A/N: I don't own Harry, Ron, or Hermione (um I wish). They all belong to none other that J.K.Rowling (Queen). Please be kind and review my first attempt at Fan Fiction…. Thanks.

"Harry, hurry up!" cried Ron.  Harry's heart was pounding as he watched Ron look around and then disappear swiftly through the wall.  He too glanced around; making sure no one was watching and went through the wall.  The steam rose up from the Hogwart's Express as the whistle blew letting everyone know it was almost time to go.   As usual the pair were late.  Harry had spent the last few days with Ron at the Burrow. Now he smiled happily at the thought of returning to Hogwarts.

"We just made it, I wouldn't like to start of the fifth year like we started the second!" said Harry with relief. They found themselves an empty coach where they relaxed for awhile.  Harry watched a couple of student's walk past their doorway, a few smiling and waving.  Harry returned the smiles, wondering if anyone would mention Cedric Diggory. He had spent the summer thinking about the events of the fourth year, still blaming himself for Cedric's death, and thinking that other people might feel the same as he did.

"We should go find Hermione," mumbled Ron interrupting Harry's thoughts. "Wonder why she was not at Diagon Alley yesterday?"

"Yeah, that was strange, maybe she could not wait to get her books this year and went earlier," Harry mused. Ron laughed. That sounded about right, Hermione and her books. Ron started scratching his arm and then his neck.

"Stop scratching, Ron!" Harry said slightly irritated. His best friend looked like he thought he had spiders all over him.

"I can't help, I am itchy all over!" he moaned. Harry heard laughter from the train passage, only to find the twins almost in tears. Ron had become victim of one of their pranks again.

"When will you two grow up?" demanded Ron, who was now red all over from the spell. George and Fred looked at both of them and shrugged.

" We had to try it on someone, it will wear off in about two minutes, Ron," said Fred winking at Harry.

"Just don't scratch, it gets worse if you do," added George as they turned to leave.

"Have you two seen Hermione by any chance?" asked Harry quickly. George and Fred looked at each other, before George answered.

"I thought you heard Harry, Hermione has not been seen since we said goodbye to her at the end of the year,"

Harry's mouth dropped open to say something then he closed it, waiting for the twins to leave.

"Ron, did you get any letters from Hermione, this summer?" he asked curiously. He knew he hadn't even though he had written a couple. He thought Hermione must have been away.  Ron shook his head thoughtfully.  Harry had never asked Ron whilst at the Burrow, and Ron had said nothing.

"No, Harry, now I think about it, I haven't!" said Ron suspiciously. "Maybe she spent all her summer with Krum?" he said referring to one of the champions from the Wizard's tournament.  Ron looked at Harry's face, which was full of envy for the good-looking Quidditch player. Harry's dream was to play professional Quidditch.

They agonized over where Hermione could be during the entire trip, but neither could find a suitable explanation for her disappearance.  They asked around on the train a bit not believing the Weasley twin's but found out nothing.

"Maybe she was arrested for keeping Rita Skeeter, locked in a jar?" Ron joked later as the train pulled into the station.  Harry sighed.   He was sure Hermione must be in trouble, something was wrong.

Arriving for the feast in the Great Hall, they sat and watched the first years get sorted. Professor McGonagall then told the students that there would be a delay in the announcements of the prefects.  When she finished Dumbledore stood for his yearly speech and as usual reminded them that no students were allowed in the dark forest. He then coughed before continuing, his face taking on a stern look.

"For those of you who know Hermione Granger, I am afraid I have some sad news," looking directly at Harry and Ron, he continued.

"It is with great regret that Miss Granger will not be returning to Hogwart's to complete her studies at this time,"

Gasps where heard all around, even the teachers looked surprised including McGonagall and Snape.

" I cannot explain to you the reasons for this, as they are unclear to me as well!" Dumbledore took his seat and dinner began. Harry was in shock, whilst Ron sat and starred at him.

"Something must have happened, Hermione would never leave without telling us!" Harry said thoughtfully. He looked over at Dumbledore who gave him a feeble smile, whilst the other teachers were whispering frantically amongst themselves.  The Gryffindor table was much quieter than usual, as voices were lowered to whispers.

Ron and Harry finished their food quickly in desperation to get out of there.  Both felt uncomfortable especially Harry who thought that everyone was thinking that he might having something to do with Hermione's disappearance.  He was often the blame for things going amiss at Hogwarts.

Draco Malfoy folded his arms and watched in interest the reaction of the other students, especially Gryffindor House.

"Well, one less mudblood to worry about!" he said to Crabbe and Goyle who where too busy stuffing their faces to hear what he had even said.