Chapter One

If Hermione could go back to how life had been a week ago, she would.

A week ago she, Ron, Harry and Ginny had been at Thanksgiving dinner at The Burrow. After the meal, she and Ron had taken a walk of the garden, kicked a few gnomes and shared numerous laughs. And, as the sun began to set, Ron got on one knee and proclaimed he wouldn't want to spend the rest of his life with anyone else. He asked for her hand in marriage. She leaped into his arms after the ring was placed on her finger. It was dainty yet bold. A beautiful ruby sat in the center of it, and it had two small diamonds set on either side of the centered red piece.

They had wandered back inside after some soft kisses and announced to her soon to be new family that she had said 'yes!' It was a wonder filled night of love, magic and family. But, all good must come to an end at some point. Hermione guessed that point was now.

For the past month there had been rumblings of a predecessor to Lord Voldemort gathering a following. Rumors told spoke of his horrible demeanor and retributive attitude. But, they were just rumors, until the murders started. The day after Thanksgiving, that beautiful night, the first body turned up. Three more had been found just laying in plain sight for the past week. Action had to be taken, something needed to be done. These weren't normal muggle deaths. They were of the magical kind, and it was obvious.

The muggle Prime Minister was beside himself with fear. It was said he had pleaded with the Minister of Magic to have protection for his citizens, a promise the Minister was not dumb nor certain enough to make. Although, he did promise to do all that he could.

After the third victim was found, a letter was made to all past Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students that had no children younger than 13. It requested their presence on December 4th at the school they were the alumni of. The students that had occupied the schools just a mere week earlier had been mandated to stay or be sent home to their families. They were told to stay there until told otherwise. Meaning, it was for safety concerns that Hogwarts had been closed to students for the first time in its history.

Hermione shivered at the thought and continued folding the sweater in her hands. She had been packing all morning while Ron sat quietly at the kitchen table reading the paper. He hadn't looked up for over 10 minutes, and she hadn't attempted conversation for over 15. The air was thick with anxiety and fear. Something big was happening, but not everything had been made public yet. This was worrying. The new administration at the Ministry had made it their duty to make as much as possible public to the wizarding community. Too many secrets had been held in the past and this unwritten law was made in an attempt to regain the trust it had lost from the community.

"Well, this is the last of it. Do you think we will be home soon?" Hermione implored. Ron sat, unmoving, a look of sadness running across his face. Finally, he looked at her. His eyes were full of fear but his voice was steady.

"I don't know. I hope so." That was it. That was the last they spoke until they reached Kings Cross Station. There, the conversation was the same, but deepened by the other Weasley's and Harry. They all seemed ready for some sort of quarrel. Except Ginny.

She stood by Harry, not speaking and looking incredibly worried. Harry's arm draped over her shoulder, and his hand was clenching tightly. He was speaking with George about the last time they had been to Hogwarts, what had ensued. Hermione walked casually to Ginny, and asked to speak with her.

"What's up?" Ginny said as they walked away from the crowd of red haired people. Her voice cracked and it was soft; very unlike this strong woman Hermione calls her best friend.

"Are you alright? You look so frightened." Hermione asked just as softly, but Ginny just shook her head. "Ginny, you can tell me. Are you afraid of what we're going to find out when we get to Hogwarts? It's ok, I am too, kind of. I'm more confused than anything if I'm being honest." She let out a chuckle, but stopped when she noticed Ginny's face drain of color.

"It's not that," Ginny glanced back at Harry as she spoke,"I'm not going with you all."

"What? Why?" Hermione was puzzled and Ginny's eyes started to fill with tears.

"I'm not going to Hogwarts with you. Neither is my mum. We are just here to send you all off. I can't go, I'm not allowed to. But, I'm so worried for him." Ginny was full on staring at Harry now and tears were starting to fall from her eyes. Hermione pulled her close.

"You're making no sense, Ginny. Why aren't you and Mrs. Weasley coming? Why aren't you allowed." Ginny clung to Hermione and let out a few sobs before letting go. She looked Hermione in the eye and said,"We aren't coming, because I'm pregnant."

Hermione was speechless a moment; she didn't know how to respond. Thankfully, Ginny wasn't done speaking.

"Harry and I were going to announce it last week, but you and Ron had such big news and we didn't want to take the spotlight from you two. We told the rest of the family last night. Mom is staying with me, to help me as I get bigger. I don't know how long he will be gone and it...it kills me Hermione." Her tears were still wet on her face when Harry finally noticed and came over to the two.

"You told her, dear?" Harry's voice was gentle, and he took Ginny into a hug. They had married only a year ago, and it was their first child. How could such a lovely thing be happening in the midst of such horror. Hermione began to sniffle when Ron came over as well. He held her in his arms and whispered that he knew too. He was upset, that much was obvious from his tone. But, there was nothing that could be done now.

Ten minutes later and everyone had passed through the wall to the platform. It was a solemn and tearful goodbye for everyone, but especially for Ginny and Harry. The train ride cheered no one up either. Although, seeing old faces had made Hermione's stomach twist into knots for some reason. The clouds outside the trains window were dark and it looked ready to storm. A chill went through her. Something was not right.

It seemed like ages before the train came to a halt and it was raining furiously as they mounted the thestral laden carriages. The ride up to the entrance was shorter than she remembered, but the silence emanating from the carriages around them was enough to make even the bravest uneasy. So, Hermione used the ride to examine the skeletal creatures pulling their ride. She quietly wondered if everyone could see them now. Maybe that was why no one was speaking?

Headmistress McGonagall met them at the entrance doors. She stood tall and confident in their wake; there was no denying that she had been born for this role. To lead, educate and shape young minds to become the best they could be. Hermione couldn't help but smile when she saw the Headmistress, and she noticed Harry and Ron both had small grins on both of their faces.

"Welcome home, everyone. Come, let's get you all fed. I'll speak on the way to the great hall" Some commotion was expected as everyone packed through the hulking oak doors. It seemed everyone's mood had lightened significantly by the time they had reached the second stair case. It seemed their alma mater had a joyous effect on all who entered it. Memories flooded Hermione as she looked and waved to some paintings. She almost forgot to listen to the Headmistress.

"As you all are aware there are happenings going on in our community. The children this school educates have been sent home in fear for their safety. Hogwarts is closed, it is home to no one at the moment," on the last leg of that sentence, she paused slightly. Like she had been softly hit in the ribs, she clenched her side. It appeared the mere thought of Hogwarts being a home to no one but ghosts physically hurt McGonagall. She continued, "this is part of why you were all summoned. However, I am sure you are all quite hungry and tired; I will wait to continue on until tomorrow morning. The ghosts will escort you to the appropriate housing when dinner is finished. I expect you all to be on time for breakfast in the morning, Mr. Weasley I am looking at you."

"When have I ever been late for a meal, Proffessor?" Ron's ears had gone as red as his hair, but the confidence in his joke made up for it. McGonagall nodded her head in approval and took the last two steps onto the landing, opening the doors to the great hall.

"Enjoy you're feast, alumni! Serious business to get to in the morning, so eat and then rest up tonight!" The almuni followed her through the doors and sat at the tables that were no longer garnished with house colors. The room was a solemn wood colored and it seemed empty without the house flags. Hermione went to step and immediately tripped on someone. As she fell, strong arms caught her and pulled her back upright.

"Sorry about that." The voice was deep and enchanting, in a sense.

"No, no, my fault I have to look where I'm going." Hermione brushed herself off and looked up at the man who helped save her face from hitting a very hard floor. His eyes were a beautiful gray, and his hair was a neat mess of blonde. He looked like he hadn't aged a day.

Hermione noticed she was staring and quickly fixed herself.

"Thank you for the hand up, Draco."

Okay guys, that was my first ever story! As you can tell by the end it will be Dramione themed.

Please review, favorite, follow, what have you. Just, let me know if you liked it or not!

The next chapter will be out shortly, I promise!