A/N: Thank you so much to all of my reviewers! I will respond to each new review at the end of the chapter. I hope this chapter cheers all of you students up after a long hard day at school. Speaking of school, I should probably be packing...
Chapter Six: Thinking About You"Mr. Wood, could you please explain the diagram I asked you to draw for homework?" Professor McGonagall asked sternly. Oliver was never the academic type but he always paid attention in class and earned decent marks, but today he kept staring out the window.
"Sorry?" Oliver replied. For some reason he could not focus on his lessons. He couldn't help wondering what was bothering Hermione. In fact, he still could not understand why he was so concerned about her. Oliver had only talked to her for a few minutes, yet her presence dwelled inside his mind, consuming his every thought.
"Mr. Wood, did you complete the diagram?" McGonagall asked even more sternly.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall," Oliver answered, wondering why McGonagall's voice always sounded so... stern.
"Then explain it. Do not make me ask you again."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall." Oliver held up his diagram showing the proper transformation of a human into a lion. After ten minutes of watching Oliver mix up theories and sweating profusely, McGonagall ordered him to take a seat.
When the class was dismissed, McGonagall called Oliver up to her desk. "Yes, Professor?"
"Mr. Wood, I couldn't help noticing that you seemed very distracted today. Would you care to tell me why?"
Oliver was most certainly not going to tell a professor that his thoughts revolved around Hermione. He needed to think of something convincing enough that even McGonagall would believe. "I'm just very tired, Professor because I stayed awake all night writing new strategies for Quidditch. We have an important game coming up, you know."
McGonagall eyed the sweating Quidditch captain suspiciously. "Very well, Mr. Wood. You and I both know that is not the reason, but nevertheless I'm afraid I must assign you extra homework since you failed today's lesson."
Oliver's eyes widened with fear. His homework load was already unbearable and he had Quidditch on top of that.
"You will write me two essays. One essay will be on the proper way to transform a human into a lion and vice versa. I expect three feet of parchment. For the second essay, you will write about the importance of paying attention in Transfiguration. You must also include a discussion on the consequences of improper transfiguration technique. For this essay I expect two feet of parchment. Both essays will be handed in on Friday. Do you understand, Mr. Wood?"
Oliver nodded. "Yes, Professor."
"Good. You may leave now."
Oliver glumly stalked off to the library, preparing himself for a long night of work. He barged into the library, earning him a glare from Madame Pince as he threw his books onto a nearby table. "Do be quiet. There are people in here who are trying to work!" Oliver heard a voice hiss.
Just as Oliver was about to argue with the source of the voice, Oliver looked up and saw none other than Hermione Granger sitting in front of him. "Oliver? What are you doing here?" Hermione whispered, embarrassed at her earlier harsh tone of voice she directed towards Oliver.
Oliver smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about the noise I caused. I'm just frustrated because McGonagall gave me extra homework."
Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Why did she give you extra homework?" Hermione noticed Oliver blushed slightly when she asked this question. How strange.
"I wasn't paying attention," Oliver said simply.
"Oh? What were you thinking about, if you don't mind me asking," Hermione added quickly.
"You," Oliver replied quietly just loud enough for Hermione to hear. "Um, I have to go. I don't want to interfere with your work. See you later Hermione." Oliver's cheeks reddened as he swung his backpack over his shoulders and rushed out of the library as quickly as he had come in.
Hermione sat there in shock. Oliver was thinking about her? Why would he be thinking about a bushy-haired, know-it-all bookworm? And why did he blush? Hermione shook these thoughts out of her head and focused on the Arithmancy textbook in front of her.
A/N: Oliver will gradually get more romantic as the story progresses. And by "romantic," I mean really romantic to the point where you just want to gag. Great, huh?
And without further ado, my most recent reviewers:
Prongsette: Thanks for reviewing. Chapter seven will be up on Thursday night around 7PM.
Strawberry Bloom: Wow, you like my story that much? Thanks so much for your support! Now go do your homework... or you could review. Hint Hint
Lia06: Stay tuned for even more Oliver. Believe me, you'll be more than satisfied in future chapters. Thanks for reviewing!
