Disclaimer: Harry Potter and related characters and settings belong to J. K. Rowling. The Lord of the Rings and related mythology belong to the heirs of J. R. R. Tolkien.
A/N OK, the phrase "Onen I-Estel Edain" is a phrase in Syndarin meaning "I gave hope to Men". It comes from a longer phrase in LotR, "Onen I-Estel Edain, u-chebin estel anim" (I gave hope to the Dunedain, I have kept no hope for myself). These are the words Aragorn's mother Gilraen said to her son on her deathbed. Note the double meaning of "Estel" which means "hope" but was also Aragorn's childhood name while he was growing up in Rivendell. I considered just making "Estel" the title of this chapter but I decided to go with the phrase.
Chapter 2: Onen I-Estel Edain...
Deep in the Highlands of Scotland, there stood a mighty castle high upon a cliff. It was surrounded by a vast lake on one side and a dark, foreboding forest on the other. To the untrained eye, the castle looked nothing more than an derelict ruin, long abandoned with danger signs posted all over it. But the eye of the muggle is so easily deceived for in reality this castle was none other than the great Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Close to one thousand students ranging from ages 11 to 17 attended this most prestigious school of magic. They were divided into four houses depending on their personalities: the brave and adventurous in Gryffindor, the loyal and hardworking in Hufflepuff, the clever and the witty in Ravenclaw, and the cunning and the ambitious in Slytherin. Students here studied subjects ranging from Transfiguration, Potions, Charms to Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Divination, and even the highly popular wizarding sport of Quidditch.
Most controversial amongst these classes was the subject of Defense against the Dark Arts. Though the subject was exceptionally important in light of the Second Magical War, the position for instructor was rumored to be jinxed since none seemed to be able to keep it for more than a year. There were even those who thought Headmaster Albus Dumbledore had finally lost his marbles that year for he had hired in that position, not a wizard or a witch but a Dwarf.
Professor Angnathron was merely 4 feet 5 inches tall with thick grayish brown hair and a long beard. The Charms Professor Flitwick was shorter than he was but while Flitwick was human, Angnathron made it quite clear that he was not a human, but a Dwarf. He was rather boisterous and loud but could also display a very cheerful countenance. While his knowledge on Dark Wizards and the curses they used was phenomenal, Angnathron preferred to drill his students in the arts of hand to hand combat using various weapons and even unarmed. He also sponsored the creation of fencing and archery clubs and held regular dueling competitions. Though he was popular among the students for his cheerful and engaging teaching methods, his classes were still very exhausting. The Slytherins in particular were resentful for being forced to participate in the "uncultured" drills of unarmed combat, saying no self respecting wizard would participate in such "barbaric, brutal, muggle" activities. Angnathron in return simply reminded them that they would have no choice if they were disarmed in a duel.
On this particular day, Professor Angnathron was teaching some of his favorite pupils, the seventh year Gryffindors. "Now keep in mind that it's very much conceivable for you to get disarmed in a duel," instructed Angnathron, his Scottish accent rather heavy. "Its true that most dark wizards or witches would just blindly attempt to use the Unforgivables or dark curses against their opponents either to dispatch them right away or to torture them mercilessly, often forgetting that their opponent is still carrying their wand and is perfectly capable of using it. However, some dark wizards are in fact smart enough to disarm their opponents first; should that happen to you, you will have to be able to defend yourself unarmed."
Angnathron pointed at a chart hanging in front of the class. "Often, your enemy will be quite bigger and stronger than you. If that were the case, don't hesitate to attack your opponent in a vulnerable spot," the smaller figure in the chart kicked the larger figure in the 'family jewels', "or use their strength against them." The larger figure threw a punch at the smaller figure but the smaller figure grabbed the arm and threw the larger figure over with a judo throw. "Now, I have spent the last several weeks drilling you in the methods of unarmed combat and martial arts..."
Several rows back, Head Girl Hermione Jane Granger sighed, her heart not really into the lesson. The once bushy haired, bucktoothed, small girl had grown it quite a young beauty with her chocolate eyes and wavy brown hair. Her figure was rather modest as was her choice in clothing but she still managed to turn the heads of many a young male, though she never paid attention to them. No, her thoughts even during class were always centered on the Head Boy sitting right next to her.
Harry James Potter had grown into a tall, strong young man himself. His hair was still an ebony bird's nest, his eyes still sparkled emerald green behind his glasses, and the lightning bolt scar was still there on the right side of his forehead under his bangs. However, he now radiated a strong sense of power, hidden behind his humble exterior. He had better control over his emotions now but they were still quite volatile. There was simply something about his brooding, angst ridden character that made him so appealing, especially to the female population, though Harry didn't pay them any heed.
Hermione sighed again. She couldn't quite recall when specifically she had fallen in love with her raven haired best friend: most likely sometime from her fourth to fifth year. But she hadn't ever had the opportunity to really act on her feelings, especially after Harry's godfather, Sirius Black had been killed. Since then, Harry had seemingly gotten more aloof on one hand, yet more determined to protect his loved ones on the other. Harry and Hermione had also grown considerably closer during that time though a part of them had drifted apart as well.
"Well class, remember to read up on that chapter about protection against spells," said Angnathron, catching Hermione's attention. "And if there are no questions, class dismissed."
* * *
"Damn that bloody Professor Angnathron," muttered the tall redhead, Ronald Bilius Weasley as he munched on a chicken leg. It was lunch time and all the students were sitting at their various tables. "You know, I like him. I really do. But he can be such a terror with all these drills he's making us do. I'm sore all over."
"Aw, is my poor big brother sore all over?" teased Ron's sister, Ginerva Molly Weasley from the other side of the table. "Does Ronniekins need a massage?"
"Shut it Ginny!" snapped Ron as he took another bite of his chicken. "So anyway, you'd think that with the way Angnathron's going over everything Hogwarts would be attacked tomorrow. Ridiculous, don't you think so Hermione?"
Hermione had been rather preoccupied staring at Harry's empty spot next to her that she hadn't been paying attention to what Ron was saying. "Huh? What?" she asked looking up at him.
Ron looked irritated as he said, "I was saying it looks like Angnathron's thinking Hogwarts could be attacked any day."
"It could be Ron," said Hermione. "With the War going on, Hogwarts could be attacked any time."
"Well I say it's still the safest place around. That's got to count for something," said Ron as he finished his chicken. He suddenly blushed red as he said, "Say Hermione, later on in the evening you think we could... uh... I don't know... have a study date?"
Hermione looked confused while Ginny looked at them interestedly. "We have study sessions with Harry every night Ron," replied Hermione.
"Not with Harry!" exclaimed Ron. "I meant a study... study date... You know, just... er... you and m..." Unfortunately for Ron, he was unable to finish his sentence as a Ravenclaw girl with waist-length straggly blonde hair, large silvery eyes, and a butterbeer bottle cap necklace around her neck squeezed into the seat in between Ron and Hermione.
"Hello Ronald," said Luna Lovegood, her voice sounding as dreamy as usual. She was the daughter of the editor of the wizarding tabloid, The Quibbler. Ron groaned as Luna turned her attention Ron's sister in front of her.
"Hi Luna, what interesting stories have you got from your side of the world today?" asked Ginny.
Luna smiled and said, "Well Ginny, have I talked to you about the Elves?"
Hermione whom was just about to start reading a book perked up at the word "Elves". After all, was she not the founder of S. P. E. W.? Wasn't she the one campaigning for the better treatment of House Elves everywhere? As she listened in on Luna and Ginny's conversation however, she found that the two younger girls weren't quite talking about House Elves.
"Daddy found out a lot of stuff about the Elves over the past few years," Luna was saying. "He's writing up an exclusive for next month's The Quibbler. Apparently, the Elves used to live all over Europe. They built some many wonderful things: cloaks that camouflage you, rings that turn you invisible, jewels more beautiful than anyone has ever seen, swords that glow when danger is near, ships that can sail through any water. There also seems to have once been many Elvish kingdoms throughout Europe."
Hermione scoffed at that. "Oh honestly," she said with a roll of her eyes. "House Elves may be able to do a lot of things but with the way the wizarding world treats them I doubt they've ever been able to have their own kingdoms, though they probably deserve one, let alone create so many such preposterous things."
For a moment, Luna starred at Hermione in confusion before realization dawned on her. "Oh! No, no Hermione. I'm not talking about House Elves. I am talking about the Eldar."
"The Eldar?" said Ron and Hermione at the same time.
"Yes, the Eldar: High Elves," said Luna. "They're around the same height as humans but they were immortal, meaning they couldn't die of old age or sickness, though they could be killed. It's said that they had the stars in their eyes and they created so many wonderful stuff; a lot of stuff Daddy thinks are in wizard museums these days. They had great kingdoms all over Europe, but in the end all of the kingdoms collapsed and the High Elves disappeared into the west."
"Into the west?" snorted Ron as he bit into a ham sandwich. "So what, are there a whole bunch of immortal, 6 feet tall American Elves on the other side of the Atlantic?"
Luna grinned and said in her dreamy voice, "There just might be."
"I'm going to the library," Hermione said, as she stood up from the table. She hurriedly packed her books away and left.
"What? You're leaving me alone with these two?" exclaimed Ron. By then however, Hermione was already gone, leaving Ron to deal with his sister and her eccentric friend.
* * *
In truth, Hermione didn't go to the library: she went outside onto the grounds. There was still a lot of snow on the ground that early in March, but it was definitely getting warm enough where all Hermione really needed to stay warm outside was her cloak. And even if she were to grow too cold, she could always whip out one of her bluebell flames.
Hermione thought back to the fact that several years ago, she had always imagined herself stressing about the N. E. W. T.s whenever she thought of what she would be doing late winter, early spring during her seventh year. Of course she still stressed about the exams, but her priorities were definitely centered more on Harry: worrying about Harry's well being, thinking about his smile and blushing, making sure Harry wasn't getting into trouble. She almost considered it her obsession.
As she was making her way down toward the lake, Hermione looked back toward the castle and was surprised to see the object of her obsession standing on top of the Astronomy Tower. 'Harry? What are you doing up there?' she thought. Harry was simply standing on the edge of the Astronomy Tower, looking toward the lake, his cloak billowing behind him in the wind. Deciding to confront Harry, Hermione started making her way back to the castle. It was then to her shock and horror, that Harry jumped.
"Harry!" she screamed. She started running toward the castle, desperate to make it there before Harry hit the ground.
Harry was falling to the ground, face first at an alarming speed. Seconds before he was about to impact the ground however, he suddenly twisted himself feet down, pulled out his wand and yelled, "Accio Firebolt!" Harry's trusty broomstick suddenly flew up right under him and Harry landed on the Firebolt feet first. After sinking somewhat to absorb the shock, Harry coasted on the Firebolt still standing on it like a snowboard as he zoomed out over the still half frozen lake. Finally, he jumped down so that he was seated properly on the broom, flew around a little bit more before landing on the shore of the lake. He had just dismounted when he was surprised to find Hermione barreling into him.
"Harry how could you!" she screamed at him, tears streaming down her hysterical face. "How could you even think of doing such a thing? How could you do that? Were you thinking about leaving me behind?" She started beating on his chest. "Don't ever scare me like that understand? Don't you dare scare me like that! I thought you were going to die!" She suddenly threw her arms around him and started sobbing into his chest.
To say that Harry was confused by all this was an understatement. "Er, Hermione, I wasn't committing suicide," he said, somewhat guiltily.
Hermione disengaged herself from Harry and put her hands on her hips. "Then just what were you doing?" she demanded, her eyes flaring up in anger.
"Er... dealing with my grief by giving myself an adrenaline rush?" squeaked Harry.
"What?" asked Hermione, "Harry, how long has this been going on? How long have you been doing stunts like that?"
"Since Sirius died," said Harry. "About once a week; it really does help."
"How could something like that help you deal with your grief?"
Harry walked a bit of a distance away before turning to Hermione saying, "Hermione, have you ever gone bungee jumping?"
"No," said Hermione, wondering where he was going with this.
"You should try it sometime," said Harry, "the rush of the wind in your face, the freedom you feel when you're completely airborne. For just a moment, all your troubles and problems are gone. For just a second, that accursed prophecy doesn't exist. For just that brief second, you feel like everything is going to be all right." He smiled at her wistfully.
Hermione's eyes went downcast. Harry had told her the prophecy the previous year and she understood the pressure he was under. "Oh Harry. Must you always place yourself in such danger?"
"It's what I do, Hermione," said Harry.
Hermione walked up to Harry and pulled him into another hug. "Oh, Harry," she said, "I wish you had told me."
"You probably would've discouraged me," replied Harry.
"I probably would have," agreed Hermione. They stayed there, out in the snow, just hugging, and that was how Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall found them.
"Mr. Potter. Miss Granger," she called to them. Harry and Hermione disengaged themselves from each other quickly, blushing furiously while missing the slight smile on their head of house's face. "I do not believe there are any rules against showing a little affection on the grounds," McGonagall said to the blushing teens. "Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you."
Harry's eyebrows perked up. "He wants to see me Professor?"
"That is what I said, Mr. Potter. Come along now. Miss Granger, you may accompany us if you wish."
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other before following their Transfiguration Professor into the castle.
* * *
"You sure he's ready for this Dumbledore?" asked Angnathron, peering out of the Headmaster's office window at Harry and Hermione as they followed McGonagall into the castle. "He's still very young."
"If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is that withholding information could be fatal," replied Dumbledore. He walked up the perch of his pet phoenix, Fawkes and stroked the neck of the scarlet and gold bird. "Harry is mature enough to deal with anything. I have already withheld too much from him with dire consequences. I will not repeat the same mistake."
"I for one cannot believe Riddle was actually foolish enough to take that plunge," said Angnathron, walking back into the office, lighting his pipe.
"I long suspected that Voldemort may attempt to revive Sauron some day," said Dumbledore. "I just didn't think he would do so this soon. I had been under the impression that he was saving the trek to Orodruin as a last minute, desperate attempt at victory, when he felt like he had no other choice." Dumbledore sighed wearily and said, "I've misjudged him."
"We're all just human Dumbledore," said Angnathron. He grinned and said, "Well, you are. I'm not. I'm Dwarf." That brought out a chuckle from Dumbledore. "Still, are you positive that Potter will be able to handle the entire prophecy? He had enough problems with just the abbreviated version you gave him after Sirius Black died two years ago."
Dumbledore sat down behind his desk, lost in thought for a moment. "You know Angnathron, I am reminded of what Harry's mother said to me when I told her the entire prophecy."
"Oh?"
"It was the first of August, 17 years ago. Lily was sharing the Maternity Ward with Alice Longbottom, both having just given birth to sons the previous day. James and Frank were there of course, proud parents they all were and I had to tell them that one of their sons would be destined to kill or be killed by Voldemort. I told them the prophecy right then and there. Frank, Alice, and James were stunned, naturally. Lily however... do you know what she said?" Dumbledore took a breath and said, "Onen I-Estel Edain, u-chebin estel anim."
Angnathron dropped his pipe. After spluttering for a moment, he finally managed to say, "I-I didn't even know she knew that language."
Dumbledore smiled wistfully and replied, "Lily Evans Potter had a tendency to surprise me from time to time." He then added as an afterthought, "As does her son."
The two friends shared a chuckle but the meaning of the words Lily Potter had spoken that day still hung over them:
I gave hope to Men, I have kept no hope for myself.
To be continued...
A/N Ah, second chapter done already. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will answer to the best of my ability. If you want to criticize, be my guest; I'll pay attention to it if it's good advice. If you've got flames, I'll use them to roast marshmallows. Several readers have already complained about Voldie and Sauron's merging, how it's so OOC for Sauron and all that. I know its OOC, OK. It's deliberate to make the plot work. That's why it's called fanfiction, and why this fic is posted on Harry Potter sites rather than Lord of the Rings sites. Just read and enjoy, that's all I ask.