New Beginnings 2
AN: Here is the next segment. It is going to be much long than a one-shot thanks to my muse. Enjoy!
Oliver Wood took one last sip of Pumpkin Juice to wash down his dinner. He glanced down the table to see that Hermione was sitting by herself. She had finished with her food, and she was reading a book. He smiled to himself. Why I am not surprised? He was brought back to focus by Percy's waving hand.
"Yes, Perce?"
"Who are you looking at, Ollie? Do you want to work on Charms together after dinner?"
"Um. No. I can't work on Charms after dinner. I promised to help someone with their flying, like I did with you."
"Oh? That is really nice of you, Ollie. You should probably go before it gets too dark."
"Yeah, good idea, Percy." Oliver set his glass down and got up to walk out of the Great Hall. He caught Hermione's eye and subtly tipped his head to say let's go. Hermione closed her book to acknowledge his gesture. Oliver walked happily out of the castle and headed towards the broom shed to get his broom. He then carefully went through the brooms to find her a good steady broom.
Hermione slowly gathered all her books, pens and papers together and stuffed them into her bag after she saw Oliver walk by. She took her time getting up from the table. Anyone watching her would have noticed her talking to herself. Okay, I can do this. Let the nice boy help me pass this scary class. Hermione started to walk towards the castle doors. I won't let my fear get the best of me. Oh Merlin, what if he laughs at my fear. Hermione stopped in her tracks at that line of thought. I can't do this. I am deathly afraid of heights and the thinness of the broomstick. Hermione turned around and started to walk towards the Library. She set her bag on a table that she found near the back of the Library. I will just study the Quidditch book some more. I will figure it out eventually.
Hermione sat and stared at the 'Quidditch Through the Ages' book. She took a big sigh and thought to herself, I am going to let that nice boy, Oliver, down. I can't let him think that I am not brave like him. I am supposed to be a Gryffindor, aren't I? Hermione quickly stuffed her book into her bag and ran out of the Library while the Librarian yelled at her to slow down. "Sorry Madam Pince!"
Hermione rushed down the stairs and stopped at the doors to the outside. Okay, Hermione. Take a deep breath and everything will be fine once you explain everything.
Meanwhile on the pitch, Oliver was sitting on the benches, patiently waiting for Hermione to show up for her first lesson. He started to get a little worried when ten minutes had passed. I think I will take a couple of loops with her broom to make sure it will fly alright for her. Oliver did a couple of slow loops around the pitch. He flew down to the bench and decided to check over the broom one last time for bent twigs. It looked like it was in good shape. Good. I hope she shows up soon. I hope she is alright. Oliver decided to hop on his broom to float up high enough to see the castle entrance. When he got to the top, Oliver saw the door opening and a little person coming out with a brown mop of hair. Oh good, she decided to come. I was starting to worry. I wonder if there is anything I should know before starting her lessons. They won't let you pass the class until you can go around the pitch at a decent speed. Oliver drifted down to the ground when he noticed that she was getting close to the pitch.
"Hello Hermione." Oliver noticed that she seemed a bit agitated. "Is something the matter?"
Hermione snapped out of her inner mantra when she heard Oliver's voice. Hermione looked up at him with a slight tinge of fear in her eyes. "I-, I-, I don't know if I can do this." Hermione turned around to walk away.
"Woah, Hermione!" Oliver dropped his broom and raced over in front of her. Hermione stopped in her tracks. She refused to look at him. Oliver gently tilted her head up to look into her slightly tearful eyes. "What's wrong, wee lass? Do you have a fear of flying? Heights? Or both?" Hermione nodded to all three of them as she looked down in shame. "Hey Hermione, look at me please."
Hermione looked up into his brown eyes and saw kindness and concern. She took a deep breath. "I almost chickened out coming here because I have a fear for heights, and the thought of being in the air with no support terrifies me."
"Oh Hermione." Oliver gently caressed her cheek to help soothe her fears. "I solemnly promise that I won't let you fall and I will take it slow until the fear is subsided enough for you to pass the course. You have to be able to circle this pitch at least once about halfway up. If it takes me until Christmas, so be it. Okay?" Hermione slowly nodded. Oliver gave her a soft smile. "Great! How about we just call it a day and meet up later this week." Oliver had to put his finger on her lips before she could object. "Listen Hermione, you are wee bit too wired up tonight. I need you to relax, plus I need to plan your lessons a little bit differently than I did with Percy. Ok?" Oliver felt her head move in agreement. "Great! Let me put these away, and we will walk back to the common room, unless there is someplace else you rather be."
"No, the common room is fine."
Oliver jogged over to the Broom Shed and stashed the brooms away. He turned around and gave Hermione a smile to put her at ease. "Let's go!"
They walked back towards the castle in comfortable silence.