Hey people! I'm sorry I haven't been reviewing this fanfic as often as I should be. Many thanks to all who have reviewed and added me to your updates. It means the world to me! :) I hope you enjoy this chapter…I'm afraid its a bit weak…

Rays of sunlight filtered in through windows unshielded by curtains, falling upon the face of Hermione Granger and disturbing her peaceful slumber. She let out a small groan and rolled over, covering her eyes with her arm. As comfortable as she was, something was off.

She took a deep breath, the feel of the mattress beneath her much too soft to be the one from the inn that she had slept in the previous night. This…isn't…the inn… she thought groggily. Her thoughts suddenly fell into place. This ISN'T my room! Tearing her arm away from her eyes, Hermione sat up. She was not, in fact, sitting in her room at the inn. She wasn't too sure where she was for that matter. All she recognized were blue walls.

She thought for a moment then realized where she had seen said blue walls. Oliver's flat. "What the bloody hell did I do last night?" Hermione whispered aloud. All she could remember was leaving Oliver's parents' house…they were flying home…and her memory ended there. Maybe we crashed on his flying deathtrap and I'm in heaven…

The house was completely silent, save for the sound of distant breathing from the living room. Oliver? she thought, her mind still a bit foggy. I'm going to lean more towards my heaven theory. She added with a sleepy smile.

Slowly climbing out of bed, she stretched out her limbs and set out to find why she was here--not that she was complaining-- and who was sleeping in the adjacent room. Before venturing out into this flat, however, she glanced down at herself, seeing that she was still in the same apparel from the night before. Well…at least I'm clothed. As odd as this situation was, she found herself frowning at the wrinkles and, pulling her wand out of her pocket, she waved it over the length of her body, smoothing out her hair and clothes. She let out a complacent sigh at the sight of her more put together self in the mirror, then walked into the living room, wand still in hand.

Her supposition concerning who she would find was correct. It was Oliver who was fast asleep on the couch, wearing a pair of tatty sweats. Nothing more. Her eyes slightly widened as they raked across his bare chest and continued to travel upward until meeting his face. Wow, she thought as she sighted his handsome sleeping face, but immediately afterwards found herself stifling a giggle. Oliver's thumb was resting lightly against his lower lip, probably a vestige of some childhood habit. "Well thats rather… adorable," she admitted out-loud, leaning against the arm of the couch, unable to stop herself from smiling. Her comment seemed to have somehow penetrated the dormant confines of Oliver's mind and he rolled on his side, yawning, then blinking his eyes awake.

The first thing he saw was Hermione. Wonderful.

With a wand in her hand… Not so wonderful.

Oliver's eyebrows shot upward as he interpreted the wand as a sign that she was upset with him for bringing her back to his apartment. Perhaps it was too soon to think she would trust him...

"Hermione?!" He asked in a shaky voice, sitting up and scooting away from her on the couch.

"Yes?" She asked, her smile slowly fading at the sight of his somewhat frightened face.

"What's the wand for?" Oliver responded, trying to keep his voice level.

"What?…Oh, nothing. Why?" she asked, confused by his reaction, and stowed it away in her pocket.

Relief flitted across Oliver's face as he relaxed his position on the couch. Merlin's beard. I really don't understand witches, he thought to himself before stating, "I thought you…forget it." He said with a laugh, running a hand over his head in a futile attempt to comb it back.

Hermione raised an eyebrow quizzically, "Well Oliver…if you don't mind me asking I am a bit curious as to how I got here."

Oliver sighed lightly, leaning back against the couch, "Erm. Well, it was rather late when we got back and I was positive your innkeeper was already asleep so I figured I'd bring you back here. I hope you don't mind…"

Hermione nodded slowly, fighting a smile, "Well that makes sense…"

Oliver tried to decode her expression. His years of time spent playing quidditch rather than social interaction wasn't coming in handy. "You're not upset, right?"

"Why would I be?" Hermione asked with a slight laugh.

"I don't know, you…don't have a change of clothes?" Oliver guessed.

Hermione looked down at her wrinkle free clothing and laughed, "Oh Oliver, what will the neighbors say?"

Oliver's responding laugh was interrupted by a sharp tapping sound coming from the window.

An owl.

A Daily Prophet, owl.

Hermione's heart sank as she watched Oliver get up from the couch and open the window, gently untying an envelope from the owl's foot. It was addressed to Hermione.

Oliver's face blanched. The tabloids would be on him like a pack of ravenous dogs if they had known Hermione Granger stayed the night. He hadn't necessarily thought of that the night before when he had been more than pleased to have her come home with him. Well…they'll find out eventually either way. he consented and walked towards Hermione, seating himself next to her on the couch, smiling slightly and handing the letter to her. "Its for you."

It took her a moment to regulate her heartbeat in response to his smile. Totally illogical, Hermione. She chastised herself. A guy takes off his shirt and you go crazy? No. Thats… Oh forget it. Hermione accepted the envelope with a quiet, "Thank you", trying to to distract herself from thoughts concerning the man sitting beside her by reading the small text of the letter she now held in her hands.

"Dear Ms. Granger," it read.

"Your piece on Wood and McPherson was brilliant! Exactly what we were looking for. We generally give our reporters three days maximum per piece. If you'd kindly report back to our office ASAP to accept your next assignment, it'd be greatly appreciated.

So glad to have you on our writing staff,

Barnabus Cuffe."

"Hermione?" Oliver asked after a drawn out moment. Hermione's frown had grown exponentially as her eyes had traced down the page before her. "Hermione?" He repeated.

"I…they said it was great." She sputtered.

"Thats brilliant Hermione! Congratulations." Oliver exclaimed, exalted.

"But I…have…to leave."

Oliver's smile faded slightly, "Thats fine, right? I mean…I'll come visit you whenever I can and there are always the weekends."

Hermione offered him a sad smile and nodded, "Of course."

"We'll work it out 'Mione." Oliver said and took her hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly.

Hermione laughed slightly, "I suppose us being together in Diagon Alley will attract quite some attention though…"

Oliver grinned, "I don't mind so much."

Hermione attempted a smile but could barely manage it.

The letter felt as though it weighed fifty pounds as it sat in her hand. She had to leave, "ASAP".

When she spoke again her voice was nearly inaudible, "I think I should go."

Oliver nodded understandingly, "Okay."

And, once Oliver had changed into proper clothes, the two of them apparated to the inn and gathered her things. She hated that she was being rushed when she wanted to properly experience every second with Oliver. It was incredible how profoundly two simple days had rearranged her quiet existence.

Her bags were now packed and with Quidditch Through the Ages tucked into her purse with the Puddlemere United page still dogeared from her ride to this town, Hermione readied herself to go.

"Oliver…" she began to say but he simple drew her close and kissed her square on the lips.

"I'll see you soon, love." He said confidently with a broad grin and with that, she made her leave, turning on the spot, feeling the gaze of man she potentially loved on her back.

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