When Hermione awoke, the first face she saw was Ron's. He was looking at her with eyes so intense it frightened her a little bit. A few moments later when her vision became more focused, she realized she was still on the Hogwarts Express and in Ron's arms. He was gently caressing her head from her hair line back toward her neck and softly saying her name.

"Ron?" Hermione felt ill like she had been left on a merry-go-round going ninety miles and hour for a prolonged period of time.

"Hermione! Are you all right? I'm so sorry! I never meant to hit you! Are you all right?" Ron seemed so worried about her that she couldn't help but form a little smile.

"Yeah. I'm fine. It's quite all right. It was only an accident. I'm fine...really."

"That's good to hear. I was so worried I had hurt you. You were down for about fifteen minutes or so. Are you sure you're okay?" He had ceased stroking her head, and she missed it already.

"I'm fine, Ron... really. Fifteen minutes? That's awhile when you think of it in terms of being knocked out."

"I'm so sorry, Hermione."

At that moment Ginny and Harry re-entered the compartment, Harry with his arm around Ginny. Ron quickly took his arms out from under Hermione, leaving her to support her own weight as she sat on the floor of the train.

"Hermione!" They both looked as if they would soil their pants at any moment.

"I'm fine I'm fine. Don't worry. We just had a little accident, that's all."

"What kind of accident," asked Ginny with a look of pure concern on her face.

"I accidentally knocked her out with a bag. I didn't mean to...honest! I felt so bad. I was so worried," replied Ron truthfully staring at Hermione.

"Yes but I'm just fine now."

"Are you sure? You don't look too fit," said Harry.

"Thanks for the compliment, Harry. I'm fine; don't worry."

Hermione began to get up on her feet before falling forward into the seat in front of her. Ron quickly reached out grabbed her around the waist to stop her from hitting her head again on the luggage rack above them.

"Oh lord! I gave her a head concussion!" Ron looked frantic as he helped Hermione settle into her seat.

"Oh Ronald don't be ridiculous! I do not have a concussion. I'm fine. The movement of the train just made me a little dizzy, that's all."

"Are you sure?" Ginny looked very concerned. Everyone's eyes were on Hermione waiting for her response.

"I'm... fine." She said it slowly as if everyone needed a minute for the meaning to sink in.

"Eat this." Harry handed over a chocolate frog. Hermione took it happily and felt a bit revived as the delicious sweet melted gradually in her mouth.

After she had finished the chocolate, Hermione glanced over at Ron, who instantly averted her gaze. She could tell he felt horrible about the whole ordeal. She had to admit that his reaction to her awakening had been undoubtly the cutest ever.

She then stole a glance out the window before realizing that they were already pulling into Hogsmeade Station, where they would catch their carriage to the castle. Once everyone had collected their baggage, exited the train, made it to the castle and dropped everything off on the ground floor so it could be taken to their dormitories, they all seated themselves in the Great Hall for the beginning of term feast. The usual warnings and rules were given by Professor Dumbledore before everyone began to dig in to their scrumptious meal. The table housed everything from roasted peasant, custard pie and cupcakes to a basted ham, mashed potatoes and various kinds of dessert. To top it all off, mugs of pumpkin juice were within arms reach, and they instantly refilled themselves the minute the last drop was consumed. While everyone was filling their stomachs, Hermione was sure to remind Harry and Ron of their urgent mission before heading off to bed. The two boys both agreed to accompany her as soon as the feast was declared over. After what seemed like a mere half hour or so (it had actually been an hour and a half but time flies when one is stuffing one's face!) the feast came to a close, and Hermione, Ron, and Harry ran to catch up with Professor Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbledore!" All three of them yelled in unison just as they reached him.

"Yes?" Albus Dumbledore always had an air of calmness about him. Through any situation, even horrible ones, he never faltered to appear calm and collected.

"We need to speak to you. It's extremely important," said Hermione.

"Important? Then we shall step into my office. Please follow me." The three of them followed the Headmaster's footsteps as he walked briskly to the entrance of his office where an erect stone statue was standing. As he reached it, Dumbledore muttered the words

"Sugar Plum Suckilings," and the statue began to move revealing a spiral staircase leading up to the office. The four of them began to climb and clamber to the top. Finally, they reached the circular office.

"Please...take a seat," said the Headmaster.

"Now, what was it you needed to see me about, Miss Granger?"

"Well Headmaster, I had this dream about a week ago that I think I should share with you. I already confided in Harry and Ron, and we all agreed it would be best to talk to you."

"Yes?"

"In my dream, well it was more like a nightmare, but in it You-Know-Who was at The Burrow, and he was planning to kill Harry and anyone associated with him with a single curse. I have an inkling that he may be regaining power." It felt nice to be telling someone who might now what to do.

"Hermione, I'm glad you came to me. You too Ron and Harry," said Dumbledore glancing at all three of them individually.

"You may very well be right about his regaining power. It was only days ago that I received word that the Dark Mark had been spotted near Surrey. My guess is that he and his followers are meeting somewhere in the area. Before anyone could inspect it, it had gone. It was a muggle who had reported it. One of the men from the Ministry got wind of it and passed on the word."

"You mean...he might be ready to strike again," said Harry. His eyes were completely fixed on Dumbledore's.

"Not quite. I feel it will be awhile before he strikes, but he's definitely regaining power. When he's ready, we will be too."

"So Headmaster, you wouldn't be worried about it too much at the moment," asked Harry.

"No, Harry. I'm going to keep a close eye on you." With that he gave a little smile and wink.

"Thank you, Headmaster."

Once they were through talking to Dumbledore, the trio walked to the Gryffindor Common Room.

"I don't know 'bout the two of you, but I'm beat!" You could tell by looking in Ron's eyes that he meant it.

"So am I," replied Harry.

"Me as well." Hermione felt like passing out right then and there.

"Are you sure you're all right, Hermione?"

"I'm fine, Ron. Don't worry." He reached out, took her hand, and smiled before releasing it and saying goodnight. Hermione felt a jolt of excitement as he walked away. She glanced over at Harry who was eyeing the two suspiciously with a grin on his face.

"Are you alright, Harry?"

"Yes," he said with a slight chuckle and wiping the smirk from his face.

"I'm not worried about the situation. I trust Dumbledore."

"As do I."

"Please watch over Ginny for me. She doesn't know."

"Sure. I will. Goodnight, Harry."

"Night, Hermione."

The two exchanged smiles and retired to bed.