Soul Pieces

Soul Pieces

Chapter 24-Calm before the Storm

Harry practically jumped from the couch, running towards the bed.

"Hermione! Wake up! It's only a nightmare!" he hissed hurriedly, shaking her lightly. "Hermione, love, wake up!"

Hermione's eyes snapped open, a confused yet painful expression shadowing her features. She gazed over Harry's concerned face and touched his cheek tentatively, as if making sure he was real.

"Love?" he asked uncertainly, his heart arching in helpless despair for seeing her in such pain. He could see a sadness that he never saw before.

Unable to say anything, the young witch stared into his bright green eyes, the tears falling faster and faster.

With a heavy heart, Harry pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding tight.

"Mione, love-"

"Oh, Harry! It was horrible!" She sobbed, hugging him tightly, totally forgetting that they were not talking with each other.

"Shhh, sweetie, it's okay now," he whispered against her soft hair, drunk from the scent of her shampoo. She felt so good in his arms. "Do you want to talk about this?"

Hermione shook her head against his chest.

"Mione, I want to say that I am sorry," Harry said quietly, "I am sorry for what I said earlier. I am really sorry. I was just so jealous!"

Hermione lifted her head, looked at him and smiled timidly.

"I know, I am sorry too. I should have told you about Viktor's and Oliver's letters." Still gazing at him, she blinked her tears away, her lips trembling slightly. "I-I don't know what's happening to me, Harry. I-I d-don't feel like myself anymore; I-It is like I am someone e-else- a stranger..." She sniffed.

"Hermione, love, you know you can tell me anything, don't you?" Harry asked softly, trying to hide the immense concern in his voice.

He knew that was something was wrong with her. And he would do anything to spare her of pain.

"I-I can't understand myself anymore!" she cried frustrated. "I-I felt -I-I feel so much anger...I-I can't barely control my emotions...J-James...I love him. You have to believe me, Harry! I love my son so much but-"

"I know you love him, Hermione but what?"

"Y-You will probably h-hate me..." She looked down.

Harry put a finger under her chin and lifted her head, making her look at him again. "I would never hate you."

"I-I c-cast a Silencing Charm on him!" She started to cry harder. "I-I am h-his m-mummy a-and I-I...Oh! I am so horrible! I-I will understand i-if you don't want me anymore-"

"Hermione, love, I would never-"

"...i-if y-you decided that-that I-I am n-not g-good e-enough for you a-and J-James!"

Looking serious at her, he gently cupped her face and murmured, "Never say that you aren't good enough for me...or anything else. If there is someone who isn't good enough is me." His fingers began to gently caress her wet cheeks. "You are the woman of my life. I love you with all my heart. I-I love you much that it almost hurts." He sighed softly, never letting go of her gaze. "W-what you did...the c-charm was a horrible thing, yes. But I would never hate you for that. Everything is new to us...r-raising a child isn't like reading a book, love. We are bound to make mistakes." He smiled at her. "The most important thing is that we stay together-helping each other."

"I-I know...m-my hearts knows it b-but...I-I can't understand myself anymore. A-And this v-voice..."

Harry slid his hands down to her shoulders; the worry was now evident in his expression. "What voice?"

"T-The voice inside my head...It says dreadful, hurtful things...i-it makes me feel so much anger...a-and the h-headache..."

Harry felt his head spin, a sense of dread washing over him- even if he didn't know exactly why.

Something wasn't right.

"Have you told anyone else about it?" he asked quietly. "Madam Pomfrey? Or even Tonks?"

"N-No." Her voice was barely a whisper. "D-Do you think I am going crazy, Harry?" Hermione's eyes were staring into his, a despairing plea in her eyes. "I-I know that I'm not being possessed-" Harry felt his body tense. "I know it is impossible. I never had any contact with any part of Voldemort or something like that...I am scared, Harry."

Yes, she was right. It was impossible for Voldemort...

"Everything will go alright, love," he assured her, smiling. "You are not crazy and most important- are not being possessed." His fingers began to travel up and down her bare arms. "For now, we will sleep. We can have a talk with Remus...um, or maybe Madam Pomfrey. Yeah, Madam Pomfrey is better." He pushed back a stray hair that had fallen over her face. "Now, let's sleep. Are you sure you are alright?"

She nodded. "Yes, I'm feeling better now." She bit her bottom lip, like she was a little unsure about something. "H-Harry?" she asked quietly.

"Yes?"

"C-Can you sleep with me?"

Harry grinned broadly. Yes! He wanted to shout aloud, but instead he said quietly, "I would love to sleep with you." Hermione smiled sweetly. "Just let me put on a shirt. I'm only wearing my boxers and I know you don't-" he was saying as he started to leave the bed but Hermione stopped him.

"Don't!" she cried firmly and Harry raised an eyebrow at her, making the young witch blush crimson. "I mean- of course you can put a shirt on...I mean- if you ...you want? I-I am just saying...I mean- I know you like to sleep shirtless an- oh well- but I underst-"

Harry put a finger on her lips, making her stop. "You are babbling, love." He was grinning like a fool. "If you want to see my bare chest just ask!" he said playfully.

"I-I just miss- miss your skin," she whispered, the blush still on her cheeks.

Without saying a word, Harry tugged them into the covers, and then pulled her next to him, his arms wrapped around her.

"I love you, never doubt that, Mione," he whispered, stroking her soft brown locks.

"I love you too, Harry." She breathed contently against his chest, just before letting sleep come over her.

And before he could sleep himself, Harry just listened- and felt to her heart beat as an idea began to form in his mind

***

The next morning, Harry woke up feeling better than he had in a long time. Hermione lay fast asleep on her stomach beside him, her arms tucked under her pillow and her hair spread out wildly across her bare shoulders and back. Her face was turned toward him, smiling in her sleep.

Merlin, how he had missed to sleep with Hermione like that! It hadn't been necessary to have sex or even a heavy snog- No, just skin touching, her form, her sweet rhythmic breathing....

With arms protectively holding her sleeping figure, Harry started to slowly open his eyes and...

"ARGH!" A pair of bugger blue eyes was staring intensity at him. Harry stood up very quickly, almost knocking Hermione out of the bed in the process. "What the hell-!" he cried again, trying to get his glasses from the bedside table.

"What's...Harry?" Hermione asked sleepily, stretching her arms like a lazy kitten, eyes half opened. "Oh. Hi, Winky."

Unable to stop himself, Harry groaned. Now, with his glasses on, he could actually see the little house-elf; standing (practically) in the middle of the bed. "What do you want, Winky?" he asked, not bothering to sound nice. Hermione shot him a disapproving look, which he decided to ignore.

"Wincky is sorry, sir. Winky not want to bother Harry Potter, sir!" Winky squealed, tears starting to flow out her eyes. "Winky is very sorry! Please forgive Winky!" And she began to hit herself in the head but Hermione caught her arm, making her stop.

"Stop, Winky!" the young witch cried. "Harry isn't mad. You just scared us. That's alright." She gave the little elf a reassuring smile, hitting Harry's hips with her elbow. "Right, Harry?"

"Ouch!" he cried, rubbing his hip. "Yeah, I'm not angry, but do you want something, Winky?"

"Oh Thank you sir!" she squealed. "Mister Remus asked to call Master Harry and your Herminee. Mister Remus want talk to you two, and Weezy. They is in the kitchen."

Harry and Hermione exchanged a not worried but confused glance. "Right," Harry said. "Please, Winky tell Remus that we'll be there in a few minutes."

Winky bowed, and before disappearing in a pop, said, "Oh, little master James is already awake."

Harry couldn't help but smile.

***

Grimmauld Place, kitchen

"Finally!" Ron exclaimed playfully from his seat as Harry and Hermione, and James, who was in a baby car, entered the kitchen. "What took so long? Naughty night?"

Hermione glared but didn't comment, which Harry was really glad for. It was too early for a Ron/Hermione argument.

"So, Remus, what do you want to talk about?" asked Harry, taking his seat at the kitchen table. He couldn't help but smile at the happy face of his son.

Remus grinned, watching the two Potters. "He is day by day more like you," the werewolf commented, smiling.

"Yeah, and I guess his eyes are turning green after all," Harry replied proudly. "The hair is mine, no question on that."

"And you had doubts?" Hermione, Ron and Remus said in unison. They all laughed.

"Okay, children." Remus sobered. "I want to talk with you three about the Order."

"Did something happen, Remus?" inquired Hermione in a concerned voice.

"No," said Remus with a smile, "nothing happened. I, well, Professor McGonagall and Alastor just want to ask you three something."

"Oh, what is it?" asked Harry.

"They, well, we want to know if you want to join the Order of Phoenix."

"Blimey!" cried Ron excitedly. "Of course we want!" He suddenly looked down, his ears red. "But, er, my mum-"

"That's okay, Ron. We had already talked with Molly. There's no need to say that she didn't like it very much, but- she talked with your father and, well, you are eighteen, so- It's your decision."

Ron sighed with relief.

"And you, Harry?" asked Remus.

"Yeah, Remus! Of course!" said Harry just excited like Ron.

Only Hermione didn't say anything. She seemed to be in deep thought. Noticing that, Remus asked the girl, "And you, Hermione? Don't you want to join the Order?"

"No, it's not that. Of course I want to join the Order but..." She sipped her coffee. "It's just- Why not before? Why not last year? We were all here, and- It's just curious."

"Always the bright one!" Remus smiled appreciatively at her, and Hermione blushed a little. "When Albus died we were lost, Hermione. We had to adjust our framework, you know?"

The brown eyed witch nodded.

"We signed up new members- our 'job' was basically on the background. And you three, one way or another, were saved." He looked briefly at Harry, who nodded- he and Remus had had almost the same conversation the day before. "You were away from the spot light- and quite frankly you weren't ready." Hermione sighed, looking briefly at James. Yes, last year was complicated. "But now, it's different. You are returning to Hogwarts. You have a right to know what is happening, who are our allies and our enemies- the Order efforts."

"I understand Remus."

"So, next Saturday we are going to the Headquarters. We have a meeting. You three will be introduced to the others and vice versa." Remus stood up from his chair, looking at Ron and Hermione. "I have to do a few things before our training." He smiled. "And you still have to feed James, right?" Hermione nodded, a little flushed. Remus turned to Harry. "Moody is probably waiting for you at the Headquarters," he said, and was about to walk away when he heard his name called.

"Remus! May I have a quick word with you?" Harry asked, ignoring Ron and Hermione's curious glances.

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

Three days later

Friday Night

Harry was pacing in Grimmauld's living room. Remus didn't say a word. Ron...

"Mate, you're going to make a hole in the floor!" Ron commented exasperatedly, shaking his head. He had never seen his bet mate like that. "She'll be here in a minute. You know how weird girls are!"

However, Harry wasn't really listening- his eyes were fixed on the stairs. Harry was starting to doubt if that was a good idea at all. What was he thinking when he asked Remus to help him in a 'romantic date with Hermione'? At such a time, it seemed to be a great idea but now...Oh, Merlin, his stomach was making strange loopings- his heart beating fast.

It was one of those times when you can't wait to come but when the day actually came- you want to go back in time! He had to agree that Remus and Tonks had done almost everything- they picked up new clothes and found a nice and romantic place where Harry and Hermione would have their date. Harry only help with the money, which wasn't a small amount.

Those three days had passed in a blink- so fast! Hermione was still having problems sleeping, but she didn't tell him what was troubling her. On a happier note, he and she seemed to be fine, at least. There had been some little discussions but nothing very serious- thank Merlin! The main one was about Ginny...

Yes, Ginny. Harry had no idea who was the smart one that permitted- or better- agreed that Ginny should start to do physical training with him and Claire (er, Professor Larousse...). Of course, it didn't take a genius to know that Hermione wouldn't be happy.

And she wasn't indeed.

'If she got pissed with Ginny ... I don't even want to SEE what would happen if she found out about Claire!' Harry thought dreadfully. 'I have to tell her...'

Harry shook his head to vanish his thoughts- now wasn't the time.

"Ron, do you think I'm alright?" he finally asked.

"You are smashing, Harry, my friend!" Ron replied, rolling his eyes.

"Ron, you are not helping!" Harry cried exasperated.

"You are fine. And this is Hermione, after all. She won't see anything new, right?" Harry glared at his red head friend. "But, of course, these clothes are pretty-er- good. This Armario fellow is good."

Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Armany, Ron! Arma-" He suddenly stopped talking, his eyes staring at the angel walking down the stairs.

Hermione...

She looked amazing, simply gorgeous in a long silk tangerine dress.

"Harry?" she asked tentatively. Tonks was by her side, smiling proudly.

Harry stared at her, mouth hanging open for a few seconds, before finally managing to say, "Wow!" He put his hands on her hips, looking over her slim body. "You look amazing. Beyond gorgeous!"

Hermione looked down, shyly; her cheeks reddening. "You look handsome too, Harry," she whispered, after looking at his nice black trousers and dark grey shirt.

Harry, then, leaned towards her and kissed Hermione softly on the lips. Not caring about the other people in the room, Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry's waist, and he brought her closer to him, deepening the kiss.

A throat being cleared broke the embrace. Red as tomatoes, they looked at Remus.

"Sorry," they apologized together.

"Okay, okay!" the werewolf said, smiling. "Now, you better hurry. The Muggle cab will be here in a few minutes."

"Oh, right!" Harry said, taking Hermione's hands. "Thanks for everything, Remus." He turned to Tonks. "Tonks."

Before Tonks or Remus could say anything, Hermione spoke out, biting her lower lip, "Is it really alright with the two of you to watch over James?

Tonks grinned. "He's a nice boy. Don't worry, Hermione."

"And he's already sleeping," added Remus.

"Yeah, I know- but this is the first time I'm leaving him...and maybe he could wake up and feel alone and-" She was babbling.

"You don't have to worry, Hermy!" Ron said, receiving a glare from the young witch, which he chose to ignore. "James will be alright. If he wakes up, Uncle Ron here can tell him a few funny stories about his parents, Uncles Fred and George..."

"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione cried, exasperated. "No colorful language in front of James!"

Ron held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay! But he is only a baby, you know!"

"A baby can understand everything! Even from the mummy's tummy!"

"Oh, if it's the way you are saying, he is already compromised," Ron replied, not being able to control himself.

Hermione and Harry narrowed their eyes at him. "What did you say, Ronald?"

"Well, the period he was in your tummy he only had Loony to listen-" He brought a hand quickly to his mouth, realizing what he had just said. "Oh, Merlin, I'm so sorry! I didn't-"

Hermione walked towards him, and kissed Ron on the cheek, smiling softly. "That's alright, Ron." He nodded.

"We better be going, luv," Harry said, taking her hand again.

They bid their good-byes and then finally left.

*****

Zafferano

15 Lowndes Street, Knightsbridge, London.

Harry and Hermione were sitting at the best table of a rather fancy Italian restaurant.

"Harry, this is the best Italian restaurant in the whole London!" Hermione hissed. "And it's one of the most expensive too! You shouldn't-"

Harry took Hermione's hands into his own. "I know all this Hermione- and all the money of the world wouldn't be enough to show my love for you, sweetheart." He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her palm gently. "Let's talk about more pleasant things-" He pushed a stray hair away from her face. "-like you."

Hermione blushed deep red, but didn't look down. "You never speak like that, Harry," she whispered.

Harry let go off her hand, a little alarmed. "Why? Am I too forced? Don't you like it?" he asked frantically. "This night is for you-"

Hermione caressed his face. "Everything is perfect, Harry. Thank you."

"Good, good," he blurted relieved. "Bill told me-"

"What?" Hermione interrupted him. "Bill? Bill Weasley?"

Harry flushed, embarrassed. "Er, he gave me some romantic lessons," he stammered.

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione cried, her eyes tearing.

Harry began to panic, not knowing what to do. "Oh god, please, Hermione, you don't have to cry! I didn't mean-"

"Oh, Harry," she whispered, wiping her tears with a tissue, "I'm crying because I'm happy! You are wonderful, you know that?"

"Er, right," he said, dumbstruck, "if you-"

"Sir," the waiter interrupted him, "have you already decided?"

Harry looked at Hermione, who nodded. "Yes, thank you," he replied. "We would like a Caesar salad for our entree." He paused briefly. "And then, I would like a Cannelloni al salmone. The lady would like a Conchiglione al sugo."

"Wonderful choices, sir," the waiter commented respectfully, "and for drinking?"

"We would like some wine."

Hermione cleared her throat politely. "Actually, I would like a glass of water."

"Hermione-"

"Harry, I can't drink alcohol." Harry looked at her confusedly. "I'm still breast feeding," she explained in a low voice.

"Oh!" he said in understanding, turning his attention to the waiter. "The wine is only for me then."

The waiter nodded briefly. "That's alright, sir," he said before leaving.

**

While drinking and eating, Harry and Hermione talked about almost everything but the war. They flirted, exchanged sweet words- they did what almost all normal couples usually do. Harry felt a lightness in his chest. He was happy- and seeing Hermione's bright eyes shining at him made his beating heart melt joyfully.

"You are making me feel almost normal, Harry," she said. "If only I could know what is happening to me..."

He shook his head as he suddenly remembered something. "You know, when I was kid, in Surrey, I remember aunt Petunia talking with uncle Vernon about a neighbor. T-This neighbor had just given birth but she wasn't feeling right. She was with a disease, I think. Um, I don't remember...it was some kind of depression..."

"Post-partum depression," Hermione whispered. "D-Do you think so, Harry? D-Do you think that maybe I-?"

"We will talk with Madam Pomfrey."

"It's a very hard disease. My mum once told me-" She looked down.

"Hermione, that's alright let's not talking about sad things."

"I know...it's just- I miss them, you know? Even with everything my dad had said- telling me if I crossed the front door I wouldn't be his daughter any more- I miss them."

The waiter, who was bringing their desserts, impeded Harry from being able to comment anything to that. However, he thought to himself, 'I need to talk to a certain Mr. and Mrs. Granger.' That very thought brought an unpleasant sensation to his stomach: talking to the Grangers also meant telling them that Hermione had had a child- and he was the father! But now, he had another thing to do.

Oh boy...

*

Hermione was eating her chocolate mousse in silence, glancing at Harry, who was awfully quiet and- nervous. The night had been wonderful until then- truly; she never had felt so happy, so loved.

"Harry?" she asked tentatively. "Is everything alright?"

Her voice seemed to bring him back to reality. He shifted, a little uncomfortable in his chair, before he began to speak in an oddly formal voice, "You know I love you with all my heart, don't you? You are my everything. Without you I would be nothing- probably dead."

"Harry-"

"Please, let me finish." Hermione nodded, and he continued, "I took so much time to realize it- to realize this love inside my body- my soul...I-I made stupid decisions- I hurt you...but I never never stopped loving you, even if I didn't even know that." He sighed deeply. "James...I won't say it wasn't a surprise- because it was. However, everytime I look at his smiles, giggles...god, I love him with all my heart." Harry took a large drink of wine before standing from the table and then knelt in front of Hermione. "Hermione-"

The brown haired witch brought a hand to her mouth; happy tears began to fall from her beautiful eyes.

"Hermione," he said again, "I love you more than my own life. You gave me love, a son...a reason to live." He put a hand on his trouser front pocket, taking out a small blue velvet box. "Hermione-"

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

"...Jane..."

"Oh god...Oh god..."

"...Granger..."

"Oh god...Oh god..."

"Would you like to be my wife?"

"Oh god...Oh god...Yes! Yes! Yes!" Hermione cried happily.

Harry smiled relieved- not that he thought that she would say no- but...er, you never, know right?

Hermione opened the box tentatively. "Sweet Merlin, Harry!" she gasped.

"D-Do you like it?"

"It's gorgeous..."

He took the platinum diamond solitaire ring from the box. "Here, let me put it on you..." And he carefully slipped the ring on her finger. Hermione looked at her hand in amazement, before whispering softly, "It's beautiful...You can't imagine how happy you make me."

"Um, you can show this happiness by kissing me..." He smirked slyly.

"Oh, you big-" But then Hermione was interrupted by Harry's lips. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him closer to her; his arms around her waist, fingers caressing her lower back. His mouth traveled from her mouth, to her jaw-line as he began to place small, soft kisses on her face and collarbone, not caring if they were in a public place.

Merlin, he loved her...

They kissed for a good minute or so when Hermione finally broke the embrace, breathing heavily. "Harry...let's dance!"

"Er...love...but you know I don't know how to-"

"Oh, Harry!" She looked at him with puppy eyes. "I'm so happy! J-Just this time! Please!"

"Okay," he gave in, grinning. How could he say no? "Let's go dance!" And they walked hand in hand towards the dance floor, where a slow Italian song was being playing by the orchestra.

**

"Thank you," Hermione whispered into his ear, burying her face in his neck. "I love you." She brought her fingers up and pushed them into the hair at his nape.

Harry felt a shiver go up his spine as he felt Hermione's fingers in his hair. Smiling slightly, he bent forward so that his face was pressed against her curls, his lips moving slightly against her skin as he whispered back, "I love you too." He kissed softly behind her ear. "I love you too."

Their bodies danced together in a sensual embrace, His hands traveling down her back, her hips pressing against his lower body...

Merlin, he wanted her right then, and he literally, had to keep himself in check so as to remain a gentleman and just enjoy the dance.