Please note that this chapter has a rather strong PG-13 rating, so if you'd rather not read it (it's not a lemon, though, don't worry!), you could email me for a quick summary. And now, please enjoy!

In the Shade of the Oak

It was early October, and a fall chill was in the air, but as the sunsets were extraordinarily beautiful, no one complained much. Hermione had taken to finishing her homework as early as possible, so as to take evening walks with Oliver. Voldemort had attacked part of Oxford a week ago, and the teachers were all giving practical lessons, and little homework was given out.

Hermione was studying in the Common Room when Oliver burst in, a strange look on his face. Seeing that he looked about to hug her, she pulled him towards the girls' dormitories, and up the stairs to her own dorm.

"I… Nevermind, Hermione…" he whispered, beginning to kiss her again.

Responding to the kiss, she twined her hands in his hair, and fell into his kiss, but there was something different. Oliver seemed so sad and despairing; she knew he was going on some sort of errand, a mission, for Dumbledore, but he had been confident about the last one; what could be so bad now?

°

On this day, the seventh of October, Oliver pulled Hermione into the shade of that familiar oak tree, and embraced her. After a moment, Hermione realized that he was crying, his silent tears wetting her scalp.

"Oliver," she whispered, pulling away, looking straight into his sad brown eyes, "What in the world is wrong?"

What could be so horrible to bring her strong young man to tears?

"I'm leaving in three days… On a spying mission…" he whispered, cupping her face in his hands, "Oh, Hermione, my love, I am going to spy on the Ministry Officials; remember Macnair? The Ministry is becoming corrupted; the Minister himself is close to becoming a Death Eater! If the Dark Lord finds out, I don't want to know what could happen… I can't bear to lose you; I sound so childish, but…"

"Oh," she whispered, trying hard to keep tears at bay, "You must live, Oliver! You will; you're too wonderful to die! I've wanted to wait, like my parents've always told me, and such, but…" And she began to slowly undo his robe's buttons.

"Hermione, are you sure? That you want to make love here, now? What if you get stuck with my child? And what if I die on this mission? How would you take care of a baby?" he asks, nonetheless beginning to take off her robes.

"I am sure. My parents have always told me to wait for my first time, until that special someone comes along. You're that 'special someone'; this is my first time. If I bear your child, what better thing in remembrance of you? I love you, Oliver!"

And the two became one in the shadow of the oak tree where they had first confessed their love for eachother. And it was good.

°

Dear Hermione, this letter read,

Professor Dumbledore has asked me to leave earlier than we expected; I had only been asleep an hour when he asked me to leave before three in the morning. I want to tell you that I in no way regret what we did last night: It was my first time as well, and I will treasure the memory for this week that I must be away from your beautiful face. If I die, which I am praying will not happen for many, many years, remember that I love you. I will always love you; death could never do us part, Hermione.

Oliver

°

Yes, this was one short chapter… I really couldn't continue it, though, and have the impact I wanted. Yesh, there's sex. But I kinda liked that point from IcyAngel12's story, so it's in there. Is she going to have a baby? You'll just have to find out! XD I'll hopefully have the next chapter up over the weekend. Now, to thank the reviewers:

G*Ness- Thank you! And thanks for reviewing Ophiuchus Ascending! I can't wait for your Chapter Four to come out! J

Moony- Gracias! A happy dance? Too cute!

ducky-doll- Here's another chapter! How can you write your fic so fast, and still keep it so good? Tell me your secret, I implore you! A fave fic? I feel spiffy!

magik**princess- Thanks! Sorry that I haven't reviewed your fic yet; I've been lazy and trying to do extra schoolwork. But I *will* read it sometime; I'm sure I'll love it!

Cinder- I'm glad you liked the ring. At first I thought it was kinda cheesy, but I want Hermione to have *some* means of security. Danke!

Please remember to review; the next chapter will be up soon! Thanks!

Rosie Sinistra