CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Summary: With the War finally won and a rapid decline in the wizarding population, drastic measures are taken in a bid to save Wizarding Britain with the introduction of a new Marriage Law. Under the law, Hermione is forced to marry at eighteen or face being exiled from the Wizarding World. She must learn to deal with her past and look forward to her future with rising Quidditch Star, Oliver Wood. Rated M for a reason.
Disclaimer: All original characters and canon events belong to J.K. Rowling. Non-canon events and characters are my own. I am not making any profit from posting this fanfic. Characters are likely to be OOC.
Page count: 13
Puddlemere United Stadium - Tuesday 25th August 1998
Puddlemere had won their previous match against the Wigtown Wanders and they'd just won their current match of the day against the Banchory Bangers. As a result, they had a match against Lancashire on Saturday and three days later was the final, which Puddlemere was set to play in even if they lost against Lancashire.
Hermione currently stood in her office bathroom, nervously scrutinising her appearance. Whilst the team were finishing up with their victory interview, she'd snuck off to her office to change clothing. As she'd asked of him, Oliver had given her a list of his sexual fantasies and that day, she'd chosen to attempt to bring one of them to life, hoping to Merlin that she didn't embarrass herself or chicken out.
It seemed that Oliver was quite the exhibitionist, or at least, he wanted to be. On his list, he'd included sex in a public place but the best she was willing to do was the stadium, knowing that it was semi-public given the security measures in place, lessening the risk of being caught. Another of his fantasies had Hermione wearing a certain school uniform, whilst another had mentioned her being his number one fan. And after seeing this, she'd decided to combine the three.
She nibbled at her lip and she fiddled with her fingers as her eyes carefully took in her appearance. Her hair was pulled back into two low pigtails with midnight blue ribbons tied in place, her hair spilling over her shoulders and curls framing her face. Her clothing was far tighter than she'd have ever dared to wear in school, her white shirt fitting to her frame, being unbuttoned at the valley of her breasts. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows and the shirttails were tied into a knot above the navel, showing her midriff, the mounds of her breasts and her black lace bra could be seen through the fabric. A red and gold striped tie was loosely tied about her neck, her black pleated skirt sat high on her waist and the hem barely covered her arse, a small section of pale skin being seen between that and the beginning of her black stockings. She wore matching black lace boy shorts beneath her skirt, black heels on her feet and she was free of jewellery beside her wedding rings, Wood cuff bracelet and golden hopped earrings.
She took a deep breath. "It's now or never," she said to herself. "He better appreciate this."
Hearing the fading cheers and chants of the team, she knew they'd finished their interview and were heading towards the locker room. Taking a final glance in the mirror and steeling her nerves, she cast a Disillusionment and Silencing as to not be seen and she left her office, heading for the locker rooms, waiting for a few minutes to allow the team time to disappear into the shower. There was only one man she wanted to see indecently dressed, or not at all.
"That wife of yours is brilliant, Wood," Kings called, his footsteps growing quiet as he drew closer to the showers.
"Tell mae aboot it!" Oliver called after him with a laugh.
Hearing no other voices, Hermione peeked inside to see that Oliver was the only one in the locker room, the rest having already headed for the showers. Seeing him remove his robes and jumper before he reached for his broom and turned to set it in his locket, Hermione removed the Silencing and Disillusionment Charm and stepped inside, doing her best to not slip on the floor and fight down the blush.
It didn't work. The moment Oliver turned around at the sound of her heels on the floor, his eyes widening, his mouth falling open and his jumper and broom being dropped to floor, colour and heat flooded her cheeks. He was speechless.
Hermione might've taken it for a bad thing if it weren't for the fact she could physically see the reaction she'd pulled from him, feeling feminine pride fill her as she struggled to stop the giggle threatening to fall from her. He made a few strangled sounds she understood to be him struggling to speak and with that, she squashed down her nerves and insecurities, feeling emboldened.
"Congratulations, Captain Wood. You played exceptionally today and you led your team to victory," she congratulated with a smile, stopping so close in front of him, they were almost touching.
Clearing his throat, his eyes slowly swept her body, landing on her exposed breasts before he drew his eyes to her, his gaze dark and heated. Merlin, was he irresistible.
"Thanks, Miss, it was a team effort," he replied.
"Oh, don't be so modest," she tipped her head. "You're one of the best Keepers in the league, the best in my opinion." Lifting her hand, her fingertips ghosted over his shirtless, muscled chest, seeing a shiver race through him. "I'm your number one fan, and I know you're a busy man, but I was hoping that you could spare a few minutes to give me an autograph."
Oliver's mouth tugged into a smirk. "Do ye have any parchment, Miss..."
"Mrs. Wood," she supplied. "And I'm afraid I don't," a sad pout pulled at her mouth before she removed a marker pen from the waistband of her skirt, holding it out to him. "But I was hoping you might sign something else instead."
He arched a questioning eyebrow, his eyes being drawn to her hands when they moved to grip her shirt, pulling it further apart to better reveal her chest and allow for easier access.
Sucking in a breath, he removed the cap, his eyes darting between her and her chest as he pressed the tip of the marker against her skin before signing his name, a groan catching in his throat at the sight of his name being possessively scrawled across her chest.
Hermione licked her lips.
"Thank you, Mr. Wood, I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. I wish there was something I could do to repay you."
"Am sure ye could think af something," he muttered,, his eyes locked on her breasts where he'd just signed his name. She bit her lip and looked up at him from beneath her eyelashes.
He couldn't take it anymore.
His control and patience snapped and he reached out, his arms slotting around her and tugging her into him, his mouth latching onto hers as he held her tightly. When Hermione drew back from him, he looked disappointed until she pecked him on the mouth and reached for his jumper and broom, slipping them both into his locker before closing it. Taking his hand, she silently led him towards the showers, spying the fourteen shower cubicles, each holding a plaque on the door, clearly labelling which cubicle belonged to which player.
Approaching the only empty cubicle in the shower room, she tugged him inside and shut the door behind them, ensuring to mutter an Impervius, keeping her clothing and hair dry and water-resistant. With that taken care of, she banished Oliver's remaining clothing to his locker until he stood before her naked, watching her intensely as she started the shower, hot water falling over him, his hair being plastered across his forehead.
Stepping close to him and being relatively similar in height with the addition of her heels, she easily pressed a kiss to his skin, right beneath his ear.
"I must show you my gratitude, Mr. Wood. I also think you deserve a reward for that impressive win," she breathed huskily against his ear, a smile tugging at her mouth at the strangled whine-like noise that sounded from him. Well, wasn't this quite the turnaround? He was usually the one to have her weak-kneed and begging. "There is no Silencing Charm and your teammates are in the same room as us. You must be quiet," she warned before she suddenly dropped to her knees, her hand encircling his hardened length, giving a few pumps before she slipped her mouth around him. A groan fell from him and he fell back against the wall for support.
The more she did this to him, the more confident she became and she was quickly learning what affected him and what didn't, what he liked and what he didn't. And she'd come to realise that she liked it, too. She liked doing this to him. She liked the feelings it instilled and she liked the pleasure she gave him.
Hearing muffled groans, she peered up at him to see his teeth being clamped against his knuckles, struggling to keep quiet. Moaning, she sent vibrations down his length, his hips jerking forward and his hands moving to mess up her hair. She knew he was close and so she increased in speed and pressure and dragged her teeth over him, her eyes locking with his.
She felt his body stiffen, his hold on her tightened and he found his end, Hermione being pulled to her feet and his mouth latching onto hers before she'd had the chance to cast a charm to rid of the taste of him in her mouth.
Her back hit the wall and he dropped to his knees before her, there being no hesitation when he lifted her skirt, a groan falling from him at the sight of her lace underwear and stockings. His fingers burying under the waistband of her knickers, he drew them down her legs, waiting for her to step out of them before he lifted a leg and set it over his shoulder, his head disappearing under her skirt.
The moment his mouth latched onto her and he slipped two fingers into her, Hermione slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sounds wishing to be released, not wanting to alert anyone to her presence or what she and Oliver were up to, especially when she could hear the laughter and chatter of the team as they showered.
A third finger was added and with his mouth working in tandem with his hands, he brought her to orgasm, happily prolonging the pleasure as he lapped at her, hearing her muffled cries. Hermione slumped against the wall and breathed heavily as Oliver stood to his feet, watching her closely, his expression showing he was quite pleased with himself.
She reached out and drew him to her, their mouths pressing together as Hermione lifted her leg and hooked it over his hip, feeling his recovered and now erect member pressing against her thigh. Not wishing to waste any time, Oliver lifted her and pressed her against the wall, Hermione's other leg folding around him and locking at his lower back. When he entered her, she had never been more grateful that his mouth muffled her noises of pleasure.
His thrusts were slow and deliberate, designed to drive her insane, to drive her to the point of begging. Not wishing to be teased, she purposely clenched her pelvic muscles, breaking his control. His mouth unlatched from her, breathing heavily and watching enraptured as she tried to muffle her whimpers and mewls.
When she clamped around him, she leaned forward and her mouth latched onto his neck as her nails sunk his back and raked at his skin, pulling him towards his own ending. Holding her up, he pressed himself against her, working to right his breathing.
"Best wife ever," Oliver sighed into her neck, hearing Hermione's giggles as she ran her hands through his wet hair, pushing it back from his eyes and scratching at his scalp. "We're keeping this outfit, by the way."
She laughed, her gaze locking with his when he lifted his face from her neck. "Well, I know how hard you've been working and after taking a look at that list you gave me, I thought I'd see what I could do for you. Today, I've ticked three off in one go."
"Hmm,?"
"Schoolgirl who is your number one fan, and we are in a semi-public place, not to mention, we're surrounded by your teammates."
To prove her point, their voices and laughter carried as they were surrounded by them. Luckily, the sounds of voices and running water had helped to drown out the noise they'd been making.
"Yer amazing," he muttered.
She smiled widely at him. "You're not so bad yourself," she replied.
Pressing another kiss to her mouth, he set her back on her feet, helping to steady her when she wobbled. At the sight of water running over his muscled, tanned form, she tipped her head, an appreciative sigh falling from her mouth. Merlin, was he handsome.
"Let's get you cleaned up, we have a victory party to attend," she said.
She reached for the shampoo and conditioner bottles that sat on the shelf in the corner, Oliver happily allowing her to apply each to his hair as she massaged at his scalp. Once done, she took the washcloth and soap, thoroughly washing away the fatigue and sweat from the day, basking in her attention.
When the shower was shut off, Hermione summoned a towel, allowing Oliver to dry off and once he'd settled the towel about his hips, she slipped her underwear on and they took their leave.
Given the time that had passed since she'd heard the other showers being shut off and the voices dying down, they'd deemed it safe and free of witnesses.
They were wrong.
Stepping into the locker room hand in hand, they froze, seeing the full dressed teammates lounging about, looking as if they'd been waiting for Oliver. Silence fell around them and all eyes turned to them, curses and splutters sounding as eyes widened and mouths fell open.
Despite being embarrassed, she fought down the blush and embarrassment, reminding herself that what'd happened in the shower with Oliver was most definitely worth the teasing she'd receive.
"Bloody hell!" Malloy exclaimed, blatantly leering at Hermione and her less than appropriately dressed form. Oliver found it both amusing and annoying, he was stuck in-between the two.
"Hermione!" Thompson spluttered, his cheeks flushing pink.
Hermione's eyes dared about seeing some of them shifting on their feet, some of them being flushed and the rest being too surprised to do anything but silently stare.
"Yes, well," she cleared her throat, "I have some things I need to collect from my office," she offered her best smile, kissed Oliver on the cheek and then took her leave, feeling their eyes following her.
"What the hell was that?" Pallie asked stunned.
Oliver's grin gave away exactly what'd happened.
"Tha' was the best wife ever," he replied smugly, moving to his locker and pulling his clothing free, making a start on dressing.
"That was some fantasy of yours, wasn't it?" Thompson said knowingly, his eyes darting between Oliver and the doorway.
"Aye, actually she combined three."
"You told her your fantasies?" Bishop said disbelievingly.
Oliver's grin widened. "She asked mae fer a list," he gloated.
"Bloody hell!" Wilks muttered.
"Why was your name written across her... Well her..." Kings hesitated, gesturing to his chest with a wiggle of his finger, shifting under Oliver's glare.
"She asked mae tae."
Groans sounded in the room and for different reasons.
"I want one," Malloy whined.
Oliver's mouth tugged into a smug smile.
"Yer not getting me wife, she's mine. Find yer own witch."
~000~000~000~
Puddlemere United Stadium - Monday 31st August 1998
The League Cup Final had arrived, and surprisingly, in just under two weeks the Caerphilly Catapults had risen from fourth place to second place, making it so they were playing Puddlemere for the title. The match had started a little over two hours ago and currently, the scores were close with the Puddlemere at 310 and the Catapults on 300.
Hermione's hands were firmly clasped around the railing, her knuckles white and her breath held as Thompson and the opposing team's Seeker neck and neck with their arms stretched, fingertips reaching for the golden snitch.
Five seconds previously the Catapults had scored, meaning the fate of the game rested on the Seekers' shoulders. It was all to play for.
"Come on, Thompson," Hermione whispered, unable to take her eyes from the two blurs above her. "You can do this. It's just like playing catch the levitated golf ball. I know you can do this."
Leo's smaller form stood beside her, decked out in full Puddlemere clothing; a jersey, a cap that was slightly too big for him and a scarf gripped in his hands as he waved it back and forth in the air, jumping up and down on the spot, screaming and yelling. Coach Burton stood on her other side, his form stiff, his eyes open wide, his clipboard forgotten on the ground and his hands clasped together as if praying. And of course, it wouldn't be complete without Quaffle sporting a Quidditch jersey as he darted about the coach's box, barking excitedly.
And then it happened. She blinked and the commentator was crying out loudly.
"THOMPSON CAUGHT THE SNITCH! PUDDLEMERE WINS THE LEAGUE CUP WITH AN IMPRESSIVE FULL HOUSE AND FOURTEEN CONSECUTIVE WINS AGAINST THEIR OPPONENTS THIS YEAR! A FEAT THAT HASN'T BEEN SEEN IN ALMOST TWO DECADES!"
As the team celebrated in the air, waving their arms and sharing hugs, they flew to the ground and dismounted their brooms, shaking hands with the Catapults before doing a few victory laps, all of the team gathering in the centre of the pitch as the League Cup was flown down to them and handed to Oliver, the sound of cheers and boos roaring from all around.
Quaffle barked madly, Leo jumped and screamed at the top of his lungs, Coach Burton was on the verge of his tears and after Hermione had cried out, punching the air, he reached out and lifted her from the ground, spinning her in circles. Crying and laughing, she was put back on her feet and he crouched down, scratching Quaffle on the head and accepting the licks to his face he bestowed.
Hermione laughed, barely catching Leo when he flung himself at her and she held him against her, hugging him tightly as she in circles. Setting him on his feet, Hermione's laughed when Coach Burton reached for the child and mimicking her actions, setting him on his feet with a ruffle of his hair.
The team soon made their appearance, being out of breath and sweaty from the heat and their hard work. Oliver was the first to touch down on the ground and in a rare moment of happiness, Coach Burton pulled him into a hug before drawing back and taking the cup from him, staring at it with teary eyes.
His eyes sought Hermione's immediately, being unsurprised when she appeared before him in a blink of an eye and she jumped towards him, Oliver catching her and holding her to him as she wrapped her legs around him.
A laugh fell from his mouth, seeing her overjoyed expression, her cheeks flushed, her smile wide and tears falling down her cheeks. Leaning down, she kissed him, stealing his breath and his senses. That was a kiss that promised something far greater when they were alone.
"I have never been prouder," she exclaimed both in happiness and to be heard over the cheering crowd.
She drew back from him, moving to hug the other members of the team, being greeted similarly to how Coach Burton had hugged her and Oliver ran his hand through Quaffle's fur when he bounded over to him. Oliver made a noise of surprise when he was assaulted by a much smaller and lighter body, his reflexes being the only thing that stopped that smaller body from being dropped to the ground. Blinking in surprise when Leo's arms wrapped around his neck and he held onto him tightly, he cried,
"You did it, Mr. Wood! You did it! Your team won!" He drew back, showing his red face, bright smile and tears falling down his face.
Oliver felt a smile tug at his mouth and he laughed when the young child hugged him once more, not seeing Hermione's expression softening of the melting of her heart at their interaction.
After being visited by those that filled the family box, the team headed to the conference room in order to give their victory statement and interview. After posing for more photos and answering more questions than Hermione thought necessary, even with the winning of the League Cup, the team disappeared into the locker room to shower and ready for an entire night of celebrating. Hermione, however, had her first NEWT examination the next morning and couldn't risk missing it.
"Come on, Hermione, you have to come with us. We won the cup!" Thompson exclaimed to the team's cheers.
"I would love to come and celebrate with you, I really would, but I can't. I have my first NEWT exam in the morning."
"Surely you can spare some time," Bishop pouted.
"I'm afraid I can't. I have my potions exam followed by my ancient runes exam in the morning. Then after lunch, I have my potions practical, followed by my transfiguration practical."
Looks of surprise and pity greeted her.
"Then we'll have to celebrate extra hard at our next win of the season," Pallie remarked. "And we will win!"
~000~000~000~
Wood Apartment - Friday 11th September 1998
With the end of the Quidditch season and the winning of the League Cup, brought the arrival and completion of Hermione's NEWTs and the first Ministry Ball celebrating the ending of the war, something Hermione hadn't enjoyed. Oliver had attended with her, as expected, and his presence had made the night a little more bearable but she'd struggled to keep her composure under the many gawking stares of the other attendees. And now that Hermione had been officially and publically awarded her Order of Merlin: First Class, she hoped she could truly put the past and the war behind her.
Currently, Hermione was completing the last-minute checks as she was preparing to leave for her long-overdue honeymoon. Whilst they'd be away for two weeks, the twins had agreed to watch Quaffle and Ali whilst Thompson took care of the apartment, the Seeker promising not to bring anyone back in their absence despite the wards preventing him from doing so.
"Sparrow? Ye ready yet?" Asked Oliver as he stepped into their bedroom. "The port-key leaves in ten minutes."
"I'm ready. Won't you tell me where we're going?"
"Nope," he popped the 'p'.
"But how do I know that I packed for the correct weather and environment if you don't tell me?"
"If ye havnae got something ye need we'll purchase it when we get there."
"Get where?" She fished.
"Ye'll find oot in less than ten minutes," he chuckled.
Scowling, Hermione shrunk down her suitcase and slipped it into her beaded bag along with Oliver's.
~000~000~000~
Hawaii
Landing, Hermione lost her footing and Oliver chuckled before helping her to her feet, Hermione being too busy taking in the white sandy beach, blue ocean, sea breeze and heat to grumble or notice.
"Where are we?"
"We, me beautiful wife, are on a private wizarding island. A hidden an' an undiscovered Hawaiian island."
"Hawaii?" She spluttered.
"Aye," he nodded, amused by her wide-eyed and mouth falling open reaction.
"A private island?" She checked.
"Aye, the owner rents it oot tae celebrities," he shrugged. "When he heard the names Oliver Wood an' Hermione Granger, he was more than willing tae have us here. We have it fer twa weeks. We have access tae the town through the floo so we can go shopping, have dinner an' explore the historic sites an' street market. Apparently, there's some fascinating wizarding history in Hawaii, something anno ye'll love. An' don' hit mae but we've a house-elf tha' will be attending tae us fer the duration af our stay. From what a can tell, they're treated well."
"I was right though, minimal clothing," she rolled her eyes.
"Obviously, a want ye in minimal clothing. But first..."
He set his hands on her hips and turned her to around, showing the beautiful white modern beach house that sat not far from the shoreline. Guiding her forward, Oliver swooped down and lifted Hermione into his arms, carrying her into the house as she gave a squeak of surprise which was followed by a laugh.
After a quick search through the house, they discovered an open planned kitchen and dining area, a living room with a dominating fireplace, four bathrooms and four bedrooms. Upon the discovery of the master suite, they unpacked their belongings with Hermione quietly taking in the king-sized bed, walk-in wardrobe, light wood flooring and the black and gold colour scheme.
After changing into more appropriate clothing, Oliver sporting blue swimming trunks and Hermione a black bikini, sunglasses and a tan sun hat, they stepped out of the patio doors, and straight onto the beach, Hermione happily taking a seat on the beach towel laid on the sand as she worked on editing one of her fifth year journals with Oliver lying beside her, taking in the sun, sea and silence.
Upon the realisation that she hadn't applied any sunscreen and she was prone to burning, she was certain to correct that mistake, having Oliver rub the cool lotion into her back as she couldn't reach. Despite his assurances he didn't want or need any, Hermione applied it to his back anyway, not wishing to have to deal with his cries when he got sunburnt. One moment she was rubbing the lotion into his back and shoulders and the next, she was on her back with Oliver barely stopping himself from collapsing on top of her as he moved to lay beside her, after an innocent kiss had led to sex.
"Ye'll have tae give mae a few minutes, Sparrow," Oliver muttered when Hermione moved to straddle him barely ten minutes later, biting at her lip, her hands pressed against his chest and her fingers tickling his skin.
"Well, we should make the most of the time we have."
"Why?" He arched an eyebrow.
"My cycle's due in a few days and you know what that means."
"What?" His brow furrowed in confusion.
"No sex for five to seven days." A laugh of surprise fell from her when her back hit the sand and Oliver hovered above her, his gaze heated and intense. "That was a speedy recovery," she commented, feeling the hard length nudging against her stomach.
"Like ye said, we have tae make the most af it."
Reaching for her, he tugged her to her feet, lifted her into his arms and headed for the water, Hermione pushing away from him and playfully splashing him in the face. They laughed and teased and swam until they found each other in the water once more.
~000~000~000~
Hawaii - Saturday 19th September 1998
Upon the morning of Hermione's nineteenth birthday, Hermione's eyes fluttered open to the beaming smile of her husband who showered her with compliments and breakfast in bed, which he took no part in making for fear of poisoning Hermione and he left it to the house-elf.
After gifting her the biggest bouquet of flowers she'd ever seen, Oliver set two wrapped gift boxes before her, one larger than the other. Eyeing the largest one first, she was quick and meticulous with the removal and folding of the wrapping paper before peering inside the box to see a shrunken down broom, one Oliver might teach her to fly with.
The second gift, Hermione's eyes had widened and a gasp had fallen from her lips upon the opening of the black velvet box. Sitting atop the silk cushion had been a silver chain fitted with a beautiful pendant. Silver had been warped as a representation of petals with diamonds embedded into the metal, and a tanzanite gem sat in the centre.
"Oliver, it's beautiful but far too expensive, you never should've spent so much," said Hermione, worrying at her lip. "Why do you insist on such items?"
His mouth tugged into a smile and he reached up, pushing her hair behind her ear and out of her face.
"Tanzanite's one af the most precious an' rarest gemstones in the world, an' yer a one af a kind witch. Tanzanite's the closest a can get tae getting ye a one af a kind piece af jewellery, tha's why a have them custom made. A don' care fer the cost 'coz yer worth it. Yer worth ev'ry galleon a spent having it made."
~000~000~000~
Strolling along the streets and perusing the market stalls of Muggle Hawaii, Hermione and Oliver basked in the heat and sun beaming down on them, walking hand in hand.
Much to Oliver's delight, Hermione was free of makeup and Glamour Charms, all scars and tattoos on display to the world without a care in the world, showing her growing confidence in her body. That hot day she'd opted for a pink playsuit that fell to mid-thigh with thin shoulder straps keeping the garment held up and she wore matching sandals on her feet. Beside her, Oliver sported clean white trainers, blue knee-length shorts, his t-shirt being carried in his free hand, having removed it sometime earlier, his skin a shade darker due to the continuous exposure to the sun.
Oliver was thoroughly enjoying the heat and sun and was considering moving to the island upon his retirement from Quidditch, wishing to do nothing but lounge about in the sun and spend his days on the beach and walking market stalls with his wife. Something he was certain Hermione would disagree with. She would never leave the Weasleys behind. Still, it was nice to dream.
They'd already perused the market stalls twice and with several bags of gifts shrunken down and hidden in Hermione's beach tote bag, they stopped for lunch in a lovely little cafe, trying some of the most popular and better-known cuisine on the menu.
After visiting another market area, they took their leave and returned to the house, having dinner on the beach. Afterwards, Oliver had been able to convince Hermione to get on her broom and they'd flown over the private island of their staying, discovering a large jungle area with a waterfall, something they'd decided to explore the following day.
Upon their return to the ground, Hermione took the opportunity to encourage Oliver to continue with his attempt to conjure a Patronus, something he'd started after her moving in with him. Currently, he was able to conjure a blue-silver wisp of smoke, but it had yet to take a form or shape, something she knew upset him.
"You have to believe you can do it," Hermione reminded softly, seeing his put out frown.
"Am trying, Sparrow," he grumbled in frustration, raising his wand and saying the incantation once more.
"No, stop," she instructed, drawing closer to him and standing before him, tipping her head back to lock gazes with him. "You don't believe you can do it, but you can. You made Captain of Puddlemere. You help lead your team to victory week after week. You won the League Cup, not only after a war, but, for the club, the first time in seven years. You punched Viktor Bloody Krum in the face." She saw his mouth twitch into a smile, his expression softening. "I love you and I believe in you. You should believe in yourself, just look at everything you've accomplished. Now, try again. Close your eyes, find your happy place, think happy thoughts and focus."
She tipped her head slightly, observing as his eyes closed, he slowed his breathing and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Raising his wand, he said, "Expecto Patronum," a blue-silver wisp of smoke pouring from the tip of his wand. Hermione smiled.
"Keep concentrating, Oliver, you've almost got it," she said encouragingly, seeing the smoke began to take shape. "Almost there, Oliver, it's taking shape."
A laugh suddenly fell from her, Oliver's eyes opening to see blue-silver cheetah, circling above their heads.
"The cheetah; determination, passion, protection, survival, adaptability and focus," Hermione told him with a beaming smile.
Shaking his head from the shock of actually being able to conjure a Patronus, he smiled and reached out, his arms circling her and tugging her to him so he could plant a kiss on her mouth.
"I'm so proud of you. I knew you could do it," she praised.
Smiling down at her, he said, "A really want tae ravish ye right now."
"And I really want you to do that, but I feel icky," she grimaced. He chuckled at her, pressed a kiss to her forehead and hugged him against her, watching the cheetah above.
~000~000~000~
Wood Apartment – Sunday 27th September 1998
"It's good to be home," Hermione sighed, catching herself on the back of the couch to right her balance, having just port-keyed into the apartment.
"You're back!" Thompson exclaimed happily, all but running towards her and picking her up in his arms, Hermione laughing and demanding that he put her down and that she was getting dizzy. "I'm so glad you're back, I don't know how you lived here on your own," he looked to Oliver. "It's so boring," he grumbled. "Did you have to steal her away for two weeks?"
"A think yer forgetting who's wife she is," Oliver rolled his eyes. "A wanted it tae be longer but Hermione said she'd miss Quaffle," Oliver shrugged.
"I have your mail," Thompson told them, summoning two piles of mail and handing the appropriate collection to each of them.
Hermione, searching through her pile of mail, dropped the entire stack carelessly onto the floor when she found the envelope she was searching for. One that held the Ministry wax seal.
Thompson and Oliver observed her closely, seeing Hermione's tight grip on the parchment and her eyes scanning the words it held anxiously.
"All O's" she cried happily, jumping towards Oliver who chuckled and held her as she sniffled.
"How many NEWTs did you take?" Thompson asked curiously, looking unsurprised with the reveal of her results, knowing how clever she was.
"Twelve," Hermione replied, drawing back from Oliver and wiping beneath her eyes with the backs of her hands. "Well, I want to go and pick Quaffle and Ali up, see the family and tell them the news. We got you a gift but we'll give it to you later," she smiled. "Oh, I need to have a meeting with my editor now that I'm back, too," she said to herself. "I've finished all my journals and they're ready to be printed and published," Hermione grinned. "My deadline was November."
"And you've finished in September, what a surprise," Thompson said sarcastically and Oliver snorted when Hermione slapped him over the back of the head.
"When you're done being bitchy, we have a surprise party to get to."
Oliver and Thompson shared a glance.
"What do you mean?" They asked quickly.
Hermione snorted. "You don't seriously think that I didn't know, do you? My birthday landed on our honeymoon, of course, there was going to throw a party when we got. Let me freshen up and we can leave in ten minutes."
Turning, she headed for her bedroom.
Honestly, they're too predictable, she thought.