Child Of Stars

T.A 3018

Against his better judgement Draco woke up early the day the council was to be held and took his time dressing in one of his darker robes, smoothed his long blond locks back into a low ponytail tied with a black silk ribbon and attended the council. It was on a large dais or sorts, surrounded by bushes, statues and it was open air, which sort of defeated the purpose of having a secret council, Draco thought.

Draco took a look around the circle, Aragorn was to the far right, followed by elves, men, dwarves, more elves, then Draco, Gandalf and finally Frodo. The atmosphere was stifling.

“Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you’ve been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Midde-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each race is bound to this one fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring Frodo.” Lord's Elrond's beginning speech only further settled the gloom surrounding the council. 

When Lord Elrond gestured for Frodo, he stood up and placed the ring on the pedestal, his motions followed by the eyes of every living creature in attendance. When he sat back down on his chair his shoulders slumped, as if a great burden was released.

Draco looked over as one of the men spoke in a low tone disturbing the uncomfortable silence, “So it is true.”

The man looked like trouble.

Draco daren’t look at the ring. It was pulling him to it, asking him to put it on, telling him of the things it could give him. But Lord Elrond had already warned him of it, the evils and irresistible temptation that the ring posed, he wouldn’t succumb to it, his parents were dead and no ring could change that fact.

Everyone stared quietly at the ring while Draco took a glance around, watching their reactions. The elves seem to recoil at it, like it was the most disgusting in the world, it probably was. The dwarves sat up straight in their chairs, a gleam in their eyes that looked of both greed and fear. Then there was one man, with ginger hair and stubble, the same one who had broken the silence, who stood up and spoke.

“In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark,” Draco watched as the man walked closer to the ring, his eyes flickering between it and the people, “but in the west a pale light lingered. A voice was crying: Your doom is near at hand. Isildur’s Bane is found.” His words did not bode well and Draco was not the only one to notice.

The man reached for the ring. In a moment there was movement from Draco and those around him. Draco sat up whipping out his wand in alarm, prepared for a stun should the man really take the ring. Gandalf had shifted in his seat and Lord Elrond had went from a relaxed pose to a much more alarmed one.

The man reached his hand out, but before Draco could stun him, Lord Elrond called out, “Boromir!”

At once, Gandalf started chanting something he couldn’t understand. The sky darkened, his Dark Mark throbbed and burned as it had not done for years, as if Lord Voldermort was calling for him. Draco’s heart was thumping hard in his chest gripped by fear, he has not felt so in many years. The elves beside him were moving their hands to their foreheads in pain, clearly what Gandalf was chanting was affecting them as well as Draco.

When Gandalf stopped, the sky cleared up instantly and the pain disappeared. Draco could finally take a deep shaky breath to calm his racing heart. The elves were visibly shaken as well, Lord Elrond in particular looked and sounded vexed, “Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris.” The glare he sent to Gandalf was positively deadly.

“I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West!” Gandalf looked over at Boromir, who had sat down, “The ring is altogether evil.” He warned the man. This, Draco could agree with Gandalf.

“It is as gift.” The man said again as he shook his head disagreeing with Gandalf. Draco wanted to hex him to bloody hell, what does this man not understand of the word evil?

“A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use the ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of my people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy, let us use it against him.” The man spoke as he paced in front of them, as if trying to convince them of his ideas.

Draco was about to burst out in anger at his ignorance, thinking he could wield a tool of evil when others before him has tried so but failed, but Aragorn beat him to it.

“You cannot wield it, none of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other Masters.”

Boromir side-eyed Aragorn, “And what would a Ranger know of this matter?” his tone far from polite and lips set close to a sneer.

Draco had to chuckle, this man had a long way to go if he thought Aragorn was only a simple ranger.  

“This is no mere Ranger, he is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.” Legolas exclaimed as he stood up in defense of his friend. Draco thought maybe allegiance was a bit too much considering Aragorn had never rightfully took up the throne and its duties, maybe just some common courtesy would be good enough.

Boromir stared at Aragorn in disbelief, “Aragorn. This is Isildur’s heir?” He said mockingly.

“And heir to the throne of Gondor.” Legolas added.

“Havo dad, Legolas.” Aragorn seemed miffed as he motioned for Legolas to sit down, he had only meant to warn against the use of the ring, not have his entire lineage laid out for all to see.

Boromir turned to Legolas, “Gondor has no king,” he then sneered at Aragorn, “Gondor needs no king.”

Rude as it was, Draco thought it was understandable that there was bad blood between them, the whole not taking responsibilities in heading a kingdom thing and Boromir’s added comment earlier on how the blood of Gondor’s people being the only thing holding Mordor back. He couldn’t fault Boromir for his feelings regarding Aragorn. But nonetheless, he would not condone the suggestion of using the ring for power.

Gandalf broke into the tense atmosphere, “Aragorn is right, we cannot use it.”

Lord Elrond stood up, returning the attention of the council to him, “You have only one choice. The ring must be destroyed.”

Then a dwarf stood up, “Well what are we waiting for.” He took up his axe and brought it down on the ring. Draco heard Frodo gasp before the dwarf’s axe impacted the ring and proceeded to explode, pieces flying in all directions, barely missing injuring everyone.

Draco rolled his eyes, “You’d think if it was that easy to destroy someone else would have done that a long time ago.” He muttered under his breath. Lord Elrond shot him a look as if reprimanding him for his cheek, to which Draco shrugged, fools deserved to be called what they are.

“The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Gloin, by any craft we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom, only there can it be unmade.”

Lord Elrond looked around at the members of the council solemnly, “It must be taken into Mount Doom and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came.” He glanced at each of the members of the council, “One of you, must do this.”

Well shit, Draco was clearly not going to volunteer himself for a one way ticket to hell. Literally. If Lord Elrond had told him this was the purpose of the meeting he probably wouldn’t have even bothered to show up.

Silence stretched until Boromir spoke again, “One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with 10,000 man could you do this. It is folly.”

Draco couldn’t decide if the man merely said so to frighten others so he may use the ring himself, or he truly believed so. Lord Elrond had told him before that they had been close to destroying the ring once, they had stood before the spewing lava of mount doom and had been so close to victory, but the greed of men prevailed. Lord Elrond had been shrouded in melancholy and frustration when he had told him that piece of history, Draco felt it was something he never forgave the race of Men for.

“Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed.” Legolas jumped up, shouting.

“And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!” A dwarf spoke up, rearing for a fight.

“And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?” Boromir stood up again.

“I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!” The dwarf shouted again.

At this point everyone had stood up shouting defending their own races and opinions, safe for Gandalf, Frodo and himself. He had no particular opinion he wanted to support. He was against the idea of using the ring and was all for destroying it, but the hows and whos, he left that up to the higher powers.

“Never trust an elf!” Gimli shouted, that miffed Draco out and Gimli was starting to make a really bad impression in Draco’s mind.

“Do you not understand? Whilst you bicker among yourself, Sauron’s power grows!” Gandalf stood up and joined in the fray, bickering like children over crayons. “None can escape it! You’ll all be destroyed!”

Draco looked over at Frodo to see how he was faring, not very well he would say.

Frodo had a sheen of sweat on his face and he was breathing heavily whilst staring at the ring. As Frodo stared at the Ring and Draco stared at him, Frodo came to a decision.

It was an understatement to say Draco was shocked to see Frodo jump up and announce, “I will take it!”

Draco looked around, nobody seemed to notice the little hobbit. Draco decided to lend a hand to this brave foolish soul and cast a silent ‘Silencio!’, revelling in the sudden quiet that washed over them.

As everyone looked around in surprise at suddenly being unable to speak, Frodo looked over at Draco gratefully before resuming his fearfully brave announcement, “I will take it.”

Everyone turned to stare at the little hobbit in shock and surprise, momentarily forgetting their muteness. Of all the races in attendance, none had actually volunteered to the cause, and here was one little hobbit, a race which prioritised peace and quiet, bravely cutting through the arguments to sacrifice himself.

“I will take the ring to Mordor.”

Silence stretched as no one could fully comprehend what the hobbit had said. Surely this little halfling did not just volunteer to do what many men, elves, and dwarves alike feared?

“Though, I do not know the way.” Frodo said meekly, glancing around the room.

Gandalf looked at Draco who cast a silent finite to cancel out his earlier spell. Gandalf gave him a nod and looked back at the hobbit, “I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear.” He went to stand behind Frodo.

At this moment Draco thought it was lucky that the twins were off hunting Orcs or they would’ve volunteered and given Lord Elrond an even bigger headache than the one Arwen was already giving him.

Aragorn stood up, “If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.” He strode over and kneeled on one knee in front of Frodo, “You have my sword.”

Legolas walked over to join them, “And you have my bow.”

Gimli walked over as well, “And my axe.”

Draco couldn’t help but try to lighten the mood, “What axe? The one in pieces on the floor?”

The dwarf went red in the face and grabbed one from his brethren and stood up straight again, ignoring Draco’s eyes.

“You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this in indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done.” Draco thought of how dangerous it was to let the man follow along on such a quest, he had professed the wish to use the ring, who’s to say he wouldn’t be tempted again? The strength of men had already failed once it would be disastrous to let it fail again when the darkness grows ever closer to destroying them all.

Just then the bushes behind Draco rustled and out came Samwise Gamgee. He ran hurriedly to where Frodo stood, proudly exclaiming “Frodo’s not going anywhere without me!”

Draco chuckled, ‘A secret council indeed.’ He thought to himself, he knew he was onto something when he first wondered about the openness of their meeting area.

“Indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you when he is summoned to a secret Council and you are not.” Lord Elrond sounded amused. That was what the lord said but Draco wouldn’t be surprised if there was some ploy behind it all, honestly who holds a secret council out in the public?

Just then two more hobbits came barrelling out from behind pillars, “We’re coming too!”

Now Lord Elrond was not so amused, the look on his face made Draco laugh.

“You’ll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!” Merry announced as he smiled at Frodo.

“Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of… mission. Quest. Thing.” Pippin said proudly as he cocked his hands on his waist.

Merry looked over at Pippin with furrowed brows, “Well that rules you out Pip’.”

Lord Elrond looked around, he frowned at the unintended additions but nonetheless, “Nine companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.”

Draco sighed, well it seemed as if the council had finally come to a decision and an end. He gave little input and obviously did not volunteer himself for a death quest, but at the very least he knew of what was to be done and would do his best to help the fellowship prepare for their journey.

Lord Elrond’s eyes then landed on Draco, who was hidden behind the nine companions, “I would wish to add one more companion to the Fellowship, if he so inclines.”

Lord Elrond looked purposefully at Draco as the Fellowship parted to reveal him. Draco had jumped when he realised Lord Elrond had directed his gaze at him and was referring pointedly to him. He was at a loss for words, wasn’t he just here to attend the council? Not go on a deathly adventure?

“And who is this child?” Boromir looked down at Draco.

Draco narrowed his eyes at him, he did not like the way the man’s tone and he was about to tell the man how much of a ‘child’ he was when Lord Elrond beat him to it.

“He is my guest. You have my recommendation that he has the ability to aid the fellowship on this journey.” Lord Elrond spoke with a tone of hardness, he would not take lightly to Draco being spoken down to.

Boromir ignored the lord’s pointed look and looked Draco up and down, “And which village of men do you hail from?”

Draco wracked his brain for a place unknown enough that they would believe him, but Lord Elrond spoke for him, “He is from no village of men, he is a child of Imladris.”

There was audible gasps from the people gathered, nobody had expected a human child to come from an elven realm. Draco himself didn’t expect Lord Elrond to lay such a claim to him, and he had to admit it secretly pleased him.

The surprise did not last long for Boromir went back to interrogating him. “Do you not speak for yourself, stranger?”

Draco gritted his teeth and stood up with a flourish, adopting his aristocratic Malfoy air, “I am Draco, son of Lucius. And I assure you I am no mute.” Draco squared his shoulders and lifted his chin, effectively looking down at the man despite being the same height.

“And just how do you think a child such as yourself could help us on our journey?” Draco wanted to send every hex he knew towards this man, the impertinence!

“He is a wizard, different from an Istar, but he would bring much help with us if he so inclines to join us.” Gandalf answered for him, effectively making a stand for Draco as well. Draco thought it strange but he supposed the years had dwindled down their animosity towards each other into general politeness as fellow magic users.  

“Nonsense! No mere child-“

Draco had had enough of being insulted and motioned with his hand to cast a silent wandless silencio charm on Boromir, after all actions speak louder than words. Boromir’s voice ceased though his mouth remained moving. His eyes widened and darted around frantically as he realised he had no voice.

“Stop being melodramatic, it is merely a charm, you will not die.” Draco rolled his eyes. “I have had enough of your incessant questioning. Do you dare question Gandalf the Grey and Lord Elrond about my credibility? Even now as you are helpless to my whims?” If this man will not give him courtesy then he had no courtesy to return.

When Boromir merely glared at him with no movement to do otherwise, Draco nodded and smirked, “Thought so.” Turning his back to the man and facing Lord Elrond.

“Do you, Draco, son of Lucius, give your assent to join the Fellowship?” Lord Elrond asked him.

Draco looked straight at Elrond, did he know it would come to this? Was this the reason he was asked to attend this council? Draco felt a stab of annoyance that Lord Elrond would do this to him despite having voiced his unwillingness to get involved in the business of war. But Draco must be rational nonetheless, he owed his life to the Valar and Lord Elrond. If this is the task they ask of him then he cannot reject.

But Draco would not so easily give in.

“I will think about it. I will give you my answer before the Fellowship leaves.”

Lord Elrond nodded in understanding of his reluctance, it was better than outright rejection. “Fair enough.” He was already expecting the mountains of debate coming his way from Draco after this.

Then, Pippin piped in to the astonishment to everyone there, “Where are we going?”

Draco laughed at the hobbit, innocent creatures indeed. And as the council was adjourned, Draco turned to leave, he had much to think in private, but stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“As much as I enjoy witnessing the magic of Boromir being unable to speak, I am afraid you must remove your spell.” Aragorn told him, his tone was still amused but he supposed some courtesy must be given as the host.

Draco glanced at the fuming man and smirked. A wave of his hand for finite and he walked off without another backward glance. He may have learned to be more courteous under the elves but he will not be disrespected so without a little revenge.