Thanks to my reviewers. You're awesome. More Bitter Hermione in this chapter, with some other stuff thrown in. I hope you like it.
After the hour recess, most of which was spent discussing Hermione's memories, the Council had reconvened. They had introduced themselves, some reluctantly, to Hermione and Frodo. Frodo brought the ring forward and placed it on the stool in the middle.
"It is a gift," Boromir said, walking to the center of the Council. "Give the ring to Gondor. Let Gondor use it."
"No," Hermione said harshly. "The ring is corruptive. It wants to return to Sauron, and it will do so."
"I agree with the woman," Aragorn stated.
"The woman," Hermione snapped, "has a name."
"What would a ranger know of such things?" Boromir asked Aragorn, ignoring Hermione.
"Do you not know who this is?" Legolas hissed standing and stepping toward Boromir. "This is Aragorn son of Arithorn, true heir to the throne of Gondor. You owe his your allegiance."
"Sit down, Legolas," Aragorn asked politely, to which Legolas complied.
"Gondor needs no king," Boromir hissed, sitting down as well.
"We must come to the agreement, then," Lord Elrond stated. "The ring must be destroyed. Who will be the one to take it?"
"I will," Hermione said, standing.
"A woman would not survive the journey," Boromir laughed.
"I would die," Gimli growled, "before letting that ring in the hands of an elf."
The elves stood, furious, and arguments broke out. Hermione sat back down and waited. Frodo stood and said, "I will take it, but I do not know the way."
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Gandalf said, standing neck to Frodo.
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," Aragorn said, as he knelt in front of the hobbit. "You have my sword."
"And you have my bow," Legolas continued.
"And my ax," Gimli agree, not wanting to be outdone by an elf.
"You carry the fate of us all little one," Boromir stated. "If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."
Sam, Merry, and Pippin had also agreed to join them on the journey. Hermione stood and walked to Frodo.
"You have my magic," she said to him, "and, if necessary, my life."
"A woman," Gimli laughed. "This is not a quest for a dainty young elf lass."
Sparks flew from Hermione's hands, and she stepped toward the antagonizing dwarf. Gandalf interceded, putting a hand on Hermione's shoulder. She stopped and looked at the old wizard before turning away. She left the circle of chairs and vanished into the vast gardens.
"Master Gimli," Gandalf said, "You would do well to not anger her. She is more powerful than you know, stronger even than Saruman. You are lucky to have her on your side and not against you."
Later that day, Gandalf went looking for Hermione. He found her sitting in the same gazebo she had been in earlier that day. He sat down next to her waiting for her to talk first.
"I hate being treated like I'm helpless," she said after a long time of silence. "You say I'm the descendant of Ravenclaw, but why wasn't I in her house?"
"I am to blame for that," Gandalf replied slowly. "I asked the hat to make an exception to you. I wanted you placed in Gryffindor, because Harry would be placed there. You two needed to meet. Also, it would be odd if a Muggleborn was placed in Ravenclaw. You have the wit, but not the blood, or so you thought. I'm very sorry for keeping it from you, but I swore to keep the last Ravenclaw safe."
"Can I tell anyone?"
"When you deem someone worthy of knowing you may tell them. It is now your secret, not mine."
The sun had set in a fury of color as Hermione stood on the practice field where she had learned so much. She drew her blade and attacked her nonexistent foes. She brought her sword behind her head and began to swing, when it was stopped in place with a clash of metal on metal. She spun around and started dueling her attacker. Legolas raised an eyebrow with a cocky smile as he blocked her attacks. She felt his holding back, so she swung with more force. Their swords clashed together continuously for a long time.
Finally, Hermione disarmed Legolas, and he sank to his knees as she pressed the blade into his neck. She smiled at the shocked look on his face, before using the hilt of his own sword to push him backwards. She sheathed her sword before stabbing his into the ground. She extended a hand to him, helping him to his feet.
"You should know better than to attack someone without warning," Hermione said smiling, "unless you want a fight."
"Maybe I did," Legolas grinned. "Do you speak elvish?"
"Very little."
"I apoligize for the way I acted earlier. It was uncalled for. I am at the disadvantage. I told you my name earlier, but I do not know yours."
"Hermione."
"Hermione, how long have you been using a sword?"
"A few months," she replied honestly, "but it feels so natural, like I was born knowing how to use it. Same with horses and a bow and arrow. It feels like it's a part of me. Good night, Legolas."
She turned toward the direction of her quarters. She caught Legolas giving her a wary look. She felt his hand on her shoulder, before she had gone more than a few feet, stopping her in place. He stepped around her, looking into her eyes. She shivered as he stepped closer to her and took in his flawless features.
"Why did you lie to me?" he asked sounding hurt.
"I didn't lie," she replied defensively.
"You said you don't speak elvish, yet you are speaking it flawlessly even now. You understand me."
"You're speaking elvish?"
"You are, too."
"I am?" she asked, eyes wide.
"You didn't know, did you?"
"It must have been when I used magic," she said more to herself than Legolas as she looked down in thought. "That explains why I find all the elves suddenly understandable."
She looked up again when Legolas laughed lightly. She smiled at him as he brushed her cheek with the tips of his fingers. He trailed his touch to the back of her neck, before brushing his lips over hers. Hermione's breathing caught in her chest, neither moving.
"Legolas," Aragorn called form nearby.
The pair moved apart at the same time, Hermione blushing lightly. Aragorn stepped into the clearing as Legolas sheathed his sword.
"Did she disarm you, Legolas?" Aragorn asked with a laugh.
"She will be well suited for the expedition," Legolas replied, avoiding the question.
Hermione blushed and wish both men good night before heading back to her quarters. Legolas watched her until she was out of sight. Even then, he and Aragorn waited a few minutes before speaking again.
"I saw you kiss her," Aragorn stated quietly.
"I shouldn't have," Legolas replied, not meeting Aragorn's gaze.
"Why do you lock your feelings away, my friend?" Aragorn asked. "It's been years since Nira. You should find someone new."
"I will not forget Nira," Legolas snapped, harshly.
"I wasn't saying forget her. Find someone who you will share your heart with. You never did tell me. What happened to Nira?"
"She was murdered. What more of an explanation do you need? We need rest. We leave tomorrow."
Legolas walked away without a backward look.
Okay, a little background for later in the story. Tell me what you think. I want ten (10) more reviews before updating again. Thank can't be too hard for you all.