Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Harry Potter.

It's been a while hasn't it? Sorry it took me so long to update. Thank you for all of your support my lovelys! You guys truly out done your selves, 11 follows and 4 reviews! YOU BEAT MY CHALLENGE! Cheers guys, love ya'll! Speaking of outdoing your selves, I would just like to take a moment to thank all my fabulous reviewers:

FlyteNyte:This fic will indeed involve Hermione and Harry as a romantic pair. However, the plot will be comprised of much more than just their relationship. I don't generally bash any characters… but I have to admit, I'm not overly fond of Ron. I hope I was able to answer your questions, thanks again for your review, awesome name by the way!

pawsrule:Thank you so much for your review! Never fear, I will try to update every Saturday (kind of a random day I thought would be the most convenient). If I can't update on time, I will post a new chapter as soon as I can. I promise you, there is a method to my madness :)

HarmoniousHerdFan:Don't get me wrong, I swear by the original HP books and characters, but I think I'm going to add a few twists and turns of my own. Thank you so much for your advice, coincidentally, I was planning on following the basic outline of book 7, I guess great minds think alike :) (Harmony all the way!)

anotherboarduser: Thanks a ton for reviewing! The beginning was a bit of a rough start, but hopefully the plot will smooth out over time. I really hope you like it.

I hope you enjoy this next Chapter- (And don't forget to read the authors note at the bottom of the page):

Harry had agreed to take the first watch at midnight. The forest of Dean glittered with a layer of freshly fallen snow. Every leaf, pond, and patch of grass was hidden underneath its heaps. He trailed his fingers across the mounds in tiny circles. It was hard to remember the grass concealed beneath it. Whatever was left untouched by the bitter cold, was brown and withering. No one would have ever guessed the forest was once a thriving home to abundant flora and fauna. He huddled under an oak tree, trying desperately to shelter himself from the heavily falling snow. Despite the flurries, Harry didn't mind keeping watch, in fact, he looked forward to it. The quiet provided the ideal place to think things over, and he of all people knew how important that was.

Every sound seemed magnified in the vast wood. It was hard to distinguish a threat from a fluffy forest dweller, scurrying or prowling in the snow piles. He could picture himself threatening to hex a rabbit or tree leaf, believing it was a Death Eater or snatcher. Every crunch of a twig sent him on edge. He would look up, heart pounding, into the black void, yet see nothing. Still, Harry knew better than to let his guard down. Too many times had heard the lifeless dragging of a cloak on dry brush, and for a moment he thought he heard it again before mentally shaking himself back to reality. There was no way of knowing what or who could be lurking about. As the hours past, the darkness of night deepened. Keeping watch soon became a joke. All he had to see by was the glint of the moon and the light of Hermione's wand.

"You can't stay out here all night you know." A familiar hand placed a mug of hot chocolate in his hands.

He looked up and offered a friendly smile.

"I can try."

"You're going to have to sleep sooner or later. This strike of yours is daft." Hermione reached out and took the locket from around his neck and put around her own, "I think you should head back to the cabin, I can take the next shift."

He took another sip from the mug.

"Thanks but I'm fine, really. I'm not striking. I'm just refusing to- I'm just not- I guess it's just… ya I guess it is a strike."

She snorted, "I guess huh? You know, I can still remember when my mum and I would sit under this tree. We would play hide and seek, my dad and I would always hide in its branches. She knew where we were hiding of course, but for some reason she would pretend not to."

"Must have been nice."

"Ya…nice."

A twig cracked in the distance.

"Harry I need to tell you something. I-"

"Shhh, did you hear that?"

"Harry it was probably just-"

He put his hand over her mouth, "Quiet, I think I hear someone coming."

She pushed his hand away and stood up in front of him, "Harry he's coming, we don't have much time."

"What?"

"Harry, he is going to come and you need to remember something. You need to go to the tree. Can you hear me? Harry you need to find it! You need to find-"

A flash of green struck her and he watched as she feel to the ground. Hermione's arms were still reaching for him as her eyes widened. The forest surrounding them slowed down while her life faded away. A final breathe escaped her lips,

"Harry…"

"NO!" he ran to her aid, but the light had already left her eyes.

Another green flash past them followed by several others.

"Hermione please? Don't do this! Hermione!" He shook her lifeless body, tears rolling down his cheeks, "Come on! We- we have to go!" He didn't want to leave her, he couldn't.

Placing his arms under her shoulders, he began dragging her out of the line of fire.

"We're going to be okay," he wiped a tear off his face," I promise…"

Harry turned around, still holding her tight in his arms, he found himself inches away from the tip of a wand- his wand. The scar on his forehead burned, causing him to writher in pain.

…Avada Kedavra

A burst of green light struck him, encasing them both in darkness. When he looked back in his arms, Hermione was gone. He stood up slowly, Harry was alone. Looking around, he recognized his surroundings. He was standing under a great oak tree, surrounded by boulders. There was no doubt he was still in the forest of Dean. Where exactly he was in the forest- now that remained a mystery.

A scream came from the tree, it was unsettling to hear, piercing his ears with its high pitched shrieks. He looked up, but saw nothing. 'Harry your just hearing things'. The cries continued until he saw, from the corner of his eye, a shadow creep behind were he stood. Cautiously he began to peer over his shoulder until he was forcefully turned to face Hermione. Her hair was sopping and her face was covered in dry blood.

"Wake up!"

Harry awoke, drenched in sweat. He sat up in bed and processed what he had just experienced. 'You need to go to the tree', what did she mean by that? What did he need to find? The dream was like a ghost haunting him. It was the same dream, always the same damn, reoccurring nightmare. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he got up hesitantly, hitting his head on the low laying bunk overtop of his own. His feet brushed up against the floor boards. He looked up at Hermione. She was sleeping comfortably on the top bunk. Just seeing her lay there eased his nerves. It was such a relief to see her okay. Harry pulled her covers over her shoulders and pushed a stray hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. So peaceful, so warm. He had to tell her what he saw.

"Mmmm, Harry?" She sat up.

"Ya, I'm here."

"What is it?" She rubbed her tired eyes. Her hand fumbled for the light switch. Once its familiar texture met her palm, she flipped it on and winced as light flooded the room.

"Would you come and take a walk with me? We need to talk."

Confusing right? Well never fear I am here to clear up what just happened. So I included this little insert in the story so you all would be aware as to what Harry's dream is about. From the beginning of this chapter to the part where Harry wakes up in bed, is his nightmare. Pay close attention to what was said during the dream, it is VERY important to the story.

With that said, what did you think? I would love to answer any questions you may have in the beginning of the next Chapter in my writers note. I would also love to hear your opinion on the story thus far by clicking that adorable review button below this authors note, or give me suggestions on what you would like to see happen in the next chapter :D Thanks a bushel and a peck!