A/N: Thanks Bri892 for Editing!

Chapter 16: Dating a Healer

The school year was coming to a close and there were two drastically different experiences for the students. The OWL and NEWT students were glassy eyed and slow moving while the rest of the students were exuberant as they chatted and horsed around.

Hermione was pleased to receive an owl from Oliver Wood. He was planning on attending the Career Fair at Hogwarts for several days; he asked if she was available for lunch or dinner on either of those days. She consulted with Ginny through the floo before accepting a lunch date. A wise Ginny had reminded her that if all went well with lunch, she could still ask him to dinner for days he was remaining on campus.

Fifth, sixth and seventh year students were invited to the Career Fair. Potential employers and universities turned the Great Hall into a conference center. Each morning session featured two speakers discussing specialized careers or degrees and the afternoons featured hands-on workshops on how to create a CV, interview skills, and choosing the proper college.

Many former graduates arrived to present their sessions; giving the Career Fair a feeling of a class reunion. Neville invited Hermione to attend his presentation on Advanced Herbology and Ron wanted her to watch his MLE demonstration on the Quidditch field. Hermione was impressed as she sat in on the sessions, "I wish they had this when I was still in school."

Lunch with Oliver went great. Hermione felt comfortable and the conversation flowed easily. When his scratchy day old stubble rubbed against her face as they hugged goodbye, she blushed. Steeling herself, she asked him to dinner.

"Sorry, Hermione. I promised to have dinner with Rolanda this evening. Why don't I take you dinner in Hogsmeade tomorrow night?"

Hermione blushed again, "It's a date!"

~~~~O-O~~~~

Unable to resist, Hermione kept kissing the boy in her arms. "He is just so sweet."

Ginny smiled from across the room, "Sweet and snuggly, he is for sure. Now, tell me more! Was he clean shaven?"

Hermione adjusted the sleeping baby and tucked his hands back under the blanket, "I haven't seen him without scruff yet. It makes him look a little bad ass. I have to stop blushing around him."

"I still blush around him and I'm married with a kid. I'll bet he likes you blushing."

Shaking her head, Hermione replied, "It's so juvenile. Where do you think he will take me? Should I dress up a bit or keep things casual? Should I wear my simple green dress robes or the curvy cut black ones?"

"I seriously doubt he will take you to a pub. There is that new restaurant that Hannah Abbott opened." Ginny took James from Hermione. "Let me put him down in the nursery and I'll be right back.

Returning to the room, Ginny helped Hermione decide on her dress robes (simple green robes in case it's a pub after all) and hair style (down but loose curls).

"Severus traded rounds with Professor Grady, so he will give Sabrina dinner and put her to bed. I will have plenty of time to get ready."

"I'll bet Oliver will give you a 'real' good night kiss. Mmmm" Ginny made kissy noises at Hermione.

"Maybe I will kiss him!"

Harry popped his head through the doorway, "See I told you, get a job and boyfriend, SIMPLE."

He ducked out of the way as throw pillows were launched across the room at him.

~~~~O-O~~~~

The next evening, Oliver met Hermione in the Entrance Hall. He was dressed in a muggle sports coat, a blue button up shirt (untucked) with tailored black jeans. His face broke into a broad smile as she approached.

Leaning in, he breathed "Hello," as he kissed her cheek. Hermione tried not to blush, this was getting ridiculous.

"Shall we walk down to Hogsmeade or would you prefer to apparate?"

Hermione smiled, "Let's walk. We can catch up along the way."

It was twilight as Oliver and Hermione walked along the path, the sun set as they reached the magical village. He guided her to a small shop, tucked away on side street amongst the residential homes.

The restaurant had a small dining room with only half of the tables filled with couples. They were seated by their server at a table in the corner. Placing their drink and food orders, they talked about Oliver's transition from Quidditch player to Healer.

"There is quite a bit of down time in Quidditch. The season lasts six months and you can only train so many hours in a day. I spoke with the University and they extended the two year program and allowed for independent study. I was able to complete my training in a little over three years."

Hermione asked him a few questions about his custom course work and the Ministry accepting his non-traditional method of achieving his degree. "I want to be sure the time I invest in charms and spells will apply as apprenticeship hours or if the Ministry will change its mind."

Too full for dessert, the couple headed out to stroll along the main street. While most of the shops were closed for the evening, a few pubs were open and there was a little foot traffic. Nodding and smiling to those they knew, Hermione was pleased. They looked like a real couple.

"Shall we head back? It's getting a bit nippy." Oliver asked her.

"Yes, please."

Wrapping his arms around her, Oliver side-along apparated them to the Hogwarts grounds. He didn't hesitate once they arrived; kissing her soundly on the lips.

Hermione reached up her arms and brought his head back down for another kiss.

He chuckled as an embarrassed Hermione turned and scurried towards the Entrance Hall.

"I'll owl you." Oliver called out to her before apparating away.