Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

Chapter Eleven: The Response

-Previously-

He began walking back to the castle when Hermione shouted, "Wait!"

-And now, on with the story-

A huge smile spread across Oliver's face when he turned around to face the love of his life. He silently prayed that Hermione was going to say what he thought she was going to say. "Yes?" he prompted.

Hermione ran her hands through her soft curly hair. "Um, Oliver, I care deeply for you. I really do, but I-I can't love you."

A look of puzzlement and hurt crossed Oliver's face. He looked like someone told him that he could no longer play Quidditch, or he had to find a way to live without oxygen. His gentle brown eyes welled up with tears as he tried to respond without his voice cracking. "What do you mean? You either love me or you don't. No one is preventing you from making either choice."

"Look, I can't explain it. I-I just can't okay?" Hermione said as she fled to the castle, feeling guilty and angry with herself for hurting Oliver. She lied on her bed, hugging her knees. "What have I done?" She had just crushed the heart of the only guy who had ever loved her. This was the same guy who held her until she fell asleep. This was the same guy who listened attentively to all her problems, and when he needed her to say three little words just to make him happy, she couldn't do it. I'm the worst person that has ever walked the earth.

Meanwhile, Oliver kicked a pebble into the lake and screamed, "Arghh!" Tears streaked his usually calm face. He covered his face with his hands and sat down on a bench, trying to figure out how to mend his broken heart. He had thought that Hermione would have at least said she was beginning to develop feelings for him. Although he wanted her to say that she loved him, all he really wanted was some assurance that his feelings for her would not go unrequited. Instead, her response was silence and shock.

Minutes later, he heard footsteps approaching. "Oliver, what happened?"

Oliver looked up and saw Alicia Spinnet, one of his chasers and best friends. He motioned for her to sit down as he wiped away his tears. He hated appearing vulnerable to anyone, but he couldn't help it. Oliver had just handed his heart to Hermione, and she crushed it.

"Come on Oliver. I'm your best friend. You can tell me anything. Who knows? Maybe I can help."

She gave his trembling hand a reassuring squeeze. Oliver took a deep breath, preparing to hear himself say out loud that Hermione didn't love him.

"Today I told Hermione Granger how much I love her. She just got a surprised look on her face and suddenly became dead silent. I told her she didn't have to say anything yet. But as I was walking away, she shouted me to wait. I turned around expecting her to say she loved me, but instead she said she couldn't love me and then she ran back to the castle crying."

"Couldn't love you? That's a strange response. Usually girls will say they love you, or to get lost," Alicia reasoned.

Oliver nodded. "That's what I said, but she just said she couldn't explain it. I just don't know what to do. I've never felt this way about any girl before when I got rejected." He buried his face in his hands trying to conceal his tears.

Alicia patted his back sympathetically. "That's because you've never been in love before. Oliver, I don't know why Hermione is acting the way she is, but I can tell you this- she loves you, too. And I'm not saying this to make you feel better." She paused for a moment before continuing," You know I could never pass up the opportunity to insult you," she jokingly added.

Oliver chuckled. "How very true. But how do you know she loves me? She clearly said she didn't."

Alicia shook her head. "First of all, her eyes betray her. Every times she stares at you, she looks like she believes you are the reason for her to live. Second of all, she said she couldn't, not didn't, which means she wants to, but something is holding her back. Besides, if she really didn't love you, then why would she run to the castle crying? It seems as if she has some deep feelings for you."

Tears of joy spilled from Oliver's eyes. "You know, you're right. She does love me! But what is holding her back?"

Alicia shrugged. "I don't know, but I suggest you go find out."

Oliver gave Alicia a quick platonic kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Alicia for everything. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

Alicia smiled. "Good luck Oliver." As Oliver ran towards the castle, Alicia muttered, "You'll need it."

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A/N: Er, sorry about breaking Oliver's heart, and for such a crappy chapter. This is one of those transition chapters, so everything was kind of um, well, crappy. Don't worry about Oliver. He's not going to give up that easily. I promise that the next chapter will be better, and things will heat up in chapter fourteen. Believe me, you guys will not be disappointed. The romance and fluffiness factor will be completely maxed out.

Valentines-hater: Yes, I know I'm cruel and evil. MWHAHAHA! See? There's your proof. There are a couple more cliffhangers in the future just so you know but it'll be worth it in the end I think.

Lia06: Thank you for reviewing again. I have to say that your story "I Think We're Alone Now" is phenomenal. In fact, you're the first author I've added to my favorites list, and I never do that! To any readers/reviewers out there: read this fanfic!

Troublegirls: I'm so happy for you! I'm glad things are working out with your guy. As for Hermione, well, she is really scared of falling in love, so she won't be declaring her love for Oliver anytime soon. :)