Soul Pieces

SOUL PIECES

Chapter 20: About Love and others issues

"Harry?" Hermione repeated.

"Yes, Mione. It's me. Oh, god, I missed you so much!"

Hermione gave him a small smile and absently put her hand on her belly. Noticing that it was flat, Hermione began to panic.

"Oh, god...oh, god...."

"Shhhh..." Harry said, taking her hand. "James is alright. He's sleeping."
"James?"

"Yes. James Ronald Potter, our son. He's so beautiful, Mione."

Hermione didn't know what to say. Hell, what could she say? Everything was so confused! The last thing she remembered was the Death Eaters...

Noticing her confused look, Harry stood up from the chair and picked James up from the cradle he was sleeping in nearby.

"Here. This is James," he said, giving the baby boy to Mione.

The young witch took her son in her arms with trembling hands.

He was so small...

"He's beautiful," she said. "He's just like you, Harry."

"Yep. Remus said that too," Harry agreed with a proud smile. "But he has your nose. Cute nose."

Hermione smiled shyly, nursing the baby. However, she couldn't understand-why-how she was alive?

"What happened, Harry?" she finally asked. "W-What happened in Hogsmeade? I can't re-oh god! Luna! Ginny! Are they alright?"

"Shh, calm down," Harry said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "They're alright. You are the one who gave us a fright."

Hermione bit her bottom lip, still a little confused. Something wasn't right. They were still in April- it was too early! She looked down at the little baby in her arms and then at Harry. "I-I don't-"

"Madam Pomfrey had to do a cesarean," Harry answered the unspoken question.

"But-" Things still didn't make sense!

"Snape, Mione. Snape saved your life." And Harry told her everything that had happened.

"...and that was it," Harry finished his tale.

"Snape..." Hermione whispered almost to herself. Snape had saved her and Lily's lives. It was kind of ironic, if you thought about it.

When Harry told her about the things they saw in the Pensieve Hermione had a feeling that there was something else- not that Harry was lying- no! But maybe Snape hadn't revealed everything.

However, she didn't want to think about that now. She had other things to be concerned with.

James...her son. Her son-with Harry. Oh, god, what she was supposed to do? She had a son, for Merlin's Sake! She was eighteen-with no money-no parents-no boyfriend and with a son!

And Harry...oh my, Harry! He had hurt her so much- he had said such awful things. He had shagged another woman! But even with all these things, Hermione still loved him. She loved him so much that she was afraid to hear what he thought of James...of her.

She knew he didn't love her but what about James?

She looked at Harry with tears in her eyes and spoke, "I-I am sorry, Harry."

He was shocked. "Sorry for what?" It was him who had to say sorry!

"For messing up with your life. I swear I didn't do it on purpose. I swear. I - I won't be in your way. Neither James nor I. I will understand if you-"

"Hey! Hey! Hold on! What are you talking about?"

"I- I am talking about the pregnancy. You probably think that I did this on pur-"

"Oh MY GOD, Hermione! Why on heavens would I think that?" Harry exclaimed, running a hand nervously through his dark hair.

"I don't know. You're rich and famous and I-I..." she whispered in a small voice, eyes downcast.

"And you are the woman I love," he said firmly, smiling broadly at her.

"...am plain and- what did you say?" She looked up at him, eyes wide.

"And you are that woman I love. I love you, Hermione. I love you with all my heart. I was stupid to think that I could live without you," he whispered, looking straight into her eyes.

"Harry-"

"Please, Hermione let me finish."

She nodded.

"When we started our 'non- relationship' I thought it was only physical. But I think I was starting to fall for you. Remus said I loved you. Tonks said I loved you. Even the damn Sorting Hat said that I was in love with you! I was so confused! That wasn't supposed to happen. I- I couldn't fall in love! It was too dangerous!"

Hermione glanced at him, a small smile of hope starting to show on her lips. "That's why you-"

"Yes, that's why I said those horrible things to you. I am so sorry. That's why I had sex with that woman in the club. I thought- I thought that I could forget you. I was so wrong! That night I had decided to tell you the truth. But you-"

"I left. You hurt me, Harry. You can't imagine how much. You know, that night when you told me that you didn't want to be with me anymore? Do you remember that I wanted to say something to you?"

"Yes?"

"I was going to tell that I was pregnant," she replied, gazing at the little bundle in her arms.

"Oh, god, Hermione." Harry felt his heart sink, an uneasy sensation of disgust- disgust with himself.

"But then you said you didn't want to be with me anymore. You said it was only sex. Only sex. I felt like I was a nothing. A piece of crap. And then I saw you...I saw you with that woman. She was so beautiful, so much more than me, and you were having sex and-" Hermione couldn't continue. Her body was trembling and she was sobbing uncontrollably.

Harry drew closer to her. Without even realizing what he was doing, he began to place soft, gentle kisses on her face, starting at her cheek and slowly moving across.

Harry's lips brushed over Hermione's in the softest of kisses; her heart fluttered.

"I love you, Hermione. I love you. I love you."

"D-Do you?" she asked in a whisper, her eyes shining.

"More than anything in this world," he replied and then kissed her again.

The kiss was sweet but intense.

They stayed that way for the briefest of moments; two friends whose relationship had taken a sudden and unexpected turn; neither wanting to lose the moment, but neither knowing how to react.

Harry finally pulled away just far enough so their lips weren't touching. He stared at her; her lips parted slightly. Her breathing was irregular and her face was flushed.

"Harry-"

"Shhh...I want to be with you and James. He's so beautiful. I won't say that I'm not scored, because I am. Hell, I am only seventeen years old and I am already a father but I want to try. I want to give my son everything I didn't have, all the love I didn't receive."

And Harry captured her lips with his again.

Of course, all that "activity" made James wake up. Crying- hard.

Harry looked at Hermione apologetically. She gave him a shy smile and tried to calm down the little tiger.

They were 'saved' by Madam Pomfrey who had just entered the room.

"What-" was saying the old lady. "Miss Granger! You are awake! Thank Merlin! Please, let me examine you. Hmm, I also think you two need some lessons about how to act with a crying baby."

Harry and Hermione flushed.

Madam Pomfrey examined Hermione and little James. Both were all right.

After Madam Pomfrey departed, Harry and Hermione talked about the Horcruxes and Voldemort. Hermione told Harry about Luna and how the girl had helped her with the pregnancy.

However the talk brought another subject; a dreadful one: Hogsmeade and consequentially, Ginny.

"I want to know what happened in Hogsmeade, Mione. Not the attack but before. Snape said Ginny confronted you. He said she called you-"

"Harry, she was, well, she was upset. She didn't mean it," Hermione said, looking away.

"Hermione-" Harry's voice was stern.

"You have to understand-"

"Hermione-"

"Okay. She- she called me a Mudblood slut and that- that..."

"And what? What else did she say?"

"Please, Harry, she was angry-"

"What did she say, Hermione?" Harry knew Hermione too well- he knew that there was something else.

Hermione sighed, closing her eyes briefly.

"She said that I wanted your money. That I got pregnant on purpose."

"I can't believe her! How dare she!" Harry cried in anger.

"Please, Harry. You have to understand her. I was supposed to be her friend. I betrayed her," Hermione said in a pleading voice, trying to make Harry understand. Of course Ginny's words had hurt her but she couldn't blame her totally.

"But I wasn't with her anymore!"

"I know. But I- we- also know that she still loves you. Harry, I think you need to talk to her. She deserves it. We hurt her, Harry."

Room of Requirement

Harry was in the Room of Requirement waiting for Ginny. He had sent her a note asking to meet with him.

Ginny arrived about fifty minutes later. She was wearing a white blouse and a blue skirt- a very short blue skirt. Harry wondered if she had done that on purpose.

"Hi, Harry. I-" Ginny said with a small voice but was interrupted by Harry.

"Ginny, I want you to listen to me, okay?"

"Oh. Okay."

"First, I want to say that I am sorry. Hermione and I are sorry. We didn't mean to hurt you. But things happened and we fell in love. It wasn't Hermione's fault. Or mine. It wasn't anybody's fault. We can't control love. What we had, Ginny, was great but- I know it's hard to hear but that wasn't love. I liked you. A lot. I still care about you but it isn't in the same way I feel about Hermione. She and I have a son now. It's terrifying but also wonderful."

"I won't say I am all right, Harry. Because I'm not. Hermione hurt me, not you." Ginny looked hurt and just a little bit angry as she responded. "She was supposed to be my friend. I said terrible things to her and I'm very ashamed of that. I truly want you two to be happy together. Truth be told, I think I don't feel the same about you. I was just shocked. I'll not forgive you because I think there isn't anything to forgive. We aren't together. Now, Hermione- I need time. Maybe someday. But not now. I just want to ask you one thing."

"What?"

"Could we be friends?" she said opening her arms.

"Oh! Of course, I would love to be your friend, Ginny."

And he hugged her, without noticing her vicious smile.

*~*

Meanwhile

Hospital Wing

"B-But why he doesn't want my milk?" Hermione shuttered in a small voice. "I-Is there something wrong with him, Madam Pomfrey?"

The old Healer shook her head lightly. "No, Miss Granger. There is nothing wrong with James," she said patiently.

"Then-Then it must be me," Hermione concluded with a heavy sigh. "Is this because I'm a Muggleborn? A-After all, I wasn't even supposed to have children- maybe I'm not worth it and-" Madam Pomfrey held up a hand making the young witch stop.

"You being Muggleborn has nothing to do with it! Like I said before, the Muggleborn disease only occurs in the first pregnancy and it has nothing to do with being worthy or not! It's only a disease- a physical disease- nothing more. Do you think less of Mister Potter because he has to wear glasses?"

"O-Of course not!" Hermione exclaimed. "But then why is James-"

"James was born premature, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey explained kindly. "Sometimes a baby needs to learn how to suck. There's nothing wrong with your milk or something like that. And of course, your nervousness doesn't help either."

Hermione looked down, a little embarrassed. "I-I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. Now, how about I explain to you how..."

*********************************

Two days later

Harry was laying with Hermione in her bed in the Hospital Wing. He had his arms around her waist. The couple was watching their son sleeping, in silence.

"I still can't believe we made such a beautiful baby, Mione," Harry said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah. And are you alright with this, Harry?"

"Hermione, I've already told you that he is the most precious gift I could receive. I love you and him. With all my heart. I am not saying that it won't be difficult. We are still teenagers but we love each other and-"

Harry didn't finished what he was saying because Hermione kissed him hard on the mouth.

First the kiss was calm and sweet but then became more passionate.

Oh Merlin, how I love her!

"Harry, Hermione- Oh!" someone said, making the couple pull away very quickly.

A very red Ronald Weasley had arrived. He really didn't know what to do.

"Hi, Ron!" greeted Hermione.

Ron gave a weak smile. Harry noticed his friend's discomfort.

"Ron, mate, I thought you were okay with me and Hermione."

"Oh, no! No, I mean, yes! I am okay with you two. It's just, well, that's the first time- you see- that's the first I've ever seen you two kissing. That's just weird."

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances. That was true; no one had ever seen the two of them together. Well, no one except Mister Weasley...

"So, what do you guys think that Professor McGonagall wants to talk with us about?" asked Ron, changing the subject.

"I don't know," said Harry, "we have to wait-"

"I am here, Mister Potter," said the Headmistress that had just arrived with Tonks, Lupin, and Moody.

"Hello, Professor. Remus, Tonks, Professor Moody," the three friends greeted the 'adults'.

Alastor Moody rolled his eye (the normal one!)

Remus Lupin said, "Hi, guys!"

Tonks...squealed, "Hi! How is little James?"

"He is fine, Tonks," answered Hermione, "but I don't think you want to talk about him."

"You are right, Granger," said Moody sitting in a chair. "We need to talk about your training."

"But, training? I mean we are already training."

"Indeed, Mister Weasley but we think you three need more specific training," answered Moody.

More specific training, Harry thought to himself remembering a brief conversation he had had with Snape two days before.

*~*

Harry was on his way to the Hospital Wing when he saw Snape. The young wizard took a deep breath and then called his former teacher, "Sir! Sir!"

Snape stopped and turned around facing Harry, a displeasured sneer marring his features. "What do you want Potter? As you may know I can't be wandering the Castle."

"I-I just want to say thank you, sir," Harry said. "Thank you for saving Hermione's life."

Snape glared at him but replied, "You're welcome."

Harry nodded, feeling a little uneasy, his hands in his pockets. "Right. Right. Thanks again, sir."

He was about to turn and leave when Snape called his name, like he had just remembered something.

"Potter!"

"Yes, sir?"

"How do you expect to defeat the Dark Lord?"

Harry stood, a little surprised by the question.

"After all, you will defeat him, won't you?" Snape continued, sarcasm evident in his voice. "Are you ready? You and your two little friends didn't come to Hogwarts this year so I suppose that you must have been training-" Harry opened his mouth to say something but Snape cut him off. "Or have you spent all your time fucking Miss Granger?"

"You have no right-" Harry cried angrily.

"What do you know about the Dark Lord's plans? What do you know about him and his whereabouts? Have you stopped to wonder why its so quiet?" Snape shook his head in disgust. "You have to do a lot more than a few tricks and be able to cast a Patronus."

I won't lose control. I won't lose control, Harry thought fiercely.

"I'm training and I faced Voldemort more times than everyone else!"

Snape smirked. "Oh yes... but now you don't have your Mother's protection or Dumbledore to save you ass!"

"I-"

"Can you attack someone, Potter? Can you cast an Unforgivable? Can you prepare a poison? In few months Draco Malfoy learned how to cast an Imperius Curse and be effective on it. Can you? Can you kill, Potter?"

"Malfoy is a coward! He didn't kill Professor Dumbledore because he couldn't- he didn't have the nerve!"

"Yes, you are right- he couldn't. He couldn't kill. But you, Potter, can you kill? Can you?"

*~*

"What do you mean, specifically?" Hermione's voice brought Harry back to reality.

It was Remus who answered, "You three are good in combat. I mean you Hermione need to-"

"Wait, wait a minute!" Harry interrupted his former Professor. "What do mean 'combat'? Hermione will not fight!"

If looks could kill...well, the Boy-Who-Lived would already be dead!

"And may I ask why, Harry James Potter?" hissed Hermione, with her arms crossed.

Harry gulped.

"Mione, sweetie. It's too dangerous. You can't risk it. And after all, we now have James. He will need you and-"

"And I'll be at home waiting for you?" asked the young witch in a low and dangerous tone.

"Well, yes."

Hermione took a long breath, as she was trying to calm herself before replying, "Oh, that's good to know. But do you want to know what I think?"
"Y-Yes?"

"NEVER! I WILL NOT BE INSIDE A HOUSE LIKE A HOUSEWIFE, HARRY JAMES! I need to defend myself! We are in a war, Harry! It doesn't matter if we have a son or not!"

"She is right, Harry," said Remus. "We are in a war. She is a big target. And before you say anything she is a target because she is a Muggleborn, Harry!"

Harry didn't say anything, only sighed in defeat.

"Well, now let me continue," said Remus, "you three will continue your common training but also a specific training. What am I talking about? I am talking about three specific 'abilities'. Each of you will develop a specific ability."

"What ability, Remus?"

"You, Harry, will train with Moody. You will learn how to do Wandless magic and-"

"Whoa, mate!"

"Ron!"

"Sorry."

"That's okay, Ronald. So, Harry, you will learn Wandless magic and how to attack. Here, in Hogwarts, we learn how to defend but you need to know how to attack too, okay?"

"Okay, Remus."

"You, Mister Weasley, will be trained by me," said the headmistress.

Ron's eyes rounded into saucers.

"You will become an Animagus."

"Wow! That's great!"

"Why can't I or Hermione be an Animagus too?"

"First, Potter, we are dealing with a problem of time. We don't know how much time we have. So that's why you will be trained in 'abilities' that will be easier for you. You for example, you already do Wandless magic you just need to improve this. The Animagus- well- anyone can become an Animagus but is easier and faster if you are a pureblood like-"

"Like Ron, and my father and Sirius."

"And me," said McGonagall.

"What about me? What kind of training will I do? I mean I am a Muggleborn," asked Hermione.

"You will train with me, Hermione," said Tonks with a big smile. "Yes, I will teach you how to become a Metamorphmagus. As you may know, I am a natural and it's very difficult to 'become' one but I have faith in you. And it's easier if the wizard or witch is a Muggleborn or half blood."

"Well, now that we settled that, I want to talk with you about another issue."

"What is it, Professor McGonagall?" asked Harry.

"It's about Hogwarts. What do you think about returning to Hogwarts? The ministry allowed this. I don't think you know, but many students that didn't return last year will come back. I already received letters from the Patils, the Finnigans and the Abbots. I know you three are on a 'mission' but I think it's a good opportunity to finish your studies. We don't know how much time this war will last but I don't think you should put your lives on hold."

Well, the only Horcrux we need to destroy, besides Voldemort, is Nagini and- well I miss Hogwarts! Strange that Hermione didn't say anything....

"I think I will accept your proposal, professor," Harry said looking at Ron who nodded. Hermione didn't say anything. "But what about James?"

"You and Hermione will live in a private dorm. The same she was in before your son was born. Normally, we couldn't allow a student with a baby but because the baby was born before term, it's okay."

They talked more about a few things, and Moody, Remus, Tonks and the Headmistress left. Hermione hadn't said a word since McGonagall had talked about Hogwarts. Harry was worried. Perhaps she didn't want to come back? But this was Hermione, the bookworm!

The young wizard was about to ask her when Ron interrupted, "Harry, mate, can I talk to you? In private?"

Harry looked at Hermione who nodded.

"Yep, let's go outside the room."

"What is it, Ron?"

"Harry, you may be wondering why Hermione doesn't sound so excited about returning to Hogwarts, right?"

"Yes, in fact I was about to ask her- you know, don't you?"

"Yes, Harry. Do you remember when I told you about her parents?"

Harry nodded.

"That's it, Harry. She doesn't have money. She doesn't have money to buy new robes and new books. Luna told me that Mione spent almost all her money buying clothes and toys for James..."

"Oh. Why didn't I think about that?"

Ron only smiled.

Time passed without surprises. Harry had talked with Hermione about buying her books and robes. First, she had declined, saying that she didn't want his money but Harry assured her that it would be a loan and she would pay him back when she found a job. She accepted.

The trio was talking when Luna burst into the Hospital Wing with The Prophet in her hands.

"What's up, Luna?" asked Harry.

She didn't say anything, only gave him the newspaper.

HARRY POTTER IS A FATHER!

The Boy who lived, the 'chosen one', isn't a boy anymore! The handsome teenager is now a father! Yes, Harry James Potter is the father of a little boy called James Ronald Potter. The mother is the Muggleborn witch and his 'best friend' Hermione Granger.

Potter and Granger have denied they were romantically involved many times but this child is the proof that they're indeed lovers!

Last year, Harry Potter was dating the Pure Blood witch Ginny Weasley but it seems that the poor girl didn't know that her best friend was betraying her!

Some sources said that Granger became pregnant on purpose.

"She only wants his money. You know how the boys are! They can't deny sex!"

"She is a real slut! First she tried Viktor Krum and now poor Harry! But Potter isn't totally stupid, the poor boy! You see he didn't marry her..."

"That's rubbish!" cried a very angry Harry. "I want to know how they found out about James! How could they say these things about Hermione?"

Hermione began to cry very hard.

"Shhh....sweetie," said Luna, hugging her friend, "don't listen to them."

Harry looked at Hermione and he felt his heart break in his chest.

"Everyone will think I did this on purpose...they-they think I-I only want H-Harry's money," sobbed Hermione.

"I don't care what the others think, Luv," said Harry. "I only care about you and our son."

Hermione was about to say something when McGonagall and Lupin entered the room.

"I think you already read the news, right?" asked Lupin.

Harry nodded.

"I don't how this 'escaped' but now it's too late. The school is madness today. Somehow, the students know you are here. So, I suggest that you return to your home until the things calm down. When you return for the next term, the gossip won't be so...strong."

"Yes, Headmistress," said Harry, "but what about Hermione? She's still weak and James is taking those potions..."

"She and James can visit Madam Pomfrey once a week, at night."

Grimmauld Place

Hermione Granger was surprised when she entered her bedroom.

Well, it wasn't her bedroom anymore. It was a baby room. With a cradle, toys, a big arm chair and others things...

"Harry, what's this?" she asked Harry, who stood beside her.

"That's our son's bedroom. Do you like it? Tonks, Remus, and Ron helped me."

"It's beautiful, Harry but where will I sleep?"

Harry took Hermione by her hand and led her to his bedroom.

There was, instead of his old single four-poster bed, a king size bed.

"Harry..."

"Here, is where you will sleep. Here is our bedroom."

"But, Harry, what-"

"What will people think? Merlin, Hermione! We have a son together! A son! I think everyone knows that we shag!"

Hermione looked down, shyly.

"And I am very proud of this!" Harry said kissing her with all the love he had.

Somewhere...

"The Mudblood, Potter and the child left the Castle, my Lord," Bellatrix Lestrange reported.

"And we know where they are?"

"No, my Lord."

"You! I am very disappointed in all of you! How difficult is it to kill a baby!"

"Our apologies, my Lord, but after Dumbledore's death, it is almost impossible to enter the Castle."

"I need that child dead!"

"I think a have an idea, my Lord."

"Oh! Wormtail has a idea! Please, tell me!"

"Well, our source said that the Mudblood visits Hogwarts once a week, so..."

"I already said that it's almost impossible-"

"I know, Bella! I am not talking about a wizard!"

"So, what are you talking about?"

"Nagini, my Lord. Nagini."

"I have to concur is a good idea but how do you think my beautiful pet could enter the Castle? You are a stupid rat, Wormtail!" Voldemort hissed.

But to everyone's surprise, Peter Pettigrew smiled.

"Well, I know how Nagini can enter the Castle."

"How?" asked Bellatrix, incredulous.

Pettigrew's smile grew bigger.

"I am a Marauder, after all."

*****