Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling
It had been nearly a week since Sunday morning and Hermione hadn't heard a word from neither Ron nor Harry. 'Some best friends they are…' she thought privately to herself all the week. They had no work to do, they were free, but somehow they didn't consider dropping by her or visiting her. They had to be too busy. They had both girlfriends to be concerned with. Naturally Hermione devoted herself to her job intending to succeed at least in her work life. Some things had to go without trouble.
On Tuesday, When Oliver dropped by her office to tell her that he would be away for a week, Hermione felt almost pleased. He told that he would be back for the weekend and suggested her arranging a dinner with Harry. Hermione passed the suggestion over lightly mumbling something 'if it fits to their schedule'. As Oliver left the office, Hermione was relieved. She didn't know the reason though she wasn't supposed to feel like that since she was a newly girlfriend. Ron had confused her, she couldn't deny it. She was sort of expecting his extreme reaction but at least he could pretend as if he was happy for her. If he persists on this behaviour Hermione was convinced that whatever between them it would be damaged ultimately. After long considerations, she decided to invite them for dinner.
Friday evening after work, Hermione dropped by Harry and Ron's place to inform the dinner she was planning, doubtful about finding someone at that hour. She apparated outside the house, thinking it would be inappropriate if she suddenly appeared in the middle of the house.
She knocked on the door; it was Harry whom answered her.
"Hermione!" Harry greeted her with a small smile on his face. His hair was totally a mess and his eyes were sleepy. Hermione regretted thinking that she had chosen a wrong time to drop by.
"Hi, Harry!" She greeted him tentatively. "I hope it isn't-"
"Don't be silly, Hermione. Come in!" Harry wild opened the door, shaking his head slightly. "I am very alone in the house," he explained. "Ron is out!" then he added, casually walking towards the living room. Hermione followed him, giving a sigh of relief.
"Why are you at home, shouldn't you be with Ginny?" she asked him, winking.
"I had been actually. Ginny was on duty yesterday night so I escorted her till the morning!" he said yawning wildly, and layed down on the sofa which Hermione assumed he had been lying there for a long time.
"Hımm, figures…" she said looking at his state. "You're an admiring boyfriend, really!"
"Tell that to Ginny!" Harry said offensively.
"She knows, Harry."
Harry merely smiled.
"Where is Ron?" she asked walking out of the room, to prepare a cup of coffee for Harry.
"I don't know," Harry replied silently. "He might be with Diana but I don't know!" Hermione made a fist then counted to the ten before she re-entered the living room.
"How are you doing, you tell me?" asked Harry. "What about the latest incident?" he sat up while Hermione handed the mug to him.
"The same things, you know. The responsible hadn't been found yet. Ministry tries to cover it up since the woman's really old but there is more than that if you ask me. Sooner or later it will come to light. When it is, it might not be your problem any more."
Harry grimaced. Hermione smiled weakly.
"Why did Ron behave like that when I got the letter, by the way?" she asked praying it in relation with the subject.
"Silly git," Harry said, shaking his head in disapproval. "He thought the letter was from Oliver and you lied us to meet with him."
"Rubbish!" Hermione chuckled disbelievingly. "I know," Harry agreed.
"When did I lie to you? Sometimes I don't know him. He is so childish!"
"I know!"
"Then why does he has to treat me like that?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
"I don't know that!" Harry shrugged.
"Come on, Harry," blurted out Hermione. "There has to be a reason. You should know what's going on in his mind." She exploded feeling her face heating up.
"I really don't know Hermione, I swear." Harry seemed indifferent therefore Hermione dropped the subject.
"Anyway, I almost forgot." Hermione said remembering why she had been there in the first place. "I came here to invite you to the dinner for Sunday evening. Oliver will be back in the morning, and there is no need to delay the big reunion." She smiled forcibly.
"Sure. Let's see the famous-" Hermione sensed what's coming and tossed Harry the small pillow next to her.
"Good looking!" another pillow "Oouch! You're going to burn me!" Harry said chuckling; he put the mug on the easel and threw the pillow Hermione back.
"Now I should go and begin to prepare the feast for Sir Harry Potter and his in prospect fiancé."
"Ouch, that hurts!"
As soon as Hermione apparated home she sent an owl to Ginny.
Ginny,
I arranged a dinner for tomorrow evening and I need your help! You may be concerned if I say that I invited your beloved the boy- who- lived as well! I know you are free tomorrow so I await you in the morning to help me.
Love
Hermione
Several minutes later, Ginny sent a reply.
Hermione,
I would love to help you, of course. After a long wait you finally decided to introduce Oliver to us. I will help you just because I am concerned about my darling's wellbeing.
See you in the morning,
Ginny
Next morning, Hermione got up very early, a strange feeling inside her. She searched her wardrobe to find something to wear for the dinner. In the end, she found a dress in the rear of her wardrobe, which she had bought for a wedding last year, and decided to wear it. It was a nice pale pink, knee- length dress and Hermione had liked it very much. She had forgotten about it, and it had been a surprise to find it.
She made her breakfast in hurry, and went to do the shopping to get the refreshments.
Whilst she went back home, it was nearly midday. She started to panic. But much to her relief, she found Ginny came earlier than her. She had her wand in her hand; she was magically cleaning the living room.
"Ginny. May it be easy?"
"Hermione. Where have you been? It's nearly midday. What are you planning to do? Come on start doing something. You won't be able to get ready in time!" Ginny scolded her out of the breath.
"All right, Ginny. I'll start!" Hermione replied quickly. Beforehand, she had decided what to cook, therefore she swiftly headed to the kitchen to prepare without further ado.
After she was done with the cleaning, Ginny helped Hermione in the kitchen. In the end, they set the table in the living room. At half past seven, Ginny went to her house to get ready and Hermione started to dress as well. She wore her dress, which really fit her perfectly and she put on some make up. In the meantime, she was worrying about the night. A million thoughts collided in her mind. How would Ron react during the dinner? How would he behave towards Oliver? Would he bring Diana, as well? Was he still angry with her? She had been unable to free her thoughts from him.
While she was struggling with those questions, the doorbell rang. Hermione's heart did a somersault. After a last gaze to the mirror, she dashed to open the door. It was none other than Oliver; who was standing there overwhelming. He had taken much more trouble to his appearance than Hermione.
"Hello, Hermione!" He greeted her affectionately.
"Welcome, Oliver. Come in please!" Hermione greeted him back as he entered the house. Hermione illustrated the living room.
"This way," she said quickly, Oliver following her.
"This is for you!" Oliver handed her a bouquet of red roses. She smiled at him, blushing madly.
"Thank you very much!" She said, smelling the roses. She had always disliked red roses but she could never tell Oliver that. It wasn't his fault. There were a lot of things that he didn't know about her. They needed time.
"Why don't you sit, please seat yourself," Hermione told him kindly, before she went to the kitchen to find a vase.
"How many people will be here tonight?" Oliver asked curiously as Hermione returned back to the living room.
"Not many," Hermione answered. "Harry, Ginny, Ron, and her girlfriend Diana perhaps!" She said the last name almost in a whisper. She heard the doorbell rang again.
"Here they come!" Hermione said excitedly and sprinted to the door. She opened the door with a wild grin on face.
"Hello, Hermione!"
Hermione's smile suddenly fell as she saw just Harry and Ginny standing in front of her.
"Ohem, ohem!" Ginny mocked. "Will you let us come in?" she asked looking confused.
"Oh, sure!" said Hermione, gathering her senses. "Please!"
Where was Ron? "Maybe he would be late. Maybe he would come with Diana afterwards," Hermione thought mentally.
"Harry!" Oliver cried eagerly.
"My old friend Oliver! How have you been?"
Hermione and Ginny rolled their eyes at the same time. Hermione introduced Ginny to Oliver. They knew each other for sure but they hadn't had a talk before. Ginny made a funny face behind him -which Hermione assumed that she found Oliver brilliant- Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes again. And that was when two girls burst out laughing.
Harry and Oliver immediately started to talk about quidditch. Hermione checked her watch. It was nearly nine o'clock.
"When will Ron arrive, it's getting late!" She asked Ginny with curiosity, leaning closer in her ear as they started to get their drinks.
"Is Ron going to come? I didn't know." Ginny said indifferently. Hermione looked at Ginny in bewilderment.
"Of course he will come. Didn't Harry tell you?"
"Actually, we didn't mention about Ron. I thought you didn't invite him."
"Why wouldn't I invite him, Ginny? Don't be silly." Hermione said furiously. "When I dropped by to invite them, Ron wasn't at home. Thus I said to Harry. He was supposed to tell Ron."
"I am not sure about that!" Ginny shrugged. Hermione's stomach fell. She glanced over Harry. They were discussing something with Oliver. She called him out silently, apologizing Oliver.
"Harry, where is Ron?" She asked, as she dragged him towards the kitchen.
"I don't know!"
"Don't you know?" Hermione looked at him in surprise. "Why didn't he come? Didn't you mention him about the dinner?" She frowned at him threateningly.
"I did. But he said you hadn't invited him!" Harry replied with a shrug.
"What!" Hermion was looked taken aback.
"What could I do Hermione? You didn't mention about him individually so I thought you didn't want to invite him after what had happened on Sunday morning. I thought you were still angry with him!" Harry said in a nonchalant manner. Hermione let the subject drop. It was between Ron and her. She would concern about it later.
They ate their meal in joy. They chatted enthusiastically and Oliver told them about his extraordinary life. Harry was interested and Ginny was looking at him admiringly. The atmosphere was merry and everybody seemed enjoying the night. Except, Hermione. Ginny and Harry didn't seem to notice her anxiety. In spite of her efforts, she couldn't help thinking about Ron. She was very angry with him. How would he not come? How could he do this to her?
"Thanks for the lovely dinner, Hermione!" Harry said warmly. It was about midnight and Harry and Ginny had decided to go home.
"You're always welcome!" Hermione said sincerely as they headed towards the door.
With a sudden movement, Oliver put his arm on Hermione's waist.
Hermione briefly looked at his hand than looked at Harry and Ginny, her eyes wide in awe. Harry raised an eyebrow, while Ginny stared at them in shock. Then she gave them a mischievous grin. Hermione was beginning to turn red.
"Good night!" She said hoarsely. They wished her a "Good night!" back and they disappeared in the darkness in a short time. Oliver hadn't gone yet and Hermione realised that he would like to stay alone with her.
They walked back to the living room together. Oliver sat on the sofa and indicated Hermione the place next to his. Hermione sat down kindly.
They were in a situation that Hermione feared most. She felt her heart race. The awkward silence was killing her. She gulped for air, she wasn't thinking clearly. His eyes had focused on her lips, and she sensed what was coming. She felt her stomach had fallen out. Oliver leaned, closing the distance between them. Hermione held her breath.
He forced her to look at him. She sank down in her seat. The inner voice in her mind was telling her to back off. In just a blink of an eye, Oliver stuck his lips to hers. Hermione couldn't protest. Her mind went blank. She felt her cheeks go slightly red. His lips were firm but cold. She felt nothing. She hadn't imagine her firs kiss like that. It ought to be different. She had to feel like heaven. But she didn't. All she felt was revulsion. Furthermore, the tears were stinging behind her eyes.
Oliver lifted his head. Hermione released a breath she hadn't known she had been holding.
"I think I am in love with you!" Oliver excliamed abruptly.
A slight pain ran through her heart. She didn't know what to say, she merely gaped.
Without waiting for an answer from her, he grasped her on the back of her neck, and lowered his face on hers yet again. He moved his lips on her neck and started to kiss her passionately. It was when Hermione found time to protest.
"Oliver!" she whispered huskily. "I have to go to work in the morning. You should better…" She murmured something which sounded extremely hollow.
"Oh, sure…" Oliver didn't let her finish her statement, sensing her lack of desire. He stood up determinedly and headed to the door. Hermione followed him silently still in a big shock.
He stopped in the doorframe to kiss her again but Hermione didn't let him for a second time. She had had the experience enough. She turned her cheek and Oliver could only peck. He smiled lovingly and whispered a "good night!" in her ear. Hermione tried to smile back feeling odd. And in two seconds, he was gone.
Hermione touched her lips, realising what has just happened. How could Oliver know, she had shared her first kiss. It wasn't his fault. While Hermione was fighting with embaressment and regret, she heard a tap on the window suddenly. She was puzzled though she walked over the window to get the letter. Once she opened the curtain, she saw Pig hooting out of the window crazily. Hermione was surprised but she got the letter immediately. She had forgotten about her frustration with Ron.
Hermione,
Harry told me that he found Oliver perfect. Plus he told that how happy you had been. It sounds you found the right guy. Good for you. When is the wedding? Please inform me the date, I will be there.
Love,
Ron
"What the hell was that supposed to mean?" Hermioneyelled to no one in particular but to the silent room. The instant she read the letter she couldn't bear and threw herself on her bed and cried with great sobs. That was more than she could take for one night. And that was more than she could imagine. "Tomorrow," she said sobbing, "Tomorrow someone is going to be hurt and it won't be me!"