Soul Pieces

SOUL PIECES

Chapter 25: Life isn't a fairy tale

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

"You won't believe it, James," began Sirius Black in a Whiny tone of voice, "that toad of my brother wanted to talk with me!"

James Potter looked at his friend in surprise. Lily stopped her reading and also looked up at Sirius.

"Regulus? What did he want?" James asked.

"Oh, well, I didn't really listen to him. I made him leave my home!"

"Sirius!" cried Lily in annoyance, "why did you do that? He's your brother!"

"He is a bloody Death Eater, Lily!"

"...Still!"

"Lily-" James started, but Sirius interrupted.

"However, he mentioned one thing before Disapparating that made me wonder."

"What did he say, Pad?" asked James.

"He said 'Horcrux'."

James' eyes opened wide.

"Do you think-"

"I don't know, James."

Lily looked between the both of them in confusion.

"What are you talking about? What is a Horcrux?"

"Don't you know what a Horcrux is?" asked Sirius in disbelief, almost teasing.

"Obviously not!"

"She is a Muggleborn, Sirius. This isn't something we learn at Hogwarts."

SÃ-rius nodded, and then explained everything he knew about Horcruxes.

"Oh, my! That's horrible!" exclaimed Lily.

"Man," commented James, "you really know about this stuff."

"Prongs, my dear friend, I am a Black."

"Too true. Too true."

And with a jolt, Hermione Granger woke up.

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

Saturday Night

Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, McGonagall Manor, Scotland

"Harry dear!" cried Mrs. Weasley as she hugged the young dark haired wizard tightly. "How are you? Look at you, so tall! But definitively skinny! Have you been eating at all? Oh, dear!"

"F-fine, Mrs. Weasley," he managed to say, not quite sure to which question he should answer first. "I'm fine, thank you." Over Mrs. Weasley's shoulder, he glanced at Hermione. She gave him an encouraging smile as she held James in her arms, rocking him tenderly.

"Mum! You're suffocating him!" exclaimed Ron, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, sorry dear!" she said, releasing him. Molly Weasley offered a last beaming look before turning her eyes to Hermione. "Hermione." The previous smile, and brightness in her eyes now gone; her tone wasn't angry, but not cheerful either. She lips were pursed into a thin line, and her frown seemed to denote a certain hesitation, like she was conjecturing something. "How are you?" she asked, her eyes boring into Hermione's.

Harry gazed worriedly at Hermione, motioning to come to her aid, but before he'd taken a step, Hermione shook her head almost imperceptivity, her eyes pleading.

He understood what she wanted- what she needed. It was her battle. Harry didn't have to think about it, but that would be the first time that Hermione and Mrs. Weasley would meet after...

His face went white as a strange feeling of burning began to creep into his cheeks. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley hadn't spoken to each other the day of James' birth since the young witch was unconscious during the labor. No...

Harry felt a strong desire to cough, trying to cover his own helpless awkwardness. His eyes narrowed, the images of Hermione's last birthday playing in his mind.

Oh god...

"I am sorry, Mrs. Weasley." Hermione's alto voice caused Harry's eyes to fly open, and fixed at the pair in front of him, not paying attention to Ron's dumbstruck look or the slightly, but still perceptive smirk on Ginny's lips. True, he wasn't aware of her presence until that moment.

"What?" Mrs. Weasley asked, sounding a bit surprised.

"I said I am sorry, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione repeated in a calm and flat tone.

"But...what for?"

Hermione lowered her gaze briefly at her son, before looking up again, and responded with a slight shrug. "For everything-."

Molly Weasley opened her mouth, but unable to say anything, she closed it a second later.

"I am sorry for, somehow, having disappointed you," Hermione continued, her voice serene. "I know that you have foresight-" She stopped, and bit her lower lip, a simple act that was indicative to Harry that his fiancée was only faking calmness. "I know you have always desired this big and happy Weasley family. I know that it would be superb for many a witch to have the boy-who-lived as their in-law."

"Hermione dear-"

"Please, let me finish, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, and Mrs. Weasley nodded. "I know that we, Harry and I, hurt your daughter's feelings, and-" She stopped as a blush started to creep its way to her cheeks, making clear to Harry that the night at the Burrow had just came to mind.

"Mum, Harry and Hermione love each other," Ron interrupted, speaking in a serious tone. "I'm really tired of having to go back to this-" He waved his arms into the air. "When James was born I spoke to you, remember? I asked you to not judge them, especially Hermione. When we went to see Dumbledore's Pensieve in the Headmistress' office, I truly thought you were fine with all this." He took a deep a breath. "But now...I don't understand mum..."

But then, Harry finally understood such suddenly change of demeanor, or maybe opinion, in Mrs. Weasley.

"Mrs. Weasley? Please tell me you don't believe- those lies that The Prophet have been publishing about Hermione!"

Molly Weasley looked to each of the trio nervously, and blinked.

Harry ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. "I love Hermione, Mrs. Weasley," Harry spoke with totally conviction, making Hermione smile. "She did not get pregnant on purpose. Merlin, Mrs. Weasley, until James' birth, she thought she was going to die!" Mrs. Weasley brought a hand to her mouth, stifling a gasp, her eyes tearing. "Do you think she would..."

"I-I am sorry, Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley cried out, looking at the brown haired witch. "Please forgive me once again. Arthur always says that I shouldn't believe in everything I read!"

"That's okay, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione responded with a smile.

"Oh! So now let me see this little one!" Mrs. Weasley spoke happily, raising her arms towards Hermione and the baby, like nothing had happened. Harry and Ron exchanged glances of amusement, but didn't comment. "Can I hold him, dear?"

"Of course, Mrs. Weasley." While the older witch was taking the baby, she saw for the first time, the bright diamond on Hermione's finger.

"Oh dear!" she cried, taking the baby into her arms, tears began to fall from her eyes. "You two are getting married!"

It was like a silencing Charm had been cast in the room; everything went quiet. And Harry decided that it was one of the most awkward moments of his life, with grit his teeth all eyes in the room turning to stare at him, as if waiting for some kind of official pronouncement.

It occurred to him that neither he nor Hermione had made any sort of plan about how they would tell everybody else about their engagement. Heavens, it had been less than twenty four hours since he had asked her!

Despite himself, Harry grinned as the memories of the previous night began to replay in his mind. Everything had been so perfectly wonderful that one little part of him was still having a hard time believing it had really happened.

Merlin, he loved her.

They did not have sex; not that that was really important. Remus had even advised him that even though Hermione's period of convalescence had already finished, she might not be ready yet. But with or without Remus' warning, Harry knew it wasn't time yet. To make that relationship flow they needed to take small steps, small steps that they had decidedly ignored in the past.

This time, he would do everything if not perfectly, almost. The first thing he intended to do the next day would be to talk with Madam Pomfrey about Hermione. If she really had post-partum depression they would start a treatment straight away.

Indeed, he had wanted to talk with the Hogwarts' nurse that same day, but Hermione said it would be better if they went to Hogwarts on Sunday, the day after the Order's meeting. Actually, she even said that they should spend their Saturday mornings and afternoons just enjoying each other.

It didn't take five seconds for Harry to agree with her.

"You asked her?" Ginny's demanding voice broke his reverie. Harry's head snapped up in her direction, an eyebrow slightly raised. "Did you ask her?" Ginny inquired again, her voice not sounding so demanding, but a little shocked, and disappointed.

Harry sighed. Ginny. It had been a while since he had been acquainted with the gut feeling that Hermione's uneasiness towards Ginny had indeed been valid. Yes, maybe he had been a little too trusting, believing in Ginny's speech of 'that's okay, Harry. Let's be friends then. I've already moved on.'

How stupid he had been to not realize that she hadn't moved on? He needed to have a very serious talk with her- a definitive talk.

"Yes, Ginny," he replied unequivocally. "And I have never been happier in all my life." He smiled at Hermione, who beamed at him.

"Oh." The redhead girl was incapable of veiling her disappointment.

"Congratulations, Harry," Mr. Weasley greeted him, standing up and extending his hand to the young man. Harry then realized that other familiar faces around them were talking excitedly about the news.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Harry replied shaking the older man's hand.

"You did the right thing my boy," Mr. Weasley said wisely, and they both turned their heads towards Hermione and Mrs. Weasley, who was still carrying James. Fleur, Tonks, and two other witches, whose names Harry didn't seem to remember, were talking excitedly with them. Ginny was oddly quiet.

"So now our little Harry will be a serious man!" the twins exclaimed in unison, and Harry grinned.

"Well done, Harry," Bill also congratulated him.

"Oh,'arry is so romantic!" The men heard Fleur squeal delightedly, and Harry felt his cheeks became warm.

"Mate, that's not fair! How can the rest of us measure up to that?! A cute baby and a diamond ring!" Ron exclaimed jokingly, and they all laughed.

**

A few minutes had passed and then someone said that the reunion would finally start. The Headmistress and Moody were waiting for them in another room.

Harry glanced to Hermione.

"Love, I think we should call Winky. The meeting is about to start."

"Sure, love."

"Why do you want to call the house elf, Harry dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh, it's for James, Mrs. Weasley- for the time we'll be in the meeting."

"Oh, dear! Why ever for?!" she exclaimed, looking flabbergasted. "Ginny can watch him, right dear?"

Ginny forced a smile. "Of course, mum. It's a pleasure. I can't participate in the reunion." She spoke the last sentence with a hint of bitterness.

"We already talked about it, Ginevra." Mrs. Weasley's voice denoted that that particular issue brooked any more discussion.

Hermione cleared her throat politely. "Um, Mrs. Weasley, it won't be necessary. Winky could-"

"Shhh, dear. It's settled. Ginny will watch James. Oh, look! Remus is calling!"

Harry shifted on his feet, feeling uncomfortable. He knew Hermione didn't like the idea of Ginny watching James- in fact; he didn't like the idea at all. However, the young couple knew better than to argue with Molly Weasley- and it wasn't the time or the place.

"Oh, alright then," Hermione agreed, sounding a little dubious. She took James from Molly's arms, and began to coo the baby a little. "Are you sure it won't be a bother, Ginny?" she asked the younger witch.

"Oh, no!" Ginny dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "He's so cute! And besides this way I can get some practice for when I get married, of course!" She smiled sweetly; maybe too sweetly.

Hermione lips pursed into a thin line, but didn't reply. Instead, she just looked at Harry and asked, "Love, can you please re-grow James' carriage?"

"Oh, I almost forgot!" he exclaimed and within a few seconds, a beautiful baby carriage showed up in the room.

Hermione smiled appreciatively at him, and then, carefully placed James inside. "Now, little one...mummy and daddy are going to a meeting okay?" she whispered in a motherly voice. "Just don't give too much trouble to auntie Ginny." Hermione looked up at Harry. "We better go."

"Everyone else is already there." Harry nodded. "And Ginny...thank you."

Ginny just gave him a wry smile.

*

Harry and Hermione walked the small distance towards the reunion room in a discomfited silence. If they turned their heads quickly enough they could swear Ginny was watching them.

Hermione was about to open the door so they could enter the room when Harry stopped her all of the sudden, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I love you, Hermione. Only you," he talked slowly, his green eyes boring into hers.

"I know," she replied in a whisper, shivering from the conviction in his voice.

"Good." He grinned and leaned even closer, kissing her on the lips. "Now we better get in there." He pulled away regretfully, and let his arms slip away form her waist, taking her hand.

"You devil little wizard!" She shook her head, before opening the door.

*

"Well, well ... now that Mr. Potter and Miss Granger have finally arrived," McGonagall said austerely, "we can start the introduction of the newer Order's members."

Harry and Hermione took a seat near Ron's. The dark haired wizard felt unexpectedly nervous. Until then he had never thought about the introduction to the Order but now...maybe they would perform some kind of ritual?

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

He glanced at Hermione, who seemed oddly calm.

"Hermione-" he called quietly.

"Shh!" she cut him off.

He then turned to Ron, who looked as apprehensive as he felt, maybe even a little more so from the paleness of his skin "Ron," he hissed, "did your brothers tell you about this introduction?"

Ron shook his head. "No." He leaned down his head, speaking quietly. "Not even Fred and George. I mean-"

"Weasley!" Harry and Ron's head snapped at the owner of the voice, Mad-Eye Moody.

"W-What?" Ron asked.

"Honestly, Ron!" Hermione cried, "you need to introduce yourself! Name and Patronus form," she explained sternly. "Haven't you been listening?"

"Er..."

"Stand up, Weasley!" Moody barked.

Ron stood up. "Er, right, I am Ron Weasley-" someone cleared their throat. "Sorry," he murmured sheepishly. "My name is Ronald Bilius-" Harry could swear he had heard the twins snickering, and Mrs. Weasley sniffing. "Weasley and my Patronus is a Terrier." His ears went red as he said the last bit.

"You can take your seat now, Weasley," Mad-Eye instructed before diverting his attention to Hermione. "Granger..."

Hermione lifted from the chair, and then spoke in a clear voice, "My name is Hermione Jane Granger-" 'Potter, very soon!' thought Harry with a smile "...and my Patronus form is an otter." And with that she returned to her chair.

Harry didn't wait for someone to call his name; he simply stood up and introduced himself, "My name is Harry James Potter-" Merlin, who doesn't know that? "- and my Patronus is a stag." He sat down.

Now what?

"Now," Remus spoke for the first time, "it's time for the blood."

Harry felt every muscle of his body contract. "What?!" he and Ron shouted in unison, looking at each other.

"Honestly you two!" Harry heard Hermione's voice and looked at Remus- the old Marauder was laughing, along with several other members.

Harry felt stupid.

"Honestly, Remus!" McGonagall complained harshly. "You are supposed to be an adult here!"

"Sorry, Minerva," Remus apologized, wiping the tears in his eyes from laughing, "but the way these two were acting..."

"That's alright!" McGonagall cut him off, and Harry noticed that she seemed to be fighting an uncontrollable urge to roll her eyes. "Potter, Weasley, there will be no blood ritual..."

Harry heard McGonagall and Mad-Eye explain that there was just an introduction to make clear the Patronus form. He listened to each other member at the table introduce themselves and their Patronus. Some faces he could recognize from fifth year, others were new to him.

He was thinking that was rather boring. Where were the discussions about Voldemort- the new plans, strategies, alliances?

"I know you may be a little disappointed up to now," McGonagall spoke, almost like she could have been hearing Harry's thoughts. "However, tonight's reunion is basically a matter of introducing yourselves to the most active Order members here in Britain. Unfortunately, two of our-" McGonagall was interrupted when the room's door flew open and someone entered abruptly.

Harry just stared in disbelief, his blood started to boil.

They have to be kidding!

"Sorry, Professor," Oliver Wood apologized, taking a seat, in front of Hermione, "my appointment went longer than I expected."

McGonagall nodded in acknowledgement. "Very well, this is Oliver Wood, you probab-"

"Can someone explain to me what he is doing here?" Harry asked harshly, unmistakably not being able to control himself.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked, grabbing his hand. "Please!"

"Mister Potter, Oliver Wood is an Order member. If you have any personal issue with him, here is not the place. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am, I am sorry."

But Harry didn't seem sorry at all.

And then McGonagall and the others began to talk...

However, he wasn't paying attention anymore. His eyes were fixed on Wood. He couldn't believe that that bloody Scotsman was in the Order. Why hadn't anyone said anything? Why hadn't Remus warned him?

Ugh! The git was smiling at something Hermione had said!

'She's with me!' Harry thought fiercely.

They were talking about something involving vampires but he didn't care...

'Um, maybe if he gets bit by a Vampire...'Harry pondered darkly. 'But then, some people think Vampires are sexy!'

Harry groaned.

'Not Hermione!'

'She's with you Potter, you don't need to be jealous.'

'I am not jealous!'

'Right...'

'I am just concerned; he might want to try some funny business.'

'Oh, yeah, and he does have that strong Scottish accent...'

'Hermione is not-'

'She dated Krum, you know ...'

'Argh, shut up!'

"Harry? Harry!" Harry blinked twice, shaking his head. "Are you alright?" Hermione asked with concern. Harry nodded. "The meeting is over."

"Ah," Harry murmured stupidly.

"Harry?"

"I'm fine!" he exclaimed and stood up, looking around. The only people in the room were the two of them and Remus. "Where's Ron?"

"Talking with the twins," she replied.

"Um, Hermione," Remus cut in, "I would like to have a word with Harry." He cleared his throat. "In private."

Hermione looked at Harry, somewhat surprised. Harry shrugged.

"Oh, right," she said with a smile, but Harry could see she was dying to know what Remus wanted to talk to him about. "I'll be waiting outside, love."

Harry wanted, actually he was almost dying, to ask her to not go near Wood, but he knew better than that.

"I won't keep you," he said instead.

She smiled, and gave him a peck on the lips before leaving.

As soon as Hermione closed the door behind her, Harry turned his attention to Remus. "Remus?" He noticed that his former DADA teacher looked serious.

Remus sighed. "Harry, sometimes an Order meeting can be very ...boring," Remus spoke in an almost lecturing tone, "but, you need to pay attention!"

Harry pretended indignation. "But I was paying attention!" Remus raised an eyebrow. "Er, sorta..."

"Harry, you spent half of the reunion glaring at Oliver Wood!"

"Remus-"

"Harry, I know you feel jealous-"

"I am not jealous!"

Remus snorted. "The thing is, Harry, your personal life must to stay outside, okay? This is important. Being in the Order isn't for fun. In many levels our lives depend on it. We don't need to go through that issue again about your role in this war, you already know it."

Harry felt bad. He knew Remus was right. He should have paid more attention to the reunion but- argh!- Remus also should've told him about Wood!

"I am really sorry, Remus," Harry apologized, "but you should've told me about Wood."

"Yes, maybe I should have," Remus agreed.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Is that all, Remus? Hermione and James..."

"Actually, Harry there is another thing." Harry noticed that Remus' expression changed. He wasn't just serious but also concerned. "I forgot to tell you about Wood because something else occupied my mind today and-"

"What is it?" Harry urged. Had something happened? But... what?

"Severus contacted me today, Harry."

"What did he say?" Harry asked simply. He still wasn't quite sure how to feel about him. Obviously, he would be forever grateful for Snape saving Hermione's life but- He was still a slimy, greasy, utter git.

"He said that you, Ron and Hermione are wrong."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Huh?"

"He said that-"

"No, I understand but I don't have the faintest idea what he is talking about, Remus."

"Harry-"

"No, Remus I swear. I don't know what he is talking about. I will talk with 'Mione and Ron. Maybe, they- but, really, I'm lost here." Harry wasn't lying; he really didn't have a clue.

Remus Lupin looked doubtful but didn't say anything.

"Now, if you excuse me, I want to see my son," Harry said and left the room, leaving a frustrated Remus Lupin behind.

*

When Harry didn't see Hermione and James with Ginny and Ron, who were talking with the twins, he asked where they were.

"Er, mate," said Ron, with his ears red, "she, well-"

"Oh, for Merlin's sake, Ronald!" cried Ginny. "Hermione is over there with Oliver Wood!"

And she pointed with a finger in the direction of Hermione and Oliver talking in a corner. Oliver had James in his arms. Harry's heart dropped to his stomach as jealousy rolled through him and he didn't even bother to reply. He simply turned around and hurried towards the couple.

I don't fucking believe it!

Abruptly, the dark haired wizard took James from Oliver's arms and spoke loudly, an edge to his voice, "What are you doing?"

"Harry!" cried Hermione.

Evidently, with Harry's abrupt rudeness, James began to cry. This made Harry even more possessive.

Hermione held up her arms, in a silent gesture, asking him to give her the baby, but Harry seemed to not have noticed.

"What was he doing with my son?" he demanded again, his blood pressure rising.

"Mate, calm down-"

"I am not your mate, Wood!"

Hermione, who was a little annoyed with Harry's outburst, asked Oliver to leave so she could talk with Harry alone.

"It's okay, Mi," said Oliver Wood kissing her cheek. Harry gritted his teeth.

"Now, tell me, Harry James Potter," said Hermione after Oliver left, "what is the reason of this? You made James cry!"

Harry looked sorrowfully at his baby, and began to nurse him, an attempt to make him calm down. "What's the reason?" he hissed. "What's the reason? You were talking to him, Hermione! He was with James!"

Hermione was about to reply when something behind Harry caught her attention. She tensed immediately.

"What is she doing here?" Her voice was barely audible.

Harry raised an eyebrow and turned around to see whom Hermione was talking about.

It was Claire. She was talking with McGonagall.

Harry felt his heart stop.

"Hermione-"

"What she is doing here, Harry?" Hermione asked again.

"Hermione-" Harry.

However, the young woman didn't wait for Harry to say anything and nearly ran towards the Headmistress and Claire.

"What she is doing, Professor?" asked Hermione.

"Oh, Miss Granger! Please meet Professor Claire Larousse. She is training Mister Potter-"

"Professor Larousse?" interrupted Hermione with a trembling voice. "But-but Professor Larousse isn't a man?"

Claire smiled. "I'm sure I'm not a man!"

Tears began to fall from Hermione's eyes, her body was visibly trembling.

"Are you alright?" Harry heard Claire ask worriedly; she looked up briefly, over Hermione's shoulder and saw him.

"Oh," she said, "you must be Hermione."

Hermione didn't say anything.

"Hermione," Harry called again. He was feeling panic, fear...despair. He couldn't lose her. Not after everything. They were going to get married- they were finally resolving their problems.

No...

She turned around and looked at Harry.

"Hermione," he repeated, "I..."

Without saying a word, Hermione took off her engagement ring and threw it at Harry's face.

No...no...

Harry couldn't speak. He hadn't even felt the metal hitting his face; it was like a strange and cruel nightmare.

"It's over," Hermione said audibly, before she Disapparated