"Sorry."

Hermione, finally able to catch her breath, smiled even though he couldn't see it. "It's okay."

But something clicked in her head. She knew that voice…. But who, oh, who did it belong to?

"Well, I should go before someone catches me out here."

But he didn't get the chance to leave. A flash, a screech of metal, and a horrible shake caused the whole train to wake up.

"What's going on!"

"Is it the Death Eaters!"

"Help!"

It was so dark that no one could tell. Hermione heard a curse from the boy who sat so close to her.

He put a warm hand on her face, and stood. "See you later Hermione, I need to find the Head Boy."

Hermione stood, suddenly remembering that she, as Head Girl, should take responsibility and calm the students.

Another flash outside the window, and Hermione swore she heard some sort of spell hit the train. But the wind was so great…how could anyone be outside in the weather?

A compartment door slid open a few feet ahead and a drowsy Harry and Ron came out.

"Hermione? What's going on?"

She lit her wand, and looked out the window. Her face went blank.

"Harry…He's out there. He's out there, Harry." Her voice was calm.

"Who?"

She turned to face him. "Voldemort is standing calmly on the other side of this glass window, looking inside, and smirking his nasty little head off."

Harry and Ron ran to the window, and saw the cold red eyes. Harry shivered. Ron however stood dead still.

Draco Malfoy's voice called down the hall. "GRANGER!" He sounded very frightened.

He came into the light of their wands, followed closely, if not enthusiastically, by Blaise Zabini.

"He's out there Granger! That lunatic Voldemort is out there!"

Harry turned and glared. "I figured you'd be happy to see him."

"You're joking, right? That freak has had it in for me since I was born! Something about a price my dad has to pay for saying he wasn't Voldemort's servant."

Blaise nodded slightly. "Me, too."

There was a tap on the window, and they all turned slowly to see

Voldemort's pale, ugly face right up at the glass.

Ron, closest to the window, jumped back. Draco took a swift step behind Blaise, who just stood staring with empty eyes at the Dark Lord.

He raised his wand, and muttered something that no one could here. A red mist flowed out of his wand, and seeped through the window.

Voldemort grabbed his throat, and fell to the ground. Then he disappeared.

Everyone looked at Blaise. They all asked at once:

"Is he dead?"

"No…but he won't bother the train again. That was a bit of torture that my dad made up, a cross between Crutacias and the Grabbing hex. It will take about five days to wear off."

Draco nodded, his eyes brightening with a sudden understanding. "Yes, he should have called back the Death Eaters as well."

The storm lessened to drizzle, then stopped. The lights flickered, then came on. And all thanks to a piece of Dark Magic performed by a Death Eaters son.

The teachers soon returned. They told Snape what had happened, as McGonagal had gone ahead to Hogwarts. He nodded, and awarded Slytherin fifty points. No one disagreed.

The remainder of the trip passed easily, and many younger students were treating Blaise like a hero.

Harry looked puzzled. "How did Blaise use a Dark spell? I thought Dark Magic was forbidden on the train and at the school."

Hermione shrugged, blinking drowsily. "Must be exceptions to the rules. I think I'll get some sleep now."

Dumbledore welcomed the students with a great feast and a warm smile.

"I hope the night passed well for those who slept, and I hope those who did not will forgive us for our lack security on the train.

"I would also ask Mr. Zabini to stand." Blaise looked none too happy about the attention. "Thanks to this young man, you all arrived safely."

The plates filled. Much talk of the train filled the hall, as well as the usual greetings of friends and the eyeing of new haircuts and suntans.

Dumbledore leaned over when Professor McGonagal tapped him, and he listened as she whispered something. He laughed for a good three minutes.

"My goodness, students! In my old age and lack wit, I have completely forgotten the sorting!"

So they stopped eating, and the sorting passed quickly. 2 Slytherins, 3 Ravenclaws, 7 Hufflepuffs, and 2 Gryffindors.

The feast resumed, and Harry, Ron and Hermione talked about their year ahead. Their last year at Hogwarts.

Harry grinned. "Well, it's all coming down to the wire I suppose. Either I face Voldemort this year, or I do it without Dumbledore watching over me."

Ron nodded. "Cheers, mate. But what are you going to do? Send him a letter? I see it now:

Dear demented nutter,

Please come attack me this year so I won't have to fight you alone. Oh, and bring some teacakes while you're at it. I heard the Dark side has some awesome bakers.

Love, Harry Potter"

Harry and Hermione laughed. Hermione smirked. "You forgot: Make sure you wear some nice pink dress robes, it is a formal occasion after all."

They all grinned at the thought of Voldemort in pink frilly dress robes.

A/N: Ha…review please!