Hi everyone. Anything you recognize isn't mine. I'm gonna skip all the usual greetings and cut right to the chase... Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it, Love you all!

I wake with Legolas' blanket still wrapped about me, but on my own bedding. I inhale the warm woodsy scent of him that still lingers on the blanket. I sigh and try to get back to sleep, but despite my efforts, the foreboding sense that I have won't let me rest.

Sighing again, I sit up and wrap the blanket around me even tighter. It's overly cold this morning and Legolas' blanket is warmer than mine... well at least that's what I think.

To my left, Harry stirs.

"G'morning Hermione," he mumbles grogily.

"Good morning Harry," I reply. "How was your rest?"

"It's just like the Horcrux hunting days. No real rest, having your strength sapped out by either being attacked, spied on, or just the travel of everyday."

"Except we don't have to switch out the locket wearing. Only one person has to wear it."

"Exactly. That makes it a little easier."

"I doubt it. The ring can corrupt anyone in its vincinity. It's just a little better at corrupting the person wearing it."

"Not Frodo," Harry disagrees. "I think that if he could, he'd get rid of the ring as soon as possible."

"You're right."

Harry smiles and lays back down.

"Try to get some more sleep Hermione," he says.

"I will," I say, lying back down.

By the time the sun actually rises, I still haven't gotten back to sleep and the rest of the Fellowship is ready to take off.

"Lady Hermione," Sam calls.

"Good morning Master Samwise," I reply with a gentle smile.

"How was your rest?"

"It was... alright." I don't tell the Hobbit about the foreboding feeling that fills me. "Are you ready to face the Mines of Moria?"

"As ready as I'll get the chance to be I'm supposing," he says with a smile. I let my lips twitch upwards just a bit.

"And you Lady Hermione? Are you ready to face the Mines?" Gimili asks coming up to me.

"I'm as prepared as I can be for it Master Gimili."

The dwarf, seemingly pleased with my answer nods at me, shows a faint smile and walks away.

I share a glance with Sam and we both begin to laugh lightly.

"What happend to never trust an elf?" I ask quietly.

Sam, shaking with laughter, doesn't say a word.

throughout the day, Sam and I exchange stories. He tells me all about Hobbiton and I tell him everything about Hogwarts. We try to do this quietly, but often, there are stories that are just to funny to keep silent about. Later, Harry joins the conversation and Pippin and Merry after him.

We converse quietly and merrily until we reach the entrance to the Mines of Moria.

"It reads, "The door of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter," Gandalf says.

"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asks.

"It's quite simple. If you are a friend, speak the password and the doors will open."

Gandalf raises his arms and says "Annon edhellen, edro hi ammen!" And the doors remain closed.

Gandalf mutters to himself and tries a few more spells while Aragorn speaks with Sam.

I hear a soft "Bye-bye Bill," as Sam wishes his pony farewell.

Pippin and Merry begin to throw stone in the still water.

"Don't disturb the water," I say softly, stopping them.

"It's a riddle!" Frodo exclaims. I turn to face him.

"Gandalf, what's the elvish word for friend?"

"Mellon."

The gates swing open. We begin to walk in. I cast a silent Lumos and Harry does the same just as Gandalf's staff lights up.

"This is no mine, this is a tomb!" Boromir exclaims.

"Oh no... no... no ..no!" Gimili shouts in obvious despair.

Legolas shouts,"Goblins!" We slowly move towards the exit. I feel a slimy wet apendage wrap around my waist and scream. Moments later, I hear Frodo shouting.

Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, and Harry run forth.

"Let her go!" Harry cries out throwing hexes at the tentacle.

"Just save Frodo!" I shout. "Worry about me later!" Neither Legolas or Harry listen to me though. Harry continues to shoot hexes and Legolas arrows at the tentacle trapping me.

It goes slack and I feel myself begining to fall. I try to scream, but air fills my lungs before any sound comes out. Then I'm in Legolas' arms.

"Thank you," I say. "But next time, worry about Frodo first okay?" Legolas frowns at me and shakes his head standing me upright.

"Aragorn and Boromir were handling that just fine," Harry says. "Someone had to save you too."

I sigh in disagreement.

"Into the Mines!" Gandalf calls. We run into the Mines just as the creature shatters the stone door. Our only way back is blocked and the Fellowship is separated. Legolas and I have been cut off from the group.

What do you think? I hope you guys enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for reading. R&R.

~In the Land of Morodor~