FicWad

Waking up in a new world


Harry opened his eyes and his vision was instantly flooded with light, looking to the side he saw that he was in some sort of tent, Bellatrix was in a bed by his own well it wasn't technically a bed, more like a collection of blankets sorted into a bed-like shape.

Climbing out of bed he noticed that Bellatrix was beginning to stir, he could count the strands of midnight black hair which obscured her face, there were fifty two individual strands, each one smooth and sleek, it never occurred to him that he was admiring the hair of his Godfathers killer, that she was much older than him and that he seemed to have visions ten times as great as before, despite the fact that he was currently neglecting to us his glasses.

Bellatrix awoke, she presumed she was back in the Riddle Manor, but why did the idea sound so awful to her know, she knew that she used to love her position as her Masters second in command, but why did it now repulse her? Her thoughts led to the attack which had occurred and she was instantly brought back to the present by the realisation that she was free, she had a new chance at life, well that was what the voice had stated, and she felt compelled to obey and cherish everything that being of pure power had told her. She had never been so awed in her life, the power which she felt when surrounded by that white light dwarfed anything she had ever felt or even read about, even in the accounts of Merlin. And then there was Harry, the boy which she had broken by murdering his Godfather, how could she ever make it up to him? The truth was that there was no answer to the question, you simply did not earn forgiveness or even ask for it, you had to be granted it out of free will on the victims part. She understood this now, she was prepared to stick with him now, and forever, she would fight the dark Lord and dedicate her life to the protection of others in order to erase at least part of her sins, she would never be fully free from the fact that she had indeed committed these deeds, but she could at least try to redeem herself.

Opening her eyes she was not quite prepared for the face that swam into her vision, there in front of her was Harry Potter, but he wasn't Harry Potter at all, he was different so much so that all that remained of his past appearance was the visible edges of a lightning bolt scar protruding passed the edges of his now significantly longer hair.

On closer inspection she noticed that the shape of his face remained similar to before; however he now seemed so much more handsome than previously, perhaps it was the fact that he was no longer deathly pale, but nicely tanned, or the way his now elegant eyebrow rose in question to her shocked look in response to his appearance.
"You look...different" she said slowly as a way of explanation to his unasked question. Harry snorted softly.

"So do you, not as psychopathic killer looking as before, more of a...lady" Bella looked down at her hands, and instead of the pale, white skin which was there before, now there was skin which was very similar to Harry's, rich full and extremely elegant. She also noticed that her hands had changed; she now had slender fingers which, while having a beautiful grace and air of femininity to them, appeared to hold a hidden strength.

"I feel different too" she admitted softly. Harry sat down on the side of the pile of blankets and sheets.

"How so?" Bellatrix was quiet for a while and then gave her answer.

"I feel powerful, not like before, but different, in a way which I cannot describe, it's like I have a well of power inside me, apart from it's not really a well, more like a small sea, waiting to be tapped into" she frowned "can you feel it as well?"

He concentrated on feeling his magic but was unable to find anything.

"No I can't" he said slightly glum. "I suppose that when we changes I lost my magic, what did the voice saw we were again, Elves or something, because we certainly don't look like elves?" Harry frowned in confusion.

"Night Elves, that's what the voice said. We can only assume that they are just another form of elf, I never really thought of the possibility that there may be more kinds of the same species, however it appears that a Night Elf is probably the exact opposite to a house elf" Harry nodded in acceptance. Turning back to his bed he lay down once more, the blankets were dry and comforting but he barely noticed as his mind was going a million miles an hour.

What really bothered him was the fact that Bellatrix could do Magic at what she considered to a higher level, while he was left without any at all, it just didn't feel right.

Putting his thoughts to the side for the moment once more Harry stood up and began to get dressed in clothes which had previously gone unnoticed, they were simple, a dark green colour tunic and a pair of loose black trouser style pants, it was at that moment that he realised that he had been naked in front of Bellatrix, and that he did not care, it felt natural, like it was the right thing to do. He completed the outfit by placing a pair of black lace up boots on and tying them up tight, these were easier to handle for they were the same design as he was used to and not unusual like the other clothes.
He turned to find Bella fully dressed in similar clothes save for the fact that they were a light purple colour, what confused him was the thing in her hand, it was an intricate walking staff, but yet at the same time it wasn't. He could literally feel the power radiating off her, it was incredible, wondrous and instantly made him feel safe.

"What is that thing?" she just smiled and cocked her head to the side, it was then that he noticed another remarkable change in her appearance, her face, it was, for a lack of a better word, beautiful and her ears as well had changed dramatically, they were pointed at their tips and made her appearance even more beautiful.

"It's a staff" at his blank look she clarified "It channels my magical power, although I do not know where it came from, it feels like it was made for me and the feeling when I hold it is amazing" Harry admired the staff for a few moments, it was a very dark purple colour, smooth and held a perfectly ball shaped stone at the top, this was surrounded by three pieces which branched off the main body of the staff and held the ball secure in a reverse tripod hold, it truly was an amazing item, despite the fact that its origins were unknown. Once again Harry felt the sense of loss that he no longer possessed any magical abilities.

"Shall we find out where we are then?" at receiving a nod in response Harry led the way out of the tent door and into the open air. What they saw when they came out was nothing like they expected, they depicted to that they would be in some sort of forest or perhaps even a small glade, what they saw the moment they stepped out of the tent would change their lives forever.

Everywhere there gaze fell they could see tents, thousands of tents, hundreds of thousands of tents even, and straight ahead he could see mountains, cruel mountains which looked like they were made of hard steel.

Noise a little closer to home broke him from his awed gaze, looking around he saw that the first signs of life were beginning to be shown from the vast camp. The people which passed gave them mixed looks, some grateful (although he could never guess what for), others awed by their very presence, well Bellatrix really; even he was shocked by the feelings which her power represented and the magnitude which it had.

They began to wander between the tents at a slow pace, whenever they passed a man or a being which looked similar, though slightly different to them, they noticed a dramatic change in character, men who were once burdened by their morning tasks stood tall once more, it was as if their presence gave them new strength.

It was when they passed a tent which was slightly larger than the rest, perhaps housing seven or eight large men that Harry realised that he was hungry, not just hungry, but famished, the men were currently cooking on a fire and were sat in a small circle sharing banter and telling tales of the past, Harry decided he better ask directions to prevent them from getting lost. As he got within a couple of meters of the group they all looked up at him in unison.

"Good Morning young sir, what would you be looking for today" his accent was slightly peculiar but he didn't say anything, the man seemed friendly enough.

"I'm lost actually, I was wondering who might I see in order to salvage that problem?" the men laughed heartily and the man who had previously spoken nodded to his left where a gap had been made in the circle for him to sit.

"You have a peculiar accent child, I am in fact curious as to what you are doing on the encampment, and goodness knows it hasn't come to making the children fight yet" Harry felt Bella sit by his side but didn't look up, he was too focused on what the man had said.

"Fight?" they suddenly looked at him as if he was mad.
"Of course fight, what do you think we're doing here, preparing for war for the fun of it?" Harry's mind went blank but his confusion didn't show on his face.

It was at this point that Harry realised that a lot had happened, more than he had originally thought, it was clear to him now that they were no longer on earth, somehow, they had travelled to a different world and landed in an encampment heading to war, his luck was really that bad? But then he remembered back to the white light and the voice which seemed to be made of magic itself you may pass, you have been given an opportunity to start a new life, Good Luck is this what the voice had meant?, of course he could never have a new start in his World, too many people knew him and he had too many enemy's.
And then the news fully hit him, he was free, he could forge his own destiny, there were no good intentioned but equally manipulative headmasters to plot his path, he was free to do as he wished. He had a new name, he had no prophecy hanging over his head and at the moment he and Bellatrix were unknown to the world. Harry smiled widely.

"What are you two anyway, you look like elves but you've got darker skin and slightly different features" queried one of the other men. Bellatrix chose that point to gain a foothold in the talk.

"We're Night Elves, the first of our kind to enter the world, this is Elerossë and I'm Failariël" the men looked at her and it would have been stupid to say that none of them looked upon her as if she was the reincarnation of Venus, for they all did. Further comments were put aside because at that moment a creature which Harry assumed was an elf as it gave strong resemblance to his own looks, came ridding over to them on a powerful white horse.

"I am charged to escort you to the kings' tent, he is expecting you young wizards" the elf spoke in a voice which while being dignified, held no resemblance of lament or distaste.

"Thank you" Bellatrix relied, apparently deciding to take the initiative in the situation, she stood up at the same time as Harry "If you would lead the way?" the elf nodded and then proceeded to slowly trot off in the direction it had come from. Waving goodbye to the group of men Harry and Bellatrix followed the messenger through a labyrinth of tents, all arrayed in perfect alignment, eventually they reached a tent which was much larger than any of the others, it was easily big enough to fit a small party inside and there were also guards surrounding it in a ring, facing out and aware of potential threats.

They were led passed the guards without a word and entered the elaborate tent, inside there sat five men and five beings which he had come to recognise as elves, they were evidently discussing something important and has reached a state of agreement upon some issue. When they had been standing there for about five seconds their presence was acknowledged.

"Come sit! Eat!" called one of the men, he was tall and looked incredibly strong, he carried a sword at his side and was dressed in beautiful armour which had the image of a white tree upon a black background on it. Looking back at Bella Harry moved over and sat in one of the two spare seats at the table, there were several maps upon it, everyone similar, but with others which showed specific locations in greater detail.
Food was brought in shortly after and not a word was said until they were halfway through a satisfying meal.

"Have you any idea as to what your purpose is here in middle earth?" Harry put down his fork slowly and looked up at the man who had spoken both earlier and now. Harry thought it best to play slightly knowledgeable; it would not go down well if he said he didn't know what was going on.

"I can't say I have, I have no connections here that I can look to, I am very much at a loss as to what I am to do" he shrugged his shoulders to emphasise the point. A Noble and wise Elf with stern features spoke up at that moment.

"But what about your troops? Surely with being new to this world you will have to find home? We have long foreseen the arrival of the Night Elves young Master Wizard, they are said to be a race similar to that of my own; The High Elves, stronger though and with slightly lesser eyesight, though not by much" Harry was now fully confused I have troops? Some of this confusion must of appeared on his face because another Elf spoke up this time with a voice riddled with incredulity.

"You mean to say that you knew not of the Soldiers which came with you, of the women that came with you?" Harry looked at the Noble elf and shook his head in admittance of his lack of knowledge, as he did so there was a muttering heard from around the table, some of the men looked on in doubt.

" You must understand that we know nothing of this World, we were sent over by a white light which seemed to be the very essence of power itself, we were told that we had to make our own choices in this World and that is what I intend to do we have no allies, as you now know we were not aware of the troops which undoubtedly came here with us, and above all we have no home or means of support, excuse me Master Elf but how many men do I have at my disposal?"

The Elf with the stern countenance regarded him for a moment before answering.

"I have reports that there were seventy five thousand female, male and child Night Elves, fifty thousand of which are suitable as warriors and by listening of reports on their stature they were intended as such, aside from that there are twenty five thousand female and younger elves"

Harry reeled back in his seat at the staggering numbers, this was beyond what he had ever expected, why him, he wasn't special, he was just him, and now he was entrusted with presumably leading these Elves and insuring their expansion and prosper, the challenge was immense...but not impossible.

How do you propose I begin, their are little options open to me, you are preparing for war, or that is what I have been told, if there is war, then there is undoubtedly an enemy, I cannot begin to protect my people when we have no means to do so" he paused to think once more, it was strange that he was being so forward and demanding, but he felt that the situation called for action.

"Before I burden this on you again master elf, may I have the pleasure of your name?" the elf gave a smile and nodded his head gracefully.

"I am Elrond young Wizard, I have many other names but you may call me as such" Harry smiled back and reciprocated Elrond's previous action of nodding his head, he didn't realise it but also managed to so with Grace.

"I am in need of help and I am not in the habit of asking for it, but, I realise that I must. I am stranded and you are not, therefore I wish to have your aid or at least your council, what say you? Will you grant my request Lord Elrond?" There was silence once more while he contemplated the matter.

"You may have my council for the time being, whether or not you have my aid is yet to be decided, I only speak for myself, not everyone here today, when I say this" There was tense silence for several minutes, before it was broken by another man, similar in stature to the first and dressed in similar clothes.
"Although my people do not hold as much power as the elves at the present time I am inclined to offer you my council if you so wish it, aid is likewise yet to be seen" After that the four other men in the room agreed to offer him council, the elves had similar views, they were reluctant to commit to an agreement without further knowledge of the other, council was offered though, at last they turned to an elf who exuberated power and grace, like Elrond, but with seemingly more power, Harry awaited on his decision.

"I agree to provide council young Wizard, and I also agree to offer you aid" there was a confused silence at this, but know one dared to interrupt the important elf due to his obvious importance and power "I have in my possession a sword crafted by the smith Telchar, the blade has been in my possession for thousands of years, but I know now that it was mean for you, If you will have it. Aside from that I have nothing else to offer you" he stood and tossed his cloak to the side, there in a scabbard which was slightly curved in shape, was a sword, the casing alone was magnificent, black with vines of thin Gold creeping up its length, he could also see the handle, it was longer than he imagined it to be, but he didn't doubt the weapons efficiency in battle, it was curved as well although only slightly where it joined the blade and at the but of the handle. The thin spidery vines stopped at the handle; instead to be replaced by a striped pattern of a thick ring of black, then a thin ring of Gold, this ran horizontal all the way up the handle. It was amazing, powerful and elegant; he had never seen anything like it.

Harry accepted the weapon which was being offered to him by the Elfs two hands; he took the weapon and gently, as if he was trying to prolong the weapons life, fastened the sword tightly to his waist, it fell to about his knee and came up to just below his shoulder, he supposed it would look and perform better when he was fully grown and trained. Turning his gaze back up to stare at the powerful elf Lord Harry nodded in thanks and then regained the use of his seat which he had unconsciously abandoned to receive his weapon.

"That is a mighty gift Gil Galad, the last sword forged by Telchar, the best blade smith ever born" Elrond turned to him.
"Put it to good use Master Wizard" Harry thanked him and then turned back to the group.

"Do any of you know of a place where I may set up home, I am inclined to dwell in an area which isn't totally forestry, a combination of perhaps that, straight plains and mountains are best suited to the needs we have?" there was silence around the table as the leaders of men and elves thought over Harry's problem, sometime later a man spoke, he was as the norm with everyone at the table, royally dressed and Noble looking, however he did not hold the power which Gil Galad or Elrond had at their command.

"It is a hard problem, for there are not many areas which have remained neutral throughout the war, I would suggest an area which is loosely controlled by the enemy and that has good prospects for a fortress of some kind, I feel that although you have a relatively strong force which could probably withstand any small parties and armies of the enemy, once Sauron learns of your identity and your power, he will undoubtedly begin to grow cautious of the growth of another powerful enemy, he will make strikes against you, small at first to test your strength, after that he will launch an assault on your forces which I am sorry to say will not be able to withstand his might" the man paused for a second before continuing "You also face the problem of having no weapons, armour and having troops which although may be potentially great fighters, have no training or battle experience" there was another silence after these words, it was eventually broken by Elrond who spoke once more.

"Rhun might prove to be a great place for a Kingdom, it is currently occupied by Easterlings who's standing army size is reported to about thirty thousand men large, they are cunning fighters and strong allies of Sauron, however if we broke them in one swift move, they will buckle under our might, the land has a small mountain range which while small in length is as mighty as even the tallest pass anywhere else in Middle Earth, with my Lord Gil Galad's blessing I wish to use fifty thousand warriors of the house of Imladris to siege Rhun, for not only will it provide Elerossë with the land to build a fortress and locate his people, but it will also remove a great ally of Mordor and lessen the chances of having to fight off advances from both Rhun and Mordor, it is a good move for all involved, yet the final decision does no fall to me, but to my Lord Gil Galad" here the powerful Lord who was now revealed as a person with rank lower than that of the Elf named Gil Galad, turned to said Lord.

"I do not condone this action Lord Elrond, for I do not want to part with such a force in the case of a major Mordor invasion, I fear that we may be taken advantage of if that were the case, and although we could most probably defend our homes for a substantial period anyway, I feel that we would stand a greater chance If our forces were together as one, rather than spread across Arda" Harry's initial hope at Elrond's words were dashed as Gil Galad said this, he now turned to the Lords of men in the hope that they would be more willing.

"The King Gil Galad speaks wise words, we also do not wish to part with forces in the case of invasion, I suggest that you look for other means of settlement where the enemy is less prominent"

Harry's thoughts reeled and wound until he had them organised once more, it was obvious that this place Rhun was the ideal area to settle his people, however there was a force of about thirty thousand guarding it, he didn't know much about war of this kind, but he did know due to his experience in the war against Voldemort and from reading several texts for his History of Magic class, that a stronghold was extremely important, if he didn't have one then he would be easily sought out and destroyed by this enemy they referred to, and if the size of the forces that they were using was an example of this Dark Lords power, then he would be a sitting duck in the event of an attack, the protection of his people was his primary concern, not the war, not politics and games.

"Then you leave me with no choice" he said standing, he didn't notice Bellatrix reciprocating his action at his side, for he was too deep in thought at the present time. Moving his chair back and walking away without a goodbye, he was stopped a metre from the tents door by a call from what he knew to be the Lord Elrond.

"What do you plan to do Master Elerossë, If invading Rhun is your plan then I would advise against it, do not throw away the lives of an entire race of elves for the sake of one Kingdom" Harry whirled around his eyes narrowed.

"And what would you suggest Lord Elrond, if this place Rhun is indeed as suitable as you say it is, and then I intend to claim it as the home of my people for many years to come.

In answer to your question I am going to walk out of this tent, out of this camp even and attack the land of Rhun, I may not be as wise as you Master Elf but I know war, and in war decisive decisions have to be made in order to emerge victorious, look for news of our victory" and with that final statement he turned and walked at a fast pace outside the tent.

When they were about fifty metres away Bellatrix caught up to him.

"Not a bad show you put up in there" she commented. Harry scowled at her and she instantly shrank back slightly before regaining his confidence.

"Bellatrix, I know we have had a bad past with each other, but I would like to put it behind us, yes you murdered my Godfather and he was extremely dear to me, however I believe that if you wish for redemption then I cannot stand in the way of that, you are a powerful Witch and will be invaluable in the future of our people, I'm sure you noticed that when we were in the light you were referred to as the mother of the Night Elves, you are obviously to be the leader of our kind, I am the protector, you are the Mother" Bellatrix smiled and offered her hand to him which he shook gently. When they once again started moving Bellatrix grabbed hold of his shirt and pulled him back
"What?" he asked confused

"You are the leader Harry, you may not know it but I feel as if it is your Job to guide and govern our people, not me, however I will gladly become your second in command" Harry smiled and accepted her words, they set off a second later in the direction which they felt, for some peculiar reason would lead them to their people.