Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter 9: Fifth Year Part 1Hermione was ecstatic to get off the train and meet her parents. She thought that this would be a good opportunity to spend some time with her parents before the summer started. She collected her trunk, and as made her way onto the platform she spotted her mum and dad waiting patiently in front of one of the many pillars. As soon as they saw her, their eyes lit up. They met her halfway across the platform, and Hermione launched herself into their arms. When she pulled away, her dad grabbed her trunk and the little family made their way out to the car. Her mum kept up a constant stream of chatter. She asked Hermione about school, her exams, how her holiday was, and what she wanted to do over the summer. Hermione told her mum all about Viktor and how she had promised to write to him over the summer.
"Oh, is he special?" her mum asked.
"What do you mean by that?" Hermione retorted.
"Oh you know," she said with a smirk, "I wasn't sure if he was boyfriend material. You two did go to a ball together after all."
Hermione had to repress a shudder at the idea of dating Viktor, "It's not like that, mum," she said, "I consider Viktor more of a brother."
Jean seemed to deflate somewhat with that statement before she said, "Is there anyone else that you might be interested in?"
Hermione's cheeks heated up as Oliver flashed through her mind. "Well," she began, "there is someone that I may or may not be dating."
Hermione's mum turned around in her seat and said, "Really!? Who is it?"
Hermione looked at her mum and glanced at her dad who seemed to be too quiet before she whispered, "I'm with Oliver."
Jean let out the most girl-like squeal Hermione had ever heard as she said, "We were hoping you two would get together! Oliver is such a sweet young man."
Hermione let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. She looked to her father and noticed that while he was still quiet he didn't seem to be upset about the news. "I think perhaps you should invite him to dinner tonight," her mother said.
"I'll owl him when we get home," Hermione replied. She started to feel anxious about Oliver coming over for the first time as her boyfriend, so she spent the rest of the ride back to their home in silence and allowed her mum to fill her in on all of the things she missed while she was away.
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Oliver had been feeling Hermione's anxiety through the bond for a couple of hours, and it was getting to the point that he was tempted to leave training to find out what was worrying her so much. He thanked Merlin that training was nearly done for the day. He had tried to remain calm so that Hermione wouldn't feel any additional anxiety coming from him, but not knowing what was going on made it very difficult. Oliver continued to do laps around the field and run through his drills for another 30 minutes before Coach Burton blew his whistle to announce that training was finished.
Oliver rushed down to the ground and was the first one into the locker room. He took the quickest shower of his life before offering a hasty goodbye to his teammates and making his way towards the apparition point. Oliver arrived home, and a few moments later Athena was tapping on the glass. He went to the window and opened it. She flew in and landed gracefully before sticking out a foot to allow him to remove the note with his name on it. Oliver opened it to see Hermione's script and what he assumed was the cause of her anxiety.
Oliver,
I just made it home from the station, and mum and dad were wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner. I told them that we're together now…mum was ecstatic and dad seemed to take it pretty well. At least I hope he did. Can you be here by 6:30?
Hermione
P.S. I'm missing you very much and would love the chance to see you.
Oliver heaved a sigh as he finished reading Hermione's message. He didn't know when Hermione had planned on telling her parents of their relationship, but he didn't realize that it would be on the first day back. He couldn't blame her, though, due to the fact that they had been together nearly a year already. He didn't think that attending dinner with her parents would be awful. He had done so many times over the years, and he truly enjoyed Jean and Daniel. He just hoped that the fact he was involved with their only daughter didn't change their opinion of him. He knew how important Hermione's parents were to her, and he couldn't imagine the pain she would be in if they didn't approve.
He steeled his nerves and grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill off of his desk. He wrote a quick reply confirming that he would be at the Granger residence by 6:30. He attached the note to Athena's leg, and she immediately took off out of the still open window. He glanced at the clock and realized he had an hour before he needed to leave the manor. He went up to his room and laid out an outfit of blue jeans and one of his short sleeved button down shirts that Hermione loved. He took a more thorough shower than the one he had at the stadium and shaved his face. When Oliver was satisfied with his appearance, he stuffed his wand into his jean pocket, donned his black windbreaker, and headed out towards the apparition point. He made a mental note to himself that he would need to connect the floo between the Granger residence and the manor as he spun away.
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At precisely 6:30 there was a knock on the front door. Hermione quickly called out that she would get it as she dried her hands on her apron before removing it. She moved through the kitchen and the front hallway to the door. She didn't hesitate to open it, and saw Oliver standing on the doorstep looking as handsome as ever. Hermione looked him over before giving him a wide grin and stepping to the side, "Hi. I'm really glad that you were able to make it."
Oliver returned her smile before stepping into her house and dropping a kiss on her forehead, "A wouldnae have missed it."
At that moment Jean emerged from the kitchen and called out, "Hermione, is that Oliver?"
Hermione looked at Oliver and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before he moved ahead of her in order to greet her mother. "It's nice tae see ye, Jean," Oliver greeted as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Oliver then turned to Hermione's father and offered his hand, "An' ye as well, Mr. Granger."
Daniel did not immediately reach to shake Oliver's hand, and for a moment Oliver was worried that he wouldn't reach out at all. Oliver was surprised when Daniel laughed and pulled Oliver in for a hug, "You don't have to call me Mr. Granger. I've known you long enough after all."
Oliver pulled back from Mr. Granger to see Hermione and Jean wearing matching smiles. Hermione approached the door to the kitchen as she said, "Dinner is almost ready. I just need to put the finishing touches on it."
Oliver started to follow her as he said, "Let mae help ye."
Hermione nodded her head as she continued through the doorway. When they were alone in the kitchen, Hermione turned and reached up on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck as she gave him a soft kiss. "I really can't tell you how much I appreciate you coming tonight," she said.
Oliver smoothed back some wayward curls from Hermione's face as he said, "A know hoo important yer parents are tae ye. A meant what A said; A wouldnae miss this fer the world."
Hermione's heart swelled for the man in front of her. She couldn't think of a more perfect person even if she imagined them. She gave Oliver one more squeeze before moving away from him and towards the oven. "Would you mind taking the salad and bread out to the table please?" she asked.
Oliver gave her a peck on the cheek as he moved past her to fulfill her request. He wasn't sure how used her parents were to seeing magic in everyday settings, so he decided to grab the bowls and walk them out to the table. When he returned to the kitchen, Hermione was pulling what looked to be a casserole out of the oven. She straightened and set it on the stove. Oliver watched as she grabbed a large spoon and stirred what looked to be some sort of pasta. "That smells wonderful," he told her. Hermione just smiled over her shoulder as she grabbed some hot pads and moved to place the casserole on the table.
When Hermione entered the dining room, her parents were already seated around the table. She gently placed the casserole in the middle and smiled at Oliver as he moved to pull her chair out. He helped her scoot her chair in before taking the seat to her right. As soon as they were all seated, Hermione's mother began dishing up their plates. "How long have you two been official?" she asked.
Hermione gave Oliver a glance before she responded, "We made it official just before I got on the train back to school last year."
Jean paused in her movements for a moment and looked between Oliver and Hermione, "You didn't want to tell us sooner?"
Shame flooded Hermione's chest, and Oliver placed a gentle hand on her knee under the table, "It wasn't something that I wanted to put in a letter. I wanted to be able to share it with you in person."
Jean seemed to accept this answer as she continued placing spoonfuls of casserole onto each of their plates. "How serious are you?" Hermione's father spoke up from Jean's left.
Oliver squeezed Hermione's knee before leveling direct eye contact with her father, "A intend tae be with yer daughter fer as long as she'll have mae."
Dan stared Oliver down for what seemed like hours before he cracked a smile and said, "Good."
A wave of relief swept through Hermione at her parent's easy acceptance. As their only child bringing home her first boyfriend, she had expected them to be more…strict. Their warmth towards Oliver and the seamless way with which he was able to blend into her family only solidified the fact that she could never want anyone else. The little spark that is ever burning in her chest grew a little bit more.
Dinner passed with easy conversation with Oliver asking after the Granger practice and him regaling Dan with stories of his training. As a muggle Dan had never attended a Quidditch game, but Oliver assured him that he would make sure they had tickets to Puddlemere's next match. Dan could barely contain his excitement, and Hermione knew that soulmate bond or not, Oliver had just won over her parents for eternity.
As soon as dinner was cleared off the table and Jean had started on the dishes, Oliver turned towards Mr. Granger, "Do ye mind if A connect yer fireplace tae mine?"
"I thought that we already had a connection to your house," Dan replied.
"Ye have a connection tae me parents, but A recently moved intae me own," Oliver said, "A have tae connect it meself or ye can't come through directly."
Dan nodded in understanding and motioned Oliver towards the fireplace, "By all means connect us. I imagine that Hermione will need it to visit you."
Hermione's face reddened from behind her father as she said, "It's not just for me, Dad. You and mom will be able to go through on your own as well."
Oliver laughed as he finished connecting the Granger fireplace to the one in the family living room in his own manor. As he stepped away, he lifted his arm and Hermione stepped into his side. "Thank you," she whispered to him. He simply dropped a kiss to the crown of her head before guiding her to a loveseat across from the one the Grangers were already sitting on. Hermione curled into his side as he continued to talk with her parents.
Before long he noticed that Hermione had fallen asleep against him. He glanced at the clock and noticed that it was already 9:30. He'd have to get going if he wanted to be up in time for training tomorrow. He quietly bid goodbye to her parents before gently lifting Hermione into his arms. Jean led him down the hallway to what he assumed was Hermione's room and opened the door. He walked into her room for the first time and couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. Full bookshelves lined three of the walls, and there were more stacks of books piled throughout the room. He approached her bed and Jean pulled the covers down for him before he laid Hermione down. He brushed her hair away from her face and removed her tennis shoes before drawing the summer comforter over her. He gently placed a kiss on her forehead before stepping back. Jean was looking at him with happiness shining in her eyes, and he headed out the door and down the hallway. He grabbed his jacket before making his way to the living room. He sent his love down the bond towards Hermione and bid her parents one more farewell before stepping into the fireplace and swirling towards his own bed.
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The first week of summer passed peacefully for Hermione. Her parents took the week off to spend with her, and Hermione greatly enjoyed having so much time to spend with them. She and her mother even took a day to spend in London. They went shopping and had lunch, and Hermione realized just how much she had missed her parents. They were adjusting well to Hermione wanting to split her time between them and Oliver. She spent all day with them, but at around 4:00 she headed to Oliver's to start dinner for the two of them. Oliver would get off of training and head to the kitchen to greet Hermione with a kiss before heading up to shower before dinner. Hermione enjoyed the simplicity of their interactions. They talked and laughed over dinner and then sat on the couch to snuggle before Hermione went home for the night and Oliver prepared for training the next day. Oliver always walked Hermione to the fireplace and kissed her goodnight before watching her swirl away in the green flames.
On the first Saturday of break Hermione's parents decided that it would be a wonderful idea for them to have a day trip up to the forest of Dean. They didn't have enough time for an entire camping trip, but they would be able to walk some trails and have a picnic in the fresh air. Hermione and her mother prepped a picnic basket with sandwiches and fruit before the Grangers loaded into the car. She spent the ride singing along to her dad's Beatles CD, and her mom laughed at their antics. When they reached the parking lot of one of their favorite trails, they piled out of the car. Hermione carried the basket while her mom and dad carried water for them all. She enjoyed walking through the tall trees and hearing the birds fluttering about. It was still early enough in the day that the sun had yet to beat down on them in harsh waves. It took them roughly an hour of walking to make it to the little creek that they typically make their camping spot. There was a stone table with benches, and Hermione made her way to it. She carefully laid out the spread that she and her mom had packed that morning before they all sat down. They ate their sandwiches while keeping up an easy conversation. When Hermione's dad finished his sandwich he leveled her with a stare that she had rarely seen in her life. Hermione placed her sandwich on her plate and wiped her mouth before giving her dad her full attention. "I just have to ask," he started, "how serious are you and Oliver?"
Hermione didn't answer right away. She hadn't really thought about her relationship that way. She thought of Oliver, and she just saw her forever. She didn't think of specifics because she just knew that she was going to be with him. They were pretty much a foregone conclusion. She looked towards her dad again and took a deep breath, "I would say we're pretty serious."
His eyebrows raised a fraction and he said, "Really? You aren't rushing anything right?"
Hermione's heart swelled at her dad and his concern. It would be pretty difficult to understand the certainty that comes with a soul bond when you don't have one. "We aren't rushing anything, Dad," Hermione said with a smile, "We work really well together, and I think we're going to be together for quite some time."
"I don't want you to fall too hard too fast. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I won't. Oliver and I…we're soulmates."
"Everyone always thinks their first love is their soulmate," he said.
Hermione let out a laugh before she said, "No, we actually have a soul bond. They exist in the magical world, and Dumbledore confirmed it at the end of last year."
Hermione looked between her parents and chuckled at their wide eyes. "You mean you actually have a soulmate?"
Hermione nodded and said, "It's rare even for wizards."
"A soul bond can't force feelings can it?" her mom asked.
Hermione shook her head, "We don't have a completed bond," she said, "We're able to feel each other's emotions, but the bond can't force me to love him."
"Do you?" Jean whispered.
"Do I what?"
"Love him."
Hermione balked at the question. She knew that she felt a great deal for Oliver, but she didn't know if she could call it love. Visions of him flashed through her mind, and she saw him holding her late at night and kissing her before the fire. She saw his concern any time she was in a tough situation and the way that a smile lit his handsome face when he saw her across the room. If what she felt for Oliver wasn't love, she had no idea what love could be. The realization that she had fallen so completely for him hit her like a bludger.
She inhaled sharply before looking her mother in the eyes, "I do," she whispered.
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Hermione couldn't wait for Oliver's day off. He had asked her on Wednesday if she would be interested in spending the entire day with him on Sunday. She had readily agreed and tried to get a hint of what they would be doing, but Oliver was incredibly tight lipped. All he would tell her was to be prepared for sun and to possibly get wet. Hermione thought back to all the times she, Oliver, and Jordan had thrown water balloons at each other on the lawn and couldn't help laughing at the memory. She decided that she would wear a swimsuit under her dress just in case that was what Oliver had planned for them. She pulled her neon pink two piece out of her drawer and slipped it on before pulling a blue sundress out of her closet. She paired it with light brown sandals and a small brown clutch to hold a couple of personal items. She knew that Oliver would refuse to let her pay for anything they might potentially do, but she wanted to be prepared anyways. She finished getting ready just as she heard the floo chime.
Hermione headed down the stairs and met her parents in the living room who were speaking with Oliver. He was in conversation with her dad, but the moment she entered the room he turned his eyes to her and gave her a dazzling smile. Hermione gave her mom a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before moving to Oliver's side. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her temple. "Ye look beautiful," he said.
Hermione leaned her head onto his chest and said, "Thank you."
Oliver finished his conversation with her father before shaking his hand and letting them know that he would bring Hermione home later that evening. He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her closer to the fireplace. They stepped into the green flames, and Hermione gripped Oliver's hand as they spun away.
Hermione emerged from the fireplace in what she was quickly coming to think of as her second home. Oliver laced his fingers with hers and led her through to the living room. He stopped short in front of the sofa, and Hermione laughed.
"Where did you get this?!" she asked as she gestured to the huge TV that was situated on the wall in front of them.
Oliver grinned wide as he said, "A got it from an electronics store in Muggle London. A thought tha' we could try all af those films ye've been wanting tae watch."
Hermione's heart was so full she was ready to burst. "How were you able to make it work?"
"The same way A had tae have the electricity adjusted tae magic when A firs' moved in. It helps tha' the manor was originally built for muggles. It already had all of the equipment tha' just needed tae be fine tuned."
Oliver's explanation made sense, and she was so excited to be able to introduce him to all of her favorite movies. "Did you pick out any films while you were there?" she asked.
Oliver nodded and brought out a small stack of DVD's that included Beauty and the Beast, The Titanic, and Dodgeball. Hermione smiled and said, "You got a pretty good selection. Is this what you have planned for us today?"
Oliver placed the movies on the coffee table in front of the couch and straightened back to stand in front of her. "A was thinking we could watch some af them this afternoon, but A have something different planned fer this morning."
"What are we going to do then?" she asked.
"Wait right here an' A'll be right back."
With that Oliver took off and ran up the stairs. He returned a couple of minutes later in swim trunks and sandals with a couple of towels thrown over his shoulder and a basket. "Do you have an indoor pool?" Hermione asked.
"Actually A do," Oliver grinned, "but A think tha' the day is too beautiful tae spend it inside."
He stepped next to her and offered his hand. Hermione didn't hesitate before taking it and allowing him to lead her out of the french doors at the back of the house and across the lawn. Hermione thought that he would lead her to the meadow with the little pond, but he turned in the opposite direction. They only had to walk for about fifteen minutes before they were on the shores of a small lake. "How did I not know this was here?" Hermione asked.
Oliver chuckled and said, "Well it wasnae exactly swimming weather the last time ye were here."
Hermione conceded that he had a fair point and looked around. There were still lots of trees, but they stopped 20 feet before the shoreline. Hermione toed off her sandals and approached the clear water. She dipped her foot into the water and was surprised at how warm it was. Oliver found a dry rock to place their towels and basket on before he also took his shoes off. He waited for Hermione to pull her dress over her head, and he drew in a breath when all of her exposed skin came into view. He couldn't help but stare at all of the sun kissed skin that was bare before his to the neon pink Hermione looked even more tan, and he wanted to run his hands over her. Hermione met his eyes, and he knew by her blush she was admiring him the same way he was her. He took a couple steps towards her and pulled her flush against his body. Hermione's hands fell to rest on his chest and she was breathless. Oliver placed one hand on her back and threaded the other into her hair to pull her lips to his. The kiss was not gentle as he claimed her lips. It was all fire and when he nipped at her bottom lip, Hermione opened for him with a moan. Oliver slipped his tongue into her mouth and loved the way he could taste her. Hermione's kiss was everything. He could spend his whole life lost in her lips and it would be enough. Hermione moaned again, and Oliver was shaken out of his thoughts. He wanted to go further with her, but their first time doing such a thing would not be on the side of a lake. He slowed his kisses and rubbed circles into her lower back as they slowed things down. When he finally pulled away, Hermione's lips were swollen and her face was flushed. Her eyes sparkled with her own desire, and Oliver knew that they wouldn't hold out too much longer.
He smoothed her hair away from her face and slowly stepped back. He gave her one more slow kiss on her lips and said, "Yer perfect, Hermione." She didn't have a chance to say anything before his demeanor changed and he threw her over his shoulder. Hermione let out a shriek as he ran towards a dock that she hadn't seen. She laughed as he ran full speed and dumped both of them into the lake. She came up for air laughing and coughing, and she splashed water at his face. "A little warning next time would be nice," she said.
Oliver laughed, "An where is the fun in that, Hermione?"
She rolled her eyes and began to paddle around. She leaned back and allowed herself to float on the water while the sun beat down. It was peaceful here, and knowing that it was all on Oliver's land and behind the wards made her relax in a way that she hadn't been able to do since the third task.
Oliver and Hermione spent the morning swimming and then ate the small lunch spread that Oliver had brought with them. When they finished, they dried off and Hermione slipped her dress back over her head. Oliver held out his hand and they walked back through the trees to the manor. When they made it inside, Oliver headed to the living room to set up the movies while Hermione went into the kitchen to make snacks. When she entered the living room with popcorn and pumpkin juice, she saw that Oliver had already settled himself on the couch with a blanket. Hermione smiled when he opened his arms and motioned to the spot in front of him. She moved forward and settled her back against his chest before Oliver pulled the blanket over them both. He waved his wand and the lights dimmed, and he pressed play on his first ever movie. He could feel Hermione's excitement, and he wrapped his arms tighter around the witch that he loved.
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Puddlemere United's first match of the season came up faster than Hermione knew it. Oliver had promised to get her and her father tickets, and Hermione didn't realize how good they were until she entered the stadium. Oliver had placed them in the top box, and Hermione was even more impressed than she was at the World Cup. She was at the same height as the goal posts, and she was happy that she would have a direct view of Oliver. She hadn't been available to see him play in a game for nearly two years, and she was excited to see him back in action. As she walked next to her father, she noticed that he seemed as if he couldn't decide where to look. It was much like how he was the first time they entered Diagon Alley together all those years ago.
As they approached their seats, Hermione's eyes fell to the boy sitting next to them and she beamed. "Jordan!" she cried, "How have you been?"
Jordan stood and embraced Hermione while he said, "I'm doing well, Hermione. What about you?"
"I'm doing well," she said with a grin, "Jordan, meet my dad Daniel."
Jordan stuck out his hand and said, "It's nice to meet you Mr. Granger."
Dan shook his hand and said, "Likewise."
Hermione settled into her seat next to Jordan. She hadn't seen him in forever, and she definitely missed his easy companionship. "What have you been up to?" she asked.
"I'm getting my mastery in Charms," he replied, "There's a master in Ireland that agreed to take me on. I'm here on a break."
"That's so wonderful! I know you'll do brilliantly," she said.
Hermione didn't have the chance to ask anymore questions before the announcer came on over the loudspeakers to announce the beginning of the match. Hermione settled in to watch and cheered loudly when Oliver flew out of the tunnel behind the rest of his team.
For the next two hours Hermione sat on the edge of her seat watching Oliver play. He moved effortlessly in front of the hoops. Puddlemere was leading 150-70 when Hermione saw the beater of the Falmouth Falcons aim a bludger directly at Oliver. He swerved to get out of the way, but he lost his balance on his broom and was hanging by one hand. Hermione gripped her father's and Jordan's hands as she watched. Her knuckles turned white as she watched him start swinging back and forth before he was able to get a leg back over his broom. Hermione let out a breath of relief and loosened her grip on her father and Jordan. She was so worried about Oliver that she hadn't even seen Puddlemere's seeker dive for the snitch. She jumped when the stadium broke out in cheers.
Hermione watched as the seeker flew high in the air with his fist up. She could just see the fluttering gold wings of the snitch in his hand. Hermione was on her feet cheering with the rest of the fans. She was surprised to see Oliver flying fast towards the box. He flew in front of the seats and hopped off his broom to rush over to her. Hermione ran to meet him halfway and jumped into his arms to offer him congratulations. Oliver picked her up and spun her around while laughing. When he set her down he grabbed her face and gave her a kiss in front of everyone. Hermione couldn't help the large smile that was across her face. He then turned to Jordan and gave him a quick hug before shaking Mr. Granger's hand. He moved back to Hermione's side and faced the two men. "Do ye want tae go oot tae dinner tae celebrate?" he asked.
There was a resounding yes through the group. Oliver gave them instructions on where to wait for him and mounted his broom to head down to the locker rooms. Hermione, Jordan, and her dad headed out of the box, and Hermione listened to her dad replay the match with Jordan. They met a showered and dressed Oliver in the foyer, and he offered his hand to Hermione as they all headed towards the floo.
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A couple of weeks later Hermione was surprised to come home to find Mr. Weasley and Remus in her living room. They were sitting speaking with her father when she and her mum walked in the door. "Is everything okay?" she asked.
Mr. Weasley offered her a kind smile and replied, "Oh yes, nothing to worry about. We were just coming to ask if you're still interested in spending part of the summer with us."
"I thought Ron was going to send an owl," she replied.
"We haven't been able to use the owl post very much, unfortunately," Remus chimed in.
Hermione studied the two and knew that something was going on. They seemed more on edge than usual. "Why can't you use the post?" Dan asked.
Remus put on a smile for Mr. Granger when he said, "The owls just have a difficult time finding us right now is all."
The pieces clicked for Hermione. She assumed whatever wards had been erected around the Burrow were strong enough that the owls weren't able to come and go. She assumed it was the first of many precautions in the wake of Voldemort's return. "I haven't packed yet, but I think it would be wonderful to spend some time with you all."
Remus rose to his feet, "I don't mind helping you pack if you'd like?"
"That would be wonderful," she replied.
Mr. Weasley returned to conversation with her dad about all things muggle as Remus followed her up to her room. When they entered, Hermione pulled her trunk from underneath her bed. She quickly pulled out the clothes and books that she wanted to take with her. As she kept pulling out her things to pack, Remus would wave his wand and everything found a neat place within the trunk. "What's the real reason you can't use owl post?" she asked.
Remus let out a laugh, "I knew you were too smart not to pick up on that. Headquarters is warded with a Fidelius Charm, so the owls aren't able to go in or out."
"Headquarters? We're not going to the Burrow?"
Remus shook his head, "Dumbledore reinstated the Order of the Phoenix. It was the original group he created to fight against You Know Who and the Death Eaters. After what happened last year he called a meeting to order and Sirius offered his house as headquarters."
Hermione was silent for several moments while she processed the information. "If I stay at headquarters, will I still be able to come and go to see Oliver?"
Remus looked her in the eye while he seemed to contemplate her question, "I'll have to speak with Dumbledore about getting around the enchantments."
Hermione nodded and continued grabbing the things that she would need for the rest of summer and when she went back to school. They were nearly halfway through summer, and she didn't think that she would have the opportunity to come home before they boarded the Hogwarts Express. When they were finished, Remus levitated her trunk down the stairs back into the living room. Hermione smiled when she heard Mr. Weasley ask her dad to explain the inner workings of their vacuum cleaner. When they noticed she had reentered the room, her parents stood to hug her. Hermione held them both tightly and promised to write before Mr. Weasley handed her a piece of parchment. She recognized Dumbledore's script from his letters to Harry. She read The headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is located at Number 12 Grimmauld Place, London. She looked back to Mr. Weasley, "Have you got it?" he asked. Hermione nodded her head and watched as he took the parchment back and lit it on fire. He tossed the embers into the fireplace and then turned to the party. He and Remus shook hands with her parents and said their goodbyes. Hermione gave each of them one more hug before she took the arm Remus offered. Mr. Weasley held onto her trunk before they all spun away.
Hermione shut her eyes tight at the feeling of apparition, and when she opened her eyes she was standing on the porch of one of the darkest houses she had ever seen. She cast a sideways glance at Remus as Mr. Weasley opened the front door and motioned her through. He stepped in behind her and said, "Make sure to be quiet when you enter the house or you'll wake Mrs. Black's portrait." Hermione nodded and quietly followed him through the house. He brought her through to the kitchen where she met Mrs. Weasley and Sirius. Sirius gave her a wide grin and welcomed her to his house. Hermione smiled back as she was enveloped in a tight hug from the Weasley matriarch. "Where is everyone else?" Hermione asked.
"Ginny, Ron, and the twins are all upstairs cleaning out more bedrooms," Molly answered.
Hermione gave Remus a questioning look, but it was Sirius who responded, "This house hasn't been lived in for decades, so there's been quite a few creatures that have moved in."
Hermione didn't even want to know what kind of creatures could possibly be living here. She was already appalled at the house elf heads that lined the staircase. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
Mrs. Weasley gave her a kind smile, "You're very sweet, dear. For right now you can take your trunk up to the room you'll be sharing with Ginny and unpack. You can start cleaning tomorrow."
Hermione nodded and turned to drag her trunk up the stairs. "It'll be the second landing first door on the left," Molly called to her as she turned her back to the kitchen.
Hermione's arms were straining by the time she made it to the second landing with her trunk. She definitely couldn't wait for the trace to come off of her so that she could use magic freely. She opened the door to find a fairly sized room that was painted in a light blue. It had two beds placed on opposite walls and they were each draped in gray covers. Hermione noticed that the room didn't feel as stuffy as the rest of the house and chalked it up to the window being open. Hermione was working on removing some of the books from her trunk when she heard steps thundering down the stairs. She turned to the door to see Ginny flying through. "Hermione!" she squealed.
Hermione laughed as she caught her redhead friend in a hug. Hermione had made an effort to get to know the youngest Weasley, and she was surprised to find that she got along with the young woman splendidly. Hermione and she had spent a few nights together last year talking and laughing into the early morning. As much as she loved her boys, Hermione was glad that she finally had another female that she could call a close friend. "Hey Gin," Hermione replied.
"I'm so glad you're here! The twins and Ron have been driving me absolutely bonkers!"
Hermione laughed as she continued to unpack her trunk. "That bad already? It's only been a couple of weeks."
Ginny groaned and flopped back on her bed, "The twins finally got their apparition license, and they think it's funny to pop in at any moment!"
Hermione had to hold in her chuckle. While she knew that it would probably get annoying very quickly, she couldn't help but appreciate the humor of the situation. "I'm sure the novelty of it will wear off soon."
"Not soon enough," Ginny said, "And they've been holding order meetings here, but mum says that none of us are allowed in."
"How many people are in the order?" Hermione asked.
"Quite a few," Ginny replied, "Pretty much every Hogwarts professor, anyone in my family old enough, Professor Lupin, Tonks, Sirius, and a couple of others that I haven't really talked to."
Hermione nodded her head and turned to sit on her own bed opposite Ginny, "I'm sure we'll find a way to get some information."
Ginny gave a small smirk as she said, "Actually, the twins have been working on a project that they assure me will mean we can listen in on meetings."
Hermione laughed as she said, "See? I'm sure that we'll have a working prototype in no time."
Hermione and Ginny continued to catch up on what had happened so far this summer. Hermione told Ginny of her time with Oliver and her parents while Ginny described the move from the Burrow and how cleaning Grimmauld had gone. Apparently, Sirius was wholly ready to throw out every single thing in the house and purchase all new furnishings. He had helped Ginny change the colors of the wall in their room and had given Mrs. Weasley the funds necessary to purchase bedding that didn't smell like moth balls. Hermione knew that the house had a long way to go, but she appreciated how far it had come already. Before they knew it, Mrs. Weasley was hollering up the stairs that dinner was ready. They descended the stairs slowly so as not to wake the portrait, and Hermione smiled as she saw all of the people already sat around the table. She thought to herself that she had won the proverbial jackpot of adoptive wizarding families as she claimed a seat between George and Bill at the table.