So, this is the second chapter of this tiny story:) I made some changes again and I hope no one will be put off by them, but it really helps the story. Changes: Hermione has to stay in the Infirmary after the Troll attack at Halloween and the spell she is supposed to teach Harry in Third Year if I recall well, she uses in her First Year. You'll see what I mean.
On another note, thank you for the nice reviews. I hope you will like it! Please leave a comment on your thoughts!
P.S. The titles for each chapter show Oliver's reaction/feelings to Hermione. So each title will show an evolution.
1: Oliver still dislikes Hermione
His dislike for Hermione Granger wavered slightly when he found out she had been attacked by a Troll during the chaotic Halloween night. Even if she was not a very nice girl, no one deserved to be punished this way.
The Troll story circulated the school for a month or so. Hermione made sure everyone knew that Harry Potter and Ron Weasley had saved her. She did not mention why she had been crying that night. It was all forgotten. Now, they were very good friends.
She had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days. Harry, the Quidditch team's new Seeker, refused to come to practice in order to see his friend in the Infirmary Wing. All this despite the fact that the game would take place in a week.
Oliver felt frustrated that even now Hermione Granger was interfering with his field. It was not fair.
He knew he was acting like a child. After all, she had been in danger. Whenever his team mates were injured he was always by their side. It was natural.
When Harry finally showed up for practice, they did not have enough time to work some strategies with him. Oliver felt cheated.
Quidditch was no one's priority, it was no one's passion, but his.
On the day of the new game it snowed. Large white heaps gathered around the castle walls. The air was filled with frozen flakes. The cold currents of the winter wind made his Quidditch uniform slightly unbearable.
Before the game, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger came to wish Harry good luck. They were sitting in the changing room, talking in a soft whisper. Harry was nodding his head, his face showing full concern.
Hermione was explaining something to him. She was holding a piece of parchment.
Oliver, who was standing some feet away, knew they were not just talking about Quidditch. The three seemed immersed in their own problems. Oliver always told Harry to empty his mind before each game. He wasn't doing that now.
Hermione suddenly mentioned the weather conditions.
'Is it safe to play when it's snowing?' she asked worried.
'It's no problem. We wear goggles and winter equipment,' Oliver interrupted abrupty.
Hermione stared at him for a moment, before she smiled meekly and nodded her head.
'That sounds alright. I was just wondering...well, the snowflakes could cover the goggles. I mean it would decrease the visibility. You could cast a spell on them to keep them constantly dry.'
'That would be very helpful, Hermione,' Harry mentioned.
Hermione did not need more encouragement. She took Harry's goggles and muttered a quick spell on them.
'You should have no problem with them now. I learnt the spell in a book about Weather and Magic.'
'Thanks a lot, you always know just what to do,' Harry said smiling.
Oliver was standing there, trying very hard not to glare at her. He was folding his clothes and unfolding them, in an attempt to calm down.
He had never thought of this before. He had never heard of that spell either.
His best subject was not Charms, admittedly, but he thought that a Third Year would know a bit more than a nosy First Year.
He clenched his fingers over his wand, in an attempt to perform the same spell on his own goggles.
'Oi, Oliver, Hermione could help you with your goggles too,' Ron chimed in.
Oliver could have cursed him right there and then.
'Eh, no thanks, I can handle it,' he muttered.
The young girl pulled some of her bushy strands behind her ears and approached him shyly.
'Here, give me those, I will show you.'
At first he was a bit resentful, but seeing as she was not going away soon he handed her the goggles.
She stood in front of him and cast the spell, showing him how it is done.
Oliver felt his cheeks burning. She smelt like snow, because large snowflakes were caught in her thick hair.
She barely reached his chin.
When she handed his goggles back, he wrinkled his nose slightly.
'Thanks,' he mumbled annoyed and smiled. He immediately turned from her and left the changing room.
Oliver put on his goggles and flew up into the air.
Some of the students were already seated in the bleachers, but the opposing team hadn't arrived yet, so he could circle the field one more time.
Much to his chagrin, he discovered her spell worked well. His vision had improved greatly.
He felt defeated and relieved at the same time. Perhaps this would be a good game.
If they won, he would have to give her credit for the victory.
She was not even on the team.
Oliver knew he would only dislike her more if they won.
