A/N English is not my native language please forgive any mistakes and kindly point them out -_-

Also I have conceived The Secret Fire as a concept that opposes Tom Bombadil and what he is.

Master of Fire, Thunder and Wind

With a hand extended towards the sky and the mind wandering through the air the hobbit-like man perceived with fondness that a visitor of the most welcomed kind was approaching. Leisurely, peacefully, Bilbo ignited a Leaf of old Toby and inhale while making his way down the hill, aiming for dear Mungo's bench outside his porch. There he sat and waited.

Cracked, they all say; some with liking others with fear but most with outrage and annoyance. After all a Hobbit who wanders in the dark hours of the night and disappears sometimes for weeks was certainly not a nice respectable Hobbit. A pity, all exclaimed, before Bilbo's eight and twentieth summer there was no other Hobbit more Hobbit-ish than Bilbo. The mathons Bilbo used give on his birthday were stuff of legend after all. It all ended unexpectedly, however, when a strange illness affected with fever our poor Bilbo. He was never the same after that, poor Bilbo indeed!

Not only his mental health was gravely injured, no, his body was deformed into something akin to a… a something that was not quite a hobbit, more like crossbreed. Horrible, Bilbo grew out of the sudden taller than any other known hobbit even though he was past his growing years (few inches mind you) His feet became small and fragile like (They are anything but fragile my friend, Bilbo would say) what a shame! And his eyes! They were two pots of melted gold never seen before.

All these comments reached the good hearing of Gandalf the Grey Pilgrim while making his way to Bag End. And he received them with great eagerness and pleasure. For a Hobbit who was not considered by Hobbits a respectable Hobbit was just what he needed. How fortunate! Perhaps it was the Took in him, Gandalf wondered whilst concluding the abrupt 'deformation' of Bilbo's body was only a tale to add more flavour to the gossip. Not taking it too seriously he continued his journey.

Therefore when Gandalf finally attained the famous smial at the end of Bagshot Row and glanced at the infamous Bilbo Baggins he was expecting everything but the pair of striking gold irises glowing as in mischief up at him and a companion left eyebrow shooting straight up while an opposite corner of a surely cocky mouth did the same.

It can't be thought Gandalf. But of course it could Master Gandalf!

"It's been a while since I saw you, my beloved friend, holding your breath in shock" commented in tenor voice Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo Baggins! But of course the Hobbits would be outrage with how Un-Hobbit this Hobbit was, for he was no Hobbit at all! Not at all.

Gandalf removed his pointy hat and inclined his head in recognition. There he was, before a being greater than Saruman or Lady Galadriel herself, one of two in middle earth. Though the other was a spirit rooted to the earth, resisting against change; the spirit who greeted him was one who wavered, flickered, fluctuated, changed through the ages of the earth. He felt no pressure whatsoever and preferred to quell and kindle at will. Said spirit was now one and the same with Bilbo Baggins who, from all the other beings roaming middle earth, must be the most extraordinary one.

"Holding? No, my oldest friend. Shock has hit me hard like a fist knocking wind out of me." Gandalf answered full of joy.

"Oh now, you are overstating." Smiled Bilbo sliding to the right and motioning Gandalf to sit with his head. Gandalf didn't hesitate and rested his weary self next to Bilbo. He then proceeded to clean his pipe while admiring the view of the valley. The morning sun was casting a soft and warm light over the fields of golden flowers; Gandalf closed his eyes and enjoyed the melody battle between spring birds. When the cleaning was done he was surprised, and not, when his pipe was hot and fuming a second later.

"It's been quite by accident that I found you friend, I somewhat expected to have a verbal quarrel with Bilbo Baggins." Said Gandalf after a moment of contemplation.

"I am Bilbo Baggins, if you want to verbally quarrel with me I'm sure I can oblige." Gandalf chuckled at that response.

"I have no doubt you can dear Bilbo." All ready talking with an easy that comes after years of knowing someone.

"Well then lets call it a happy accident but since we have established I am after all Bilbo Baggins of the Shire what, pray tell, can I do for you?" Asked Bilbo with a tone that revealed he was already suspecting the whys and wherefores. He knew of Gandalf's duty to middle earth that is of his meddling in everyone's private affairs.

"I am searching for someone to share in an adventure." Said he knowing Bilbo was bound to react curiously. And as predicted Bilbo release a hearty chuckle and tilted his head raising a golden red eyebrow.

"You do now, well that is quite unexpected to say the least. Never before had you need someone to share an adventure with. You are after all adventure embodied."

"I am exasperation embodied! You would be too if you knew all the trouble it took to convince one stubborn mind that we indeed needed you. Even more than I anticipated now that you have awoken!" Gandalf ranted clearly displeased at the memory of Thorin Okenshield.

"I see, well calm down my friend would you like to tea inside? It is after all a nice morning to be good on."

"It is but I'm afraid I must decline. There are many things to be done still" A pause "In any case, would you like to be adventure personified with me?" Gandalf asked feeling a little bit insecure. If Bilbo declined he was afraid he wouldn't have the gall to be a little more persuasive as was common on him. He respected him too much.

"I have yet to decide, we haven't discuss the details." Commented Bilbo and Gandalf released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. A curious Bilbo was enough and plenty.

Gandalf smiled and stood placing his pipe away; he needed to leave immediately, before Bilbo's characteristics mood swings decided he was not interested after all. And if Gandalf knew him, and of course he did, they could strike any moment. He heard Bilbo giggle at his hasty retreat, but mentioned nothing as Gandalf began walking away. However not two steps he had taken when a question plagued his mind.

"Why Bilbo?" Gandalf asked over his shoulder.

"I am no less Bilbo Baggins than I was when born. You know how it works, Olórin" Gandalf's heart took a leap at the mention of his old name and raised both eyebrows, grey blue eyes twinkling.

"You are being purposefully obtuse my friend. You are not only Bilbo Baggins, you are more." He noted and Bilbo laughed openly; he stood as well smoothing non-existent creases on his waistcoat. Pipe long forgotten.

"Awakening takes time, friend, my first reaction when sensing you was to despair for you were surely to disrupt my peace. But then something inside me made me realize I had missed you, even though I hadn't met you before." Bilbo paused; tucking his hands on his pockets he shrugged "It is difficult to explain but… Bilbo Baggins called for help, perhaps not when the fever stroke, but sometime later. He asked"

Gandalf took in his response and thought over it for a moment before saying "Did Bilbo miss me or was it you? I know you are Bilbo but since you are not truly merged yet, who was it?" Since it was obvious that if Bilbo had felt enough to call Him then Gandalf would have known Bilbo. He was nosy like that.

"Gandalf! The answer is obvious. Both!"

Dwalin cursed under his breath for at least the hundredth time when he realized he was walking in circles. He couldn't believe his luck; surely he was going to arrive last and all were going to laugh his arses off at him. Well fuck them! The bloody roads were a maze! All the doors were round and all the hobbits looked the same. He was considering yelling profanities in Khuzdul as a sort of help cry.

He turned to the valley, rested his axe on the ground, his forehead on its head and growled. Perhaps he was being lied to, there was no mark whatsoever in any of the doors. And he was no close to finding the place than he was three hours ago. It was way past sunset, he was hungry, he was tired and he was about to give up when a cough behind him caught his attention.

"You are lost." A hobbit, or at least someone that look like a hobbit stated. Dwalin noted that he was taller than other hobbits he had seen, was barefoot but his feet were not covered by curls and also his hypnotic glowing eyes were creeping the hell out of him. He held his axe tighter already plotting the best way to escape.

"Bugger me!" The hobbit, until proven wrong, laughed and muttered something that Dwalin didn't catch.

"Master dwarf, are you looking for someone in particular or taking a stroll through Hobbiton is a newfound hobby of yours?" He asked.

"My business is my business alone." Dwalin sneered at the Hobbit's inquiry, he was not to be mocked at!"

"My apologies it was not my intention to offend you. But it occurred to me that maybe, if you allowed me, I could point you in the right direction."

"Why would you want to help me?!"

"Because." The hobbit answered simply. Dwalin frowned, contemplating his options. Well, he concluded, that is reason enough for me.

"I am searching for a friend of Gandalf the Grey." He answered vaguely, revealing too much was out of question.

"Gandalf the grey has many friends" And before Dwalin could tell him to bugger off he continued "But not many reside here." The hobbit smiled at Dwalin's exasperation. "I happen to be the only living one here, in the shire" Dwalin's face twisted into a comical scowl, did that mean...?

"It is logical to conclude you are looking for me." The hobbit said with a triumphant smirk that only served to fuel Dwalin's irritation. Fuming Dwalin concluded the same.

"Where the hell is your home?"

"Well, see that door behind me. That is the entrance of Bag End." He announced turning and making for said door. He turned the knob and invited Dwalin with his other hand and a small bow inside. Dwalin mumbled his one and hundredth curse of the night while following the hobbit through the hobbit-hole.

"The wizard said there was to be sign or something." Dwalin stated once standing in the front hall, relived there were no other dwarves yet. He noticed the hobbit's home was summery, warm, had a rustic air about it very different from anything else he had encounter. It beckoned him to rest and an atmosphere of peace immediately calmed Dwalin's humours.

"He left on a hurry, must have slipped his mind." The hobbit commented. "Please, allow me to take your coat and your weapons Master…" Dwalin refrained from pouting at the thought of parting with his beloved axes and only after a moment of hesitation he indulged the hobbit. He took them and Dwalin removed his armour and coat, silently stretching his worn muscles.

"It's Dwalin, at your service." Dwalin introduced himself while observing with awe how the smaller hobbit handled with ease his heavy axes, lining them all against the wall. Perhaps under that olive coat and amber waistcoat were some muscles after all.

"Bilbo Baggins, at yours. Please make yourself at home. Are you hungry?" Dwalin's stomached growled loudly on cue at the mention of food. Bilbo smiled and headed for the kitchen. Dwalin decided to follow him in case the hobbit poisoned his meal or something.

"My companions are surely lost as I was, maybe you could hang up a sign or something." Dwalin said while sitting on the hobbit's kitchen table. Feeling hungrier with each passing second.

"I think so but don't worry" Bilbo answered while setting the pot for a nice warm stew "They will come, how many are they?" Bilbo inquired.

"Twelve."

"Thirteen hungry dwarves, very well then. Could you please bring over the barrels of wine and ale from the cellar."

Dwalin stood quickly already savouring the taste of a delicious pint and followed his nose. In no time he was lifting four barrels over his shoulders. "Please take them to the Dinner room, you'll find mugs inside the cabinets" Bilbo said as if reading his mind when he stood at the kitchen entrance.

There was something odd with the hobbit, Dwalin thought while filling his mug with ale. He was definitely not what he expected; when he heard a hobbit was chosen as their burglar Dwalin voiced his protest like the rest. A hobbit was a tender creature that would only be a burden. But this hobbit was everything but tender if the way he handled his cooking knives was anything to go by. Dwalin took with bewilderment the sight of the hobbit manoeuvring without effort large quantities of food from the pantry to the kitchen.

"Want any help?" Dwalin forced himself to ask.

"Not here, but perhaps you would be so kind as to answer the door" Dwalin frowned, he hadn't heard any knocking but well, the hobbit had big ears after all… He opened the door and found himself crushed by at least 20 dwarves for Bombur counted as ten. Cursing loudly he wondered what had he done to deserve this cruel fate.

Thorin stood bemused by the way Dwalin was wiggling his way out of the pile of Dwarves. Gandalf had fortunately found them all and lead them to the right place, once all were together, save for Dwalin, they decided to make their presence known. However Fili's fist had not even touch the wood when Dwalin was already opening the door. He made a metal note about asking Dwalin how he was able to find the correct door.

When at last everyone was standing cheerful greetings passed between the company. Gandalf beside him beamed fondly and walked past them as in searching for someone. A moment later he return with the hobbit he assumed was their host. No one else had noticed his arrival and Thorin saw him taking his time eyeing the rest. It was when his gaze fell upon him that Thorin felt his breath taken away by those entrancing eyes. He suddenly felt naked and exposed. Time stood still and for a second he felt the Halfling and he were the only ones standing in the edge of the world. Not a word had pass between them nevertheless Thorin already knew this hobbit was going to cause trouble. Thorin could only hope he would be worth it.

Gandalf made the introduction swift and precise. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End was officially acquainted with the company and the dwarves with him. Bilbo smiled and directed them to the dinner room where a hot meal was awaiting.

Only when his appetite was satiated, the mess cleared and their songs sung he returned his focus to the hobbit. He was sitting on a stool in the corner next to Gandalf with a pipe in hand. They appeared to be conversing; the Halfling was looking displeased while the wizard was smiling brightly. Raw curiosity burned his chest whilst Thorin wondered what they were talking about.

The volume of his kin's voices lowered as more serious matters arouse. They updated each other, Gandalf brought forth his grandfather's map and it lifted everyone's spirits. Only when the final task of their quest, the burglary, was mentioned the attention fell on the hobbit again. He had his doubts, though he had not voiced them rudely like Gloin or eyed him suspiciously like Nori, he too wondered. What could a hobbit truly do for them? Nothing.

"It is folly"

They all quieted at the statement and turn their eyes to the Hobbit, now standing and walking over the fireplace. The room suddenly felt smaller and the hobbit appeared larger than before. Gandalf took his seat and watched.

"What is it?" Thorin asked, "You don't believe we can get inside Erebor?" Kili asked.

"No, it's not that." The fire was dying, as requested by himself since only in the dark dwarves felt more comfortable. It was begging for more fuel but with a snap of the Hobbit's fingers it reawakened brighter than before. All gasped in awe. Thorin turned to Gandalf but the wizard remained impassive.

"Greed. You are being blinded by it. It was greed that took your home from you. Twice. If your only purpose is to obtain a little bit of gold from Smaug's nest then it is a foolish quest; greed is not strong enough against fire." Bilbo explained and Thorin felt rage like no other flow through his veins.

"What do you know of fire?" Thorin spitted venomously, the rest eyed nervously the encounter.

"I know everything about fire. Tell me Thorin Oakenshield, when Dragon fire is all that stands between your gold and you, will you be ready to die if necessary?" Thorin closed his mouth and pondered over the question. The whole reason for getting a burglar was to sneak on the Dragon unnoticed. But if it came to it, would he fight a dragon and risk his kin for gold?

"You realize then" the conceited hobbit said turning to leave, "If you are not prepared to face a Dragon for your treasure and glory then this whole quest is bound to fail. Many have turned their backs on you, have you wondered why? Terror, for the Dragon will notice your presence sooner or later." Bilbo exited the room leaving them all insecure. Thorin was angry, the way the hobbit dismissed their noble quest of retrieving some gold in order to stop working as coal miners and lowly blacksmiths was infuriating. He knew nothing of dwarves or the importance of the legacy that lay within the mountain.

He tried to calm his spirit and turned to Gandalf. "It appears we have no burglar, wizard."

Gandalf stood and flashed them a grin "He did not say he wouldn't come." Gandalf stated merrily before following Bilbo. The rest sat in silence for a moment before reassuming their talk.

"It is folly and you know it Gandalf." Bilbo told him as soon as he entered the drawing room. "Greed is strong enough to start their quest, but after they face perils and danger, would it be strong enough to push it forward? I don't think so." Bilbo explained while sitting on his favourite chair beside the windowpane. The nocturnal peace was creeping softly inside the poorly lit room. Gandalf knew Bilbo was fond of being enclosed by darkness like the dwarves; it was only then when he shined brighter.

"Dear Bilbo, don't judge them to harshly." Gandalf said in hopes to calm him "They have suffer much, pride for what they were once is what keeps them going."

"Worse, pride gets in the way of realising ones mistakes." Replied Bilbo, but this time much more cooler. "They don't need gold, what they need is a home." A pause "Ah, now I understand. Gandalf look at me, I can't face a full-grown dragon least a firedrake, they are so arrogant and with good reason. I have fought them before and lost."

"I don't intend you to face a dragon, I was searching for Bilbo Baggins the hobbit the dragon slayer. But yes ultimately, the dragon needs to die, I mean for the Dwarves to reclaim their home." Gandalf solemnly stated while standing tall over Bilbo.

"They aren't setting on a quest that entails reclaiming their mountain from the dragon, they want to be… less poor." Bilbo looked at him with a glowering face.

"Well they haven't realized it yet, but I am sure they will. Won't you give them a chance?" Gandalf requested gently. Bilbo scratched his head and made funny odd faces that reminded him how fond he was of the hobbits. Knowing Bilbo was Him only fuelled more his fondness.

"I have never walked in dwarf shoes before. But once, long ago, I flew with the help of Dragon wings." Bilbo reminded Gandalf; those were dangerous times and Gandalf remembered them with pain. "Is this about the necromancer you mentioned before?" Gandalf face suddenly displayed more years than it did seconds ago and he sat forcefully on the opposite chair from Bilbo's as if the heavy weight he carried was crushing him.

"Indeed, if you had seen what I saw in Dol-Guldur. This Necromancer, it concerns me." Bilbo said nothing more for a while and looked outside the window, resting his chin on his hand. Gandalf took his time and examined him. Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf could see that his body was not yet fully changed since his irises were far from their true colour. What powers he now possessed? Why now? What had happen to Bilbo Baggins that had granted him great magic? Were his doubts about the Necromancer well founded? All this Gandalf pondered.

"I will think about it." Bilbo said standing up. "Good night."

After a few more minutes Gandalf stood also and returned to the dwarves who were still discussing the best route to Erebor. Gandalf listened to them for a while, occasionally joining the chat. When fatigue made itself present Gandalf guided them to Bilbo's guest rooms. He was not surprised however when Thorin stayed behind and expected to be bombarded by questions. Thorin of course didn't disappoint.

"Quite a mystery your burglar." He commented with a dignified reserve. Gandalf rolled his eyes.

"Was he everything you were expecting?" Gandalf countered. Knowing full well the answer.

"No, was that stunt with the fire your doing?" "No." Gandalf answered truthfully, it was best perhaps if Thorin knew. Maybe respect would allow him to overcome his own pride. "Is he a wizard too?" Thorin asked curiously.

"A wizard? No he is not, he is…" Gandalf paused only in spite; he wanted Thorin to be well intrigued. "What Gandalf?" Thorin prompted.

"He is Master of Fire, Thunder and Wind."