Sweetest Sin

Chapter 2

Ron woke and rubbed his eyes. The compartment was dark and he glanced at the window. He knew they were probably very close to Hogwarts and he stretched, yawning. He looked across to where Harry and Hermione were and his eyes opened wide. In the dim light filtering through the window, he could see Hermione with her head in Harry's lap, asleep. Harry's arm was draped over her side across her stomach as if he were protecting her. But Harry's head was tilted back and Ron saw he was asleep. Ron was shocked at seeing the scene that looked too intimate for friends. He wondered what was going on between them and why they didn't tell him. He didn't know how to wake them so he looked at the door. He kicked it hard, and pretended to be jolted awake like they were. Hermione saw Ron and sat up very quickly, Harry's arm sliding off of her. Harry blinked sleepily. "What was that?"

Ron shrugged. "I don't know, I guess someone walking by hit the door or something, it was probably Malfoy."

Hermione glanced at Harry and then at Ron. Did Ron see us sleeping? Oh I hope he doesn't ask any questions! Ron cleared his throat. "So, how long how this been going on?"

Hermione gave Ron an innocent look. "What are you talking about, Ron?"

"I mean you and Harry, how long have you been a couple and not told me?" Ron looked upset.

Harry jumped in quickly and said, "We're not a couple, mate, we just fell asleep." Hermione nodded in agreement.

Ron shook his head. "I don't think I believe you, maybe you're not a couple but there is something going on here that you haven't talked to me about, or maybe you two haven't even talked about it yet."

The train slowed and came to a halt, and soon the corridor was filled with talking and laughing students so no more was said. Ron stood up quickly and exited the compartment, and he was lost in the crowd getting off the train. Harry and Hermione glanced at each other and Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but Harry cut her off, "No, Hermione, now isn't the time to discuss it, let's get off this train."

They exited and started towards the waiting carriages. Hermione was hugging her arms around herself as she walked through the brisk air. She climbed into one of the carriages and Harry followed a minute later. Neville and Ginny were in the carriage already. Neville gave them a big grin. "Hi, Harry! Hi, Hermione!"

They smiled and said hello, and then Harry turned to look out the window to his right as Hogwarts came into view. He turned back to look at Hermione, but she was looking out her window and not paying him any attention. She licked her lips and Harry felt an intense desire to kiss her, to lose himself in the softness of her mouth. He shook the thought from his head and a few minutes later the carriages stopped in front of the school. Harry climbed off the carriage into the drizzling rain and turned as Hermione was starting to climb down. She was on the last step when she slipped, letting out a shriek as she fell into Harry. Harry grabbed her around the waist and stopped her from falling all the way to the ground. She fell against his chest and looked up at him. "Th-thanks, Harry."

He didn't say anything and they hurried to the castle in silence. They went into the Great Hall and sat down across from Ron. They watched the Sorting ceremony, the last they would ever witness as Hogwarts students. Then the feast started and the trio was very quiet. Harry felt extremely uncomfortable. Why were things so weird? We should be happy and laughing right now, we're starting our final year at Hogwarts! Harry stood and exited without saying a word, heading for the Gryffindor Tower. He got to the entrance and realized he didn't have the slightest idea what the password might be. He heaved a huge sigh and headed back down to the Great Hall.

He hung around outside the door and only a few minutes later they burst open and everyone came pouring out. He waited and when he spotted Hermione, he grabbed her arm. She jumped, but allowed herself to be pulled to the side. She cocked her head to the side questioningly and Harry said, "I...I need to talk to you."

Hermione looked up at him. "Well, do you want to head outside and take a walk?"

Harry paused. "It's raining outside."

Hermione pulled him into the Great Hall and pointed at the ceiling. "The clouds moved out during the feast, it's completely clear out now."

Harry nodded and they walked towards the main doors, heading out into the night.