Title - Soul Charming (Part Two of Three)
Author - Spaz141
Rating - PG13
Category - Romance/Fluff
Warnings - none
Pairings -
HG/OW; HG/HP
RW/LL
GW/HP; GW/NL; GW/DM
Summary - I believe that a person can fall in love more than once in a lifetime and this is basically what this story is about. The main plot is borrowed from an episode of Sabrina the Teenaged Witch. Do you believe in soul mates? This is a Hermione based story from her point of view.
Special thanks to MisCard and Selened for their beta work and comments.
Disclaimer - I own nothing, not the characters, not the plot, not even original characters - I have "borrowed" it all. I have read and been influenced by so many stories if you recognize something belongs to you let me know and I will acknowledge you accordingly.
- - -
February 14th - Hermione's Cottage
Oliver and I have been dating for exactly six weeks today. It took me a while to register what the significance the 14th was but now I'm really excited. He is due to pick me up any second.
Ginny left only mere minutes ago, she again worked her magic and helped me get ready. She tamed my hair (we decided I should wear it down, loose and curly) and did my make up. THE Dress, I bought it yesterday specifically for this evening. It is a Victory blue a-line, empire waist satin sleeveless Muggle dress with an elegant v-neckline. I just know that this evening is going to be special.
Finally my doorbell rings, I run to the door. Don't be too eager now.
I whip the door open, "Oliver, what took you-" I am gob-smacked, "You look…incredible." He is standing before me in his Clan Tartan, Prince Charlie jacket, Sporran and Sgian Dubh. He looks beautiful. I notice the bouquet of cream coloured roses in his hand.
He just stands there staring at me. I smile shyly, "Say something…please."
He looks me straight in the eye and simply says, "I love you."
I feel woozy, I think I'm going to faint. He quickly grabs me by the waist to prevent me from toppling over. I come to my senses and throw my arms around him, crushing the roses. We kiss. We had kissed many times before, but in this kiss I felt so much more in that moment I realise that I am in love and I tell him so, "I love you too."
He smiles at me and our lips meet again. I think I could stay like this for an eternity, just standing in the doorway of my cottage snogging this wonderful man. We break away; I am mortified that I've practically destroyed the roses. Oliver just chuckles at me then waves his wand and restores them like new. I grab a vase and I place the lovely arrangement on my mantel.
"Shall we go?" asks Oliver.
"Alright. Where are we going?" I ask.
"That, my love is a surprise."
We step outside; I set the wards to secure my home, turn to Oliver and await further instruction.
"Ready?" He holds out his arms.
"Yes" I step into his embrace and he apparates us away.
- -
"Hermione, open your eyes."
Before me is a castle surrounded by smaller buildings, some of the buildings look like they could be residences. I turn to face Oliver still nestled safely in his strong arms.
"Happy Valentine's Day" he pauses, "and welcome to my family home." We kiss again before he leads me over to a smaller home. "These are my quarters. My parents live in the main house and my sister and her family live in that house over there." he points at a slightly larger home in the distance.
The home looks friendly and inviting, He opens the door and we step over the threshold. The site takes my breath away; the home is set for a romantic evening and I am speechless as I survey the rooms. Oliver places his hand in the small of my back and guides me to the dining room where we find a beautiful setting for two. Breaking the silence, he asks, "Are you hungry?"
"I'm not sure." I reply; he looks at me with nervous concern, but when I smile and he relaxes, "Everything is so beautiful, I'm just…I don't know what to say," I pause, "Thank you."
I am very impressed; we sit down to a wonderful meal of roast chicken that Oliver prepared himself. We chat about our day, my research, his team and our families; the growing sexual tension is not lost on either of us. Upon completing the meal we retire to the front room and sit before the fire where we continue chatting gradually we are snogging more and talking less. Things progress rather rapidly; I am willing but I am scared and I think he senses that I'm holding back.
"Hermione, are you okay?"
"Yes, its just that." I respond suddenly embarrassed, "Oliver, I've never…" I can't even say it. I closes my eyes and continue, "I've never done this," I pause to make a rather pointless hand gesture, "made love before."
Silence.
Oh great. Tears start to form behind my closed eyes; I can't bear to look at him and then I feel him move closer, he kisses me softly. "Hermione," he whispers, I flutter my eyes open and he continues, "I love you. I want to make love to you…only if you are ready."
I gaze into his eyes; I'm not sure what I'm searching for, but his expression is sincere, I can feel it. My fears don't completely melt away; this is very new territory for me. I can read all the books I want, but nothing compares to the reality. I slowly place my hands on his neck, "I love you Oliver. Make love to me…please." and pull him into a passion filled kiss. He scoops me up into his arms and carries me to his room.
"Wait! I almost forgot…just a second." I say, stopping him just as we reach his bedroom door. He puts me down and I run to my overnight bag. I grab the carefully wrapped gift and return to Oliver's side. I smile nervously as I hand him the gift, "This is for you, Happy Valentine's Oliver."
He looks a little surprised as he takes the gift and tears open the package; I have to laugh at his eagerness. Is that a gasp? Do men gasp? My gaze turns to those hazel eyes I've grown to love and I hold my breath waiting for his response.
"A first edition, Quidditch through the Ages. Hermione, its perfect." He kisses me tenderly and says, "I love it. How did you know?"
"I owled your Mum and she told me that you'd been wanting a copy for your collection." I reply.
He looks at me and says, "I love you." I can see the emotion behind the words shining in his eyes. Tucking the book under one arm, he wraps the other arm around my waist and carries me into his bed. In a husky voice he says, "Now, I intend to show you just how much."
- -
It's about six o'clock in the morning; my internal clock has never let me have a lie in. I watch Oliver sleeping soundly beside me and I am sniffling as quietly as I can. I am so overwhelmed with emotion I am consumed with the feelings thundering through me; love, lust, fear, and it seems like it's too much for my senses to handle. Now that we've taken our relationship to this level, what does it all mean? Is Oliver feeling the same about me? Will everything between us change? My heart is pounding from the intensity and I need to get up. I slowly move to leave the bed, but he stirs and reaches out for me as he slowly wakes up. He is smiling at me and pulls me close to him in a tight embrace, "Morning."
"Morning" I reply. My lack of confidence evident in that one word reply and he quickly sits up, "Do you regr-"
I don't let him finish the word. I press my fingers to his lips and shake my head, "No regrets…it was-you were wonderful. I'm just a little overwhelmed by all these new feelings."
He pulls me tighter to his chest and kisses my forehead. "I know what you mean" he says, and then pauses for a moment, "I haven't had a serious relationship in about eight years." I tilt my head up to show I'm listening and he asks, "Do you remember Alicia Spinnet?"
"Yes, though I didn't really know her."
"I almost married her."
I'm silent; I don't know what to say, thankfully he continues, "I panicked, I actually ran out of the hand fasting circle on our wedding day. I was such a coward. I was standing there getting ready to start the ceremony and doubt…no it was more like dread consumed me and I started questioning myself. Was she really the one? I was only nineteen and she was only seventeen she had literally just finished school. Right then and there I dropped her hands and ran and I've been running ever since." he takes a long pause before continuing, "That is until I walked into a book store about six weeks ago and saw this vision of loveliness standing alone in the personal health section." He pulls back to look me in the eyes and states, "You've changed me; I've learned there is more to life than Quidditch. Being around you, I want to be a better man and I didn't think I was capable of falling in love until you came into my life."
Tears are streaming down my face; I understand him. I am full of doubt and nerves and anxiety, but he loves me, we don't have to make any big decisions right now just because we've become intimate. I finally relax. Just let things happen Hermione. I start kissing his neck and he lets out a low groan; encouraged I position myself over top of him. He is grinning at me as I wordlessly display my intensions and he responds by holding on to my hips and I close my eyes. Yes…just let things happen.
- - -
July 31st - The Three Broomsticks
I have changed. I am different.
Even Harry and Ron are treating me differently and it unnerves me. Its almost like I'm not their best friend anymore, but rather this mutated Olivermione creature and I don't like it, not one bit.
We are having dinner at the Three Broomsticks to celebrate Harry's birthday. Ron and Oliver are at the bar getting drinks. Luna and Harry's new girl friend Marie-Suzanne have gone off the loo together. I, as has become routine, find myself holding the now nine-month-old Celestia. She is playing with my cutlery. I move the knife and all other dangerous items out of her reach.
Harry's girlfriend…Marie-Suzanne Bouchard, she is French Canadian, beautiful, blond, large breasted, what I would call your typical Quidditch girlfriend. Except that Harry doesn't play Quidditch and Suzanne is really great, she is an aid in the International Wizarding Relations Department at the Ministry. She is friendly, kind hearted and intelligent. She holds her own with us and really seems to care about Harry the wizard, not Harry the saviour. I like her she is good for him.
"Harry, what is going on?" I ask.
He looks at me as if I'm daft and asks, "What do you mean?"
"You, Ron and I…things are different between us." I answer trying not to sound bitter, "We used to be best friends, remember?"
"What are you on about? We are best friends."
"Are we? Harry, we used to talk every day." I sigh, "I miss you."
"Well, you are busy with Oliver and I am busy with…Suzanne."
"You're right," I sigh again, "I guess I just wanted some things to stay the same."
"I know what you mean," he says. Good, can you please explain it to me then?
- - -
Mid-Summer - Hermione's Cottage
I decide I need a male perspective; I can't talk to Ron or Harry and I don't want to bring this up with Oliver. I'm afraid he'll think I regret our relationship because it has affected my other friendships.
I have sort of forced Severus into being my surrogate father since Death Eaters murdered my beloved father during my 7th Year. Dad managed to hold them off until help arrived, saving my mother in the process. He only succumbed to his injuries when he knew for certain that Mum was safe.
I order an owl and send a note off to my reluctant confidant. I smile as I read his very prompt response.
~Hermione,
I cannot possibly imagine what advice I could offer. However, I am intrigued and will meet you at the appointed time as requested.
S.~
- -
I am seated across from Severus Snape and he is smirking at me. I know he is teasing me, however, I can't help but love him, sure he's a smarmy bastard but I have a strong appreciation for his forthrightness and honesty.
"Hermione, are you conflicted about your feelings for Mr. Wood? Or perhaps you are seeking a means for comparison before you enter into marriage?" Severus asks raising his eyebrow at me. I blush.
"No, no it's not that. Oliver hasn't…really, as if I would come to you…"
"Interesting choice of words Hermione. I'll have you know that I am quite skilled, or so I've been told."
"Severus! Stop teasing me!" I laugh, "I just want to know why Harry and Ron are acting differently around me. I want your male perspective on things."
"Potter and Weasley, or just Potter?" Severus teases some more.
I roll my eyes, "Honestly, not you too. Yes, Harry and Ron. I don't understand why, now that I have a boyfriend all of a sudden we are not close anymore. I mean I'm used to talking with Harry every day, even when he has a girlfriend, but now we barely speak at all."
"I see, so this is about Potter."
"Severus…"
"Hermione, I am hardly an expert on friendship. I would surmise that Potter…and Weasley are simply backing off while you explore your new relationship. Friendships evolve and change, some friendships become stronger, more intimate and others fade away, " offers Severus.
I sigh, "You're right, I just don't want to lose their friendship, it means so much to me. Oliver means so much to me too."
Severus smiles at me, it really is creepy when he smiles, and says, "Yes, I usually am."
"And humble too," I add.
"Hermione, if you ever want to experience an older and more skilled wizard, you know where to find me."
Why does he do that? He'd probably die of shock if I ever took him up on his offer. I smile and say, "Why thank you, but wouldn't Madam Hooch have something to say about that?"
"Not at all, Rolanda actually prefers the company of witches. I, shall we say, am an occasional companion." he responds.
I am stunned and stammer out, "Oh my, I so did not need to know that."
Severus laughs, "Hermione, I am a realistic man; I live, and love within my limitations." I want to protest, but he holds up a hand and continues, "Hermione, Potter…and Weasley, will most likely come around, they just need sometime to get used to the idea that you are female and will have other wizards, besides them, in your life."
"Thank you, Severus." I say while squeezing his hand and giving him a kiss on the cheek, "Even though you don't believe it, you are a beautiful man." I sense rather than see a very slight blush from him but he quickly recovers.
"You are most welcome Hermione."
- - -
Christmas - Oliver's house
Oliver and I have been together for almost a year. I am amazed at how comfortable I've become with him in my life and now I can hardly imagine my life with out him. Severus was right, Harry and Ron did come around and things were almost back to normal. Harry and I are back to talking about twice a week and the three of us decided to modified our bi-weekly dinner to just us, no longer bringing our significant others, so we can properly catch up. Harry is going strong with Marie-Suzanne and there is a great deal of speculation in the press about an eminent engagement, which of course they both deny. Ron and Luna are pregnant again with their second daughter. Ginny is still single, she says that she is taking a nice long break from wizards.
Oliver joins me on the floor in front of the fire. We have just spent Christmas Eve with his family and have plans to head over to my Mum's tomorrow to spend Christmas Day.
He hands me a cup of hot chocolate. I notice he is looking a little nervous and sweat is forming on his brow. "Are you too hot near the fire?" I ask.
"No, I'm fine," he responds as he sets down his hot chocolate and takes hold of my hand. I smile at him and he relaxes a little. I suddenly realize that he is on bended knee. I look into his loving gaze. He clears his throat, "Hermione. You make me so happy. I love every minute I spend with you. You have honoured me with your love. Will you consider loving me forever? Will you marry me?" He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a ring. It is a ¾ karat diamond flanked by two ¼ karat sapphires in a white gold setting. The ring takes my breath away I hadn't anticipated a proposal. Oh there is that hopeful look again. Oh Merlin…he's waiting for an answer.
"Yes." I reply. He gives me a big grin and slides the elegant ring onto my left-hand ring finger. I smile back at him and we lean in to kiss. We start off slow and gentle, soon our affections grow more ardent, next thing our clothes are coming off and he is leaning me back on the soft rug. We make love.
Notes:
Although it is not mentioned, Hermione and Oliver took every precaution to enjoy consequence free love making (wording borrowed heavily from Azazello's story The Only Warmth).
Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to leave a review.