Sweetest Sin

Chapter 3

Hermione looked at the sky as they headed down the huge lawn. "Hmm the castle looks surrounded by clouds still, guess the lack of rain is just a temporary thing. Oh look, the moon is full."

Harry glanced up at the sky appreciatively. "It's gorgeous, guess the sky cleared just for us."

Harry smiled at Hermione and she smiled back, her face flushing. When they reached the edge of the lake, they stood side by side staring out across the expanse of water. Finally, Harry broke the silence, "So what's happening with us, Hermione?"

Hermione continued staring out across the water. "We're getting older, Harry, and I think we're just realizing that maybe our feelings towards one another have changed. What do you propose to do about it?"

"Do about it? What do you mean?" Harry questioned.

Hermione sighed. "I mean, are we just going to pretend there's nothing there, that we're just friends?"

There was a low rumble of thunder and Hermione looked up to see the clouds rolling in over them. Slowly raindrops began to drizzle and then quickly changed to a downpour. Hermione looked to Harry, turning to face him. "Well? What are you going to do?"

Harry stepped closer, putting his arms around her waist. "I'm going to do this."

Harry gently pushed her wet strands of hair back from her face, and Hermione could feel her knees going weak. She reached up to push Harry's messy hair back from his face, exposing his scar on his forehead. She ran her fingers over the pink scar, and down his face, her fingers brushing over his lips. Harry seemed to be breathing heavier and she could feel his intent gaze, but Hermione was watching her hands as they trailed over his chest and then down his sides, finally coming to a stop at his hips. She pulled Harry even closer and then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his as the rain pouring all around them. Her heart was pounding, and she knew his pulse was racing too as she licked her dry lips.

Harry gave her a smile and then took her face in his hands, lowering his head so near to hers. He brought his mouth so close to hers she could feel his warmth breath on her lips. She smiled too, before shutting her eyes as their lips met in a sensual kiss. Hermione pressed her body as close as she could, and he slowly ran his tongue along her lips. Harry slid his hand behind her head, pulling her closer for a deeper, more passionate kiss. Finally, Harry pulled back, and Hermione took in a deep breath and glanced down, not quite ready to look into those familiar green eyes. A moment later she glanced back up and Harry smiled again. He gently touched his lips to hers before stepping back. Hermione felt overwhelmed and Harry said, "We better head back in, look at you, you're shaking. You must be freezing."

Hermione nodded, and started walking back towards the school very quickly, leaving Harry behind. She reached her hand up to touch her lips, shaking her head slowly. She felt uncertain and uneasy. Should I have kissed him? We can't ever go back to just friends again; things will never be the same.

Harry caught up with her at the entrance to the school and grabbed her by the arm. "Hermione, are you okay?"

She nodded. "Mmhmm, let's head up to the common room."

As they walked along Harry tried to take Hermione's hand, but she pulled it away. He sighed and they kept walking together in silence. When they reached the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, Harry turned to Hermione and said, "I don't know the password."

Hermione replied, "I found it out at the feast. It's 'wolfsbane'."

The portrait swung open and Hermione walked through, Harry right behind her. He heard the portrait close behind them and Hermione started through the common room. Finally Harry said, "Hermione, are you going to hate me for this?"

She stopped dead and turned slowly. "No, Harry, I just don't know if this is a good idea. I don't know if this should go any further. I don't know if anything should have started at all. I just...don't know."

Harry walked over and gently touched her face. "I'm sure of my feelings, get back to me when you are too. For now we can just be friends, and you can decide what future you want."

Hermione looked into his eyes searchingly, as if she would find her answer there. She stepped back and said, "Well, good night, Harry."

She turned and started walking up to the girl's dormitory and Harry said softly, "Good night, Hermione..." He turned and headed to his own dormitory.