Disclaimer: Haven't I posted enough of these things already? No? (Sigh) Fine. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter. If you didn't already know this, then you're in the wrong place.

Chapter Thirteen: Back to Being Friends...Or Something More

After Oliver's apology, his friendship with Hermione went back to normal. Well, as normal as it could be after Oliver revealed his feelings twice. They went back to being friends after Hermione told Oliver that she didn't want a romantic relationship with him, and Oliver agreed to attempt at suppressing his romantic feelings from now on, but within the hearts of Oliver and Hermione was a deep love for each other, and neither of them could forget the day when Oliver first declared his love for Hermione.

"Hermione, are you feeling all right?" Oliver asked as he sat next to Hermione at the Gryffindor table during lunch. Hermione stopped staring absentmindedly at her ham sandwich and looked up at Oliver, smiling.

"Of course I'm fine. How was class?"

"Eh, as good as Potions can be, I guess."

Oliver took a seat and wolfed down three turkey sandwiches. Hermione watched him with nostalgia written all over her face. Oliver paused and stared at her. "Is something wrong?"

Hermione smiled. "It's nothing. I just haven't seen anyone inhale three sandwiches so quickly since Ron was here."

Oliver grinned. "I've been studying Ron's technique for a while, so I thought that I should put it to good use." Oliver noticed a brief flicker of sadness in Hermione's eyes. "I'm sorry Hermione. I know how much you miss Ron and Harry."

Hermione shook her head. "There's no need to apologize. I just haven't seen Ron and Harry in a long time. I mean, they owl me everyday, but it isn't the same, you know?"

Oliver squeezed Hermione's shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll see them eventually. Christmas is coming up you know." (A/N: For the purposes of this story, Hermione's birthday will be in December, a week before Christmas)

Hermione smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I have to go return this book. I'll be right back."

Oliver gave her a quick hug and rushed back to his room. He pulled out some spare parchment and began writing. Hermione's birthday was in a couple of weeks, and he didn't have much time left to prove his love for her. He had to make her feel as special as she did before his announcement, while declaring his love for her again but in a more meaningful way. And what better time to do this than on her birthday?

Maybe my gut feeling is wrong. Maybe her fear of getting involved with me isn't on some deeper level like I thought. Hermione was probably being honest when she said she was afraid she meant nothing more to me than any other girl I've dated. If I could prove to her that I'm being sincere, then maybe she'll want to move onto a romantic relationship. (A/N: Oliver did not write any of this in his letter. These are strictly his thoughts as he is writing the letter)

Oliver finished writing. "There," Oliver skimmed his letter quickly. "Perfect!" He placed the letter in a large envelope and rushed down to the owlery. He handed the letter to a pretty brown owl. "Deliver this as quickly as you can." The owl hooted and flew away.

"Hey, I've been looking for you. What are you doing?" Hermione asked as she walked into the owlery.

Oliver smiled uneasily. He couldn't let her find out what he was planning for her birthday. "Oh, nothing. I just sent a few letters to some friends back home."

"Oh, okay. I was wondering if you wanted me to help you with your Herbology essay, and then we could go to your Quidditch practice together?"

Oliver's eyes widened with surprise. "Y-You want to come to my Quidditch practice? But you've always found it dull."

Hermione smiled. "Well, I've never really given it a fair chance. Besides, you've been there for me ever since school started. All I've done is mope around and complain about all of my problems. Oliver, you've been my rock through the darkest moments of my life, and I just want to thank you. The least I can do is be there for you and go to your Quidditch practices and games."

Oliver hugged her. "Thank you, Hermione. This really means a lot, but you're wrong about not doing anything for me. What about your taking care of Marsh?"

Hermione grinned. "Good point. I guess I have a talent for taking a guy's breath away." (A/N: Remember, she knocked the wind out of Marsh's stomach after he hit Oliver)

Oliver smiled adoringly at her. "Yes, you do."

A/N: Wow! That was the crappiest chapter I've ever written. Sorry about that. The good news is that the chapters are wonderful after this. There will be a lot of action, angst and of course, the ending! (There are nineteen chapters in all) Please read and review. Remember, if I get a total of at least 8 reviews by early Monday night, I will post Chapter Fourteen- the chapter with all of the fluff and romance. (Hint) (Hint)

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CrazyVoices22: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapters. Thanks for your review!