Authors note:Thank you all so much for your kind reviews! I am so sorry for the delay, we had a major life shift in my family and unfortunately I had to put my writing on hold but I am back!!

Thank you for those that told me of my mistake in the relationship between Elrond and Galadriel! Unfortunately I am unable to fix it yet due to lost files *sobs* but, nevertheless, I deeply appreciate the input! Also, since I have no alternative but to write this story on a mobile device I am so sorry for any formatting errors.

I am still, sadly, not the owner of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. *sigh*Anyway, here is chapter 3, like I said I have lost files, so if you notice any discrepencies between this chapter and those prior please let me know and I will do my best to remedy the errors.

Enjoy, my lovelies. :-)

Chapter 3: The Task at Hand

Hermione sat before Lord Elrond and Gandalf, her eyes weary and her mind bursting at its seams. Tomes and scrolls lay before her, her own notes and translation keys amidst the history of this new world she found herself in. Studying for O.W.L.s and her N.E.W.T.s hadn't prepared her for the barrage of information she willingly exposed herself to. Her background in Runes had proved quite beneficial to her work in translation and she soon found herself not needing them except for the occasional obscure word or phrase.

"So, to be sure I understand this... Sauron was, in fact, once a man?" The young woman looked to her elders for confirmation, receiving a nod from both. "A man, who like many others, became drunk with a power which, in turn, became a desire to lure all before him to bend to his will... I must say I tire of this story." She dropped the quill before her, rubbing her brow. Three days she had spent amongst the shelves and aisles of Elrond's impressive library attempting to absorb the history of 3 ages. To say she was exhausted would be an understatement of epic proportions. The two men noticed the strain and had tried, unsuccessfully, to lure her away from the library if even for a moment. Hermione had all but barricaded herself in the rotunda, with no desire to leave until she felt she had learned all to know of Sauron and his rise, fall and reappearance.

"Young one you have read the same words again and again, will you not step away from the library?" Elrond stood, extending his hand. "A new perspective can unlock new questions, perhaps."

The Witch looked up on the elf with a knee jerk reaction of 'of course not, can't you see I'm studying?', a look Gandalf had seen many times in his tenure as Headmaster. But the offer seemed to work as Hermione's shoulders slumped and she pushed away from the table.

"You are right." Standing brought an ache to her body as she stretched herself upright. "A walk around the gardens might be what I need. Prof-I'm sorry, Gandalf, would you come with me? I'd like to get your view on things."

"Of course, my dear." The wizard stood, smiling at his pupil. "Will you be joining us, Lord Elrond?"

Shaking his head the elf smiled at the pair. "I'm afraid I am needed elsewhere. Decisions must be made, and my people are looking to me. Enjoy our gardens, my Lady."

Sunlight reflected from the brook that ran through the immaculately kept flora of the Rivendell Gardens, yet they seemed so natural and untouched. A true sign of the magic and power of the elves, a power seemingly drawn from the Earth itself. Hermione found herself taking deep breaths of fresh air, a reprieve from the smell of parchment. The thought surprised her, the scent of books and ink once brought her a comfort unlike anything else. But that was, quite literally, in a different world. Her thoughts began to drift to home, the memories of Hogwarts, of Harry and Ron.

Tears stung and began to blur her vision when she felt a hand on her shoulder, reminding her that she had invited her former headmaster with her to the gardens.

"I'm sure you are beginning to feel the implications of your presence in Middle Earth." Theistarisighed heavily. "I'm sorry that you must, once again bear such a heavy burden, Miss Granger."

She smiled up at him, wiping her eyes. "I don't see this as a burden, I suppose. More of another adventure." Hermione spotted a bench nearby, Gandalf following her gaze. As they sat upon the sculpted granite she sighed heavily. "I'd imagine I should be used to this, by now. Although... this is not the same as defeating Voldemort. I am also not the child I was then."

"No." The old man smiled. "You are definitely not a child any longer. I must say, and you must forgive your old headmaster's nostalgia, I'm very proud of the woman you seem to have become. The Ministry of Magic Rune Department is of the most famed in the world, to be their leading expert, at your age no less, is no easy feat."

Hermione nodded. It was true, her predecessor had held the office prior for over 50 years and was well over 100 when he had retired. For her to step in, not even 30 was quite a shock to the magical acedemic community.

"I'm not the brightest witch of my age for nothing." She smiled lightly. "I... I want to help here,Gandalf. I do... I just can't help worry of how this is affecting Harry and Ron. Time has only strengthened our friendship, especially after we lost you, sir. They must be so worried."

Gandalf nodded, his eyes downcast. "I wish things had been different. However, here we are and we must make the best of this situation. Tell me, Miss Granger, what do you think of Rivendell?"

"I do believe that it is a formidable base in the north against anything that Sauron may have-" She paused as he raised a hand to gently halt her train of thought.

"You misunderstand my question. I wish to know what you think of being here. How the city makes you feel: does the sound of the waterfalls calm you? Or the soft music that seems to always fill the air? I seek your opinion, not your analysis, Miss Granger." His eyes twinkled as she pondered the question.

"It's ... easily the most beautiful and ethereal place I have ever seen. There is a sense of calm here that seems to surround the city, I've never been anywhere like it."

"It's the magic of the elves, they are unlike any beings I have ever known, this life or the last." He took a deep breath. "I wish I could promise the same of the rest of Middle Earth but each realm is far different from any other. My dear, there is a darkness coming, and only together will this world and it's people survive."

Hermione nodded, the words of Galadriel's prophecy ringing through her mind.

"However, Sauron was not expecting a Gryffindorto come along, of that I am certain. Do not forget that it is you who was called here, not your ability to study and to learn. The end of this war will not be found amongst the written word. It will come from it's people... and I do believe, from you."

"I am, worried, though... that even if we succeed... will I ever see home, again?" The tears returned, and this time Hermione could not keep them at bay.

"I know many things, many answers to questions unasked... I do not have the answer you seek my dear, and for that I am sorry. I can only offer that you will not bear this alone. I see now that I may have been wrong to suggest the library to be the source of the answers you seek. Perhaps you should seek the answers within yourself. They may have been there all along."Gandalf squeezed her shoulder before standing. "I will leave you to your thoughts, Miss Granger. Please do not be saddened by the circumstances in which you find yourself, I only ask you make the best of them and overcome as you always have."

The young woman smiled as he departed. Middle Earth may know him as Gandalf the Gray but he was, most certainly, still Dumbledore.

The sun was beginning to descend behind the canyon wall, flowers began closing with the fading light as Hermione remained on the bench for what felt like hours. Gandalf and Elrond were right, there was only so much she could find in the library that would actually prove fruitful. She needed to take this one day at a time, there would be no other path to success. This wasn't some rogue faction, driven by a sad boy trapped in the body of a man. The war for Middle Earth was a battle of good and evil, plain as that.

Perhaps, she mused, that was her mistake... She couldn't compare this to fighting Voldemort. This was completely different. The tomes she had immersed herself in painted a picture of a purely evil soul with no regards to life, only power. A power which had not yet been achieved, but seeing the mark left on this world by the mere attempt of reaching it frightened her deeply.

"No." Hermione whispered. "I am not afraid. I am merely misunderstanding something. What am I missing?"

The young woman stood, the grass rustling beneath the hem of her gown. Each step seemed distant in her awareness, her mind focusing on the task aheadand nother current surroundings. Sauron was the epitome of what Voldemort aimed to achieve, to know that he still had goals to meet his total domination sent shivers down her spine and Hermione found her arms wrapping around herself to calm the sensation.

"How does one fight a common enemy when those on the same side are still divided?" She whispered. One thing she learned from her research was the tensions between the races still remained among the races of Middle Earth. Men, Elves and Dwarves were very much isolated, as they seemed to have become wary of one another after Sauron bestowed upon them the rings of power. Could it stem from the number of rings each race was gifted? Something as simple of wondering why one race seemed favored over another? It made sense, there were fewer leaders of the Elves, only 3 would be needed to influence that race. The Dwarves and Men had many more factions and inner kingdoms, more rings would be needed to spread the cancerous power of Mordor.

"I swear, sometimes people can be so dense, immortal or not." She mumbled, leaning down to smell an interesting looking flower before her on the path. She had travelled a good distance through the garden, she found herself in an alcove nestled against the canyon wall. A tall tree stood over a small table and chairs, however the set did not seem inviting to the young witch who had spent the recent days hunched over written words.

Inhaling the scent deeply she was greeted with an aroma that reminded her of vanilla and cinnamon. An odd scent for a flower, certainly, but calming and familiar to Hermione and she relished in it. The smallest familiarty would be welcomed with open arms to thewitch.

A rustling behind her alerted her to an observer and she turned quickly, her posture stiff and defensive. She was met with the sight of Arwen, holding two cups of something warm, steam rising over the tops.

"Ada said I might find you in the gardens.Gandalf left you here quite some time ago and I must admit I was concerned. Would you care for some tea?"

Her heart soared at the thought of a cup of tea. Of all things familiar a cup of tea had been a staple in her life since childhood.

"Thank you,Arwen." She smiled, reaching for the mug. "I am sorry for worrying you. I'd reached a point where I could no longer study and so here I am..." Taking a sip she sighed contentedly at the taste. Citrus and ginger. Her favorite.

She looked towards the elf curiously, an eyebrow arched.

"Gandalf suggested the blend."Arwen chuckled. "Would you like to talk about what is troubling you?"

Hermione's shoulders slumped' "Back home I was... am... considered the brightest witch of an age... yet here I am struggling with what seems unsolvable. I am truly at a loss on how to discuss this threat. It may just be because I am not of this world that I am so... well...stumped."

The elf nodded, moving to sit at the table as she listened to the witch's woe.

"I have watched my father struggle as you do for many years over the threat from the East. I fear that we may be nearing another great war."

"I am afraid he may be right." Hermione bowed her head sadly. "One which cannot be fought alone."

"Perhaps not as alone as we may fear. My father and Gandalf have spoke of potentially summoning a council of all the leaders of free Middle Earth. Ada is unsure if such a meeting could take place, however." She stirred her tea slowly. "Perhaps you should speak to them of their plans for the meeting, maybe you could give insight to them both, and them you."

Her head shot straight up. A council? Yes! That is just the solution she needed. A forum to show the evil that has come, to address the threat for what it is, a threat to all. Elf, Man or Dwarf-none would be safe, so all must unite.

"Arwen that is it! Thank you!" Setting the tea down she quickly hugged the elf, earning a chuckle from the woman. "I must find Gandalf immediately!"

With that she ran off, leaving a bemused elf in her wake. She swiftly found herself climbing the steps of the library rotunda two at a time and she bound towards Elrond's study. She found the two men she was looking for, along with Elladan and Elrohir.

"You must call the council!" She shouted. "It is the only way! This is no problem for one race of Middle Earth, but all of them! And only together can we defeat him. United we can succeed, remaining divided will only seal the fate of this world!"

Her chest heaving with exertion she took in the faces of her audience. Elrond looked concerned, her entrance had him convinced something was wrong until he heard her request. The twins looked both amused and intrigued by the newest guest of Imladris.

Gandalf sat with a twinkle in his eye.

Hermione had indeed found the answer she needed in the gardens.

"My lady how did you know-"Elrond began.

"Arwen said you had discussed the idea with Gandalf but were hesitant, due to the uncertainty of cooperation. Invite the leaders with the promise of neutrality. An open forum to discuss the threat to all of Middle Earth. To put it into terms of my people, put the ball in their court." Hermione now had a beaming smile on her face, her cheeks still rosy from her jog through Rivendell. "Show them the threat we are facing together and that only together can we find a solution."

Gandalf turned to the Elven Lord with a beaming grin. "It seems Galadriel had, indeed, chosen correctly."

"Perhaps my uncertainty was... misplaced. I may have allowed Middle Earth affairs of state cloud my decision." Elrond nodded. "I will dispatch riders at once to all the great halls. My sons, gather our best horsemen to the stables. I will have my summons ready by dawn."

"Yes father." The young warriors bowed before departing from the office swiftly, both nodding at the witch as they left.

"You present an excellent point that I have missed, My Lady." Lord Elrond sat behind his escritoire, gesturing for her to sit across from him. "I shall send for them to join as soon as they can, if all understand the urgency we should have them all here in a months' time."

Hermione nodded, pleased it would not take longer, considering that the only means of travel were by horse. "That allows me plenty of time to study more on the races of your world so I may provide better input at this meeting."

He paused, looking to Gandalf who merely shook his head knowing the objection the elf was about to present.

"I am not so sure that your presence will be welcomed by all at this council. While we acknowledge your wisdom, which is well beyond your years, you will still be seen as ... well, a woman. A woman who would have no place among the delegates."

The Witch was taken aback. "With all due respect My Lord if you think I will allow myself to be barred from this meeting then you are sorely mistaken. I'll not allow some archaic sexist stigma keep me from speaking my mind." She crossed her arms defiantly, her eyes locked on the ruler of Rivendell. "I dare you to stop me."

He chuckled at her display, clearly seeing she would not be swayed. "I see...I shall allow it, but do not say I did not warn you."

Gandalf let out a booming laugh. "I daresay she may have warned you, old friend. If there is one thing I know for certain it is tha tMiss Granger is, indeed, a force to be reckoned with."

Hermione smiled brightly in her little victory. "Great. Now that it is settled I wish to discuss my stay in Rivendell."

Both men looked at her with surprise. "Surely you do not wish to leave, Miss Granger?" Gandalf asked.

"No, certainly not. I was simply hoping I could perhaps learn some basic... well, fighting for lack of a better term. I may be skilled with my wand but I know little in the arts of sword fighting or archery. With your permission LordElrond I wish to train with your warriors."

He nodded. "Of course. You'll find many capable masters here able to take on a student. I will arrange for it by the end of the week. Though I have a request of my own. I do wish you to rest while you can. The future beyond the council is uncertain. You have been through a great deal, already my dear."

"I agree with Lord Elrond, Hermione." The Istari commented. "You do need to rest and heal before the delegates arrive, and certainly before you begin any training."

She nodded her agreement, they were right. She was exhausted but had managed to distract herself with the task at hand. If she wanted to prove her worth she couldn't do it if she hadn't fully recovered first.

"Then I think I'll go to bed now. It has been a long day. I promise I will be ready to help in any way that I can in the morning." Hermione smiled brightly. "Goodnight." She stood, nodding to Elrond and reaching out to squeeze Gandalf's hand. "Thank you, professor."

That night, as Hermione lay in her chambers, the Lady of Light gazed upon the Mirror of Galadriel, the sleeping form of the witch before her.

"Welcome, Lady Granger. I have waited for you."