their 15 year old brother tried to not be so dramatic, who then crumbled when you came to ask what was wrong. A jumbled translation for the Italian siblings and the Auror coming to help you after you had spoken to the Dwarf couple through Fili, translating from an older form of Khuzdul named Kurdu. Even with a language barrier the pair found something feeling like home and in a matter of half an hour it was made clear the relative had no interest in housing the pair at all. A fact freeing you to calm them in that once you had learned Kurdu to teach the pair they could now speak freely and face their futures in being fostered by the couple.By nightfall the paperwork seemed to be done at least for the Elves and a few for the Dwarves. Most children seemed to have an idea on who they might give a try to and the rest seemed more open to give those undecided a try next time at least..Hogsmeade sat slightly wetter than the day before as the snow had begun to melt luring on the first signs of what would be a misty spring only pointing to heavy rains.Lunch brought about a much awaited visit. Bounding through the your Nundu and latest batch of cubs along with the Boa Red Pandas you had carried, each giddily pressing their foreheads to yours stirring up your giggles. Newt followed after with his family you greeted with tight hugs they returned. Into the sitting room you showed them with the creatures all taking turns to snuggle up against you while you spoke with the guests. The arrival of the Elf Lords however, mainly in a hope for Celeborn to possibly see his girl again, who all froze in seeing the giant creatures around you. The pandas all who froze then curled around you fading from sight parting their lips.Moving closer at your stating, “Come join us. They won’t bite. Unless you’re secretly made of pineapple.” A brush of your fingers along the head of one of the pandas lured them one by one to show themselves while the Nundu circled and sniffed the Lords you stated, “Those are Nundu. The male I fostered as a cub,”Glorfindel asked, “And those?”With a grin you drew in a breath saying, “Boa Red Pandas.”Newts, “Now off the endangered creature list, thanks to Jaqi here.”Elrond, “Endangered creature list?”“Near to being wiped out. Barely 500 left a few years ago.”Newt, “Now set to have thousands more born from this litter alone thanks to her.”Thranduil, “You fostered them?”“There’s,” you let out a sigh, “There are spells to fake a pregnancy, dark spells to steal a child I would never touch. Even with my shifting abilities to expand my belly I could never convince a test if the others wanted to check if I was lying. The thing about these creatures is they love Morphers, because Morpher females can be surrogates for them.” Lips parted in the group and you continued, “Their father took to me right away and see,” on the boy you showed them his belly pouch, “Out of this a bundle of, it’s like jelly, he lets that out and you rub it across a Morpher’s belly and within an hour she is pregnant.”Newt drew their eyes explaining, “Females are rare, 1 out of 11 births are females and natural born females rarely have daughters. When she accepted to surrogate for their father there were barely fifty females left. Daughters from Morphers are more prone to daughters and each girl can have a thousand cubs in their lifetime. One selfless act and now the species is safe from dying out.”“Not so selfless an act.”Newt gave you a playful glare then you looked to Arwen who asked, “The scar, on your stomach?”Which you answered, “I had a c-section. You can’t birth them naturally, the pregnancy only lasts two months barely and if you wait too long they can try to claw their way out.”Thranduil, “Claw-,” he whispered out almost tearfully.“So it takes a simple cut and they can be taken out harmlessly. Few potions later and a day of rest and the mother’s body is back to normal.”Lindir, “Is that common, to, cut out, a child?”“Only in rare cases, if the mother has difficulty with the birth or the baby seems to be in distress. Everything is numbed first and it is all done with the utmost care. I assure you there is no mad person with an ax hacking women apart. Safe for baby and mother.”Glorfindel eyed the creatures in a timid approach while Thranduil said, “It is comforting that you did not feel pain. Though to be forced to such limits, we understood from your father you had faked an engagement and pregnancy. We had no idea it was this severe a pressure on your place to remain safe from other men.”“No one really did, outside of Barty, Regulus and Lucius. Narcissa even approved of Barty’s claim to protect me, he’s the one who said we were engaged and I was ‘heavily pregnant’. Narcissa helped to keep me hidden through the pregnancy same with Em’s surrogate until she was born to finish the illusion.”Glorfindel reached out his hand to the bravest of the pandas to stroke his cheek, “They do not seem so terrifying.”In a giggle you replied, “Until you scare them then they secrete toxins from their fur and saliva.” Widening his eyes a moment, “But they turn yellow when that happens.” You said rubbing another’s head making it purr and lean into your side.”Newt’s grin spread and he said, “Always love time with their Mummies.” In a glance at the other group he said, “Oh, forgive me, I’m Newt, Newt Scamander.” His eyes shifting over each Elf you introduced bowing their heads before the naming of Newt’s family.Celeborn, “Would you be the same Newt Scamander who aided Miss Black in protecting her Basilisk?”Newt chuckled, “I could not help much, at first, though as the years passed I was able to aid in the spread of the knowledge Jaqi had learned on Basilisks lowering the fear in them. Of course non Parselmouths unable to understand snakes will always be timid around them, however once she was able to send me one of Tulip’s skins interest grew in seeing just how large she could grow.”Legolas, “Skins?”Newt, “Yearly snakes shed the outer layer of their scales, it sort of looks like sleeves of dried honey, a way to help them grow and stay healthy. When they refuse to molt you know they are unhealthy.”Thranduil led the others to get closer to the group asking more about your surrogate children, slowly beginning to understand that your creatures really were loved as part of your family stirring their wish to learn more about them. Though before long Newt’s watch whistled and the whole lot had to make it back before the set time he had promised to get them back earning more hugs before the Lords sat for lunch K and the other House Elves set out while you excused yourself. In your return however Celeborn shot up to his feet wide eyed and you flashed him a grin saying, “Had a hunch you might want to see her again.”“Thank you,” he whispered accepting her into his arms and caught your gaze up at him.“Galadriel doesn’t want to see her?”His lips parted and for a moment he was silent until he answered, “Galadriel has been in conference with the Valar. Hoping to seek their guidance now the ring is destroyed. I assure you, even if she chooses to sail I will-,”You shook your head making his heart clench and his hold tighten a fraction around the girl, “No need. I am certain she will be well looked after.” Easing his grin back out in peering down at her again..A week of drop in visits at breakfast and dinner by the Lords came between studying classes up to the final three days of exams shared by most of the classes. Another planned day of activities between the children and foster families couldn’t have come soon enough and once again you stood watch, at least until a glowing orb seemed to drain the color from your face luring Thranduil and Glorfindel after you into your doorway and off to a hidden island. In the shared call Molly was called for same as Sirius and Regulus to join you in entering the only hut on the secret island. Through the house you could hear the whimpers of pain and into the back room you came hearing Romilda’s mother saying, “Jaqi, they just started an hour ago.”Over the swollen belly exposed in the brushed up shirt on Romilda while she laid back for you against her pillows exhaling through a painful contraction your hands smoothed around the tight bump to find the facing of the baby. “He’s ready, facing down.” Molly came through the Lords who split for her stepping back into the hall when your father arrived with Regulus to leave you four the room.Molly, “Right, now, best we get a check downstairs to see how long we’ve left.” Setting down her pack to wash her hands in the pop up water basin that flew out of it.Romilda whimpered out, “Jaqi, how did you do this?”Sweetly you stroked her cheek in Molly’s checking her progression and the men outside couldn’t help but smirk hearing you and Molly guiding her through the birth as her mother had to go and pace outside, having passed out in her own labor waking to having been given a c-section. A cry split the tension in the kitchen the men were waiting in and at the sound of the door creaking open they could hear, “I don’t want to hold him.” A whimpering sob came and you were heard leaving the room as she said, “Take him away. I don’t want to see him!”The words stabbing at the hearts of the now teary eyed Elves until they saw the white curly haired shimmering skinned boy with bright green eyes pouting and whining between taps of your fingers on his nose and strokes of your fingers down his cheek. “Here you are Fin.”Widely Sirius smiled through a sniffle accepting the blanket wrapped boy saying, “There you are my boy. Daddy’s got you now.” He said rocking the boy now cooing up at him.In your hand wiping your cheek Glorfindel’s hand rested on your elbow asking, “Are you alright?”You nodded saying, “He has Harry’s eyes, my aunt Lily’s eyes.”Again you wiped your cheek and turned hearing Molly call for you making the pair join Sirius in completing the information to record, along with an adorably small footprint and handprint for records completing the birth certificate an official had arrived to handle finalizing the adoption. Softly Sirius whispered, “Phineas Rubeus Charlus Potter-Black. Welcome to the family, my boy.” His lips pressed to his forehead.In the other room you sat on the bed as Molly said, “I’ll finish setting out the final potion if you’ll see if she might calm.”Romilda whimpered out, “I’m not ready to be a Mum.”“I know,” you said cradling her on your lap. “We’ll take good care of him, you’ll see.”Again she began to cry and the men turned their gazes to the door hearing her say, “I don’t want him to hate me.”“He won’t, I promise. Take your potion. You need to rest. I swear he won’t hate you.”With a nod she sniffled taking the potion Molly offered, “There you are dear,” sniffling herself.She drank it all then asked in passing it back, with eyes closed a moment to ignore the shift of her body back to its slender state, her eyes locking with yours again, “Harry’s dead, isn’t he? That’s why he isn’t here? He would be here.”With a nod you replied in another tear streaking down your cheek, “Yes, he is.”Romilda’s lip quivered, “I’m so-,”Your hands circled hers, “No apologies. I was terrified with Em. You have every right to be. We will take care of him, love him senseless and you can come and visit him if you wish.” She gave another sniffling whimper and you dried her cheek, “For now, rest. We’ve a city we’re settling most of our shops and Diagon Alley named Dale. Part of it will be housing for Muggle borns and Wizards. Your Aunt’s shop will be there, rest here a few days and we should have it settled and you can start resettling. Find your feet again, work in the shop, go home each night. No one is mad at you and no one will be for doing what’s best for your son.” She sniffled again and you said, “He will know that and will never forget you. Never. Now, you need to rest, I know these past weeks have been trying to say the least.”Molly passed her a jar of gummies, “Twice a day. It will help. Ronald gave me the worst anxiety near the end. My own recipe. Better than any male doctor could prescribe.”She nodded again and joining the group you returned home leaving the first of the chosen friends to help keep her company through this transition time. Though by hours end she asked to be moved into Pumpernickel to at least be close to the others waiting for the transition to build Dale. Solitude on this beach wasn’t going to help her, not with her nerve wracked mother unable to help her remain calm. Through your doorway everyone flooded, including the Dursleys and Hagrid to greet the boy in a celebratory lunch. By the second helping the Professors had joined in on small shifts as you went back to the school to check on the other children.Sniffling softly in the long walk you chose to take through the slushy snow Thranduil’s hand found your shoulder and he asked, “Are those happy tears or tears of sadness?”Weakly you chuckled saying, “I very seldom have tears limited to one or the other. Mostly happy.”Glorfindel, “At least there is hope the mother will see her son as he grows.”“She’s not even 19 yet. Too young for babies. Didn’t even plan on it. Just a drunken fling. She’s more terrified on ruining his life with mistakes than anything.”Thranduil’s hand eased down your arm, “That is common, yes. I may not have foresight but your Fin has a happy future, I can feel it.”Glorfindel, “Harry would be proud to have you and your father raising his son.”“He is proud.” In a glance at him you said, “I can hear them, in the graveyards. They’re all proud. Sometimes that makes it hurt worse.” Again you sniffled and said, “For now. I suppose I should ask, as his friends, how likely is Celeborn to want daily trips to see his girl again this week?”Unable to help it Thranduil chuckled as Glorfindel said, “It would be less likely for the sky to drop fish instead of rain.”“You know that actually happens?” In your glance at him his brows shot up and you shared about tropical storms over the ocean that suck them up then they rain down after being carried on the wind to random towns parting his lips. “Have a whole book on weather related phenomena if you ever catch an interest.”
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“Thank you,” you said to the Lord and King following you who stopped at the edge of the Black Lake surrounding the Hogwarts grounds.Thranduil, “For what?”“For not being afraid of us.”Glorfindel, “We have nothing to gain in fearing you. Together we could find peace for all of us.”“I have to ask, you will raise our orphans to-,”Thranduil’s hand claimed yours drawing your eyes to his, “We will raise your young to know our culture and yours. Already we have had requests from the fostering families to aid in learning Westron. Spoken and written. Estel has shared a few of your stories already. There is so much we have to learn from one another.”Glorfindel, “We will not erase your culture. It is how we have survived, all of us keep our old lives and home alive in our hearts. Their pasts will not be forgotten.”“Thank you.” In a turn a bridge of ice formed across the ice when the King released your hand. “Should I wait on suggesting Celeborn housing his girl until after Galadriel has chosen her path?”Glorfindel, “When she consults the Valar they claim separate quarters. Celeborn’s watch over her will not be disturbed if that is your concern.”“I just don’t want her to get attached to Galadriel then lose her too.”Glorfindel, “I doubt Galadriel will disturb them at all.”Thranduil, “It is not uncommon. Celeborn has taken infants before he raised alone.”“Were they forced to marry or is she just that cold?”Thranduil, “Her ring, Nenya, it is a hefty weight to wield a ring of power. A weight that has changed her greatly in the centuries wearing it. She is born of the line of Feanor.”“Ooh, bet Elrond loves hearing that.” The comment made the men smirk beside you.Glorfindel, “It is not a matter of joy. He found peace after pain with his captors, but by Celebrian’s birth the blood of Feanor had changed by matter of mothering. In her case fathering by Celeborn, her namesake, who handled a hefty portion of her raising.”“Is that uncommon?”Thranduil, “No. Galadriel sought power, as many of her kin. Celeborn sought his child’s every happiness. It did bring up a question, if he could choose a name for the child as your father did for you. That is, if she might be greeted as his child publicly. As Dwalin was able to for Lulu.”“Lulu apparently is short for Melody in Khuzdul. Celeborn can always choose a nickname for her, though for the official adoption and to permanently change her name on our documents that would have to wait for the full process to complete. Has he chosen a name?”Thranduil, “Tindoome, Starry Twilight.”“That is adorable. Can’t argue with having a star based name.”Glorfindel smiled to himself, “Ember is a lovely name as well, only, he feels she is more of a silvery light than the end of a flame.”“He doesn’t have to explain it to me. He can choose what he likes to call her. He is wanting to adopt her.”Thranduil, “That will lighten his day greatly when he has to hand her over. Having the treasured task to record the name on his family line.”To finish his nursery properly Celeborn had asked to wait another week before bringing his little girl home and along with the others he returned home buzzing with excitement just like the other Elves about their little ones while the Dwarves were glad to see a few more children timidly claiming a possible family to talk with for the day. Dinner was shadowed by another visit to the little girl supervised by Regulus allowing you to sleep. It was a weekend but tomorrow was a packed day. The final touches on your next film was set to be filmed and it would be an all day ordeal leaving Em to Regulus’ watch joining him and Lindir on a relaxing day in Rivendell..Early breakfast for you came too early for the Lords to catch more than sight of you warming up your voice for the singing portion of your scenes at the piano. The instrument puzzling them but the mixture of your partial hum along to the tune stirred up a curious wonder as to what the final product would be. Though you were gone before they could speak to you and all the way to dinner you were gone, only to be joined at the meal by the Pears coming to spend time with Em and to meet Fin.The presence of the children was cherished by each of them after a basic set of questions to learn more of the Lords, who seemed to be stunned at how formal the Pears were now speaking to them in the longer time conversing with them after the brief first meeting. Yet through it they could tell a great deal more of the family you were still getting used to, who all lit up hearing about your day of filming and stated fact that the next Sunday should finish it off after grinding out so much of what was left.Halfway through however Barty came sliding into the room excitedly hugging and kissing Em saying, “This is not a drill. I will keep you posted.”Regulus chuckled, “Good luck on your boy.”Barty gave him a playful smirk, “It is statistically in my favor to have one boy at least out of the four.” A firm kiss on your cheek had you giggling to yourself as he said, “I wouldn’t have this without you, Love.” After a second kiss for Em he darted out saying, “Off to Mungo’s!”Turning from the door your attentions turned to Em and Estel focusing on their block castle you were folding tiny flags for while the Lords stole glances at you to see what you might be feeling in the blatant change of subject by the Pears to distract from your ex-lover having kissed you and called you his Love.After putting Em to bed however in the nursery now housing three with Fin in Em’s old crib you were found in the kitchen making a grilled cheese sandwich you would pair with cocoa to help you sleep through the brewing rainstorm. Thranduil and Glorfindel approached the counter separating you and the latter asked, “Miss Black,”“Hmm?” You answered pressing the bread down into the sizzling pan.Glorfindel, “Are you excited, about Barty’s children?”Your eyes shifted to him in a curious half smirk, “Why wouldn’t I be?”Legolas popped up from behind his father having snuck in after them, “He is your former betrothed who just called you his Love and kissed you.”Softly you giggled saying, “Oh,” you said moving the sandwich to the side, “Do you want some?” Curious nods to try and lengthen the questioning they accepted the offer and you grabbed more bread to start another to join your three. “There are so many ways to love someone. I do have love for Barty, however, we were never romantically in love. There is a deep seeded trust and affection there. When he found his wife I knew he loved her right away and once the danger was gone I publicly ended the fake engagement so he could be with her. I’m nervous for him, not upset at all. Besides, Love is a common nickname even for strangers in certain countries in our world. You have to add My to the front of it usually to deepen the meaning of it.”Glorfindel, “The kiss would not upset his wife?”In a sigh you caught his eye saying, “It was excitement. She knows I would never let it go past a kiss on the cheek. Not that he would ever try anything, unless he’s two bottles of rum in and we’re dancing. I think it has to do with the spinning.”Thranduil, “That has happened before?”“When we were together. Couple times after some rough nights.”By the draining of your glasses news had arrived of the trio of girls and little boy for Barty after the confirmation that a c-section had been done just in time to ease her troublesome time in her final months. The Lords were far more impressed with the combination of food you had offered and went off home elated that you were contently off to your own bed and pleased with the news of Em’s siblings finally being here..“Now, who can tell me,” tap tap, the sound was heard followed by a click, for a moment you paused to glance at Opal on her perch by the window to spot the little bird squeezing through the crack Norberta made for it. In a hop it found a place on the bookshelf there and shivered casting droplets of rain from the growing drizzle outside watching you in your approach to it. “Which would be more powerful, a blocking spell or a counter curse for a blasting charm?”Your eyes skimmed over the students with hands raised and you called a name hearing their answer in untying the little pouch laying across its belly you opened to find a note there. A helping of fruit was brought over by Opal to help the little bird recover its energy after having carried the note so far. A vote was given and for the rest of the class you went through each of their choices on which charms would be the most effective you would have them try out in the RoR the following day until you heard the bell and watched the children gather their things and hurry to their next classes.Curiously you reached back onto the desk you were sitting on to read across the front, ‘Miss Black’.Unfolding the flower like folded note carefully you read the note inside,
‘Miss Black,
I am due for an evening of long meetings and was wondering to know if you might take Tuo out in my stead? I know he would enjoy running with you again and this time I would have him dressed for you if you should wish. Unless you would prefer to manage that yourself again. I hope this letter finds you well and does not disturb your students or teaching.
Thranduil Oropherion, King of the Greater Greenwood.’
Shaking your head in the few moments you had to yourself you brought out another sheet of your firefly stationary you replied that it wouldn’t be any trouble and you could be over at five. Though you left it open for whatever would be convenient on the saddle topic. A sentence leaving the King wide eyed a moment at the indecisive moment and muttering to himself that it wasn’t about the trouble but a stolen moment with you before his meeting.But of course that ended with Legolas smirking as he said, “Unless, it’s a test. To see if I am willing to steal a moment with her. A test of my wish to be in her company before her ride and my meeting. Well I will be there! And I will have him partially dressed to prolong the encounter. I will show her that I prize her company and will make the Council wait!” With a glance at Tauriel Legolas turned the page in his book he was pretending to read while his father walked out muttering about his robes and possibly changing.Tauriel, “Sometimes I wonder if Miss Black is doing this on purpose or if the King is imagining it all.”Legolas chuckled replying, “Hard to say, both are reasonable options.” ***“Lord Elrond says Dwarves have reclaimed Erebor. The explosions we heard were from construction on Dale and he does not require aid from attacks.” Ecthellion read making Denethor huff.Thengel shifting on his feet after a long walk from the stables after the longer ride here from Rohan at the call of the Steward, “What does King Thranduil say?”Denethor, “We do not write to that Elf.”Thengel sighed asking, “Let me guess, still sore that he does not follow your pie recipes?”Denethor, “It is a matter of principle! We were born to our position and our people expect a certain-,”Thengel nodded turning to the table of drinks in pitchers, “level of respect and decorum to meet your hoity toity standards when visiting another Kingdom. I know.” Grabbing a pitcher his eyes shifted to his cousins and Ted, the new face in town he had invited here to show them the white city they had claimed to have never seen now peering at the table of maps splayed out near them. “Why should it matter? King Thranduil is closer to Erebor than Lord Elrond is.”Denethor, “It matters!”Thengel smirked in swallowing his sip of his drink seeing Ted glare at Denethor in his move to scoop up the maps and put them away making the new comer go to slump back to his chair propping his chin in his palm. “Alright then. I will inspect the matter myself once we return.”*** Your final class was through and in a grumble you circled your head and passed through your doorway back home again letting the dragons roam free while you changed out of your dress and tights into jeans and a sweater. Boots were the last to be added and off to the King’s palace you went unable to shake the morning ride with Glorfindel. That single trip now stirring up reminders of the pair muddling with imaginings your brain was stirring up of just hauling off and kissing the pair of them to see if they were faking interest or just unknowingly giving off signals of interest.Mint green robes hung around the King with a silver and orange wrap draped across the fence to the small walking pen for a pair of foals. The sound of your approaching steps made him turn and with even more red berries and golden leaves in his crown than yesterday you noticed he hadn’t dressed Tuo at all but was brushing the slightly irritated grunting Elk who all but smiled in your approach.“Miss Black. I am a bit behind, though, how were your classes?”Cleared throats and huffs from the line of trees eventually ended the in depth conversation the King had continued even at your noticing the group that had come to fetch him. Even Tuo seemed to be more impatient than ever after having been dressed for five minutes now after your help to do so trying not to distract the King from his meeting. Heavily Thranduil’s brows fell and he stated, “I will assist you up.” And in your turn you were gripped and raised up to the saddle you settled onto them watched him turn as Tuo began walking off to go storm his way over to the group now almost darting away.In a shake of your head attention was shifted back to the Elk now beginning to pick up speed. Five minutes bled to ten and a shrill blur of a cry turned your head only to have Tuo rearing up and a blue blur crashing into your chest knocking you off his back with a panicked squeak. At once frigid water was sloshing around you in your apparent fall into a stream filled with tons of slick rocks you surfaced in only to come eye to eye with the now cockeyed peacock chirping at you. In a freezing pant you asked, “What did I do to have you attacking me?”The bird didn’t answer merely turned around whacking you in the face with its tail using your body as a bridge to walk back to shore in your irritated huff. Onto your feet you stood seeing the bird fly off at Tuo’s loud bray right in his face. Regretfully his eyes met your lap seeing you stumble your way to shore casting the water off of you to dry yourself with a swish of your hand. “I apologize little Queenie.”You shook your head, “Not your fault. Not sure how it’s mine,”
“I believe he might have taken you for a challenging male due to your bright hair.”
“Ah, well next time I’m turning him into a slug.” In a glance around you saw a propped up root and said, “Ah, that-,”Tuo followed curiously then grinned to himself at your climb up onto the root he turned sideways at to help you back up onto his back, “There we are. You’re not hurt are you?”In a shake of his head he replied, “Not at all, little Queenie.” He said starting to walk again to steadily build up his speed again while overhead in the roots an Elf on guard had already sent off word about the accident. The message making the King snap the pencil in his hand, unintentionally missing the second half of the message that you were fine, to leave the unanimously accepted concluded meeting that was sort of useless anyways over adjusting old trade routes for southern Greenwood. Not that they had the bodies able to pick up more trade routes or need to demand more supplies, it would merely be picking up old routes that would only mean to stretch patrols even thinner to use them. An endless conundrum.A slowing of Tuo’s pace had you shifting on the saddle in his coming to a stop, “Tuo?” A sudden blur of mint dropping from above almost out of nowhere had your boot slip in a startled shriek as you started to slide off the left of tree saddle.An arm looping around your side from the King now kneeling on the back of the Elk watching your wide yellow eyes matching your telling startled bright yellow curls pooling into your face kept you from falling. And the telling velvety voice filled with concern asked, “Miss Black,”“Yes?!” You squeaked out in fearful agitation now knowing who had been the second culprit of falling out of the sky at you today.“Are you-,” his eyes shifted to your rapidly rising and falling chest and helping you to brush back your hair over your back his fingers pressed to your thundering pulse exposed by the vein in your neck parting his lips. “I did not mean to frighten you.”“So you just fall from the sky?!!” The crack in your voice stirred an upward twitch of the corners of his mouth he his as your eyes landed on his.“I did not fall from the sky I jumped from the branches above.”Tilting your head back you pointed up asking, “Those branches?” He nodded and you lowered your gaze to meet his, “Which are a good, let’s say seventy feet up?”“Closer to 95” he said with a hint of pride on having nailed the landing from such a height only to say, “Ah, I see your point.” Hastily he wet his lips then stated, “It is, I heard word that you had fallen from Tuo. I wanted to check on you.”“Technically I was knocked off Tuo.”“What?”“By that raving peacock from Rivendell.”His brows clenched, lowly gritting out, “I explicitly warned them to keep him away…”“How did you even find me?”“The trees.” Your brow inched up and he said, “The branches above are interwoven as are the roots below, if you know how you can find anyone in these woods.”“And then drop in on them suddenly into a heart attack.”“I had no intention-,”“Of scaring me, yes.” After a scanning glance over your face in your sigh his ears twitched in your asking, “What about your meeting?”“Oh, that was concluded. Not much to do when one thing depends on four more and we lack the essentials for even the first task to begin with on top of what we already bear.”His eyes looked you over again as a grin split across your lips, “You used me.”“I, pardon me?”“You used me falling to get out of your meeting!”His mouth opened and a blush began to form on his cheeks stirring your grin wider in his clear search for a fib, “There was no solving-,”“Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that.”Suddenly he slid his feet outwards to be seated and reached around you to grip the reigns and turn you in one go, “Oh shush. I will show you something.”In a mad dash he guided Tuo away into the distance using the speed as an excuse to hold an arm around you only for Lipte and Glorfindel to appear on your right with the latter calling out. “Are you injured Miss Black? I heard you had fallen.”“Tackled more like. And I’m fine, thank you for not falling from the sky at me.”Thranduil, “I did not-,”“Excuse me, falling from a tree at me.” Making the King shake his head. “You didn’t skip out on a meeting to race here did you? This one’s missing a meeting to take me, where are we going?”You asked in a glance back at him only for him to reply, “A surprise.”Glorfindel chuckled to himself and replied, “No, I was not in a meeting. I was in conference with one of the other Lords.”“Even better, now two groups of Lords will be upset with me.”The pair of them said, “No one will be upset with you.”Thranduil, “You were attacked-,”Glorfindel, “Attacked?!”“That peacock swooped at me-,”Glorfindel let out an irritated grumble close to a growl making you smirk curiously as he said, “They were supposed to ensure he did not find the portals.”Thranduil, “I have half a mind to make him into a hat.”That made you nearly snort behind your hand trying to keep from giggling at the image making the pair glance at you. “Oh I doubt you have to be that extreme.”Glorfindel, “That bird is a menace!”Thranduil, “Exactly! Tried to destroy a tapestry from the Year of the Trees last time he snuck into my Kingdom.”A trip to the rebuilt palace had you stunned but in showing you inside a former aviary and rare breed greenhouse had your lips parting at the climb up to a hidden ledge where you watched eruptions of golden rainbows of light over misty tops of trees coated with flocks of blue butterflies that shimmered under moonlight.A yawn from you on the ride back again had the tea afterwards canceled and moved to another day to allow you to rest but the sudden hug you pulled the pair into through a soft thanks, albeit uncomfortable for the near cheek to cheek pair to be so close for the moment they had to rest their hands on your back. In a moment again though you were crossing the garden leaving the pair longingly staring at your back still partially leaning against one another’s sides. Yet in your vanishing a step between them was gained and discussions of what to do about the menace bird was brought up again to ensure for a safer ride for you the next time around.…For all the luck in managing to find relatives or family friends able and willing to form new households with the elder orphans a small group had become a difficult task to house. The teens no doubt were still housed in Hogwarts and settled in nicely for the next few months easing the troubles. But their younger siblings still in Muggle schooling and those even younger still in the rounds or guardians keeping them safe and entertained through their days of rotating groups of Elves, Dwarves and the Aurors and unemployed teens yet to find work.The trouble had nothing to do with the children, sure the teens had been a bit rough on being re-homed at first. But in the planned future weekend supervised trips to the Elven lands and Erebor under their leader’s watches their moods lifted as even with a few language and culture barriers common interests were found weeding out a great number willing to house the children and teens that had bonded with them. For all the doubts you had the supposedly stubborn Dwarves were all too willing to follow the weekly check ins for the mandatory fostering probation period. As the Elves had mainly been claimed by the younger toddlers and infants they gladly took to setting up cots in their shared rooms to keep watch over their chosen kin through the nights with enamored smiles.But a few snags were met of course, mainly in a group of children wishing to stay with their chosen Dwarf families, that were all too eager to house them in return, however relatives had been found for them and the case had to be monitored carefully. All instantly had agreed to allow the children where they felt more comfortable, mainly because the relatives worked in dangerous or demanding professions. With Aurors glad to add them to the mix of decided children in the fostering pool.Thankfully the great number of willing Elves proudly accepted the terms as well and brought their gleeful bundles home finally, agreeing to keep the group play dates up so they could compare experiences and gain aid from the Witches and Wizards checking in on them for how to properly include their own culture with that of the Elves. Once again the sounds of children were heard through each Elven land with precautions being taken, enchanted barriers around bridges, steps and walkways under the aid of Witches to ensure the safety of their new little ones brightening the forests and mountain greatly..All this easing the great weight of the task from the new Ministry, that could now focus on reinstating the apparating laws and restarting the Flue system to ease transportation again. The latest of Draco’s models had been voted as the best option for all leaving only the confirming of the design with the Dwarves and Elves before the Aurors would begin to form the final structure checks and clear what was in the way of the new structures.Added to the lower half would be a small Muggle born city the schools for the younger students would be moved to after the Muggles had begun showing suspicion of their strange behaviors feeling far too similar to the trials that had initiated the split of your races again. Included in this would be the Dursleys, including Dudley, who found it hard to settle into the new ways and previously took you up on your offer of helping you and the twins out in your shop. A decision also easing Petunia and Vernon into learning more about your world they had been so vehemently against while Harry was in his early days and making the distance between Vernon and Arthur Weasley shorter by a great deal aiding their new found friendship.
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Classes again had let out and in the delivery of another note, this time from Elrond via Lindir’s aid in dictation, to join the Lords for tea in Rivendell once your classes were through. Partially to aid in granting Celeborn another excuse to claim more time with his little girl between now and when her nursery would be complete.The outer dining courtyard was already set up for tea when you arrived with the main garden surrounding it filling with small bunnies and lambs little Teddy squirmed to get a better look at. With a soft grin you let him down to crawl over to the first curious bunny and took your seat while a group of Elven servants held watch over the curious toddler giggling as he played with the creatures. Behind him Em hurried and smiled seeing Estel hurry from his seat to join her hoping to learn another game. Across from you Thranduil sat beside Elrond while Celeborn sat across from Glorfindel, who scooted closer to you, making more room for the twins between him and Thranduil, both smirking at their competing gazes and hopes for your attention.Wetting his lips through adding sugar to his tea Thranduil looked you over stealing another glance at your scar, and asked you the question they had been wondering since your relatives’ brief recap on the war upon their arrival at Rivendell overly vague concerning your part in it. “Miss Black, I am curious, this war of yours, how exactly did you get drawn into it? Your Father was not overly specific on how it began either.”The uneasiness in Elrond’s shifting in his seat in an understanding glance at you after his sharing in confidence with your Father after another of his bouts of terror filled nights surrounding your Mother’s birthday was silenced at your weak smile at him through accepting your cup of tea you set before you. “Well, it’s a bit of a winding story that will likely sour the mood of the tea.”Thranduil’s chin tilted slightly before his determined gaze met yours to say, “I doubt your tale could be worse than those we have heard of our own wars.”To which you nodded and wet your lips brushing your bangs behind your ear exposing most of your scar drawing the King’s eye again straight to it wondering how you received such a wound you seemed unashamed of at its revelation. “I’ll start here, the closest descendant from my Ancestor Salazar Slytherin were the Gaunts.”He nodded, “The name on your vault of gold.”You nodded, “Yes, Morfin and Merope were the youngest. Merope fell in love with a Muggle, Tom Riddle, and after her sheltered life with her Father and Brother she didn’t want to chance it, used a love potion on him. For a time she believed his love was genuine, and when she found out she was pregnant she stopped giving it to him. Needless to say he ran off and she died shortly after giving birth to my Uncle, Tom Riddle Jr.”The King nodded again memorizing the details. “While he was raised in a Muggle orphanage his Uncle Morfin took a wife, Suzsienne as I’ve told you, and they eloped and had my Mother. But Riddle found his father’s family and upon being refused acceptance into their family he killed all of them and lamed the murders on Morfin and killed him. Suzienne, she died in labor and my Mother was sent to the same orphanage decades later, where she was adopted by the Evans family, who had two daughters already, Petunia and Lily.When Riddle graduated from school he was refused Defense Against the Dark Arts position and then promptly jinxed it so none could hold it longer than a year. Through the years after that he began gaining followers, quietly plotting. For roughly fifty years he and his followers, as the Death Eaters, began attacking Muggles and their protectors and allies.”Making the King set down his tea cup when he watched your eyes grow cold at the emotionless retelling as your inner wall slammed up again having to share this yet again, “In my Parents’ final year in Hogwarts I was born. Not long after my Aunt Lily was pregnant with my Cousin Harry. Through this a Seer had a vision Riddle sought out about a child that would bring about his end. He’d already hidden his Horcruxs ensuring his immortality but he didn’t want to chance it, so he took the snippet of the prophecy from a follower of his that overheard it and went after my Aunt when he assumed the child was Harry. My Father sent Mum and I into hiding along with them, but one of the secret keepers betrayed our location.”With parted lips the group shifted in their seats as you continued stoically, “When I was three he found us. Managed to uncover that Mum was his Cousin and gave her a chance to join him. When she refused, he began to torture her for hours until she died trying to find out where my Uncle, Aunt and Harry were.” The revelation making the men clench their fists on their laps and into their sleeves to remain calm and not reach out to comfort you through sharing the devastating truth.Hastily Elrond asked, not having heard these details at your Father’s vague explanation of your Mother’s death, “He left you alone?”“Peter, the man that betrayed us spotted me after a hint from my Mum about her having hidden me in a cupboard he enchanted so I couldn’t be heard.”Arwen, “You saw it?”“All of it. Through the crack in the panels. And the spell only muffled what I said, he forgot to soundproof it, so I wouldn’t hear her screaming.” Making their lips part, “All I remember was crying and suddenly finding myself in my Aunt Lily’s house. They quieted me down and decided not to leave the house for anything, but they didn’t know Peter had already told them where they were. Not long after my Uncle blasted through the door and killed them and tried to kill me and Harry.”Twins, “Tried?”You wet your lips again, “You can only use the killing curse on one person at a time. I shifted into a cat and moved in front of Harry in the crib. Riddle’s soul was already so unstable after forming his horcruxs his body was destroyed. The curse was how I got my scar, if you were wondering.” You said showing them the full swirl filled white scar coating the full left side of your face except for your nose and only a third of your forehead.“Flash forward over the next 18 years where I hunted down the horcruxs along with the twins and my Uncle Regulus while gaining Riddle’s confidence as his niece becoming his Second in Command, even in aiding Peter’s finding a spell to grant Riddle a new body to return in. I passed on his planned attacks to the Aurors and hid the targets we swapped with doubles whenever possible.”Glorfindel shifted a bit closer to you to ask, “Why join him? Why not fight against him?”Your eyes shifted to meet his, “Because for eleven years Harry was the Boy Who Lived where I was hidden away and dubbed the Girl Who Died protecting him. Riddle, the moment it was revealed I was alive sent followers to speak with me. He sought me out and I had a choice. My family was already viewed as tilted more to the despicable side of the scale and I used it to my advantage. After all, why would I betray him, I am after all a Black, from a long line of very loyal Wizards. My Mother was deemed a fool tainted by being raised by Muggles, something I wasn’t party to, there was no reason to question me, or to hide his ambitions from the child he was grooming to take his place.”Glorfindel, “It was that simple? He never doubted you?”You met his eyes releasing a weak chuckle, “This, does nothing to add to my trustworthiness I assume, but he wanted a family more than anything. Because children born of love potions can’t feel love. I shared his blood and used it to our advantage.”Thranduil, “What of your advantage?”You shifted your eyes to meet his, “My life hasn’t been about me since I watched my Mother die.” Making him swallow dryly, “It has been one giant chess game with the hopeful end result of him dead and my allies alive.”Legolas, “What about you?”“From the minute I learned my scar marked me as one of his Horcruxs I knew I had to die to destroy the piece of his soul trapped in it, same as my cousin Harry.”Celeborn, “You willingly chased death? At so young an age?”You couldn’t help but smirk in the sinking of your gaze, “What’s one life in exchange for millions. I had three years of bliss and safety, that was enough for me. When I was sent to Azkaban I discovered the Dementors, who speak Draconic, could sense the Horcrux and wanted to help me feeling the pain it was causing me to carry it. I asked them for help and they sucked it out of me. A few years later Riddle possessed one of our Professors and in trying to save the Professor Riddle cast a second Killing Curse at me. I died, and then moments later I was back again. I still don’t understand it, but it happened. The Professor died, I couldn’t save him and Riddle’s soul was set into a holding dummy Peter took away until the time was right.A few years after that when I was in the Triwizard Tournament Peter finalized the potion to bring Riddle back into his new body. And I promised to arrive to be tested for entrance into the Death Eaters. Over the summer when school had let out, the test to become a Death Eater is to be strapped to a table,” Hearts dropped instantly hearing that through your cold gaze locked on your teacup in the darkening of your roots, “Two weeks later I was allowed to go home with Regulus, and he never questioned me after that. The Death Eaters the others broke out of Azkaban did, but none more than my aunt Bellatrix, who was his second back when Mum was alive after she was freed. Even became his lover and had his child, completely abandoning her husband to try and sway him away from me. She could see how much I hated her for her torturing Neville’s parents, essentially orphaning him as a baby by the curses she left on them.But, the worst thing was, I freed myself in Azkaban from his Horcrux, and on that table, he made me one again.” A tear snuck down your cheek making a hand from Thranduil and Glorfindel rise to cover their mouths to keep silent. “Years I played both sides. Did my part and planned it all up to the big battle at Hogwarts. There was this organization, called R, I told Riddle I had a dream they were heading to the school and asked him to save me. I called the Aurors and all our allies and Alastor helped to lure R to the school so it wouldn’t be obvious.It didn’t last very long. Only, Bellatrix, she was ordered to stay behind, to take care of her 19 day old daughter. And she refused and attacked Neville knowing it would draw me after her. She thought, most likely when Riddle would see me attacking her he might switch sides, but I fought her, and I faked that she was winning. That I felt her curses, and I just had to whisper to Riddle and he fired a Killing curse, that I threw myself in front of.” Mouths dropped open then clamped shut at your sharp inhale and wipe away of a second tear, “Then I died,” They watched as your oddly pleased smile settled, “And I saw my Mum waiting for me in the crossroads, and she told me to go back, that we weren’t done fighting yet and my Father still needed me. And I woke up after Riddle had killed Bellatrix and I killed him when he tried to kill Neville for speaking up.”On your right you watched Teddy hugging one of the lambs while another nudged him with its face while Em and Estel giggled through a game of tag through Arwen’s asking, “You are happier now?”You nodded meeting her eye with another soft smile, “Starting to be. I get to be simply a Professor and Quidditch player finally. No need to be the double agent anymore.”A shrill cry came from Teddy halting the tag game for a moment bringing you to your feet to go and pick him up after his head butting with the lamb stirred the interest of a nearby goat taking the game a bit too seriously. With parted lips through steadying breaths and stolen glances at one another silently confirming their shared pain at sensing how much pain you had endured much greater now.Silently they watched as you knelt beside Teddy tilting his head back revealing a knot and a small cut triggering your shift into your white and blue Pheonix form. A single tear dropped from your eye shrinking the knot and healed the cut before you shifted back again and leaned down with a smile as your hair shifted to a bright shimmering gold matching his through his giggle at the goat brushing its snout against his cheek sweetly in apology. “See, all better.” You kissed his cheek then smirked as he bumped his head with the goat again making the twins giggle, “Of course, right back to the painful game. True Black spirit.” Kissing his cheek again before you stood and walked to the table leaving him to play through a smiling glance at Em and Estel beginning their game again.Thranduil eyed Teddy as your hair shifted back to its silvery blue shade, asking, “You aren’t going to pull him away?”You shook your head taking your seat again. “No, he’s bound to do as many stubborn things as he can manage as he grows. Our family way. He’ll learn to choose the least painful option eventually.”His lips parted at your lax approach as Elrond chuckled motioning his hand at the twins while you claimed a sip of your cold tea you silently heated up with a mental spell before your next sip, “These two managed quite a supply of nicks and bruises in their mischief growing up.”You smirked and glanced at Teddy now petting a bunny laying across his lap as the lambs and goat were called away by their Mothers through Legolas stating, “I remember quite a number of falls from trees myself Ada. Our young aren’t so invulnerable to injury.”Taking another sip of your drink you caught Glorfindel’s eyes shifting over your hair as Arwen asked, “Is blue his natural hair color?”You shook your head, “No, it’s chestnut like his Mother’s. He just has a difficult time controlling his shifting just yet. It’s set on instinct and mirroring others of interest.”Glorfindel, “And yours?”“Black.”Twins, “Why silvery blue?”You let out a giggle, “My Cousin’s was purple. Bit of a teen thing, if we weren’t going to have normal lives we would still steal a chance to rebel in the normal fashion and wear our hair in outrageous colors.” Making the Twins chuckle in return.The entrance of a small thrush drew the King’s eye and hand to rise allowing it a place to land so he could claim the message that earned a sigh from him before he stated, “My Council has finished the designs on the palace courtyard we’re to rebuild in the Southern Kingdom.” His eyes met yours to say, “We shall have to reschedule another tea I’m afraid.”You nodded and flinched out a quick smile, “Oh, and let me know if you do decide on that hat of yours.”He nodded with a hint of a smirk across his lips, “Of course. If you’ll excuse me.” He stood and promptly led Legolas and Tauriel back to the waiting archway taking them back again to Northern Greenwood. Not long after you turned to catch Teddy curling up around a bunny as it neared his nap time. Beside you Kreacher popped up claiming care over his nap and walked over to collect him insisting you remain in place enjoying your tea. He popped away as Elrond and the others were ‘called away’ as well after stealing knowing glances between you two, leaving only Glorfindel who lowered his now empty tea cup a servant arrived to clear away along with the rest once you had finished yours.Meeting his eye you asked, “Nothing calling you away?”He shook his head, “No. I am off guard duties until tonight.”“You’re a guard? We haven’t talked about your job before.”He wet his lips, “Yes and no. We all take our turns on guard. Mainly I train the younger forces on swordsmanship.” His eyes looked you over curiously, “If you wished to learn I could teach you as well.”Making you giggle softly, “The Durins have given me lessons on the basics. Though I doubt me learning how to wield a sword to your standards will increase confidence in me for some.”With a hint of a smile he replied, “Still, if you find yourself, interested, in learning I would teach you.”The momentary pause and playful flicker in his eyes hinted, at least in your mind, of some withheld attraction he was hinting at leaving you a playful test to see if he truly wished to remain in your company. “You’ve lived here a long time?”He nodded, “Yes, since its founding in the Second Age.”Curiously he eyed your face wondering what you were trying to ask, “I’ve heard there’s quite a number of waterfalls. Dad says they’re quite beautiful. I’ve never seen any myself past pictures, only Lord Elrond mentioned there’s a few winding paths we’d have gotten lost on when I first asked about them.”Instantly his eyes lit up at your offer for more time alone and he stated, “I would gladly show you if you wished.”As you stood he did as well, stepping around his bench seat with his hand extended motioning you first round the table to the path leading out across a small stream feeding the garden. At your side he led you through the garden and out to the first of a few winding paths. In the silence you peered over at him catching his eyes in his own glance at you as you asked, “It certainly seems peaceful here.”With a nod he replied, “It is.”“Not a lot of parties then? I can’t imagine it gets too out of control around here.”“We have monthly celebrations, nothing as lavish as Greenwood puts on. I am certain Lord Elrond would invite you and your kin this time.” After a glance forward to guide you to your right for a turn then asked, “Are your birthday celebrations quite lavish? We did hear mention of it through Lindir.”You let out a weak giggle, “It’s not a celebration. We have a dinner, it’s Fred and George’s birthday as well, April First. For as much love as Molly and Arthur have for their Children gold was a bit thin when we grew up, so birthday dinners may sound simple but have always been perfect.” Making a flicker of a smile flash on his face, “Then tradition always pops up.”“Tradition?”You nodded, “Dad always insists on a moonlight dance, a waltz, Black family tradition. Dance under the stars to celebrate another year under the moonlight.”With an awed glance he asked, “Your clan truly prizes star and moonlight?” He had heard this from your father but had wished to have it confirmed by you as well.You nodded and reached back showing him your tattoo for your Father his eyes traced over seeing the glimmering spots for the stars in the still dog silhouette etched into your skin, “All through my family line we’ve had a magnetic pull of our kin recorded all the way to the first. Claiming his children and he were bound by stardust. So we’ve been named after stars, constellations and planets. We get marks for our kin that react when we’re close to them. It’s how I found Rivendell so easily.”Glorfindel asked more in awe than inquisition, “That is why you’re named after Pluto?”You let out a weak giggle, “Dad always loved it, Mum wanted my name to go against tradition but Dad insisted and it was slipped in as another middle name.”“Your Mother didn’t like the traditions of your clan?”“Dad never really like it. But he ended up holding to them anyways simply out of habit. We had a whole mansion filled with instruments and books on countless languages most can’t even name. Centuries of knowledge forgotten we carry on teaching. It is a bit daunting thinking back on it but most did come in handy through the past years.”He nodded, “It seems our parents’ teachings have a way of making sense eventually. Even the more ridiculous ones.” Wetting your lips you looked to the path, but not quick enough to miss your boot slipping from the even path into a dip in the road making you grip his arm stirring a stunned smirk onto his face as you caught yourself and kept walking. Carefully he eased his hand onto yours and curled it around his bicep, stating, “There are a few more dips ahead.”With a smirk you glanced up at him as his hand settled on yours, “Careful you almost smiled.” He peered down at you with a curious glint in his eyes through a soft expression, “All the Elves I’ve seen are all so stoic. The Elf Guards might come steal you away if you’re found smiling from my bad influence.”With a weak chuckle he replied, “You are far from a bad influence.”Leaning against his side you glanced up at him, “Why are Elves so stoic? Is it one of those emotions are weakness beliefs?”He shook his head, “No. We simply keep ourselves stoic in public. We are quite affectionate when we are among our loved ones.” He glanced at you again, “I understand your kin are easier with your attachments, such a simple courting system, where ours takes centuries sometimes to find our Ones. Even leaving some broken hearted for seeming lack of interest or inability to provide a suitable financial offer for unions.”“Did Dad tell you about it?”“Ronald did have to share the details when he began courting Tuli. Though he did get a bit confused on how to word it so we could understand the interest in having so many romantic partners, but I suppose when it is taken into account your kin have a harder time locating your Ones it does make sense to ‘follow your heart’, as he put it.” He shifted his fingers over your hand in a gentle nudge to help you avoid another dip in the road, “Have you had many partners?”You shook your head, “Just two, well, first was Charlie, but that was for barely under two years before he graduated and moved to Romania, we were still quite young. And a couple months we tried again but I ended it, but that was around when Riddle died. Plus with the whole horcrux hunting thing it doesn’t exactly give much to my appeal. Though in my Triwizard year there was a boy named Sebastian. He was from Durmstrang visiting to compete. Only lasted, five, six months, but it never got too serious, he found someone else when he went back home. You? I heard you’ve died too. First time round perhaps, huge family out somewhere?”With something close to a disbelieving glance at you for your assumption he responded, “No. No partners for me. Even in my former life. Our wars had just erupted, I was a bit distracted.”“Was it painful?” He glanced at you again, “Ron mentioned something about a Balrog.”“Oh. I got dragged into a chasm by my hair. I never felt a thing, I just remember falling, my eyes closed and then they opened again and I was in the Halls of Mandos.”You nodded, “I remember a flash of green from mine. Hurt something awful when I woke up again. I assumed it would hurt more. Just like falling asleep.”“Green?”You nodded, “The Killing Curse, sends out a flash of green from their wands.”“Ah.”“Do you miss Valinor?”“I miss my friends who have sailed and fallen. But occasionally Elves are sent back again like I was. And there is no telling how your arrival will shape our world. The Valar may just reshape the bridge between our worlds and allow our kin back again.”Looking forward again at the sound of rushing water growing louder at your next turn, “I’m certain it would grant more than a few the chance to be together again. Help some star crossed lovers gain their chance at romance.”In another glance at you he watched your awed gasp at the set of waterfalls casting a trio of crossing rainbows over the crevice between them feeding into the center of Rivendell. “It’s so beautiful.” You mumbled under your breath. “How can you not spend all day up here looking at all of these wondrous things?”Without taking his eyes off you he stated, “There are far more wondrous things to look at now.”In a curious glance up at him to ask what else could be more wondrous than this you saw his adoring gaze down at you making your lips part, “Why are you looking at me like that?”Gently his hand moved from over yours to brush your bangs behind your ear after a breeze had blown them over our face as they shifted to a sea foam green through your soft blush bringing a smile slowly onto his face. In a ghosting of his fingers along the edge of your ear he asked, “I am a bit uncertain of how to request the beginning of a courtship for your kin. Ronald was a bit confusing. He did mention simply requesting a kiss.” His eyes sank to your lips for a moment before he asked, “Would I, that is, would you allow me to kiss you?”Under his clear blue shimmering awed hopeful gaze at you all you could utter was a simple, “Yes.” Before you could blink he’d leaned in, cupping your cheek tenderly. A gentle tap of his lips to yours melted into a firmer retaliatory kiss after your lean into it. For a few silent moments between you even the roar of the waterfalls had vanished as your hands shifted to his middle and his free hand rested on your elbow, not wishing to place his hands improperly.On your right a quick pop was followed by a flash making your lips break apart and you two to look at Fred and George popping up holding a camera that spit out a copy of the picture they smirked while shaking it making a copy for you both Fred offered to Glorfindel. In unison they said, “Cozy spot.”George, “Just came to share Mum’s breaking out her pork loin recipe, the candidate’s Banquet. We all have to pitch in for Remus and our new Council.”Fred grinned pocketing the picture, “So wear the finest. Best impressions and all that.”George smirked saying, “We’ll tell Mum you’ll have a guest.”“As you were.” They looked between you and chuckled before apparating away.For a moment your lips parted then shut as he smiled inspecting the precious moment trapped in the image forever, then asked, “This portrait, it keeps going?”You nodded and met his eye when he glanced up at you again, “Yes.”Wetting his lips he asked, “Did you want to keep it?” He offered it to you. Carefully you accepted it and gave it a shake mentally uttering a copying spell making a double then passed him the original he shifted to compare to yours with an awed smile. Tilting his head to meet your eyes again he paused wordless with a heated gaze only meaning he wished for another kiss his mind left him baffled on how to request it. Without a word you pocketed your photo and reached up brushing a stray strip of braided hair behind his ear and closed the distance again for a kiss he eagerly leaned into.Timidly his hands settled on your back at your placing them there in your rise onto your toes to ease your arms behind his neck in the passionate kiss through which his body pressed against yours in return. Deaf once again to the world a clear snort made you freeze again before the soft flapping of paper wings and another snort sounded making you part and look at the small paper flying pig shaking its head through another greeting snort making Glorfindel’s lips purse under a curious furrow of his brows to ask, “What is that?”Removing one of your hands you claimed the pig in your palm and watched as it unfolded itself revealing a note Glorfindel shifted his head to read along with you, “It’s a notice. The votes are in for Minister of Magic. They’ll be announced tonight on the ten pm broadcast along with the other winners.”Longingly his forehead leaned against yours making you smile and shift to lean against his chest for a hug he gladly returned with a growing smile of his own. In a glance up at him your playful smirk drew a playful spark in his eyes as you pulled back a few inches, to say, “You’re smiling.”“Am I not allowed to smile at the source of my unending joy?”With another playful smirk you waved your hand in a circle making the note pop back home onto your bed as your camera appeared in your palm. Before he could change his expression you rose on your toes curled against his side with a large smile of your own after a peck on his cheek making his smile deepen even more through a faint blush he hid by pressing his forehead to yours after the flash ended. Another picture was printed and you smirked at it as it looped with your peck on his cheek followed by your joint growing smiles before his blush and sink to hide shifting into his rise to be kissed again.Another copy was made for him he gratefully added to the other in his pocket and said, “I will treasure them always.”With a smile you stated, “If you like I could get you a couple of frames for them. We have a few enchanted ones you may like. Color changing, shape shifting, ones that hide the images unless you’re alone.”“Well I certainly wouldn’t want it to hide, but, I wouldn’t wish to publicly flaunt it lest it tarnish your reputation.” He inhaled sharply, “I have missed a step. I should have asked your Father’s consent fir-..” His words died at your head turning to kiss him again drawing him into another melting lean against you.When your lips left his, his eyes met yours with a curious pout at a wish for an unending kiss just like in the photos, “Technically in our world you have the person’s consent for kissing and the Father’s for proposing.”He nodded and swallowed back his urge to lean in for another unsteadying kiss he hoped to end with asking for your hand right there, “I will remember that.”With a nod you peered out at the falls again, “It really is beautiful up here. But, I should probably get back. The little ones should be hungry soon.” He nodded and eyed you in your step away only to grin at your hand extending for his, that was gladly woven into yours in his motion to claim your side and guide you back again.When you’d reached the edge of the gardens he paused in the shadows of the trees there to ask, “Would I be able to kiss you again, when we’re alone? I understand there are titles to claim first between now and a proposal.”You nodded, “Of course.”Through the garden he led you to the archways again where he eyed your locked hands, reluctant to release it just yet even under the watch of servants and the twins looking on in pitiful hiding places nearby. Peering down at you he smiled at you softly raising your clasped hands to kiss your knuckles after a shifting of fingers then said, “I will see you tomorrow. I do apologize but I have guard duty tonight. I, unfortunately will have to miss the banquet.”You smiled up at him as he cradled and tenderly stroked your hand with his adoring gaze locked on your eyes, “Well, if I am able to sleep at all, I have classes again so it would have to be after five, you could help me gather pearls.” His brow raised at your subtle lean in to whisper, “How much do you know about mermaids?” A soft peck on his cheek earned a chuckle from him and his eyes lingered on you as you slipped away with a wink you sent his way after grabbing Em in her race over to you when Estel was sent for another lesson. His moment of bliss halted however through the Elves trying to subtly come out of hiding to question him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“I am not bringing a date!” You called out in the front hall of your home only to see Remus holding up two suits to your pj and robe clad father holding Fin smirking as Fred and George came out of the kitchen with Molly.Molly let out a sigh, “Well that is a relief because the tables are set and there are no free seats, Dear. Although Alastor-,”
“No date,” you said looking at the twins who blew kisses at you making you roll your eyes making you turn to Ron at the table, “And you Ronald, courtship begins with kissing? Who taught you that?”Ron shrugged, “That’s how Lavendar and I started up, same as you and-,”A whack on the back of his head came from Hermione who said, “Not all of us are like Lavendar. Seb asked her on a date first. Same as Viktor with me. Even-.”Ginny said, “Even Harry asked me to Hogsmeade first. Dean too, even though he couldn’t take me or go himself.”Molly called you all to the table, “Come now, best get you some solid food to fill you up. I hear it’s twelve versions of puffs on the menu or something as frivolous.” In a soft giggle you took your seat and listened to her badger your father to let her and Arthur mind the kids while you all showed support to Remus..Red velvet with silver floral designs embroidered and accented with rhinestones across the sleek backless long sleeved gown you had pulled up fit you like a glove. Though a bit shorted than your ancestor it had a small train and with a shift of your finger the diamond row of flowers traced up your spine to secure the collar of the dress with matching leaves. Tall silver wedges shimmering from the rhinestones across them helped to ease your trip downstairs with the train, inhaling sharply you turned to the bath to put on your makeup with another stolen glance up at your tight bun.In the sea of your relatives and friends entering the Ministry you flashed a smile for the cameras while Remus inhaled at your arm easing around his elbow. At his side you sat listening to the opening speech by Kingsley Shacklebolt to simply bide the time until the winners reel was brought out and the lights dimmed triggering you and your father to take Remus’ hands to keep him from bolting.One by one for those unable to come the results were broadcast over the radio ending with the Minister of Magic position. Cheers and claps erupted through the hall and in your lean in hugging Remus tightly a hint of a grin flashed across his lips when you whispered, “Congratulations, Pop.”Tightly he hugged you back in Sirius’ joining in against his back in the flash of a camera then he rose up and made his way up to the podium. Timidly his fingers eased across the wood and his speech seemed to flood right to him in his eyes looking out over the faces in the room.“I was never one for speeches. Even when teaching I kept talking brief. There are a lot of young faces in the crowd tonight. A lot of whom I taught, or were in similar grades to my students. We, lost millions. And only managed to save thousands. Those my age have seen terrible, but great Wizards rise to power and then fall. Where we and the generation before us could have prevented lives lost, attentions were turned elsewhere, and denial along with casting blame onto innocents deeply scarred our world. One now that we have lost.We are not going to turn our backs anymore. No matter how painful or ugly it gets. We have a chance for peace.” Softer he repeated on the edge of tears he was holding back, “Peace.” Looking over the equally as emotional crowd he could almost feel similar reactions from those listening from home, including the Durins who had gained permission to listen on your radio trying to not get emotional after knowing how the wars had affected their friends and future family members. Beside them Lindir sat with Elrond, Celeborn and Thranduil, who was sharing the speech with Glorfindel on his patrols.“Our children will know a peace we never got a chance to. They will never know the atrocities we have endured, those pure innocents lost to a senseless endless war. This time will be different, we will not cast the evil nameless into the shadows, no, no more flinching to the name Voldemort. No more second glances when bringing up the Death Eaters. We have new Death Eaters now, new defenders of our new lives here alongside the Aurors. Our laws have been sorted with a fine toothed comb, casting off old prejudices and shackles of ancient useless laws meant only to oppress have been rid of. This is a new world, with new creatures and people, some of whom we have met and befriended already with many more to face in the years to come. The past will not be repeated, we are the keepers of our past and will ensure it is not repeated.” After another pause he chuckled awkwardly and said, “That’s all I have.” A wave of chuckles led to cheers and a room full cheer for peace.More speeches filled the night including a stunning one from Lockhart stating he was out to explore the new world for his new book he was planning on writing. None of you could talk him out of it even if you tried, merely convinced him to take a warning charm to summon aid to him if he required it..The night never seemed to end until rather abruptly you strolled through your home to your kitchen for some tea easing your arm up to smooth a finger against your scalp to calm an itch only to pause finding the straightening King. His eyes looking you over taking in each detail of the figure hugging gown saying, “Lindir stated your father had approved our listening in to the evening.”Easing around him you filled the kettle asking, “And you are assuming I came to throw you out?”“No. Not at all.” His eyes looked you over again and he asked, “Are you pleased?”“We’re all terrified.” Making his brow twitch up, “Then again who wouldn’t be if Lockhart is freely wandering around lands even we haven’t seen yet. Trust me, if he’s the first one those people meet we’ll all be taken as idiots.”Thranduil, “I highly doubt that.”“Imagine the dumbest person you’ve ever met,” A ghost of a smirk eased across his lips as you added, “That’s a mile above Lockhart’s capabilities and about five miles below his ego.”“Ah, yes, no shortage of those where I grew up.”“Do you miss it?” His eyes hovered over your face for a moment, “Where you grew up?”In a frail tone he replied, “I miss my Mother. We had little time with her here, crossing Helcrax was too harsh on her. Even fully grown I still have questions for her on shaping my son.”“Well he’s intact. All his limbs, ten fingers, not certain on the toes through the boots,” to himself he chuckled as you brought out your mug and turned to face him, “And he seems to have the ability to easily lift others above his head. On that,” his brow inched up again, “Are all Elves just really strong or, because not a lot of people I know could just fling me up even guys double my weight. Then again knowing you could drop from 95 feet without breaking anything and land on an uninjured Elk, kinda leaning towards the first.”In another chuckle he replied, “Elves are gifted with enhanced strength and agility from Eru, unmatched by any other creature.”“So, am I heavy? Or does it take immense restraint to keep from flinging me up fifty feet when you help me up on the saddle?”“I would not consider you heavy, nor are you light as a feather. We feel weight, merely our bodies are not exhausted by lifting it in most cases. Now, if I were to lift Tuo, that would be difficult at his weight, and his temperament, he rarely allows me to unless he is stuck since he passed my hip.”The whistle of the kettle snapped you from his deepening gaze locked on your eyes, while your back was turned Tauriel entered stating, “My King, our patrols spotted winged beasts above our borders from Mordor.”With a nod and his gaze continued to detail every inch of your exquisite dress and figure he knew just how to accentuate more with the best of wraps he could have made for you he stated, “I will be there shortly.” When you turned again letting your tea soak some more your eyes caught his and his hand extended yours landed in as he said in her stepping back out of the doorway, “My apologies, Miss Black, there are troubles from Mordor.”“Troubles?”“Winged beasts. No doubt easily dispatched by my archers. Should any dangers come to your people I will inform you. For now,” his eyes lowered to your hand in his then they rose again. “I am curious, in guiding the infants to the Elven parents claiming them, why were you reluctant to touch them?” after a hasty wetting of his lips he asked, “Is it because, of the table?”“My foresight comes with a price, unless I am incredibly careful the first time I touch someone I see their fears,” his lips parted, “Their worst memories, the ones that haunt them.”“Mine?”“You have heard my pain, I have seen yours. Perhaps it best we call it a draw.”“Perhaps,” his eyes remained on yours through pressing a gentle kiss to your knuckles then he said, “I must go, rest well, Miss Black.” A cautious brush of a thumb across your hand came in his step away, another stolen glance was all he claimed before stepping back to leave you alone to your tea.“Stay safe,” he heard you whisper once he had passed through the doorway making him pause for a moment allowing your private wish to sink into his skin as if it was a personal shield for him should battle come to his borders. His chest already pounding at the lengthy contact he was granted with a sure comment on your affection for him and off to his kingdom he hurried hearing the mental warning that his men had shot the beasts down on their way to Angmar.Your people seemed to be two thirds children by all they could tell and knowing you had claimed those lands they were to be protected as yours with none allowed to harm them. Clearly their King had intentions for you and due to public knowledge of his sharing One with the Lord who now was granted to begin a courtship with you the King was surely next to form his attachment..Up on the counter peering up at the stars your mind focused on that lingering gaze the King had given you. Something in you told you to just tug him in for a kiss right then and there, but again your mind would flash to Glorfindel, who had already kissed you and surely would be hurt by your wanting to kiss someone else.Hermione had said it was common among Dwarves at least to know females to have more than one spouse. Elves however seemed to be singular in partners leaving your mind torn on if there was a choice, though now you’d seemingly chosen and to leave the Lord later surely would be a wild scandal especially if it was for the King who could and very likely would lose his best friend in the process.Lowly to yourself you muttered, “More like Dad every day…” a long sip of your cocoa emptied the mug you peered down at with a huff and down you slid to your feet and went to rinse and set the mug on the drying rack on your path upstairs, “Why do I always make things so complicated?”…Across your bed morning found you and in a pained grumble your hand reached out to stroke the chin of your mooing alarm clock. You weren’t hung over but the dream you had woken from left you with a cramp in your leg no doubt from the miles you had to run from that peacock through a forest without any sight of him until he would swoop out of nowhere. Sitting up you fingers combed through your hair to ease it back into a ponytail. A touch up of your makeup came with brushing your teeth and pulling on another blouse and jean combo. One legged stance of the tying of your boots came last in your path to collect Em. In her sleep you changed her and lifted her to your chest after pulling on another set of clothes to ease Draco’s day of watching her.A simple breakfast found you listening to others or at least pretending to until you could head off to school while Remus fidgeted with his cuff buttons nervous for his first day. The final arrangements would be or at least should be made today, his first vote on the settling of Dale. All the while your mind circled around the two men who had been so adamant of gaining your affections..Fully fed with some time to spare you popped from one empty hallway to another in Rivendell where you turned in a circle wondering why you had chosen this spot from your mental pull here. Only to have a pair of arms circle you from behind making you giggle to yourself, hearing, “And here I imagined the sunrise to be the only source of light to my morning.”With a grin Glorfindel loosened his arms to turn around you asking, “Your classes were cancelled?”You shook your head, “No, just thought I’d check on you.”He grinned wider stating, “Nothing troubling. Just a curious Ent crossing from Lothlorien asking about your protection barriers, asking if he might-,” His words died at the confused furrow of your brows.“I’m sorry, a curious what?”“Ent, oh, you must not have had them, They are tree herders.”Through a puzzled giggle you asked, “Your trees need herding?”With a weak chuckle of his own he replied, “Yes, in the Years of the Lamps the Elves woke the trees, they can move, speak-.”“They can speak? Can you teach me?”He chuckled again, “It is quite a hard language to learn, but of course I would love to teach you all that I know.” After a pause he asked, “You truly do not have conscious trees?”“We have a Whomping Willow.”“Whomping Willow, how did it earn that name?”“Well, it attacks people that go near it.”“Out of anger?”“No, it seems pretty pleased with inflicting injuries.”On your right you caught the stunned Elf twins looking at you, Elladan broke the silence asking, “Are you certain?”Ellohrir, “We could try speaking to it for you, see why it’s angry.”You smirked, “Well you can tag along with Glori here to the school, while we gather up some pearls you,” You paused for another poorly contained giggle, “Can try speaking with our willow.”Elladan nodded, “I am certain we will mend its anger.”You smirked holding back your giggle making Glorfindel chuckle at your expression, “If anyone could on gusto alone it would be you two.” You glanced at Glorfindel then said, “I should get going for class, but I will see you at five.”After a gentle peck on your cheek he said, “Of course. I will see you at five and we can discuss your meeting the Ents some more.” You nodded then slipped away with another giggle at the twins then popped away..Straight to your class you went and sat behind your desk grumbling as you heard them again, the faint sound of hooves in a momentary droop of your eyes made you put your head down on your arms, “What is with these damn hooves…”Severus’ chuckle raised your head and he asked, “Hooves?”You sighed, “I keep hearing hooves.”He nodded and passed you your weekly shifts of study hall handed out at breakfast, “Perhaps it’s those rides with the Lords.”“Perhaps,” you mumbled on his way out again and put your head back down again until your students started to file in for your first class.Each of them excited to test themselves in the inspection of cursed ceramic eggs they would play hot potato with until the teams would try to discover the reversal spells and be able to name the curse placed on the eggs by their symptoms..A note from Thranduil however had named the source of the winged creatures and a lengthy assurance that your lands and people were safe along with his and himself to squash any fears you might have. The creatures were shot down and included was a description of the number of orcs and goblins escaping from Mordor. Wraiths had been seen to have died but watches were set in case they had missed one. These bats merely were seeking for shadowy lands to nest in for safety to breed again after Mt Doom had apparently flooded through Mordor forcing dark creatures to scour for safety..Folding your note from the King you pocketed it and stood. At the soft tap of heels your eyes turned to your door as Minerva passed through ready to escort you two on your shared monitoring of the first study period. It was going peacefully enough until more eyes followed those of a group of students eyeing a set of lights floating above the lake on the school grounds. Through the lengthy table filled hall you and Minerva moved from table to table helping the students there with all they had questions on. Though for you the seventh years grouped eager to get tips on the upcoming NEWTS. A call from a student along the wall turned your head however, “Uh, Professor, is the sky supposed to be doing that?”Into a mist you turned and floated alongside Minerva to just behind the young students who had pointed it out to you and in the curious surfacing of the giant squid his eyes reflected the aurora borealis like display over he lake causing students there to call out for any nearby Professor. Three bodies suddenly dropped into the lake and Minerva asked, “Apparating fumble?”When the bodies surfaced you noticed their height and a faint tip to their ears making you reply through your already parted lips, “No. Elves I think. Elrond has said they show up similar to how we did, flash of light and fall to the earth.”Minerva, “Why would they land here?” You shrugged and she said, “Perhaps it might be best for you to lead them to the Elves since they know you the best. I can manage this.”You nodded, “I’ll try to be back soon.”She smiled patting your shoulder gently, “Take your time. They may be a bit turned about with that fall.”With a nod and softly your giggle sounded as you cracked the window and in a column of mist you flew down to the edge of the lake seeing the trio avoiding the tentacles of the squid in his try to get them safely to land and away from the lobster like creatures crawling towards their bare feet.Behind the curious trio you landed and shifted back eyeing the blonde woman between the identical men, one with black hair and the other a bright crimson. Clearing your throat you eyed their stunned turn as the men reached for weapons that weren’t there, simple robes and pants over their bare feet were all they were wearing under their nearly waist length hair. You smiled softly stating, “Hi, I’m Jaqi. Welcome to Pumpernickel, this is, actually Hogwarts one of our schools, we’re South of Erebor and not that far from Elven territories, is there a Kingdom you wished to be escorted to?”Curiously the trio looked you over, first at your hair then your eyes and large facial scar as you brushed your bangs behind your ear making their eyes narrow in their silent inspection of you wondering if they could trust you. With a nod you stated, “Well, I’m certain Elrond will know what to do.”Between the brothers the woman drew in a breath repeating, “Elrond?”You nodded, “Yes. You know him?” She stared at you blankly watching your eyes shift as you looked over the men then back to her again. Your smile inched wider and you stated, “I will show you to Elrond.” Turning from the trio after a wave of your hand that sent the water from their hair and clothes to the lake again you started the walk to your doorway that appeared in the field opened to Rivendell’s courtyard you knew so well. The trio remained in place inspecting their clothes and hair, conferencing quietly before deciding to rush after you to close the large gap now between you so they would not be lost in these foreign lands..A couple steps behind you they eyed the doorway then passed through after you only to pause gasping in their circles in the familiar open courtyard as you smiled approaching Lindir and Legolas in a quiet conference rounding a corner peering over notes in the Prince’s palms. In a curious glance up at noting the group of guests Legolas smiled at you leading Lindir over only to have his smile flinch away recognizing the trio as Lindir bowed his head stating in Quenya, “Lady Celebrian, Lords Maglor and Maedhros. Welcome back to Rivendell.”Holding the smile recognizing the names of the men you turned to see the trio stepping closer to Lindir as you said, “Well, see, Rivendell as promised.” Your eyes turned to Lindir as you stated, “I think I might have been more stressful a sight after their fall into our lake, my appearance is a bit off putting perhaps, couldn’t get a word out of them. But, no matter, I trust you know how to handle things.”The redhead in the group stated in Quenya making a group of servants nearby to gasp at his words, “Why would this creature ever assume to have our trust, or to have earned our conference.”With a giggle you stated, “Or perhaps just a communication fumble.” You peered up at Legolas, adding through his glare at the Elf Lords, giving the Elf equivalent of a sneer at you, making them eye the young Prince curious of his protection of you. “Oh, I forgot to mention, your Father will probably tag along at five, if you wanted to join as well remember to wear something you don’t mind swimming in. Dwarves swim nude normally, so I thought Elves might do the same, but the lake is on school grounds, so pants or shorts at least please. Also, mermaids have protective barbs on their heads so no crown either or it will be take as a threat to their King.”Legolas nodded replying with a soft smile, “Of course, I am on my way back now, I will pass it on Naneth.”That single word made the trio’s lips to part as they eyed the Prince again while you turned to pass through the doorway again with a parting smile at the trio wishing them well after a curious glance at Legolas at his nickname for you. When the door vanished Legolas glared at the trio then turned away returning to the enchanted archways to speak with his Father as Maglor asked, “That creature, is Latea reborn?”Lindir drew in a claming breath of his own, “No. That is Jaqiearae Black, King Thranduil and Lord Glorfindel’s One. She is a Professor at a school for Isitari and Leader of the Death Eaters.”Celebrian, “Isitari?”Maedhros, “There are only three Isitari now in these lands. We saw them cross here in a ship under Ulmo’s care at the birth of the Third Age.”Lindir eyed the trio again, “Lady Black and her people fell here from their world. They have become great allies of ours.”The sound of a passing group of Elleths holding their fostered toddlers chuckling among themselves in their first days housing them drew the trio’s eyes to them before Maglor stated, “So many Little Ones. Has peace finally found this valley?”They all looked to Lindir who stated, “Lady Black discovered the One Ring and destroyed it. Her people have helped rid our lands and those of the Dwarves’ of Goblins and Orcs, even Smaug in Erebor and the Balrog dwelling in Moria. In return our people are assisting in the raising of their orphans from the war they were escaping.” After an attempt to turn away he paused then looked at them again, “Lady Black is an incredible and selfless leader, already she has earned the respect and adoration of her future subjects in Greenwood. You would do well to give her a chance to see her heart for yourselves.”His words and back to them left them open mouthed frozen in place for a few moments before following him only to be crashed into by the twins after they had spotted their Mother from afar. A flash of blonde passed them as Glorfindel, who had heard them from afar raced to the enchanted portals to follow after you to check if you were upset at what they had said. On the other side he nearly crashed into Ron on his path to visit his intended.With a weak chuckle he stated, “Steady on Glorfindel, no telling who’s on the other sides of these doors.”Hastily Glorfindel wet his lips the asked, “I am curious, would you be able to take me to Jaqi?”Ron’s brows furrowed for a moment as he raised his arm eyeing his watch on his wrist before looking up to say, “Simple enough, should be in Hogwarts.” He eyed the doorway then said, “I’ll show you.” Turning around Ron guided him through the neighborhood straight for the Black family mansion he let him inside before turning to shift the dial beside the door making it link to your classroom office. Atop the stairs in the empty classroom Ron softly said, “Hmm.” Trotting down the short flight of stairs he led the way through the classroom and down to the study hall after an assumption on where you would be..Once in the study hall Glorfindel was pleased to find you smiling as you shared about the strange trio with Minerva, beside him Ron patted his shoulder then said as he left, “Gotta get back, can’t miss tea.”In a glance up to the figure in the doorway you smiled when you noticed who it was. Around him on his path to you he noticed the young girls forming groups to start whispering about him with stolen glances and soft giddy giggles Minerva was quick to try and end. “Studies ladies, studies.”At your side Glorfindel smiled and motioned you closer to the corner away from the teens trying to listen in, wetting his lips he stated, “I overheard the returned trio, I had to come and see you, ensure you were not upset.”Your head shook, “No. They weren’t overly friendly but I mean I’m certainly not a friendly face to them so I understand the reluctance to bond right away.”“I was referring to what they said.”You shook your head again in a curious giggle, “I couldn’t understand what they said. Why, what could they have said to make you rush out here to check on me?”He drew in a breath, “Well, it loses effect in translation. You were referred to as a creature, and they refused to respect or speak with you.”“Hmm. There are a great deal of Elves I don’t speak with you know, if they don’t feel comfortable to speak with me they won’t be forced to.”Glorfindel let out a weak chuckle, “Either way they will be forced to. Should they choose to remain in Rivendell you will be seeing a great deal of each other possibly. Lady Celebrian,”“I know who they are. Haldir told me and Ginny more about Elrond’s life. If they are staying,” You couldn’t help but smile as his hands folded around yours in a gentle cradling motion, “Then I suppose I should learn their language if they refuse to speak mine.” At your challenging glint in your eyes he smiled at your asking, “Would you teach me?”He nodded, “Of course.”“How many forms of Elvish do you know? The Dwarves taught me Khuzdul, Elrond taught me their Ancient runes from Kurdu, Celeborn was even kind enough to teach me Valinorian for a book he lent me. Though he was a bit timid on teaching me more than that. Do Elves not all learn to read and write? He mentioned something about it being a rare trait in the earlier ages.”Glorfindel chuckled softly, “We did not have much need for it. There is a certain, life, to a story we enjoy over recounting it from the page. I can read and write in ancient Quenya, Silvan and Doriathian, as do many Elf Lords for their own lands, others choose only to learn should it be useful to their trades. I do speak Quenya, current Silvan and the common tongue fluently on top of those I write. Not including the languages of the kingdom of Men in Middle Earth.”“I could teach you to read ours if you like, I’m certain after speaking to Thranduil I could learn the other languages and share them with you too. Had to teach him how to read our language when Em roped him into story time.”He chuckled softly again locking his loving gaze on yours again after watching your lips as you spoke, “That sounds like a wonderful plan. What do I do to teach you?”Gently after explaining the process through his continued cradling of your hand you absorbed his languages and eased yours back towards him widening his smile as after he glanced around taking in the titles on the books and pages around him.Your hands parted however as you accepted the notebook from a fourth year student to check that they had completed their assignment fully. Giving the young girl a chance to smile up at Glorfindel and introduce herself before she accepted her notebook from you listening to your corrective tip for her essay and raced back to her friends to share his name in their giggling group.Through the free period he remained at your side sharing more about the trio and his assumptions of their taking to your actions, folded around your hand his was fixed tightly for the walk up to your class again. In the chair behind your desk he sat with a grin watching your hands on lesson between glances at the textbook you had left open on your desk he flipped through taking in the skills you were tasked on teaching these young children.Lunch had him at your side still, taking in the enchanted table before joining in conversation with the teachers around you asking about his shadowing of your lessons and time at the school until it was back to class until the final bell. With a grin in the empty classroom your hand was claimed again by the tall Lord stealing another chance to press a kiss to your knuckles on your path to the door leading into the hall of bustling teens eager to claim their few hours of freedom before dinner and bed. Each turn he took in the surroundings, slightly envious of your having children around you through the day, as most Elves had been since your arrival, at least until they had begun fostering themselves.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Through one final archway you exited into an open stretch of green leading to the great lake crossing the path. You smiled up at Idris and Fawkes on his evening flight while Norberta and Opal exited the same archway to make her trip to Hagrid’s hut for her appearance as the subject for his later lesson with the older students that were to help gather her latest measurements and help with her feeding. On your right he said, “It is comforting to see your people so at peace in these lands, and that the barriers are so good at keeping the winds in check.”You let out a weak giggle, “We had to put windmills around our borders to help with that. They gather energy and fuel some of our buildings, mainly our hospital. It actually is quite useful, though we do have to find a use for the three hour mists that linger in the mornings since the snows stopped. Though a few of our creatures do enjoy the moisture, as do a few of our plants.”Smiling down at you he shifted closer to your side, “That is good to hear.”“We’ll just have to see how winter is here, that will be the test, but we’ll manage it.”“I am certain you will.”Looking forward again you spotted your doorway popping up with Fred and George surrounded by the Elf King, twins and Prince while Ginny popped out behind them asking, “Jaqi, can borrow your mood ring?”With a nod you slipped it off your hand and passed it to her and said, “Of course.”She flashed you a quick grin, “Hard to word how it works. I’ll have it back to you at dinner.”You watched the sighing teen glance over Elrond’s Sons peered around curiously taking in the surroundings. Off to your left the Whomping Willow drew the eye of the Elf Twins as you said, “Our Willow. If you need it, there’s a knot on the stump that immobilizes it, though I doubt it’ll let you get that close. Please try not to get injured, I doubt your Father would forgive me for that.”They nodded and Elladan stated, “We will learn what is angering your Willow.”“Just try not to get too close or it’ll think you’re going for the tunnel it’s protecting.”Ellohrir, “Tunnel?”You nodded, “It leads to the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade. The small town not far from here.”Elladan nodded and led the way, “We will get to the bottom of this.”You smirked again as Fred and George shook their heads, through the doors behind him Ginny passed through mumbling, “I’ll make sure they don’t die. Mum keeps trying to teach me to knit. Was going to show this to-, though it can wait, they can’t go alone.”In her trot after the pair pocketing your ring she seemed to grin at their shared comments while Fred said, “She’s not on the couch as much.”George, “Mum keeps trying to get her to move.”Fred, “Insisting on hobbies. Don’t know how you managed it.”George, “Even took a tour of Lothlorien the other day just to get away from gardening lessons.”Fred let out a laugh as you started walking to the lake, “Ended up getting pulled into a tour of the gardens by one of their border protectors.”Thranduil peered at you curiously asking, “Has she been unwell?”You met his eye, “She was in a relationship with my Cousin Harry. She thought she might have been pregnant when we fell here.”His lips parted as Legolas and Glorfindel both peered at you as well through George saying, “Been a rough time, but she’s so young, plenty of time for families still.”Fred, “Besides, when she settles again Dad’s certain she’ll have plenty of offers.”George, “Even that border guard, keeps making trips past the portal into our main courtyard on weekends to peer over our fence.”You let out a giggle, “Either that or he’s wondering how the house stays up.”Fred chuckled too, adding, “Or how we get our hogs so large.”George, “Or why Percy insists on practicing his singing in the front yard.”You giggled again, “That would gain a great deal of stares.”Glorfindel, “Which border guard?”George, “Um, it starts with an H, only heard it through the walls.”Fred, “Halmir?”In a giggle you replied, “Haldir.”Legolas looked at him, “Ah, yes, his eldest Son, Halmir sailed centuries past with his Wife.”Thranduil, “March Warden in Lothlorien, a respectable position for any of your kin, should you be considering it.”Fred, “Either way it’s Ginny’s choice.”George laughed, “Pity the lad trying to force a match with her.”Fred, “She seemed to absorb our tempers growing up.”You giggled as well, “And every bit of rebellion too. Great deal of patience would be called for.”Glorfindel’s hand shifted in yours as he stated, “For our Ones you would not find a greater source of patience. Our kin have been known to wait ages for a single glimpse. Though should he believe her to be his, her Father would be informed first, before any steps are taken to approach her.”George smirked, “Good thing Dale’s plans are finalized then, it’ll give the poor lad a chance to find Dad. The meeting points of the new Council keep getting moved.”Unable to hold his tongue on the subject any more after another glance at you Thranduil stated, “I understand you discovered some returned Elves earlier, Jaqi.”You nodded, “They don’t like me very much at first glance apparently. Part of Elrond’s family.”Thranduil nodded, “What they had said about you, it will not happen again. I am certain Elrond will set them straight on your trustworthiness.”You smiled at him, “Thank you, but it will take a lot more than someone doubting my character to hurt my feelings. And I’ve been called far worse than creature.”Beneath the tree beside the lake you paused seeing a group of curious students watching as Fred and George drew in a breath pulling out a large jar each from their bags, they claimed a swirl of Gillyweed and slid it into their mouths chewing it before offering some to the trio of Elves inspecting the strange plants. “Gillyweed, it’ll give you an hour roughly of being able to breathe freely under water.” You reached down to untie your raised left heel you slid off and set aside before removing the other.Fred slicked his tongue over his teeth holding back his shudder at the taste after swallowing, “It’s not the most pleasant, but it’s a lot better than bubble charms.”The trio struggled the food down then eyed your hands unbuttoning your blouse as the twins toed out of their shoes and pulled off their socks before pulling their shirts off over their heads to add to your pile of shoes. The trio pulled off their shirts and boots as well and set them near yours.In a glance up Thranduil and Glorfindel both swallowed dryly as your blouse was slid free from your shoulders to drop to your hands behind your back and to flutter down to the pile. A simple tug of your waistband on your unzipped jeans brought the black pair of panties matching your bra to their attention making their breath catch in their throats.While Legolas eyed the tattoo for your Father and other scattered smaller tattoos matching those across your sides matching the twins for their animangus as Phoenix and dark marks across your hidden muscles, especially those in your toned legs when your hands smoothed your legs free from your black jeans you added to the pile. Hungrily their eyes scanned over your hidden dips and curves as you looked over the trio and passed them hair ties through their first dry near gag at the plant working their bodies into forming gills.After tying back their hair they followed you to the water’s edge. You clipped your wand sheath onto a band you eased onto your wrist then tied up your hair in your backwards walk into the water saying, “The shift is uncomfortable, but after you will be able to see and breathe under water perfectly, and you’re hands and feet will grow fins as well.”Legolas, “Fins?”You nodded and Fred added, “No worries though, goes away after the hours up.” His eyes scanned over the Prince’s as he stole a glance over their similar groupings of freckles through securing their fanny packs around their waists.In your own inspection of the King and Lord staring at you, it took all you had not to blush and keep your hair from changing color at your clear attraction to the broad muscular pair still trying to focus on you and not their discomfort at the shift. Slowly they eased into the water after you trying not to reveal their own attraction to you that quickened their pace in hopes of sinking into the water before and twinges below the waist were to reveal their hormonal urges to reach out for you even here in plain sight to strip you of what you had left. The addition of your own fanny pack George offered you drew their eyes to the dimples across your lower back when you turned again to lower and swim out into deeper water with the Twins.Sinking into the water Legolas asked, “You have not eaten your plant yet Naneth.”His eyes sank to his hands seeing the webbing latching between them stirring a weak smile, lower and lower they sunk into the water as you replied, “I don’t need any.” Trying to hide your puzzled racing thoughts at the now clear meaning of his nickname, peering over to Thranduil you asked, “How many languages do you know?”Wetting his lips he replied, “Valinorian, Doriathian, Silvan, Quenya, Rohirric and Gondorian. I do understand small common phrases of Khuzdul as well, why?”“How many can you read and write?”“All but Valinorian and Khuzdul past a few common runes, again, why? Have you uncovered a text you need translating?”“I’m trying to learn the languages of your world, would you teach me?”He nodded, “I would be glad to. And any language you wish to share I would be grateful to master.”After a set of confirming checks on each other’s gills the twins started the groups sinking under the surface. All eyes fell to you as they claimed their surprising first breaths. You sank into the water and your softly glowing skin seemed to shimmer across your legs that pressed together and grew longer making their lips part. In a manner of seconds your legs were swapped with a long deep silvery blue tail as your hands grew a set of fins as well in your turn to join the twins on the path deeper into the lake. Breaking through their shock at your change the trio swam after you taking in the darkening surroundings and swaying seaweed in the distance.Not long past the swaying forest you sank into singing became audible and you glanced back at the curious blondes saying, “Nearly there now.”Through parted lips they each tested their voices under water making you giggle and face forward again eyeing the small squids swimming out through the seaweed to swim around your stomach and back before latching onto your arms for a rest to eye the men around you before letting go to circle the source of their interest.Crossing a crumbling courtyard outside a patch of coral you eyed the curious fish exiting their homes to peer up at you before you passed their borders and followed the stone formed path to a giant glimmering city. Outside their borders you spotted a pair of mermaids waiting to guide you to the pearl patch near a massive crevice in which the giant squid dwelled surrounded by singing mermen carrying baskets of food offerings to leave by the crevice.The rocky sand coated grounds between patches of seaweed and various underwater plants mermaids were pruning you eyed the patch of oysters and clams rising from the sand to spit their pearls into the water above. Sinking above them your hands extended to claim a couple pearls you passed to the trio eyeing the swirling lights inside making them nearly gasp at the apparent galaxies trapped inside.When they looked again the saw the jar you drew from your bag as the twins moved to two other patches to collect the other types of pearls, one that changes color based on the position of sun and moon and the other that each let out a soft hum of its own. The free mermaids and mermen aided you on collecting the pesky jewels they had no use for and struggled to contain in their borders as they kept growing to longer they remained in the water until they split releasing murky liquids killing all plants around them when reaching the size of a large cow..With full jars you turned and swam for the surface again to dry off and get dressed again as the giant squid rose from the seemingly endless crevice he called home to sample from his offerings eyeing your group curiously with a softening expression at you and the twins he recognized from your years of friendship.Shaking your feet in your walk to the shore your feet changed back to normal and the water left your body. In your turn to Legolas a wave of your hand left him dry again as he pulled his hair free from the hair tie. Fred helped Thranduil dry as you turned nearly crashing into Glorfindel’s chest in his move to your side. The few inches between you brought the white scars stemming from his ribs over his chest to your attention, in a reach out your fingers eased along the longest nearly making him shiver at the contact. In their being dried the twins headed off to the Chamber office to add the pearls to the rest of your supplies.Glorfindel, “An ambush by Goblins in the second age. The scars have lessened greatly in time. My others have healed.” You nodded as his hand covered yours and raised it to kiss your knuckles then released it to allow you to dress again unwilling to claim more while in such a public state of undress..Fully dressed you peered up at Thranduil in his approach to your free side only to glance at the water when another body crashed from nothingness to the surface earning cheers from students across the pond repeating, “Belly flop!”You let out a giggle then approached the waters edge as the raven haired man approached the edge. Fleeing from the large tentacle pushing him to the edge, on land he panted and turned to you then flinched away as you asked, “Elrond?”The familiar face on the tall Elf now forming a deep scowl at you made you glance at Thranduil to ask, “Is it my hair? What could I possibly be doing?”The step closer to you with hands rising made Glorfindel drop his boots to rush over tackling the Elf into the water again in his attempt at choking you while Thranduil moved to guide you towards the tree. The pair struggled in the water shouting in broken Doriathian between traded blows and bouts of pinning the other down while Legolas blocked you from sight. Thranduil watched the pair as Glorfindel tried and failed to talk him down from his rage, and assured you softly, “You have done nothing to earn an attack.”The air above the lake flashed with lights again as two more bodies fell with piercing cries, not adults this time however, but two young boys. With a soft gasp you raced around Legolas and dove into the water beside the frozen pair standing to watch your body morph and speed deeper into the water. Down you dove to the sinking pair then rose again for the Elves to see you surface with both boys in your arms for the swim back to the edge. Coughs were soon followed by more frightened cries before a woman fell next into the swelling water as the eye of the giant squid peered up at the swirling cloud of lights in the sky reflected in his eyes that simply vanished.On the shore your eyes turned to Elrond’s doppelganger as he shouted, “Unhand those Children Melkor!”Softly you repeated the name then glanced at Thranduil, who stepped between you in his attempt at a step to you as Legolas helped the floundering Elleth to the edge. In a stern tone Thranduil shouted back, “You will not speak to Lady Black in that manner Lord Elros!”Softly you repeated his name to yourself as you peered down at the apparent toddlers latching onto your shirt trying to burrow closer to your chest in fear of the shouting stranger as Elros cried back, “When did you fall to this madness! My Father’s told me the signs! Those are the eyes of Melkor! She doesn’t even try to mask them you fool!”Glorfindel, “You are mistaken! I have faced Melkor in battle, she is not Melkor!”Elros scoffed, “Fools the lot of you! My Brother will see through this charade!”His hand rushed through the pair’s shoulders in a reach for the boys only to go falling to his side after your hand rose to wrap around his wrist. His eyes flashed silver in your mind meeting his, sharing who you were and your fall here.In a blink when you let him go his eyes flashed back again then settled on you as you folded your arms around the boys again in their whimpering states. Legolas guided the woman closer to you watching as you said, “I have no idea who this Melkor is, but hopefully that is proof enough I mean you no harm. If you would not mind, the boys are terrified and your shouting is not helping.” In a glance to the woman you watched her gasp softly and throw herself into Glorfindel’s chest calling his name, in a step back he helped her upright and bowed his head, “Lady Aredhel,” his head turned to you as his hand extended saying, “This is my, well, our One, Jaqiearae Black.”She looked to you with a soft smile bowing her head, then to Thranduil with a puzzled expression trying to decipher where she knew him from, “And you are?”
“Thranduil Oropherion, King of the Great Greenwood.”
Her lips parted fro a gasp as she stated, “Oropher! Your Ada’s shop was my Ada’s favored stop in the markets.” Her smile grew as he nodded before she peered at Legolas through his introduction ending with him ushering her from the edge.Over to you Elladan and Ellohrir raced with Ginny behind them open mouthed looking at their uncle, the pair approached him stating, “Uncle Elros..”Elros’ eyes scanned over the pair and he asked, “Uncle?”With a grin they extended their hands and began to guide him back to Rivendell, “Come, see Ada.”In their passing through the doorway with Aredhel following curiously behind them you muttered, “Ada..” The word made Thranduil turn looking you over, only to have his lips part recognizing the pair in your arms.Ginny gave you a grin and said, “They nearly got crushed, five times. I think I’ll head out now, let you calm them down.”You nodded and your closed then reopened doorway let her through and vanished after her freeing your gaze to drop to the boys when Thranduil stepped closer. His head tilted slightly with a hint of a grin on his face, “Princes Elured, Elurin,” their soft whimpering curl against your chest paused to glimpse out at the King stepping closer, “Do you remember me? My name is Thranduil. Your Naneth used to bring you into my Parents’ shop.”“We can’t take them to Rivendell. Those Lords, they-,”You shook your head and Glorfindel moved closer resting his hand on your upper back, “We understand perfectly.”Thranduil looked to the boys stating, “Princes, we will show you to my Kingdom and get you something to eat. I swear you will be safe there. No one will dare harm you, not with Lady Black’s barriers protecting it.”Their eyes rose to you and you said, “No one breaks my barriers.”In a matching set of nods the bright eyed pair looked to the doorway Thranduil led you all through the doorway you summoned mentally sending word ahead to have a meal prepared..Onto a large cushioned backed stool you set the boys and glanced across at Thranduil mid conversation with a pair of servants instructing them to ready Glorfindel’s apartment. Beside you Glorfindel slid it your high backed stool with an easy grin stating, “Do not worry. I will be their guardian. We will not allow the Princes to want for any joy in these lands.”Curious glances from the servants around you fell on the boys as they eyed the food set in front of them then you again. Your soft smile eased their worries as you stated, “Eat what you like.”In timid Doriathian the one farthest from you asked, “Are you our Mother now?”With the parting of your lips Glorfindel stated through a grin, “I am going to be your guardian now.” In their deflating exhales and reach for a slice of fruit their eyes shifted back to him when he said, “Lady Black will be charging my care of you of course.” Those words seemed to be a calming force in them while Thranduil came to join you at the table across from you. Legolas had seemed to vanish only to pop through the archways from Rivendell with Estel on his hip and Em on the other making your lips part again.“How did you get in Rivendell?”Legolas answered for her while she chewed on a slice of an orange from the bag in her other hand, “Regulus arrived and Lindir sent word to me that an emergency came up in the Ministry. Something about a chimney requiring, Molly, as well.”“Ah,” In his lowering the pair onto the backed stool beside Thranduil the Prince sat beside Estel unable to keep from grinning at his greatly expanded family before you looked to the boys. “Could you tell me your names? Or which of you belongs to which name?”They eyed Glorfindel and the twins as he replied, “I am Elurin.”His Brother added, “I am Elured.”You smiled at the boys after naming their relatives, “Well boys, you have your Nephew, Elrond, his twin Elros, and his Nephews Elladan and Ellohrir, they were at the lake. Their Parents and Sister are in Rivendell as well, so you have family to visit you.”Their eyes sank to the table sadly making your brows furrow curiously as they continued reaching for the small tea sandwiches set before them as cheery voices of fostering Elves on an evening stroll drew closer.At a sharp zapping sound at the archway your head turned at Thranduil’s stiffening up making you say, “That is what happens when someone you won’t allow through tries to use the archway. Same as the border. They should be conscious in ten minutes.”Legolas, “Does it hurt?”Your curt giggle shared all they needed to know, “Hurt doesn’t come close.”Tentatively Elrond stepped through the arch and let out a breath of relief upon being allowed through your barrier and made his way to the table. His eyes scanned over the group and he stated with a hint of a grin on his face, “I have come to thank you for delivering my brother back to Rivendell along with Lady Aredhel. Both are elated to see their families again. Also, I wished to pay my respects to my uncles,” his head bowed to the pair who looked him over curiously then looked to you seeing your comfort around him, “Thank you, for finding them and protecting them. We have been pained with their loss at so young for ages. I do understand why they were brought here over Rivendell.”His mind reaching out to Glorfindel asking while he poured juice out for the Princes, “Glorfindel, would you claim them?”The blonde peered up at him and nodded, “Of course. I would not imagine to leave the task solely to Lady Black worsening her daily tasks by adding two more children to her load.”“I didn’t mean to cross any boundaries,”His head shook and he stated, “I wished to state that I support your decision to protect the Princes. To ensure their safety under your watch Glorfindel would care for them in Greenwood to ensure their comfort. I am certain Thranduil would not mind having two young Princes in his halls.” His eyes shifted to Glorfindel, “For having taken guardianship I will see to it you are removed from our patrols.”“You’re firing him?”Glorfindel’s hand settled on your arm luring your eyes to him, “Not at all. Thank you Dearest, for being concerned of my being cast out. I have fostered youth before, I will ensure their safety, I give you my word. Merely accommodating my move to Greenwood. Please do not be concerned. Either way, I must pack.” You nodded and he leaned in to press a chaste kiss to your cheek and stood, “And gather Lipte who always enjoys these pastures in our previous stays.” In his move around you his fingers trailed off your arm and brushed through your hair in his crossings the garden to the arches.Elrond again had your attention in asking Thranduil, “If I may, the barrier?”Thranduil, “I have merely barred Lords Maglor and Maedhros from these lands in my own defense for the Princes. The rest of your kin are welcome of course.” Earning an understanding and grateful nod from the Lord.“Which one touched the barrier?”Elrond looked to you stating, “Maedhros.”With a nod you asked, “Is he the dumber of the two?” His brow inched up and you said, “He should wake up in a few minutes, the second time he will be unconscious longer. Each time will grow more powerful until the seventh, which will kill him.” Elrond nodded and you said, “It’s an old spell, Dragons count by sevens, you get just shy of one batch to be forgiven and walk away.”Elrond couldn’t help but chuckle to himself then look to Thranduil asking, “Also, this might be a bit sudden. However, I believed the Princes might wish for some company through the days.”Thranduil taking his meaning nodded in return, “Of course we would love to house Estel as well.” You looked between them and Elrond stated, “Lindir has already begun packing his transferable belongings, I know you have a guest room for him already, simplifying matters greatly. It is best to have the little ones with ample company to occupy them.”Shifting on his feet he strode around the table to take Glorfindel’s seat still seeing the confusion and worry in your eyes and rested his hand on your wringing jumble of fingers on your lap to say kindly, “Miss Black, we share a childhood experience the four of us. Please do trust that even though I have grown to have a fondness for the men who took pity and refused to slay me in taking Doriath I do not question your decision. In fact I would have suggested it myself to Thranduil had you not. They were much younger than Elros and I, nearer to your age when you faced it.Much like your kin we must be better for our little ones. I trust your heart on this and Glorfindel will see to their every need, while also being amply welcome in Rivendell. It is merely a shift in living quarters and his will remain his in Rivendell if ever he requires a rest. Now, I must get back, Lindir tends to become flustered when packing worrying he has not gathered enough for any occasion.” He stood and walked to the archway, “As if we have no doorway to travel now easing fetching things.” Nodding his head one last time to his uncles in his passing them, “It is a pleasure to meet you finally. When you do feel comfortable you are always welcome in my lands as well.”More food arrived and the screech of an owl raised the King’s eyes to the bird flying through your archway. Curiously his eyes shifted to you asking, “You wrote to me?”Shaking your head you said, “That’s Hedwig, must be from Hermione. She got her after we lost Harry.”In a reach up he accepted the letter and the boys glanced up at Hedwig in her land on the table inching closer to the tray of deli meat. With a smile Estel pulled off a slice the bird tore apart to eat making the children giggle at her content noises and move to inspect the rest of the spread. Opening the letter he stated, “I have been invited to the introductory dinner between the Grangers and Durins.”“Huh,” you stated to yourself and his eyes rose from the page back to you in your soft thanks to the Elleth pouring your tea making the boys begin to thank those bringing more food and drinks for them.Thranduil, “It is common to invite another third party to buffer the evening.”Legolas stated with a grin, “Ada, I believe a run might aid Miss Black’s relaxing before the dinner.”In a glance between the two from you Thranduil stated with a hint of a grin, “Yes, I believe it would.” Up onto his feet he stood after giving Em’s back a gentle pat saying, “We will be back in a little while, Em.”Legolas caught your eye giving you a quick grin, “Glorfindel should be back shortly. Have fun.”Thranduil extended his hand when he reached your side and gave you a gentle grin when you settled your hand in his and rose to your feet at the Princes wishing you a fun run. Their eyes turned back to Estel in sharing the rules of tag while Em reached up to touch Legolas’ hand resting on the back of the stool drawing his attention to her in her inspection of the embroidery on his sleeve making his grin deepen. The tiny girl such an impressive double of your own curious nature he would be pleased greatly to call his baby sister among three new adopted baby brothers.Eating would soon lead to tag spreading the number of guards come to aid in minding all four little ones from wandering off or gaining injuries. Though the timid nature of the twins soon turned the game to shift to a move to Estel’s play room for his blocks to build something to keep the twins from worrying on getting dirty or disheveled in your absence.
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Off to the side you watched Thranduil dressing Tuo and asked, “Any plans on that second palace of yours?” That made his ear twitch and you added, “No worries I’m not trying to take it from you, just curious. You could do the whole winter and summer palace thing like a few of our royals families did back in our old world.”That made him smirk in securing the final buckle on the saddle, when he folded the leather flap down over it and adjusted how the stirrup was laying against Tuo’s side he stated, “We are not certain yet. To be honest, we are stuck on how to patrol both borders, not that we do not trust your barriers, merely, we lack the numbers to patrol them properly and lack supply routes to encourage the need to pass through the Southern Greenwood just yet.”In a giggle while he added the bridle and glanced back at you when you said, “Ah, so you merely intend to wait for another generation then?”Weakly he chuckled to keep himself calm and from his mind wandering to having even more children to add to your now staggering brood of five children combined. “It would seem so.”Turned around his hand extended claiming yours to guide you to the saddle he lifted you up onto then climbed up on afterwards. “Where to this time?”Next to your ear he hummed in his fight to keep from stealing a peck on your cheek, “I will show you the fire falls.” A sudden turn and start of Tuo brought his arm around your middle when your hand had gripped his leg just above his knee. Barely ten minutes was what it took then he left his wrap on the saddle along with his outer robe he somehow had taken off without your noticing leaving him in a white tunic. His hand was offered for yours and right to the edge of a cliff he crouched guiding you into his back stating, “Hold on tight. Won’t take long.”Up and up above the trees he climbed while you held on trying to be as little an inconvenience until you reached the top coated in a pink and golden mist. “Right in time.” He said climbing to his feet keeping you on his back to trot over to the raised point dipped in the middle he set you on releasing your hold then hopped up beside you nipping at his lip. Folding his hands together on his lap to keep from forcing contact with you after having done so to get you up to this sight.Off over the canopy you watched, not hearing or seeing the rushing water of the assumed fire falls until in a burst of golden light the sun was setting igniting the mist rolling over the canopy parting your lips. A soft gasp escaped you and in a shift on the rocky seat your fingers landed on his thigh deepening his smirk in the accidental contact spreading in a slide of your hand almost fully across it while the lighted mist spread. Down rippling over each leaf and branch in a cascade right into the center of a ring of trees in the distance you watched it bend and twirl then crash back up into a finer mist glimmering under the light of the first stars popping into the sky.Lowly he hummed, “We should head back.”“Hmm?”“The dinner.”“Ah, right.”A pleasantly quiet ride back ended with your being let down off the saddle. Barely moments after Tuo was undressed he went to try and sneak a peak at the new children in the kingdom. Breaking the silence you peered up at Thranduil saying, “I feel bad. The boys-,”The King’s hand folded around yours as he stated, “Please do not be concerned. We will care for the boys. You have made a wise choice for the pair, keeping them apart from the men that broke their family apart. Elrond understands that, the Feanoreans will as well in time.” You nodded, “Trust-,”The sudden pop of Neville by your side had him handing Teddy over stating to the King while Luna passed you Fin asleep in the sling she carefully draped around you, “Kerfuffle,” Off they popped again and the King looked you over.“Kerfuffle?” He repeated easing Teddy higher on his chest smoothing his hand across his back feeling the boy touching the buttons going down his chest.“It, um,” your head tilted a moment, “Hard to explain. It’s this tiny smoky creature that can set off these shrieking chains in portraits.” Making the King’s brows furrow, “Ok, the flue system is a magical linking of fireplaces. So you could walk into one name the destination you want and it will spit you out at the nearest fireplace to that location. In moving into hiding the system had to be broken, in rebuilding it Kerfuffles happen. They are easily removed, but, they tend to set off toddlers in their zapping away.”“How long does it usually take to secure the, system?”“Um, hard to say, took five centuries to get it right the last time and it held for two more. But Kerfuffles are a great sign.”“How?”“Well we pissed something off, shows the fireplaces are open to be linked again. Just have to finesse them back to working.”In shift of your gaze to adjust Fin at a grunt from him it rose again to land on the surprisingly cheerful King on your right still cradling Teddy in his arms with low chuckles at each giddy bounce and babble from the boy. Stunned you stood staring at the King until he finally glanced up holding his smile asking, “Something wrong?” His eyes darted across your puzzled expression.“You’re smiling.”In a dart back up to yours his eyes twitched narrower for a moment in confusion, “Why would I not smile? I am happy.”With an amused smirk you replied, “Hard to imagine you being anything but irritated in my presence. Though I imagine it has something to do with the toddler on your chest and nothing to do with his sitter.”His brow twitched up then dropped at Teddy’s hand tapping his chin making him lean in to kiss his extended palm. His eyes locked with yours again, “I have yet to be irritated in your presence.”“Hmm.”Your eyes shifted and you raised your hand to brush a strip of your bangs behind your ear, “I have not-, we may have not seen eye to eye but I was never irritated with you.”“Hmm.”His smile dimmed and his sterner expression slipped out again in a tilt of his chin, “I have always been pleased with your company, seek it out-.” His eyes lowered to Teddy at his hair turning a deep chestnut as his eyes welled up with tears through a soft whimper making the King’s lips part.In a step over his arms lowered in your reach for Teddy. The small boy eased into your hands and soon curled against your chest beside Fin as you smoothed one hand through his hair and the other across his back and under his legs, “We’re safe now.” Against your neck he whimpered and nuzzled his head against your neck for a few moments until your repetitions of what you had said brought him to peek up at you curiously to see your bright pink hair. With a gentle peck on is nose he let out a giggle. You wiped his cheeks smiling at him before his eyes turned to see a curious Elk that came over to try and cheer the boy up.Thranduil looked you over, “I did not intend-…”You chuckled weakly, “Our little ones remember the attacks as well as we do. Mainly our reactions. Try not to change your expression to a frown so quickly. It took weeks for Dwalin to get that right with Lulu.”“My expression-.” He nodded, “Of course.” In a lean closer he smiled stroking Teddy’s cheek with his curved finger with a soft smile, “I did not intend to frighten you.” His eyes turned to you to say in claiming the boy again, “Why would you assume I was irritated with you?”“For one, the whole stoic emotionless resting face all Elves seem to be adept at makes it difficult to read the meanings behind your actions and words.”“I speak plainly.”You nodded and let out a giggle claiming a stroke of the Elk’s neck while Teddy patted his hands down her snout, lowering your hand you responded to his raised brow through his held soft expression, “Except when it comes to bartering and contracts it seems. Unless you’ve forgotten your excuses to keep the Southern Greenwood for yourself.”“I made no-, those were valid points, and you went and took up those hilly lands that next winter will no doubt ruin your crops and leave you helpless and without travel should it be as harsh as other years.”Your smirk deepened, “You truly underestimate our resourcefulness.” In a scanning of your eyes over his face you stated, “You should smile more. All Elves should. War’s over, be happy damnit.”“Our people have traditions. Longstanding behaviors that are difficult to release, though for you I will try to make an exception.”With another giggle you replied, “No need to force yourself on my account.”“Of everyone in these lands you have the greatest claim for me to do so.”You raised a brow, “Oh? Because I terrify you so?” You asked with another giggle.His eyes met yours through the appearance of a glowing orb of light in is soft pulse passing you the final reminder for the dinner in barely an hour, “You are terrifying yes. But not for the reason you are assuming. For the years I’ve had dreams of my One I never assumed after sharing my dreams with the other Elf Lords, to find myself in your company.”After a momentary pause you asked, “I’m sorry, my company?”He nodded, “Lord Glorfindel and I were stunned to realize we shared a One. Our dreams were quite different of our first meetings. Mine with you staring in wonder in my kingdom, the likes of which I had never seen until its creation in the end of the second age. At once, even after the wars, I knew I was where I was meant to be upon its completion.Glorfindel’s was a bit different. You were embracing another, your Father as it turns out. An impressive discovery when he first arrived. At once he knew to learn all he could from the new arrivals and befriend your Father especially. A great leverage over me it seems, to have such a kinship with him already. In that aspect I am behind, but he will see, past all of that and the instant shows of affection we share a deeper bond already.”Carefully he claimed your hand while Lipte was seen approaching you to have his saddle and things unstrapped off his back and added to his new stall. In the moment of privacy he shifted closer with his eyes locked on yours making you assume that he would be trying to claim a kiss only to remain in the silent adoring gaze spreading a mild blush across your cheeks rippling your hair to mint that Teddy copied with a giggle.A couple minutes later Glorfindel exited the stable and approached you seeing Thranduil’s thumb stroke across the back of your hand drawing your eyes back to him. Assuring Teddy and Fin would not be moved in his raising your hand to his lips to kiss your knuckles. A gentle cradling caress of your hand later you were shifting your weight on your feet after he shifted closer to you saying, “I shall get changed for dinner and be along shortly.”Glorfindel smiled seeing the both of you in our private moment, slightly curious at the addition of the two extra children. He cast a smile at Teddy, whom Thranduil passed over to Glorfindel and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his head earning a giggle from the boy. Another smile at you was stolen then he turned and walked towards the palace leaving you to stare open mouthed at the King’s soon unseen figure through the ring of trees.A turn of your head brought Glorfindel into view in search of the King to request leave from her duties tonight after being asked along as well. After a glance over your puzzled expression he asked, “Miss Black, are you unwell?”In a low mumble you shifted Fin again at his leg fidgeting making him slide lower across your chest reassuring yourself, “Must be imagining things.”Against Glorfindel’s cheek Teddy’s hand tapped gaining a kiss on it from the now smiling Lord who asked, “Enjoy your run?”“Yes.” Wetting your lips you looked him over and asked, “Can I ask you something? Possibly that might make you uncomfortable?”Weakly he chuckled stepping closer to you, “Ask me anything, I will not be uncomfortable.”Softly you sighed and said, “Thranduil said something,” his brief nod urging you to continue, “he said the both of you were my One.” Again he nodded, “And I know Dwalin had said his Mother has two Ones and married the both of them. Dwarves all day that it’s common for them but I’ve only seen Elves in singular couples,” a creeping grin on his face at your anxious rambling had your voice fading as you mumbled, “And you’re laughing at me,”He shook his head, “I am not.” Stepping closer he raised his free hand to brush along your cheek, “Dearest, these days so many couples have lost a One or live in separate Kingdoms for their ranks and roles there with one or all shifting between, now greatly easing commute due to your archways. Please, I am not laughing at you. And I am truly sorry that you might have taken the impression that our courtships might become troublesome.”“I, just, I think he was trying to possibly kiss me, and I don’t want to hurt you or your friendship.”Leaning in his lips met yours in hopes to calm the worry in your eyes and against your lips he murmured in a slow pull back. “No matter what we are devoted to you. If you wish to court us both and you assume to need my blessing, you have it. He is my oldest friend and we would both be grateful to have been chosen to be yours. And that is by no means saying that if you choose not to court him, or myself, that we would ever abandon our wish to be in your life.”Another glowing orb popped up and you said in a sigh, “I have to head home for the dinner.”“I shall assist you in transporting the little ones.” A couple feet later he asked with a smirk, “How did we end up with so many little ones?”A giggle was his only response making him chuckle in return and smile wider upon seeing the group of children when you had found them in Estel’s play room. “Jellybean, we gotta go home,” your hand extended and her head turned along with the boys.Your eyes turned to the Princes as they asked where your room was, “I don’t live here, I have my own home not far from here.”To which Glorfindel added, “Yes, we have not settled living arrangements. Or gotten quite far in our courtship just yet. That will be settled later on.” His eyes fell to the boys he crouched in front of, “But I promise you, you are safe here. We will take good care of you under Lady Jaqi’s watchful eye. Alright?” They both nodded and smiled up at you and the little hand revealed in a slumbering reach from Fin across your chest into your hair.Em popped up and trotted over to you asking, “Can we watch Little Mermaid? They’ve never seen it.”For a moment you looked over the children and Glorfindel said lowly to you, “Perhaps it might be easier to allow them all to keep playing in your home while you eat. I will assist Legolas in monitoring the little ones.”“Alright. Just no complaints if they can’t get the songs out of their heads.”Their smiles grew and they hurried over with Elured asking, “Are those more of our siblings?”In introducing the new children as their uncle and cousin their grins doubled in your summoning a stroller for the four to sit in for the walk through Pumpernickle to your home. The contraption spreading their smiles and Legolas’ at the new found ease of transporting so many youths his kin would love to utilize in the future when more little ones followed, hopefully starting with his family..Through your front door the boys inspected all there was to see, now the twins lifted by Legolas and Estel by Glori while you claimed Em and led the way. Each portrait was gawked at and all the way to the theater in the scattered sightings of your relatives heading to get changed or fix something for the company. Warmly the room welcomed the children as curiously behind you Luna strolled in with a grin along with Katie and Angelina. Somehow in the mix it was just you, Neville, the Malfoy’s and the Grangers to face up against the Durins while everyone else had to work or were to hide and keep any more Kerfuffles out of the way.Into the theater Ginny strode and said, “See, told you we wouldn’t be alone.” Her eyes turned to you, “What are we watching?”Em called out, “Little Mermaid!”Ginny, “Ooh, good choice.” She said guiding Haldir into one of the rows of lounging couches. Up onto the front one Em led the boys and while Legolas and Glori claimed their seats your father showed up grinning with snacks in hand he floated into the room to gladly take Fin again with a warm peck on your cheek. “Thank you Pumpkin. Have a lovely night.”“Who doesn’t love a good interrogation to welcome you into the family?” Making him chuckle in your move to select the enchanted reel that loaded itself into the projector and kicked on as you dimmed the lights. A subtle finger wave from you to Glori in his glance at you in your exit stirred his grin back easing his turn to face the screen with wonder at what the Little Mermaid was..Clutching the wooden hanger from your closet you raised the pale green dress to your neck and glanced at the mirror in your closet. You nodded and stripped, lowering the dress to climb into it. Easily it slid on after you’d removed your clothes to toss it into your hamper. A flick of a finger made the zipper down your back ease up to the base of your neck. The three quarter sleeves were of the pale green material matching the rest of the flowing cotton dress with a spiraled vine shaped cutout around the zipper just under your shoulder blades where your Father’s mark was.The simple dress settled around you and over your thighs as you eased into your nude wedges after pulling your hair into a tall ponytail then moved to the door mumbling, “Ok, off to get interrogated again. Hopefully, this Elf King will explain just what bond he assumes we have.”Anxiously Hermione exited her room still adjusting the buttons down the front of her powder blue dress, holding her heels in her hand as she asked, “Is this acceptable? Mum said it would be. Dad just gave his usual nodding shrug.”You chuckled saying, “It’s lovely.” While Remus added, “If they don’t love you instantly there’s something wrong with them.” Making her smile in your pause at the base of the stairs for her to add her heels through Remus’ heading off to hear about ideas to give the system another try the following day. While off to the side her Parents stood adjusting their outer cardigans in front of the portrait of the goats tugging a set of turtle shaped kites into the nearby portrait of a knight in full armor that struggled to remain untangled in their loops around him.With a dart of your tongue you wet your lips then giggled at Fred and George popping up around you in pale green button down shirts and black slacks with dark grey pinstriped vests in golden thread both smirking at Hermione saying, “Perfect to the T. Mum thought it best we sit in to show some support as well.” In a shift of their eyes they glanced at you with smirks saying, “A certain blonde is waiting for you in the study.”With a sigh you joined them, spotting the Elf King’s back at once staring up at your favorite portrait of a flock of penguins chasing a butterfly, under your breath you asked, “What exactly did he say?”George grinned switching to latin, “Asked for approval of his robes.”Fred chuckled continuing the language switch, “Don’t know what you did,”George smirked eyeing the King’s ear twitch at not being able to listen in, “But he’s hooked on you.”You rolled your eyes, whispering, “He said something.” They peered at you curiously, “Said he and Glori had these dreams about me.”Fred, “Like the ones Fili said he had about Mi?”You nodded, “Somehow they’re both just fine with it and have planned seeing me already. The King said Glori deliberately got close to Dad and the King’s got some deeper bond with me already.”Chuckles sounded around you before Fred said, “Ah, well it was bound to happen.”George nodded, “Jealous rivals. He’ll relax.”Both, “They are a bit tricky to grasp. Probably just needs time to woo you.” With a nudge closer to him they both winked at you, “Go be wooed.”You rolled your eyes and switched back to English to say to the King, “The purple robe is a nice touch.” He turned looking you over with an approving softening expression as you eyed the flowers woven into his crown, “Do you always wear flowers in your crown?”“In the Spring and Summer. Berries for Winter and fallen leaves for the Fall.” The struggle in him grew as he took in your simple yet elegant outfit hugging you just right, his main thought being your place just a foot away, close enough to reach out to. He knew just where his arm and hand would sit to keep you beside him.You nodded then asked after his eyes scanned over Hermione, noting your similar dress styles, “You’ve met Thorin’s family, what exactly are we in for? I’ve only met them the once after they had assumed I’d invaded Erebor.”His eyes switched to you as Tauriel in a simple floor length deep green gown slipped out of the room to join Hermione in their eagerness at the meeting while Molly’s muttered check list sounded through the hall. “As far as their demeanor or dress?”“Demeanor. Fili and Thorin said Dams are, difficult to bond with.”Thranduil nodded, “They can be.” He drew in a breath, “Though after meeting Miss Granger myself I do know she is a great choice for a Daughter in law.” His eyes scanned over you curiously, “Are you related? By blood?”“There is a Granger that was adopted into my line about a century back, but I’m not certain if it’s her line, they got burned out.”His brow rose, “Burned?”You nodded leading him through to the next room to view the massive tapestry marking your family line causing his lips to part as he eyed all the various names and faces embroidered on. “These are just the closest relations. It takes a great deal of scrolls to fit my whole line.” You pointed to the top right revealing the man with the name Lou under a singed face and broken branch marking his disinherited status. “Lou Granger. Grandmother carried on the tradition of burning out those who dishonored our line.”Curiously his eyes wandered over the tapestry, “Where is your name?”You moved along the wall and eased your fingers over your Father and Uncle’s blacked out faces, “Dad ran away when he was 16, went to live with Uncle James, Regulus moved in shortly after.” Below their names however there was a small folded blossom with your initials under it, “Gran passed before she could add my portrait, usually the first one is done after we turn five.”His lips parted, “Why not repair it and add yourself?”You shook your head, “No, badge of pride to be burned out, Dad used to say. But I started a new one last year, whole adopted family included so I can swap them out.”In the doorway Molly poked her head in saying, “They’re on their way.”You nodded, “Need any help?”She shook her head, “No. Just have to put on the kettle.”She smiled looking between you two then popped out again as Thranduil looked at you asking, “I take it I’ve been accepted by your kin?”You looked up at him, “I, um, what do you mean?”“Normally in our culture when titles are abandoned you’re marked as family.”For a moment your lips parted then closed again before you answered, “Do you really enjoy being called ‘Your Majesty’ all the time? With people bowing and scraping around you constantly?”“I do not enjoy it, but that is what is done to respect my title. Not that any here have neglected to do so.”You nodded again, “I think family might be a bit of a stretch up front,” his brow twitched up at your curious wording, “Perhaps you should think of them more as treating you as their friend and equal.” For a moment he pondered your words, “So feel free to relax, just enjoy having friends to not worry about being a King or impressing constantly with your title and powers.” After looking over his stunned expression you added, “Or don’t, with the arriving Dams and all.”He opened his mouth to say something only to close it as the door bell sounded bringing him to your side in your walk to join the others in the packed living room where he sat in the love seat Fred and George nudged you into. Thranduil flashed you a pleased soft expression before looking at the approaching group of Royals that took their own seats after being greeted properly.He propped one leg over the other just as yours was, nearly smirking at your shared habit, only to find Hermione’s and the other women in dresses to their knees doing the same, leaving only his ease at being able to use his long legs as an excuse to have his propped up leg rest against yours. A single glance at your lap brought your overlapping hands to his attention stirring an urge for him to lay his hand over yours. Something Lucius did from the arm chair beside you, giving them a gentle pat on his reach over the chair arms between you..Thick blue embroidery coated gown in thick layers coated former Queen Niro, her Daughter Diaa beside Thrain in his finest to the right of Dis, who rested her hand under her Husband Vili’s elbow when they took their seats as Fili and Kili took their seats beside Hermione and Tauriel with pleased smiles of their own.At once Dis’ eyes locked on you when Thorin, Bilbo and Frerin sat down in the last sectional stealing a glance over your patchwork bunch of relatives while you took in the mirror image Dis and Diaa bore to Thorin. That alone calmed you that Thorin wouldn’t be so greatly changed and still able to keep his filling beard in jeweled styles like theirs, only in a deeper black.Dis drew in a breath then stated, “Miss Black, you have a lavish home for a school teacher.”You forced a quick smile, “Thank you, it’s been in the family for centuries, not entirely mine.”Dis nodded, “Yes, I hear Miss Granger lives here as well.”You nodded again, “Quite a few from our old groups live here.”Diaa’s brow rose, “Groups?”“Dumbledore’s Army and the Order of the Pheonix. Couple of the Death Eaters too.”Dis, “We’ve heard a few rumors of your, Death Eater claims.” Her eyes dropped to the shifting duckling on your arm. “What does that entail?”“A great deal less than it used to. Now we simply ensure our new homes remain safe.”Dis, “Your other people would not handle that task?”With a smirk you replied, “We would be the last resort for protection. In other words, we would be the ones you would pray not to see on a battlefield.”Diaa, “And that would be, why?”You caught her eye, “Because we have done the unthinkable, broken laws and conjured the unforgivable curses our world hoped had been forgotten. Sometimes you have to choose the lesser of two evils, drastic measures must be called upon to protect what is precious to us, sometimes the worst of us have to be depended upon when we grow too squeamish to face the battle on our doorstep.”Queen Niro nodded, “Very true.”Thorin smirked as Thrain asked, “Have your cities been settled nicely?”You nodded saying, “All but our main shops and squares meant for Dale.”Thrain looked to Draco beside his mother, asking, “Have you finalized the model for it yet?”Draco flashed a quick smile, “I’ve come up with a few ideas, the Ministry is looking them over. The design should be decided on in a few days.”Dis looked to Hermione, “Can you not speed things along?”Hermione’s lips parted to answer as her hand shifted under Fili’s to fold their fingers together, “I am only one of the Council Members, though it should grow quicker now our Minister has been named.”Niro, “Ah yes, your voting. An impressive speech from your uncle Remus.”Hermione, “Yes it was.”Diaa’s eyes shifted to yours, “And how is the potion coming along for my Grandchildren?”You forced a smile, “Another week and a half and it should be ready.”She nodded then looked to Thorin with a grin, “Hmm, I suppose it would give the couple time to settle into the new arrangement and finalize the nursery.”Niro, “Has this arrangement been made often? I can’t imagine it is popular. I am curious also of any side effects of this potion on children.”Behind them in a subtle entrance to claim a book, Dean and Seamus, who’d hoped to tag along and catch a sight of the Royals, their heads popped up and they smiled saying, “Our parents used them.”Dean nodded in the group looking the pair over, “Dad got out of the service and returned to his family home in the Wizarding world where he found out about the potion, took it, met Pops, they had me.”Seamus added, “Mum was the same. Felt out of place as a man growing up, graduated and took it. Ran into Dad, course bit of a nasty shock for him with all the pictures and stories from her growing up, not even counting the part where Dad was a Muggle.”Dean, “We’ve both got younger Sisters, we’re all perfectly fine.”Niro nodded asking, “And you’re both on the Council as well?”Seamus, “Dean is, I’m just an Auror.”Her eyes shifted to you hoping for a definition, “Aurors are our law keepers.” Earning a nod from her.Dis looked Hermione over then asked while Molly floated the tea set into the room serving it out for everyone earning a round of thanks before she popped back into the kitchen to finish the meal. “Fili mentioned you’re a, Muggle born?”Hermione nodded, “Yes.”Dis, “How is that possible?”Hermione, “It is believed that through our lines magical ancestors are found and the ability simply skips a generation or two.”Diaa, “Are your parents on the Council as well?” Her eyes shifted to them beside her.They shook their heads and her Father answered, “We’re dentists.”Niro, “Is that a high ranking role in your society?”Hermione’s Mother answered, “Well it is part of the medical profession. Takes a great deal of training. It doesn’t exactly measure up to something like being a Queen, Your Majesty.”Niro smiled at her saying, “Doctors are highly esteemed in our culture. No need for titles. From what I hear your child is quite talented, and to have been given such a position of her own at such a young age.”George smiled adding, “Our Hermione is considered one of the brightest Witches of her age.”Hermione smiled then glanced over to Dis, who had her eyes locked on you, “Even over you, Miss Black?”You forced out another smile, “I would say we are closer to equally matched, though it really doesn’t matter.”Your smirk inched out as Diaa stated, “Of course it matters. To see just how powerful any heirs might be.”With a weak giggle you eyed her fingers tracing over the bracelet around her wrist then looked at her eyes again, “The argument of the purity of one’s blood has been a blood soaked topic in our world for centuries. I assure you the power of a Witch or Wizard is based solely upon their willingness to learn and harness the immense power we are able to tap into.”Celeborn’s entrance however had your eyes rise to him as he hurried across the room to you holding his little girl. “Miss Black, my little one has sprouted a bruise! I assure you I have done nothing to inflict it!”Under her lace accented dress he exposed her leg and above her thigh was a small ship shaped bluish shimmering mark making you smirk and say, “Lord Celeborn, Veela babies develop their birth marks later than others. It will darken over time. I assure you there is no injury.”Peering down at the mark he asked, “It is common for children to be marked in your world?”You nodded saying in a shift of your hair and tilt of your head exposing the small brown heart behind your right ear, “Almost everyone has them. See, mine is a heart.” Parting his lips and Thranduil’s having wondered how he had not noticed it before. In relief the Lord joined in, taking one of the free seats nestling the girl in his arms peppering kisses across her forehead calming himself.When the meal was completed K appeared in the doorway sending your tea cups away as you stood and filed into the large dining hall used only for grand occasions. In your new seats Niro asked, “Miss Black, I understand your birthday is coming up soon. Will our kin be invited to the celebration?”Your eyes locked with hers, “Actually, I share the birthday with Fred and George. We usually have a family dinner, no celebration.”On your left Thranduil turned his head, saying, “That won’t do. I will handle the planning.” He looked across at Niro, “There will be a proper celebration in Greenwood.” To which she nodded at his implied invitation of her and her kin.Lucius beside you smirked at your soft inhale as you looked to the King, saying, “You don’t have to do that.”He turned his head giving you a softer yet unyielding expression, “Yes I do. After all I missed the chance to aid you in settling, you all must be properly welcomed into our world. You can still have your dinner with the full celebration after.”Thrain, “Any word on if the Men of Gondor and Rohan will be invited?”Thranduil, “I don’t believe they are aware of their presence just yet, and hopefully they won’t be for some time.”Thorin nodded locking his eyes with yours, “Do let us know if you spot any banners or riders coming up on your borders. We will squash their urge to expand or worse.”With a weak chuckle you replied, “Worst comes to worst I could let Norberta give them a good scare. Loud roar should handle it.” Making Thorin and Bilbo chuckle with the teens around you.Through the rest of the meal you sat feeling the King’s leg shift closer to yours without touching as you listened to and answered each of the questions asked from the visiting family between your hushed conversation with Lucius in Latin on what had all happened in the ministry today. Confirmations were made of their both issuing intentions for spending time with you since your arrival. Dinner eventually was called at the sounding of the hour enforcing their all being at home to wish Lulu a good nights rest.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Excusing himself Thranduil pressed a gentle kiss to your knuckles in his parting to ensure that the planning for your celebration to be ready in two weeks time. The after dinner tea through the ripple of the rest of your family arriving home had you in the theater finding the Elves awed at the story they had seen. The Little Mermaid had bled into Bambi, another lovely story in their mind, albeit confusing for a few of the terms animals would never use, but with a lovely message all the same.Scooped up into your arms you took Em up to her room while Teddy curled in Glori’s while your father showed off Fin to the Durins. Lovingly the pair were settled in their beds and drifted off to sleep and down again you went to say goodnight to the Durins in the parting of the Elves guiding the slumbering boys back to Greenwood again in the stroller you had lent them.It was an overly lovely evening, and all went well, at least until a single phrase was uttered by Dis on her way out, the single inconsequential phrase threw you right back onto that table with your whole body burning and freezing. A painful throb coursed through you from head to toe as you were alone back up in your bedroom. A ragged breath left you in the creak sounding when you curled your fingers around the metal railing at the foot of your bed still feeling the clawed fingers from Fenrir Greyback easing through your hair, trying with all your might to remind yourself he was dead and no danger now.The shimmering silvery blue curls pooling around your arms now a deep black as tears welled up in your eyes through the tremors building in your body. Slowly your hair tie slipped and fell slowly to the floor freeing your curls to pool into your face. Straightening up again you left your heels at the foot of your bed and went walking, trying to drive the thoughts from your mind with a change of scenery.Tears fled your eyes but thoughtlessly you wandered until you found yourself passing through Southern into Northern Greenwood. Around you Elves above stole glances of you in your hushed following of the pathway a soft breeze uncovered from under the weight of hundreds of shed leaves through the years.Easily you found the front gate that was opened for you, welcoming you through with puzzled expressions at your now black shimmering curls. A simple shift down an empty hall on your right started your path through the lower floor away from the distant conversations and bustling planning going on in the bright moon and candle light.Slowly you eyed each abandoned hall and room along the way you had not been showed before. Passing through a series of guest rooms until a small study filled with books in a language you could not decipher triggering an irritation pulling you from the deep pit you felt inside almost completely, promising to yourself you would learn it and unearth their secrets one day.In the hall again you passed, feeling the start of a layer of dust growing on the marble floor. Portraits hung all around, lifeless reminders of those that had come before, ending with a blonde Elleth in a crown making you assume she once was Thranduil’s Queen and Mother to his Son. Turning your head you eyed the double doors at the end of the darkened hall.The cold wood met your palms upon your reaching it in their timid raise before they parted revealing a seemingly endless ballroom feeding out into a private garden. The walls coated in stained glass allowing burst of colored moonlight into the long forgotten hall.A soft gasp left you in your first step inside making the dust shift under your toes and balls of your feet while your eyes traveled upwards at the crystal strewn stained glass ceiling coating each inch of the ballroom with shifting rays of colored light. The far wall held open archways into the garden long untouched with fountains trickling softly around torches unable to light after years of misuse. Tall candelabras stood under cloths revealing only their polished pearl bases. In the center of the room you paused staring at a white buck passing through the garden that stopped to look at you making you miss the quietly approaching King that had been alerted to your arrival by his servants and guards.The hem of his robe grazed across the top layer of dust. To himself in crossing the room his mind raced wondering how you’d managed to find this ballroom in particular so easily. Quietly he waited until you turned again as to not startle you, bringing him into the corner of your vision, eyeing your natural shimmering pitch black curls and sunken expression on your face. “My guards told me you had arrived. It is curious you found your way here alone.”He stepped closer to you hoping his nearness would calm you at least while you eyed his simple loose white under shirt hanging loosely around his thighs under his open maroon robe. His hair shifting freely without his crown in place. “Am I not allowed here?”He shook his head, “You are allowed where you wish.”Curiously you asked, “Why is it abandoned, this wing?”Thranduil sighed and led you out into the garden now absent of any white buck towards a sculpture of a swan with markings in Ancient Elvish on a golden plaque below it, “Through the ages our numbers have dwindled greatly. Upon returning home from the battle that passed my Father’s crown to me we had lost two thirds of our soldiers.”His head turned to the plaque his fingers grazed across, “Echoes ripple on through eternity, stitched deeply into our hearts.”He translated it for you then glanced up at you with a broken look in his eyes, “My Mother used to say that. When we fled Doriath under the Feanorean strike, we were so few until we found our way to Greenwood. Amon Lanc was our kingdom, and by then the Silvans had named my Father King.”“Big change in title?”He surprisingly smiled through a weak chuckle, “Yes. We were merchants. There is not much, or was, was not much joy in these lands until your arrival. How did you find this place?”“I, couldn’t sleep, needed a walk. Found my way here.”He nodded and shifted closer to you asking, “Are you unwell?” tilting his head hoping to find some source for the pain he noted in your eyes still.In a weakening tone you replied, “Just a memory, nothing more.”The hint of a coming tear made him ask, “Would it help, to share it, your memory? I assure you I am a great listener.”“I’m not certain you’d want to know.”You had tried to shift to face another way and he shifted with you stating kindly, “I assure you I do.”“Everyone always says that and then they fly into rages when I tell them.”His eyes scanned over your face noting no change in your choice, then stated, “I am your One, there is no pain I would not wish to aid you in shouldering.” Your frail sigh brought his hand palm up as he said, “I shall make you some tea.”You nodded easing your hand into his, which he transferred to his elbow in his turn to guide you back through the hall and into a long winding path up to the Royal Wing as he shared a simple tour with you of what you passed in these forgotten halls.Two large doors sat before you with one opened at his push allowing you through into the moonlit apartment. Wetting his lips he said, “It should only take a few minutes for me to light the fires and lamps.” A flick of your finger on the hand resting on his arm cast the room in golden light earning a weak chuckle from him, “Thank you.” Guiding you through to his main sitting room, he left you seated on the small couch to go start the tea in the kitchen across the hall.A few moments later he was at your side again spotting your gaze on the large wall of windows bringing the star and moonlight in with their mesmerizing twinkles mirrored faintly across your hair and skin under the slivers of their light cast into the room. The cushions shifted as he sat beside you with a soft gaze, asking, “Jaqi,” His pause for your name calmed him at your comfort in his use of it. “Your memory?”You sighed and folded your fingers in on your lap as you met his eyes, “Back, when I got my mark, it was a painful two weeks. More so, because of one of Riddle’s followers.” He nodded shifting closer to you, debating if he should not hold your hand or not, “Fenrir Greyback.”The name drew a tear down your cheek as his heart dropped at the glossy emotionless gaze filling your eyes that instantly had his hand on one of yours with a comforting squeeze. “My Aunt Bellatrix was Riddle’s pet, Fenrir wanted to be mine.”His eyes followed the next tear turning to a gem in its fall as you shared more, “I just couldn’t move, it hurt too much, and, I know Dis didn’t know what she’d said. Or meant anything to happen from it, just happens sometimes. But, it just, when he got the chance to be alone with me, he snuck in to just, stroke my hair.” He glanced at the kitchen at the whistle of the kettle, more irritated at its sounding right then when you needed his support in sharing this deeply painful moment. A flick of your fingers silenced it and left the wood stove to burn itself out in his refusal to leave your side. “I know women have been through worse…”Instantly his free hand rose to stroke your cheek wiping away your tears there, “Their suffering does not negate yours. He harmed your trust, made you to feel unsafe. What was his fate in your war?”His near growl voiced his protective streak all the men who’ve heard it before, “My Uncle Lucius saw him that first time, ran him off, made sure not to leave me alone after. When Regulus carried me home after Riddle cut me free Lucius told my Father and Remus. When they could, Lucius and Severus told Fenrir I wanted to meet him somewhere, they were waiting for him with the guys. He’s dead.”He nodded, “Good.” His eyes scanned over your hair as a couple strips of curls shifted slowly back to its silvery blue in your eyes trailing across his face lit up by the mixture of candle and moonlight. The change drawing his fingers to them after a soft request for permission. Gently he eased his fingers through the bottom of a set of curls seemingly turning to silk across his fingers against his imagined rough texture.“Why keep seeing me?”His eyes shifted to meet yours, “You are far more than you realize.”Another tear rolled from your eye over his thumb drawing tears to his eyes, “Look at what I’ve done.” Your broken voice and scrunched up face brought him to draw you against his chest in your hunch forward.Firmly his hand rose to comb his fingers through your hair brushing it out of your face, soothingly stating in a low velvety hum through your silent sobs that he held you through. “Look at all you have done. You saved thousands, cleared countless dark creatures and Dragons with ease that would have ended most armies. Healed lands long since believed lost, rebuilt my castle in Amon Lanc, given us border protection that we could not hope for on our own. Given a future of peace to thousands of children now cared for by loving families who will love and cherish them always. You have brought us all hope and woken us all from a deep slumber in the creeping shadows.” Tightly his free arm folded around your back as you nestled against his chest uncontrollably staining his shirt with your tears that drew a warm tingle across his skin as his hidden scars unknowingly to him vanished.“When Doriath fell we barely managed to aid 200 to safety, out of thousands. All but 50 fell in the following wars, with all but Legolas and myself choosing not to sail to Valinor. It is painful, but we do what we can, save who we can while carrying those who have fallen.”Softly he spoke to you as you quieted and continued to hold you once your tears had run out, eventually peering down noticing your deep breaths as you were falling asleep. Deeply his chest ached in the silence knowing you had not wept out all of your pain, only scratched the surface of a life long battle to be heard and protected. His only ease was that finally you had been given a release of at least a portion of it all. A starting point for you to manage through finding calmer futures for yourselves and your little ones.Carefully his wrap draped over the back of the couch was grabbed and eased over you both in his shift to rest back against the pillows between his back and the arm of the couch. A shift of his body later he’d propped a foot up on the couch, leaving the other bent holding your curled legs in place as you nestled against his chest. Under his tightening arms you settled with a slow exhale and silently he sat brushing your hair free over your back while he rested his head against yours closing his eyes hoping to stay like that forever, relaxing as your arms shifted around his sides in your sleep...Steadily your breathing increased in your waking to the passing of clanking chests of cutlery for banquets and feasts passed the front door of King Thranduil’s apartment. Fluttering lids brought your eyes to focus on the far wall across from you while the deep steady heart beat under your head reminded you of your living pillow making your heart rate spike. Tenderly fingers smoothed through the curls that eased into your face while you slept to brush them behind your ear freeing a chance for those same fingers to trace the pointed tip adoringly.Above you the King’s velvety voice stated, “We’ve hours to sunrise yet, rest as long as you wish.”Tilting your head up you caught his adoring gaze making your voice catch in your throat for a moment, “I, um. I should go.”Slowly his hands brushed along your back in your attempt to sit up, “If it is propriety you are concerned of I assure you, your sharing my quarters is allowed in my culture, our bond is publicly known.”With a sigh you sat up then turned your head when he sat up making you realize you were still seated between his legs placing you all but on his lap. Barely an inch from your side he settled and brushed your hair over your shoulder admiring the candlelight shining on your silvery blue hair in the otherwise darkened room.In a slow inhale you eyed his soft smile making the irritatingly stubborn Elf even more attractive in your inspection, “Why did you say we had a deeper bond?”Thranduil couldn’t help but let out a weak chuckle settling his hands around your middle, “I did not mean to belittle your relationship with Glorfindel, merely that we bear similar pains and trials. Glorfindel has his own, but we have faced the weight of the lives of many on our every action for a good portion of our lives. I do not doubt Glorfindel would be able to be an unmatched shoulder for you in times of need, merely our bonds would hold different meanings and benefits for you.”“And what exactly benefits you both in this?”“For myself at least I am grateful to have a One who understands what I have faced, and could face the troubles ahead of us.” Slowly he inched closer to you watching the shift in your eyes as they looked his face over from purple to green and then back again when they locked on his, “Your eyes appear this way even when you are unable to change your hair color?”You nodded, “My Mum had them too, part of our ties to Salazaar Slytherin.”“They are stunning.”Again his fingers rose to gently brush another row of curls out of your face, you softly replied, “Thank you.”“Would you allow me to kiss you?”With a timid nod his fingers eased across your cheek to cup it in his lean in. As he closed the distance your eyes drooped when his nose just barely brushed along yours in a teasing stroke before his lips tenderly met yours. Almost instantly you had leaned into the kiss starting his hopeful shifting of his lips to claim a string of kisses instead of just one. A few moments bled by in your lulled ease at the steady beat of his heart under your hands resting on his chest until a click was heard after a flash of light.The shock of it brought you firmly against his chest stirring a soft giggle from you at his protective hug coating you in his comforting orange and vanilla scent. In a reach out you grabbed the photo floating down from the camera hovering there you showed to Thranduil making his lips part at the continuing kiss captured in the photo.After barely an awed glance at it his eyes rose then shut at your lips meeting his again. Outside the room the noise grew until an unnoticed door opening was followed by the receding steps before that same door closed again you had continued through until the same door opened allowing Legolas through to say, “Ada, what did you say to Tauriel-?”His words halted as he had in the doorway of the sitting room when spotted you resting your curled fingers to your lips after your flick of a wave at him when he eyed you both on the couch. Thranduil turned his head with an easy smile, “I said nothing to Tauriel.”Legolas, “I did not mean to intrude.”You shook your head, “No intrusion.” His eyes turned to the camera that popped up floating around him in a circle as an easy smile grew on your face, “You can do me a favor though.”He nodded, “Of course.” Sinking his eyes over you watching his Father’s hands shift from your waist to his lap in your hand patting on the couch as you stood, “I’m gonna need a smile from the pair of you.”His brow rose and you giggled stepping towards him claiming his wrist in your hand to tug him closer to sit by his Father. The pair glanced at each other before you let out a sigh reaching out to grab Thranduil’s arm to sling around his Son’s shoulders, “Seriously, it’s like you’re strangers, big hug, big smile then you can go back to pretending you don’t know one another.”With a curious smirk Legolas leaned against his Father’s side watching the camera float in front of you as you said, “Big smile.” You peered over the camera at the pair to let out a large grin and folded your hands together in a playful begging motion, “Please? Consider it my birthday present if it makes it more bearable.”Thranduil, “I have a present for you in mind already. But, as you wish.” His arms at once circled Legolas, who smiled as large as his Father did making you giggle to yourself through the capturing of the picture you shook then passed a copy to each of them.“Thank you for humoring me.”Legolas chuckled and eyed the picture, somehow grateful to have the joyful expression from the both of them locked in place before the door opened again revealing Tauriel peeking through before entering to pass a message on to the King. With a grin you called her name and smiled after you said, “Big smile.” Curiously she moved closer and grinned at the picture as you said, “I think Kili would enjoy this. I have a few ideas for his picture for you.” Making her smile again as she thanked you then slipped out with a response from Thranduil.On his feet again Legolas chuckled getting an answer for the detail he needed for the party plans then slipped out with another chuckle pocketing the picture you had gifted him on his way out. Alone again Thranduil eyed your figure before shifting and easing his hand over your lower back to pull you onto his lap circling you in his arms asking, “Do I get a smile from you as well?”You chuckled weakly then turned to the camera to smile brightly together, after which his lips found your cheek making you giggle to yourself soon joined by a pleased chuckle from him seeing his peck caught at the end off the picture loop. In another glance at him you passed him his copy after zapping yours home along with the camera, “I should let you get back to being a King. I didn’t mean to distract you from it.”With a sigh from him you were propped closer to him on his lap to cup your cheek and steal another loving kiss before he stood lifting you into his arms to carry you into the kitchen. “I am a King regardless of what I am doing, and please never be concerned with distracting me from anything.” Carefully he set you on the counter and kissed your cheek sweetly, “I am going to make you a snack and try again for some tea.”Locked in a loving gaze through his glances at you he fixed the meal and served it out on two plates for you both and you shared your plans for the day with one another. The timid try for your favored grilled cheese was complimented and solidified the King’s grin knowing he would have a good go to simple snack to aid in your calming moments. His gaze after clearing the table lingering on you torn between trying to continue kissing you or to take you off to bed and ensure you got enough rest.A knock however tore his eyes from you and barely a moment later Glorfindel was in the room with a robin seated on his shoulder. The glance between you securing in his mind that the bond between you three was completed and now a fuller courtship could be discussed soon. Only he brushed those happy thoughts aside to say, “Apparently that curious Ent spoke with his Council again and they have passed patient curiosity, they wish to speak with you.”You nodded, “Where are we going?”“Fangorn Forest.”“The boys are sleeping?”He nodded, “Yes, soundly under the watch of a set of guards.”Crossing the room Glorfindel offered his palm to grant you the memory he took as a chance to lift your hand and kiss your knuckles, “Fangorn it is, let’s go see these Ents of yours.” His hand kept hold of yours and through your doorway you had summoned you followed Thranduil into the dimly lit forest. Screeches in the distance had your hand tightening around Glorfindel’s bringing him closer to your side while Thranduil shifted closer to you as well.Across from you in a swaying circle you eyed the Ents you had assumed to be bare trees at first surrounding a tall elderly man clad in white. His staff met the ground in each step he crossed to you before halting with a crooked smile lowly stating, “So this is the Isitatri dubbed Black.”Your lips parted as you recognized the man from one of your reoccurring dreams, “Jaqi, and you are?”His head bowed, “I am Saruman, the White. I have seen your coming for some time now.”You nodded, letting out a weak chuckle, “Really? Cuz Gandalf seemed pretty surprised when we arrived.”To which his head tilted to meet your eyes clearly in the moonlight, “Gandalf is not privy to my premonitions. I wished to speak with you personally before I discuss this matter with him.”You nodded as he pointed out the tall tower in the distance, “My home, in my absence it will need looking after. The Lady Galadriel and myself have decided to sail West to answer the call of Manwe. My powers will be passing on to Gandalf, and his to Radagast, he would not take up my quarters otherwise and I doubt either would choose to care for my dwelling or lands. We have been informed of your barriers to protect lands from enemies and I humbly request you form a barrier around these to keep these trees safe from the Men surrounding these lands and any darkness wishing to form and fester here.”Another screech sounded and you asked, “What is that?”Saruman answered, “Orcs and Goblins have been delving into our borders since the One Ring was destroyed. I have been unable to purge them on my own. We had hoped these barriers of yours might assist in forcing them away.”Hastily you wet your lips and in a circle of your free hand your wand appeared and your broom at the Wizard’s side. Releasing your hand Glorfindel smirked seeing you move to the hovering broom you sat on sideways propping your leg on top of it with the other secured on the foot peg in its rise, “One moment.”With lips parting the Wizard and Ents peered up at you only to see your patronus explode from your wand and behind you the giant dragon billowed its white flames through the forest casting the creatures to flee for their lives away from the now softly glowing trees groaning in their waking. Circling the forest in a rapid whip with flames billowing behind you the screeches and panicked cries grew louder. You were sure that it was cleared before your dart off around Isenguard. There a pair of Wraiths rose up and readied to screech at the giant dragon only to explode into seas of seeds for wildflowers flocks of woken birds dove for to spread through the forest in a gentle layer of rain stirring grins onto the faces of the Ents rumbling to one another in Entish. Your patronus had faded and when you landed beside the White Wizard again your eyes met his at your broom being sent back home again.Partly shocked Saruman stated, “I have not felt a light like that, since before leaving Valinor. Truly, my disbelief was ill deserved on your capabilities.”In a shrug you replied, “You aren’t the first to doubt me before meeting me.”“Thank you, all the same.”You nodded, “Not a problem. I do have to ask.” His eyes narrowed at your questioning gaze locking on his, “There have been a number of Elves returning all falling in our lake on the grounds of our school. Do you know why?”Saruman drew in a breath through a hint of a smile, “That answer comes in pace with your arrival here. You were welcomed here by Eru when your world failed to grant safety to his Children there. In the beginning one of his Valar failed to unify with the others, that discord brought many things into being, both good and bad. Including your people being sent there.The Sons of Feanor brought out their own, for three orbs of light a great shadow was allowed to build, your coming was foreseen from the beginning. The world will be reforged in light and the Sons of Feanor boasting of their rehabilitation will all return to be tested, if they are truly humbled and ashamed of their actions they will be allowed to remain. The innocent they slew will rebuild this world under Manwe’s orders.”His eyes locked on yours as your eyes left his for a moment then came back to his revealing the shift confirming your identity from his visions, “What if they try to hurt my people, or others.”Saruman smirked, “Mandos is watching, any who attempt to take up arms in anything but honorable defense will wither and fade. They wished for a test to earn forgiveness, a chance they now have, and earn it they shall, or face the wrath of Mandos for their failure and lies.”You wet your lips then shifted on your feet asking, “Two of them arrived earlier, then Elros, who mentioned I have Melkor’s eyes.”Saruman chuckled lowly, “Oh no.” His hand rose in his lean forward to tap your nose with his fingertip sparking a set of silver speckles that faded again after, constellations reminding of the dancing leaves from the Two Trees confirming his belief of which Maiar you were reborn from. “Melkor faced wars, claimed his scars and the light in his eyes withered where yours have grown. Often we find ourselves on similar paths in separate worlds, of all the pain and darkness you have faced your light has grown, you have protected and sought out safety for even your enemies. Of all Eru’s Maiar trapped in your world by Melkor’s will, we knew we could trust you to balance the scales. You share one trait out of thousands, but neither can belong to the other.”He straightened up again, “You are not Melkor, for all he knew of Eru’s plan in the beginning still he cast out darkness. You are something much stronger from your ignorance of any plan. Do as you will, follow the paths you wish, protect whom you will. Just know, you are not, and will never be alone in the darkness again.” A breeze filled the forest and he stated with a kind smile, “I must away to share with Gandalf.”“Could you-,” he nodded asking you to continue, your voice dropped to barely a timid whisper, “Could you thank Eru for me.”With another chuckle he replied, “But he has heard your thanks, every night in your heart. Yet I will tell him all the same.” As the wind picked up he faded in front of your eyes as his voice echoed around you a quote from a lullaby your Mother always sang to herself, “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”His last hint of your identity confirmed in the rise of your hand to brush back your curls from your face granting him a glimpse of your ring bearing the mark of Mandos. A long lost pupil of Irmo, Mandos and Nienna, considered one of the most powerful to face Melkor, whom he feared to face openly and had sent a single green apple poisoned by Ungoliant to kill her before destroying the Trees she could have been able to foresee and warn the other Valar. The first senseless death in a long string of them leaving only a haunting waft of green apples on the breeze for any coming across Melkor in his approach to spread his shadows. A silent warning often ignored by those too ignorant to take note of it, a telling scent each of the Elves had noticed wafting around you far stronger than any soap could grant. The same scent enforcing Gandalf’s trust of you in BagEnd when you first met.Turning around at the sound of a heavy thump you eyed the giant Ent crouching before you with a soft smile of his own, “Young Wizard, I am Treebeard. Welcome to Fangorn Forest and thank you for your protection.”You flashed him a grin and moved closer accepting his palm for your seat until you moved to his shoulder between Thranduil and Glorfindel. The three of you sat in his open palm for the walk to a tall hill to show you as far as you could see of the formerly shrinking forest. Around you the Ents shared the former markers for their borders miles past the forest edge spotted with smoke from fires you had put out and those past the great tower of Isenguard reclaiming all the lands Men and orcs had cleared in the past. Raising your wand a great barrier rose to circle both lands then lowered as you drew in a breath. Low hums from the trees in these lands in song drawing awed exhales from the circle of Ents behind you relaxing at the now safe borders.For the walk back to your doorway at the duo around you grinned while you asked what questions you could until reaching the waiting doorway to return you to Greenwood with a settled plan to return again soon to visit them some more.In a stroke of your cheek with a curled finger Thranduil closed the distance claiming another kiss from you and in the closing of the door behind you. When he pulled back he murmured after another glance over your face, “You should rest after that clearing.”Once he had stepped back you barely had time to turn your head for Glori to claim a kiss of his own and added, “Should you be staying here or in your own bed?”“My own I suppose. I should let you get back to, whatever is going on out there.”Lowly to himself Thranduil chuckled and Glorfindel replied after stealing another kiss, “Kindly use your doorway so we might ensure your speedy return.”“So picky,”“Protective,” Thranduil hummed in his own lean in to claim a loving good night kiss of his own, “Sleep well. Perhaps tomorrow after your classes we might all enjoy one of these other stories together.”“As long as it won’t disturb with your work.”The pair of them shook their heads replying with smirks, “Never.”Shaking your head you turned to your doorway and passed through to your closet, a tug of the dress up over your head when the doorway vanished eased your pulling on shorts and a t shirt to crawl into bed. Deeply you sighed cuddling up with one of your pillows trying not to miss the warm arms and broad chest you were formerly draped across. You weren’t going to go back, you were going to stay in your bed and sleep through the night for once this week. Only for some reason flashes of horses filled your brain and left you staring out your window at the light drizzle outside blocking off the stars.Four in the morning however the twins groaned along with you as you found your ways to the pitch in the back for your next training session. Two hours later and you were showered and back in your bed for another brief nap. Breakfast came all too soon however and down you went to join the few up for the meal including Molly, who spent the night here after another try for the flue system had set off another Kerfuffle in their house that had set off the pipes in the Hollow. The damage had been mended but the irritation of having to spend the night there after hearing Arthur and the boys cleaning it all up while she focused on her damaged kitchen had her huffing her way to her usual clean soft bed in your home. By now Ginny had helped to fix the meal you all enjoyed before the group flight out of the house off to work with the children under your father’s watch.
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Waiting for laundry to be done you were left to another dress at your lack of jeans. Dark blue short sleeved with thick black tights underneath and silver heeled booties. Halfway pulled up your hair hung down your back and in the hidden pockets on your dress your enchanted pouch and wand sheath were hidden. Each class went smoothly with all of the teens excited already for the practice exams coming up before Easter break, the set date when Thorin and his kin had settled for his public coronation.Shifted gazes to the window in your final class before lunch with 5th years drew yours as well when the colored mists filled the sky making you mumble, “What the..” hastily you wet your lips and said, “Not long till next class, quiet study. I have to see to this, please try to keep the fires to a minimum.”Chuckles filled the room of now standing students watching as you walked through your doorway into Rivendell’s main courtyard where you closed your eyes muttering, “Come on Lindir.” A turn of your head had you opening them again, “There you are,” A sudden pop away and you were outside a study, inside Lindir sat across from the Feanoreans, Elros and Elrond all in discussion, quietly you popped off again. This time back to Greenwood but not in time to have missed being spotted by Maglor, now stating that they were being spied on making Lindir urge that you must have come for aid in something.Passing the Throne Room you spotted Thranduil mid meeting and hurried past in a cloud of mist until you found Legolas at an archery lesson for new guards. “Leg,” you whispered turning his head from the Elven guards now lowering their bows to bow their heads to you. A grin ghosting across his lips nearing you as you said, “We have a problem.” That made his brow inch up, “There’s more coming.” His hand extended accepting yours to pop back to the edge of Black Lake in time to see the first body fall from the colored clouds of light hovering above the water.Reaching out your hand you whispered, “Imobulus,” one after another hundreds of stunned Elves floated above the lake you guided to an ice bridge crossing the water surrounding the school.After a glance at you Legolas said with a gentle tap of his fingers on your shoulder, “I will show them to the arches.”You nodded “Thank you, I will try not to get strangled,” His brows inched up in concern making you giggle and say, “Joke, I’m good here.”Hundreds soon grew to thousands and missing RoR class you helped the last of the confused Elves down to the ground where they looked you over and hurried to join the rest of the crossing Elves on the bridge headed for the archways a group of guards from Greenwood were now ensuring they took the right one to Southern Greenwood..At the Professor’s table you shared the news of the arrivals with the other Professors and Dumbledore, who agreed and sent word to the Order for a spare set of bodies to help aid any others that might show up. Three classes and a break you spent to check on Em at home, where you ran into Lindir and shared why you had gone to Rivendell, an admission sending him back to Rivendell to share the news luring Celeborn with his daughter in his arms to see if he could aid Thranduil at all..Six o’clock found you strolling to the edge of the lake that had caught another couple hundred fresh arrivals to be led across to the Elven Kingdom awaiting them. In a startled squeak you turned your head from Glorfindel who had showed up beside you unnoticed making him lay his hand on your shoulder, “I did not mean to startle you.” His eyes looking you over, “Have you missed your classes for this?”Catching his gaze you shook your head, “No, some of the Order took over for me after lunch.”Glorfindel, “I had heard quite a number had arrived in your lands.” Another final flash of light sent out a final collection of bodies, a rise of your hand had them floating safely down to the shore beside you with awed gazes at you and respectful bows of their heads to Glorfindel, whom they recognized. The men with small children in their arms followed his urging to the bridge while the woman lingered peering up at the castle and curious teens in the distance.Her eyes in his approach flinched over to you again and she caught your gaze and easy smile before glancing to Glorfindel at his throat clearing softly making her bow her head to him and softly state in Doriathian, “Lord Glorfindel.” Her eyes shifted to you again.He smiled softly, stating, “It is a pleasure to meet you, this is my One, Jaqiearae Black, future Queen of the Greater Greenwood.”In the common tongue you mumbled, “Must you tell everyone that I’m Queen?”He smirked at you, “She will learn it eventually.” He looked back to her, “Might I have your name?”In her glance down to you she smiled softly in return to yours, “I am Taule, Daughter of Taumo.”Curiously he asked, “You wouldn’t happen to have a Son?”Her eyes lit up in an eager gasp as her hands fixed on his, “You’ve seen Thranduil? Is Oropher with him?”Glorfindel smiled softly at her assuring him, “We are just on our way to see Thranduil now. Your Son is King and rules over those lands.”Softly she asked, “King?”Glofindel, “I am sorry, your Husband fell in the last age.”She nodded and then looked to you again, “You are to be Queen?”You nodded, “Glorfindel and Thranduil are my Ones.”Glorfindel motioned you all forward saying, “I do have some good news for you.” Her eyes shifted to him again in your turn, “You have a Grandson.”A smile eased onto her face and she neared you asking, “Yours?”You shook your head, “No, he’s at least a thousand years older than I am.”Glorfindel chuckled, “Closer to three Dearest.”Along the way he shared more about the King and Prince until Legolas came into view when you had entered Southern Greenwood’s archway, exhaling as he stated, “Naneth, I am glad you are here. Ada could use your help.”In a curious glance at the woman beside you at her stunned gasp making her clap her hands over her mouth. In a tilt of your head you stated, “Legolas, this is Taule.” At once his eyes flinched back to her with parted lips, “Your Grandmother.”He stepped closer to her accepting her hand settling on his cheek with a teary smile through their foreheads meeting, before he stated, “Ada will be glad to see you.” He led the way with her hand in the crook of his arm into the crowded lower palace as the Elves milled about, around their new King atop a set of stairs scanning over them for any sign of his Son returning from his fetching you.A flash of silvery blue brought him down and into the masses on the path straight for you at once he stated when he drew close enough, “Jaqi, thank you for returning.” His eyes shifted over you admiring your figure hugging dress before he turned his eyes to the tall Elleth beside you, “Naneth.” Instantly he folded around her through her gleeful hug, his smile grew when their eyes met again and her hands landed on his cheeks. “Are you tired?”She shook her head lowering her hands, “No. I am perfectly fine.”He nodded and wet his lips, “Naneth, why don’t you go with Legolas to get some tea while I try and settle this matter here. It seems none of the others are tired nor hungry leaving no way to lessen the crowds. You can meet our adopted sons as well.”She nodded, “I will let you handle this. Take your time my precious bud.”He smiled again kissing her cheek then chuckled at her whispered compliment on you before turning to loop her arm around Legolas’ for the tour through the upper kingdom on the way to tea.Glorfindel nodded then turned to you smiling at you as he stated, “I should return to the boys. I promised I would not be gone long.” Leaving a gentle peck on your cheek before turning away to the portal for Northern Greenwood.Turned to you Thranduil stated in a momentary cradle of your hand, “As it goes, I need your help. We need to guide these people into the new guest wings. Thankfully it wasn’t the thousands we lost to all arrive at once, but still…”You smirked and you pecked him on the cheek. You freed your hand to hop up on a half wall in a surprisingly graceful move to the Elven guards taken notice of your short skirt. Atop it you let out a clear whistle silencing the crowds holding up a slip of paper and a pen, speaking clearly in Doriathian you stated, “Slips of paper are going to be going around, please write your names and titles on them so we can have you properly re-housed. If you cannot write your name simply state it and the pen will write it for you.”Nods spread through the crowd as the paper multiplied and the groups of families all added their names to the papers that flew back to you after colored orbs of light floated over their heads through Tauriel’s arriving with the floor plans Thranduil had requested.Hopping down again with hold of your skirt you moved to their sides and shuffled the papers magically as a set of fresh papers appeared and floated beside you writing out the names assigned to each apartment. Peering over your shoulder Thranduil couldn’t help but grin happily at your ease in aiding him with this task.Each eager Elf around you watched your quiet conferencing with their new King in amazement at your powers and ease they were sent off to admire their new housing after respectfully greeting you both properly. Those from the abandoned wings or their relations were guided through to Northern Greenwood, where they were greeted fondly by old friends and relatives. All pleased at the grand kingdom they were now a part of, accepting the wait on new roles they would hold to be assigned to them in the next couple days.After a relieved exhale Thranduil caught your eye after his lean in to kiss your cheek, “Thank you.”You smiled up at him and let out a giggle, “We should get you up to see your Mother.” After a pause you asked, “I have to ask, why is Legolas calling me Mother?”Thranduil smiled through a weak chuckle, “It is Elven tradition, to pay respect to our bond.”You nodded, “So I’m not actually meant to, mother him? I mean, Glorfindel said he’s thousands of years older than me. Best I could do is make him smile every now and then, not tell him to clean his room.”He let out a weak chuckle, smiling at you adoringly, “That is enough, trust me. It will be difficult, but we will get everyone settled, Legolas will be far more distracted by bonding with the young Princes and Estel, whom my Naneth would love to assist in raising as well so we may have more time together. King Dior often brought them to our shop she loved fawning over them as everyone else did, she would not allow the Feanoreans near them.”“Thank you, for backing me up on that.”Again he leaned in to press his forehead to yours, easing his hands over your shoulders and arms, “I will always defend your positions in these matters.” He drew back to add, “My Naneth adores your hair.” You let out a weak giggle and accepted his hand to join him for the walk to the Northern Kingdom to meet up with the others for tea.By sunset the Elves were again peacefully milling around the Kingdom joining in on the planning for the upcoming celebration for their new Queen they eagerly joined in on to show their gratitude for your accepting them..Up in the main dining room in the Royal Wing you found Taule happily chatting with the Princes over the spread of snacks while Glorfindel and Legolas both were debating over which gardens to show the pair first. Their disagreement ending as you both entered taking your seats, with a soft smile Taule ushered you to the seat beside her to accept your hand as she stated, “The Princes informed me of what those Lords said about you, now I haven’t seen Melkor for myself but I am certain you could not be him. I can see great strength in you, but nowhere near the darkness necessary to fuel such hatred and dark deeds.” Her hand patted yours, “Besides, any able to destroy that cursed ring with such ease should have those Lords second guessing their behavior concerning you.”You let out a weak chuckle, “I’ve met worse than them before. They will learn to trust, or at least tolerate me in the future.”Though across the table you eyed Celeborn in his stating, “It was a shame that we were unable to aid you earlier when you arrived at Rivendell. I do believe the Lords have quite worn on Elrond’s patience in assuming a plot of some sort in your sudden vanishing.”In a huff you stood making Thranduil stand as well alongside Glorfindel, “Alright, fine, they won’t let this go I’ll go deal with the prima donnas.” While you strode to the garden to get to the archways Thranduil left a peck on his mother’s cheek and hurried after you catching up with the curious Lords Glorfindel and Celeborn still confused at your term you had called them.Into Rivendell you stepped and caught the sound of shouts you followed until in the middle of a courtyard the rest of Feanor’s sons had been ushered through to this archway instead and all turned when Maedhros called out, “Melkor you will surrender the Princes!”Elros, “Maedhros, she is not Melkor!”Maglor, “Lies! You will surrender the boys! We will not fall to your ruse!”With a nod you asked, “Let’s say I am Melkor, ‘Hand over the boys, or what?’ Hmm?”Maedhros halted in his pacing and turned to face you, “I beg your pardon?”
“Begging is a nice start but it’ll take more than that to win me over, now, answer my question. Or what?”
The firm gaze locked on him had the other brothers looking you over telling right away you were not the person they had assumed while Maedhors approached you in a fiery glare not noticing the subtle signs you were taking in his seven and a half foot frame to find his weak points. “You will surrender the Princes or we will unleash a war the likes-,”“Ooh, war, how original. Because that worked out so well for you last time around.” That had his eyes narrowing and his jaw clenching and his brothers stepping back at your step forward, “Let me make this very clear. I know all about your war for those stones and all the lives ruined and lost because of your oath. Now I prize Elrond’s friendship, he was impossibly kind to my family when they landed here. And it is out of respect for that friendship that I haven’t obliviated your memory into believing you were a baker in Valinor with nothing but night terrors of each and every scream that filled every kingdom you waged war on for the rest of your days to hint at your former life. So this is my offer, you will reevaluate your stance on demanding their custody and tone with me because past your height and build you have nothing over me, your name is nothing but soaked in blood to me and far from terrifying.”In a scoff Maglor approached, “What do you know of war child?!”Suddenly when your gaze hit his he flinched at your cold glare, “Never ask a soldier of war. You ask the children helpless in the kingdoms ravaged by rulers fueled by greed. Ask the mothers clinging to them and using their bodies to shield their children from attacks and falling rubble,” their pride drained from their expressions, “Take a good long look at the terrified children peeking out from behind those they love able to survive the attacks until they learn that the world won’t be exploding and on fire forever. The ones that can still hear the explosions and screams decades later and never get to be at peace in their youth again. Always cautious, always afraid, never completely whole again for what greed had taken from them.”Maedhros, “Soldiers-,”“Soldiers speak of honor, glory, the pride of arms and the surge of strength they feel in having a home and loved one to defend. The feel of blood and the weight of the dead, the long walk home again. My uncle started a war, one that brought him to kill thousands of people before it brought him to our door. A prophecy told him a boy would grow to bring him down so he went hunting for infants that could fit the prophesy,” the brothers paled as you brushed your bangs out of your face, “He came to find my mother demanding she join him and turn over my cousin Harry. And he tortured her for hours before she died refusing to turn him over. But you see, he still found him, and killed his parents then tried to kill him, through me. Trust me when I say I know their pain. You murdered their parents and people they grew up around, you murdered the men they could have grown into! I will never give them to you!”Maglor, “Then Elrond-,”Elrond, “I agree with her decision. The Princes have chosen her as their guardian.”
“If you want a place in their lives you are going to have to work each and every day proving that you will never hurt them. Because of you I have to show them that they can trust again. That they are safe, from you especially. They are staying under my protection and so help me if you give them one inkling that you mean them or anyone else under my watch harm I will blast you into so many pieces they won’t be able to find a finger left of you.”
Maedhros, “You speak of peace and yet issue threats of death?”“Threats and death is your tongue, I merely oblige for your ease into the new order of peace.” His eyes scanned over your face as you glanced from him to Maglor, “You are not the first to believe I am a monster, but you won’t be the last to see I am not, even though I very well could have been.” Shifting on your feet you stated to Glorfindel, alternating your tone and stance like there was a switch flipped inside you, “Oh, that reminds me, Em wanted to have the boys for another film tonight if you wanted.”Glorfindel flashed you a grin, “Of course.”You looked to Thranduil, “Are you free too? We can ask your Mum and Leg too.”Thranduil, “I think that sounds lovely.”Looking at Elrond you grinned saying, “You all can come too if you like. Family film night. It’s a classic we all grew up with.”Elros asked, “The, whole family?” glancing from the Feanoreans back to you.On your feet you shifted and you looked up at Maedhros, “The whole family. Chance number one.”Through your doorway Thranduil fetched the trio of boys, Legolas and his mother while Glorfindel joined you in guiding the others to your home. Each portrait luring their eyes and every open doorway was peered into with the lounging couches inspected as you went to fetch Em. The small girl stunning the Feanoreans when Elrond stated who she was to you, now seeing you had given birth so young and were fostering the boys as well.Into the theater your younger relatives all pooled taking up seats around you, Glori and Thranduil with the boys, Em, Leg and Taule. Beauty and the Beast played making the curious Elves wonder what other stories you had grown with as a culture.More of your arrival was once again shared when those returning to Rivendell had left. In the hall however when Celeborn was leaving his eyes flinched wider at your sudden hug around his middle. His gaze shifted to your intendeds who smirked at his kind pat on your back when you said, “I’m so sorry. I heard from Saruman Galadriel and him are sailing West.”Celeborn, “Ah, yes,” his eyes met yours when you pulled back, “There is no need to apologize Miss Black.”“Still feel bad, barely got any time with your girls,”He shook his head, “Do not trouble yourself with this. Though thank you for your concern as our friend. I will put Tin to bed, I hope you sleep well.” Bowing his head to you in your parting as you wished him the same.Sweetly the men approached you while the boys yawned on their couch. With a sigh you brushed your hair from your face and leaned against Glorfindel’s chest through his tight hug as he mumbled into your hair, “This will all work out.” Drawing back his lips met your cheek with a soft smile saying, “Get some rest, you look tired.”Wetting your lips you asked in a whisper, “The boys, this makes me their Mother now?”Thranduil smiled at you, “Only if you wish to be.” Leaning in his lips met yours gently, “Sleep well.”The pair scooped up the boys for the walk home again while you scooped up Em and carried her upstairs. Echoes of comments on Lockhart’s start to his voyage mingled with comments from those in the Ministry Dale would be shifted in the morning hopefully aiding in the Flue System troubles with a sturdy location for that quadrant to be anchored as well.Barely a few minutes later your hair was let down and you found yourself sprawled out on your bed burrowing in shorts and one of your dad’s old button down shirts. Sinking off into sleep through the soft shifting of firewood in your sleep as Opal settled in for the night smiling as she felt her body readying to lay the eggs she was carrying within the next few days.A single tap on your shoulder by Kreacher not long after however brought you painfully from your sleep as you squinted at your doorway a knock had come from. Through a crack in the door you spied Glorfindel with the pair of sniffling boys in his arms, with a sigh your hand patted the large mattress under you through your folding back the covers. Smiles formed on their faces and they wiped their cheeks and settled into bed in front of you when Glorfindel set them down.His anxious glance at you ended when you nodded your head to the space behind you making him smile to himself on the walk around the bed. He wet his lips as the boys settled down again, with their eyes locked on Opal in the fireplace with Norberta in her usual upside down sprawl on the swinging grate above Opal already asleep.He settled behind you easing his hand onto your side stretching out a few inches behind you as you softly told the boys about the pair of Dragons breeds comforting them until they fell asleep allowing you to as well.At least until Kreacher awoke you with a message from Thorin of banners of Men seen in the distance nearing your borders earning a muffled groan from you dying into the chest of the Elf holding you in hopes of not waking the boys. On his back he turned to allow you to climb over him and slip out of bed, smirking after your peck on his cheek at your muttering to yourself as you walked barefoot through the house to the portal to Erebor..On your way to Erebor in your agitated sleep deprived state you made your way to the clearest choice in your mind for someone to be able to both converse with those around you and tolerate the weaknesses and tempers of the Men you would have to endure. Through the crowded main hall Thranduil, still in his plain white loose shirt and tall boots over his pants, froze spotting you, with lips parted as he crossed the distance to you eyeing your crossed arms and drooping ponytail. Softly when he reached you he asked, “Jaqi, why aren’t you sleeping?”“Apparently Thorin’s guards have spotted Men on our borders and he asked me to meet him in Erebor. I was wondering if you might be able to come too?”Thranduil nodded, “Of course.” His hand extended accepting the wrap Tauriel had passed him that he eased around his back, folding over the crooks of his arms asking on the way, “If you don’t mind my asking-…”In a glance up at him you stated, “Honestly, I’m tired and my patience wears thin when I get tired like this. Hence my lovely encounter with the brothers earlier. You’ve met their King, I’d imagine, and if I end up having to drag these Men back to said King I need someone that will keep me from throttling them.”Thranduil smirked and let out a sigh reaching up to adjust the collar on your shirt that blew up under your chin in a soft breeze, “You will be marvelous.”You nodded, “This is going to end terribly, just so you know.”Thranduil chuckled, “I doubt it. If anything we will end up inviting them to your celebration.”“There’s already so many…”Thranduil chuckled again, “Trust me, if Rohan is involved it is because they can smell a celebration from miles away. Last Feast of Starlight King Thengol just happened to get lost with hundreds of his Riders and fellow Lords all dressed to standard the day before the big feast and each year prior to that for the past decade.”You couldn’t help but giggle at it in your reach up to tighten your ponytail as you led Thranduil through your enchanted doorway that appeared inside Thorin’s war room where the Durins turned to you with quick smiles and relieved exhales.Thorin, “Jaqi, I do apologize for waking you. We simply wished to inform you of this threat.”You nodded catching his eyes darting to Thranduil curiously then you again saying, “We have sent out Ravens to inquire what they wanted but they have refused to answer.”You nodded with an attempt at a calming exhale, “I’ll go, speak, with them.”Thorin smirked catching the irritation in your eyes, “Please do let us know if you need our aid.”You nodded asking, “How is Bilbo liking the apartment?”Thorin smirked, “He is very pleased Bag End fit so well inside of it, thank you again. He really is more comfortable with it for our future pebbles. The garden especially, there is the beginnings of a veggie garden seasonal chart to aid in any possible cravings we might have.”You nodded, “Just over a week and the potion should be done.” That confirmation made Thorin smile again as you turned and led Thranduil back through the doorway towards the location you gained from tapping the mind of the Raven that had been sent earlier.
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In the darkened field you both exited your doorway and eyed the campfire nearby as you let out another sigh then asked Thranduil, “Any idea where they’re from?”Thranduil, “Rohan, it looks like.”You nodded and asked, “Do they have horses?”Haltingly he replied, “Yes,”“I keep hearing hooves when I sleep.” His eyes looked you over as you led the path across the cold grass gaining the attention of the Men now standing only to bow their heads to the King finally visible when you neared the campfire before turning their eyes to you.Their leader, the tallest with bright golden hair and matching beard locked his eyes on the King asking in the common tongue, “King Thranduil. We did not hear your company arrive.” His eyes scanned around for any other guards of Elves, not seeing any his eyes turned back to the Elf King. “Have you gotten separated from them?”“No. My Queen and I were wondering what you are doing camping on her borders.”Their eyes wandered to you again then back to Thranduil, “We were unaware of anyone claiming these lands.”You stated plainly, “We just moved in not long ago.”“It is usually customary when new kingdoms are claimed for it to be announced properly.”Your arms crossed and you stated, “It normally is good manners to explain why you are on the edge of borders when questioned by Kings as well where I’m from. Something you neglected to do when King Thorin questioned your reason for camping here.” At once his brows tightened as he drew in a breath readying to speak only to fall silent as you stated, “But no, you’re right, let’s go tell King Thengel who has claimed these lands, shall we?”After a glance up at Thranduil your hand rested in his when he offered it you, wordlessly you collected the memory on the main overlook in Rohan and sent the doorway there and passed through it. Then leaving the curious Men to cautiously follow you through it in search of this new King.Turning around hearing the crackle of an open flame over the cheers and chatter of a crowd, you trotted down the steps towards the bonfire lit party in the fields and open streets of the small town around the large fortress. One by one the Men turned to look you both over along with the group meant to be near Erebor. Near halfway through the party a hand met your shoulder and you heard a deep voice saying, “Who let you out of the house bootless, Lass?”Instantly your fist collided with his cheek sending him heavily onto his back as you mumbled, “Let me?!” Beside you Thranduil did nothing to hide his proud smirk as your hand lowered and unclenched before your turning your head to ask as your hair flashed into a pale sea foam green, “Did I just punch the King?”Thranduil shook his head then nodded his head towards the tall blonde making his way to you with three pints in hand and a growing grin on his face while saying, “You punched my Cousin, Halmar. Quite impressively I might add.” His eyes turned to Thranduil as he accepted the pair of pints meant for you both then watched you eye yours curiously as your hair turned back again. You peered in it then looked up at him again when he stated to the group of Men that had passed through your doorway behind you, “I assume you have a full scouting report on those lands I ordered you to ride out to.”You interrupted stating, “That is why I am here.”His brow rose, “I am listening?”“The lands between the Celdwin and Carnen Rivers belong to my people, and as of an hour ago so do Fangorn and Isenguard.”A ripple of chuckles sounded and Thengel stated, “Forgive me, but I have yet to hear of any Elves claiming those lands, or to be able to dwell there easily for ages, if at all.”Your head tilted and you replied with a smirk, “You obviously haven’t been listening close enough. We arrived in Middle Earth months back and have taken it and Dale as payment in ridding Erebor of Smaug for King Thorin.” His lips parted, “Now, it is late, I haven’t slept properly in months and we’ve obviously interrupted your party so I’ll make this quick, those lands are off limits, I find your Men on my borders and they will find themselves in very uncomfortable situations.”His chin tilted and he locked eyes with Thranduil inquiring in Rohirric, “I am aware what this woman is doing here, yet I am uncertain of your reasoning for being here King Thranduil.”Thranduil stated plainly, “Miss Black is my Queen.” Instantly the Men straightened and turned their eyes back to the curious woman as he continued, “And also one of the hundreds of Isitari Eru has returned to our world. They have a school for their young on those grounds, one that her people, along with mine and all of the Dwarves will defend if necessary to any foolish enough to threaten them.”Thengel nodded his head then raised his glass switching back to the common tongue, “We should toast to the returning Isitari then.”His eyes shifted to you as you shook your head and offered him your pint, “As much as I would love to, I can’t drink this.”His brow rose as he reached out accepting the pint then smirked at Thranduil, “Congratulations.”You rolled your eyes, “I’m a teacher, I have class in the morning.”His brow ticked up repeating, “A school teacher” his smirk grew through his sip of the ale making you exhale slowly.“A school teacher that could drop a building on you and place your entire village in a small glass orb. One that requires her sleep. Especially since I have to learn about forty different types of dances in two weeks.”Thengel glanced at Thranduil, “Dances?”Thranduil drew in a breath, “The first of April is Miss Black’s birthday celebration in my Kingdom.”Thengel smirked wider, “Well we must attend, to pay respects to your new Queen.”Thranduil nodded his head, “We will send a proper invitation by weeks end and a doorway for your kin to pass through, enjoy your night my Queen needs her rest.”The Men bowed their heads and Thengel accepted the pint from Thranduil before he turned to join you on the walk to your doorway again. The Men sent scouting were left in Rohan planning on the party ahead and celebrating that night while their campsite was zapped back to them as you passed through the doorway into Greenwood. “You don’t have to get back?”Thranduil set his hand on your upper back saying, “I’m walking you to your room.”“I will walk you to your gate at the least. My Naneth has missed all of Legolas’ life and understands with my position and our bond I owe you a great deal of my time.”“She’s your Mother.”Thranduil chuckled lowly, “I will go to her when I return, we will speak when Legolas goes to sleep.”“You aren’t going to sleep?”“I am not tired. Besides, it gives me plenty of time to go over the lists of details yet for your celebration.”“I did not ask for a celebration two weeks out, just remember that. You aren’t obligated to have one for me. Though I do suppose with the hoards of returned Elves you now have ample numbers to solve your problems.”Lowly he chuckled, “I suppose I do. All the more to lighten my load and focus a great deal more of my attention on you.”With a sigh breaking your stare at his adoring stare at you, you started the walk through the arch to Pumpernickel to your home again and led him through up to your bedroom door saying, “I told you it would end badly.”Thranduil chuckled, “And I told you it would go marvelously. You were perfectly charming.”You peered up at him raising a brow making him chuckle lowly, “I punched the King’s Cousin.”“You are not the first to punch him. Also, the punch was marvelous. Gained you quite a great deal of respect, as did your bluntness.”“And yet he still had to ask you why I was with you.”Thranduil smirked in another glance at you as his hand gently eased across the middle of your back while you led him on another turn in a hall Dobby was dusting a vase in making him step closer to you. Lowly he hummed playfully, “If you had my point of view you would have seen the group of Lords searching your hands for wedding bands.”“Of course…”Outside your door he leaned in cupping your cheek, “Please sleep. Anyone else wakes you I will be waging war on them.” Making you roll your eyes before his gentle kiss made you shut them, “Please sleep.” You nodded and he stood turning to head back to the doorway towards Greenwood after claiming another kiss and stroke of your cheek.A deep breath flowed into your lungs and promptly left in a big yawn as you passed through the door closing it behind you and walked back to the bed. Now on his back Glorfindel watched as you turned into a cloud of mist then grew solid again sitting in your former spot, brushing the covers back to settle in again. With a smile he inched closer to you as you did softly, asking you mentally after his mind tapped yours, “Anything serious?”A tug on his shirt brought him closer to you widening his smile as you snuggled against his side allowing him to hold you tightly, “King Thengel sent Men to inspect our lands. Thranduil invited him to the party,” you paused for a moment then added, “After I punched his Cousin.”Glorfindel chuckled to himself and snuggled as close to you as he could, loving having your arm around him and leg woven with his, “I am certain he deserved it.”“He tried to suggest I needed permission to leave home without boots.” Making him chuckle again as you adjusted your head on his shoulder and drifted off again..A stern mooing from the floating alarm clock nudging your shoulder with its head silenced in your hand moving to stroke along its jaw. The figure and action bringing a smirk to Glorfindel’s face. Tilting his head down he smiled at you in your shifting onto your back to rub your face, the grumbling of the boys beside you however drew his eye only to have them turn back to you in your lean closer to him bringing back his smile. Gently his lips claimed yours in a tender kiss gradually working into something more at your hand gliding over his cheek and into his hair. The next grumble on your right broke your lips apart as he purred, “I’ll take them for breakfast, get ready Dearest.” Stealing another quick peck before easing up and out of bed only to wrap the boys in his arms. Announcing the meal signaling the pair to lean into his sides as he lifted them and carried them to the door and down to the kitchen.On your feet you sighed brushing your hair back from your face in your path to the closet where you grabbed your pale green sleeveless dress covering your full chest to just under the base of your neck with a row of black buttons down your back contrasting the black band around your waist. The dress flowed around your knees covering most of the sheer section on your black tights you added before adding your heeled booties in a deep black with silver accenting rings to loop the black securing ribbons through. After a simple set of liner around your eyes and a pink shade on your lips you pulled your hair back into a tall ponytail and made your way to the door, collecting your grey cardigan and your wand sheath you clipped the hidden pocket on your dress.Through the halls you walked and trotted down the stairs joining the mingled mass of people, accepting the awed stares from Glorfindel, who had just finished his unwarranted explanation to your Father on why he had spent the night here. The grin on your Father’s face grew catching the Lord’s expression and swatted Regulus’ arm keeping him from sharing the comment he knew he was about to blurt out.Slipping past Draco on his reach for more juice you sat down in the empty seat beside him then glanced at Hermione as she asked you, “Jaqi, Fili mentioned something about Men on our borders?”You glanced up nodding, “Yes, um,” You felt all the eyes turn to you as you said, “Went out to check on it with Thranduil.”Remus, “Everything go well?”You nodded your head and giggled through a tilt of your head to the side raising your fork after a short stack of pancakes landed on your plate beside your eggs and sausage, “The riders were sent to scout the lands. We led them back to Rohan through the door, I talked to the King, after I’d punched his Cousin.” A snort came from Regulus in his attempt not to spit his drink through his nose as Sirius chuckled, “King Thengel seemed amused by it, Thranduil said he was impressed by it, and he invited himself to the party at Greenwood.”Remus, “Invited himself?”Regulus, “How’d Dew Drop take that?” Chuckling to himself.You nodded covering your mouth as you spoke with a cheek full of pancakes, “Apparently he’s been crashing Dew Drop’s parties for a decade now.”Sirius laughed, “No doubt for the wine, Elrond has quite a selection, half a glass and I was out the first time.” Making you giggle.Glorfindel gave you a sparkling adoring gaze from across the table making you blush forcing your hair to sea foam green and glance down at your plate mid chew only making his smile grow. Remus smirked at the interaction then asked, “So how is this new King.”Regulus, “He attractive?” The words rippled your hair to a golden shade mimicking the King’s and then back to your usual silvery blue.You rolled your eyes looking up at your Uncle catching Glorfindel reaching for his glass to cover his dimming smile, “He’s tall, blonde, I think he’s married though, Thranduil mentioned something about a Son.”Regulus nodded, “Did he flirt?”You shrugged, “He smirked a lot. According to Thranduil he and his group were looking for wedding bands on my hands.”Sirius smirked raising his glass for a sip, “Did they now?”You rolled your eyes pointing your fork at him, “No. It’s bad enough I have him calling me his Queen. Then I have Blondie Sir Smirks A Lot somehow finding my being a teacher amusing.”Glorfindel smirked stating, “That is probably be because in Rohirric children are taught by their Parents or Guardians aside from riding and fighting skills, which have certain tutors or instructors. His amusement most likely came from his trying to guess your age. They find it an amusing game with Elves. Apparently according to them I appear 5000.”You raised a brow as a smirk eased onto your face as Draco asked, “How old are you?”He smirked at your Cousin stating, “Few decades short of fifteen.”It was your turn to almost choke on your pancakes as Neville asked, “Thousand?!”He nodded, “That is combining my first life with the years I have had since being sent back.”You asked, “How long have you been back?”“4673, in two months.”Softly you whispered to yourself, “Thousand…”Regulus chuckled then asked, “So, is Dew Drop older, or younger than you?”Glorfindel chuckled saying, “As far as I am aware there is a few years between us, I believe I am older.”Drawing in a breath your fingertips curled and rested over your lips as Neville asked, “How old is Elrond?” The questions blurred as he shared the ages of the Elves he knew, or rough estimates at least between glances at you while you were floored at the sheer gap in age between you two until Hermione stated, “Fili’s barely eighty and in Dwarf life spans he’s just barely out of his teens so it really is just relative. Even Thorin stated Elves aren’t considered adults until they’re roughly four hundred. So, Glorfindel would be, in their mid adulthood? Roughly?”Glorfindel chuckled and nodded, “Roughly, yes.” His eyes turned to you asking, “How old are you turning?”You couldn’t help but smile through your nerves, “22.”Hermione jumped in not giving him a moment to pause stating, “We are considered adults at 17, something the Dwarves were a bit rough on accepting at first, but then they remembered we didn’t have the pointed ears before arriving here and aged like mortals.”Glorfindel glanced at Sirius as he chuckled after being asked, “If you don’t mind my asking, how old are you?”“I’ll be forty this year. Jaqi’s Mum and I got an early start, having her at 17.”Fred chuckled, “Mum was, 25, I think when we came around.”George chuckled, “Ya, but by then she’d had Charlie, and Bill.”Glorfindel asked, “Is it common to have Children so young?”Regulus chuckled patting Remus on the back, “No, we usually try to wait till our late twenties or thirties. Remus here had his first a couple years back.”Remus chuckled saying, “Some of us are just better at planning.”Glorfindel’s brow rose only to drop when his eyes locked with yours as you stated, “I was a surprise.” He blinked at you giggled, “That’s what he means.”Sirius chuckled smiling at you, “A much needed one.” Making you smile wider as you went to fill your fork again.Fred laughed turning his head asking Charlie, “Char, what’d Mum call you again?”Charlie laughed with a blush, “An Adventure.”You all giggled and laughed as Charlie stated while planting his hands on Bill’s shoulders, “Bill here was a challenge.” Making his Brother chuckle and run his hand over his face.Fred and George, “An unexpected joy.”Then they pointed at Percy stating, “A trial.”Percy nodded his head at Ron, still half asleep cutting his pancakes, “Ron was the surprise.”Charlie and Bill grinned at Ginny when she slumped into her chair still trying to untangle her braid from the night before, “And our precious little blessing!” The Brothers grouped around her drawing a weak smile from her widening as Charlie helped her unwind her hair as Bill filled her plate then turned to claim his new infant from Fleur in her slow yawning path to the table.George glanced at Glorfindel, “Our first girl born into the line in centuries till little Vivi here.”The Elf grinned at the infant as Fleur sat on Bill’s lap eating from the full plate he set up for her as he spoke to his little girl. A glance at the clock later you stood and Regulus winked at you claiming your plate, with a smile you walked over to the young twins that smiled up at you as you said, “I have to go to work now, so you two enjoy your day with Glori alright?”They both nodded and Glorfindel smiled at you saying, “We’ll walk you to the portal.”You grinned helping Elured off his chair and brushed your bangs out of your face and smiled at Elurin claiming your hand for the walk to the door where you both claimed one for your hips for the long walk to the front gate as the others all went off in their own directions. Gently Glorfindel’s hand eased across your back with a smile at you as you asked him, “My age doesn’t bother you?”He shook his head, “You are fully grown, your Father approves of our courtship. Does it bother you?”You glanced up at him and let out a sigh, “Fifteen thousand. I mean, I’ve barely had 22 and I died twice.” He leaned in and kissed your forehead.“Never again. No one is going to dare harm you or the boys here.” They both smiled up at you both as he added softly in another lean in to kiss your cheek, “You look lovely today.”“Thank you.” ** In Rohan **“Blue hair. I am telling you her hair was blue!” The statement made the disguised newcomer Ted freeze in setting up a row of freshly washed mugs onto the counter and look at the King who took notice of his reaction. Halmar, rubbing his bruised cheek stated, “I wasn’t my intention to insult her.”Thengel rubbed his shoulder, “We’ll explain things and I am certain she will forgive your verbal blunder.” In Ted’s coming closer he stated, “Did you enjoy the ride back from Gondor? I apologize for any agitation the extra week behind but at least they did let you look over their maps correct?”Ted sighed, “Someone needs to hit Denethor. He kept hovering, I barely got a glimpse before he would snatch them all away.” His eyes shifted to Halmar, “It seems I missed something.”Thengel smirked, “Yes. Apparently there’s a new school for Isitari just south of Erebor. Their Queen apparently has married King Thranduil.”Ted’s eyes narrowed a moment asking, “And the blue hair?”Thengel chuckled, “His Queen, has blue hair.”“How blue?”Thengel’s eyes narrowed a moment at his seeming lack of surprise, “Like a pale silver, why do you ask?”All at once Ted’s hair shifted to silvery blue parting the Men’s lips asking, “This blue?”Thengel stood asking, “How did-,”Ted, “If it’s this blue that’s my cousin. How did she get here? Did she fly?”Thengel, “There was a door, how-,”Ted shook his head rippling it to blonde again saying, “We landed here, I was separated from the others. I need to find her she’s bound to have found my husband and son.”Thengel smirked now knowing his family could be safe explaining his moments of somberness, “Well, our men went scouting those lands below Erebor and she in not so many words said those lands would be defended from intruders. Though we were invited to her celebration of birth in Greenwood.”Ted, “Where is Greenwood.”Thengel, “No doubt if it is your cousin then Thranduil would want a hand in choosing her gift from us himself. I am certain you can explain to him when he arrives again.”Ted huffed and glanced at Halmar asking, “What happened to him?”Halmar, “I asked the Queen who let her out of the house without boots.”Ted chortled, “That’d do it. I got some cream that’ll help with that.” In a half turn she asked, “Did you say they’re married?”Thengel said, “Well he claimed her as his Queen so at the least engaged. We saw no wedding bands.”Ted, “She better not have gotten married without me..” The Men all watched the grumbling Ted turn to head for a hidden cream that would prove useless for his bruise as it’d lost effect in age. *** Back in Pumpernickel **From the washer to the dryer you moved your clothes. RoR has again been swapped for more study periods freeing you to a two hour break including lunch. Upstairs your father sat playing with Em as Fin slept off his latest bottle so quietly you ate waiting on the laundry. With a pile of clothes pulled from the dryer you carried the basket upstairs to your room humming to yourself. Onto the bed the clothes spilled over and empty hangers floated out from the closet. Shirts were divided out and hung up, socks tucked themselves together and through the open door your owl arrived with a message in response from the letter you had sent earlier asking Tauriel to join you for a dinner in hopes to allow Kili a supervised visit with her.Two letters however fell from his beak furrowing your brows a moment in a curious smirk. Tauriel had accepted the offer gladly and the other one you opened to read Thranduil’s message.
‘Jaqi,
Our visit to Rohan had me wondering. If you, even in your book centered knowledge on horses, had gained a certain breed of horse you might find appealing? If not would a certain coloring might be appealing to you? I do look forward to hearing what your interests would be or if you would want to be surprised.
I anxiously await your answer and sight of you again, always yours,
Thranduil.’
“So sweet. Bit odd, but sweet. Why would he want to know what horse I like, he already has me riding Tuo.” To yourself you smirked saying, “Silver Dapple Pinto.” From one of your old sketches pinned up by your bookshelf you copied the image of the massive cart horse with grey and white fur scattered with star shaped spots and a matching white mane, tail and hoof feathers. Its peaceful trot captured on the sketch from a filming of a horse show you folded and added to an envelope you sealed and sent back with the eager bird making you smirk at its continued diligence. ** Northern Greenwood **Party planning was going well, the new returned Elves has been more than elated to have been granted homes in the newly restored kingdom and tasks to aid in decorating both palaces for the occasion. The main issue being the usual list of demands Gondor would send and the King’s worries when they would arrive to see Prince Estel. Meaning the boy had to be kept out of sight and yet the Men of Rohan surely would wish to pay respects to your children, all of your children. The twins were well protected and the Feanoreans now were beginning to accept their part would come into the Twins’ raising from a distance when they were accepted at your standards led by the trust of the boys they had harmed. But Denethor was ruthless and he could only imagine what storm he would cast over your celebration upon seeing the young boy, who would no doubt be terrified.Demands and frustrations over petty things had bubbled up and while the Elves returned that had taken up old posts as guards began their first patrol of the Southern Kingdom the King needed to unwind.He had sent off his letter, received a stunning sketch in response surely rare to find he would have to leave for later. And out of his dress robe and crown he tied his hair back with a long strip of ribbon he wound it in to lay down his back and collected his bow and quiver from his closet. Out to his private training area he stated at his target and inhaled deeply raising his bow with an arrow drawn. The old familiar motion coming easy and yet with each arrow his tensions dropped just a little more as he imagined the red dot in the round target to be Denethor’s head instead of the straw filled boulder backed warg shaped target. **Practice exams for fifth and seventh years were just a week away and your nerves had only risen with the students’ remembering how it had felt to sit for those exams not so long ago. Yet since you had aided in study sessions scores had risen enough for officials to notice.All the same while Em napped you wondered if the boys were awake, since your Ones were their now their adopted dad’s you would have to get to now them better. Popping off after your classes were through to Northern Greenwood’s garden housing their archways you turned in a half circle unable to hear any giggles or playful noises from the boys leading you to start wandering around.Each hall and open room was glanced into until you flashed a grin at the Elleth exiting a guest suite with the swapped sheets the Gondorians would prefer for their stay. Pleasantly she greeted you and guided you farther down the hall grinning to herself at the soft thanks you have to her showing you where the King was.Slow and deliberate the broad back and shoulders of the King rippled and tensed at the next notching of the arrow only to let it fly leaving you partly leaning against the doorway of the private archery grounds. A sudden twitch of the ear of the King had you smirk when he had caught the sound of the toe of your shoe tapping behind you in a try to keep your feet from falling asleep in the heeled booties.In a moment his eyes landed on you and as your hair rippled into a mint shade the corner of his mouth ticked up at your approach. “I didn’t want to disrupt you.”Thranduil drew another arrow, pleased you had been possibly stunned to awe of his form at least hoping it could add to the truth that he could amply defend you from any harm if needed. “Disrupt me anytime.”With a smirk you hopped up onto a stump beside him usually for holding spare quivers and crossed your ankles, “You are armed. I did not want to startle you rather and end up impaled.”“I would never fire at you. Within the Palace we do not turn ready to fire unless warned by another of danger. It is part of our training. We always assess first before firing.”“Long day?” You asked at the tensing of his body in the pausing of the calming motion.His eyes scoured over you memorizing each detail and he sighed out, “That obvious?”“Only to those with eyes.” You said and smirked at his raised eyebrow making him chuckle to himself and shake his head to lift his bow again. “Wanna talk about it?”In a deep sigh as he released the arrow he replied, “It is merely troubles with Gondor. The son of their Steward is eager to agitate us. I will calm. Eventually.” Only tensing his brow when he reached back to find his quiver empty making you glance around and wave a finger calling another full quiver from against the wall making him chuckle to himself again in reaching for an arrow in the bundle held between your knees now.“Want me to send some exploding smoke bombs their way? Ooh, or I have this multiplying spell, we could drown them in these little humming fuzzy puffball creatures that shriek when you try to touch them.” Making him after his arrow let loose look at you with a brow raised, “What? I helped to open a joke shop. It won’t kill anyone, merely annoy them into better behavior. How do you think I got through school alive with other pure blood families bent against me? Passive aggressive subtle revenge through unclaimed pranks. The rivalry between Slytherin and Hufflepuff houses is unmatched.”“Your houses quarrel?”“In academics and Quidditch, plus both house dorms are in the dungeons in a maze of sorts, the best way to sneak attack the other house. All in good fun, nothing life threatening of course. Just enough to keep one another on our toes and practice various skills.”Another arrow was claimed and he looked you over asking, “Have you ever shot an arrow?”“Few times, Fili and Kili were trying to use lessons for me and Hermi to get the lovebirds closer supervised.”Offering you the bow in a shift of his grip he claimed the quiver and watched you uncross your feet and hop down, “We shall see what you can do.”“You’ll have to turn around though.”“Why?”Your right hand folded around the bow grip and you walked around him guiding his turn, “I shoot right handed.”“Ah,” he said and took the chance to watch you adjust your hold on the grip he gave a few pointers for and guided you through your first try to simply ease back the bowstring. Tightly it tried to fight you only to stir his smirk out seeing you draw it back with apparent ease. A first arrow was tried and in the doorway he caught a fraction of a glimpse of other Elves stealing a peek at your arrow being lined up properly by the crouching King behind you to just barely miss the center of the target now lodged with all the arrows from the first emptied quiver.“Very good,” he hummed, “A solid footing to start from in your training.”“I’m to be trained now?” You teased back.Near to your ear he hummed helping you line up the next arrow, “It would calm the both of us for you to be trained outside of magic to defend yourself. A hopefully never required skill to master.” His hand molded around your side and he added, “All for your protection, my Darling Starlight.”Blushing slightly you let the arrow go and watched it lodge between two of his prior arrow stems and swing down to dangle between them. When you lowered the bow your head turned hearing Legolas’ chuckle in his trot out stating, “Ada, aren’t you meant to clear the target before aiding another on it? Especially one with a sharpshooter’s grip.”“Sharpshooter?” You asked back.Legolas, “Very few of our kin can master our bows with the hold you use. Quite rare, only the most skilled archers in our history have reached immortality in tales of old on their skills with a bow.”“I doubt I’ll be famous for a bow.”He smirked back at you tugging out the last of the arrows making the bewitched target morph back together tilting your head slightly for a moment. And he replied, “I doubt there is very little you would not be famous for. All the same, no doubt we would love to see what you can do with a sword as well.”Thranduil, “Have the brothers trained you on swords as well?”“Long sword mostly but with Thorin and Dwalin.”His eyes looked you over, “Hmm.”Legolas added, “Not dual blades? I sense you would be adept at mastering those over a long sword.”“They didn’t think it best to start with two. But it was hard to learn using both my hands to grip the hilt. I’m used to using both separately in Quidditch.”Legolas, “At least you have a good base to begin from. When you are ready we could begin your lessons.”Lowly you mumbled, “I guess that’s why Glori offered to teach me then.”Thranduil smirked, “Even better. We will alternate lessons, myself with archery and Glorfindel for the blade.”Legolas, “We will have you in fighting shape in no time.”Thranduil’s brows sank at that and you said, “I doubt anyone would want me fighting any time soon.”Thranduil, “Exactly, merely for defense purposes only.”Glorfindel entered the doorway asking, “What is required for defense purposes?” Smiling when he looked you over as the boys neared you.“They want to train me in defense.”Estel, “Are you shooting? Could we watch?”With a grin you claimed another arrow as Thranduil said, “I will train her on archery and you will handle the blade training. Thorin has given her a base knowledge on the long sword.”Lowly he replied slightly stunned, “Long sword? Of course, when you are prepared and well rested we might begin an assertion of your beginning level of skill to build upon.”Emptying the quiver the boys and more Elves watched your endurance hold against the stubborn bow making the King smirk more at their awe and showing proof you might be ready to try swinging targets next time. All while Legolas began to plan out the bow he would craft for your gift to have one of your own..“Why horses?” You asked at the boys being led off by Taule for their meal she had prepared as the guys guided you back to the archways so you could head home to take charge of Teddy, Fin and Em allowing your father to help with the final settling of Dale. The celebration of which you would spend with Molly who would be caring for Vici while the others were off relaxing.Thranduil, “Hmm? Oh, yes my question earlier. Thengel no doubt would be aiming to gift you a horse from his herds. The coloring you had specified would be quite rare to find. They do have white and black painted ones occasionally. While you eat, if you would not mind sending the doorway I will manage their gift and decision.”“A horse?”He nodded, “Yes. It is your birthday. I will ensure you are gifted the best they have to offer.”“A horse?”You repeated and he narrows his eyes a moment in confusion, “Yes.”“You don’t just give someone a horse! That’s like giving them a five hundred pound baby.”Glorfindel, “A five hundred pound horse would be quite sickly-,”“My meaning is, I’ve ridden one horse, once. He doesn’t know me. I could be incapable of keeping a daisy alive for all he knows and, a horse?!”Thranduil, “I assure you it would be very well cared for.”“I don’t even know what you feed a horse! Barely know how to dress one. How do you even bathe them? And their teeth, do you have to brush them? Do you have to cut their hair, or is it called fur, I don’t even know! And then they need shoes, how I would ever be able to do that-,”Thranduil’s hands settled on your shoulders, “Jaqi, we would care for the horse.”“But, Tuo would get upset, we’re buddies,”The remark making the King smirk to himself as Legolas chuckled softly and Glorfindel grinned adoringly at you. “Rohan has the finest steeds, and this way should I require Tuo you would have your own steed. Leave the rest to me.”“But, you already have so much to take care of, all the people you had, the new people, the new palace, Estel,” you pointed at Legolas making his smile deepen, “I don’t know how much of his daily life still depends upon you but you can’t just add a horse to that. Wouldn’t a sweater or socks be a more sensible gift?”Glorfindel chuckled again saying, “Surely if you were requiring clothes that would be our place to gift them to you.”Legolas, “Sensible, yes. But so much unlike gifting one of their finest horses. Appearances must be kept.”Thranduil caught your confusion and answered it, “Rohan and Gondor are known rivals each will try to outdo the other in their gifts.”“I’m almost afraid to ask what Gondor would give me.”The trio answered, “Most likely a fur lined robe, their specialty.”Blinking a few times you asked, “Like Thorin’s?”Thranduil, “Theirs is usually finer fur. Dwarves tend to stick to wolf and bear fur, Ecthellion has a full stock of fine fox furs. They prefer silvers and black shades secured by jeweled broaches.”In a huff you smoothed your fingers over your cheek brushing your bangs back, “I am a Professor. You do realize that? I don’t wear furs to work.”Thranduil, “We will ensure there are plenty of occasions for you to enjoy them. Again, better furs than their boats,”“Boats…” you shook your head, “Fine, but none of you are buying me animals or their skins for my birthday.”Legolas, “Of course not. It is custom to make it.”You shook your head and said, “Sensible gifts. I have to go.” Accepting the chaste pecks to your cheeks and smile from Legolas as you went through the archway after having shared with the trio on how to call your doorway and guide it to aid in his trip to Rohan to deal with your giant incoming baby. And smirking to himself Thranduil palmed the Phoenix candy you had given him to pass onto the Man you had punched, already picturing their shock at your forgiving gift.
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…** In Rohan **Through the door Thranduil traveled after rinsing off and redressing to his status again, drawing the eyes of the Men around the overlook at his arrival from the curious lone door. A steady inhale later the King walked alone into the open main hall where he found the Rohirric Lords comparing their dress robes for the evening ahead. Grins spread on their faces when they turned to welcome the Elf King bowing their heads to him before Thengel approached asking, “King Thranduil, come to greet us on your own? We had hoped to see your new Queen in the sunlight confirming if her blue hair was a result of our mead.”Thranduil replied steadily, “My Queen is at home with her daughter and newborn brother while her family celebrates the finalization on the construction of Dale.”Thengel raised a brow, “A daughter? How old we have a fine bunch of ponies we could add to the mix of her gift.”Thranduil smirked replying, “Nearly two, in August, I believe.”Thengel, “Yours?”Thranduil, “No. Her former fiancé.” Raising the Man’s brow, “He was a comfort to her in the wars they escaped by falling here. He has since remarried and just had four children birthed by his new bride the other day.”“Four?” Thengel rasped out and Thranduil nodded, “He has not cast off the Queen’s-,”Thranduil shook his head, “No, in fact she gave her blessing on their union and treasure each other’s friendship in raising their child.”Thengel was unable to keep from smiling, “Too young for a pony then,”Thranduil, “However three young boys are also in her charge. All amply sized for a pony of their own.”Thengel’s smile deepened, “How are the Queen’s stables? Our herds do demand a certain maintenance to their dwellings as you know.”Thranduil, “In truth, the Queen has only ridden three times,” dropping Thengel’s jaw, “My Elk twice and Lord Glorfindel took her on patrols with him on his horse.”Thengel, “Is that due to her status in her old home?”That drew all eyes to him making the Men group closer in shock. “Her life was greatly limited to the city, far more like Gondor than Greenwood or Rohan. She was limited to traveling on her Dragons.”Thengel, “Dragons?”Thranduil nodded, “She has two sharing her home. Part of why she was chosen to aid in reclaiming Erebor.”Lord, “They would not be crossing into our borders would they?”Thranduil shook his head, “No, her Dragons abide by strict laws. All but her two dwell in their chosen dwellings in the Mountains of Angmar, which were cleared of all other former dragons unwilling to abide by their laws, mainly all of them. The pair do not leave her lands, rarely leave her home in fact.”Halmar, the Man that you had punched with a telling black bruise on his cheek asked, “Why would they not leave her home?”Thranduil, “They were taken from their nests, she rescued them and granted them safety.” His hand stretched out to the Lord offering him the candy eyeing the bruise on his face, “My Queen asked me to offer you this, to heal your face.”He blinked a few times then accepted the candy stating, “I cannot see how this will heal my face.” Eyeing the shining wrapper on the square candy.Thranduil, “Unwrap it and eat it.”Halmar eyed it then found the seam in the wrapper before unwrapping it and timidly placing the candy in his mouth and swallowed it then tried to ignore the tingling in his face just moments before Thengel gripped his chin and turned his face. All at once the bruise lightened and faded away as well as the swelling around his eye making the Men gasp then glance at the Elf King who merely raised a brow when Thengel asked, “Simply a schoolteacher?”Thranduil smirked replying, “As I said, it is a school for Isitari. Who also happens to own a shop with her twin brothers selling healing tonics and defense items now moved to Dale.”Thengel smirked stating, “We shall have to reconsider our choices for steeds then, something far finer must be chosen.”Thranduil drew in a breath stating, “That is why I am here. My Queen shared her favorite breed discovered in books from her former home and I hoped to aid in the search.”Thengel grinned taking a few steps close to Thranduil peering up at him then said, “We should get searching then. And we should also discuss possible dates for our young ones to get together.” He glanced at his Cousin’s face, “Your Queen is quite lax on those who insult her. We had imagined your passing on her demands for greater punishment.”Thranduil smirked, “You will find my Queen to be quite, surprising. I doubt your Cousin intended to insult her.”Thengel nodded with a chuckle, guiding him to the open enclosures in the pastures around the small city filled with various breeds of horses and ponies. “He never does.”When they stepped out to the overlook into the open breeze again Thranduil stated, “Besides, considering her people were at war not two months past insults were often followed by attacks,” parting Thengel’s lips again, “Restraint and evening tempers are becoming more common by the day. Very rarely is she quick to harm others out of being provoked into it. Our temperaments at first were quite at odds to be honest. Such varied cultures we grew from.”Thengel chuckled answering, “I can imagine,” glancing off to the path Ted had helped a group of Men down to aid in repairing an old fence hours prior hoping he would return soon not to miss the chance to return to his lost family.Thengel asked at the edge of the largest enclosed pasture, “What sort of horse does your Queen prefer? A racer, a dazzler, or would demeanor win out over beauty and speed?”Thranduil brought out your sketch Thengel looked over in awe at the trotting marvel of a sketch, “Feathered hooves and speckled coat are the breed’s main attributes. I have never witnessed one myself, but if I could find one close enough I am certain she would adore it all the same.”Thengel grinned peering at the King, “Speckled and feathered? Is she aware feathered breeds are known for their strength, not speed?”Thranduil glanced at him, “I do not believe so, but either way she shares our Elven weightless qualities. That should ease a difference, though we will not be racing our steeds, merely easing her into caring for a steed, a work horse should aid that greatly.”Thengel nodded, “Yes. It should.” He motioned his had guiding Thranduil over towards the smaller pasture with the taller stockier breeds. “You are in luck, our fences broke year before last’s breeding season, nearly doubled our herd for carriages, wagons and tilling. A few unique coats have appeared in our herds again from it.”Instantly Thranduil’s eyes shifted from the dark brown and black horses shifting to allow the pair past on to the tan and grey horses before a trio caught his eye with the younger being nudged away from the larger of the three, “Those three, would one be available?”Thengel grinned stating, “The elders are our plow pullers. Are not overly friendly in how the Easterners treated them. Even to their granddaughter. We just started socializing her with the bridle and back straps last month, should adjust fairly easily to a saddle.” He grinned as Halmar moved at Thengel’s signal and nod to guide her away from the herd into the stables to be washed and primped for being measured for a proper saddle set later. “Now, those boys, we have some nice sturdy spirited ponies, should remain a decent size for them to handle even if they are Elven boys.” Thranduil glanced over catching his amused smirk, “Also speckled, though in white and brown.”Thranduil turned his head watching the pen of ponies trotting around and eyed the trio he was referring to, “They should do nicely.”Thengel nodded and patted him on the back, “I am glad. And should you ever find yourself in need of another steed, or if your Queen has trouble rearing her mare or ever wishes to breed her let us know.”Thranduil nodded then turned watching the trio also be taken to be bathed while over hearing the conversation of the Men in the stables. .Halmar sighed brushing the Mare’s mane free of any debris, “I just cannot manage it.”Hamma his Brother gripped his shoulder gaining his attention, “You can do it, you just have not found the right woman.”Halmar, “Each woman so far has struck me or left cursing me.”Hamma’s brow twitched up in an idea, “You always treat the horses better than the women you converse with.”Halmar, “Hamma, that-..”Hamma raised his hand, “Hear me out. Simply try imagining the woman you are speaking to is a horse and see if it goes better. You just need to get past that first interaction and I am certain you will manage a courtship.”Halmar sighed again, “I will try.” .The sight of a returning wagon made Thengel smirk and after a cunning stop to show off the Queen’s sketch the break was just enough to grant Ted enough time to rush up the steps after the Elf King a pair of Men had spent the past few minutes trying to flag the exhausted blonde down to notice. Inside the main hall however Thranduil stated to Thengel, “Should your own Queen require aid in her birth do not hesitate on sending us word. The returned Isitari do have quite extensive healing potions and medical knowledge should her discomfort grow.”Thengel’s grin deepened and he shook the Elf’s hand, “I thank you, and your Queen for the offer. I shall share word with her, allowing her own judgment on the matter. Our own Healers have been slaving to her comfort as they should, we all wish for healthy child and mother as always. It is pleasing to hear your kin have so many children to fawn over,” smiling wider as he lifted his little girl to his hip, “If only your Queen’s daughter was older,”Thranduil chuckled lowly nodding his head in return to the girl’s accepting the flower she offered him, “Princess Em is almost to your dear sunshine’s size,” parting the Man’s lips, “Their children age closer to Men’s, she will soon be in want of a pony of her own to join her new brothers. By all means, bring along your Princess if you wish, she will not be in want of friends.”Thengel chuckled again, “Good to hear, safe travels.” Bowing his head in Thranduil’s turn back to the overlook and waiting door. Straight up to the distracted Elf King a tall blonde raced after him with eyes darkening from blue to their natural brown..Tonks in her own determined race inhaled sharply to shoot up the final set of steps to the link to her home and family now being used by that oddly familiar broad shouldered blonde. A subtle pat of her pocket assured her hidden bag was in place and after the King she raced when a familiar doorway opened.Her hand on the door held it from closing making the blonde pause with a flinching grin seeing the tall blonde shift to a short pink haired woman who latched onto his chest tightly. “I don’t know you, but, thank you! I’ve been looking for this door everywhere!” In her pull back she missed his full blush looking over the stranger who just hugged him noticing the group of Men watching open mouthed, “Wait, how do I know you…Never mind, thank you!” Darting away through the short hall into a garden surrounded clearing she hurried.The small circle she turned in ended with Lindir saying with a bow of his head, “Queen Jaqi.”Turning around his lips parted noting the similar features on the vastly different woman making his cheeks begin to prickle at his mistake, and Tonks asked, “You know my cousin? Where is she?”Lindir wet his lips and pointed to the set of archways making her smirk and trot over inspecting the markings, the one she believed to take as your chosen plot of land for your home she raced through.Chuckling to herself she crossed the vast stretch of green to the distant Black Manor growing closer by the step. Straight through the gate she shot and the front door after, leaving her muddy boots by the door to skid her way up to the nursery. Wide eyed Draco on his brief watch while you were changing looked up, trying to settle his own thoughts on how to bring up the necklace he had made for Astoria as a marker of their next step towards a possible proposal in the future. Their future all the brighter after the effects of her blood curse had ceased entirely along with those of the Lycan infected Wizards.His mouth dropped open in Tonk’s lean over the first crib to smile at groggy Teddy who reached up instantly in seeing her, “Mum,” Up to her chest she lifted the boy cradling him in her arms.Draco, “Where-,” He stepped closer giving her a gentle hug.When they broke apart she answered, “I landed near Rohan.”Draco, “Do they have horses? Jaqi kept hearing horses in her dreams lately and she just traveled there last night.”“They do. And had I not been detained in Gondor trying to see maps to find you lot and where you might have set up. Remus is here?”Draco wet his lips and turned to the doorway seeing you enter mumbling, “Tonks.” She turned and in a teary eyed hug the three of you melted into until Molly entered squeaking and sputtering demanding her own hug stirring a wide eyed gaze over the usually off put family friend to her exuberant ways until Tonks smiled at you and Draco motioning your hands around your bellies explaining her overly emotional ways.Comfortably in shorts and a sideways baggy t shirt you raised Fin from his crib parting Tonks’ lips making her point and say, “Now, I have not been gone nearly long enough for any of you to have had a baby!” In a weak giggle at Draco’s hurrying off to join Astoria for the celebration in Dale when you reminded him of the time she listened to you on all about Romilda and Harry and everything else while you settled the little ones in the theater and gathered ample snacks for yourselves and she cried out, “Remus is Minister?!” *Through the open hall Thranduil watched the Men dart inside shouting, “Ted’s a woman! With pink hair!” Inhaling sharply the Elf King’s heart began to thunder and his eyes prickled at his step into the darkened hall closing the door off behind himself freeing a tear to streak down his cheek. A single moment in an unwelcome and uncalled for embrace of a stranger had tarnished his promise to be entirely yours and never touched by another. Now he had to go and break the news to you and beg for your forgiveness and accept the vast step back in your favor and trust he would have to win back again..In your weak giggle Em gasped and climbed down from the couch making you turn to the door seeing her rush to Thranduil calling out, “Dew Drop!” Hugging his leg tightly only making another tear fall down his cheek in her look under his robe and behind him for the boys or Legolas. “No boys?”Lowly you mumbled patting Molly’s arm, “I’ll be back, start without me.”She nodded and as you stood walking over with Fin’s sling secured across your chest his eyes rose from Em to you in another inhale and you said, “Em, the boys are with their Gran, maybe we can invite them over for the next film. How’s that?” She nodded and you patted her back saying, “Enjoy the film, be back in a bit.” Quickly she darted to the couch and in a quick wave from Tonks his lips parted seeing her holding Teddy then his gaze fell to your hand in his guiding him down the hall. Silently dreading the recoil of your touch from his hand once you heard how he had been tarnished but he made certain to release your hand once you were alone.Into the empty sitting room you led him and he asked in his unsettling rise of his panic once again, “That woman?”“My cousin,” you giggled out, “She didn’t tell you? She said she was in Rohan all this time, I thought you’d had met.” Another tear fell down his cheek and you stepped closer asking, “What’s wrong?”Sharply he inhaled and said, “Perhaps we should sit,”He moved over to the nearest fainting couch and sat down peering up at you as you stepped closer, “No one’s sick?”He shook his head, “No,”“No one’s hurt?”In a slightly weakened tone he replied, “No.”“Then why are you so upset?”“Please sit, what I have to say, is quite, vexing,” In a soft sigh you moved to curl a leg up and sit across his legs he closed to secure your seat while your hands settled on Fin’s back at his slumbering grumble.“What’s wrong?”Timidly in a low tone he spoke, “I was to return from Rohan, when I found myself-, no.” he cleared his throat, “It appears your cousin has not been entirely truthful in our meeting. I do detest having to correct the matter, and call her statement into question. However the truth must be spoken.” Your eyes delved into his seeing true hints of fear in them, “I passed through the door your cousin held open, there was a man, who turned into a woman. For a moment I had imagined it might have been you, with her bright hair. Only,” after a moment’s pause he stated, “She embraced me,” Your brow twitched up a moment and he swallowed saying, “I am prepared to do what is necessary to return to your good favor and pay for the transgression. I am thrown entirely at your mercy.”Inhaling steadily you looked his face over and you asked, “Entirely at my mercy?” To which he nodded and you shifted your right leg over his to straddle his lap stating, “Alright then, if you are expecting punishment then close your eyes.” He did and you rolled your eyes in a grin splitting across your face you took a moment to control again and ease your fingertips across his cheek parting his lips slightly while his mind whirled at what you would do and his eyes had to be shut.All the same firmly your lips met his and ensuring Fin wasn’t disturbed your hand aided his head in tilting to continue the kiss he melted into with another tear streaking down his cheek. The sudden dart of your tongue between his lips parted his eyes for a moment only to clamp his eyes shut again in the glide of your fingers into his hair at the back of his head urging his arms around your hips to keep mindful of the boy. A stunned groan came from the King’s parted lips at the start of a pant for air and his eyes opened but nearly shut again at the plant of your lips against his cheek as your fingers trailed along the side of his neck under his collar.Breathlessly you stated ghosting your lips along his cheek, “You brought my cousin home to her son and Remus. And you expect me to punish you for that?”“She embraced me,”“As she should have,” you added with another press of your lips just in the corner of his jaw. “If she hadn’t, trust me I would have tackled you for it in a hug of my own.”When your face came back into view his eyes sank to your lips and hungrily his lips found yours gaining a muffled giggle at his tongue delving to tangle with yours again in his hand nestling in your hair in return. For a few glorious moments he relished the enamored expression of lust and adoration for you and gladly withdrew at the next grumble of the child between your chests. His eyes fell to the strands of hair you pulled from his across his chest out of Fin’s face to lay over Thranduil’s back. The continued downward glance of you from allowed him to steal a press of his lips to the tip of your nose followed by another gentle kiss on your lips.Lowly he hummed a breath from your lips, “I will never betray you.”A swipe of your thumb across his cheeks had you saying, “I know that. And next time a relative of mine tries to hug you and you don’t want them to just fake a sneeze,” making him smirk as you giggled to yourself, at Em’s call for the opening credits ending he stole another kiss and helped you up onto your feet.“My Darling Starlight, I shall leave you to your night in.”“Hopefully not very long, don’t forget Em asked if the boys might come by, Leg too for the next film if they can. I know Taule has them. I do hope she won’t mind.”Thranduil chuckled to himself, “I will fetch you the boys. She will love your films. No doubt it would grant me a chance to spend the evening with her myself while Glorfindel aids in some minor hiccups in our new patrols in Amon Lanc.”“That bad?”He sighed softly, “If it keeps up I might have to move myself back there and allow Legolas charge of the Northern Palace.”With a sigh you replied, “Well, if it ever gets too bad, I could always move the North a bit more South,” making him smirk again.“Or perhaps,” he smirked with a plot in his gaze, “I might extend an invitation to young Haldir to help whip them into line. Often I have caught whispers in my stay in Lothlorien on how tedious the patrols had been even before your barriers. Far from troubling, mind you, to keeping his courtship to your sister.”“It is your kingdom, if it would help and Celeborn and Haldir wouldn’t mind I don’t see the trouble. I hope I could be more helpful.”With a smirk he replied, “If need be I will give Lindir his wish and move him out as well.”“He wants to move?”Thranduil kissed your lips again and stole a brush of his finger against the top of Fin’s curl coated head saying, “All to be closer to your astounding family. Enjoy your night.”Back to your spot you went leaving the King to his plotting with Fin and Em settled against you until the boys hurried in and scrambled to join you. Lasting for another two films before they fell asleep and Legolas helped Tonks carry the boys up to a spare bedroom beside yours with two Queen sized beds inside next door to the nursery at the rumble of a threatening storm outside. Looking around the Prince grinned accepting the offer to sleep there as well if he wished, gladly reclining in the cozy home free of being woken from any odd sounding commotion in the prepping for the upcoming celebration. Here he could help you with the little ones and allow his father and grandmother ample time to reconnect.True he did love having his father’s attention as he always had, and having siblings to threaten that should have bothered him, at least until you had fallen into their lives. Awkward and curious, surely you wouldn’t be his mother, but already he felt such affection for you and absolutely adored how you had striven to protect the boys and even his wishes not even mentioning with Em. Always considerate of his own time with and dependence upon his father, even encouraging Thranduil to be publicly open with affections for his oldest son. The embodiment of the woman he had hoped and dreamed up for his father to aid in rebuilding their kingdom and help their people thrive while possibly making his father happy again, now so much more than all he had dreamed up.He had hoped for the infamous One to arrive but more siblings, and such a number of them was never assumed. Even in having to wait until they were fully grown he loved them all the more as it reminded him of all he had experienced and dreamed at their ages. Out of his outer shirt and boots he laid in the bed grinning at the trio asleep in the bed across from his while hearing you reading Em to sleep in the nursery next door, steadily feeling his eyes droop shut as well to the story he hoped to finish later. **The ages parting the King and his mother had all but faded away sharing all that had passed between them. Even in the separation of father and son as well as husband and wife they had found comfort that Elves had returned and there could be hope to see him again if he and the Valar had so chosen for him. It did nothing to dim the future the new fully bustling kingdom had shown promise in bringing a great peace for all of the realms in this new beginning.While the night grew on Taule claimed another tight hug bidding her son good night to sleep and ready for the next day she treasured the thought of watching the trio of boys soon to be added as her grandsons. It was shocking to hear how shortly you had been courting but all the same the group of children helped to bolster hope for a speedy union between you three to offer some stability in the family unit allowing her a chance to grow closer to your daughter as well.In her absence a midnight stroll found Celeborn guiding Tindi through her evening stroll with her last feeding before bed and Thranduil grinned glancing down at the grunting girl folding her hand around her father’s fingers in his turn to greet his friend. A bow of his head had Celeborn stating, “Lovely night Thranduil.”“It is,” he said reaching out with a grin to cover the girl’s bared shimmering foot with her shifted nightgown keeping a butterfly from landing on it. “Last feeding for the night?”“Yes, our little Tindoome is feeding quite well and has gained a pound already. Her infancy shall be blessedly brief.” After another glance at her he eyed his friend asking, “Is something troubling you or has your Naneth gone to bed in hopes of preparing another day for your young Princes?”
“I am not troubled, I did however wish to propose an offer to one of your March Wardens.”
Celeborn chuckled stating, “Haldir no doubt. I had wondered on your new patrols. If need be do not question you have use of the three Sons of Halmir to aid in your trainings. Our patrols are quite solidified with ample guards from the First Age to remind our new recruits of the process. Plus, I must admit that I find this circumstance as a place to encourage the move as well to place him closer to his young One. How is the courtship faring of the young Lady, it is Lady? She is sister to Queen Jaqi.”Thranduil wet his lips and answered, “In the least Lady, though in their old world they were adamant they held no titles, past Jaqi’s and even that is arguable in her stance. Hermione is counted by the Dwarves as a Lady in her relation. For my own notice I do believe young Ginny is comforting to another union again. Their family seems quite at ease in offering Haldir the chance to prove himself to Ginny as a suitor.”Celeborn glanced at him, “Truly? Hmm, I had imagined courting a sister to a Queen would be quite a difficult feat.”Thranduil chuckled lowly, “As did we all. I myself imagined it to take quite a greater amount of time to win Jaqi’s favor myself, yet I imagine it boils down to her family belief, ‘there is always room for love.’ It must have been quite a harrowing war to cling so tightly to the light of a new beginning seemingly without fear.”
“I doubt it is without fear. Quite to the contrary I would imagine. I recall the expressions of the men upon our arrival to Rivendell, so similar to those with the Durins, all those terrified children, so long since waking here, even Tindoome, so much fear. I can hardly put her down after her parting so soon with her former family. The loneliness, our Ones, it must be a comfort from such years of uncertainty on whom you are bound to.”
Thranduil sighed, “That did puzzle me. Her dreams, so many on us and the unions of others and to still be so timid, so uncertain, it is agitating to know a fraction of what they have endured. Even Teddy, shift your expression too swiftly and they grow frightened. To seem so happy then one moment of irritation and they would be in tears… All of them to struggle so much and still find so much joy enough to have their children be so troubled by a single scowl. I do not doubt in the short time you have housed her young Tindoome has grown far more certain of her home.”Celeborn, “Oh yes, it is merely my uncertainty, I will calm. How is your bonding with the young Princess Em?”Thranduil smirked replying, “She has named me Dew Drop.” Making Celeborn and himself chuckle, “Embraced my leg when I arrived, oh, upon returning from Rohan I discovered Remus’ wife Tonks, well, she discovered me and used the doorway to return to her son Teddy. I imagine Remus is quite pleased to have her back, Teddy was beyond elated, she has bright pink hair.”Celeborn, “Ah, true to Jaqi’s statement then. Are they quite similar?”
“Jaqi is taller, Tonks’ eyes are brown, she seems more similar to Sirius than Jaqi. Though it is not surprising, Sirius stated she takes more after her Naneth in appearance. But in first glances they are similar, I had imagined it was Jaqi until she stepped back. At least from what I know she was the last lost in the awakening here, with only a single Wizard they deem foolish off exploring on his own.”
Celeborn, “Exploring where?” Thranduil shrugged, “Hmm, I will keep any notice of odd travelers at the forefront of any interactions with the Men.” In a glance to a distant stream he mentally called out to Haldir in his stroll from the archery grounds to his home who turned and joined the Lords and at the offer gladly raced off to share the news with his brothers of their offer. They would keep their family home and commute to Amon Lanc to head the patrols in the morning with his brothers. All of them old enough to remember the old routes and routines to help ease things back into order.
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**Four in the morning came with another rainy trip out to the quidditch pitch again with an odd peek into the nursery now with Teddy on his next to last night here as Tonks had taken up Remus’ offer to freshen up their home in Godric’s Hollow. After so long apart they wished for a night alone before she would bring Teddy home to their house next to Bill and Fleur’s so they could have more time to be used to being together again. His crib would be moved to their home leaving more room for Fin and Em. Surely the boys would want to spend more time at your home possibly leading to a possible solution. Mid workout you had thoughts to design their own room sort of like your Puff dorm, full beds built into alcoves in the walls with wardrobes and desks that they might enjoy over sharing a large bed since Em had her own space.You knew they had their own nursery in Northern Greenwood in Glorfindel’s suite soon to be joined with the King’s through a sitting room a doorway would be carved into easing the growth of space to welcome you all comfortably into what would be your new home as a family. They hadn’t approached the topic of moving in together yet, though it had been mentioned in passing once, your thoughts on how his apartment had looked to see if you might want to redecorate.Between laps you still tried to wrap your mind around the fact both men were wanting to be yours, both of whom now having four sons under their care. Now on top of Em you would have more children to add to your own daily lives that would be shifted to fit all of them. It was hard enough to figure out how your own days would go as you were trying to settle in the new state of this world while also settling into the reality you would have to shuffle Em in and out of Barty’s attention so she wouldn’t feel left behind or set apart from her younger siblings.Finally you had grown centered enough to not feel like you had to find a man to fill in the gap you assumed you had missed out on romantically growing up due to the death trap your life was. Now it was just trying to settle with the fact that your blondes were soul mates of sorts and the fact you had to wait, die twice and watch your world burn to have to meet them. Things seemed to be going well and your nights were significantly less vision filled since reaching Rivendell, it just took some work not to swerve yourself out of things assuming the worst was coming around the corner.Mid final round of pull ups your eyes shifted to Ginny seeing her own exhausted self pushing through things physically, always settling through as you had, physically to work out your aggressions or irritations. Fin was absolutely adored by her, there had been enough time for her to have processed the infidelity nearly a year back now, merely feeling the weight of the loss of her first love still while getting to know a wonderful soul mate who had been waiting for her all this time. The Elves were a bit odd to get used to, lovely people just differently cultured and socializing than you all had been. Slowly but surely he was coming out of his shell and was learning to slip into the group outings he had attended more comfortably. But on your way to shower before breakfast you could tell she might need a bit more of a workout to help her get through what seemed to be a rough day for her. *An hour to the workout and Ginny had woken remembering nothing more than a late night rainy night session of cards with Harry, his comforting way of seeing her through the summer after she had split with Dean. Not just as her former boyfriend and father to the baby she had lost, but her friend who knew subtle ways to help her out when you weren’t around. It wasn’t often when she couldn’t reach you, though as the youngest she did have the best spot to notice what the older teens couldn’t, just how tired you were, how hard things were, subtly missed signs that you weren’t okay and you needed someone to save you leading to her nudging Harry to realize it too. As she grew she wanted to be just as supportive as everyone had been to her but the sting of this new world did have her in a haze some times.Shifts at the shop were going to help, starting up in the next week when the shop would be freshened up and the routine would do wonders in helping to keep her from shaking Haldir into just saying what he was thinking. She wouldn’t let him be the third guy not saying what he was thinking. It was obvious that there was so much he wanted to say. She just had to find the subtle way to get him to open up, the one way you seemed to find easily she was trying to learn and was getting better at. He just seemed to be a new sort of puzzle and clearly he liked her but the Elven way of things was really trying her patience on not tackling the stunning man in a fiery kiss just to get some oil on the gears of all this past another foot between them stroll through gardens or supervised visits.Showering and a stop to visit Mum where she broke into a frantic bout of cleaning shooing everyone out of the house so she could fix what another kerfuffle had done to her kitchen. Chuckling in a path to head back to the Black Manor Percy was going to snatch up some time with Em and Fin on his day off to take up the chance to get the chance to spend the day playing after all the stress of the flue system.Though on another stroll unwilling to go on a garden tour just yet, just another day where she would be treated as a Princess by the Elves she came into contact with. Truly her sibling relationship with you had somehow latched a title onto her whole family in connection to you that seemed to be aiding in the slow pace of her connection deepening with Haldir. Even Lindir had shown a reluctance to ease comfortably with Regulus at first until he somehow had caved the soufflé of a man into courting bliss welcoming him near daily to family meals when he’s available.Being a Lady seemed to be hard enough as even Hermione had trouble being overly feminine, she could pull off respectable but even spending time with the Durins hearing about Dis especially Ginny was easing into knowing that Princesses could be strong and not be criticized or challenged for it. At least in that she could relax in not having to change from the strong woman her mother had shown for all of you to aspire to be. Some fresh air might be what she needed. The rain had stopped and looping between the puddles she strolled through the streets only to turn at the sight of the brothers who seemed to aim to give you a hard time. And turning out of their path she found herself right where she knew she’d eventually end up, where she always ends up on days she feels like this, right back at the graveyard in Godric’s Hollow.Standing between the twin headstones that stabbed the deepest in the sea of tokens and mementos to honor those lost and left behind until the full memorial would be set up once the design suggestions would be weighed and voted upon. A subtle wave of her hand and a set of crystal flowers she left at each of the headstones with words to each of the relatives eventually losing her train of thought sharing more about Fin in his first days..All night the Feanoreans, once again lost to their curiosity about your people to get better pictures of who you were, they had found the enchanted pathways and stared through the one marked Pumpernickel with narrowed eyes wondering what the odd word meant. When the rains had ceased the returned Lords led the way through the archway. After a glance around ensuring the Dragons were not loose and with sight of a few milling Elves exploring themselves they followed the path eyeing the various homes along the way until they came across a small set of cottages.There behind a ruined and graffitied cottage they spied the fenced in courtyard filled with floating orbs in linked spirals containing glowing images of the faces of those that had been survived by your fleeing people above each of the worn gravestones in varying shapes. For a moment however Elrond froze at the symbol on the Peverell headstone parting his lips as he recalled it as Namo’s mark instantly reminding him of your ring. In the distance Elros led the path to the familiar red head in the distance rising from her knees at the base of the most unusual statue, at least from his position at the side of it.Behind him Maglor flicked aside the vines covering the plaques below each statue he passed unable to read the markings on each while Caranthir and Clegorm stopped to each pick up one of the scattered notes only to eye them unable to read what they said in the Common Tongue. Curufin behind them raised a curious looking stuffed whale, their attentions to the items brought the stern glare from Ginny straight on them making Maedhros freeze in place as she called out, “Do your people not have rules against disturbing grave sights?” Instantly the men froze and gingerly set the trinkets and tokens back.Elros raised his hand from a string of vines on her turn watching them approach her eyeing the statue behind her, “We were not aware what these lands were.”Elrond tilted his head inspecting the statue behind her asking, “We did not intend on interrupting your mourning.”Ginny drew in a breath, “I was leaving flowers for Jaqi’s Mother, they always say they will, but they can rarely stand to visit.”Amrod, “She cannot visit her own Mother’s grave?”Ginny raised her arm pointing at the crumbling cottage coated in notes they had all inspected in their trip inside, “That cottage is where Jaqi apperated to after watching her Mother be tortured to death. Where she watched her Aunt Lily and Uncle James get killed by Riddle before he tried to kill her and her Cousin Harry in his crib.” Her arm moved to the one next to it, “That cottage is where she lived before Sirius sent them into hiding, she hasn’t been able to go inside of it since then. My Mum had to help her Uncle Regulus pack it.”Their lips parted and they eyed the statues again, Amras asked, “That is her Mother’s grave?”Ginny turned guiding them to the statue of the couple holding baby Harry in their arms with their birth and death dates under their names at the base, with Harry’s having two death dates, “This is James, Lily and Harry’s grave.” In a step to the left she showed them the statue of Jewelia and Jaqi in her arms with a large black dog beside them, “This is Jewel’s and Jaqi’s.”Curufin, “Jaqi’s?”Ginny pointed at the second plaque reading, ‘Jaqiearae Suzsieanne Anistasiea Pluto Black’ with two death dates before another dash leaving room for your third, “She’s been killed twice. Well, technically three if you count the time in the third floor hidden corridor. When Riddle had possessed Quirrell and when she was assumed dead as a child and the Battle at Hogwarts.” Their eyes scanned over the dates leaving them gasping.Clegorm, “How old is she?”Ginny met his eyes coldly, “22 on the first.” Drawing out another gasp from all but Elrond, who already knew from your Father. Her eyes shifted to Maedhros, “For all you might not trust or like about her, she has spent the last 18 years of her life never once being considered for how deeply the choices our world forced her into would inflict pain on her. One single man hoping for power and immortality heard a prophecy naming an infant that would be able to bring him down, so he went to kill him. 18 years she has been a pawn in someone else’s war and an endless battle of egos and she somehow managed to survive and bring us with her here, to safety. We were children, and somehow we were expected to take out the darkest Wizard of our age. Before you came we had finally settled, started to heal again, what right do you have to doubt her when you were the one to kill those boys’ Parents. How does that give you any rights to them?!”Maedhros, “Their cultures must be honored!”Ginny stepped closer to him as her glare tightened, “Their cultures?! You destroyed their culture! Their home, Family and lives! You killed them that day! Who they were going to be, what they could have achieved! You just don’t understand!”Maedhros huffed stating sarcastically, “Oh please do enlighten me.”Ginny’s eyes sparked and she muttered an incantation casting the graveyard into a field of mist starting a stream of memories locked in this memoriam for any willing to witness them.Starting with the public announcement of the events at Godric’s Hollow echoing with flashes of titles reading in their own native tongues, ‘The Boy Who Lived and The Girl Who Died Protecting Him’. After this it rippled through your years of hiding as a Weasely. Sirius’ escape short after. Next was the naming of your being named as alive and your house in Hogwarts to the world.Then it was the news of each of the teachers being dismissed in your position. The troubling trip to try to save Quirrel leaving them covering their mouths when you saw that you had failed. Up till the Chamber of Secrets being opened leaving you sent to Azkaban leaving them with mouths agape at the headlines and image of you being carried bloody and beaten in Lucius’ arms from Azkaban in their tying to beat the location of the Chamber from you. After was the apologies and clearing of your and Hagrid’s names.All the headlines of your trip to the States defending the Lycan Citizens flashed up with a memory of your speech to the President of MACUSA and the effect those words had on their lives. All of the Vaults in the school and creatures you had battled and protected the students from. That skipped to the trip to Paris where a lost child had been returned at least to be honorably buried bringing with it an entire family claiming up an entire chunk of your familial history.The attack at the Quidditch cup and Triwizard tournament, that left Cedric, you and Harry the final survivors with the image of you gagging on your own blood after one of the Crabbe’s had nicked your neck with a cursed blade that inflicts wounds that slowly expands, nearly decapitating you. Shortly after the world exploding in half, all torn about Riddle being back or not.After was the flurry from the Ministry about trying to hide Riddle’s return and Umbridge, revealing her methods of ‘teaching’ to the men watching. In the middle of the Department of Mysteries you battled in the sea of glowing orbs then raced to fight in the rocky hall with the smoky archway that dissolved your father’s ghoul when it was killed. From there at the heart clenching image of your rage at the assumed loss of your father into the Ministry of Magic the main hall of fountains was shown with you attacking Bellatrix, slapping Riddle then dueling in Albus’ form. Up until Riddle held you off the ground strangling you until you shifted back, just in time for the picture etched in the floating newspaper passing the group was captured moments before Riddle fled.After this the images sped on, one after another of various deaths, battles and moments leading up until the final battle at Hogwarts leaving you trading places with Neville shifting him free from Bellatrix’ attack, starting your final battle with her. Helpless they watched on at the hidden dagger crashing into your leg before the final curse you triggered from her in your taunting. Growing burns from the cruciatus curse spread across your skin between your screams while Ginny clenched her fists glaring at the teary eyed Maedhros watching on helpless just as the students, Aurors, flocks of ducks and Professors had behind your bubble charm.Finally your screams ended in a flash of green as you flew in front of Bellatrix taking the full blow of Riddle’s killing curse sending you both rolling across the dust and rubble coated ground. In a race Riddle got to your side and cradled you in his arms as the blackened ooze draining from your facial scars was releasing out a near silent scream under his wails of agony at your loss. Sharply he turned to Bellatrix, blue eyes burning with rage fueled tears and a sharp snarl at the cowering Bellatrix who was promptly killed after.Slowly their eyes returned to you, seeing Neville standing shouting at Riddle distracting him from your body slowly slumped over onto your side and you painfully clambered to your knees drawing out your wand. In a slow rasp for air you apparated in front of Neville when Riddle cast his next spell causing his wand to launch his curse right back at him and his wand exploded. Falling unconscious right after the orb you dropped that captured hundreds of Death Eaters and those from the other factions of Wizards attacking your allies.After, your trial played following the scene of the Ministry tearing you from your hospital bed to your due diligence. Ending with you barely being able to stand through the announcement of your sentence, the uproar causing there to be a pause in judgment with the shout that you would never see your child again. Percy’s step in nearly had them collapsing in tears seeing finally someone stepping up to defend you until Rufus entered with Albus, Sirius and Regulus, once in session again you were sentenced to life serving as a teacher and given the warning of prison should the Death Eaters rise again. Next the flurry of the past couple years flew by with memories from each group ending with the flurried snatching up of what could be gathered in a staggering battle you caught more than a hefty helping of attacks from that ended with crashing in Bag End.When their breathing had steadied their eyes fell on Ginny as the last of the mist rolled away leaving them trembling at her fading glare dropping into a deeply sunken expression, “We should have protected her. But we all used her as our shields while the former Ministry condemned her all while taking the information she fed them on how to arm and protect our people. And she never once condemned us for it, she just took the brunt of it, and took it and never accepted a thank you or apology. She was in the twins’ place, you do not understand because you are not trying to protect them. If anyone knows what they are going through it’s her. Say what you want about her, but you will never get those boys, and she will never let you hurt them again.”Maedhros, “I have no intention-.”Ginny flatly cut him off, “No one ever does, but they do.”Elrond cleared his throat asking, “Have you eaten? I know in my own tours of our memorial gardens I require a meal afterwards.”Ginny, “We’re always hungry. Family trait.”Elrond smirked to himself and Elros said, “In that we can help. Tea should be prepared by our return.”Elrond added in her turn to join the still trembling brothers around the twins reeling at all they had seen, Maedhros himself remembering his own torturing years under Melkor’s hand. “Tea would grant Haldir ample time to complete his first day on his new rotations.”Ginny glanced up at him, “New rotations?”Elrond, “Ah, yes, it was a late night decision by King Thranduil, Haldir must not have been able to inform you yet of his aiding on the training of the new guards for the patrols around Amon Lanc. Along with his brothers they would be aiding the lifting of the standard for the recovered lands.”Caranthir, “Princess, you have interest in patrols of King Thranduil’s guards?”Trying not to stammer at the title she replied, “Haldir’s my One.”Curufin, “You would accept a March Warden as your spouse?”At that Ginny asked, “Who did you marry?” Curufin looked at her with a shocked gaze, “Haldir is a phenomenal person who I doubt you barely know to judge on his job alone.”Curufin, “My wife is a sculptor. Trained our son Celebrimbor in his crafting early on in his youth.”Ginny, “Your son didn’t return?”Elrond cleared his throat drawing her gaze, “He is in Amon Lanc.”Ginny looked over his face then back to Curufin, “He does not speak with me for honoring my oath in retrieving our Father’s Silmarils and my part in the slayings following.”Ginny, “Hmm.” In her look forward he glanced at her again, “Anyone else have kids?”They glanced at her and Amrod replied, “No, our wives have arrived from Valinor with the new arrivals however.”Ginny nodded, “So you’re going to try for kids then? What about jobs? Any plans?”The questions widened their eyes and the twins could only smirk at the brothers stammering and sputtering lost for responses they still couldn’t form through the tea.Still partially in her slump Ginny slipped out in the middle of what seemed to be a brewing argument and made her way home again. Though in her entrance the sight of you had her drawing in a sharp breath uncertain of how to answer the question of how she’d spent the day so far, first in the graveyard and then with the Feanoreans. “Wanna come throw me around?” The question was simple and was all she needed to hear earning a nod and her hand outstretched to settle in your offered palm, “Come on, let’s go throw me around.”Through the house you guided her to change into capris and baggy t shirts over tank tops, barefoot for your walk to the smaller ballroom turned sparring gym coated in mats. To the floating tape rolls you walked removing your rings, extending your hands for the rolls to coat your hands. Pressing your fists into your other palms you tested the tape and on your way to grab the padded gloves you slid over your hands stepping into the circle Ginny was walking around inside. Joining in her circling you said, “Jabs first I think.” She nodded and stepping closer she split back into the usual patterns in her advancing steps with a set of high kicks to meet the glove you raised complicating the interweaving motions soon adding Hermione also in need of a good bit of steam release herself.Curiously in her huffing slip out of a meeting to allow more Dams to be forced into Dis and Diaa’s attention Niro guided the young Princes after the irritated future Princess had sat through another session of lessons on what was to be expected of her new role on top of her job. Though wide smirks eased across their lips seeing her drip into a clearly impressive bout of sparring the other Durins grinned in settling around the benches along the walls. The dropped gloves came in Regulus’ entrance to guide Hermione into another lesson on trading elbows and kicks avoiding his try to take her down to pin her to the ground starting as Haldir slipped inside with Legolas behind your intendeds whose lips parted seeing Ginny toss you over her shoulders.Onto your shins you were guided and folded back flat with her hands on your shoulders only to have the Dwarves oohing at the position she had left you in, open to her being pinned herself. With a smirk you asked, “What are you forgetting?”Ginny looked you over, “You’re pinned. How-,”A sudden lift from you made even the Elves smirk watching her feet leaving the ground allowing you to flip her over. Holding her head to aid her roll, pinning her down with your legs pinning her legs down behind her back with yours around her middle and a hand gripping her wrists making her giggle helplessly saying, “No one uses this move. No one but you can do this.”To which Kili said in even Hermione and Regulus’ chuckle break, “Actually that’s a staple move in our traditional wrestling forms.”While you let her up Ginny said, “No offence but with your legs and wide ribs I doubt you could pull it off.” That had you pulling back at Fili and Kili leaping up along with Thorin and Frerin both stripping their upper halves and out of their boots amusing you all to no end at their full display luring you three back in to learn some more moves and share some of yours..“Let’s get this down,” the statement was mumbled and died in giggles at your waking from your dream on Thorin and Dwalin wrestling over a pack of cookies with Fili and Kili eventually eating them watching the pair wrestle before they darted away when the empty pack was discovered by the elders.An early breakfast came and went with you bringing Em to Barty’s so she could meet her siblings, to be picked up in a couple hours by Ginny after her stop to help Hermione with something at the Ministry. Her night had gone way better after blowing off steam and next to you when you had held Fin to keep him calm through the bad storm that rolled through your lands she fell asleep as you had. Your intendeds had to return to check on their new patrols and eat with the boys while Molly has outdone herself with dinner on one of her sprees to distract from a hot flash.More and more you focused on your classes with scattered notes received through the day from Em on how happy she was with her new siblings until they all started to cry at least. Lunch however had you sending off a note to Glorfindel with Em’s request to have dinner there the group gladly accepted and readied for.“Alright, I got sippy cups and silly straws, which are you up for?” You said entering their dining room in Thranduil’s apartment turning the boys’ head as Em was set down at your feet to greet them.“I want a cup, Mummy.” Em said then tottered over to the boys.Looking them over you said , “Cups it is.” Catching their confused stares.Around you Legolas and Glorfindel came closer with the former asking, “You brought cups?”Giggling softly you said, “They have lids. Easier for children to use. Unless they’d prefer not to use them.” Pouring the juice on the table into the green cup you added the lid onto that Em accepted to drink from the boys agreed to try them and accepted their own drinks they grinned through using. Next came high chairs they all enjoyed being settled into at the tall person table instead of their kids table when they didn’t have a lap to sit on. The meal went swimmingly while you all giggled along to the conversation the children were having between comments and brief questions for the adults when thought of.Again however once the plates were cleared the twins were reluctant to play nearly stirring a pout from Em until your tap on Legolas’ arm stating he was it. Crouching down you said, “How about Hide N Seek?” A simple instruction and request from you had Thranduil and Glorfindel out of their outer robes and circlets to play as well. The rules were simple and in usual fashion you had mentally guided the Lords to grant the children a bit of leeway on their far from sneaky spots luring terribly hushed giggles making them grin knowing why you had said to do so. Playing dumb made the game more fun for the children and more amusing for Lords Elrond and Celeborn in their visit to speak about Lindir and the new guards’ progress.Though all in a group the twins led by Estel in his stumped search for you had Em saying “Mummy’s the best at hiding.”A far from subtle rustle of a leafy branch in the tree you were hiding in had you giggling when they all finally found you unnoticed above their heads for the past few minutes. A hop down and giggling race to help them find Glorfindel next came and by the time you discovered Thranduil heads began to droop and yawns rippled through the tired quartet you all carried them up to the Royal Wing for the boys’ nursery.In an empty closet for them you traced the doorway making a link to your door exiting from a spare coat closet in the hall across from your bedroom to carry Em through. The link now easing the worries of the men to have an easier way to check on you and bring the boys to you again if need be. All tucked in they slept under Taule’s watch and Legolas chuckled heading off to work on his bow for you wishing you a fun night. Stealing a glance at the smile on his father’s face as you were off on a suggested night ride with the pair between lingering stolen kisses and adoring comments on their time with you today. This time with Glorfindel you rode in their try to keep it even and until their list of sights they wished to share were awed at by you they clung to you then gladly took you back to the Palace for some tea.
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…All is found Lyrics used…Smiles lingered in your being helped off of Lipte in the stables and again the comments on the age of the forest and caves of glow in the dark butterflies and lizards with stones far older than the written word in your old world had you looking to the pair now freeing their undressed steeds. Unable to help it you looked over Thranduil’s face then asked, “15,000?”His brow rose as he asked, “I do not follow.”“How are you 15,000 years old?” Your question made him chuckle and Glorfindel smirk.Thranduil, “Are you questioning the number or my surviving for so long?”A passing group of guards off to their own patrols and Glorfindel said, “Let us get you off your feet, Dearest.”The whole path you glanced between the two men with their hands across your back after the shake of your head freeing a butterfly from your bangs. Through the large double doors you joined the pair to the sitting room where Thranduil helped you into one of the arm chairs and set a foot rest in front of you as you eased off your boots and set them aside and smiled at Glorfindel when he eased your sore feet onto the stool he pushed closer to you. Button by button Thranduil undid his robe leaving it on a chair along with his circlet on his path to the kitchen while Glorfindel lit the fire and lamps for you then went to help Thranduil.Leaning back you waited until the King had returned with a tray of snacks to go with the tea Glorfindel was carrying. With a grin Thranduil asked you in the hall, “You didn’t answer my question, is it my age or how I survived this long that puzzles you?”The trays were set down as you stated, “It’s 15 thousand years. It’s just, so long.”When he sat beside you his eyes trailed over your face in your glance at the cup Glorfindel had passed you, in a croak you started to ask, “How-,”His brow raised at your pause before he asked, “How what?”“I, I don’t-.”His fingertips cradled your chin turning your head to look up at him and his soft smile, “Ask me anything.”“How long were you married?” Steadily he drew in a breath then let it out as he turned his gaze away from you and rested his hand at his side counting mentally with taps of his finger on his thighs, “If you don’t-.”He turned his eyes to you again, explaining, “It is a difficult question. There was three centuries of supervised courting until our arranged marriage was solidified at the middle of the second age.” He wet his lips, “There was another four centuries until our kingdom was finally sacked and we’d settled here. The official ceremony was after the new palace was formed, half a century later we had Legolas and she fell when we tried to aid those in the lands of Angmar to clear it of their Dragons on our way back from the wars at the first sight of their nests.”“So, that, wow, seven centuries? What type of courting?”He drew in a breath, “There certainly wasn’t any physical contact past the allowed three dances at celebrations, our, in arranged unions it is difficult to find a solid footing as partners. I went from a low standing to a Prince, requiring a marriage.”“How, you said half a century, roughly, assume as an Elf, if I had a child, how old would that child be? How old are the twins, they’re the size of toddlers but they seem, older.. Dad said Estel is seven and they seem pretty even with Em.”Thranduil chuckled, “Fifty would roughly be equated to, perhaps a ten year old mortal child.”Glorfindel, “The Princes were seven when they were taken.”Your brows rose, “So it’s going to take how long for them to get, your size?!”They chuckled and Glorfindel stated, “Roughly a century. Though Estel is half mortal, so his aging would be closer to Em’s.”Your hand reached up and your fingers traced the tip of your ear, “Now that we, that our ears are like this-.”Thranduil, “There is no way of telling other than to wait it out. Due to their bond there is chance, as other Elven youth raised by mortals they might grow quite rapidly as to not be excluded from their kin.”Glorfindel, “In the time our kin have fostered your young they have grown quite rapidly, I would assume your kin would continue to grow normally.” Making you nod again.Thranduil scooted closer to you pulling the footrest closer to you in your next sip to prop his sideways bent leg upon to lean a bit more to your side placing his free hand on your knee. “Though, and I do mean this respectfully, if we, the three of us, were to have a child then it would be a waiting game to see how the child would grow.”Little by little your questions flooded out only solidifying their believed unions with you were nearing at the topics you were discussing, the great test of it was when Thranduil asked, “I do have to ask, Glorfindel stated your relationship in school with a, Sebastian was innocent, however, your union with Charlie,”You shook your head, “We were together for my first two years in school, it wasn’t a marriage. And barely were together a couple months before Riddle died.”Thranduil, “There are certain levels our relationships take constituting a union.”“You’re asking if we had sex?”He nodded, “In not so, abrupt terms, but yes.”Glorfindel eyed you in your inhale then added, “If you had, it would, there are two of us, leading to the questions of what you have experienced so we might know how our relationships would deepen together. Should it be to solidify first before anything physical were to happen with one or the both of us, separately of course.”Thranduil nodded, “We would never demand or outright assume for us to share a bed together unless it were your wish.”“We, did have sex, a handful of times. We were together in school only kissing. In the end of my second year he graduated, we split, he didn’t want to keep me away from anyone else if I’d found someone while at school. It was a few years then I met Sebastian, again, just kissing and he said we could take a year off to let me finish school and then see where we were in life and if we could work it out, but not long after he was engaged and having a baby with someone else.”The admission making their jaws clench a moment only to relax seeing you weren’t troubled over it as they were. “After I had graduated and was working at the school was when Barty played my boyfriend. It was a few months before Tonks and Remus got married, with Charlie, we got back together for a bit. That’s when we slept together. Then, we fell out and I ended it. Barty played my fiancé and I had to fake my pregnancy. Then, I died, and, the world sort of fell apart we got sent into separate ends of it.”Glorfindel, “Do you still care for one another?”“I,” you wet your lips, “We grew up together, so, I don’t want you to misunderstand. I love him, I do have love for him, yes we do have a past, but that’s it, a past. He wasn’t interested in settling down, he loved racing off after dragons and I can’t be like that for him. He understands, if that’s what you’re worried about. Plus-,”Thranduil, “Plus?” He asked while Glorfindel claimed your surprisingly empty cup.After a soft sigh you answered, “It was sort of, confusing. I was,” the pair’s eyes narrowed slightly and their hands laid over yours fidgeting on your lap. “I was close to breaking, from the weight of it all. Dealing with Riddle, my aunt Bellatrix, Fenrir, and somehow Charlie had thought up that, Fenrir raped me,” Their lips parted and you continued, “The whole time he seemed, bottled up and just kept growing angrier and picking fights until he just shouted at me that I wasn’t being honest. That I was hiding things from him, and that I wasn’t trusting him with what had supposedly happened to me.”Glorfindel, “Why would he assume-?”“The night they killed Fenrir, they all hid their memories, took Swooping Evil venom to forget what they did. They figured he must have heard them talking about it before they wiped it all out. But they talked to him after,” you shook your head, “But I was done. It was too much. I don’t hate him, I could never hate him for wanting to be there for me.”Glorfindel smiled folding his hand around yours, “I understand perfectly. He is part of your, I would say family, if that does not make you uncomfortable.”You let out a weak chuckle, “It is an awkward little family we have. But we’ve settled into it. We’re all we’ve ever had.”Thranduil claimed your free hand kissing your knuckles asking, “We have supplements, to hold off pregnancy, does your kin?”You nodded, “Ya, all us girls take it when we’re old enough.”Thranduil’s lips parted, “Your females take it?!”You nodded then glanced at Glorfindel when he asked, “Why would you inhibit your abilities to be with child when it is the men who could handle that aspect much easier?”You forced a smile, “Because not all men from our world could be trusted to protect us from, ‘surprises’ like me. Like Barty’s one nighter, he’s one of the rare exceptions actually wanting the child. Even Harry would have wanted Fin, or at least to help Sirius with him. If we want to control that aspect we have to take on that duty.”Thranduil’s hand gave yours a gentle squeeze making you face him as he shifted to face you more, “I assure you, the pair of us will stick to our regimens. You will not be required to handle that duty as well. You are a teacher, a mother already, you have so many to look after, to protect. We are here for you, to protect you.”At a loss for words you simply stated, “Thank you.” Making the pair smile and lean in to gently kiss you one at a time each grinning at your mint colored hair.The opening of the door however brought a messenger into view, he bowed his head and handed off his message to the King when he had crossed the room. Beside you Thranduil read the note then sighed stating, “Thengel has inquired upon the status of your cousin wishing to hear if their friend, Ted, has found his family again.” He bowed his head to the messenger who hurried off after he added, “I suppose we shall have to write to him sharing their reunion.”Peering at Glorfindel your fingers eased through the ponytail laying across your chest asking, “Have any of my relatives tried to hug you yet?”Thranduil chuckled shifting to rest his arm on the back of the couch facing you to ease his fingers through the ponytail laying over your shoulder while Glorfindel scooted closer to you letting you lean against his chest so Thranduil could prop your legs up on his uncurled leg while the other laid flat under yours. “Past Em, no.”Thranduil teased, “Well if they do we are to fake a sneeze to signal we are unwilling to accept.”Glorfindel chuckled tilting your head to the side allowing him to steal a firm kiss on your lips, “I doubt any would try to hug me, and I hope that I would not have to use that trick.”Slowly Thranduil’s hands moved to start rubbing your feet until another messenger arrived making him furrow his brows and nod then set it aside asking, “Are you tired?”Your eyes shifted to the note then back to his eyes, “Is that your subtle way of asking me to leave?”His lips parted and he shook his head, “What? No! Nothing more than my wishing for you to get enough rest.”Your eyes narrowed playfully making him smirk in return with his own challenging gaze while Glorfindel’s lips met your cheek as you murmured, “Mhmm.”Thranduil eased closer to you kissing your other cheek, “For that we are all going to bed.” A quick giggle came from you as they lifted you between them and carried you to the King’s bed and settled you down, removing their boots and scooting closer to you. Glorfindel stole the chance to lay his arm over your middle when they both laid down around you each claiming a lingering kiss before purring, “Off to sleep.” Making you giggle and settle between the pair drawing the covers higher over you while they slept on top of them draping their arms around you closing their eyes as you closed yours.…In the darkened room when the fire had burned out a furrow of your brows and withheld whimper from you had the duo around you lifting up to look you over in the faint moonlight. Deep in the dark fields around Rohan sitting up in the middle of the field outside of it your eyes widened in the rush of riders armed to the teeth halfway dressed to face off with the Trolls surrounding the city. Orcs and Wargs between the crude catapult pushing trolls raced forward and a distant scream jerking you into the main hall alerted you to your dreaming state. In the bed clearly belonging to Thengel in his race from the room his little girl had been brought by a servant and his cousin stood guard over his groaning pregnant wife in the bed Healers were trying to help stop her sudden bout of bleeding.A sharp snap of your silver eyes flicking open alerted the men to your dream and as you sat up the purple shade melted back into place. Lifting your palms coated in white flames you whispered, “Meet me in Rohan,” sending a flaming message of yourself to Tonks.Glorfindel, “You had a dream on Rohan?”“Trolls and orcs are attacking them.”Thranduil nodded stating, “We could send aid.” Mentally alerting a group of his guards to gather in one of the gardens while you leapt from the bed to find and tug your boots on again. “That was the whole dream?”“Thengel’s wife’s in labor.”Glorfindel asked in their jumping up to pull on their armored shirts and weapons along with their boots from their now shared weapons closet, “You wish to help her or guard her?”“She’s bleeding and in pain, well, more pain than normal, something’s wrong.” That had their faces drop and they turned with hands on your back to guide you to join the waiting soldiers you guided through your doorway.Into the central path in the heart of Rohan the Elves filed around you in your spinning stance seeing the Men scrambling after the night guard had caught the distant scent of warg who stole glances at Tonks popping up a few feet from you.“Ted!!” A pair shouted as Thranduil ordered his soldiers to fan out around the city soon added by more through your doorway joining the Men as you neared Tonks at her chuckling greeting to the pair racing off as well.Tonks locked her eyes on you, “City’s under attack?”“Yes, but I need a familiar face, Queen’s in trouble,”Tonk muttered, “The baby..” You nodded and she said, “We can’t help with the Trolls?” She asked hearing a shout about the creatures while Thengel raced off to join his men stealing a glance at the stream of Elves joining in with a simple grin spotting Tonks and Thranduil in the distance in the moonlight beside you and your enchanted doorway.Waving your hand you summoned a handful of sunstone powder chunks you turned and offered to an Elf soldier, “When you reach the edge of the city throw this as high and far as you can.” He bowed his head accepting them and raced off as you said, “Baby time.”A swish of hands from you and Tonks turned the giant boulders sailing for the city into seeds calming those waiting for impact in their flight to being battle ready. Up to the main fortified hall you raced taking the steps two at a time bursting through the open door with Thranduil and Glorfindel after you following the groans of pain leading you straight to the open King’s chambers. Around the Queen the Healers had gathered and your eyes shifted to Halmar, “Hey,” Through the edges of the shuttered windows a sudden burst of sunlight erupted lighting the now far from sneaky army between the stone turned Trolls easing the destruction of the cowering orcs and wargs.With a bow of his head he replied, “Your Majesty.”His eyes followed you in your path to the Queen’s side, who had shifted onto her back looking over you and the Elf Lords behind you nodding her head to the King she recognized, “Hi, I’m Jaqi, sorry to burst in but you’re in pain, may I?”Your hands were extended a bit when you had knelt on the bed beside her and she nodded letting you touch her still stomach. Her eyes flinching over your face while Tonks named herself as the former Ted and that you were her cousin, calming the now whimpering Queen at another press of your fingers across her hard belly. The silence was broken as she stated, “My stones, I was told it was too late to try for a son, but we didn’t listen…Now we will have to bury-,”Her eyes widened meeting yours as you said, “No burying, now I need you to trust me,” you looked to Halmar, “King’s Cousin, I need you to carry the Queen,”Tonks, “Mungo’s?”You nodded, “Mungo’s.”She nodded and raced off, “I’ll get Thengel.” Darting out of the room while Halmar inched closer to the confused Queen.She asked, “Carry me, why?”“I’m taking you to our Doctors, your babies aren’t moving, we have to see why.”Weakly she asked, “Ba-, babies? What could your Doctors do?”“Right now we have to get you there or we could lose all of you.” That had Halmar lifting her and Glorfindel accepting hold of her concerned daughter asking to come too, a pair of Healers also joined your group to ensure her safety in the King’s absence. Through your doorway you took her into the bustling Mungo’s in the middle of a rough storm signaling what you felt to be an incoming awakening of Fin and Em bringing them to you. A Doctor approached eyeing the tall group behind you asking in Japanese knowing from prior visits you spoke it as well easing translation, “What is the problem?”He guided you over to an empty exam room where she was laid on the bed, “Her belly isn’t moving, pain, and bleeding.”With a nod he got to examining the Queen with her permission to expose her belly with the arrival of the confused and no longer argumentative King beside Tonks where he noticed a few telling blotches of yellow across her skin making him ask, “How long have you had these yellow blotches?”She replied timidly, “Since I was a child, all women in my line have Stones.”The Doctor nodded and said, “Well that would explain the problem, for now we need to ready you for a c-section to get baby out.”Thengel asked in his step out, “Baby out? What is this section he speaks of? Will it be painful?”“Don’t worsen things by worrying, it’s not painful they will numb her stomach for the incision,”That had him inhaling making Thranduil grip his shoulder to keep him from shouting to say, “I assure you this is not dangerous. Queen Jaqi has delivered her daughter this way.”The Queen muttered, “They wish to cut me? How could I bear the scars. My Stones already lesson my appeal as Queen…”At that you raised your shirt to tap the small scar under your belly button, “This is my scar.” Parting her lips as she reached out to tap the barely noticeable scar also calming the King, “It is a bit of pressure, no pain, but something is wrong and to help this along for your safety and theirs you have to trust us.” She nodded and your head turned to the trio of Doctors returning spreading your group. Thranduil urged Thengel to the Queen’s head and you stepped aside to her belly alongside Tonks.The Doctor said, “More Kerfuffles have had us busy, we might need your hands if my suspicions are true on how many we are facing.”Thengel looked you over asking, “What did he say?” Watching the Doctor adding protective sleeves over his gloves up to his elbow over his smock.You replied as a nurse began to rub the blood orange cleanser over the Queen’s belly, “Just explaining why it’s so crowded.”The Doctor said, “Now, no need to be worried, just a tap and you will be numb, just lay back and babies will be here soon.”The Nurse drew her wand she waved over the Queen’s belly parting her lips at the instant numbness and while you pulled on the gloves the second Doctor passed you after washing your hands you came back watching Thengel eyeing the scalpel in the Doctor’s hand. The shallow incision parting his lips while he held her hands nuzzling closer to her as her eyes shut and Glorfindel turned keeping their daughter distracted by talking with her between stolen glances of his own ensuring she didn’t look.“There he is,” a snip of the chord on the purple baby boy who was laid belly down on your sleeve coated forearm and palm allowing you to rub his back while the nurse used the sucker to clear his airway for his first shrill cry at his sister being pulled out. Both having been positioned awkwardly, the after birth was next and her womb was sealed again while she smiled at the sound of the second Doctor lulling a cry from their daughter as well now joining her brother to be cleaned and weighed.A glimpse around had a few moments to remove a cluster of small growths that had caused the trouble before her belly was closed fully and the Doctor said, “These Stones, you have gotten in your family line it is called Grop in our medical records. We have supplements we can send home with you to help reverse your symptoms within a month and your next pregnancy should be much easier.”The Queen asked, “Next pregnancy? This will not be my last?”He shook his head, “Not at all, you look young, from the look of your ovaries and womb you seem perfectly healthy aside from the Grop. Is that something that is common in your town?”She answered, “A good portion of families have the Stones limiting bloodlines at impeding our carrying.”“The supplements are easy to make, I am certain Jaqi could brew up a great supply for your town to distribute with those showing symptoms.” The first potion was given to her and she shivered and accepted the second that had her hands lower to her now flatter belly in the Doctor’s saying, “I assure you your belly has healed just fabulously and all your nursing abilities are in tact. Just rest and mind your diet, one pill a day and try to increase your fish intake,” he glanced at you, “I will fetch the supplements and we can get you home here in a little bit.” Lowly to you he asked, “I take it no insurance?”“Just send me the bill.” Earning a nod from him in his path out of the room with congratulations removing his disposable layers with the other Doctors behind him while the Queen had taken hold of her daughter when her nightgown was fixed again. Stepping closer to Thengel you watched his misty eyed grin deepen at your offering his son, “Here’s your baby boy,” Into his arm he cradled the blonde haired blue eyed boy that squealed up at him earning a kiss from his father.The Queen asked, “What was his comment meaning on increasing our fish?”Tonks, “For Grop trying to eat fish at least once or twice a week would aid in alleviating the symptoms. See it all has to do with an imbalance of your diet, your bodies need more so the supplements help to kick that back into your bodies removing the spots and help your body to get rid of the stone clumps the imbalance makes.”Nuzzling her child closer to her chest she asked, “I could carry again?”Through an easy grin at Glorfindel bringing their older daughter to greet her siblings while your head turned again mumbling, “Two shakes.” Zapping off to Teddy’s crib in the growing storm shushing him to silence his pouting stance and bubbling tears. And Remus in the other room while he chased the next Kerfuffle loose in his home.Remus shouted, “Ha! Got you!” His head turned seeing you holding Teddy, “How’s Rohan?”Your head tilted, “Lotta Trolls, I’ll get him to Tonks.”Remus nodded, “Good, think we’ve almost got it locked thanks to those journals you found. Another week or so. Will it take long?”You hook your head, “No, not long now and Tonks’ll be back to snuggle.”He nodded and turned to chase another shadowy stream, “Ha, there you are!”Zapping off again you returned to pass Teddy to Tonks, who cradled him closely stirring a grin on Thengel’s face in her introducing him. All while you were off again gathering up Fin in his sling and Em before their fussing could explode into tears and in your return the Doctor was back handing the jar and giving the all clear for The Queen to return home. Halmar again lifted her and her daughter allowing Thengel to keep hold of their son walking through your doorway into the main hall now in the dark again at the fading of your sunlight charm.Back into bed freshened up again from Tonks’ spell, she was settled with her children and Thengel, who smiled at the picture Tonks took for them. Right when you returned you had stepped out of the room as Fin started to cry at a loud crash of thunder when the storm had grown from Pumpernickel to Rohan. Em in a reach for Glorfindel now was in his arms curling up to sleep again at the start of a soft lullaby echoing through the walls when Thengel slipped out to check on his Men.
Where the north wind meets the sea
There's a river full of memory
Sleep, my darling, safe and sound
For in this river all is found
Against your chest in your song Fin calmed nestling into your chest luring the eyes of the returning Men to the main hall you were in. Pacing slowly your hand smoothed over the newborn’s back while even Teddy curled up in your song perking up the ears of the returning Elves at the clear fields for miles.
In her waters, deep and true
Lay the answers and a path for you
Dive down deep into her sound
But not too far or you'll be drowned
Out on the overlook Thengel watched his Men returning with lanterns used to signal the clear from the threat. In the front hall Tonks greeted her friends who had approached only to glance at the source of the voice that had drawn them here. Even Thranduil and Glorfindel were drawn into the hall granting the Queen her privacy after she had been instructed fully on when to take her supplements with her breakfast. The Men unable to help but grin at your gentle sway calming the boy shimmering softly as you were.
Yes, she will sing to those who'll hear
And in her song, all magic flows
But can you brave what you most fear?
Can you face what the river knows?
An all clear from the guards on watch came at Tonks dousing the flames of the portion of the field the orcs tried to light on fire. Mid song the eyes of the Men traveled upwards watching a barrier rise in a soft shimmer only to fade again from sight with the peridot band folded in your freehand now resting flat across Fin’s back.
Where the north wind meets the sea
There's a mother full of memory
Come, my darling, homeward bound
When all is lost, then all is found
Into the main hall you strolled with the Lords to find Thengel who looked you over and took a lingering glance at the boy in your arm and girl in Glorfindel’s near to the same size as his daughter now drifting off herself once again. Passing the ring to the King he inspected it fully then looked up at you, “The ring is bound to the barrier, only your allies may enter your lands.”“I cannot thank you enough for all you have done, for my family and people.”You shrugged, “It’s what we do. Look after our friends.”Lowering his gaze again he stated, “King Thranduil stated you had a daughter,”“Ah, yes, this is Fin, my baby brother. Bout a week old now, still getting used to storms.”“Your mother is still recovering from the birth?”You shook your head with an easy grin, “My Mother died when I was three. Fin is my cousin’s son, he died on the way here so my Dad adopted him.”His grin faltered and he replied, “Oh,” watching you glance down at the boy and kiss his curled fist he tapped to your chin. “Your Adad is sleeping then?”“No, we, um, have been having some trouble with our chimneys. Should be mended soon. Oh, and I do apologize for bursting in earlier, I’ll try not to make a habit of it.”In a low chuckle he replied, “Queen Jaqi, you are welcome here any time.” With a parting hug from Tonks to her friends you were back through your doorway to Northern Greenwood with the ret of the Elven forces allowing Tonks to head home and laugh seeing the mess Remus had made catching the last of the Kerfuffles. Into the bedroom again you went laying out with Fin in a bassinette by the bed especially made for him. With Em to lay across your chest between the men to steal what few hours you had left until sunrise only to be joined by all three of the boys having been woken in the return of the soldiers sharing what had happened.
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Friday, the day the Dwarves had heard was set for your school wide dueling club to get some spare practice for the big OWLS and NEWTS students were anxious over. Shared worries with the new foster families had brought about a question of attending practice to possibly aid in their nerves which were at an all time high. Morning classes were through and bickering back and forth between houses had spiked again with each of the Professors trying to keep it to a low simmer at the worst while the Elf Lords took their seats on the bleachers along the walls beside the fostering Dwarves and Durins. All trying to get a good mental image of how the school worked and how magic duels could go but the argument between a group of Gryffindors and a girl from Ravenclaw had them the most confused.Faked howls for a day now had come up again only to have Minerva docking points for every time they did it now at a head when the head of the group and the girl were up to the moon phase coated mat across the platform you were nearing sensing something was going to go wrong. In a sneer the boy said, “Show you how wolves are meant to be culled.”“Enough Denby!” You said tightening his scowl at the girl who inhaled as you asked her, “Did you want to trade, Nia?”She shook her head, “No, Professor. Even if I was a wolf Denby couldn’t match my skills fairly.”Snape gave the count down and three slams onto his back later and Denby popped up as Snape said, “Well done Nia, fifty points to Ravenclaw.” His head turned, “Next pair.”Eyeing the lines of students stepping closer missing Denby’s jump up to his feet in Nia’s turn. “Filthy wolf, Sectum Sempra!”In a rapid snap you were traded with Nia, now screaming at the collapse of your body while Denby dropped his wand wide eyed seeing the blood seeping through your crème blouse in Snape’s hop up onto the platform with wand drawn. Breathing shakily in the pool of black curls and blood spreading around you he knelt muttering the counter curse drawing the blood back into your body while Denby smoothed his hands over his face while the wide eyed Elf Lords sat frozen. The teen stunned at the effect of the mystery curse his father mentioned hearing the infamous Harry Potter use in the Battle at Hogwarts.Always so certain and unbreakable now fragile and helpless in a pool of blood the image made all their stomachs drop and hearts clench even when you were helped to sit up charming your shirt clean again. Snape muttered in the curl of your arm with his to help you stand again, “Slowly.”Up you stood and Denby said, “You shouldn’t have done that!” Now pointing at Nia being consoled by Firenze who had been chatting with the curious Elves. “Should have just left that-,”“You say wolf one more time and I’ll make you tap dance every time you insult anyone. And for your information since landing here all of those with Lycan effects have been symptom and shift free. I know your father-,”“Don’t you talk about my father! He died fighting Wolves, like her and her parents! You’ve always been on their side! No surprise you let Grindelwald loose! Just another heartless coward of a Death Eater hiding behind another mass murderer letting others die instead of you!”Snape now scowling said, “Denby, be very mindful of what you say.”Denby, “Why?!” at this Albus entered the room with Gandalf at his side from their tea break moving closer through the parting students. “What else could she want? What, do I get taken away now for upsetting the Girl Who Died?! Because it’s all just a lie, you didn’t die and Harry did! No matter what you try to do to hush it up we all know Harry’s dead!”His foster parents smoothed their palms over their mouths in the crowd worrying how the boy would be punished for upsetting you and the other Professors. “Forgive me for wanting to run for once, for not wanting to die again for the third time.” Denby’s expression dropped and his fist unclenched, “Your parents may very well still be alive for all I know but they are stuck in the old world with no way to bring them here or to send you back.”He shakes his head trying to remain on focus voicing his rage, “How could you? Set that monster free? Figures you would be the one to do it. Great and Noble Black. Always looking for a new Dark Master.”Albus in his stroll up the step onto the platform asked, “What would you do?” His presence stirred whispers in the students and the boy wet his lips, “If you were ordered by me to stand and die while the few thousands we had gathered had fled. What would you do? Because Miss Black chose a way that she would survive; a very human thing to do. A very vulnerable choice. To openly admit freeing Grindelwald, but that was the state our world was in. The choice between what is right and what is easy becomes blurred in times of war.What would have been the right thing? To fight alone? People were dividing in ways we did not know, in that world, where even your closest allies were set to choose, again. It was not Voldemort vs the world, it was random groups of people silently and anonymously sabotaging our planet. How do you fight wolves in sheep’s clothing, Miss Black chose a powerful and unmatched enemy she knew to face the unknown. A common enemy who could sway millions into joining him, one with a name when uttered thousands would come to call. The name of a man who would never harm a child, one who would understand our goal.”He had moved to your side and said to you, lowly with a momentary rest of his hand on your shoulder, “I do believe I understand what Gellert told me now. And I owe you a million apologies.”Albus looked to the boy, “What would you have done? In a faceless war?”The boy said, “I wouldn’t have set him free.”Albus nodded, “Nor would I. And I would have killed us all. You did not see the escape, the forces waiting to attack us.” Over his head a mist grew and the copy of your escape memory given to him played making the students group up and cling together watching wide eyed the number of enemies you had fought through even with Grindelwald’s helping blasts taking out hundreds at a time.Random explosions of your duck charm and follow up explosions and implosions trapped in hundreds of cursed beads you fired out around you all through the thousands swarming you was how you had secured the escape of nearly all of those within your view and cut off the enemy from your new world. The memory making the Company and Elves looking on nearly pale seeing themselves how your memory blended into his on the trip through the crash through the closet door in BagEnd. The crash making the Elves flinch at the painful entrance to their world fading away, blotting out your pitifully battered and bleeding self just leaving you in tact in front of them again.Albus, “Just as in the first Wizarding world we will always be left with should haves and might have beens. However, we are alive and are given the chance to not make the same mistakes again, but we must be bigger than our hatred and biases. I understand you are in pain, however casting such a curse is forbidden when simple disarming curses were called for. Fifty points from Gryffindor. And a months detention.”Down the step you walked and while the next set of students stepped up for their turn you spoke quietly with Nia calming her down that you were alright easing her path to her friends again gathering around her. Continuing on you walked to the still frozen Elf Lords to pat your hands on the knees of your intendeds lowly saying, “I’m ok.”Glorfindel, “Are you in pain?”You shook your head and looked to Thorin when he asked in a hushed growl, “Detention and points?! That is all?”“He’s a child, it was out of pain not malice. I have been in our jail, that is not the place for him. It is hard to understand even for him. He doesn’t quite know that he could have killed the other student had I not stepped in.”Thranduil, “There is no way to have stopped the curse?”“Severus made it, we don’t know yet we’ve only used it in battle. But, better me than her. I can handle the pain. She never fought in the battles.”Maglor, “To leave him unchallenged though-,”“He does not know what the curse does, the effects. He will be taught the weight of it in detention, and he will seek forgiveness when it seeps in, the people he could have killed in ignorance. He is a good boy, children make mistakes when they are hurt and scared. And we will forgive him, because we’ve been hurt and scared too.” The words calming his foster family who knew it to be the truth at your deep understanding of his problems, “At his age we’re all hormones and rash thinking. We hear these powerful spells and when an idol like Harry Potter uses it in battle, you want to be strong and tough like them. Denby feels like he has no control over anything, that will change.”His foster mother said, “We considered showing him forging over his weekend visit, would that help?”“I think it would. He needs a goal outside of school. A space of his own and a support system.”Maedhros, “You would allow angered powerful children loose from school?”Your eyes shifted to him, “There are laws, until we are 17 we aren’t allowed to do magic outside of school. Small things like changing colors of things or calling items to yourself or accidental weather changes when scared or upset are fine, but anything more powerful and you get contacted by the Ministry. If there was a dangerous student we would take them into our own homes to watch them ourselves.”The foster father said, “We will do our best to keep him on the right path.”“I don’t doubt that.” With a grin you added, “From what I know of your culture I don’t doubt he just needs some good Dwarven traditions and hobbies to melt into. His parents had him in all sorts of hobbies from what I know.”Up onto the seat between Glorfindel and Thranduil you sat and pressed gentle kisses onto their cheeks between their questions to calm themselves more you glanced at the dueling students lingering there for a few minutes more until the next set were up and you were asked to demonstrate the skills they couldn’t manage to hold for their attacks. The lesson proving the skill behind mastering spells and how even with the troubled way you had fallen here the trust for you as a teacher was untouchable. There was no hiding from your choice and you didn’t flinch from admitting it and bearing the weight of their pain and anger, in fact funneling their focus onto you away from others to help them through their deep seeded grief and shock.Even Denby, now with his friends, again sat silently thinking over all he’d done and once the lessons were through he lingered behind and the guests caught his tearful slump into your side initiating a tight hug you returned. Consoling him quietly until he calmed and wiped his cheeks and claimed the visitor packed lunch to go and speak with his foster family who smiled and took your advice to heart sharing a possible list of activities they could do on is weekend visit. His smile came out again and they guided him to one of the empty seats in the great hall to feed him in chatting about their plans to set up his room more to his taste..“What are your plans for the weeks end?” Celeborn asked in the table up in your classroom after your dueling club drama to calm the Lords and Durins you were fine. All of them even the Feanoreans hoping to give you a relaxing evening only to lull you to sleep.“Well after classes today I have to go to Paris for the new film I’m signed on for. Going to be a two and a half day haul to get the full picture done in one go.”Thranduil asked, “Does it usually take three days?”“Films can take up to a year or more depending on how in depth the script goes.”Meadhros, “You are a performer as well?”“Ya, contracted for two more films after this.”Elrond, “What is this film about?”“Well, it’s Cinderella. It is an old one of our fairytales. A Prince is forced into holding a ball to choose a bride and a young woman who is being held as a servant to her Step Mother and her Daughters wishes to go. Her Fairy Godmother appears helping her to dress and travel to the ball, she has to leave at midnight though, and when she does the Prince is so smitten with her he goes off in search of the woman who belonged to the lost shoe he discovered she lost in her fleeing.”Legolas, “Does he find her?”You nodded, “Yes, but not until after the Step Mother and her Daughters scheme to try and get him to choose one of them instead.”Glorfindel drew your eye asking, “Is it one of your favorites?”His lips parted seeing the tears trying to form in your eyes even as your smile held, “My Mum was in a stage production of it they filmed but they wanted to do a fuller version of it, only the war picked up and she died.”Amras, “Your Mother performed?”You nodded, “Yes, she was incredible. Not everyone attending Hogwarts chooses to be an Auror or join the Ministry. She fell in love with performing, and Dad loved to watch her, used to make it to all her shows, insisted on it at work.”Caranthir, “What is the importance to rush this one?”“Well the production company wants it out soon, big new start to films here to entertain people. The son of the man who played the Prince Christopher is signed on along with more of the relatives of the original stage production and my Mum’s friend Bernadette is signed on as well. Mainly it’s like a play but it’ll be set in an actual village set up on the edge of the Palace of Versailles.”Elros, “Who dwells in the Palace? And are they accepting of the use of their lands?”“Well, no one lives there. Haven’t for centuries. See the French were starving and just out of a war, I believe, when the people had a revolution stormed the Palace and killed the King, Royal family and most of he nobles.” That had the men all frozen and looking at you. “Well the revolution didn’t last, another King rose to power and for a while he was in control until the people decided not to have a King and elect its leaders therefore leaving the Palace empty but as a marker for a sort of architectural monument of sorts. For tourism mostly people from all over the world came to visit, pay and explore the Palace on tours.”Amrod, “There are many monuments of this nature you saved?”You nodded, “Ooh, you should see the Palaces from the Romanov Dynasty. Gorgeous. Out in Russia, been a few times. Our home is modeled after one actually. Though Great Gramps actually says the muggle in charge of building that one simply copied our designs but just changed a few details.”Thranduil, “We should plan a trip sometime. You will be getting enough rest while you are filming?”“Probably not.” You said taking another bite of your food.Glorfindel, “That is not reassuring.”“Well they only got a three day filming permit so we gotta get it blown out as much as we can.” A glance at the guys had you adding, “Oh, and I had a question for you on our way back.”Thranduil, “You cannot ask us now?”“You may prefer it when we’re alone.”They nodded and through the meal you shared more plans on what you had coming up the week following including a night where you would be learning Elven and Dwarvish dances for your celebration. When the hour was through the Lords and Durins were off to their home and watching you clean up the hovering dishes and tables being sent down to storage and the kitchens you had borrowed them from Thranduil and Glorfindel waited by your desk. When it was clear you said, “So, I didn’t want to drop this on you like this.”Thranduil moves closer alongside Glorfindel, who said, “What is troubling you, tell us.”“Blunt it is, Cinderella has two kiss scenes.”Thranduil, “Kiss scenes..”You nod, “Now I’ve worked with Luis before and I hardly ever take up roles with romantic scenes but these are just iconic to the role there’s no way to cut them out and be the same. It’s one of our most classic stories. Everyone knows she goes to the ball with the help of her fairy godmother and dances with the Prince, they kiss and then she has to run away at midnight before the magic runs out and he sees who she really is. I am so sorry and I know you might hate me and that kissing is between partners alone but I do hope you’ll understand.”Thranduil spoke first, “This man performing as the Prince, he is aware it is strictly those two scenes as you have stated?” Trying to understand the details perfectly.“Yes, he knows, we grew up on this show seeing our parents perform it.”Glorfindel, “And he is aware of your courtship with us?”“I, don’t know if I’ve told him yet, the last time we spoke was before we’d arrived in Rivendell. Then again I don’t think people outside my family and close friends know yet either. But you could come if you like.” That seemed to calm the pair, “You could meet him, the whole cast including his husband and their sons, who have roles in the film as well.”Thranduil, “He has a husband and a family.”“Yes. Trust me when I say we are very old friends who completely understand that there is no hidden intention of anything close to romantic about this. We play our parts, convincingly to the cameras but there’s no feeling behind it. It’s all for show and we go home to our own homes and our own families still friends.”Glorfindel, “This is common? Kissing scenes, I mean, that there is some form of ritual to pass through?”“There are kissing scenes, even films where romantic scenes are taken even further into assumed sexual situations, which I don’t do.” That had the pair nod with a firm clench of their brows unintentionally mirroring yours, “We’ve only showed you a few films but there’s hundreds of thousands that have so many different genres we could delve into to help you understand.” Hastily you wet your lips realizing you were on a tangent, “As for kiss scenes. There’s no ritual, there is a certain etiquette that it is all mimed for the rehearsals, lead up to the kiss stopping at a distance in run-throughs that the actual kiss is saved for the full take and maybe is done over if the director says to try a different way or angle for the camera.”Glorfindel, “It sounds like a puzzling project to perfect. We would be honored to watch you perform.”Thranduil claimed your hand saying, “We will pack and would love to travel with you to this Palace. I do believe we understand.”“I just didn’t want you to be there or to see it on the final copy of the film and have it just thrown in your faces.”Glorfindel raised your other hand to kiss your knuckles stating, “Thank you for telling us. And we cannot wait to share this with you.”Thranduil, “We should let you ready for your classes. Naneth would not mind watching the boys with Legolas while we are gone. How will we travel?”“Oh, we settled our magical railway, it goes straight through the Misty Mountains past Angmar to our new island with the recovered cities for the rest of our Wizarding World,” his brow inched up and you shook your head, “You’ll see, the Pears offered me my usual suite so you can stay with me, they won’t mind. They’ll be too tired to dig into things as they’re in it too. I do have to bring Em, but if you do need to come back early my door would work for you. I’ll order the tickets and see you after school.”Glorfindel claimed the first kiss, “We will see you then.”Thranduil stole his own next, “I hope it is as wonderful as I assume you will be in it.”With a smirk you said, “If you like you can drop by my home in the theater and watch my mum’s performance in it and get a feel for it.”Thranduil, “I believe we will. We will take the boys as well to better explain why we will be away.”Though while they had gone you asked K to purchase two more tickets for you allowing you a trip off to Dale strolling through the street you had zapped into the corner of to get to the Ministry and stroll inside. Your random appearance had a few people stunned knowing what day and time it was but all the same they carried on their work and flitting back and forth while you went up to Neville’s office.The door sat open and the oddly blueish brown tiled room with shelves coated in papers and scrolls between stacks of books surrounded the tightly knit browed cousin of yours turning a sheet of paper upside down and right side up again muttering to himself. Knocking on the door broke his focus and he grinned, “Jaqi, What brings you here?” After a moments pause he said, “Please don’t say Keruffle. We can’t handle them in Hogwarts too.”“No, no, different matter altogether.” You said entering to office earning a sigh of relief from him.“Ah, well that would be helpful. We got two working, back and forth, just have to keep working it till we get there. What’s the issue?”“Well I told you at breakfast about France.” He nodded, “Thranduil and Glorfindel wanted to go to. So,”Neville nodded, “Yes, travel papers.” He turned around with fingers wiggling leaving his note aside to pull a small drawer of possible models for passport booklets he set out on his desk, “Draco’s been coming up with these in his spare time. Was going to try and think of how to bring these up casually when they had expressed a wish to travel through Wizard lands. Also Remus has brought them up and they’ve approved the designs fully welcoming them as long as we take full responsibility.”“No kidding.” Making him smirk a moment with you.“But they were curious to meet them possibly. Most have their old Ministers with I believe five still voting this next month, then we can have the first Council of Ministers. Possibly invite the Elves and Dwarves.”“Should be fun, assigning who sits where. Who gets the first meeting with each King or Lord, and all that fun stuff.”Neville chortled, “Fun. Yes.”Green with silver Elk’s head was the crest on the front of the one marked as ‘The Elven Kingdom of The Greater Greenwood’ you inspected saying, “I think they might like it. Doubt they would need it much. But we could talk about possible applications for travel passports in the future.” He nodded and after you inspected the others.A robin egg blue one with a waterfall for yellow letters etched ‘The Elven Kingdom of Rivendell.’A Silver one decorated with swan a swan under ‘The Elven Kingdom of Lothlorien’ in white.Erebor’s was a Navy blue with seven silver gems under letters marking it for ‘The Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.’ “Hermi hasn’t shared much about Moria of the Blue Mountains yet, but I doubt that if Thorin’s ruling them all for now at least it could be included as one Kingdom. So to speak.”He accepted the copy of information you had to fill out their documents he would have made complete with copies of pictures to add that would be delivered by the time school was out. Another alarm sounding had him huff and roll his eyes parting with you to go aid on the next clean up mission from this hopeless task of fixing the flue system.By the time you got back again you barely had ten minutes to yourself to plot out a letter and scribble it out for your family in France. Onto a blank sheet of your stationary you wrote to Vivienne explaining in the simplest of terms that you were now in a relationship with King Thranduil and Lord Glorfindel, both of whom were coming with you. Of course an apology for the abrupt guests was given but an excuse of their curiosity on how films are made and your role in it was hopefully excusable enough for them to not be upset or caught off guard like when you had brought Barty along without warning. The eager clicking of your owl’s beak announced he was ready and had woken up from his nap and with a wax seal he was in the air and through your window he went fully rested for the long flight. **And they did as they had said, fetching Taule and Legolas along with the boys to watch the play, all eager to see just what you would be a part of. When the main set came into view the screen shimmered casting the recording into life size drawing the group into the seats in the audience of the magical theatre. The whole musical the Elves and Dwarves were in awe of the woman you had been born from, and practically mirrored, and stole glances at one another wondering if you bore the same talents as well. The music was a bit odd compared to theirs but certainly cheerful and amusing to keep the show going, the dancing even more so. Clearly the role had a good deal of odd dancing and a fair bit of magic to pull off the show they couldn’t wait to see the differences in your own version.For all their worries the two barely memorable kisses compared to the entirety of the attention grabbing show your intendeds chatted amongst themselves while heading up to pack for the three day trip. Glorfindel all but hummed out, “I can tell how it would be important to the role. The sealing of their bond and the second at their wedding ceremony. It is not a gaudy showing of affection either.”Thranduil nodded, “Very chaste, yes.” Inside their apartment they went to pack for Thranduil first, who said, “Her Naneth was breath taking. Had I not known who was on that reel I would have mistaken it for our One.”Glorfindel, “Yes,” helping him to pull out his trunk they opened and moved to fill with anything possibly needed. “I do feel oddly at ease, yet anxious about our trip.”Thranduil, “Yes, to travel so far into the lands her people have saved and to see its ruins while imagining what it could have been once. I do wonder what this Palace could appear as for them to use it in the film.” After a moment he stated, “I do not believe she would agree to the contact if it would threaten our bond. I choose to hope that it will be as innocent as her Naneth had portrayed it.”Glorfindel, “Transferring it off the stage must be quite a feat. Fitting it into a city setting. When could they have rehearsed for it to be so natural to allow them to perform it so soon. Perhaps it is that iconic of a role.”Thranduil, “It certainly instills hope for a happy ending, perhaps they wish to complete it soon to end it out through their people to, I suppose state they are here and running is no longer necessary.”Twin trunks were packed and for their remaining time they spent it with the boys, Legolas and Taule, the latter pair who assured them the could manage things for a few days.
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**It didn’t take long at all for you to pack, you wouldn’t need very much but just in case you packed a couple dresses in case they surprised you with a need for them with your jewelry case of Suzienne’s lost collection pieces for an extravagant decoration if needed. Swapping your formerly bloody blouse for your comfy maroon sweater your trunk floated after you as you added your bolero hat over your loose bun of curls now nearly to your neck. Em’s things were already packed for you and she bounced up into your arms ready for the trip nestling on your hip against your chest for the walk through the linked doorway into the King’s Apartment.Following the sound of giggles you found them in one of the gardens and tight hugs and pecks on the cheeks were traded with the boys as you repeated, “See you Monday.” On your feet again Legolas couldn’t help but chuckle at your hug for him as well he gladly returned, “I’ll bring you back something, be careful not to fall from any trees.” Teasingly making Thranduil smirk you added, “Even if your Dad is able to fall from a hundred feet from one don’t actively try to do that until we get back.”Legolas chuckled as the boys stood in awe of the fact asking to learn how to do that one day, “I will do my best to wait until your return for my tree diving practice.”In a glance to Taule you flashed her a grin at her gentle pat on your shoulder you assumed to be her version of a hug before she claimed a tight one from Thranduil, “Enjoy your trip, Little Bud.” Glorfindel wished the boys goodbye as well promising to bring back pictures on a camera you had brought for them to do so with to share what the boys had missed. Trunks were tucked away in your satchel to ease travel and Em was back on your hip ready to go babbling to the men about her own plans for the country she had never seen in person yet.Through the archway to the one in Pumpernickel they followed you around the hill or archways to another they did not recognize the symbol on. Straight through it their eyes flinched wider at the bustling hundreds around them in varying styles of dress and all speaking a thick rough language close to Khuzdul by their ear.A single darting glance and a gasp was followed by your whispered name with a wave of heads turned and grins flashed your way. Bobs of heads came from those not willing to approach while those who did puzzled the men scrambling for something to write with and on they held while offering you their pens. Curiously the men watched you scribble out tiny notes and an abbreviation of your name between the mini interactions you had with each. One by one returning the head nods the dark shortened travel robe dressed pair behind you with circlet and crown on full display had issued around you until the flash of the first camera on a reporter went off.Straight up to you while you made your way through the street and peacefully milling people flowing around you after they had been greeted themselves the reporter asked in thickly accented English, “Miss Black, what brings you to Lower Bulgaria?”“Traveling through to France.”Reporter, “Ooh, visiting family for the weekend?”“Yes and no. Making the trip to film as well.”A second reporter popped up, “Filming what?”“Cinderella.” That stirred some grins and subtle ooh’s around you clearly showing the men it was a well known tale.The first Reporter again asked, “Who are your friends?”“My Partners, King Thranduil and Lord Glorfindel.”First Reporter, “Can you spell that, please?”You did and a Second Reporter asked, “Partners?”“From The Greater Greenwood.” You nodded and accepting his pen you wrote their names and he nodded his head thanking you as you said, “We got to go catch our train.”“Of course,” and “Safe travels,” rippled around you. And well wishes came in a muddle of formal greetings came for the pair behind you avoiding more people and a pillar to follow you through the rotating door into the train station. With tracks now opposite King’s Cross Station now in Dale that links with the rest of the British lands now North of Erebor across the small stretch of ocean that runs straight from there to Hogsmeade. The magnificent building stunned the men who turned their heads to take in the odd posters and signs they couldn’t read between statues and trains in the distance. A dip into your bag had you passing the confused pair their travel booklets.“Your passports to travel in Wizarding Lands.” They nodded and you said, “The other lands are hoping to stick to our usual travel laws in light of all the changes.”Glorfindel, “How do these come into use?”When you took your place at the back of the line you also brought out the tickets along with your passport and Em’s saying, “They’ll ask for them, you hand them over and they’ll ask if you have anything to declare, you didn’t bring any food did you?” They shook their heads, “Good, then you say no and then they’ll ask if you’re traveling for business or pleasure and you say pleasure.”Glorfindel, “Though you are traveling to work.”“Yes, but you aren’t. There’s a special process of paperwork to earn an income in another Wizarding territory. For taxes and such.” Turning your head at Em’s tap on your shoulder the men joined you in stepping forward to head through the archway to check your tickets and head through to the terminals. At the split of your group the confused men held their tickets and booklets staring between the back of those in front of them and you between them then to the open stations in front of them.After taking in the patterns of those in front of them they passed the papers over and watched the people pause at the front of the booklets then glance between the pictures inside to the men and ask with their formal titles, “Majesty, on holiday?”Flatly Thranduil replied, “My partner is traveling for work, I am here for pleasure.”Glorfindel gave roughly the same answer and they watched their books get stamped, closed and passed back to them and with a soft thanks they accepted them and walked around the stations through the turnstile into the open hall to link back up to your sides to follow you through the milling masses stealing glimpses up at the tall duo. In a settle of his hand on your upper back in a freed moment of taking space at your side when you turned for the right terminal, “I believe we were convincing.”To which you grinned up at him and Thranduil asked after noticing scattered females also wearing various styles of hats, “Is it common to wear headdresses in this territory for females?”Turning your head you stated, “Pure Blood tradition, no self respecting Witch would be caught without a hat.” His brow twitched and you giggled saying, “Meaning if you are traveling somewhere you are known you wear a hat. Sort of like your crown. We don’t have nobility but for pure bloods it would be as if they are Ladies, held to higher standard.” Earning a nod from him, “Though it does depend on how hard they are on keeping tradition or even if they like wearing hats or it could just be someone who likes hats. For me it’s tradition and I like my hat.”Glorfindel, “It does seem to suit you.”Em stated excitedly, “I’m getting a hat when I’m big.”“Yes you are,” you giggled and kissed her cheek making her giggle too and curl up against your chest with a sudden big yawn ready for a nap. “This one’s ours.” You said turning to guide the men to the train on your right they eyed curiously in their approach.Looking forward the pair followed you through the doorway they passed through and into the hall on their left stirring more gasps and waves on your way through to an empty car you opened and led the pair inside. Cautiously Thranduil slid the door shut as if he was afraid to break it and next to Glorfindel he sat across from you while you laid Em out on the bench beside you covering her with a blanket from your bag to let her sleep.Thranduil broke the silence, “What lands are we in?”“Lower Bulgria, the portion in the Misty Mountains just above Moria.” They nodded and you said, “You did do well.”Glorfindel, “Might I ask, what messages did they take?”“Oh, those were autographs. Um, when you meet someone famous you can ask them for an autograph, usually it can just be a signature or a brief message they choose as a keepsake of their meeting you.” Their brows inched up, “It’s odd, but, you get used to it.”Thranduil, “That man, who asked you questions, and the other, why-,”“They’re reporters. For their papers and magazines they can ask questions and they write articles or gossip columns on updates in the lives of celebrities or stories on current events.”Glorfindel, “And you stated we were your partners? Partners in what, exactly?”“Like, Life Partners. You’re 15,000 years old I don’t feel right calling you my boyfriends, you’re a bit too far into adulthood to be called boy anything. If you don’t-,”They shook their heads, “No, no, Partner is good.” Both saying it with grins, feeling their hearts soaring knowing that this could possibly knock them far closer to the rights to propose engagement once a few more markers for their culture was honored.Thranduil smoothed his fingers over his booklet and asked, “These travel laws, how do they work exactly?”“Well,” you wet your lips, “We have separate countries, I know we’ve shared this, but each country has its own Ministry of Magic. To travel between them you have to follow certain laws, certain limits on foods, creatures or even cursed or jinxed items,” Earning nods from them. “Now, this is the main line that travels from country to country, but each country has its own train system to get from city to city inside its borders. Because most aren’t small enough to walk from one end to the other in a reasonable amount of time for jobs and such. All of this is to keep law and order, so you now have your own passports though if you notice the letters in the bottom right corner that means you’re both considered under the jurisdiction of the British Ministry of Magic.”Glorfindel, “Is this common for new found allies?”“Well, we haven’t found any new lands in centuries actually, however, see, all the Ministries of Magic have a Council they meet on every so often to share updates, part of how we spread the word about the war. Anyways, Remus shared about your people and the lands we’ve met so far and all of them would be willing to meet you.”Thranduil, “On this visit?”You shook your head, “No, not yet, a few countries are still holding their own elections, most have their former Ministers. But it would be official with plenty of advance for all the Lords if they wanted. You are considered magical races, Elves, Hobbits and Dwarves, just as we are the ones who have met you first and know you the best until you would be greeted formally and taught about our laws if something were to go wrong with one of your people traveling we would be contacted to take responsibility.”Glorfindel, “If our people cause trouble they should be held responsible.”“Well they would, only, see, we represent our countries when traveling, like a second set of parents, so to keep the peace between countries. Let’s say you went to Italy and got in trouble then they would contact the British Ministry, who would have you escorted back to their custody, and you would be penalized there and the British Ministry would ensure any damages be repaid or if necessary jail time be issued for any crimes committed.”Thranduil, “That does make sense.”Glorfindel, “How could food be harmful?”“Certain foods, mainly with seeds could damage the plant life of another country. Like how blackberries can take over whole gardens. Also any hidden insects or animals could destroy crops from another. It can get a bit intense depending on where you travel, before Hogwarts we used to go everywhere with Regulus.” Earning nods from them.Glorfindel, “Are they having troubles with their chimneys as well?”“I don’t know. Our systems aren’t linked, goes along with our laws not to aparate into someone’s home, we can outside it just not inside it, so entering another country’s land has to be done legally by train or for the time being, archway. I would believe so, Britain mastered trapping the system in chimneys though I believe most are busy resettling into their shrunken cities into the copied countries on the largest island we brought. Of course their own Muggle borns have been mentally readied to blend into their cities fully with the Muggles they had saved on their own as well. There really isn’t much to England as far as monuments, a few scenic stops and forests then we have museums with galleries of items from past cultures and ages of artwork, not much past the people to make ours difficult.”Thranduil, “Would it be best if our people do not travel your lands then?”You shook your head, “That’s not what I meant, you’re all welcome, it would just be best if you didn’t travel alone so you’d have someone to help you through it all when you do travel, social cues and travel tips and all that, especially currency. But they can send a request to our Ministry for passports so they’ll be allowed through.”Thranduil, “I still cannot fathom that you have no say in the matter after all you have done for all these people.”With a smirk you replied, “Power and influence are two completely different things. Best I have no power right now.”Glorfindel, “I trust you, our people trust you, what could there be to fear?”“Darkness tends to linger near me. Give it time let a few shadows pop out then see where my head is and if I’m ready for power then.”Thranduil, “You still doubt yourself?”“I punched the King’s Cousin because he brought up that I was barefoot.” Glorfindel chortled and Thranduil smirked. “I think with the Feanoreans around I should leave the hot headedness to them.”A whistle had you smirking in a placing of your hand on Em to keep her still in their rock forward and back again at the shifting of the train making them look out the window with lips parted. Details on trains were shared next and with the rest of the four hour drive you enjoyed the meal offered and spread out next to Em to get some sleep while the pair sat chatting about how they might share the travel news with the other Lords. Knowing some might take it as possibly offensive to not be counted as their own territories just yet until the laws are well known..One final sway later and the train came to a halt with the pair across from you watching as you helped Em to put her crayons and coloring book back into her bag. Having woken when she did you had shared more of what the pair could expect of the final leg of the trip. In a reach for Glorfindel he grinned hoisting the girl up to his hip while you pocketed her bag in your mokeskin pouch. At your free side Thranduil took hold of your hand at the first glimpse of your jittery nerves wondering how the trip would go.With the other passengers you emptied the train and through the station you strode catching more grins and comments on your arrival along with the wonder of who your guests were. The clear foot above everyone’s heads made them stick out all the more and into the cool night you eyed the car waiting for you and the media ring around it. Once you passed through the doors a comment to Em had her head turn from the wall of flashes halting you for a moment to focus on the steps it took to get to the car. Once there the driver bowed to the pair around you and opened the door in his formal greeting to them and to you, “Miss Jaqi, welcome back to Paris.”
“Thank you.”
With a nudge from you Thranduil ducked into the car and curiously gathered the tail of his shirt when you stepped in after. Glorfindel was last as the driver greeted Em, “Miss Emelienne.”She gave a groggy wave making the man smirk and shut the door for a sure to be published in the papers. Inside the warm car Thranduil eased his feet together eyeing his knees nearly to the same level of his shoulders and he asked, “What am I in?”Giggling to yourself for a moment you summoned your own camera to capture the scene from the front of the car you pocketed earning a playfully furrowed expression from the King while Glorfindel grinned cuddling with Em in her giggling stretch of her legs up his propped up legs amused at the difference. “This is a car.” You said as the driver climbed in and started up the car again, in the shift of gears you said, “It’s sort of like a mini train.”Thranduil, “Could they not accommodate taller passengers?”Patting his thigh you said, “Dew Drop, like our deer, we barely break six feet as a majority. But back home if we ever use Arthur’s flying car I will remember the expanding spell.”Glorfindel, “Flying-,” at the pull out of the car his eyes clinched wider at the lift of the car after a couple feet of rolling forward making you smirk at the pair.“Flying car. They live on an island just outside of Paris with the Delacour family.”Thranduil, “If you can make flying cars, then why do trains travel on the ground?”“Because trains don’t turn easily and are harder to hide from Muggles, who had their own flying contraptions. Cars can turn invisible and easily avoid Muggle planes.” His brow inched up and in a cloud of smoke you make a biplane with spinning propeller and said, “Anywhere from single passenger to those that can hold hundreds, and they all crossed the sky hundreds a day allowing them travel to hundreds of countries separated by oceans or miles of other countries within hours. Not even counting the rockets that went into space.”Glorfindel, “Space? Among the stars?”You nodded and said, “I have books at home I can share with you later on their travels. A lot of them ended badly with them dying, but we got some spectacular images and data on our stars. Some of your constellations are the same but no doubt we’ll have to consult your star charts to learn about yours. Our Astrology Professor asked about that especially so we can have a whole new course next year to fit them all in with all the new stories.”Thranduil, “Of course, I will send a message off when we return to the others to gather their Star Seekers.” The title made you smirk in their turn to inspect the island you were flying over.Glorfindel, “I do have to ask, why travel this way? Would your door not travel this far?”“Oh it’s a courtesy to honor the hold on magical transport past approved means, like the train and flying cars until they have settled fully. But in Fleur’s birth it was an allowed event to justify it.”Landed on the outer edge of the city you named all you passed for them and the pair soaked in all they could especially the size of the castle that you were being driven up to. Each foot solidifying their view as to why with their ancient bloodline you would be expected to marry well as having one of the largest homes on this island. It was a matter of status and wealth and by the group of servants out front you saw that your family had readied and that this was no doubt to be a spectacle within a spectacle leaving you to hope the pair wouldn’t hate you or them after this was all through.All legs exited the again open door and in Glorfindel’s arm Em drew grins from the waiting line of servants who greeted her and him then grinned wider seeing you after. By the crown they assumed Thranduil was the King you had written of and they bowed again greeting him as well.A flick of your fingers had your trunks out of your hidden pouch giving the group an excuse to break the awkward stand off to carry the belongings up to your suites. Up the steps you led the duo to the open doors where you saw Eric rolling his eyes to the sound of his parents trying to fix Roderic’s lapel. Clearing his throat however had them ushering Roderic back among the others in their big group making you tilt your head and say in French, “They are people you know, not just titles.”That made Vivienne’s brow inch up in her approach replying with a cool grin, “You have an attachment to the pair of Lords we are merely-,”Stepping forward you initiated a hug and sighed out, “Wearing yourself thin.” After a peck on her cheek she mirrored followed by another on the other cheek you continued, “Just breathe and be yourselves. No need for all the flair it is just a work weekend.”Vivienne reached out to adjust your hair laying over your chest to a more flattering position, “We are old fashioned. Titles will be honored,”
“Then at least just nod your heads, they don’t do the full bow or curtsy, at least here. Tiny bit, baby steps, you’re family they want to be friends with you.”
She sighed and said, “Baby steps.”Shifting on her feet her gaze shifted to greet Em who called out for her, “Gran Gran,”Glorfindel stepped forward offering the girl to her flashing a weak grin and returning the much more tolerable head bow, “Lady Vivienne, you have a lovely home. We are very grateful to have been allowed to join Jaqi in this visit.”In her hugging Em between the child’s own babbled comments she replied a bit puzzled but awed at the title used for her, “Thank you, Lord Glorfindel.”Thranduil spoke next returning her head bow to him, “Yes, it was an eye opening voyage. The train and then the flying car. Quite marvelous ways to travel and your island seems welcoming to visitors even though we hear your family and the Delacours split rule of it.”She smirked as you were released by Ollivier and moved on to your great uncles and their families calming each of them with hushed comments. “Yes, well it is one of the largest Wizarding inhabited portions of France.”Inhaling sharply after formally greeting Ollivier in his step forward to her side, he asked, “If I may, I was wondering, what is your stance on Muggles?” Her brow inched up again while Ollivier claimed Em for a tight hug and peck on the cheek, “I am merely curious. We have heard so much in the short time on Jaqi and her Friends and father’s side of her family on the matter, all rather comfortable around them, however you are from a different country and culture it seems. If you do not mind that is.”Ollivier chuckled and said, “We do not mind Muggles. Neither attacking or seeking out their company when we can avoid it. We were raised in Wizarding towns so we find ourselves in Wizarding company. Muggles have their own entertainment and topics to converse on and avoid while we find trouble with attaining the facade of comfort among them due to our seclusion from them. Though our Jaqi does try to send word of matters we might find of interest. But, this is a new Paris. Our Muggles have mainly been molded to fit our new cities and by the end of next month it all should be restored to greater than its former magnificence.”Vivienne nodded, “Yes, and we do hope you do not find this too forward, only when we heard of Jaqi’s plan to stay with us we planned a large dinner, our Minister and his Council will be in attendance, all of whom would no doubt be very pleased to make your acquaintance if you would not mind.”Thranduil nodded and Glorfindel stated in Thranduil’s answering Em’s question, “As would we. We have heard great things of Jaqi’s travels to France.”Eric, “Good, and since the country is mostly Wizards now we can grant you the full tour. The film is all itemized and on the drab days we might escort you ourselves while Jaqi irons out the final details.” Secretly the pair dreaded the thought of exploring without you but learning more from the country from those who had lived here while gaining a better link to this clan did seem promising that they could aid in their relaxing around you even more outside of the resemblance to their lost child.A tour of a glanced at garden for Em had you, Vivienne and Ollivier left behind in the hall outside the entrance allowing your partners a better view of the property while supper was being finalized. To your right your Great Grandfather asked, “Soul mates? We read your letter describing Ones, however, it is difficult to imagine a King and Lord to rely on such a system for marriage.”Inhaling sharply to try and halt the tears prickling in your eyes after catching a stolen glance from Glorfindel your way between shaped shrubberies. “You know one of the last conversations I had with my cousin Harry alone was me telling him war isn’t a fairytale. That I wasn’t the chosen one.” Their expressions dropped and in the shadow of the ledge over the open doorway they could see the tears pooling in your eyes, and in the crack of your sobering voice their hands settled on your upper back to smooth circles into your skin, “That sometimes I don’t even get to be the ugly stepsister in my own story. They tortured me, and beat me, and burned me and stabbed me and killed me, for years! And no one said anything! Not until the very end!”Sharply you drew in a strong breath to keep from bursting into a full sob right there. “I want, so much, to believe that I get to be happy now, I get to be safe now. I want to believe that that was there and we can be better people now,” again your voice cracked in a momentary furrow of your brows in another fighting wave of sobs threatening to surface. “I never want Em to face anything I had to, to have to live without me. That we are more than worthy of having a life where we keep dying brutally over and over again and never get anything more. You met and fell in love and it was fate. My parents had their own whirlwind romance through school. We fell here, and these two men who want nothing more than my safety and happiness said they’re my Ones, I want to believe so badly that it isn’t a lie. That they will love and cherish and protect me and Em forever. I just want to be happy. I don’t want my life story to be nothing but pain again and again, and again.”They had moved closer and your eyes clenched shut to hold on the tears at his lean in to hug you murmuring, “They will love you? The pair of them and never hold a grudge for choosing both?”
“They say they won’t. It is quite common, triangle relationships for Elves and Dwarves. They grew up together knowing they would share my life one day. They waited so long to just meet me.”
Vivienne, “Do you think you could love them enough to bear the titles? They seem to hold you to the rank of Queen already. They refer to us with titles of our own.”
“In their minds due to my place leading the Death Eaters I am one even without our courtship. Even the Grangers, Weasleys and Malfoys have titles by link to me.”
When you looked at her she cupped your cheek with a pained but sentimental gaze, “I just want you to be happy and safe.”
“For that, I need you to help me to believe this could be real. They make me feel so safe it’s terrifying to no end. But, if they could really love me and Em I think I could do anything. Face anything.”
After a lingering peck on the side of the forehead from him he rumbled in taking your hand, “We will get you your Happily Ever After.”Vivienne’s finger rose, “However, separate beds. No sneaking in this house.”“It’s not like that,” you said rolling your eyes. “For them when you have sex you’re married. The moment it happens. And they can wait centuries to even meet their Ones and some never are able to get together due to rank and so many other rules their courtship has. We’re taking it slow.”Ollivier smirked, “You are untouched then, good.”
“I may have screwed things up in your eyes with Barty but-,”
Vivienne’s finger tapped your nose, “As far as Barty is concerned you are as good as divorced. We love Em, it was not meant to last but we have Em now. We have you. Safe and happy readying to be Queen.”“Mummy! Hippo!”That turned your head and Ollivier stated, “Ah, yes, we had to drain all we could find into our ponds before the move. Mr Scamander is collecting them on Tuesday for their new habitats.” Crossing the garden between the pair you brought Em over to greet one of the surfaced creatures Thranduil was taking a picture of to capture Em’s giggles at petting the shimmering calf nuzzling against her chest. For the few creatures you could see in their ponds you shared their traits and stood with Em on your hip to head for the dinner now ready.Around the lavishly set table you all took your seats with the curious Lords seated one near Vivenne and Ollivier at opposite ends of the table while you and Em were in the middle in alternating gender assigned seats for their children and other grandchildren. Each dish of the three course meal added an intrigue to the new culture shift and a shared mental game to try and pull out what exactly was in each meal. Another shock however came in their being led to their own room down the hall from yours and Em’s. A brief reveal of how to work the light switches and lamps was given by the servant in charge of guiding them there who also set the alarm for them to wake on time. It would be an early start and no doubt slightly put off at having to sleep without you and little Em within reach the pair readied for bed and spread out in their own beds under the covers forcing themselves to sleep to be with you sooner.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Bent in half in an empty hall beside Vivienne and Ollivier in matching states of stretching the pair found you, having woken to their own mooing alarm clock Glorfindel stroked the chin of to silence. Readied in light robes of silver with matching trousers and boots with varying embroidered patterns the pair were off to breakfast following the servant sent to guide them down to eat. Passing the hall they joined your great uncles mid conversation on their continued youthful pull back to their former appearances complete with the loss of their darkened grey hairs similar to Vivienne’s hair also darkening back to its youthful deep brown. Wrinkles were fading and all, Minerva included had been remarking on the changes you were all facing being taken in link to the change of your ears. Any youthful in heart still seemed to feel the pull while those like Albus and Slughorn held to their aged appearances as a sort of badge of pride for having lived so long.Yet before question of when you were joining them was voiced you came in and their eyes scanned over the sweats and t shirt you were wearing as you sat to tie your converse on. With your hair pulled up into a messy bun and bangs swaying over your stunningly scar free cheek you peered up at the pair staring at you and asked, “Sleep well?”Thranduil, “Yes, we did. There is something about that pillow, my head touched it and I was gone. You?”Eric, “That would be the Hoo-Hoo feathers, help to lull any who rest with it off to sleep.”Glorfindel murmured, “Hoo-Hoo..”“Idris, is a Hoo-Hoo. One of the Phoenix family known to have songs to lull people into peaceful sleep, certain feathers on them hold the same qualities. But you have to ask very nicely for them.”Thranduil, “Ah, most of our pillows hold swan feathers, also willingly granted.”Minor details were shared and the breakfast was savored between glances at you while Ollivier and Vivienne chatted around you sharing comments through Trina’s feeding of Em. Into the car again and oddly for the men stealing glances at you in your casual clothes far from what you wore to teach they settled still glancing between you and the couple also coming for their own roles as King and Queen they would be disguised for.Over the city you flew and parked among the lines of other flying cars and got out to join the other actors in line to head for the makeup and wardrobe tents. Overture, Me Who Am I, Loneliness of the Evening, Prologue, Prince returning home from first meeting Cinderella, The Prince setting out to find the owner of the slipper and the talk with the King and Queen about finding Cinderella, exit scenes of town and announcing the Banquet. All of these had been filmed in the past couple days before you had showed up with just your portion of the few ensemble or duet numbers to film in your own locations.It was hours before dawn and the first scene you would film was your readying for the banquet. Just past when the step mother and sisters would leave and into the tent you strolled smiling at Bernadette’s announcing giddy squeak. “There you are!” Into a tight hug she wrapped you and guided you in filling you in on all you had missed before asking, “Did I hear right you brought two dates with you?”Chuckling weakly you changed into the servant costume for Cinderella and replied in sitting for the hair stylist, “King Thranduil and Lord Glorfindel.”Again she squeaked, “Tell me everything. I know you used to dream about them, I want all the details.”“Not much to say, I told you about Ones,”“Soul mates, right?” You nodded, “Which one’s yours?” The corner of your mouth ticked up and she gasped patting your arm taking her own seat, “Both?”Your head tilted to the side allowing the stylist to braid the side of your hair back that was rippling out into a deep maroon shade. “It seems they don’t want me to choose and they are difficult to choose between. Dad seems supportive, I mean it’s no shock that I might have ended up like him, all romantically free and whatnot.”Bernadette chuckled and said, “Now you and I both know you are nothing of the sort.” Her hand folded around yours, “No doubt they both love you to bits, why they wanted to come and spend the spare time you have with them.”In a chuckle you replied, “Films are strange to them, especially any where there’s some sort of mock intimacy in it.”Bernadette’s eyes met yours in the mirror, “They’re jealous then?”“They are curious. I’ve showed them the play and they wanted to see how it’s handled.”Smirking herself as her hair was finished and pooled into a tall feather accented beehive she joined you out of the tent holding the front of her extravagant gown. “Oh we’ll calm them down, surely they won’t be able to do anything but fall helplessly for you as Cinderella. Forgetting all about any petty ideas of jealousy.”A single glance of you from the distance was all they got while you were shown up to the house being used for Cinderella’s home. But in your absence Bernadette hurried over eager to meet the duo who recognized her from a photograph of yours. Pleasantries were traded and off behind the cameras she showed them the best spot to watch the monitors in seeing the scenes of you readying for the banquet with the Fairy Godmother. After changing again to your tattered gown after being supposedly locked up, weeping only to calm at Godmother singing There’s Music In You. Your half of the Loneliness of the Evening came up next sung between chores to the sun rising to match the Prince’s scenes in the Palace.Next would be various scenes of you for background images for the opening, cleaning, organizing and various chores before scenes walking to town. The Lords stood waiting at the tables for your first food break watching as your cheek was cupped by a dark haired man with his eyes shut who had kept hold of your shoulder for the stroll down half to set block on his own way to another scene back at the Palace the waiting carriage would drive him to. Catching their stares in seeing a kiss on your bare cheek followed by another Bernadette stated, “That’s Andrea Bocceli, he’s playing the Proclaimer of the Orders of the King. You’ll get to hear him tomorrow I believe.”Glorfindel muttered, “No doubt he is far more friendly with Jaqi that the other actors. Scarcely pays the others any mind.” His eyes lingering on his hand easing down to your shoulder again in your turn to the carriage.Bernadette’s lips parted, “Oh honey,” that made the pair look at her, “He’s blind.” That had their brows inching up, “He’s one of our greatest singers from our old world, used to sing with Jewels, scores of plays, operas and musicals. I’ve got a whole heap of pictures with him holding Jaqi as a baby when Sirius would bring her to shows. You see, he’s from a long line of Squibs, scattered Witches in between, but the men of the line have a blood curse they go blind. Jaqi found a spell to reverse it, but if you do it would just skip to his son and continue on, but if he remains blind his son’s sight is safe. His shoes are enchanted to sort of give him a feel for where things and people are, but for his friends he doesn’t mind being led around.”Thranduil, “Ah, you performed with her mother as well, how does she match up?”Bernadette smirked, “It’s hard to put into words. She has all Jewels’ talent and then some, built more for somber or drama by what she has to draw from, Jewels couldn’t help but burst into giggles after.” She wet her lips, “She might have just asked for acting lessons first off to be a convincing double agent, but she’s far more talented than she gives herself credit for. Even if she signed the contract reluctantly she actually does enjoy acting. Who knows, could take a couple years off when she’s finished the final two obligated films and get a better contract when you have all settled everything.”A snack with you ended with a pair of stolen kisses before Luis showed up for his own filler scenes in the Palace. Him, his husband and children all greeted you and the duo fondly before heading off to change when your partners were off with Eric and Roderic for the start of their tour of Paris. Museums would be first with a pass by the Eiffel Tower they would see the following day. Each piece in the museums they were shown only adding to their curiosity on what else the Muggle portion of this country had to hold for them. From the Louvre to a Wizarding art museum they saw the vast difference in style and subjects chosen in the moving portraits both silent at chatty..Filler and walking scenes between home and town were captured leading up to the big draw, everyone gathering in the town to do a final run through on The Prince is Giving a Ball you then filmed into the following scene where the Prince and Cinderella would first meet and split up again to head home. Lunch was next and with the final bit left you filming your half of the number Do I Love You at the house again mid chore. All of these scenes were little to be intriguing for an audience in being filmed, tedious and detail oriented but around the table you sat at the empty seats on either side of you were filled again by your partners eager to share all they had seen through the stack of pictures you shuffled through while eating.Behind the monitor they watched the lead into your next slew of scenes, all mainly musical. In My Own Little Corner bled into scenes of readying the three other women in the house furrowing the men’s brows seeing their harsh treatment of you. A pick up of the second part of my own little corner bled into the arrival of the Fairy Godmother for Impossible through to the ride to the Palace in It’s Possible.Grins were plastered on the duo’s face between stolen glances at others around them with teary or sentimental gazes holding through each number. Another meal break came at the setting of the sun and in the night scenes you began by walking home post change back with one heel singing He Was Tall lost in a dreamy haze reminiscing on the wonderful evening. The arrival of the carriage out front had you hiding the slipper and readying to greet your returning family bleeding into the numbers When You’re Driving through the following number, A lovely night until the Step Mother sent you all to bed and you lingered behind to lowly sing the second rendition of A Lovely Night.Noting the time the men had hoped you could head back home again, however after another hurried meeting with you a stolen pair of pecks were taken on your way to the scene you had warned the pair of. When Cinderella would be locked up, in a combination of an agreed upon set of hexes, tugs and shoves from the Step Mother stirring up a tension in the air ending at your burst of giggles at hitting your elbow in the final shove post cut. Hugs and giggles came in Bernadette’s path to change with you.The final collection of scenes were to be the forest scenes. First, It’s Possible for the final stretch of it heading up all the way up to the Palace gates then into the courtyard, from which you looped around and before the men could get a good look at the Palace you were off to film the big chase scene on the marked path to the chime of the giant clock. With hearts racing even knowing looking on what would happen the clock was giving its final chimes and the carriage split apart full speed behind the transformed horses now mice again. Rolling through the grass in the timed crash your dress turned back to the servant uniform as your hair whipped around you violently when you rolled to a stop.A glance at the following Prince’s carriage had you clambering to your knees and up behind a tree panting in the closing of your eyes to melt against the tree behind you. Smiling frailly to yourself the remaining shoe on your foot was removed and when the other carriage was gone you began your barefoot stroll through the forest singing He Was Tall on the way back to the house again. Once there however cut was called and you were able to change and head back to the house. Nearly falling asleep on the way back you rested between the guys and filed out to help you to the waiting dinner.Bed came right after and for a hard drop off to sleep you would get more sleep than the night before ensured by your dreamless draught drop you had eaten to ensure only your alarm would wake you. An early breakfast allowed you some time with Em before heading off to set, only over your omelet your eye caught the paper that had been set aside when Vivienne was through with it. Unfolding the front page your lips parted seeing a picture of you in the bog at the Triwizard Tournament with the stoic duo behind you hovering over the water. The headline reading a bid to have you nominated to be listed as a genuine seer with the image of your arrival the other day with the same duo beside you as proof that years ago you had foreseen the fall here in one way or another and had set about to protect as many as possible to arrive here.Roderic stated, “Surely they will add you to the lists if they haven’t already.”Glorfindel leaned over and accepted the paper you tapped the image of stating, “Top one’s from the Triwizard Tournament.”He nodded, “Yes, the bog Ron stated he saw us in.” Tilting the paper he showed Thranduil who eyed it carefully, “What is the story about?”“Oh, they are saying I knew, at least partly, on the fall here years before it happened so they want to add me to the list of genuine seers.”Thranduil, “Is it not well known already your abilities?”Eric, “That’s not the issue, to be added to the list it must be a large prophecy or vision to be seen coming true witnessed by dozens. Only twelve have ever been added to the list.”Roderic nodded, “And two have been disproved as hoaxes. Jaqi’s is the largest by far, destruction of a whole world and discovery of allies in a new one,”Ollivier, “There was no doubt on our following her here, merely up until your arrival here and photographs with her none thought to have proof her visions were at least a sign we were meant to come here.”Vivienne, “But outside of that are you excited for the morning tour today? We are not needed on set until two. We even secured a tour of the zoo.”The pair sat quietly enjoying the fact they would be spending the morning with you and with them in colorful robes you wore comfy jeans and a sweater carrying Em on your hip after securing your wedge boots. A short flight later you were parked in the group of some of the cast also wishing to see the zoo either new to this one or new to zoos all together. But the odd animals had the men puzzled when seeing the billboards but Em named what she could and following the map you spent the morning allowing the duo to inspect each of the animals and learn what each sign posted said about them. Both a bit saddened that the boys weren’t here but with a confirmation from you a promise to take them to the London Zoo had them grinning so they could help to guide the boys around alongside you with just a stack of pictures to bring home to tide the boys over until then..Each animal echoed in their mind along with the statements that each zoo would be following suit of the London Zoo, the first of which to have enchanted territories to be closer to those in the wild people could roam through safely to see the creatures in their native habitats instead of cages. It would be a full day outing no doubt and set to open the following weekend with you among a group of other celebrities to bring press to hopefully encourage other zoos to follow suit once they saw how successful it would be for guests and the populations of their animals. Everything seemed spectacular and they couldn’t wait to see it after having seen something they imagined to be similar, your snake room with habitats for each of the snakes to feel safe and happier under your watch. Another sign that your people were actually peaceful and wishing for even the speechless non magical animals to have their own safe homes in this new world to repopulate again.Work however did call again and this one had the meat of the film for the duo to watch from the sidelines. The start of it being nice and slow where Cinderella frees herself by using a wand her father had left her to unlock the door after having been kept from practicing magic by her step mother after he had died only making her study more while they slept from his old books she’d hidden away. While filming that the Prince and the other women in the film were recording their tries for the magical slipper. Cue the arrival of Cinderella and again the duo noting the sentimental grins of those watching through the proposal and tearful hug you shared.Explosively the set seemed to flood around the stunning Palace the duo toured through while things were being readied then went back to the director’s sides to watch the wedding including the first of the two kisses. Barely a blink flashed by and it was over, chaste and to the point fitting for a Royal Ceremony ending with the Godmother recapping There’s Music In You. From there a quick change of décor after the wedding parade scene that allowed you both to change quickly the Prince was back again to come and greet the endless chain of women to dance with him while a touch up on the arrival scene to the Palace.Each lady would dance a circle with the Prince through the sea of waiting Lords to collect the lady and pass them on to another in the next pass keeping the chain of ladies moving, with passing flirtations when each would ease near the Prince again. Through the Palace Cinderella strolled holding the hem of her lavish gown until the doors opened and the big entrance came stunning the Prince. Greetings to the near endless dancing bled into the trip out to the gardens where a second film crew waited to capture your dialog as the Stepsister’s Lament played out inside amusing the crowds looking on behind the camera. Yet in the ticking of the added clock to the gardens the distance between you closed and a tender cupping of your cheek came in a steady press of lips to yours. For the camera angle it seemed very intimate, and yet the angle the Lords were watching from clearly it was forced, but a glance at that screen and they could see why others were grinning madly at the image.All the same that clock chimed and even knowing the story everyone still seemed to wish that she would get caught and live happy ever after. Still that show was lost and the carriage was jumped into and took off for the Palace to be reset once again for the arrival to the follow up banquet. This second flight away however ended with cheers and claps with a sea of hugs and cheeks kissed stunning the guys until they realized that that was it.One more flying car ride filled with comments on your final scenes and reactions to it they had seen came before Thranduil had asked, “When are we leaving tomorrow?”“Um, we actually have to head to the station by midnight to get back in time.”Glorfindel, “You get no rest at all?”“I can sleep on the train.”Thranduil sighed, “Fine, but after class you are coming over to sleep if I have to bring you myself, Darling, you need your rest.”A quick stop upstairs for you had you coming downstairs again with your silvery blue hair pulled into a bun and white facial scars back again. The dress you had changed into was silvery blue with ruffled skirt under a mostly sheer top with lace leaf pattered panels covering your chest to your cleavage with short sleeves and a collar secured in the back with buttons down the back of it. The dress was stunning and fit the family color chosen for the dinner with Em in a similar ruffled dress of her own complimenting the pictures captured of you all before you managed to sneak back to your duo with Em on your hip while Vivienne and Ollivier greeted the other guests.Glorfindel accepted hold of Em while Thranduil asked in a smooth of his hand over your back, “Are you tired?”Peering up at him you smirked saying, “I’m fine. I can handle a dinner.”Though the approach of Jean, the assistant who handled the affair of discovering Suzienne’s grave and transferring her to Paris with another familiar face right behind him, Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France Luc Gerard. An offer of a handshake was stoically accepted in his introduction to your partners. “We are so pleased to have been able to welcome you for a visit, even if it is just for a short time. Have you enjoyed the few sights you were able to take in?”Thranduil nodded, “Yes, it was quite enjoyable.”Glorfindel took his glance falling on his to say, “There is a great many things to take in. Mainly the differing cultures between your countries and varied races dwelling together, we have just begun to learn about them, it seems we have a great deal more.”Luc grinned saying, “Well said. Hopefully we might be able to bridge that gap and become more comfortable with one another in the future. We have heard a great many wonderful things of your lands and people as well, and might we say we have been curious to discover what the link would have been to the pair of you since seeing you following our dear Miss Black here in that bog challenge.”Glorfindel, “Yes, we saw the picture. It was intriguing when her family arrived in Rivendell months before her and described the challenge to us as for why we seemed familiar to them.”From the initial greetings to the dinner table it became absolutely clear that even more than you had claimed you were a natural at smoothing differing cultures together and were the grease keeping the gears moving and the conversation natural. Both sides relaxing into the neutral zone you helped to guide the council and Lords into between luring others from the large guest list into a moment of their own focus of your attention clearly brightening their moods the same as your relatives and the Delacours seemed to pull out of them. Name and influence of this half of your bloodline surely wasn’t missed and even in moments of odds with them you still strove to uphold the names you came from while clearly defending, guiding and teaching the Lords one day to be your husbands. Even in your denials and doubts there was no one more suited in their eyes to bridge the gap or to learn how to aid in ruling the Elves of Greater Greenwood.Doubts clearly weren’t anywhere close to the impression your family gave on if you could join them, barely seven years and you had silenced any doubts possible of what could have come from their lost daughter’s bloodline. Bad choices and unfortunate circumstances or not through the painful rubble of those lost years and pair of women in their line you were the diamond glimmering out of all of it with Em shimmering all the brighter for your determination to keep her safe. Guests soon left and with a sigh you were up at your room changing back again to your jeans and sweater with wedges added again. A glimpse at the clock showed you still had time and closing your eyes you followed the pull you felt to head to the Pearisiyiae Tomb.Onto the bench outside of it you sat just talking to your grandmother hoping she was at peace and was content with how you had turned out. A hushed whisper from your mother however in your ear sounded that after years of being back with her family she was ready to talk and they were meeting one another. On your feet you stood trusting that maybe one day she would feel strong enough to let you see her and with a token of her favorite flowers left behind. And just a short walk later you stopped in to leave some flowers for Leta Lestrange as well sharing a few words on how Newt was doing and how much she was still missed and always was spoken of fondly. Zapping back again you wiped the corner of your eye at the tear lingering there and you made sure you had everything then walked down to join the others waiting there to say goodbye while Thranduil kept hold of Em already asleep in his arms and grinned seeing you with them again.Hugs were traded between respectful nods and wishes for another visit soon from your relatives to the duo on your path to the waiting car. It didn’t take long till you were back on the train again laid out on one of the two beds in the now sleeper car with Em across from the duo grinning in organizing the pictures to share with the boys and Legolas when they returned. Four hours you slept through their elaborate plan of sharing the whole trip and offer to take the boys to the opening of the London Zoo along with the clear way they had decided to bring up the travel papers issue with Elrond and Celeborn. This would all work out, meeting the other Ministers and settling at least a friendship with them as there was little trade needed between your people past curiosity for culture and crafted items. Much like the quartet of animal plushies you had brought back for the boys and Legolas they would surely treasure..One in the morning the train swayed to a stop and in your groggy blink awake Thranduil cradled Em to his chest and Glorfindel helped you up and kept hold of your hand for the walk back from Lower Bulgaria gaining more stamps for their travel booklets only to walk back into Pumpernickel finding it was raining hard. Hastily Glorfindel hoisted you up in his arms saying, “Off to Greenwood. No risking it, you need to sleep.”A deep sigh from you came in watching Thranduil behind you using his wrap to keep Em covered from the rain on the eager trot to the arch exiting in the main gardens protected from the same massive storm by the canopy above. All the same eyes lit up and heads bowed seeing the Lords returning, yet in their glances at you the reason for your silence was that you had fallen asleep again making the duo chuckle. Carefully tucked into bed with Em by your side they left you to eagerly bring the pictures and the gazelle stuffie you three had thought he might enjoy. Grinning while holding the gazelle he listened to each of the animals you had seen before inspecting the pictures of the museum exhibits, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower and view from the top of it.Stories of the set were set aside as Elrond and Celeborn came after receiving notice from him that they had returned early. Inspection of the travel papers were taken and altogether it seemed an agreeable deal for the time being to be counted as allies of your Ministry after the details had been shared word for word how you had described it.Celeborn, “Was her family more agreeable to Miss Black?”Thranduil, “They were, us as well.”Glorfindel, “I believe she might have spoken with them to calm them a bit more.”Thranduil nodded, “Yes, and for all her doubts on being an acceptable ruler it is quite natural for her to ease two cultures into friendship. It was quite masterful her guidance through dinner with the French Minister and Council and other important people in France with us.”Glorfindel nodded, “Yes, for what little suspicions we might have had on the Pear clan not accepting Jaqi, they seem to be quite in awe of her among the rest of us. Her Great Uncles even remarked how it would have been perfect for her to even have an inkling of interest in performing when they had first met, but to see just how talented she is in various fields. In my opinion I believe they are starting to see her outside of her grandmother’s shadow.”Celeborn, “That is magnificent news. How was Cinderella?”Elrond, “Yes, it was quite short notice to bring you along.”Thranduil inhaled and decided to share the truth, “There are two kisses filmed in Cinderella,” ticking Elrond’s brow upwards, “Just as in the drawn version and in the play her mother performed in they were brief and chaste, from the angle of the camera, while at our angle it was evidently forced.”Celeborn, “You both seem calm.”Glorfindel nodded, “Yes, before her trip Jaqi stated it plainly and laid out the whole protocol involved in filming these sorts of feigned intimacies. Once we got to the village they filmed in we met the man playing the Prince and his husband and their children. All very old friends since their childhoods.” That seemed to calm the other Lords more worried on how their friends would have taken the encounter than anything else.Legolas wet his lips asking, “It is common for actors to kiss in films?”Thranduil caught his eye, “Apparently some films can grow quite intimate, even involving faked consummation of relationships. However Jaqi was quite clear she does not accept romance centered scripts, I believe the most she has filmed before was a kiss on the cheek for a child one of her roles tasked her to raise alone after the father had passed in an accident, who was played by a child of a friend hired to play her cousin. It was very comforting how clear she was on the rules and what the role pertained, I do not believe it will trouble us in the future.”Glorfindel nodded, “And everyone watching the tale was equally swept away with adoration for the new recording of the classic tale. Even filmed out of order from the bits we did see it is quite a task to pull a story together, often Jaqi and Luis, who played the Prince were on opposite ends of the city they were filming in. Most of her scenes we witnessed she was alone or with one or two actors in fact.”Thranduil, “Not counting the day they filmed the wedding and the ball and then banquet in one day. And they had this carriage chase scene, quite intense at moments, it will be a sight, the day the film is unveiled. A few months I believed they said they could edit it and release it widely through the countries.”Celeborn, “Was Miss Black able to get much rest?”Glorfindel, “No, she did however sleep on the ride home again and fell asleep when I carried her from the arches in her lands when we saw it was raining.”Thranduil, “She is resting in our apartment and has been tasked to return here after school for more rest.”Elrond, “That is good. I would be lying if I did not state we wish to see just how bright her shimmer will grow when fully rested and adjusted here.”
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With Regulus claiming the week for Em’s care in a sort of acclimation period for him and Lindir to see how their jobs would handle a child between them you were more than able to catch up on some sleep. Free periods at school before lunch you spent in your office focusing on the supplements you were sending off to Rohan to help with the condition so many seemed to suffer from including their Queen. Between shipments your eager owl carried off in enchanted pouches for each afflicted your eyes kept turning to the potion nearly ready for Thorin’s change.Humming to yourself you were off to stop in at Erebor. Using the door attaching the mountain to Dale you entered and were on the verge of skipping lost in the tune mid snack on a chocolate orange resting in your palm. Weaving through the curious Dwarves you caught sight of Ori who grinned and hurried over halting momentarily from his path to state, “Thorin is in the meeting room just off the Throne Room.”“Thank you,” you said offering him a slice he grinned in taking and hurried off with a soft thanks of his own while you turned towards the Throne Room. Peering all around at the marvel of a hall you crossed the rail-less bridge following the echoes of low voices to another walkway, at the end of which the guards outside the door opened them and your lips parted. “Oh, you-..”Peering inside with a tinge of yellow at your roots you eyed the table with Thengel, the Durin men who all glanced up at you catching your brief wave when Thorin stated, “Miss Black, this is a surprise. Is anything wrong?”Shaking your head you stepped inside stating, “No, um, I didn’t mean to intrude.”Thorin shook his head, “Not at all. You are always welcome here.”“Well, I won’t take long, just wanted to say your potion should be ready tomorrow. Around six after classes should do it if that’s good for you?”His lips parted in a relieved chuckle, “That, would be perfect. Thank you again.”You shook your head, “Not a problem at all.”Thengel smirked asking, “Queen Jaqi is assisting you with potions as well? Surely I’d have lost my Queen and our little ones had she not offered us aid.”Thorin chuckled again unable to keep from grinning, “The potion is to turn me into a Dam so I may carry heirs of my own.”Thengel’s lips parted, “You are forgoing your throne?”Dain answered for Thorin, “Our kin would never abandon him in his path to having bairns of his own.”Thengel grinned at you stating, “Impressive feat discovering such a potion.” He turned his eyes back to Thorin, “Whenever you find the change successful we would be grateful to show our respects to your future heirs.”Thorin nodded and looked to you, “I do hope this will not interfere with the planning for your celebration, if it would interfere-,”You shook your head, “Thranduil is the one who settled on throwing the celebration all on his own and insists he has it all covered. This will not interfere with anything, just prepare yourself, it will be quite painful.”Thorin rumbled back, “A tolerable pain for bairns. I will manage.”You nodded and said, “I’ll leave you to it, I’ve been charged with taking Tuo out and then told to nap again,” When you looked to Thengel you said, “I hope your people take to the medicine quickly and find some relief.”Thengel chuckled, “It has aided us greatly already. We thank you heartily and cannot wait to see our gift outshine that of Gondor’s.”“I haven’t met anyone from Gondor yet,” making his brow arch up, “Tonks mentioned traveling there and Thranduil said something about a coat they might make me.”Thengel, “Nothing compared to our gift.”Making you smirk and say, “Well, if their men are as troublesome as Tonks described I may end up returning their gift for a few black eyes.” You nodded your head in his loud laugh echoed by his Men around him including his cousin Halmar greatly relieved taking your momentary grin his way as a sign you were off on a better footing from the first meeting when you had punched him. “Don’t go warning them. I want them honest.” Out again you strolled allowing the now antsy Dwarves just bursting to explode the news all through the mountain to conclude the meeting with the Dwarves to lay the groundwork for a rebirth of their former trade agreements by establishing a friendship and trust.Back in the heart of the Throne Room you zapped back to the archway in Pumpernickel you used to head straight for Northern Greenwood. Ginny was on a late lunch with Haldir to hear about his day. While Taule claimed another evening with the boys, and Legolas through your duo focusing on your party plans leaving you to go and find Tuo. A long ride found you next eating as filling a dinner as you could muster before heading off to bed early hoping to have some time to get up early to prep some things for the big change the following day..Giggles however woke you in the crawling of the silvery white curly haired twins crossing from the foot of your bed to your side with Estel behind you already leaned over your shoulder. His wavy brown hair pooling into your face in a peck on your cheek, “We picked berries, Naneth.”Inhaling deeply your arms circled the trio you kissed the heads on and hummed out, “Berries are nice.” Behind them Legolas came into the doorway and you flashed him a sleepy grin, “Leg, did you pick berries too?” Over his shoulder you saw Thranduil and Glorfindel.Legolas replied, “I just returned from my rounds and they were gone.”Glancing at Estel you sighed out, “They are very tall you know,” he nodded, “I do hope you remember what it felt like to be this small when you reach their size.”Elurin giggled saying, “We will.”His brother nodded and you combed your fingers through his hair removing a brewing knot there, “We didn’t mean to scare them.”You shook your head, “They’re still used to only having one little one around. It’ll calm down, they’ll adjust.” Up you slid and sat up in Estel’s path to Legolas who picked him up.Glorfindel came closer to grab the twins asking, “Did you sleep well?”You nodded brushing your hair out of your face changing its shade from a burnt orange to silvery blue again, “Have to check on my rainbow spear viper though, I think she laid her eggs.” Curling your legs up your shorts were revealed under your baggy quidditch jersey from your father’s school days.When your doorway popped up Thranduil asked, “Is that a bad thing?”Turning around still walking backwards you replied, “No, just have to make sure she’s got enough coal or she likes to spark up and that agitates the Lemurtelba in the habitat next to hers.” Smirking at the men you nodded your head to the side, “Come and see. They love to brag on their nests.”Elured, “Are they birds?”“No, snakes.” In his momentary flinch of fear in his eyes you stopped and moved closer to him stroking his cheek with a curled finger, “Snakes are not evil creatures, they speak a different language and are afraid of those who can’t understand them. All they have is their teeth and their bodies. I’ll show you if you like when you’re older, they are friendly and docile when treated with respect, like horses or Tuo and his herd. Their venom could kill or cure, if you know how to use them. My snakes won’t hurt you. They wouldn’t dare.” He nodded and you turned to show them through the Chamber of Secrets snake room parting their lips at the various habitats holding your snakes who all peered out at you hissing greetings to the children you translated for them.A large pitch black habitat revealed to be a cave with a stepping stone path across a dark river was what the group stared into watching you reach the tree on the other side with a silver slithering snake that parted their lips. The head nearly two feet around on a body that filled the tree seemingly holding this cave up with its endless woven branches looked you over and melted into your palms as you greeted her. At the roots of the tree you pulled back a pile of black leaves revealing golden eggs lighting up you and the tree in your counting the eggs she had laid. Covering the eggs again you summoned a basket of mangoes for her accepting her thanks in her move to eat while you trotted across the river again.Legolas asked, “How large was she when you found her?”“Few feet shorter. Found her on one of the last missions I had before landing here. Some idiot from R thought they could use her venom as a weapon.”Thranduil, “Is that not possible?”“They are constrictors.” His brow inched up, “There are snakes that poison their prey and those that squeeze them with their bodies. She feeds on mountain goats twice a year and mangoes the rest of it.”Glorfindel, “Snakes eat fruit?”You nodded, “A great many things varying with each breed. The meat is for her clutches of eggs, the mangoes help her grow and helps her coat shimmer.”Estel asked about while pointing at the rainbow colored snake slithering out of its habitat towards you that rose to rest on your shoulders to allow you to show the boys, “This is Dilby, he loves to meet people.” Moving closer you allowed them to reach out and stroke his sides making his coat shift colors stirring giggles from them that triggered his webbed ridges down his back rise. “Only thing you have to worry about with this guy is when he gets cranky in their mating season, they like to bite. Non venomous, but,” he opened his jaws at the stroke of your finger under his head parting their lips seeing the five rows of teeth and four large fold out fangs that extended dripping with blue droplets. “It is not comfortable, but their venom helps re-grow bones. Used it plenty of times myself.”Glorfindel, “What reason would there possibly be to need to re-grow a bone?”“You can only break a bone so many times. If it’s bad enough of a break it’s healthier to vanish the bone and grow another.”Estel, “Does it hurt?”“Yes, and the potion tastes, well, let’s hope you won’t need it. Certainly not pumpkin juice.” Making them giggle as he slithered down to head for the open pantry for a snack, “Don’t mind him, just off to find a cantaloupe.”Thranduil, “Does Tulip eat melons?”“She prefers vegetables. Can go through a whole cart of cabbages a week if you let her.”Elured, “Who is Tulip?”You smirked guiding them into her chamber saying, “That is my ancestor’s head,” answering their unspoken question of whose head they next saw Tulip slithering out of the mouth of.Estel gasped, “I’ve seen her.”“Yes you have, she is a Basilisk.” The boys awed at her large fangs nearly the size of their bodies and stole strokes on her scales. In her path out to head out to the gardens outside your home you walked into your office to peek in at the simmering cauldron, the boys stayed to inspect more while Glorfindel and Thranduil came up behind you curious what you were doing.Wetting their lips they eyed your fingers trailing along an open page on a manual beside the small cauldron in the center of a counter Glorfindel peered into beside Thranduil as he asked, “Is that, fur?”You nodded, “Yes, a lovely shade of puce, should be done in a couple hours now.”Thranduil, “This is Thorin’s potion?”“Yup.” A glance at the clock had their eyes follow yours.Glorfindel, “We should feed you.”“That would be lovely.” He smirked and leaned in claiming a kiss and turned to gather the twins while Thranduil’s arm circled your back and you leaned into his chest accepting his kiss.Thranduil, “You did sleep well?”You nodded, “Feeling better.”Lowly he asked, “When is the change?”“Told them six.”He nodded, “I will clear my meetings for later.”“You-,”He shook his head leaning in to claim a second kiss, humming against your lips, “This is an incredible gift, we will be there to witness it, because you do understand our people would wish to use it as well. It would be easier to explain the process to possible couples.”“It’s painful, not much of a process.” You said leading the way to join the others off to the breakfast prepared with the jam from the berries the boys had picked for you through the night..Soft clicks and dings sounded in your typing up the copy of your practice OWL and NEWT exams while your students sat going through their monthly exams. You weren’t known for pulling punches, it was a more hands on and entertaining process for your students but the sheer volume of what you covered gave each of them ample topics and history in each lesson for them to fully absorb each. Countless extra tidbits were added to keep things interesting and fill in all the gaps in what the main textbooks covered.200 pages would be witted down later to edit but sat in the box you had locked it into before the final class before your lunch. Back down in the Chamber you checked on the potion and turned to the selection of books you had pulled together listed for the usual pack given to patients. With Hedwig came a note from Hermione confirming the six o’clock meeting time with a warning that you would have an audience making you groan. “Of course..”The rest of your classes also had tests leaving your classroom mostly silent, while you readied some more pregnancy supplements for Mrs Granger drawing the eyes of the class when the liquid turned to gel and each scoop you settled on the tray hardening into circles you added to a jar. When all the tests were completed you had finished filling a second jar and a girl asked, “Medicine for your store?”“No, prenatal supplements. A few relatives are expecting.” A few moments later the clock chimed another hour and you said, “Alright, off to freedom.” Off they did go and turning to your desk you tied a bow around the top of the jar you slipped into a pouch you passed to your owl that flew off hearing who he was flying off to.It was all planned a brief snack before the trip to Erebor, in the main garden where you found your cushioned stool open between Fred and George who raised their glasses, “Heard from Hermi, we’ve got an audience.”Chuckling to yourself you took a sip of your tea and looked to Legolas in his asking, “Would an audience not aid in the process?”Grinning at him you said, “Not much of a process. Just painful. Most don’t want one.”Beside you Fred spoke as you eyed the trio of boys greeting you in their climb onto their seats claiming their helpings of the snacks, the puzzling gaze wondering how much of their lives they remembered past the burned in day they lost it all including their lives. “Usually it’s just the couple and the one administering the potion.”George, “Some times the one taking it prefers to be alone with the one administering the potion. All personal preference really.”A pulsing crystal appeared in front of you as you and the boys were snacking on more of the fruit slices you mumbled, “Mmm, Thorin.”Glorfindel chuckled as Taule stated, “You go, I will watch the Princes.”You nodded once on your feet, strolling around the table and crouched down kissing their stuffed cheeks that rose in creeping grins, then you rose and turned to lead your group through your doorway after sending the crystal to Hermione.Around you the Chamber of Secrets grew and you led the pair back to your office where you collected a small stack of books and levitated the cauldron with the bright pink fur over the top waving as the mixture gurgled underneath. Along the way to the now changed doorway Fred collected a pack of tools from the desk and made for the door that closed and opened revealing the rushing Durins flooding into Thorin and Bilbo’s apartment.Smiles grew on their faces as they all peered into the odd mixture in the cauldron in your path into Thorin’s bedroom. Anxiously Thorin was rubbing his palms together then met your eyes as you said, “You’ll want to remove your belt and boots if possible.”He nodded and followed your suggestion as Fred and George popped up into their view helping to unroll the set of tools while you set the books on the table beside Thorin’s bed. Dis eyed the books asking, “You require manuals for this”You shook your head, “No. These are for Thorin.” Your eyes locked with his, “One for basic anatomy, tips on proper hygiene and the final one is mainly for reproduction and sexual responses.”Thorin timidly repeated, “Sexual, responses?”You grinned at him claiming the first tool, a hook with a slotted spoon in your other hand. You peeled the top layer of fur back Fred eased with another hook into a jar then capped it before it started giving off a pink gas leaving the fur melting into a layer of shimmering slime as you raised an avocado looking ball and swapped the hook for a scalpel George handed you to slice around the middle of it. “Our anatomies are vastly different. I am not certain if you have manuals on sexual responses in your culture or if yours match ours, but if they do then that book would help you get better acquainted with your new body and its responses.” He wet his lips, “You being intimate with Bilbo in this body will be vastly different as a Dam, the way we feel things the way or bodies respond are different. Even when you’re alone, self pleasure is a bit different than your current grip and tug situation.”A blush grew on his cheeks and Dis opened the final manual, “Thank you. It was getting a bit difficult to explain that subject to them.”“Oh, I will warn you, they are Wizard books, so the illustrations might move.” As you said that Dis gasped at one of them and closed the book tilting it out of Fili and Kili’s sight. “I assure you it is all scientific, not lewd.” Her eyes moved to the cup George slid the top half of the kiwi appearing assumed fruit giving off a scent of pears into a small bowl as you took a small spoon to scoop out the apparent skinless grape then offered it to Thorin, “This will taste bitter, try to chew it ten times then swallow.”He nodded following the order only to pucker almost instantly at the taste, chewing painfully slowly he got to ten then swallowed watching as you held out the lower half to add to the bowl from George that shifted to a liquid as well you offered to him, “Swish it around in your mouth then swallow.” He nodded and drew in a deep breath and raised the bowl to his lips and clamped his eyes shut emptying the bowl to begrudgingly swish the mixture around then swallow it in as large gulps as he could manage.Wetting your lips you set the bowl in George’s palm then led Thorin to bed where you sat down and acted as his pillow folding your arms across his chest saying softly, “Just remember, deep breaths as often as you can manage and squeeze my hands and arms as hard as you need to.”Around you Fred and George summoned the chairs from the other room to set on either side of the bed simply stating, “You’ll need them.”Everyone settled into them as Bilbo sat beside the bed in the closest ones while Thorin mumbled, “My skin is tingling.”You nodded, “That’s the first sign it’s working properly.”He nodded and closed his eyes for a deep breath as he felt his chest tightening only to have his eyes shoot open with a groan at the loud crack of his breastbone cracking that made Bilbo flinch while the others couldn’t help but glance away. Instantly his hands gripped your forearms tightly as the cracks spread over his shoulders visibly contorting them under his shirt as you mentally whispered, “Muffliato,” silencing his pained sounds from the group with only the Twins, Thranduil and Glorfindel looking on still bearing pained expressions.Each bone seemed to be breaking while his muscles tore then melded back together into their new shapes as Fred eyed Dain at his asking, “Does she feel that much pain when she shifts?”Fred shook his head, “No. Morpher’s bones, well they shift to a near jelly and then harden into their new shapes.”George, “For the rest of us there are a few options, all temporary but no less painful. The bones have to be broken, muscles reformed into the new shapes.” His hand settled on Bilbo’s shoulder to crouch down beside him peering up at you softly whispering to Thorin, “It only lasts a couple minutes. Well worth it.”Bilbo’s teary eyes fell on his, “I, can’t-..”George grinned at him patting his hands wringing on his lap, “Honestly first time Fred and I made a polyjuice potion we took it in turns. I nearly passed out seeing him shift and he threw up seeing me change. But we got used to it after the fifth time or so.” Bilbo sniffled as he smiled saying, “It hurts watching our loved ones in pain. Even more so when it could easily have been avoided.”Fred joined him adding his hand to theirs, “You are going to have a baby. Possibly dozens. Trust me, this pain will fade the moment it’s confirmed he’s expecting.”They turned again to see Thorin breathing steadily in your arms far more relaxed as the shift ended, and you whispered, “Another deep breath.” He inhaled, “Through the worst of it now.”His hands released your arms now bearing red patches freeing you to ease them over his shoulders in testing squeezes down his arms while Thorin inspected his hands seeming a bit less meaty. Lowering your cone of silence you shifted out from behind him freeing Bilbo to sit behind him to cuddle with and kiss him and you to move between Thorin’s legs you raised up one at a time inspecting each of his joints noting his sturdier hips, knees and ankles. In a peek under the neck of his shirt he grinned then peered up at you as you felt the realignment of his hips bringing his attention to the shift below his waist, “Hmm.”You giggled grinning up at him, “It’ll feel different for a while.” He nodded, “I think we’ll give you a week to relax to it before we start on the fertility potions, if you still want them.”He nodded, “Yes.”You wet your lips accepting his hands to test his movement in those as well, “Oh, I wanted to tell you. Those potions with our people do tend to drastically cut pregnancies down.”His brow rose, “I don’t understand.”“We normally carry nine months but with the potions the longest we’ve had was five months.”Thorin let out a stunned breath as Bilbo said, “Well Dwarves are pregnant for up to four years, so if it cuts it in half then we’ll still have two years to prep.”“I just wanted you to know. We aren’t certain with our own people so we prep quickly, usually before taking the potion, and with the differences in our races it would be best to do the same possibly.”Thorin nodded then grinned again claiming your hand, “I can never thank you enough. We, never can. First our home, now this.” Wetting his lips he shifted his legs to the end of the bed where Dis, Diaa and Niro grinned nearing him claiming hugs stealing a feel of his hidden figure.Diaa, “Now, we have to get you into better fitting clothes to show off the shift.” Thorin nodded then turned to claim a kiss from Bilbo then turned excitedly to redress with the females of his line in his closet as Thranduil chuckled offering Bilbo a wrapped packet matching the one Glorfindel handed him, bringing a curious grin to his face accepting and opening it.Thranduil, “It is tradition with our people to give seeds in hopes of a fruitful union.”Bilbo’s grin grew and he nodded his head eyeing the paintings of the flowers on each of the inner packets holding rare flowers, “Thank you. Our kin share that tradition.”A few moments later as you sent your cauldron back to your office and within a few minutes all turned to see Thorin proudly exiting his closet. Fully crowned in better fitting pants and a deep blue golden edged shirt under a hugging vest with a sash around his waist accentuating his pronounced bust and wider hips then added his boots again offering his hand to Bilbo. “My Love, now we show off the results.”Bilbo couldn’t help but grin at the seeming glistening dark hair and beard on his Love’s face that seemed a bit more slender but not that much changed. He hopped up accepting help into his fur vest from Frerin then folded his hand in Thorin’s as you eased off their bed to Thranduil and Glorfindel’s sides where they eyed the bruises starting to form on your arms in your walk after the Durins.Atop an overlooking balcony you watched the Durins pass through the crowding Dwarves with an easy smile at the excited compliments on his successful change between eager glances up at you from couples wishing for the same aid. Blindly Fred opened the cylinder he pulled from his pocket he held in front of you, with two fingers you claimed a swipe and smoothed it over the bruises before he pocketed it again then joined George in popping off to check in on Dudley on the end his first shift with Ginny.Glorfindel muttered, “That was-,”“Painful. But he is going to have some very handsome babies.”Thranduil grinned asking, “Durins have always been fruitful, that is not an unfair assumption.”“Not an assumption.” The pair glanced at you and you said, “I can feel it, people’s family trees sort of, I can feel them expanding. He’ll be quick to carry, even without the fertility potions.”Glorfindel, “That is good to hear your gift is quite extraordinary.”“It has its moments.”Thranduil’s hand smoothed across your back, “Come, back to the food then we can have our Healers ready a session for you. Your arms must be in pain with those bruises.”
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“My husband won’t touch me!”Blinking in the dimly lit apartment of the King you had been called to by use of the charm you had given the couple in case of any worries after the change. Only just moments from trying to be early to bed at your partners’ requests you stood in shorts and a quidditch jersey from Regulus smoothing your fingers through your loose curls to brush them out of your face to Bilbo’s sigh. “I didn’t say that!”Thorin, “You said not tonight!”“Yes! Not tonight, it would be our first time Thorin. I-,”Thorin, “See! He won’t touch me!”Lowering your hand you asked, “Bilbo, what were you trying to say?”Bilbo faced you releasing his hold on the ties to his robe he had been clenching tightly in his fists, “Merely that I was hoping to wait-.”Thorin, “Well I won’t change back so I can’t see what you’re waiting for. I may look-,”“Now-, now, stop there Thorin man or woman you are stunning.” That had him look at you with his lips parted, “And you can’t tell me that Bilbo doesn’t love you.” He closed his lips and you added, “and you can’t tell me you’re not scared and hiding in a fight.”Bilbo smoothed his hand across Thorin’s back, “You don’t have to be scared that’s why I said we could wait.”Thorin, “There are exp-,”“No,” his eyes moved to you in your move closer offering your hand he timidly settled his in the palm of, “No expectations, come sit down.” Quietly the pair followed you to the loveseat you settled them in and waved a finger bringing a stool from along the fireplace for you to sit on still holding Thorin’s hand you laid your free hand over the back of. “This is a big change. And no matter what anyone says you have time. We should probably wait another week on the fertility potions.”Thorin, “But-,”“I am not saying no babies. I am not taking my word back,” you moved your hand to claim Bilbo’s to lay on his palm you turned over folding the two, “You love one another. You waited hundreds of years for your One, and he loves you and waited decades for you. Let him love you and show you how he will love you. Because you are a family the pair of you, outside your relatives. This has to be strong before you can bring babies into this. You are going to have babies and no one is going to take your throne from you if you don’t meet some absurd deadline. You decided to share your lives long before I promised to help with having babies. He loved you long before the promise of babies.”At the tears in his eyes you rested a hand on his knee, “Thorin I love you, we love you, you are family and your home is safe, your throne is safe, and Hermi and I will ensure it stays that way. We cut a deal with you, only you. No one is taking anything from you. As much as I hate this excuse it’s true this time your body is adjusting to the surge of new hormones and this will settle. For now if you feel you need it you have my permission to wait on babies, because they are more terrifying than dragons at times. You know it’s true.”He nodded and you grinned wiping his tear trail away in his sniffle, “For now, take a bath. Just hold one another, if you feel comfortable touch yourself, and I don’t mean sexually, gentle touches. You have to get to know yourself again.” His free hand you guided to stroke the bare forearm of his other arm, “Just touch, see where it’s sensitive, what you like because his touch is going to feel different. I’ve been curious I’ve tried both genders on my missions alone, I know. Then if you want, move to kissing and when you get to bed if you want to keep going, make love the way you have been.”He blushed and you grinned saying, “Consummation means penetration but it doesn’t specify anally or vaginally in most cases. You are going to have babies and you can have sex tonight. Take the pressure off, if you feel like it while you do it the way you always have if you want to try touching yourself then try it, if you want him to touch you grab his hand and guide him to where you want it. Go slow, take your time, do what you’re used to and the rest will happen when it does. It’s going to be your first time all over again, and it’s no less nerve wracking than anally. The vagina self lubricates but there’s still muscle that has to expand and relax for everything to be painless. So, bath.”Thorin nodded, “Bath. I am so-,”“No apologies. I understand.”Bilbo grinned at you timidly, “Thank you. We hope we didn’t disturb your sleep.”You shook your head, “Nope, was off to snag a bite actually. Enjoy your night.” You said popping off back home again levitating the stool back to its place leaving the now blushing pair to stand and go ready the bath you had prescribed..Staring at the foot of your bed a groan left you feeling your body fighting the chance to sleep right now. Helping the pair had stirred up reminders of your dream the night before and turning on your heel you were back off to Greenwood through the linked door in the hall. Back into the King’s apartment you slipped, closing the door quietly. In their room the boys were sleeping and following the shuffling of papers and deep sighs you smirked finding Thranduil slumped back in his chair in his study. Brows furrowed tightly in his focused stare at the pages in his hands too busy to have noticed you slipping into the room. A turn of his head to grab a journal to confirm something allowed you to reach his side. Suddenly at your knee tapping his thigh his head turned and expression relaxed in his velvety hum of, “You cannot sleep?”“Got a call to visit Thorin. The window for a nap is gone.”“Hmm.” His eyes lowered to your legs in your dip under his arm and smirk inducing sideways position to rest against his chest.“I’m not disturbing you?”“Not at all.” Reaching for the journal he positioned his arms to have one partially against your back feeling the brush of his hair off his chest over his shoulder. “I only wish I had,” the finger tapping against the top of the pin at the base of his collar to secure the fold hiding the buttons down his chest paired with a bend of his collar was his warning for the gentle press of lips to the side of his neck pausing his train of thought. “More time.”“You have plans?” the murmur against his neck and ghosting of your lips to the next spot you kissed parted his lips for a deep try for a steadying inhale.To the left of his adam’s apple you pressed your lips again and he cleared his throat in the next kiss you left on the edge of his jaw, “I have a meeting.”“Pity.”Weakly he repeated in a droopy eyed tilt of his head in a try to claim a kiss of his own, “Pity.” Victoriously in a rapid drop of his jaw a firm lock of his lips on yours had his hands emptying so he could draw you closer to him. Flush against his chest you melted while he hunched over you at the slide of your legs to his side lessening the space between you even more. Hungrily his tongue and lips aimed to meld with yours in the fevered moment drawing a series of muffled hums from the King clutching the back of your shirt and upper thigh firmly once your fingers had locked into his hair.Again however he groaned against your lips at the sounding of the clock. Reluctantly panting his eyes scanned over your face and focused on your parted lips pinker than before from the fevered minutes you had stolen.“You have to go?”Sighing deeply he hunched forward again hoping to claim a hug only to find himself latching his lips onto your neck drawing a stunned giggle from you assuming he would try to leave a hickey on his neck marking you as his. But against your neck lowly he hummed out, “I have to go,” sliding his lips between oddly placed kisses in a losing battle to stay here with you and finish what you had stirred in him. A final kiss was planted on the other side of your neck and he murmured in a tug of his arms to pin you against him only partly disguising the flick of his tongue just under your jaw. “Glorfindel is in his study.”Playfully you teased, “Ah so he can turn me away too?”Up onto his feet he stood releasing hold of you and your legs at his side leaving you standing in his dark eyed sway to ghost his lips against yours again with his body aching to carry you to bed. “He is off rounds tonight. Allow him to sate you until I return.”Up he straightened breaking the tender kiss you left on his lips to keep from breaking his resolve, “And if I am asleep when you get back?” You asked to his back following him to the door.“Then I will wake you early for breakfast.” In the doorway his eyes closed a moment and he reached out grabbing the handle on it to pull the door closed causing your head to tilt a moment. Sharply he had turned and again had lowered instantly melting his lips to yours with arms snaking around your back at yours looping around his neck through a toe top stance. The lift of your rise triggering his body to stand up again and in the thoughtless loop of your legs around his waist his hands left your back in the unnoticed turn to pin you to the wall taking full advantage of your shock to tangle his tongue with yours again. From your cheeks to your legs his hands wandered and at your ankles his grip tightened in another groan to your pant for air as his lips sloppily ground into your neck.Loosening the hold of your legs he lowered you again planting his hands by your head on the wall at his forehead pressing to yours. “I have to stop touching you or I won’t stop.” Closer to a growl at the slide of your hands down his chest he continued, “My Darling Starlight, the things you trigger in me.”Off the wall he pushed and through the door he went having already captured your hand leading you to Glorfindel’s study where in the press of his lips to your knuckles he mentally whispered, “My love. I will hurry.”Releasing you again to force himself to a useless meeting already being cursed in his mind for it being held even though he has shifted the meeting himself to keep from disturbing your nap just hours earlier while you were treated by the Healers again. Over his chest his trembling hands smoothed as if to draw out the strength it was taking to keep from sprinting back to you and the stunningly close path to being married you had initiated. Perhaps it was too soon, or perhaps meant to happen now rather than later. Either way he hoped Glorfindel’s lack of experience could calm the fire he felt burning in you hungering for more, or at least keep it to a tolerable smolder until he was able to get back..Rolling your head back your body turned and to the open doorway you stepped spotting Glorfindel barefoot and partially leaned back with one leg stretched out unlike the bent twin rocking at the pitiful bubbling irritation of the distraction keeping him from cuddling with you. Over the top of the book his eyes flinched spotting company and sharply inhaling he shifted his book off to the side to see you clearly with a lingering glance over your bared legs. “Unable to sleep my Love? I could read to you.”“If you like.” Smirking to himself his leg drew back at your shift to slide onto his lap, around his neck your arms draped and instantly his eyes dropped to your lips ruining the ruse and urging you to simply kiss him. Behind your back the book closed and was dropped into the table beside his chair in a stolen nip at his lip. Steadily silent gestures and motions guided him to a comfortable rhythm aiding his chance to tighten his hold around you only tightening at your blind removal of his circlet easing the shift of his blond ringlets in your fingers combing through the section above the ribbon binding the lower section. Vibrations from his deep content hum bounced off your numbing lips that only left his at the sounding of an awkward horn turning your head. “What is that?”Heavily he exhaled with his head tilting back in a try to muster up some brain power to recall what the horn actually was only to groan at the bumps rising along his neck when your finger stroked along the side of it. Firmly your lips pressed to the other side of his neck and his eyes halted rolling back to say, “A call for report from a guard cycle.”“Meaning?” You asked before a kiss on his jaw line.“Meaning, they are calling for their report to be heard. Must have found something.”“Dew Drop’s in a meeting.”“Yes,” he said smoothing his thumb just under your lower lip, only to groan again tilting his head back, “I am second to hear the report then.” Looking at you again he hastily closed the distance for a firm kiss and purred against your lips, “Forgive me, my Love?”Easing out of his grip you claimed another kiss luring him up out of his seat to continue it, “Guess I’m off to bed then. You men and your meetings.” The horn sounded again and glancing at the door you blew a raspberry making him smirk at the expression.“I do apologize. I will hurry.”“Careful not to hurry too much, you may slam into Dew Drop, who is also hurrying.” He chuckled in finding his circlet again and walking after you to close the distance pressing his hand into your back guiding you closer to him in a hunch forward. Between your lips his tongue darted and for a few content sigh stirring moments he lingered in that kiss until the sound of the front door opening had him drawing back again. “Enjoy your meeting, Glori.” You said taking his circlet you helped him put on again bringing out a spark in his eyes through his nip at his lip.A tall brunette entered the doorway drawing his attention over your head and he nodded, “Yes, I am on my way. Any clue what it is they have found?”She shook her head and replied, “No. No sign of them yet. Though the group is half comprised of our new trainees under Tauriel’s guidance.”Her eyes lowered to you to bow her head only to pause in your flinch of a grin, “Hi, what’s your name?”
“Marya, Queen Jaqi.”
“You’re a messenger? I do wonder how someone could be limited to messages, I mean Thorin has two personal messengers that’s a job that has got to have a lot of down time.”
Glorfindel chuckled stating, “Dearest, Marya is our best gardener. No doubt simply the closest in proximity to the Royal Wing at this time of night.”“Ah, well, I’ll leave you to it before I keep rambling.”Glorfindel chuckled again shifting on his feet giving your back another loving gaze then glanced at Marya stating, “Queen Jaqi is acquaintancing herself with who works where to adjust to Palace life. It is a difference to have so many dwelling and working within a Kingdom compared to their single domestic dwellings.”Marya nodded in their passing through the front door of the apartment he closed behind them, “I could imagine. Myself and my sister have visited the lands around the Queen’s family home. Sizable and yet none but her tiny Elves dwell there to serve her family. It is impressive. Should the Queen require a message-,”Glorfindel shook his head, “No, that would not be necessary. I doubt she would require much past directions from time to time, or naming of subjects in portraits. She will learn our home and ways in time. No need to add to your daily tasks.”Bowing her head she stepped back and turned back to her work smiling to herself at her own personal moment with the odd but admirable new Queen. Glorfindel however turned with brows furrowing slightly in confusion as to what had happened for him to have been called away.But in their absence you turned not for your own bed but Thranduil’s big with tons of furs you hopped up on it and walked to the bed you burrowed under the covers settling in to try and nap assuming the guys would be taking a while..Soft whispers you hadn’t heard in years had you sitting up in bed. Tucking your legs in you shifted to your knees and found your feet to walk across the bed to the floor. Peering around corners you followed the whispers to the garden portals straight to Lothlorien. Barefoot through that warm grass you passed the curious Elves looking you over wondering just what had brought you here until muffled murmurs filled the path you had just left to follow an abandoned trail with them calling for Celeborn to come. Down a winding grassy slope you slid and skidded your way to a stumbling stop on a dirt path heading towards the voice growing louder.A lonely lake of silver water under a flowing curtain of silver water flowing off a cliff was beckoning you closer. From above shouts for you muffled as Rumil and Orophin followed their brother in his race to stop you from touching the water none dared disturb. Across the chilled surface however the water stilled at the lift of your foot, and like glass held firm for your walk across to the silver curtain calling you closer. That same voice echoing from your time in the Department of Mystery where your father’s ghoul had been killed passing through the curtain. At the edge of the water the trio of guards and the freshly stopped Lord Celeborn watched the water snap to icy blue once you had passed through the veil. Lost for what else to do past sending for Glorfindel and Thranduil, to alert them you had passed beyond their reach..Contact to your family however would have to wait as every fireplace linked to the Flue network was spitting out spiders and webbing left and right urging all hands to aid in the fight. Your call would go unanswered however and for one guard passing through his usual rounds the whispering arch in the Department of Mysteries cracked and crumbled to the ground urging him to find someone leading him to join in as well. *It didn’t feel like water, and into a dusk like place with barely a hint of light to guide your path you turned your head seeing glowing figures milling through what smelled to be a garden. Adjusting your eyes to be more cat like the light grew for you and taking in the stone pillars and arches between fountains full of pearl statues you took a step only to look down. Under your oddly silver mist formed foot the former place it had been now sprouted with tiny buds of wildflowers in a glowing patch of grass. Every inch of your skin seeming more like a flowing stream of silver glittering mist, your hair the same but with a bluish tinge, all reminding you of how you had looked in the Mirror of Erised, a glowing silver ball of misty light. Another step triggered it again and making a semi circle of glowing buds sprouting in the chilly damp grass you confirmed you and your glowing silvery mist coated body were somehow triggering flowers to grow.A chittering however halted you and tilting your head back you saw what was watching you. Whispering spiders by the thousands just floating in the sky it seemed were spreading word about you and swallowing hard you turned to look over the scattered groups of pale white and pink aura encircled people unconcerned about the hoards above.Anxiously you wet your lips and continued in the direction you had landed here following the aim of your first glowing footprints and pretended to be oblivious hoping they might not bother you. They weren’t Acromantulas, or any other magical arachnid you could tell from a first glance and trying to remain at a steady pace you tried to keep a calm facade to keep from being eaten. This place was unlike any other but the language you heard in passing stood out as Valinorean.Passing a few scattered people you made it to a sort of courtyard with a sea of glowing people all whispering about hearing someone was to play their flute. “Saruman.” Hurrying across the courtyard between people you made it to the familiar figure’s side, entirely much younger than you had last seen him but you just knew it was him. Down he peered at you and you said, “Hi, do you remember me?”“My Lady Pluto, how could I forget you. We had feared you lost to us.” A smirk ghosting across his lips, “Have you been wandering on us again?”“Wandering..” you muttered to yourself, “Saruman, I need to talk to you, where am I?”Deeply he chuckled and replied, “My my, it has been a while, these are the Gardens Of Manwe And Varda. Can you not tell by the stars?”You nodded and looked up over his head again making him smirk until you whispered, “What stars? I only see spiders.”Upwards he glanced asking, “Spiders? I see no spiders.”“Really,” You murmured, “That’s comforting..” after wetting your lips you said, “I need to speak to Manwe and Varda then.”To which he laughed again, “Our Queen and King are in commune with Eru.”“Uh huh... I’ll leave you to it then,” you said turning to head off away from the gathering group of spiders creeping lower towards the glowing patches of grass and flowers you had left behind you spreading a chill through your veins. Into a full sprint you burst weaving between people who froze to stare at you then to the flowers sprouting up waist high behind you and the birds from the darkened trees soaring after you.Pained chirps halted you in your path and open mouthed you saw a frost bird chick being wrapped in webs from its nest while its mother fought off a giant spider. Glaring at the creature you raised a hand firing off a blasting spell tearing the spider to shreds dropping the chick you caught and tore the webbing free luring a pair of Elves over open mouthed seeing the sudden appearance of the bird.“How can you not see them?!” You muttered then looked up firing off your patronus turning everyone’s heads to the now screeching spiders being forced back away from the ice bird now gathering her other chick and the one you had saved to find another place to hide. More ice and thunderbirds came into view with giant Phoenix next to come out of the mix of trees with eggs in their beaks and feet flying to safety while the Elves now sprinted for weapons.“Where did they go?!” Shouts echoed in the dimming of your light and again you glanced around at the racing spiders coming back again to the Elves squinting in the dim starlight now realizing just how dark it was. A deep inhale later and off you sprinted under the racing spiders flinging their webs back to their former places to coat the sky who swayed in the explosive golden glittering wave you fired off at them giving the Elves and alerted Maiar a good target to work with.Onwards you sprinted again hearing the whispers egging you closer, “This can only be good. Following voices, fighting spiders only I can see.” Explosions of light freed more hiding birds and baby nine tailed foxes like Novem and his peacock tailed friend to scurry to the glowing patches behind you burying themselves in the spreading flowers springing to life as you picked up speed.Straight to an unknown ledge you went and before you could stop a shriek escaped you at a swooping spider you dove off into the choppy waters below. Deep under the surface of the water you eyed the pulsing light filled fish circling you curiously unknowing of the dark creatures above. Still as you morphed to a mermaid you heard the whispers growing louder and remaining under the surface of the waters you continued onward magically winding your midnight blue glistening hair back into a long braid to keep it out of your face while around you the water began to glow.Miles it seemed you swam not seeing the glittering white stags bounding across the choppy surface of the water. A white sheet however sank in front of you and hurrying faster at the tiny arm poking out of it. Around the sinking baby you formed an air bubble holding it in place and upon reaching it your head and arms poked through the bubble echoing with the sputtering cries of the glowing infant.At once you knew who he was in his pouting stare up at you, “Corvus?” The blonde haired blue eyed boy whose hands curled around the hand brushing his frilly collar from his face. Looking forward again you swam onwards once again until you came upon a pebble coated shore.Timidly you surfaced behind a pair of white hooves leaving ripples across the surface of the water only to duck down again after a turn of your head seeing a bright white fawn racing after her father now slowing to turn ensuring she had made it. Up again you peeked seeing her reach him and his head lower to urge her onwards from the glowing water bridge you had made more were crossing to the glowing rocks forming a wall around the island covered by a silvery mist not much different from the one coating you.Wiggling your legs back to normal barefoot you climbed with one hand free steadying you through Corvus’ grumbled in the sling you cojured around your torso your other hand steadied. Unsteadily you crossed the pebbly beach with the help of another young white buck who slowed to help you. His towering body keeping you from being side swiped by more glowing deer bounding across the beach with scattered foxes and squirrels between, the latter clinging to the backs and antlers of the larger creatures.Up to the rock wall you walked finding a hidden door invisible by illusion and camouflaged rock wall around it leading you through a winding path exiting into a glowing stretch of land with glowing tall grass swaying as far as you could see between brooks and scattered buildings and fountains to the mountain formed palace at the opposite end.Few people were here but all approached the terrified animals now calming in this place while you crossed through the grass alone. Glancing behind you there was no sign of the spiders and looking upwards you could see bright shimmering starlight reflected in the pulsing light coming from the plants and people below. Those you passed curiously inspected you and the colorful blooms following your timid path to the Palace. Cautiously you used floating rock paths to cross the brooks and continued onwards patting Corvus’ back in broken hums trying to calm him from another bought of crying.Straight through the open entrance to the Palace you walked eyeing both paths available to you in the dim unwelcoming place echoing of sobs in the distance. “Hello?” You called out with no answer but an echo of those same whispers lured you towards the right.Endlessly you wandered the halls following the growing sobs when the whispers had been muffled by them. Across a window bench you found her, the woman weeping so soundly, much taller than you nearly at twelve feet with pink shimmering gown apparently floating around her body in swirling clouds mingling with white panels from the belt and ribbons down from her waist. “Excuse me?”Still her sobs continued but with a gasp you flinched a step away from the man in yellow robes flowing around his body much like hers with glimmering silver skin and amber eyes matching his glittering pools of hair reaching to the ground behind him. “Pluto.”The name signaled the woman’s turn and the beautiful almost opal like skin in shimmering mists coated with tears turning to gems as she faced you, deep amber eyes locking on you as you said, “I, I don’t know where I am.”Another whisper turned your head and the man spoke again, “You have come back to us...wandered so far...” his hand reached out to stroke Corvus’ cheek with the tip of a finger lulling the boy into a deep sleep making you look between the boy and him again.
“I’m sorry, I don’t remember you.”
Faintly a grin eased across his lips and he hummed back, “You will.”Motioning his hand towards the empty hall the woman was now standing in with her own hand extended, tears still pooling down her cheeks coating her floor length chocolate hair with the gems they shifted to. “Come.”Adjusting your tongue in your mouth in a dry swallow you took a step to join her making the man smile behind you at the golden dust formed butterflies that had been sprouting up from the floor in each of your steps now lighting the hall more and more behind you as they did in his own steps. Around each corner you peered until inside a fourteen foot tall man in a hooded cloak of midnight blue floating around his body and strips of shimmering midnight blue braids hanging down to his knees weighing the material down. He paced behind a woman with peach waves pooling down her back littered with woven flowers and coral gown hovering across her milky glimmering porcelain skin. Her delicate fingers working a spool of color changing mist like thread into another down of the tapestry like the hundreds you had passed to get here.A curious fox skidding into the hall however halted the hooded figure luring his silvery mist of a pair of eyes straight to you in another glance after the strange whispers had hushed for a moment. Up again your eyes shifted when he had moved closer and crouched in front of you reaching out a hand to just barely ghost along your shoulder sparking up silver flecks in your eyes luring a pleased grin onto his face. “I’m sorry, to intrude. But I was in this stream and then I was in Manwe and Varda’s gardens and Saruman couldn’t see these spiders, which are everywhere...”The weeping woman asked, “You see them?”Looking up at her you nodded, “Yes, but no one else did till I lit up the sky.” You looked back to the silent hooded man in his furrowed expression taking in every detail you said, “But they said they could see stars, only there aren’t any, except for here but I only got here by falling off this ledge and into the water, where I found this little guy, Corvus. I guess you could call him my cousin, I am related to him but the exact term is a bit fuzzy to me right now...I’m sorry I’m rambling but I just don’t know where I am and how you all know my name but he said I would remember, I just don’t know how...” Your eyes lowered to the symbol on his pendant around his neck when his hand lowered from your shoulder to your ring. “You’re Namo.”His eyes met yours and he gave you a soft grin stroking his thumb across the back of your knuckles he then released as your head turned at the growing whispers, “I’m sorry, but can you hear that?”The weaving woman asked, “What do you hear, Precious Pluto?”
“It’s a whispering...I’ve heard it before...years ago...”
The golden man patted his fingers on your shoulder closest to him and grinned saying, “Then go to it.”Unsteadily you nodded and turned saying, “If I don’t see you again, it was nice to meet you, again.” Behind you in your hurried trot through the hall they all grouped together chuckling to themselves gladdened at the return of their lost pupil. Even if for a few moments in their halls now filling with butterflies and fireflies floating about peacefully as they once had before the darkness fell.With a steadying spell to keep Corvus in place you began to run again through the halls following the growing whispers. Out into another garden you raced eyeing the floating bridge comprised of silver and golden mists that shone brighter behind you with the sky lighting up above you and waters below lit up.Far as your eyes could see a forest and mountain range came into view under skies of more spiders the blind Elves and mingled Dwarves. All swinging wildly into the air while a massive man you recognized from statues in Erebor as Mahal tossed boulders off onto the distance where trees were shifting by spiders trying to attack the glowing rams bleating angrily at the web slinging spiders even they couldn’t see. Behind Mahal a glowing woman clad in hovering vines leaves and flowers contrasting his gem and pebble coated slacks with a metal apron around his shirtless self matching the bands on his upper arms and fingers; her hands working arrows from the fallen trees splitting into weapons for the elves and dwarves trying to join in on the fight.“Mahal!” You shouted in his lifting a spear she had just passed him feeling his deep hazel eyes on you that lit up at the white lick of flames exploding from your hand taking out the spider that was going to attack him from behind.Loudly to the side Tulkas laughed crying out, “Precious Pluto, there you are!”Vana back behind her sister came with Nessa, both in matching flowing gowns made of blue and green flowers shimmering around them complimenting their white gold hair tied back in long vines. Together they eyed the darkness, guiding the bright rams and glowing ravens to the forest with staffs swinging above them colliding randomly with what unseen creatures they luckily managed to hit.Inhaling deeply again you blew out from your palm an exploding cloud of shimmering gold dust washing over the spiders luring victorious cries from the Elves and Dwarves that had grouped around you noting the infant under your arm. Through the continuing battle you turned towards the forest leaving more flowers in your wake passing Yavanna asking yourself, “What is whispering?”That turned her head and she pointed urging Nessa after you in the beginnings of another trot through the trees glowing brighter as you passed. Under the winding branches the Valar ducked and wove watching your trot through the roots ignoring the stings and pinches to your now surely bleeding feet after having collided with or skidding off of various surfaces.Another clearing came into your view and your lips parted seeing nothing but spiders at the edge where the whispers turned to shouts of your name with pleas to help. Exploding around you in another deep breath your dragon patronus shot out lighting and clearing a white fiery path you sped through sending the spiders scurrying for their lives dropping the jaw of the woman racing behind you. Her eyes taking in the thousands you were sending off in waves of shimmering flames now seeping through the forest behind you and the tall swaying grass causing you to stumble more than once and catch yourself with a grip of the fur on the deer racing with you. Each one when you stumbled lowering to aid in helping you remain on your feet.Up a giant hill you sped rasping out, “I’m coming. I’m coming. Just hold on..”Up to the top you panted and scrambled with feet sliding across the slick grass until all at once you were left in silence panting staring at a dull silver stump. A good thirty feet across it sat and you approached it panting for air mumbling, “where, a tree?” Hopelessly tired you approached the stump cut and still reaching your waist your hand settled on it and you said, “Can you talk?”Pressing your ear to it you couldn’t hear anything over the sound of the looming spiders creeping back again over the shifting grass from steps coming up behind you, and in a swing of your hand you lifted the sling off your chest passing the child to the woman, “Could you-?” She nodded cradling Corvus and you turned, reaching up climbing onto the stump feeling the sting of your scuffed shins and knees.Walking across the top of the tree you felt tears welling in your eyes and bent to kneel as the first fell. “Come on, you just said something,” Lowering your head to the stump another tear fell in the closing of your eyes blinding you to the bright pulse of silver from the stump now sprouting tiny buds across the top of it all around you. “I heard you.”With lips parted Nessa watched a pulse of silver light shoot up around you into the sky in your weak sob, “I heard you...” The light shooting off brightening the lands around you far off into the distance luring the creatures in the distance towards it.All at once a flash of gold dull in the distance came into view as you heard a distant, “Someone help me! Please!!”Lifting your head another tear fell brightening the shine of the silver tree in your lift up to sprint across the stump. A missed landing in your jump off it however had you rolling a few feet painfully on your side before popping up again to scramble down the hill and across the dip between that and the hill the now louder shouts were coming from in the sudden drop of spiders around it.Up another hill you scrambled and scuffed your legs and knuckles hitting the earth as hard as you could to keep going faster until your underestimated jump had you slamming hard into the golden stump. Clamping your eyes shut you clambered up missing the shot of bright gold into the sky at a tear hitting the stump that sprang to life under you. “Someone help me!” The voice now in a broken plea from the slender body seated and curling up to protect itself inside a withering ball of golden light.Onto your feet you managed to drag yourself from the side of the stump, “I’m here.” Your voice raised the head of the woman parting your lips seeing the face of who you had been hearing, “Leta?”“I know you,” she whispered, “You keep leaving me flowers...”“Patronus,” at her side you offered her a hand, “Use your patronus.”Unsteadily she found her footing beside you in the explosion of your patronus again casting off hundreds of spiders as the Elves and Dwarves by the hundred started to flood into the valley between the hills killing the spiders they could see before they vanished from sight again. “I can’t, I can’t think,” she wavered out as your eyes turned to the dark hill behind her rising up when you looked her way.Giant eyes in puke green came into view while Orome, in woven orange and grey robes flowing around him in shimmering mists reflecting light onto his silver glowing sword and spear, who just arrived with his personal troupe of his best hunters nudged Vana back behind Tulkas seeing she now had the child you had been carrying. In a shrieking step back you felt panting Leta scramble behind you on the glowing stump that kept growing brighter. On the rising body of a giant spider eight eyes all landed on you while the short hairs across its body bristled as her shrill voice called out, “I killed you.”“Who hasn’t?” A hiss from her came in your step forward that ended in and explosion of blue light from you crumbling hundreds of bodies of her smaller kin luring cries of agony from her as the stunned masses below watched the remains shoot in towards you in a blue bubble. Out again the remains shot and helplessly the webs and creatures inside were sucked then shot out again though this time in a rain of seeds scattering across miles of land through another cry of Shelob now rearing up ready to strike at you. Into her underbelly Orome’s spear slammed and down she crashed still raring to fight only to scream out again at the burst of blue light that blew off two of her legs on the right side.Heavily that side dipped and in the growing light of the tree stumps she screeched out in agony only to split into five pieces when your curse set off its secondary effect, an explosion of lightning killing her and casting the valley into silence. Brightly across the sky screeches sounded out in the spreading of both gold and silver light as you stepped back urging Leta to do the same. Swiveling your head turned to see if you could see any other threats, distant islands now with clearing patches of webs melting away with the collapsing bodies of the spiders those in the cities below brought them down.Back to the edge of the stump you walked guiding Leta grinning seeing Mahal there with hands up to help you down beaming at you brightly. Next he helped Leta down while Vana approached passing you Corvus again smiling as you looped the sling back across your torso. On the breeze in a robe and wave of feathers Manwe appeared with Varda clad in a gown of starlight and moon dust with their light reflected in her dark hair reaching the ground.Manwe stated coolly, “The window to return Pluto is upon us.”
“I, what?”
With a grin he stated, “Deep breath.”“Wh-,” Heavily a wall of water crashed down on your head making you coil around Corvus with Leta doing the same. Around you under the water you formed a bubble around your heads and looped an arm around Leta’s back feeling her body clenching in panic and led the way to surface where you eyed the crowd of Elves still on the edge of the lake you had entered in Lothlorien now coated with a layer of feathers. Blowing a feather off your nose you turned shifting Corvus on your chest to guide Leta’s trembling self to the shore. Into a sea of hands you stood battered and bruised soaked to the bone clearing your throat as Leta, still giving off a slight golden glimmer eyed them all.“Lord Celeborn,” the Lord nodded and his name eying the child and woman beside you now crossing her arms over her chest feeling her silk dress soaked through might be a bit revealing at the moment. “This is Leta Lestrange, a distant cousin of mine, and her half brother, Corvus.”Lord Celeborn replied, “You were gone a mere few moments. I shall stop the messengers sent for Thranduil and Glorfindel and we might aid in your healing.”You nodded, “Thanks, I doubt I’d ever hear the end of it showing up like this.”Haldir stepped closer asking, “Are you in much pain, Queen Jaqi?”You shook your head and said, “Not really. More confused than anything…I wonder, could someone go to fetch my Aunt Narcissa at Malfoy Manor,” Steadily your eyes began to droop.He bowed his head and Orophin replied, “Of course, I shall go at once.” Turning on his heel to sprint away in the tilt of your head and confused hum in the weakening of your legs as Leta lowered to sit in the grass shifting in sprouting golden daffodils.Stepping forward with eyes flinching wider Celeborn held you to his chest, “Queen Jaqi?” Lowering his gaze to the spreading sea of forget me nots and bluebells around you.With eyes closing you hummed out as Arwen hurried over to claim the child in the sling he eased off you, “I taste blueberries, not fond of blueberries…”The admission parting his lips naming that it was the Valar ruling dreams who had lulled you into sleep. Chuckling to himself he shifted his arm to take hold of your legs waiting there until your relative could be brought to you. “Just what has our new Queen been up to in Valinor I wonder?” Patting his hand on your back, his eyes shifted to Elrond in his panting arrival with the Feanoreans around him who bent to inspect the feathers. “It seems our Queen was called to Valinor and returned with a pair of relatives.”Maedhros replied looking Leta over, “Welcome to Lothlorien.”Leta asked, “I’m sorry, where? I’m not very skilled in geography.”
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Into the clearing Legolas slid on his heels down the hill wide eyed looking you over, “What has happened? Two of our guards mentioned Naneth had come to your lands.”Celeborn stated, “Queen Jaqi passed through to these waters, crossed beyond the falls into Valinor and surfaced again moments later with her Cousins Leta Lestrange and young Corvus. It seems Irmo willed her to sleep, it must have been tiring.”Maglor, “These are extensive wounds.” He said inspecting the hand gripping the Lord’s sleeve on the arm holding your legs equally as bruised and bloody.Legolas asked, “Why has she not been taken to the Healers?!”Haldir, “Queen Jaqi has requested the presence of her Aunt Narcissa.”Legolas’ gaze however shifted to Leta in her timid thanks to an Elleth who brought a large towel to drape around her seeing she wished to be covered. Stepping around the Lord he came to crouch beside her making her ask, “Where am I? I don’t know where this Loth place is. I’ve never heard of it.”Legolas nodded saying, “There was a war, and your people used a book to travel here for safety for their children to escape that war. Queen Jaqi led the evacuation. Your people landed across our lands in groups, one in Rivendell and another in the Shire. Since then have granted protective barriers to the Elven lands of Rivendell and here in Lothlorien as well as the Greater Greenwood and the Dwarven kingdoms as well. You are safe here and once her aunt has arrived no doubt they will house you and young Corvus and explain things fully to your understanding.”Leta nodded then looked to you, “You know her?” Legolas’ eyes narrowed a moment, “I kept seeing her there, in that place, bringing me flowers.” She shook her head, “But I died, I know it. Grindelwald killed me.” Hastily she wet her lips and reached out placing a hand on his forearm giving it a tight grip, “Did they win? Did they kill him? Grindelwald?”Legolas, “I do not know, I apologize.” *Just as soon as the drama with the spiders had occurred the masses of Wizarding Britain now stared at their fireplaces wide eyed in a wafting sea of feathers the spiders had exploded into now coating the rooms with all connected now green flaming fireplaces signaling the system was now linked. Somehow the system had given one last hyjinx before submitting to work again and through the volunteered group demonstrating that the system was functioning again by heading to the predestined location to return with signed notes. Each link would be checked thoroughly but for now as the feathers were being gathered up people calmed that finally the kerfuffles were a thing of the past and a bit of normalcy could be found again once the lines were open to the public.An out of place bell from the front door had the trio of Malfoys facing one another before their House Elf returned stating, “An Elf to see you Madame.”She nodded her head and looked to the tall blonde who bowed his head stating, “Queen Jaqi is in Lothlorien and has requested your assistance.”“Ah,” she muttered.And Draco said, “Probably best we all go. In case more feathers pop out.” Brushing a few more feathers off of her back as his father pulled a few from the top of her head.With a few more feathers dropping off of them the trio followed the blonde back to the archways and through Lothlorien eyeing the gathered Elves speaking amongst themselvesLegolas’ head however turned seeing Orophin helping your relatives down the slick bank where Narcissa and Lucius’ lips parted. Narcissa however broke their silence stating, “Jaqi!” hurrying forward after Draco, who was looking you over.Draco, “What happened to her?! More feathers, did the spiders explode out of your chimneys too?”Elrond asked with eyes narrowing a moment, “Spiders?”Celeborn, “Jaqi crossed these waters into Valinor, and resurfaced with her cousin Leta Lestrange and young Corvus.”Lucius shifted on his feet looking the duo over then you again, “Huh…Interesting.”Draco’s brows furrowed a moment, “Valinor, that’s your afterlife, place, right?”Elrond answered, “Of sorts, yes, our Valar dwell there. If she was allowed there they must have called her.”Narcissa walked around him joining Legolas, “Hello Leta, may I call you Leta?”Leta nodded and wet her lips and accepted Legolas’ help to her feet and replied, “Your name is Narcissa?”“Yes, my late sister married into your line, the Lestranges. Are you injured?”“No, but they won’t tell me if Grindelwald is dead, if we won the war.”Lucius, “That is a complicated answer. However, you may come with us and until Thesius can be contacted you are welcome to live with us.”Leta, “Thesius escaped then? Last I saw him and Newt were facing off against Grindelwald.”Narcissa, “Leta,” her hand extended to land on her shoulder, “It’s 1999,” dropping the wet witch’s jaw, “We don’t know how you ended up in Valinor, or how Jaqi was able to find you, but until we can have those questions answered it is late, we will fix you a warm bath and let you rest.”Lucius’ eyes shifted to Corvus, “Would you be wanting custody of your brother?”Leta wet her lips, “I-,”Lucius, “Because if you don’t we would be more than glad to care for the boy in your stead, and offer you a home if need be. And we would contact Thesius-,”Leta, “But, he’s, it’s been 50 years. How could he-,”Draco said, “Technically Jaqi’s partners are over 14,000 years older than her, and there’s no spilled tea over that.” Her eyes twitched larger a moment, “Yup, big gap, but for Elves that’s like, mid adulthood range, so she’s not that much younger, maturity-wise. I mean you at least got to have tea with him. He never got married, still mad about you.” Her eyes sank and he added, “Think it over, at least.”Her lips parted for her to nip at one and he continued, “But, good news, we landed in these lands and now we’re sort of Elves now. And a lot of people have been de-aging, including Theseus and Newt, they only looked to be about 50-ish back home, but now they are late 30’s at best, so, you can still get married if you like…”Leta, “What happened-,”Lucius replied, “Grindelwald was imprisoned years after your death, Newt aided in his fall along with Dumbledore. After him another Wizard rose to power, Tom Riddle Jr, who our niece Jaqi killed. There were more factions that rose up in his death, whom Grindelwald aided in their destruction to cover our escape.”Leta’s brows furrowed, “Why would he help you? Or anyone?!”Narcissa, “Because we had thousands of children from those who were trying to fight, say what you will about his nature and affinity for destruction and torture but he never touched children. Either matter, now they are in our old world and we are starting over here in this one. We don’t know if he’s dead or not, but we’re safe. You are safe, your brother will be too.”She looked to Corvus in Arwen’s arms cooing in his hand tapping her chin luring out her grin at the boy. She nodded and glanced at your relatives saying, “I do not believe it best I raise Corvus, for obvious reasons.”Lucius nodded, “Of course.”Leta asked, “He will be taught well?”Narcissa nodded, “Yes as I said, my late sister married into your father’s line, we also are part of the Sacred 28, I am from the Black Family and Lucius from the Malfoys. He will be well looked after, given the best foot up.” Making Leta nod again.Narcissa approached collecting the boy and offering a hand to Leta, “We’ll mind him, you focus on mending,” her eyes shifted to Leta, who eased her hand into your aunt’s, “We’ll get you comfy and cozy with some tea and start slow with what you’ve missed in landing here. World’s changed, so many new things to learn.”Lucius looked to Legolas asking, “I take it you would want to patch Jaqi up?”Legolas replied, “Our Healers would be grateful to aid in her wounds. They do seem minor, though numerous.”Draco smirked drawing his wand drying you and changing your clothes to a fresh pair of shorts and a baggy tank top cut from one of your father’s old t shirts. “Be sure to have some fresh fruit by her when she wakes up, she smells like blueberries, not fond of blueberries. Someone must have hit her with a knockout cloud to sleep like this. See you at the zoo tomorrow. We can hear about this all then.”Summoning your door to shorten the trip while Lucius accepted hold of Corvus saying with a grin, “We’re going home young lad we’ll get you a nice warm bottle. I think you’ll love your new room, and in a few months you’ll have a baby sister to share it with.”Looking to Celeborn Legolas said, “I will take Naneth home to our Healers.”Celeborn chuckled and said, “If you do not mind I shall carry her, due to her tight grip on my wrap.”Tenderly you were laid out across a plushy cot in the Healing Wing where a team of Elleths got to fetching herbs, oils and creams to tentatively spread across your exposed skin. Your hands coated in everything were wrapped in towels as word through a series of servants had the King and Glorfindel sliding through the entrance approaching the visiting Lord who shared all he knew. Which wasn’t much but inspecting the lingering glow to your skin and hair under the dull bruises and scrapes they could tell you went through a struggle.Celeborn, “For now, she has been urged to sleep. We might ask once she has awoken. Though young Draco did mention in their home spiders had exploded into feathers, Lothlorien also is now coated in feathers.”Glorfindel replied, “The lands I awoke in were coated in feathers as well. Manwe ordered my return.”Thranduil asked as he stroked his fingertips along the side of your bloody bruised stomach an Elleth had revealed to coat it with creams, “What purpose could calling Jaqi to Valinor serve?”Celeborn, “I was informed it seemed like she was following something. Though nothing was spotted, and she did seem to be blind to it, Orophin had guessed a voice perhaps.”Legolas looked you over again, “To be called and face such wounds…”A sigh from you lured their eyes back to you only to watch you mutter in Valinorean, “Can’t you hear them singing.”Eyes narrowed on the Lords around you and Celeborn asked, “Who is singing?”Again you sighed out, “The stars.” That parted their lips only for them to all inhale sharply when you muttered, “Dancing with Telperion, Laurelin.”Thranduil, “You can see the Two Trees?”“They were so heavy, so heavy, and far,” Their eyes shifted to the base of your bed that at the shift of a finger had vines of bluebells and forget me nots spreading up, your voice faded off as you muttered, “Let the shadow’s fool try me now.”On the breeze a strong waft of green apples flowed through the kingdom in your breaths deepening making Glorfindel mutter, “Shadow’s fool,”Celeborn stated after a glance at Thranduil and Glorfindel, “They reminded her,”Legolas, “Of what?”Celeborn, “Who she is.” His eyes shifted to you again, “Pluto, their Precious Pluto.”Legolas gawked at you in the soaking of your name through the group, each knowing their own tales of the formidable pupil of the Masters of Spirits. The one Morgoth knew to kill first before striking at the other Valar. Each opening bloom on the vines around you releasing its own glimmer of light that seeped into your skin healing your injuries in the start of the forest beginning to sing a deep song in their dancing under significantly brighter stars luring all conscious Elves to come out and admire them.Thranduil stated, “Now that her wounds are healed, we should return her to bed.” Carefully draping your arms across your now covered and healed middle, underneath you his arms eased and against his chest he lifted you.Glorfindel stated, “Truly, if that is a call to arms-,”Celeborn, “The scent of apples is a warning-,”Thranduil turned stating firmly, “I am aware of that. When the fool returns we will be ready.” The Lords followed as he continued, “For now, our Queen is resting.”Legolas, “I am not concerned,” he stated causing them in the hall to glance at him, “For the ease she destroyed the One Ring, and all those lands her kin have cleansed. Truly any sent after her is no match.”Continuing on Celeborn replied, “No, not if she has been carrying the Two Trees with her all this time.”Into bed you were placed and around the dining room table his meeting was moved while Glorfindel laid down beside you smoothing his fingers through your hair, each stroke of his fingers stirring up glimmers of starlight between your now deep silver curls while your past life played in your dreams..Half an hour before your waking while Glorfindel handled the waking, dressing and prepping of the boys for breakfast Thranduil laid out beside you stroking your cheek feeling a difference in your strength already. The once untapped strength now free flowing without a block from your severed link to your past life you would start to slowly remember over time. Though in the signs that you were stirring to his gentle touch his smirk ghosted out remembering your goodbye the night before and his promise on how to wake you up.At your deep inhale he leaned in to kiss your forehead, “Dew drop,” you sighed it out and a smirk ghosted across his lips.“Are you awake?” he asked in your arm shifting and fingers tapping against his chin, the contact causing his eyes to droop in the tilt of your head allowing your lips to ghost against his. Leaning in his lips planted on yours forcing your fingers more across his cheek and into his hair. Around his neck your arms draped in the deepening of the kiss luring him to ease more on top of you, a move easier had there not been a comforter between you.A pause for air from him had you smacking your lips and asking, “Blueberries.”Thranduil’s brows inched up and he stated, “Yes, Draco did mention to have fruit waiting for you when you awoke.”“Draco, how was he? I must have fallen asleep.”“Yes, it is common for those who return from Valinor to be forced to sleep. Draco was well I hear, curious for what you faced, asked if spiders had exploded into feathers. I hear your Aunt has taken custody of Corvus and someone named Thesius is being contacted for Leta to meet. His marital status was relevant.”“Thesius is Newt’s brother, they were engaged when she died. I’m glad they took Crovus in. No doubt Lucius is having baby fever readying for baby number two. Spiders, they mentioned spiders?”“Rumil went to fetch them at your request and stated their home was coated in feathers, something about their fireplaces. But he was specific on spiders exploding into feathers.”“I must have broken the block somehow. There were so many spiders and no one could see them until I got there.”Thranduil stated, “Perhaps it best to wait on the full explanation until we are all at the zoo. All the Lords will be there, and we are all curious to hear what you faced in your travels to Valinor.”“I kind of think I used to be someone very important.”Again he smirked leaning in to steal another kiss then sweetly hummed, “I know.”“You know?”“None can claim a name of a Maiar or Valar for their child without their Fea taking hold of their body. Even Durin the Deathless cannot be named again all the same. To be named after stars or celestial beings is something sacred and allowed rarely. You seem to be taking this well.”“We learn about past lives in Divinations courses. It isn’t that hard to believe. Though I can’t get any hints of one from you.”“Because this is my first life. Rarely do we return with different names.”For a moment your grin flinched and your fingers stroked his cheek, “Were you happy?”Concern flooded into his gaze as he asked, “When?”“Before I landed here. Even when you were just in my dreams staring blankly I hoped you were happy.”“We had each other. Not nearly as happy as we are now, however, there were moments of joy in our exhaustion.”Over his eyebrows your finger traced making him smirk again, “No wonder these were locked so low.”Sliding off the bed he murmured, “For now, breakfast, then we can talk about my expression.” Scooping you up he carried your smirking self to the dining room.The boys smiled at you as you settled into your chair and Legolas helped to bring the food over asking, “Did you rest well, Naneth?”“Seems like it. You?”“I did not sleep. Made a round on guard it seems feathers have been blowing from Lothlorien since last night. Their artists are gathering up as many as they can, a few of ours have been utilizing the chance to as well.” Leaning in Glorfindel stole a kiss on your cheek taking the seat beside you. “I would assume your artists are utilizing it as well, Draco did mention an explosion of feathers.”“Feathers are always useful. Art or otherwise.”All three boys seemed to explode with questions on how the zoo would be while Legolas and the pair seated near you seemed to be ghosting around the question they wished to be answered as to what happened last night. “Here,” You said after blowing out a marble with swirling clouds inside of it the trio eyed as you went to change in Taule helping the trio to keep distracted for w few minutes by looking at the pictures and plushies you had brought. Lords Elrond and Celeborn came with their children who all circled the trio still inspecting your marble. Staring at the now floating marble lifted from Glorfindel’s palm then let out a blink of light warning them to a mist filling their vision that wafted into the memory of you settled on the bed in Thranduil’s room when you first heard the voice calling you.Moment by moment they were pulled along with you open mouthed staring at all you had endured and seen. The memory faded with your slump to Celeborn’s chest muttering about blueberries and the trio glanced at one another unable to even think of what to say only to look to you when you came back in jeans and a layered flowing floral tank top tied with a sash under on open cardigan with comfy heeled boots. “Answer your questions?” Em was still waking up after her own breakfast settled in a comfy shirt and plants matching the colors of yours.Glorfindel, “And adds a few more.” Making you smirk. The boys hurried in and Legolas lifted Estel to his hip while Thranduil and Glorfindel lifted one each of the twins and followed you and Legolas back through your doorway to your home.Through the halls you guided them to the front entrance to take them out of Grimmauld Place with Legolas asking, “Will we be taking the train as well? I do not have papers.”Smirking up at him you said, “Now that the Flue System is repaired I can take you through our London entrance in Grimmauld Place. See, the house itself is hidden but our family has vast properties to our name, including one in the heart of London, England. We will have to take the Knight Bus though.” For a moment they paused eyeing the flat you had just walked out of so far from the house they knew it was linked to and they turned as you did in the slide of the buildings together again. “It’s enchanted to hide from Muggles.”Jostling didn’t come close to describing the ride the men sat wide eyed through while you, Em and the boys giggled at sliding back and forth with Celeborn grateful for your anchoring bubble to keep his chair in place as he held Tin leaving the other chairs sliding around his. Slowly they adjusted to the odd way of traveling until you led the group to stand and exit wondering what was next. It was puzzling to say the least how so many things in your Wizarding world was both amazing and nonsensical at the same time, seemingly free but so regimented to laws that had been so harsh to nearly rob you of your freedom.On the curb you guided the men down the street through people milling by eyeing the tall men behind you with scattered forced grins at the lot of you all the way to the press surrounded zoo. Gasps came from the boys and after the small speech from the Prime Minister, who smirked at you remembering your being banished from England, a fact now wiped from the Queen’s mind and all record with it, later and you were allowed in. Each Lord around you along with a small group of Durins that Hermione had brought here through your doorway she’d called was introduced to and greeted by the Prime minister and pair of young teen Princes glad to be out of Buckingham Palace for the first time since settling. The young pair of royals drew curious subtle glances from the group wondering why you and Hermione both curtsied even in your place representing Remus at this occasion and buffering in the first meeting of new leaders of the kingdoms around those you had saved.Just hours, exhibit by exhibit every animal through the protective barriers you witnessed their free roaming animals now happier in the magical near endless lands or waters to call their own. Every fact cherished and with floating magical camera following orders from the boys and men to capture certain moments they wished to keep..By dinner you were back to your home for them to share all you had seen and let the Lords conference on your memory of Valinor. Every moment scrutinized for details on what the returned had missed with questions between on how long the spiders had descended there as well.Curiously following a gentle tug you came to one of the larger spare rooms in one of the lesser used wings and pressing your ear to the door you could hear Opal inside making you smirk knowing why she’d moved here. Gently you knocked and a half hearted growl came through the wood making you say, “Opal, it’s Jaqi. I just wanted to ask if you’re in any pain.”Through the wood you could tell the bristles behind her ears and eyebrows had shifted in a small recoil of her head snapping for a moment out of her protective mindset. “Iron said sometimes females have cramps with laying their clutches. I assume this is the nest you’ve chosen and I won’t force myself in if I am not welcome.”“I am not in any pain. You are always welcome.” Timidly you eased the doorknob to turn and peeked inside seeing her sideways cocked head with both bright eyes fixed on you. Since your last session had fully healed her left eye and nearly fully healed the right that seemed to her to be growing clearer by the day with your Pheonix candies now working to heal the minor cataract like affliction to her lighter eye. “I have three eggs.”A smile split across your face in her tail easing out to scoop you inside and bump the door shut again bringing you closer but still not right up to her nest in the room heated by the pile of wood and hot fire she kept lit to keep her eggs warm. “That is amazing. Three babies. I am so happy for you.” You said stroking her muzzle as her forehead pressed to yours. “Would you like me to tell Iron?”She gave a nod and said, “He shall be pleased. I did not assume I might carry more than one egg from my injuries. Iron was eager all the same to aid in my clutch to grant me a chance.”
“Well you certainly made a great choice, and a great friend. I take it you might want to go to the breeding grounds then for a time?”
“No, males do not Mother the young for our kind. He shall meet them when they are just learning to fly, that is when his role begins.” Her eyes looked you over and she asked, “How are your mates?”
“They are well. Speaking with their friends about a trip I took through an enchanted pond of theirs. It seems I am still puzzling to them. Even myself occasionally.”
Lowly she chuckled and settled more around the trio of eggs on the mattress she’d pulled off the bed frame leaned up against the wall. “They will learn you. And their young seem to admire you as well. Such a large clutch for beginning a family.”“Well I’ve never been one to follow the normal scheme of things, courting first then babies. You know me. Has to be as much juggling as possible.” She chuckled again and at the slight drop of her eyes you grinned saying, “I will let you sleep. You look exhausted. I’ll post a sign outside and let everyone know this is your nest.”
“Thank you, my dearest friend. Your kindness is the greatest treasure I have ever been graced with.”
Again you reached out to stroke her muzzle saying, “I feel very much the same Opal. Let me know if you need anything. Get some rest sweetheart.” The nickname making her smirk in her body coiling up around the trio of giant Opal like eggs as you made your way out again.Across the door in various languages with a picture of Opal a sign spread the door to warn others in your turn to head through your enchanted door to find Iron, the Opaleye who had taken Opal as his mate. His excited roars and bounding around drew the Dragon Breeders over who joined in on his celebration with his family on his impressive three little ones to come. Far from the average dragon Opal was seen as far too timid to have been taken as a mate by all but Iron who could see the strength in enduring all she had faced and how powerful their little ones could be. A match that with time and now news of her very fertile status among her kind, who rarely had more than two eggs, had all the other breeds joining in on the celebrations as well. Each sending you home with tokens to hand over to the isolating mother to comfort her with their distant support until the hatching when she could introduce the triplets to them all.
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Pink and blinking a reminding orb of light flashed in front of you and you sighed heading to your room to change after having quietly assembled the tokens along the wall while Opal slept. Into a dress with comfortable heels you changed then headed down to the sun lit ballroom in your house where the order and DA mingled along with your relatives while Ron was trying to explain the first dance.Eagerly the Elf Lords passed through the Black Family Manor, to what could only be taken as the ballroom of your home, filled with the teens you had arrived with all to be attending while the slightly timid adults in your family looked on as the young couples repeated the final rotation of the Elvish dance. One by one you flowed in a fluid line forming spirals that split into smaller groups, then pairs. In the pairs you locked arm in arm with Elladan, who was trying his best not to chuckle each time your foot just barely grazed against the side of his in your toe top attempt at trying not to fall in your attempt to move around his long legs in the close dance.His chuckling ended as Elrond arrived noticing his inching your hands higher seeing how far you would reach to follow the dance rule of not breaking contact. The stern raised brow made you giggle in your backwards turn to join the group again making the twin give one last chuckle then relax his moves easing your difficulties before giving you a bow. In watching, even in your strained stubborn movements your intendeds couldn’t take their eyes off of you in how well you had taken to it.Next was the slightly hopping dance you had been stolen away for by Ron, who was trying to avoid using Narcissa for the lesson for this particular dance due to the bouncing. Through his offered hand you felt his mental wall drop to share the steps, and he motioned his wand at the record player to flip to a faster paced song and pocketed his wand guiding you into place.A setting of hands on upper backs and clasped palms later a few backward steps from you as he led, were followed by three more in the opposite direction, before your turn to move together following your clasped palms that ended with two bounding steps ending in a hop. In a gentle shift of your hips in your spot just barely to his right your feet moved in two joint steps forward putting you side by side. Two more steps after sideways turned you both in a circle before your shift to face one another before you would be led backwards three joint steps as your joined hands lowered in a tilt only to rise in three steps forward leading to a spin. The near quickstep dance continued for three rotations as the teens trickled in following along drawing smirks from the impressed Elves at your easy lesson.Lowly Ron said, “Hey Sis, plans for tea tomorrow?”“Not exactly, why?”“Well, um, you see, Tuli has been asking about meeting you properly.”“Ok well bring her around anytime.”“Can’t exactly do that,”With a sigh you asked, “This is another Queen thing isn’t it?”“Yup.”“Then tell her to come by tomorrow at eleven, or is this an official invitation situation?”“I think they would accept my telling her. If not, I’ll keep you posted.” His eyes shifted to Tuli who had just entered the hall making you smirk as he made his escape.A single stolen cautious glance from a certain blonde March Warden earned grins from the fiery haired twins, who circled around with Angela and Katie in hand, one snatching up Ginny, the other the cautious blonde. Who bowed his head and offered his hands to Ginny at her glance at you and Ron, who her brothers made sure to leave them in the path of to force things along. Lowly she stated, “Hands.” Haldir’s brow rose only to have his hands rise to accept hers as she advanced to guide him along into the dance to keep them out of your path.Anxiously he stole a glance at her parents only to relax at her soft questioning of the next direction, to which he softly answered and relaxed at their contact and apparent familial approval of his attention on the young object of his affections. The arrival of Ron’s intended however brought a turn of his attentions through a spin. You turned to a cloud of mist to meet Hermione’s open side making her chuckle as she stepped onto the floor as your partner while Ron claimed the grinning Elleth’s hand and led her into the group for the rest of the dance and into the second round of it. Thranduil and Glorfindel spent the entire time watching you debating on who would be claiming each dance with you.The next few were led by Elrond and Celebrian while the formerly snooping Feanoreans entered with their Wives, who had arrived in the second wave of returns, took their hands to help guide things along as Maedhros lingered along the wall asking Celeborn more about you. His questions mingled with his inspecting the lit crystal chandeliers and tall lanterns along the walls in the stone pillars between the tall glass wall bringing in the final flickers of sunlight as the sky started to darken.Keeping hold of Hermione for a couple runs of the dance until you spot Ron’s head shaking and you huffed faking a need to head to the toilet exiting the room allowing Fili to jump in and steal his own lesson.“Lindir!” You said excitedly making his brows inch up at your approach on your way to the study on the ground floor. He was waiting for Regulus as he usually did in the main hall always reluctant as ever to just head upstairs to knock on his bedroom door to fetch him. “Just the man I need.”“How may I be of assistance?” He replied with a quick nod of his head.“Ok, now you know about Ron and Tuli, correct?”“Yes, I am aware they are courting.”“Well, she wants to meet me officially, and I’ve said Ron can just bring her by whenever, but apparently that won’t do, so since you’re Elrond’s right hand seems like maybe you might be able to help me with an official invitation for her to come for tea?”“Absolutely.” Beside you he walked to your office upstairs and sat beside you to write up the invitation on your personal stationary he added just the right flourish and eloquence to the invitation required to suit the offer and he passed it to you. “This would be the level of invitation they would be expecting.”“Thank you.” You looked it over then looked to him, “I will try to get better at this so I won’t have to bother everyone else.”“No. It is an honor to assist you. As for the significance of it, mainly it is due to her being courted by Ronald. Were she a male then a verbal invitation would be adequate.”You nodded then slipped it into an envelope you gave a wave to turning his head seeing that your owl was waking up from a nap and now stretching readying for a flight. Once sealed through the open window he took off and you giggled showing Lindir into the hall. “Thank you again.”“You are very welcome. And do not trouble yourself with too much extravagance on the occasion.” His eyes however shifted to the door you paused at and knocked on.With a nod at the opening of the door you said, “And I will leave you for some privacy.” His lips parted only to shift into a quick grin at closing seeing Regulus in the doorway.“I’m not too late am I?” Regulus asked with a smirk as you made your way down the hall.Shaking his head Lindir replied, “N-, no. Not at all.”Regulus chuckled and extended a hand, “Well now that you are here I can give you a tour finally.” Lindir sheepishly laid his hand on Regulus’ and followed him inside feeling the door closing behind him only increasing his nerves at being alone in a private room for the first time. Showing him all his pictures and trinkets an ambush was the last thing Regulus expected from his reserved One.All the same when he smiled at Lindir a nose came crashing into his and just as suddenly post face squishing event Lindir had turned readying to flee only to pause with his eyes clenching shut in embarrassment still at the hand clutching his hand he froze. Grinning adoringly at him Regulus tenderly guided Lindir’s hand away from his nose with one hand ghosting his fingers along his cheek tilting his head to inspect Lindir’s face and have contact with him again. Lowly Regulus murmured, “No injuries,” leaning in to stun his One with a tender kiss the Elf melted into with eyes still clamped shut. Just a moment he pulled back to murmur in a certain stroke of his hand along Lindir’s cheek, “I am so sorry it took me so long to find you.”Halfway to pouting in a try to ready an answer Lindir slipped back to silence at the following kiss and several after he clung so tightly to his One in a long overdue display of his restrained affections for the flirtatious and tempting Wizard he had been waiting for.For what seemed to be hours the impassioned moment continued until in a break for air Lindir’s forehead tapped Regulus luring out a smirk in a breathy chuckle as he stole a stroke of his nose to Lindir’s luring a blush across his cheeks. “Come, we’re late. Let’s go spin you around the dance floor.” Stealing another lingering tender kiss the pair hummed through contently before he added, “My door is always open, don’t feel you have to wait downstairs. My family loves you, you are welcome any time.”“What if you are sleeping?” Lindir asked in their path to the door making Regulus smirk back at him once reached the door.“Any time.” Making the blushing Elf swallow luring him closer to stroke his cheek again, “I will not cross any line you draw for us. I meant for cuddling if you felt brave for it.”“Cuddling?”Regulus chuckled, “Just laying together, letting me hold you, or you holding me.” Explaining with another quick kiss in opening the door making Lindir almost ruffle up like a preening bird to be presentable again only to grin at the thumb stroking tenderly on the hand intertwining with his. “When you’re ready.”.Down to the dancing they went and Lindir timidly guided Regulus on the male partnered steps to each while the others from your groups did their best to master the dances.When the full list had been gone through you’d taken turns with both your men only to have them both watch at your giggle accepting your Father’s hand as he smiled stating, “Moon’s rising Pumpkin.”Another record was put on in a steady piano formed melody as Regulus claimed Fleur’s hand as Bill took Vivi to join while Lucius and Narcissa joined Draco with Astoria as Neville and Luna all took your places. In a glance at Elrond Ron stated, “Family tradition.”A sets of curtsies and bows later your joined hands moved to glide your palms together in the start of a Viennese Waltz. Flowing to the melody you moved to the music back stepping with your feet almost touching at the in sync steps parting the Elves’ lips at the exaggerated arm loops and joint turns under locked hands and joint palms before the string of steps with you both facing forward yet moving backwards. Small steps led you in spirals while your arms would drape across your front then arch up over your head for another turn leading into larger circles. Each female in these circles would arch back then straight again only to arch again then spin and be raised off the ground to move into a turn to face the same direction again. Two steps forward later and you were back into another round of small backwards spirals shifting into the larger circles again that looped around to the start of the dance.All through this those in your bloodline’s skin glowed brighter in the first light of the moon while your hair shimmered brightly. Your first rotation of the dance ended with the teen couples filing onto the floor again soon to be joined by a few of the Elves who lingered for a bit longer with you and your relatives to give them lessons in a few of your classic ballroom dances from your old world. Soon after dipping to a couple dances that the Feanoreans guided the groups through of older Elven dances the returned may wish to have.Each of their dances and yours were gone through again before you gently tugged Thranduil off the floor so you could accept the glass of juice Glorfindel had poured for you while the boys sat on the chairs beside him swaying slightly to the music. In his same velvety tone Thranduil peered down at you asking, “Are you tired?”You drew in a breath stating softly, “Not so much tired as my feet are ready to fall off.” You took another sip as the pair looked at you then they realized you must have been on your feet all day and the extra lessons had worn on you even more.Throbbing feet and an hour of focus on the dancing lulled while the group uncertainly wondered on what to do next. Suddenly a glowing ball of light had you muttering, “Lulu,” And darting through your doorway you called hearing the worried shouts of the Durins raving about through the Royal Wing mingled with Lulu’s wailing cries.They all turned taking notice of you in your move closer to Dwalin. Right past Diaa and Niro who guided the others to clear a pathway. Inside her nursery you found Dwalin pacing until he caught sight of you and he said, “Jaqi! She won’t calm, I’ve tried everything.”Moving closer you reached out shifting a strip of her hair off her forehead spotting a telling scaly patch of skin. “Dragon pox.”He raised a brow as his mouth fell open fearing the worst while Balin behind him asked, “Is it fatal?”You caught his eye shaking his head, “Not for children. It’s a common illness.” Behind you Remus popped up at your glance towards the mirror mobile with a grin that faltered in his own reach towards Lulu, “You should bring Teddy.”Percy however near the door met your father halfway taking hold of the sling holding your brother, “I’ll take Fin.” Popping off to fetch your brother too young to be threatened with catching the illness fatal to those his age still un-immune and infants. “You have to come too Hermi.”Hermione nodded following after him to the isolated islands with the others warned as Regulus sounded the alarm in the Ministry, murmuring after, “I’ll fetch Em,” joining Remus who was on his way to get Teddy.Dwalin watched saying, “We’re not really fit for a play date right now.”You shook your head, “No, I know.” A wave of your hand brought a vial into your palm you uncapped and filled the dropper on saying, “This should help with her fever. It sounds a bit strange I know but she’s the most contagious now so we should bring Teddy and Em over to catch it.”Balin raised a brow, “You wish to infect another two children?!”You smirked saying, “Please don’t misunderstand this. It is a common illness, for children after the fever is managed it is a day or so of discomfort at the rashes and then they are immune from it ever again. Adults however, they have five hours from contracting it to when the fever hits its high to catch the symptoms and seek treatment or they will die.”Dwalin, “That, makes-.”You shrugged, “I know, it doesn’t make any sense but babies have vastly different immune systems than adults do.” He nodded and you wet your lips squeezing the liquid between Lulu’s lips halting her tears in her swallowing leaving only an irritated whine. “Now this should ease things and I’ll get some cream for her skin and some oils for her bath tonight.”Dwalin nodded and looked to Remus as he appeared again with Teddy in his arms who he set with Lulu in her play area in the sitting room beside Em at Regulus popping up next. With a grin the latter said, “Please don’t worry about her, she’ll be right as rain after the rashes mend.”Dwalin looked at him with teary eyes keeping Lulu’s little hands from going to scratch herself, “Just a wee little thing. We should be able to protect her.”Remus grinned and patted him on the shoulder, “It is troubling. And terrifying, I get that. And our methods of handling this may be a bit odd but it is to keep them safe down the road. She won’t remember this.”The Durins all settled around the sitting room while you popped back up and knelt behind her withholding your groan at your burning thighs opening the jar you brought after sliding a pair of gloves onto Lulu’s hands, “These she won’t be able to take off.” A swipe of your finger later you slicked a bit of cream onto her forehead and then onto each of the patches you could see while Teddy and Em snuggled with her until she calmed as the cream eased her irritation. Both Morphers with hair changing colors in their confusion for how to help.In a glance up at Dwalin you said, “See, better already. Should last about three hours.” You said passing it to him he cradled carefully before he eyed the vial you passed him, “Warm water, no soap, just that, let her soak and be sure to use a wet cloth to coat her patches before bed. It’ll keep them moist even after you dab her dry and it’ll help her sleep through the night so you don’t have to stay up.”Dwalin mumbled, “Not that I’ll be able to sleep anyways.” His eyes shifted to Teddy who smacked his lips and then turned his head away from Lulu to sneeze stirring a grin onto Remus’ face. Em did the same and Regulus said, “We’ve got them, bound to be more.”In another turn of your head you spotted another glowing orb making you sigh, “Off to Rivendell.”Glorfindel behind you said, “Would it be another case?”You nodded, “Most likely.” On your feet after you kissed Em, Teddy and Lulu’s foreheads you turned to pass through the doorway giving a comforting comment to the family lingering around. Through the doorway Thranduil and Glorfindel lifted and carried the boys at their feet walking off to find Elrond in the sea of panicking Elves in the scream and wail filled city. Even from Lothlorien more and more children poured in filling the main corridors and gardens. A sharp whistle from you quieted the adults and with a swirl of your hand you brought the fever draught out and started issuing it.Neville, Draco and Luna arrived through the door with the Twins off gathering more supplies leaving Angela and Katie to help you, and they all started to help hand out the stocked up stash of creams and vials of bath tonic. Off in the distance a notice was sent out with Cho and Dean along with other Ministry members recorded as not having contracted it to go out to the chosen quarantine house. Including Celeborn and the other newborn Elven foster parents also gathered by Percy as a precaution to keep Tin and the other babies safe from catching it yet leaving him anxiously yet contently to explore the mini island town he and the others were taken to for quarantine. Content at least that Celebrian had accepted charge of Lothlorien in his stead for the blip of time until the contagion window had closed again.By hours end Snape had joined the other professors in forming more creams and tonics to replenish the stores. The panic ceased and though disturbed by the older children the Dwarves brought, at the ministry’s request, to play with the toddlers stirring up a wave of sneezes signaling their contracting the illness, the fostering Elves sat content at least that their children were eased for the time being. Each child had the contraction and issued treatment added to their fostering filed copies of their medical records and all of them were sent home again with a helping of supplies with the rest of the DA there to offer the fever draught when they showed signs of it.Nightfall broke and you sat across from Maglor as he asked, “You just passed a pox onto a number of children? How are you content with this?”A soft grin eased onto your face contrasting your now black curls worrying your intendeds along with the tears looming at all you were holding in, kindly offering thanks in accepting the tea Thranduil offered. While Glorfindel raced off to fix you a meal at the growling of your stomach a few minutes prior at lack of dinner yet even after Taule had come to fetch the boys hours prior. “I am content knowing that it is a treatable tolerable condition now rather than when they pass fourteen and the illness becomes fatal.”At that the Elves’ faced dropped while Amras asked, “How is that possible?”You shrugged, “Children tend to heal faster. Their immune systems are greatly different than adults. We’re still not certain past that. I know it is troubling, seeing children sick and then knowing that we are forcing that on other children. It, would even seem barbaric to some.”Thranduil patted his hand on your thigh, “Far from barbaric. A paper cut today over a broken leg twenty years down the line is far more tolerable of a choice.”You grinned at him and Elrond asked, “It wouldn’t pass to us, would it?”Shaking your head you answered, “I’ve watched the adults from Erebor and your kin, none have shown the signs. There is a short five hour window we’ve well since passed. The illness came from our world and it seems to remain with us. Though I do have warning charms I’ve left in the mountain and forests to alert us if any of your kin show symptoms.”He nodded and the rest relaxed in their chairs, “That is comforting. Thank you.”Sirius however broke your focus and drew you to your feet leaving the table with drink set down as he approached. Exhaling softly he said, “500 cases documented should only be a matter of sunrise for the window to close. Also, Em has been put to bath and bed sleeping soundly as well as Teddy.” That was all it took for the damn to break and mouths on the watching Lords and servants dropped seeing your face scrunch up and a tear was watched in its fall from your cheek turning to a glowing gem sprouting flowers up around it upon hitting the ground, met by others until your father’s arms were draped around you. Resting his cheek on your head for a few moments then said, “Oh Pumpkin, no one in the Ministry enjoys the Pox Push, our worst time of year.” Sharply you inhaled clearly trying to stop crying, nodding in your step back allowing him to wipe your blotchy cheeks.Long deep inhales and exhales came out in pairs through the last of your tears wiped away to fall as gems from his fingers while the Elves took note of the soft glimmer you were giving off in the moonlight revealed fully in the shifting of the clouds formerly blocking it. “I know.”Sirius, “You are handling it better than your Mum did. Nearly had the furniture on the roof from her worrying, everything was stuck to hovering, even our bed when she did fall asleep. Nearly broke my arm falling off our bed for some water.”The image made you grin and nod as his hand lowered, “I’m going to go check on Petunia, apparently there is something in her garden, she said rabbit in her letter but I think we might have some loose gnomes. Please, eat and rest up. Em will be hungry in the morning.” His head turned spotting Ron on his way home from visiting Tuli and he said, “Ah, Ron, how would you like to help me track some gnomes?”That made the teen smirk and join him on the hunt while you turned to the table again only to glance down at your dress following Thranduil’s lowered gaze to your chest. Sharply you huffed seeing the leak stains making you smooth a hand over your brow and say, “I’m late to pump. I, suppose we could have tea tomorrow so I don’t bother you all.”Elrond stood with Thranduil who stepped over the bench you were formerly sitting on to walk closer and claim your hand, the former asking, “Pump?”With a nod you replied, “My breast milk, it almost dried up before Fin came but now it’s picked up again, so um, I have to pump it into bottles for him.”Maglor asked, “Why would nursing your brother bother us?”Maedhros replied, “Come and eat to nurse the child. Regain your strength. I would not have stressed you had I known you were still nursing.”Exhaling again you looked up to Thranduil who had hold of your hand his thumb was stroking through a soft loving grin at you stating, “Please eat.” After a nod you pinched your dress and gave the material a shake shifting it to a pair of knee length sweats and a baggy tank top with your shoes zapping home in the lifting of each foot to walk back to the table. Beside you on the bench a bag appeared with a machine familiar to those having been in your nursery. Under your shirt you eased the cups you placed over your nipples through the front of your fresh bra. And following your gaze the Elves watched you switch on the machine that had them inspecting the odd box that gave off a buzz while you pulled an empty bottle from the bag you removed the top to screw the hose connected lid to the top of it.Even Thranduil’s eyes narrowed until through the tube from your shirt he saw the milk starting to flow and trickle into the empty bottle making him look at you as you explained, “It’s so we can store up milk in our fridges for the babies so our sitters can feed them when we’re away. Really good for working moms, or adopting parents. We have a whole fleet of nursing moms who’ve been supplying milk for our orphans.”Arwen asked, “Including you?”“Well mainly it was for Teddy to wean him onto solid foods while Tonks was away. Counting the Morpher orphans, best to give them Morpher milk, Tin as well, me and Fleur traded turns to give her Veela milk. It truly isn’t as odd as it might seem at first, plus I don’t know how early your babies start to teeth but it helps to keep from being bitten. Hear it hurts.”Elrond chuckled as Celebrian went into how her twins used to take turns nibbling on her comforting you into eating from the tray that Glorfindel returned with, taking care to watch the bottle that he followed your guidelines to switch to a new one so you might keep eating that he handed off to K saving it for Fin later. Before long you had milked all you could filling two and a half bottles and widely you yawned packing up the machine for Thranduil and Glorfindel to guide you back to your own bed again. The pair wouldn’t be sleeping but with the trio of boys cuddled around you soundly you were off to sleep to try and be ready for the tea the following day..Between a roll from your side to your back two bodies laying on your chest became three and by sunrise it grew to four when freshly woken Em for her morning creams came to join the pile of kids using you as their pillow. Already her irritation was gone left to a few blotchy patches from the strong medicine and bathing salts now greatly calming the foster parents and Dwalin, who managed to get a two hour nap between applications content that Lulu was nearly back to herself again. More irritated to be woken like the other children and content to be able to sleep some more lulling Dwalin to take another nap as well while Balin volunteered to keep checking on her.From across the bed when breakfast was settled out on the table in Thranduil’s apartment a pair of warm kisses landed on your forehead from your guys gathering the boys for breakfast. Into their arms the boys nestled while you shifted the covers to slide out of bed keeping hold of Em. A quick changing for her and you groggily went to join them.Into her seat Em settled yawning widely as you opened her jar of food after having glanced at the slips of paper appearing in front of you reading off progress on the quarantined people and that those with infants had been sent home already, including Celeborn who you flashed a grin to realizing he’d just entered the room to join you. “Morning,” you said as he sat down across from you holding Tin and a bottle from the supply you had delivered to him. “Sleep well?”“Yes, rather well, and I understand fully thanks to Hermione and Percy who explained the trip was to protect my Tin.” Watching you lifting the small spoon to give to Em while the boys thanked Glori, Thranduil and Legolas who helped to fill their sippy cups and plates. “I wished to thank you, for the milk you have been supplying for my Tin.”Flashing him a sleepy grin you lifted your own fork to start eating, “You don’t need to thank me. Couldn’t let her be given the wrong milk, and I’m not using it.”“All the same, this is a wonderful gift, to give to a child, I wished to show you my gratitude.”“Not as great as you taking her in as your own. No doubt soon enough she will grow out of needing breast milk, your gift lasts forever.”“There will be no success in distracting me from my gratitude.”Giggling back you replied lifting your loaded fork, “No attempt to distract here.”“Good, expect a token of my appreciation before your birthday celebration this weekend.”You looked to Glorfindel who merely smiled stating, “There is no escaping it.”With a sigh you said, “Just please nothing alive. Apparently Rohan is gifting me a horse.” Making Celeborn chuckle in lowering his gaze to Tin when her hands settled on his large hand holding the bottle in her staring up at him. When you looked to Thranduil you asked, “Busy day?”He replied lowering his tea, “Not especially. I mean to check in on our fostered youth and their parents before I take Turo for a run, however after that I am free.”You glanced at Glori who said, “I am spending the day with the guards in Amon Lanc granting Haldir a day off.”Legolas asked, “Are you busy?”“Just helping Fred and George fix up the sign in front of our shop and clean up for our re-opening. Should only take a few hours, then I have to be back home to meet with Tuli for tea. No clue what she is expecting, hopefully just asking some questions would be sufficient to try and get to know her. I really have no clue sometimes.”Legolas smirked saying, “I could request Arwen to join you if you wished. I am certain she could aid in guiding you through what might be expected.”“I wouldn’t want to spoil her plans.”Legolas chuckled and found his feet, “No plans, Arwen rarely sets plans in stone. I will go ask her. I will return shortly.” The last he added at your glance towards his plate.Up he got and your focus turned to the children distracting you until his return when he tasked himself with their care by the time you helped clear the table to go and get ready for clearing up the shop. With a kiss on her cheek Regulus claimed hold of Em once you were in your room allowing you to change and get ready. Back to his room he went finding Lindir still napping on his bed from helping to care for Em until she had gone to climb in with you. Adoringly Regulus kissed his cheek and sat down coating Em with some more creams before pulling out some coloring books for her to fill in while he cuddled closer to Lindir again.Alongside Ginny, Haldir tagged along to the shop clearing and aided her inside while you and the twins repaired the shop front display and repainted the doorway. Stealing glances at the clock while the streets buzzed with word that you were open again. From your pocket out came the whistling pocket watch alerting near to tea time. Back again through the streets home you went to get ready for the tea. A quick shower and blast of warm air had your curls dried and weaving itself into a long braid. Black jeans and a nice peach colored blouse later with heeled boots to follow down you went to meet up with the house elves readying the tea and snacks. Soft thanks and a stolen tart later you walked out of the kitchen to the sitting room where you paused finding Lindir and Arwen waiting there.Their heads bowed and you flashed them a grin hearing him saying, “I wished to join you, if that does not trouble your plans.”“Not at all.” Looking to Arwen you said, “Thank you. I really am clueless on this.”Shaking her head she replied, “I am glad to share this task with you. Welcoming others into ones family can be quite trying.”Her gaze turned and you couldn’t help but smile seeing Em hurrying over to you in a dress saying, “Tea Time!” She scrambled up onto your chair saying, “Mummy I want a bite.” Holding out the rest of the mini tart in your hand she took a large bite and you looked to Regulus who sighed saying, “I tried.”Shaking your head you said, “The more the merrier.”A doorbell split the conversation and you could hear Ron saying, “We can just go in.” Hushedly she tried to argue only to pause when Regulus came into view earning a bow of her head making him smirk and guide her and her father inside along with Ron. The latter was ushered off by something she whispered to him earning a shake of his head on his way out again and contently once she had formally greeted your guests and Em she claimed her seat through you settling Em on your lap.Questions flowed and following the guidance of Arwen’s comments and the allowed comments offered mentally by Lindir you seemed to relax the duo now feeling amply welcomed into the fold. Once they had been showed out by Regulus you leaned closer to Lindir asking, “How did that go?”To himself he chuckled and replied, “Very well done. Tuli should inform Ron that she has been welcomed and your courtship has been accepted fully by you.”With a nod you lifted your tea to finish it only to hover Regulus’ cup your way that once he came back into the room made him smirk and take yours saying, “Ooh, the grim.” Looking at you he asked, “What does mine say?” Watching your eyes flickering back from being silver, “Something dark?”Up at him your eyes shifted, “You’re going to find your lost penguin.”“About time,” he said smirking in trading the cups again, “been looking for months now.”Arwen asked with eyes shifting between you, “His cup speaks to you?”Smirking at her you said, “The tea leaves. I can read yours if you like.”Lindir fidgeted his hands around his cup asking while she lifted hers to finish it off, “What is ‘the grim’ exactly, it does not sound pleasant.”Smiling at him you said, “It means I will face death.” Making his lips part, “However finding it in my cup is not uncommon.”Arwen passed you her cup and seeing a sun inside it you grinned as your eyes flashed to silver watching her waking at midnight to a bite from her bunny giving birth on her bed. Meeting her gaze again you said, “You will have a surprise at midnight.”Arwen, “A surprise?”“It is best you don’t know, but it is good news.”Passing back her cup you turned accepting Lindir’s timidly offered cup that once you saw the harp inside your eyes shifted silver and your grin broke watching his sister sneaking a practice on someone’s harp and the string breaking hitting her in the eye eventually making her blind in that eye. Lindir said, “You are not smiling. Will I face death as well?”“Do you have a harp at home?”“Yes, yes, my Ada’s. We do not disturb it since he fell.”You nodded and said, “Your sister has been sneaking lessons on it while you are away from home.”“How is that bad news?”“You should return home and replace the strings. One will break and blind her.”His mouth fell open as you set the cup aside wishing you had seen something else and Regulus came closer easing his arm around Lindir’s back, “Come, we have enchanted strings upstairs. I will help you replace them.” Placing a sweet kiss on Lindir’s brow helping him up, releasing him only to take hold of Em from you.Lindir still was near to shaking as Arwen stood saying, “I will find and distract her, do not fret, Lindir, we will protect her.”He nodded being led away and the Princess turned to you saying, “He will thank you once he calms. The gift you hold is quite extraordinary.” Her voice faded in her hand tapping your hands folded in front of you at your eyes flashing silver making her ask when they changed back again, “You have had another vision?”“Elrond will be very pleased in a century or so.” Her head tilted slightly and you said, “He will have eight grandchildren.” That had her lips parting and you said in a tilt of your head, “I’ll come help distract his sister.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Eerily empty Rivendell stretched and between walkways you glanced around unable to shake a bad feeling that even Arwen caught onto stating, “This wing is quite quiet today. Even the horses are silent.”“I don’t think there are any horses.” You replied following her down another walkway to where you stopped outside an open doorway that a dangling chime was tapped by Arwen and to the sound in front of you appeared Lindir’s sister, a stunning tall brunette no doubt he would look nearly a twin to when he took the gender swap potion. Still too quiet for your liking from the corridor you followed Arwen in her path to guide the sister away leading to another sitting room until a servant came to bring tea for you all.Stealing the chance while a tray of fruit was being led out after your cup was emptied you asked, “Sorry, but, where is everyone?”The Elf replied with a subtle bow of his head in catching your eye, “Lord Elrond joined the other Elven forces marching to reinforce Rohan’s borders, Your Majesty.”“Borders?” A distant clap of thunder however had you standing to hurry to the nearest walkway where your eyes fixed on a sliver of near to black clouds in the horizon. Glancing back to Arwen whose attention was fixed on you a quick shake of your hand had you saying, “I’m sorry, I have to go. We’ll have tea again sometime.”Lindir’s sister bowed her head with a creeping grin excited on having had a few private moments with you unprovoked. Darting off you shook each of your feet switching your heels to comfortable boots heading for the doorway to Greenwood. The second empty Palace had your heart racing and every hall you checked until you got to the main Royal Gardens that you slid into the doorway of making your boys stand up and Taule turn noticing you. “Where’s Dew Drop?”Her lips parted and she said, “Thranduil and Legolas took our forces to Gondor.”You nodded and glanced at the boys with a soft grin, “I’ll be back, don’t worry boys.” You turned mumbling, “I’ll figure this out..” Darting back through the halls to your enchanted doorway into Rohan where you heard the lingering elderly Men on guard shouting up at the looming blackening clouds.“Your Majesty,” the man on your right drew your focus saying, “King Thengel marched with our forces this morning joined by your Elven forces towards Gondor.”“Which way is Gondor?” He pointed and turning your head you sent your doorway to your home and with a sharp whistle your broom flew to your side dropping the jaw of the men watching you hop onto the broom and whip off into the direction he pointed to. Wide eyed he stared where you vanished until the questions of those left behind drug him back to the present adding to your mystery.The faster you flew the darker it got. Until all you could hear was the whipping of the wind and distant voices far below and a glimmer of a large white kingdom you circled getting a clear view of dark specks as far as you could see of a rival army of orcs, goblins, wargs and trolls reaching to a distant city surrounding a volcano. Below you the soldiers marching out of the open gates of the city in silver armor joined the golden and silver armored Elves below lined up on foot and horseback to the side of horseback soldiers in bright colored garb with Rohan’s crest on their chests and mane bearing helmets. Mingled between a large army of Dwarves no doubt from all three connected Dwarf Kingdoms offering as much aid as possible on both foot and on the backs of large armored battle rams and boars.Onto the edge of the overlook you stood feeling the wind whip harshly tugging your long braid side to side now darkening to a midnight blue. Almost silent under the growing winds heavy doors opened behind you and the Men filing out of it stood wide eyed wondering who the odd strange woman in the distance was. One press of your thumb to your bared forearm once your sleeves were rolled up and eyes lifted to the plumes of smoke crashing into the ground around you revealing your Death Eaters. A mental warning sent as well and clouds of light landed among them revealing a number of Aurors and the Order alongside Alastor summoned by a squeeze of the duck charm you kept safely tucked your pocket.A reach up brought your hair up into a messy bun and as your hands fell you eyed the plumes of smoke swirling over the army of dark figures marching on Gondor. In your walk closer to the far edge you spotted Thranduil and Glorfindel surrounded by Elrond, Celeborn and the Feanoreans clad in shining armor contrasting the dark storm ordering their soldiers on the plan they had crafted. Armies of Elves, Dwarves and Men behind them and all you could hear was, “This is a death march.” The Death Eater who said it shook his head, “Their numbers won’t make a dent.” It was then you saw Gandalf trying to cast up a light to help fight the near blinding darkness now spreading over the city.At the first catapult being aimed you shifted your hand summoning your broom stick you hopped on and led the soaring path out over the armies towards the dark foes. A reach back into the holster on your belt freed your wand for you to wave it shifting the giant boulder into snow parting the lips of the forces below as their stomachs clenched seeing the young Queen and mother of four soaring off into battle.Behind you the broom riding forces and their passengers drew their wands striking their own curses at the catapults and forces beneath them shifting them into clouds of confetti, seeds, piles of snow and other far from dangerous things hindering their hopes of destruction. The teens joined you in dropping vacuum jars enchanted to suck up hundreds of the orcs and goblins until you eyed the flapping figures in the distance. Nine nazgul flew towards you with two burning plumes of ash following after parting your lips. Rapidly they came down upon you and you led the others in shrinking the winged beasts as the others attacked their riders that seemed to vanish on the breeze and destroyed the weapons on their backs.Avoiding the flaming plumes your eyes landed on the familiar golden head of hair exposed in your path around them. Bound tightly in the smoke Gilderoy Lockhart flopped unconsciously stirring your turn, “Anaticula” you barely had to mentally mumble and the bright glittering yellow disarming curse you fired at the glowing pair wreathed in smoke promptly made them drop straight to the earth while Remus levitated the unconscious Wizard free from their grasp. In a speedy dip you landed between the pair and the armed forces surrounding Gondor behind you through the Wizards continuing onwards towards the distant city with only the twins, Sirius, Remus and Alastor remaining behind to help you if needed.Releasing your broom it floated behind you while the nearly ten foot tall figures stared down at you angrily. One with flaming red hair and golden eyes, the other with pitch black hair and eyes shifting from purple to green like yours, both in black armor drawing long swords with diamond shaped edges along the black blades. Peering up at the taller of the two with eyes and hair similar to yours you stated, “I bet you’re Melkor.”Glaring at you angrily his teeth were exposed in his agitated snarl while he growled in Valinorian, “You dare speak to me mewling quim!”A twitch of your brow later you spotted his fiery haired friend chuckling as he extended his sword at you saying, “No blade nor arrow can pierce our flesh. Not with the magic we have drained from that child up there. None could end our reign again.”In his speech you eased an enchanted set of solid silver chains you normally used for fighting werewolves from the enchanted pouch in your pocket around your wrist mirrored by another for your other wrist that instantly branched out to coat the backs of your hands and fingers. A tilt of your head later they caught your smirk as Melkor stated, “Stand aside!” Angrily his hand jut out wreathed in flames and in his attempt to shoot a ball of flames you watched a duck appear in his open palm parting his lips in shock.That was your cue, in a jolt forward you swatted Melkor’s sword away while the duck took off in flight and balled up your fist feeling the tensing of the Elves behind you as your intendeds were being restrained from racing out to you by a shielding spell from the Aurors. Heavily your punch landed into his side under the fold in his armor at its weakest spot drawing a pained whining exhale in his drop to his knees making his sword fall from his grip to land hard into the earth. Three steps later towards his advancing friend you jumped up swung your leg over his still extended sword bearing arm, knocking his helmet free in your kick. Folding your leg around his arm, your weight slumping him forward right in the position to crash your forehead into his nose breaking it and covering his face and neck with blood.Above you the floating Wizards grinned and smirked in your backwards drop to one leg while he dropped his sword that fell heavily to the grass enabling you to sweep his legs out from under him and turn in time to punch Melkor in the face at his reach for his sword. Sauron groaned shifting onto his side with golden eyes glowing beginning to speak in Black Speech causing your hair to stand on end for the chills racking through your body sharply stopping at the sudden appearance of nine black robed and armored figures who all drew their swords encircling you. Sauron hissed at your swiveling inspection of the approaching figures, “Let us watch you writhe in the dirt.”Melkor just about cackled when his grin dropped at Fred and George landing on either side of you, “Right with you.” Around their hands guards matching yours folded out over their fists eyeing their own three of the nine odd foes.George said, “I can’t see anything on them passed the cursed blades.”“Their rings, take their rings.” They nodded and together you charged at the center figure in your trio using the backs of your hand guards to swat away the sword, though in your try to slam into their chest you passed right through them. Exhaling sharply you ducked in time to miss a jab of the second figure’s blade and rolled out of the way from the third then again from the first in a backwards roll placing you straight in front of the bleeding Lords painfully watching you three duck and weave around the nine.Behind your back Melkor through the throbbing pain in his head blinking through the blood from where your punch had split his skin open he eyed your back and then his sword. Smirking to himself he lifted up and drew back his blade to stab at you only to gasp in shock when you aparated to his side at the mental tip from your father hovering above. A flick of your fingers turned his sword to flowers and in his turn you grabbed a fistful of his hair at the back of his head and kneed him in the face, releasing him to fall to the ground in his gurgling coughs you stated, “Where I’m from it’s considered poor manners to stab someone otherwise distracted.”Growling loudly Sauron rose up snarling with his sword in hand only to fall back again in your hopping step forward blending into a spinning kick sending him rolling away once your foot collided with his jaw. Landed again your eyes turned to the nine and ignoring Melkor trying to stagger to his feet back to the others you darted ignoring the shouts from the Elves to run away muffled by the Men and Dwarves cheering your efforts so far. Over George’s back in his hunch forward you rolled grabbing the hilt of the sword on the wraith trying to attack him while your three closed in. Shifting in your palm the sword’s curse was broken and in a pulse shifted to a bow and arrow stunning the Elves watching your drop down to notch an arrow that fired off into the wrist of one close to killing Fred.He caught the then dropped sword from his attacker by the hilt and hacked the hand off one of his trio and quickly snatched the ring he pocketed shriveling the shrieking body to nothing. George caught on taking one of your arrows he charged at another to stab their wrist taking their sword too in your pocketing the ring you jerked off the hand of the one you disarmed. Shrieks and shriveling had you down to six when out of nowhere Melkor had Sauron’s sword again and in a charge at you had you three parting to drop sweeping his legs while George turned that sword to a flopping fish.Sauron, “Stay down curs!”On your knees you eyed the group of foes around you watching Melkor and Sauron rising with daggers being drawn out of their belts, smirks from them dimmed when their eyes shifted towards the sparks encircling you and flashing through your now white eyes. Clenching your fist one deep inhale later and your punch slammed hard into the ground halting them in their tracks only to watch you three rise in your draconic spell being uttered. Locking eyes with Melkor a widening of his eyes came in the green apple scent wafting on the breeze growing stronger at the raw power glimpsed for just a moment before right out of that hole a lightning formed whomping willow shot up roaring and ready to fight. Distantly drawing loud cheers from Elrond’s sons knowing what was coming for the group against you, Fred and George.Panic flooded their hearts in the first sway of the branches while you and the twins darted apart using the violent spark raining slams of each branch colliding in aims to kill the eight trying to both flee and attack you three dove and rolled away from death blows that only angering the tree even more. Above your family watching cheered you on at each skilled dart away and leap onto swinging branches lined you up to steal yet another ring. High atop a reared up branch you caught sight of the Elves open mouthed watching your now apparently kneeling brightly glowing self fired an arrow into the ringed hand of another that in the drop of the branch leapt from to steal the ring off then duck back again in a spin. Straightening up again watching Melkor drop to your foot planting in the back of his knee allowing you a straight shot to his jaw sending him into the dirt again hard while you took hold of another swaying branch.Climbing trough the tree you and the twins aligned yourselves to take out each and every one of the remaining from the nine, at the eighth you allowed the charm for the tree to dissipate when you called out a bit too sternly, “K!” In a pop he appeared at your side and you asked in a far kinder yet still forced tone, “Dog sock dolls please.” Down to the ground on the shrinking lightning tree you three went with the twins leaping down to amputate the hand of the remaining two wraiths while you darted for the taller bloody pair rushing for the twins.A swing of your foot had Sauron stumbling and hard you brought your bow up catching Melkor’s arm in it you twisted around his back to release placing him between you and Sauron, who nearly stabbed him in the shoulder, avoiding doing so at the last moment only to have Melkor crash into his chest. Jumping onto his back again you punched Sauron hard in the face and flipped off Melkor’s back, falling hard onto yours when his hand shot up to grab your leg. Right beside you K popped up breaking the Valar’s sneer at your still blood coated face making his diamond edged dagger wielding hand lower slightly.Yet his eyes snapped back to you at your hands lifting to slice open your palms on said dagger through a smirk at their panicked expressions when the twins had them by their hair. Rolling up to sit you took hold if the dolls shaped like bulldogs now covering with your blood that once on your feet you pressed to their foreheads. Between the warm blood from your open wounds and the thick Draconic you spoke once again their mouths dropped open in silent screams through their wide eyed stares up at your brilliantly glowing self shimmering in spectrums of color to their view unseen to their eyes since leaving Valinor.The words echoed through flashes of lightning splitting through the sky forcing the wind to whip up loosening your bright blue bun freeing a few curls from your braid to whip across your face helplessly. A few words in the pair gasped while their eyes glowed brightly. Both suffocating to those looking on, rising to their knees to try and clutch at your legs digging painful holes into your thighs at their sharpened finger covers in the snap from K that took their remaining weapons from them.The bright lights of their Fea being sucked into the dolls caused their bodies to wither and fade on the wind along with the darkened clouds at your blood soaking into the dolls binding them inside turning their stitched eyes to glowing balls in the pair’s usual golden and purple to green hues. At your feet the collapsed piles of armor beside their re-transfigered swords laying a few feet in opposite directions from your group while a second duck waddled curiously in the grass, summoned from a last minute attempt to break free from your efforts by Sauron. Looking up you locked eyes with Fred and George who let out exhausted laughs and came over to you at the dropping of the barrier around the allied forces.The three of you said in the calming of the winds, “Now, you two will have plenty of time to think about the trouble you’ve caused.” A flinch of a glance over your shoulder brought the cheering forces into view before you looked back again.With a chuckle Alastor landed in front of you drawing from his pocket a small latched metal cylinder he pressed down that popped open into a round bird cage he eased the door to open for you to nudge the pair inside for them to turn looking at you and the twins battered and bloody from the awe inspiring skirmish. Remus chuckled and turned his head nodding to the charging pair of horses with the Elf Lords on them.Reaching into your pockets the three of you brought out the nine rings your father produced a jar for asking, “More Horcrux?”You nodded, “Feels like it. He has more.”Loudly the horses and Turo neared crossing the field, all struggling to reach you first while Sirius and Remus helped to heal the gashes and bloody noses on Fred and George. Alastor warmly patted you on the back drawing your attention from the panicked Elves saying, “Downright wicked. Lightning Whomping Willow, one for the books right there.”Weakly you chuckled saying, “Well, had to add a home field advantage somehow against their cursed swords.”In a few eager strides the horses halted and they all dismounted, straight to your side Maedhros rushed, somehow beating the others, claiming your wrists eyeing your blood coated hands and wrists. The latter he tore his handkerchief in two to bandage both of your bleeding palms until you could see a Healer. In a reach over his arm, once dismounted, Glorfindel drew out his handkerchief wet by his water skin to wipe your forehead and exhale in relief at the lack of any cut there followed by his wiping the blood from the rest of your face as well. A hand eased over your cheek for Thranduil to turn your face inspecting it with a tear filled and stunned gaze before he turned his attention to your still bleeding bandaged hands his folded around for a few silent tearful moments.Over your shoulder Elros eyed the pair in the cage and asked, “What did you do to them?”With a giggle you answered, “Oh, just trapped their souls in those sock dolls.”He raised a brow, “This is normal treatment?”Alastor answered for you, “Only for those unable to be ever allowed to be free again.”Elrond, “Free again?”Remus grinned saying, “For the Wizards that go truly dark we bind their souls in these dolls. They can never free themselves and normally their powers are blocked beforehand, as Jaqi did with her duck charm.”Maglor, “Duck charm?”Thranduil eyed Sirius in his fumble into his pockets to draw out a Pheonix Phable he opened and passed to you and grinned seeing that your wounds other than your self inflicted cuts quickly healing as you popped the candy between your lips. Then dropped the wrapper, that morphed into grains for the eager duck at your feet as Remus turned with a dropped of Pheonix Tears he used two drops on your still open palms he shifted the bandages to reveal. Biting your lip you held back a wince in the harsh sting of the now burning wounds in healing itself. Keeping your eyes up watching for Thranduil to look to your palms again. In his speechless inspection he wiped your hands clean mending the handkerchief its owner claimed inspecting it and your palms in awe while Maglor asked you, “Why did you hit them?”You looked at him and raised a brow, “They drew swords. I’m not allowed to hit them?”Maedhros, “They drew swords, no one in their right mind would think to punch Sauron and Melkor in the face! Not even our Ada.” That had Fred and George laugh again.You nodded and replied, “Well I’ve never been noted as the straightest arrow in the bunch on the sanity scale when it comes to picking fights. One thing we Blacks know is how to throw a punch.”Sirius chuckled leaning in to kiss your forehead, “That’s right Pumpkin. Masterfully done.” He glanced at Remus, “Azkaban then?”Alastor nodded, “Always worth a shot.”Celeborn, “Azkaban?”He looked to you and you replied, “It’s our prison for those who break our laws.”Maedhros, “You have a prison, for Isitari?”You nodded, Thorin asked, “What sort of prison would that entail?”"I would assume like other prisons. Small room. Cold. Dusty. Guarded by creatures that dredge up the worst moments in your life gaining nourishment from your fears and traumatic pasts." For a momentary pause your head tilted slightly at their puzzled and astonished expressions, "Not that terrible all in all. At least from when I was there. Aside from the interrogations that is."In a glance up to Thranduil and Glorfindel they both eyed your hands as you mentally commanded the metal strips back to your chain bracelets from your fingers allowing them to see your hands fully ensuring you weren’t harmed anymore and were fully cleaned as Maedhros narrowed his gaze at you. “What is that look for?”“You are children, and you disabled two of the darkest figures in our world.”With a grin you held back your comment and then eyed the white city as Alastor chuckled turning raising the cage saying to the two, “I hope you enjoy your new home fellas.” Apparating away surrounded by a large group of Aurors to ensure their safe transfer.On the side Remus raised Gilderoy off his still hovering broom to his feet after a helping of Pheonix Phables and an energy draught saying, “Seems they just drained his energy, and gave him a nasty bump on the noggin.”“Miss Pear,” the blonde muttered flashing you a delirious wave, “My fellow stunning, smile-,” Into Remus’ chest he drooped passing out again making the later sigh and adjust his hold on the drained Wizard who shouldn’t have gone off alone.Up at Elrond you looked asking, “How many rings did they have?”His brows furrowed and Fred lifted the jar in his hand giving it a shake, “Nine more Horcrux.”George asked, “There many more?”Elrond answered, “Three for Elves, Nine for the race of Men, Four for the Dwarf Lords and the One Ring.”Nodding you said, “We’re going to need to talk to the Dwarves then, who has the Elf rings?”Elrond said, “Your father destroyed Nenya in Galdriel’s possession, I bear Vilya and Lord Cirdan bears Narya.”Celbrimbor, “Lord Sauron never touched the three rings for our kin.”Fred and George said, “Just the Dwarves’ then.”They looked to you and George said, “Four more can’t be hard. Dwarves are shorter.”Thranduil finally spoke, “Thrain was the last I knew of to bear one of the four, and that was stolen from him by Sauron’s forces.”Remus said, “We’ll find them, Sirius, a hand please?” He nodded and together they flew Gilderoy off to St Mungo’s to be treated by professionals in case they missed something.“I should probably get back, I left Arwen and Lindir’s sister at tea.” Still holding your hands Thranduil and Glorfindel guided you aside to have a moment alone with you still looking you over for any signs of pain possibly concealed. “I really am ok.”Glorfindel said in cupping your cheek, “You are coated in blood.”“Not my blood, well, more than two thirds isn’t mine.”Thranduil scoffed, “That is not helpful.” His eyes lifted and looking to his son he stated, “Legolas will escort you back to be healed.”You scoffed and Glorfindel stated, “With orders to bind you if necessary. Visit the Healers and have this blood washed off you.”Thranduil stated, “Tauriel ensure there is no escape attempts.”She nodded and you rolled your eyes turning to the twins lifting your hand to catch the jar tossed your way, “Apparently I’m being sentenced to a bubble bath.”Fred and George laughed to themselves seeing you led to Legolas’ horse where both Thranduil and Glori claimed lingering kisses they planted on your lips and cast loving gazes at you. Glorfindel stated as Thranduil lifted you off the ground, “We will find you once we return home again.”Thranduil nodded to his son who hopped on behind you taking the reigns with Tauriel mounting her own horse that sped after his when they took off leaving the others watching you fade into the distance while they decided what to do from here. Turning your head you asked the Prince peering over your shoulder, “I can’t look that bad, to warrant being sent to bathe?”Legolas chuckled ducking as his horse trotted through the doorway you called feeding into the riding paths in Greenwood he followed to the stables while Tauriel’s horse picked up speed to ride beside his. “You are coated in blood, even without the amount wiped away it is quite alarming.”“I suppose I am merely used to it.”Tauriel, “Your battles usually leave you bloody?”“Yup, nine times out of ten.”Legolas, “Are you in pain?”“Well, my face hurts, and my ankle, landed wrong and it’s got a twinge in it. And I’m fairly certain I broke a toe in that kick.”Tauriel, “We will fill the tub in the King’s chambers and send for the Healers to attend you there.”Glancing at Legolas you asked, “Is this how it will be every time I get injured?”Legolas, “Only if you insist on getting injured.”Scoffing at that you drew out his smirk stating, “I don’t try to get injured, and certainly don’t insist on doing so. However I do seem a magnet for pain. You get injured does he send you off in chains to the Healing ward?”Legolas nodded, “Yes. Last time I was injured on patrol he removed me from rounds for two years.”“Wow,” you whispered making him grin as the stables came into view and the few guards left grouped up seeing the blood covering you.Once there he hopped down passing the reigns to one of the guards and helped you down stating, “Send word to the Healers, Queen Jaqi will be bathing in Ada’s chambers.”On your feet he guided you to and through the Palace gaining more attention and whispers about your bloody state making Tauriel murmur, “I do have to admit two days is a record time that our Healers have been summoned to aid a resident.”Smirking up at her you said, “What can I say, it will never be boring living near me.” Making her chuckle along with the Prince.K ahead of you was readying the King’s ridiculously large tub that while Legolas waited outside you stripped and sank into beginning to scrub from the face down ensuring that the blood all got washed away to K’s dumping the Basilisk Venom he had brought into the jar dissolving the nine rings. Clothes were gathered next and a soft knock drew Tauriel to the door welcoming the Healers inside with your blessing. Out of the tub you lifted yourself and seated beside it you wiggled into your underwear through a warming gust of wind to dry off granting them when you laid back a chance to look you over fully and get to work.One bandaged toe and several gashes coated in creams later you changed into a fresh pair of jeans and blouse, standing up on your sore wrapped ankle and foot to walk back through the apartment with the duo of assigned guards who grinned to Taule just having put the boys down. Upon seeing you she grinned and came to join you in the hall easing the door shut behind herself to hear, “I just realized we haven’t had an official tea together in a snacks and all way to get to know one another better. If you’re up for it that is.”Her grin split into a wide smile and she nodded turning to join you into the sitting room where a band of servants had already prepared a tea, snacks and were working on a meal for you. All of which was settled around you on the special chair brought for your comfort with foot stool eased to perfection to support your wrapped ankle..The doors opened revealing Glorfindel and Thranduil walking through with exhausted smiles coated in black and maroon stains over their armor and capes. “Is that blood?” They looked over themselves and nodded, “Why are you covered in blood? When I left the armies were gone!”Thranduil, “There was another fleet arriving from the river Anduin under Osgiliath.”Glancing at Glorfindel he chuckled saying, “If it helps Fred and George cleared out the waters East of Gondor and its riverside keep of Osgiliath.”“It sort of, doesn’t. How many were hurt?”Thranduil, “Ah, most of their forces fell by our arrows, the blood was mostly from searching Osgiliath.”Your eyes narrowed at them and Glorfindel chuckled, “We are uninjured. We swear it. Only a few of the Men of Gondor retained injuries from a few hidden orcs.”Thranduil nodded, “All of which were healed by your kin and their elixirs. Oh, your father asked us to inform you that the Wizard they captured has been mended and returned home.”Glorfindel’s brows furrowed for a moment as he recited word for word, “No worse for wear. And something about your enchantment still being intact at why they were unable to drain his powers as well.”Thranduil, “What enchantment could you have laid on him to enable that?”Wetting your lips you answered, “Oh, um, when Melkor tried to shoot a curse at me and the duck appeared in his palm, that’s the enchantment. Each time he tries to do magic ducks appear.”Glorfindel’s head tilted, “That, is an odd spell. What purpose could it serve?”With a sigh you replied, “He had a habit of taking credit of other Wizards achievements and claiming them for himself and wiping their memories. Charlie actually was the one to use the charm on him, I just reminded him of the name. It’s my favorite disabling charm.”Thranduil, “Why was he not taken to Azkaban then?”“He’s more vain and prideful than evil. Since the charm he’s actually been quite useful.”Glorfindel’s hand lowered to your ankle asking, “How is your injury faring?”“Just twisted it. Nice and rested again, added some numbing cream and about ready to head out for my practice.”Thranduil, “Practice? What for?”“Quidditch, Moran has some ideas on a new play we might try out this season. Figured we might try it on my home court instead of troubling the workers repairing our old one from the move prepping it for this next season.”Glorfindel, “Surely you could reschedule.”“Don’t worry, spend most of the time on my broom, tomorrow morning is the big full on workout.” A kiss was given to them and each boy in between who huffed seeing you stroll out of the room post kind smile to Taule. Curiously Legolas however guided the others to sneak over to your home to spy on you along with the boys who desperately wanted to get a better idea of what your true role on this team was for this befuddling game marred with violence you so loved.Changed to your old Puff game pants and a baggy t shirt over fresh socks and your sneakers. Equally as excited the twins grinned joining you back to the broom closet by the door, each one hung miniaturized on a series of hooks on the door with yours glowing sadly drawing a deflating sigh from you, “Oh,” Fred and George’s brooms also lifted the brooms of theirs that expanded in your palms, the growth revealing the cracks in the shafts of the three with yours the largest deeming them unsafe for use.Fred, “Damn, thought we had another week at least with these.”George, “Spose we could drop in tomorrow to buy new ones.”“2001’s should do for now.” You said opening the lid from the case mounted up for spare brooms with three 2001’s spare from the collection purchased by Lucius years prior in case Draco needed a few more from damages or wear and tear. Sure they weren’t brand new as your group had made good use of the old things for family matches but were all the more eager to be let out of their box.Into the air the bludgers flew and for the Elf Lords looking on the mini game spent battering the enchanted balls between floating dummies on dud brooms while Troy and Moran guided you through your new weaving path following the plan. Play after play hours it all came flooding back and diverting from the new plans to the crowd of cameras on the other side of the gate around your property. Once landed eagerly the boys hurried over and smiled through the brief trip around the pitch they all giggled through and excitedly boasted about on the way to find Em inside to play as you showered and changed before the dinner being prepped. A warning of Easterlings on the borders of Gondor however had Thranduil and his men joining another fleet of Elves to aid in the skirmish. The sight of the forces upon an already bloody field surely did the trick as they turned tail to the first volley of arrows blotting out the sun..For all their desire to keep wrapped around you still in the middle of the night neither Lord was home yet and alone from your bed you rose well before dawn to get ready for a fuller practice. Straight into your closet you went, tugging your shirt off over your head with your bra next. A halter sports bra you pulled your tank top back over again. Next you swapped your shoes and jeans for a pair of knee length sweats you added a pair of running shoes on under. All in either a grey or bright green shade to help with visibility in case the mist came in early today. With a sigh you started working your hair into four braids you pulled up into a looped bun halfway to a full ponytail so it wouldn’t get in the way.Through your house you trekked and passed through the front door grabbing your black spare Nimbus 2001 broom stick along the way. Out to the group of waiting teens beside Troy and Moran both finishing off their oranges you trotted only to spot Oliver’s sour expression before saying, “The Crimson Trotters stole our training spot.”You nodded and said, “We could try Greenwood. I’m sure Dew Drop and the Guards won’t mind.”Fred and George grinned, “Ya, there’s tons of empty forest around their riding grounds.”Cedric grinned saying, “Either way with how soft he is on you they can’t get too upset. Just a few exercises.” You nodded your head and guided them through your enchanted doorway and led the group through to the riding grounds where you crossed paths with Tauriel on her way back from her patrols.Her smile spread after a greeting nod to you and you asked, “Hey, we need some space to do some of our training, would we be fine out here?”She nodded and eyed your brooms and the trunk floating behind Oliver, then met your eyes again, “Of course, would you need any supplies?”You shook your head, “No, we’ve got it all in the trunk. Thank you though.”With another nod she stated, “I will leave you to it then and inform others to keep this area clear until you are through with it.” Before you could object she had turned and hurried off back to her next post. Rolling your eyes you could feel the race of your men coming back to see what you were up to. Out in the clearing lit by glowing lanterns flown out from the top pocket on the chest you all sent off your brooms into lines for your groups and then stood around the lid of the chest Oliver kicked open.Waving your hands you all collected your thirty pound weighted balls and turned back to your brooms where you all dropped to a lunge position and passed the ball under your bent leg. In your rise you would shift the other leg out, drop and repeat only to rise and drop down again for the first leg again for fifty reps. In the distance you could already spot the curious guards who had overheard you were training stealing peeks of the odd routine.After that move you would plant your feet and drop down into deep squats for ten reps. Then hold upright while you raised the ball up over your heads as steadily as you could ten times before dropping into a pistol squat with one leg planted and the other extending in front of you then you would start again for until you reached fifty each. By the third set more off duty Elves had gathered, trickling over from Greenwood with a few eagerly rushing over from Rivendell and Lothlorien after one of the returning guard had rushed over to alert them to the odd training. The Feanoreans being the first to clamber into the hall to watch with Glorfindel after them while your rounds came to an end and the next set of routines began in the nearing sunrise steadily creeping light into the forest.The final set was finally reached and you would lower down onto your backs for bicycle twists, holding up your body for a joint count to ten with a pause to raise and press the balls to your chests before going again. The next set ending with the ball between your feet to raise up as high and as many times as you could.Those ended with a crunch up holding your back and legs bent up off the ground tapping the ball on either side of you. After ten taps you would rest the ball on your joined shins planting foot to foot with partners to lower then rise again in sit ups. Grabbing the ball again your feet would plant and you would raise and lower the ball again over your heads and start again on the twisting crunches. At the end of this at your focused furrow of your brow soft giggles were heard from your boys watching from windows above with Taule behind them smiling at your determination while she spotted Thranduil, who had snuck out of his post skirmish meeting to see what the commotion was.His first sight of you came at your laying flat then backwards arch upwards into handstands around the ball. Lowering each time then rising to roll the ball to the other hand for the gritted joint count to fifty pushups signaling your drop into a planked position with feet off the ground for ten pushup reps and the ball being passed in between until you were in the handstand again. Awed in the distance they all watched your feet lower to the ground and rise up while you cradled your weighted balls, turning around as a group then darting off into the distance making the Elves gasp at your speed. Five startlingly fast laps gaining the attention of the herd of stags you passed later you were the first back to leap up grabbing hold of your hovering broom one handed.The ball was lowered to between your feet and you followed alternating reps of one handed raises with high foot raises straight up over your heads. Each one stirring up comments and hushed giggles at your focused expression and reddening of the faces of the guys trying to keep up with you and Oliver. Him being one of the few to try like you to at least keep some semblance of a work out halting a painful return to the new season. Those were followed by planting both hands on the brooms to raise your knees in sideways twists to your shoulders before repeating your pull-ups.The closeness to the teammates behind you raised brows until your turns to face one another and transfer of the balls to a hand while your legs curled up so you were dangling by the back of your knees. In your crunches up you would trade balls with your partners and drop down straight again repeating the trade. The usefulness of the action far from clear at their lack of any knowledge of quidditch.Though behind Feanor’s back Ron asked, “What’s going on?” Maedhros nodded his head to the training session before Ron chuckled saying, “Oh if you think the training is something I’m certain you’d be floored by their first match.”Maedhros, “Match?”Ron nodded with a grin, “Quidditch. Wicked deadly game. I’ll uh, dig up one of our books on it on my next trip out to tea with my T.”The Elves blinked at his back when he turned to find his intended in the mess of Elves spying on before they turned to see you all dropping down to your feet again for another set of laps only to start over again. With your final lap in the training complete you all dropped your balls to the ground and plop down onto your backs for a few end stretches halted as your head turned to see your boys circling the weighted ball the three of them failed to lift.Thranduil crossed to you beside Glorfindel and the boys, all beaming at your hidden strength after having tested the weight of the balls for themselves.Glorfindel, “Simply marvelous Darling. We cannot wait for your first game.”Thranduil nodded and eyed your hand you raised and turned over revealing the sheet of herb soaked gauze pressed to it up to your lower knuckles accepting Cedric’s help to your feet, “Been off practice a while, have to leave it on an hour,” you said at their continued glances to your hand. “Helps keep blisters at bay.”He nodded and moved in claiming a gentle kiss from you, “As long as you are not in pain. We have herbs if you are. Those were quite hefty weights.”You giggled saying, “Well we have to train hard to be the best.”Again your brows furrowed making Glorfindel ask, “Are you in pain Dearest?”“Pain comes with the territory. A bath and I’ll be fine.”Maedhros, “You do all that for a game?”You smirked at him replying, “Quidditch is in my blood. Long line of players. It bonds people over vast barriers of culture, language, backgrounds, countries even. It’s more than just a game.”Amrod, “Hard to imagine a game could do that.”“Give it some time, you might just warm up to it.” Troy and Moran led the way through your doorway heading home again as Cedric and Oliver went to their own rooms to shower and change before breakfast while you left the dissipating crowds to their whims so you could freshen up.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Among word of an incoming engagement to both Elven King and Lord on the heels of a soon to be named premier of Jaqi Black’s latest cinematic appearance comes with another new tidbit to clarify a long since pondered puzzle. Not a few months past the win of the Kenmare Kestrals, the team which won the Quidditch League Cup with Miss Black at the helm of Thief, an unmistakable pregnancy was announced by Rita Skeeter. Such conditions are protected and some fans have questioned if the Kestrals should have relinquished the trophy as their Thief has possibly broken that rule against harm of any possible child conceived at any duration of a pregnancy.From none other than Newt Scamander we have our answer, Boa Red Panda Cubs. Known upon further research to have used Morphers as surrogates in the past while Miss Black and then fiancé David Tennant had been guarding their surrogate for their little girl on a protected island question of survival through the oncoming battles brought on a wish to leave some good behind should the worst come to pass. An old offer from Newt, known to be good friends and mentor to Miss Black since discovery of her Basilisk on Hogwarts grounds, was taken up and together have forged a new brighter future for a once marked to near endangered status with populations soon to be thriving with hoard of daughters in the fifteen cubs born, fourteen of which are female.”Process of impregnating was next along with statistics that even before the war they were marked for extinction if they had not been regimes to your islands anyways through the destruction of their home territories in the war. With a stunning two month gestation period to calm any nay sayers on you being so heavily pregnant for such a short time out of nowhere. Some more it carried on filling in details on the rare breed and then branches into how this was a much needed good bit of news on the heels of a chunk on the yearly pox push that was marked as successful branching into news on the fostered youth in the Elven and Dwarf territories.Letters plopped onto the end of the table and Regulus said, “Jaqi, from Newt.” Waving the letter he lifted them opened at your approving nod reading, “Apparently Newt has been hearing whispers on an inquiry into the validity of your win on terms of pregnancy. He submitted memories of conception and birth to go with his official statement on the event along with documented notes on the Panda populations. Apologizes for not warning you sooner.”You shook your head, “Had to come out soon enough with the new season.” Continuing to finish feeding Em so you could eat before your first class.The second page however was turned to and Lindir said, “Oh,”You looked at him as Regulus asked, “Oh?”Lindir said, “It’s a death notice. It reads, speculation and rumor has spread around the absence of a driving force of our allied forces these near on two decades past. Harry Potter, upon the discovery of Auror Nymphadora Tonks, wife of freshly elected Minister of Magic Remus Lupin, has been revealed to have sacrificed himself to push Auror Tonks and another to safety in the call to flee. While hope was held out in the search of the final missing duo and searches of the new lands were approved by the leaders of said lands coming up moot with the exception of the discovery of another kingdom named Rohan.Aged just out of his teens brave young Harry is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins along with his newborn son now in the custody of his godfather Sirius Black.For now this is just a notice of death with another issue to follow enlisting all of those lost to the flight and battles prior destroying our old world. While talks of a memorial are still in discussion within the Ministry walls to be forged and no doubt unveiled in the summer breaks of our magical schools to ensure all will be available to attend.Again the Ministry is continuing its plea to not use the flue system until all grids have been inspected. Out of a yet to be explained fluke formerly assumed deceased Leta Lestrange was discovered by her distant relation along with that of her oddly still toddler aged baby brother Corvus Lestrange. Their arrival came on the heels of the feather and spider barrage from the flue system making it all the more puzzling as no other long since deceased figures have been discovered as of yet.”Sirius said in shifting the bottle in Fin’s mouth, “We had to say something. People kept asking on Harry and no doubt would when Leta was spotted.”Em swallowed her last spoonful and Regulus smiled taking her on his knee as you said, “Not a bad explanation.”Neville said, “Well Hermi and I are off to check on Lockhart today, see what he remembers.”You asked, “Luna not going?”Luna answered, “Oh they have me helping Draco with possible ideas for the memorials. I was thinking of involving Thestral charms somehow, or Nifflers if the former is too morbid for some.”Neville, “Besides, we figure since we know him a bit more than others he might be more open to sharing with us.”Ginny said in your glance her way accepting the crescent roll bin she passed your way, “I get to go with Regulus to gather notes from Star Speakers from the Elven Kingdoms to pass onto our Astrology classes. I get the impression it will take a while.”Again Lindir turned the page taking in each odd article until he said, “Three headed puppies for sale... Is that accurate?”He asked looking to Regulus who leaned in, “They’re not meant to sell those in papers. Strictly protected creatures requiring licenses.” Reading over the ad he said, “Cerberus do have three heads, however these are memorabilia on the mascots for a pro Quidditch team. Selling homemade goods to honor their favorite teams prepping for the future season and no doubt stashing up funds for tickets.”Lindir looked your way asking, “Does your team have a mascot?”Ginny answered as oh were eating, “Kenmare Kestrals have golden harps on a green background. Other than that they are known for using Leprechauns on occasion.”Lindir looked to the paper in search of an ad for that and Regulus chuckled, “True Kestral fans buy from the source. Their own shops in Ireland. Badge of pride for them getting goods with the official seals and details around signatures from their favorites.”Lindir nodded, “Yes, Lord Glorfindel informed us of the tradition of autographs. Quite interesting gifts from those you admire.” Again he looked to his paper and you held back your giggles at his tries to blend in on his second morning he had slept over the night prior. Figuring out himself how he fit into the incoming future of dwelling with his One. Before long however you were off to school claiming a kiss from Em on her cheek as well as one for Fin then hurried off through your door to make it to your desk in time for your students to enter. All seeing your hands smoothing around the waistband of your jeans ensuring your blouse was tucked in properly still. Questions still lingering in their eyes with a few papers spotted in between making you say, “Alright. Before the lesson, anyone have any questions about today’s paper?” All the hands shot up and with a smirk you went a desk at a time answering each to calm any confusion or concern from those stunned by some of what was in the papers. *Tucked in a private suite in the bustling floor for energy maladies Lockhart laid back in his assigned bed still under watch of the doctors there ensuring nothing else had befallen the popular Wizard. Upon seeing the familiar young Ministry Members he inched up in his seat grinning at the pair collecting a silver framed compact and another small trinket now rested on his lap. “Miss Granger and young Longbottom, I was curious which of my old students would be sent my way to question me.”Pulling a duo of stools from the wall over the teens sat and Neville asked, “Feeling better? Remus said you were rather queasy last time he saw you.”Lockhart nodded and said, “Yes, and I am pleased to have been so prompt in checking on me. While it appears mainly my captors were only able to drain my energy I was able to ascertain much more. And while some may not believe me to be of much use sans powers my plan worked out brilliantly.”Hermione’s brows arched up, “Your plan? You planned to be captured?”Lockhart nodded with a spreading smile, “You see, we arrived here and there were whispers of a Wizard hiding horcrux and deeming to endanger us all. How better to draw out such a fool than with a chance to take a hostage. I make quite the damsel, and I knew you all would find me soon enough. The Elf Lords did share which lands were known and which might be more likely for said baddy to be hiding in. Starting off, I have this for you,” passing over the silver framed compact to Neville closest to him. “Mirror glass charm contains my travels and especially the castle they kept me in, which is where I found this,” into Hermione’s palm a golden ring with runes of Khuzdul around a large rectangular sapphire narrowing her eyes recognizing Durin’s marker inside the band. “There were two more I couldn’t reach. But that one I managed to get close to. I know they said that Wizard had an affinity for using rings for his misdeeds so I assumed that might be the most useful.”Neville asked, “Where did they take you, any idea?”“Just past Gondor within a ring of mountains, not Mordor, I know Mordor has a volcano, there was one in the distance, perhaps one of the Elves might know where I was. Upon our flight back however there was a destroyed little village we flew over similar to where the Dwarves were met heard those houses were in hills. Caught sight of Mordor and a set of islands in the distance all coated with white glowing trees.”Journals were brought over from his night table as well copied to ensure he had full record of all this adventure the pair flipped through listening to his sharing exact details around symbols they knew to be where he would embellish later. And when they went to leave he grinned saying, “Some might find it a bit mad however this will make a perfect plot for my next best seller.”His next round of tests had the duo leaving trading nods and handshakes with the former Professor on their way to head to your house first to go through the memories and journals more thoroughly. Leaving the possible basilisk venom dip of the ring to you later so any memories from it might be tapped by you for more help in the search for the remaining Dwarf Rings from Sauron. A report was drafted up to share with the Ministry to be edited later for full disclosure once you had consulted the memories and Elves for information on the unknown lands and any more cursed items securing all threats to peace had been quashed.To their evenings off the duo relaxed while Fred and George at the shop caught their first glimpses of a few Dwarves eyeing the shop known to be yours. The brothers stealing glances at one another from across the sales floor making note to share with you more clients for the gender swap potion clearly successful by Thorin’s demonstration.Ginny’s evening however seemed to drag on while Regulus gleefully delved into learning about the stars and constellations of this world. For his hope to possibly use a name for a child of his own with Lindir the rule limiting that sank his mood a tinge at least until the next tale was shared. Copies of each record was made by Regulus who would compile them later to fit better way for sharing with the schools for one of a set of encyclopedia’s of sorts on this new world and lands to be sold and used in schools to inform the masses to study. *Post feeding at lunch you did get a glimpse of Regulus’ notes brightening your mood on having to keep delving into the painful subjects covered in the paper. Though after school a wish to have some time to yourself brought you to the open pastures beyond the stables in the middle of the trees you walked eyeing the branches above. Soft hoof beats behind you and a warm breath to follow shifting your raven ended silver ponytail across your back turned you around to find Turo there, “Hello Queenie, care to run?”Grinning up at him in a stroke of his cheek he lowered his head to receive more, “Only if you’re up for it. Just needed some time to myself before heading home finding others.”
“Sometimes silence and solitude can be cleansing to a wounded heart. Our youngest require supervised runs, come and run with us, allow the forest to speak to your pain.”
“Thank you,” you said stroking his neck in a turn for the stables to dress the Great Elk hoping this run may help to lighten your spirits.Scattered between the hoof beats stray tears flew off your cheeks in tiny gems nestling into the grass sprouting wild flowers for the opening steps of the run until the smaller elk came into view and surrounded you. The response to your letter to the Pear clan about the papers was thankfully supportive with actual glee that Em was never in risk for being harmed. Each of them so proud to hear of your special task of aiding an endangered species supporting the affection you have for magical creatures they treasured highly since first meeting you. They had put up with so much, the whole David mystery and dissolution of whatever that was just as suddenly as it had popped up, Em out of nowhere before the nonexistent wedding, and now hearing you carried cubs for a giant cuddly creature. You just hoped Em, if she learned the truth, she wouldn’t hate you for what some could be seen as a bold faced lie.The boys were well aware that they were adopted, had memories of their families you knew they were holding back on to spare your feelings. So much like their wish to be older than they are, even to the point of barring playtime in fear of harming their clothes. There was so much you had to unlock for them and somehow in balancing the weight of all your godchildren with help of the new Ministry this generation would be a safer and happier one. Stolen strokes of your hand down Tuo’s shoulder in slowed breaks allowing another young one to pass him up had him glancing back to you in subtle checks on if your mood was lightening. A break for water however for the young ones had his head turn again to spot your downward gaze at the grass and he asked, “Are you in pain, Queenie?”Your eyes met his and shaking your head you replied, “Do you get orphans in your herds?”
“On occasion. We have heard of the young ones you have gotten charge of. Is one of them unwell?”
“No, I just, another woman carried my daughter. I don’t want her to hate me when she finds out. Everyone knows about it now.”Underneath you on his hooves his body weight settled and facing you as fully as possible he replied, “No greater gift to claim a young one who requires a clan. The sons you have accepted in your heart are beyond content to have been welcomed they will always bear a fondness and love for their adopted mother. Your daughter will be proud to have such a mother to guide her.”That had a tear drop down your cheek causing him to inhale deeply, “A lot of people are dead because of me, and there was no shortage of people who wanted me dead. So many cruel people that never hesitated when I was a child to sentence me to be beaten and imprisoned. Only thing I can think of when I remember the names of people I’m responsible for their deaths is if I killed enough. If my little girl is ever going to have to be afraid to tell people her name like my dad was.” Another tear fell and you wiped your cheek on your shoulder saying after a sniffle, “It hurts so much, how easy it could have been for me to have killed them all, anyone who tried to hurt or insult me. I could have put even Melkor to shame I bet, all the chances they gave me to turn dark. Em shouldn’t have to be afraid, least of all of me, what I had to do to get us here where she could be safe.”His mate had come up beside you turning your head with a comforting nuzzle of her head into your belly, “All our fathers face painful seasons we may not weather to build our herds stronger. Your pain will not be lost to your daughter.”Tuo spoke again, “There is honor in kindness little Queenie. In mercy. A strength some will never face. Hard lessons must be given to our young and we must stay the path we cannot shield them from all suffering and trials.”“Thank you,” you said stroking her face and his neck again. “I don’t mean to sour the mood of your run.”Another of the Elk stated, “You have soured nothing. Runs are great times for clan discussions.”One of the other females added, “We have seen the birth and growth of many a young one, the troubles are welcomed among our herd. Your daughter is your first child, always the most worrying along with your final child.”The bounding steps of her youngest from his full belly of water had you giggle at the circle around her he made joined by his cousins around the legs of their own parents starting the second round of the run. It was nothing new you had heard but somehow with the hoofed creatures you felt more support in hearing it from them. Back to the stables you got swinging your leg over the front of the saddle to drop down and begin undressing Tuo who pressed his head into your belly glad for the gentle hug to his head and peck to his forehead as a goodbye freeing him back to his family. “Pleasant run, Darling?”Turned around your eyes fell on Glorfindel in his moment to wet his lips looking you over in this stolen time alone, “The baby elk are adorable.”However you hoped to sound closing the distance he asked with hands smoothing from your shoulders downwards, “Something is troubling you.”“Just over thinking the reaction Em might have to hearing I didn’t carry her when she’s older. The Pears are relieved, like others have been that she wasn’t in danger at all.” Inching his head closer to silently urge more from you he sighed to your stating, “I’m fine.”The distance between you was closed and what was meant to be a brief kiss found him again pressed into that moment of that evening he had to leave you from such a warm chance at entangled matrimony to finally be all yours. Firmly his hands pressed into the small of your back melting more into the kiss that lured your hands from his middle upwards. Clearly he had hoped for a place more secluded, yet in the stroke of your fingertips along his jaw in a path towards his ear the stall he felt you step back to would have to be accepted for now. Two blind steps and he readied to lift a hand to open the gate to at least be inside for some semblance of privacy only the back of his hand met silk. In the blind fumble a decision of your own called your enchanted doorway that brought you straight inside the King’s apartment, unknowingly into the back of the King.From the papers in hand his eyes rose turning at the body that pressed into his back. Pink lipped in a break for air Glorfindel straightened up a bit as you turned your head to catch the turning King’s gaze that warmed in seeing it was you. “Hello, Dew Drop,” you managed to squeak out with a hint of a blush that made the corner of his mouth tick upwards.“Hello, My Darling Starlight,” his eyes scanned over your face.Glorfindel said, “Apparently our Love is fine.”“Hmm,” Thranduil hummed and shifted a hand to stroke though your hair behind your ear, fingers finding their own strands of curls to tangle in at the warm demanding kiss, through which Glorfindel’s hands stroked along your back and side. The moment his lips left yours however to press to your cheek below your ear Glorfindel moved with a hand raised to your neck, thumb extended to angle your head in a slow tilt granting the King a straight path to trail his lips meeting your shoulder when you turned your head again. Hungrily now claiming your neck Glorfindel moved in what would be the tipping point to a blind tugging path to get the three of you on the lounge in the bedroom now locked to prevent the children coming in.Against the back of the lounge you rested still on a knee stretching to give Thranduil more neck to claim. His hand you found only partially certain of its owner to ease up under the end of your disheveled shirt for the snapping of the tether or restraint. Your shirt went first and down your chest to your back he moved guiding you to melt more into Glorfindel’s kiss so he might selfishly steal the first taste of your skin and claim as many strokes and caresses as possible until Glorfindel gained the courage to be more bold. Their shirts were next and again in a tangle of lips that same hand was smoothed along your thigh in a silent path to the waistband you had magically undone.Permission was given and while your hands worked the pair into a frenzy around you his to make you come undone first while his moan parted lips savored the bare skin revealed between those obstinate loose curls failing to bar him from that tempting silky skin on his newly made wife. Easily they crumbled first and in an experienced albeit rusty endurance Thranduil made easy the task of turning you to lay you against Glorfindel’s chest to wiggle your lower layers off and see to your release next.Slow and tender his lips found yours upon your recovery and with a chuckle blending into your soft giggle to Glorfindel’s question of, “How do I touch you?” Thranduil simply kissed you while you did the instructing, until he had the chance to lay you against his chest to hold you through the finale of your lesson, hands loose and wandering to the helpful nibble on your ear.Just breathing in the silence you sat between the pair, like kittens nuzzling their heads affectionately to yours with stolen kisses in between, both allowing you the first word in joint adoration of this blissful union. “I take it this means we’re married now.”Those were the magic words and with a thumb used to turn your chin in a blissful hum Thranduil replied, “We are married,” claiming the lingering kiss to seal those words into being contractual. All it took, the offer of matrimony after the physical union and with agreement and kiss the marriage is born.Of course you didn’t get the depth of that offer for them and how long they had waited to have this one particular moment they had dreamed of come true. Glorfindel was next not missing his chance to reply, “We are married,” beginning a kiss for which reason why you couldn’t help but struggle against the moment ending smile fighting to spread across your face.The next silent moment however came with your hand smoothing over the droplet of milk now leaking out down your belly. “I should probably take a bath and pump.”“Of course, a bath sounds wonderful.” Glorfindel said in his pop up with smile down at your bringing out yours at the Elf with haphazardly loose pants still open and threatening to fall that matched his lopsided curls your hands had eased one side slightly out from the ribbon wrapped down the length of his ponytail. Into his offered hand yours settled and you found your feet with crownless King smoothing his fingers through his out of place hair ignoring the open pants shifting down his hips in each step.Thranduil, “Give us a chance to give you a massage as well if you wish.”The pair while you dipped a foot into the hot spring in the open bath tugged off their boots and pushed the last of their coverings down to step into the water to help you down into the seemingly bottomless pool of a tub. “How deep does this go?”Thranduil, “Not far, the bottom is lined with abyss crystals however that deepen the appearance of it. There is a bench inside here.”They both helped you to sit down and while he worked the ribbon wrap from his hair Glorfindel said, “You most certainly were not fine when I found you. Would you care to discuss it? We are your husbands and here to aid in your burdens.”Softly you sighed watching Thranduil’s long arm bring the floating soap bowl over in case you wanted to use some of his. “I was doubting if I killed enough of the despicable people from my world so Em would never have to be afraid they would do to her what they did to me.” They shifted closer to your sides in the lift of your feet onto the bench in front of you. “I’m never going to be perfect, I have moments or days even where I get so helplessly lost in the pain of all those wrongs. Seventeen years I didn’t have a life that was mine, I didn’t matter except as a shield, and,” you inhaled looking between them with tears bubbling into your eyes mirrored by theirs at the darkening or your roots.“75 adults on the Wizengamot sentenced me to Azkaban when I was eleven years old, ‘by any means necessary’ they were told to get me to surrender Tulip. That’s what the records said along with notes of the names of seven ‘suspect’ Wizards who could have argued against the decision they kept from knowledge on the vote. They had me for a month before I was found. People have no idea how many chances I had to go dark, how easy they made it, and people would have still supported me. I could have put Melkor to shame. I spent so long with people that made my skin crawl, with a mark from the man who tortured my mother to death and tried to kill me and Harry. I can’t say how many times I wanted to snap and just blow up entire buildings with thousands for my death count.”A tear dropped down your cheek furrowing their brows in focus to not cry themselves sensing the pain you were expressing. “I lost it once, I thought my aunt Bellatrix had killed my dad, I had her head in my hand and, I slammed it into the ground. And I kept punching her until she stabbed me in the side to get me off her. I lost it,” you whispered out to another two tears falling and you shook your head lifting a hand to wipe your cheeks. “Remus managed to snap me out of it, and I managed to get back, to the plan. I haven’t been able to breathe for seventeen years, and it hurts to breathe a bit right now. But, I’m trying, to see who I can be now.” Your eyes shifted to Thranduil saying, “I wouldn’t trust me to be in power right now. I’ll try to help you both if you need it, but-,”They moved closer and smoothed their hands over your arms and Glorfindel said, “Take your time. There is no rush. No one is going to force you into anything you don’t want to take charge of. We have charge here.”Thranduil drew your gaze adding, “No one is harming our little ones. There is an army to guarantee that now, all of the Elf Lords would send armies should anyone dare to be foolish and harm a child in these lands. A promise the Dwarf councils will surely back as well.”“I’m sorry,”You said and he again shook his head saying, “You owe us no apology.”“There always was a goal, a job to do, no mission.”Glorfindel said, “You will find peace, that was very much my same pain upon my return. The restlessness. I know you will handle the pain better than I had.”Thranduil chuckled saying, “Made it his mission to collect every uncut quartz stone in our river beds. Took him months and upset countless beavers and bears in the process. Five hundred years of watching him drenching wet being chased by some creature roaring after him. You make mistakes, you learn and heal.”You nodded and said to the ripple of your hair to silvery blue again calming them a bit at your pain retracting its claws, “Well whoever cleans that couch will be furious, I’ll charm it when we get out.”Glorfindel began to smooth his hand down to your leg he claimed, “Pay no mind to the couch,” massaging it while Thranduil claimed the other.Couch charmed and wrapped in a towel you dried your hair with your wand using a jet of warm air you shifted to help the others with theirs afterwards giving both a time to smile in your fingers again traveling through their long locks. Again in fresh pants the pair found you now in shorts and a tank top, lip tucked between your teeth in thought widening their curious smiles on the path to your sides for another cheek cupped kiss for the both of them from their loving wife once you had finished pumping your milk. Both speaking to you sweetly all the while and helping in the transition between bottles when the two were filled and capped the third when you had tapped out halfway.Behind his back however Thranduil kept the hand holding the box with gift meant for just this occasion to Glorfindel’s hand being offered that snapped you from your thoughts. “Might we discuss something with you a moment?”You nodded and joined them back on the couch, wetting your lips in the cross of your legs to look at the pair on the foot stools in front of you. Glorfindel anxiously bumped Thranduil’s arm with his and you looked between them and then to the expanded then retracted smile on his face that preceded his throat being cleared. “Our Love, now, with this new deepening of our union comes certain tokens to bestow and so after much deliberation and sleepless nights put to use between us we wished to present this to you. Like a small metal book the box now resting in your palm waiting to be opened in the retraction of the King’s hands from leaving it there. His fingers hovering a moment then reaching out to open the lid that caused your heart to skip.Inside on 4 overlapping bands, 2 black, 2 silver with white glowing stones lining these. In the center a yellow heart also surrounded by more of the white glowing stones with two black antlers extending above it. “Oh wow,” you whispered to yourself.Glorfindel said, “The black metal is Galvorn, a black form of mithril, among some of my properties returned to me upon my awakening from Gondolin and the lemon quartz stone is also from my gatherings that we chose together.”Thranduil, “The rest of the ring is silver mithril with the remaining white stones that are from my collection of Lasgalen stones from Doriath carved out of the heart of a fallen star gifted to my line from Valar Queen Varda.”Carefully you lifted the ring from its box that felt impossibly light for how heavy it should be. “Is this the, do you have separate engagement and wedding bands or is it all in one? We haven’t discussed this before.”Thranduil, “Upon meeting your father we have chosen to adapt to your customs of using engagement rings, now, we are bound by marriage for our kin though a ceremony of sorts could be planned according to your customs. Also we are aware these rings sit on separate fingers to ours that sit upon our index finger and this has been fitted to your chosen ring finger.”“You measured my finger?” You asked with a hint of a grin.“Estel was bribed to help us with that.” Glorfindel answered, smiling as you watched as he eased the ring onto your finger that fit perfectly, “When you are ready to discuss a ceremony we could possibly discuss designs of what a wedding band might be.”A moment you bit your lip and said, “I need some dirt.” Parting his lips at your pull back to ease over the back of the lounge you swung your legs over to head for the window revealed in the magical ease of the curtains back in its opening to let you pass through it. The pair of them stretched to see what you were doing, watching your stroll across the patch of grass looking between each of the bushes in the marked off garden plots, beside a patch of orange flowers they saw you charm two handfuls of dirt out of the ground, careful to leave the few small worms back in the garden. A bit confused a pair of guards tilted to watch your path back through the window that closed and covered itself again leaving you just in the sight of the duo.Glorfindel, “You need dirt, for, what exactly?” He asked watching you ease back over the back of the lounge you sat cross legged on top of again.“Not exactly fair if you both don’t have something shiny of your own.” Their brows inched up only to see your skin begin to shimmer in the multicolored hue of your eyes that grew lighter in spectrums of color to the deeper the breath you took in. Out of your lips around the dirt clump above your left palm a white flame escaped your lips while you mentally recited the Draconic spell splitting and contorting the clump in half. More and more they compressed making the shapes of rings, in the center an oval mystic quartz stone sat between two wide flat black metal edges of the ring that dipped for a platform for the stone, down the band the ring grew thinner and held white opal shapes between strips of the black metal.A second breath drew their focus back to you on the lift of the second clump that you blew out over the clump that split into three, this time for two more black metal sat around five round green opals, the one in the middle the largest that around the top and bottom had five emeralds closing it off. The third had the same metal and shape, merely with blue opals and sapphires around the top and bottom of the center opal.At the dim of your glow they watched your hands to shift and offer the both of them the larger of the two styles of rings then locked their eyes with yours as you said, “These should morph to fit whatever finger you slip it on and won’t break, for your engagement rings if you like them.” Timidly the pair accepted the rings, lost for words on the skill of the gift you had made for them, looking next to the pair of green rings that they stared at taking in every detail of these as you slid them over the ends of their index fingers to the last knuckle. “We’re married,” that had their eyes shoot up to yours again missing the ripple of the stones’ colors turn to yellow, “Ceremonies for my culture can wait, we can have a family dinner or something. You’re a King and a Lord, you deserve to have your status marked. If anything I can always just put in the paper I eloped.”Thranduil, “These,” he said clearing his throat to steal a second glance down at his hand that had him exclaiming, “It’s yellow now!”“They change colors, I can make them stop-,”“No,” they both said and after a shared glance eased their engagement rings on above their wedding bands. Tenderly with free hands Thranduil took the wedding band from your hand he eased onto your left index finger locking his eyes on yours. “I have never seen rings of this skill before.”“I rarely make rings, yours must have taken months-,”Glorfindel eased his hands around your free hand, “Thank you falls utterly short. Elleths rarely forge in our culture, merely hire a master craftsman. We will be the envy of all with your unmatchable gifts.”Thranduil said, “Yes, truly. These five opals alone would have taken weeks to shape and I do not doubt several months to find the proper shade. I am flattered as well that they change hues. Five, we did not cover significant numbers for importance in our cultures, seven is sacred to our kin, five is sacred to yours?”“No,” you said looking between them to say, “I thought, we have, five kids, between us.”If they thought it was impossible to breathe upon seeing the ring that was nothing to now at realizing this was not just a wedding back but a sort of birth celebration as well that Legolas especially would be honored to have been included in. Glorfindel said, “Birth celebration as well, then truly this is beyond precious to us and will be to our children when we share it with them.”“Well, um, my mother had one from my dad for theirs. Used to spark up around the stone when I got hurt. Um, Leg’s is in the middle, since he’s, well, fully grown, bad luck to put his anywhere else, and they’ll grow as the kids do and get their little crowns of emeralds.” Quickly you looked down and then up again in time for Thranduil’s lean in to steal a loving kiss trailed by a moment of foreheads tapped together. “I’m guessing you’re behind the antlers on mine?”Lowly he chuckled and replied inching back to allow Glorfindel to claim his own warm kiss and pause with joined foreheads to Thranduil’s reply of, “It was a joint decision, as was the choice of yellow, your favorite color.”“Thank you,” you said in their inch back and tangling of their hands in yours on your lap again. “Never really thought about engagement rings before, I mean, Barty gave me the rose gold pink teardrop ring, and it was beautiful, I was really grateful for it, I just…I guess you just don’t think of what you might want until you meet the person who you’d be needing it for.” You inhaled at their spreading smiles and said, “I’m rambling.” The narrowing of your eyes a moment had their brows twitch up tick only to hear you say, “There’s someone in my study.”Glorfindel, “Is, that forbidden?”“No,” you said uncrossing your legs in their rise to stand and help you up, “There’s just, someone there.”Thranduil released your hand hurrying to the closet, “Grant us a moment and we shall inspect this together for any danger.”“It’s not a danger,” Glorfindel turned in the doorway of the closet accepting the shirt tossed his way he found the bottom to that parted for his arms to slide through to the sleeves, “How is this so weird to say, you don’t ever just, know, something. Like you randomly pull the toast off a bit early or it will burn or you go to check on your chicken coop even though it’s not laying day to find that there’s now a huge gnawing blackberry bush taking over the back of the enclosure that has to be moved or it’ll ruin the fence? Places to go aren’t really unreasonable to explain but sometimes I just feel I have to say something and usually it goes terribly wrong but I just have to say it because I guess no one else will.”Glorfindel, “Such as?”You sighed, “Such as I had to tell a girl Margerie in the year of the Triwizard Tournament, she came from Beauxbatons, the school Fleur studied at.” The pair nodded in securing their shirts and robes after having tugged on their boots to their knees, “Never met her a day in my life, never spoke a word to her, walk right up to her and have to say ‘How did you like the Trout in Their Pajamas?’ She slapped me across the face and storms off! Two days later, I have this other girl Ophelia coming up to me hugging me. Saying that there’s this whole convoluted plot that had been buried with Margerie’s family that goes all the way back to a Unicorn thief who had stolen this useless children’s book from Margerie’s ancestor and then used it to break into the conservatory where Ophelia’s family had been keeping their Unicorn herd. Nearly got the ancestor locked up from his name written inside the book cover.”Their brows narrowed in confusion as you mimed and explosion on either side of your head, “I didn’t get it either, but apparently I pissed off Margerie and she went steaming mad and ranting back to their tower and Ophelia overheard it. Apparently they both had been compiling their own internal investigations over the years and they sent what they came up with back home and they caught the guy 87 years later.” Your hands popped up at your sides and fell again, “I don’t get it, just had to say it.”Glorfindel, “That, must be tiring, does it happen often? Was it a voice you heard?”“Not a voice, no, I’ve been down that road, no, that time it was the cover of the book popped up in my head. Which reminds me I have to settle a flight time for the Pegasus foals, could we fly over your forest, they don’t like flying over towns they aren’t fond of seeing people.”Thranduil, “Our forest, and yes, absolutely, these, Pegasus, are they another Quidditch team?”“No, they’re winged horses,” parting their lips, “They also mostly have fangs, and tend to not like people, well, most people. But they have a new bunch of foals and they have a traditional first flight that has to be a long one and usually we would take them to Sherwood forest for that but the Muggles aren’t situated enough right now for us to get the Prime Minister involved for the approval of memory charms. Still a work in progress on the tolerance of us for them at the moment.”Glorfindel, “You have flying horses and yet you do not ride them,”“They attack people. Viciously. Their nests are normally high in cliffs out of reach from people. We just have the tolerating herd at Hogwarts in the Forbidden Forest now quadrupled from those we saved in the move here otherwise Hagrid would have handled it, the new ones think he’s going to eat them.”Thranduil, “Why do I imagine that day Thengel will drop by unannounced?”“Well it has to be tomorrow you can have him for tea I guess. I can show the boys, even bribe a Unicorn to drop by possibly. Buckbeak could use a nice long flight I can take him instead of the bike this time still have to get myself a new broom. He’s been anxious waiting for his baby sibling to hatch.” The confused pair followed you out of the bedroom and through to your door linked to your house where you heard voices inside of your study.“That doesn’t make sense,” Draco said only to be answered by Neville’s sigh.Neville, “I know that, but he told us, he did it on purpose.”Draco, “And they let him teach us?!”Papers were shifted and once in the doorway you caught Neville’s eye and he smiled in relief, “Here’s Jaqi, Lockhart says he went there on purpose to play Damsel. Gave us his journal and this mirror glass charm of his travels and that place they locked him inside of. And, found this.” In his palm was the glass jar holding the ring Lockhart had found that lured the Lords in around you to see it.Thranduil, “That is Durin the Deathless’ crest. King Thror bore that ring.”Neville, “Said there were more rings but he only could manage that one.”“Hmm,” you said setting the ring down the accept the journal you lifted to sniff, “This is a copy, it smells like guava.”Draco, “Kept the original for his next book.”“Ah, naturally.”Neville, “Says he was kept in the mountain but wasn’t Mordor. No volcano but it was in sight of an island with glowing white trees,” that had the Lords’ heads tilt to look at him directly, “And there was a city like the Shire that was destroyed on the way back.”Glorfindel, “That is not possible, the only island with that description was taken by the seas ages past.”Looking back at him you asked, “Which Lord would have ruled that one?”Glorfindel, “Lord Elros. That would be Numenor, if they are correct.”“Hmm,” you accepted the Mirror Glass Charm saying, “I’ll tend to the screaming ring later, for now, I’ll see if the Lords can help us find out where he went.”Draco said, “We’ll keep the twins posted if you need a sub tomorrow.”“Thank you,” you said turning back for your room leaving the pair to share their mutual notice of the ring on that particular finger, and into your closet where you confused your husbands in the tug of your shorts off to hop into a pair of jeans and long socks you added tall boots to your knees.Thranduil asked, “How you were dressed was acceptable.”“Not for a Mirror Glass Charm. Last time I went in one of those took me three days to get out and it was nonstop gales and moors.” Over the top of your tank top you pulled your silver low cut sweater that hung over your thighs that once the neck was tied over top you added a black rib covering vest and the holster for your wand from the pile of clothes you had sent back earlier during your bath to the vest pocket.Glorfindel, “Three days?”“Surely this time we can just skip to the end and miss any weather but I had to go day by day last time to figure out where they hid one of our Aurors a few years back in a Muggle Born raid.”
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Book and charm in hand you led the way through your enchanted doorway back to the arches to head to Rivendell that way with both Lords, chest puffed out fully prepared to share their markers on the union with you.Once in the main courtyard you glanced at the pair saying, “Where would Lord Elros be? I know like three places here.”Thranduil smirked and eased his fingertips playfully along your wrist on the start of the stroll through the kingdom remembering his first meeting of you and how you got lost after having been sent to fetch him. A couple Elleths along the way gave better direction to the path. Inside a sitting room among the Feanoreans and Gil-Galad you found Elros who rose to his feet and bowed his head to Thranduil and Glorfindel with eyes shifting to you a moment when you came into view between them. “King Thranduil, my brother is on a border run although he should return in a few hours.”Thranduil, “Actually the Wizard who was captured by Melkor and Sauron has given his account and the location he was held in sounds similar to Numenor.” That had the others shifting as he did on his feet. “My Queen has been given the charm withholding the voyage and imprisonment if you would be up to aiding in uncovering the location?”“Charm, how might I assist you Queen Jaqi?” he asked now with eyes fixed solely on you causing your grin to flinch out.“Well the charm makes it easy, we just step through and flash ahead to the end and maybe you can see where he went.” Any questions they might have asked stilled at the toss of the Mirror Glass Charm that expanded to the size of a door that with one foot inside you said, “You’re going to see an eyeless weird looking creature, he won’t move as long as I don’t eat or drink anything. Other than that perfectly safe. Just enjoy the show while I wander through or you can do something else if you don’t want to watch could get a bit tedious after a while.”Once you had passed through the mirror Amrod said, “That is not comforting to hear when traveling to new lands.”It was confirmed they could not pass through with taps of their fingers on the glass Thranduil and Glorfindel claimed an empty set of chairs with furrowed stares at the sight of you holding the guiding wheel shaped like a time turner. The moment your fingers touched it the mirror lit up and you were in the middle of Pumpernickel in the middle of Lockhart’s send off crowd that in a mist spreading from the mirror filled the room to give each Elf watching you feel that the images were expanding out of the mirror and they were in the memory. A slight turn of the knob on the guiding wheel and the world to them moved faster while you moved Lockhart forward. Days sped on until the spot where shadows engulfed him in a cavern and with your arms crossed over your middle watching the smoke column take Lockhart across the vast empty barren lands the Lords discussed possible markers along the way.Deep in the dark palace the conspiring Melkor and Sauron leeching strength from Lockhart on the ground you strolled past to start looking through the shelves. Shuffling small objects and papers in the shelves, the audience fought to keep their eyes on you instead of the disturbing squirming of Lockhart. All through the room you moved and surprising to them you passed through the closed door sealed and without a handle, as were the other doors you approached. The lack of handles puzzled them as well as the odd pops of bubbles of lights on the ends of each lit candle and torch along the walls casting shadows over you but not anything else in the room. Without having to move they followed along with brows furrowing in confusion with Meadhros asking, “What is she looking for?”Glorfindel, “I have no clue. Perhaps something useful. It is peculiar how this charm enables her to travel into these moments.”Thranduil stood up at the appearance of a naked saggy skinned creature with empty eye sockets and eyeballs on the palms of its raised hands along the wall as you dug through a bag. Thranduil’s eyes shot open wide in helpless fright and by the time he inhaled sharply Glorfindel was up on his feet with him. The appearance of the creature didn’t go unnoticed by you as they had assumed, you looked to the creature asking, “This is edible?” Tossing that over your shoulder you said, “Ugh,” Moving on to the next shelf in the move of the creature against the wall slowly fading into it.Four more rooms were rummaged through when you crossed a hall and the Lords gasped at your startled squeak in a hidden hatch in the floor falling out taking the carpet with it into the dark chasm below. Above your head from your wand a red beam shot off latched onto the beam above that with a tugging charm you rose up from the hole to reach with a toe to work yourself back to the floor again.Under your breath you muttered in sheathing your wand again the search continued on as you adjusted the controller on the chain around your neck ignoring the door being slammed open in Sauron angrily coming to inspect the hole in the floor he shot a fireball down to find it empty. The three cats that climbed out of a table along the wall that came to greet him won a sigh from the Maiar and were lifted into his arms starting his own muttering path to inquire more upon the location of the rest of his cats while you carried on. Nearly an hour had passed of dodged traps, near ambushes of the Maiar inspecting more noises form you, and a room packed with cats sleeping in a sunlit room you crossed on your toes stepping between them to get across the room. All the while lifting the confusion of the onlookers which now included the freshly returned Elrond and his sons who were floored on why you were searching and Celeborn on his way to join the audience.From living spaces you seemed to be set on searching for something still and now had you delved deeper with glowing mice to lead the path ahead. Underneath chains looped across the ceiling you walked to a grated hatch at the end of a pitch black dead end hall that you lifted to climb down a spiral staircase. Hearing the sound of shifting water echoed in the distance. Deeper and darker only the bubble you were walking down the densely silent cave resounding with each step taken on the silt coated floor. Around the first corner however you shot back into the wall behind you with a startled shriek causing the Elves watching to jump at the body that collapsed from a ledge you didn’t see far above you. The shriek and thud traveled up to let you all know how far down you found yourself.Panting softly in a trembling moment you muttered, “Don’t look up.” Simply over the body you stepped ignoring the eyeless fiend that appeared again that receded in your harsh whisper, “I don’t eat bones!” With a shake of your head after the glowing mice now over the body went ahead down the path closer to the water sounds. Right to the edge of a dead end walkway that emptied into a pitch black lake of water roughly two stories below your feet.“Where are you going?” Thranduil whispered and lifted his hand to smooth over his lips in your jump off the ledge.The light of the glow mice now horned serpents radiated the outline of your body showed where you were but not where you were swimming to as you dove and dove towards who knows where. Thanks to your gills on your neck and mermaid tail the distance didn’t bother you at all. Finally a row boat dimly came into view above a set of chains, a muffled knock on the boat had those chains shift unsettling the audience even more. Underneath the boat light traveled with you and sunk lower in a peek a foot came into view along with the startled dark haired Elf and giant wolfhound that had Maedhros gasp, “Fingon,” while Maglor said “Huan.”Up underneath the boat full of a pocket of air the chained duo used to survive while the tide was in you eased startling the pair only seeing just a ball of silver glimmering light. Silently you broke their bonds and from around your neck the chain of the controller was stretched around their heads instantly frightening the duo that with a shove you pushed through the mirror gateway into the crowd of Lords. Right away Fingon was clung to by his kin to the startling spell to dry his clothes and hair along with Huan’s fur the both turned to watch you ease out of the ship that dropped to the ground, each Lord explaining exactly who you were and how he was saved. Faster and faster you swam shifting from mermaid to a phoenix to shoot out of the water back to the ledge that now in the relief of the tug you felt back up you went to Lockhart’s side where you spun the controller again to when Sauron and Melkor led the march to Gondor.All around the still calming rescued duo mouths dropped as you locked the rotting dial and let them get a better look at the distant island. All of what you could see topped by glowing white trees for the few moments until you had to let it fly and soar over the dark kingdom and broken Shire, the painful ruins from which had you turn and hop out of the mirror doorway. Right away Glorfindel drew you into his chest for a panicked hug tailed by a face cupping inspection of you, “Please never do that again.”Softly you chuckled and leaned into Thranduil’s own worried hug then stepped back asking, “Any clue where that was?”Elrond, “Those mountains on the way back were on the cusp of Orcarni, though I do not recall that palace you were searching.”Elros, “The island is Numenor.”“Ah, well that’s good. I guess. More room for you all.”Hastily you wet your lips and Celeborn asked, “What were you searching for?”“I don’t know, them apparently. Everything, most times I can feel memories trapped in things, but inside the mirror it’s muddled, so I knew there was something, did find these though,” you said pulling a pair of ring horcruxes from your back pocket they didn’t see you tuck away. “Even muddled I could hear these screaming.” From your office you called the jar with Durin’s ring you uncorked and added these to and corked again then lifted your left hand to catch the Mirror Glass Charm that folded back up again with the necklace inside landing in your open palm.Elrond asked, “What was that doorway?”A Wizard can carry this along and through it people can go back and travel through wherever they went. Not very reliable for the weak willed Wizard but handy in a pinch when you need some sleuthing time.”Glorfindel, “Sauron did not see you when you were in the same halls.”“No, he wouldn’t, turns the wearer into a sort of ghost.”Thranduil quietly leaned in pressing his lips to the top of your head with his hand on your shoulder luring your hand onto his wrist for a calming stroke along his forearm that brought focus to the new rings on your hand now in view of the Lords that saw the rings on your husbands’ index fingers.Celeborn asked, “Are you hungry? You were inside that doorway for four hours.”“Ah, felt longer than that, I guess you’ll be wanting a doorway to the island too?”Elros, “If you wouldn’t be too troubled by that. The charm must have been exhausting.”“I’ve had sneezes more exhausting more than that. Just a bit of scavenging.”Elrond, “We have a meal prepared for you, come and eat must keep your strength up for nursing.”Gil-Galad, “What was that creature who kept approaching you?”“Fairy Plague is the closest we have to a name. There’s rules with Mirror Glass Charms, including you can’t eat anything, in a sense when you enter you give off the same aura of a fairy and he eats fairies but he can’t touch you unless you eat or drink. They used to be in the wild but then a line of Pixies mingled with some Muggles and there was a huge scandal where the confused Plague were seen by Muggles, and you can’t attack those creatures or, well let’s just say the earth tends to tear open and it’s a world shattering moment. Ministries from all over the world managed to lure them into the world of the Mirror Glass Charms so that they could feed safely away from the Muggles.”Thranduil, “These Muggles almost destroyed your world then?”“Well the Wizards managed to contain it into what is now known as the Grand Canyon which stretches 1902 miles.” Dropping jaws on the Elf Lords walking around you, “They managed to charm those around the canyon to believe that it had always been there before the record of Man. Shifting water levels splitting the earth and such. It very much could have broken that country within an hour at the least. They really are normally docile except around Fairies then they get hungry, and when other populations are threatened by Fairies one of the Plague is released near their lands and then taken back again after they’re contently fed. Just be glad I didn’t sneeze or that would have set lose the Grump Bats.”Gil-Galad, “I hate to wonder what those creatures might entail.”“Probably best you don’t know.”Around the table the group all gathered with eyes on you watching from a small portal a large snake that slithered out up your arm that into a cup of juice from the table you offered to Lord Fingon. More than a bit frightened the Lord hoisted up with arms on the shoulders of two of his relatives eyed the cup then you, “I pulled you out of a thirty foot deep lake in the bottom of a cursed palace just to kill you with apple juice. Makes perfect sense. It’ll help that fractured leg of yours so you can walk Sir Hop Along.”Maglor couldn’t help it but he chortled and translated for you and Fingon accepted the cup and finished it off grimacing through it to hear you say, “You’ll need a day off it and another serving tomorrow I’ll have it ready for you at lunch.” Off the table to the hiss of the snake an orange was lifted and peeled magically that it swallowed whole and lured curious smiles form the Elves who watched its mouth twist up into a content smile in its path through the same portal back to its habitat.Into the dining room however you grinned seeing Regulus there at Lindir’s side in front of your father and Remus. All smiling in Em’s hurried trot over from your uncle’s side to your arms where she was lifted announcing the elephant in the room to your family smiling even wider. After a kiss on her head and hug for you Em gasped saying, “Big puppy!” With a giggle you set her down and she sped around the table to lay against the giant exhausted dog now wagging his tail excited along with the Lords to see the small child that began babbling to him between sloppy strokes and pats of her hands all over his head and side.Awkwardly you looked to your uncle passing over the jar as he said, “Neville let on you went into the Mirror Glass Charm. Found them all?”You nodded, “Yup, the other four according to these are destroyed, they were in Mordor. Found another Elf Lord and the puppy.” Your eyes shifted to your dad and you said in his eyes detailing your new rings, “And, I sort of got married after work.”Loudly Regulus laughed and Remus chuckled in a rub of his hand over his mouth to your dad’s chuckle. Lindir, like a deer in the headlights looked at your uncle only to hear him say to your off guard husbands. “Sorry.”Remus said, “I told you she’d say that Padfoot.”Your dad came up with arms lifted revealing the front of the sling under the side of his jacket holding your sleeping baby brother, “Your mum said the same thing.” Folding you into a hug, “Congratulations Pumpkin.” Over your head he looked to the two as behind his back Regulus lifted your hand to see your rings. “Welcome to the family,” when you pulled back he said, “I take it this means the boys are my grandsons now too?”You nodded and Remus said, “Good, we will add their names to the birthday tree, for now, will you need a sub tomorrow?”“Should be fine, and Thranduil said I could do the Pegasus flyover above Greenwood tomorrow so you can calm the creature department I’ll give Buckbeack a flight.”Remus, “Very helpful indeed, so very helpful they do love to swoop on us. Now we just need to get Percy through the band of Sphinx to their new habitats from their safe island. They’re all demanding days worth of riddles for themselves.”Regulus came for a hug of his own and said, “We’re glad you came back fairly early. Enjoy your supper, we’ll keep Em from stealing someone’s giant puppy.”Thranduil said, “That’s alright, I am sure Em could lift his spirits greatly.”Regulus smiled saying, “Good, private dinner by candle light for us,” easing his arm around Lindir’s back cuddling close with a peck on his cheek that spread a blush across his face mid congratulations to you three.In his glance back your dad asked, “You haven’t happened to pump yet?”“I did, few hours before this.”“Oh that’s good,” he said settling his hands on the sling to Fin’s waking grumbles, to the boy he smiled saying, “Come on Fin let’s go get you some milk before story time.”Into your seat you lowered at Glorfindel’s gentle hand on your side and again you grinned at the table of eyes aimed at you. Out from the entrances the servants came with trays of food they laid out for each of you, your plate luring Em over to see what she could take to feed the puppy who perked up with each morsel he carefully took from her open palm. Quietly you focused on Em and eating managing to get her to eat some bites of food as well to not ignore her belly for the starving giant puppy surely to be well fed shortly once the kitchens readied his share to eat and rest at his leisure. Fingon much more content savored the meal his kin added more of their helpings to for his strength to return, though you could tell the scars across your face had him muttering lowly to them about how they were inflicted.A question however had Celegorm asking you, “Queen Jaqi, that snake venom is able to heal bones, I am curious, is there no tonic to heal scars?”“There are several, depending on how deep the scar is.”Caranthir, “Your scars, why keep them if there is a healing tonic?”“I was given my mother’s face, she had her mother’s face, who had hers, and so on for twelve generations back, this is my face.”Curufin asked, “Might I ask, on your kin’s claim of stardust in your veins, is there a source to that belief aside from that inherited claim?”“Well, it’s, it sounds more like a bedtime story really than something based on fact etched in some tomb.”Celeborn, “We would be honored to hear the tale all the same should you agree to share it.” He said adjusting Tin against his chest to burp her in Arwen’s claim of the bottle her aunt had just emptied to wash later in sitting to hear the tale.Em back at your side popped up asking, “Story time?” Smiling in her climb onto your lap to settle in for the story.With a swipe of your hand above your head the roof above your head revealed the stars shining brightly above your head and a pair of misty figures formed above the table hovering on a cloudy earth both apart then joined together in a loving embrace. “Back to the days of the birth of the Noble House of Black was Major Ursa Black. A Wizard who was an expert on the stars and all matters Astronomy and Astrology with an ear for their whispers on the wind married the greatest Seer of their age. The what the signs had told shown their First born came a daughter even though her mother believed to have seen a son as their first grown child so they named their girl Ursa after her father.”The two figures now played out the tale with a baby held between them in a golden aura contrasting their silvery blue ones. “One day little Ursa got sick and kept growing sicker bedridden for her whole life kept away from light as it hurt her eyes and pained her head.” Their lips parted seeing the girl now glowing inside the dark outline of a house while her body grew across a growing bed and in her father’s arms while his figure danced in a sea of music notes. “But her nights she knew because her father would come home and dance with her in his arms or standing on his feet singing with her to what he called the song of the stars. Years he shared all their stories those stars she never got to see and as her time grew short she wished for nothing more than to one day see a star.”Her body grew sickly and their chests clenched to the tale’s turn. Suddenly in a slink out of his daughter’s room the father left the house and took a broom flying up into the sky near the roof until he was just alone in a sea of stars their eyes followed. “And so breaking the laws of nature he broke into the sky finding the pastures of the stars slipping past their keeper and snatched one, and people below saw it streaking across the sky, but you can’t outrun the gods as the keeper had warned them taking notice of the theft.” Down to the house he came again chased by angrily glowing figures much larger than him that stilled at the Queen’s calming. “Though the Queen of the Stars in all her fury and contempt for the only one to dare steal from her, her eyes fell on the child he led them to and she stopped the others who paused and slipped away letting that child enjoy that single star.” You paused as the story changed in the little girl’s passing and arrival of the reaper. “And one day the King of the Dead came to claim her soul on the day her name appeared in his book of those to claim and her parents wept and her father swore in laying her in the earth he would never look up to the stars again. Though a silent offer was given to the child buried with that precious stolen star, an offer to come see those precious pastures and dwell there where she could always see her parents and smile down and sing for them.”Once the story of the girl’s place up in the stars was shown a new child arrived between the mourning pair soon joined by others with alternating colored auras. “Their assumed only child soon had younger siblings beginning with a brother, Orion, every one of them named after the stars their father shared in mournful endless tales and songs but never looked to drinking himself deeper into his depression they were his stars now and he would never let any take them from him. Years and years her siblings swore they could see her and hear her singing each night and up until she came weeping to the King of the Winds who wed the Queen of the Stars she smiled at them trying to get him to look up to the girl whose voice always echoed in his ears each night. And the King of the Wind sent winds like never before blowing and blowing until he was forced to get out of the house to appease his terrified children to bolt the slamming shutters and tear the broken branches away from their house tapping without stop.” The storm was mimed after the tale of little Ursa’s failed tries to get her father’s attention.
“And those winds blew him off his roof until he was on his back and paralyzed by pain and his eyes opened and the winds died, and there she was, his Ursa. Clear as water he could see her and sing with her as he did every night after with his wife and other children. And while her siblings grew so did she, one of the lesser gods asked for her hand and she had a family of her own she showed off each night.”
A battle brewed clenching their chests after a moment of peace in the tale. “Then one day word came for warriors and their sons were too young for battle so Major Ursa picked up his sword in his old age in their place and he fell on that field having brought down fifteen times what any other had to endure so none stepped foot on their lands keeping his children safe. And he had just enough strength to roll over and watch his daughter come down at the King of Death’s request, his kindness after that long wait. And all his children didn’t need a notice of his fall because they could see him that night up there in the sky. Holding her and her babies close dancing to their song and every night after, one by one rising to join their kin. But the men needed a Keeper of the Stars, so naturally his son, Orion, took up his place as expert to the stars and upon notice by others of the new lights n the sky the son named their constellations Ursas Major and Minor, The Big And Little Bear.”The story faded to the bright glow of the actual constellations in the sky stunning them to silence a moment with eyes settling on you as you shared where the moon was that Em’s name was named after earning a giggle from her. A turn of your head had the boys now in your sights snapped out of their daze who hurried to greet Huan as well luring Em back to the giant puppy again. To Celeborn you said, “Not the friendliest or happiest story.”Gil-Galad, “We share that same tale. One of the Maiar. A mighty tale and well worth the boasting.”“The one thing we can be proud of from our generations of hateful ancestors who latched onto corrupting ideals. But our house is going to be unquestionably Noble again one day.”Gil-Galad, “Your House is unquestionably Noble. I am looking at the proof. None of us are without fault or a gloomy past.”After a moment of silence and a nod you glanced to Huan, now on his feet to go and lay in the garden the children had rushed into seeing a group of ducks that quacked and let them gently pat them on their way to the lake again from their nests. “Why’d they chain the giant puppy?”Celegorm said, “Valar King Orome gifted Huan to me in our friendship in my youth. He is a Maiar blessed with immortal life, however he was doomed to fall to Melkor in his wolf form. Lord Fingon and Huan must have returned close to their lair and were captured. Thank you, for saving them.”“Well, there’s a very short list of people I’d have left down in that pit, conveniently they all are already dead from their idiocy.” Making the Lords across from you smirk. Each of the once venomous Feanoreans now able to see just how visible the pain you had endured was being shouldered and worked through with a façade they themselves knew was shattering to hold to support a nation of people. All of that and still while they had thousands of adults you had thousands of children to protect and had taken even more so upon the arrival of Estel and the twins on top of your own child you had shockingly young. Slowly they could see you weren’t as abrasive and hard to befriend as you put off, truly granting them a chance to change while you tried to change yourself.A squeaking yawn at Thranduil’s side and his eyes lowered to Em in her lean into his side between you both and he twisted to pull her up onto his lap while Estel and the twins were climbing onto you and Glorfindel’s laps. All together in a break of the gathering the children were all taken to the boys’ room now like your dorm in Hogwarts with beds built into the wall above built in desks with plenty of shelving around a round lounge covered in pillows for story time. Draped on the lounge a second story once the kids were changed was read lulling the four to sleep to be put to bed, the boys in their new beds they loved and Em in her own room back in your house. Gently you kissed her forehead in her nestle under the covers to the star casting crystal by her bed that began to hum its song.Up again you stood to Thranduil and Glorfindel adjusting the curtain around her bed and blanket across the foot of it leading the way back to the hall they eased the door shut once it was behind them. “I guess we’ll have to go over living arrangements.”Glorfindel, “Our homes are linked, that can be settled in time.”Thranduil, “Exactly, our people are still bonding, your family does still join together in your home for meals at least once daily. We join in on that.”Glorfidel nodded, “Yes, and for us we do usually keep sons and daughters in separate rooms while they grow and often wives have their own beds if they do require solace.”“So, just, keep doing what we do?”Thranduil smiled asking, “Do you have a set plan you wish for us to lay?”Haltingly you replied, “No.”They both chuckled and Glorfindel guided you back to the archways that brought you back to Rivendell. Thanks to a memory from Elros the lot of you were able to pass through to the restored island that the Elves from Numenor were already had been readying to return to their former homes to clear the overfilled spare guest wings of Rivendell. While they explored your husbands smiled in audience to your stroll between the swaying glowing white trees dancing and singing in your arrival, each glowing brighter in your hands tapping the trunks with branches coated in blossoms that began to open to your touch.Lowly beside your husbands Celeborn said, “We are gladdened in your news.” His eyes lowering to the spread of flowers that sprung out of the ground behind the path you took, small animals and birds from distant darker willow trees flew to the glowing forest with timid deer that crept out more across the island now full of chatter from the returned Elves that all greeted them fondly calming each of them. “Her light seems to be growing in the discovery of those rings from Sauron.”Glorfindel, “There is a great deal of pain we now can shoulder along side her.”Thranduil, “At least her family seemed quite pleased with our union as well. So there will not be tension concerning their worries.”Celeborn, “Has Legolas been told yet?”Thranduil, “Legolas is on his patrols tonight, I will inform him upon his return. The attentions Jaqi made to include him upon the design of the ring will be endearing to him I am certain.” He lifted his hand showing him the rings you had given them, “These stones on our wedding band symbolize our children, they grow to the size of the middle stone and gain emeralds around them as they reach adulthood with Legolas’ in the center of our brood.”Elrond, freshly returned grinned claiming Glorfindel’s offered hand tilting it to get a full look at the identical set of rings saying, “These are quite lovely, these must have had a hefty cost for hiring this Master Craftsman.”Glorfindel stated, “Jaqi crafted these from clumps of earth in front of us when we presented her our ring.” Parting their lips, “We were quite open to waiting for display of our bond until her customs had been honored with a ceremony for her family although she wished to honor our bond to our customs as well.”Thranduil, “Yes, in fact stated for her people she may just claim to have eloped and simply have a dinner of sorts to celebrate the union. That seems to be an acceptable route for her impression. Although we do hope she changes her mind later on and we may celebrate her choice of us publicly for her people and family one day.”A giggle from you turned their heads to find Huan in a playful trot around you, up to your shoulder melting into more pets and attention from the woman who saved him from that prison. Under the light of these trees he felt his strength returning a bit more and curiously he watched you crouch and stretch to inspect more flowers and plants you seemed to not know while they were quite common to and everyone else. Even without speaking to the Numenoreans or other Lords you turned to Glorfindel’s side, his smile split wide open to your hand on his arm in a lean into his chest. Right on your forehead through your curls his lips pressed and he hummed, “Tired?”“Just think they might want some space,” you said in the rest of his arm around your back under your curls.Elrond chuckled replying, “Merely I believe you are catching on that the songs are about to begin. However you are always welcome here, I trust you know that.” You nodded and he said, “We offer our congratulations as well for your union.”“Thank you.”Celeborn stated, “Your birthday celebration shall be all the more special welcoming you as Queen of The Greater Greenwood.”Two pecks on Glorfindel and Thranduil’s cheeks had the grinning pair still with their friends on your way to get some sleep before the day ahead. A quick shower and after hearing a pair of cleaners cleaning in the apartment you climbed into your own bed for the night, drifting off to bed with a final glance at your wedding ring from the pair.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Ready for the ride later in warm jeans and heeled boots a long maroon sweater was topped with a second short vest you walked down to breakfast with freshly woken Em who the Pears would be watching today. All around the table you found your family that set off small confetti charms and jostled you around in hugs and mild teases on the spur nuptials. Food however picked up the focus of your attention. Regulus and Lindir came down claiming their chairs with Regulus holding the jar in hand of the freshly rinsed Dwarf rings the night prior he dipped in Basilisk venom for you he passed to Hermione saying, “I guess you can give these back to the Durins when you drop by Fili’s today.”She shifted the jar in her hand saying, “Well I’m actually only seeing Dis and Niro today, but they would be glad for them. Might not be glad to pass on there’s a new Elf Kingdom to add to the mix of allies.”That had you chuckle, “Seemed to be empty aside from animals but it’s more just a move of the returned Elves to more space for them to spread out. If he really wants to balance it out they could always bring some Hobbits and challenge their populations.” That had her giggle as you added, “Bring in some adorable young Hobbit Smials full of some pretty Hobbits, set up a nice match making center and get some more Dwarf babies in the mix.”Hermione smiled saying, “Thorin has mentioned it. They always had some great customers out in the Shire, especially for their tilling tools and such. Though he also mentioned having to bring the topic to the table with you since technically we are sharing lands and it might take off some territory from our lands.”“Oh sure, I guess. I’m taking the Pegasus on their flight later after school over Greenwood, if he’s free we could talk there at supper if he likes, or even a lunch today or another day when it fits his schedule.”She nodded, “I’ll let them know.”.Classes were a welcome thing to shift your focus from the morning barrage of the Pears who exploded with the news of the elopement that shifted the view of the big celebration for your birthday coming up in their eyes for a suitably grand welcome to the new world. A double wedding was proving hard to plan for your relatives or even to imagine so this was an approvable alternative for everyone. And naturally as Tuesday you and next to Minerva you sat drinking your tea sharing news of the week and decompressing in the traditional time with your godmother now looking closer to her 40’s and younger by the day.A knock on the door had the cup in Minerva’s hand lowering for her to say, “Come in.”The door eased open and through it came Dumbledore who shut the door and turned to come and join you both approaching the carpet the table was resting on he stopped at the edge of. “Sorry to disturb Minerva, however I wished to speak to the both of you.” His eyes shifted to you as your eyes rose from the Elder wand in his fingers that kept smoothing over the strips between the knots. “Jaqiearae,” he sighed softly saying, “For years now there has been a tension of sorts between us, on our differing paths to the same goal. Mainly for my own reluctance on sharing my own beliefs and opinions. I never truly thanked you, for all you have endured to see to Voldemort’s death and the downfall of R and the Augreys. How truly humbling it is to know how much pain you had to endure to get to that point. I cannot fathom all the struggles involved and how I had compounded that weight upon you. I saw your pain, I saw the exhaustion, and I did nothing. That is something I cannot erase, I broke your trust and was unwilling to trust completely myself.”He paused a moment for a new breath and then added, “My reason for coming today is that I have been contacted by the current Headmaster of Durmstrang, the position has been shaky since Igor has died. I have accepted the position and upon the beginning of the fall term I will be there to see if I might to instill some much needed stability to their school. I truly do cherish every moment I have spent on these grounds and there is no one, Minerva, else who I would entrust with charge of these grounds and the minds to shape inside of them.”“Oh wow,” you muttered.He gave you a kind grin, “I am so inexplicably proud to have had you among the pupils we taught here and will be keeping up with the path of the Kenmare Kestrals and rooting you on. Perhaps some space might be best for us all and allow some time to heal and reflect.”Minerva said, “You are certain of this?”Dumbledore nodded, “Yes, most of my time for the remaining weeks will be contacting choices to instruct as most of theirs have been taking to flying off in the middle of the night. Much worse than the hexed position all over again. The full school is bent on wreaking havoc, so for a few days at least I am traveling out there to assess the damage and to see where I might improve upon things. I shall return however in time for your birthday celebration, I did wish to leave this to you.” He said offering you the Elder Wand that you timidly accepted. “Since our arrival here it seems to have broken its trust with me as well. Refusing to cast barely anything,” his smile eased out, “Took me quite some time to find my former wand, and ooh, did it nip at me for the decades of neglect.” His eyes shifted to Minerva again while you eyed the wand you felt pulsing in your fingertips, “I will always treasure our friendship and I will never find a friendship as golden and pure as ours no matter how kind the Professors try to be to me to gain my favor. Fawkes will certainly enjoy the flights for our correspondence.”By the time you looked up again he was on his way through the door he closed behind himself, to her your eyes shifted and you asked, “Did he just quit?”Minerva, “Gave notice, however, I never assumed to inherit this school without his death.”“I don’t know how to feel about this.”She flashed you a calming grin, “Well, we will carry on and endure. Perhaps Durmstrang truly is in trouble to have contacted him.”“Or he just wanted the furthest spot from me next term.”At that she chuckled and shook her head, “Not true, if anything he is not looking forward to finding a replacement for Professor Sprout.”“She’s retiring?”“Not quite, but possibly soon. Carrying the students and all of their work since her aid was killed is rather rough on her.”“If she needs an aid you can write to Neville, they’re outsourcing his role in May now that Remus is settling all the Aurors into positions permanently.”Minerva, “Neville would be perfect for the position. I’ll write him in my exam time in my next class. I am certain he will respond quickly.”That had you giggle, “He’ll answer within the hour would be my bet.” She echoed with a chuckle of her own. *Fully opened for the day Weasley Wizard Wheezes was filling with the chatter and sounds echoing of the enchanted toys floating around above Dudley in his final check up on the displays while Ginny locked the register and pulled out the order sheet for the items and potions not in stock to be made and prepped later. It didn’t take long until the first customers entered and the pair assisted each of them while the blonde upstairs finished restocking another display while keeping an eye on the customers ensuring the others wouldn’t get overwhelmed while they did the menial tasks.A few hours in however a timid pair of Dwarves found their way inside. The ginger haired thickly bearded shorter one led his chestnut haired husband through the shop. Their green eyes shining hopefully while they looked over the displays only for them to turn back towards the door when they saw no sign of the one they wanted. Halfway however Dudley stopped in their path asking, “Can I help you find something?”Wetting his lips the chestnut haired one peered up at the teen asking, “We were just browsing.”Dudley nodded as they stuttered a step then he asked, “It wouldn’t happen to be about that gender potion? Would it?” Their lips parted and Dudley said, “Jaqi’s not here, but she said to take down the information of any coming to ask about it and she’d set an appointment to collect what’s needed.” The couple glanced at one another and Dudley stated, “We have one of our friends coming up with a Dwarvish sign. Should be in later today.” He drew a journal out of his back pocket along with a pen he uncapped, and gave them a soft grin handing the pair to the couple who wrote down their names and address for their home in Erebor then passed them back.Dudley grinned again and said, “I’ll make sure she gets this by lunch, she’s due to drop in today, and she will contact you for a consultation.”The pair bowed their heads thanking Dudley then hurried back out again making him chuckle and head back to Ginny who asked, “First gender potion request?”Dudley nodded and chuckled, “We might want to hurry up with a sign. They nearly left.”Ginny nodded, “Well, shouldn’t take too long now till we get more filing in to give their names.”Dudley, “Just hope they don’t all start bustling in at once. I doubt they could handle more than two at a time.”Ginny chuckled, “Well it’s a big step, I doubt they would come out in droves.” * “Ada, I heard you wished to speak to me?” Legolas stated upon entering the study of his apartment finding a set of notes from the celebration he wanted to triple check the progress of.Turned around the King smiled and said, “Yes, how were your patrols?”
“Very well, still clear of spiders and pests. Although there are some mountain goat herds trampling upon badger territories in our upper rings. Nothing too terribly troubling for us to send aid, and we uncovered a hidden troll hoard with more spoils we brought back to inspect and redistribute.”
“That is impressive.” The trip within the mirror was described in the move to the seating area and in each hand movement the rings came to his focus spreading is father’s smile until he could say, “And the largest news is we are married.”Legolas said, “Was the plan not to propose marriage? I am pleased, so very pleased, merely confused.”Thranduil inhaled and eased a bit closer to his son on the chair across from his, “That was the initial plan to honor her customs, however it was her offer to honor our culture to claim us as her husbands and could merely inform others we had eloped and to hold a celebratory dinner. In fact made these rings for us, the larger for an engagement ring of our own and for our wedding bands.” He showed his rings to Legolas who smiled wider sharing, “Each of these opals are for our children between us, yours in the center, they grow as our little ones do. For the future a ceremony may come or it may just remain a dinner, however for now we are married and discovering where we are traveling together in our lives.”
“I did not expect to be included in demonstrations of your union.”
Thranduil gave him a comforting grin, “I understand that. You are fully grown so naturally it would not be expected for her to have claimed you as one of our children, however you are my son and she in no way would exclude you as part of our family. Even Naneth is gaining a friendship with Jaqi. I do believe the intention was honorable for her to have decided on her own without discussing with us first.”
“Are there intentions of a shift of my rank now heirs are a possibility?”
“Absolutely not, no. Our relationship does not alter our status. This union is not for the intention of altering anyone’s rank. That we have discussed, for the time being Jaqi has requested to assist me when possible in our settling. Yet when it comes to the weight of full rule as Queen she is requiring time. There are still great wounds requiring time to heal, this is how we are going to help her. We have so much to learn about one another and no, there are no intentions of any shift of power. For now we welcome her on her birthday to her rule and allow things to settle as they do.”
Legolas asked, “How may I help?”“For now, we will keep focus on the celebration and later today Jaqi has requested permission to escort a herd of flying horses over our forest as a means of their first flight. For which I fully anticipate Thengel to arrive.” Making his son smirk and get back to his apartment to bathe, change and pick up on finishing off your gift he was making you. * Times of council alone was something that had drawn Lord Elrond to the Black Family Home. Back to speak with a fellow emotionally wounded father with whom he had grown to become frond of a friendship and personal talks together. And here he sat across from Sirius Black with his adopted son in hand once he had been changed. The child in question being a good doorway to aid in airing some more weight lifting details for his friend. “Was his father a good man?”“Harry was, tried to be. Not much of a chance to be. Better father than his had been as it should be. Little Fin is going to be a great man one day.”Elrond asked, “If I may, what did his grandfather do to earn that image in your eyes? I was under the understanding the pair of you were close having married sisters who both mothered your children.”“Yes. We did. And James and me went back farther than that. Back since first year when he caught on I didn’t want to go home. My parents took it terribly that I wasn’t in Slytherin like Reg ended up. Drove a wedge between us for the apparent slight on the family name. But eventually I needed a place to go and the Potters took me in. Normally my parents would have tracked me down and drug me back by my hair but they were one of the Sacred 28 and socially accepted as one of our old relations. They had James late in life and he was their golden child who could do no wrong. That went to his head.Jewels, Lily and Sev were three peas in a pod even when they were sorted apart. James saw Lily and I saw Jewels so we had a common target to wedge ourselves between for their company. Didn’t work only pissed the girls off. But by the time we were in our fifth year the pranks and rivalry grew to something more for James.One day Sev was under a tree and Lily had turned him down again so he was already and after Sev got top marks in our class yet again over James’ pitiful Troll mark he saw red. Went over and I thought it was just a bit of ribbing, some verbal jabs to blow off but he strung him up. Then I saw him undo Sev’s belt and I could see Jewels on her way over ready to murder James, so I blasted James first.Jewels already had two strikes after having snuck out to the Centaur herds a couple times and irritating the patience out of the latest batch of creatures for Magical Creatures class till they flew off to hide in the Herbology greenhouses. She loved Sev, since they were kids, even though he loved Lily, and she was settling into that and saw that no matter how much she made herself look like Lily he’d never pick her. But she’d never let James cross lines before and that look in her eye I knew would be the end. I bound him up and drug him to McGonagall’s knowing she’d lay into him unlike Dumbledore who’d try to always say boys will be boys. And that Sev always gave as good as he got.”Elrond stated in his pause, “That was very brave of you.”Sirius chuckled breathlessly to himself, “No. it was selfish, he got a year’s detention and kicked off the Quidditch team. Never forgave me for that. Gave Reg a firing chance at the Cup that year. Never heard the end of that either.” His face went serious and he continued, “James didn’t let me back in the dorm the rest of the year after I asked him if he’d attack Reg too if he had the chance. Used to keep bringing up that Reg was slotted to join the Death Eaters like Sev wanted to. Back then there was only one choice full or half blood, join or die. And even though Sev was a half-blood they needed bodies.”Elrond asked, “Did he let you back that summer, you shared before you lived with his family.”“No. Or well, didn’t give him a chance to turn me down. He could be so exhausting at times to be around when he felt empowered. Wasn’t the first time we’d had a spat and he’d kicked me out. But this time my cousin Andromeda and her at the time boyfriend Teddy, they were lined up for a Muggle duplex near to where Jewels lived and so I said I’d chip in for the spare room and Reg ended up with us in the other apartment with Sev who needed an out of his own from his dad. He had an in with a record shop that hired kids during the summer and we all lived pretty rough that summer, but Jewels always came round.Finally strong enough to look like herself and not Lily’s twin, and was she beautiful first time she let me see the real her. Just like I’d seen the moon the first time. And that was when she decided to find out who her birth family was when her and Petunia and Lily had a row of their own. Something about their dad being sick set them all off. And then about half the year when we got back to Hogwarts I spent most of the year sneaking to Reg’s dorm. Christmas break Reg went round for the first time to Riddle’s hideout and was told to tidy up. Found a hidden hatch in his library. Liked to keep journals and scrapbooks. Bits and pieces that Reg snuck a Muggle camera in the next time to page by page capture what was on it or Riddle’d caught on that someone made a copy. James could never keep his nose out of things for his own good and sniffed out we were up to mischief and by next term again he was back round when he saw we’d drawn Remus in to try and figure out what the clippings meant.We never told him about the horcruxes, just said it had something to do with Riddle’s plans. Drove him wild and by his last year he’d gotten Lily and Jewels and I were going strong in the break Sev had to take from their friendship when his dad died as he had to help his Mum at home through that. And Dumbledore even though he’s not been a Prefect made James Head Boy since he seemed to turn a new leaf and still required some busy work and heavy tasks to distract that he’d not be on the team again his final year. Did all he could to keep that mark off his file but McGonagall insisted and it transferred to his Ministry file, he got his Auror’s badge but they labeled him a loose canon and never let him out unsupervised.”Elrond, “How does the pregnancy with Jaqi fit into the drama? I know she bears a weight from it as well.”“Ah, well, we found out Jewels was pregnant at school first term and over Holiday break final year we spoke to her parents, we needed their permission to wed. And of course I sucked up my pride and went home. Mum almost threw us off the stoop till she caught Jewel’s eyes, Slytherin’s eyes. We shared her bloodline we’d uncovered from the Gaunts and she agreed right away. Signed the license and even set me up with a hefty allowance and changed her will. My cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix had already gotten engaged to wealthy suitors so they no longer required inheritance and Andromeda chose a Muggle. So Mum spoke to our aunt and uncle and they all set up Jaqi’s inheritance as the youngest female descendant, Mum of course wrote me a sum and the properties as the eldest with a larger sum for Reg as long as I swore to always grant him a roof. Which was not a hard deal already said as much to him when we were little.And of course when we got back Jewels got on an accelerated course which I got pushed into as well to be there when she gave birth. McGonagall was always so supportive so we chose her as Godmother and she took time off too to help us when April came round. Sev showed up when school got out to our house and came with us to visits with my Mum, who loved having another girl for the Black clan, especially one with Slytherin’s eyes. Jewels got a spot with a theater troupe and we had a nice little life, I didn’t mind the lesser rank in the Ministry after their distrust gave me more time with my girls.”“Distrust?”“I turned James in. My best friend who took me in. Broke an old boy’s code. Part of how Fudge thought I was guilty of already turned on James once before and stunted his career.” Sirius shook his head, “But I got distracted and forgot to look out for Peter, and, he turned on us all. Harry got James’ brash decisions and assured headstrong nature. Fin’ll be better, safer. I’d give so much to have given Pumpkin a safe and happy childhood, and I will always wear that weight for not having done more. But now I have to keep this boy safe and loved, and hope for better than we could achieve.”Elrond spoke smoothly, “I have no doubts Jaqi has many fond memories in her childhood, and you are alive. In that she is safe, she has you and her daughter will be her motivation as Phineas is yours to protect the future from errors of the past. I have known war and mutilated cultures, and have raised three safe protected children, who yes, know pain, but also endurance and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Which will be all the brighter thanks to you and you family.”Sirius chuckled, “I didn’t do much beyond annoy you and the other Lords until Pumpkin showed up by prolonging the wait to find that ring. And she did it with a flick of her wrist. Every bit the same explosive resilience her Mum gave her with those same haunted eyes. I used to flinch sharing my name, now, because of her we are truly the Noble House of Black, Jaqiearae’s line. Sometimes I have no clue where she gets it from.”Elrond chuckled and replied, “All the mirrors in your home are broken I would presume,” that had the father’s smirk at one another, “It is truth and nothing more. Somewhere in there you had a hand in her steadfast strength.”Sirius chuckled again, “More like Minerva imbued part of her own fire in my girl, every bit influenced by that brilliant Scot. Couldn’t have chosen a better Godmother. Woman can be downright terrifying with a single tick of her brow and angle of her chin.” After a hushed chuckle he asked with a smirk to his friend, “Now, my turn for a question.” Elrond nodded to that. “What type of husbands has my Pumpkin chosen? And I don’t mean rank. Thranduil has his son and Glorfindel has shared he’s raised kids before, but there’s five babies now, including my granddaughter and I won’t have my Pumpkin or her Jelly Bean suffering from some hidden clause they didn’t know about.”Elrond’s smile split across his face and he relaxed into this path of sharing more towards the fathering techniques and patterns the both of your husbands had to ease these understandable doubts and questions. While himself in a bout of self soothing as well while from time to time flashes of those memories of your suffering had him wishing more than anything to aid in a smooth transition for the three of you upon tackling the process of learning one another even more and to master the topic of parenting your five children. * “Ready Buckbeak?” You said and the Hippogriff squawked happily behind you with the glare he was giving to the teen winged horses around you to keep them from nipping at you in the circle of appointed adult winged horses from various breeds to guard their own foals that were ready to get flying. Turned around the neck behind you it was easy to hop up onto Buckbeak’s back to signal his turn and trot to take off into the air. Right behind him hooves thundered with at a great distance the students caught the fifty foals and twelve fully grown winged horses that took into the air off towards the Greater Greenwood. Off to the side you soared to let the lead stallions guide the group across the Black Lake and field beyond that. A river came next past a green hilly pasture the herd excitedly eyed and fanned out into their own groups on the stretch for the seemingly endless forest ahead.Winds thankfully were less harsh beyond the river with a few spotty clouds in between the younger foals were shown which to fly over and which to fly through. Content on the flight Buckbeak soared with feathers rippling to the whip off your curls in a braided ponytail out behind you to the shivers of your sweater secured by your vest. All ignored while you kept your eyes open for any dangers with wand at the ready on your thigh and the other hand on the tolerated scarf around Buckbeak’s neck he preferred to a rope when being ridden. Halfway over Amon Lanc under the shorter trees between the larger trees around the rebuilt keep Elves down below peered up at the stunning creatures that bounced on a new wind current that had shifted and settled again for their formations to relax back into their flight when the group was over the trees again.Zig zags and long curved path changes you swung around widely helped to cover a vast stretch of the forest from the golden sky long past the moment when the stars surrounded you that hindered clear views of the herds they could hear far above them. Though dipping down between a ring of trees at the clear signs of growing tired into the inner ring of the Palace Buckbeak led the way for a clear spring near the portals that the foals could use to get back to the Forbidden Forest easily once they had rested. Into the open pathways crowds darted and behind the guards with heads turning on their own. Halfway across the field Buckbeak stopped at the trio of boys excitedly jumping beside Thranduil and Glorfindel with Legolas darting out of the Palace himself while Thengel stood open mouthed gawking at the creatures passing him. Loud and clear the snarl from a foal was cut off by Buckbeak’s squawk and kick his way blocking the children with his body, through which you swung your leg over and slid off his back to walk to the trio.“Hey boys. Come meet Buckbeak.” Excitedly they hurried over to the Hippogriff that you explained and guided them on strokes of his head and the ends of his wings he stretched for them.Thengel came over, “These are your steeds?”When you met his eye you smiled and said, “Not mainly. Hippogriffs rarely allow people to ride them, but Buckbeak was born and raised at Hogwarts around us, wild ones don’t hardly let people around them and Pegasus even less so. These, well the golden breeds,” you said pointing over the foals fanned out at the stream to drink while the Stallions took turns drinking and keeping watch with a pure white stallion that lingered near Buckbeak. “They were raised on Hogwarts grounds, most of the others except for Nimbus here were wild ones we rescued from the war. They normally live on cliff sides and tend to attack people who come close. Even Nimbus won’t let people ride him but,” you said waving your wand over your palm summoning a tray of fruit that lured it closer with wings fidgeting excitedly. “He can be bribed to tolerate people at a distance. Oddly enough the fanged breeds are the ones who can be brought around people, the fangless breeds remain in their nests on the cliffs. Should have their homes ready for them soon enough to be released to. For now these little guys needed their first flight.”Thengel watched you walk over and hover a slice up for him to eat and their mouths dropped open again at the fangs revealed. The snacks however lured a couple grey freckled foals closer you offered fruit to turning more heads from the foals that refused to come closer but still tolerated the treats for each of them. Nimbus however was off with a haughty tail flick to get his own drink as the boys came closer as Legolas asked, “Does Buckbeak not eat fruit?”“He eats dead ferrets actually.” You said with a smirk in his move closer to circle Thengel to get a look at his daughter behind his boots. “Probably not as fun for little kids to watch.”Glorfindel said in a step closer to your side, “I recall you mentioning Unicorns as well. What do they eat?”Estel with an apple sliced up from his snack inside he’d brought out to the sight of the herd timidly watched Buckbeak curious if he should offer him the apple he’d moved away from earlier in their pets. Thengel looked from the Hippogriff’s back to you, “Unicorns?” then back to his daughter he picked up granting her courage to touch Buckbeak’s head.With a smile you giggled and popped off to the Forbidden Forest puzzling the golden haired King while Thranduil and Legolas took a creeping step to inspect the oddly pink group of foals mingled with a mint green pair.Suddenly your doorway appeared and through it gasps were earned at the sight of a shimmering Unicorn that timidly followed you through it into the clearing near the wide eyed boys. Onto the tray peaches appeared and once sliced they were lowered to the boys it lowered its head to peer at analytically. Thengel just about shrieked in excitement yet held it back to a squeak in Buckbeak’s path to your side at your summoning some ferrets for him to eat off to the side near the stream the herd left to walk to the doorway to head home again. With a grin you turned to offer a slice of the peaches to the Unicorn peering over your shoulder, “And Unicorns, rarely come out at all, but Tibby here was found as a filly and raised by a friend of mine at Hogwarts. Still shy but for small bursts she’ll let the students inspect her for lessons.”Inched closer to your offered palm the boys lifted the slices that she crept closer to your hushed whisper for confidence in that she was safe. Her moonlit shimmering coat had the Elves in awe watching her timidly take each slice offered. At the end of the Pegasus herd leaving a curious golden filly crept closer to the doorway and to her mother’s side came an even more stunning golden filly crept to the excited boys, “And this is Libby, Tibby’s youngest, and possibly bravest.” You giggled out at Tibby’s move to hide her head behind you in Thengel’s move closer.Thengel asked, “Why are they afraid?”You turned to say, “Because they’ve been hunted nearly to extinction before. Most only approach women they come across,” you said at Tibby’s head lowering to the boys’ pats on her legs that she answered with letting them pat her snout. Libby drew the closest to Thengel in his lowering his daughter who accepted a slice from you to feed her earning giggles from the girl. “Now we have strict laws protecting their herds and territory they live in that the Centaurs defend mercilessly. After all it’s unforgivable to harm a creature so pure, in fact those who do live a half life, a cursed life. We do use the hairs from their tails for wands but only shed hairs the Centaurs trade with us annually.” Down Tibby’s neck your hand smoothed at her warning snicker that she was ready to head back home in Buckbeak’s trot to the doorway to inspect an odd birdcall.Thengel’s eyes however caught on one of the Centaur’s that came into view on his rounds that kept on seeing that you were there to guard the pair close to only you and the children. “I cannot fathom anyone harming these beautiful creatures.”That had you grin in the mare’s eager turn with a final snatch of the last peach slice on the tray with her tail brushing against your arm answered with a pat on her back hip. Up to your side Libby trotted and reared up making you giggle in her hooves pressing to your hips allowing you to press a kiss to the side of her snout while your hand stroked the other side. Down she went in a turn trotting after her mother through the doorway that vanished behind her. Excitedly the boys chuckled as you lowered and gave you tight hugs chattering about the creatures on the way to bring you to supper.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Thengel at your side with his girl in his arms asked questions of what other horse like creatures you might have on your lands they could be welcome to be introduced to later on. At the table however you found Thorin with a quick grin and hold of Em on his lap, he said, “Lindir was just here and stated he would return in a moment. Something about a toaster.”That had you giggle and lean in to kiss her forehead and give him a hug, “Felling well?” You asked as Thengel looked him over able to see your potion was successful on his path to his own seat.Thorin, “Yes, I am, thank you. Hermione passed on the word of your approval of a meeting between us.”Thranduil asked in a slide of your chair out for you once you helped to get the boys into high chairs you had doubled for their own set here Thengel smiled at their own smiles. “This a serious meeting?”Thorin, “Partially.” His eyes following the servants bringing pitchers to fill the glasses in his eyes easing over you, “Um, it has been brought up at our last council meeting that our former trade agreements in Ered Luin with the Shire were among those that our craftsman relied upon for longevity.” You nodded and he continued, “You and I came to an agreement to grant your people the lands between the Celduin and Carnen Rivers, and I am by no means trying to renege on that agreement, however the lands below Erebor are far more friendly to possible Hobbiton lands than those between Erebor and the Grey Mountains. I was wondering if we might come to terms on possibly negotiating a stretch of land for welcoming Hobbits to dwell here. Already our people are gathering goats to help break the earth and dig out the boulders and rocks to find more helpful earth for them to build upon.”“Obviously we don’t have any problems with Hobbits or relocating some over here to this side of the world. Do you know how large a plot you are giving them?”From his pocket he brought out a map on a new bit of parchment as a draft for a new map to use for their people also marking Dale as Wizarding lands as well. With marked up borders that below the bold border for Erebor’s was named as simply belonging to your clan now with a dotted line around the new Hobbiton. The requested area that he wanted only dipped into a dozen miles of the 400 mile long stretch between the two rivers of the lands beneath the open lands across from Dale reaching to the Iron Hills Dain had agreed to help till and turn over. Your remainder left a large chunk that you couldn’t imagine how you could take up in the centuries to come, yet you kept from saying that to encourage others to come and try to take more later on. He finished his pitch and gave a relieved exhale at your stating, “Sounds reasonable. Do you have Hobbits already willing to move?”Thorin nodded, “Yes, our kin in the Blue Mountains from the Hobbit lines have been gossiping and there is a young generation of Hobbits ready to make their own homes as the Shire is getting a bit crowded. Bilbo’s home left a big plot but his cousins have been scrapping over it and won’t allow others to touch it at all. They do grow rather rapidly in number and their crops could aid your kin as well come their first harvests. And I have discussed with Hermione and Remus in a meeting who confirmed to me that Dale was granted guardianship of the Ministry while Pumpernickel, with the exception of the lands that Hogwarts claims is under your name exclusively to be part of your clan lands.”While that had been mentioned once the statement from a third party however hearing this as a fact froze any response from you for a moment. “Well I’m certainly open to the deal as long as you aren’t trying to bring gold to the table.” That had him smirk and say, “I am certain we could come to terms,”“Besides, I do find it a tad adorable thinking of a stretch of Hobbit homes with Erebor behind it, one day they’re going to want to plant on top of your mountain I bet.”Lowly he chuckled in you lifting your glass in the arrival of the first course of the meal brought out deepening his smirk in notice of your new rings, “I don’t doubt that.” After a moment he asked, “I am curious, Remus also did mention talk of your bringing funds to the table with some sort of address tonight?” That had the others look to you as you nodded and lowered your glass to swallow the sip you had taken.“Just a bit I wrote up for the papers to print tonight for the morning papers. My bit to help smooth out the wrinkles to opening Quidditch up again before the season starts.”Thengel said with a grin, “Yes, that is the main sport of your people, Thorin has mentioned that to me in our past meeting the first game is noted to take place in the fall.”“Yes,”You said and Thranduil asked, “You require funds, or are being asked for funds?”“No, it,” softly you sighed and continued. “Our old world was divided into seven continents,” you said gaining a ripple of nods to that fact. “And for Europe Quidditch brought in annually 5 billion galleons, or, pieces of gold of our currency,” you said opening mouths in silent shock around the table causing the children to look between the adults as they fed themselves. “Worldwide collectively it is a 57 billion galleon industry. From just ticket sales, uniforms, brooms to restaurants and small businesses around the stadiums where the matches are held everyone shapes their year around matches and travelers there for the matches. For three years there haven’t been any games while we were hiding. True, while we haven’t been spending money on Quidditch we certainly haven’t been earning any.After my film premier and the five others slotted to open in the summer and early fall Quidditch will help to boost our economies back to stable footing. Even in the remodel modes to just get the stadiums ready for the matches in the fall there are marginal gains. There’s a smudge at a rule regarding my pregnancy and I have to, get near to groveling for the fans to help and smooth the playing field and accept whatever harsh additions to terms for my allowance to play this year publicly to help keep that pathway to money for everyone in the year to come and years after. I have a prominent role on the team and in our arrival here in Middle Earth so I have to be beyond reproach to ensure that there is a clear path ahead for everyone else and this year can be untarnished in the start of our new recorded beginning in this world.”Thorin said, “I was not aware that much of your world’s fortune rested upon this sport. It is no wonder you have been forcing yourself through such grueling training regimens.”“Not particularly grueling. Had we remained in our world the regimen would have remained the same. However if it takes my allowing people to hurl fruit at me during the matches I will endure it to get us back to green again.”Confusion over the phrase was cut off by both your husbands and Thorin stating, “None shall dare to hurl anything at you.”You smirked their way, “No, there are rules about it actually, banned for life crossing beyond the stands onto the pitch, however if I am jeered at all the same, some have the right to be as angry as they desire my way. Certainly let down my fair share of them.”“You are beyond reproach,” Thengel stated in his ignorance making you smirk, “They will realize that when they remember they are safe and well fed due to your efforts and I await view of the glorious return of whatever the game of Quidditch might entail come fall.” Making Thranduil’s brow twitch a moment on the end at his inviting himself to the opening match making you giggle and raise your glass as he did for a toast to the sport and young Queen Lindir slipped in to his former seat with an apologetic grin in wonder on what he might have missed.“In one thing many, King Thengel, might be amply interested, the papers have guessed a total of five broken bones for me this year, we shall see if they are close this year,” his brow twitched up after his own sip in lowering his glass. “They guessed twelve last season we held and I shocked them with only two broken ribs and five dislocated joints. Record low for rookie players in their first year.”Glorfindel stated for him, “Quidditch can be quite a brutal game, we have viewed more than a few matches, however our Queen is the best Thief in the sport, so her brother Ronald claims.”“Biased,” you giggled out then added, “Though arguably top three on statistics alone.” Your eyes locked on Thengel’s again stating, “After my birthday celebration Thranduil is throwing me Ron has planned a sort of viewing party for a few of our matches from the last season to try and give some tips on how to improve upon some of my methods. You are welcome to get acquainted with the sport if you like.”His smile split wider and he nodded, “I would be honored.”“And I shall find a cushion to hide behind when we join you to avoid viewing your numerous injuries,” Glorfindel said widening your grin, “The last match he showed us of yours one brute elbowed you in the face.”You giggled and Thranduil said, “And you giggle...”“I giggle because I remember my retaliation to that blow.” You teased making Thengel look you over curiously for what he might see.“Certainly sounds to be a one of a kind evening.” Thengel stated and added in a shift of his fork to slice a piece of his meal smaller to eat, “One I cannot wait to boast about with Denethor, already he is up in arms trying to come up with a gift better than he knows ours will be for your celebration. And I know that great stick in the mud will be up in arms over a Queen and mother to five young ones be involved in anything close to regarded as brutal.”“Is that due to the mother part or the simple brutality involved.”You asked making him chuckle in amusement to himself a moment to Thranduil’s glance to an Elleth along the wall who approached him to hear what he had to say. “Please send word to the kitchens to hold back on the pickled beets in two of the heated pies,” his voice dropped to a mumble, “I cannot bear through another year of their lecturing on our recipes.”You looked at Thranduil then to Thorin as he said, “Denethor has an opinion on a grand scale of topics. Most of them bordering on trivial and impertinence.”“And he’s important?” You asked.Lindir answered for you, “He is son of the Steward of Gondor Ecthellion II, who heads charge of Gondor until their King is old enough to accept the throne.”“Son of someone important then,” you said making Thengel chortle as you added, “Went to school with dozens of those.”Thranduil stated, “Pay no mind to his impression of your importance within the sport.”Glorfindel added, “And we will ensure he does not spoil your celebration either.”“Need I remind you,”“You are having a proper celebration, my Dazzling Starlight,” Thranduil cut you off. Added by Glorfindel adding, “My Love, you have well earned it.”“Incorrigible, the both of you.” You said spreading curious grins around the table in the shake of your head. The meal soon gave way to a break for the children to play together while Thengel shared tales of grand celebrations he had experienced within these halls since he was a young child. *Searching out a supply of colors he wished to share from the new adopted mother of his Estel paused in entering his room at the sound of hushed complaints in a tongue he did not understand. “Hello?” he asked frailly, “Who is there?”Deeply the voice replied in baritone enough to make the boy almost step back out of his shared room, “I am Cosmos, are you our new Ophelia?”Atop his belly Estel answered, “I am Estel.”“Estel,” the name muttered and then said in recognition of the name, “Ah yes, one of the boys my cousin’s child is gaining through marriage. I have yet to meet you I dwell in what was once the Southern coast and now is underneath quite lovely mountains that aid in such lovely shade half of the day so I might enjoy my gardens while my neighbors are at work. They tend to stare as I savor my small orchard.”The voice curiously coming from underneath one of the beds had the boy creep closer and crouch down asking, “Are you under the bed?”“The windows are open,” Cosmos answered plainly furrowing the boy’s brows.“Are you afraid to be found in our room?”“No, in fact I was awaiting discovery. This is quite the common conundrum for me for decades now.” Silver eyes from underneath the bed almost had Estel flinch away until he heard, “Alas, a face. You are quite young.”“You are, quite small,” Estel replied taking in the eyes no larger than blue berries.“Of course, I am a bat.”“A bat?” the boy asked excitedly though rather confused still not knowing what a bat was exactly and having only heard of them from old tales. “How did a bat get into our room?”“My room has been moved apparently, within which I await sunset when I can transform again without threat of the sun to harm me.”“The sun hurts you?” the boy asked then hurried to close the curtains on the window he could reach that didn’t do anything to help the sun lights spilling light still inside the room. “Does that help?” he asked crouching to look at the silver eyes again.“Not particularly. However as you have discovered me another shall locate me. I have an appointment my clan intends to assist me honoring it.” And questions seemed to spill out of the boy to learn more of this potential relative of his. *“Pumpkin?” your father asked when he discovered you inside of a hall Tengel had been sharing a tale on a portrait he feared to have ruined as a child by accident only to have learned Thranduil had painted it himself and simply made a new one by the time they had returned. A pattern that would occur more than once making the young man assume for a time to be losing his mind until choosing to confront Thranduil and explain his assumed crime against a priceless decoration guessed to be from the ruined lands of the West as a few paintings in Gondor were claimed to be. “Have you seen Cosmos? The Ministry rep will be at the house soon for his registration renewal interview.”“Cosmos, we moved him to Great great aunt Apollo’s suite. I did remember to send him a note.” The final sentence you added as more of a question to yourself, then you sighed saying, “I used his usual closet for the doorway here…” Looking around you said, “Of course I forgot the note,” to yourself in a step away from the others who joined your father in following you in search of a mysterious relative who was loose somewhere within the palace.Thranduil asked, “Might he have gone for our kitchens? Perhaps he was hungry.”“No,” you answered, “Sun is still out he would have found a dark place to hide, most likely a closet or under a bed or a wardrobe. Wouldn’t need much space he’s about the size of a melon this time of day.”Glorfindel stated, “I am confused. How is that possible? Your relative can shrink at will?”“Not really at will, he’s a Vampire, the shift happens and he has seen a way to find comfort in the shift to his former lifestyle.”“Did you say Vampire?” Thorin asked, “You have a Vampire within your clan?”“Well it’s not entirely an unamusing tale, he met the love of his life and they came across a Fwooper, an enchanted creature much like an owl who is often placed underneath a muffling charm as its screech causes madness.” You said narrowing eyes on how this was related by those listening, “Anyways, the charm has to be renewed every so often and they came across a Fwooper who let out a screech and in the delirium Cosmos’ former partner fed from him and caused him to first turn. Didn’t change a thing they still adore one another, however it is beet season and they break up as usual so she can focus on her food growing aspirations while he, thanks to the reformation of the Ministry has to renew his registration to be noted as approved for travel through the flue system again.”“Vampires, do they not feast on blood of the living?” Thengel asked making you giggle.“Cousin Cosmos is terrified of blood, never feasted on the living. Reliant fully on blood potions to quell the hunger and claims himself a fruit bat in jest when questioned on his appetite choice. Some choose willing partners who let blood weekly, should they have hunger for hemoglobin their bodies no longer produce. While others accept donated blood through the Ministry if partners are unwilling to aid in the hunger, all a matter of preference really.”Glorfindel asked, “Why fruit bat?” and when you glanced back at him he stated, “He claims himself a fruit bat.”“Oh, Vampires in our world shift into a small melon sized bat throughout the day if not inside a sunlight free dwelling.”Thranduil stated, “We only have record of one Vampire within these lands, Thuringwethil, servant of Sauron long since slain. He feasted mercilessly.”Up at him and the other Elves you stated, “Unless willingly there is no feeding from the living by our Vampires. There are strict guidelines for their welcome place within the Wizarding World. Potion servings are regulated and tolerance checks are a pinnacle task within the interview process so that peaceful lives can be maintained for those afflicted or involved within their lives.”“They are monitored then,” Lindir stated, “Much less fearsome to have him loose within the palace near to so many children.”“I will do all I can to ensure that dangerous and untrusted creatures do not cross into lands not under Wizarding Rule. There are a great varying means to assess dangers of each and those beyond quadruple X rating on that scale I would not waste time discussing what was going on, I would simply react and contain then explain afterwards. Even Dragons and my snakes are dangerous when met with ignorance, however I do hope you would not be too terribly frightened of our world as you learn more on what it includes.”Glorfindel stated with confidence, “We trust you.” To which Thranduil and the others agreed.Thorin asked, “Any hint of where your relative is hidden?”“I would assume near to the doorway from our family home.” You said and gradually rooms were reached in that wing and passed until Estel was found beyond the garden the twins, Em and Thengel’s daughter were playing inside of it. Laid across his belly atop a blanket and pillow speaking with his new found friend.“Cousin Cosmos,” you spoke aloud turning Estel to look your way smiling at being found. Out of your waistband you drew your wand to cloak the ceiling in darkness to blot out the sun as you bent to reach underneath the bed. “I apologize, swore I warned you to take up Great Great aunt Apollo’s suite.”“I received your note,” his bat shaped self spoke aloud dangling from your retracted hand held in front of your face in view of the group who seemed less threatened by the size of him. “However I could not recall which suite that was by sunrise. Little Estel here has been ample company in my wait.”Softly you giggled and said, “Let’s get you home, it has been shadowed for your interview in the tea room. The House Elves are readying the snacks as we speak I would imagine, love to impress the new Ministry aids who pop by.” Together to the doorway to your home you walked where the others saw him in his full human form he rippled out into and made his way to the tea room to steal a quick snack after wishing Estel well. Silver eyes and mahogany hair the only markers aside from his voice that named it was the same being the boy had found. And just like that in a turn you led the group back though to the palace to join in on the fun with the children. Until Thengel wished to return home to his wife and newborns he ached to be near to again for the remainder of the day after one too many glanced Lord Celeborn’s way in feeding little Tin when you had pumped another bottle for her and others for your brother..“Can you make the room tell a story again?” Estel asked with wide eyes making you grin and help him up onto the round lounge in the center of his shared bedroom with the twins they clambered up onto all on their own.“I know just the story.” You said settling down between them to peer up at the ceiling with mist coated fingertips that shifted the appearance of the ceiling with pooling clouds. Glowing figures mingled with shadows formed the ancient tale that enthralled the trio to the very first wide yawn. Barely halfway in they had begun to doze off and with a glance at Legolas along the wall who had hold of Em who fell asleep adding braids to his hair, he smiled watching you press your lips to the heads of the boys. Each who you lifted to take to their beds.Estel in his transfer whined, “I’m not tired.”“Oh really?” you asked in a giggle, “Well then, I will keep telling you the story if you can answer this question without yawning.” He did yawn and smacked his lips being tucked into his bed with eyes heavily closing. “Tomorrow night you shall see what becomes of the Occamy and the Demiguise. Until then they’ll watch over you in your dreams.” Sweetly to his content hum and sink into his pillow and bed as you charmed the music box to begin playing you kissed his brow and rose up to join Legolas on a walk through to your home to put Em down to bed as well. “She is getting better with her braids.” You giggled to Legolas who helped to shift his baby sister into bed where you removed her shoes and sweater leaving her in the simple pants and shirt she had on that didn’t have too much elaboration on the design to bother her as she slept.“She is. I am eager to see in time how her talents progress.”“I haven’t shown you the roof yet, have I?” you asked and he shook his head with a curious grin. “Perhaps you can say if your dad might find it a fair match for the fire falls he showed me.” Making him grin and follow you through a maze up to a hidden staircase that fed through a tower and let out into a sea of levitating crystal charms. One after another while overwhelming at first to the dance of a breeze let out a soft melody and in a pointed glance up by the position of stars images were projected by light refracted through the crystals. Images of those who the stars were named after leaving a good deal of the constellations here yet to be covered that had the Prince with mouth agape. “It’s different nightly, every season. Every member of my clan for ages, we would sit up here and find our relatives before we could hear them. The voices don’t come easy and a few never fully do hear our ancestors. But we can feel them here.”“This is a beautiful place. Ada will adore being shown these visions of your past.” He said and looked to you and the expression on your face in a glance his way making him smile asking, “Was there another reason you wished to bring me here? Remember I have sworn to help you learn more about Ada and our lands.”“What sort of father is he?” you asked widening his grin, “It isn’t hard to change things for a few months to focus attention on someone new but you are thousands of years old. You’ve seen how he balances the crown and family time. He doesn’t just say I’m sorry I missed our story time but I bought you a pony or a new toy?”After a hushed chuckle he answered, “Ada is rather attentive. While when I was a child we were still growing this kingdom there is security that it is steadfast. And even with the newly returned kin our Southern Keep will soon be run as smoothly. Grandmother is here as I am to grant ample help to you for little Em and my brothers along with the other children you are godmother to.” You nodded and he said, “Ada as well does not gift ponies for missed appointments. Rather he tends to hover for months afterwards to gain penance for his actions.”“I imagine you might find the question a bit silly, or rude.”“I find it brave. You will learn each other as parents and spouses. As you have said it has been just a few months.”“I, just want this marriage to work. My parents weren’t married long, his parents hated one another and married to keep the family fortune intact. Their parents were worse. Aside from my aunt Andromeda, or Molly and Arthur’s marriage there aren’t many successful examples. And for parenting, most of my childhood was filled with disguises and fake names to the point my father hasn’t been able to safely be in public with me as himself until we arrived here. There are the Pears, for good role models. He’s throwing a huge celebration, Kings are coming, I’ve never met Gondor but the whole thing has a way to expand the rivalry with Rohan. I just want this to work.”Kindly onto your shoulder his hand settled and he said, “You are a sublime Queen, mother, and so far wife to my Ada and Glorfindel. They are profoundly happy to be bound to you and aid in your happiness. I am yet to be courted by my One but I hope in time I will be half as happy as I see you and my Ada and Glorfindel to be.” A grin eased across your lips and he pointed on his right asking, “Why is there a cow amongst your clan.”That had you giggle and say, “Ah, yes, about seventeen generations back there was a legal blunder and a magical mishap. All quite complicated out of context, however, a son was lost in the same night as a father so to avoid another clan usurping the household of the first Hermes of our clan he charmed a cow to have his brother’s memories until he was old enough to inherit.” Legolas let out a laugh to your giggle. “Not the most devious of plots to have been taken to keep the clan in its seat, however one of the most amusing legal ones. He is Juno VI.”“Ada will love that tale. There was a time when I was younger he had a tribe of Men believe that he was the white stag in our forest and was on watch constantly around all of his lands. Our families were fated to fold it would seem in temperament and humor. Glorfindel has a similar tale with a flock of swans in his youth to fool his then new friend Echthellion.”“Is there anything I should know? Or that you do want to know?”“You are safe? Your people, our Wizards are quick to temper, they will not harm you. Ada said you felt you had to grovel for their forgiveness to begin the Quidditch season?”“It is an uncomfortable place to be. I imagine one of the Feanoreans would find my place rather familiar after their Kinslayings. I freed one of the most successful mass murderers of an age to help bring down another and the groups who would rise up and destroy our world. I signaled the flight here, people are severed from their families forever. Those left behind will never see their children again, like Dwalin’s daughter Melody, took them years to conceive. Everyone will say it was a collective effort, joint choice to run, that I was merely following Dumbledore’s suggestion to flee then. People are angry and hurt, I like my family have always been an easy target for blame. I can bear it and no one is dumb enough to try and harm the children while I am breathing. Because that’s the thing, they’re also terrified of me. As they should be.”“I suppose it is best you are here then. A great many women here have wielded uncompromising power, we find them beautiful. Only those who are foul are terrifying. People who see how you mother and defend children will see you are protecting what you have managed to save, not damaging what once was or what your people could grow to be.”With a grin you said, “I think a few broken bones and bruises into the season and people will ease up. Let the punishment stay on the pitch. I know it sounds grim now, but they will see, first time I’ve been able to sleep in decades without some sort of whisper or vision to jolt upright from. Hard to say but I do think we’re safe now. Just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Just hurt now, hurt can be seen past. Eventually like Dumbledore that one thing will be a footnote in my past etched into history books.”An unusually dark puff of smoke that came out of one of the chimneys had his gaze follow it luring yours to it to read the symbol it gave off widening your grin. “Ah, that would be Opal. She laid three eggs, still no trembles but the shells are thickening nicely.”You looked back at him in his asking, “She has laid eggs?”“Yes, the ministry approved and her mate in the breeding grounds is amply pleased, they rarely carry more than one at a time and she has laid three. She is very fertile and will be an excellent mother. Norberta is anxious to meet them when she allows. They are the kindest of breeds but the most protective in this stage. I’m the only one she’s let in to see them so far.”“Would the father not assist in this phase?”“No, they do not help until nearer to flight lessons. Bonds with mothers are vital in this stage. Only rarely if the mother is slain or stolen do the fathers take on the role. Norberta’s breed however the males take on the rearing, while others share or leave their young to fend for themselves as they can bring harm to them if they remain with the nests, so they leave them near to breeding grounds n safe spaces for them.”“It will never cease to amaze how Dragons could trust your kind to protect their young.”“Well, after you stop killing each other a great deal can be accomplished.” You said making him grin again. “For now lets get you back before your grandmother thinks I have stolen you away to feed to another of my odd relatives.”That had him chuckle and ask, “Can we please say you tried to feed me to your seventeen times great uncle who is a cow?” That had you let out a laugh as he said following you back to the staircase, “That would be priceless over breakfast.”.A bath for you was followed by winding a long braid into your now dried hair as you chose a set of clothes to sleep in. flannel shorts and a old jersey were pulled on. The chill to your feet that didn’t seem to fade had you add a pair of fuzzy socks to your knees that only drew focus to your wedding rings. Which brought up a wonder on where your husbands had gotten to after being pulled to odd tasks when Thengel had been keen to head home. Back through the doorway into the Palace you went with another glance to check that Fin was resting soundly in his own crib to show your dad had gone to bed when Cosmos had been shown to his suite after his interview. Past the boys’ room Glorfindel’s room was found empty luring you back to Thranduil’s.Bare across the bed the sleeping King’s back was seen, rising and falling to each calm breath. Closer to the end you walked breaking the stream of moonlight that shone in through the uncovered windows. Gently you raised the end of the blankets and slid in to rest against his back. Though the first contact with his skin seemed to flip a switch and off the bed his chest rose in the turn of his head to give you a warm sleepy smile. “I should have waited longer,” shifting onto his other side to use an arm to slide you under him.Tenderly and slow his lips met yours for a series of kisses he used to melt you around himself. In a dip to trail a few pecks down the side of your cheek and neck he nestled in to lay across your chest burying his head in the side of your neck. His weight gradually settling down once he was certain your legs were laced with his and his arms around you comfortably while yours laid across his back to his sigh of, “Had I not an early meeting and you classes I would ensure your every desire would be seen to after our evening had been usurped by Thengel.”With a giggle your fingers eased the hair from around his neck to fall over his back and out of his face enabling a smile stirring trail of your fingers around his ear. “Just who told you, Dew Drop, I might desire anything but this?” A kiss to his forehead was retaliated by one to the side of your neck and soon enough an hour of sleep was lost when his clear pleasure in having you in his arms came to his dip under the covers until he was content and exhausted enough to help you cover up and tangle around him again.A few hours later he woke you again in his reluctant stir from bed to answer to his early meeting. Warmly his lips met yours to hum an inch from them afterwards, “Back to sleep, my Darling Starlight.”“How am I supposed to sleep now?” you grumbled and he smirked in scooping you up to carry you to Glorfindel’s room that sat open still. However the blonde inside who sat up adjusting a tassel on the end of his emptied quiver in a chair in front of an uncovered window looked up from his task to smile and set the quiver aside to take hold of you and bring you to settle back into sleep in his own bed. On top of your head Thranduil left a kiss on your cheek and chuckled exiting the room to finish getting ready so he could come back and get another nap with the pair of you until breakfast.Nice and warm across Glorfindel’s chest you snuggled closer in his lift of the blankets higher over your back with sweet murmurs to lure you back to sleep as he got to hold you even if he wasn’t tired yet. Just time alone was what he cherished since having missed joining you to put the children to bed. Jumbled as it was on plans for sleeping locations another night with you in his arms was all he wanted. And after waking again the duo helped you to get the children ready for breakfast in Thranduil’s apartment this time, where you took your seat and groggily readied your own plate only to burst into giggles as Legolas shared his tale on your cow relative he had been attempted to be fed to.
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‘Captured In Evasion of Now Concluded Shadow Trial! Dumbstruck Dumbledore the Serial Murderer!!’ The hefty tagline was certainly across the front page, above a notation to continue to page two to read that tale. One that was linked to, ‘Blackbird Tells the Tale of Lost World And Offers Plea For Public Forgiveness!’All down the front page was the very detailed apology and full share of details on the true reasoning for the surrogacy at that particular time. Pure-Blood Witches following Voldemort had been pressured by Bellatrix Lestrange to offer themselves, even if married, as means to continue loyal bloodlines and to avoid her demands to bed the Dark Lord and his higher ups to prove their loyalty. Known to be unhinged and prone to violence, more so after her escape from Azkaban. To keep you safe even as baby Em was already growing safely inside of a hidden away surrogate you had used means of an absence from their presence to become surrogate yourself to the Boa Red Pandas to line up with Em’s birth. Aiding in their populations after being caught in the crossfire of many a Death Eater skirmish over the past decades and the Global Wizarding War before that. Blood test under strict supervision of no less than fifteen Aurors and new Wizengamot members had confirmed proof that the child is of David Tennant’s bloodline, just in case people might presume the girl was secretly related to Voldemort.Apologies were hefty for the implication that you had broken the guidelines for Witches in Professional and Ameteur level Quidditch. Knowingly you had agreed to the surrogacy fully aware of the implications and took all the responsibility and welcomed any punishment, penalties to privileges or limitations to playtime in the future. Very deeply you were divided on breaking the trust of the Professional Quidditch Federation and the reputation of the Kenmare Kestrals. Noted in the story was that you had apologized to the team management and teammates and had now wished to apologize to all Quidditch fans of every team. Namely the Ballycastle Bats, Wigtown Wanderers and Caerphilly Catapults you had faced in the last League Cup whose matches were scrutinized because of the implication of foul play on what was a formidable battle of wills. The final line being that you hoped to one day earn their forgiveness for the ruse and will bear the results for what your actions had caused the world to feel towards you and the Kenmare Kestrals by affiliation.Several smaller papers for days now printed messages of understanding of Newt’s explanation alongside notes from other teams with outpouring statements of pride for those who chose to stand and fight while a majority of their world decided to hide. Some quoted in smaller sections of print off to the side along the fold. A statement also was posted that this season would be in honor of those who had fallen and that they were their true fans that will be missed dearly. And for years to come through years of peace to come they will never be forgotten.Engraved items would be chosen for each team and stadium for said fallen fans to be brought and shared with other teams to mourn and play in their honor together to the utmost of their ability. Stadiums were being rebuilt and a raffle was planned to see who would house the World Cup.News on Hogwarts staff changes finished off the page. Minerva had been confirmed as both Headmistress and continuing as Transfiguration Professor. Neville’s name was listed amongst staff changes as the new TA for Herbology in the fall semester. Welcome news for any parent to have a young man so enthused with the care and adoration of plants to instill that love in students for years to come. Speculation as for your continuance however finalized the school news off, as per a now publicly known Ministry reconsideration of Scrimegeour’s sentence of a lifetime as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and if the sentence was now considered just against new evidence submitted to the Ministry by means of the Shadow Trial against Albus Dumbledore these past three years.Naturally the page would be turned and everyone would want to know these charges. But no one would have ever guessed to have Murder, Attempted Murder and Mayhem, Fraud, Abuse of Minors, Aiding and Abetting Mass Murderers formerly at large listed upon the sentence line. Per memories and testimonies of the permitted to be loose Grindelwald, Albus’ discovered legal spouse since the days of the Global Wizarding War when he allowed his husband to be at large amassing his murder laced reign of terror until forced by the public to aid in locking Gellert away. A marriage used to skirt testimony between the two spouses on charges in the still legally nondescript murder of his sister, Ariana Dumbledore, two years ago confirmed by memory to have been the work of a lung collapsing curse issued by Albus Dumbledore. Inside the very prison Albus traveled to frequently for conjugal visits, including the Halloween night he claimed to have been lured and caught in a trap, he was appointed pre-planned and approved appointments to speak to and sleep with Grindelwald. Visits numerous prison officials had been given advance request of those dates for prison mandated windows of three years at a time the former Headmaster knew full well he would not be able to supervise the custodial visitation for James Potter to visit his son publicly, but not legally known as, Harold James Potter. Otherwise leaving Lily Evans unguarded when her and her son were out in harm’s way. Furthermore testimony by Gellert and several other Death Eaters on top of memories and letters obtained by Tom Riddle Jr himself proved Albus Dumbledore had coordinated the attack that night. Tom Riddle Jr had been searching for a means to avert the prophecy naming an infant boy the one to kill him, Harry had been chosen by Riddle to be the boy and to avoid being pulled into another war as he had against Grindelwald he arranged a deal. The boy in ransom for safety of Wizarding Britain. Riddle would agree alongside Cornelius Fudge to have him vacate the country after being allowed to murder the boy thus averting his own destruction to his growing empire and the Headmaster and British Minister would swear to not raise a finger to harm the Dark Lord so long as he and his followers left Britain unscathed from that day forward. Punch to the gut as that would come to practically all who had read and would reread the passage countless times what came next was so much worse. Riddle Jr was now publicly named to have murdered himself to be the last of the Muggle Riddle lineage and had killed Morfin Gaunt and his wife, now known to be named Suzsieanne Lunette Minjonet Ambre Pearisiyiae, presuming to have been the last of his bloodline learned of a woman on a movie poster who had Morfin Gaunt’s eyes and the face of a woman he had murdered. He wrote to Albus, the Headmaster who he supposedly feared to strike openly, that had named the woman Jewelia Black nee Evans, sister to Lily Evans and aunt of the infant Riddle wanted to murder, named her, their shared lineage and exactly which protected cottage to find her in. Quite conveniently three doors down from the cottage chosen for child custody visitations James was obliged to follow under Albus’ personal supervision. All but Harry and you were named to have died that night, your mother most brutally of all. All due to the deliberate actions of Cornelius Fudge and Albus Dumbledore. The former Minister already had given his own testimony, memory evidence and been sentenced to death two years prior concluding his role in this Shadow Trial. His death formerly unexplained albeit publicly known. Attempted Murder charges were for yourself and your cousin, and further Murder charge for publicly known, ‘Harold James Potter’, but legally named, ‘Garith Fleamont Bardolf Evans’, from the date of the dissolution of the marriage ties on charges of Fraud against James Potter by his mother. Harry as the world knew him had been the target of a long-standing plan to offer the big up as sacrifice to Riddle Jr. First as an infant, yet over the years when a dark magic link had been guessed between the boy and Dark Lord, Dumbledore had made new plans, to serve the boy up when most opportune to himself all while he again tried to levy the former agreement with Riddle Jr to leave British shores and never strike at him for both of their safety and leisure. Severus Snape, Minerva and a handful of others including Alberforth Dumbledore had given evidence and the trap had to be laid. Time had been set for the escape plan, now ever changed as those who fled are now trapped in this world and had to start over again, and Dumbledore had to be kept none the wiser. To avoid his escape and notice of his imminent capture for charges named within this trial. Already once he had been charged of Intimidation against yourself during a trial in the court of Morgan La Fey when you were twelve, thus being sentenced by the Queen of Avalon to trade life for any use of magic, larger spells draining him of his time in the earth much faster. Still he could not be trusted to use numerous large spells and simply kill himself before justice was served. Time had to be bided post escape to build false confidence, and a farce of a teaching position in Durmstrang of all places, the same school his current spouse he now was forever parted from had attended as a youth, the former Headmaster, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Former Supreme Mugwump, recipient of the First Order of Merlin, was rendered unable to perform magic and had been read his last rites before being put to death in the early morning hours. Witnesses : the Black Family, his only living sibling, minister of Magic Remus Lupin and Alastor Moody. Manner of execution by means of full submersion within a Death Potion inside the Death Cell current MACUSA Minister of Magic Serrano Picquery welcomed use of to exact swift justice against the man who swindled his grandmother, Former Minister of Magic herself during the days of the Global Wizarding War, into believing he was on their side but intended to serve them up as cannon fodder for Riddle Jr.Numerous statements filling the paper included means of extraction of memories in the hunt of those who spent time, any substantial time at all with Riddle Jr. Horace Slughorn being one of them, the now deceased had charmed him against a wall and used a poor case of mental force to extract a memory then failed to properly obliviate the Occlumency skilled Professor. A Muggle groundskeeper for the Riddles and police force employees were amongst the most heinously wronged victims of mental force attacks that had no chance of fighting back, and one House Elf to a woman Riddle Jr had once robbed, to list off several of the sources of said memories recovered amongst belongings shipped to the trap location ahead of himself.Testimonies of countless students who had seen him play favorites to dangerous degree and allow criminal behavior upon Hogwarts grounds have also been noted. Parent testimonies, those of former students left little to glimmer behind the astutely well crafted guise of Albus Dumbledore who poised himself as hero to so many he time and time again betrayed. The final line before the very last page came to an end was the deepest remorse and regret that ‘ The Boy Who Lived’, did not in fact survive to see justice be done. And even in this new world where the long dead have been found to pop up again, no matter how long away in time, should Albus Dumbledore return to the now known Middle Earth, he shall be put to death again and again, and just perhaps young Harry might be returned himself to see the one who plotted for his death time and time again die. Albus Dumbledore the now entombed Dark Wizard was dead..The look on his face when you had been on the other side of the Bulgarian archway did not leave your mind all through Albus being confined magically by yourself, Alastor and nearly all of your adult relatives from The Noble House of Black. Not even surprise, knowing, but resentment that it was you. This time he was certain there was no escape and again hushed and low he meant to apologize as his eyes scoured over the Death Potion filled pool he had been led to as all his crimes he imagined to have so skillfully hidden away with was thrown back in his face, yet you beat him to it. Whispering just as soft and low as he intended to speak to you, right next to his ear, “If given the choice, I’d have beaten you to death myself.” This time there was a different look of knowing in his eyes when he locked his eyes on yours. Riddle might as well have been his puppet, the same Dark Lord you had openly slapped across the face and effortlessly taken control of his armies without a barred eye your way from them. Albus had seen you nearly beat your Aunt to death inside the Ministry of Magic had she not stabbed you and Riddle intervene. No one could deny how arduously you worked to become an insurmountable physical force even without a wand to become a Professional Quidditch Player. Hurting Harry alone was grounds for you to attack him and here he’d tried to pretend not to have been involved in a chunk of your family’s deaths and torture for decades all to save face and keep his reputation. It would have been slow and brutal.Choice for the Death Potion however was arranged by Remus however, specifically for your sake. Between you and Sirius true restraint was almost medal worthy for how stoic you held yourselves during the sentencing and execution. Two unforgivably inescapable tempers backing up a scalding moral compass refusing to allow any slight of dehumanizing acts, and you both stood still gritting your teeth and did not move an inch until it was all over. Rufus had first sat presiding over this trial, succeeded by Former Greek Minister for Magic Apollo Archimedes Mozart who was willing and neutral and now was free of this heavily safeguarded Shadow Trial that took great patience and numerous magical protections to not allow word of it outside of court sessions until the final sentence was agreed and delivered to the captured then executed accused. Shadow Trails being what had been used on the worst of the worst most powerful Wizards all throughout history proved to be the only choice. All through the war he gave you no choice. And at least now everyone knew why you had freed Grindlewald, so he could testify under guarantee of an Unbreakable Vow in return for his honesty and full access to any memory required. Even Grindelwald showed more sentiment and empathy to you, though he considered you a child next to his infamously aged self, than Albus who hid behind you time and time again to suffer and die in his place.Weight far beyond words able to express it plummeted off your shoulders now the entirety of your family was free. Years of strain on top of the war was just gone. Everyone who tore your family apart was dead or in prison, and even if that meant Grindelwald was loose he was trapped in another world fully aware he played part in his spouse’s execution. A substitute had been secured for the first couple classes that had to be missed and by lunch when you strolled into the Great Hall the news had the air change palpable. Ripples of silence washed through the hall and the eldest students took to standing in a sign of welcome and acceptance of this new proof of what they had no notion of for years now. “Um,” you spoke in a cracking tone in reach of the steps to the staff table, having turned to the mostly standing student body to say something. “I don’t want to spoil your lunch break, but I take it everyone has seen the paper. For a few years now this trial had been going on under cover of the Third War, if anyone has any questions, let me know. I’ll answer as best I can.”“When did you find out he killed your Mum?” a seventh year from Ravenclaw who’d looked up to your mom’s educational record housed in their common room blurted out urgently.“My seventh year. Got in deeper with the Death Eaters and started to dig up memories and information to find weak points to get deeper roots in to tear them apart.” With a shocked squeak she dropped onto the bench behind her tearfully to mirror the stray tear you reached up to wipe away in a look at the Gryffindor first year with a question of her own about some of the people Dumbledore had been mentally attacking.“How’d you get Grindelwald to give evidence? Was it how you let him out, trapped him in the vow to work with you?” the boy who had nearly killed another girl during Dueling Club asked shakily, as he’d been seen by the school to have shouted at you for releasing the known killer in grief for losing his family in the escape.“Back during the Global Wizarding War, he had a Legilimens on his inner circle. Apparently he was warned about me. I didn’t have to do much. Maybe they told him he’d be free if he helped me. Maybe it was revenge against Dumbledore, I don’t know.”“Do you think Harry’s going to come back? Like the paper said Leta Lestrange and some others have?” another young boy asked hopefully and you had to wipe your cheek again to dry the sudden tear that feel down your cheek to answer with a grin forced onto your face.“I don’t know. I wanted more than anything for him to have been here when we all landed separately. But he wasn’t. Maybe,” you tried to end it with a hopeful tone and a Slytherin girl spoke up next in an empathetic tone.“Are you going to be alright?”“Bit glum, few days possibly. But I bounce back, always do. For now, all of you, are safe. No one here amongst the staff is here to harm or use you in any way, and should that one day ever change, I hope we do better and make this castle feel safe for you to come forward with those concerns.” You said and all the students nodded hopefully.Nellie however asked, “Are you coming back next year? If they lift your sentence?”“I think so, depending on how the Quidditch Board decides, I may or may not be still sustaining a fair few injuries to earn my way back to good graces on the pitch. You should see me limping about either way.” You tried to joke to the crowd.But a sixth year Slytherin student chuckled as he blurted out, “Well someone has to keep the Basilisk and Acromantulas from eating all of us.” Making you chuckle along with the students who began to split and head back to their seats with a few who still lingered to ask more in depth questions. None of them missed the break in trust with the former Headmaster and canyon between you, and they simply needed a few more questions answered to make peace with burying what respect they had for his notable self for good. As the crowd cleared you were able to turn and head for your seat at the staff table to get something to eat, seated safely between Severus and Barty, both who felt their own relief.*.*.*“There has to be something I can do…” Harry sighed to himself more than once and had over the past days hearing as he slipped unknown amongst his patchwork family about things going on and had heard more than enough to drive himself to wandering. In this world he wasn’t a ghost, he could go wherever he pleased, and on his wandering somehow felt himself drawn towards a distant ocean towards the West.Silvery white a curtain seemed to part abandoning him in the dark. Not darkness, per se, but unknowing of where he was and what this place was. Around him glowing figures came to focus in a place he shouldn’t be able to tell what was what, if not for the stars that shone far brighter than any he’d ever seen igniting the world and foliage all around this courtyard he cautiously drew nearer to. Steps over a sudden stone his toe bumped into he looked down at to not stumble were taken and he noticed the grass and flowers he brushed against or stepped on glowed brighter, glimmering and blooming more behind him.“What…?” he whispered to himself and made to reach out to touch a glimmering flower only to look at his hand. Swirling pearly white and pink streams of something had replaced his skin he frantically took to adjusting his sleeves, the waist of his shirt and hems of his jeans to confirm it was all of him now like this. “Mirror of Erised,” he muttered as it hit him, his cousin Jaqi was a glowing silver ball instead of herself in her reflection and this had to be why. “Maybe she would be silver here.” And his brows furrowed, “Where is here?”A booming voice made him jump and turn around to stare wide eyed at the nine foot tall figure behind him glowing brightly in a near colorless white light obscuring their finer features to Harry’s glaring glasses. “These are the Gardens of Manwe and Varda! Can you not tell by the stars?”“Um, I’m not, from here.” He stammered out and felt himself revert back to his timid inner child a moment before he managed to muster up his courage and ask, “Where do the dead people go?”And he got laughter in return from more than one figure nearby all but making him feel stupid for asking in the first place, “Dear child, most of us have returned here at Eru’s call. Yet should you mean you require word with Mandos, Master of Death we can direct you to his lands.”“Yes, Mandos, where is he?” Harry asked eagerly and felt himself far beyond just in a new world for each and every different part of this odd afterlife linked to this new world. Nine tailed foxes, just like what Jaqi had sketched to be Novem the one who helped protect his cousin during their school year the Cursed Vaults kept opening and releasing various dangerous creatures, were waiting for him and helped to carry him across a vast ocean to a tiny speck of an island that took forever to grow larger and clearer to see.Vast pebbly beach was all he could see in the shadows of a rock wall. Just barely the starlight had failed to ignite the rock wall, unlike the pebbles that all gave a shimmer to his every confused step slower to the wall. “Where do I go?” Harry whispered to himself only to stare at the shadowy space in front of him and asked, “What if it’s not solid? Like the little blue worm puppet said in the Labyrinth.” And he hurried over to begin pressing his now extended hands out to touch the wall all over until he smiled widely at himself in discovering an illusion disguised doorway. Winding left, right and confusingly presumably back towards the same way he’d entered the turn free path led him until he suddenly tripped into a long stretch of tall grass.Glowing brightly the circle of tall swaying grass around him in his pop up onto his feet marked a humorous ‘you are here’ spot on a mental map as he looked around to see where he might go next. Brooks, scattered buildings and fountains were placed about on the way to the only other structure. Off towards a mountain formed palace on the opposite end of this island his eyes darted and he figured it might be a decent place to start. Surely a few scattered sad tired people were lingering randomly about this place might be asked for help, yet to avoid being laughed at he simply began to snake his way through the tall grass to get to the palace.Unlike in the other place where he walked the glow almost instantly faded and did not cause flowers to bloom. Even the floating rock paths used to cross the brooks barely changed at all to his touch. The closer he grew to the palace more and more the glow kept dimming even faster until he even noticed the brilliant shimmer of his skin had dulled to match the gloom and dread this place instilled in him. Far worse than any Dementor coming out of nowhere there seemed to be an emotional barrier around this place, still he drew in a breath, grit his teeth and stormed onwards. Step after step every ounce of pain he’d ever had brushed upon him washed back into his body. “Brushed?” he asked himself as the thought had slipped in his mind and out his lips. “No, focus!” he demanded of himself and kept going, forcing back the memory of an artsy picture he made for his mom when he was four that got stomped on by a bully Dudley had egged on to begin tormenting him.Paint strokes. Again the sensation of someone painting over his body came again and he had to touch the wall for support to get through a memory of being made to cry by Vernon who kept shouting his mother was not coming back after he’d woken up crying for her and had set Petunia into an emotional tailspin all her own remembering that fact her sisters were both gone. “What type of magic is this?” he gasped to himself and stilled to the sound of distant sobs echoing around turns and possibly from any matter of floors away. “Good thing I’m already dead.” He assured himself and moved again only to feel himself get swiped up his torso and across his face by the same invisible brush and he collapsed into then through the floor writhing in turmoil. Finally seeing as the floor shut up behind him an odd dog like thing with brushes all over itself in place of fur, tufts of well groomed sections of hair apparently able to trigger miserable memories. And curiously only able to be seen when peering up at it from the floor.Notes suddenly useless to Harry as he blinked up at a ceiling, sprawled across a floor he had not felt himself make contact with but was now most assuredly flat upon it. Now within feet of the sobbing source, and squinting as if it would help to cease the ring in his ears caused by the noise, while tolerable felt stronger in vibration than compared to how every sob could be tolerated without such force behind them. Twelve feet tall in a pink shimmering gown apparently floating around her body in swirling clouds mingling with white panels from the belt and ribbons down from her waist the sobbing woman came to peer over him. Soaking him instantly with tears that seared into his very being to surge up every ounce of misery again causing his arm to rise up and grasp at the woman’s skirt.“Please, I, need, Mandos!” Sharp as he could he gasped for air in her step aside to stride around him, back out of reach of him so that he could feel his body rigorously lurch up into a fetal seated position gasping for air. Right out of the room the sobbing woman strode, just as if she had not taken notice of him or his plea at all. “Please!” he shouted best he could at her back, still in a fight to regain his voice, “I need to speak, to Mandos!” his eyes focusing on her opal skin focused in swirling mists contained under what must be invisible skin.“Nienna is not a messenger,” Harry gasped again and jolted on his bottom away from the man in yellow robes flowing around his body much like hers with glimmering silver skin and amber eyes matching his glittering pools of hair reaching to the ground behind him. “Come, brother of Pluto.”“I,” Harry stammered in confusion at the statement and nearly failed to be able to climb back to his feet, every inch of his body twitching and near to contorting as the tears seeped through his clothes more to run down his concealed and even more dull skin. Like a dull yellowing bruise the shade had darkened close to that greenish white of pigeon droppings. A touch he didn’t need to add to his misery of this place as it triggered a memory of him being locked inside a coop on a school trip once to a pigeon training farm that had him nearly left behind and never granted a field trip permission slip signed again.“What is this place?” he grimaced out to the glowing guiding figure’s back. “Why did she cause me hurt like this? What did I do wrong?” The words had the bright figure halt and turn sharply to face Harry, who recoiled into the wall ready to be struck. “I’m, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it!”The man brought himself low so that he could be face to face with Harry, “Child, this is a place of healing. Nienna did not cause a single thing. Such pain and misery and woe has befallen you. The tears release grief.”“Make it stop!” Harry blurted out as his body gave another uncontrollable jerk, “Please!”“We may only guide those willing to face grief. None may erase grief here.” The man spoke low and in a tone that had Harry blink a few more times so that he could fight through a sudden desire to let his eyelids droop shut.“Stop it! Stop what spell you are casting on me!” Harry argued and the man’s head simply tilted.“My name is Irmo, I guide through visions and dreams. I do not cast spells.” Up again he rose and turned from Harry continuing on the path ahead. “You wish to speak to Mandos, come.”To his back Harry huffed and was in for the battle of a lifetime in continued jolts of agony of all terrible things he had endured until he was a shuddering kneeling mess in the doorway of a vast hall cutting off the one he had just come from. Sobbing loudly his shoulders hunched and head bowed forward in a means of his body to tuck into a ball to the memory of Jaqi being hit with the torturing curse by Bellatrix inside the Ministry and he felt so helpless then and now. The glowing figure that led him here to this hall housing other scattered broken figures here to heal turned towards him, not at his current state but a single glimmering butterfly formed of glowing dust formed not long ago by his former pupil’s visit here, the little Maiar Pluto. Down to Harry’s huddled self the winged creature fluttered to touch and melt into the back of his shoulder making the figure smile at the jolting relief.Wide open Harry’s eyes shot as he saw a memory of his adopted sister bounding around him as a fluffy cat resembling Crookshanks Sr and he felt able to breathe at least. Pain still wracked within his twitching body but he at once remembered why he was here, who he was here for and in a wobbling mess made it to his feet again to grimace at the glowing figure who just aloofly turned away to continue on the way. Not saying a single word. Yet he didn’t need to. All Harry could and would repeat in his head was the name of his adopted sister, reminding himself of the final goal as he ignored his knees that throbbed so badly he swore they must be bleeding at his hard collapse onto them.A fourteen foot tall man beyond the final doorway reached was seen. This one in a hooded cloak of midnight blue floating around his body and strips of shimmering midnight blue braids hanging down to his knees weighing the material down. He paced behind a woman with peach waves pooling down her back littered with woven flowers and coral gown hovering across her milky glimmering porcelain skin. Her delicate fingers working a spool of color changing mist like thread into another down of the tapestry like the hundreds you had passed to get here. Silver misty eyes at once snapped to Irmo and then to the one shadowing the Valar, silver misty eyes just like the kind Jaqi got when she had her visions.“Mandos?” Harry asked and the blue one strode around his wife to come nearer, a notion that with this stranger at least he felt some sense of ease in being close to as he had eyes so much like Jaqi’s.“Youngest brother of Pluto. Yes, I know your tapestry, I know you.” Lower he sank to be closer to where Harry, still trembling and jerking slightly in his misery could see clearer without straining to be upright fully.“I’ve heard, the dead can go back.” Harry blurted out and the woman weaving took a long look at him to the dip of Irmo to also be in his vision.The latter stating, “Child you would wither.”Mandos agreed, “No, you would not survive the voyage. Stay, rest…” But Harry cut him off.“Not me!” and wet his lips trying to calm himself down to not have his voice sound so frantic. “Jewelia Evans, and, Suszi, Suszieanne Pear, Pearisiyiae. My sister please, Jaqi,” tears were streaming down his cheeks again as he plead, “All she wanted, ever, ever wanted. Please! I can’t help her any, other, way!” he choked out a sob adding, “I can’t, help, my son! He needs a Mum! Aunt Jewels, she’s,” he gasped for another breath as his body writhed remembering how scared Jaqi looked appearing in front of him inside the cottage at Godric’s Hollow after listening to Voldemort torturing her mother to death. “Please!” Harry sobbed louder, “Please she needs her Mum and to meet her Gran!” Again he gasped for air and added for good measure, “Please! I’ll, I’ll stay forever! As long as you say! My sister’s, in so, much pain!”“Harry!” all at once an excruciatingly familiar voice filled his ears and his body was folded into the embrace of the aunt he hadn’t seen since he was one outside of pictures and films. Harder than ever he wept buckling in a collapse to the floor she helped to slow so he wouldn’t hurt himself by gripping him tighter, kneeling with him as he clutched more at her. “I know it hurts Harry. More than anything. But you have to feel it, to your very core.” She tried to reassure him but he just kept pleading with the Valar.“Please send them back!” whimpering more and more in a weaker voice every time, “All I can do to help, Jaqi needs them! Please! Help my sister!”He didn’t know when he’d been let go of, or if he was the one to collapse in utter weariness. Only recalled the faint memory of his blurry aunt so sweetly brushing a hand to his cheek murmuring something he knew must have been reassuring. Then a kind press of a hand on his shoulder of a woman his aunt looked so identical to he could have sworn she aparated to his other side if he didn’t know more than one woman in his family had that same face. Now he just lay underneath the stars in the tall swaying grass and Irmo knelt a moment at his side. “Now rest, young and wild, dreams shall guide you to begin.” When his eyes closed he felt the world float away, not his misery and exhaustion, just the world, and when he opened them again he was somewhere else, somewhere new and not alone.