It was a cold morning at Hogwarts. Ice clung to the windows and frost laid upon the grounds. There was a mist that encircled the Forbidden Forest, giving it its look of terror. No sound could be heard and then the silence was broken by a scream that could have wakened the dead.

Severus Snape started from a most horrible dream. He lay clutching at his heart. The memory of that night's events still fresh in his mind. A circle of people was around him and he faced a lone wizard. Lord Voldemort! They were dueling, but his defenses were too weak. The Dark Lord cast a curse. He fell to the ground. His body wrenched in pain. A cruel, cold voice laughed at his failure. He could feel the cold sweat that drenched his body and his heart was racing.

[pic]

"Harry! Hey Harry are you okay?"

"Come on Harry wake up!"

"HARRY!"

A searing pain in his forehead woke Harry up. Seamus was shaking him by the shoulders and Ron had slapped him in the face. Neville and Dean were looking very worried at the foot of his bed.

"Ouch! Ron! I'm up you can stop hitting me!"

"Oh, sorry Harry," Ron squeaked as his face reddened.

Harry fumbled for his glasses trying to block out the pain in his mind. Ever since his last encounter with Lord Voldemort Harry has been having nightmares, but tonight's was the worst. Harry saw his death, the same that Voldemort has done to so many others. Among those were his parents and a fellow student.

"Harry maybe you should see Professor Dumbledore," Ron said timidly.

"No, I'm fine!" Harry yelled getting out of his bed. Seamus and Ron moved out of the way, as Hermione came bursting through the dormitory door.

"Not again." Hermione stopped next to Neville with a stern look on her face that made her look a lot like Professor McGonagall, the transfiguration teacher. "This is the fourth time this week and it's just going to get worse you know." Hermione said in a very tired voice.

"Hermione, can we talk about this later?" Harry asked giving side- glances at Neville, Dean, and Seamus. They were all looking a little confused. Of course they knew that something was bothering Harry and that was why he would wake up screaming sometimes, but they didn't know what was making him scream.

"Fine, I'll meet you two in the common room," Hermione sighed and left the boy's dormitory.

Dean and Seamus went back to their beds as Neville chased his toad Trevor into a corner. Harry and Ron got dressed rather quickly and went downstairs. The common room was empty. The fire burned quietly, letting off a warm glow. Harry sat down in a red armchair by the fire with Ron close by in a chair across from him.

"What was it about this time?" Ron asked already knowing the answer, but before Harry could say anything Hermione came down the stairs with her books in hand.

"Oh no!" Ron exclaimed. "I am not going to start searching for some type of cure for bad dreams!"

Hermione gave him a very nasty look and set her books down at the table in between the boys. She then pulled a chair up and sat down.

"Well. Since Harry won't go to Professor Dumbledore for help we are just going to have to find some other way," she said sternly, "There was that one potion Dumbledore gave Harry last year, the Dreamless Sleep. If we can find the ingredients everyone will get a good night's sleep."

She looked over at Harry whose head was lolling a bit. He was struggling not to fall back asleep. Ron's eyes also began to droop. Then outside in the hall there was the scratching of feet, someone was coming. Harry and Ron both jumped at the sound of Professor McGonagall's voice. A muffled "Pumpkin Juice" was heard and the portrait hole swung open.

"Potter this has to end," she sighed looking at all three of them and then back to Harry. "You can't wake up screaming all the time." Harry and Ron exchanged glances and looked back at Professor McGonagall.

"But Professor, I didn't, not today that is." Harry said in an exhausted voice.

She looked intently at Ron and Hermione who were both nodding in agreement.

"Very well Potter," She turned on her heel and went towards the portrait and then stopped. "Do try not to wake up the entire castle from now on," and with that she left.

"That was close," Ron gasped, and he let out a breath he had been holding.

"I really didn't scream." Harry protested.

"Yes you did Harry." Hermione said in her matter of fact tone. " Why do you think I came into the Boy's dormitory?"

Harry stared at them both. "If it were me, why would I need Ron slapping me so I would get up?!"

"I don't know Harry," Hermione said picking up her books, "but I do know we should go down to breakfast before Potions."

Ron cringed. None of them could stand an entire hour with Snape. He always found a way to make them miserable. Though lately he has seemed distracted. Right now Draco Malfoy was the biggest problem. Malfoy had enjoyed Harry almost getting killed by Voldemort for the third time, since his father was one of the Death Eaters. And he continually mentioned it in some fashion without actually saying his father was a Death Eater. Harry was just waiting for him to slip up, then Lucius Malfoy would be sent to Azkaban, not that that would hold him. Harry pulled himself from his thoughts and back to the present.

"Okay let us go get our things," Ron said dryly and he went with Harry back up the stairs.

[pic]

The hall to the dungeon was full of fifth year Gryffindors and Slytherins. All of who were a bit annoyed. There was a lot of bad blood between the two houses, now more than ever before. Most of the Slytherin student's parents were supporters of Voldemort. That was in part why Hermione had her hand upon her wand. She was Muggle-born so she was a prime target. The trio made their way through only to come face to face with Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.

"The Mudblood still dares to show her face with the return of the Dark Lord? Shall I have you removed from Hogwarts forever Granger? " Malfoy laughed at the look on Harry and Ron's faces.

Ron and Harry both stepped forward as Malfoy took out his wand, but Hermione pulled out hers quicker.

"Petricus Totalus!" She shouted and Malfoy fell to the ground in a full body bind.

Crabbe and Goyle drew their wands. Harry and Ron did the same and yelled "Stupefy!" Crabbe and Goyle fell to the ground next to Malfoy.

Harry's blood was boiling and Ron's face had turned a deep scarlet, but Hermione looked unaffected by the entire incident.

"GRANGER! POTTER! WEASLEY!" Professor Snape had reached the end of the hall where they were standing over Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.

"Ennervate!" He snarled at Crabbe and Goyle, who got up slowly and looked at Snape.

"Take Malfoy to the hospital wing." Snape sneered and looked at Hermione with an evil grin as Crabbe and Goyle picked Draco up and went out of sight. He watched them leave and then turned to the students. "Get to class!" Snape bellowed and everyone filed into the dungeon. "You three, my office."

Ron, Harry, and Hermione put up their wands and walked reluctantly into Snape's office. The dark room looked much the same. Creepy jars lined the walls with odd creatures inside of them and as usual, a few new ones had appeared. The three of them sat down listening to Snape give the class their assignment. He stopped talking and they heard the rustle of robes as he came through the door. He didn't pay attention to Ron or Harry instead he was looking at Hermione and pity filled his eyes, but that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

"Potter, Weasley, 60 points from Gryffindor. Weasley report to Filch at nine. Potter you come here. Now go set up your cauldrons!" Ron and Harry both got up and Hermione wanted to follow and went to stand up. " Miss Granger sit down, you weren't dismissed." Snape said firmly letting another grin show on his pale face.

She watched Ron and Harry go to their table and sat back down as Snape closed the door. He walked across the office and took his seat behind his desk. Snape just stared at her not knowing what to say. It was the first time he was at a lost of words when it came to punishing a student. She didn't know the danger she was in. Lucius already had set things in motion to ensure a muggle-born from Hogwarts would die soon and once Draco is able to talk again, Hermione is sure to be the first. Severus almost felt sorry for her. But that didn't last long.

"It seems you have gotten yourself in a lot of trouble today Miss Granger," Snape said quietly, but he didn't continue for Hermione had looked up at him and he saw a single tear roll down her cheek.

Hermione didn't know what she should do. Tears stung her eyes as she tried not to meet Professor Snape's gaze. Even though Hermione would never admit it to Ron or Harry, She was terrified. Hermione had heard of the death Cedric had received and she wouldn't wish that upon anyone. Now Hermione might be in the same trouble. She shouldn't have done that to Malfoy. Draco hated her and he had the power he's always wanted. He would make a perfect Death eater, Hermione thought. Then she realized that one was sitting in front of her and quickly tried to think of something to say.

"Professor Snape, I never thought he would say that, well I mean I did from the way he hates me and Harry said he might..."Hermione stammered.

"Miss Granger, you know very well dueling isn't allowed and you will receive detention with Potter. I also want you to go to Professor Dumbledore." Snape said sharply.

"I was only trying to defend myself!" Hermione gasped fighting with all her might to hold back her tears, but they ran freely.

" Calm down Miss Granger. You are excused from class today," Snape almost choked on his words, "and I expect you to go straight to the Headmaster."

Hermione wiped her eyes and stood up fury building inside of her. Professor Snape did the same. He walked over to the door and waited for Hermione to join him with that grin of his placed firmly on his face.

"The password is Phoenix Tears." He said in a soft voice.

He opened the door just in time for Neville's potion to explode and the old Snape was back.

"Longbottom! 20 points from Gryffindor!" Snape snarled.

Hermione grabbed her bag and left ignoring the many questions Harry and Ron were whispering to her.

[pic]

Hermione stopped at the stone gargoyle, which was very hideous. She whispered phoenix tears and it moved out of the way to reveal a spiral staircase that led up. She shifted her bag and started to climb. Hermione reached the top and waited at the door. She knocked on the door and it slowly opened. It was a large circler shaped office. A shelf ran across the top with pictures of past headmasters and mistresses. The sorting hat and the sword Harry pulled from it were also there. A huge black oak desk was in the center of the room, with three chairs. One behind it and two in front. She could also see a large perch with a phoenix on it, but Dumbledore wasn't in here. Hermione dropped her bag down and walked over to the bird.

"So you must be Fawkes," She said gently raising her hand to stroke his scarlet feathers. " It's a pleasure to meet you." Fawkes lowered his head so Hermione was able to reach him better and he chirped happily.

"I'm sure the pleasure is all his."

Hermione jumped. Professor Dumbledore walked into the office and shut the door. He went and sat down behind his big oak desk that was not to far from where Fawkes was perched.

"Please have a seat Miss Granger," Dumbledore waved a hand towards one of the chairs across from him. " I just came from the hospital wing and I must say that I am stunned that you were dueling in the halls." Dumbledore said and for a second he let a smile touch his lips, but his face became very grave.

"You of course understand that Draco Malfoy's father has a strong connection with Lord Voldemort and they are both eager to shed blood."

Hermione couldn't help but shudder at his name now that she knew...She quickly nodded her head once and Dumbledore continued.

" I know you're not sure what to do at this moment and that you feel out of control." Dumbledore gave her another sad smile and Hermione couldn't hold it in anymore. She began to cry. A small handkerchief appeared in her hand and she dried her tears.

"I'm sorry Professor it's just, well um...." She stopped crying and looked as if she were about to start again at any moment. " I know that Malfoy doesn't like me and to be truthful, I don't like him, but do you think he really wants me dead?" Dumbledore seemed very depressed and it made him look older.

" Hermione, I'm afraid that Draco himself sees it as a game, though Lucius would like to rid the school of all Muggle-borns and yes, I believe you are in danger. But not to worry, you are safe here with the teachers on their guard. Tonight is the only night you won't be at the castle during this year. I am afraid that Professor Snape will be taking Harry and yourself to Diagon Alley tonight. " He paused for a second as Professor Snape opened the door. " Severus, please come in. I was just discussing with Miss Granger the very thing you're here for."

Professor Snape walked further in the office and stood by a window that was next to Hermione. She hadn't noticed it when she first came in. How odd, well maybe not. She was at Hogwarts and the school seemed to enjoy moving stairs and windows so people would lose their way or become very confused. Hermione pulled herself back to what Dumbledore was saying.

"You understand the danger that you are in most of all Severus." He nodded, " I hope that this trip will not be in vain. I have one other thing for you to do, if you will? I need you to collect Mrs. Figg from the Leaky Cauldron. She would have come straight here, but has seemed to have lost her way and has sent me an owl asking for an escort."

Hermione just sat there while Professor Snape shot straight up. Was Dumbledore serious, Hermione wondered? Yes, He was, you could see it in his eyes. But how could a witch lose her way to Hogwarts? Unless she had never been here before. Had she gone to one of the other wizardry schools?

"Why on earth would she be coming here? I thought Arabella was watching over some muggle." Snape began to pace back and forth behind Hermione's chair.

"Severus, there is little I can explain at the moment. Though I am reluctant to send you astray from your original objective, I did agree with her to send someone and as there is no one else who is to visit Daigon Alley until after the term, I need you to go."

Dumbledore stayed very calm the entire time, as Snape's rage seemed to increase. He had stopped pacing and was now holding on to the back of his chair very tightly. His eyes held a dangerous gleam. Hermione couldn't figure out why he was so angry.

"I owe you more than I can repay Albus and if this is what you wish I will go, but it shall prove most difficult with four of us flying. And I can not be sure the change will complete before we leave." Snape said grudgingly.

"Five. Arabella should have her Niece with her as well. It should not be a problem Severus." Dumbledore stood up and Hermione realized that meant the meeting was over. Professor Snape left the room in a fury. Hermione got up slowly and picked her bag off the floor.

"Hermione you mustn't tell anyone of this." He said gently.

"Yes Professor. Um...Professor Dumbledore, I thought Mrs. Figg was a muggle who lived next to Harry's Uncle." Hermione said gingerly.

He smiled once again, but this time it lit up his face and sent that sparkle into his eyes.

"Things are not always what they seem. Now off you go."

And with that Hermione left the great circler office and went back to the Gryffindor common room. Once there she packed a couple of things and waited for Harry and Ron to come back from lunch.

A/N Here's my new/old story. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except for the plot and Duvessa