Catching Her Heart

by Glitchie

Oliver Wood sees a lot of his younger self in Hermione Granger when she appears at Hogwarts for her first year. He takes it upon himself to look after her like a big brother. But when he leaves Hogwarts, things become a tad more difficult, not only because of the distance, but because as their friendship continues, he finds his feelings toward her change.

41. Chapter 41

Act 3

Chapter 41

Summer 1993
#1
Oliver,
I'm so excited! Shortly after I got home, my parents announced that we were going to be vacationing in France! I read up on it and found out that there's a Wizarding school there, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. That's where the Patil twins said that Lily Moon transferred when she moved with her parents after our first year. I would love to visit it to see how they are different from Hogwarts, but like Hogwarts, they are out on summer break. We're leaving soon, but we can still write.
Hermione

Summer 1993
#1
Hello kitty cat, -smile-
It is good to hear from you. I hope you have a good time with your family in France. Ha ha, you really do remind me of me when I was younger, except with me, it was always Quidditch stuff more than school stuff, but I'm no dummy either.
I don't recall seeing you talking to the Patil twins, when was that?
Because of certain circumstances at school last year, you probably didn't get to talk to Professor McGonagall before the end of term. Has she contacted you about your extra classes for this year yet? Do you know what you want to take?
Oliver

Summer 1993
#2
Oliver,
France is amazing! The countryside is so beautiful. Our first stop was in Paris. My mom's dream has been to go and see the Eiffel Tower. While we were there, we also went to see the Arc de Triomphe that is located at the western end of Champs-Élysées. There is a race Muggles hold every year called the Tour de France.
The race ends at Champs-Élysées. It's a non-magical race, at least as far as I know there aren't any wizards who participate in it anyway, but they travel 3,714 kilometres (2308 miles) broken up into 20 stages that are completed in the course of 22 days. It started on 3 July and goes through 25 July. All of this is done on a manual powered, two wheeled muggle machine called a bicycle. It's a really big deal for Muggles and it has a lot of news coverage in July. I will have to show you some time.
Stage one of the race starts at Puy du Fou, an amusement park in Les Epesses. We left on vacation the week after we got back from Hogwarts, so we were moving ahead of the race, but it was still so busy and crowded it was unbelievable! We only stayed in Paris five days, but we also got to go to the Louvre art museum, and we spent a couple of days at the Disneyland Paris that opened last April. Disneyland is a Muggle amusement park.
After that, we travelled by train to Dijon which I learned is in one of the main wine making areas of France. I got to explore more museums and historical places while my parents enjoyed sampling the local wines. I've come across a lot of local history about witchcraft here, and have been re-writing my essay for Professor Binns to include some of it. Did you see the picture of Ron and his family in Egypt a couple of weeks ago? Ugh, I was so jealous! I've found Ancient Egyptian wizards fascinating in the research I've done.
I heard from Ron today, by the way. He said he tried to call Harry on the telephone, a Muggle device that lets you talk to each other without the use of Owl Post, Howlers or Floo Network. He called Harry on 26 June, I really wish he'd contacted me first. He knows so little about Muggle devices.
He said he thought he got Harry in trouble with his family. I hope it wasn't too bad. He said that Harry's uncle answered, and they were shouting at each other. I sent Harry a broom servicing kit for his birthday. We generally don't hear much from him over the summer because of his family, but I was so relieved when Hedwig showed up. I was wondering how I was going to get it through customs. I ordered it through an ad in the Daily Prophet.
Ron said that he's going to be back in London a week before term starts to get school supplies. I haven't heard if Harry's going to make it, but my parents and I are going to meet the Weasleys there to get my supplies at the same time. Are you going to be there?
Oh! All this time and I didn't answer your question, I'm sorry! No, I didn't get to talk to Professor McGonagall before the end of term though she did contact me by owl and after talking about it, and the classes I'm interested in, she told me that you were the only one I could tell, so please keep this a secret.
I'm taking Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, History of Magic, Astronomy, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. I know that a lot of these classes are given at the same time, this is why Professor McGonagall said I could tell you — she worked it out with the Ministry that I can use a Time-Turner.

So, if you see me around the school between classes and I don't respond if you try to talk to me, or you experience déjà vu, you are NOT going mad, it's just I'm using the Time-Turner... I'm not really supposed to be seen, I just want you to know in case something goes wrong.
Hermione
PS. -blush- I just realised that I've been trying to explain to you what a bicycle, amusement park and telephone are and remembered you said that you're a half-blood. Then again, because you moved when you were five, maybe you didn't know? I don't know. If not, I'll gladly tell you about them, and get you a map of the route that they took.
Also, I talked to the Patil twins one day in Transfiguration — it was during our first Transfiguration class, before the Potions incident actually. So much had happened that day with Professor Lockhart releasing the pixies, that I forgot to mention it. I feel bad for Parvati because she was on her own most of the year since she was separated from Padma during the Sorting our first year, but I wasn't really close to either of them, and so I didn't make a big deal out of it. In truth, all that was said was that I didn't have to worry about introducing them to you because Lily, the girl who'd asked me about it during our first year, had moved to France with her parents.

Summer 1993

#2
Wow, Kitty cat,
Sounds like you had fun. I'm glad you enjoyed the time with your family so much. I'm impressed you're so keen on academics, not knowing what you want to pursue in the Wizarding world after school, the course list is pretty daunting and it might seem like a good idea to try all of them and its nice that Professor McGonagall gave you the opportunity to try all of them and see what you like, but that is a large course load even with the use of a Time-Turner. I hope you are careful and don't wear yourself out.
It's okay not to be close to people, though it's nice to know that the Patil twins still get the chance to see each other during your Transfiguration class. Besides, you did have a lot on your plate last year...
Oliver
PS. I remember what a telephone is, but not sure what a bicycle is... at least, I don't think so. My aunt and uncle might have had one. Either way, I would gladly welcome the information, lass. -smile- However, I don't recall an amusement park... I think I was too young, so that was definitely new, and yes, I think I can work out being at Diagon Alley. And I would be happy to meet any of your friends. -Sigh- I'm going to miss Hogwarts. This will be my last year there.

"Sweetheart, are you all right?" Hermione's mother asked, knocking on the door of the hotel room that joined with the family suite they had booked at the Hôtel Wilson where they were staying in Dijon. She had decided to check on her when Hermione hadn't made an appearance for breakfast, wondering if she was still asleep. Not receiving a response, she knocked again. "Hermione?"

It was then she heard it, a soft, hiccup and a sob. She tried the door and found it unlocked. "Hermione?" her mother said as she poked her head in to find her daughter dressed, but lying on her side, clutching a piece of parchment paper in her hand. Moving into the room and over to her daughter's side, she sat down and gently rubbed her arm and back. "What's wrong, honey?" she asked gently as Hermione pushed herself up and leaned into her mother's arms.

Hermione sniffed and took a shaky breath. "Mom," she murmured tearfully. "W-what does it mean when you dream about someone?"

Her mother blinked her hazel eyes in surprise, reaching up a moment to brush her wayward brown locks out of her face before she returned it to holding her daughter. "I don't know," she admitted softly. "It depends on the dream. What kind of dream was it? Was it scary, Sweetheart?"

Hermione thought about the dream she'd woken up from in the infirmary before the end of last term and shook her head.

"Is this the first time or have you had more than one dream about this person?" her mother asked gently.

Hermione shook her head again. "I - I got sick at school," she said. "I was in the infirmary for a long time...th-they came to see me everyday while I was here."

"That was nice of them," her mom said. "Did they help you with your studies so you didn't fall behind?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, they just kept me company," she replied. "Harry and sometimes Ron helped me with my studies though. I-it wasn't until the morning I was released from the infirmary before the end of year feast that I had the first one."

"And you've had them since?" her mother asked curiously.

Hermione hesitated a moment before she nodded.

"Well, you said they weren't scary dreams, are they sad dreams? Does something happen to this person in the dreams?"

Hermione shook her head again.

"Do they... do they do something to you?"

Hermione bit her lip but nodded.

"Is it something you're okay with?" her mother asked, stroking her hair gently. "Is it something you want?"

Hermione shook her head but then murmured, "I don't know."

"Do you know why that is?" her mother asked.

"They're my friend," Hermione said. "What - what if something does happen and it ruins our friendship? What if they don't feel the same about me?"

"Do they make you feel nervous?" Her mother asked with a slight smile. "Like you have butterflies in your stomach? Do they make you blush?"

Hermione bit her lip and nodded. "Sometimes," Hermione couldn't help the giggle that escaped her as she nodded again.

"So what do they do in your dreams?" her mother asked curiously.

"Kiss me," she admitted quietly, a blush coming to her cheeks, and then she sighed as her thoughts turned to the letter in her hand, and she sniffed again.

Noticing the change in her daughter, Hermione's mother's smile faded into a look of concern as she watched her, gently brushing her hair with her fingers. "What is it, Sweetheart?"

"Oliver," Hermione murmured. "It's his last year at Hogwarts."

"Oh, Sweetie," her mother murmured sadly.

"He was my first real friend at school," Hermione said. "He started writing to me the very first night I was at Hogwarts my first year. What if... What if I never see him again?"

"I'm sorry, Sweetie," her mother said, rubbing her back again. "I know you'll miss him, but you've got a whole year to go before he leaves school, and I'm sure he'll still write to you if you want. You don't want to hold him back, do you?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, I don't want to hold him back," she admitted.

"Well then," her mother said. "You'll just have to make the most of the time you have with him this year, won't you?"

Hermione nodded and sat up, sniffing and drying her eyes. "Thanks mom," he murmured and leaned over and hugged her mom tightly.

"You're welcome, Sweetie," her mom said as she returned the hug and got to her feet when Hermione released her. "Now, are you coming down to breakfast?"

Hermione nodded. "In a minute," she said. "I just want to reply," she said and held up the letter.

"Okay," her mom said. "Your dad and I will be down stairs when you're ready."

"Okay," Hermione said. "Thanks mom."

Summer 1993
#3
Oliver,
Oh, that's right, you were in fifth year when I started. We may have to make this a year to remember. Hopefully you can add the Quidditch Cup to your achievements before you leave. It will be strange at Hogwarts without you here though, and a bit lonely.
Did you hear the news? I couldn't believe it when I saw the story in the Daily Prophet! Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban the day after Harry's birthday. I don't know what to think about it... I mean with Harry's luck and all... do you think? No, no, I'm not going to think about it. I did some research though, and he's the first one to do it. I hope they catch him before too long.
On a lighter note, I still plan on meeting Ron and Harry to get supplies for school on the 31st. I hope that you can make it.
Hermione

Summer 1993
#3
Lass,
-blush- Knowing you these last two years already makes this a year to remember. I have enjoyed your friendship and your occasional company, truly. I worry about you and what you've gotten yourself into with your friends, Harry and Ron, but I also know that whatever the future holds, you can overcome anything you set your mind to.
As to the questions, yes, I saw the article in the Prophet. Itissomething because it's never happened before. No one I've talked to seems to know how he pulled it off. I can't say anything as to whether or not it has to do with Harry, though. Hopefully he'll be caught before too long and will stay far away from Hogwarts.
Oliver

31 August was upon Hermione before she knew it. The night before, she found herself pacing her room trying to figure out what to wear the next day. It was so unlike her. She finally settled on a pair of shorts, and a comfortable but clean t-shirt, not that she had much to choose from in the way of style, she hadn't really been all that interested in girly things like fashion her first year when her mother had taken her shopping over the Christmas holidays, and she'd nearly outgrown them all anyway.

She made a face, not believing where her thoughts went, and shook her head before she climbed into bed. She wasn't even sure she was going to see Oliver tomorrow, although... his last letter had been rather touching and cute. She was only just thirteen after all... she didn't know if she was really supposed to be taking an interest in boys yet... although she was going to be turning fourteen in September.

The next morning, with her parents in tow so that they could visit the Weasleys, Hermione met up with Ron.

"So, is it true?" Ron asked, looking questioningly at Harry.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry?" Hermione asked, rolling her eyes and looking at him sternly. Ron had talked her ear off about it already since they met at the Leaky Cauldron only to find out that Harry had already ventured out into Diagon Alley for the day.

"I didn't mean to," Harry said, while Ron laughed heartily at the thought. "I just - lost control."

"It'snotfunny, Ron," Hermione said sharply. "Honestly, I'm amazed Harry wasn't expelled."

"So am I," Harry admitted. "Forget being expelled, I'm surprised I wasn'tarrested. How'd you know I was here anyway?"

"Dad," Ron said simply.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"We stopped by the Leaky Cauldron this morning, but they said you'd already gone out," Hermione answered.

They talked for a bit, and Hermione decided that while Ron was going to get Scabbers checked out by the owner of the Magical Menagerie, that she would look for an owl for herself, having some money left that her parents gave her as an early birthday present.

Entering the shop, Hermione moved away from Harry and Ron and began looking around at the owls, hearing Ron talking to the owner in the background.

"Well, if you don't want a replacement," the witch huffed when Ron declined, not even looking at the other rats. "You can always try this rat tonic."

"Okay," Ron replied. "How much - OUCH!"

Hermione whirled around to see a large cat land on Ron head, and use it as a springboard to propel itself to the counter where she saw Scabbers laying rather pathetically.

"NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO!" the witch cried, but Scabbers shot from between her hands like a bar of soap, landing splay-legged.

Hermione didn't even notice when Scabbers scampered for the door, or that Ron and Harry chased after him. She was entranced by the marmalade coloured animal before her.

"Wait," she told the witch who was trying to chase him off.

"I thought you were looking at the owls, dear," the witch said in confusion.

"I - well, I was," Hermione admitted with a smile. "But I changed my mind. Can you tell me more about Crookshanks?"

"I can't believe you bought that monster!" Ron said when Hermione met up with them again.

"He's gorgeous, isn't he?" Hermione crooned over the large animal, ignoring Ron.

"Looks more like a pig with hair, if you ask me," Ron retorted.

"That's rich," Hermione snapped back. "Coming from the owner of that smelly old shoe brush!"

"I'm warning you, Hermione," he continued. "Keep that bloody beast away from Scabbers or I'll turn it into a tea cosy!"

"He's acat, Ronald," Hermione replied. "It's in his nature. Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he'd been there for ages; nobody wanted him."

"I wonder why," Ron said sarcastically.

"It's alright, Crookshanks," Hermione crooned, petting the large animal that was purring away in her arms. "Just ignore the mean little boy."

Summer 1993
#4
Hello kitty cat,
I wanted to apologise that I didn't make it to Diagon Alley to meet you and your friends. My mum had something special planned for the start of my last year so part of my surprise today was that I didn't have to actually go shopping for anything, my school books and supplies were already purchased. I hope to see you tomorrow on the train though. If not, I'll be sure to see you at the feast. Hope you had a good time with your friends.
Oliver

Hermione sighed and found that she was partially relieved, and partially disappointed. Sure, she had appreciated Oliver's last letter being honest with her that he'd enjoyed spending time with her, but given the way she found she was beginning to feel about him and not really knowing how to handle it, seeing him made her feel nervous and awkward.

What if... what if he didn't feel the same about her as she was feeling for him? Sure, he said that he'd liked meeting her and her company, but... he hadn't really come out and said anything else about it. What if he only liked her as a friend and the blush remark had been over the fact that what he'd said may have been taken the wrong way when she read his letter?

She sighed again and got dressed for bed. She'd convinced her parents to let her stay at the Leaky Cauldron and head to King's Cross Station with Harry and the Weasleys the next morning. Crookshanks was over by the closed door, sniffing around, but when she climbed into bed and got settled, it wasn't long before she felt a weight suddenly appear on the bed near her and heard purring as Crookshanks settled himself next to her. Reaching out a hand, she stroked his long, ginger fur until she fell asleep.