Chapter 58
Hermione, Harry and Ron walked through the campgrounds, heading for the water tap that was marked on the map that the Muggle man gave Mr. Weasley. They passed many wizards and witches who were just starting their day, getting out of their tents and starting to cook breakfast. The tents were of various sizes and colors, some solid, others striped. One even had peacocks tethered outside. Ron and Harry got distracted as they neared several tents that looked like they had wares to sell. Some of the wizards and witches, noticing their interest, kept trying to keep them to look at their items, but Hermione smiled and pulled them away, with promises that they'd try and come back later.
"We reallyshouldget the water and get back to camp first," she insisted.
Harry had to agree that she had a point, and was easier to pull away than Ron.
Keeping the boys under tight rein, they soon had the water and were headed back to the camp to drop it off. Only then did Hermione relent to let them go explore. They found Seamus Finnigan and his family first, heading into a sea of green. His mum badgered them on whether or not they were going to be cheering for the Irish team, it wasn't like they could say anything else and walk away unscathed, finding so many Irish supporters in one area.
It was bad enough that when comments were made about the amount of their decorations to show their support, Seamus' mother told them they should see what the Bulgarians had hanging fromtheirtents. Curiosity piqued, they headed toward the Bulgarian camp.
"Krum," Ron whispered in a voice trembling with a mixture of fear and awe when he saw the posters that hung from the Bulgarian tents.
"What?" Hermione asked in confusion
"Krum!" Ron said. "That's Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Seeker!"
Hermione squinted, studying the poster. "He looks really grumpy."
"'Really grumpy'?" Ron asked. "Whocareswhat he looks like? He's unbelievable! He's really young too, only just eighteen or something. He's agenius, you wait until tonight, you'll see."*
Hermione rolled her eyes and they continued on.
Here and there they saw other familiar faces, those of other Hogwarts students, and Hermione became more hopeful. Then suddenly, she heard a familiar shout further up ahead and raised her line of sight to see Oliver grinning and waving at her.
"Oh, look," Harry said as Hermione returned Oliver's smile. "There's Wood. And there she goes..."
Hermione had broken away from them, running up the hill toward Oliver who hurried to meet her in return.
Oliver, a smile on his face as he saw Hermione running toward him from down the hill trotted down to meet her. He swept her up in his arms, spinning her around in a hug before setting her back on her feet. "Hi," he said with an embarrassed smile.
"Hi," she said flushing with equal embarrassment. "Oh, its good to see you!"
"It's good to see you, too," Oliver returned.
"Oh, brother," Ron grumbled as they approached. "Really? It hasn't even been that long!"
Hearing this, Oliver sobered quickly, and cleared his throat. "Harry, Ron," he said and inclined his head toward the tent on the hill under the tree from where he'd come. "Come on, there're some people I'd like you to meet."
"Sure," Harry answered with a friendly smile, ignoring Ron's heavy sigh.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Hermione saw a tall, burly man ask as he stood from his chair outside the tent Oliver had led her, Harry and Ron to.
"Come on, Oliver," said the shorter, thin woman with brown hair who was smiling at all of them. "Introduce us, dear."
Hermione saw Oliver flush.
"Yes, mother," he said. "Of course. Mum, Dad, this is Harry and his friend, Ron."
"Pleasure to meet you," Harry said shaking Oliver's father's hand, before the man moved on to shake Ron's as well.
"And this," Oliver said standing behind her placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "Is Hermione Granger."
"Ah," Oliver's mother said looking at Hermione with a mildly appraising look. "Soyou'reHermione. Oliver's right. Isn't she a vision, Hick?"
"Harry, Ron, Hermione," Oliver continued, fighting the blush that flushed his cheeks. "These are my parents, Hickory and Juniper Wood."
"Nice to meet you," Ron said mildly shaking their hands with disinterest.
"You know," Hickory said, coming up to Hermione and looking rather thoughtful. "I think there was a rather rare book that went missing from our library a while back... at Christmas time, I think it was... You wouldn't know anything about that, now, would you?"
Hermione flushed and began to stammer nervously. "I - I'm sorry, sir," she said. "I - I didn't know where it came from, or how Oliver got it. H-he gave it to me for Christmas. You can have it back , if you want. I don't mind, really."
Hickory watched her squirm for a moment, flustered, before he burst out laughing and slapped his knee.
"Come on, Dad!" Oliver protested.
"Really, Hickory!" Juniper scolded.
Hickory put a hand on Hermione's shoulder giving it a little squeeze and shake, his dark eyes sparkling. "Naw, girl," he said, and winked at her. "Don't you worry none. I've a feeling it will return to the family some time."
Releasing her shoulder, he took his leave returning to Harry. "Now," he said. "You wouldn't be HarryPotter, would you, boy?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"Oh, dear," Juniper said. "I was so sorry when I learned about your parents."
Hermione watched Harry brighten. "Did you know them?" he asked.
"No, I'm sorry to say, I didn't," Juniper answered. "Still, its so sad when a child loses their parents. But you seem to be getting on all right," she continued. "You're looking well."
"As well as can be expected," Harry replied. He blinked when an arm draped over his shoulder and he was ushered away by Mr. Wood.
"And you, dear," Juniper said, taking Hermione's hands in hers, gently leading her in the other direction, heading toward the tent entrance. "You must tell meallabout yourself."
Oliver looked around to find that he was standing alone with Ron.
"What just happened?" he asked, puzzled.
"I have no idea," Ron answered.
Oliver and Ron stood there for what seemed like hours trying to figure out what had just happened, but in reality, based on the sun and shadows, had only been a few minutes.
"Well," Oliver said at length. "Do you want to go see if you can wrestle Harry away from my dad, and I'll go rescue Hermione from my mum?"
Ron was quiet for a moment, but Oliver looked over to see him nodding. "All right," Ron said at last. "Sure."
With that, they too, headed in opposite directions.
Oliver looked around outside the tent, but didn't see Hermione or his mother anywhere. It was strange. He had been so stunned by what had gone on with his friends meeting his parents that it was thought they had apparated away, and that was saying something since his mother was a Muggle. Heading back to the tent, he brushed passed the flaps and emerged in a brightly lit foyer with white walls and light colored hardwood floors.
The room was wide, something you would expect the tent to fitintorather than to fit into the tent. off to the left was a set of closed double doors that he knew led to a combination office and library. To the right was a good sized kitchen with open floor plan that had white cabinets and many Muggle appliances that had been fitted to work with magic, and that Oliver remembered his mother trying to teach his father and the house-elves to use.
When she got fed up with her failed attempts, she had talked his father into atleastputting them in the tent and allowing her to operate everything when they went on vacations and left the house-elves at home. There was a large, stainless steel finished refrigerator, a black finished microwave that hung under the cabinets over the stove, and a stainless steel finished dishwasher next to the sink. Opposite the stove and refrigerator was a large rectangular island where they could eat for breakfast or any meal, really.
There were large pane windows all around that were enchanted so that one could look out on what was going on outside the tent, but didn't allow those outside to see in, offering a great deal of privacy. Other windows, depending on which room you were looking from, offered a view of the gardens back home, something his mother enjoyed.
Oliver stopped in the kitchen and grabbed a chilled butter beer from the refrigerator, deciding that the best way to locate her would be to make as much noise as possible.
"Oliver," his mother's voice came from the next room. "Is that you, dear?"
Oliver smiled. Right on cue.
He headed to the living room beyond the kitchen. It was a wide rectangular room where the bright, white walls continued with family pictures, both wizarding and Muggle lined the walls. On the back wall of the tent was a large, enchanted window that looked like hinged French doors with multiple panes of glass in them. They offered a view of more gardens, and a gazebo. There in the center of the room was a large, white couch where his mother sat talking with Hermione.
"Now, you reallymuststay with us while you are here, I know that the final is tonight, but we plan to say another couple days just so I can be free of the house-elves for a while longer. I love Ash, Willow and Cherry, don't get me wrong, but I simply can notstandthem waiting on me all hours of the day. Coming from the Muggle world, I'm sure you understand," his mother said as she talked with Hermione.
"Mother," Oliver said in a tired tone. "We talked about this already. She came with the Weasleys."
"Yes, I," Hermione began with a gentle smile. "I thank you for your offer, its very kind, but I do not wish to be rude."
"Oh, of course, dear," Juniper said. "Might you consider joining us for the match?"
"Mother," Oliver said again.
"Oh, right, right," Juniper said. "I'm sorry dear," she said looking to Oliver. "But you'll be gone soon, and I'll be as lonely as ever, what with your father's mysterious work at the ministry."
"Gone?" Hermione blinked, looking to Oliver in confusion.
"Well, haven't you told her?" Juniper asked.
"Told me what?" Hermione asked.
"I got in," Oliver said with an uncertain smile.
"Got in?" Hermione asked.
"Puddlemere United," Oliver said. "I made their reserve team."
"That's wonderful!" Hermione said smiling. "I know you were really hoping for that."
Oliver let Hermione and his mother talk a little longer, keeping an eye on the daylight through the enchanted windows. He couldn't deny his mother some social interaction with someone coming from her own Muggle background. It was in times like this that he really knew that she missed her sister.
"I know its short notice, and maybe too short since I know you have school coming up, but maybe you can come visit us before it starts?" Juniper asked.
"I - I really don't know," Hermione said, and Oliver noted she was somewhat uneasy.
"Well then, maybe next year perhaps?"
"Perhaps," Hermione said with a smile and cast a pleading look to Oliver.
"Mother, it's getting late," Oliver said. "I'm sure Hermione will do what she can, but we should probably let her go get ready for the match tonight. I am sure Mr. Weasley is wondering what's taking so long for them to return to camp."
"Oh, you're right, of course, Oliver," Juniper said. "Whereareyour father and Harry anyway?"
"I don't know,"Oliver admitted. "I sent Ron to look for them."
"Oh, all right," Juniper said, getting to her feet. "I guess we had better go and see if they're waiting."
Hermione gave Oliver a thankful glance and followed them out back the way they had come.
"I don't get it," Hermione said as they walked back toward the entrance.
"Get what, dear?" Juniper asked.
"Where do you even sleep here?" Hermione asked, then flushed with embarrassment.
"Oh, the bedrooms are downstairs," Oliver said.
"Down...stairs?" Hermione began and then shook her head when she was about to say that was impossible. Three years at a magic school, top of her class and she still found herself thinking like a Muggle when she was away from it for long. She wondered if that's what Harry's reaction to the tent had been like earlier. "Never mind," she finished lamely. "Thank you for the lovely visit."
"Nonsense," Juniper said. "It is I who should be thanking you. We must do it again sometime. I very much look forward to meeting your family."
All Hermione could do was nod as they exited the tent and saw Harry, Ron and Mr. Wood waiting for them.
"Time to go," Oliver said. "I'll walk back with you."
"Okay," Hermione said and waved goodbye to Oliver's parents.
On the way, talk turned to Oliver telling them of his acceptance to Puddlemere United reserves and Harry congratulated him. Oliver and Hermione walked slower the closer they got to the Weasley camp until they trailed behind Ron and Harry.
"I guess we're even now," Oliver said.
"Even?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"With the meeting of the parents and how embarrassing it can be," Oliver clarified.
"Oh, yes," Hermione said. with a smile. "We're even now."
"It was really good to see you, Kitty Cat," Oliver said and drew her into a hug. "I know that my mother came on rather strong, but she does get lonely. This is a rare vacation where my father joins us. She really misses her family that we moved away from, too. I think... she hopes that since you're a witch, she would get to visit with your family. I'm not really sure that's possible though. I hope she didn't scare you with coming on too strong, and I hope that, even if its a slim consideration, you'll think about her offer to stay?"
"Oliver, I -"
Oliver held up his hands to placate her. "I understand if you can't, believe me."
"I - I can't promise anything," Hermione said. "But I'll think about it and see if I can contact my parents to ask. There's still a week before school, after all."
Oliver nodded and released her from his hug. "Thank you," he murmured.
Hermione nodded and waved as Oliver turned and headed back to his campsite before she turned and continued on to the Weasleys camp.
Shortly after their return to camp, they got the fire going, and were cooking lunch when Bill, Charlie and Percy arrived, coming from the wood.
"Just apparated, Dad," Percy said loudly. "Ah, excellent, lunch!"
They were halfway through their lunch when Mr. Weasley jumped to his feet, waving. "Aha!" he said. "The man of the moment! Ludo!"
They all turned to see a man approaching wearing long Quidditch robes in thick horizontal stripes of bright yellow and black, with an enormous picture of a wasp splashed across his chest. Hermione nearly choked on her sausage and eggs when she saw that he looked even more noticeable than Archie, the old man in his flowered nightdress that they had seen when they were waiting in line to get water.
"Ahoy there," Bagman called happily as he trotted up to them, a bounce in his step as though he were wearing springs on the balls of his feet, the material of his Quidditch robes straining over the girth of his belly, that he likely didn't have when he played for the team when he was younger.
Hermione stifled a giggle when she saw the twins roll their eyes dramatically when Percy interrupted a conversation between Mr. Bagman and Mr. Weasley about the weather for the match, by hurrying forward and extending his hand.
"Ah - yes," Mr. Weasley said, grinning but flushed with embarrassment at his son's behavior. "This is my son, Percy. He just started at the Ministry - and this is Fred - no, George, sorry -that'sFred - Bill, Charlie, Ron - my daughter, Ginny - and Ron's friends, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter.
Hermione noticed that Mr. Bagman did the usual double take when Harry's name was mentioned, and that his eyes flicked upward to search for the famous scar as he reached out to shake Harry's hand.
"Everyone," Mr. Weasley said, "this is Ludo Bagman, you know who he is, it's thanks to him we've got such good tickets -"
Bagman beamed and waved his hands as if to say it had been nothing.
"Fancy a flutter on the match, Arthur?" he asked eagerly, jingling what sounded like a large amount of gold in his pockets. "Already got Roddy Pontner betting that Bulgaria will score first - I offered him nice odds, considering Ireland's front three are the strongest I've seen in years - and little Agatha Timms has put up half shares of her eel farm on a week long match."
"Oh...go on then," Mr. Weasley said a little nervous being put on the spot. "Let's see... a Galleon on Ireland to win?"
"A Galleon?" Bagman looked slightly disappointed but recovered himself. "Very well, very well... any other takers?" he asked looking around.
"They're a bit young to be gambling," Mr. Weasley said. "Molly wouldn't like -"
"We'll bet thirty-seven Galleons, fifteen Sickles, three Knuts," Fred said with a smile as he and George quickly pooled their money, "that Ireland wins - but Viktor Krum catches the Snitch."
"Oh, and we'll throw in a fake wand," George added.
"You don't want to be showing Mr. Bagman rubbish like that -" Percy scolded them with a hiss.
Hermione noticed that Mr. Bagman's face lit up with excitement as he picked up the wand George had placed in Fred's hands with the money, and when the wand gave a loud squawk and turned into a rubber chicken, he roared with laughter.
"Excellent!" he exclaimed. "I haven't seen one that convincing in years! I'd pay five Galleons for it!"
Percy froze with an expression of stunned disapproval.
"Boys," Mr. Weasley said sternly. "I don't want you betting... That's all your savings... Your mother -"
"Don't be a spoilsport, Arthur!" Mr. Bagman boomed. "They're old enough to know what they want! You reckon Ireland will win but Krum'll catch the Snitch? Not a chance, boys, not a chance... I'll give you excellent odds on that one... We'll add five Galleons for the funny wand, then, shall we..."
Hermione watched Mr. Weasley look on helplessly as Ludo Bagman whipped out a notebook and quill and began jotting down the twins names. She had to admit, though it was reckless of them, theydidhave a good mind for numbers, and the bets they took last year had turned out in their favor.
"Cheers," George said, taking the slip of parchment and sticking it in the pocket of his robes.*
Hermione, finished with her lunch, excused herself and headed into the tent she shared with Ginny, going to the bed she chose, she moved her pack and sat down, pulling out a quill and parchment. Getting comfortable, she began a short note to her parents, that she promised Oliver she would write.
Dear Mum and Dad
I know, you probably didn't expect to hear from me so soon, since you just dropped me off at the Leaky Cauldron this morning, where I flooed to the Weasley's house. Things are so crazy here, I wish I could tell you about it. Very sports oriented with people supporting one team or other, much like we've seen on football, or American football games.
Anyway, I'm getting distracted, sorry. I was writing you to ask if it would be okay if I go to Oliver's house after the match. He says its okay with him if you say no, but actually... he's not the one who invited me, his mum did. I don't really know what their house looks like, or where I would sleep, since he's never told me, but I'm sure she wouldn't have invited me if there wasn't a place for me to sleep. Let me know as soon as you can, we are only planning to stay the one night here, but Oliver and his parents are planning for a few more days.
Hermione
Looking at her watch, she figured that she had plenty of time to wander around and see if there was a way that she could post her letter before coming back to get ready for the match. She left the tent and headed back down to the row of merchants to find out.
On merchant row, she found something even better, at one of the shops, for two Sickles, she was able to buy a scoop of Floo Powder and upon purchase, the witch asked her if she needed a fire in which to use it. With a nod of her head and a grateful smile, the witch ushered her to a small tent with a partially open top and a fire in the middle, and left her to use the floo. Hermione tossed in the floo powder and the flames turned a bright green. She called out her address, hoping that her parents were home. She closed her eyes, and stuck her face in as she pushed passed the flicker of green flames. Opening her eyes, she saw her living room come into focus.
"Mum? Dad?" she called. "Are you home?"
"Honey, is that you?" her mom's voice came from the other room. "How are you -?" her mom cut off as she entered the room and gave a cry of alarm when she saw Hermione's head in the fire.
"It's okay, mum," Hermione said, trying to calm her. "I - I just wanted to talk to you and dad about something, and this was faster than sending an owl. I'm not burning or anything. This is just another form of communication here... its called the Floo Network. I'm lucky to find out our fireplace is connected, so I think all students homes are."
Her mom swallowed dryly and nodded the fear in her eyes slowly dissipating.
"I'm sorry, your dad's not here, he had to work today after we took you to the Leaky Cauldron," her mother said after a moment, slowly sitting down. "What did you need, sweetheart?"
"Well," Hermione began uncertainly. "I saw Oliver while I was here. Harry, Ron and I met him and his parents this morning. I - Well, I'm not sure how to explain it really. Oliver said its okay if I can't go, but you see, his mum invited me to stay with them. The finals are tonight, so the Weasleys and Harry and I were only going to camp tonight and I was going to be home tomorrow, but Oliver and his parents are going to stay a few more days, and they were wondering if I could stay."
"I don't know, sweetheart," her mother said. "We still have to get your things this year. I - I don't know how we would do that if you stayed."
"It's okay, mum," Hermione said. "I understand. I just told Oliver I would at least ask."
"If Oliver's parents could meet us at the Leaky Cauldron or something, we could all go shopping, if you want to stay..."
"Okay, mum," Hermione said. "I'll talk to them again and ask, and then let you know. It might not be till in the morning before the Weasleys leave though."
"Okay, sweetheart," her mum said. "I hope you have a good time and are enjoying yourself."
"Okay," Hermione replied. "I'd better go. This isn't our fire, its at a merchant shop, and I'm not sure how long the connection lasts. Tell dad I love him and I'll see him soon."
"Okay, dear," her mum said. "Bye. I love you!"
"Love you too, mum, bye," Hermione said, and sighed as she sat back from the fire to watch them turn orange and feel their warmth once more.
Hermione headed back to the Weasley camp, but flagged down Oliver as she passed by his camp.
"Hey," Oliver said, trotting down to meet her on the now well worn path between campsites, a smile on his face. "Twice in one day, I feel special."
Hermione returned his smile and. "Hi," she said. "I wanted to tell you I talked to my mum."
"Talked to your mum?" Oliver said in confusion.
"Floo powder," Hermione clarified.
"Oh! Okay," Oliver said. "How did it go?"
"I told her I would talk to you to find out how we would get my school shopping done if I were to stay, and let her know tomorrow morning before the Weasleys leave. I just wanted to let you know that she's okay with it otherwise, it was just making sure I got my supplies for this year."
"Okay, no problem. I'll let my mum know," Oliver said and gave her another hug. "Enjoy the match, and I'll see you tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded as she returned his hug, and then waved, continuing on her way to the Weasley camp.
"Where did you go?" Ron asked when Hermione showed up at the boys tent again.
"To talk to my mum," Hermione answered. "There was a shop in merchant row that sold floo powder."
"What for?" Ron asked.
"Not that its any concern of yours," Hermione said. "But to see if I could stay longer."
"Why?" Ron asked, ignoring her comment and wrinkling his brow. "And how would you stay longer?"
"Well, if youmustknow," Hermione said. "I'd be staying with Oliver an his family."
"But you came with us!" Ron protested. "Dad introduced you to Mr. Bagman as my friend."
"Yes, and I will be staying tonight here," Hermione said rolling her eyes, "but that doesn't mean I have to leave with you, besides your dad may have introduced me as your friend, but that's really only because we're the same age. I was actually invited here by Fred and George,youinvited Harry."
"It's true," Fred said.
"She's got a point," George added.
"Oh, shut up!" Ron groused.
"And we're glad to let her stay with Ollie and his family if she wants," the twins said together. "It will get her away from your sour attitude."
"Harry!" Ron protested.
"What?" Harry asked. "I don't care if she wants to stay."
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said with a smile.
"Well, whatever you decide," Mr. Weasley said, "Just let me know in the morning."
Hours later, after everyone had gotten ready, changing clothes if they wanted, and painting their faces if they chose, they headed through merchant row, buying hats and scarves to show their support for whichever team they liked. Hermione found that Ron was still grousing when Harry stopped at a stall with Omnioculars for sale. They looked like high quality brass binoculars, but had a feature that would provide replays in slow motion.
"Ah, Omnioculars," the sales wizard said eagerly when he noticed their interest. "You can replay action... slow everything down...andthey flash up a play-by-play breakdown if you need it. Bargain - ten Galleons each!"
"Wish I hadn't bought this now," Ron groused as he gestured to his dancing shamrock hat and Viktor Krum action figure, gazing longingly at the Omnioculars.
"Three pairs," Harry said firmly to the wizard.
"No - don't bother," Ron said going red, and Hermione knew part of his protest was that he was still mad that she wouldn't be going back with them in the morning when they left. Harry though, didn't pick up on it, thinking that Ron was still just touchy over the fact that he'd inherited a small fortune from his parents, and had much more money than he did.
"You won't be getting anything for Christmas," Harry told him, thrusting a pair of Omnioculars at him.
"Fair enough," Ron said brightening.
"Oooh! Thanks, Harry," Hermione said when Harry handed her the other pair. "And I'll get the programs!"
She looked around, but didn't see anyone selling them in merchant row.
"It's time!" Mr. Weasley shouted. "Come on, let's go!"