Ron opened his eyes. "We must have fallen asleep." He reached across the bed to stroke Hermione's hair, but only found air. He sat up and looked around. There was no one to be seen. He got up, dressed and quickly walked down the staircase, anxiety growing inside him.

He began to look around the common room when something in the doorway caught his eye.

He began to shake uncontrollably. "No, No, not 'Mione! Not my 'Mione, please no!"

---------------------------------

Ginny laughed. It was such a sweet, melodious sound. Harry was amazed that he had heard it so many times and hadn't noticed how wonderful it was. He was continually amazed at himself, amazed at how he had known her for so long and never noticed how perfect she was.

He slid an arm around her waist.

"Smooth Harry, really smooth." Ginny laughed again. "D'you think we should go back and see Ron and Hermione?"

Harry smiled. "Oh I'm sure they're keeping each other occupied."

Ginny slapped him playfully on the arm. "Don't be so bold! That's my brother you're talking about! Come on, we've been walking out here for ages. My legs are tired and it's beginning to get chilly."

Harry looked scandalised. "So you're not enjoying yourself is that what you're saying?!" he said jokingly.

"Of course not!" Ginny smiled "I love spending time with you! It's just that right now, it'd be nice if we could spend some time together INSIDE." She looked up at Harry pleadingly.

"Dammit, I just can't say no to that face!"

He laughed and pulled her close to him. He bent over her and tilted her face towards his. "Promise me you won't change Gin."

Ginny looked straight into his eyes. "I promise."

He kissed her, differently than he had before. Ginny actually could feel emotion radiating from him. Neither of them ever thought that such feeling was possible. They pulled back, smiled at each other, and walked back to the castle basking in complete and utter happiness.

---------------------------------

"Harry that doesn't justify use of Dungbombs! They're horrible!"

"Yes it does Ginny! You just don't understand the brilliance that is dungbo- "

They both stopped short. The sight that greeted them knocked them both speechless.

The portrait hole was wide open. The fat lady was bound and gagged within her portrait. Inside, Ron was on his knees, shaking and staring at an apparition in the doorway. It was an image made up of what appeared to be green stars. It was a skull with a serpent emerging from the mouth as a tongue.

It was the Dark Mark.

The couple were wide-eyed and pale. Harry was the first to speak. "Voldemort. He-he was here?"

Ron began to shake his head in a disbelieving sort of way. "Don't know-was asleep-but-'Mione."

Ginny gasped. "Hermione? What-"

"She's gone. He took her. I should have done something. I didn't know. I didn't even know she was gone. How could I do that? How could I-" Ron beat the floor with his fist, before breaking down completely.

Harry and Ginny rushed forward but Ron raised his head before they reached him.

He was ashen-faced and there were still tears steaming down his face, but his eyes were hard, and so was his voice.

"She's my 'Mione. She promised me she was. I love her Harry."

Harry nodded. "I know mate, I know."

Ron stared, unblinking, at the fading Dark Mark.

"I'll get her back. I have to."