Disclaimer: I do not own any Harry Potter related stuff, characters or anything else. They belong to J. K. Rowling. I also do not own any Lord of the Rings stuff; it belongs to J. R. R. Tolkien. And even though 'Professor Natikoshi' is NOT 'Arya' from 'Eragon,' The 'Eragon' trilogy does not belong to me either. By the way, she is also NOT Arwen!

Smiles.

(A/N: Please, if you take the time to read my story, please spare just a few of your minutes to click the review button and send me your comments. Thanks! Smiles.)

Hermione's Troubles:

Chapter Thirteen:

"Good morning students! I hope you are all nice and refreshed for another day of magical learning?" Professor Dumbledore beamed down at the sea of Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Slytherins, and Hufflepuffs. There was a clatter of golden knives, forks, and spoons as the teenagers gave him their attention. "I have just one announcement to make!" The Headmasters unbelievably cheery voice rang out through the hall. "This year, in honor of Valentines Day, roses will be for sale. Put two sickles per rose, and a piece of parchment with the recipients name on it, into an envelope, and owl them to my office. You may also add a message, and roses can be signed or anonymous. Everything will be treated as strictly confidential." Stunned but interested looks rippled through the Great Hall, teachers included. Dumbledore smiled. "That will be all. Enjoy your breakfast!" He sat down in his big oak chair, and began talking to Professor McGonagall, who seemed to be demanding something along the lines of 'what sort of wild stunt was he pulling this time.'

Down at the Gryffindor table, all the talk was about roses. Who they wanted a rose from, who they wanted to send one to, and who-would-get-roses-from-who. Lily gently grabbed James by the ear, pulling his head around to face her.

"Now James," The redhead began, "let's see…" She paused, pretending to count on her fingers. "How many roses do I want?" She pondered out loud, watching James's face slowly lose its color. Sirius gave his best friend a sympathetic grin.

"Don't think you're getting away so easily!" Angelica exclaimed, catching the smile. Sirius grimaced.

"Five, ten…" Lily mused, furrowing her brow. Then she brightened, nodding triumphantly. "20!" She declared, eyes sparkling. "20 roses is a good, solid number!" She grinned evilly at James, who was doing his best to pretend he hadn't heard anything.

"Sending a rose, Hermione?" Vanessa's quiet voice inquired. Hermione shrugged.

"I don't know… I'm not sure if I should." She replied softly, gazing mistily at Remus. "He said he wanted time. We're friends now; I don't want to push him, but…" She trailed off. After a few seconds the bushy haired witch directed her gaze at Vanessa, although it was no longer misty. "Aw, why not?" She said playfully. "Maybe I'll send just one." She smiled.

"Or a few?" Vanessa's eyes sparkled, and her mouth was twitching.

"Maybe." Hermione brushed a stray strand of hair away from her bacon and toast. "Will you send any?" Vanessa avoided her gaze.

"Nah, no-one to send 'em to." She shrugged, flicking her long, wavy black hair flicking. Suddenly she looked up, smiling brightly. "Maybe, in the future," she winked, "I'll meet some incredibly kind, sweet, charming guy. Maybe he'll even be cute!" Giggling slightly, she rolled her eyes. Lifting up a golden goblet, she drained her orange juice in a gulp. "Look, send one. You'll regret it 'later' if you don't." She counseled, serenely gathering her things. "I'll see you in Ancient Runes; I forgot my essay for Professor Miloket." With a wave, she glided out of the Hall.

Carrying her bag overloaded with books, Hermione strode in to Ancient Runes. Nodding to Vanessa, who was deeply immersed in a book about Elves, she slung her bag under her usual desk. After a few minutes, Remus walked in, looked around, and caught Hermione's eye. Smiling, he walked over to her and sat down beside her.

"Hi Hermione." He said quietly, flicking a piece of his brown hair out of his eyes. "Do you mind if I sit here?" He asked, looking uncertain. Hermione felt her insides bubble and fizz.

"No, it's fine." She replied evenly, trying not to grin idiotically.

"So, why did you have to see Dumbledore last night?" Remus enquired. "You left in a hurry."

"Oh, it was just, ah, he wanted to ask me about my schoolwork, was I enjoying it here, you know." She shrugged.

"So, what did you say? How absolutely terrible we all are?" He joked.

"No. I told him how much I liked everyone here." She replied, knowing she stepped on dangerous ground.

"As entertaining as we all find this conversation, I'd appreciate it if it was continued outside my class." A light, airy voice rang out across the room. The Ancient Runes teacher, Professor Arya Natikoshi, stared at the pair. Her sparkly, deep forest green eyes focused on them as she lightly glided across the room. "No more talking." They both nodded mutely. "Thank you." The teacher floated back over to the blackboard, and continued writing down a complicated series of runes for them to translate. Hermione and Remus were completely silent.

"Umm, Hermione." Remus whispered cautiously, "Look, I was wondering if…" He trailed off, his grey eyes whirling.

"Yes?" Hermione whispered back, staring at him, her heart beating rapidly.

"You, see, there's a Hogsmeade trip on Valentines Day. I was wondering if, if you'd like to go with me?" He looked carefully into her eyes, deadly serious.

"Yes." Hermione whispered. Remus looked at her quizzically.

"Pardon?" He asked quietly. "Sorry, I couldn't hear you."

"Yes." Hermione told him, smiling brightly. Remus looked at her, a radiant look of surprise and happiness blossoming over his pale, narrow face.

"Excuse me?" A voice announced over their heads. Remus and Hermione jumped violently. They looked up guiltily. "Both of you, please stay behind after class. I wish to speak to you." The Professor shook her head, her long, dark hair rippling in the dappled light streaming in through the open windows.

"Yes Professor." They apologized.

"I'll let you two still sit together, but one more interruption and you're separated for the rest of the week." The Professor warned. "You have one more chance." Turning around, she continued to teach the class.

'Yes. I'd love to go to Hogsmeade with you.' Hermione scrawled on a piece of parchment, sliding it to Remus. He looked at her with a wry smile, and nodded, grey eyes glittering. Professor Natikoshi turned around; they hurriedly concentrated on their work.

Finally, the bell for recess rang, echoing through the empty halls. Relieved, the Ancient Runes students gathered their bags and filed out of the classroom. Slightly apprehensive, Remus and Hermione approached their Professors desk. The beautiful maple desk had an enchanting pattern of interwoven leaves all around the edge.

"Professor, you wanted to speak to us?" Hermione said timidly when Arya showed no signs of looking up from her book.

"Oh, yes, yes, I did." She looked up, surprised. "I was going to give you both a detention," Remus gaped at her; Professor Natikoshi was renowned for never giving detentions. "Because you just wouldn't stop talking, but…" She paused. "If you can answer my riddle, I'll let you off."

"Fine." Remus replied quickly.

"Alright then. The riddle is in Elvish, therefore runic, but we have not yet learnt this word. However, it is the answer to a famous riddle in a book I'm reading. The riddle is, 'Speak friend, and enter.' She smiled brightly at the two of them." Remus cast an agonizing look at Hermione.

"I know what it is." She countered triumphantly. "My parents are muggles, Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite trilogies." He brunette smiled "The answer is 'mellon.'" Arya looked shocked, then laughed, showing her perfect, unnaturally white teeth. Her laugh tinkled around the room, bringing smiles to Hermione and Remus's faces, it sounded like hundreds of tiny bells jingling at once, like tiny wind chimes fluttering in an autumn breeze.

"Very good Hermione!" The teacher said, clapping her hands together. "Excellent, fantastic!" She laughed. "And do you know much about Elves?" She inquired, pulling her hair behind one ear. Hermione was shocked. She saw Remus's eyes widen as he took in his teachers long, pointy ears. Suddenly the high cheekbones, airy grace, catlike eyes, and delicate, smooth features all made sense!

"Umm… ah… hmmm… I know a little about Elves." Hermione concluded in shock, mind deserting her as she realized what her Professor was.

"Good! By the way, I'd appreciate it if you kept my secret from the other students." Arya said with a wink. "Off you go now." With a smile, she rose from her desk and glided over to the door. Her light, lithe movements fitted were seamlessly perfect as she opened the door.

"We'll keep your secret." Remus promised valiantly, his silver eyes never leaving her forest green ones.

"Thank you." Professor Natikoshi replied, nodding serenely. "Although, I already knew you wouldn't tell anyone, otherwise I would never have shown you." With a misty smile she closed the door behind them.

"Well, that was… odd." Remus stated. "So you um, do want to go to Hogsmeade with me on Valentines Day?" He reconfirmed.

"Yes!" Hermione said excitedly. Then, blushing a fiery red, even more crimson that Hermione, he hugged her, pulling her tight. Hermione looked deep into his swirling grey eyes. "Are you sure?" She whispered into his ear. "Are you sure you want me?"

"Yes." Remus whispered back. Looking tenderly into her eyes, he leant forward.

"Oi! Remus! We know you're up here!" Hermione and Remus sprung apart. Thundering feet could be heard echoing along the passageway as James's voice rang out. In a fake, high pitched, 'girly' voice, Sirius called,

"Yoo-hoo! Remy darling, we know you're here somewhere!" Evil cackles burst from James.

"Sirius, what in the world was that?" James could be heard yelling. Remus rolled his eyes and Hermione hid a giggle.

"Ah, Moony, there you are!" Sirius said triumphantly as they emerged around the corner. "Oh, Hermione. Hi." He added, glancing at James and raising his eyebrows.

"We've thought of the best trick to play!" James announced, raising his eyebrows at Remus and giving Hermione a suggestive wink. They both went scarlet. Sirius and James exchanged looks and burst out laughing. Sirius cleared his throat.

"Terribly sorry if we interrupted anything, Remus old pal!" He said animatedly, clapping Remus on the shoulder. James laughed, clutching his sides. A muffled giggle came from the door to the Ancient Runes classroom. All four looked at it funny, then James and Sirius started walking up the hall, dragging Remus with them. Hermione walked along side.

"Hermione, doing anything on Valentines Day?" Sirius asked, raising one eyebrow. Remus scowled at him.

"Err, yes." Hermione said, going pink.

"Sirius, be quiet." James stated firmly, after catching Remus's agonized look. "Leave them alone."

"Oh, fine." Sirius grumbled, smiling broadly. Remus resisted the urge to put his head in his hands.

"Hey, guys, so what's this fantastic trick you mentioned?" Remus asked desperately, changing the subject. Hermione gave him a relieved smile. Both Sirius and James smirked evilly.

"Oh, see tomorrow, we're planning to spell Professor Natikoshi's hair so it changes into different highlighter colours every few minutes!" James laughed.

"NO!" Remus and Hermione exclaimed.

"What's with you?" Sirius asked.

"Remus, they can't put spells on her, they'll bounce off because she's Elvish!" Hermione thought wildly, hoping he'd somehow get her silent message, while trying to think of an excuse. "Say something!" She mentally prodded him.

"It's because, umm…" A gasp came from the direction of the Ancient Runes door. Again, the four students looked at it weirdly, and then continued talking and walking down the hall.

"Wouldn't it look SO much better on Professor Miloket!" Hermione announced, relieved.

"Yeah!" Sirius, James, and Remus chorused. Remus gave her a thankful look. "Never thought of that!" Sirius exclaimed wickedly. "That'll be even better! But Remus, we'll need your help with the charm." Remus nodded.

"Anyway, did anyone actually understand what McGonagall was talking about in Transfiguration yesterday?" James added. "Because we have Transfiguration next."

The group of four continued strolling through the halls, smiling and talking happily.

That night, as Hermione went to climb into bed, she heard parchment rustle. Rummaging around on top of her pillow, she picked up a note. Drawing her curtains, she picked up her wand.

"Lumos." Light illuminated her bed. In beautifully written Elvish runes, the note read,

'Thank you for not giving away my secret.'

"Nox." Smiling, Hermione reached through the curtains to put her wand on her beside table. Slipping the note into her pillow, she laid down and instantly fell asleep.

(A/N: Professor Natikoshi is NOT Arwen from LOTR, and she is also NOT Arya from Eragon! They are just traits I like when applied to elves, because I didn't want the customary blonde Elves. Also, Arwen and Arya are my fave character in those trilogies! Byez for now!)