CHAPTER THIRTY
Summary: Hermione suffers a terrible attack and who should find her but one of Wizarding Britain's most eligible bachelors. The relationship that builds between them is one no one saw coming, but no one predicted the danger that would surely follow. Post-War. Rated M for a reason.
Disclaimer: I do not own canon events or characters, they belong to J.K Rowling. I am not making a profit from this fanfic, everything is purely for entertainment purposes.
Q&A
CallaRose4ever – I'm working and planning out several other MCU x HP crossovers, so keep your eyes peeled for them dropping.
Page count:12
Granger Residence – Saturday 20th February 1999
"Dad?" Hermione spoke, nervously biting at her lip and fiddling with her hands in her lap as she stared at her father, sitting on the couch with her mother perched beside him and she sat on the armchair opposite them.
"Give him a moment, Dear," her mother spoke, looking to her husband amused but after a few moments of silence and without a reaction from him, she rolled her eyes and nudged him with her shoulder, bringing him back to focus.
"I'm sorry," he shook his head slightly. "I could've just sworn you just said you've got a boyfriend."
Hermione shifted in her seat and cleared her throat. "That's because I did. I do have a boyfriend, and well, things between are quite serious."
"How serious?" Her father asked with a clenched jaw and a twitch to his eye.
"We've admitted we love each other and well...We kind of..."
"You kind of?" Her mother prompted.
Hermione took a breath to calm herself. "Well...We kind of live together."
"What!"
She winced but wasn't all that surprised by their outburst, in fact, she was surprised they were taking it so well.
"We live together," she repeated.
"Hermione..."
"No, Mum," she cut her off, "You don't understand, you haven't even given me a chance to explain."
"You're right, we're sorry, please, tell us about him and explain it to us, preferably before your father has a coronary."
"Right, his name's Oliver and he's twenty-three," she started, seeing the way her father tensed slightly at the slight age gap but she knew he had no right to be judgemental given him and her mother were almost a decade apart in age. "We've been together for three weeks..."
"Three weeks!" Her father exploded. "Three weeks and you live together! Three weeks is not long enough to know someone, it's not long enough to know you love someone."
"Really? Didn't you and mum confess your love for one another after only two weeks and marry after three months of meeting," Hermione snapped back, her nerves taking a back seat and anger replacing it at her father being so judgemental over her relationship with Oliver.
"Hermione..."
"No, Mum, he's being a hypocrite. You've never even met Oliver, you don't know the kind of man he is, you don't know what he does for a living, you interrupted my explanation before I'd even given you the details of how we met."
Her mother sighed, pinching her father on the arm when he made to reply and he soon snapped his mouth shut, giving her a stiff nod to continue.
"My relationship with Oliver is different and it's very intense. We're both very passionate people. I actually went to Hogwarts with him, he was the Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team for three years before he graduated my third year. We bumped into each other a few months ago and that's when it all started. I've been keeping something from you, and I did it because I didn't want to worry you."
"And that is?" Her mother asked with slightly narrowed eyes.
"After the war, Harry, Ron and I receive a lot of fan mail which is to be expected given our efforts. I...Erm...I had a stalker."
"What!"
"I ignored it at first, everything just seemed to be innocent and then it wasn't. He broke into my flat twice, he's the reason I moved."
"Hermione..."
"Please don't interrupt, it's hard enough to talk about," she spoke and they both reluctantly nodded. "I did have Kingsley and the Head Auror secretly working to find him, but the night I saw Oliver, we met in the club I own with Lee. He's a gentleman and this drunken witch wouldn't leave him alone no matter how many times he tried to be nice and asked her to leave him be, so I stepped in and scared her away. When I left, something happened. You don't need to know what, you just need to know that Oliver found me and saved my life. He took me back to his house and called for his personal healer who just happened to be Thomas."
"Your mentor, Thomas?" Her mother asked surprised.
"Yes, he's been Oliver's healer since he was born. He put me on a no travelling ban and Oliver allowed me to stay with him whilst I was healing, and we developed a fast friendship with us being together in close quarters. When I was allowed to leave and return home, we arrived at my apartment and there was someone there. He tried to kill Oliver and he injured me. I had to move again and with my stalker not yet having been found, Oliver insisted I stay with him for my safety, no one would know I was with him and his property has dozens of security wards. I became his roommate. Oliver's a professional athlete, he's the Captain of a professional Quidditch team and not long after I moved in with him, I was asked by the team's owners to become their team healer, as not only were half of the team already my patients, but I brought the neglect of the previous healer to their attention. At Christmas, when I left, it wasn't because there was an emergency, it was because the letter that came for me was from my stalker and I didn't feel safe. I went home and Oliver left his family to be with me, to take care of me. A few days later, they found him. He's gone now and I'm safe again."
"I'm relieved to hear that," her mother said softly. "And though I'm not pleased you kept such a thing from us, I understand your reasoning."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, Oliver attended with the Malfoy's Christmas Ball with me and we got stuck under some magical mistletoe and the only way to escape is to kiss the person you're stuck with. That night I realised that the feelings I had for him, they weren't just as a friend or someone I cared for, sometime during our time meeting and living together, I was falling in love with him. I thought my feelings were one-sided and I kept it from him. With my stalker gone, I no longer had to worry or live my life looking over my shoulder and Ginny convinced me to go on some blind dates. They were all awful, not because they were rude or arrogant or sexist, because they were, but because I couldn't stop comparing them to Oliver. Anyway, a few weeks ago Merlin knocked me into the pool..."
"Pool?"
"Oh right, Oliver has an indoor swimming pool," she explained, their eyes widening slightly as they looked to one another and then back to her. "He saved me and we kissed. It turns out my feelings weren't one-sided, he'd been hiding his feelings from me, too. We confessed we loved each other and he asked me to move in with him. We were already living together so it made no difference to us. We were friends before we were partners. Despite the little time we've known each other, we've seen each other at our worst and our best. We've opened up to each other in ways we haven't anyone else. I don't just love him because he saved my life, it's not Nightingale Syndrome if that's what you're worried about. I love him, I love him like I've never loved anyone else."
"That's a lot to take in," her father muttered, pushing his greying hair back from his face.
"Now we know the circumstances surrounding your relationship, tell us, what's he like?" Her mother asked.
A smile pulled at Hermione's mouth, thinking about the wizard she loved more than anything else. "He's honestly one of the kindest and most generous people I've ever met. I know you think athletes are stupid," she looked to her father and he looked a little sheepish, "But Oliver's really smart. I took one look at his playbooks and had to put them back as I couldn't understand a word of it or even comprehend the little diagrams. He's a fabulous cook and I hate to say it, Mum, but he beats both you and Mrs. Weasley," she said, seeing her mother's mouth twitch in amusement. "He's so talented I can't even describe to you how good he is. He's very patient with me, we all know I have a temper and in the time we've known each other, he's never once raised his voice or insulted me, even by accident. He's so considerate, so much so that it's annoying. Do you know where he took me on our first official date? Paris! Bloody Paris!"
"The Paris?" Her father questioned in surprise.
"Yes! The Paris! And Valentine's Day, he took me away for the weekend to Paris, Rome and Venice," she exclaimed, it still not having sunk in how amazing and relaxing her time away with Oliver had been. "Anyway, the reason I'm telling you about him is because we've been keeping our relationship quiet, not wanting the press to find out just yet so we can spend time together without the world getting involved. We're both celebrities and have a fan following, we just wanted some alone time together before we let everyone know about us. I've already met Oliver's parents before we even started dating, and they're lovely people, and now Oliver wants to meet you. Maybe he can join us for dinner tomorrow?"
Her parents looked to each other, seeming to have a silent conversation before her mother turned to her.
"We'd love to meet him," she said and Hermione smiled in relief. "Especially if he's so important to you."
"He really is, so Dad, please be nice to him. Don't threaten him or scare him away because I swear, I'll never forgive you. I know you just want to protect me, but you don't need to protect me from Oliver. I've never felt happier, safer and more appreciated than I do with him, not even with Harry. Oliver is not Ronald, so please don't treat him as such. He really is a good man, one I'm sure you'll approve of once you meet him."
"You're my daughter, I'm never going to approve of any man you bring home," he responded.
Her mouth twitched and her mother rolled her eyes. "I guess we'll see who's right tomorrow then, but right now, I better get back to work. The team gets worried when I'm away for longer than I said I would be," she rolled her eyes. "They're even worse than you are."
~000~000~000~
Wood Manor - Sunday 21st February 1999
"It's not too late to cancel," Hermione spoke. "If you don't want to do this, I can just tell my parents you're not feeling well, as a healer they'll believe me."
"Am a wee bit nervous but a'll be fine once a get there," Oliver assured her with as big a smile he could muster given his current fraying nerves.
He was about to meet Hermione's parents, something he'd never had to do before. He'd heard horror stories from his peers back at Hogwarts of their first time meeting their girlfriend's fathers and he couldn't help but wonder how Hermione's father would take to him, nor could he stop Hermione's words from the night before from running through his mind, her informing him of every threat her father might use against him so he was prepared and wouldn't be surprised. Though he knew her intentions had been to calm him, right now, he wished she'd never told him.
"I've no doubt they'll love you, not as much as I do, of course, that would be creepy," she said and he found himself snorting, her words settling him a little bit.
"It's yer father am worried aboot," he admitted, moving over to the oven and removing the chicken pie from the shelf and setting it on the countertop, placing a Stasis Charm over it to keep it hot.
"He'll come around when he realises how wonderful you are," she said, coming up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and tilting to the side to peek around his shoulder. "You really didn't have to make a chicken pie, Oliver."
He snorted. "Ye jus' don't wanna share it."
"Well, yeah," she admitted. "Your chicken pie is the best," she sighed appreciatively. "But still, they wouldn't expect you to bring anything with you given they're the ones hosting you."
"Exactly, so it'll show am serious aboot impressing them 'coz ye mean so much tae mae an' a don't want yer parents tae think mae a bad person."
"You're not a bad person, you're one of the greatest people I've ever met and they'll see that, too. You don't have to try so hard, just be yourself. Just be Oliver and I promise it'll be enough. It certainly is for me. If they don't like you, which I'm sure they will, it won't change my feelings for you. Though right now, I'm not happy about having to share a chicken pie with them."
He laughed at her, spinning around to face her and wrapping his arms around her in return, holding her against him.
"Then a guess it's a good thing there's another pie in the oven."
She sighed. "And this is why I love you," she said, reaching up to kiss him before pulling back.
"Do a look okay?" He asked, gesturing to his dark jeans and midnight blue jumper, the collar of his white shirt peeking out.
"Perfect, you look very handsome," she smiled. "Now, we better go before we're late, my parents appreciate punctuality given their professions."
~000~000~000~
Granger Residence
"Mum, Dad, we're here," Hermione called as she stepped out of the fireplace, brushing down her midnight blue jumper dress.
She hadn't meant for her and Oliver's outfits to match but once she'd saw his clothing, she couldn't be bothered getting changed, besides, it was both their favourite colours and she liked the dress she was wearing.
"Be right out, Dear," her mother called from the kitchen and Hermione gave Oliver's hand a squeeze when she felt him tense up beside her.
When her mother stepped into the living room followed by her father, Hermione smiled and left Oliver's side to greet them with hugs before she stepped back beside him, a proud smile gracing her face.
"Mum, Dad, this is Oliver. Oliver, these are my parents, Jean and Richard," she introduced.
"It's a pleasure tae meet ye, Mrs. Granger, Hermione's told mae a lot aboot ye," he said, giving his most charming smile, the one she knew would send his fans wild.
Her mother blinked in surprise, whether it was his accent or his handsomeness that had thrown her through a loop Hermione wasn't sure, but still, her mother smiled and stepped forward.
"And you, as well, Hermione has done nothing but shower you with praises, and please, call me Jean," she responded. Hermione refused to blush; she was proud of him and wouldn't be embarrassed of the fact.
Her mother took Oliver by surprise when instead of accepting his hand, she pulled him into a hug, giving her an amused look over his shoulder and mouthing words she couldn't quite understand, though Hermione was sure they were compliments. Oliver shifted nervously beside her when he pulled back before turning to her father.
"Mr. Granger," Oliver greeted, accepting her father's handshake and she narrowed her eyes when Oliver winced slightly. It had certainly hurt more than the handshake he'd shared with Lucius Malfoy at the Christmas Ball.
"Dad, what did I say? Be nice to him," Hermione said, taking Oliver's hand in hers and her eyes examining it closely. "He's our star player and if he's injured because of you, I won't be defending you against Coach Burton, who's bloody terrifying when you make him mad."
"I didn't do anything," he said innocently.
"You're a rubbish liar, it's where I get it from," she replied.
Her mother snorted. "She's right, Richard, do be nice to our guest."
"Oliver made a pie for dinner," Hermione drew her attention, gesturing to the covered dish she'd set down on the table upon their entrance.
"You didn't have to do that, Dear," she smiled.
"It was the least a could do tae say thank ye fer welcoming mae intae yer home," Oliver replied with a smile.
"Well, aren't you a sweetheart, Hermione wasn't kidding about that," she responded and Hermione beamed proudly. "Dinner should be ready very soon, if you'll excuse me I best make sure I don't over boil the vegetables. Hermione, Dear, would you give me a hand? Oliver, please make yourself at home."
Hermione made to argue but her mother reached for her hand, dragging her into the kitchen after she picked up the pie from the table. The moment they were out of sight and she set the pie down on the counter she turned to face her, quickly pulling her into a hug and a little squeal of excitement leaving her.
"Oh Goodness! He is just absolutely gorgeous and that accent..."
"Mum!" Hermione laughed in surprise. "Should I be worried about you stealing my boyfriend?"
"Don't be silly," she replied, pulling back from her. "He's much too young for me, and I love Richard, no matter how much he may annoy me at times."
"Well, wait until you taste his cooking, I'd happily die eating his chicken pie," Hermione said and her mother laughed.
"Well, it certainly smells delicious. Oh, imagine the look on your Aunts' faces when they meet him. Ha! And your cousins! They're going to be so jealous, oh, I can't wait to rub it in their faces."
"Mum, let's not scare him off just yet, remember, we've only officially been together a few weeks no matter how long we've loved each other. Please don't tell anyone yet."
"Oh fine," she huffed. "But you owe me, this is great gossip material for the family. I can already imagine the beautiful grandbabies you're going to give me," she sighed.
"Mum!"
~000~000~000~
Oliver sat in silence, squished against the armrest of the couch and doing his best not to fidget in his seat or to catch the gaze of Mr. Granger, of who, was currently staring at him as he sat back into the cushions of the armchair with his arms crossed over his chest.
"So, Oliver..."
Oliver took a breath and gathered his Gryffindor courage before looking to the older man. He could see the resemblance between him and Hermione but he thought she looked most like her mother.
"Hermione tells us that you live together."
"Tha's correct, Sir," he replied, clasping his hands together tightly to stop him from fidgeting. "A understand tha' this must be a lot fer ye tae take in, me own parents were rather surprised tae an' they already knew hoo a felt aboot Hermione."
"And how's that?" He asked, daring him to lie to him.
"A love her," he confessed, looking him straight in the eye so he would know he meant every word he spoke. "Yer've raised an incredible young woman, Mr. Granger. Anyone would be lucky tae have her heart an' affection an' a've never been more grateful tha' it's mae she took a chance on. It was me ma tha' made mae realise me feelings fer Hermione but a dinnae know she felt the same way an' a dinnae want tae put any pressure on her or make her feel as though she had tae feel the same way, so a never told her. When a found oot she was dating again, am not gunna lie, a hated it, a hated the thought af her bein' with someone else but a dinnae stop her 'coz a had naw right tae an' she deserved tae live her life the way she wanted. When she confessed her feelings tae mae, a've never been happier than a was in tha' moment or than a have been since meeting her."
He watched him carefully, his gaze never once moving from his face and seeing as he'd gotten his ear and attention, Oliver thought he might as well continue.
"A don't think mae admitting this is gunna do mae any favours, but Hermione's me first actual girlfriend." He saw her father's eyes harden. "Am not gunna lie, a was more af a one-night stand kind af guy, until a met her. A've never had a relationship 'coz am a very private person, a don't open up tae people easily. Between me wealth, fame an' career, someone always wants somethin' from mae an' tha's made mae cautious. A've never felt comfortable enough tae allow anyone tae get close tae mae, but Hermione broke doon those barriers withoot even tryin'. A love ev'rything aboot her; her intelligence, her wit, her kindness, her temper, her inability tae cook an egg," he spoke, seeing Mr. Granger's mouth twitch slightly, obviously knowing Hermione's lack of culinary skills. "There aren't many people tha' would be able tae handle me intense training schedule, tha' would be able tae handle me fame an' the crazy fans tha' come with the territory, an' admittedly, am a wee bit obsessed with me profession an' Hermione not only loves mae fer it, but she encourages mae tae do an' be better. She's one af the greatest things tae have ev'r happened tae mae."
"Oh Goodness, now you've done it,"
He looked over his shoulder, surprised to see Mrs. Granger stood in the doorway, dabbing at her eyes with the tea towel in her hand and sniffling.
"I'm sorry, I hadn't meant to eavesdrop," she said, moving further into the room and perching herself on the armrest of the armchair her husband occupied. "Hermione's popped to the shop to buy some wine, I hadn't realised we'd only a bottle left," she explained to the both of them as they looked to the doorway expecting Hermione to step in, too. "Please, Oliver, continue as I feel you have more to say."
Oliver cleared his throat. "Well, ev'ry night a fall asleep with her beside mae an' ev'ry mornin' a wake tae her hair attacking mae an' Merlin hogging the blanket," he started.
A laugh sounded from Mrs. Granger whilst her husband merely shifted in his seat, unfolding his arms and reaching to take his wife's hand in his, much like he'd seen his own parents do.
"A asked her tae officially move in with mae 'coz a wanted her tae know tha' am serious aboot wanting tae be with her. It's not jus' aboot sex." He saw her father stiffen and he quickly continued. "A want a life with her, an' despite hoo long we may have known each other or hoo long we've been tagether, a feel it only right tha' a share me intentions with ye."
"And those would be?" Mr. Granger asked suspiciously.
Oliver took a moment to prepare himself for their reaction to what he was about to say. "Am gunna marry her."
Her mother gasped, her hand flying up to her mouth whilst her husband spluttered.
"Excuse me?"
"Am gunna marry her. Tha's hoo serious a am aboot wanting tae be with her. A want her tae be me wife, a want her tae be the mother af my children."
"Don't you think it's a little early to be making such declarations?" Mrs. Granger spoke, though he wasn't blind to the way she clung to her husband's hand or her eyes were hopeful.
"A really don't. Someday, am gunna marry her," he said confidently.
"Were you ever going to get permission from her father?" Mr. Granger asked, his face strangely neutral.
Oliver frowned slightly. "A wasn't aware tha' was a muggle tradition, but if it would make ye happy, then a'll do so."
"And what makes you think I'll allow you to marry my little girl?"
"Well, aside from the fact Hermione won't be happy if she finds out..." He trailed off, her mother laughing lightly and wiping at her teary eyes. "She's playin' again."
"I'm sorry?" He asked confused.
"The piano, she's playin' again."
"What?" They both whispered, looking to each other in surprise.
"A've a grand piano in me home, the night we confessed our feelings fer each other, a found her playin' in the grand piano room."
"But she hasn't played since she was..." She trailed off.
"Eight, anno, she told mae," he nodded. "She told mae ev'rything an' she said she found the motivation tae return tae it, she said am her inspiration. She's composing music, tae, she's been working on somethin' fer weeks now but won't let mae hear it until it's done."
"I can't believe..." She shook her head. "She swore she'd never play again, and now, because of you... Thank you, Oliver..." She said quietly, wiping away the fallen tear that rolled down her cheek.
Oliver smiled and nodded. "A cannae take credit, a'd never intended fer such a thing tae happen, a dinnae even know she could play until tha' night."
"But it's still thanks to you that she is playing again. And she said you took her away for Valentine's Day?"
"Aye, she mentioned wanting tae travel an' a have the means an' funds tae take her anywhere in the world she wishes tae go. Am gunna make sure she has the life she wishes tae have, the life she deserves. Anno she doesn't care fer wealth an' material possessions an' tha' only makes mae wanna spoil her, tae treat her like she deserves. A'd do anythin' she asked af mae withoot question 'coz there's naw one tha' a love or trust more than her. Anno yer sceptical af me words given hoo long we've been tagether, so a'll prove it tae ye. Bobby," he called softly.
They both startled, letting out noises of surprise when the little house-elf appeared beside him, them staring at him as he was sure they'd never seen such a creature before.
"Master called for Bobby," he bowed.
"Bobby, why do ye answer tae Hermione's calls? Please tell Mr. an' Mrs. Granger, Hermione's parents."
"Yes, Master," he said, turning to face them. "It's bes nice to meet the Miss' parents, I is Bobby, the Miss' and Master's elf," he bowed to them. "Bobby answers to the Miss 'coz Bobby knows the Miss bes his mistress. Elves magic be knowing when they be getting a new master or mistress. Bobby knowing Master will marry the Miss, Bobby's magic knows. Bobby's magic knows the Miss be the Mistress of the Manor, Bobby's magic not lie."
"Thank ye, Bobby, hoo is Merlin?"
"The small bear be sleeping in Master's and Miss' room, Bobby took the small bear for a walk and now he bes tired."
Oliver chuckled. "Thank ye, Bobby, ye may return home."
"Master, Miss' parents," he bowed before he was gone from sight.
"What just happened?" Mrs. Granger asked in surprise.
"Bobby's me house-elf, he's been with me family fer generations an' he's been me elf since the day a was born."
"House-elf, they the creatures Hermione said are slaves?" Her father asked, sending him a judgemental look Oliver didn't appreciate but he kept himself calm giving who he was.
"A house-elf withoot a mistress or master will die. They must be bound tae a witch or wizard tae survive. House-elves live tae serve, it's their purpose, it's what makes them happy. Me house-elves are treated very well, they're family tae meself an' me parents, we don't treat them any less than they deserve. They are not slaves, but family. Think af them as staff, maids, cleaners an' butlers, as anno some muggles have."
"Very well, what did he mean?"
"Every witch or wizard has someone tha' is their most compatible match, only one in ten find tha' person. The more compatible yer partner, the stronger yer relationship an' healthier yer children will be. House-elves have their own magic, magic tha' allows them tae detect who is the most compatible match fer their master or mistress. Bobby knows tha' Hermione's mine an' am hers. She's the next Lady Wood, the Mistress and Lady of House Wood once me mother passes."
"You're one of those Pureblood families, aren't you?" Her father said knowingly.
"Aye, a am, but we fought against You-Know-Who, a actually live in the Muggle World in the Scottish Highlands."
They both looked surprised but shook their heads.
"You're saying that you were born to marry each other?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"Not in so many words, but we are the most compatible fer each other. A am gunna marry Hermione an' she will be me wife, the mother af me children an' Lady Wood."
"Does Hermione know about this?"
"She doesn't," he shook his head. "An' am not gunna tell her, not until after we're married. A don't want tae scare her with this knowledge. A've got naw intentions af asking her now, am gunna wait a little while until the world knows aboot us an' we've been tagether longer. A want tae give her time tae get used tae the idea af bein' with mae long term. She may not know but her magic jus' might. It's probably one af the reasons why we're so comfortable 'round one another, why we're so open an' honest. Me parents were the same. They're both Purebloods an' were disowned 'coz they broke the arranged marriage contracts their parents had fer them, after falling in love at Hogwarts an' they married each other. Kipper is me father's elf an' he said the same thing tae me parents as Bobby did tae mae. They are each other's most compatible match an' every day a had the fortune af seeing hoo much they loved each other, they were never shy aboot showcasing it, unlike other Pureblood families. If me marriage tae Hermione is only half af what me parent's is, anno we'll both have happy lives. A love tha' little witch more than anythin' an' my intention is to marry her an' have a family with her, whenever she's ready tae."
Oliver kept his gaze locked on Mr. Granger, briefly being aware of Mrs. Granger wiping at her eyes with the tea towel she still held.
"Well, after the way you spoke of your feelings for her, I suppose I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law," Mrs. Granger spoke softly.
"I'm back! Where is everyone!" Hermione called, startling them all and she stepped into the living room, her eyes narrowing when she felt the tense atmosphere. "Oliver, would you mind helping me set the table?" She asked, but he knew it was an excuse to get him alone.
"Sure, Damsel," he said, standing from the couch and leaving her parents and their surprised expressions behind.
"What have I missed?" She asked.
"Nothin' much, jus' a bit af grilling an' not the good barbeque kind," he replied.
She sighed. "I'm sorry I left you alone, Oliver. Mum promised me she'd keep dad in line."
"It's fine, a've faced worse in press interviews," he shrugged.
"I'm really grateful for you coming here with me; I know how uncomfortable and nervous you were, and I know my dad's not the easiest person to get along with."
He smiled and reached out to pull her into a hug. "I'd do anythin' fer ye, including putting me health on the line an' potentially losing me position on the team due tae injuries."
She laughed at him. "Still, I'm glad you finally got to meet them. Thank you and I love you."
"A love ye, tae, Damsel," he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Hearing a throat clearing, they both pulled back from each other when they saw her parents stood in the doorway, her mother with teary eyes and a secret smile on her face and her father with his eyes darting between them contemplatively.
"Right, let's get the table set and we can sit for dinner," Hermione said, turning towards a cupboard and pulling out plates and wine glasses.
As her mother walked past him she gave him a smile and moved to stand beside Hermione. When her father moved past him, he tensed slightly.
"You have my blessing," he muttered, sounding almost saddened by his decision.
Oliver didn't care, all of the tension suddenly left his body and for the rest of the night, he had a beaming smile on his face.