Inflamed (Harry Potter & The Hobbit/LOTR Crossover) (LegolasxOC)

3- Wizard Not Witch

I laid my head back and covered my face in my hands. This could not be happening to me. I pulled them away and tried to sit up, but the black-haired Dwarf pushed me back down. "You are not well. You said it yourself, you have a head injury." I frowned, seeing the party more clearly in the daylight. They all had very distinct, different looks, but had similar, odd dress sense. It differed greatly from mine, making me stand out from them like a sore thumb. I really was not on Earth anymore.

My grasp on my wand tightened and I moaned. Nausea was overwhelming my senses. Before I knew what was happening, I was choking on my own vomit. "Turn the lass on her side!" One of the Dwarves called. The black-haired Dwarf and what I presumed to be his brother shifted me so the vomit poured out of my mouth. I gasped for air, the vile taste on my mouth making me gag.

"Back up." I ordered softly when I was done. "What? Why?" The black-haired Dwarf asked, eyebrows furrowed. I really needed to find out their names. "Please, just do as I say." I pleaded, vomiting again. They all backed away, none of their eyes leaving my form. "I'll explain everything when I'm able to, alright?" I stated, pulling my ring off of my finger. I recieved no answer, so I took that as an agreement. I Transfigured the ring back into my bag, creating nervous titters among the group.

I scrambled through it, looking for the bottle. My head was aching and my vision was failing. I finally found the bottle and unscrewed it. I poured a few drops of it in my mouth and screwed the cap back on, shoving it in my bag. I sighed, closing my eyes and welcoming sleep.

~

Third POV

Thorin & Company argued amongst themselves as the girl laid on the ground, sleeping away from the pile of her vomit. Bilbo sat on a rock nearby, watching her as she recuperated. To him, she seemed lost and scared, especially when told that she was a long way from home. He believed her story. She certainly did not dress or act like someone from Middle-Earth. Her ability to do magic, now that made him uneasy.

Gandalf had officially confirmed that she was a Witch. What Thorin had thought was merely a stick was actually her wand. She had been defending herself when he held his sword to her neck. At the moment, everyone was arguing over what to do with her. Some said that they should leave her here, leaving her for death. Others suggested that they kill her while she slept, claiming her to be evil. Then there were some who said they should take her with us, either as a prisoner or as a member of the Company.

Bilbo wasn't sure what he thought they should do with Paige Fawley, but whatever they decided, he didn't want it to involve her getting hurt. Gandalf was getting irritated with the arguing and finally bellowed, "Enough! All of you, be silent!" The Dwarves stopped bickering and turned to the wise Wizard. "Before we make any verdict, we must listen to what she has to say." Dwalin scoffed. "Why, so she can charm us and kill us? She's a Witch! I think that we should kill her before she kills us."

A few Dwarves grumbled in agreement. "What harm has she done to us yet? If she is as powerful as you all think, then why did she not join forces with the Trolls or free herself before Gandalf came? She was obviously capable of doing so whenever she wanted, but she didn't. Just like when Thorin had a sword to her neck and she had her wand pointed at him. She could've done magic there, but she didn't. I agree with Gandalf, we hear what she has to say and then make a decision." Kíli put forth strongly.

Everyone looked to Thorin, who was mulling over everyone's opinions and making his own. He looked over at the girl, who looked so innocent and helpless. He finally caved and grunted, "We wait to hear what she has to say. Then make a decision." Everyone then went and busied themselves, waiting for Paige Fawley to awaken.

She awoke fifteen minutes later with her coloring coming back and her cuts starting to heal. Everyone gathered around to hear what she had to say. She sat up slowly, Kíli kneeling to give her a hand. She shrunk away from him, holding up her hand to stop him. Everyone tensed, thinking she was going to use magic on him. She didn't.

Paige sighed, propping herself up against a rock.

~

Paige's POV

I looked throughout the party, through the Dwarves, Wizard, and Bilbo. I looked to Thorin to see what he had to say. He watched me with an unreadable look and announced, "We will hear what you have to say, Miss Fawley, then make a decision on what to do with you." I frowned, not liking how he worded things. "You say it like I'm your prisoner, a burden." He shifted, a hand resting on the hilt of his great sword.

"As of right now, you are." I swallowed hard, gathering my thoughts. I took a deep breath and started to plead my case, feeling like I was on trial. "First thing I want you to know is that I mean you no harm. Believe me, don't believe me, I don't care. But it is the truth. I am a Witch, as you said, but I prefer the term Wizard. 'Witch' is used as a term of hate, a thing of evil. But I assure you that I practice good magic. I honestly don't know what else to say except one thing: Am I allowed to ask you all a few questions?"

They all processed my words, frowning as they comprehended my question. Thorin thought this over before replying, "Depending on your questions, but ask." My eyebrows raised in surprise. I hadn't expected him to allow my questions. "First off, what are your names? It's rather annoying not knowing what to call you any of you." Everyone looked to Thorin a bit nervously. Again, I was surprised when he answered my question.

"I am Thorin Oakenshield, head of the Company." He then went on to introduce me to the rest of the company. There was Dori, Ori, Nori, Óin, Glóin, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Kíli (the black-haired Dwarf), and Fíli. The Wizard, was named Gandalf the Gray. I already knew Bilbo. I smiled slightly, happy to vaguely know who was who.

"What else do you wish to know?" Thorin asked. I thought for a moment before wincing. They were most definitely not going to answer that. "What?" Dwalin barked. I flinched at his tone and mumbled, "Nothing." Thorin rolled his eyes. "It was obviously something. Ask it." I sighed. "Alright, but I know you won't answer. What exactly are you doing?" They all started at that, mumbling and grumbling.

I stayed silent, waiting for them to quiet down. Thorin nodded. "You are right. I'm not going to answer that. I wish to ask our own questions now." I shrugged. "Go ahead." Thorin seemed surprised by my easiness, causing him to bristle. "What can you do?" I frowned, not expecting that question.

"Well, I can do magic, I'm a rather decent swordsman, fair archer and knive-thrower, I can ride a horse well, and I'm a bit of a healer." A bit of grumbling went around again when I talked about my fighting skills. "You can fight, eh? Who taught you?" Balin, I was pretty sure his name was Balin, asked, somewhat kindly. My mouth quirked into a half-smile. "My mother."

Thorin nodded, seeming to have gathered all the information that he needed. He had the Company surround him in a tight circle, whispering in hushed tones. I struggled to sit up, my strength coming back to me slower than I wished. I pulled my weapons out of my bag, strapping my bow and quiver to my back, my weapons belt carrying my sword around my waist, and sheathing daggers and knives big and small on my body.

I looked up realizing that everyone was staring at me. My cheeks flushed slightly and I shrugged. "What, thought I was lying?" Thorin thought for a moment before announcing, "Miss Fawley, we are extending an invitation to you to join us on our quest. I warn you though, it will be dangerous. The possibility of death very present at all times. Usually, we would have you sign a contract, but I'm afraid we do not have a spare."

I thought over the proposition carefully. They were willing to accept me and let me be apart of their adventure. Mum would say yes in a heartbeat, a voice in my head said. But you're not Mum, another voice reminded me snidely. I chewed on my lip, analyzing. I realized that I wanted to go on their adventure. Badly.

"Well?" Thorin asked, a bit impatient. I broke into a grin. "Count me in." A few people cheered or grinned, making me smile a bit, too. I knew that they all had some doubts about me still, but I was determined to prove them wrong.