Falling Into Place

by stargazer232000

Oliver and Hermione meet on the train her first year. From there, they build a relationship that rivals any other. How long will it take them to discover they're soulmates?

6. Fourth Year Pt 1

Chapter 6: 4th Year Pt 1

When Hermione and Oliver returned to the platform at King's Cross, Hermione wasn't quite sure what to feel. Things hadn't exactly been awkward between her and Oliver, but knowing about the soul bond had definitely changed things for her. They hadn't had a chance to speak alone about the bond. Hermione was headed towards her parents when Oliver grabbed her hand and held her back. She turned to face him and he pulled her into a hug. "A'll see ye tomorrow, okay?" he said to her, "We'll have a chance tae talk alone then." Hermione offered him a smile and a nod as she pulled away from him. She hugged her parents, and she couldn't help but look back at Oliver as she went through the barrier.

The next day Hermione was too anxious to wait. The second her parents were out the door she was through the floo to Oliver's house. The second she stepped through she saw Oliver pacing by the couch. He was just as anxious it seemed. The fire had barely died down when Oliver grabbed Hermione's hand and a basket she hadn't noticed on the floor and started leading her out of the manor. She knew he was taking her to the meadow, and she followed him in silence. As they were walking, Hermione took the opportunity to observe Oliver. He had grown a lot over the last year and a half, and she thought he was at least 6 inches taller than her. He had grown his hair out slightly so it just barely curled around his ears. She noticed that his chest and back were more broad, and his muscles on his arms were more defined. She supposed that playing Quidditch as often as Oliver did would do that to a person. Hermione blushed as she thought about how much she'd like for those strong arms to be wrapped around her.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by Oliver bringing them to a stop. He spread out the picnic blanket and cast a warming charm around the area before he settled down. He motioned for Hermione to join him, and as soon as she did he started dishing her up a plate of fruit. Hermione was munching on a piece of watermelon when she felt Oliver's eyes on her. She looked up at him and blushed again. Oliver set his plate aside and said, "So we have a soul bond…"

Hermione couldn't meet his eyes as she asked, "Does that bother you? The idea of having one with me."

Oliver answered immediately, "Absolutely not. Yer one af the most important people in me life, an' if I was tae have a bond with anyone A'm glad it was ye."

Hermione's heart soared and she said, "I wouldn't want to be bound to anyone else either."

Oliver smiled as he said, "What do ye want tae do aboot it? A don' know much, but me ma' always said that a soul bond was the purest type af relationship a witch or wizard could have."

Hermione thought about it for a moment before she said, "Well, I'd like to start by researching. I'd like to know exactly what a soul bond entails beyond 'you've found your perfect match'."

Oliver laughed as he said, "Aye, A definitely think tha' some more information would be helpful. A can see if the library at the manor has any information on soul bonds."

Hermione nodded and laid back on the blanket, "You know, it was a bit surprising learning about it, but us being soulmates makes a lot of sense to me."

Oliver copied her position before he said, "Aye? An why does tha' make sense tae ye?"

"Well, for me, you've always felt like an extension of myself. Even that first day on the train I felt like I had known you forever. Being around you is always calming and makes me feel safe."

Oliver grabbed her hand between them and said, "A'm glad tha' A can make ye feel tha' way. Ye do the same thing fer mae. A always feel better when A'm with ye."

Hermione entwined her fingers with Oliver's as she said, "It helps that you're one of the most handsome men I've ever laid eyes on, too."

Oliver let out a loud laugh as he said, "A don' know aboot that, but A'm glad ye think so highly af mae."

Hermione just nodded and Oliver pulled his hand from hers to wrap his arm around her and pulled her closer, "A think yer the most beautiful witch in the world."

Hermione sighed as she settled against him with her head on his chest. He dropped a kiss to the top of her head and closed his eyes. They spent the rest of the morning lounging in the sun and soaking in each other's presence.

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To say that Oliver was excited for the Quidditch World Cup would be an understatement. The biggest sporting event of the magical world was occurring in England, and he was able to go! He was thrilled when his father had presented him with the tickets, and he had immediately flooed Hermione to tell her the good news. He was surprised to find that the Weasley's had also procured tickets and had invited her along.

The day of the match he and his father settled in to take their portkey with their packs strapped onto their back. His father had arranged for their campsite to be just slightly down from the Weasley's. Oliver knew that his father had done it for his sake, and he was grateful. After they had finished setting up their tent, Julian headed off to find Arthur and Oliver went in search of Hermione. He hadn't been walking very long when he was met with Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Hermione beamed when she saw him, and Harry stuck out his hand in greeting. They talked for a while before Harry invited Oliver back to the tent they were all sharing.

As soon as Oliver entered the tent he was met with greetings from all of the Weasley's. Percy came up to engage him in conversation, and he was pulled away from Hermione. At this point Fred and George came up and slung their arms around her shoulders.

"Best not look too sad Hermione," said Fred.

"One might think that you fancy the old Keeper here," said George.

Hermione blushed and shoved the twins off of her, "I don't know what you're talking about," she retorted.

"We think you do," they said.

Hermione rolled her eyes and moved away from the twins. She had just started up a conversation with Bill when she heard Ron say, "There's no way she could like Oliver…right?"

The day passed by quickly, and it was soon that Arthur was ushering everyone out in order to make their way to the stadium. She caught Oliver's eye as she walked between Charlie and Percy. He offered her a smile before he was swept away in the crowd. Despite what many people thought, Hermione absolutely LOVED the match. She was so invested in the match, and she was very impressed by the skill that the professional players showed. She thought that there was some room for improvement on their strategies, but that was something she would have to talk about with Oliver later.

She was high off adrenaline as she made her way out of the stadium with the rest of the crowd. As she and the Weasley's approached their tent, she saw Oliver and ran up to him. "It was incredible!" she squealed. Oliver laughed and nodded. She could see the light in his eyes and couldn't wait to talk to him about the entire match. She was just about to start when they heard a scream. Hermione's head snapped around, and she saw the figures in dark cloaks hovering muggles above them. She let out a horrified gasp before Oliver was tugging her to him. "We have to go," he said. Hermione nodded and looked around for Harry and the rest of the Weasley's. She wasn't able to see them, and the crowd of people kept pushing against her. Oliver grabbed her hand and started moving, "Now, Hermione!" he shouted over the noise. This snapped Hermione out of it and they started running.

Oliver led her through the tents, and his grip tightened on her hand. Hermione held on just as tight, afraid that they would be separated. As soon as they reached a line of trees, Oliver pulled Hermione to a stop. "We should be oot af the anti-apparition wards now," he said. Hermione was looking around frantically with her wand held in her hand. "Hermione, we can't stay here. A'm going tae apparate us back tae the manor."

Hermione hesitated and said, "What about the others?"

Oliver shook his head and said, "We were separated. The best thing tae do will be tae get someplace safe."

Hermione reluctantly nodded and moved into his embrace. Oliver wrapped his arms around her tightly before turning on the spot. Hermione closed her eyes as the feeling of apparition overtook her. When she opened them again she saw that they were in Oliver's living room. Oliver waved his wand and conjured his patronus. Hermione gazed at the beautiful mountain lion as Oliver spoke to it, "Hermione an' A are at the manor. Is everyone safe?" The lion ran away, and Hermione turned to him.

"Where did you learn to do that?" she asked.

"A learned the patronus charm in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but it was me da' that taught mae hoo tae deliver messages."

Hermione nodded her head and wrapped her arms around herself, "Who did you send it to?"

"A sent one tae me da' an' the other went tae Mr. Weasley," he said, "A don' want them tae worry when they can' find ye."

Hermione nodded once again before she really took herself in. Her clothes were dirty and singed from running through the burning camp and the trees. She felt dirty. "Is there any way I would be able to shower?" she asked.

Oliver silently nodded his head and gently grabbed her hand. He led her through the manor and up a flight of stairs. They were headed to what she assumed was the family wing. When he opened the door, she realized that for all the times she had been over to his house she had never been inside his room. She took a moment to admire the dark blue and cream walls and the brown furniture. He had a large bed with a navy blue comforter and cream pillows. There was an armoire and a chest of drawers set up against the far wall. Across from the bed was a bay window with sheer navy curtains. Oliver headed over to a door across from the dresser which she assumed led to the bathroom.

He opened the door and gestured for her to come through. He pulled one of the fluffiest towels Hermione had ever seen off of the shelf and handed it to her. She thanked him and he turned around to leave. As Hermione turned on the water, she thought to herself that Oliver had a wonderful shower. The gentle streams of water surrounded her body and relaxed her tense muscles. When she reached for the shampoo, she realized that she would probably come out of the shower smelling like Oliver. She chuckled to herself as she lathered the soap through her waist-length hair. When she was done washing, she allowed herself a few more moments in the shower before she turned the water off and reached for her towel. As she stepped out, she realized that she definitely did not want to put on the same clothes that she had before.

She contemplated trying to clean them herself, but that wouldn't work very well without magic, and she wasn't allowed to yet. She decided that she would have to ask Oliver for clothes or to fix hers. She crept over to the door and opened it just enough that she could peek her head out into his room. When she didn't see him there, she slowly eased herself out of the bathroom. She smiled as she saw clothes laid out on the bed for her. She gathered them up and made her way back into the bathroom. Oliver had given her what appeared to be a set of his own clothes. She pulled on the soft long sleeve shirt and sweatpants and giggled at how big they were. She had to roll the legs and the sleeves multiple times, but she enjoyed being surrounded by his scent in his clothes. She pulled on the pair of fuzzy socks he had provided before once again venturing into his room.

This time, Oliver was lounging on his bed in his own set of sweatpants and t-shirt. She noticed that his hair was wet as well, and she wondered where he had gone. Oliver answered her unasked question when he said, "A showered in the guest bathroom."

Hermione stopped and said, "I could have showered in there, Oliver. You didn't have to vacate your own room."

Oliver gave her a large grin and said, "A'm perfectly fine with givin' ye my own room. A thought ye might be more comfortable here."

Hermione nodded to him before she padded over and laid down next to him. She didn't realize how exhausting the day had been until her body sank into the comfort of Oliver's bed. When Oliver began to run his fingers through her hair, she finally fell asleep.

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The events of the Quidditch World Cup had greatly shaken the magical community. Hermione noticed that Mrs. Weasley doted on her children more than she had before the Death Eaters had made their appearance. While the thought that war was brewing frightened her, Hermione tried not to let the worry consume her. She made sure that she stayed present with her friends and Oliver for the rest of the summer. Oliver seemed to sense her worry because he often was offering touches that he knew calmed her down. Every time that Oliver touched her shoulder or brushed his hand against hers, Hermione would see the twins smirking just a short distance away.

It was this type of behavior that made Hermione spend as much time at the manor as possible. While she absolutely adored the Weasley's she couldn't help but prefer the wide open grounds with just Oliver to keep her company. One day, Hermione was sitting in the garden at the Burrow when she felt completely elated. She didn't think that anything had happened to herself, and the only logical option she had was Oliver. She thought that it was interesting being able to feel someone else's emotions, and that she definitely needed to get her hands on a more in-depth cover of soul bonds.

Hermione was up on her feet and heading towards the floo in the Burrow before Ron and Harry could ask her where she was going. When Hermione entered Oliver's living room, it was empty. She stepped out of the fireplace and called out, "Oliver!" He appeared in the doorway with the largest grin she had ever seen from him. He ran over to her and twirled her in his arms as he said, "I got it! I got it!" Hermione laughed and clung to him as he danced them around the living room. When he finally came to a stop, Hermione asked him, "What did you get?"

Oliver puffed out his chest as he said, "You're looking at the new reserve keeper for Puddlemere United!"

Hermione squealed and flung her arms around him as she said, "I'm so proud of you!"

Oliver squeezed her tight before he stepped back and looked at her, "A was jus' aboot tae owl you. Hoo did ye know tae come here?"

Hermione laughed as she said, "I could feel your happiness, and I wanted to know what was going on."

Oliver nodded and said, "Ah, the bond."

"The bond," Hermione agreed.

"Well bond or not, A'm glad tha' yer here. Would ye like tae join mae fer lunch?"

"I'd be delighted," Hermione said as she linked arms with him and he led her to the dining room.

As Hermione felt light and content, she thought that it wouldn't be so bad to be able to feel Oliver's emotions.

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Hermione had decided that this was her favorite summer so far. She and Oliver spent practically every waking moment together, and she loved it. She enjoyed getting to know his parents, and she thought that he fit in with the Weasley's quite well. Whether they were inside or out on the grounds, Hermione found that being in his company was enough to brighten her day. Due to the fact that her parents had been able to spend time with both Oliver and his parents, they were fine with her coming and going as she pleased. Not having to be home at a certain time made it much easier for Hermione and Oliver to do even more things together. One of her favorites so far was laying out on the grass and staring at the stars as the fireflies made themselves known.

Oliver and her could often be found sitting under her favorite tree on the grounds. It was a beautiful cherry blossom that stood well over 40 feet tall. The branches were so large and intricate, and there were so many blossoms that you could smell it from a ways away. One day Oliver and Hermione were sitting under the tree reading when it started to rain. They stayed under the protection of the branches hoping that the storm would pass quickly. Unfortunately, that was not in the cards. As the rain came down in great sheets, Oliver yelled over to Hermione, "A think we're goin' tae have tae make a run fer it!" Hermione nodded before tucking her head and allowing Oliver to pull her towards the house. As they were running towards the house, Hermione couldn't help but laugh. They were both soaked through, and she could only imagine that she resembled a drowned rat. Oliver looked behind him to see her laughing, and he couldn't help but laugh too. Hermione pulled Oliver to a stop and opened her arms wide as she tilted her face to the sky. Oliver watched as Hermione turned in circles and danced in the rain. His heart entered his throat, and he couldn't help but think that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. No, not a girl anymore. Hermione was now a woman. She had long thick hair that tumbled down her back and a slender waist with curvy hips. Before his eyes she had transformed into someone who took his breath away. It was like he was seeing her for the first time.

Hermione stopped twirling and was surprised to see Oliver looking at her with such intensity. The heat in his eyes made her stomach clench and she held her breath. She smiled up at him shyly as he grabbed her by the hand and tugged her towards him. He carefully put one arm around her waist and used his other hand to cup her cheek. Hermione's heart was pounding painfully as he slowly tilted his head down towards hers. "Can A kiss ye?" he whispered to her. Hermione could only nod before she felt his warm lips touch hers. She tentatively moved hers against his before his hand was threaded through her curls and he was pulling her flush against him. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck as she gently sucked his bottom lip into her mouth.

Oliver groaned as he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers as they caught their breath. "Yer perfect," he said to her, "but A think we best be gettin' inside befere we catch a cold." Hermione smiled at him before she took a step back. Oliver didn't let her go very far and kept a firm hold on her hand as they finished the walk back to the house. When Hermione returned home that night, she couldn't keep the smile off of her face. When she went to bed that night, she thought that she could feel the faint feelings of Oliver's happiness down the bond. She tried sending happiness his way and hoped that he could feel her too before drifting off to sleep.

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The last week of the summer holiday passed faster than what Hermione and Oliver would have liked. While they were able to see each other, they hadn't had a chance to be alone. Hermione was bothered that they hadn't been able to speak about their kiss, but Oliver had promised her that he would be on the platform to see her off to school. As Hermione stood on the platform saying goodbye to her parents, she kept scanning the crowd for the tall brunette she wanted to see most. She lit up as soon as she saw him pushing his way through the crowd to her. Hermione quickly gave her parents one last hug each before she dashed off to meet Oliver halfway.

When she reached him, he scooped her into his arms. When she stepped out of them she gave him a smile and said, "I wasn't sure if you were going to be able to make it."

"Af course A would make it," he said with a smile, "A wouldnae miss me last chance tae see ye fer a while."

Hermione smiled back at him, but she became slightly nervous. Oliver still had his hands wrapped protectively around her waist, and she had to resist the urge to simply lay her head on his chest. They hadn't been able to talk about what they were, and Hermione wasn't sure if she could label him as her boyfriend. Oliver seemed to sense her hesitation for he grabbed her hand and pulled her behind one of the pillars on the platform.

"A know we havenae had very much time tae speak alone these last few days," he began.

Hermione simply nodded and listened to him as he continued. "A very much enjoyed kissing ye," he whispered.

Hermione sucked in her breath before a blush stained her cheeks and she said, "I enjoyed it as well."

Oliver tucked a curl behind her ear as he said, "Can A do it again?"

Hermione nodded and tilted her head up to meet his lips as they descended on hers. Oliver stole her breath as he gently moved his lips against hers. When they pulled away, Oliver gently leaned his forehead against hers. "Does this mean…?" Hermione began. Oliver interrupted her as he said, "Will ye be me girlfriend, Hermione?" Hermione squealed and wrapped her arms around Oliver's neck as she said 'yes' repeatedly. Oliver let out a 'Thank Merlin!' as he twirled her around. When he set her on the ground again, Hermione wasted no time in pulling his lips down to hers. Oliver smiled into the kiss and wrapped his arms around her petite frame. He couldn't be more lucky that this little witch was his.

The couple broke apart as the train whistle blew. Oliver grabbed Hermione's hand once again and led her over to the entrance. She gave him one last hug and a promise that she would write to him as soon as she got to Hogwarts before she disappeared onto the train. As he moved to leave the platform, Oliver couldn't help the smile that was plastered to his face. If his mom noticed he came home and was happier than she'd ever seen him, she didn't mention it.

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To say that Oliver was excited for his first day of work would be an understatement. As long as he could remember he wanted to play professional quidditch. He worked incredibly hard while he was at Hogwarts to improve his skill, and he was finally getting an opportunity to prove that it had paid off. He was slightly nervous as he dressed in his training robes early in the morning, but he tried to let his nerves go. It's not every day you get to fulfill a life-long dream is it?

He went downstairs to join his mum for breakfast. As he sat there, he was barely able to eat. His mum noticed this, and placed a calming draught in front of him. He looked up to her, and with a smile she said, "It won't do ye any good tae be shaking in yer boots yer first day." He nodded as he took the potion in one gulp. Oliver sighed as all of the tension left his body. His mum then pulled something out of her pocket. It was a small box with a gold bow and a piece of parchment attached. He gave his mum a questioning look before she said, "Hermione asked mae tae hold onto this an' give it tae ye on yer first day." She gave Oliver a gentle smile before leaving the room for him to open his gift. He started with the parchment. It read:

Oliver,

I'm so excited for your first day with Puddlemere! I know that you are going to show them how wonderful I know you to be. I am so proud of how hard you've worked to earn this opportunity. You deserve this chance more than anyone I know. I'll be happy to switch out my red for navy from now on. I hope that this token can help you feel calm and happy while you wear it. I'm missing you more than you know.

Always,

Hermione

Oliver was smiling as he set the letter aside and reached for the box. As he untied the bow and lifted the lid, he saw a golden chain inside. It was medium sized, and the way the gold of the chain wove together looked like a vine. He removed it from the box and placed it on his wrist. The second it was clasped he gasped. It felt like Hermione was there wrapping him in her essence. The ache in his chest from being separated from her for nearly a month lessened and he couldn't help but be grateful for his witch. She always knew just what she needed.

Before he knew it, the clock struck 7 and he had to be on his way to the stadium. He was in awe as he stepped out of the floo to see the facilities. He was immediately approached by a man he knew to be Coach Burton and he stuck out his hand. Coach Burton gave it a shake before he gave Oliver a tour of Puddlemere Stadium. After that, he was taken down and introduced to the team. After a quick round of hello's Coach Burton motioned for everyone to take to the sky and start running drills.

Oliver was focused, but he was also having the time of his life. By the time the team broke for lunch, he was feeling the burn in his muscles. He had thought that he was in shape before, but the rigorous training he'd undergo here put that to shame. He was just thinking of Hermione and what she might be doing when he felt immense amusement hum down the bond. He gave a chuckle as he thought he would have to write to her this evening to see what was so funny.

Almost too soon the team was back at the training grounds. By the time Oliver was allowed to leave the stadium, his whole body was sore. He barely made it to his bed before he collapsed in exhaustion. He thought that he would just have to write to Hermione to tell her all about his first day tomorrow. He didn't even have the effort to change out of his training robes, but as his thoughts drifted to her before he fell asleep he could have sworn he felt something like love shooting down the bond.

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Hermione's beginning of term had been, for lack of a better word, rough. It was the first year at Hogwarts for her without Oliver, and she missed him. The ache wasn't as bad as it had been over previous summers, but this was definitely the longest they had gone without being together in at least two years. Hermione was already feeling dejected, and then Harry's name came out of the Goblet of Fire. To say that she was stressed would be the understatement of the year. She could only be thankful that she wasn't trying to juggle a time turner and all of the extra coursework like she was last year.

On the one hand, she felt like her relationship with Oliver was stronger and closer than it had ever been, but she was a little disappointed that they became official right before her return to school. She would have loved even a couple of days to bask in their new relationship. Alas, things just didn't work out like that. She was thrilled, however, that he had sent her a package after his first day with Puddlemere. She had known that he would be nervous, so she enchanted a bracelet with her magical signature so that it would feel like she was near whenever he wore it. In return he had sent her one of his jerseys. She had smiled when she opened the package and found his Gryffindor jersey emblazoned with Wood 24 on the back. It was soft, and it even smelled like him. She had taken to wearing it every night when she went to sleep.

The letters helped, of course, but they just weren't the same as being able to hold him in her arms and have a physical connection. She couldn't wait for the first Hogsmead weekend when he could hopefully meet her there. In the meantime, she had to focus on helping Harry survive the first task. Couldn't they just have a normal year?