Summary: Hermione seeks comfort and finds it in the least expected place. Everything changes and she can't cope on her own any longer – Who shall she turn to?
Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, don't own Harry Potter or anything related to the books or films (which are evil personified!), that is JK. Rowling's envious delight!
Author's Note: Um, this little fic has changed courses since I started it. I'm sorry for not up-dating sooner, although I'm sure you didn't mind that…And I've re-named it as sweetest sins really didn't fit anymore. It might go through another name change though! Who knows. Anyway, like it? Hate it? Review it? Please? *looks cute* Oh and about the um Latin it actually says "Free Now" But you see, the Free is 'Free from pain' (which I thought was rather fitting so used it) and I'm not sure about the Now…lol so if anyone could help me with that it'd be good ^^


Flying On Feathered Wings
 Chapter 3: Indolentia Nunc

The loud bang of the closing portrait hole echoed around the room, the single occupant groaning aloud at the sound which disturbed the silences of moments before. Sighing heavily Hermione dropped to the white couch of the Head common room, her head dropping into her hands as she stared at the fire. After a few moments her eyes closed, willing the images of Draco to pass, willing them to fade from her minds eye as she relived the kiss again and again in her head.  She could still taste him; feel him pressed against her; his breath caressing her cheek as he hovered uncertainly above her. Moaning softly Hermione touched her lips then brushed her finger tips over the top, hoping to brush away the feeling of his lips on hers.

The silence fell around her, leaving Hermione to her thoughts and the inner turmoil of knowing she just kissed her best friends enemy. Herself and Draco had called a truce at the start of the year, they had to live together and do head duties together so they may at least be civil to each other and put aside their differences. Hermione was brought back to reality by the sound of the Portrait hole opening, her eyes lifted up to see Draco, hair still pink, standing somewhat nervously at the hole.

"I'm…sorry about the hair Malfoy," Hermione started, grinning sheepishly as her eyes fell on his hair, "Come here and I'll do the counter-spell." She smiled, the smile being replaced by a frown as he didn't move.

"Why should I trust you?" He asked in his trade-mark drawl, as if it was just another conversation.

"Because I don't want my hair this disturbing colour all year…" She threw at him while she stood, fishing her wand from her pocket and muttering the counter-spell while pointing the wand at him. The pink tinge to his hair melted roots down until it was just the normal white gold of the Malfoy household. "Now do mine…" She demanded irriatably.

"Whats the magic word Granger?" Draco smirked in her direction, before shaking his head and doing the counter-spell for her. "Back to the normal, hideous brown you have…Although I have to say its better then the turquoise I suppose," he said laughing, flashing her a cheeky grin before dropping into the closest chair.

Rolling her eyes, Hermione stood turning to her room, "I've having a bath" she threw casually over her shoulder, just to make sure he doesn't attempt to come into the room. Grabbing her book and towels Hermione went through to the shared bathroom, she ran her bath while undressing cursing when she realized she had left her CD player in the Common Room. Wrapping a fluffy towel around her she walked out through her room then down into the common room. She bit her lip at the sight of Draco sprawled out across a couch. Taking a deep breath she walked past him and began rummaging on the table for her CD player, once she found it she walked away.

"Nice Tattoo," Draco commented, "Didn't think you were the kind to get a tattoo…" Hermione jumped and span at the sound of his voice, she hadn't realized her towel and slipped down her back so it was resting just above her rump. She scolded herself for removing the glamour's.

"Er…thanks…" She stammered, "You won't tell anyone will you?" She asked hesitantly, her brows furrowed together out of worry.

"If you tell me what it says I won't," He stood as he spoke, moving towards her. She had turned towards her room once more, ready to go back to her bath. She jumped at his touch on the tattoo of Latin which was across the bottom of her neck. An involuntary shiver ran down her spine as his fingers glided over her smooth skin. "Indolentia Nunc" he whispered behind her, his fingers tracing the curling letters as he spoke. She'd had it done a week after Katie had died, along with the other Tattoo. It was a simple tattoo, swirls with the Latin words in the center, stars then fell down her back to create the second tattoo.

"It says, 'I'm free now'," She whispered, not trusting her voice at that moment in time. The emotions he brought up in her were new, she hadn't felt the strange sensation in her stomach when Ron touched her, not matter how he touched her. She could feel the burning desire to turn and kiss him, the one who invoked new emotions within her. Shutting her eyes she tried, un-successfully, to push the emotions away.

"Ah, that would somewhat explain the wings…" His voice was husky and deep, causing another shiver to run down her spine. His hands dipped lower on her smooth skin, tracing the outline of the pair of feathered wings which she had across her back. They were made from stars so the two tattoo's formed one large one across her back, showing her love and loyalty to her friend. "I'm guessing it doesn't mean that your free does it?" He asked quietly.

"No…It was for my friend," She informed him hesitantly, "She er…died last summer…" She bit down on her lip, stopping the sob which threatened to shake her already shivering form.

"How?" He asked simply.

"She committed suicide…" Hermione answered, eyes fluttering shut as images were drug up from her memory. Katie dead in her arms, blood on her clothes, the note. Hermione's small form shook and trembled from the on-slaught of emotion, from Draco touches and now the mention of Katie. Her knee's buckled under her, causing her to go crashing to the floor. But before she hit, she felt strong arms circling her waist, holding her close as she shook and sobbed. "They killed her…" She whispered into his chest, Draco had turned her so she was facing her and they both sat on the floor. Draco slowly rocking back and forth with the girl in her arms.

"Who?" Draco whispered into her hair, as the scent of vanilla took to his senses.

"People like you…" Was the answer, causing a frown to crease Dracos flawless brow.  "Purebloods…wizards…people like me!" She sobbed quietly, her body shaking in his.  She felt safe there, nestled into his arms head resting on his chest as they rocked back and forth. He soothed her with shushes as the sobs became louder.

"She's one of us?"

"Yes," Came the answer. After a few moments of silence Hermione giggled, "I'm naked…" She stated with another giggle, causing Draco to grin sheepishly. He coughed, sliding his arms from around her.

"Maybe you should go finish you bath…We can talk later if you want?" he asked, looking down at her worriedly. She nodded, standing trying to regain her composure as she walked away from him. Stopping at the door she turned to him, a smile on her lips.

"Thanks…" She whispered softly, earning a nod from the still seated Draco. Turning she went for her bath with a soft sigh. Leaving Draco to ponder on what she had thanked him for.