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Chapter Text

Awareness came back to Harry slowly. He expected to feel pain but surprisingly he felt nothing of the sort as he cautiously stretched his arms and legs. He kept his eyes closed, taking a deep breath and took stock of himself. His body felt different, smaller, more compact than he was used to, though he didn’t seem to be injured in any way. He also realised that he was outside, he could feel the grass beneath his hands and hear the sound of flowing water nearby. Flowing water? He thought confusedly as he lay in the soft grass getting his bearings. Where was he that he could hear flowing water? The last thing he remembered was getting hit by Voldemort’s killing curse. He remembered that he hadn’t felt scared as the spell had been flying toward him, he had felt only peace, knowing that he was doing the right thing to save his friends… to save his family. But he couldn’t think of anywhere that he knew of in the Forbidden Forest that had flowing water. Cautiously he opened his eyes and looked around. He was in what looked like a forest, but a forest very different to the one he remembered dying in. The sun was shining down and there didn’t seem to be any dangerous creatures lurking nearby, well not that he could see anyway. The trees that surrounded him were healthy and strong and there were wildflowers growing as far as the eye could see. Harry wasn’t sure he had ever seen such a beautiful place before and even though he was confused about where he was and how he had gotten here, he felt calm.

Now that he knew that he wasn’t in any immediate danger, he began to take in more than just his surroundings. He looked down and saw that he was wearing what looked to be a soft green tunic, his pants a dark brown that wrapped snug around his legs, tapering off on his calves. Harry ran his hands over the strange clothes, wondering where they had come from. After his mind was able to move past the mystery of his clothing, he realised that his legs and feet looked smaller than he remembered. He jumped up, crying out in shock, running his small palms over his thin chest and hips. He had always been rather short and scrawny for his age, years of being underfed would do that to you, but this was ridiculous! His hands were small and delicate, his feet the same, he couldn’t be sure without looking in a mirror, but he thought it seemed like he was around 6 years old again! What kind of nonsense was this that he ended up not only in an unfamiliar place, but he had also seemed to have de-aged, as if such a thing was even possible! He was now also aware that his wand was not on him, he searched all around the area he had been laying, but it was gone. He was beginning to feel scared now, he had no idea what had happened to him and what these changes would mean, and he didn’t even have his wand to protect himself with. It didn’t appear that he was in the Forbidden Forest anymore and he knew that he couldn’t just sit and wait for someone to come along and help him, for all he knew no one even knew where he was. With another deep steadying breath Harry decided that his only course of action was to start walking and hope that he came along someone friendly, who would be willing to help him.

Having no idea which way to go, he closed his eyes, spun in a circle and started walking in the direction he was facing when he opened his eyes again. Probably not the most intelligent way of doing things, he could practically feel Hermione rolling her eyes at him, but it was the only way he could think of at the moment. Every direction looked much the same, so it was as good a choice as any he supposed. Harry walked for what felt like hours, over soft green grass and rough stones that jabbed at his bare feet. His feet were aching, but he hadn’t managed to cover that much ground, his shorter stature hampering his efforts. It was also now that he had started walking that he realised that although he didn’t appear to be injured at all, he was exhausted. He felt like he had gone five rounds with one of Hagrid’s blast ended skrewts, his muscles ached, and his eyes burned from exhaustion. His stomach rumbled in hunger and his throat was dry from thirst. He judged from the changing direction of the sun that it was now late afternoon and Harry could admit that he was a little worried about being in this strange place alone at night. He had spotted some berries as he walked but being unsure if they were safe or not to eat, he had decided to let them be. Harry kept walking until night started to fall and he was too tired, to take even one more step. He had come across no other person or any signs of life, so he resigned himself to a cold night on the forest floor. He curled up beside the trunk of a large oak tree, gathering leaves around himself to try to keep warm and to offer him some cover from anyone or anything that may pass in the night. The only downside was the constant rustling he made if he moved, so he tried to hold himself still as he drifted into an uneasy sleep.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Light was still faint when he was awoken, and Harry knew that it must not be long after dawn. He laid still for a moment trying to work out what had woken him when he heard it, the sound of voices from not very far away. Harry’s heart started pounding, this was it, finally someone who could help him, Harry just had to trust that they were friendly. Doubt pulled at his mind, what if they weren’t friendly, what if they turned out to be death eaters! Just because it didn’t seem like he was in the Forbidden Forest anymore didn’t mean that there couldn’t be death eaters nearby, perhaps they were even out here looking for him.
Harry laid perfectly still and strained to hear what the voices were saying, but try as he might he couldn’t make out the words. It seemed as if there were three or four voices though and though he couldn’t make out the words, the tone seemed pleasant enough. Cautiously he raised himself out of his bed of leaves, pulling himself up next to the trunk of the tree he had slept under. His small hand ran over the rough bark as he peeked around the edge of the tree to see the group gathered beyond.
Harry had been right, there were four people sitting around on the ground eating what must be their breakfast. Harrys stomach grumbled at the sight of food, but he stayed still for now, cautiously watching. There was three men and one woman, but they were different to any people Harry had ever seen before. They were all slim and regal looking with long straight hair in varying hues, there was something about the way they moved, even while sitting, that spoke of elegance and grace. Their faces were soft and beautiful, their features almost ethereal, and Harry stood mesmerised for a moment. He tensed when he realised that they all wore weapons, no wands though, things like swords and bow and arrows.

Harry had been so intent on watching the interactions between the four people in front of him, that he failed to notice that someone had snuck up behind him until a firm hand had grasped his shoulder and spun him around. Harry let out a high-pitched scream of surprise, his heart pounding in his chest as he came face to face with another of those long-haired beauties, this one another male. Acting on instinct Harry wrenched himself out of the light hold the stranger had on him and threw himself to the side, before springing to his feet and taking off into the forest as fast as his little legs would carry him.

The stranger gasped in surprise, obviously not expecting such a strong reaction. Harry heard the voice call out but couldn’t understand what was spoken so he just kept on running, determined to get away. He raced over rough ground, stumbling in his haste to get away, branches whipping at his face and snaring his clothes and hair. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it far before he felt large hands grip him around the waist and lift him high into the air. Harry struggled, kicking and scratching as he tried to get away.

“Put me down!” he shouted in a mixture of anger and fear. He felt like a toddler next to these tall people.

“Calm yourself little one, we mean you no harm” the stranger holding him said softly.

Harry stopped struggling at the words but eyed the man suspiciously, his eyes narrowing as the strangers four companions joined them. His eyes spun trying to take the newcomers in, they were all so tall.

“Where are your parents little one?” asked one of the strangers, this one with long caramel coloured hair. “One as young as you should not be out alone, it is not safe.”
Harry snorted at the idea of safe, he couldn’t remember the last time he had felt truly safe. Harry eyed the strangers carefully, trying to judge how much to tell them and decided for now on the truth.

“My parents are gone, dead.” He said quietly, “I don’t know where I am.” Harry paused when he finished talking, taking note of his voice for the first time, it was softer, more musical. He guessed that made sense since he was now a child again.

The strangers shared a surprised look.

“You are just now entering the Mirkwood forest, home of the wood elves.”

Harry startled at that, “elves? What like house elves?” He asked, wondering if he had somehow been transported to the homeland of house elves.

One of the strangers laughed lightly at Harry’s confusion, “I’m not sure what a house elf is, but we are elves” he said gesturing to himself and his travelling companions. Seeing that Harry still looked confused, the man – no elf, Harry mentally corrected himself, pulled up his hair revealing pointed ears.

Harry reached out without thinking, running his hands over the pointy ears. “So soft” he murmured, and the elf grinned at him.

He seemed to realise what he was doing and withdrew his hand quickly, face flushing red in embarrassment. “Sorry.”

“There is nothing to be sorry for little one, curiosity is a good thing.”

Harry opened his mouth, not sure if he agreed with that statement, knowing where curiosity had gotten him in his life, but instead he just nodded.

He raised his hands up to his own hears, pushing through the mess of black curls, his fingers gently traced the outline of his ears, finding that they were pointed as well.

He yelped in surprise, “my ears are pointy too!” he said.

“I don’t think so little one” a different elf spoke up this time, a small grin lighting their face.

“No really” Harry argued, “look.” He pulled his hair out of the way to reveal a pair of pointed ears.

The elf holding him dropped him surprise and Harry fell to the ground with a heavy thud. Groaning he pulled himself back to his feet, “hey! What was that for?”

But the elves around him weren’t listening.

“An elfling!” an elf with auburn hair cried out. “How is it possible that there is an elfling here? There has been no word of an elfling being born anywhere in a thousand years, and such a thing would have surely been proclaimed far and wide.”

“Celebrations would have lasted months, there is no way that we could have missed it.” Another elf agreed.

Harry watched bemusedly as the elves talked over each other. From what he could pick up these creatures were very long lived, though seemed to have problems procreating if he was the only elfling seen in a thousand years.

“We must take him to Thranduil” another elf chimed in; the others nodded in agreement.

The elf with the caramel coloured hair that he had spoken to him earlier turned and knelt before him.

“Little one, you are precious beyond all measure, we would take you to meet our King.”

Harrys eyes widened slightly at the mention of a King but seeing as he had no other option available to him, he decided to go along with it for now and nodded.
“May I carry you? It will be quicker.” Harry nodded again, feeling ridiculous as he held up his hands and a pair of strong arms scooped him up. Harry found himself pressed firmly against a broad chest.

“I never thought I would see the day that I would hold an elfling in my arms” the elf holding him murmured in awe.

Harry awkwardly wrapped his small arms around the elf’s neck and hugged him back, he wasn’t sure why, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

“You may call me Laston, little one” and with that the other elves formed a circle around him and Laston and started running through the forest. Harry was amazed at how fast they could move, and how graceful they were while doing it. It wasn’t long before the gentle swaying started to lull Harry into sleep again, he turned his face into Laston’s neck and closed his eyes.

Let me know what you think! This is my first attempt at a crossover or a LOTR fic so please be kind :)

Chapter Text

Laston carried the sleeping elfling securely in his arms as they moved quickly through the forest. They had been quite a distance out and all were anxious to get the elfling to safety. Their forest was not as safe as it had once been. A darkness was spreading, and it was getting harder to hold it back. No one spoke as they ran. Laston knew that they were all as shocked as he was. No word of an elfling being born had reached their ears, but here sat one, softly snoring in his arms, as though his very presence wasn’t a miracle. Every elf was on high alert, wanting to return home without incident.

Eventually they reached the border to their lands. Laston didn’t even spare a thought for the beauty of his home, as he usually did, before surging on. They paused only briefly to wrap the small elfling in a cloak so as not to garner attention from anyone they passed before hurrying in the direction of the throne room. Though they had covered the elfling, they still managed to gather attention simply due to the fact they were racing as though orcs or possibly dwarves were on their tails.

They ignored the elves on duty and burst into the throne room, only to find it unoccupied.

“Go and find his Majesty and Prince Legolas” Laston directed to two of their company.

He stood for a moment taking deep breaths and collecting his thoughts, it would not do to seem flustered when appearing before their King.

It took only a few minutes before Thranduil came striding into the room, Legolas trailing close behind him.

They did not run, but there was a certain urgency to their steps that denoted the importance of the matter.

They paused before Laston.

“What is this matter of urgency that required Nessa to retrieved us from an important meeting?” Thranduil asked imperiously. Legolas merely stood behind him looking curious.

“It is this, my King” Laston whispered, as he pulled the cloak away to reveal a sleeping child. Thranduil looked unimpressed and Legolas disappointed.

“You had us hurry here for this, to see a sleeping child?”

“No, your majesty… for this.” With that Laston pulled some of the thick curls to the side to reveal soft pointed ears. It wasn’t a human child; it was an elfling!

Thranduil considered himself quite a stoic elf, he had lived for a millennia and thought little could surprise him. However, when Laston pulled back thick dark locks to reveal a sleeping elfling snuggled in his arms, he didn’t think he had ever been more shocked. Though outwardly he appeared calm, inwardly his mind was torn between turmoil and joy. An elfling! His mind reeled. How was it possible that an elfling was here, where were his parents? Why had he heard nothing of an elfling being born, it seemed impossible that word had not reached him.

Even as his mind spun with the impossibility of it all, his heart rejoiced. An elfling was before him. It had been age since he had last set eyes on one. He leaned forward to examine the child. Now that he looked closer, he was amazed that he did not recognise him for what he was immediately. The child was stunning, with thick beautiful black locks and soft pale skin that seemed to glow.

Legolas was tense behind him; the younger elf had never seen an elfling before and was probably even more shocked than he was.

Thranduil reached out a hand, and was surprised to see it shaking slightly, to run through the thick curls. It was unusual, elves didn’t usually have curls, their hair more often than not, was dead straight. He looked up to see Legolas staring in awe at the sleeping elfling.

“Nessa” Thranduil said quietly, not wanting to disturb the little one’s sleep. “Go and fetch several guards and meet us in the guest room opposite my room.”

Nessa nodded and hurried off, not making a sound as her feet glided over stone.

“Come Laston, we will put him in a guest room to rest, then you can explain just how you managed to find an elfling while out on patrol. Adan, Gale you will also come.”

The other elves nodded, and all followed behind as Thranduil lead them to a room. The room was situated in an area of great honour, across the hall from Thranduil’s own room and next to Legolas’. These rooms usually only reserved for family or visiting guests of great importance.

Laston placed the sleeping elfling onto the large bed, managing not to wake him in the process, just as Nessa walked in with three guards.

“You two” Thranduil said sternly, pointing to the two closest elves. “You are to remain in the room at all times and ensure the elfling is safe. While you” he continued, pointing at the last elf “are to remain on guard at the door.”

The three elves nodded but none took their eyes off the miracle before them. It was a mark of how deeply shocked they were that they didn’t even bow to their King as he left the room.

Thranduil lead the group to his study, a beautiful room, with a large oak desk, comfortable chairs and a beautiful tapestry that ran the length of one wall. The tapestry depicted a battle fought long ago, but one that held significance to the King.

“Please be at rest.” Thranduil said, motioning the rooms inhabitants to be seated, as he himself sat behind his desk.

“Explain” he said, piercing Laston with a hard look. If the elf didn’t know his King so well, he may have been worried. As it stood, he understood that Thranduil was simply concerned about the elfling, and honestly Laston didn’t blame him.

Laston took a deep breath and ran his hands through his caramel coloured hair to steady himself before beginning.

“It started like any other patrol. We travelled for most of the day, scouting, we came across nothing of concern. As the sun set, we made camp for the evening. While breaking our fast in the morning Nessa heard a rustle of leaves so Gale left to investigate.”

Thranduil and Legolas both nodded as Laston continued.

“He came across what we thought was a child, but unfortunately startled him. He ran off and was surprisingly fast for such a small child.” Laston said with smile. “When we finally caught him, we discovered that he was in fact an elfling, which as you can imagine was quite a shock.”

“Did he say anything?” Legolas interrupted, looking serious.

Nessa spoke up now. “He said that his parents were dead and that he didn’t know where he was.”

Thranduil frowned at that, and if possible, looked more concerned.

Laston picked up the tale again. “We didn’t wait to find out anything else, deciding to bring him straight here.”

“A wise decision,” Thranduil nodded. “The question remains, where did he come from?”

“He looks so young, only around 14 years. How did we not hear anything of his birth?” Legolas asked the room.

Every elf sat in thought. It seemed impossible that an elfling had been born and they had not heard of it.

“We must reach out, contact the others and see if they have heard anything of an elfling being born. I won’t tell them about the elfling, I wish to learn what they know first.”

The others nodded in agreement.

“Legolas, you will stay with the elfling until he awakes. Send for immediately when he does.”

Everyone took that as the dismissal it was, leaving their King to write missives to the other elf communities.

Chapter Text

Legolas made his way through the halls and back to the elflings room as quickly as he could. His mind was reeling. He settled in a comfortable chair beside the elflings bed and drank in the sight before him. He had never before seen an elfling, his eyes traced the delicate features and the shock of dark unruly hair. It was nothing short of miraculous that there was an elfling laying before him. The guards posted around the room were watching the elfling like a hawk, eyes nearly reverent. Legolas knew they would have to be careful, or the newcomer would be in danger of being suffocated from besotted elves. He chuckled slightly at the thought, startling when he looked back at the elfling to find a pair of luminous green eyes staring back him. The eyes were slightly unfocused but were rapidly clearing.

Realisation seemed to hit Harry like a truck. He woke up warm, but his body still ached. His mind struggled to piece together where he was and what he had been doing. He opened his eyes but had to blink several times before a smiling blonde man came into focus. Elf, his mind corrected. He sat up like a shot, startling so bad he nearly fell off the side of the bed.

Movement in the room caused him to swing around wildly, to take in two other elves moving toward him. His heart pounded in his chest and Harry scooted back quickly until his back hit the headboard.

“Calm yourself little one, I am Legolas, and you are safe” the tall blonde elf said softly. Harry noticed his voice was just as soothing and lyrical as the other elves he had met.

Harry took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. The elves he had met had all seemed friendly, there was no need to feel so panicked. Oh, aside from years of conditioning as well as the fact he still had no idea where he was or what was going on. He shook his head to clear it as the blonde elf, called Legolas spoke again.

“Go and fetch my father” Legolas said to one of the other elves, who quickly rushed from the room.

Legolas sat down on the bed, but gave Harry plenty of space, which he greatly appreciated.

“Can you tell me your name?” Legolas asked gently.

“Harry” he breathed. Before clearing his throat and repeating more firmly. “I’m Harry.”

“Harry” Legolas said, trying the feel of the name on his tongue. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine” Harry said, remembering all the times in his life he had uttered those words.

Legolas raised an eyebrow in disbelief but refrained from contradicting the statement.

“Well would you like something to eat? Drink?”

Harry remembered that he had been starving when he had first come across the elves and time had only made it worse.

“Ah, yeah that’d be great, thanks” Harry said with a soft smile. “I don’t actually remember the last time I ate.”

Something flashed across Legolas’ face but was gone just as fast.

“Well then, Auriel would you please go and get young Harry here something to eat and drink from the kitchens.”

The other elf in the room bowed before leaving. Harry’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion for a moment before the door swung open again and another elf walked in. Harry’s eyebrows rose as he took in the elf before him. He was tall and imperious with a commanding aura that radiated throughout the room. His hair was blonde and even longer than Legolas’ and upon his head sat a crown. The crown was different to anything Harry had seen before, in movies or in books. It was beautiful and seemed to be made of wood, leaves and berries.

Thranduil smiled as the young elf gaped at him.

“Hello, young one” Thranduil said kindly, taking in the emerald green eyes before him. “My name is Thranduil.”

“Hello” Harry said hesitantly, clasping his small hands before him nervously.

“Don’t be scared, you are safe here” Thranduil said, unknowingly echoing Legolas’ earlier words.

Harry couldn’t help a small sardonic grin from gracing his lips.

Harry pointed at Legolas, “that’s what he said. Also, I’m not sure if I’ve ever been safe a day in my life, so sorry if I don’t quite believe you just yet.”

Thranduil’s eye’s widened in surprise at both statements.

“Well, Legolas is my son, so that’s not surprising.”

Harry’s eyes flicked between the pair. “I can see the resemblance, a lot of blonde hair” he said waving his hands around his head.

Legolas had to fight the urge to laugh, a lot of blonde hair indeed.

“I am King of these lands” Thranduil explained, and Harry’s eyes raised to linger on the crown.

“I don’t know where I am.”

“You are in the Mirkwood of the Woodland Realm, does that sound familiar?”

Harry shook his head, where on earth was, he? He ran his hands over the soft blankets on his bed, trying to calm himself.

“Do you remember where you’re from?”

“Ah, Surrey. It’s just outside of London” Harry said uncertainly, noting the look that Thranduil and Legolas shared.

“I have not heard of this place” Thranduil said carefully.

Harry let out a mournful sigh, “I’m beginning to think it’s a long way from here.”

The elfling gave the pair a shrewd look before continuing.

“Have you ever heard of someone dying, then coming back again in a different place?” Harry looked around, “possibly a different world? Because I think that’s what’s happening here.”

Thranduil and Legolas looked shocked.

“Or is this heaven?” Harry asked looking around with a furrowed brow. His tired mind couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

Thranduil and Legolas shared a glance.

“What is heaven?” Legolas asked curiously.

Harry’s eyes became distant. “Its where you go when you die.”

“Die!” Legolas yelped, jumping up from the bed and causing Harry to startle. “You are most certainly alive, and I will personally make sure that you stay that way.”

Harry blinked at the determination that laced the blonde elf’s words.

“Harry, I feel like we are missing something. Why don’t you start at the beginning and tell us how you came to be here” Thranduil said, his own heart racing at the thought of the elfling dying.

Harry nodded sheepishly. “Sorry, you see, I was fighting in a war” he decided not to mention the magic part, who knew how that sort of thing was viewed here. “I died in battle but when I woke up, I was in a strange forest. I walked for ages and eventually came across Laston and the others who brought me here. To you.”

“And this place you came from, it isn’t anything like here?” Thranduil asked as he slowly started to pace the room in thought.

“Well, granted I haven’t seen much of here so I couldn’t rule it out completely but no, it doesn’t seem to be.”

Thranduil nodded seriously. “You must have been blessed by the Valar” he breathed. “Your sacrifices must have been great indeed to warrant such a reward.”

Harry blushed slightly, “Oh, no, not really. There were many that gave everything they had, just as I did.”

“Hmm” Thranduil hummed, looking doubtful. “Well, either way, it seems that you have been rewarded, that explains why no one had heard of your birth.”

“I take it elflings aren’t very common?” Harry asked cautiously, causing Legolas to snort.

“That’s an understatement.”

Harry jumped slightly as the door swung open again, admitting one of the elves from before with a tray ladened with a variety of meat and vegetables. The food smelt amazing, and Harry felt his stomach growl viciously in response. He thanked the elf politely and tried to remember his manners as he started eating.

The four elves in the room stood gobsmacked as the tiny elfling ate as though he hadn’t eaten anything in the last year. Thranduil could tell he was trying hard not to just shovel the food into his mouth. How could one so small, eat so much?

When the food was all gone and the tray cleared away, Harry felt much more relaxed. It was amazing how much better a full belly could make you feel. He reclined back in the comfortable bed, his eyelids drooping as he tried to stay awake.

“Nap time, is it?” Legolas asked with a grin.

Harry tried to glare but he mostly just looked like an angry kitten, causing Legolas to smile wider.

“Don’t need a nap time, I’m 17 years old!” Harry grumbled.

“So young” Thranduil breathed. “Rest, we can continue our talk after your nap.”

Harry was going to argue, but really what was the point, he was tired, and the bed was so comfortable.

He snuggled down letting the warmth envelope him.

Legolas stood from the bed when Harry’s eyes drooped closed and his breathing evened out.

“Do you believe him?” He asked his father as he pushed a dark curl off the elflings face.

“I do. He is a blessing, that we must prove ourselves worthy of.”

Legolas nodded seriously.

Chapter Text

When Harry awoke again, he sat up groggily, completely disorientated about the time of day. Judging from the way the light was coming through the windows, he would guess that it was early morning. He rubbed his eyes as he tried to focus, momentarily amazed that he could see perfectly without his glasses.

A soft cooing noise had him looking around quickly, to find an elf standing close to his bed watching him adoringly.

Ah, that’s right, elves. Though different to any elf Harry had ever met before. These elves were tall and very beautiful and all of them had been kind to him so far, he didn’t know what to make of it.

“Good morning, Harry” the blonde elf said. “Nice nap?”

Harry pouted at the grinning elf. “Ok, maybe I was more tired than I thought.”

“You slept all afternoon and night” and Harry’s eyes widened in surprise. Wow he had been tired.

“I’m not sure how much you remember from yesterday, but my name is Legolas.”

“Legolas” Harry said softly, as though getting a feel for the sound of the name on his tongue. Your father is the king” Harry continued carefully, “so that makes you a prince?”

“It does” Legolas said with a small smile.

“Prince Legolas” Harry said feeling a little unsure, he had never spoken with a prince before.

“Just Legolas is fine.”

Harry nodded in understanding.

“Do you feel well enough to get up and join us for breakfast?”

Harry stretched once again noting his much smaller stature. He still felt a bit sore and achy, but the long sleep had done him some good and he was feeling almost back to normal.

“Yeah, that would be nice” he said as he made to climb down from the bed.

Legolas stepped forward to lift him down and it was only then that Harry noticed just how high the bed was. He should feel annoyed at Legolas treating him like a child, but he had to remind himself that to them he was still a child. Besides it was sorta nice to have someone care for him, he certainly hadn’t had that during his previous childhood.

Legolas handed over a change of clothes that had been laying on the bed, before politely turning his back while Harry changed. Harry pulled on the flowing white shirt and pale blue leggings. They were soft to the touch but still warm enough that he didn’t feel chilled in this cooler weather.

“Father has already commissioned our master builders to build a nursery for you” Legolas said happily. “I believe they have already started on the bed, so great was their excitement.”

Harry looked completely flummoxed for a moment.

“Surely I don’t need a nursery?” Harry asked looking up at Legolas unsurely as they started walking from the room, two guards falling into step behind them.

“In elvish society you are considered a child until you reach 100 years of age, right now you are our equivalent of a toddler.”

Harry was so shocked at this announcement that he didn’t even notice when Legolas bent to take his hand, to guide him through the halls.

“Exactly how long do Elves live for?”

“Oh, we’re eternal” Legolas said with a casualness that belied his words. “Unless killed, we just keep on living. I myself am close to 3000 years old.”

“3000 years old!” Harry croaked, subconsciously gripping Legolas’ hand tighter. “Goodness, no wonder your father thought 17 years old was young.”

Legolas chuckled, “indeed.”

They came to a door and Legolas pushed it open guiding Harry inside before following after.

The room was as beautiful as everything Harry had seen since entering the Woodland realm. A large room that still managed to feel cosy, with a softly crackling fire to keep the chill away and rich brown rugs that softened the wooden floors. In the middle sat a table, it was obviously not meant for large formal dining but more intimate meals with close family and friends. The elves who were gathered around it stood as Harry and Legolas entered, all staring at him avidly and Harry was unhappily reminded of all the unwanted attention he had gotten in his life. Thankfully here no one seemed to expect him to save them all or were in awe of him for something he couldn’t even remember. They stared simply because of who he was, a child in a place where children were few and far between.

“So glad you were able to join us” Thranduil said. “These are some of my closest advisors, we were just discussing a few matters over breakfast, please won’t you join us.”

Harry followed Legolas towards the table, blushing furiously as he realised that he was still holding the others hand. He paused beside a chair next to Legolas’s, completely dismayed at how tall it was. Why did everything here have to be so very large when he was so very small.  He leaned up on his tip toes, wrapping a hand around the arm as he attempted to pull himself up, the chair wobbling precariously at the added weight. Legolas who had been watching the whole thing reached out a hand to stead the chair.

“Would you like a hand little one?”

After two more failed attempts, one which left him stumbling into Legolas, Harry finally conceded.

“Thank you, Legolas” Harry murmured as he sat on his chair, only to realise that he was too small to see the table properly. With a sigh he got up on his knees, so he was at a more appropriate height to eat.

“We will need to commission a chair for Harry to eat his meals. Preferably one that is higher and with a strap or some kind of harness so there is no risk of him falling from such a height” Thranduil said thoughtfully as he watched Harry rearrange his position.

Harry stared at the king; eyes wide. He had seen such a thing before.

“I do not need a highchair!” the once wizard said indignantly.

“But that is what all elflings sit in” Thranduil said kindly. “You will see, it will be made so superbly you won’t want to sit anywhere else.”

Harry rolled his eyes but refrained from contradicting the king.

Now that he could finally see the table, he looked around at the food provided. Fresh fruit, breads, butter, jams as well as what looked like a large tureen filled with porridge. Before he could move to start serving himself, which would have admittedly been rather difficult, the elf next to him handed him a bowl briming with warm porridge as well as a plate of buttered toast and fruit.

“Oh, thank you” Harry said awkwardly. It was strange to have so many people willing to assist him with every little thing.

“It is my pleasure,” the smiling elf said. “Hopefully you find the food to your taste.”

“I’ve been living off hardly anything for months” Harry said, thinking back to the months and months of little food as they travelled around searching for horcruxes. “I’m sure it will be delicious.”

He took a great big bite, nodding happily for indeed it was very yummy, missing the looks shared amongst the other elves.

Thranduil had shared with his closest advisors the news of the elflings arrival and his origins, but they decided not to question Harry just yet. Best to leave him to settle in and regain his strength before bringing up his past just yet. They had also decided to wait a few days before making an announcement to the general population about the elflings arrival. It would no doubt be big news and he didn’t want Harry to be overwhelmed by excitable elves.

Thranduil was annoyed at himself for already sending missives to the elves at Lothlorien and Imaladris. He hadn’t specifically mentioned the elflings arrival but no doubt his questions would be met with curiosity and suspicion. He supposed that he couldn’t keep the elflings arrival hidden from the others for long but no doubt he would soon be hosting delegations from both.

He bit back his sigh, instead focusing on the small miracle before him. A small miracle that had already finished his porridge, toast and fruit in that small amount of time.

Harry smacked his lips as he bit into the last strawberry on his plate. All the food had been very enjoyable.

He glanced up to find Legolas grinning at him, “you will give yourself a stomach-ache if you keep eating that quickly.”

Harry looked around and found that everyone else was not even halfway through their own meals and his cheeks flushed hotly.

“Sorry” Harry said, looking down in embarrassment.

Legolas merely laughed and patted him on the back.

“No need to be sorry, I would just hate for you to become ill.”

Harry glanced up shyly at the kind elf before nodding. Though he made a mental note to eat slower in the future.

“Harry” Thranduil said softly, gaining the elflings attention from his son. “You will be confined to our families private wing for the next few days, while you recover. Once we make the announcement or your arrival to all the elves you will be able to move around more freely, though I will insist on you having a contingent of guards with you at all times.”

Harry thought about this carefully, he wasn’t thrilled about having guards with him everywhere he went, but he supposed it made sense, seeing as how he didn’t know this place at all and that children were so rare. Not wanting to push his hosts who were just trying to protect him, Harry simply nodded.

“I understand. Thank you for being honest with me.”

“You are most welcome, little one” Thranduil said warmly while several of the other elves murmured about what a polite elfling he was.

“Your parents must have been wonderful people” an elf sitting across from Harry said with a soft smile.

Harry smiled grimly at the elf, it felt strange talking to people who didn’t already know his whole history. It was actually kind of a relief.

“They were, though I unfortunately didn’t know them. They died when I was only one year old.”

Mutterings broke out around the table in a language that Harry couldn’t understand, while several of the elves looked stricken at the news.

“It’s OK” Harry said softly, reaching out a hand to rest on Legolas’ arm in comfort, the elf looked particularly upset at the news. “It happened a long time ago.”

Legolas let out a cry of dismay and Harry found himself pulled into the blonde elf’s lap, long arms wrapping around him securely.

“16 years is not a long time ago” Legolas whispered into Harry’s pointed ear.

“I suppose it isn’t to someone who is nearly 3000 years old” Harry said sardonically, feeling as though it was just him and Legolas in the room, regardless of the elves around them. “Don’t feel too sorry for me. I had some wonderful friends who became like my family.” Harry thought fondly of Hermione and Ron.

“I never would’ve made it this far without them.” But as he thought of his best friends, he was struck with the realisation that he would probably never see them again. They were lost to him just like everything else he had ever known. It caused his stomach to sink and his heart to thud painfully in his chest.

Legolas immediately noticed his change in attitude.

A comforting hand ran through thick curly locks.

“What is it, Harry?”

“It’s nothing” Harry said despondently. “I guess I’m just realising that I’m never going to see anybody from my old life again.”

Legolas made a soft noise of understanding.

“I- I think I’d like to go back to my room, please” Harry said quietly, green eyes swimming in tears.

There was a flurry of movement around the table as every elf moved to comfort the distraught elfling or made offers to help him back to his room.

“I will take him” Legolas said seriously, scooping Harry up into his arms. A task that was made infinitely easier by the fact that Harry was already sitting in his lap.

Legolas tucked the tiny elfling under his chin and strode from the room, ignoring all offers of assistance. With Legolas not having to shorten his strides to match Harry, they made the trip back a lot quicker.

Legolas ran a soothing hand down Harrys back as he firmly closed and locked the door behind him. He glanced down at Harry to find him staring off into space, eyes watery but no tears had spilt.

“How about a story?” Legolas asked gently, moving to the shelves of books and picking one he thought would interest Harry.

Again, Harry made no sound of either agreement or protest as he laid limp against Legolas’ chest. So, the tall elf settled back on the bed, getting comfortable as he lifted the book of elvish tales up to start reading.

Harry took comfort from the warm body holding him and the melodic voice sounding in his ears as he thought of bushy brown hair, sparkling blue eyes, nights spent in laughter and a castle that had felt like home more then anything ever had before. Hopefully everyone else had survived and were happy even if he was no longer a part of that happiness.

Chapter Text

Harry pulled nervously on the cream tunic he was wearing that day; it was soft and hung to the middle of his thighs. It had only been a few days since his arrival, but Thranduil must have had everyone working around the clock as Harry now had a whole new wardrobe of beautiful clothes to wear, a bed now appropriate to his size, a room full of toys of his very own to play with and to his embarrassment, a highchair to eat his meals at.

He ignored the small smile Legolas was aiming at him, in favour of taking deep calming breaths. They were waiting in a room off to the side of the throne room. A throne room which was now filled with nearly every inhabitant of the woodland realm. Thranduil was preparing to announce Harry’s arrival and introduce Harry to his people. To say he was nervous was an understatement. Sure, he was an elfling, but he was also from another world, would they accept him or scorn him? The elves that he had met so far had been very kind, but Harry knew what large groups of people and fear could do.

He glanced shyly up at Legolas, Legolas who had been there for him for everything the last few days.

“You won’t let them hurt me, will you?” Harry asked quietly and the smile that had been on Legolas’ mouth dropped. He looked flummoxed.

“Why would anyone try to hurt you?”

Harry just shrugged, “that’s usually how things go for me. They might be scared of the fact I’ve come from another world. Fear does crazy things to people.”

Legolas looked down at the elfling sadly, moments like these were a stark reminder that Harry had not led a happy life before being brought here by the Valar. And though Legolas knew little of his history, anger thrummed though him that Harry was ever made to feel this way.

“I will never let anyone hurt you” Legolas said fiercely. “You are safe here, Harry.”

Harry stared at the blonde elf for a moment, as if judging the sincerity of the statement, before nodding.

“I wouldn’t blame you – you know, if something does happen” Harry said quietly, and Legolas bent down and scooped the elfling up into his arms.

Harry didn’t know if it was his new elfling status or the fact that he had barely received any positive physical contact his whole life, but he had really taken to cuddles with Legolas. He found himself often walking the halls with the blonde prince, hand in hand or curled up against Legolas’ side in the evenings as he read to him.

“Nothing is going to happen” Legolas reassured him. “Well, I mean you might be swamped by elves, buts that’s only because they will be overjoyed to meet you.”

Harry didn’t bother to argue, comforted by Legolas’s arms around him, he just leaned his head on the firm chest and listened as Thranduil greeted his subjects.

Harry started to tune him out as Thranduil expounded the many virtues of the Woodland realm. Only realising that he had been called when Legolas started to step out of the side room. Harry swung around from his place on Legolas’ hip to see a room full of elves, all with their eyes on him. He spotted a few familiar faces from breakfast the last few days and raised a hand in greeting.

“This is Harry” Thranduil explained. “He is an elfling who was found on the borders of our land a few days ago,”

A shocked murmur ran through the crowd at that, though some looked sceptical. Harry leaned further into Legolas’s embrace as eyebrows furrowed and eyes flicked between himself and their king.

“He is a gift from the Valar!” Thranduil boomed, drowning out the soft murmuring that had sprung up around the hall. “A traveller from another world, blessed with a new beginning here with us. We have to prove ourselves worthy of this blessing.”

Legolas gently pulled Harry’s hair away from his ears, showing off the delicate points. This more then anything seemed to convince the assembled crowd and cries of joy started to break out.

“An elfling!”

“We have been blessed!”

“He is so beautiful!”

Harry flushed brightly at that, causing coo’s to break out all over the room.

“Harry has had a… difficult life before coming to us. It is important that we do not overwhelm him” Thranduil continued sternly.

Harry gripped Legolas tighter as it looked like several elves were preparing to grab him and whisk him away to safety.

Harry was a little uncomfortable with all the staring but relieved that everyone had taken the news so well.

“I told you so” Legolas whispered into his ear and Harry had a moment of panic that elves could read minds.

He quickly thought of something ridiculous ‘I’m about to wet myself’ he thought, concentrating hard as he looked at Legolas.

Legolas looked at him in bemusement but made no move to get him to a toilet so Harry assumed his thoughts must be safe.

Harry glanced at Thranduil as the king addressed him.

“Would you like to say anything, Harry?”

Harry internally groaned.

“Hello” Harry said awkwardly. But thanks to his new elf genes it came out just as lyrical as everything else he said. “I’m Harry.”

The elves all smiled encouragingly so Harry continued. “I look forward to getting to know you all.”

There, that wasn’t too bad, Harry thought, smiling happily. Judging by the soft looks from the elves around him, they agreed.

“I am sure you will all make Harry feel welcome” Thranduil finished, with an imperial wave that had the crowd starting to disperse immediately, all talking excitedly about the elflings arrival. Harry was impressed with the level of control that Thranduil had over his people, though he supposed living as long as they did, gave one plenty of time to build and earn respect.

“That went well” Legolas said with a smile.

“Better than I expected.”

“You did wonderfully, Harry” Thranduil said with a fond look at the elfling.

“Do you need me for anything else today, father?”

“No, no. I have a meeting this afternoon, but the rest of the day is your own.”

“Come then, let us go and play with some of your new toys, Harry” Legolas said with a laugh and Harry couldn’t help the excited smile that broke out on his face.

Legolas placed him gently on the ground and the duo strolled slowly back to Harry’s rooms.

Harry had been amazed when only the day before, Thranduil had presented him with a beautifully engraved box, full of toys. Well not just toys but books as well. Books about history, about adventure about all sorts of creatures, Harry loved them and had been spending time everyday reading. The toys were just as interesting as the books. Intricately carved puzzles, brain teasers that required thought, consideration and strategy to solve, drawing books with pencils to draw with, games that tested your aim and perseverance as well as several soft teddies that Harry couldn’t help putting on his bed to snuggle with at night. So, sue him, he’d never had a soft toy to snuggle with before.

Legolas had looked at him so softly when he’d placed them on his bed that he’d thought the blonde elf was going to cry. Thankfully he had held himself back.

“Ah, it has arrived” Legolas said happily as they walked into Harry’s rooms. “I had this game commissioned for you; it was one of my favourites when I was an elfling.” Legolas went about setting up the game as Harry watched curiously.

“You see you hold the wooden knife like this” Legolas demonstrated, holding the handle of a small wooden carving that was shaped like a knife. “You take aim and throw. The idea is to get as many knives as possible through the hole. This is a game that elflings use to start developing their hunting and fighting skills. But mostly it’s just fun.”

Harry laughed, already reaching for the wooden knives. Legolas helped to adjust his grip and then he took aim and threw. Missing the target completely. His pout had Legolas letting out a bark of laughter.

“Don’t worry little one, you will get it with some practice.”

They played for a while longer before Harry decided that he needed to get outside. A walk in the gardens would do nicely.

He had been completely gobsmacked when Legolas had taken him for a walk through the gardens for the first time. They were completely, breathtakingly stunning. A calm oasis in the centre of the wild forest in which they resided. It had quickly become one of Harry’s favourite places to visit and he was building up his courage to eventually ask Legolas if he could assist the gardeners sometimes. He had always done a lot of gardening for the Dursleys and though it hadn’t been much fun he had enjoyed working with his hands and seeing something grow and thrive.

For the moment he just strolled along, hands reaching out to touch everything he saw. Noting the texture of petals, the feel of leaves beneath his fingertips, the bright colours that caught his eyes and the smells that assaulted his nose. It was a smorgasbord for the senses but rather than making Harry feel overwhelmed it made him feel calm, connected to this new land he had found himself in. When he was in the gardens, he thought he could nearly feel his magic thrumming beneath his skin. A soft tingling, longing to get out. He didn’t know if he would even have magic in this world or what it would be like if he did. He decided he had more important things to worry about at the moment, he would survive whether he has magic or doesn’t.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Harry froze as he and Legolas entered for breakfast the following morning. A low table had been set up further in the room and it was piled high with more things than Harry could count.

 “All for you” Thranduil said with a smile as he saw where Harry’s attention was directed.

“What?” Harry croaked. “F-for me? Why?”

“From our people, they wanted to welcome you, ensure you had everything you needed. They may have been a little overzealous” Thranduil said wryly.

Harry walked slowly toward the pile, a shaking hand reached out to touch a small ball made of bright fabric that seemed to contain some kind of seed or dirt.

“They wanted to welcome me?” Harry said softly, as though he couldn’t quite understand the concept. Embarrassingly he felt his eyes start to well as he sniffled loudly.

A large hand on his back had Harry glancing up at Legolas, who was looking at him in concern.

“This is so nice” Harry sniffed.

“It is” Legolas agreed. “Would you like to look at what you’ve been gifted?”

“Oh! Ruol has made you some of her delicious seed cake” Legolas exclaimed as he opened a small box. He sounded so delighted that Harry couldn’t help but laugh.

“You can have it” Harry said with a grin.

Legolas looked surprised for a moment, “oh no, Harry, these are for you.”

“There is more then enough of everything to share” Harry said, Legolas’ happiness igniting his own. He reached for a small bag, gasping to find a beautiful broach with a tiny daisy encased inside. Harry loved it immediately and pinned it to his tunic.

Harry had a very enjoyable morning exploring all the gifts. Thranduil and his advisors watching on in amusement at Harry’s unbridled joy. He’d even been given a flute that Legolas had offered to teach him how to play. Though Thranduil had warned him, with amusement coating his tongue that Legolas may not be the best instructor seeing as how he always ran off from his own lessons, preferring to practice his archery in the forest instead.

Harry laughed laughed uproariously at that, patting Legolas consolingly on the shoulder when he started to pout.

“How on earth do I say thank you to everyone for all of this?” Harry asked as he wrapped a deep purple blanket around his small shoulders.

“No one expects a thank you” Thranduil reassured him. “Just enjoy what they have given you, that is all they want.”

Harry nodded, but it still felt rude not doing anything to show his gratitude after everyone had clearly gone to a lot of effort.

Sensing his unease Legolas suggested “wear the clothes, play with the toys, speak of the delicious food, word will spread back to the elves, and they will know how their gifts were appreciated.”

Harry nodded resolutely, feeling better already that he could say thank you in some small way.

As the excitement faded and everyone settled around the table, Legolas lifting Harry into his highchair, talk turned to other matters.

“We thought it might be prudent if you were to receive some lessons. All elflings do, on a variety of subjects. We thought it might also help to educate you on your new world” Thranduil said it lightly, like he would take Harry’s wishes into consideration, but Harry thought it sounded like a brilliant idea.

“That sounds amazing,” Harry said enthusiastically. “If I’m going to make this place my home I would like to learn as much as possible.”

He had regretted not learning more about the wizarding world when he had joined it, but it never seemed to be a priority with everything else that was going on. He wouldn’t make the same mistake here; he would learn all that he could. A small grin stretched his face at how proud Hermione would be of him planning on using his time to study and learn about his new home.

Chapter Text

Harry spent most of the next few days straightening and organising all his new things into his room. He wanted his room neat and tidy, and he wanted to make sure that he took care of everything that everyone had worked so hard to gift him.

Legolas had laid on Harry’s bed, intermittently reading and watching the elfling in amusement. After the fifth time that Harry had pulled apart everything in his toy chest and then tried to put it all back in again neatly, the elf prince could no longer hold his tongue.

“Do not worry so, little one, just leave them on the floor.”

Harry shook his head determinedly, “no. This is the first time I’ve had my own room and my own things to fill it. I want to take good care of everything.”

Legolas’s face fell at the reminder that Harry was with them now because his life had been full of sacrifices before. His heart clenched as he watched small hands try to place everything inside the box neatly. He slid off the bed and settled beside Harry, helping pack everything until it resembled something of order. Harry still didn’t look happy, but he let it be and Legolas made a mental note to commission an even bigger chest to replace the one Harry currently had.

“Come, let us walk through the gardens” Legolas said, deftly changing the subject as he knew a walk through the gardens would calm the elflings spirit. He had taken an immediate and intense liking to the gardens, spending hours wandering through and tending to the plants, a look of wonder upon his face. Legolas tried his hardest to join him every day.

It was no surprise then, that Harry immediately nodded. He went over to his wardrobe and pulled out a new coat, in a dark burnt orange, before pinning his new pin to the collar and grabbing one of the wrapped seed cakes that had been sent for him.

Legolas didn’t try to fight the fond smile that lit his face as Harry put on his new things. He’d taken Legolas’ advice seriously and had been making every effort to show that the gifts that he had received were appreciated.

They passed other elves as they walked, an inordinate number actually, not that Harry noticed as he smiled shyly at all they passed, leaving a trail of giddy elves in his wake. Legolas couldn’t blame them, he felt inexplicitly happy that he got to spend so much time with Harry.

Harry shared his seed cake as they walked humming in delight at the flavours.

“I can see why you enjoy this so much” Harry murmured, after a particularly big bite.

Legolas just hummed in agreement.

They entered the garden and Harry wandered, going further then he had before, until he settled on a line of azalea bushes. Kneeling down he began to push his hands through the soil, pulling out weeds as he went. Harry felt his body warm as he worked, a tingling that started in his hands then travelled through his whole body. He smiled over at Legolas as the other elf knelt down beside him and started working as well. They pulled off dead blooms and Legolas pulled out a knife and trimmed back some unhealthy-looking branches. When they were finished, Harry let out a sigh of relief, his whole body feeling relaxed and calm.

“They look beautiful, little one.”

And Harry preened at the praise.

Harry began to feel tired as they walked back, so Legolas scooped him up into his arms and Harry surprisingly felt no qualms cuddling into Legolas’s warm chest. He didn’t even feel embarrassed that he needed to be carried like a child. It felt nice actually.

“Come, let me show you some of our training grounds” Legolas said quietly, as he changed his course, walking off down a wider path, a hand moving up to run through dark curls.

Harry perked up a bit when they came around a bend and he saw a line of elves, all with bow and arrow in hand. It was a large forest area and Harry could see targets hanging all over the place. High in trees and low to the ground. Half hidden in bushes and sitting out in the open.

“We practice here, as well as in the wider forest” Legolas explained. “There are many dark and terrible things in the forest that our people need to be protected from.”

Harry nodded in understanding, he knew a thing or two about dark and terrible things.

Harry watched in awe as the elves started moving, running, leaping and diving as they shot at targets. It was impressive.

“Can you do that?” Harry asked only for a nearby elf to start laughing.

“He wishes!”

Legolas’s own lips quirked up in amusement.

“I am not unskilled” and Harry had the impression that Legolas was just being modest.

“Harry, this is a friend of mine, Locan.”

The elf bowed deeply to Harry and Harry not knowing what to do, nodded his head in return. A few of the elves who had been training started to make their way over as well.

“You did very well” Harry said sincerely causing a few to coo at him.

“Are you interested in learning?” one asked. “I’m sure you were a formidable fighter in your past life.”

Harry felt himself freeze at the words. Had he been a formidable fighter in his past life? No, not really. He had mostly gotten by on sheer dumb luck and the amazing people around him.

“Not really” Harry said quietly, laying his head back on Legolas’s shoulder and the elf looked stricken.

“I do apologise” the elf said earnestly, pushing his auburn hair behind one ear as he stared at Harry.

Harry blinked slowly. “There’s nothing to apologise for. I wouldn’t have made it as far as I did without the people around me. I’m sure you can say the same?”

The elf nodded his head in understanding and agreement.

“Well perhaps when you are a little bit bigger, you would like to train with us?”

Harry shrugged, feeling too tired to be indignant about the comment on his size, he wasn’t sure if he liked the idea of more fighting again or not. “I’m not sure… but I would like to watch you train some time, if that’s OK?”

All the elves started nodding their heads in agreement, murmurs of “yes” and “of course” and “anytime” reached his ears.

Harry let out a loud yawn, his hand fisting in Legolas’ shirt as the elves looks turned soft.

“I think it might be nap time” Legolas said, as he adjusted Harry in his grip. “I will see you in the morning.”

Harry felt himself start to nod off as they made their way home.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

When Harry awoke Legolas was gone. He had become so used to the older elf’s presence that it felt strange not having him there. Logically he knew that the prince had a life that he was leading before Harry came along, and that he had to return to it at some point, but still.

Since this was basically the first time he had been left alone in the week since he’d arrived, he decided some exploring was needed. So, he quietly left his room and began to walk. It reminded him of all the times he had crept out of Gryffindor tower, though hopefully this time would be less dangerous than his adventures at Hogwarts always ended up being. He didn’t go in the usual direction that he took to get to breakfast and the throne room, but instead walked the other way. He walked down corridors and past rooms; he opened a few doors but found them mostly empty. Eventually he opened a door and found it mostly empty like the rest, though a strange shimmer on the wall caught his eye and instead of closing the door and moving on he made his way inside.

Harry gasped softly as his eyes grew accustomed to what he was seeing. Trees. All over the walls but they weren’t actually trees, they seemed to be paintings… or perhaps carvings. They glimmered and glowed like nothing Harry had ever seen before. Light flickered in through windows that stood high on the walls, obviously designed to catch the early afternoon sun. The light hit the shimmering trees and small rainbows bounced around the room. Harry was mesmerised. He made his way further into the room, spinning to see that the whole room was lined in these silvery white trees.

He’s not sure how long he stood, staring, eyes flickering as they took in the scene before him. He knew that at some point he had lowered himself to the ground and was reclining back, when loud voices seemed to shake him from his stupor. An echo of his name and footsteps had him calling out in return.

“Legolas!?”

The footsteps sped up until the door flew open and Harry stumbled back a few steps in surprise from where he’d climbed to his feet.

“Harry!” Legolas cried as he ran into the room. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you!”

Harry ran his hand through his dark hair sheepishly.

“Sorry, I woke up and you weren’t there, so I decided to go for a walk and look Legolas…” Harry said rushing forward and gripping the blonde elf’s hand. “Look how beautiful this room is.”

Harry waved his hand around at the beauty that surrounded them, and Legolas’s eyes turned soft.

He scooped Harry up into his arms and Harry shot him a startled look at the movement. More voices sounded in the hall.

“I’ve got him” Legolas called out, as several more elves rushed into the room and Harry blushed at the fuss he had caused. The elves stopped as they realised where they were, bowing to Legolas and retreating back out the way they’d came.

“This was one of my mothers’ favourite places” Legolas explained softly as he slowly turned Harry around the room. “My father had it built for her, the trees are made of mithril, a dwarf would give half his beard for a chance to even glimpse this place” Legolas chuckled.

Harry wasn’t exactly sure what a dwarf was but being used to all sorts of different creatures he just nodded solemnly.

“I can see why your mother loved it” Harry said quietly, resting a hand on Legolas’ arm that was currently wrapped around Harry.

Legolas blinked, seeming to come back to himself. “You are welcome here any time, it would make her glad to know that someone is enjoying this place.”

Harry nodded, understanding the gift that he had been given.

“But, for now, your new tutor is waiting to meet you” Legolas said as they walked out of the room, slowly closing the door before heading off to the library.

“You’ve found me a teacher already?” Harry asked in surprise, causing Legolas to laugh.

“Found!? We had elves throwing themselves at us for the chance to teach and guide you.”

“Oh. You should probably know that I’m not very…smart. I hope they won’t be too disappointed.”

Legolas came to an abrupt halt and Harry swore he heard an elf behind them hiss.

“If this elf ever makes you feel like you are unintelligent you are to tell me immediately” Legolas growled and Harry just stared for a moment, taken aback by the outburst. “There is no time frame, you will learn as slowly or as quickly as you like, and you can keep learning for the rest of your life if that is your wish.”

Harry wasn’t sure what to say to that, so he just nodded, watching as Legolas struggled to get a hold of himself before they started walking again.

Harry stayed quiet, thinking as they walked along. It was a novel way to look at things… no time frame… he supposed that when you lived indefinitely there was no point rushing things. He couldn’t help but feel a little relieved at the reassurance, he didn’t want anyone to have unrealistic expectations about what he could actually achieve.

It was only as they entered the library that Harry realised that he was still being carried by Legolas. He blushed hotly, causing Legolas to look at him enquiringly.

“I’m sorry I made you carry me all this way” Harry said quietly, and Legolas laughed.

“Made me? Like I could put you down, you are quite simply the most precious creature I have ever beheld.”

Blimey, what did someone even say to that? He didn’t try to get down though. Allowing Legolas to carry him over to a tall dark-haired elf who was reclining in a large, comfortable looking armchair.

“Jaida, this is Harry” Legolas said as he put Harry back on the ground. “Harry, Jaida.”

“Harry, it is lovely to meet you” the elf… Jaida said. He stuck out his hand toward Harry to shake, but didn’t stand, remaining in his chair so Harry and he were of a similar height. “I of course have heard much about you from, well… everyone.” The elf laughed lightly but Harry couldn’t hold back his grimace. He still hated being the focus of gossip, even if he knew, logically that they meant no harm by it.

“Well, I hope you will get to know me personally and not rely on the words of others for your information” Harry said, and Legolas and Jaida shared a look.

“Of course not, I’m very much looking forward to getting to know you personally” Jaida said warmly, and Harry found himself slightly mollified. “I thought we would start with language, reading and writing lessons. See what you know and what gaps we need to fill in and then we can go from there. How does that sound?”

“Good” Harry said, feeling suddenly shy. “It might take me a while.”

Jaida just smiled kindly at him, “well thank goodness we have all the time in the world then” and Harry couldn’t help but smile back.

Chapter Text

“So, you’re saying that elves were the first beings created?” Harry asked as he gazed down at the book before him.

“That’s right” Jaida smiled.

“And we can live for thousands of years?” Harry still couldn’t quite wrap his head around that one.

“Yes, that’s correct. Though we can still be killed just like any other living thing.”

Harry nodded returning back to the book he was reading. He liked when the study sessions were like this. Just him reading and asking questions about anything that interested him or anything he didn’t understand.

Jaida would do his own work, which seemed to be some kind of author, responding whenever Harry asked him something.

It was all very interesting, and Harry liked the fact that there was no pressure, no exams. Jaida had decided after the first few weeks to let Harry’s interests guide where there learning went. So far it had mostly been trying to learn some of the history of his new race. They had also started practicing basic phrases in Sindarin, just things like good morning, thank you and goodbye so far. Harry thought he would struggle with the language, but it seemed to come naturally to him.

“What exactly is a dwarf?” Harry asked, brow furrowing over a passage he was reading. They hadn’t yet started learning to read Sindarin, so Harry was eternally grateful for the books that were in Westron. Jaida had translated them all himself.

“Well, it is another race found here on middle earth” Jaida explained. “They are short, stout creatures. Very hairy. They mine precious gems and create things of beauty out of metal.”

Harry looked intrigued by that.

“There is actually a settlement a few days ride from here, called Erebor. Perhaps one day you can visit and meet a dwarf.”

“I’d like that” Harry said thoughtfully, his mind trying to conjure up probably very inaccurate images of what a dwarf looks like.

“Elves and dwarves have quite a tumultuous history” a voice spoke up and Harry spun to find Thranduil making his way into the library where they were sitting. Harry smiled warmly at the king, though not as open and forthcoming as his son, Thranduil had been nothing but kind to Harry since he’d arrived.

Jaida snorted at that.

“We try to leave the past in the past, but that is sometimes harder than you think it will be” Thranduil continued as he sat down beside Harry. The king quite often joined them during their studies.

“Should I be worried about them?” Harry asked not sure if he needed to be prepared for a potential conflict if he came across a dwarf.

“They may not be especially kind, but they shouldn’t do any worse than throw a few insults around.”

Harry hummed in acknowledgement.

“You should be more cautious around men.”

“Why men?” Harry asked curiously.

“They both fear and idolise us, and you may not know which it is until it is too late.”

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine at that.

“Are there any other races I should know about?”

“Well, there are hobbits” Jaida spoke up, opening a book and placing it in front of Harry. “They are a race that live very far from here. They are small and value their families and food. A quite agreeable and cosy people.”

“They sound quite lovely” Harry said. “Could I perhaps meet a hobbit one day as well?”

Thranduil chuckled, “perhaps. They don’t venture out of their homes very often but that’s not to say that the opportunity will never present itself.”

“Are there any others?” Harry asked, Jaida and Thranduil shared a look.

One of Harry’s favourite things about this place is that no one lied to him. Well, no one had so far, that he was aware of. They either told him the truth or that they simply couldn’t tell him the truth and left it at that. There were no lies and manipulations. This time was no different.

“There is another” Jaida started. “They are called orcs. They are desolate creatures that hunt and kill all those in their path. A perversion that threatens all that is good and right with our world.”

“So those are the ones to avoid?”

“Yes, most definitely.”

Jaida rummaged through a book until he found an image, turning towards Harry so he could see.

Harry stared at the creature before him, well… it sure was ugly. Maybe he would need to learn some fighting skills in this world after all, if only to be able to defend himself and others if he ever came across one of these creatures.

“Do you remember, a few weeks ago when we were discussing the different elf settlements?” Thranduil asked.

“Yes, you said there were two other main settlements.”

“Correct” Thranduil nodded. “Well when you arrived and we were unsure of your origins I sent word to the other settlements, not mentioning you specifically but asking if they had heard of an elfling being born. Well, it seems that this has roused their curiosity and we are expecting a visit from Elrond and his children as well as Galadriel and her husband Celeborn.”

Harry wondered why Thranduil looked like he was chewing on a lemon.

“Oh no?” Harry said unsurely, not sure what his reaction should be to this news. Was it not good that they were visiting?

Thranduil chuckled at the tiny, confused elf before him.

“It’s not necessary a bad thing, little one. I just find them to be quite… bothersome.”

Harry grinned, biting his tongue to keep the cheeky comment in.

Thranduil sighed as he started to stand up, “we should expect them some time in the next week.”

Harry’s not sure he had any right to sound as put out as he did, he supposed he would see when these newcomers arrived.

He waved goodbye to Thranduil before leaning up to stretch, holding back a small yawn that had Jaida looking at him fondly.

“I think I might go out to the gardens for a little while.”

“Of course, I will let Legolas know if he comes looking for you.”

“Thank you” Harry said sincerely, climbing down from the very comfortable armchair he had been sitting in.

His body thrummed as he made his way out to the gardens. He had tried casting spells, but so far none had been successful. He felt like he still had his magic though, could feel it coursing through him at different times. The only outlet that he had seemed to be able to find was, well, gardening. His magic urged him into the gardens every day and though he wasn’t sure exactly what he was doing he was sure that his magic was coming through in his gardening. The plants were stronger, healthier, more vibrant. He always felt calmer, more settled after being in the gardens, tired as well. Like he’d been working harder then he actually had.

Today was one of the few times that Legolas had not joined him in the gardens. The older elf was busy training with some other elves. Apparently, they had been getting slack without Legolas there to watch over them.

Harry had had to chuckle at that, he didn’t think such a thing existed. Every elf he had met was exceedingly hard working, all contributing happily to the wellbeing of their community.

Harry wandered further then usual, without Legolas there to guide him. Finding a beautifully carved bench that looked like it had seen better days. He set to work on the garden beds in front of the bench where it looked like rose bushes were struggling to grow. Harry had found the further he got away from the palace the worse the gardens became. He supposed he couldn’t blame the gardeners; the area was huge and would be a lot for anyone to manage.

He worked for hours, trimming, pruning, turning soil and watering and the whole while Harry felt his magic stirring inside of him.

He looked at the bench and an idea came to him. Maybe he could do this area up for Legolas. Clean the bench and work the garden beds until they were brimming with life again. It could be a place Legolas could come when he needed peace and a way for Harry to show just how much he appreciated everything the elf had done for him.

His heart warmed at the idea; Legolas had quickly become the most important person to him since he’d arrived in this place. The blonde elf was kind and caring but strong and fierce in a way that made Harry feel safe and protected. Something he had next to no experience with.  He had come to think of Legolas as a mix between older brother… and father. His heart skipped a beat at that, and he blushed furiously at the idea of Legolas as a father type figure for him. Not that he would ever tell the blonde elf that that is what he was feeling.

He sat on the ground, looking around the area and pondering the different things he would do to make it beautiful for Legolas.

As he stood and brushed off his clothes, he felt determination set in. It made him feel good to know he was doing something nice for Legolas, he just hoped the other elf appreciated the gesture.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

He didn’t see Legolas again until dinner time, and he wasn’t even embarrassed when he lifted up his arms to be picked up as soon as the blonde walked into the room.

Legolas made a bee line for him as soon as he entered the room, scooping Harry up into his arms and holding him close.

“I’m sorry I’ve been gone all day” Legolas murmured into Harrys curls.

“It’s OK, I understand” Harry said quietly, causing Legolas to hold him even closer.

They made their way over to the table, just the three of them for dinner, like usual.

Harry had found that though breakfast quite often included others dinner was reserved solely for the three of them.

“Why don’t you tell me about your day?” Legolas asked as he placed Harry into his highchair.

“Oh, it wasn’t much different from any other day” Harry said shyly, thinking about his gift for Legolas. “Some studying and then some time in the gardens. It was nice.”

“I was actually thinking I may like to learn how to fight and shoot, when I’m older” Harry continued.

Legolas looked surprised at that.

Harry looked to Thranduil for a moment, “we were learning about different races this morning and one of them are orcs” Harry explained. “I’d hate to come across one of them one day and not know how to stop them.”

Legolas nodded grimly.

“That is a very good point” Legolas conceded, “but only when you’re ready, there is no rush.”

Harry nibbled at the salad in front of him, there is no rush… it was a novel concept.

“I was also telling Harry about our visitors who will be arriving sometime in the next week” Thranduil said from his place next to Legolas.

Legolas actually looked excited at the prospect of the visitors.

“Don’t listen to father, Harry, they are not as bad as he made out.”

“He actually didn’t say anything bad about them” Harry laughed “only that they were ‘bothersome.’”

Legolas started laughing at that.

“What!?” Thranduil said with a sniff, “they are.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

When Harry went to bed a few days later he found a small training bow waiting on his pillow, with a note from Legolas. Whenever you’re ready.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It was nearly a whole week after that day in the library that their visitors finally arrived. Harry and Legolas had been painting, something that the older enjoyed and was teaching Harry about, when a guard appeared at the door.

“They are here” Laston said solemnly, not needing to expand further.

“Thank you” Legolas said, putting down their painting things and scooping Harry up. “We must go and prepare for them” he explained, walking briskly back to their rooms. “Father will have them waiting in the throne room.”

They walked into Harry’s room and Legolas picked out an outfit for him. A beautiful soft blue shirt and grey leggings.

“Change out of your painting clothes and put these on, I’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.”

Harry did as he was told, understanding that who he was about to meet were obviously important guests. He pulled on the soft clothing and even attempted to straighten his hair, which was about as successful as it always had been in his old life.

True to his word Legolas was back in a few minutes and Harry was surprised to find that their outfits matched. Soft blue shirts and grey leggings. Harry supposed he wanted to show them as a united front to these visitors.

They walked to the throne room, this time however Legolas didn’t pick him up but instead walked beside him holding his hand. They walked calmly, as though without a care in the world and though Legolas had claimed to like these visitors Harry could feel the subtle tension running through his body.

Harry could hear Thranduil’s voice as they approached and the murmur of others that he couldn’t quite make out.

Legolas squeezed his hand once, before pushing the door open and entering.

Harry blinked at the large assortment of unfamiliar elves before him, much more then he’d been expecting and who all had turned when they had entered.

Harry squirmed as he found himself at the centre of everyone’s attention.

“So, it’s true” a tall elf with long dark hair breathed. “An elfling.”

Chapter Text

Harry took a tiny step closer to Legolas under all the scrutiny and the dark-haired elf raised an eyebrow at him.

He felt a subtle push against his mind and realised that his shields were strong and that someone was attempting to probe his thoughts. He swung around face twisted in anger, for perhaps the first time since his arrival in this place.

Thranduil stood abruptly from where he had been lounging on his throne and Legolas gasped and dropped to one knee before him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked seriously.

“Someone is attempting to read my mind” he hissed, green eyes flashing in anger as he thought back to all his lessons with Snape.

Everyone swung around to stare at a tall blonde elf, who was fairly glowing as she gazed down upon him.

The probe got more insistent, and he growled in anger.

“Stop that right now, my thoughts are my own!”

She bowed in acquiescence, “I apologise young one.”

Harry said nothing, merely crossing his arms over his chest and frowning.

Legolas looked between the pair unsurely.

“I have never known of someone able to feel your gift before” Legolas said, his voice questioning.

 “Or one who can stop in” she murmured back, and Harry didn’t like the way she was watching him.

“What are you?”

“I’m an elfling” he said shortly, turning away from her, his body thrumming in annoyance.

Legolas reached out to touch his shoulder in comfort and he cursed himself as he flinched away.

“You have travelled long and far” Thranduil said in a stern voice. “I will have elves show you to your rooms that you may refresh yourself before supper.”

Many of the elves looked down in chargin, some looking worried and upset and Harry began to feel embarrassed by his outburst.

He turned and threw himself into Legolas’ arms, shaking slightly as the blonde elf scooped him up into his arms.

“I’m sorry” Harry murmured.

“You have nothing to be sorry for” Legolas said as he held him close. “Come let us visit the gardens, it will revive your spirit.”

Legolas was right as usual and he felt much better after some time in the gardens, even if he wasn’t working on the garden, he was getting ready for Legolas.

“Did you want to talk about it?” Legolas asked after a while and Harry knew that if he said no, Legolas would respect that.

He sat back, wiping sweat off his forehead and accidentally smearing dirt on his face instead. He didn’t want to get into the whole Voldemort, mind connection thing but he did want to share something.

“One of my teachers, he was supposed to teach me how to shield my mind but mostly used the lessons to tear it apart. Forcing me to relive horrible moments from my past over and over again” Harry had very mixed feelings about Snape.

Legolas stilled beside him, in a way only elves could do. He glanced up, trying to understand what the other was thinking, but Legolas’s face was completely blank.

After a moment, Legolas responded. “I’m sorry that happened to you,” he said with a frown. “That someone who was supposed to help you, hurt you so.”

Harry looked so sad and forlorn that Legolas’ heart nearly broke in two at the sight.

“That happened to me quite a lot” he said quietly.

That sat quietly, both lost in their own thoughts before a throat clearing behind them had them swinging around.

“Why did I even think to check your rooms when I knew I would find you here” Thranduil said, looking between the pair, a small smile playing on his lips. “Do you feel up to returning for supper?”

Harry nodded, looking down in embarrassment. “Yes of course, I- I’m sorry about before.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for” Thranduil frowned. “As much as she is kin, she is far too used to doing as she pleases. I have warned her against such transgressions during her stay here.”

“Oh” Harry said, surprised. “Thank you.”

“Think nothing of it. Now, you both need a wash if you are to be presentable.”

Harry chuckled, looking down at his now dirty clothes, “alright.”

The room was sombre when they entered it an hour later. Harry was relieved they were in the small dining room and that only a few select elves from the arrivals were now in attendance. Open tension ran through the room and Harry frowned knowing he was the cause of it, still he chose to sit as far away from the attempted to read his mind elf as he could, sitting up as tall as he could in his highchair between Thranduil and Legolas. The two forming an impenetrable blonde wall between himself and the others.

“Harry, I’d like to apologise for earlier” the elf said softly, and Harry turned green eyes on blue. “The fact that I do it almost without thought is no excuse.”

“You’re right that is no excuse. But I will forgive you, as long as it doesn’t happen again.”

She nodded in agreement.

“I’m sorry we got off to a bad start, please let me introduce myself. My name is Galadriel.”

Harry felt some of the tension that had been running through his shoulders release a little.

“Hello, Galadriel.”

She smiled at him, her eyes shining and the others around the table began to introduce themselves as well.

There was her husband as well as Elrond and his children and some important people from their homes. Harry tried to remember all their names but struggled with the unusual pronunciations.

“It’s nice to meet you all” Harry said, and the gathered elves smiled warmly at him.

“So, tell us how this came to be” Elrond said as they started eating.

Thranduil glanced down at Harry, and he knew the older elf was giving him the chance to tell his own tale if he wanted to.

“Well, there isn’t too much to tell really. I was killed in my old life but blessed by the Valar with a new life here.” Harry said it matter of factly. “I awoke on the outskirts of this forest and stumbled upon some elves on patrol who brought me here.”

The elves looked thoughtful. Elrond spoke up. “I wonder why you were sent here and not one of the other elf homes. I wonder if there is some purpose the Valar want you to serve here.”

Harry blanched at the statement, “what?”

Elrond shrugged elegantly, “I am merely thinking out loud. It just seems curious that you were sent here of all places. I wonder if it was random or by design.”

Harry felt ill at the very thought that he’d been sent here with some grand plan that he was going to have to complete.

He turned a stricken face to Legolas, who reached out to soothe him.

“Harry has led a difficult life before he was sent to us. I think the Valar knew we were the best ones to take care of him. His only purpose” Legolas scoffed scornfully before continuing, “is to grow and be happy.”

Elrond nodded. “Forgive me, I did not mean anything by it. I was simply curious.”

Harry still felt uneasy, but one of Elrond’s sons spoke up, obviously trying to change the topic.

“Were you an elf before coming here?” one asked, though he wasn’t sure which. He was reminded of Fred and George, simply because they were identical twins and the thought made him smile a little.

“Oh no, I was a wizard.”

All heads swung to him, eyes popping open in surprise.

“A wizard” Legolas asked in surprise, looking as though he wanted to scoop Harry up and run off with him.

“Ah, yes?”

“What kind of things could you do?” One of the twins asked.

“Oh, the usual sort of things, stun people, make things float, change objects from one thing to another. When I had my broomstick, I could fly, and I had a cloak that could make me invisible” Harry said, thinking back to how amazing it had been to learn he was a wizard.

“I bet you got up to some mischief with that” Arwen laughed.

“Of course,” Harry joked back.

The tension broken; more relaxed conversation broke out around the table. Harry could feel eyes on him but didn’t let it worry him, instead talking to Arwen about the antics her and her brothers got up to as elflings, while Legolas groaned about not giving him ideas.

The twins introduced themselves to him again and he spent a fair amount of time studying both and noticing small differences so that he could tell them apart. Elladan’s hair was a shade darker and Elrohir’s eyes were a little wider. Elladan’s shoulders were broader while Elrohir’s lips were fuller. He only realised he had been staring quite avidly between the two when Elladan winked at him, causing Harry to startle slightly and swing his attention back to Arwen.

“Of course, these two were an endless source of trouble” Arwen laughed as she nodded to her brothers. “Still are actually.”

Harry giggled, “they certainly look the type. I never had any siblings and my cousin who I lived with only use to chase me around to hurt me, but my best friend was one of seven and I would visit there house in the summer when I was older. They had a flying car, a ghoul in the attic and a garden full of gnomes, we would go flying every day and Mrs Weasley always made enough food to feed a small army.”

Harry smiled warmed by the memories and tried to hide the yawn breaking through.

“Time for bed, I think” Legolas said with a fond smile, before he lifted Harry up into his arms. Harry reached out and patted the side of Thranduil’s head gently before he was moved.

“Good night” he said softly, before waving goodbye to the room at large.

The room quieted as Harry and Legolas exited but as soon as they were gone talk resumed immediately.

“There is power in that one” Galadriel said and Thranduil narrowed his eyes at her. “He may be better suited to live at Lothlorien where his gifts can be nurtured.”

Thranduil’s lip curled in a snarl. “Any attempt to take him will be met with extreme force.”

Galadriel smiled slightly, “I would never try to take him, that doesn’t mean that Lothlorien wouldn’t be better for him.”

Thranduil shrugged nonchalantly but inside he seethed and made a mental note to have Harry closely watched while their visitors were with them.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Harry glanced at Galadriel, who had been watching him throughout breakfast. She was beginning to unnerve him. He looked back to Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen, trying to focus on their conversation instead.

“Our home is surrounded by large, beautiful forests and home to many elves” Arwen said with a smile.

“I will have to come visit one day” Harry said warmly.

“Oh, you should,” Arwen said enthusiastically. “You would be most welcome.”

Legolas let out a noise of derision and Harry’s eyes flicked to him.

“Legolas?” he asked uncertainly, unused to the look marring the normally kind face.

“It is nothing, little one. Just amused at the blatant coercion taking place trying to entice you to one of the other elven havens.”

Harry blinked, trying to process exactly what Legolas was talking about.

Legolas let out a deep sigh.

“They all feel that their own homes would be a better place for you to be raised.”

Harry frowned deeply at that. “My home is here” he said forcefully, causing everyone at the table to turn and look at him. “It is the first home I have ever had, and you will not take it from me!”

Arwen looked distressed at upsetting the elfling. “I’m sorry,” she said apologetically. “I just wanted you to know you have options out there if you wanted them. You don’t have to stay here.”

“And why wouldn’t I stay here?” He asked incredulously, green eyes blazing as he tried to stand up in indignation but finding himself unable as he was strapped into his highchair. “The elves here have been nothing but kind and welcoming. They have ensured I have everything I could ever want, in a way that I have never had before in my life. They are a strong, fierce people who fight everyday for the safety of their home. What place could possibly compare!”

He stared at Arwen, but let his gaze travel the table, making sure there was no confusion as to where his loyalties lie. This was his home, and no one was taking him from it.

“Ignore our sister” Elladan spoke up from beside Arwen, who was looking stricken. “It is clear to anyone with eyes that you are settled and happy here.”

“I am” Harry agreed.

“The problem with being thousands of years old” Elrohir continued, “is that it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking you know what’s best for everyone around you.”

“Unfortunately, it’s a trap many elves are guilty of” Elrohir said, holding up his hand to his mouth as though sharing some great secret with Harry and Harry couldn’t help but giggle.

“But not you?” Harry asked curiously.

“Oh, we don’t even know what’s best for ourselves, let alone anyone else around us” Elladan smiled.

“That would explain the hair” Harry said seriously, before breaking out into uproarious laughter as both twins reached up to touch their hair self-consciously.

The twin’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment, before they too started laughing.

“Would you like to come and see the gardens with me this morning?” Harry asked as he looked at the twins. “I work in them nearly every day.”

“Of course,” they both agreed and Harry turned to look at Legolas.

“Is that OK, ada?”

The table froze, but Harry was oblivious to his slip, looking at Legolas imploringly. The blonde elf sat immobile for several moments mind reeling and his eyes prickling slightly.

“Of course,” he murmured, the words coming out hoarse.

Harry’s eyebrows furrowed, “are you sure? I don’t have to?”

Legolas cleared his throat, visibly reeling himself back in.

“It sounds like a wonderful idea. I know Elladan and Elrohir are both keen gardeners and will enjoy seeing all the things you have been working on in ours.”

The twins glanced at Legolas, but turned their gaze back to Harry when he started speaking excitedly.

“You enjoy gardening as well?”

“Amongst other things” they said with a smile and Harry smiled back.

“I never really liked gardening that much before. My Aunt and Uncle used to force me to work in their garden for hours in the boiling sun, locking me out of the house so I couldn’t get any food or water. But since I’ve come here, it’s felt so natural. It’s my favourite thing to do.”

Legolas supposed he was lucky they were sitting at a table of well-trained elves, who knew better then to show most reactions, with the truths Harry was dropping over the past few days. His heart ached and he blinked back tears, forcing a smile on his face when Harry turned to look at him.

Chapter Text

“He called you Ada” Thranduil murmured as Harry led Elladan and Elrohir out of the room that they had been breakfasting in.

Legolas’ eyes tracked the elflings movements, the younger looking positively tiny between the two full grown elves.

Legolas turned bright eyes on his father “he did” Legolas breathed. “He sees me as his father.” Legolas’ throat burned and he did not fight back the tears that filled his eyes.

“It is a great honour” Elrond spoke up. “I have no doubt that you will be a wonderful father to this young elfling. 

Legolas swallowed thickly and nodded, feeling unashamed as the tears fell from his eyes and rushed down his cheeks. 

“I guess that makes you grand ada” Legolas chuckled wetly enjoying the shock then warmth that flitted over his own father’s face.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“And this is the garden I’m doing up for Legolas” Harry said, waving his arm in a sweeping gesture that encompassed the whole area. He suddenly began to feel a bit nervous watching Elrohir and Elladan look around.

“It’s not finished yet; I just can’t work on it much because I want it to be a surprise.”

“It’s beautiful” Elrohir said sincerely, gazing around at the lovely gardens that were starting to take shape.

“Thranduil gets me any plants or seeds that I need for it” Harry explained.

“You obviously have a talent for it” Elladan said smiling down and Harry felt a lick or pride run through him.

“It just seems to come naturally to me here” he agreed. 

The twins shared a look, “I’m sure Legolas will love it.”

“Do you visit here often?” Harry asked as he plonked himself down on some soft grass and looked enquiringly at the older elves.

The twins settled on the grass around him.

“Sometimes” Elladan said, “though I’ll admit it has been a while.”

“Why’s that?” Harry wondered, turning bright green eyes on the brothers and making them pause in thought.

“I suppose we just haven’t had much of a reason to visit as of late and the path here can be treacherous. Why just on the way here we encountered trolls, goblins and a hoard of orcs.”

Harry squawked in shock, “orcs! I’ve been learning about them, they sound” he shuddered at the thought, “bloody awful.”

Elladan shot him a bemused look, “they are… bloody awful. A plague on our world. We hate them”

Harry suddenly leaned closer, getting a better look at both of them. “You weren’t hurt, were you?

“Not at all, thankfully there wasn’t too many of them.”

Harry relaxed back a little, these orcs sounded horrible, not to mention goblins and trolls, though he didn’t know much about either of those species, he’d need to do some more research.

“We spend a lot of our time training and defending our home. Though where we live is safer then here, it still has its own perils, and we regularly have raiding parties to rid ourselves of any dark creatures in the area.”

Harry hummed thoughtfully. 

“And what do you do when you aren’t training or going out on raiding parties?”

“Well, we both do like to garden, we read, I like to paint while Elladan enjoys spending time in the halls of healing with our father.”

“Legolas has just begun teaching me to paint” Harry said happily, “perhaps we could do it together sometime?”

“Of course,” Elrohir acquiesced with a nod.

“And I think learning some healing skills would be interesting” Harry continued, looking to Elladan this time. “It seems there is quite a few things that can cause harm in this world, it would be good to have some basic healing knowledge.”

“I would be happy to teach you, while I’m here” Elladan said, his dark eyes sparkling. “Though to begin you must find me a plant with blue flowers, and green and yellow striped leaves. It is a very valuable ingredient to many common medicines. Once you’ve found it, bring it to me and we can start.”

Harry’s eyebrows furrowed in thought, he hadn’t come across a plant with blue flowers and yellow and green leaves in all his time in the gardens, but he would find it, he never said no to a challenge.

++++++++++++++++++++

The next day he spent most of his time searching through the gardens, especially the places he hadn’t spent much time, looking for the right plant that he needed to start healing lessons. He didn’t find anything, but that only made him more determined. After several days of fruitless searching though, Harry was forced to admit that the plant did not grow in their gardens, which created a conundrum. Would he have to venture into the forest to find it? He hoped not, as he’d heard so much about how unsafe it was out there. He decided it might be best to do some research before deciding on his next move.

Harry spent much of his tutoring sessions over the next week reading everything there was to know about all the different kinds of plants that grew in this world. It was fascinating and he soaked it all up like a sponge. Jaida encouraged this new interest without questioning it, finding him books of interest in the library and brining in different samples and explaining their uses to him. 

Every time he crossed paths with Elladan and Elrohir, they questioned his progress, and he was forced to admit he’d found nothing yet.

He hadn’t mentioned his search to Legolas, this seemed like a rite of passage, a way to prove his worth to begin healing lessons and he was determined to rise to the occasion.

Unfortunately, after another week had gone by and his search had was still proving fruitless, he began to feel disheartened. 

Harry sat at dinner that night, picking at his food, wondering if he would have to make an unsanctioned visit into the forest to search for the plant. It wasn’t like he’d never snuck out of or into somewhere he wasn’t supposed to be, but the idea of what Legolas would say if he found out left him feeling unsettled in a way that he’d never felt before.

A warm hand touched his shoulder, bringing him out of his reverie, he glanced up to find Legolas staring at him worriedly, a glance around the table told him that nearly everyone was looking at him, and he blushed in embarrassment.

“Everything alright, Harry?” Legolas asked quietly, running his hand comfortingly through Harry’s curls.

“Yeah” he swallowed thickly. “I just can’t find the plant Elladan said I needed before I could start healing lessons.”

A choked cough sounded from across the table and Legolas glanced between Harry and the brothers, his brow wrinkled in confusion.

“Plant you need for healing lessons?” Thranduil asked, from his place on Harry’s other side.

“Yeah, Elladan said I needed to bring him a plant with blue flowers and yellow and green leaves before he would begin to teach me basic healing skills.”

Harry looked over at the dark-haired elf and found the older looking slightly embarrassed as all eyes turned to face him.

“I’ve searched the gardens, read every book on plants that the library has, but I haven’t found a thing.” He scratched his head thoughtfully, “I was thinking I may need a trip into the forest to try searching there.”

A bang and a hiss pulled Harry out of his thoughts, and he glanced up to find Legolas with his teeth bared his knife clutched in his hand.

“Elladan told you this?” Legolas asked, looking at the other elf with murderess intent.

“Ah, yes?” Harry answered uncertainly. “He was telling me that he enjoys learning healing and I thought that would be a useful skill to have. In my own world, even though I was expected to win a war, no one took the time to teach me healing magic. I always wondered if some things could have been different if I’d known, even just the basics”

“Elladan” Arwen snapped, reaching over to smack her brother upside the head to Harry’s astonishment and the others chagrin.

Legolas took a deep breath, as though forcing calm through his body. 

“There is no such plant, Harry.”

He looked around bewildered, “what?”

“Elladan tricked you, I’m sure he would call it a practical joke but if you had actually ventured out into the forest in search of this plant, I can guarantee it would have been the last thing he’d done.”

“Wait, wait, wait” Harry said, banging his small hand onto the table of his highchair. “It was a joke! I spent weeks searching and it was all a joke?”

His green eyes flashed dangerously, but Elladan didn’t look intimidated, mostly just intrigued and maybe a little apologetic.

The older elf shrugged in apology, “we can begin healing lessons tomorrow if you like?”

Harry just scoffed, his smile turning sweet. 

“Why would I want to learn from the student when I have the teacher right in front of me.”

Harry turned the full weight of his gaze to Elrond, “I’m sure Elrond would be more than happy to begin my lessons, wouldn’t you?”

Elrond’s mouth pulled up in a small smile, “I would certainly be happy to teach you the basics.”

Harry swung back to Elladan, “See? Don’t worry though, my time wasn’t wasted. I now know at least 10 ways to poison you without leaving a trace.”

With that he swung his attention back to Legolas, leaning into the touch as Legolas caressed his face in comfort as he began to explain what types of things he could expect to learn with Elrond, and laughter broke out around the table.

+++++++++++++++++

“I didn’t know you were interested in healing” Legolas murmured as he was carried down the hall towards his bedroom.

“I hadn’t really thought of it before Elladan mentioned it. I like the idea of helping” he finished softly, and Legolas smiled in understanding, tucking Harry’s face further into his neck as Harry couldn’t hold back a huge yawn.

“A noble pursuit” he said quietly “and Elrond is one of the best there is.”

Harry nodded sleepily.

Legolas began humming a tune as they made their way into Harry’s room, Harry barely conscious as his clothes were swapped out for pyjamas and he was settled into bed, drifting off to the comforting sound of Legolas’ voice.

+++++++++++++++++

Harry woke early the next morning, a plan already forming in his mind at how to get back at the twins. It may have been Elladan that had told the tale, but Elrohir was just as complicit. He’d seen and heard it all and gone along with it. Harry wasn’t mad, if anything it made him feel more accepted that they felt comfortable enough with him to play the joke, but that didn’t mean that he wouldn’t be getting some payback. Nothing serious, but just enough to let them know he wasn’t to be messed with.

He ate his breakfast and made plans to meet Elrond in the Halls of Healing after lunch, before he hugged Legolas and slipped away under the guise of wanting to work in the gardens. He would he working in the gardens, just not in his usual way. Instead searching for the plant that he had read about during his research. He found this one quite easily, long branches with reddish coloured leaves. He carefully picked a few branches before making his way back inside, creeping along the halls the visitor’s rooms were in and ensuring the coast was clear with a wave and a wink from a passing guard, he slipped into the twin’s room. Harry’s heart was racing but he couldn’t get the grin off his face as he pulled back the blankets of the first bed he reached. Watching carefully he gave the branches a vigorous shake, humming in satisfaction as fine fairs drifted down onto the sheets and pillow. They were barely detectable to the eye and Harry hoped that twins wouldn’t be paying too close attention when they climbed into bed that night.

He crept over to the other bed, doing the same, before making sure the beds were made and resembled how’d they’d been before Harry arrived. With a satisfied nod he crept back to the door, listening carefully for any noise on the other side before slipping back out into the hall. He was wishing he had his old invisibility cloak on him to make this whole thing easier, when the guard from earlier propped open a window beside where he was standing and gave Harry a significant look as he turned back around to the hall he was supposed to be guarding.

Harry grinned and he hurried forward and threw the branches out the window into the garden below, quietly thanking the guard as he slipped away.

As he wandered off he decided that he would go out and work in the gardens today anyway, it had actually been a while since he’d spent much time in them with all the searching and researching, he’d been doing.

He chose a different part of the garden to work in today, a place closer to the walls that he’d noticed when he’d been looking for that ridiculous nonexistent plant. He settled in amongst a row of rose bushes, pruning back the overgrowth and dead leaves and branches. He felt his magic warming and flowing through him like it usually did while he was gardening, only this time he felt a greater resistance, a push back against his magic, as though something was trying to keep the plants sick. He worked harder, channeling more of his magic, though he didn’t really understand what he was doing. He kept pushing and pushing until he felt the resistance break and his magic began to flow freely, bringing health to the line of rose bushes, their leaves glistening a deep green and new buds beginning to form.

Harry wiped the sweat from his brow, heaving a deep breath as a wave of dizziness washed over him. He took a few more breaths, staggering to his feet and leaving his gardening gear haphazardly all over the ground as he stumbled off down the path, that had obviously taken more out of him then he’d realised, he needed to lay down. Unfortunately, he’d barely made it a dozen steps before darkness began to close around the edges of his vision and the path was flying up to meet him.

Chapter Text

Elrond looked around as he straightened another row of bandages, the door swinging open to reveal, not Harry as he’d hoped but another elf bringing in a tray of warm tea for the few sick elves resting in the hall of healing. 

The young elfling was late, quite late actually, he didn’t know Harry very well, but it seemed out of character for him to keep someone waiting. Especially when he’d been the one who had wanted the lessons to begin with.

He waited five more minutes, but when Harry still hadn’t shown up, he set out in search of the wayward elfling. He headed first for Harry’s rooms, though finding them empty he continued on, instead making his way to the room they breakfasted in, there was no sign of Harry, but Arwen was sitting out on the balcony sipping tea and taking bites out of a delicate cake. 

“Have you seen Harry?” Elrond asked, startling his daughter into nearly dropping her cake, he forgot sometimes how silently he moved.

“I haven’t” she replied, turning to look at him with concerned eyes. “Is he missing?”

“I’m not sure” Elrond said slowly, “he was supposed to meet me nearly an hour ago but has failed to turn up. I’m not sure if he’s forgotten, gotten caught up with something else or if there is something else happening here.”

Arwen took one last sip of her tea as she stood, brushing the crumbs off her dress as she moved towards the doors. “I’ll help you look.”

They checked the library as well as the kitchens before heading to the throne room in search of Legolas or Thranduil instead. 

“I assume he is out in the gardens” Elrond said, “but it will be better to find someone who knows where he’s likely to be. The gardens are extensive and would take us a long time to search them.” Elrond was now officially worried.

All heads spun towards them as they entered the room, there seemed to be some kind of serious discussion going on between members of Thranduil’s court.

“Excuse me” Elrond said with a polite nod of his head. “We were just wondering if you had seen Harry?”

Thranduil sat up straighter, “pardon?”

“Harry was late meeting me for our first healing lesson, I have been looking for him but seem unable to find him.”

Thranduil’s eyebrows furrowed in concern, he pointed imperiously to a guard. “Go and find Legolas, bring him to me immediately. The rest of you” he waved to the other guards stationed around the room. Begin searching this instant, I want Harry brought to me as soon as he is found.

A guard with red braids hanging around his shoulders turned and began organising the search, meanwhile the other elves in the room began to disburse and Elrond had a feeling that they too would be out searching for the lost elfling.

Runners were sent to alert more guards, and the search began in earnest.

“Come” Thranduil said, striding off in a different direction to most of the guards, Elrond and Arwen at his sides.

“The last time we couldn’t find him, he was in my wife’s rooms, lets check there first in case he’s just lost track of time exploring there.”

Elrond and Arwen nodded, striding down the hall, but when they arrived, they found no trace of Harry. Thranduil’s face looked pinched as they searched the rooms, calling out for the young elfling, and Elrond wondered if Thranduil had entered these rooms since his wife’s death.

“He’s not here” Arwen concluded after no sign of Harry could be found.

Thranduil nodded, “to the gardens then, that would be the next logical place that he would be.”

“I agree” Elrond said, “We have already searched several places before we came to tell you and thought the gardens would the likeliest place to find him.”

As they strode along, they noticed elves all over the place, it seemed that word had got out about Harry’s disappearance, and everyone had decided to assist in the search. Loud footsteps had the trio turning to find Legolas running towards them, hair in disarray and sweat beading his brow, it was the most dishevelled Elrond had ever seen the prince. A line of archers came running in behind Legolas, clearly trying to keep up.

“What’s happening? Where’s Harry?” Legolas gasped, brushing sweaty hair out of his eyes.

“We are unsure at this present time” Thranduil said with an aura of forced calm. “He was supposed to meet Elrond in the halls of healing some time ago to begin his lessons, however he never showed up. Elrond came searching for Harry and let us know.”

Legolas looked around wildly, as though Harry might pop out from behind the curtains.

“It seems near every elf in the kingdom is out searching, I am sure he will be found quickly. Probably having not realised what time it was.” Elrond could tell that Thranduil was trying to comfort his son, unfortunately it seemed to have little effect on the blonde. “We were just on our way to begin searching the gardens if you’d care to join us?”

Legolas nodded his head jerkily before striding off towards the gardens and leaving them in his wake.

++++++++++++++++++++

Legolas felt like his heart was trying to beat its way out of his chest, his chest ached like he couldn’t properly draw a breath. He didn’t run, afraid that moving too quickly would cause him to miss something that could lead to Harry. But he did stride with purpose, searching up and down flowerbeds and over grassy hills. The gardens were crawling with guards and just general citizens wanting to help, but still no sign of Harry had been found.

His stomach roiled and his hands shook as the search went deeper, his father stayed at his side, a steady presence as the hunt continued, it felt like it had been going on for hours. Where was Harry?

He was beginning to give up hope of the gardens, mentally making plans where else he could look when a loud cry sounded.

“We’ve found him!” Some one shouted and Legolas was running, pushing other elves out of his way as he made his way closer. “Someone send for a healer!” the voice cried again and Legolas was sure he felt his heart stop.

“There will be no need for that” Elrond’s voice said authoritatively from beside Legolas. “I am here.”

They rounded a corner, the last few elves backing out of their way as Harry finally came into view, he was sprawled on the ground, his riot of dark curls fanned out around him. He looked so tiny Legolas wanted to cry.

A firm had on his shoulder stopped him moving forward and he made to shake it off, an enraged hiss breaking out of his lips as he spun to find his father staring at him calmly, though Legolas could see the cracks in the façade.

“Let Elrond look at him” Thranduil said quietly, “that is the best thing for Harry at the moment.”

Legolas nodded stiffly, bowing to the logic even as every part of his being was screaming to go to the elfling and pull him into his arms, protect him from everyone and everything.

The hand on his shoulder squeezed softly, helping to ground him, as he spun to watch Elrond, who was leaning over Harry’s still form.

“He is alive” Elrond said quietly, running his hands over Harry’s chest and through his hair. “There is a rather large lump on his head, from a fall I’d say.”

Elrond picked up Harry’s arms and legs, checking for injury before he slowly rotated Harry’s neck around.

“He is safe to move to the healing wing.”

With those words Legolas leapt forward and scooped Harry up into his arms, being as gentle as he knew how to be. He marched off towards the healing halls, knowing that Elrond would follow. He could hear his father thanking the elves who had helped in the search before sending them back to their duties. 

“It’s alright, I’ve got you” Legolas whispered, pressing kisses into Harry hair. “You’re safe now.”

They arrived in record time to the healing halls and Legolas laid Harry on a bed as Elrond got to work. His eyes watched every movement like a hawk.

After a while Elrond finally spoke. “I have done all I can for now, it seems he is need of rest, and plenty of it.”

Legolas felt himself start to relax for the first time since he’d heard the news that Harry couldn’t be found.

“He’ll be, okay?”

Elrond nodded, “I’m not sure exactly what happened but it seems to be exhaustion of some kind. Hopefully with some rest he will be feeling better in no time.”

“Thank you” Legolas said quietly, reaching out to take Harry’s hand in his own, determined to stay right by his side until he woke up.

++++++++++++++++++++

When Harry did awake it was to a pounding head and a lethargy so great he wasn’t sure he would ever get out of bed again. He tried to pull himself into a sitting position but stopped when he felt a tug on his arm. He looked down to find a hand gripping his own, turning he found Legolas sitting beside him, looking like he’d gone 5 rounds with a garden bush and lost. Legolas, who was usually perfectly put together looked, there was no other word for it, terrible. He had dark circles under his eyes, his skin looking sallow. There were smudges of dirt on his cheek and several twigs stuck in his hair.

“What happened to you!?” Harry croaked in alarm and Legolas gave him a surprised look before breaking into laughter.

“I could say the same thing to you” Legolas smiled wetly.

Harry looked around and realised where he was, feeling quite unsurprised at this revelation. 

“Just magical drain, I think” Harry yawned and rubbed at his tired eyes.

“Magical drain?” Elrond questioned and Harry jumped, not having noticed the other elfs arrival.

“Yeah, when I was gardening, I was working on some roses. There was this like, I don’t know sickness wrapped around them. I pushed and pushed, and it eventually broke away, disappeared. I obviously tried to do too much though because, well, here I am.”

Legolas and Elrond both stared down at him, equally confused.

“Magic?” Elrond breathed.

“I think” Harry paused for a moment as another yawn overtook him, “so. It feels different but the same, to what I was before. It’s hard to explain.”

His eyes began to droop.

“It’s okay, we will figure everything out later” Legolas murmured, “just get some rest.”

Harry’s eyes were already closed but he pulled on Legolas’ hand until the other got the hint and climbed into the bed beside him. Warm arms wrapped around him and Harry slept.