Chapter 3

Hermione awoke with a jolt. She had dreamt that dream last night except this time it had lasted a few seconds longer. Normally Hermione would awake just before she and the mysterious stranger were about to engage in a kiss. This time, as that was about to happen, another man pulled him away leaving Hermione standing there. Then it was over. How odd she thought to herself. Who could these two men be? Even though the dream had confused her, Hermione was feeling as energized and fresh as ever. She couldn't wait until she could see Oliver again. She had decided that she would make an effort to speak to him alone. This way he could get to know her a little better. She had also come to the conclusion that she had to tell Ron how she really felt. It was unfair to the both of them to stay together if they didn't really want to. She knew it was going to be hard, but she had to do it.

Her day started off like it normally did except for the fact that she had a hard time concentrating on anything. Professor Flitwick had asked her a question that he had to repeat twice on account of Hermione daydreaming about Oliver running up to her, picking her up, and giving her a most passionate kiss. The day seemed to fly by. Before Hermione knew it, it was time for lunch. This was one of the moments she had been waiting for. She had been mentally preparing herself all day for this. When Ron showed up, that's when she was going to do it. She was just going to tell him the truth. Harry was already at the table.

"Hey Hermione. How's your day been?"

"Pretty good so far. I slept great last night except for this stupid dream I keep having."

"A dream? That's funny. I've been having one too. What's yours about?"

"It's nothing. It's just a stupid dream I keep having. What was yours about though? Was You-Know-Who involved?"

"I think so, but I can't be positive. In it I am walking down a corridor past Dumbledore's old office when all of a sudden the statue begins to turn revealing the stairs to the door without a word being muttered. I can see a green light so I follow it. When I reach the room there's a chair with its back turned to me. A voice tells me that it has been waiting for me, and just as the chair begins to turn around I wake up with my scar burning. It's weird, I know."

"Yeah, it is. Aren't you worried? This could mean that You-Know-Who is regaining strength and planning something."

"I know. Honestly, I'm not that worried at the moment. I'm still trying to figure it all out." Harry smiled and looked down at his food signaling that he didn't want to discuss it anymore, so Hermione let it go. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see Ron walking toward the table with his lunch. This is it, she thought. Now is the time, but before she could even gather all that she was going to say to him he passed by her and Harry both, and went straight down the table where he seated himself next to some other 7th years. Hermione just stared in disbelief. She hadn't expected that. Too late to worry about that, she said to herself as everyone began to get up and go to their next class. Hermione's heart began to leap in her chest. This was the other moment she had been waiting for. This was her chance to talk to Oliver a bit more. She looked up to see Harry waiting for her.

"You go on, Harry. I have something I have to do before class."

"Alright. See you there."

As Harry walked away Hermione began to gather her things and walk slowly toward the corridor that ran next to the quidditch field. She noticed that she was becoming short of breath and her heart began to leap out of her chest. Any moment now she would be talking to Oliver, the most gorgeous man on earth. As she walked onto the corridor she spotted him immediately. Like she had hoped no one was around him. This was her chance, but she was suddenly so nervous that she couldn't think of what she was going to say. She stopped a moment to regain her composure. She wanted to seem calm and collected when she approached him. This would have worked had she not glanced over and saw Oliver starring at her with those big brown eyes that you just seemed to get lost in. He smiled and waved at her. Her cheeks turned a dark crimson color. She smiled and waved. Oh God! What am I going to say? This is my chance, she thought. He just kept watching her with those beautiful eyes of his. She began to walk over; her heartbeat growing faster by the second. His eyes were still on her watching her every move with a grin still on his face. Both of their mouths began to part preparing to exchange words, but just before either of them could utter a syllable Professor McGonagall came running up and spun Oliver around.

"Wood, I need to speak with you for a moment. It is quite important. I'll have someone take over in the meantime."

"Sure thing Professor."

With that, Oliver glanced at Hermione with a look of disappointment in his eyes as if to say "I'm so sorry." He smiled and began to walk away with Professor McGonagall. Hermione was crushed. How could this happen? This was the one moment she had been waiting for all day. With her spirits down and feelings of confusion running through her, Hermione slowly began to walk to the potions classroom.