Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own the wonderful world of Harry Potter or LOTR.

-Chapter 13-

Hermione travelled for days before she reached the woods of Mirkwood. She felt it instantly in her soul. There was a sickness to the woods as Radagast had said. It felt tainting, like gum that won't unstick. It made her sick to her stomach to the point where she felt nauseas.

Even though the history books she delved into hungrily at both Lothlorien and Imladris said that Sauron was defeated in the War of the Last Alliance, Hermione had her doubts. When Isildur cut off the ring of power, he did not destroy the retched object. No, he kept it for himself, corrupted by its evil with just one look. And after that, it was lost to history. No one knows what happened to it or if it was even real to begin with. And it is because of that fact that Hermione doubts Sauron is truly gone. It sounds too much like Voldemort and his horcruxes.

The closer she got to the southern parts of Mirkwood, the more prevalent the spider webs. Hermione scrunched up her nose in disgust.

"I think I can understand how Ronald was so scared of spiders now…" Hermione muttered as she ducked and dodged.

And finally, she came upon the old ruins. It was just like she imagined it would look like – old, dark, and evil. Dead trees and spider webs littered the ruins. It's no wonder the woods were so plagued. Though she has yet to fully come into her powers, even Hermione felt a heavy darkness on her soul. The last time these ruins were occupied, it was by Sauron who used this place as a base. The elven kingdom let by Oropher was forced to move deeper into the forest to what was now known as Mirkwood. If rumors of a necromancer were floating about, Hermione hoped to all the gods that it was not Sauron risen from the grave once more.

Broken brick walls towered over Hermione as she silently walked through the ruins, keeping her eyes trained on every shadow. But nothing moved. Entering a clearing, Hermione stopped and looked around. There was no sound. No smell. Not even a cricket. Just complete silence.

'This isn't right… Why does it feel like there is something breathing down my neck…' Hermione thought.

Oh what she wouldn't do for her wand right now to cast a revelio spell. As if her powers read her mind, a clear ringing hummed. It was as if it was coming from within her core itself. And before she knew it, a flash of light burst from her and travelled throughout the ruins. And her heart stopped at what it revealed. Scores of orcs and goblins screeched and screamed at her as they surrounded the clearing.

'Of course my lack of control in my powers would put me in this kind of situation!' Hermione panicked as she quickly drew her swords and got in a defensive position.

Hermione looked down at her swords in desperation, hoping to conjure up her mysterious power over fire to help her now. But all she got was wisps before they blew out.

"Bloody hell…" Hermione muttered as she stared at the enemies closing in.

Ash nazg durbatuluk…

Hermione instantly froze, the blood in her veins freezing and her heart dropped. She knew this language. A shadow swiftly darted past her. Though it was no corporeal form, there was a wind that followed it that nearly knocked her off her feet. Hermione spun, trying to follow it and keep her eyes on it, but to no avail.

Ash naxg gimbatul…

Again that same shadow flew past her and Hermione tried to keep up.

Ash nazg thrakatuluk…

"Show yourself!" Hermione yelled, getting tired of this game.

AGH BURZUM-ISHI KRIMPATUL!

'ENOUGH!' Summoning her powers the only way she knew, she dug deep into her anger and frustration and tried to find it where she usually sensed her magical core. Feeling warmth, she dug deeper until she felt the red-hot sensation and pulled it out. Instantly, her hand came up in flames, licking its way down her swords.

"Show yourself, Necromancer! Or should I call you by your true name?! Sauron, the deceiver!" Hermione snarled as she turned to the main focal point of darkness.

In the archway, the shadows seemed to pull in on itself before lashing forward revealing flames and a giant eye. Hermione's fears were confirmed. The necromancer was none other than the Dark Lord Sauron.

"So they send a helpless whelp to come face me?" Sauron laughed darkly. "And how did you plan to defeat me, hm? I see no army. Your little fire tricks then? Are you sure you are ready to fight fire with fire…"

And with that, Sauron's spirit eye flared out at Hermione and even she had to back away from its heat. Hermione frowned. Sauron was right. Though she may try and fight with all that is she, she is no match for him. Especially when she has yet to fully use her powers. No, she had to get away somehow. This was only a recon mission to gather information. And she has done so. Hermione must find a way to the white council and inform the Lady Galadriel of this monstrosity.

"You cannot run now, little elf. There is no way out. Not past all of them…" And like that, the orcs and goblins started closing in on her.

'Eru help me now…You gave me this power, tell me how to use it!' Hermione prayed to the Valar.

Do not try to control it. Channel it. Fire is an element with a life of its own. Let it make its own path. Simply guide it.

Galadriel's voice rang in her head. Hermione nearly screamed if she wasn't so use to hearing the lady's voice in her head.

'How are you communicating with me, Lady Galadriel?' Hermione thought.

The rock Gandalf gave you is no ordinary rock. Now fly, penneth! For you are no match for this many! Make a path!

And with that, Galadriel's voice faded into nothingness. Leaving Hermione with just minutes to figure out what Galadriel meant.

'Don't control it, channel it…' Hermione looked down at her hands and swords that were still engulfed by the flame.

If there was time, she would have marveled at the way the fire moved. The way the flames licked at her in a trance-inducing dance. Lady Galadriel said to guide it. Maybe… Hermione took a chance and tried to reach the flames with her mind. If the flames were caused by her and pulled from within her, maybe she can connect with it. At first there was nothing. Then she felt it. A niggling at the edge of her mind. Bright and filled with lightness. Hermione tried to reach even more. And she heard it. She heard the flames. It was no language she was familiar with. Rather than words, it was as if the flames spoke with intuition and feeling. All this happened in the span of a minute and Hermione looked up with determination.

Keeping a hold of that connection, she raised both her hands holding her swords back towards where she came. And urging with her mind, the flames danced in glee and grew before shooting out in a twisted, unstoppable path. Bringing her now extinguished hands down, there lay before her was a road of nothing but ash where once stood the orcs and goblins. Not letting this chance go, Hermione quickly darted into action and fled.

"AFTER HER!" Sauron screamed behind her and she could hear the answering calls.

Without looking back, Hermione ran for her life deeper into the forest. She didn't know how long she ran for and how far. All she knew was that she needed to escape those snarls coming after her. The sun was beginning to set and she knew she would have no chance in the dark, not in unfamiliar lands. With a grim heart, Hermione stopped and turned around with her swords raised. She stared into the brush, anticipating any enemies that may come through. All of a sudden, the leaves and bushes rustled. Hermione tensed and took a deep breath before lighting her arms in flames again.

"OW! Bofur! Get yer fat arse off of me!"

And just like that, the shock in her put out the flames. Hermione's heart filled with hope and glee.

"Hermione? What are you doing all the way here in Mirkwood? I thought you had stayed behind in Rivendell."

Hermione couldn't help herself. She lowered her swords until they dropped to the ground and she ran and engulfed the one and only Bilbo Baggins in a tight hug.

"Oh, am I glad to see you!" Hermione whispered.

Confused, a red-faced Bilbo could only laugh and pat her back on the back.

"Hermione?!"

Hermione got up and look at Gandalf in relief.

"Gandalf!"

She found herself engulfed in another hug as Gandalf squeezed the life out of her.

"Oh, my dear girl! I am so glad that you are safe!" Gandalf laughed heartily.

"Yes, so am I." Hermione smiled.

"And where have you been gallivanting off to…"

Hermione turned to see Thorin and the rest of the company come through the bushes. Hermione rolled her eyes. Typical.

"Hello to you too, Thorin." She huffed.

"Thorin, I told you she had business to carry for the white council before convening with us." Gandalf said before turning back to her, "What news, Hermione."

"It is as we feared, Gandalf. Dol Guldur is infested. And it is not safe here. We must move out. I fear we may be caught by unfriendly visitors should we linger any longer." Hermione frowned.

Gandalf's eyes darkened and his shoulders slumped as if an incredible weight were on them.

"Then let us go." Gandalf said as he led the way. "Walk with me, Hermione, dear. I fear we have much to discuss."

Hermione nodded as she moved to his side with the rest of the company trailing behind.

"The necromancer?" Gandalf whispered.

"Is indeed the dark lord Sauron. He has returned and his strength grows. You know what this means, Gandalf." Hermione replied.

"The one ring has been found…" Gandalf sighed.

"We must inform the council." Hermione said.

"We will. But not at the moment. We cannot abandon the company now." Gandalf looked over his shoulder the dwarves and one hobbit.

"We cannot delay these news either." Hermione frowned.

"No. But you must remember, Hermione. Information is power. And right now, I do not fully trust Saruman to be honest. Though he is the head of the white council, something is amiss with him as of late…" Gandalf pondered.

"With Sarumon..?" Hermione frowned even more.

If their ranks have been compromised, things will not end well. Hermione decided to speak no more as the dwarves Kili and Fili rounded on her for tales of her travels until now. Hermione gave Gandalf a look that they will speak more of this later.

A/N: I'M BACK! I know, it has been months since I've updated. And I do apologize. But things are starting to die down and my schedule is starting to free up so hopefully I know have a little more time to delve into my writing. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! As always, please leave a review!

~lalune30