DISCLAIMER: I forgot to do this in my first chapter...no i do not own Harry Potter. and if i did, do you really think i'd be on here????? dies thinking about the actors in hp movies R/R!!!!!!! and i will love you forever!

Shielding his eyes with one strong hand, Ron stopped his stride and turned to face the opposite bank of the lake. He let out a sigh and flopped down onto the soft, springy, yet cold grass. It was covered in a shimmery frost that seemed to make every blade sparkle with a tiny light. Ron stared over and out across the lake, which was placid with calmness, the giant squid for once not disturbing its inky waters. Hermione walked over to where Ron sat, looking down as if she didn't want to interrupt his peace by intruding. She did however sit down and join him, having seen his hand pop out of his robe pocket and beckon her to come and sit with him.

It was peaceful, just sitting there with her friend, enjoying the crisp autumn air. Hermione breathed in deeply, inhaling the sweet smell of newly crunched laves and vegetables being harvested. It reminded her of her Grandfathers old farm, to which she hadn't been since she was seven.

"It seems odd doesn't it, not seeing Hagrid around here I mean. I wonder what he's doing about the giants, even if they're listening to him. Do you think that old insane giant is still the Gurg?" Ron asked, laughing as he said the word 'gurg'. He was referring to the Gurg of the giants that attacked Hagrid and Madam Maxime last year, while they were there trying to see if the giants would be on our side, or if they had already teamed up with Voldemort.

"Who will carve the pumpkins? Think about it, who'll bring in all twelve giant fir trees for Christmas this year, without him here?" Hermione thought aloud. She had stayed over at Hogwarts for the holidays almost all six years she had been there, with the exception of her first year and then last year, when Mr.Weasley had been admitted into St. Mungo's hospital because he had gotten bitten by Voldemort's snake, while on gaurd duty for the Order of the Pheonix. Every year, there was always twelve humongus fir trees lined up in the Great Hall, compleatly covered with beautiful decorations all the way from lit candles to real live fairies. Now there probably wouldn't be any abnormaly large Christmas trees in the hall on Christmas morning, or huge floating jack-o-lanterns on Halloween, and all because Hagrid wasn't here. They both couldn't imagine what life at Hogwarts would be like without Hagrid.

"I don't know." Ron whispered back, closing his eyes and laying back in the grass. "I just hope he comes back." Hermione looked back on some of the fond memories they had shared with Hagrid. There was the day in her first year when they had watched Norbert being born, the baby Norwegian Ridgeback dragon knocking itself out of it's shell had been an amazing sight. More and more memories flooded back to her as the minutes ticked past, a lovely, comforting breeze floating in off of the water. Then she remembered something that had happened earlier that day, that had absolutely nothing to do with Hagrid.

"Ron, not to be rude, but what was the er, business Harry said he had to do?" Hermione asked, not meaning to pry. It was just usual for her to know these kinds of things. Never before had either of the boys kept anything from her, she knew all their secrets, all of their bad habits, things they would be afraid to show their crushes or tell anyone else. She could sense Ron tensing up, underneath her gaze.

"It-its nothing Hermione, just stuff." He made a weird strangled sound, his ears turning tickle-me-pink.

"No, its not. Ron I can tell it's not just anything normal, something is wrong. Why won't you tell me?" Hermione asked, getting slightly worried. They never kept anything from her, at least nothing she didn't know of. Plus Ron's face was so readable, she could always tell when he was lying. He turned a shade of red Herrmione had never seen, his mouth pursed, and stared up into the clear sky, only to get hit on the nose with a giant raindrop.

After a few minutes, the rain started to really pour, the leaves twinkling as the sun caught the raindrops in its light, acting as tiny prisms causing a rainbow to float above the dark lake. It suddenly grew dark, and the wind picked up, causing Hermione's hair to flap about her, wrapping around her face and catching in her mouth. The waves on the lake increased rapidly, the crests reaching as high as Hermione's shoulder. Sensing the danger, Ron grabbed her by the hand and raced towards the castle, pulling Hermione along with him. It was a few moments before Hermione registered that her hand was in his. A warm sensation spread throughout her body, making her shiver with delight. His hand felt warm and comforting, but soon it was over and they ran safetly into the doors of the castle, shutting out the gale behind them.

Hermione felt Ron's hand release hers, and she shook her head, trying to warm up again and get the feeling of regret out of her mind.

'You alright? I'm sorry, I almost pulled you off your feet, but I was afraid one of us was going to get knocked into the lake.' Ron said, shaking the water out of his eyes.

'I'm fine. Gosh the weather changed so fast.' Hermione said, wishing Ron still held her hand. She shook out her robes, getting the slippery stone floor of the entrance hall drenched. Ron nodded and exhaled, he had been holding his breath once they got inside, hoping she wasn't mad at him for grabbing her hand. He was relieved to have a reason to hold her hand, however long it lasted.

Suddenly, a loud voice filled the corridors, causing both of them to jump, Hermione grabbing onto Ron's arm.

'All Prefects please report to the Headmaster's office immediately. I repeat, all Prefects please report to the Headmaster's office immediately.' Professor McGonagall's shrill voice barked out the orders.