Hi everyone! This is my first fic, hope you like it!

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter.

Chapter 1: Pain

Harry sat by his window of Dudley's second bedroom. He longed to go back to Hogwarts and get away from his Aunt, Uncle and spoiled cousin. He mourned the thought that just last year the closest person he had to a parent died, Sirius Black. He needed to talk to Ron and Hermione, he wanted so badly to send them a letter, but Vernon had locked Hedwig in the Cupboard Under the Stairs. A shiver ran up Harry's spine as he thought of the many long nights he had spent locked in the cupboard. He was only allowed to see his owl once a day to feed her. He would soothingly talk to her as she ate until Vernon shouted, "that's enough, boy!" and slammed the cupboard shut and locked it. Harry stared out onto the streets of Privet Drive when suddenly a wave of pain overcame him. His scar raged with a piecing sensation. Harry screamed and fell to the floor, unconscious.

He awoke five hours later in the same position he passed out in. 'Something is wrong, something is definitely wrong,' Harry thought. 'Someone is in danger.' He crawled onto his bed, in a daze. Questions popped into his head, 'What happened? What is wrong? Why did I pass out?' Harry remembered that he had had the same severity of pain before. He had trouble digesting the fact that this was serious, someone's life is on the line.

One week later, Harry arrived at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters where he saw Ron. "Harry!" Ron shouted as he trotted over to him. "What's new?" Harry couldn't forget the day he passed out; he knew he should tell Ron.

"Something serious, I'll tell you on the train." Harry whispered.

"Oh, okay," Ron replied, looking confused. Ron's family stood in front of the platform, chatting cheerfully.

"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I dunno, haven't seen her all summer, it's odd actually."

"Oh," Harry replied slightly concerned.

Harry and Ron said nothing more to each other until they were on the train in their private compartment. "So, what's going on?" Ron eagerly asked.

"About a week ago," Harry began, "I passed out."

"You passed out? That's not too serious, you look fine now." Ron said, trying to calm Harry down.

"No, you don't understand, Ron. It was my scar. It hurt so much I passed out."

"Oh," Ron said a worried expression on his face. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know, but it's really serious. I think someone is in trouble."

"Oh," Ron replied speechless.

"Where is Hermione, anyway?" Harry wondered in an attempt to change the subject.

"I don't know, maybe she didn't see us."

"Probably," Harry said, not wanting to have to worry about yet another burden.

Harry and Ron arrived at Hogwarts and got off the train together. They kept a sharp lookout for Hermione. "Look! There she is...oh, never mind." One of them would periodically say. They entered the Great Hall, still unsure of where Hermione was.

As Dumbledore stood up to say the opening speech, the Hall went silent. "I hope everyone has had a good summer. First, I have an important announcement. Hermione Granger from Gryffindor House has been reported missing. No one worry, it is in the hands of the school and the situation is being taken care of." Harry and Ron looked at each other, both horrified. Dumbledore continued, "I must ask that no one," he looked over at Ron and Harry, "try to take this matter into their hands, it will be taken care of." Dumbledore went on to the other announcements but Harry and Ron paid no attention. After Dumbledore had finished and the feast began, Harry whispered, "Ron, we have to find her."

I hope you liked the first chapter. Please read and review and give me some suggestions.