Voldemortis becoming more powerful as the days progress. Death eaters are attacking more frequently than ever and now it is time for Hermione to find out why her role in the destruction of Voldemort is so important..

Hi readers! This is my first fic so go easy on the reviews. I will only read them if they are praising or constructively criticizing my story. If you do read this, please be kind and review. I would love to hear from you to see how I am doing with the story. It will only take a few seconds out of your day and the more reviews I get the faster I will post the next chapter:)

Disclaimer: none of the characters are mine...all that is mine is the plot!

Dark Times

Hermione Granger stared out her window and watched the wind's fingers brush through the trees creating an elegant dance between the two. The sky looked so black that she swore it was going to unleash its anger any moment. The weather outside matched the state that the wizarding world was in.

Lately, Voldemort had been collecting more followers and gaining strength every moment that passed. The Death Eaters had been attacking both muggle and wizard families more now then ever. They were becoming more brutal than they ever had been. Hermione never even knew that this was a possibility. Her life, as well as many other half-blood's, were now in a great amount of danger. She could not wait to get inside the comforting walls that Hogwarts possessed.

"Hermione, Dinner is ready!" Her mother's voice awakened her from the reverie she had been in. Hermione rushed down the stairs and was greeted by her mother and father sitting at the dinner table with their supper waiting. Tonight was a special night because it was her last night she would spend with her parents for quite a while.

"Hey Mum, Dad" she said with a smile. She realized how much she was really going to miss them while she was away. She couldn't hep but worry for their safety. Who knows what Voldemort was capable of now. She shuddered at the thought of what he could do to her nd her family. She did no even like to think of it. Hermione sat down at the table and mentally brushed the thoughts aside and forced herself to not worry.

Later that night, Hermione lay in bed feeling rather excited about seeing Harry and Ron. She had missed them. All of the wizards tried to avoid traveling at all cost in case Voldemort intercepted them. Because of this, she had not seen her best friends since the end of her 5th year. She wondered what kinds of adventures they would embark on this year. Hermione drifted off to sleep with these happy thoughts filling her head.

Later the next day, Hermione woke up very early to be better prepared for the long train-ride to Hogwarts. After eating breakfast with her parents, they all drove to platform 9 3/4. Hermione quickly said goodbye and went off to meet Harry and Ron. She looked around and spotted them standing next to the train waiting to get in.

"Hi, you guys!" Hermione said excitedly.

Ron and Harry looked up and quickly smiled to see their friend.

"Hermione, we've missed you!" Harry said as he gave her a hug. After Harry released Hermione from their embrace, Ron gave her a brief hug; Hermione noticed that his ears had turned a slight pinkish color. She smiled to herself. She wondered if he would ever grow out of that.

"Come on guys, lets go get a seat before they're ll taken." Harry seemed anxious to get aboard and begin their long journey.

The trio went inside the train and found a compartment. Harry had just finished putting his bags up when Malfoy walked inside.

"Well, if it isn't Scarhead, peasant, and the mudblood" he sneered.

"As witty as your nick-names for us are, we don't want to hear them so get out" said Hermione said angrily.

"Yeah Malfoy, noone asked you to be here so save us all a headache and get out" said Harry. He seemed to be very mad.

"Fine, but this is not over" said Malfoy with a smirk on his face. He walked out and slammed the door behind him.

"Well I certainly did not miss him!" said Hermione. Harry and Ron both nodded in agreement.

Everyone began getting settled in for the long ride. Ginny and Neville had joined them earlier. Hermione had begun to dose off when the train stopped with a heavy jerk. Hermione, along with Harry, was thrown from the seat. She landed with a heavy thud onto the floor.

Hermione lifted her head to see Neville rubbing the back of his head while Ginny and Ron tried to see what was happening. She slowly began to get to her feet when all of the lights on the train went out...

Well, there's the first chapter! It ended in a cliffy:) haha I hope you guys liked it. Read and review please! The more reviews I get the faster I'll post:)

lotz-a-luv

Ari