CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
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.
Page count: 9
Wood Manor - Monday 22nd February 1999
"If we don't leave now, we'll be late for work and I don't know about you, but I'm not nearly enough awake to be dealing with Coach's displeasure," Hermione spoke, a soft sigh slipping from her lips as Oliver nuzzled at her throat and pressed gentle kisses against her skin and his fingertips traced soothing patterns against her waist beneath her blouse.
He hummed against her skin but despite her words, he made no move to pull back from her and neither did Hermione, her hands in his hair, keeping his head in place against her neck and her legs hooked around his hips, preventing him from stepping back from the counter he'd sat her on in the kitchen.
"A'd be the one getting shouted at, yer only required tae be there three days," he muttered, his voice slightly muffled.
"Be I'd still be able to hear it all the way in my office," she replied. "And noise such as that would prevent me from focusing and I doubt even a Silencing Charm could block it out; the man could give a harpy a run for their galleons."
Oliver snorted and his lips blazed a trail of kisses across her throat and over her cheek until his mouth latched onto hers in a dizzying and consuming kiss that had Hermione considering pulling another sicky and staying at home in bed with him all day.
"A've a few errands tae run in Diagon Alley after work, so a'll be home late," he told her, drawing back from her and pressing his forehead against hers, allowing him the chance to calm his breathing.
"Do you want me to do them for you?" She offered. "I thought about leaving early today, I need to meet with Lee, he wants to discuss business on the club, something about relocating to a bigger premises."
"Ye havnae even been open a year yet," he responded in surprise, but then again, he'd witnessed how busy the club could be and each time he went, it seemed to be crowded with even more people.
"I know, neither of us expected for the club to be so successful and in such little time. We knew it would get a little attention at first given it was the first new drinking establishment to be seen in Diagon Alley in decades, but we assumed the hype would eventually die down and people would get bored. We found a gap in the market and with our use of muggle and wizarding music and alcohol, we knew some would be intrigued but the majority of the population would be wary. But now, Lee's sales analysis has shown we see a little over a thousand visitors per week with the majority of them, understandably, happening Friday to Sunday. Despite the expansion magic on the building, we're quickly running out of space and if we don't relocate to a bigger premises we risk breaking health and safety violations which result in fines and even closure."
Oliver had never felt prouder of Hermione at hearing about the success that was her business and he pulled back to look down at her.
"So, are ye sticking tae Diagon Alley or moving somewhere else?" He asked curiously.
"Sticking to the Alley," she nodded. "It's the busiest shopping centre in Wizarding Britain and a central location, words been spreading about the success of the club and we're even getting international visitors now, too. We might keep the building we have at the moment and use it for storage. He wants to hire more bar staff, too, improve the cocktail menus and adjust the opening and closing hours, open earlier and shut later. I think he mentioned something about a function room as well, where we could host parties and events. If all goes to plan and everything's successful, we may open a second club, but that won't be for another year or two," she said, a slight crease appearing in her forehead. "I can't believe how fast all of this has happened."
He smiled at her proudly. "It's like ye said, yer've found a gap in the market, somethin' they've never befere seen. An' with a mind as brilliant as yers, ye were bound tae succeed."
She hummed before giving her head a light shake. "Anyway, my offer stills stands, I'll run the errands for you, I'll be in Diagon Alley so it makes no difference to me."
Oliver's mouth tugged at the corners and he shook his head. "Naw, me da wants mae tae pick somethin' up fer him an' a think he'd be embarrassed if ye were tae see it," he replied and she raised a curious eyebrow. "Anno there's somethin' a have tae do but a cannae remember what it is, am hoping tha' me memory will be jogged when a get tae the Alley. Besides, ye work tae hard, a wouldn't want ye doin' me errands fer me jus' 'coz ye can. Ye can do with the break."
"I work no harder than anyone else," she rolled her eyes. "I'm not the one risking my life every day by getting on a broom and having magical flying balls trying to kill me."
He snorted. "Aye, but yer the one responsible fer patching us up. Yer've got a lot af pressure on ye tae ensure our health. If the team loses a player 'coz ye couldn't or dinnae know hoo tae heal them, the big bosses won't be happy. If anythin', yer've got more pressure on ye than we have tae win the league."
"I don't believe that," she responded before lightly slapping at his shoulder, gesturing for him to step back from her. "But we really must leave now if we're to get to work on time."
"Ye can come an' go as ye please."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine, you've got to get to work on time."
~000~000~000~
Diagon Alley
Staring up at the sign above, Oliver felt his stomach fill with nervous anticipation, a smile tugging at his lips and he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his robes, the hood pulled up not only to protect from the chill of the late afternoon, but to conceal his identity. If he was recognized and pictured stood before the establishment in front of him, he knew it would be made front-page news and the witch hunt would begin.
In all honesty, he'd lied to Hermione. There were no errands to run and there was nothing his father needed him to collect for him. He just didn't want her getting suspicious or even wishing to accompany him on his trip. This was something he needed to do alone and in secret.
The silver, looping lettering that read 'Esmeralda's Jewels' contrasted against the black background and was adorned with a logo that was simply a teardrop diamond necklace with the chain wrapped around the 'EJ.' It was simple compared to the others seen in the alley and the shop was smaller than most, too, but it was also one of the newer businesses, having only opened within the last few decades compared to the other businesses which had been there for centuries.
This jeweller was one of three in Diagon Alley and it was the one that fell into the mid-price range, the others being too cheap and of a not so good quality, or too expensive and gaudy. Hermione wouldn't appreciate or accept anything she believed to be too costly and he believed she deserved more than a cheap piece that was easily breakable or that might turn her skin an ugly shade of green, making this establishment, perfect.
He only knew of it as it was where his father generally tended to buy all of his mother's jewellery, including her engagement ring and their wedding bands over twenty years ago. He swore by them and the owner happened to be the father of one of his colleagues from the Ministry. Given how often his father had visited the jewellers over the years, sometimes he'd just pop on by to have a chat with the owner given they'd become somewhat friends. Oliver had heard stories of those that worked there, one of which, was a young woman who just happened to be one of his fans and not wanting anyone to recognise him or freak out and draw attention to him, he prayed she wasn't working that day.
Before taking a step forward and reaching out to push the door open, Oliver second-guessed himself and paused.
Should he really be doing this?
He knew what he wanted in his life, he knew who he wanted that to happen with and now his parents knew and he had the blessing of Hermione's parents, but should he be doing this now? Was it too soon? Was he being too presumptuous? He knew Hermione loved him, she told him every day, but what if he wasn't the one she saw herself marrying?
They were each other's most compatible but Hermione didn't know that. She knew nothing of the bonds magic intended for people, she knew nothing of house-elf magic. And those that were each other's most compatible didn't actually have to live a life together. Some hated each other, some remained platonic and others married and had a family.
What's to say Hermione wanted to be his wife and the mother of his children, that she saw herself being in his future or him in hers? What if one day she woke up and she didn't love him anymore? First loves were known for being difficult, hard work, some even downright traumatising considering some of the horror stories he'd heard over the years. It was said nothing could quite beat one's first love and most first love relationships didn't last. He and Hermione were both each other's first love, what if they didn't work out? What if the stress and pressure of their jobs and the attention of the media drove them apart? What would he do then?
When someone bumped into him and muttered an apology as they scurried off, apparently in a hurry, he took a calming breath and released it slowly before shaking his head. Honestly, it's not like he was going to propose right now, he just wanted to be prepared. Stepping forward, he pushed the door open and the bell above alerted the occupants to his presence as he stepped into the warmth of the dimly lit room.
His eyes quickly scanned his surroundings, seeing he was the only person in the shop before they lingered on the displays, disregarding the bracelets, necklaces, earrings and jewellery sets. When he spotted the selection of rings on display, he crossed over to them and pulled his hood down so it no longer restricted his view and his eyes examined the offerings before him, seeing the various designs, gemstones and metals but to him, none of them seemed to be what he had in mind, nothing screamed Hermione. In fact, scrutinizing them, he was sure they were just regular rings to be given without any meaning or promise.
"Can I help you?"
Oliver startled before looking over his shoulder, his gaze landing on the wizard that stood behind the largest glass display counter. His robes were almost as dark as his short hair but his eyes were a sharp green almost hidden by the round glasses perched on the tip of his hooked nose. Oliver wondered if he were a relative of the owner, a son or nephew possibly. Most businesses in the Wizarding World tended to be family-run and whilst he hadn't met the owner of the jeweller's, he was sure the man before him was definitely a relative.
Oliver cleared his throat and turned, approaching the display counter and stopping before it, sending a quick glance down and seeing the pendants, chokers, armlets and tiaras. Perhaps another time, he thought, before his gaze lifted.
Now that he'd stepped into the light of the candles that floated above, the wizard's eyes widened a fraction, his mouth parting slightly as he stared at him.
Fan-fucking-tastic, Oliver thought with a sigh. He recognised him.
"Mr. Wood..." He trailed off before giving his head a shake, a wide smile pulling at his mouth. "What can I help you with?"
"A believe me da's good friends with the owner af this jewellers, a know this is where he comes fer me ma, an' he cannae give enough praise," he started, seeing the man stand taller in pride. "He assured mae this is the place a should come."
"We do our absolute most to ensure the happiness of each of our clients," he nodded and spoke with pride in his voice.
"Great, an' yer privacy policy?" He cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh, of course, all information is kept completely confidential, in fact, we pride ourselves on the matter. We have a stellar reputation in comparison to Madame Jewels and Garner's Gems."
"So anythin' a may purchase...?" He trailed off questioningly.
"Absolutely confidential, it does not leave this room. As a matter of fact, given your celebrity status, your purchase records will be stored in a separate room which only myself and my father have access to, no one but us will ever see it."
Well, that ruled out the woman that was supposedly a fan from searching the records and letting slip about his purchase.
Oliver eyed the wizard before him carefully, the older man shifting nervously before Oliver nodded once and slipped his hands into the pockets of his robes.
"Alright," he said.
The wizard released a slow breath before he pulled his wand from his robes and sent a Locking Charm at the door which was followed by the roller blinds shutting, preventing anyone else from entering the building or peering in through the windows, giving Oliver not only his full attention for however long he needed it, but privacy, too.
"And what might I assist you with, Mr. Wood?" The wizard asked with a smile, his eyes practically gleaming in anticipation, whether it was to help him or of the galleons he'd be spending, Oliver wasn't sure.
"Am in need af an engagement ring."
Oliver had expected to be met with surprise, but it wasn't in the form he'd thought. Rather than silence or staring, the wizard spluttered until it morphed into a coughing fit, his face turning red, his eyes watering and him gasping for breath. In concern, Oliver pulled his wand from his robes, conjured a glass and filled it with water, the wizard taking it gratefully and drinking half of it.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Wood, I thought you said you required an engagement ring," he said, stunned.
"Aye, a did an' a do," he confirmed with a single nod.
He was met with the staring and silence he'd been expecting the first time.
"I wasn't aware you had a significant other," he frowned slightly, looking at him curiously.
"Well a do, an' given me position on the team an' me status, a havnae made it public knowledge. A wish tae protect me girlfriend from any af me obsessive fans fer as long as a can, an' by ensurin' we're not in the papers, she can live her life an' our relationship remains private, especially as she has quite the fan base herself."
"Right," he cleared his throat, understanding the meaning behind his words. "And what is her name?" He questioned. Oliver raised an eyebrow and the wizard blushed. "Oh, you misunderstand me, Mr. Wood. If you say your partner has fame like yourself, then it's likely I'll know of her. When choosing a ring for such an occasion, knowing more about the witch can be quite important to ensure the correct piece is selected."
"Yer'll know her name, a can guarantee," Oliver replied, feeling amused. "But a dinnae wish tae tell yer it, we both made a promise tae not reveal our relationship until the time is right, if am honest, only our parents know. A'm confident a know me girlfriend well enough tae choose somethin' she'd like."
The wizard shifted on his feet and nodded. "For starters, any preferences?"
Oliver frowned in thought. "Not really," he admitted. "She's not a materialistic person, a have tae fight her when it comes tae accepting any gift a give her. She isnae one fer anythin' flashy or gaudy, an if it's tae expensive anno she'll make mae bring it back, but saying tha', a don't have an actual budget set, money is no issue."
The wizard's eyes flashed. "I'll show you a selection of our most popular designs and should you not like any of them, we have many others available, but should you wish to, we have the option of a bespoke ring."
"Bespoke?" Oliver questioned.
"Yes, a ring that is designed by yourself, something that is truly unique, a one of a kind if you will."
Oliver frowned thoughtfully, liking the idea of having a one of a kind ring for a one of a kind witch.
"A'll take a look at the rings fer inspiration, but am leaning towards a bespoke ring."
"Wonderful," the wizard's eyes gleamed before he made a sweeping motion with his arm, gesturing towards a display case off to the left and Oliver followed after him.
It took barely any time at all for him to examine the different designs and precious stones and metals before deciding he didn't feel any of them were the right fit and it just cemented his decision to create one himself.
"Would a have tae place an order an' collect it once it's finished?" Oliver asked, returning to the main counter with the wizard.
"Not at all, Mr. Wood," he replied. "As long as I have the details and the confirmation on the final design, I am able to create the ring where I now stand and you may leave with it this evening. I just need the details so I may collect the materials from the back."
Oliver leaned against the counter and looked down at the items below once more, his mind piecing together several of the rings he'd seen until he created one unique design. Biting his lip, he hoped it turned out how he imagined it would.
"Firstly, the design," he started, a quill poised and hovering over some parchment as he looked to him expectantly.
"If a don't like it?" Oliver questioned.
"Then I shall stay as long as you need until we have one you are happy with."
"Well, let's hope we can get this on the first try, a told me girlfriend a was running some errands, she'll get worried if am not home soon."
"You live together?" The wizard questioned in shock.
"Aye, an' we have a dog, tae," he responded, amused by his surprised expression. "Anyway, let's get this sorted."
~000~000~000~
Almost an hour later, Oliver stood by the counter having just finished writing down his vault information so payment could be made, and he stared down on the ring that he held between his index finger and his thumb.
He was not only surprised that he'd approved the design on the first attempt, that the wizard had created a rather impressive ring right before his eyes and so quickly, too, that the ring looked far better than what his imagination had conjured, but that the total cost for service and materials was cheaper than he'd been expecting, too, especially given the components of the bespoke ring.
The eighteen carat, half twisted white gold bold was embedded with small diamonds covering half of the surface and it sat a generous round sapphire, so deep a blue Oliver would say it was similar to midnight blue, not only Hermione's favourite colour but her favourite gemstone, too. The sapphire was surrounded by a halo of smaller, brilliant white diamonds, and the ring was set with a Size Adjustment Charm as he didn't know Hermione's ring size. It was also equipped with a series of runes carved on the inside of the band, meant to represent protection, fidelity, family, love, trust and loyalty, all of the things Oliver would vow and had vowed to give her.
He'd thought that making such a huge decision regarding his life and his future would scare him, but despite the little wobble he'd had before entering the shop, he'd honestly never been surer about anything in his life. He wanted to marry Hermione. He wanted her to be his wife and the mother of his children. He wanted to have little Quidditch obsessed, piano playing, flour-covered, brown-eyed, curly-haired children running around, filling the manor and grounds with peals of laughter as they destroyed anything and everything they could get their hands on. He dreamed about it often enough and he wanted it to be his reality.
He'd wanted to get the ring now not only so he was prepared but because he'd gotten permission, blessings from both their parents and now everything just seemed more real, more definitive. He had no problem with popping the question the moment he got home but he couldn't be selfish. He had to give Hermione a little more time to think about what she wished to happen in her life, in her future and he hoped it would include him, he had every intention of making sure it did.
His mouth tugged into a smile and when he heard footsteps and the rustle of parchment, he lifted his gaze, seeing the wizard approaching the counter. Oliver placed the ring into the safety of the silk cushion and snapped the velvet box closed, just as the parchment was held out to him.
"Your receipt of purchase, Mr. Wood," he said and Oliver took it and slipped it into his pocket along with the ring box. "Should you wish for a refund, the ring must be returned with the receipt of purchase no later than three months. If you bring it back after that time, we won't be able to refund you the full price but we may buy the ring off you. Should you have any issues regarding damage or ineffective spell work within the first two years, repairs will be free of charge, after which, the warranty ends and payment will be required."
"Thank ye fer yer help, me dad wasnae kidding aboot the service here, a'll be sure tae return in the future."
The wizard stood taller with pride. "And we would be happy to see you return, Mr. Wood," he replied.
They both heard the noise outside pick up, with it being February and the days turning to night quicker, the nightlife picked up in the early evening.
"We have a floo connection you may use should you wish to not be seen leaving," he offered.
"Thanks, a'd appreciate tha'," he nodded and followed the wizard into the back and down a corridor, stepping into a cluttered but clean office.
Oliver reached for the floo powder, grabbed a handful and stepped into the fireplace, turning to face the wizard.
"Thank ye, yer've been a lifesaver, a'll have three VIP tickets sent tae yer fer our match next week."
The wizard's surprised splutters were left behind as he called out the address and dropped the powder into the grate.
~000~000~000~
Wood Estate
Oliver stepped out of the floo and into his living room, immediately being greeted by an overexcited Merlin as he jumped up at him. Oliver chuckled before indulging the large dog with a scratch behind the ears and he soon calmed, turning his attention to thrashing around a toy in his mouth.
Both hearing the noise in the kitchen and picking up on the distinct smell of garlic, onions and pasta, Oliver knew Hermione was preparing dinner that evening and that meant it was Spaghetti Bolognese, the only dish she could actually make without potentially giving them both food poisoning.
Chuckling to himself, he headed for his bedroom and made quick work of stashing the ring and receipt inside his underwear drawer, somewhere Hermione would never need to search through, before he removed his robes and changed out of his training garb, instead dressing in a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms.
He headed for the kitchen, snorting when he crossed through the living room and saw Merlin accidentally throw his toy across the room having let go of it with his teeth, and the impatient dog bounded over the couch rather than walking around it, pouncing on the toy and skidding to a stop when he crashed into the other couch.
Stepping into the kitchen, he paused for a moment, all too happy to watch Hermione as she put the finishing touches on the cake she was icing, putting the piping bag off to the side and sucking the icing off her finger. Looking to the oven, he could see the pasta simmering and the sauce looked to be done, too, ready for him coming home.
He snuck up behind her, pushing her against the counter as he wrapped his arms around her and pressed himself against her, not being all that surprised when she didn't startle so much, likely having heard him arrive home, Merlin's greeting having not exactly been quiet.
"Hey," she smiled up at him as she looked over her shoulder.
"Hi," he replied, bending to press a kiss to her lips.
"So, did you remember what you needed to do?"
"Aye, a did," he replied, and she raised an eyebrow when he didn't elaborate further.
"And you got everything you needed?"
"Aye, a'thing's perfect," he promised with a secret smile.
"Okay, well, dinner's ready, it just needs plating up and I've already grated the cheese, it's on the table, so I hope you're hungry."
"Starving," he nodded, his head burying in her neck and she sighed as he placed gentle kisses against her skin.
"I thought you said you were hungry."
He shrugged his shoulders. "We can have both."
Her eyebrows rose high on her forehead, not that he could see. "Are you suggesting we have food sex?"
"There's somethin' tae be said aboot food sex," Oliver mumbled against her neck.
"And you know this how?"
"A've never tried it meself but a've heard Wilks regale tales af it in the locker room."
Hermione grimaced, her nose scrunching up in disgust.
"I absolutely did not need to know that," she replied, barely stopping herself from retching. "Oh for Merlin's Sake, now I can't get the image out of my head and I'm not entirely sure what it is my imagination's conjured up. I'm never going to be able to look at him again now. Ew, now I've been put off my food."
Oliver laughed. "Alright then," he said, reaching around her to turn off the hob. "Then just regular sex it is."
Before she saw it coming, he'd swopped down, picked her up and put her over his shoulder as he turned and marched for the bedroom.
"You said you were hungry," she laughed.
"A'd rather have ye than dinner, besides, a quite enjoy working up an appetite," he said, swotting her on the arse, pulling a squeak from her which morphed into a laugh. "An' a've gotta admit, Damsel, the frilly pink apron an' flour-covered cheeks are really doin' it fer mae."
"Oliver!"