The end of August was already approaching, and Oliver Montclair had just one week left before he started his second year at Hogwarts. He had made a promise to Hermione Granger that they would spend time together during the summer, but unfortunately, that hadn't happened yet. Both of them had been incredibly busy throughout the entire summer. Hermione had been traveling the world, seeking knowledge and adventure, while Oliver had been dedicating himself to keeping his family's restaurant afloat, working tirelessly alongside his Mother and Uncle. Despite their best intentions, their schedules hadn't aligned. But despite the missed opportunities, Oliver remained hopeful that they would finally get to spend some quality time together before the summer concluded.
On one fateful afternoon, Oliver was engrossed in a TV show, sitting on the couch with his little sister, Isabella, who would soon be starting her first year at Hogwarts. The TV show depicted a gripping battle between a formidable dark wizard and a valiant defender of light.
"Hey, I've fought a dark wizard before," Oliver remarked, reaching into a bag of chips to quell his growing appetite.
"Yeah, and I don't remember it going well for you, did it?" Henry, Oliver's older brother, interjected with a chuckle, popping his head out from the kitchen.
"I did it, though," Oliver retorted confidently. "Who else can claim to have faced a dark wizard head-on and survived? Well, other than Harry Potter, of course."
Isabella watched the banter between her brothers with wide-eyed awe, dreaming of her own magical adventures soon to come.
"Speaking of them, have you heard from that crazy witch chick who kissed you before you came home?" Henry inquired with a mischievous grin.
"No, not for a few days actually," Oliver replied, a hint of sadness resonating in his tone. His thoughts momentarily drifting to the absence of any recent communication from Hermione.
Just then, a majestic owl swooped gracefully through the open window, catching everyone's attention as it landed gracefully on the living room table.
"You have owls deliver your letters?" Isabella exclaimed in amazement, her eyes widening with awe. "That is so cool!"
Oliver, caught off guard by the unexpected arrival of the owl, approached the feathered messenger, careful not to startle it. His heart raced with anticipation, wondering if this owl carried news from Hermione, finally breaking the silence between them. With trembling hands, he carefully untied the letter from the owl's leg and eagerly unfolded it. As he read Hermione's familiar handwriting, a smile slowly spread across his face, erasing the trace of sadness that had lingered just moments ago.
Before Oliver could even finish reading it, Henry snatched the letter out of his hand.
"What do we have here?" Henry teasingly remarked.
"Not cool, dude. Give it back," Oliver demanded.
Henry, unable to resist the opportunity to tease his younger brother, put on his best exaggerated girl voice, mimicking Hermione's tone, "Dear Oliver... I am truly sorry I could not respond to your letters for the past few days. I have been on holiday in France. However, I am back in London now and was wondering if you are free tomorrow? Maybe we could finally hang out and catch up."
"Sounds like she's asking you out on a date!" Henry teased.
Oliver's face flushed crimson as Henry's words echoed in his mind. He felt a mix of embarrassment and flattery at the thought that Hermione might see him in a romantic light. Trying to hide his emotions, he cast a playful glare at Henry and retorted, "Shut up."
Snatching the letter back, Oliver carefully unfolded it, his heart pounding in his chest. He poured over Hermione's words once more, analyzing each sentence to grasp the true intent behind her invitation. As he read through the lines with utmost concentration, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a hidden message in her words. Could it be possible?
"Can I go with you and meet this Hermione girl?" Isabella asked.
Oliver paused for a moment, considering Isabella's request. He understood her curiosity and desire to meet the enigmatic friend he often spoke about. However, he also knew that this meeting with Hermione was meant to be a long-overdue catch-up between the two of them. Oliver didn't want Isabella's presence to overshadow the purpose of their reunion and potentially hinder the chance for a deeper connection to grow.
"Uh, no sorry sis," Oliver replied gently, trying to find the right words. "I'll introduce you to her when school starts up again, though, I promise."
Isabella frowned.
"Maybe we could go to that amusement park down at the beach," Oliver thought out loud, trying to think of an exciting outing.
"Yeah, except there's one problem, how are you gonna get there? Mom is gonna be busy at work," Henry pointed out.
Oliver's hopeful expression faltered for a moment before he mustered up the courage to ask a favor. "You could do me a solid and drive me there, can't you?" he pleaded, hoping that Henry would agree.
Henry raised an eyebrow, considering Oliver's request. He leaned back in his chair, clearly contemplating the proposition. "What's in it for me?" he finally asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Oliver sighed, knowing that Henry wouldn't easily give in. "Ugh, fine. I'll do your potions homework the first few days when school starts again," he reluctantly proposed, hoping it would be enough to seal the deal.
Henry grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Make it a week, and we have a deal," he announced, wanting to squeeze as much as he could out of this arrangement.
Oliver groaned, feeling slightly defeated. However, he quickly realized it was a small price to pay for the chance to create amazing memories with Hermione at the amusement park. With a nod, he reluctantly agreed.
The next day rolled around, and Henry pulled into the parking lot with Oliver in the passenger seat.
"Here we are, bro. Make sure to keep that lunatic on a leash, so she doesn't petrify any innocent bystanders," Henry said, his words laced with a hint of resentment.
Oliver sighed, feeling a pang of guilt for the incident that had caused Henry so much distress. "She said she was sorry," Oliver defended Hermione, hoping to alleviate some of the tension.
"That still doesn't change the fact that she put me through a very traumatic experience," Henry replied, his tone half-joking and half-serious. The memory of being temporarily petrified by Hermione's magical mishap was deeply rooted in Henry's mind, causing mixed emotions to bubble to the surface. "Also, just to make sure, has Mom given you 'the talk' yet?"
Oliver immediately shut the door on Henry's face. He could hear Henry laughing as he entered the amusement park.
Oliver's heart was swelling with anticipation as he looked for Hermione; it had been a long two months since they last saw each other. The air was alive with the joyful sounds of laughter and a sweet scent of cotton candy wafted through the park, beckoning them towards the attractions.
And then, Oliver's eyes locked onto her. Hermione Granger, sitting gracefully on a bench, engrossed in a book. Oliver hadn't seen Hermione in regular clothing very often; usually, she was always in her school robes. But today, she looked breathtaking in a simple blue hoodie paired with a white skirt.
"Hermione!" Oliver exclaimed excitedly as he approached her.
"Oliver! It's been too long!" Hermione responded, instantly jumping up from the bench and wrapping her arms tightly around Oliver. The warmth of her embrace washed away any remaining doubts or worries, and Oliver felt a rush of happiness that he hadn't felt in months. It was as if time had stood still.
"So, what do you want to do first?" Oliver asked, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes.
Hermione glanced around at the multitude of thrilling rides. She smiled, her enthusiasm matching Oliver's. "Hmm, how about we start with the roller coaster? I've always wanted to experience the adrenaline rush of a big, looping ride."
"Great choice," Oliver said, holding his arm out invitingly for Hermione to grab onto. "Shall we?"
"Such a gentleman," Hermione laughed, playfully brushing her hand against his arm before interlocking her fingers with his.
They made their way to the roller coaster line, which, thankfully, wasn't that long. Oliver had always disliked waiting in excessively long lines. As they approached, the sight of the towering roller coaster made his anxiety kick into overdrive. He had always been too scared to go on a roller coaster whenever he came to amusement parks like this.
Hoping to mask his nervousness, Oliver turned to Hermione with an attempt at a lighthearted tone. "Promise not to scream too loud or pass out," he said, trying to add playfulness to his words.
Hermione squeezed his hand gently, her eyes filled with reassurance and understanding. "I'll make sure to hold onto you tight, Oliver."
Hermione could tell Oliver was getting more nervous as his body tensed up, a hint of anxiety visible in his eyes, the closer they approached the colossal roller coaster.
"Pff," Oliver said, trying to brush off Hermione's observation with a nonchalant wave of his hand.
"Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot you're a big macho man who isn't afraid of anything," Hermione replied playfully.
"Damn right," Oliver replied, attempting to sound as confident as possible, even though his nerves were pushing against his bravado. He knew, however, that Hermione saw right through his facade.
Oliver and Hermione made their way onto the roller coaster. Initially, Oliver was terrified as the ride took off, but after a few moments, his fear transformed into a thrilling sensation that coursed through his veins, filling him with exhilaration. The wind rushed through their hair as they soared through twists and turns, the adrenaline pumping in their bodies.
To capture the unforgettable moment, the roller coaster workers managed to take a picture of Oliver and Hermione during the ride. When they finally saw the picture, Oliver's face was frozen in a full-on scream, his expression a mix of fear and excitement. Hermione, on the other hand, appeared to be having a blast, her laughter echoing through the amusement park.
"Oh my God, look at your face," Hermione said, unable to contain her amusement as she burst into a fit of laughter. "I thought the screaming was that little girl sitting behind us, but I guess I was wrong."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I was just... yawning in that picture. The ride was pretty boring, actually," Oliver said, hiding his embarrassment.
Hermione couldn't help but chuckle, not buying Oliver's feeble attempt to downplay his reaction. "Of course, just a yawn. It was riveting, wasn't it? Well, if you enjoyed the 'boredom' so much, maybe we should try that big dropper thing for some real excitement," Hermione teased, pointing to another thrilling ride.
Oliver reluctantly followed Hermione's pointing finger, his eyes landing on the towering ride that loomed before them. It was a massive contraption where riders sat on a platform that ascended a hundred feet into the air, only to drop with exhilarating speed.
"I'm not getting on that thing," Oliver declared.
"Well, good because I didn't really want to either," Hermione confessed.
Oliver scanned their surroundings for something else to do. Not too far away, he noticed a "test your might" machine, standing tall and beckoning them with its challenge. Oliver's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Look, over there," he pointed out. "That's more my style."
Hermione chuckled. "Of course it is. Well, come on then. Let's see if you're as mighty as you think you are."
Oliver made his way towards the machine, with Hermione standing a few steps back, observing the scene with a smile on her face. As he approached, a worker stationed at the machine greeted him with a playful challenge.
"Think you got what it takes, kid?" the worker asked, a mischievous grin spreading across their face, holding out the hammer for Oliver to take.
Oliver picked up the hammer, his confidence brimming. "I fought a freaking dark wizard and survived. I think I can handle this," he replied proudly.
The worker looked at Oliver with a puzzled expression, not quite understanding the reference. "Huh?"
Oliver quickly shook his head, dismissing his own comment. "Nothing, you probably wouldn't understand."
He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the target in front of him. Oliver swung the hammer back and forth, gathering his strength for the ultimate strike. he let out a powerful swing, causing the lever to shoot up, ringing the bell at the very top.
Oliver looked back to see Hermione, her face filled with admiration.
"Oh yeah!" Oliver declared, striking a serious pose while playfully flexing his muscles, causing Hermione to burst into laughter.
"Step on over here and pick out a prize," the worker said, gesturing towards an array of colorful toys.
Oliver turned to Hermione. "Which one do you want?" he asked, genuinely curious to see her choice.
Hermione's eyes scanned the wide variety of prizes, contemplating her options. Her gaze fell upon a collection of cool and adorable toys, each one calling out to her imagination.
After a moment of thought, Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement. She pointed towards an ultimate blue elephant, wearing a top hat. "That one!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight.
Oliver smiled. He walked towards the prize booth, handed the worker a few tickets they had won, and triumphantly collected the blue elephant wearing a top hat.
"I rigged that for you so you could win. You're welcome," the worker whispered in Oliver's ear.
Oliver's smile slowly faded, replaced by a tinge of disappointment. He looked up at the worker, his expression a mix of confusion and appreciation. "Uh... Thanks," Oliver replied.
Oliver walked over to Hermione and presented the blue elephant to her. Hermione's eyes widened with delight as she took hold of the adorable toy.
"It's so cute! Thank you, Oliver," she beamed, giving him a warm hug.
Seeing Hermione's happiness, all of Oliver's earlier disappointment washed away, replaced by a sense of contentment. He knew that making her smile and creating perfect moments together were more important than any victory alone.
"Shall we continue our adventure?" Oliver asked, holding out his arm again, returning to their playful dynamic.
"Absolutely," Hermione replied without hesitation. She firmly grasped Oliver's arm, clutching the blue elephant tightly at her side.
As Oliver and Hermione continued exploring the carnival, they eagerly took part in various activities.
First, they tested their aim at the ring toss game. Oliver's first few tosses went astray, but with some guidance from Hermione, he managed to land a ring and win a pair of cool sunglasses. They shared a victorious high-five before moving on to the next thing.
Next, they challenged each other in a game of whack-a-mole. Laughter filled the air as they furiously wielded their mallets, trying to hit the pesky critters that popped up. Hermione emerged as the champion, earning herself a shiny medal while Oliver playfully pouted, secretly enjoying their friendly competition.
To add to the fun, they decided to test their bravery on the spinning teacups. Sharing a teacup, they twirled and spun, their laughter intertwining with the joyful screams of others. They spun faster and faster, their faces flushed with exhilaration, until their teacup finally came to a halt, leaving them a bit dizzy.
As the sun went down and the carnival lights illuminated the night sky, Oliver and Hermione decided to end their adventure with one final ride: the Ferris wheel. They joined a line of eager thrill-seekers.
As they climbed aboard one of the colorful Ferris wheel cabins, they held hands, feeling a sense of tranquility washing over them. The ride began, and they ascended higher and higher, their eyes taking in the breathtaking view of the carnival and the surrounding city.
Their seats paused at the very top, granting them a moment of stillness.
Oliver couldn't take his eyes off Hermione as she gazed at the dazzling display of bright lights. "Wow, it's so beautiful," she said in amazement.
Unable to resist the overwhelming feeling that enveloped him, Oliver replied, "You're so beautiful too," suddenly aware of how corny it sounded. It had sounded much smoother in his head.
Hermione's cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and she playfully protested, "Stop it, no I'm not."
Oliver realized that this moment, with the carnival's enchantment surrounding them, might be the perfect opportunity to express his feelings and take their relationship to the next level. Summoning his courage, he began, "I just want you to know that this past year has been incredibly special to me. Having you by my side has made every moment unforgettable. Without you, summer just felt like long wait for your letters."
Hermione moved closer to Oliver, their bodies almost touching. "I feel the same way," she confessed. "There were times I wanted to cancel my trips and be with you, but my parents just wouldn't allow it."
A brief pause gripped them, filled with the weight of their unspoken desires. Oliver sensed that this was the perfect moment to make his move, to finally seal their connection with a kiss.
Without breaking eye contact, Oliver leaned in slowly, matching Hermione's movement. Their lips hovered mere centimeters apart, the air heavy with anticipation and unspoken words. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this magical cocoon of love and electricity.
*BEEP! BEEP!*
Oliver turned abruptly and found Henry in his car, honking the horn impatiently at them.
"Yo, lovebirds, it's time to go!" Henry shouted, breaking the magical moment.
Embarrassment flushed Oliver and Hermione's faces as they quickly pulled away and composed themselves. They exchanged sheepish smiles, realizing that they had momentarily forgotten their surroundings.