The Goblet Of Fire - Hermione Granger x OC

A Misunderstanding

The following week was rather quiet in the Montclair household as Oliver and Henry consciously chose to distance themselves from each other. Isabella, returning home, couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion as she noticed the palpable silence enveloping the family.

Sensing that something was amiss, Isabella approached Henry, who sat on the couch, engrossed in watching TV. Sitting down next to him, she gazed at his profile, her concern evident in her eyes.

"Did something happen between you and Oliver?"

Henry's response was dismissive as he continued to keep his gaze fixed on the television screen. "Nope, everything's fine," he replied nonchalantly, his tone failing to mask the underlying tension.

Isabella sighed, recognizing Henry's attempt to deflect the conversation. She knew her older brother well enough to understand that there was more to the story. Taking a deep breath, she decided to approach the situation with empathy and patience.

"I know you're probably going through something, Henry," Isabella said softly, her voice carrying a hint of compassion. "But we're family, and families support and care for each other. If there's something bothering you, I'm here to listen."

Henry abruptly turned off the TV, his annoyance evident in his actions. Frustration seeped into his voice as he snapped, "I told you, everything is fine."

Isabella watched as Henry walked away, his irritation palpable. She knew there was more to his reaction than he was willing to admit, but she also understood the importance of giving him his space.

A contemplative silence settled in the room as Isabella pondered the best course of action. She couldn't simply ignore the tension brewing within the family, not when her brothers were avoiding each other and emotions were running high.

Isabella made the decision to approach Oliver, finding him outside diligently watering the plants as Mrs. Montclair had requested.

"Hey, Ollie," Isabella called out, her voice gentle yet concerned.

Oliver turned towards Isabella, a slight smile gracing his face. "Oh, hey, Izzy. What's up?"

Isabella took a moment to gather her thoughts before delicately broaching the subject. "Did something happen between you and Henry?"

Oliver's jovial expression faded, replaced by a contemplative silence. His grip on the watering can tightened as he struggled to find the right words. After a moment of introspection, he finally spoke, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and hurt.

"You mean, like how he made it seem like I'm nothing compared to him just to impress his girlfriend?" Oliver admitted, a touch of bitterness coloring his tone. "Yeah, kind of not cool."

"You know, he probably didn't mean it, right?" Isabella said, her hand gently resting on Oliver's shoulder, offering comfort in her touch.

Oliver sighed, his grip on the watering can loosening slightly. "Sure as hell seemed like it," he replied, frustration lacing his words, his focus still on tending to the plants.

Isabella paused for a moment, her eyes filled with empathy. She understood the complexities of sibling dynamics, the unintended hurt that could arise from misplaced words, and the importance of not rushing to judgment.

"I'm not defending his actions, Oliver," Isabella explained, her voice sincere. "But sometimes, people say hurtful things out of their own insecurities. It doesn't make it right, but it doesn't necessarily define who they are either."

"I don't really want to talk about this anymore," Oliver said firmly, his gaze fixed ahead as he began to walk away. "You ready for the big quidditch cup tomorrow?"

Isabella's face lit up with excitement at the mention of the upcoming event. "Of course! Are you?" she responded enthusiastically.

Oliver nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yup! I've never really been to a professional quidditch game, so I'm kinda excited."

"I also heard that Victor Krum is playing!" Isabella exclaimed, practically jumping up and down with excitement.

Oliver chuckled, amused by his sister's enthusiasm. "I've heard a lot about him. Is he really that good?"

Isabella's eyes sparkled as she answered, "He's not just good, he's the best and hottest quidditch player to ever live!"

Oliver grinned, realizing how contagious Isabella's excitement was. "Well, I'm excited to see the man in action then. It sounds like he's quite the legend."

As they walked back inside, they saw Henry sitting at the kitchen table. Oliver and Henry locked eyes, but neither of them said a word. Isabella keenly felt the palpable awkwardness that hung in the air.

"You should go pack for the trip," Oliver said, turning to Isabella.

"Sure thing," Isabella replied as she walked past Henry.

Oliver also attempted to walk past Henry but was stopped when Henry grabbed his arm. "Wait up a second, man."

"What? You coming up with more reasons on how you're so much better than me? Cho isn't here, nobody is going to care, Henry."

"I'm sorry," Henry said, looking directly into Oliver's eyes with genuine remorse.

The air grew heavy with silence as the weight of the moment settled between them. Oliver could see the sincerity in Henry's eyes.

"I'm sorry, okay. It's just that everyone at that school seems to worship you, and sometimes I can't help but feel a little jealous," Henry admitted.

Oliver chuckled softly, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Henry, people don't worship me at Hogwarts. That's an exaggeration."

Henry raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Oh yeah? Well, I mentioned you to Cho, and she's never seen you before, but she knew exactly who you are and all the things you've done."

Oliver's smile faltered slightly, his eyes flickering with surprise. "Wait, you talked about me with Cho?"

Henry nodded, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. "Yeah, I did. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, seeing how much she admired you."

Oliver's heart softened, realizing that Henry's actions were not solely fueled by resentment but also by feeling overshadowed. He reached out a hand, placing it gently on Henry's shoulder. "Henry, I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. But trust me, I'm not as exceptional as everyone thinks. I'm pretty much the biggest loser ever."

"You're not a loser, man, come on," Henry said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "You have a ton of friends, all the teachers like you, and, of course, you have a hot girlfriend."

Oliver chuckled, a lightness filling the air between them. "I thought you didn't like her."

Henry joined in the laughter, the tension from earlier dissipating. "Sometimes I don't, but that doesn't mean I can't find her attractive."

"Hey, fair enough, man."

Henry's face broke into a relieved grin, his apprehension melting away. "So, are we cool?" he asked, extending his arm for a hug, his gesture a symbol of his sincere desire to mend their fractured relationship.

With a nod, Oliver stepped forward, embracing his brother in a heartfelt hug. "We're cool," he affirmed.

Oliver walked back to his room and saw Isabella peeking her head out of her room with a big smile on her face.

"Don't you know it's rude to eavesdrop, you little devil?" Oliver laughed, playfully scolding his younger sister.