Hi,

And so, a new chapter, a new start of the film. Things will now progress a little faster as in, I'm gonna bring the couples together faster. I have no patience for a slow burn – though Hermione's love interest is still up for grabs. I did say I was going to pair her with Legolas but then I thought, there's Bard too…and Legolas's father…so, I'm gonna put out the pairing out there – who do you think Hermione should end up with?

Thorin and Athena are still happening and as is Fili and Ginny…Kili – poor sod. Maybe he can be a contender for Hermione? But I have plans for Hermione…not with the pairing but with her story arc.

I apologize for this chapter being a little short – next chapter will be bigger.

Enjoy peeps…I own nothing but the story. The rest belong to J.K Rowling, J.R Tolkein and Warner Brothers…

Chapter Fourteen

Ginny's POV

"Bloody Orcs!" I growled, huddling near the dwarves.

We were hiding – well waiting really, for the coast to be clear. Bilbo had gone ahead, scouting out how far the orc pack was behind us. After managing to successfully climb down safely from the clifftop that we had been on not long ago, all we could do now was to run, walk and head in the direction of the Lonely Mountain. But then, not long after descending from the clifftop, Orcs and their wargs were hot on our tail and after a few days, they were getting a little closer.

So, we hid – as it was dark, too dark. Thorin made the decision to hide for a bit, ordering Bilbo to go ahead and scout out the place. It wasn't that we couldn't fight the incoming orcs, but as Athena was still healing after being stabbed, lashed at and we all were still healing a little after using powerful magic. My magical core was still a little weak after healing Thorin a little, and using magic in the battle with Azog and his orcs, and so we had to allow ourselves a little time to heal.

Suddenly, the sound of running could be heard and we, that is all the dwarves, and Athena, Hermione, Gandalf and I stood up, watching as Bilbo came running towards us. Thorin walked ahead, being the first to greet him.

"How close is the pack?" Thorin demanded to know.

Bilbo stopped, trying to catch his breath. "Too close. A couple of leagues, no more. But that's not the worst of it."

"Have the wargs picked up our scent?" Bofur asked.

"No. Hermione made sure of that, casting that scent-masking spell. It's making them confused. But I fear they may find other ways to find us. Masking our scent can only do so much. But we have another problem." Bilbo informed us.

"Did they see you?" Gandalf asked. "They saw you!"

Bilbo shook his head. "No that's not it."

Gandalf smiled. "What did I tell you? With a bit of magic, he cannot be seen!"

"Quiet as a mouse."

"Excellent burglar material."

Everyone, apart from us witches spoke at once. Bilbo still seemed to be distressed.

"Oi! Bilbo has more to tell us. There will be time to compliment him later." I hissed.

Everyone shut up and Bilbo gave me a grateful look.

"Ginny is right…As I was trying to tell you, there is something else out there." Bilbo remarked.

Everyone looked at each confused, but Gandalf appeared curious.

"What form did it take?" Gandalf inquired. "Was it like a bear?"

Bilbo frowned. "Yes…actually…but bigger. Much bigger."

Gandalf frowned, turning around. Bofur shouted after him.

"You know about this beast?"

"Never mind that. I say we double back." Bilbo suggested.

"And be run down by a pack of orcs?" Thorin pointed out.

"What kind of bear is it? Because I can put it to sleep, no worries." I suggested. The dwarves nodded with my suggestion, only to be trumped by Gandalf.

"No, Ginny. You'll do no such thing. However, there is a house." Gandalf remarked, turning around to face us all. "It's not far from here and it could be a place where we might take refuge."

"Whose house?" Thorin demanded to know. "Are they friend or foe?"

"Neither…he will help us or…he will kill us." Gandalf told us.

I sighed. "Well, it's not like we have many choices…"

The sound of a creature crying out into the night made us all look in its direction.

"Ginny is right. We don't have much of a choice. Come on, all of you. Daylight will soon be upon us and we need to run."

And run we did. Through the surrounding mass of forest, lakes and rivers. Through harsh marshland of tall grass and flowers, and over sharp rocks, boulders and more. The trees of the forest gave us cover, as did the tall grass, but it wasn't enough. Gandalf led our company, and hot on our tails were Azog and his orc pack. Hermione, Athena and I did all we could to muffle the sounds that we all made, casting silencing spells and masking spells. But somehow, the orc pack still managed to be near us. So, we started casting disillusionment spells to hide us al within the shadows of the trees and grass. I was at the end of the group, as was Fili and Hermione was up the front with Gandalf. Athena, who had yet to leave Thorin's side, was running alongside him.

Gandalf kept shouting us all to hurry but it wasn't like we all couldn't keep up. We were trying our best, but we all were also going on two days without sleep, or rest or even food. My magical core was depleting and needed serious rest, but I fought against the exhaustion and pushed ahead. Fili often gave me a look of concern but I shook my head, assuring him I was okay. Then, after running through an endless bout of forest, an open plain filled with grass filled my sight and I saw in the short distance what looked like a house, with a large grass and metal fence/gate around it.

Gandalf ordered us all to run again, and I felt myself push harder to keep up with the company. My legs were tired but I kept pushing. There was something behind us, but I knew that it wasn't the orc pack. No, there was something different that was following us, something magical, if the tingly feeling was anything to go by. Then, we all reached the grassy fence, and Gandalf ordered us to go inside. We all kept running reaching the door of the house, only to find it closed.

As I reached the front porch of the house, Thorin managed to push past the other dwarves, opening the door. The sound of growling could be heard behind us, and I lifted my wand, ready to aim a stunner at the incoming creature. The doors opened, and we all shuffled it, just as the creature burst through the grassy fence. At first glance, it looked like a rather large bear and I realised that it was the creature that Bilbo had tried to tell us about. We shuffled inside the house, closer the doors behind us and then I gasped, jumping back as the bear slammed itself against the door, trying to push in. All the dwarves then pushed against the door, trying to close it.

I was about to cast a spell, when Athena got there first, casting a small spark spell that shocked the bear, distracting it long enough for the doors to close. The wooden barrier snapped shut as relief filled the air at the fact the doors were secure enough to not let the creature in. Then, after securing the doors, everyone turned to face Gandalf, who was smiling.

"What is that?" Ori asked.

"That is our host." Gandalf informed us. We all stared at him, confused. "His name is Beorn. He's a skin-changer."

"Like a shapeshifter?" Hermione asked.

Gandalf nodded, walking through the house. "Yes…in a way. Sometimes he's a huge black bear and sometimes, he's a great strong man. The bear is unpredictable, but the man can be reasoned with. However, he's not over fond of dwarves. Women, though, he likes depending on the woman. Given that you're magical, he might be skeptical."

"Oh great…that makes it all better…" I muttered.

"I think he's leaving." Ori murmured.

Nori pulled his brother away from the door, and grabbed my arm as well in the process. "Come on both of you…get away from the door. It's not natural…none of it."

"Nori! The man is a magical creature. So what if he changes into a bear? I'm a witch and I change into a horse. Are you calling me unnatural?" I snapped.

"Oh no, Miss Ginny…I didn't mean…You're one of us…The man however…he must be under some dark spell." Nori try to reason.

I was about to speak more but Gandalf got there first.

"Don't be a fool. Ginny is right. He's under no enchantment but his own." Gandalf muttered. "Alright…get some sleep, all of you. You'll be safe here tonight…I hope…"

I sighed, looking around the room. I saw Hermione, who was standing near a rather large table, and she collapsed on the seat, taking a deep breath. The house itself was large, barnlike if you had to describe it, and filled with various animals, ranging from cattle, to large bees and mice. I jumped a little when a mouse walked over my shoes but then nodded as it walked on. I then walked over to Hermione, glancing over the house to look for Athena. She was near Thorin, who had his hand on her shoulder. She turned her head to glance at me before whispering to Thorin and then walking over to where Hermione and I were. Gandalf lingered nearby, watching over us all.

"I don't know about you, but I could sleep for a week…Got any sleeping potions in there?" I asked, sitting down next to Hermione.

"No…But I could make some for you. Though it will take a few hours give or take. Best to just go to bed and hope to sleep?" Hermione suggested, pulling her shoulder bag off and placing it on the table, and also placed her wand next to it.

"Before you both do that, I need to talk to you." Athena whispered, lowering her voice as she sat down across from us. "It's about Sirius…"

"I was wondering when you were going to bring that up. What happened?" Hermione asked.

"I saw him…back in his room at Grimmauld Place of all places. He made the stabbing happen, on purpose." Athena said.

"How? That's impossible…how?" Hermione questioned. I noticed that we had caught the ear of Gandalf, and so, he lingered close, listening in.

"Sirius is in a place between death and life. He allowed it to happen in an attempt to talk to me."

"By the Valor…" Gandalf muttered. "Who is this man?"

"My godfather…who died…years ago. But he went through a Veil of sorts…it's a magical veil – exists between life and death. Apparently Sirius has been stuck in the In-between – that's what he calls it – for years. He only emerged to pass on a warning." Athena informed us.

"What kind of warning?" Hermione asked.

"He informed me that his cousin was alive and well…and living in this world." Athena let out a breath, a sad look on her face.

"His cousin? But Andie, and Draco are back in our world and Tonks is…."

"He wasn't talking about Draco or Andie…or Tonks…." Athena remarked.

I gasped. "He's talking about her, isn't he?"

Gandalf frowned. "Her? There is another witch like yourself living here?"

Hermione frowned before getting the gist of what Athena was trying to say. "No….that can't be…she died…"

"Hermione's right. Mum killed her…we all were there when she did. No…you're lying…or Sirius is playing a cruel prank…" I muttered, shaking my head.

"I wish I wasn't lying and I don't think Sirius would have allowed me to get stabbed in order to talk to me. Bellatrix Lestrange is alive…and apparently she's here." Athena said.

I looked down, my brain trying to grasp the concept of what she was saying. I could tell Hermione was struggling even more, considering the history that she…well, that we all shared with the cruel witch.

"If she's here, then that explains the spell that was casted on you when you were at those ruins with Radaghast. The Cruciatus curse is a favourite of hers. I should have known." Hermione muttered, standing up. "She's here…she's the reason why we've been sent here. She must have organised it or those bloody cretins knew where she was and sent us here so that she could…Bellatrix bloody Lestrange is alive…Of course…"

"Hermione…" Athena reached out but Hermione pulled back.

"No…Don't…Thank you for telling me. Goodnight…all of you."

Hermione grabbed her bag and her wand leaving the table and walking away from us. I then sighed, looking down, trying to think of something to say.

"Well, that could have gone a little better." Athena murmured.

"It's a shock, but I understand why you waited to tell us. Bellatrix being here in Middle Earth is a gigantic mystery, however, it does explain a few things. Firstly, her presence here explains our arrival here and many other things. But the fact that she's here, alive…she could have number of plans for us and we'll be none the wiser. I can only hope that we don't meet with her anytime soon."

"It's more than that. What if the necromancer decides to introduce her to Azog or worse, to this dark power that seems to be rising everywhere? Bellatrix being here might explain why we're here, but why? Why bring us here?"

"A question that can be answered after you both get some rest and sleep. I understand that this witch is a threat to you three, but for now, let it be and get some rest. If this witch's plan was to bring you here to fight or whatever the reason, you cannot take her on when you've had no rest or sleep. I am sure by now your magic is a little weak considering the amount you've used. So rest, both of you. I will watch over you all. And tomorrow, we will discuss the matter further." Gandalf gently ordered.

I nodded, getting up and walking around the table.

"Oh, and keep this matter between yourselves. The dwarves will know in due time but let them focus on reclaiming their home. Agreed?" Gandalf murmured.

I nodded again and Athena gave a sharp nod. I then walked away, finding a place to lay down when I saw Fili trying to gain my attention. He waved me over, indicating that he had made a makeshift bed for me, and that the bed was very close to him. I smiled, not caring just how close the beds were and made my way over. He smiled as I reached him, and I lowered myself down, sitting on the makeshift bed.

"Thanks Fili. You didn't have to make me a bed." I thanked him, placing my bag next to me and my wand by my side. I took off my coat, bunching it up to make a pillow.

"It wasn't a problem…You've done so much for us, it was the least I could do." Fili blushed.

If I was honest, I could feel myself beginning to feel for the dwarf. "Fili, you don't have to thank us. We're a part of your family now…well at least I think we are. No, I hope we are…"

Fili smiled. "No hope. You are a part of our family. And maybe one day, who knows? Perhaps you'll be more than family to one us…"

I reached out and grabbed his large hand, squeezing it before letting it go and lying down. "I think I'd like that…one day…"

As exhaustion creeped up, the last thought on my mind were Athena's words and the worry that Bellatrix Lestrange was alive and living in the same world we were in. I couldn't help but to dread the future. Now that I had sort of found a family within the dwarves, the thought of that woman being here made my skin crawl. I then made a vow to myself – I would protect the dwarves, and Gandalf, and this strange magical land from that woman if it was the last thing I did.

Hermione's POV

The dwarves were sound asleep – the events of the day had taken a toll and exhaustion showed on their tired faces. Of course, it was not easy feat – the dwarves trying to sleep while the threat of the creature who owned the house loomed over all our heads. And now, a new threat had arisen and my brain was doing what it did best – overthink. As I laid on my back, listening to the sound of the dwarves snoring, my mind went over the words that Athena had told me.

I understood why Athena didn't tell us immediately about Bellatrix Lestrange being alive and currently in in the same mystical land we were in. I also understood why she was hesitant to tell us. Bellatrix Lestrange had tortured us all – both mentally and physically. She taunted Ginny – almost nearly killing her during the War before Molly Weasley came to her daughter's rescue. She tortured Athena – nearly killing her in the process. She actually did a whole lot more and would have actually killed Athena if given the chance but everyone, both the bad side and good side knew that Athena was to be killed by Lord Voldemort and everyone knew how that worked out. And me, well…

My scars itched as I thought about the woman that had tortured me for hours – casting spell after spell on me, cutting my flesh with a blade and leaving scars that would never leave, no matter how many times I tried to heal them. The woman was the embodiment of evil – Voldemort's right-hand woman. If there was anyone else that had deserved to die more than Voldemort, it was her. I shivered at the memories of her, and how once, I had to act like her. It wasn't my finest moment, forcing myself to be her and acting like her and the memory of obtaining her air wasn't pretty.

I turned to my side, trying to force myself to sleep. I had sleeping potions in my shoulder bag, and I knew if I had asked, Ginny or Athena could have casted a sleeping spell on me, but my brain was too wired to sleep. I grunted, sitting up and looking over the dwarves. Ginny was asleep, lying next to Fili and Kili. Athena was near Thorin, tucked away next to him and sound asleep. I rolled my eyes – not that I wasn't glad she was getting some sleep but after her revelation, I was surprised she managed to sleep. But, not all were asleep. Gandalf was wide awake, sitting down and leaning up against a wooden pole. From his position, he could see all, and so, I stood up and quietly made my way over to him, being careful not to wake anyone up.

He smiled as I approached, gesturing to me to sit down next to him.

"Not a night sleeper, are we?"

I sighed. "No…not tonight I am."

"Heavy thoughts a weary heart bears." Gandalf murmured. "Athena's revelation about this Bellatrix. I take it wasn't something you wanted hear."

I shook my head. "No…When we defeated her, and Voldemort, I thought that was it. The Dark Lord and his closet soldier that had made our lives hell was gone. Sure, we still had the problem of various followers – the rogue deatheaters who thought they could continue Voldemort's visions, but that was nothing we couldn't handle. And now, to be told that Bellatrix is alive…I spent so many years trying to forget her and her torture. If she has returned, I fear for this world."

"This world has had many troubles too. It's not as perfect as you make it. We've had some history with dark and tiring people." Gandalf remarked. "In fact, long ago, before the dwarves lived in the mountains, this land had its own dark lord. One with a terrible purpose. His name was Sauron. You see, he created something so powerful, that men and other creatures have gone mad in trying to find it after Sauron was defeated. He a created a ring – the One Ring to rule them all. With that ring, he did some terrible things. And when the time came for both the Ring and Sauron to be defeated, mankind was driven with power and did not destroy the Ring. There is more to this story but my point is – this world has had its fair share of dark lords or ladies. If Bellatrix is alive and somehow managed to make into our world, be assured that the many creatures that reside in this world will be willing to fight."

I nodded. "Thanks…let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Athena means well. I think the reason she didn't want to tell you because of the past you share. To have to tell someone that someone you thought was dead could very well be alive is a heavy burden to share." He stated.

"I know…"

"Do you mind me asking what she did to you?" He asked.

My 'Mudblood' scar tingled. "Do you remember when I told you about my scar? She was the one who did it. She tortured me, and Athena…for hours. Tortured me to the point where I begged for death."

My eyes swelled but I held my composure, keeping in the need to cry.

"Oh my dear…"

I turned my head, watching as Bofur made his way over. He sat down next to me, placing a hand on my leg in an attempt to comfort me.

"Bofur, how long have you been standing there? I thought you were asleep." I mumbled.

He scoffed. "Do you really think I could sleep with this lot making that much noise? And I heard that you have an enemy in this world. May I be the first to offer you my sword when it comes time to battle this Bellatrix?"

I smiled. "Bellatrix isn't a dragon, Bofur. She's more powerful and crueler than a dragon."

"Nonsense. If you're willing to battle a dragon and some orcs with a group of stubborn dwarves, then we will be there to fight your enemy. To hear that she tortured you broke my heart. You're like my sister – a very pretty version of my sister but you're family." Bofur exclaimed.

I was about to say something but Gandalf spoke instead.

"You'll come to find, dear Hermione, that dwarves are fiercely loyal to those they call family. No matter how many times you deny their help or their loyalty, they will still be there for you." Gandalf smiled.

I sighed, taking Bofur's hand and giving it a kiss. He blushed, and looked away and I giggled.

"Sorry Bofur…"

He shook his head. "Milady, it's a honour for you to kiss my hand. Now rest, we all have a big day tomorrow and we will need our sleep. For tomorrow is a new day…"

I maneuvered down, so that I was lying down in between Bofur and Gandalf. Using my bag as a pillow, I sighed, and then closed my eyes, allowing the darkness to overcome me.