Sinners and Saints

Part 1

Hermione's p.o.v

The familiar sight of Kings Cross Station comforted Hermione as she stepped out of the car that the Weasley's had borrowed from the ministry to get to the Hogwarts Express. Looking up at the towering building, she was ready to go home.

As they crossed into platform 9 ¾, the media swarmed to get the latest update on the Golden Trio. It was a nightmare. Hermione never enjoyed being in the spotlight. It was something that was forced on her. But if it meant not being friends with Harry, then she wouldn't change a single thing.

The platform was just how she remembered it. First years trying to stay close to their parents, different members of house quidditch teams carrying brooms around, the sound of owls and various other pets, and trunks going everywhere while people tried to avoid being hit by ones heading towards the train. The loud atmosphere tells her she's nearly home. Back to the place she felt most comfortable. Somewhere she could be herself no questions asked. Where she fit in and she was so excited to go back, to see all her friends, and learn so many more things.

Turning to Harry, she saw he looked as equally as excited as she did. Mrs Weasley was busy worrying about if Ginny had everything, when she saw two tall red-heads making their way towards them. Instantly Hermione knew who it was and ran towards the direction they were coming from.

"Georgie!" She yelled excitedly. It had been awhile since she had seen him, as he lived above his and Fred's joke shop instead of at the Burrow.

"Hey Mione. How's it going?" he said, pulling her into a brotherly hug.

"I missed you." She responded.

"Well I know I'm your favourite redhead but I've been very busy trying to keep the WWW alive." He said producing a cocky grin awaiting the objections that he knew would arise from his two youngest siblings.

As if on cue Ron and Ginny turned to look at George and filled the expectation with the simple response of an offended "Hey!"

The other then cleared his throat and just looked at Hermione.

Her eyes softened and her voice quietened down to a whisper.

"Freddie" She jumped into his arms and he swung her round before placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"Oi," Said Ron, "Stop kissing my best friend in public and Hermione, that's my brother, I don't want to see the mortifying sight, I get it almost everyday from Ginny and Harry."

Hermione wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't even aware he knew what mortifying meant. But George being George chimed in perfectly, not letting a beat of the conversation drop.

"Using big words are we now ickle Ronniekins?" George questioned playfully.

Hermione could see the anger slowly rising up inside her best friend and decided to change the subject in an attempt to calm him down. Ron never really had very much control over his emotions, it was like he was PMSing all the time.

"So what brings you two to this fine establishment today." Hermione said with a slightly over the top accent in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"Well ma lady." George replied playing along "We have come to see off our dear brother and sister as they depart back to their school. I wonder if you have seen them? Both rather ginger and slightly smaller in height than myself."

Hermione giggled as he finished. Continuing the facade she responded with an equally as formal answer.

"I do believe, kind sir, that the two of which you speak are standing right in front of you all you have to do is look down. Did you not just say that they are both smaller than yourself?"

Before either twin could reply Ginny jumped in.

"Alright you lot knock it off we have to get on the train in a minute or it will leave without us. Now you." she said pointing at George "and you." she said pointing at Fred "better come and give me a hug, you're not going to see your favourite sister again until Christmas."

As they engulfed Ginny into a hug, Fred said with a laugh "Gin you're our only sister."

"Exactly." She replied "I'm everyone's favourite sister." And with that Ginny hopped on the train having previously said goodbye to Molly and Arthur.

After the rest of the group said goodbye to George, Molly and Arthur, Hermione was left standing alone with Fred. He looked at her and knew what was coming.

She drew a shaky breath and said "I'm really going to miss you, Christmas is such a long time away, I don't think I can last that long without seeing you."

"I know, I know Mia and I'm so sorry I wasn't around more over the summer but Lee was away dealing with his Dad and I just couldn't leave George by himself in the shop." Fred answered back, wrapping his strong arms around Hermione as a small sob left her mouth. Hermione and Fred had been dating secretly for a few months before the battle, George was the only one who knew, but after Fred's brush with death, they decided not to hide their relationship from those they loved. Everyone had been very supportive, especially Molly who quietly wished those two would get together.

"You'd better get on the train Mia the Hogwarts Express waits for no witch." Fred said with a hint of pain in his voice. Hermione was the love of his life, he knew that, it was just a matter of telling her, but every time he tried, he just couldn't seem to put it into words.

"Bye Freddie! I'll see you at Christmas." She said with one last kiss as she and the last stragglers all boarded the train as the whistle blew, and the Hogwarts express slowly pulled out of the station.

Hermione finally found the compartment with her friends, sat down and joined in their conversation about the quiet year at Hogwarts they might finally achieve.