Chapter 3

One year later….

One night an owl came. At that point, Harry still didn't told Claudia about the Wizarding world. Thus, for Claudia this was strange; she'd never seen an owl so close to people, especially one carrying a piece of paper on his leg.

How very odd, she thought, because there were no owls in Puerto Rico, not even mentioning – trained owls. The moment the owl appeared, Harry got up quickly; but Claudia had noticed his very tense and nervous face.

She made a face and turned to Harry, "Harry, that's curious, there's a bird on our window, knocking…"

"A bird? Let's see," Harry just froze, his mind went blank. He let the owl in and took the letter. It was from his solicitor, requesting Harry's presence in England on and urgent matter. Harry knew that everything was fine and that his assets were very well guarded in the Grindotts bank, so this request came as a shock. It was unexpected. Now, he would have to explain everything, the past was catching up with him. Claudia just looked at him and silently waited.

He had always been so careful in guarding his secret from her. In this past two years, he had visited England, always because of the Ministry or his solicitor requests. Those were very short trips, which lasted only a few hours and had mostly done by portkey. He managed to keep everything away from his new life and from Claudia.

She did suspect that he was hiding information from her. But what was it and why? Didn't he trust her? Harry was always very reserved when it came to his past, friends or business. But Claudia knew that he was very important and wealthy. All the time he had been with them, he had never worked and still, he was very generous and always tried to pay for everything. She saw, that Harry did receive letters with golden seals, but she had never pressured him, feeling that he would tell her everything when he would feel ready. She was sure that eventually he would come clean with her.

Claudia loved him, in the beginning it was more pity than anything, he had suffered so much, but now, everything was different. She would give anything she to see him smile, laugh and free from the nightmares that plagued his sleep. But most of all, she wanted him to be free from the guilt that he carried. She knew it could have been prevented. His broken soul just had started to mend, but his secrets would never let the healing be complete until he would open up.

She noticed that every time she started to read her favorite book from JK Rowling, he tried to distract her or came up with something to do. Or, when she wanted something and before she could even tell him about it, everything would appear. It was as if he could read her mind or something, but that was impossible. So, she dismissed these thoughts.

For Harry to comply with Claudia's desires was simple. A use of Legilimancy and he could make something simple into something spectacular; of course he got the help of his elves, but he was very careful, he avoided all magic outburst. Keeping Claudia in the dark about his magic was not easy. But he was firmly set, not to jeopardize his newfound happiness for anything.

And now, there was this owl. He glanced at Claudia; she watched him curiously and then came the questions – a thousand of them. He couldn't look at her.

He had been planning to propose to her that night on the beach, with the full moon as a witness… and now this.

In truth, he never planned to tell her about his past, or, who he really was. Claudia never asked him anything or pressured him to talk, she just loved him for who he was, not his image of Savior of the Wizarding World.

"Harry, is that a letter? Is this a trained bird? Harry this is just incredible!" Harry just stood there speechless with a worried expression on his face. Claudia sensed a shift in his mood, "Sweetie, please look at me. What's going on? Why are you looking at me like that? Why do you look so guilty? Harry, please, you're scaring me," she pleaded with her questions.

"I'm sorry Claudia, I will explain everything tomorrow." Every single fear of losing her came back with that owl. Could she accept him for what he was? Would she forgive him for deceiving her? He tried to get close to her, but she stepped back, staring at him, searching for answers, looking him straight in the eyes.

She wasn't letting him to leave without answers, "No, this time I will not let you to dismiss it that easily Harry. I need to understand. I have never ask you about your past, for me it is not as important as your present and our future, but your nightmares are always so full of anguish. I need to know what's going on," Claudia looked at him with a mix of sadness and fear in her eyes. She had never expected this.

He turned to leave, something he did often when he felt overwhelmed, but this time she stopped him before he left the room and held him. She took his face into her hands looking at him. Then she spoke, "Harry, it is ok that you are not telling me. But clearly, something is not right. I think I need to know, better yet, I deserve to know what it is. Please, it's killing me inside. I can promise you, whatever it is I can help you to handle it, because I love you; but you have to tell me the truth. You will not be completely free from your nightmares and your sorrows until you let them go."

With a sigh, Harry dropped himself in the seat and told Claudia the whole story. She didn't interrupt him; she heard everything and waited for him to finish. She had only one concern – how l this information would affect them. And not only them… Harry didn't know yet, but Claudia was three months pregnant. She was planning to tell him tonight. She knew that he will be thrilled, because she knew how much he loved children from watching him play with his nieces and nephews. Now, this news could change everything.

Harry finished his story and looked at Claudia with expectancy and a little fear. This was too much to take in one day. He knew that Claudia loved him but he had kept his life from her, his soul.

"You know that I love JK Rowling's books, and this character of Harry Potter, and you knew all along that was based -on your life and you never told me?" Her voice cracked, tears formed in her eyes, "Harry why? Every time you joked about me believing in magic and in this wonderful world you called fantasy. You called it unreal and you knew it was real, you knew it was there and you joked around telling me that it was childish of me to believe! All this time this was real. Was I not good enough to confide in me? Or was it because I am…," she looked around searching for the right word, "what is called in the books a Muggle? All this time you lied to me… I only have one more question. Have you ever really loved me or I was just a convenient shag, with no strings attach? Oh my God I'm and idiot of course you didn't. It was not allowed," Tears were flowing on her cheeks, she needed air, she needed to get out, she's suffocating.

With desperation, Harry grabbed her by her waist, and made her to face him. He needed to make her understand, but she pushed him out of the way and ran to the beach. It was a beautiful night with a full moon; the sea just crashed on the shore. There, she fell on her knees, sobbing. The sound of the coquí and the sounds of nature were like a balm to her spirit. She needed to think. Unconsciously she put a hand on her flat belly, "I am sorry, sweet angel, mummy is just upset right now."

"Claudia," he startled her, "please don't run from me, you are the most important person in this world for me, I do not know how to live if you are not with me, but I am begging you let me explain. Everything, what I told you before was the truth. I promise you, no more lies, no more omissions, just the truth" he sighed. He stood and walked to the shore until the water touched his feet. He knew how she hated lies and secrets, this was not going to be easy and he could easily lose everything. Turning to face her, he started…

"All my life they expected this Hero. I could never live, even since my childhood, without someone trying to kill me. I became something like a symbol to the Wizarding World. I was just a kid; I didn't ever know that I was a wizard until the age of eleven. When everything ended, I felt lost. I didn't know who I was or where I truly belong. I felt empty. I could not recall how I get here. I only closed my eyes and thought about a peaceful paradise. When you had found me, only hours passed from the Final Battle."

He dropped on his knees besides her and continued. "There were so many losses: Sirius, Remus, Tonks, Dumbledore, Fred and so many more. I could not take it anymore and I ran like a coward. When I woke up and saw you and your family, which went far and beyond to help me – a stranger. When you invited me to stay, I thought that the Universe was giving me another chance; a chance to start over and live, being just only me. I am alive when I am with you. You brought peace to my life. Love, hope and happiness, I love you."

Claudia took a huge breath, trying to calm herself. This is not good for the baby, she thought. She turned and spoke, "Harry, I'm in love with you. God help me, but I do! Since we met I have been honest, sincere and there for you in the measure that you have allowed me. That hadn't been much, not that I'm regretting it," she sighed, "what I mean, is that this is too much." Harry's heart was at his throat, this is not happening, this is a nightmare and I will wake up soon.

Claudia walked closer to Harry and put her arms around his waist, "My love for you is so strong, but you have to give me time to absorb all this. You have to understand that this is too much to take in just a few hours. I feel betrayed. I need some space, Harry. You have to return to England. During that time, think what you want to do. Please, I only ask you to be absolutely sure, what you want. So, after that, there will be no regrets. I promise you, I will accept any decision you make without a fuss. But tonight, please, I am exhausted. Please, just hold me, and don't make any promises." With that said, Harry exhaled and kissed her with all his feelings, pouring in that kiss all his love, hopes and dreams.

There is an old saying, "If you love someone or something, set it free; if it returns, it's yours, but if it doesn't, it never was." If this was for Harry's benefit, she had already made her decision; she would let him go even if it would kill her. She would set him free…

If he decided that his world is more important, then she would have the memories and stories to pass to her own child, to his child. She decided, she would not tell him, fearing that it would place unneeded pressure on him and he did not need that.

After a while, they walked to their house. Harry held her and just watched her sleep. He would do everything in his power to keep this piece of paradise and his beloved safe. He promised never lie to her again and to return to her and never let her go.