The rest of the school year passed in a whirlwind of magic, laughter, and companionship. Oliver and Hermione grew closer with every stolen moment between classes, Quidditch practices, and study sessions. Their relationship felt natural as if they were two puzzle pieces that had finally clicked into place.
Hermione's friends, Harry and Ron, took notice too. At first, Ron was baffled by Hermione's budding relationship with the Quidditch captain.
"Oliver Wood?" Ron had asked, blinking in disbelief one evening in the common room. "Never thought you'd go for a Quidditch-obsessed bloke."
But Harry simply smiled knowingly. "He makes her happy, Ron. That's all that matters."
And it was true. Hermione was happy. Her time with Oliver brought out a lighter side of her, and she found herself laughing more, worrying a little less, and embracing spontaneity in ways she never had before. She still threw herself into her studies, of course—some things never changed—but now there was balance, a sense that she could enjoy life too.
Spring arrived, painting Hogwarts in soft greens and blossoms. With the final Quidditch match of the season fast approaching, the excitement in the air was palpable. Gryffindor had a shot at the House Cup, and Oliver was determined to win, throwing himself into practice with his usual enthusiasm.
Despite his focus on the game, Oliver made sure to carve out time for Hermione. On evenings when he wasn't running drills, they'd walk by the lake, or sneak off to the library, where he'd attempt to study alongside her—though his textbooks often lay forgotten as he watched her work with a look of quiet admiration.
One afternoon, just before the big match, they sat under a tree on the edge of the Quidditch pitch, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Hermione leaned back against Oliver, her head resting on his shoulder as they watched the golden light of the setting sun stretch across the field.
"Nervous about tomorrow?" she asked softly.
Oliver sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "A bit. It's my last match at Hogwarts. Feels... huge."
Hermione laced her fingers through his. "No matter what happens, you've had an incredible run. And I'll be there, cheering you on."
He smiled down at her, his expression filled with affection. "Knowing you'll be in the stands makes all the difference."
After a beat of silence, Oliver spoke again, his voice more serious. "Hermione... after this year, things are going to change."
Hermione shifted to face him, sensing the weight of his words. "What do you mean?"
"Well, once we graduate, I'll be trying out for a professional Quidditch team," Oliver said, looking down at their joined hands. "And I know you have your plans—big ones. I just... I want to make sure we can figure things out. I don't want to lose what we have."
Hermione's heart squeezed at the vulnerability in his voice. She understood the challenge of balancing their dreams with their relationship—her ambitions at the Ministry, his dreams of Quidditch stardom. But deep down, she knew that what they had was worth the effort.
"We'll figure it out," she said firmly. "I believe in us, Oliver. We can make this work."
Oliver's shoulders relaxed, and a slow smile spread across his face. "I love you, Hermione," he whispered as if the words had been waiting for the perfect moment to be spoken.
Hermione's breath caught, warmth blooming in her chest. "I love you too."
The words felt right—like a promise.
The next day, the Quidditch stadium buzzed with excitement as students filled the stands. Hermione sat with Harry and Ron, her Gryffindor scarf wrapped tightly around her neck as she scanned the pitch. When Oliver flew out with the team, broom in hand, her heart swelled with pride.
The game was intense, a fierce battle between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Oliver played brilliantly, leading his team with skill and determination. Hermione watched with bated breath as he made save after save, his movements precise and graceful.
Then, in a breathtaking moment, Harry caught the Snitch, sealing Gryffindor's victory. The stands erupted in cheers, red and gold banners waving wildly as students leaped to their feet in celebration.
Oliver's team descended to the ground, and before the crowd could even reach them, Hermione was running across the pitch. She reached Oliver just as he pulled off his helmet, his face flushed with triumph.
Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, and he caught her, lifting her off the ground in a spinning embrace. The world blurred around them, but Hermione didn't care. All that mattered was the joy in Oliver's eyes and the sound of his laughter in her ear.
"You did it!" she exclaimed, breathless.
"We did it," Oliver corrected, setting her down but keeping her close. "Couldn't have done it without knowing you were cheering me on."
Amid the celebration, with students streaming around them and victory in the air, Oliver leaned down and kissed Hermione—right there on the Quidditch pitch, in front of the entire school.
The cheers grew louder, and for a moment, it felt like the world was theirs.
That night, after the celebrations had finally wound down, Oliver and Hermione found themselves back at the lake, just as they had after their first big win together. The moonlight danced on the water, and the quiet of the night wrapped around them like a blanket.
"I'm going to miss this place," Oliver said softly, gazing out at the castle.
"Me too," Hermione whispered.
They sat in silence for a moment, savoring the peace. Then Oliver turned to her, his expression filled with quiet determination.
"No matter where life takes us, Hermione, I'll always want to share it with you," he said. "Every adventure, every challenge. I want you by my side."
Tears pricked at Hermione's eyes, but she smiled through them. "And I want the same, Oliver. Always."
As they leaned into each other, wrapped in the promise of their future, the stars above seemed to shine a little brighter—witnesses to the love story that had begun on a broomstick and grown into something extraordinary.
And no matter what the future held, they knew they would face it together.
As spring transitioned into summer, the excitement of graduation loomed large. Hogwarts buzzed with the usual preparations, but this year was tinged with bittersweet anticipation. Hermione and Oliver, along with their friends, knew that their lives were about to change in significant ways. They spent as much time together as possible, relishing every moment.
One afternoon, as they walked through the lush grounds of Hogwarts, Hermione noticed the vibrant flowers blooming and the trees rustling gently in the breeze. She took a deep breath, savoring the fresh scent of the earth coming alive after winter.
"Can you believe we're graduating soon?" she asked, glancing sideways at Oliver, who was running his fingers through his hair, a habit she found endearing.
"I know. It's exciting and terrifying all at once," he replied, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and uncertainty. "I'm just glad we have each other."
They paused by the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a mosaic of shadows on the ground.
"Have you thought about what you'll do after graduation?" Oliver asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Of course! I'm planning to pursue a career at the Ministry of Magic, focusing on the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," she said, her excitement evident. "I want to make a difference for creatures that don't have a voice."
Oliver smiled, his admiration for her ambition shining through. "That sounds amazing. You'll do great things, Hermione."
"And what about you?" she asked, nudging him playfully. "What's the next step for the famed Quidditch captain?"
"I'm trying out for Puddlemere United," he said, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. "It's a long shot, but it's what I've always dreamed of."
"That's fantastic! I believe in you," she encouraged, squeezing his hand tightly.
They both fell silent for a moment, each lost in their thoughts about the uncertainties ahead. Then Hermione spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whatever happens, we'll figure it out together, right?"
"Absolutely," Oliver replied, his gaze steady and reassuring. "I'm not going anywhere."
As graduation day approached, the atmosphere in Hogwarts grew charged with anticipation. The Great Hall was adorned with flowers and banners, a celebration of the accomplishments of the graduating class. Hermione and Oliver dressed in their robes, their hearts racing with excitement and nerves.
As they entered the hall, the familiar scent of pumpkin pasties and roasted chicken filled the air, mingling with the vibrant chatter of students. Hermione glanced around, her heart swelling with nostalgia. This was the place where so many memories had been made.
The ceremony began, and one by one, students received their diplomas, the atmosphere shifting from anticipation to celebration. Hermione's name was called, and she walked across the stage, her heart pounding. When she reached Professor McGonagall, the headmistress beamed at her.
"Congratulations, Miss Granger. You have made us all proud," she said, handing over her diploma.
"Thank you, Professor!" Hermione replied, her cheeks flushed with pride.
As the ceremony continued, she looked for Oliver in the crowd. When his name was called, she couldn't help but cheer loudly, a broad smile spreading across her face as he walked across the stage with his characteristic confidence.
After the ceremony, the graduates gathered outside on the castle grounds, laughter and excitement echoing in the air. Hermione spotted Harry and Ron, and they rushed over to her, beaming with pride.
"We did it!" Ron exclaimed, throwing his arms around her.
"Couldn't have done it without you two," she replied, her heart full.
Oliver joined them, and together they shared stories, laughter, and hugs as they celebrated their achievements.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the castle, Oliver took Hermione's hand and led her away from the crowd. They found a quiet spot on the edge of the lake, where they could see the sun dipping below the horizon.
"It's beautiful," Hermione said, gazing out at the shimmering water.
"Almost as beautiful as you," Oliver replied, making her blush. "I'm so proud of you, Hermione. You've accomplished so much."
"Thanks, Oliver," she said, her heart swelling with warmth. "I'm proud of you too. You've worked so hard for this."
He took a deep breath, and the serious look in his eyes returned. "I know we talked about the future, but I want to make sure we stay connected no matter where life takes us."
Hermione turned to him, searching his gaze. "We will. I'm not going to let anything come between us."
"I want you to promise me something," Oliver said, his voice steady. "No matter what happens with my career or yours, we'll always support each other. Even if we're far apart."
"I promise," Hermione replied, her heart racing at the thought of a future without him. "We'll make this work."
With the sun setting behind them, they leaned in closer, sharing a kiss that sealed their promise—a vow to face whatever the future held, together.
Summer days passed quickly, filled with preparation for their respective futures. Hermione spent her days interning at the Ministry, while Oliver trained rigorously with his Quidditch team. They managed to meet as often as possible, finding solace in each other's presence amidst the chaos of new beginnings.
As the months rolled by, Hermione received news that she had secured a permanent position at the Ministry. She rushed to share the news with Oliver, who was elated for her.
"I knew you could do it!" he exclaimed, wrapping her in a jubilant hug.
"Thanks! But what about you? Any news from Puddlemere?" Hermione asked, her heart pounding with hope for him.
Oliver's face lit up, and he took a deep breath, unable to contain his excitement. "I made the team! I'm officially a Puddlemere United player!"
Hermione squealed with joy, her heart racing at the thought of all Oliver's hard work paying off. "Oh my goodness, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you!"
They celebrated together, the future looking bright for both of them. Yet, as the summer began to wind down, the reality of their new lives settled in. Hermione was busy with her work at the Ministry, often coming home exhausted from long hours. Oliver was consumed with Quidditch practices and games, leaving little time for them to connect.
Late one evening, as Hermione sat at her kitchen table surrounded by parchment and books, she received a letter from Oliver.
"Dear Hermione," it began, and she felt her heart flutter as she read his familiar handwriting.
"I'm sorry we've both been so busy. I miss you more than I can say. I know we both have our dreams, but I want you to know that I'm always thinking about you. Let's try to meet up this weekend. I have something special planned."
Hermione's heart raced. She wondered what Oliver could be planning. She quickly replied, agreeing to meet him, her mind racing with anticipation.
The weekend arrived, and Hermione dressed carefully, excitement bubbling within her as she prepared to see Oliver. She arrived at their designated meeting spot—a secluded glen by the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where they often escaped for quiet moments away from the world.
As she approached, she saw Oliver waiting for her, a smile lighting up his face. He wore casual attire, but even then, he looked effortlessly handsome.
"Hey!" he called, his voice warm as he stepped forward to greet her with a hug.
"Hi!" she replied, feeling her nerves settle as they embraced.
"I have a surprise for you," he said, his eyes sparkling.
"What is it?" she asked, curious and thrilled.
He gestured for her to follow him deeper into the glen, and they walked until they reached a small clearing where a picnic blanket lay spread out, adorned with a delicious spread of food and a bottle of Butterbeer chilling in a basket.
"Oliver! This is incredible!" Hermione exclaimed, her heart swelling with joy. "You did all this?"
"I wanted to do something special for us, away from everything," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Just you and me."
They settled down on the blanket, enjoying the food and reminiscing about their time at Hogwarts. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, a welcome change from their hectic lives.
"Can you believe how far we've come?" Hermione asked, looking into Oliver's eyes. "From broomstick lessons to this."
"It's been quite the journey," he replied, his expression thoughtful. "And I wouldn't trade it for anything. You've changed my life, Hermione."
A comfortable silence enveloped them as they shared their meal, laughter echoing through the trees. After they finished eating, Oliver reached into his bag and pulled out a small, wrapped box.
"Okay, this is the real surprise," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Hermione's eyes widened as she took the box and began to unwrap it, revealing a delicate silver locket. Inside was a tiny photo of the two of them, captured during a moment of laughter at Hogwarts.
"It's beautiful, Oliver," she breathed, her fingers tracing the locket's surface.
"I wanted you to have something to remember us by, no matter where we are," he said, his voice soft. "Whenever you wear it, I hope you think of all our memories together."
Tears filled Hermione's eyes, and she blinked them back as she clasped the l
The seasons turned, and life carried Hermione and Oliver forward in their respective paths. Hermione's work at the Ministry grew more demanding, yet she found fulfillment in championing the rights of magical creatures. Oliver, meanwhile, was living his dream, playing as a professional Quidditch player for Puddlemere United. Despite their busy schedules, they remained committed to each other, carving out moments of connection amid the chaos.
One autumn evening, after a particularly grueling week at the Ministry, Hermione returned to her flat, exhaustion evident in her every step. She set down her bag, allowing herself a moment to breathe. Just as she was about to settle into a quiet evening, there was a knock at the door.
When she opened it, she was greeted by the sight of Oliver, still in his Quidditch robes, his face flushed from a recent practice. His eyes sparkled with warmth and concern.
"Surprise," he said with a sheepish grin. "I figured you could use some company tonight."
Hermione's tired face lit up with a smile. "You have no idea how much I needed this."
They spent the evening wrapped in each other's presence, talking about everything and nothing. Oliver shared stories from his matches, and Hermione recounted her latest project at the Ministry. The conversation flowed effortlessly, their bond growing deeper with every word exchanged.
As the night deepened, they sat on the couch, the soft glow of the fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. Hermione leaned against Oliver, feeling the weight of the week melt away.
"You always know how to make things better," she murmured.
Oliver kissed the top of her head. "That's because you make everything worth it."
Their moments of togetherness, though few and far between, were always filled with love and understanding. They knew that maintaining their relationship amidst their demanding careers required effort and compromise, but their love was the anchor that kept them grounded.
Months passed, and as the new year dawned, Oliver's Quidditch team reached the finals of the league championship. The excitement was palpable, and Hermione was determined to be there to support him, no matter what.
On the day of the final match, the stadium buzzed with energy. Fans filled the stands, waving banners and cheering for their favorite teams. Hermione found her seat, clutching her scarf tightly, her heart pounding with anticipation.
As the players took to the field, the roar of the crowd was deafening. Hermione's eyes locked on Oliver, who looked every bit the confident Quidditch star. The match was intense, filled with breathtaking plays and narrow escapes. Hermione watched with bated breath as Oliver made daring saves, his focus unwavering.
When Puddlemere United finally clinched the victory, the stadium erupted in cheers. Hermione jumped to her feet, her voice joining the cacophony of celebration. She watched as Oliver and his teammates embraced, their faces alight with triumph.
After the match, Hermione made her way to the team's area, pushing through the throng of well-wishers until she found Oliver. He spotted her, his face breaking into a radiant smile as he moved toward her.
"You were incredible!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
"Couldn't have done it without knowing you were here," he replied, his voice filled with emotion.
As the celebrations continued around them, Oliver took a step back, reaching into his pocket. His expression turned serious, and he knelt on one knee, pulling out a small, velvet box.
"Hermione," he began, his voice steady despite the tremor of nerves beneath it, "you've been my rock through everything—my biggest supporter, my best friend, and the love of my life. I can't imagine a future without you. Will you marry me?"
Time seemed to stand still as Hermione's heart soared. Tears filled her eyes, and she nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes! Yes, of course!"
Oliver slipped the ring onto her finger, and they embraced, the world around them fading into the background. At that moment, amidst the cheering fans and the glow of victory, they knew they had won something far greater—a future together.
Their engagement marked a new chapter in their journey. They navigated the intricacies of their careers and the joy of planning a life together, always leaning on each other for support and strength.
As time went on, Hermione and Oliver built a home filled with love, laughter, and memories. Their story, born from a chance encounter on the Quidditch pitch, blossomed into a lifelong partnership, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Through every victory and challenge, they faced it all together, hand in hand, their hearts forever entwined.