Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 7: 4th Year Pt 2

Hermione couldn't believe it, honestly. The nerve that Ron had to stop speaking with her and Harry! She knew that he struggled with being jealous of Harry, but she never thought he would be this thick. To think that Harry would willingly risk his life for money and fame when he already had both. She'd love to knock some sense into him, but she didn't think that it would help. All she could do was try to weather the storm with Harry. He needed support now more than ever.

The first task was approaching, and Hermione had no idea how to help Harry prepare. She knew that the task was going to involve dragons, but that didn't really give her much to go on. She had already spent a week in the library pouring over books on dragons of all types, and she was sitting there again. She was having a really difficult time concentrating, though. The group of giggling girls who had proclaimed themselves Victor Krum's biggest fans didn't seem to understand that the library was supposed to be quiet. Her irritation bubbled over and she slammed her book shut. She sent a dark glare towards Victor and his supporters before she stormed out of the library. It was times like these that she really wished Oliver was still in the castle. He had the ability to calm her without even saying anything, and she could really use that right now. She kept thinking about him as she made her way up to Gryffindor tower. As soon as she entered the common room, she headed straight for "her" study table at the back of the room. She had barely sat down before Silas swooped through the open window. She pulled off the note tied to its leg and unfurled it to see Oliver's neat but hurried script:

Are you okay? I could feel you.

Oliver

P.S. I'm missing you too

Hermione smiled as she read it. It seemed as though not even distance would be able to keep him from making her feel better when she needed it. Hermione made a mental note to look deeper into the emotional tie that they had to each other. It seemed to her that they were able to feel a wider range of emotions, not just the really strong ones. She pulled a quill out of her bag so she could pen her reply:

I'm okay, thanks for asking. I'm a little stressed trying to find a way to keep Harry alive for the first task, and the library isn't quiet anymore.

Hermione

Hermione sent Silas off with her reply and settled down to work on homework. She was surprised when he swooped back in as she was packing up her things to head to bed. Hermione pulled a treat from her bag and offered it to Silas before reaching out to take the letter. As she read it, her eyes grew wide:

You'll figure it out like you always do. Make sure to play on Harry's strengths. He's a really wonderful flier; maybe you could use that?

Yours,

Oliver

That was it! Hermione just had to figure out a way to get Harry his broom during the task, and he would be able to fly around the dragon! Hermione was so excited with her breakthrough she could barely contain it. She headed up to her dorm with a smile on her face feeling more hopeful about Harry's outcome in the upcoming task now that she had a plan.

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While Hermione was known for spending a great deal of time in the library, even she felt that she was there an excessive amount. It seemed like her time there had tripled since Harry's name came out of the goblet. They had spent late nights perfecting the summoning charm, and he had performed beautifully in the arena. She had hoped that they were past the first hurdle, but the egg was proving to be a riddle even she couldn't figure out. She had replaced her research on charms and spells with research on magical objects. Since the presence of Krum's fanclub was nearly constant, she decided to set up camp at a small table tucked away in the back of the library.

She was enjoying her new found peace when a shadow fell across her desk. Hermione looked up to see Victor Krum standing over her. She sat up straight and was about to speak when he stumbled out in broken English, "May I sit here?" Hermione simply nodded before she went back to reading her book. She was quite puzzled over the fact that Viktor would choose to sit with her, but she didn't dwell on it. She was hoping that they were in a secluded enough portion of the library that his club wouldn't be around to bother them. Viktor sat with a sigh and said, "Thank you. Those girls vill not leave me alone." Hermione once again looked up from her book and said, "I'm sorry. You're welcome to find refuge here anytime you find the need for it." Viktor gave her a slight upturn of the lips before he opened his own book and began to read. They sat together in companionable silence until it was time to head to dinner. As Hermione was packing up her bag, Viktor stuck out his hand and said, "I'm Viktor Krum. Thank you for letting me sit vith you." Hermione laughed as she grasped his hand and said, "Hermione Granger."

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As time wore on, Hermione found she was spending more time with Viktor. Harry wasn't latched onto her as much since Ron had finally pulled his head out of his arse and apologized. She found that she didn't mind that they were spending time together without her because they had never liked accompanying her to the library. Her routine typically consisted of attending classes with the boys during the day and then meeting Viktor in the library after dinner to either work on homework or research for the tournament. She found that there was an easy camaraderie between her and Viktor, and their interactions came easily. In the month since he had started sitting with her she had gotten to know more about him. He was famous, but it seemed like he enjoyed the spotlight about as much as Harry did. She thought that he had a very dry sense of humor, but he had sarcastic comments that often left her with tears rolling down her face. He had confided in her one night that he felt like she was one of a few genuine friends that he had ever had. Apparently, he had experienced more than one falling out with past friends because it came to light that they were only associating with him for their own benefit. Hermione's heart broke for the tough but gentle man in front of her, and she couldn't help but pull him into a hug.

As they parted Hermione simply smiled at Viktor and said, "I'm honored to be considered a friend, Viktor." He walked her back to Gryffindor tower and placed a quick kiss to the top of her head before heading off to his own quarters. When Hermione entered the common room, Ron and Harry were sitting there playing a game of Wizard's Chess. Ron looked up and gave her a glare as he said, "Where have you been all night?"

Hermione rolled her eyes as she said, "I've been in the library, Ron. Like I am most evenings."

Ron set aside the piece that he was about to move on the board and stood up to approach her, "I went to the library looking for you. I couldn't find you there."

"I don't sit at the front. There are too many people following Viktor around."

Ron stood in front of her with shock on his face, "Viktor? Since when are you and Krum on a first name basis?"

"We study together in the library sometimes. He's actually very nice."

Ron held up his hand, "I can't believe you, Hermione! You've been in the library all this time fraternizing with the enemy!"

Hermione was shocked at the accusations that Ron was throwing her way. She tried to get control of her anger before she spoke, "I am not fraternizing, Ronald. He needed a break from the girls following him around and we've gotten to know each other."

Ron scoffed before he said, "I don't believe that for one minute. He's trying to get inside information on Harry."

Hermione realized that there would be no reasoning with Ron on this. She shook her head and couldn't keep the hurt and disappointment out of her voice as she said, "I can't believe you would think I could ever do something to hurt Harry like that."

Before Ron could utter another word, Hermione had rushed off to her dormitory. He turned around to face Harry and was surprised to see that he also had a look of disappointment on his face. "What?" Ron said.

"You know Hermione would never do anything to hurt me," Harry said.

Ron just rolled his eyes and said, "Well, who can know if she's spending all that time with Krum. She's probably hoping that she can get a date or something."

Harry stood up abruptly and said, "You really can be thick sometimes, you know that?" He didn't wait for a reply before he also headed up the stairs towards his room.

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The next morning Hermione sat a few spaces away from Ron at breakfast. She was still upset about the accusations he had made the previous night, and she had no intention of continuing that conversation this morning. She was pleasantly surprised when Harry sat down next to her.

"I'm sorry about last night, Hermione," he said as a way of greeting.

She gave him a half smile and replied, "It's alright. I hope you know that Viktor and I are just friends."

Harry nodded and said, "I know that. I think Ron was just jealous to hear that you had been spending so much time with him."

Hermione gave Harry a look of confusion and said, "Jealous? How do you mean?"

Harry finished chewing his bite of toast before he replied, "Well, I think he's feeling a bit territorial."

Anger started swirling in Hermione's chest before she replied, "I have never been and never will be Ronald's."

Harry simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "I know that, but I don't think he does."

Hermione decided that she didn't have much of an appetite anymore. She decided that she would much rather spend her time before classes penning a reply to Oliver's latest letter. As she stood from the table she said, "He'd better figure it out soon. I'll catch you in Herbology." She rushed out of the hall before anyone could stop her.

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Hermione made her way up to the owlery and decided to finish her letter on the window sill. Oliver had written to her last night, and she had half of her reply finished. He had filled her in on the rigorous training that his coach was putting them all through. She had already told him that Viktor had approached her in the library, and he was happy for her that she had made a new friend. Hermione smiled as she thought about his response. Even hundreds of miles away Oliver was kind and supportive. He had never made her feel bad about the people that she chose to associate with, and she was extremely grateful. Hermione decided to tell Oliver about the things Ron had said to her. She didn't normally complain to him about the spats that she had with her friends, but she definitely felt like he had crossed the line on this one. Just as she finished tying her letter to the leg of one of the school's owls, she noticed someone had entered the owlery.

Hermione turned around to see Viktor standing there with a look of concern on his face. "Are you alvight?" he asked.

Hermione felt touched that he had been concerned enough for her to come and check on her. She gave him a large smile as she said, "I'll be fine. Ronald just said some hurtful things to me about our relationship."

Viktor's eyebrows furrowed as he said, "Vhy? Ve haf done nothing wrong."

"I know that," Hermione replied, "He insinuated that you were only associating with me in order to get dirt on Harry."

Viktor frowned even more if that was possible as he said, "I vould never. I spend time vith you because you are kind."

Hermione smiled once more as she said, "I know. Harry does too. We have nothing to worry about, Viktor."

Viktor nodded to her and turned before offering her his arm, "May I valk you to class?"

Hermione laughed at his stiff posture before she grabbed his arm, "Why of course Mr. Krum."

Viktor gave a half smile before he started escorting her down the stairs. As they were walking Viktor turned to her and said, "How is your other?"

"Oliver? He's wonderful. He was just telling me how busy he is with the new practice schedule the coach set for them."

The rest of the walk down to Herbology was spent chatting about random topics and Hermione telling Viktor that she would very much enjoy it if he would come to Hogsmeade with her on the next weekend so that he could actually meet Oliver.

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To say that Oliver loved his job was an understatement. He had loved Quidditch since he could remember, and the fact that he got to play professionally was a dream come true. He worked extremely hard, and he was excited to be able to play in league games once the season started. He especially liked that the physicality of Quidditch often took his mind off of Hermione. He knew that her going back to school without him was going to be hard, but he wasn't quite ready for the separation. They went from being together every day of the summer to going months without physical contact. He loved being able to write to her, though. She was so expressive even in her writing, and he often found himself laughing at her fire. His girl was definitely a strong one.

He had found it interesting that Viktor Krum of all people had approached Hermione. He wasn't surprised that she was able to connect with the Quidditch player. From his own experience, the people who threw themselves at you for being a professional athlete were quite tiring. He knew that Hermione likely didn't bat an eye at the fact that he was famous, and that was probably very refreshing. Hermione had written to him about their relationship, and he was only happy that his beautiful witch was finding more people that she could consider friends. He had even agreed to meet up with Hermione and Viktor at the next Hogsmeade weekend so that they could all hang out. Unfortunately, Hermione had also told him about the way that Ron had been treating her. When Oliver had read the accusations that had been thrown at her, he had to restrain himself from waltzing into Hogwarts himself. Oliver had watched Ron treat Hermione horribly for three years, and he was deeply disappointed that the behavior had continued. He had honestly never understood why Harry and Hermione had put up with the treatment that they both received at the youngest Weasley males' hands.

While Oliver missed Hermione terribly, he was slightly excited for the time they had spent apart. After she had returned to school, he had started looking for a house of his own. He enjoyed spending time with his parents, but he had decided that it was time that he found something that was independent of them. He had been searching for months before his realtor showed him to the perfect lot. It was an old manor house that sat on roughly 40 acres of land. He thought that all of the open area would be wonderful to fly in, and he appreciated the privacy of it. He had purchased it on the spot and had spent the last couple of months fixing it up. He was planning on taking Hermione to his new house when they spent time together over the holidays. He hadn't mentioned it in any of his letters because he was hoping that he could surprise her with some of the changes that he had made.

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The first Hogsmeade weekend in November dawned cold and extremely snowy. Hermione was excited that she would be able to see Oliver in such a short amount of time. She took extra care to tame her curls and applied a light coat of makeup. She pulled on her burgundy sweater that she knew Oliver loved and a pair of jeans before grabbing her brown knee high boots. She draped her white peacoat over her arm as she headed down to breakfast. When she reached the Great Hall, she realized that she was one of the first ones there. She and Viktor had decided to make an early trip to the village so that they would have more time before the rest of the school arrived. She ate a light breakfast before she met Viktor at the doors to the school at precisely 8:00 a.m. He offered her his arm like he did every time they walked together, and he and Hermione hurried their way through the snow in order to grab a carriage. By the time they reached the carriages, Hermione's hair was covered in snow, and she had to shake it out before the water ran down into her eyes. She and Viktor began talking as the carriage took off towards the village.

The moment that the carriage came to a stop Hermione rushed to get out. Oliver had promised to meet her at the Three Broomsticks at 8:30. She was so excited to meet him that she practically barrelled over Viktor in order to reach the door. She ran forwards and hurried inside. She gave a quick scan of the room before she spotted the familiar head of brown hair. She met Oliver's eyes and her heart gave a leap at being able to see him after so long. She rushed over to the table that he was at and he stood up just in time to catch her in his arms. He threaded his fingers through her hair and held her to his chest as he placed a kiss to the top of her head. "A've missed ye," he whispered to her. Hermione nodded her head in his chest and said, "So much." Hermione finally pulled away from Oliver and turned to where Viktor was patiently waiting. "Oliver," she said, "I'd like you to meet Viktor Krum." Viktor stepped forward and held out his hand. Oliver gave it a shake and gestured to the seats at the table. After they had all sat down, Madam Rosmerta approached the table to gather their orders. If Hermione had been worried at all about how Oliver and Viktor would get along, she didn't need to be. The second their butterbeers were sat on the table, the two of them jumped into conversation. Most of the topics revolved around Quidditch, and Hermione was happy that she was able to add to the conversation. She was content when Oliver placed his arm along the back of her chair and began to rub small circles onto her shoulder. Even the light gesture was enough to set her chest fluttering after so much time apart.

As more students began to arrive in the village, Viktor decided to take his leave. He had a couple of shops that he wanted to visit before his permanent shadow found him again. He shook hands with Oliver once again and bowed to Hermione before he left them alone.

After he had left, Oliver turned to Hermione and said, "A can see why ye like him. A'm glad tha' ye have more people looking out fer ye."

Hermione leaned further into his side and said, "Yeah. I think he just needed someone who was interested in him and not his fame, you know?"

Oliver laughed and said, "Aye. Now, A would like tae take a walk around the village. Come with mae?"

Hermione looked up at him and said, "Always."

Oliver helped Hermione put her coat on before donning his own and grabbing her hand to lead her out of the pub. They had just made it outside when they ran into Harry and Ron.

Hermione offered a quick hello when Ron said, "Why are you in the village so early?" his eyes shifted to Oliver, "And why are you with Wood?"

Hermione didn't have to answer as Oliver said, "A was in the area."

He put Hermione's hand in the crook of his arm and led her away with a quick farewell. Ron turned back to Harry and said, "That was weird, it looked like they were on a date or something." Harry just shook his head and led the way into the Three Broomsticks.

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Hermione was honestly not prepared for how severely the announcement of the Yule Ball turned Hogwarts on its head. She had never seen the boys look so utterly sick and the girls squeal so high. In the week since it had been announced, she realized that it would be very interesting to see who would have the courage to ask for a date. Viktor had asked her if she would be willing to accompany him the night that it was announced. She was honestly quite excited. Obviously, she would have loved the opportunity to go to a ball with Oliver, but going with someone who was arguably one of her best friends was a wonderful second option. She was grateful that she wasn't going to have to stress about having a date, or, even worse, have to navigate the "does this date mean anything" territory. One of the perks of having already found her soulmate. She had decided that even though Oliver wasn't going to be able to escort her to the ball, she would still pick a dress that he would like. Her mum had been a HUGE help in that department. She had sent Hermione a beautiful burgundy dress the exact color of Oliver's favorite sweater. Hermione gasped as pulled it out of the box. It had a sweetheart neckline and was fitted until about her hips. After that the fabric fell down in soft layers that she knew would flair as she twirled. Hermione picked up the note that her mum had included in the box. I'm sure those ruby hairpins would go perfectly. Hermione was extremely glad that her mum had such excellent fashion taste. She carefully folded the dress back up and stowed the box in her trunk so that it was ready for the night of the ball. She couldn't wait to show both Oliver and Viktor the dress that she had.

Hermione headed down to the Great Hall and found Harry and Ron sitting at the Gryffindor table. Ron had his head in his hands, and Hermione gave Harry a questioning look as she sat down.

"He decided to ask Fleur to the ball," was all Harry said.

It took all of Hermione's self control not to laugh and instead respond, "How did that go?"

All she got was a groan from Ron and a cackle from the twins as they said, "Terrible!"

That response was obviously enough to break Ron out of his trance as he said, "Oi! It's harder than it looks! I don't suppose the two of you have dates."

The twins looked at each other with shocked faces, "You're right," said Fred.

"Better fix that," said George.

He turned to his right and said, "Angelina! Want to go to the ball with me?"

Angelina turned to face George and said, "Alright then."

George turned back to Ron and laughed as his face started to turn red. "Alright, you have a date, but that doesn't mean Fred does."

Fred just raised his eyebrow and called down the table, "Katie! My beautiful Katie! Will you go to the ball with me?"

Katie's laughter echoed down the table as she called back, "Of course!"

Fred turned back to Ron with a pointed look and said, "That settles that."

Hermione couldn't hold back the bubble of laughter as she saw the look on Ron's face. He whipped his head to look at her and said, "Oh Hermione, you're a girl!"

The laughter left Hermione as she stared at Ron. He couldn't be serious, right? "So happy you've finally noticed," she replied.

"Yeah, you can go to the ball with me!"

"No, I can't," she said with a hint of annoyance.

"Oh don't be that way! Everyone knows you don't have a date. I'll save you the embarrassment of going alone."

Everyone sitting at the table cringed as they heard the words leave Ron's mouth. Hermione slammed her utensils down on the table and said, "I already have a date Ron, and even if I didn't I sure as hell wouldn't go with you."

Ron just looked around as Hermione stormed off. "No way she already has a date. Who would ask her?"

There was a collective groan as the rest of Gryffindor house tried to reconcile the stupidity that sometimes was Ronald Weasley.

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Hermione spent a good majority of the day getting ready for the ball. She had decided to get ready with Ginny in the 3rd year dorm so that she had the opportunity to avoid Lavender and Parvati's chattering. She knew that she wasn't as into her looks as her roommates were, but she didn't want that to interfere with tonight. She knew that Ginny would offer her help without making jabs about Hermione's lack of effort in her appearance.

Hermione knew that Ginny was a sweet girl from the little time she had spent with her, but she was pleasantly surprised to find that she thoroughly enjoyed the redhead's company. They held up a steady stream of conversation while they were getting ready. Ginny offered to do Hermione's hair, and Hermione was incredibly glad she had let her. When Ginny had Hermione look in the mirror, she gasped. Ginny had done her hair up in an elegant way. Her hair curled and crisscrossed in an intricate bun, and the front was delicately twisted back. She had small tendrils framing her face, and she could see the rubies glistening in her hair when she held up a mirror to see the back. Hermione set the mirror down to pull Ginny into a tight hug. "Thank you so much for your help. I wouldn't have been able to get it to look like this on my own," she said. Ginny simply smiled and said, "You're welcome." Hermione left Ginny to put the finishing touches on her own hair and makeup as she went to retrieve their dresses. Hermione grabbed her own and Ginny's emerald green dress and carefully laid them out on the bed.

Ginny hustled out of the bathroom and announced that they were supposed to meet their dates in the entrance hall in exactly 30 minutes. They quickly pulled on their dresses and shoes and made their way down to the common room. They reached the bottom of the stairs when they were met with an excited Colin Creevey. "Can I take your picture?" he asked them. Hermione smiled as she said, "Of course, Colin." She stood while he snapped a photo of her, and then she told him she'd love a copy of the photo. He nodded vigorously as he hurried away. Hermione and Ginny continued their way down towards the entrance hall, and the closer they got the more nervous Hermione became. She started to fidget with her skirt, and Ginny grabbed her hands. "It's all going to be okay, Hermione," she told the older girl gently. Hermione gave her a weak smile before Ginny turned and headed down the stairs. Hermione took a deep breath before she stepped around the corner.

As she descended the steps, Hermione saw that many eyes were turning her way. She noticed that people were starting to whisper, but she tried to ignore them. She scanned the crowd for Viktor, and she started to beam when she saw him approaching the bottom of the steps. She reached out to grab his hand. He gave a rare and genuine smile as he said, "You look beautiful, Maya." She couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks. The only other person who had ever told her that was Oliver. "Thank you," she replied. She didn't have time to look or talk to anyone else before Viktor was leading her through the doors in order to start the ball.

As Hermione expected, dancing with Viktor was a blast. She didn't have any worries as she allowed him to spin her around the floor song after song. They finally took a break to get some drinks when she decided she would go look for Harry and Ron.

She found them sitting along the side of the hall, and she walked over to them. "Are you guys having fun?" she asked as she sat between them.

Harry simply shrugged his shoulders while Ron gave her a glare. "What?" she asked.

Ron huffed before he said, "I can't believe you actually came with the enemy, Hermione! When you said that you already had a date, I didn't think you meant bloody Krum."

Hermione sat there in silence. She had been having such a wonderful time, and now Ron was trying to ruin it. Hermione quickly stood and said, "Obviously he was the right choice."

Hermione stormed away from the boys trying to keep the tears at bay. She found Viktor at the refreshment table. When he turned around, he noticed her face and frowned. He set their drinks down and grabbed her hand. He pulled her out the main doors into the courtyard that had been decorated with fairy lights.

When they were away from prying ears Viktor said, "Vhat is wrong, Maya?"

Hermione gave a sniffle before she said, "Ron."

Viktor let out a large sigh before he pulled Hermione into his arms. "Do not let the jealous ruin our night. Ve vere having a vonderful time."

Hermione nodded into Viktor's chest and said, "Thank you for taking me tonight, Viktor."

He looked at her and brushed some stray tears off her cheeks and said, "That is vhat friends are for."

As Hermione and Viktor walked back into the ball, she decided that she would not let Ron ruin her night. She didn't have the opportunity to attend a ball every day, and she certainly wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to have a good time. She danced several more times with Viktor, and even once with Harry, before she decided to head back to Gryffindor tower for the night. Viktor, ever the gentleman, had insisted on escorting back to the tower. As she headed to bed that night, she sent all of the love, happiness, and longing she could towards Oliver. The only thing that could have made this night more wonderful would have been dancing the night away in Oliver's arms.

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As the school got ready to leave for the Christmas holiday the next day, Hermione was sitting in the Great Hall with her trunk already packed. She was originally going to go on holiday with her parents in France, but she wasn't able to make it on the trip since she would have to be home later if she wanted to attend the Yule Ball. Mrs. Weasley had extended an invitation for her to spend Christmas with the Weasley clan, but Hermione didn't think that she wanted to spend that much time with Ron. She dearly loved his family, though. Hermione had mentioned her lack of holiday plans in her most recent letter with Oliver, and he had offered for her to spend Christmas with him. She was excited at the idea of them spending the holidays together, but she didn't want to intrude on his time with his own family. He had told her there was nothing to consider and that he would be on the platform to pick her up when the train arrived.

Hermione was ecstatic that by the end of the day she would be with Oliver. They would be able to spend the better part of two weeks together, and she was extremely looking forward to the time alone. They hadn't had the opportunity to be together for more than a couple of hours in months. The train ride was slightly tense with Ron not speaking to her, but Hermione was able to engage Harry and Ginny in conversation before she pulled out a book. Before she knew it, the train was pulling into the platform. She hopped up and quickly handed out hugs. She wished everyone in the compartment a Merry Christmas and dragged her trunk off into the hallway. Her friends looked at each other in confusion before slowly grabbing their own things and making their way to the platform.

As Hermione heaved her trunk onto the platform, she started searching the crowd for Oliver. She didn't have to wait very long before she saw him striding through the crowd towards her. He gave her a dazzling smile, and Hermione's heart was in her throat as he approached. It didn't matter that he was officially her boyfriend now. He still made her giddy just by being near. When he reached her, he opened his arms and she immediately stepped into them. He leaned down by her ear and said, "Hello, beautiful. Are ye ready tae go?" Hermione stepped back from him with a smile and nodded her head. He took her trunk and shrunk it so he could place it in his pocket before he grabbed her hand and led her to the apparition point. He folded her into him once again and with a whispered, "Hold tight" he spun on the spot.

When Hermione opened her eyes after their apparition, she realized she was someplace unfamiliar. They stood on the grounds in front of a large manor house. Hermione pulled away from Oliver enough to look into his face. "Where are we?" she asked.

Oliver smiled down and placed a kiss on her forehead as he said, "Me home."