The Order Of The Phoenix - Hermione Granger x OC

Christmas

It was Christmas day, and the air was aglow with festive cheer. Oliver had decided that spending Christmas at Grimmauld Place with his family was the best way to celebrate.

The entire family gathered around the table as Mr. Weasley took his seat.

"Daddy's back!" Mrs. Weasley cheered, and the room erupted into applause, relieved that he was alright.

"Yes, yes, I'm okay. Now, it's time for presents!" Mr. Weasley announced with infectious enthusiasm.

Oliver couldn't help but feel a warm glow seeing the Weasley family's resilience and joy, even in the face of recent challenges.

Mrs. Montclair presented her gifts, each one wrapped with care.

"Merry Christmas, honey," she said to Isabella, her eyes sparkling with affection as she handed over a generously-sized present.

"Thanks, Mom," Isabella replied, her excitement palpable as she eagerly tore into the gift.

Turning to Oliver, Mrs. Montclair beckoned him. "Come with me, Ollie."

They ventured into the adjacent room, away from the holiday buzz.

"What? No present for me?" Oliver teased, a light chuckle escaping him.

"Quite the opposite, really," Mrs. Montclair responded. From her pocket, she produced a small box. "I got a special present for you."

Intrigued, Oliver opened the box."Your wedding ring?"

"Actually, it's your ring now," Mrs. Montclair said, her voice filled with tenderness as a smile graced her lips.

"Wait, what?!" Oliver's confusion persisted.

"I think it's about time I pass this down to you, honey," Mrs. Montclair explained, her eyes glimmering with nostalgia. "I remember when your father gave me this ring. We were walking along the beach, admiring the breathtaking sunset. I could sense something was bothering him, his hands were trembling uncontrollably. He was so nervous that he almost dropped the ring, but eventually, he gathered the courage. He got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I said yes, and together we created a life filled with love and three incredible children. It was the best decision I ever made in my life."

As memories flooded Mrs. Montclair's heart, tears welled up in her eyes, tracing the contours of her smile.

Oliver observed the beautiful diamond ring, its shimmering reflection captivating his attention. In that moment, a rush of emotions washed over him as he realized the weight of his family's history tied to this precious heirloom.

"I think you'll be needing this to make a certain someone the happiest girl in the world," Mrs. Montclair said, her wise eyes twinkling with knowing.

Oliver's brows furrowed in uncertainty as he contemplated her words. "Do you... really think I'll be getting married?"

Mrs. Montclair smiled warmly. "I see the way you look at her, sweetheart. I can see all the love in your eyes. There is no doubt in my mind that Hermione Granger is your soulmate. I see a lot of your father and I in you guys," she reassured, her words carrying the weight of profound wisdom and experience.

"Thank you, Mom," Oliver said, his voice filled with gratitude and affection, as he enveloped his mother in a warm embrace.

A tender smile played on Mrs. Montclair's lips as she returned the hug, her eyes still shimmering with tears of joy. "No problem, kiddo," she whispered softly, her maternal love embracing Oliver's heart.

"Besides, I think you two can make some beautiful babies!" Mrs. Montclair playfully added, her love-filled words mingling with a touch of playful teasing.

Oliver's cheeks flushed crimson, his embarrassment becoming palpable. His eyes widened as he attempted to process his mother's unexpected comment. "Wow, okay, Mom. This conversation is over," Oliver muttered, turning to quickly leave the room, hoping to escape the awkwardness that now tugged at his emotions.

Oliver went back to everyone else who was still celebrating Christmas, the warmth of his mother's words lingering in his heart. He rejoined the festivities, the spirit of love and joy surrounding him.

"Ah, there he is!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed with delight as Oliver walked back into the room. "Let's make a Christmas toast to Mr. Oliver Montclair. Without whom I would not be here."

The room erupted with cheers and clinking glasses as everyone raised a toast to Oliver. His cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude, overwhelmed by the love and support of those around him.

Oliver's gaze met Hermione's, her eyes sparkling with happiness and admiration. In that moment, Oliver realized his mother might be right. He couldn't imagine a life without this incredible girl who had stolen his heart. A wave of emotion washed over him, and he felt overcome with love for Hermione. His confidant, partner, and true soulmate.

Oliver ended up having one of the happiest days in quite a while. The dinner was delightful, and they all enjoyed watching movies together. To top it off, Oliver even taught the Weasley's how to play Charades, resulting in an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition.

As the day drew to a close and Oliver found himself in his bedroom, he and Hermione shared a tender moment, their love evident in their embraces and gentle kisses. However, their intimate moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in," Oliver managed to say, quickly disentangling himself from Hermione and straightening their disheveled appearance.

Mr. Weasley entered the room, his face filled with gratitude and sincerity. "Hello, Oliver. I wanted to say this personally. Once again, thank you so much for saving my life. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it would have been for my children to celebrate Christmas without their father."

"No problem, Mr. Weasley," Oliver expressed with a warm smile.

"You possess a truly compassionate heart, my boy. We are genuinely thankful to have you as part of our lives," Mr. Weasley conveyed with heartfelt sincerity.

"Thank you, sir," Oliver responded as Mr. Weasley made his exit from the room.

"Phew, that was a close one," Hermione chuckled, casting an amused glance toward Oliver.

However, a sudden shift in Oliver's demeanor caught her attention, as a shadow of sadness crossed his face, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"Oliver?" she said, her concern reflected in the gentle touch of her hand on his shoulder.

In that moment, Oliver seemed to snap out of his introspection. "Uhh... Yeah," he stammered, attempting to acknowledge Hermione's earlier remark while concealing the deeper emotions that briefly surfaced.

"Is something troubling you?" Hermione asked.

"When I saw Mr Weasley get attacked, I wasn't just watching.... I was the snake. And when I was in Dumbledore's office, there was a moment where I wanted to..."

Oliver made a crushing gesture with his hands. He took a deep breath before continuing.

"This weird connection between Voldemort and me, what if the reason behind it is that I'm becoming more like him? I've just been feeling so angry lately. What if, after everything I've been through, I'm turning into someone like him? What if I'm becoming bad?"

"Look at me, Oliver," Hermione urged, her fingers intertwining with his as she gazed deeply into his eyes. "Listen carefully. You're not a bad person. You're a remarkably good person who has weathered far too many hardships and endured immense suffering. But together, we will get through this."

Oliver nodded, acknowledging her words.

"Moreover, the world isn't merely black and white. Each one of us carries both light and darkness within. What truly matters is which aspect we choose to act upon."

Hermione's profound words resonated deeply with Oliver. "I love you, Hermione Granger."

"And I love you too, Oliver Montclair," she replied, sealing their connection with heartfelt sincerity.