When I get back, I find Harry on the windowsill looking outside and despite when he sees me, he smiles serenely, a bell of alarm rings instantly in my head in seeing him in the exactly the same position as yesterday. I must find a solution to this. I cannot stay much longer. I need to be back to Hugo, and I need to sort out the divorce from Ron but how can I possibly leave him here in this condition?
'What did you do while I was away?' I ask cheerfully sitting in front of him.
He shrugs 'Not much, I've done some thinking'.
'What about?'
He is motionless looking outside and doesn't give me an answer. Then he says 'When you moved to Romania, despite it had been an idea of mine, I hated it. I didn't like you being so far away, but it was the only possible solution, right? Nothing else could be done…'
'I guess so. We couldn't stay here any longer. And I don't think Ron will ever be able to return'
He nods 'I wonder if it would be a good choice for me too'
I look at him enquiringly 'Coming to Romania you mean? Look, Harry I don't think it's wise… Ron…' but he interrupts me chuckling.
'I know, I know. Ron would strangle me at the first chance. Come here' he beckons me to go to him which I do. He enfolds me with his arms as I lean my back against his chest, resting my head close enough to his own to feel his beard tickling my face.
'When are you going away?' he asks me softly.
'I don't know, but soon'
He kisses my head whispering in my ear sadly 'How will I do without you?'
My heart, that already wasn't behaving as it should, now it lurches frenziedly, and I know that this parting will be very hard to accomplish.
'You will do just fine. You'll see' I try to reassure him 'You just need to find something to keep yourself busy. Get out in the open air as much as possible, do some sport, go and visit the Burrow, Ted, or George. You are not alone, you know. Cook yourself some meals. It will be a good chance to improve your cooking'.
He laughs softly 'Yeah, I could do that. Why not?'
But then we fall back in our despondency, and I can almost hear the seconds, that mark my countdown in this house, running away.
What can I do to help him? What would make me feel better in his situation? What can bring some happiness in this house? Some serenity in his mind? Some occupation in his life?
And as I'm formulating these questions a brainwave makes me gasp startling Harry. I know what I can do!