Author's note: Sorry – It hasn't been very long since I have posted my last story but I'm getting bored waiting for someone to review. I ended up reviewing it myself to prove that it is not so difficult. Come on people, get out there and review. There is NO EXCUSE for not doing it.

Dedication: I dedicate this to all my reviewers but

Disclaimer: I own myself but I am not in the story so yeah... I own nothing else... Wait! I own the storyline. Yay!

Now to business (finally)

Chapter Two: Lost in a world of dreams

Ron awkwardly patted Hermione's back as she sobbed into his shoulder. "There, there" he reassured her. "It's gonna be fine..."

Hermione wailed in anguish. "It isn't! You don't understand... I... My..." Her words were choked by her grief that was tightening her throat like an unforgiving vice.

"What's going on in here?" a warm yet bossy voice enquired. Mrs Weasly hustled into the kitchen. "Ginny, this is way past your bed time..."She broke off as she took in the scene in front of her. "Hermione? What in heavens name has happened to you? Are you alright dearie?"

Hermione made no answer as she was lost in her sadness. Ginny spoke up softly. "Uh, Mum? Maybe Hermione had better go to sleep and talk to us when she is ready. She's pretty upset at the moment."

Mrs Weasly nodded her agreement. "Yes, perhaps that would be best. Ginny, would you mind taking Hermione upstairs to your room? I'll conjure up the bed that she normally uses when she is here..." Mrs Weasly hustled up the stairs, leaving the twins, Ginny, Ron and Hermione standing in the kitchen.

An awkward silence fell, broken only by Hermione's sobs. The twins, who had been unnaturally silent up until this time stood up from the table in unison. Fred motioned with one hand and tried to speak, although no words came out. George took over swiftly. "We'll just retire for the night then, if that's alright with everyone..." No one answered so the twins also departed.

Ron looked after the pair curiously. "What's up with Fred?" He inquired, directing the question at no one in particular.

"Ron" Ginny said, exasperated. We have bigger things to deal with than Fred acting oddly at the moment. Hermione for one."

"Ah." Ron's ears turned red in embarrassment. "Of course" he spluttered. "That was my priority all along."

Ginny shook her head in amusement, then turned back to Hermione, her facial expression turning serious almost instantly. "Hermione?" she asked tentatively. "Do you want to go and lie down?" Hermione nodded mutely and detached herself from Ron, allowing herself to be led up the stairs by Ginny.

Ron sat down at the table slowly and sat with his head in his hands, his emotions and thoughts in turmoil. He remained like that for a while, struggling to comprehend what could have happened to make Hermione so distraught.

Running home.

Skull with snake tongue in hallway.

Crying out in fear.

Searching, searching.

Calling

Black cloak.

Pleading.

Fear.

Green flash.

Crumpling.

Dead.

Screaming.

Stumbling,

Running.

Cool fresh air.

Running.

World torn apart.

Running.

Crying.

Chased.

Hermione thrashed around in her sleep, entangling herself unintentionally in her bed sheets. She let loose a piercing scream and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

Ginny awoke and leapt out of bed. "Hermione?" She called desperately. "Please wake up." The girl lying there made no reply but continued to toss and turn in her sleep, crying out. She was lost in a world of dreams, deep dark black imaginings. "Hermione!" Ginny shook the sleeping girl's shoulder. "Hermione!"

Hermione seemed to calm down a little and gradually opened her eyes. Her breath was coming short and fast and the poor girl was quivering. "G-ginny?" she stammered.

Ginny placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Don't worry" she soothed. "It was just a bad dream, that's all. Go back to sleep."

Hermione nodded and lay down, closing her eyes. Little by little she calmed down and went back to sleep, her breath slowing down to a regular rate.

To be continued...

Author's note: Ewwwww... I didn't like this chapter as much as the other one. The other one showed Hermione's confusion, although this one... I don't know. Maybe you liked it better though. Don't let my opinions influence your thoughts though.