Scars of the Future

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Theywere created by the amazing minds of J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien.

A/N: This fic was not created by myself alone. It was done inscript format over Instant Messenger by myself and Animagus-Spirit. This fic and most of the events in it are her brilliant ideas, I have just taken the task to write it. Therefore, this fic is dedicated to her. I would also like to thank my beta, Inwe Telemnar. You guys are the greatest!

Chapter One: New Calling, Same Pain

It had been 25 years since Frodo Baggins had returned to the Shire, and all was quiet and as it should be. Bag End was full of Sam and Rosie's thirteen children, the youngest being Tolman at two years old; the "terrible twos" as they had been referred, and there was rarely a quiet moment in the hole.

Yet, despite the laughing children and cheerful atmosphere, a shadow often loomed over Bag End. Frodo, though the Ring had long ago been destroyed, was sometimes still haunted by nightmarish memories of the Quest, and twice a year his wounds caused him great pain.

The choice to leave for Valinor had been lain before him, but the chance had come and gone. Upon seeing Sam's tear-stained face he knew he could not leave. He was surprised also, that Gandalf had also remained in Middle-Earth, and thought it was never explained why, Frodo wondered if the wizard had felt what he had.

For the last two and a half decades Frodo had lived, for the most part, happily. He had learned to live, albeit uncomfortably, with the fear and the darkness and the pain, but he was sure he had made the right decision in staying. He had been able to watch Sam's family blossom and thrive, much like the Mallorn tree in the party field. He had been there when Sam had been elected mayor of Hobbit on (all three times), and had helped with the celebrating afterwards. Best of all, he had been blessed with the honor of being named godfather of all of Sam and Rosie's children. He had accepted this gladly, and spent much time with the young lads and lasses.

On a bright day sometime in mid-May, when Elanor and Frodo-lad had taken their siblings to the party field, (so as to keep them out from under the feet of their mother, who was busy cleaning the hole, as she did thoroughly every few months or so), and Frodo was helping Sam in the garden (which basically meant talking with his friend, for he was useless at gardening), who should arrive but Gandalf? Frodo had glanced up by chance to see the wizard at the gate, and had cried out in joy and surprise before rushing to the gate and embracing Gandalf as he kneeled to the hobbit's height.

"Gandalf!" he laughed, happily. "What a pleasant surprise, we haven't seen you since last fall."

The old wizard chuckled. "Indeed, my dear hobbit, it had been long, but come. My visit is not without purpose, and there are matters we must discuss."

Frodo only nodded and smiled, not anticipating much, then led Gandalf up the garden path towards Bag End's round, green door. Samwise opened it for them, himself equally happy with Gandalf's unexpected (of course!) visit.

"Good morning, Samwise." he said, "I hope I find you well?"

Sam grinned. "Never been better in me whole life Mr. Gandalf sir, if you take my meanin'."

"That I do Samwise, now, join us for tea, this also may concern you."

Frodo and Gandalf seated themselves at the kitchen table, while Sam busied himself with preparing tea. Even though he was the mayor, and even though Frodo had told him countless times his servitude was not necessary, Sam still insisted on serving his master, and Frodo could do nothing but comply.

Presently, the kettle sang and Sam removed it, and poured each of them a cup and took a seat next to Frodo.

"Well, Gandalf, what trouble have you been getting yourself into lately?" Frodo asked.

The wizard set down his tea and gazed at the hobbits seriously.

"I am glad that you have asked that question Frodo, for it brings us to what I have come to tell you." he said.

The tone of Gandalf's voice and the manner in which he spoke caused the two hobbits to exchange glances, and then look at the wizard with silent question, almost dreading the answers.

Gandalf crossed his legs and took another small sip of tea.

"Early this spring," he began, "I was meditating in Minas Tirith, when somehow or other my mind saw far into the future. Normally, I would have only allowed myself glimpses, but I was intrigued by what I saw, and allowed myself to be drawn into the vision. It was foolish of me to do so, for the mind and the body can become permanently separated, but I was dangerously inquisitive.

"However, this was not the case, and by some strange chance both my mind and body were taken to the vision I was seeing. I was far into the future, and to my great surprise found I had traveled through time.

"The entire tale is a long and very complex one, but because we have not the time, I will simply summarize it.

"After studying and understanding time travel, I was able to move easily from here to the forthcoming. Sometime within this process, I became acquainted with a future descendant, a wizard by the name of Albus Dumbledore. He had read about our Middle-Earth, and its histories, and therefore knows all about our world and us. The tale of the Ringbearer is also not unknown to him.

"There is much that was spoken of between us, and I have come to know this world in thousands of years to come. The elves as we know them are gone, wizards and men know hardly anything of one another, (for wizards, my dear hobbits, to men at least, exist only in stories), hobbits are never seen, and whether they even exist anymore none are sure. All other creatures have evolved, save the dwarves, which have never changed."

He studied the hobbit's confused and shocked expression, and then continued before they could speak.

"What concerns me the most, is that there is war. The future we have fought and suffered for to protect is now under the threat of a new darkness. A new Dark Lord has risen. They seek aid in their dark times, and I have offered my assistance, and the assistance of those who will join me, to Albus Dumbledore and his army. I have gathered the rest of our Fellowship, and they have all consented. Your cousins Meriadoc and Peregrin I have already spoken to and have already agreed to come. I ask you now, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, if you will also join once again in the battle against evil."

Frodo and Sam sat silently, letting all they had learned sink in. Sam turned to his master, awaiting his answer before making his own decision. Frodo stared at the wooden table, memories of the Quest beginning to flood his mind. Visions of the Ring, the Eye, the Nazgul, Shelob, Moria, the Orcs at Cirith Ungol, and the overall pain and suffering both his mind and body and endured, clouding his thoughts. Another war? A new Dark Lord? Was it his task to destroy yet another evil? His will may be strong, but he didn't think he could bear another such burden.

"Mr. Frodo? Are you alright?"

Frodo felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up into Sam's concerned face. It was then that he realized he was trembling, and he hastily wiped a sleeve across his eyes.

"I'm…fine, Sam," he said, and then looked at Gandalf.

"What must we do, Gandalf?" he questioned the wizard.

The wizard caught the note of fear in the hobbit's voice, and immediately regretted asking him. He knew, as they all did, that Frodo had already suffered through much, he hated to involve him in another war.

"Forgive me, Frodo. It will not be like it was before," he said. "Your task will not be to rid the world of a new evil, but rather to offer guidance to one who is experiencing something of what you once did."

Frodo sighed. "So this is the task I felt I still had left to fulfill when I did not leave with Bilbo."

Gandalf nodded. "I too had felt that I was still needed, and that is the reason I also remained on these shores."

Sam had a look of confusion on his face. "You stayed because you thought you had to, sir? I'd thought you'd only wanted to."

"I did want to stay, Sam, but I had felt that my tasks were not yet complete. It was as if something was calling to me, telling me to remain where I was." Frodo said, and then turned to Gandalf. "I must admit, though, I do not desire another adventure, but if it is indeed the will of the Valar, and if you would have me do it, I will."

The old wizard nodded. "What I ask of you Frodo," he said, "is to do nothing more than you can bear. I do not ask you to do anything you feel you cannot overcome, and I certainly do not wish to trouble you with burdens you feel you cannot carry."

Frodo thought another moment, nodded sincerely, and said, "I will go, Gandalf."

"And me," said Sam, looking first to Gandalf and then to Frodo, "You know I wouldn't let you go alone, Mr. Frodo."

Frodo smiled. "I know, Sam, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Very well," Gandalf said, "Leave here as soon as you can for Gondor. Meriadoc and Peregrin will join you, but time is important, and none can be wasted, so make haste!"

"Will you be staying awhile, Gandalf?" Frodo asked.

The wizard shook his head. "No, my dear hobbit, I am afraid I cannot. I must return to Albus and inform him of our plans."

He stood abruptly and left, as quickly as he had arrived, and the only trace of him was the empty teacup on the table.

Frodo sighed, and set his head in his hands. What have I done now? He thought. What have I gotten us into this time?

Rosie walked in at that moment, carrying and armful of clean towels. She paused when she saw Frodo and Sam, feeling a sense of unease. Sam looked up, something she couldn't quite read written on his face. "What?" she asked. "What is it?"

TBC

A/N: Please be so kind as to leave a reveiw, and remember, any review you leave is also for Animagus-Spirit!