Banished

It was now past midnight. The sky was utterly dark, and the stillness of the heavy air foreboded storm. Suddenly a blinding flash seared the clouds. Branched lightning hit the eastward hills. For a staring moment everyone on the walls could see what was coming towards them; the entire valley was crawling with black shapes, some squat and broad, some tall and grim with high helms and sable shields. The entire mass of Uruk-Hai was advancing rather orderly towards them like a slow moving wave of the ocean, looking to engulf them all in the darkness. The tides of orcs were flowing toward them from cliff to cliff. Thunder rolled in the valley. Rain came lashing down.

Harry grimaced as he stood next to the King on the observation platform, his long raven hair would be soaked now and always in his face. He thought it odd to worry about such a thing now, when ten thousand murderous Uruk Hai were about to attempt Voldemort's greatest desire; to kill the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry wondered what it was like to stand in armor and be rained upon. The King was not flinching at all as the raindrops lashed his armor.

Lighting struck again, but this time Harry sensed the difference, and this caused him to see the entire clouds of storm above them as the furthest thing from a natural phenomenon. He decided against informing the King of this, control of the weather was not something Harry bothered with, Saruman obviously liked it. Its impact was psychological only in this situation.

Harry heard an echoing call resound and the mass of orcs halted, just within bow range. He could see that nearly every third orc carried a long poleaxe, these they carried to counter a cavalry attack. Harry knew he had to make a plan to deal with them when the time came. The silence now was absolutely death like. Harry stared at the elf archers on the walls and those behind it. Aragorn was walking among them and Harry could hear his voice talking in elvish, giving orders.

Another cry echoed and as one the host of orcs started to stamp their heavy feet and weapons on the ground, in a kind of battle cheer. The stark contrast in noise was amazing, Harry was sure he would have to scream just to be heard by King Theoden standing not a foot from him.

Aragorn shouted an order and all the archers under his command loaded arrow and pulled bow, ready to fire.

"Archers, load and ready," ordered the King, and then it was passed down by shouted orders from his subordinate to all the Rohan bowmen standing on the walls of the Keep.

Harry was not certain why they just let loose. It seemed as if all were unwilling to raise the first strike. He was also not certain if some of the archers could keep their bows bent for very long, since Harry could see down to his right that some of the bows were in the hands of old men and teenagers not four years younger than him.

Sure enough, a single arrow shot out into the mass of orcs, from a bow being held by an old man. The gray haired man looked aghast at his strength failing him and pulled another arrow. The arrow he did fire, hit an orc in the front line, falling dead instantly.

Another flash of lighting illuminated the scene and Harry spied upon a rock the Uruk shouting orders to his brood below him. He was well beyond bow range, but that was irrelevant to Harry. In a flash of movement, Harry raised his staff.

"FULMEN!" he cried. From the tip of his staff a great bolt of lightning shot out, it made all the men around him squint and their hair crackled from static electricity. The bolt hit the orc leader, sending it flying from its perch upon the rock, and into the sea of its comrades.

The orcs took this as their own cue, and surged towards the wall.

"FIRE!" shouted Aragorn, gesturing contemptuously with his sword Anduril towards the host of orcs. The entire company of elf warriors as one loosed their arrows.

"Give them a volley," ordered the King, still a bit dazed from the offensive lightning Harry had cast.

"FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!" ordered the Captains as one and more arrows joined the stream of death flung by the archers. It was very impressive to Harry, to see the effect of the arrow bombardment; orcs were clearly falling as there were small holes beginning to appear in the ranks of Uruk Hai. It was clear also that this was not going to be a single bombardment, since all the archers were rationed at least a hundred and fifty arrows each.

The stream of death continued to be flung, but the orcs were too great in number to be deterred in their advance by this. It also became clear that the orcs were not short on replying in kind as well as Harry could see a couple of archers on the walls jerk and fall over where they had been hit with a crossbow dart.

At this point Harry sensed a concentrated malice being sent towards the Keep. He held his staff in both hands and raised it parallel to ground and above his head.

"PROTEGO TENEO!" he cast.

The men all around him gasped as they saw what Harry had prevented, about ninety crossbow darts that would have hit the Keep and probably killed another fifty Rohirrim including the King. The darts hung menacing in the air above them.

"Invigoro Imperio!" he snarled as the darts were animated and placed under his control. He gestured and slashed with his staff back towards the orcs and the darts shot with lethality to where they had come from.

By now the orcs had massed against the walls and Harry saw with satisfaction that a huge berth of empty ground was around the grate that he had warded. The orcs could no more approach that area, than they could renounce Saruman. Harry concentrated hard on his next spell for its complexity was rather high.

"CATERUS CONSTRINGO FULMEN!" he raised the head of his staff high in the air. Deadly lightning once more shot forth from it and hit the orc host near the ramp that led into the Keep, where a seeming large concentration of them were gathering, seemingly preparing to breach the gate of the Keep.

The air smelt of burned ozone as the lightning leapt forth and killed the first orc it touched instantly, but it did not stop there. From this orc, the lightning branched five fold and hit other orcs, from whence it branched again and again, the death toll rising exponentially. Harry saw with satisfaction that a whole company of orcs was killed around the area of the ramp before the spell ran its course.

"LADDERS!" came the cries from the defenders on the walls.

"SWORDS OUT!" cried Aragorn to the elves and men. All of the archers on the walls stowed their bows and drew elegant shining swords that glinted lethally in the night. The elves behind the wall continued firing arrows. Ladders now rose from the orc host against the wall and they started climbing up them like ants upon the hill. The Keep was safe from such ladders, due its height. It was almost utterly useless to push the ladders over, since for every one that was pushed over, four would take its place. Harry saw that now the battle was joined upon the walls as those orcs who managed to make it up the ladders started to attack the men and elves on the walls. Those under Aragorn's command were well up to this challenge and they fought and hewed orc after orc, without sustaining many losses themselves.

Harry gathered his strength and sent another branched lightning spell towards the orcs waiting to menace the walls.

Once more Harry sensed the concentrated malice aimed at them on the Keep. It was totally different however; it was aimed personally at him. Wasting no more time, Harry thrust his staff up into the air.

"IMPENETRABLIS SCUTUM!" he cast. A huge green glow erupted from the head of his staff and enfolded him in a cocoon of protection. Just in time. Saruman it appeared had decided to bring his distant hand into this battle after all. It astonished Harry though, the gift of Farsight was extinct in his world, but Saruman seemed to possess it.

Lightning arched and crackled and shot forth from the sky towards Harry. It impacted on his shield and danced all over it. At this point Harry felt an opportunity, and leapt on it. Using his Legillimency skills and the magic of the mind, he surged through the storm of competing elemental magic and gained access to Saruman's mind. It was not easy but Harry found him roughly on par in strength with Voldemort.

Harry withdrew as the lightning died on his shield and let his protection similarly fade around him. The King looked incredulous as Harry started to chuckle heartily.

"What is so funny Harold the Lost? By all means share it, I would like to laugh as well," asked the King amidst the storm of battle.

"I am laughing at Saruman, King Theoden, I managed to penetrate his mind when he wrought his lightning at me, and saw a number of his thoughts and intents. Know King Theoden that I have fought dark wizards and wizardry most of my life and they are all alike. Did you know King Theoden, that Saruman hopes to rule beside Sauron?" explained Harry. At this point even the King doubled over and laughed.

"Sauron, sharing power, he would no sooner decide to run in the roses than do that," stated Theoden. Harry smiled at the King. But his face turned grim again and the moment of levity was lost.

"IGNIS PARIES!" Harry brandished his staff at the line of orcs directly in front of the wall. A huge incendiary wall of flame rose from the earth, parallel to the wall of Helm's Deep and consumed orcs in flame. Harry could only keep the wall of flame going for four seconds, but it was enough to set fire to a large number of orcs.

Things were becoming desperate though on the wall, the ladders were simply too numerous, and the orcs kept on climbing up them, the men and elves were very close to becoming overwhelmed.

"King Theoden, I suggest your archers concentrate their fire on the orcs approaching the wall, the men there are being overwhelmed, and I dare not cast spells in that direction, for I could be hitting our side as well," Harry pointed with his staff. The King looked keenly and seemed to agree, and gave the orders down the chain of command.

Harry turned to look forward again and saw exactly what Theoden had said would happen. Orcs were slowly moving up the ramp, with shields held high as a roof, and the front advancing line holding their shields forward. All the arrows that were shot from the Keep were deflecting off the sable shields the orcs carried. The archers could not get a proper angle on the advancing orcs.

"Sire, would they have a battering ram under those shields?" asked Harry of Theoden.

"You can wager your staff on that," replied the King. Harry quirked a lopsided grin at this and raised his staff.

"EXPELLISCUTUM!" his voice cried with power. It was almost comical to watch as the front nine rows of orcs suddenly found their shields torn from their grips and flung away beyond hope of recovery. Harry clearly saw the battering ram now; it was a thick heavy tree, with one end trimmed off into a point and the other rounded, almost like a great big pencil.

Those archers who could not aim towards the wall, jumped at their chance and sent lances of death towards the suddenly exposed orcs. The orcs however reacted to this and those with shields ran forward, knocking their shield-less comrades off the ramp and picked up the battering ram again and started moving slowly forward to the gate. As soon as the front line of orcs had the gate in front of them the shields parted and as one the Uruk's charged with battering ram.

"BRACE THE GATE!" shouted the King, though it was hardly necessary. The battering ram bounced off the enchanted gate as if it was a trampoline rather than a solid wood and Iron Gate. The orcs handling the battering ram were totally unprepared for this event and they all lost their balance backwards and fell. The orcs behind the battering ram were crushed as it fell upon them, and the shields wavered once again, and arrows lanced in and killed more orcs.

They could not revel in the Uruks being thwarted in this way for long, as more orcs just replaced those that were hit, and on they came still.

Movement near the warded grate caught Harry's eye. The Uruk's were trying to set something up there, and instantly Harry knew his conclusions about Saruman's attempt to breach the wall were well founded. A group of orcs was trying to get to the grate; they were carrying what looked like unsightly wrought large iron balls of steel, about four of them.

Harry grinned and summoned all the steel devices to him; the weight of the things was quite considerable, giving him a suspicion of what these things actually were. He stopped them in mid-air to hover in front of him and carefully looked at it. Harry chuckled as he realized he was actually looking at vats of gunpowder. With a grin he banished the four vats randomly into the host of orcs, sending small Incendio spells in their wake.

Four huge explosions erupted amongst the orc host; the shockwaves were actually visible, as it flung entire groups of orcs high in the air and obliterated and maimed those it did not cast like petals in the wind. The resounding boom reached their ears a moment later and the stone of the Keep shuddered underneath their feet. He could not help clamping his hands over his ears to protect his hearing, as the sound was rather painful to hear.

"What devilry is that?" asked King Theoden.

"A rather simple trick that Saruman employed in his hopes to breach the wall. I just turned it against him," replied Harry shortly.

"We can't go on like this much longer," stated the King gravely, "the wall is becoming untenable."

"I agree Sire," sighed Harry. Theoden frowned and regarded the wall again.

"Can you make my voice carry to Aragorn directly?" asked Theoden.

Harry nodded and waved his staff at the King, casting a Sonorus spell. When Theoden spoke next his voice resounded in the Deep for all his men to hear.

"Retreat! Retreat to the Keep! Get your men out of there, Aragorn!"

The order seemed to be heard and Harry could see all the elf archers stop firing and start to run to the spiraling staircase that headed into the Keep. Those who were in melee combat on the wall started to slowly fight their way as well into the Keep. It took a long twenty minutes of desperate fighting for everyone to make it back inside the Keep; the wall of Helm's Deep was lost.

They Keep was now their sole refuge and defensive position. The plus side to all this was that the elf archers were now stationed alongside the Rohan bowmen and their efforts were more coordinated. The Uruk's now focused their sole attention to now breaching the Keep gate. The rear door from the Deep into which everyone had retreated was sealed shut with a grated iron gate. It fell from the ceiling and was impervious to battering rams.

Why the builders did not do this with the main gate, Harry did not know. But it was rather pointless to complain about it to Theoden.

Harry now sent his branched lightning forth again, where it wreaked absolute havoc. But Harry felt his tiredness start to creep up on him. His breathing was getting rather heavy, as if he had run a couple of miles at hard pace.

Theoden noticed this and looked worriedly at him. At that point, Aragorn joined them, his sword gleaming with dark orc blood; the clothes he wore over his mail were torn in places and slashed, his wet hair clinging to his face.

"It is good to see you alive Lord Aragorn," greeted the King.

"And you Theoden King," nodded Aragorn, "Harold? Are you well?"

"I am very tired, Aragorn, much sorcery have I done in very little time," commented Harry, "yet it seems that more is yet required."

"Do not over burden yourself, and spare your strength for when it is most desperately needed," advised Aragorn. Harry smiled weakly.

"You speak much more wisely than I, Aragorn," said Harry, "how long do you think we'll hold in the Keep?"

"We have but reduced our foe by less than half its number at too great a cost, they'll bring the heavy Siege machinery to bear now," sighed Aragorn wearily.

Not five minutes later, this proved to be the case, as heavy Ballista's; which were something like a huge crossbow mounted on a frame with wheels, opened fire upon the Keep.

They fired huge three pronged hooks that trailed a heavy cable in their wake. The hooks landed in the interior of the open Keep and were pulled taught and they hooked onto the ledges of the Keep's exterior. It was only when the three huge broad ladders, each loaded with orcs clinging onto it like monkeys, that Harry realized why the Ballista's fired hooks in the first place. The orcs were using the very Keep that was killing them as a base of leverage to raise the heavy ladders.

They made frightfully easy targets for the archers though. But it would not stop the ladders from being placed. It was futile for men to try and hew the cable, as the first five meters trailing from the hook was solid steel.

Harry raised and pointed his staff at the point where steel and rope met and smiled at the thought of the little spell that would give the orcs on the adjoining ladder a big surprise.

"Diffindo," he muttered. The rope snapped as the spell severed it from the steel of the hook. The ladder stopped dead in the air, balancing precariously as it stood at ninety degrees, relative to the ground. The orcs panicked movements however upset this balance and it came falling back. The ladder crushed out a huge long line in the host of Uruk's.

Harry also quickly threw a Reductor Curse at the second ladder, which rocked back and mirrored the effect of the first fallen ladder. He could do nothing about the third ladder, which came to rest against the Keep. Aragorn sped off to meet the orcs now spilling into the Keep, in his wake trailed Gimli and Legolas. Harry's heart rejoiced at still seeing those two alive and well enough to still wield axe and blade. Man and Elf converged from both sides on the ladder. No orc stood a realistic fighting chance to stand its ground now.

It was with great alarm that Harry sensed the malice of Saruman come forth again, and he was too late at deducing the intention of the traitorous wizard. Lightning shot from the clouds above at hit the main gate of the Keep. Harry felt it wrench his enchantment from the gate. He raised his staff and groaned in the effort to maintain the spell.

"Damn you, Saruman," Harry gasped. He fought and fought but he was too tired, and had to release, lest he be broken.

Instantly, they heard the crunching of the gate, as the battering ram was brought to bear again.

"Sorry, King Theoden, Saruman has wrenched the gate from my control," Harry leaned on his staff, his breathing coming in great gasps. Theoden smiled and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"You did all you could, for that you have won my deepest respect and solidarity, go to the inner-fortress and regain your strength, I rather doubt you could do much as a swordsman. But do not be troubled with the thought of abandoning battle, for you have sundered countless orcs today, and have won much renown," stated Theoden. Despite himself, Harry blushed at the praise and nodded.

He walked wearily from the observation platform, and into the inner-fortress. Harry wearily laid himself down on one of the benches in the dining hallthrone room. He wondered how on this Middle-Earth he could afford to sleep at a time like this, but his weary mind had little time to wonder as he fell asleep.

*

Harry awoke with a start at the sound of a huge crashing, as if wood was being sundered against wood. He sat up slowly, using his staff to help in the effort. The thronedining room heavy door had a large group of Rohan knights around it, hastily trying to brace it with anything available. Aragorn was among them, Gimli stood back advising them on where to place the beams and Legolas was also helping pile materials.

King Theoden stood near his throne, a wound on his arm being attended to.

"Why bother? The fortress is taken," commented the King in a heartless voice.

"You said Helm's Deep would never fall with your men defending it," exclaimed Aragorn incredulously, "they have defended it, they have died defending it!"

Harry could almost not believe his luck in waking up now. He felt a lot better and stood to walk into the conversation.

"If the Inner-Fortress is taken, the women and children...in the caves..." Harry trailed off and Aragorn's eyes widened in realization.

"Is there no other way out of the caves, that will allow them to escape to the other side of the mountain range?" asked Aragorn of Gamling the Old.

"Yes there is," replied the Gamling nervously, "but the Uruk's are too many and will simply follow them inside and run them down."

"So much death," stated the King, his voice breaking, "what can men do against such reckless hate?"

And then the gruff solemn voice of Gimli could be heard: "The sun is rising."

All turned their glances to the windows as sunlight started to stream in through them. It brought warmth to Harry's heart. Aragorn's eyes bore the light of distant realization.

"Ride with me. Let's ride out and meet them head on," he stated with purpose and conviction. The King blinked and his mind seemed to come to the same realization.

"Yes...yes! For death and honor!" stated the King.

"For Rohan," insisted Aragorn.

"Let the Horn of Helmhammerhand, resound in the Deep, one last time..." ordered the King.

"Yes!" cried Gimli and leaped up the adjoining stairs to blow the huge horns that were embedded into the side of the Keep. Horses were mustered from the caves and Harry found himself mounted on Haldad once again.

"I told you we would meet again," murmured Harry, patting the neck of the great horse, "now you must bear us to perhaps face our deaths, it will be sad, but I accept it as likely." Harry felt his heart call out to Luna, he felt her suddenly as if she was standing right next him, and a tear escaped his eyes.

"I am with you always, Harry, always," came her voice.

The door to the fortress buckled once, twice, the Riders of Rohan were ready. With a final crunch the door flew off its hinges.

"Forth Eorlingas!" cried the King, drawing his sword and charging, a whole host of Riders in his wake. The Horn resounded loudly, rumbling the seeming foundations of the very earth on which the Keep stood. The Riders cried out and sword and spear was thrust and the orcs scattered in front of the host of riders as if a giant hand was sweeping them from the face of the earth.

"Impedimenta Maxima!" snarled Harry with his staff pointed ahead of him. He was just behind the King and Aragorn was to his left. Orcs were blasted off their feet and flew out of their way as the Rohirrim in their wake hewed orc after orc. They rode down through the innards of the Keep and won their way to the main gate and charged out of it. Harry's curse constantly threw orcs out of their way as they tumbled off the ramp on both sides.

His curse finally ran its course and Harry finally drew his own sword for the first time. He kept it in his left hand and alternately slashed at orc heads and threw Reductor and Killing curses with his staff, on the Rohirrim rode. Captains or Champions fell and fled before them. No orc withstood them.

There the company of Rohirrim halted. Then a sight caught his eye and his sense. Harry looked up, as did all the riders of Rohan. Up the eastern hills was a shining white figure on a prancing horse that neighed in agitation and eagerness. Harry knew and saw him instantly for who he was. The power that radiated from the wizard was awe-inspiring, even to Harry. Shafts of the sun flared above the eastern hills.

Then another rider joined the White wizard. It was Eomer; the full might of the Rohan had been mustered and brought to bear at last. Behind these two riders appeared another line of riders and they charged with Gandalf the White leading them on Shadowfax. Over four thousand horses and armed riders poured over the eastern hills towards the flank of the orc host, which now numbered less than five thousand.

The King and his company surged forward anew, with a thousand heart's courage filling them. Harry sent forth lightning and flame, wielding his sword a bit clumsily in his left hand, but the blows it delivered were still deadly nonetheless.

The orc host leveled poleaxes against the flanking Rohan cavalry led by Gandalf. The wizard it seemed had this eventuality covered, as the instant before battle was joined the sun flared three times as bright behind the riders and blinded the orcs, causing their poleaxes to be raised or dropped as the orcs clawed at their eyes.

The army of Rohan swept and sundered the orc host's flank as the King drove forward. Harry was rather amazed at the effect that Gandalf was having on the orcs. It was as if they could not bear to look at the wizard or be near him and in terror and fear cast down all weaponry and fled. It was like Gandalf himself was a living warding charm.

The tide had turned, and the Army of Rohan pushed the remaining orcs forward and out of the ravine. It was then that Harry noted something extremely strange, where the previous day was a smooth valley entering into the ravine, it was now sealed off with Great trees, bare and silent, standing rank on rank, with tangled bough and silver heads; their twisted roots buried were buried in the long green grass. Darkness and death hung under them like a cloud.

Between the army of Rohan and the murderous trees; there now cowered the once proud hosts of Saruman, in terror of the King and in terror of the trees. Vainly they crawled and clambered about the walls of the valley, seeking to escape. Upon the east too sheer and stony was the valley's side; upon the west their final doom approached as the Riders of Rohan was charging from that direction.

Like a black smoke driven by a mounting wind the orcs fled. Wailing they passed under the waiting shadows of the trees; and from that shadow none ever came again.

"Now that is wizardry!" exclaimed Harry, as the Army of Rohan came to a stop, keeping well away from the trees.

"Well, not exactly Mr. Potter, just more like an old friend helping out another," came a solemn, deep, humorous voice from his right. For a moment Harry thought Professor Dumbledore had come but knew that was not the case and he turned to regard Gandalf the White. The wizard was fully robed in pure white and his long white hair and beard shimmered in the sun. His beard was not as arduously long as Dumbledore's, he also had a more prominent nose.

Harry smiled and urged Haldad to reverse step next to Shadowfax. He breathed out a sigh of relief and held out a hand to Gandalf, which the older wizard shook amiably.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Gandalf," greeted Harry.

"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you indeed, for I have very interesting news for you, but that must only be shared in private, as well as any explanations on the conflict you now find yourself in," stated Gandalf whose eyes twinkled in delight.

"Arrggh, what is it with elder wizards and their twinkling personalities!" growled Harry with a smile.

"That, Mr. Potter or rather Harold is something you will find out eventually," grinned Gandalf. Harry sheathed his sword, tucked in his staff and sighed.

Suddenly there were shouts of triumph as Eomer and Gimli came forward. The dwarf had no helm and about his head was a linen band stained with blood; but his voice was proud and strong.

"Forty-two orcs I hewed, Legolas!" cried the dwarf, "But my axe is ruined for the moment, the forty-second had an iron collar round his neck. How is it with you?"

"You passed my score by one," answered Legolas, "but I don't grudge you the game, I am very glad to see you on your legs!"

"Welcome Eomer," said Theoden, "I am glad indeed that you are safe."

"Hail, Theoden King!" said Eomer, "the dark night has passed and day has come again. But the day has brought strange tidings." He turned to and gazed in wonder, first at the wood and then at Gandalf and Harry. "Once more you came in the hour of need, unlooked-for and have even managed to summon one of your kin to help with the initial defense," said Eomer, looking pointedly at Harry.

"Unlooked-for?" stated Gandalf, "I said that I would return and meet you here."

"But you did not name the hour, nor tell us the manner of your coming. You are mighty in wizardry, Gandalf the White," exclaimed Eomer, "and the tales of your deeds in the defense of the Deep, Harold the Lost will definitely not be forgotten."

Harry wanted to say that it was a sure team effort but Gandalf rather beat him to it.

"That may be," sighed Gandalf, "but if so I have not shown it yet, Harold has shown more. I have only given good advice at the right time and made use of the speed of Shadowfax. Your own valor has done much more.

Everyone turned in question to the trees, for even Harry was baffled at their sudden appearance, and how they killed such a mass of orcs was beyond his reckoning. Gandalf laughed long and merrily.

"The trees?" the old wizard said, "that is not wizardry, but a power far older, a power that walked the earth before elf and man."

"And what is that?" asked Theoden.

"You'll learn the answer if you come with me to Isengard," answered Gandalf.

Harry sighed upon hearing this; they were going to confront Saruman himself. It was now clear to Harry that his path for the moment lay with Gandalf, another dark wizard to defeat or kill or disempower. Theoden objected to going anywhere near Isengard, since no reckoning of men or elf could hope to assail it with success.

"Nevertheless to Isengard I go," insisted Gandalf, "I shall not stay there long, for my way lies now eastward."

"May I go with?" asked Harry. Gandalf smiled at him.

"Of course Harold, you may, and you could compare him to your fallen kin in your realm," stated Gandalf.

"I would not learn much, dark wizards are all alike, for I have peered into Saruman's mind already when I battled with him, albeit distantly," explained Harry.

"Then you and I have much more to talk about," surmised Gandalf.

"I shall go with as well," stated Theoden fervently, "Saruman has caused too much ail to my kingdom for me not to confront him as well."

"Very well," nodded Gandalf, "bring only twenty knights with you, we go to parley not to war."

Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas also expressed their desire to come and Gandalf instructed all who were to ride with him to rest now. For their journey would be under the cover of darkness. The army of Rohan fell back into Helm's Deep where the woman and children came forth from their hiding and greeted the warmth of a new day.

The King sent out Riders to all corners of Rohan with news of the victory, and also bid all men, young and old to come in haste to Edoras. Assembly would be held there of all who could bear arms on the second day after the full moon.

Gandalf bid for Eomer, Theoden, Harry, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Haldir; who had sustained a minor cut in his side, to join him upon the summit of the eastern hill of the valley.

Harry could see far in the distance, beyond distant mountains, a terrible hung of cloud was gathered further beyond it, and deep red light illuminated the clouds and a heavy lightning storm broiled within it.

"Sauron's wrath will be swift, his vengeance terrible," stated Gandalf darkly, "the battle for Helm's Deep is over, the battle for Middle-Earth is but beginning, all our hopes now rest with two little hobbits, deep in the wilderness."

*

For much of the day Harry and Gandalf talked in a private room off from the King's throne in the Keep. The room was warded shut as tightly as Gandalf could accomplish.

Harry related almost his whole seven years of schooling at Hogwarts, and since the Prophecy had been fulfilled, he had no qualms of telling Gandalf why he had so much power for a young wizard. Gandalf was most interested to know of Voldemort and wizard society in general on Earth.

Gandalf talked much in return of his own very long life, of his youth in the West, beyond the Sea, where wizards and witches dwelt in numbers as plentiful as on Earth, where the Valar still dwelt and all who lived there. Gandalf also explained much of the three Ages of Middle-Earth its history and how Morgoth and Sauron came about. Sauron's plot to tempt the races of Middle-Earth with the Rings of Power, and how he largely succeeded, the forging of the One Ring.

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,

One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

In the Land of Mordor where the shadows lie.

The whole war that Middle-Earth was currently embroiled in was solely to prevent Sauron from regaining the One Ring, and the attempt to destroy the Ring itself. Harry was thoroughly relieved to hear that Sauron could not take physical form, without the Ring back on his hand. Since the Ring itself contains the biggest and best part of Sauron's power and evil.

When Gandalf told Harry of his plan to destroy the Ring, it puzzled him that he should entrust the destruction of the One Ring to two hobbits, whom he was told was not of great stature and power. Gandalf only said that he had done so because of the hidden strength of heart that was present in all hobbits and that he had foreseen that the Weak would rise to the call when the Wise and Mighty fail.

"Idiots, idiots," murmured Harry, "how could all the races have been deceived in this fashion?"

"Sauron has great art of magic and evil at his disposal, and when he shared his knowledge with the dwarven-smiths in forging the Rings of Power he veiled himself in a cloak of fairness, and justice. Only the very Wise such as Elrond of Rivendell, the oldest elf on Middle-Earth, could see glimpses beyond the trusting face that Sauron showed. You see Harold, in each of the Rings of Power, there was bound the strength and will to govern each race," he paused for a moment and drank water from a goblet; "three rings were given to the elves, who loved living things and were fair and mighty. Seven were gifted to the dwarves, who desire hoards of wealth, therefore their Rings held sway over earth and rock to mine for treasure and gold. Nine Rings were gifted to the nine great Kings of Men, who above all desired power."

"So Sauron forged the One Ring in Mount Doom, and since all the Rings were bound to his, he would have had control over all the races," surmised Harry carefully, thinking about the magical forces behind such Rings, what their limitations and strengths would be.

"Yes, but Sauron overestimated the influence the Rings would have on the elves and dwarves. The instant Sauron put on the One, the elves and dwarves realized Sauron's deception. The elves cast all the minor Rings they had aside, the dwarves lost all their Rings in the previous War against Sauron at the end of the second Age," explained Gandalf.

"And Men?" asked Harry.

"Sauron's design for the race of Men, were rather wholly successful. The Nine Kings refused to cast their Rings aside, for their desire for unbroken power was too great in their hearts. They all fell to the spell of Sauron and were cast into the shadow realm. They now dwell Middle-Earth as terrible wraiths, disguised as Riders in Black. They are the Nazgul or Ringwraiths, they forever feel the presence of the One Ring and they hunt it with all their might," stated Gandalf, munching on some food.

"What effect do they have on people?" asked Harry curiously.

"They project coldness, fear and doubt into the hearts of all, and courage flees before them. If they get close enough, they infect people with Black Breath, and if left untreated the afflicted follows them into the Shadow realm and becomes like them," answered Gandalf.

"A Patronus Charm would work on them I suppose," murmured Harry, "can they be killed?"

"I have no definite answer, it is probable, since they manifest to a degree physically on this plane of reality, that they could be killed with a sword, but the attacker would most likely fall victim to Black Breath," said Gandalf.

"Do you know of Dementors?"

"Yes, I do, I am rather familiar with you native realm Harold, if only by correspondence," smiled Gandalf. Harry's eyes were as wide as saucers and he wanted to fly into a rant, demanding to know how to send a letter. "Easy my boy, Albus warned me you were rather impulsive and stubborn, I see what he means," Gandalf pulled a letter out of his robes and handed it to Harry, "his Phoenix delivered it."

Harry frowned for a moment: "Yes, it would make sense, a Phoenix is in theory capable of such movement between realms, although until now it's never been proven."

Harry opened the sealed envelope and found two letters inside; he decided to deal with Dumbledore's first.

Dear Harry,

If you are reading this then Gandalf has found you. I hope you are well there in Middle-Earth.

If you are wondering why Gandalf and I are on a first name basis, then I guess the rabbit is rather out of the hat. I as Head of the Order of the Phoenix am the Highest Wizard of our realm of Earth, as Gandalf now is in Arda. All wizards and witches with this title in the various realms correspond with each other rather frequently. This is a title that can only be held by a Light Wizard or Witch.

Fawkes took over two days to find the realm you are currently in, which is as you know, very slow for a Phoenix, the poor boy had to search through over two hundred realms before he sensed you, and reported back to me. I digress.

I am sure you would like to know the outcome of the Battle of Little Hangleton (as it's now being called). Voldemort is finally and truly dead as anything can be, thanks to you Harry. Of course you know this, but I can't be exactly sure what Voldemort did to banish you to Arda and what affect this has had on you. Gandalf and hopefully you yourself will reply to me of your well-being.

As soon as the Death Eaters we were still fighting, saw the body of Voldemort, most of them cast their wands aside and surrendered. It appeared a lot of those there were under the sway of the Imperious, but don't worry Harry, we know how to check that now. The casualties of the battle were quite low at the final count. Five Aurors and six Death Eaters were hit with Killing Curses. Your friend Ron is being hospitalized at the moment, but will recover in a week or so.

Your friends and allies are all going spare back here, worrying over you. I do not have to say that Luna is obviously the most insistent on picking my brain about Arda, with Hermoine closely behind her. I must say I rather don't know how you cope with both of them in your life.

Publicly Harry, things are rather more complicated, but you let me worry about that.

I am sure you wonder about whether or not there is a means of coming home. Do not fear Harry, there is. It's actually quite simple. Harry I could grab Fawkes's tailfeathers and appear right next to you this instant. But this is where the problem comes; Fawkes cannot bring anyone from Arda to Earth. Only a Phoenix native to Arda can take you back to Earth. We are not sure why this is, but I can only surmise that it's a mechanism designed to protect the various realms from overly influencing one another.

Where are Phoenixes native in Arda? You ask next. Here is the other piece of bad news Harry. The Valar tend and keep them, they live beyond the Sea deep into the West. You may ask Gandalf about the details, but he will not aid you until the One Ring is dealt with, as he is bound to the care and welfare of all the realms in Middle-Earth.

Therefore I know I hardly have to ask you this Harry; help wherever you can in this War that is raging in Arda. Also trust Gandalf, for he is ten times my measure in knowledge and wisdom.

Yours truly,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry sat with an impassive mask for a moment after reading this, and finally his face broke out into a grin. He could just imagine how Luna and Hermoine were grilling the Professor for every little single thing; he rather thought they would camp out in his office.

The news of how he would get back was a little worrying. He would first have to fight and survive in the War of the Ring, and only then when Gandalf's work was finished, would he be able to board a ship for the West where the Valar dwelt. Harry supposed he could feel a little angry at Fate for doing this to him, but he had long made peace with it, and just took things as they came, for Harry had discovered one thing in his endeavors to kill Voldemort, it was a waste of energy to be angry at Fate and be overly worried about life.

Harry took the next letter and instantly recognized the flowing handwriting of Luna.

Hello my lion,

I feared the worst after I saw you disappear. What those fears were I couldn't hope to share with you in a letter. Since no words could express them. I will say this, though we are parted for the moment, never doubt my absolute love and trust for you.

It took a while for Professor Dumbledore to calm both Hermoine and me down and explain to us what happened, I rather think he slipped us both Calming Draughts in the tea he gave us. I was rather close to fainting for most of the time, as that initial void in my heart at what I thought was seeing you die was extremely close to overwhelming me.

The fact that you are alive filled that void back up with hope, but after hearing of the state Arda is in...and of the possible length of time it could take you to find a way home...I cannot tell this to you in a letter...this is so frustrating. I flutter to think that this paper will be in your hands, the very hands I so want in mine again.

I love you my lion, be safe, and do what you must, but please come back to me.

Luna

Harry's hands were shaking as they clutched her letter and he took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes as raking sobs and tears started to force their way out of him. He could not clearly remember for how long he sat crying but eventually he stopped and wiped his eyes and placed his glasses back.

"The love of my life," smiled Harry gesturing to the letter, sniffing. Gandalf smiled with a light of empathy and understanding and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I truly understand how you feel Harold, a forced parting from such a loved one is never easy," stated Gandalf.

"Yes, a piece of me dies every day she is not with me," mumbled Harry.

"Write your replies Harold, when Fawkes returns to me I will send it," instructed Gandalf softly and exited the room.

*

In the afternoon the King's company prepared to depart. The work of burial was only just beginning; and Theoden mourned for the loss of Hama, his captain and cast the first earth upon his grave. Harry remembered the Rider who had found him on the road to Edoras rather fondly for some reason he could not fathom as yet and waited his turn to cast earth into the grave.

"Great injury has Saruman done to me and all this land, and I will remember it when we meet," stated Theoden darkly.

The sun was already drawing near the hills upon the west of the valley, when at last Theoden, Gandalf, with Harry following behind and their companions rode down from the fortification. Behind them was gathered a great host of all the peoples and army of Rohan that sang a clear song of victory.

The Riders came to the wood, and they halted; horse and man were unwilling to pass in. Harry did not fancy the trees one bit; they made the Forbidden Forest look positively homey. They were gray and menacing and a dark shadow was about them. The ends of their long sweeping limbs hung down like searching fingers, their roots stood up from the ground like the legs of strange monsters.

Gandalf beckoned for Harry to ride alongside him and they took the lead and approached the line of trees, and there they parted as if revealing an archway for them to pass through.

Legolas and Gimli were now riding together upon one horse, and they kept close beside Gandalf and Harry, for Gimli was very afraid of the wood.

"It is hot in here," said Legolas addressing both wizards in front of him, "I feel a great wrath about me. Do you not feel the air throb in your ears?"

"Yes," said Gandalf and Harry could only nod. He was not sure it was wise to speak at the moment.

"What has become of the orcs?" asked Legolas.

"I think, no one will ever know," said Gandalf.

*

They finally emerged from the trees and Harry gave a big sigh of relief. It was but a Gryffindor who could lead with Gandalf, and guide men through that amount of anger and malice, even though the trees would only ever attack orcs. Gandalf explained that the trees came from Fangorn Forest, which bordered with Isengard, and long had Saruman ailed them to make his weapons of war and fuel his burning forges.

"How far is it to Isengard?" asked Harry as the King rode up to the front again, to lead the company again.

"About fifteen leagues, as the crow flies. But we shall not ride all the way there this night," answered Gandalf.

"What will we see when we get there?" asked Gimli from behind.

"I do not know for certain myself," said Gandalf, "I was there at nightfall yesterday, but much may have happened since, but in the end the journey will not be in vain."

The company turned north on the road to the Fords of Isen. Harry was rather glad to have now some idea of where he was in Middle-Earth, relative to everything else. A sudden cry from Legolas caused Harry and everyone to halt and look back.

"There are eyes! Eyes, looking out from the shadows of the boughs!" Legolas turned to ride back in wonder.

"Stay Legolas Greenleaf!" ordered Gandalf, "do not go back into the wood!"

As Gandalf spoke, Harry was moved with wonder at what his eyes was seeing. Out of the trees three strange shapes emerged; twelve feet in height, their strong bodies, stout as young trees, seemed to be wearing hide of close-fitting brown or gray. Their limbs were long, and their hands had many fingers; their hair was stiff, their beards grey-green as moss. They gazed out with solemn eyes to the north. Suddenly they lifted their long hands to their mouths and sent forth ringing calls, that echoed countless leagues into the distance. Answering calls came and from the North more of the tree creatures came.

Gandalf called them Ents, for they were Tree-herders, and guided trees as a shepherd would guide his flock of sheep. The Ents were utterly unconcerned about the company and passed on their way. The Company for its part also went on its way as the sun finally set.

Many black-winged birds passed overhead with cries, returning to their homes in the rocks.

"The carrion fowl is very busy today," said Eomer.

They rode on at an easy pace and the darkness finally settled on the land. They had ridden for over four hours and Harry was especially stiff in the saddle. His back was not used to riding horse. Haldad must have sensed this and Harry sensed the horse tried to trot more evenly. Eventually they drew near the Fords.

Long slopes ran down to where the river spread in shoals between high grassy terraces. Harry could hear the howling of wolves. The road dipped and carved its way through the terraces to the river's edge and up again on the far side. There is plain sight were the fords, which allowed horses to cross the river easily. Harry looked at the crossings and found it odd that there was no river to speak of, the signs of the land showed that a river had very recently flowed there, but it was utterly gone.

"What happened to the river?" asked Eomer in doubt, "Saruman has destroyed many things: has he devoured the springs of Isen too?"

"It appears so," answered Gandalf.

They rode down to the river, and suddenly the wolves ceased their howling. Harry grew aware of the eyes of the wolves watching them through the darkness and he readied his staff wearily.

"Do not worry," stated Gandalf, "they will not dare attack. They know when they are mastered."

They crossed the river and rode onto an ancient highway, that Gandalf told him ran straight all the way to Isengard. The highway took its route beside the river, bending east then north; but at last it turned away and went straight to Isengard. They did not ride upon the road itself, but alongside it; for the ground was flat and true and the horses preferred it to the cobbled stone of the highway.

They rode faster and by midnight the Fords were nearly five leagues behind. It was then that Harry sensed something. A pleasant prickling at the base of his spine, that developed into a nervous flutter that shuddered through him and found its way straight to his heart.

"Gandalf? Do you feel that?" asked Harry. Gandalf did not answer but called the company to halt. King Theoden and Aragorn came forward.

"What is it?" asked Aragorn.

"Harry has sensed something, I feel it to, its another wizard or..." Gandalf turned to look at Harry a puzzled light in his eyes.

"Has Saruman come to meet us?" asked Theoden.

"No," answered Harry shortly, "it is another of our kin."

On the road ahead within the sight of men a green robed figure appeared and was walking to them. The figure came closer and Harry was finally able to estimate the height and features of the magic-user. It had a clearly feminine walk and build, and the witch held a staff of pure white that glinted in the moonlight.

"Harold I do not recognize her," stated Gandalf and then with a burst of realization, happiness and dread, Harry understood. He let out a cry of anguish and urged Haldad to gallop forward. The horse obeyed and not a moment later Harry halted beside the witch. He jumped down and they dropped their staffs and grabbed each other in a tight hug. Harry let her warm presence fill every empty spot in his heart since their forced parting. He felt tears spring anew to his eyes as she also wept in his arms and they comforted each other.

Harry felt he no longer cared about propriety and who was watching.

"Luna," he murmured contentedly.

"My lion," she sang in a singsong voice a delighted smile on her face. Their eyes met, bright blue to luminescent green, and in wonder and Harry cupped her face in his hands and they kissed with the passion of lost love found. Her lips parted and Harry took the offer.

The Company looked in awe as the couple actually started to glow with power, and it was such that they could not bear to look upon the sight of this power. All bowed their head and averted their eyes in respect. Even Gandalf could only hold the sight for a while before he too, averted his eyes.

Their lips parted and they both broke into identical grins.

"You followed me," murmured Harry, gazing with love into her eyes.

"I will follow you wherever you go," they rested their foreheads against each other.

"Did Fawkes bring you?" asked Harry. Luna nodded but Harry sensed there was more to this, "I take it Albus is not very happy that you are here."

"He does not know, I had the password so I went into his office, and convinced Fawkes to help me, I did leave him a note," she smiled contentedly.

"I am glad beyond joy Luna that you have come, but this is a dangerous place. Has Albus explained the whole situation to you?" asked Harry.

"Yes, I know what we must do," they parted in their embrace and picked up their staffs. As Harry looked at her again, he had to muster a fair amount of strength not to just grab her and take her there. She sensed his desire of course and smiled impishly.

"There will also be time for that."

Harry re-mounted his horse and gave Luna a hand up to ride in front of him. Harry saw she was wearing tough jeans under her robes, so she did not need to sit sideways on the saddle. His arms circled around her and grasped Haldad's reigns and guided the horse back to the Company, where many an introduction was made.

"Many wonders and strange portents have I seen of late, but to actually see and meet a witch, I am honored, my Lady," King Theoden greeted Luna with a great deal of awe in his eyes.

They decided to end the night's journey there, as the King was weary. They were at the feet of the Misty Mountains.

The horses were tended and camp was pitched beside the bed of the Isen river. The vale lay before them, softly illuminated with the glow from the moon. Ahead of them out of the dale raised a huge column of smoke and vapor.

Harry and Luna sat down on their bedspreads, where Harry talked of all that had occurred to him since his appearance in Middle-Earth. He also explained all that he knew of the One Ring. Luna was apparently well briefed by Dumbledore on the coming and goings of Middle-Earth. Harry looked at her staff closely for the first time, it was as high as she was, the head of the staff was carved out and an elegant unicorn pranced proudly on top, the color was rather like Gandalf's; moonlight white.

"Greetings Luna," approached Gandalf, "I hope I am not disturbing?" asked the elder wizard worryingly.

"No, we are just catching up," explained Luna dreamily.

"Then I will be brief, soon we will be at Isengard where Saruman himself dwells. I just want to tell you what to expect, to forearm you against him. Saruman's unique power, the one that he has above all others is his Voice. With it he could convince the happiest man in the world, to take his own life," explained Gandalf.

"A more subtler version of the Imperious Curse then?" asked Harry.

"Yes, that's a good way to think of it. He does not need his staff to employ this skill and he can do this to entire crowds of people," said Gandalf.

"What is your actual aim in going to Isengard, Gandalf?" asked Harry.

"The staff of the traitor will be snapped," sang Luna in a voice that was all too familiar to Harry. He moved closer to her and wrapped her in his embrace, and she leaned her head back into him.

"Well, Harold, I'd say that Luna has just given that answer," said Gandalf solemnly, "how long has she shown signs of Second Sight?"

"Now that I think about it, ever since I met her, but her father told me she has been doing this since she was seven," Harry gazed at Luna contentedly and kissed her on the forehead.

"Interesting...anyway, it's highly unlikely that Saruman's voice will effect either of you, since you are both magical. Just be wary of tomorrow when we meet him, he will try to sway all the King's knights under the spell, I doubt he'll succeed with us there though. Now take some rest," Gandalf smiled at the content couple and took his leave.

*

Harry awoke to the face of Luna staring at him, she smiled and kissed him slowly on his forehead, cheeks, nose and finally she delved in his mouth for a deep passionate kiss.

"Good morning," she greeted.

"Morning," answered Harry sleepily, but with a dopey grin on his face.

"I just thought you should know that the river is flowing again," she pointed behind her.

Harry could indeed hear the flowing voice of a river, hurrying down amongst stones. He sat up and frowned at first then smiled. The Isen was flowing again.

"That can only be a good omen," stated Harry.

Dawn approached and they made ready to go on. The light was gray though and they did not see the rising of the sun. Heavy fog and a foul stench lay in the air and it made Harry want to enclose himself in a Bubble-Head Charm. Harry called Haldad to them after they had cleaned themselves up a bit with magic. Harry and Luna mounted on the proud horse and settled next to Gandalf as they slowly rode on.

So it was that late in the morning they arrived at Isengard itself. And Harry was rather loath to describe it. Behind the ring walls of Isengard there were acres tilled by his slaves; but most of the valley in which Isengard lay had become a wilderness of weeds and thorns.

No trees grew within the ring walls, but among the rank grasses could be seen burned and axed stumps of ancient groves. Inside the circle of a mile in diameter, it was hollowed out like a vast shallow bowl, once it had been green and filled with groves of fruitful trees that were watered by streams from the mountains. But nothing grew here in the latter days of Saruman. Many houses, chambers, halls and passages were now built within subterranean passages and shafts that opened to the great sky above at some points. Thousands could dwell there like ants and with great supply. To Harry the Ring of Isengard looked like a watery graveyard of unquiet dead. For most of it looked flooded. The country all around them felt sad. The highway became a wide street with gutters and paved with great flat stones, set in place with immense skill.

There was only one entrance in the ring walls, a great arch facing south. The Company rode in. And Harry could now fully see the Tower of Isengard. It had a marvelous shape, the rock from which it was made was black and gleaming hard: four piers of a heptagonal stone were built as one, near the summit they became gaping horns, their pinnacles sharp as spears. Between them was a narrow flat space of polished stone; a person could stand there five hundred feet above the plain. This was Orthanc.

'So this is the stronghold of Saruman,' thought Harry.

"It's a beautiful tower, it must have been such a serene place before," murmured Luna sadly.

"Yes, Gandalf told me this was where the wardens of Gondor resided once, where they set watch upon the West, astronomers could also do their work freely at the pinnacle of the tower," sighed Harry sadly.

They approached the feet of the tower carefully, avoiding any pool of dirty water. Gandalf and the rest of the Company stopped near the great steps of the tower, which led to the doors, which were shut tight. But there at the foot, next to a great rubble heap were two small figures. To Harry and Luna's eyes they looked like a children reveling in a meal, for at their feet were sumptuous provisions, one was asleep, the other leaning back with crossed legs on a broken rock.

The child with curly brown locks of hair jumped to his feet and bowed very low and addressed the King.

"Welcome to Isengard, my Lords!" he said. "We are the door wardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name; my companion," he gave the other a dig with his foot to wake him, "is Peregrin, son of Paladin, of the House of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is within; but at the moment he is imprisoned with one Wormtongue, or else he would be here to greet such honorable guests."

"Doubtless he would!" laughed Gandalf, "and was it Saruman that ordered you to guard his doors, and watch for the arrival of guests, when your attention could be spared from plate and bottle?"

"No, good wizard, the matter escaped him," answered Merry gravely, "our orders came from Treebeard, who has taken over the management of Isengard. He commanded me to welcome the Lord of Rohan with fitting words. I have tried my best."

"And what about us hey? What about Legolas, Aragorn and me?" cried Gimli, unable to contain himself. Harry knew of the heavy quest that the dwarf, Aragron and Legolas had undertaken to rescue the two hobbits standing in front of them. Harry had finally been able to understand them as being the Halflings that Gandalf had talked about.

"You rascals, you wooly footed, wool-pated truants! A fine hunt you cost us! Two hundred leagues through forest, battle and death, to rescue you! And here we find you feasting and idling. Hammer and tongs! I am torn between rage and joy!"

"You speak for me Gimli," laughed Legolas.

"These are the hobbits you have heard of," whispered Harry in Luna's ear, "it is two of their kin that carries the One Ring to the only place where it can be destroyed."

"It is hard to believe that Gandalf entrusted the fate of this world in the hands of a race who in appearance is so small and very little apparent strength," murmured Luna.

"Ah, but that is the way with all things, every strength is weakness, and every weakness is strength. If we are big and strong, that means they are small and weak, but in turn they are fast, mobile and stealthy, while we are not," said Harry.

"Where is Treebeard?" asked Gandalf.

"Away on the North side, I believe, he went to get a drink of clean water. Most of the other Ents are with him, still busy at their work over there," gestured Merry toward a steaming lake within the Ring of Isengard.

"But is Orthanc left unguarded?" asked Gandalf.

"The water prevents coming and going, but Quickbeam and some other Ents are watching it. Not all the posts and pillars in the plain are of Saruman's work. Quickbeam is very near here," answered Merry.

"It is past noon, and we have not eaten since early morning. Yet I wish to see Treebeard. Can you two direct the company to the origin of that fine meal you have there?" The Hobbits nodded. "Good. Well, Theoden, Harold, Luna, will you ride with me to see Treebeard? When you see him you will learn much. For he is the eldest living thing in Middle-Earth and chief of all the Ents."

Luna nodded eagerly, always the Ravenclaw. Harry chuckled at her exuberance and she cuffed him on the arm.

"Ow! That hurt," exclaimed Harry with mock indignation.

"Prat," smiled Luna.

"Yes, Gandalf we'll come," sighed Harry. Gandalf chuckled.

"I will also go," said Theoden. The four of them urged their horses to trot forward and round the tower they went.

*

They stopped at furthest northern edge of the Ring of Isengard. There was a gathering of over fifty Ents all humming and hooming in the strangest of languages Harry had ever heard.

A very tall Ent stepped forward to greet them and Harry thought he could mistake the Ent for a very healty Pine or Oak tree, if he was walking past him in idleness. The Ent had haunting amber eyes and a long dark moss beard.

"Hmmm, welcome Gandalf," came the booming voice of the Ent whom Harry assumed was Treebeard.

"Greetings my friend, accompanying me is Theoden, Lord of the Mark. And two of my kin from a distant realm who has come to aid in this war, Harold the Lost and Luna the Eye," said Gandalf. Harry frowned at Gandalf's curious title for Luna but it made sense, since her Second Sight was her unique gift. A glance from Luna showed Harry that she did not mind the title one bit.

"Hoooomm, yes, from the boughs and roots I greet you all. My name is Treebeard and as you can see, our labor with this place has been much, and we are refreshing ourselves," said Treebeard.

"Greetings Treebeard, a fascinating honor it is to meet you. And on behalf of my people I thank you for lending aid in this battle past," said Theoden.

"Hummmm, pay it no mind youngling Lord, great ail was done to us both by that accursed foe sitting in Orthanc. You have done but your part, in the battle, as the Ents have done theirs. Now we must labor to heal and rebuild," stated Treebeard solemnly. The great Ent turned his gaze to Harry and Luna. "Indeed they are from distant realm and betrothed to each other. But I have not seen a witch in Middle-Earth for a long, long time. It's indeed a pleasure to meet you both, my friends."

"And you," said Harry as he and Luna bowed their heads in greeting.

"I must thank you Harold the Lost, most especially, Hoommm, the trees brought tiding of your deeds, slain many an orc have you with great magics," said Treebeard. Harry could not keep himself from flushing at the praise. "Yes, Gandalf you wish to ask something of me?"

"Indeed, I ask that you keep watch over Orthanc, and if you could extend the forest to cover all around the Ring of Isengard, but leaving the roads in tact, and to keep the inside of the Ring flooded, I would be grateful," said Gandalf.

"Hummm, passage to Orthanc you wish to make difficult I see," surmised Treebeard.

"Yes, for many reasons, no matter what happens I doubt that Saruman will venture forth from the tower while we are here. I will not have harm come to him, but I will be breaking his staff. There are many things and knowledge stored in Orthanc as well, which should never see the light of day to any but the Wise. Therefore I also bid you to take the keys of Orthanc into your keeping," said Gandalf.

"Hooomm, the land in and around the Ring was the forest's in the first place, but that accursed wizard and his orcs made the land bare with his war forges," Treebeard had the distinct impression of an angry Snape when he mentioned anything to do with Saruman and his deeds, "as for your other requests Gandalf, it shall be done."

Then Gandalf, Treebeard and Theoden spoke at length, and Harry turned Haldad around so Luna could see Orthanc again.

"Treebeard is amazing," murmured Luna, leaning back into Harry, who wrapped her in his embrace from behind.

"Truly, its hard to believe anything can be that old," said Harry. Luna chuckled. "What's funny?"

"I was thinking about what Hermoine would say should she be here, her we have met High-Elves, Hobbits, Kings, Rangers, and the oldest living creature in this realm. Trees! Trees I tell you, which can talk, walk, move and relate as people to one another. Then there in the distance is Orthanc, which is purportedly filled with knowledge and devices, magical and otherwise, she'd battle Voldemort personally to get at it," the couple laughed merrily at that.

"Come my friends," beckoned Gandalf, "let us finally deal with this treachery." Harry let Theoden and Gandalf take the lead as they headed back to the doors of Orthanc.

*

They returned to the Company, and halted under the shadow of the rock.

"Treebeard and I have had interesting discussions and made some plans. Are you all refreshed and rested?" asked Gandalf.

"That we are," said Merry, "our discussions began and ended in smoke. Still we feel less angered by Saruman than we did."

"Indeed?" said Gandalf, "well my anger is not lessened. I have a last task before we leave: I must pay Saruman a visit. Dangerous and useless; but must be done. Any who wish can come with, but do not jest! This not the time for it."

"I will come and see if he really looks like you," said Gimli.

"How will you do that Gimli?" asked Harry, "Saruman could look like Gandalf to your eyes, if it suited his purposes with you." Gimli looked at Harry and gave a gasp of fright.

The dwarf saw sitting behind Luna atop Haldad, not the visage of Harry, but rather Gandalf the Grey. Gimli blinked once and again, and Harry returned to his eyes.

"See Gimli," said Gandalf, "it takes a wise mind to see beyond the veil of counterfeit a wizard can throw on himself, but do not fear. Saruman would be hard pressed to weave his spells with two wizards and a witch in defense. We shall see. He may be shy of showing himself with so many arrayed against him. The Ents are out of sight to lure him out."

"What is the danger?" asked Pippin, "will he shoot at us and pour fire out of the windows; or can he put a spell on us from a distance?"

"The last is most likely," answered Gandalf, "a wild beast cornered is not safe to approach and beware of his voice!"

At the foot of the stairs Gandalf and the King dismounted, Harry and Luna followed suit.

"I, my kin and Aragorn will go up," said Gandalf, "We know our peril. Those who wish to go up, follow us, but by staying here you will see and hear all anyway."

Harry slipped out both his and Luna's staff's out of their mounted slings alongside Haldad. They both moved to stand next to Gandalf.

"I too will go up," said the king, "I am old and fear no peril any more. I wish to speak to the enemy that has done me so much harm, Eomer will accompany me." Gimli and Legolas decided to come as well.

They all walked up the stairs and came to the doors of Orthanc, Gandalf beat on it with his staff.

"Saruman!" cried Gandalf commandingly, "come forth!"

There was no answer for some time. Eventually a window opened above the door, but no figure could be seen at its dark opening.

"Who is it?" asked a voice. Harry's ears for some reason clenched in revulsion at the sound of it.

"I know that voice, and curse the day I first listened to it!" snarled Theoden.

"Go and fetch Saruman, Wormtongue, since you have become his servant. And do not waste our time!" commanded Gandalf. The window closed and they waited. Harry sensed him before he appeared, since he used a trick that Harry knew well, thanks to Dumbledore. Harry looked up and heard a melodious enchanting voice coming from the balcony above them. The magic imbued in the voice was indeed very similar to the Imperious curse, therefore it failed to make any impression or impact on him or Luna. Gandalf he saw stood stock still, waiting.

"Well?" asked Saruman, "why must you disturb my rest? Will you give me no peace?" the tone was that of a kindly heart aggrieved by injustices undeserved. Pathetic.

Finally, Saruman revealed himself and everyone looked up. He was an old man, enclosed in a great cloak, the color of which changed if you moved your eyes. His face was long with a high forehead and deep darkling eyes, with a grave look of benevolence. His hair and beard were white, but strands of black showed through.

"Like and unlike," muttered Gimli.

"But come now," said Saruman, "two of you I know by name. Gandalf I know too well to have hope that he would seek counsel here or help. But you Theoden, Lord of Rohan, are declared by your noble devices, and still more by the fair countenance of the House of Eorl. O worthy son of Thengel the Thrice-renowned! Why have you not come before and as a friend? I have desired to see you, mightiest King of western lands, to save you from unwise and evil counsels. Indeed I alone can aid you now."

Harry saw the effect this was having on everyone. Theoden tried to speak but said nothing. He looked to Saruman and then to Gandalf and hesistated. The Riders stirred with approval at the melodious words. Then there was a heavy silence.

"Well done Saruman," laughed Harry, "nicely veiled your power is and how subtle your influence is on their minds. I must say that you are the best-spoken and charismatic wizard I have ever met." Harry and Luna joined hands and raised their staffs and a wind blew over all the company. The shadow of doubt and peril that was raised in all their hearts and minds by the voice, departed as fog in the morning sun.

Saruman blinked in surprise but continued speaking in his voice.

"And here is the wizard who did me most direct ail. Did you come all the way from your realm to harm me? And brought your beloved with. I could have words with you about that, since the wizards of this realm did not want witches to come to Middle-Earth due to its dangers," stated Saruman solemnly.

"Excuse me, old man," said Luna in contempt, "I just have to glance at you once and I can See you plain for what you are. You aura reeks of treachery, lies, deceit and murder. Your enthrallment has cost thousands of lives, and yet you seek to somehow continue."

Saruman was now beside himself with anger and Harry could feel it coming from him in waves. He leaned over the rail.

"Be quiet wench! I have not come..." he did not finish his sentence. Harry raised his staff and cried, "Legillimens!" Saruman staggered on the railing and shook, his eyes closed as he was trapped inside his own mind reliving the worst memories as Harry called them forth. Harry let it go on for five seconds and let go. Saruman stood up wheezing. Now Harry imbued his own voice with magic and let it carry his anger.

"To curse her, is to curse me, and brings my anger four hundred fold in return, do not let it happen again. Nor try to weave your spells around the minds of these men. For you will get more pain than you can imagine!" snarled Harry.

"Gibberts and crows!" hissed Saruman, and they shuddered at the sudden change in his voice. "What is the house of Eorl but a thatched barn where brigands drink, and their brats roll on the floor among the dogs? I do not know why I have the patience to speak to you. I hardly need you, or your little band of gallopers. Go Theoden Horsemaster, I offered you a state beyond your merit and wit. But only given me abuse and brag in return. Go back to your huts!"

"But you Gandalf! Of noble mind and eye will you not listen to my counsel?"

"What have you to say, that you did not say at our last meeting? Or perhaps you have things to unsay?" asked Gandalf finally.

"Unsay?" Saruman paused, "I endeavored to advise you for your own good, but you scarcely listened. I bore you no ill-will; even now I bear none, unlike the two Istari you have brought with you, and in company of the violent and ignorant. Are we not members of a high and ancient order? Our friendship will profit both of us. Let us understand one another, and dismiss from thought these lesser folk! Let them wait on our decisions! For the common good I am willing to redress the past, and receive you. Will you not consult with me? Will you not come up?"

The power in the voice was so great, that Harry had to strain against it and grit his teeth in the effort to remain master of his mind and heart. Luna had her hands over her ears and was murmuring a mantra to herself to endure it. None were unmoved by this speech and even Gandalf had shaken his head to clear it.

Harry raised his staff and a bright light shot out of it, Saruman raised his own staff attempted to deflect it, but his effort failed wholly. The light hit him and he fell down screaming in agony. Harry's eyes glowed green as he maintained the power for a moment and then let go. Saruman took a while to struggle back to his feet, using his staff to help.

"What did I say Saruman?" asked Harry rhetorically. Gandalf laughed.

"Saruman, you missed your path in life, you should have been a king's jester and earned your bread mimicking his counselors. Understand one another? I fear I am beyond your comprehension, but you I understand now too well. When I last was here, you were the jailor of Mordor, and I was to be sent there. No Saruman, the guest who escaped from the roof will not come up. But Saruman, will you not come down?" asked Gandalf.

"Will I come down?" mocked Saruman, "Does an unarmed man come to speak with robbers out of doors? I am no fool and do not trust you Gandalf. They do not stand openly but I know where the wood-demons are lurking, at your command."

"The treacherous are ever distrustful and treacherous to themselves," mocked Harry.

"You do not need to fear for your skin Saruman. I do not wish to kill you, as you would know if you truly understood me. You can leave Orthanc free," stated Gandalf. Harry looked incredulously to Gandalf, as if he could not believe what he was hearing. He started to say something but was quelled when Luna gave him a look of warning to wait.

"That sounds well," sneered Saruman. "But there are conditions you will impose, and what do you mean by 'free'?"

"Reasons for leaving you can see well enough from your windows. Your servants destroyed and your neighbors you have made enemies of. And have cheated your new master, or tried to anyway. When his eye turns to you, it will be in red wrath. By 'free' I mean exactly that: free from bond or chain of command: to go where you will, even to Mordor. But you will surrender me your staff. It will be a pledge of you conduct to be returned when you merit it again," stated Gandalf.

Saruman grew livid.

"Do not be a fool! Go away and come back when you are sober. Leave behind these cutthroats and rag-tags that dangle at your tail. I have other things to do." He turned and left the balcony.

"Come back Saruman!" said Gandalf in a commanding voice. Harry was awed at the magic that played forth in this voice; it made Saruman's look like a child's. Saruman turned and as if dragged against his will, leaned on the railing of the balcony again.

"You are a fool Saruman, and yet pitiable. You might still have turned from evil and have been of service. But you choose to stay and plot you plottings. Stay then! But I warn you; you will not easily come out again. Not unless the dark hands stretch out of the east to take you!" cried Gandalf. "I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death. You have no color now, I cast you from the order and from the Council."

Harry saw the old wizard raise his hand, and speaking in a cold clear voice.

"Saruman, your staff is broken!" There was a loud crack and the staff in Saruman's hand split in two, and the head fell at Gandalf's feet. Which he picked up and stowed away in his satchel. "Go!" said Gandalf. Saruman gasped and fell back to all fours and groveled back into the tower.

Then Harry's seeker eyes saw a heavy shining orb come hurtling down from above. It glanced off the iron rail of the balcony, and passed close to Gandalf's head. Harry moved as a blur of motion and caught it.

"That murderous tyrant!" cried Eomer.

"It was not thrown by Saruman, nor at his bidding I think," stated Harry, who handed the stone to Gandalf quickly. Gandalf wrapped it in cloth and stowed it as well. Harry had guessed what the orb was the instant his hands touched it, for he felt its true nature. "It came from higher up," explained Harry.

"I would have had that you rather not touched the orb, Harold, but its done now, I will explain later," stated Gandalf.

"Always the Seeker," smiled Luna grabbing hold of Harry's hand affectionately.

"I think it's a parting shot from Wormtongue," murmured Gandalf.

"The aim was pathetic, I think, because he could not decide who he hated more, you or Saruman," said Aragorn.

"This is also a thing that Saruman would not have chosen to cast away," stated Gandalf.

"But he may have other things to cast, let us go out of stones throw at least," declared Gimli.

"It is the end," said Gandalf, "let's go."

*

They returned to the ruins of the gate of Isengard. They passed it and found Treebeard and a dozen other Ents waiting for them.

Harry and Luna were back on Haldad, and whom Harry brought to a stop.

"Have you ever seen a legal wand snapping Luna?" asked Harry.

"No, but I imagine there will be a few to come in the Wizengamot trails that will be held in a few weeks," she replied.

"I saw one in Dumbledore's pensieve, they do it for certain crimes only. But the face on the guilty after it was done, I will never forget, it's like the stripping away of a persons soul, a violation in the most fundamental of ways. But then again, the crimes they themselves committed were of such nature," explained Harry.

"It's sad that such things must be done, yes, but they are necessary," said Luna serenely.

"So Saruman would not leave?" said Treebeard. "I did not think he would. His heart is as rotten as a black Huorn's. Still if I were overcome and all my trees destroyed, I would not come while I had one dark hole left to hide in."

"No," stated Gandalf, "but you have not plotted to cover all the world with your trees and choke all other living things. But there it is Saruman remains to fester in his hatred and weave webs as he can. But he must not be allowed to escape."

"The Ents will watch over him," said Treebeard.

"Good," said Gandalf.

"Treebeard, I would feel remiss if I did not warn you of Saruman. There is but one teeth left in that wolf's mouth, though it has rather lost its sharpness. His voice still has will bending in it, be wary of listening to him," warned Harry.

"Hooomm, I will be cautious young wizard," nodded Treebeard.

The Company greeted the Ents and parted as allies and friends. The sun was setting behind the western mountains as they set out again from Isengard. So the western front in the War of the Ring was closed and at peace.