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Chapter 25


We knew that we had do go into the Forbidden Forest, but what would we do once we had gotten there was the real question? We could either first find the missing student or should we try to somehow save them from the dementors or should we get rid of the Ring first so maybe the dementors would realize this and leave us alone.

As we were running down the hallways, Charlie and Tonks voted for the latter choice, but Jen and I voted for going to find the student first. I mean, I knew that if we went, it would be me who would have to go, and I just couldn’t face it yet. But I couldn’t help wondering why Jen was siding with me.

Eventually, Tonks explained, “Before I see those awful dementors again, I want this thing off my neck!” She took the chain out and pointed at the Ring to emphasize her point. And finally I decided she was right, and we decided that we would veer in the direction of the fountain as soon as we got to the Forest.

But before anything, we decided it would be best to contact Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster. If anyone could do anything, it would be him. However, when we got to his office, we realized that we needed a password. Without one, nor anyone coming around, we put a note by one of the gargoyles guarding the door and prayed that Professor Dumbledore would find it.

As we walked, my ears were trying to catch any sounds of us being followed. The dementors could be anywhere, along with Lalanos. I looked around; pointing my wand light in all directions, but nothing. Why had no one followed us yet? Three first year wizards with their stomping feet and a half-Hobbit would be sure to attract some attention.

Finally, we made it to the spot. All was quiet. Tonks was shivering behind me. I suppose the old memories were haunting her. With Charlie, I tore back the brush to find the Fountain. It was even more magnificent close up. Charlie whistled in admiration next to me. “That’s a fancy fountain.”
As I attempted to smile at this statement, I turned around to make sure that no one was around.

Nothing.

But I still felt fairly uneasy.

Charlie was still staring, transfixed at the Fountain. “So,” he said rather nervous. “Who’s going?”

This was a question that made us all uncomfortable. But we had to make this decision quick, before Lalanos discovered us and before the student was… I suppose the best word for you is “gone”.

Finally, I stated, “It’s me. It’s gotta be me.” I could feel tears wanting to come up, but I pushed them down. I didn’t want my friends remembering me as a weak baby.

“No Bandy,” said Tonks. “The Ring was given to me for a reason. I’ll take the Ring.”

“But you’re so attached to it already,” I reminded her. Frodo couldn’t even let go of the Ring of Power at Mount Doom. What makes you think you’ll be able to give this to Galadriel?”

“No Bandy, it has to be me,” Tonks repeated again.

We continued to bicker for a long period. But as I told her I had to go, I knew that we were losing time. Was that student dead already? Or perhaps the teachers had already found them. No, nobody knows why or where they could possibly be except us.

But through Tonks’ and my quarrel, I heard Jen’s voice trying to get over ours. “Guys, guys, guys!” she was screaming so loudly, I was positive everything in the forest could hear her.

“What?’ I asked frustrated. One of us had to leave, and soon.

“It’s me.” Jen told us so quietly I could hardly hear her as she stepped forward straight in front of the Fountain.

“What?” Charlie looked abashed. “No Jen, don’t be ridiculous. You couldn’t…”

“Yes Charlie it’s me. Believe me.”

“But Jen,” I tried to remind her. “It has to be a descendant of heroes. I must be the one to go because I’m a descendant of Samwise Gamgee.”

Jen smiled at this. ‘You think there’s not more than one hero?”

Confused, Tonks asked, “So who’s your ancestor?”

Sighing, Jen replied, “Merlin. I’m the last descendant of Merlin.”

Dead silence.

“And not only that, but every one person from every generation of Merlin has won an Order of Merlin. And everyone who wins an Order of Merlin is considered a hero, whether they deserve it or not. So I’m a descendant of heroes, not just a hero.”

“No Jen, it can’t be.” Charlie grabbed for her hand, but quickly pulled away, realizing he didn’t want to get too personal.

“No Charlie believe me, it’s me.” She took his hand, realizing that he had wanted to, but was just too shy to do so.

“No, it’s me. Let me go.” Charlie was staring at her in great sincerity.
She smiled. “That’s sweet. But I have to follow the Prophecy.” She then did something we never expected. She kissed him on the cheek. “Good-bye Charlie.”

She then turned to Tonks. There were tears in poor Tonks’ eyes. “Give me the Ring,” Jen said, trying to hold back tears of her own.

Nodding, Tonks took off the chain around her neck, and put it around Jen’s. But she still held the Ring at the end of the chain lovingly, examining it. And very suddenly, Tonks through her arms around Jen and began crying. Jen held her too, and said, “It’s meant to be this way. History couldn’t repeat itself.” This made Tonks cry harder. “Good-bye Tonks.”

Finally, Tonks let go, and Jen came to me. “It was nice knowing you Bandy.” She too gave me a hug, and went back to her place in front of the Fountain.

“What’s the spell?” she questioned me, trying not to look at us.

I quickly handed her the piece of parchment, and she began speaking in Elvish.

As the portal was created, with its blues and whites swirling, Jen allowed herself one last fleeting look at all of us, took a deep breath, and walked through the portal. And as quick as one could disappear, she was gone.

Silence.