Dreams Don't Last Forever

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for the plot.

Chapter Three: Urgent

Ron exchanged a confused glance with Harry and Hermione. He nodded slightly and went after his younger sister. Hermione turned to Lavender and raised an eyebrow at her. In return Lavender just scowled slightly.

"Now that you've finished I see no reason for you to still be here…" Hermione said in a matter-of-factly tone. Lavender huffed, stood and went back to her spot with Parvati. Harry looked at Hermione.

"I know you don't like her, but at least try to be civil."

"Fine. I will next time." Hermione said taking a bite out of her toast. A loud screech turned everyone's attention to the windows high above them. The owl post had arrived. Hedwig swooped down and landed on the table between Hermione and Harry. She held out her leg, which contained a letter and the newspaper. Harry took the mail from her, gave her a crust of his toast and watched as she flew away. Absentmindedly Harry handed Hermione the newspaper before opening the letter addressed 'Urgent'. Hermione browsed through the paper.

"Nothing very intere – Wait a minute…" Harry didn't look up from the letter in his hands. "Harry, look! A Dark Mark was posted last night over…" She scanned the article. "…Foxborough. That's only a few towns past Hogsmead!" Hermione looked up at Harry. He was staring at the letter in his hands. "Harry? What is it?" Harry blinked out of his trance and mechanically handed the letter over to Hermione.

Harry,

I want this letter to stay as confidential as possible, accepting the fact that you'll probably share it with Miss Granger and Mister Weasley. I should imagine by now you've heard the rumours going around the school about young Master Malfoy. Last night, Master Malfoy was brought to me, unconscious. He was badly hurt and the Dark Mark has been freshly burnt into his skin on his forearm.

At the moment, I'm sure I have as many questions as you. I'd like you, Miss Granger and Master Weasley to come to my office after Charms. I shall be expecting you. Please don't be late.

Sincerely,

A. Dumbledore

Hermione looked up at Harry, wide eyed. Her lips moved but no words came out. Harry looked back at her, his eyes were emotionless.

"Harry… This confirms the rumours… Lavender was right." Hermione managed to choke out. Harry took a deep shuddering breath.

"Charms is first." Harry said in a monochromatic voice.

"We need to find Ron and tell him."

"I'm sure we'll find him in class." Harry said standing up. "Coming?" He enquired. Hermione nodded and followed Harry out of the hall and towards the 4th floor to the Charms classroom. When they reached the charms classroom, most of the class was already there deep in a whispered conversation with the person sitting next to them. Harry and Hermione found Ron sitting in their usual seats. In a hushed conversation and a quick rendition of the situation, Ron was up to date with the letter from Dumbledore. Charms class passed slowly by. No one payed complete attention; Harry, Hermione and Ron especially.

"Class dismissed." Professor Binns announced. Harry looked from Ron to Hermione.

"Ready?"

"As we'll ever be…" Ron replied. Together, the trio made their way up to Dumbledore's office.

Lifting his fist to knock on the door to Dumbledore's office, Harry nearly leapt out of his skin when the door opened to reveal Lupin.

"Lupin!" The trio exclaimed.

"We've been expecting you." He said, smiling warmly and embracing each of them in a tight hug.

"We?" Hermione questioned looking around Lupins' slim figure to see into the room. Inside Dumbledore's office, 12 chairs were set in a semi circle around Dumbledore's desk.

AN: I could really do with some encouragement right now... Or some reviews showering me with praise. I could settle for that. Heck, or even better - a BETA reader. Could definately do with one of those.