Author's Note:
I am really, truly sorry it took this long. But I have been busy, and we all know that school and other obligations unfortunately come before fanfiction. But this one is a good chaptter, if I do say so myself, so read and enjoy!

Thanks to those who reviewed:
milkyway: yup, my first fanfic, though I have written other short stories. Thank you!
Claire Starling: thanks. call me ruffles, I will strangle you with an ax! (wait, is that possible? i am so tired.)
the popgurlz: sorry, I don't do email notification. honestly, I have no time at all! but thanks for your support!
ellie love: I agree, Harry is very cute. Too bad he has his sights set on Hermione, otherwise I'd be after him!
kerkaloomy: yes, you can say quadrupled... lolzers! yes, steamy... i love getting reviws form you, thank you!
phoenix72389: yes, I do take pride in my Draco. Look for more in this chapter!
gods Fire angel: I know compliments mean a lot coming from you! and keep reviewing while you are in australia... sniff
Um.. god: Happy monday. no cliffies here, just for you ;) .
starburst25589: thanks!
Now my mom is bothering me to get off the computer, so review when you're done! Your words mean a lot to me, and they motivate me to work faster... :-D

So on with the story!


CHAPTER FIVE

Harry stood up awkwardly and started brushing the dust off his robes. He didn't take his eyes off of Malfoy for a second. He didn't trust the gleam in Malfoy's ice-blue eyes at all.

So, I see the bootlicking has begun already, said Malfoy, a nasty sneer disfiguring his pale lips, I can't think of any other reason that the great Harry Potter should fall at my feet.

Shove off, Malfoy, said Harry heatedly, and tried to sidestep him. I am so not in the mood for this. And indeed he wasn't. He was planning for a nice, relaxed afternoon with his friends. But every time he came face to face with Malfoy, his mood was ruined for the next few hours.

But Malfoy blocked his exit, the twisted smile on his face growing wider.

Shame you haven't heard yet, was all he said, and walked away, leaving Harry free to pick up his books and go. But Harry stood still, rooted to the spot.

Heard what?! he called after Malfoy's receding back. Heard what, you nasty git?

But all Malfoy did was turn around and wave at him, winking. He disappeared into the throng of robes and pointed hats that was the world outside of the bookstore.

What's going on? asked Ron, as he and Hermione rushed up to Harry, We heard a crash, and we saw Malfoy leaving.


He didn't hit you, did he? asked Hermione nervously, looking Harry over for any marks or bruises. Her penetrating stare gave Harry the shivers. He brushed her off, insisting he was fine, and told them what had happened.

And then he just walked away? Hermione looked puzzled. He didn't mention anything other than that?

No, that's the odd thing, mused Harry. Usually he pulls out a clipping from the Prophet or something to gloat about, but this time he was unusually secretive.

Hermione and I both get the Daily Prophet at home. If there was anything out of the ordinary, we would know about it, believe me, said Ron.

By this time, the three wizards stood outside of Flourish and Blotts, having paid for their books and exited. They set off towards the Leaky Cauldron to deposit their stuff -- all of their arms were sore from carrying a pile of books each, along with a set of robes and various other supplies.

The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully. Harry, Ron and Hermione whiled away the time looking in the joke shops, thinking of good pranks they could pull on Ron's older twin brothers, Fred and George. The two mischievous redheads were infamous at Hogwarts for their practical jokes, and many a student had a desire for revenge.

The trio met many friends along the way, stopping to exchange hellos and stories about the summer vacation. Harry was genuinely excited to return to school. This year promised to be a good one. Hopefully, thought Harry, a quiet one also.

***


Harry ran through the hallways of Hogwarts, down into the cold, dank dungeons. A sense of foreboding overcame him, though he wasn't sure why. He stopped in front of the Potions classroom, steadying himself with one hand against the cold, gray bricks so that he could breathe a moment. Harry checked his watch. He was right on time. There was no way Snape would be able to take any points from Gryffindor. Standing up straight, Harry pushed open the door of the classroom.

A pain tore through Harry's scar, burning his forehead. He clutched at it in agony, helpless.

Hello there, Potter, said a high, cruel voice. Lifting his face, trying to see through the haze of pain, Harry was met by the penetrating stare of two bright red eyes.

Have a seat, we haven't got all day.

Professor Riddle? Hermione was waving her hand in the air.

Filthy mudblood! spat Lord Voldemort, rounding on Hermione, I am the all-powerful, all-knowing Lord Voldemort! How dare you call me by that filthy Muggle name!? We are in my institution of learning, and I demand you treat me with the proper respect!

Well I thought it was your proper name, so--

shrieked Lord Voldemort. AVADA KEDAVRA!

A green beam of light issued from the tip of Voldemort's wand. Hermione, thinking quickly, ducked and pulled out her own wand.

Harry woke up with a start, sweating. His scar was still tingling. Fumbling for his glasses, he looked around his room at the Leaky Cauldron. As if in a trance, he got out of his bed, crept to the door, and made his way into the darkened hallway. He could hear the muffled din that issued from the pub downstairs as he made his way down the hall.

He gently pushed on the door to room number 4, and it swung open silently. Hermione was awake, sprawled on her bed, with Hogwarts: A History propped open on her knees.

Hearing Harry come in, she looked up.

Oh, it's you. What's the matter? she asked, seeing the worried look on his face.

Just wanted to make sure you were okay, Harry fibbed quickly. Really, he had no idea why he had automatically come to her room.

Why wouldn't I be okay? Hermione asked, confused. A realization dawned on her. Or should I be asking: Are you okay? Seeing the surprised expression on Harry's face, she added, Just call it female intuition, and winked.

Harry faltered, wondering how much to tell her. I had another dream. Hermione's expression turned to one of concern.

You can tell me, she said softly, and moved over, patting the space on the bed next to her. Come on, let me help.

Harry sat down, somewhat awkwardly. He really did not know what to tell her. Would she think he was some sort of lunatic? Probably not, he reasoned. She's my best friend for four years now.

he started again, Voldemort, he- he took over Hogwarts. Turned it into a Dark Arts school. Tried to kill- he had almost said you,' but then hastily corrected himself. Tried to kill... someone.

Hermione squeezed his hand encouragingly. Harry got the shivers.

What scares me, though, is that all those dreams I had last year- they were true. They were actually happening... He burying his face in his hands.

Harry, I doubt these are true, said Hermione in a reassuring voice.

How can you be so sure? came Harry's muffled voice.

For one, Hogwarts isn't in session now; it can't be a reflection of what's going on right now. And since we can be pretty sure that you are not graced with the Inner Eye,' as that old bag would put it- here Harry snorted, despite his distress - I think it's safe to assume it was just a dream. Did you scar hurt?



Well, then, I think you might want to mention it to Dumbledore when we get back to school in a few days, but otherwise, don't worry about it. She flashed him a ressuring smile. Harry felt his heart become a bit lighter. He also noticed that her teeth were very straight and white, as a result of last year's shrinking.

Now go back to bed, it's almost 4 a.m.! Hermione admonished cheerfully.

said Harry, and Hermione wrapped him into a hug.

Everything will be fine, she whispered as he tiptoed back towards the door.

Good old Hermione, Harry thought as he tucked himself back into his bed, she always comes through. And then he fell into a blissful sleep, not waking until the sun shone brightly overhead.