Chapter 8.)

For the next week, Hermione and Harry have been preparing the children for school. Reminding them that the nonmagical children could not see their wands, or hear about magic, and that they should always keep it on them. Which lead to the surprise of disillusioned holsters to be given and placed on their arms.

The adults had prepped all the paperwork, and after an afternoon spent in the office of the Middle School, all the kids were signed up for school. They would begin that Thursday. You could literally feel the happy vibes coming of the children.

It was enough to make Hermione smile all day. And that's what she did. She let go of her grief for the day and soaked up the happiness.

That night Harry made all the family's favorite meals to eat. Luna's Chocolate and Banana Pudding. Hermione's deep-fried chicken wings, coated in hotsauce. Neville's favorite chicken noodle soup. Lily's cheesy pizza. James' messy baby back ribs, covered in Barbeque Sauce. Teddy's rare steaks. Rose's Red Devil cupcakes, with creamy vanilla frosting and Oreos crushed atop them. And Harry's treacle tarts.

It was a silent night, the kids filled with worry, and Hermione packing their bags and putting charms on them. Neville and Luna had turned in early, because Luna wasn't feeling well. Harry had taken the kids off to bed and smiled when he came back out to see Hermione pacing. "What if they're not ready?!"

"'Mione they're ready. They cannot be cooped up in this house forever, and neither can you. After we drop them off, we can go ask Billy where the pack house is." He smirks when she stops and glares at him. "You can question them all you want." Here she stuck her tongue out at him and he reaches over and tickles her.

"Harry…! Stop! Please… I beg of you…!" She screams over and over gasping for air, due to her laughter. After a while they both settle down and lean against one another. Harry smiles.

"Who would have thought…" Harry started saying, but was cut off by her.

"That we would finally be able to be young." And then she giggled. "Being old doesn't suit you Mr. Potter-Black."

He mock-gasped and grabs his chest like he's been wounded. "You break my heart, Mione. You are a horrid, little best friend." He laughs obnoxiously.

Later that night, as Harry was checking on his family, he noticed that Hermione wasn't in her bed. It was habit for someone to make the rounds. So, they came up with a routine, for the adults. Even Luna refused to be left out of it. He could still sense her within the wards, so he followed the magic flow.

He stood there leaning against a tree watching as she cried silently. It broke his heart, to watch her go through this every day, every night. He left his spot beside the tree and silently walked over to her.

"I miss him, Harry…How do I make it stop hurting…?" She mumbled silently into his shoulder, if he hadn't had his ear right above her face, he wouldn't have heard. The tears that kept falling, hit his bare shoulder, and her curly hair was mussed from sleep. "I can't sleep without seeing him…"

He didn't say anything, because there wasn't anything to be said. The only thing she could do, was heal. On her own terms. If that meant crying every night, then he'd just hold her until she was better. He didn't say any words of comfort, no words of guarantees, and no promises that things would get better for her. He was as silent as he was when he first found her.

They sat there, the entire night. Watching the night sky. Watching as the sky got lighter, and the sun rose. And at the point, they stood up. Harry's shoulder wet, and Hermione's face puffy and wet. They didn't have time to clean up, so they went in and got awoke the kids. Made breakfast, and ate in silence.

That was their life. Silence. Utter silence. They had lost so much, fought so long, and survived through so much chaos, that they welcomed the lack of noise as if it was a dear friend.

Just as quietly as they ate breakfast, did the kids get ready for school and climb into the car. Harry drove, since his mind wasn't as dazed as Hermione's. When they got to the school, the only words spoken were the reminders, and their 'I love you' and 'see you later'.

Harry continued driving, he didn't know where too, he just kept driving for a bit. Before he remembered. Billy's house. Directions. Pack house. He soon got back on track and headed back toward the Quileute lands.

Harry and Hermione got out of the car at the same time, heading up to Billy's door together. Still not a word spoken. 'Mione's face looked drawn and tired, but mostly broken. Harry's face was heartbreakingly stoic but you could see the brokenness and sorrow in his eyes. "Billy, can you give us directions to the pack house?" His voice was hoarse and deep, scratchy even. Billy gave them the directions and gave a hug to Hermione, before showing them out the door.

Once again there was absolute silence. This time, it felt heavier. Denser. Like they couldn't talk, whether they wanted to or not. So, they accepted the silence, because that's all they could do.

Perhaps their silence was in part due to their losses, but also due to their fear. Their fear of having their children out of their line of sight. The fear of losing someone close to them. Just an overwhelming sense of fear, that made it impossible to talk. Therefore, letting them welcome the all too familiar silence. The white buzz of noise in their mind, and the beat of their hearts in their ears.

That's how silent they were in the car that finally pulled up to the Uley house. That's how silent they were, walking up the porch steps and how silent they were until it was disturbed by them knocking on the door.

It swung open two minutes after the knock and it was Seth who opened the door. He sported a brilliant smile on his face, as he allowed them access into the house. He bellowed to the rest of the house. "GUESS WHO'S HERE!?"

And there went their silence, in came the pounding of feet and voices, as they walked towards the kitchen. Of course, they knew who was at the door already, because of their acute sense of smell. Hermione took a step back and leaned her head against Harry's shoulder, due to the noise level.

That's what happens when you shove so many people into a tiny arse kitchen, she muttered under her breath.

Yet everyone still heard her, so they all laughed. Harry smiled softly, and pulled her to his side. Wrapping an arm around her, guiding her to an available chair. He looked up and caught Leah's eye, his smile brightening even more. "Hey guys." He says in a whisper, his voice still not wanting to be used apparently.

Emily walked over carrying two glasses. "Here drink, and help yourselves to some of the muffins. Chocolate Chip. Hurry before Paul gets here." She giggles slightly and hands the cps to them as well as a muffin.

Hermione finally cracks a smile. It's a pathetic one, but it's there. She accepts the items and begins to ingest the food and drink. "Merlin…these are sooooo good." She moans after a bite. "Better than Hogwarts, Harry." So, with Hermione's acceptance of the food, does he eat. The food gaining the same reaction from him as well.

"Damn, that's some tasty food right there." He chuckles and listens to the sounds of the people. He looks around and catches the eye of Leah and nods his head towards the door. Before bending and whispering, "I'm going to talk to Leah. Make friends. I think it'll help."

A/N: Hey guys. So, anyone want anything specific to happen during the conversation of Harry and Leah?

What's your opinion on Paul and Hermione? Obviously, she just lost her magical soulmate. Sirius. But I really want her to be the Imprint of Paul.

I was thinking, maybe, he imprints on her and she knows it. But her soul is still grieving, so until she heals enough to love someone new Paul must wait. It's in the process of being thought upon.

But your opinions, would be much appreciated. Please do Review and leave your opinions. For both parts of my A/N.