One minute they were talking and laughing about the upcoming year. Ron was giving Harry grief about blowing up his Aunt Marge (who had it coming in his account) as they laughed at Hermione's scolding of Harry. He could have gotten expelled! Eventually she joined in the laughter that filled the cart. The next minute the sky grew dark outside of the compartment window. The familiar feel of the train decelerating brought worry to the trios eyes. Ron peared out the window as Hermione scooted closer to Harry in response. Their young eyes grew wider in confusion as frost ebbed its way across the freeing glass. Looking at each other in unison the trio shivered as the temperature around them dropped steadily. Harry and Ron blatantly stared at Hermione waiting for an answer. She shrugged and shook her head. She didn't know what was going on any more than her male companions.
Suddenly the train car shook. Their attention immediately shot to their compartment door. The windows facing the walkway started to freeze as well. Hermione naturally grasped Harry's hand and leaned closer to him in an attempt to gain space from the compartment door. Harry squeezed her cool hand in response. Signaling that he was right there beside her. Without warning the mood in the compartment grew darker as the trio felt the happiness melt away from their bodies. Darkness and dread crept its way into their minds. Ron's face went as white as chalk as he shook with cold and fear. While Hermione's complexion was no better she held onto Harry's hand for dear life. Somehow this kept the ominous feeling at bay. But, when she turned to see how Harry was doing her brow creased in worry. Harry's eyes were closed shut in a visage of pure agony. Hermione said his name repeatedly, each time more desperate. Yet, her voice couldn't seem to break him out of his current fit. She turned to Ron about to ask for help, but was stopped when she noticed that he was pointing at the door.
Instantly her line of vision came to look upon a ghoulish looking figure. She knew now what it was. A dementor. One of the darkest creatures in all of the wizarding world was floating outside of their very compartment. Immediately she turned to hug Harry. She knew why he was reacting so much worse than either her or Ron. He had the worst memories that the creature could feed on. She felt him shaking with pure agony as she heard the compartment door edge open. Crushing her face into the crook of Harry's neck her only wish was that this creature would be vanquished and that Harry would be okay.
Suddenly a bright light caused her eyes to shoot open. In front of her stood Professor Lupin casting what she clearly knew was a Patronus. The light was brighter and warmer than anything she had ever experienced. The creature fled as soon as it came. Taking with it the freezing dread that it had brought. Ron slumped back in his seat speechless regaining the color in his face.
Hermione let out a shallow breath glad that he ordeal was over with. But, as she turned to Harry she gasped in shock. He was limp in her arms. She gently tried to shake him awake, but it did nothing. Professor Lupin knelt in front of Harry examining his features. He voiced to the young teenagers that Harry would be fine, he just needed time to rest. Lupin himself sat back into his seat looking out the window. While Ron eyed his raven haired friend with worry Hermione's own expression was twice as worse. She held Harry in her arms stroking her thumb over his left shoulder. She just watched as his face relaxed and let out another breathe. She rested her forehead on the his mop of raven hair silently told him that she was right there by his side. She hoped that their third year would be without the danger that they had grown accustomed to. But, she knew that it wouldn't be safe. And when was Hermione Granger ever wrong?