Harry and Hermione's Sin

Hermione looked at a picture of Ron and smiled. She loved him, she really did, but she wasn't in love with him, but here they were, a year out of Hogwarts, and getting married. It sounded horrible, but she needed a husband, and he really did love her. And she cared for him, only not the same way he cared for her. But Ron had decided to get a job in Quidditch, and Hermione wanted to be an auror, and she had no where to go. Ron offered to share his apartment with her, and they were soon dating. Hermione never really found Ron attractive, and he knew it, but he was proud to have Hermione as his girlfriend because she was in fact beautiful. She had managed to tame her hair, using muggle products, her skin was tanned from staying out in the sun, her brown eyes seemed to sparkle, and her figure was great. Ron was constantly concerned about his looks, and was very paranoid about Hermione leaving him, and getting married would ensure that she would stay by his side.

So here Hermione was, standing in front of a full length mirror dressed in her wedding gown, not really anticipating what was coming, but happy nonetheless. It was her wedding day, and Ron was a good catch. He had a good sense of humor, he was nice and caring, he loved her, and she knew he would never hurt her, and he wasn't bad looking, but people wouldn't stop on the street to whistle. She of course knew that looks weren't all that important, but looks were usually the first thing that attracted her to guys, and visa versa. She knew he'd be good to her and that was what made her say yes to him.

There was a knock at her dressing room door. "Come in." she called out. Her mom came in and smiled.

"You're so beautiful!" she cooed.

"Thanks Mum. Do you know if Harry's here?" Her mom looked worried.

"No, he's not here. I'm sorry." Hermione shrugged trying not to look disappointed. She hadn't seen Harry since that summer. He had kept in touch constantly, and had been invited to the wedding, but he wasn't certain if he would be able to make it, and it caused Hermione pain that her best friend wouldn't be there on her wedding day. His two best friends were getting married, and he was missing it. A sudden burst of anger coursed through her body as the thought that Harry wouldn't be there to support them. Ron was disappointed that Harry wasn't going to be his best man, but they really couldn't blame Harry for not being there. He had gone through tough times during his war against Voldemort, and once he graduated from Hogwarts, he was gone within a week. He needed time to himself, and time to heal from Sirius' and Lupin's death. It had been hard on him, and he never got a chance to think things through. They had visited him for his birthday, and he looked like a wreck, so they decided to give him as much time as he needed to recuperate. He soon started sending them owls, but he refused to see them.

"Well honey, it's about time you head on out. Your father's waiting for you," Mrs. Granger said interrupting her train of thought. Hermione sighed.

"Yeah, okay."

"You sure you want to get married?" her mother asked slightly concerned.

"Of course I do. I love Ron; I just wish Harry could be here. He promised he would try to come, but I guess he was too busy. I just don't see how he could be too busy to even come to his best friends' wedding."

"I know honey, but it's your wedding day, enjoy it. You only get married once." Hermione forced a smile, and headed out the door and met her father. Ginny smiled and gave her a hug. Of course she was the maid of honor, and she was so happy for Hermione and her brother. She had wanted them to get together for the longest time. In fact, Hermione had become more like an older sister to her, which she had always wanted seeing as how she had six older brothers.

"You look gorgeous," Ginny whispered. Hermione gave her an actual smile.

"Thanks." She watched as Ginny and the other bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Then the wedding march began, and Mr. Granger looked at her and smiled as his eyes shone proudly. He approved of Ron, and enjoyed his desire to learn a lot about the muggle world.

"Shall we go?" he asked his daughter.

"Of course." They started their long way down the aisle, and Ron was looking at her with desire in his eyes.

"Wow!" he whispered to his best man, Paul, Hermione's cousin. She was beautiful. He couldn't find the right words to describe her. Everything was perfect. He was getting married to his best friend, and she looked like an angel. Only Harry wasn't there, and it hurt him. He and Harry had gone through so much together growing up. Harry was like a brother to him. And he wanted him there by his side, supporting him, and sharing in his joy.

Hermione stopped once she reached Ron's side, and her father moved away. She looked into Ron's eyes as the minister read his part.

"If anyone thinks these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Ron and Hermione looked around the church, and saw nothing but happy faces. At that exact moment, Harry burst through the church doors. Everyone turned around and looked at him. He blushed furiously. All the witches and wizards were murmuring. No one had seen Harry nor heard from him in a long time. Except for Ron and Hermione of course. He was dressed in black pants and a wine red shirt, and sat down in the back.

"Sorry," he announced.

"Harry, mate...come sit up here," Ron said. Harry just blushed more, but he got up and sat down in the first pew by Mrs. Weasley. Hermione's eyes lit up when she saw Harry, and his heart melted. She had to admit he looked very nice. He was obviously in better health, and the bags under his eyes were long gone. She smiled at him, and he felt like hitting himself for ever deciding to come. He hadn't planned on coming, but it seemed wrong to miss it. He was happy that his two best friends were happy, but he couldn't get over the shock and pain of their relationship. He had such strong feelings for Hermione, and seeing them together made him well up with sadness. Hermione had meant the world to him, and was the ray of light in his dark life. She had been his one good thing, someone so sweet and loving. He had of course wanted to ask her out, but knew he needed time to heal before he could date her. He didn't want to cause her any kind of emotional pain. But here she was, getting married to Ron. Looking more beautiful than ever. Smiling at him and looking twice as happy than she had before.

Hermione forced herself to look away from Harry, and to look at Ron. He was the one she was marrying, not Harry. Although he looked great. Tanned, his hair was still a mess, but it made him look hotter. And he was simply adorable when he blushed. She could get lost in his emerald green eyes. She found that she often did.

Harry watched in pain as Hermione and Ron promised to love each other in sickness and in health, and as they slipped on the wedding rings that would forever bind them. He knew his chances at ever winning Hermione's heart was now over. He could practically hear his heart shatter as this sudden realization dawned upon him. The woman he loved now and forever belonged to another. For once in his life, he felt extreme hate and jealousy towards Ron. He knew it wasn't right, and that in truth, Ron had done nothing wrong, but he couldn't help what his heart felt. His brain tried to reason that Ron needed some good in his life, and that he had never been lucky in love until he started dating Hermione. The thought didn't help, and his heart ruled over all reasonable thoughts. Being the gentleman that he was, he came to their reception and congratulated them.

"I'm just glad you could make it," Ron replied happily.

"I'm sorry I was so late. I tried to make it on time."

"I was hoping that you wouldn't miss it."

"You two are my best friends in the world. There's no way I would miss it."

"Would you like to dance?" Hermione asked. Harry honestly didn't trust himself to be so close to her without accidentally revealing his true feelings for her.

"No, that's okay. I'm sure Ron would rather dance with you."

"I really don't mind. C'mon Harry, dance with her for a while. My feet need a break anyways." In truth, Hermione just wanted to be close to Harry, and dancing was innocent enough. She would never actually do anything to hurt Ron even though she felt an attraction to Harry.

"Please?" she begged. A puppy dog look crossed her face. Harry couldn't resist.

"Fine. Only for a little while." A smile crossed Hermione's face as her hand extended to his. He took it and kissed it. She grinned, and they got closer.

"I'm really happy you came Harry. It means a lot to me."

"I know. That's why I came." He looked down into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes and smiled. "You look beautiful."

"You're the hundredth person to say that to me."

"Do I win a prize?" he teased. She rolled her eyes. His smile faded. "You really look wonderful. More than wonderful. You make this whole room brighten up." She could feel herself blush. Listening to Harry tell her how great she looked made her feel better than she already did.

"Well you don't look too shabby yourself Mr. Potter." Harry grinned at her words.

"I try. Going to get my hair done, going to the gym," he said jokingly.

"You know, sometimes I worry about you, Harry."

"I worry about you all the time," he quipped. She looked down to avoid his mesmerizing eyes. She never had trouble keeping eye contact with Ron, but it was hard to look into Harry's eyes without blushing or having to look away. They danced for a few songs, and then Ron cut in on Harry.

"Sorry mate, but she's my wife," Ron said in a light tone, not noticing the look of disappointment on Harry and Hermione's faces. He forced a smile and walked away catching one last look at the couple. Ron was whispering in Hermione's ear, but she wasn't paying attention. Her eyes were on Harry, and when he turned around to look at her, their eyes met and spoke a hundred words. It was if they were saying how much they wanted to be together, but knew that it just wasn't possible, and if the circumstances had been any different, then they would probably be together. But things weren't different, and she was with Ron, and she was happy. Maybe not as happy as she would be if she was with someone she was in love, but she was still happy.

That night, Hermione was a nervous wreck. She had constantly heard about her wedding night. What to expect, what not to expect. What she should do and when. There were times when she worried about what she was to do, but for the most part, she was able to suppress her worries. Until now. She was in a hotel suite, and Ron was taking a shower. She sat on the bed waiting anxiously. She could just pretend to fall asleep, but she would still have to deal with the "situation" tomorrow, and she'd rather just tell Ron the truth...that she wasn't ready to go that far quite yet. And she really was too nervous. He'd be disappointed, but she was sure he'd respect her.

"Hey!" he called happily as he came out of the bathroom with just pants and no shirt.

"H-hey," she stuttered slightly, nervous as hell. "So, uh...what do we do now?" Ron grinned.

"Well, I've got one thought in mind." He raised his eyebrows in a suggestive way. Hermione blushed.

"Yeah, about that Ron, I-I just don't know if I'm ready for that just yet. I mean, I know we're married and everything, but... I just don't feel ready to have sex. I'm only 19." Ron furrowed his brow.

"Oh, well yeah... sure. That makes sense. I mean, I don't want to rush you into anything." He looked only slightly disappointed. "Do you want me to sleep on the couch?"

"No, no... sleep on the bed. I'm just not ready to go to the next level."

"I don't want to sound like some chauvinistic pig, but do you know when you might?" Hermione sighed as she looked into Ron's blue eyes. He had plain blue eyes. Nothing special. No where near as mesmerizing nor as beautiful as Harry's emerald green eyes that seemed to hold the answers to all her problems. She shook her head of the thought. She shouldn't be thinking about Harry. She was married to Ron, and he deserved her undivided attention.

"I'm not sure. Maybe in a few weeks. I just feel so young...you know? This feels so new to me, and I'm still a little scared."

"Yea, me too. But I know we can figure this out together. It's something new to both of us. I'm just as scared and nervous, and whenever you're ready, I'll be ready too. I want to make sure you're comfortable." Hermione smiled at his words. She felt so lucky to have him. She knew he'd understand, and she also knew that in a month or so she would tell him she was ready because he deserved to have a wife who could be intimate with him. They smiled and kissed each other before falling asleep.