A/N:I'm SO sorry for the long wait! I hope this chapter was worth it! Warning there is smut in this chapter.

I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 11: Fifth Year Part 3

The first few weeks of classes were incredibly tough for the students of Hogwarts. Word had spread quickly that Professor Umbridge had forbidden the use of wands in her classroom, and anyone who spoke out would be severely punished. Hermione was both irritated that Harry had to pick a fight with Umbridge every class and proud that he continued to stand for what he believed in. She had seen what condition he was in coming back from detentions with the toad, and she patched him up the best that she could. She had taken to being ready in the common room with a bowl of warm water and a rag every time he trudged in from detention.

Hermione was frustrated that none of the other professors were doing anything to help them. She knew that Umbridge's preferred method of torture had to be breaking some sort of rule. Surely there were regulations in place that kept children from being forced to write in their own blood? To say that Hermione had lost some faith in the Hogwarts staff would be an understatement. Dumbledore was the head of the school, yet he stood by and did nothing.

It was a Wednesday afternoon in the middle of October that had Hermione lose her cool. She was already on edge from double potions with the Slytherins when she walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. She took her customary seat between Harry and Ron and waited for the class to begin. The hem hem that signaled the beginning of every lesson irritated her so badly that she had to grit her teeth to stay quiet. "Hello class," the toad said with her sickly sweet voice, "I would like you all to open your texts to page 561."

Hermione rolled her eyes and opened her text before she blanched at the chapter title. Before she could think twice Hermione's hand was up in the air. Umbridge looked around the class as if she couldn't see Hermione's hand before she finally gave in. "Something to add, Miss Granger?"

"We've already covered werewolves and vampires," she said.

"Ah, I see you think you know everything," Umbridge replied, "however, you have had inadequate teachers. This is the proper material that the ministry approved on the subject."

Umbridge made to move on to another part of the class when Hermione spoke up, "It's a chapter on how to kill them! There is no reason that should be included in the curriculum."

"Five points for speaking out of turn, Miss Granger. It is not up to you to decide what is appropriate. These creatures have been labeled dangerous by the Ministry of Magic, and it is necessary to know how to defend oneself."

"The killing of werewolves and vampires was outlawed in 1803 to avoid large hunts against them," Hermione replied, "What is the use in knowing how to kill them when it's against the law?"

"Didn't you hear?" Umbridge said in her condescending tone, "The minister has repealed the restrictions. Slaying the creatures is perfectly legal in the case of self defense. These abominations will no longer have the opportunity to slay innocents."

Hermione felt like she was going to throw up, "The only creatures who would willingly kill innocents are the ones working with Voldemort."

Umbridge finally snapped, "Miss Granger! That is enough. I feel as though a detention this evening is necessary in order to teach you to have an appreciation for the curriculum handed to you."

The whole class sat in stunned silence. They had never seen Hermione argue with a teacher before, let alone receive a detention. Hermione was vibrating with a rage she had never felt, and she could feel her magic cackling in her fingertips. She nearly retorted when she felt Harry's hand on her arm. She looked at him and saw him subtly shake his head. Hermione let out a large breath before she put her head down. Arguing when she was like this would get her nowhere. She sat still as a statue for the rest of the lesson, and she was the first one out the door when the bell sounded.

Hermione dashed up to Gryffindor tower and stormed up to her room. She furiously wiped the tears that had started to fall down her face. That woman! How could she be sitting here promoting the slaying of innocent people! She was no better than Malfoy. Hermione threw herself down onto her bed and wished not for the first time that Oliver was with her. In the ever darkening world she felt like he was her light. She didn't have to think about Voldemort or toads when she was with him. Her anger slowly seeped out of her body, and she was left with the empty feeling that being separated from Oliver left her. She felt out the bond and could feel him on the other end. She pulled at it slightly, and she felt a wave of love and comfort come back at her. Hermione laid there for quite a while trying to get a hold of herself. She knew that if she went to detention with Umbridge without control of her emotions that she would only make things worse for herself. She finally pulled herself up and trudged down to the Great Hall for dinner. She didn't say much as she sat between Harry and Ron. When she got up from the table to head to her detention, Harry gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. "I'll wait up for you, yeah?" he said. Hermione squeezed his hand and nodded before walking away.

When she reached the DADA classroom, Hermione paused. She took a deep breath and tried to brace herself for what she knew was to come. When she finally knocked, she was met with the voice that she hated so much. Hermione entered to see a desk set up with parchment and a black quill. Hermione knew what that quill would do even before Umbridge said, "You'll be writing lines to carry out your detention." Hermione held her breath as she sat at the desk. She picked up the quill and began to write. She was unprepared for how badly it would make the back of her hand burn. Death by a thousand papercuts she supposed. Hermione wrote for what felt like hours, and when she was done the page was filled with her blood. Umbridge let her go, and what was left behind was a parchment full of Hermione's neat handwriting saying 'I will learn my place'.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Hermione's detention with Umbridge hardened something inside of her. She found that she no longer cared about her previous statement that all professors deserved her respect, and Harry and Ron were slightly concerned at her suddenly rebellious nature. Harry was so concerned that one day he pulled her aside on their way back to Gryffindor tower after dinner. "Harry! What are you doing!" she cried as he pulled her into an alcove.

Harry spun her to face him as he said, "Are you alright, Hermione? You haven't been yourself lately."

Hermione deflated as she looked into her best friend's eyes. She felt as if the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders. "I don't know, Harry," she whispered, "I just feel so angry."

When she looked back at him, Harry could see tears sparkling on her lashes. He immediately pulled her in for a fierce hug. "I know Umbridge is a toad," he said, "but we can do this. We'll make it through like we always do."

Hermione clung to him. In Oliver's absence Harry was the one that could offer her the most comfort. "I'm so worried," she whispered into his shirt, "No one is listening that he's back, and we have OWLS this year that we're not going to be prepared for."

Harry pulled back from her gently and smoothed her hair from around her face, "You're the smartest witch in this school. I have zero doubts that you will ace your OWLS whether she's your teacher or not."

Hermione laughed as she wiped the remaining tears from her face, "I just wish there was another way we could learn. I wish that you could teach us."

Harry laughed as he said, "I don't think that would pan out so great for us. We all know you're the brains behind our operation."

Hermione laughed, but she sobered quickly, "Harry! That's it! You should teach us how to defend ourselves."

Harry held up his hands in a halting gesture, "Now hold on, Hermione. I'm not qualified to teach anyone anything."

His protests did nothing to quell Hermione's excitement, "Don't you see? You know exactly what we're facing out there! There is no one more qualified in this school to help us if the professors won't."

Harry attempted to protest, but Hermione was going a thousand miles a minute. He tried to slow her down, but before he could do anything she said, "You're brilliant Harry! I have plans to make," and dashed out of the alcove. Harry stood there dumbfounded. He knew that once Hermione got an idea in her head that it would take rearranging the solar system to get it out again. With a huge sigh he straightened his glasses and started making his way up to Gryffindor tower.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The meeting in the Hog's Head for the creation of Dumbledore's Army went pretty well, Hermione thought. She was pleasantly surprised at the turnout, and she was very confident in the security charms that she put on the sign-up sheet. As she wandered through Hogsmeade with Harry and Ron, she was happy that something good was coming out of their current predicament at Hogwarts. She had already started putting together the lesson plans for the group through the holidays, and it helped cheer her up.

Oliver hadn't been able to make it to Hogsmeade this weekend, and Hermione was doing her best to not be down in the dumps about it. He had written to her and told her that they were going to be in France doing a mock Quidditch match against the French national team, and Hermione understood. She could feel the regret and sadness coming down the bond from Oliver, and she was doing her best to be strong for the both of them. She hoped that he would be able to make it for the next weekend, and if he wasn't then she would see him over the holidays. She kept reminding herself that since she was able to apparate now there would be no reason for her not to be able to visit him. The thought buoyed her, and she spent the rest of the day fluttering through Hogsmeade with her friends in a place she loved.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The rest of the term passed by in a flurry of activity. Between classes, prefect duties, and the DA, Hermione barely had time to sit down. She unfortunately had landed herself a few more detentions from Umbridge for simply questioning things that had popped up in their text, but she took them in stride. The murtlap essence that they all used after their detentions had helped their wounds heal faster, but Hermione now had a permanent scar on the back of her hand. She tried not to think about the implications of that woman scarring her for life. Hermione was unprepared, however, to wake up the morning she was to board the Hogwarts express to find that Harry and the Weasleys were missing. She had gone up to the boys' room to wake them, and she was alarmed to find their beds empty and their trunks gone. She had been rushing into the common room when Lee Jordan saw her and explained that Professor McGonagall had come in late last night and retrieved the twins from their room. She practically ran to Professor McGonagall's office, and the professor didn't seem surprised in the slightest to see her there. She had offered Hermione tea and a plate of biscuits before explaining that Mr. Weasley has been attacked by Nagini at the Ministry of Magic. Hermione was immediately concerned, but after Professor McGonagall had assured her that he was alright, the feeling of abandonment set in. Obviously she knew she wasn't an official Weasley, but the thought of being left behind when when she would do anything for her surrogate family hurt. She spent the rest of the morning in a daze waiting for her time to board the express. The plan was for her to spend the holiday with Oliver while her parents were in France, so he was supposed to be collecting her from the station. She was grateful that Neville and Luna offered for her to sit with them on the long train journey. She was already having a hard time calming the waves of anxiety crashing through her, and she knew that isolation would have made her panic. She concentrated on the fact that she was currently on her way back to Oliver, and it was this that helped her keep control until they pulled into London. She talked with them briefly about their plans for the holidays before pulling a book out of her bag and attempting to read for the rest of the ride.

When the train came to a stop, Hermione offered quick hugs to Luna and Neville before she grabbed her bag and dashed off. She was one of the first students to step onto the platform, and she immediately started looking for Oliver. When she spotted him leaning against the wall, she broke out into a run. Oliver saw her coming towards him, and he opened his arms to catch her. She dropped her bag before she reached him and launched herself into his arms. He lifted her off the ground and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He didn't even have a chance to say hello before Hermione was kissing him. He kissed her back just as fervently, and they were out of breath before he gently lowered her to the ground. "I've missed you so much," she whispered in a thick voice.

Oliver gently pushed her hair away from her face before cradling her head against his chest, "A've missed ye tae."

Hermione nearly sobbed at his words and clung to him, "Can we go home now?"

Oliver nodded and picked her bag up from the ground. He slung it over his shoulder before holding his hand out for Hermione. She instantly threaded her fingers with his, and he began to lead her out of the busy platform. When they had made it out of the station, he pulled her into a dark alley and wrapped her in his arms before disapparating. When Hermione opened her eyes, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. Being with Oliver at his house offered a level of comfort and safety that she didn't feel very many places. As he led her through the foyer and to her room she could think of nothing but the feelings of calm, safety, and love that were washing through her.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Hermione and Oliver settled into an easy routine. Oliver had taken the time that Hermione would be with him for the holidays off of work, and they were both happy to have plenty of time together. They lounged around watching movies and playing games, and Hermione felt the stress of dealing with Harry's visions and Umbridge melt away. Much as they had the last week of summer, they slept together each night. When they were ready to head to bed, Oliver would lead her upstairs where she would wander into her room to get ready before making her way back into his. She loved the closeness that came with sleeping next to Oliver. She always felt safe in his strong arms, and the beating of his heart often pulled her to sleep. Oliver for his part felt honored to have the little witch in his bed; he loved running his fingers through her thick hair as she fell asleep and laughed each morning when he woke up with that same hair all over his face.

Their relationship hadn't progressed any further physically, and Oliver was completely okay with that. He did have to make sure that he was up first every morning, though, so Hermione wouldn't feel awkward about the hand that had found her breast in the middle of the night or Oliver's own reactions. Hermione didn't seem to mind that he was always up early, for as soon as he left the bed she would roll over into his spot and curl around his pillow. Oliver would chuckle as he placed a kiss on her forehead before moving to the shower. It was for that reason that he was extremely surprised one morning when woke to the feeling of fingers running through his hair. Hermione was slightly propped up in his bed next to him, and he rolled over to wrap his arm around her and press his face into her stomach.

Hermione gave a slight chuckle as she said, "Good morning, love."

Oliver didn't move from his spot against her as he mumbled a good morning. Hermione laughed as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. "Why are ye up so early?" he got out.

Hermione's hand stilled momentarily before she continued her ministrations. "I wasn't able to sleep," she said, "my mind has been going a thousand miles an hour."

This made Oliver pull back enough to see her face. He could see the dark circles that were ringing her eyes, and he frowned. "Hoo much did ye sleep?" he asked her.

Hermione shook her head before meeting his eyes. "I don't know," was her whispered reply.

Oliver's heart ached for the beautiful girl who was starting to be tainted by the war. He pulled on her until she moved far enough down the bed that he was able to tuck her into his arms. He felt her sigh against his neck as she settled against him. He pulled her hand up to his lips to press a kiss to her knuckles, but when he pulled away he froze. Hermione felt his tension and looked up to see him staring at the back of her hand. Before he could do anything she snatched her hand out of his. This seemed to snap Oliver out of his shock and he said, "Hermione, wha' is that on the back of yer hand?"

"It's nothing," Hermione said as she tried to push her hand under the comforter.

She felt Oliver tense underneath her and she looked up to see that his eyes had gone hard. "Don' lie tae mae," he said in a low voice that reverberated through her, "A know tha' ye didnae do tha' tae yerself, so A'm gonna ask ye again wha' that is."

Hermione lowered her head as shame laced through her. She tried to pull away, but Oliver's arm wrapped around her waist prevented her from doing so. "Oliver, you really don't have to worry about it. I'm fine." As soon as she finished, she felt a wave of anger down the bond so strong that it made her gasp.

Hermione looked up to see Oliver more serious than she had ever seen him. "Hermione," he said in a rough voice, "who is hurting ye?"

Hermione clenched her eyes shut as tears sparked to her eyes. She felt all of the tension and anxiety that she had been bottling up all term wash over her, and she felt like she was going to drown. She didn't notice that she had started hyperventilating. Oliver immediately softened at seeing the love of his life so distressed. He fought to suppress the surge of anger at someone hurting his Hermione and sat up. He carefully drew Hermione into his lap and began rocking her back and forth. He cradled her head against his chest and made shushing noises as he held her for everything he was worth. As angry as he was that there was something going on that was hurting her and she hadn't told him, her comfort and emotional well-being would always be his number one priority.

Before Hermione could stop herself, she burst into tears. They came hot and thick and all she could do was hold onto Oliver. She buried her head in his neck as the sobs wracked her entire body. She felt like her soul was trying to break into a million pieces and the only thing that was keeping it together was Oliver's arms around her. She cried until her eyes burned and her throat was sore. Throughout it all Oliver continued to run his fingers through her hair and rock her back and forth. When she finally calmed down enough to take steady breaths, Oliver stopped moving. They sat there in silence for what felt like forever while Hermione fought to get her mouth to move. When she spoke, it came out more like a croak. "It's Umbridge," she said, "I speak up about her not teaching us properly in class and she makes me write lines with a blood quill in detention."

Oliver was shocked. His father had mentioned blood quills when they were talking about dark magical objects that pureblood families used to have access to. He knew that they were highly illegal, and he was furious that this woman had gotten away with using one in detention for this long. Hermione started fidgeting, and he could feel her anxiety coming down the bond so he took a few deep breaths to calm himself before he spoke. Oliver pressed a kiss to her hair before he said, "A've never heard af a blood quill being an acceptable form af punishment. In fact, A know tha' they're illegal."

Hermione nodded her head and said, "I know they are. I did research after the first time Harry got detention. We don't know who we can report this to, though, because the people who would normally handle this sort of infraction are the ones who placed her at Hogwarts."

"Have ye tried tae go tae a Professor? A know tha' there has tae be someone in tha' school that could alert Dumbledore."

"Harry won't go to anyone because he thinks the problem will only get worse. No one believes him that Voldemort is back, so they wouldn't believe him about the punishment."

Oliver's anger with the ministry and adults at Hogwarts hit a peak as he said, "It doesnae matter who believes shite. Whether Voldemort is back or no, a blood quill is illegal."

Hermione snuggled further into him and started running her fingers along his neck in an effort to calm him. "I'm okay," she whispered, "I found some murtlap essence to soak our hands in so that they don't hurt so badly."

Oliver looked down at this beautiful and brave witch. He couldn't imagine being in her position and facing it with such a straight head. He leaned down to her and gently moved his lips against hers. "A love ye," he whispered, "A promise A'm going tae talk tae Remus and Sirius tae see if there is something A can do tae help ye."

"That sounds good," she said as she laid her head on his shoulder, "I think I need to go take a shower to help my head after all that crying. Can we make those Christmas cookies after I get out?"

Oliver gave her one last kiss as she got off the bed and said, "Anything fer ye, love."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The days after Hermione's confession had her feeling almost free. After Oliver saw the scars on her hand, she unloaded everything that had been happening since they went back to school. She was incredibly grateful to Oliver for listening to her without being so hot headed. She could definitely tell that he was angry about what was happening, but he didn't pop off like Harry or Ron typically did. Not for the first time, Hermione thanked the gods that she wound up with such a wonderful soulmate. It was clear, though, that Oliver was feeling more possessive and protective since she told him. He touched her more throughout the day, a hand to her lower back or wrapped around her hip, and he held her tighter at night. It was almost as if he was making sure that she was still with him and safe, and Hermione couldn't say she minded. She felt like it added an extra level of intimacy to their interactions, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't walk away from a few of their intense snogging sessions wanting more.

She spent the days before Christmas baking treats and finishing wrapping all of the gifts that they would take over to Grimmauld place. She had been to visit Mr. Weasley in the hospital with Harry and Ron, and he was supposed to be home for Christmas. When she and Oliver stepped into the decrepit house on Christmas Eve, they were met with warm welcomes from all of the Weasleys and a few additional order members that were present. Hermione was passed around for hugs from everyone, and Oliver laughed as he watched her get smothered by the twins. He went to hang up both his and Hermione's coats and take the treats that they had made to Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen. She thanked him before she politely ushered him out of the room so that she could finish preparing the feast that she had decided on for dinner.

He walked back out into the sitting room to see that Harry and Ron had pulled Hermione down on the sofa to watch them partake in a game of wizarding chess. She looked up from her spot between the two and gave him a dazzling smile. He gave her a smile back and continued to make his way around the room. He greeted the members from the order that were there before he was pulled over to Bill by Charlie. "Oliver can tell you!" Charlie cried, "I think that a professional player would be a pretty good tie breaker." With that he was dragged into an extensive Quidditch discussion with the two men.

It was only a few minutes later when Mrs. Weasley emerged from the kitchen and called out to the room that dinner was ready. He made his way to the table with the rest of the gathered crowd, and he was pleased to have Hermione saddle up next to him and link his fingers with hers before pulling him down in the seat next to her. "Hermione!" called a red faced Ronald Weasley, "You know that's where I usually sit." Oliver looked at Hermione, but before either of them could respond, Molly cut in, "There's an empty seat next to Ginny, dear." Ron huffed and gave a glare to Oliver before moving around the table and sitting next to his sister. Harry shot the couple an apologetic glance before turning his attention to Mr. Wesley who had begun to address the table.

Dinner was a lively affair, and both Hermione and Oliver were pleased with the laughter and cheer that permeated the room. While they were happy they would be able to go home with just the two of them, it was nice to be included in the rambunctious holiday. After dinner was finished and the table was cleared, everyone moved back to the living room. Mrs. Weasley had produced an old wireless, and Hermione and Ginny immediately began tuning it. When they found music they liked, they jumped back and started dancing with each other. Oliver laughed as he watched his witch be so carefree. He grabbed a glass off of a passing tray carried by Kreature. He took a tender sip of the spiked punch as he looked around the room. He saw Sirius and Remus leaning against the far wall chatting and laughing. He realized that this might be the last time he saw either of them for the foreseeable future, and he had to talk to them about Umbridge.

He approached the two men and said, "Do ye twa mind if A speak with ye fer a moment?"

Sirius barked out a laugh as he said, "If you've come to talk to us about Hermione, I feel obligated to tell you that even though you're her soulmate I won't hesitate to maim you if you hurt her."

Oliver didn't have time to respond before Remus jumped in, "What Padfoot means to say is that we would be happy to give you a moment of our time."

Oliver nodded and looked behind him at the rest of the room. Hermione was still dancing, and he noticed that the boys had all entered what appeared to be a competitive game of exploding snap. "A would appreciate it if we could go somewhere a bit quieter."

Sirius' smile slowly dropped from his face as he led the men from the room and down the hall. They entered what appeared to be an old study, and Oliver settled himself in a chair across from the men as they sat on the couch. He leveled his gaze at the two older men, "Do ye happen tae have any idea wha' is going on with the new defense teacher?" he asked them.

They both stopped to look at him while taking in his somber expression. "Harry has called her a toad," Sirius said, "but I haven't heard too much more other than her penchant for creating extremely prejudiced subject matter."

Oliver's gaze darkened as he said, "Has Harry mentioned anything aboot detention?"

"He said he's had to serve a few with her," Remus jumped in, "he said that she makes him write lines."

Oliver scoffed as he said, "Af course he didnae want tae bring attention tae it. He's a martyr after all."

"What are you on about?" Sirius called, getting upset.

Oliver looked him dead in the eyes as he said, "She's using a blood quill. Hermione has had tae serve a few detentions tae."

The men froze. Sirius was quite familiar with blood quills considering his family's dark ancestry, and Remus had learned about them through his pursuit of more advanced subject material regarding Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"Are you sure?" Sirius whispered with a white face.

Oliver nodded his head, "A saw the scar on the back af Hermione's hand. A'd bet tha' Harry has one tae."

Remus scrubbed a hand over his face before he said, "I certainly wasn't expecting this. Do any of the professors know?"

Oliver rolled his eyes as he said, "Ye mean tae tell mae tha' Dumbledore doesnae know wha' is happening in his own school? Hermione said tha' they havenae gone tae teachers because it would only make matters worse fer the students being punished."

Sirius looked distraught, "We have to do something!" he cried.

Remus laid a comforting hand on Sirius' arm as the man settled back into the couch. "Tha's why A came tae ye," Oliver said, "A'm oot af town tae much tae raise an army, but A thought ye could bring the issue tae the Order an' see wha' they can do."

"I'll do my best to help them," said Remus, "I imagine if Dumbledore hasn't put a stop to it already that the ministry has a stronger hold on Hogwarts than we had originally thought."

"All A'm asking is fer ye tae try," Oliver said has he rose to his feet. "A'd love tae stay an' hash this oot further, but A have a lovely witch oot there."

Sirius and Remus chuckled and clapped Oliver on the back as they all filed out of the room. When Oliver entered the sitting room once again, he found Hermione slumped over on the couch leaning into Harry. His heart softened as he saw her eyes drooping. He made his way over and sat in the empty seat on her other side. Harry carefully pushed her off of his shoulder and into Oliver's open arms. "You're warm," she said as she cuddled further into his embrace. Oliver smiled and placed a light kiss on her head before turning his attention to the game of exploding snap happening in front of the fire.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Their relationship took a turn one evening after Oliver had taken her out in the nearby muggle town. They had frequently walked down the lane poking their heads into shops and trying all of the local restaurants. Oliver had asked her around lunch if he could take her to dinner, and Hermione readily agreed. She had taken the time to indulge in a long shower and shave her legs. She spent time carding products through her messy curls and applying makeup before she wandered over to her wardrobe. She looked through her clothes and let out a frustrated sigh at her lack of options before remembering that she and Ginny had gone shopping at the last Hogsmeade weekend. She had rolled her eyes as Ginny took her from shop to shop, but she was grateful now as she dug through her trunk. She pulled a navy blue halter dress from the depths of her trunk and smiled. Ginny insisted that it made her look delectable, and that's how she wanted Oliver to see her tonight. He had been so careful and patient, and she wanted him to let loose. Honestly, he could turn around and devour her and she would ask for more. As Hermione slipped the dress on, she couldn't help but feel sexy. It hugged her in all the right places, and she felt confident and beautiful. She had just slipped into her black stilettos when Oliver knocked on her door. She walked over to it and as it opened she heard Oliver suck in his breath.

He looked at her like he had never seen her before. Hermione knew that he thought she was beautiful, but the way his eyes roved over her body made her think that he might be thinking something else entirely. She had never worn something so daring for him, and she was quite liking the stunned look he had on his face. Hermione was smirking and leaning against the doorway when his eyes finally met hers once more. "A," he stuttered, "There aren' words tae describe hoo ye look, Hermione."

She smiled as she reached for him and gave him a lingering kiss. "I wore this just for you," she whispered against his lips. Oliver's hands tightened on her hips and he pulled her further into him. "If ye don' stop, A don' think we're making it tae dinner," he rasped out."

Hermione decided to take pity on him and took a small step back. She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek as she said, "I wouldn't want your plans to go to waste, but I do expect to continue this later." She started walking down the hall, and Oliver nearly groaned as he caught a glimpse of her arse in her dress. He took a deep breath and prayed to Merlin for mercy as he jogged down the hallway to catch up with her.

Dinner was delightful if not for Hermione constantly teasing Oliver. They had gone to a cozy Italian restaurant, and when Hermione requested a booth at the back the waitress obliged. They sat close, and the appetizer hadn't even reached the table before Hermione was drawing little circles on the inside of Oliver's knee. Her touch had an immediate effect on him, and he had to fight to keep his voice steady by the time the server came back around to take their order. He shot a look to Hermione as she was ordering a bottle of wine for them, and she only gave him a coy smile in return while moving her hand slightly higher on his thigh. Aside from Hermione's teasing, dinner went as it normally would. They talked and laughed and Oliver fed her bites off of his plate of the different things she wanted to try. By the time the bottle was gone and their server was asking about dessert, Oliver was at his wits end. Hermione was practically in his lap with her face buried in his neck, and he was nearly vibrating with need. He quickly asked for the check and paid before hauling her up and out of the booth. Hermione barely waited until they had cleared the front doors of the restaurant before she was on him. She laced her arms around his neck and kissed him with a passion he hadn't experienced yet. Oliver placed his hands on her waist as she hauled her body as close to his as possible. He pulled them into a darkened alley and barely got a whispered, "Hold tight," out before he was turning on the spot.

They landed in Oliver's bedroom, and Hermione stopped kissing him long enough to kick the heels off of her feet. He took advantage of the moment to shrug his suit jacket from his shoulders and observe her. She looked beautiful with her sparkling eyes and plump lips. She was breathing heavily, and her curls were mussed from where he had been running his fingers through them. Oliver felt his heart clench and he couldn't help but lose his breath at the thought that this gorgeous woman was his. The look that she was giving him made him feel things that no other woman in his life would be able to get out of him. He started walking towards her and he saw her hold her breath. He reached for her and their lips came together. He had always been gentle with her so she knew how precious she was to him. His Hermione deserved to be cherished and adored, and he would spend his life making sure she knew how special she was. The fire that was burning inside of him made him itch to grab her under her knees and pin her against the wall, but he kept his shaking hands on her hips to let her decide how quickly and how far this interaction would go.

Hermione was rubbing against the front of him and grabbing at every part of him she could reach. She ran her hands along his front and nipped at all of the exposed flesh of his neck and chest. She was burning for Oliver to touch her just as desperately, but he wasn't. He was kissing her like this would be the last time, but he wasn't touching where she wanted him to the most. "Oliver," she breathed against his neck, "Please. I need you to touch me." That was the last straw for him. He grabbed the backs of her thighs and hiked them around his waist so quickly that she squealed. He leaned her up against the wall and pinned her there with his hips. Hermione could feel his bulge pressing against her center as he attacked her neck. "Yes," was all she could utter as he turned her to putty in his hands. Oliver kissed and licked her neck until she was panting. He had a firm grip on her bum and squeezed and rubbed it as she ran her fingers through his hair. He ran a hand from her knee at his hip all the way up her leg and side until he had his hand around her breast. "Is this what ye wanted?" he asked her. She met his lust filled gaze as she said, "Yes. Give me more." Oliver practically growled as he pushed the skirt of her dress up around her waist. He ran his hands along her bare skin and groaned when he felt that she didn't have any underwear. "Merlin, Hermione," he groaned, "Yer going tae be the death of me."

She giggled as she continued kissing his neck, "I sure hope not," she said, "I quite like what you're doing." Oliver carefully removed her legs from around his waist and placed her on the floor. He kissed her deeply before pulling back and saying, "A want tae see all af ye. May I?" Hermione nodded and turned around to face the wall. He carefully moved her hair out of the way and reached for the zipper of her dress. He carefully pulled it down and admired the creamy expanse of her back. He placed gentle kisses along her spine as more of her was revealed to him. When the zip was all the way down, she turned back around to face him. She met his eyes and saw the love and desire that she was sure were reflecting in her own. She gave him a small smirk as she moved her arms and allowed the dress to pool on the floor. Oliver hungrily took in the naked flesh that was before his eyes. He reached for her and said, "Yer beautiful. A want tae touch ye and taste ye. Can A have ye, Hermione?" Hermione clenched her legs together at his words, and she nodded as she reached for him. She went to kiss him, but he was already working his way down her chest. He kissed and licked her breasts, and she was practically dripping before he took her nipple into his mouth. Hermione cried out at the sensation of his hot mouth around one breast while his fingers tweaked the other. He only stopped his ministrations when she pulled on his collar until he was standing upright once more. "I don't think it's fair," Hermione panted, "That only one of us is bare." Oliver let out a chuckle as he said, "Fair enough," before stepping away from her. He slowly reached up to his neck and undid the knot of his tie. He toed out of his shoes and made to start on the buttons of his shirt when Hermione's small hands stopped him. "Let me," she said as she started to undo his buttons one by one. Oliver rested his hands against her waist as she took her time exploring his chest. She kissed the skin exposed with each button undone, and by the time she reached the end Oliver was panting. He slipped his arms out of his shirt and watched as she reached for his belt buckle. She quickly undid the clasp and deftly had his pants open and pooling at his feet. He quickly stepped out of them and peeled his socks off. Hermione reached for his boxers, but before she could touch him he had her back in his arms. He picked Hermione up and she once again wrapped her legs around him. He could feel her arousal leaking out of her and onto the hard planes of his stomach as he turned and headed towards his bed. He climbed on and carefully laid Hermione's head on the pillows.

Hermione couldn't help the bubble of happiness that took over her chest as Oliver climbed between her legs and settled over her. She had wanted this for quite some time, and she was more than ready for him. "A'm going tae get ye ready fer me, okay?" Hermione smiled at him and relaxed as he kissed her everywhere. He kissed her forehead and eyelids before making a trail across her cheeks and finally capturing her lips. Hermione moaned as he moved his way down her neck and he once again gave ample attention to her chest. She was about to say that she needed more when Oliver continued his way down her stomach until his shoulders were settled between her thighs. He kissed and nipped Hermione's hips and licked along the inside of her thighs before she gave a groan of frustration. Oliver chuckled, and her groan turned into a breathy moan when he finally put his mouth on her.

Hermione lost all sense of thought at the first touch of Oliver's tongue. She had heard girls in her dormitory talk about how good it felt to have a guy go down on you, but she wasn't prepared for how good it felt when Oliver licked her from her hole all the way to her clit. She gasped and writhed as he lapped at her and let out a cry when he sucked her clit into his mouth. Oliver didn't let up as her hips began to buck. He placed a strong forearm over her pelvis as he slid a finger inside of her. Hermione gasped at the intrusion, and she looked down to see Oliver's eyes on her. "Ye taste like heaven," he said before he curled his finger inside of her.

"Oliver," she gasped, "Please."

Oliver increased the pace of his finger inside of her before quickly adding another. Hermione loved the stretch and couldn't help the groan that came from her when he said, "Does tha' feel good, love?"

Hermione threaded her fingers through his hair and held on tight as she felt a coil beginning to tighten in her pelvis. She was breathing heavy as she said, "Oliver"

"A know, love. Yer so close fer me," he said as his fingers moved even faster, "A want ye tae come, Hermione."

Hermione lost her breath as she looked down at this man between her thighs, and when she met his eyes he said, "Come." And she did.

Oliver slowed his fingers as she rode out her orgasm, and he marveled at the goddess above him. He gently removed his fingers and stuck them into his mouth. He groaned as the taste of her lingered on his tongue. He met her eyes and took in her flushed face as he said, "Merlin, ye really are going tae be the death af mae."

"I love you," she said, "But if you're thinking about stopping now, you're going to be the death of me."

Oliver grinned at her before bringing her in for a kiss. "A wouldnae want tha'," he said as he slid his boxers from his hips. Hermione sucked in a breath as all of him was bared to her. He was perfect but absolutely huge. "Oliver…," she said, "I don't know how I'm…"

"Sshh, love," he said as he smoothed her hair away from her face, "A promise A'll fit. A'm goin tae go slow okay? Jus' focus on mae."

Hermione let out a breath as she looked at him. This was her soulmate. A man she trusted implicitly, and she knew that he would never hurt her. She started to relax and welcomed Oliver into her arms as he started kissing her. When he slid into her, she tensed up. She was prepared for the stinging sensation that she knew accompanied your first time, but she wasn't prepared for how full she felt. "Relax, darling," he whispered to her, "A love ye." He started by kissing her eyelids and her cheeks before he caught her mouth in the gentlest most loving kiss she had ever experienced. He had one hand on the side of the neck and the other was linked with both of hers above her head. Hermione had forgotten all about the stinging as he had gradually started rocking inside her. She got used to the sensation, and she started to feel so good. She removed her hands from Oliver's and moved them around his back. She wrapped her legs around his waist and settled her heels just above his bum. "I love you," she gasped as he hit a particularly deep spot inside of her. Oliver gave a groan as he started to speed up. "Yes," was all Hermione could say as he started going deeper, harder, and faster. Oliver was panting above her as he said, "A'm never lettin' ye go." Hermione met his eyes as she whispered, "Never" before pulling him down into a searing kiss.

Hermione was lost in the sensation of Oliver being inside of her. He could have been making love to her for years for all she was aware of. When she felt the tell tale sign of another impending orgasm, she slid her nails along his back as she cried out his name. "Tha's it, love," he whispered into the top of her hair, "A want ye tae come fer me, Hermione." That was her undoing. She clung to him and she felt the bond flooded with love and warmth. She gasped at the intensity of it and Oliver said, "A know, love. A feel it tae." He picked up his pace even more and captured her lips in one last searing kiss, and as the wave crashed over her and she felt Oliver still deep inside of her, she failed to see the white light that erupted from them.

The haze cleared, and all she could focus on was how Oliver's weight felt above her. He was breathing heavily and she gently ran her fingers through his sweaty hair. "Did I do alright?" she asked.

Oliver huffed out a laugh as he said, "Ye did more than alrigh', love."

A feeling of pride erupted in her chest, and Oliver laughed as he felt it down the bond. It seemed like their feelings were much more clear now. Hermione knew that having sex would officially complete their soulmate bond, and she was interested to see what kind of powers or changes might come with it. She sighed as Oliver moved off of her and moved to roll her into his arms. She didn't realize how exhausted she was, and as Oliver's arms came around her and he pulled the blankets up over her she quickly felt herself drifting off. Oliver tucked her under his chin and said, "Rest, love. We can take a bath when ye wake up."

Hermione smiled as she snuggled into his warmth. She was nearly asleep as she whispered into his neck, "I think this means we're married now."