AN: Yes, I had several requests for a "NOT SUPER" Harry, and that's how I'm going to handle it. I like the symbolism of Harry fighting with ice against the Eye of Fire, so he's not fighting "fire with fire" even in the most literal of senses. Harry will be closest to Legolas, Gimli, and Frodo. Particularly Gimli, because Gimli's a Dwarf and the cousin of the last Lord of Moria. (...because Frey spent a long time in Moria. I don't blame you if you don't remember, I haven't updated in so long...)

(-)

Waking in Lothlorien was one of the most painful experiences I have ever had the pleasure to undergo. After my little chat with Manwë I expected a painful awakening, but knowing it was going to happen could not prepare me for the shock of its reality.

My magic was gone leaving a gaping hole in my chest, or at least something that damn near felt like one. I couldn't prevent the scream that tore itself from my lips as I desperately clutched the skin over my heart, feeling like I was trying to hold my body together since magic wasn't there to do it any longer.

Then, a cool, gentle touch on my hand and my body went limp. As another hand drew itself over my brow, the sharp pain that had burrowed into my chest settled into a dull ache, then subsided.

My eyelids flickered open and a lady's face came into focus. Her long, blonde tresses flowed down from the silver circlet resting on her forehead, and her blue eyes gazed at me knowingly. As she drew her hands away, a sparkle on her hand caught my eye. Resting on her hand was a ring, Nenya the Ring of Adamant. That would mean she must be...

"Lady Galadriel," I murmured.

She smiled slightly and handed me a cup of water after I managed to prop myself up against the headboard of the bed I was laying in. I took a few sips as she quietly told me, "The Valar foretold your coming, Frey. You have an important part to play in the path of the Fellowship."

I nearly choked on the sip of water I had taken. Her smile grew as I coughed a bit and sputtered for a moment. Finally I managed to breathe more clearly.

"The Fellowship? They have a path important enough to be governed by destiny?" I pondered that for a moment, then cursed. "Wonderful, I've done it again. Next thing I know I'll be getting involved in the fate of this entire world."

Lady Galadriel's smile turned bittersweet. "Did you not know? The Fellowship is the last hope of the Free World. You are involved in preventing the destruction of this world as we know it, young one."

I took a deep breath shakily set aside the cup. "Tell me everything."

(-)

When the Fellowship arrived in Lothlorien, I was still too weak to go to greet them. I watched through the Lady's Mirror as the Fellowship approached Lady Galadriel, my gaze lingering on the Elf and the Dwarf.

Then Lord Celeborn pointed out something I had been hesitant to acknowledge. "Eight there are here, yet nine there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him... I can no longer see him from afar."

My breath caught in my throat as I quickly glanced over the group again. I had assumed that Gandalf had been separated for some reason, or had been delayed. But what if...

"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow." Lady Galadriel had given voice to my darker fears.

I scanned the faces of the Fellowship, now seeing the signs I had before glossed over. Sorrow, pain, and anger lingered in their faces, and fatigue weighted down their limbs. The Man of Gondor glared angrily at his feet, and now I thought I understood why. Had my attempt to shield Olorin been for naught? Had the loss of my magic been for naught? I quickly chastised myself for such a selfish thought, but it festered in the darker corners of my mind.

Then the Elf spoke. "He was taken by both Shadow and Flame: a Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria. Despite the efforts of those who tried to save him, he was lost." I saw the Dwarf bow his head in respect for Gandalf.

Galadriel cast her gaze over the Fellowship and, almost absently, replied, "Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief." As she looked at Boromir, he tried to hold her gaze, before looking away and choking back a sob.

Celeborn's mouth twisted angrily. If he were any less dignified, I thought he might've cursed or wept. "What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost."

Galadriel subtly slid her hand into his and gently squeezed. If I had not been looking through the Mirror, I might have missed it. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the company is true." As her eyes fell on one of the Hobbits, she smiled, and it was like the clouds parting to reveal the moon after the darkest hours of the night. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace. Tomorrow shall bring a new dawn, and a new hope."

My eyebrows shot up. She had told me earlier that I would be released from bed rest tomorrow. She could not be referring to... me?