Ron and Hermione had been sneaking around the sidelines for a long time now. They didn't really know what this was. All they knew is that they wanted each other and to be with each other, to be close to one another. Little did they know that while they were sneaking around so were two other people very close to their hearts. Harry and Ginny, Ron's little sister.

"Harry, we can't" she spoke between kisses. "Ron will see! Do you know what he's going to do to you if he found out!"

"I know" in that way that Harry does "but something's got to get me through Transfiguration!" Ginny threw back her head and laughed a deep laugh that started all the way in the pit of her stomach and enveloped her being. It was rare to see someone that happy these days he thought as she snaked her arms around his neck and while he rested his own hands on her petite waist. Harry was glad that it was Ginny that he could see being that happy, he loved nothing more than to spend time with her, to make her laugh. He made her happy and she calmed him.

A hidden corridor leading away from the Great Hall had become a favourite for both the couples, its solitude and peace had become what they all needed during these difficult times. A lot of the time Ron and Hermione could be found just sat against the wall, fingers intertwined talking about anything and everything from lessons to the weather, while Ron would trace circles on the back of her hand playing dot to dot with her beauty spots or sometimes they wouldn't say anything at all, just sit there holding each other watching the rain tumble down the window panes. Spending the time together was enough. A lot of people knew about what they had but they still felt the need to keep it a secret and sneak around, everyone knew it had been coming for years, everyone but themselves. It had started 4th year, they'd become more touchy, more flirty but also bickered a lot more and then one night in the Gryffindor common room things had become a lot more serious.

Hermione had been helping Ron with his Potions essay; he was never good at the doing them on time or being on time for that matter. The roasting fire was crisp and crackling radiating just enough heat to keep them warm and toasty on this cold winters night

"That's done now, Ron"

"Thank you Hermione, you're the best"

Deep inside she knew that was all she needed to hear.

"Mione?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think there's something going on between Harry and Ginny?"

Hermione spluttered, spraying her herbal tea in the direction of the fire

"...Attractive Hermione"

"Well, you kina caught me off guard a bit there, Ronald! Um, I don't know really, I never thought about it, why?"

"Well it's just, they spend a lot of time together, if I don't know where either of them is, I know they'll be together and I know he's my best mate and stuff but, well... BLOODY HELL! That's my sister!"

Hermione turned and he was right there was Harry and Ginny playing tonsil hockey outside the Gryffindor common room

"What the bloody hell do they think they're doing!"

Ron got up from the seat he'd been in all night and was about to pull them apart by the ears when he stopped and there in his hand was Hermione's

"Ron" she spoke softly as she slowly pulled him back down to her level

He gulped, his heart rate peaking a little.

"Yeah?"

And before either of them knew what was happening they were close. So close there was barely room to breathe and both of their heart rates had become more irregular, their breath more erratic. Ron gracefully moved a strand of hair that framed Hermione's face until his hand was resting on her cheek and she had nestled herself into his hand while he stroked her cheek and then it happened. The first one. She elegantly brushed her lips over his, nudging his nose with her own as they became more comfortable with being so close she moved her arms looping them around his neck while he held her close and tight by the waist. Eventually they had to break for air finishing with a light peck

"Wow" was all he could say

"Yeah" she breathed

But they both knew they were happy about it and with a satisfied sigh sat down on the sofa together, her nestling into his shoulder while he protectively held his own arm around hers.

Since it had been officially announced that You Know Who was back, everyone was a little more on edge, a little more scared but also a little more daring. Everyone was still trying to carry on like everything was normal, even though, secretly, they all knew that they were all in imminent danger, especially Harry and those closest to him and that's what worried him the most. Seeing anything happen to Ginny or his friends would kill him, if Voldemort didn't do it first.

Just as Harry and Ginny pulled away from their last embrace, Ron and Hermione turned the corner. Harry and Ginny couldn't have looked guiltier if they tried with the speed they jumped apart.

"Oh, hello you two" said Ron suspiciously. He'd been noticing that Harry had been disappearing an awful lot lately and wherever he found Harry; he would find Ginny close by.

"Ready for Transfiguration Ron?" said Harry trying to change the subject and cut the tension.

"Uh, yeah, come on then"