Chapter Fifteen: A Long Talk With the Boys
Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter
The trio sat outside at the Quidditch Pitch. Harry and Ron practiced hitting bludgers with clubs, while Hermione sat on a bench, enjoying the company of her friends.
"So, Hermione, what was the last present Wood gave you?" Ron asked slyly, as he sent a bludger flying.
Hermione blushed. She told them about Oliver's elaborate present. Both boys stared at her in awe.
"Are you serious, Hermione? Wood did all of that?" Ron asked, shocked that Oliver could be that romantic. He had no idea that any guy could be that romantic.
"Is this the same Wood that taught the Quidditch team how to play despite being wrapped up in casts and bandages?' Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. "Yep."
"Is this the same Oliver who thinks that the meaning of life involves playing Quidditch?" Ron asked with disbelief.
Hermione nodded. "Yes. It's the same Oliver. But there was more to his present."
"More?" Harry and Ron said in unison.
"Yes. He asked me to be his girlfriend."
"That's great!" Harry said, hugging Hermione.
"It's about time!" Ron said as he hugged his two friends.
Slowly, Harry backed away when he sensed Hermione wasn't feeling as enthusiastic. "Wait, a second. You did say 'yes' right?"
Hermione shook her head reluctantly. "No, I turned him down."
"Are you mad? After all he did? How could you say no? Bloody hell! Even I wouldn't say no if he did all of that for me!" Ron said heatedly.
Harry and Hermione stared at him in disbelief with eyebrows raised.
"You know what I mean!" Ron retorted defensively.
Harry shook his head in exasperation. "Hermione, why did you reject him? I thought you liked him."
Hermione lowered her eyes. "I do. In fact, I think I may even love him."
"How did Wood handle the rejection?" Harry asked, a bit concerned about Oliver. Oliver never took losing well.
Hermione sighed. "He told me in a very shaky voice that he understood. Then he gave me a weak smile and walked away. Lavender and Parvati claim they saw him stalking off to his room. The worst part is, I made him... cry. I can't ever remember him crying. He's always been strong, but I think this time, I weakened him. Needless to say, I feel very guilty, especially since he's been there for me since school started, and he planned me the most spectacular birthday I could ever wish for."
Harry placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Don't worry. Wood will get over it, eventually."
"So, what's the problem? Why did you reject him? He obviously loves you and you love him, so why can't you two be together?" Ron asked, baffled.
Hermione took a deep breath. "I'm getting to that. Harry, Ron, there's something else I haven't told you."
"Go on," her friends encouraged.
"Shortly, after you both left for America, I had a nightmare that may be prophetic. I saw Voldemort killing my parents. Both of my parents were... screaming and writhing in pain." Hermione paused, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes.
Ron and Harry gave her looks of sympathy, and patted her back. "Then Voldemort turned to me and said he would kill the one I love. So you see, if I love Oliver, he will die- Voldemort will kill him!"
Hermione burst into tears. "Shh. Hermione calm down," Harry whispered soothingly," Hermione, your fears are completely understandable, but you can't let Voldemort run your life. You need to live it the way you want, regardless of what might happen, or could happen. Making you live in fear is what Voldemort wants to do. If you want to be Oliver, be with Oliver. If you don't want to, then don't. Just make sure your decision is not affected by Voldemort."
"The point is: do whatever you want to do. Don't mind the cloaked weirdo," Ron summarized.
Hermione smiled at Ron's comment. "Thanks guys. What would I do without you two?"
"You're about to find out Miss Granger," an eerily creepy voice hissed.
A/N: Ooh, cliffhanger. MWAHAHAHA! I know I'm cruel and that this chapter was way too short, but you'll find out what will happen soon enough, though the owner of the creepy voice should be obvious.
And now, without further ado, here are the reviewers for chapter fourteen:
Valentines-hater: Oops, sorry! Hermione said "no," but now you can have Oliver!
Lost angel92: Thank you very much for your review!
Rebel with a crappy atit: Sure, you can have Oliver, too, but you'll have to share him with valentines-hater.
Lia06: Ah, computer problems. Say no more. I completely understand. Thank you very much for reviewing! By the way, your story," I Think We're Alone Now," just keeps getting more amazing. I strongly recommend this story to everyone.
A/N: Remember, everyone, once I get 4 reviews for this chapter, I will post chapter sixteen. There are a total of nineteen chapters, so we're almost done!
