Disclaimer- I own nothing. Thank you J K Rowling for creating this magical word for us to play in.

a/n- Thank you all for all the reviews! It truly brightens my day to see them.

Chapter 18
"Normal Speech"
Thoughts
'Mental Conversations'

Dumbledore's office-

Dumbledore went stumbling across his office to the floo and called Molly Weasley to come as quickly as possible. Never in a million years did he expect that damn Mudblood to stab him. He snorted at this for the third time since it happened. Of course she would stoop so low as using her muggle ways against him. At least he was able to stop the bleeding, and would be able to have Molly suture him up. He made his way over to one of the chairs close to the fire place as he waited, and thought about recent events. His first stop had been to see the Minister to prevent any further investigations into today's events. Married. A soul bond. That would make his future plans difficult, but not impossible. He heard the floo flair to life and watched as Molly Weasley stepped through to office.

"This better be good Albus, I was in the middle of something." She said as she was walking towards him. She stopped suddenly when she saw the blood on his robes. "What happened?" she asked as she took her wand out and started walking over to his side.

"I ran into Lord and Lady Potter at Diagon Alley. I made the mistake of trying to kidnap Hermione during the distraction of a small fight that was taking place, and she stabbed me while Harry distracted me." Dumbledore said with a wave of his hand.

Molly started with cleaning the wound and asked, "Is it safe for me to assume that you have already spun this to our advantage?"

Albus winced a little as she started to suture the wound closed and said, "Yes. My first stop was the ministry. I made them believe that some vagrants were responsible for targeting them and that I was trying to get them to safety."

"And what of the situation with the Dursely's?" she asked as she was applying a bandage to him.

Dumbledore winced slightly while Molly was applying the last of the bandage and replied, "I was able to convince them and all the appropriate people that it was a gas leak. I set it up so that the Dursely's have been relocated to a home in Surrey that I had purchased with the money from Potter's trust vault. I implanted a memory so that they believe they were the ones who bought the house with the insurance money. I had just managed to place the blood wards before my spy told me that Harry was on his way to Diagon Alley."

Molly finally took a seat opposite him an asked, "Won't people ask questions about the Dursely's? About why Potter's body was not found in the wreckage?"

"I have taken care of everything. No one in that neighborhood will even remember there was ever another boy living with the Dursley's." Albus was about to tell Molly about the soul bond, but decided against it for the time being. He really wasn't in the mood to listen to her ranting and raving at the moment.

"And what of the prophet?" asked Molly as she was walking back over to the fire place.

"Already taken care of."

Narcissa's home in Surrey-

In front of Harry, Hermione, and Narcissa was a rather large gate that would lead the equally large manor about 30 acres back. They noticed that the lawn and front gardens were perfectly kept as they walked up to the front of the manor. Harry was carrying Hermione since they left Gringotts seeing as the pain had become too great for her to handle. True to her Gryffindor nature, she tried not to make a peep as they walked closer to the front door. About half way they were greeted by two house elves. "Master Harry? Is that you?" asked one of them.

"Yes, and this is my wife Hermione, and Narcissa Black. She is the new owner here. Who are you two?" he asked.

The two house elves' faces beamed at hearing this. "I am Dro, head elf here. This is my mate Bess. Welcome home."

"Would you like us to take you directly to the master bedroom Master Harry?" asked Bess.

Harry took one look at Hermione and said, "I think that would be wise. But please take us to one of the guest rooms. Lady Black is the mistress of this manor."

The elves' looked to Narcissa who said, "Please take them to the master suite. There is no reason for one person to have such large rooms right now. Besides, once you two go back to Hogwarts, I can move in there."

Harry wanted to argue with her, but realized that he would lose this argument. "If one of you wouldn't mind taking us there. Lady Potter is very ill at the moment." Realization dawned on Dro and Bess' face as they truly looked at Lady Potter, causing them to try to apologize profusely. "There is no need for that. Please just take us there right away." Bess and Dro gave a deep bow and one went over to Harry and Hermione while the other went over to Narcissa.

With a blink of an eye, they were standing in a spacious bedroom that had hard wood floors that had an old and weathered look to them. The large room was separated by a fire place that was in the center of the room and had beautiful arch ways in place so you could easily get to the other side of the room. The walls were painted a warm tan color that seemed to breathe life and love into the room. Harry walked towards the bed and saw a large four poster bed whose wood had elegant carvings all over it. Over to the left were a few windows that went from the floor to the ceiling and had a set of French doors that opened up to not only the balcony but also a beautiful view of the entire back half of the property. Harry gently laid Hermione on the bed, but even this motion made her groan from the pain. "I'm sorry Maya." Harry turned to Narcissa and asked, "Why don't you take Fawkes and head back to get everyone else. Draco should have already warned everyone to gather everything they needed"

"No, I will not leave you two alone even for a second with Hermione like this." Replied Narcissa. "Dobby!"

"Yes Lady Black?" asked Dobby as he popped into the bed room.

"Could you please bring those who want to come? And please tell Emma not to worry. She will know what I mean."

Dobby looked over to Harry to make sure this was ok with his master before saying, "Right away."

Once Dobby left Narcissa walked over to the bed and said, "Where is the ointment the healer gave you Hermione?"

Hermione tried to reach into her pocket but hissed through her teeth. "You know love, you could have just told me and I would have grabbed it for you."

'Shut up Harry.' Thought Hermione since she was unable to speak at the moment. 'Can you ask Narcissa if she has ever heard of the spell Severus used?'

Harry just shook his head at this, no matter how much pain she was in, her need for knowledge always persevered. "Maya, we need to put you on your stomach so that we can rub the ointment in. I'm sorry love, but this is going to hurt." He waited for a respond but never got one. He felt Hermione build her resolve and courage seconds before he and Narcissa started to turn her over, causing her to scream as if her body was on fire. "I'm so sorry Maya," was all Harry kept saying has they rubbed the ointment onto the back of her legs, arms, neck, and back. Harry counted to three and the flipped her, again causing her to scream. As they rubbed the ointment on to the front of her, she was whimpering and had tears streaming down her cheeks. As they were finishing up Harry asked, "Narcissa, how did Severus know that spell? The Goblin said he had only seen it one other time and that was during the last war. Do you know who used it?"

Narcissa continued to rub the ointment into Hermione's arms and replied, "Someone taught it to him. I know of it, only because Lucius can't hold his tongue when he drinks. Voldemort created it during the last war. The only time it was used was when they decided to torture a goblin general. They tried to force information out him." By time they finished, Hermione was sobbing and shaking uncontrollable. Harry wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms, but he was afraid to touch her, afraid of making the pain worse.

They heard a door bell just before Dro popped in to inform them that their guests had arrived. "Narcissa, go see the them. I will stay with Hermione. Emma needs to know what is going on before she storms in here and gets Hermione even more worked up."

"Your right Harry. I'll be right back." replied Narcissa as she started walking towards the door. As she opened it, they heard Emma calling for them before she asked, "Do you want me to send word to Amelia Bones? I remember you mentioned something about dinner plans?

"Let's hold off on that for now." He replied as he cautiously took Hermione's hand.

'Harry, we need to keep those dinner plans. We have business to discuss with her and Susan.'

'Where is this WE coming from? You are staying in bed until further notice Lady Potter. Besides, I hardly think your behavior earlier today would allow you to attend a dinner party.' Harry let his disappointment shone through the bond and immediately felt Hermione's guilt.

'But Harry. You know what she was asking...' Hermione tried to argue.

Harry quickly cut her off and said, 'Your right, and I do understand. But that is no excuse for how you treated her.'

'I can't put my mother through that again.'

'Be that as it may, the way you handled the entire situation was completely wrong and left me feeling ashamed.' Harry waited for is point to sink in before continuing, 'I would expect you to use your head. You have never snapped like that before. The Hermione I know would have waited to hear all the facts before flying off the handle. The only thing I can think of is because of the changed we are going through, our hormones are all messed up. Also, with all that has happened, you are incredibly protective of you mum.'

'Your right. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have flown off the handle like I did.'

Harry snorted and thought, 'You think? Because of your actions I need to do damage control. What you did Hermione was irresponsible. You not only insulted the current Head of a Most Ancient and Noble Family, you also insulted the Head of the DMLE who has been bending over backwards for us.'

'I get the point Harry.'

'No, I don't think you do. I'm sorry for coming down so hard on you Hermione, but the damage you have done can have serious consequences.'

During their conversation Emma managed to slip into the room unnoticed. She cleared her throat before saying, "How are you feeling Hermione?"

Emma slowly made her way over to the bed to join the two. "Hello Emma. She is in quite a bid of pain." Harry said while trying to keep his own emotions under control.

"Hermione, can you speak or is it too painful?" Emma asked as she was got closer to the bed. Hermione tried to shake her head, but this cause a fresh wave of pain that made her squeeze her eyes shut and for more tears to run down.

Harry stood and brought over a chair for Emma to sit in. "Bess!" called Harry as he eased himself onto the bed again.

The little elf popped up and said, "You need something Master Harry?" Emma was a little startled by the sudden appearance of the little elf.

"Could you please bring a sleeping draught for Mistress Mione? She needs to rest and is currently unable too." Bess gave a deep bow and went to search for what was needed.

Harry sensed that Hermione wanted to argue, but said, "Hermione, you need to rest. That is the only way you are going to heal. Once you take the potion, I will leave you to rest. I'm sure your phoenix will find me if you need anything." Bess quickly came back and they managed to get Hermione finally settled. Once she was asleep, Harry stood up and gently kissed Hermione's forehead before heading over to Emma and did the same. "I will just be down stairs with the others. If you need anything, just call for Dobby, Bess, or Dro."

"I'm just going to sit here for a while. Can you let Narcissa know where I am if she asks?"

Harry gave Emma a hug and said as he was walking out the door, "I will let her know. Call if you need anything."

Terrace-

Harry slowly made his way down a hidden stair case that led to the kitchens and the back entrance to the terrace. He slipped outside for some peace and quite to think. So much in his life has changed since the end of last year. He smiled to himself as he looked up and saw a small stone path way that wrapped around the gardens and led to towards the back of the property. Well, he assumed it was the back of the property. The property itself easily went on for about 40-50 acres. He followed the path for a few feet and saw that the path forked off to the right a little and he ended up in a secluded out cove that had two benches as well as several chairs surrounding a fire pit. Everything was fitted perfectly under a stone gazebo that was open on all sides for proper ventilation. He decided to sit for a few minutes to try and gather his thoughts.

How has his life changed so drastically? The people he thought he could count on turned out just to be using him and stealing from him. Then there was Ron. He thought they were friends, and was crushed to find out the truth. He just couldn't believe that Ron and Molly would do such a thing to him, and that Molly would potion her own daughter and use it for her own means. You were supposed to protect your family, not use them like that. There was supposed to be unconditional love. Growing up he always wished to be a part of a family that loved him. He snorted at this thought. What he truly wanted growing up was to be loved. He would trade all this in for the one thing Ron had. A family that loved him.

As he sat there thinking, his mind turned to Hermione. She has always been his rock, and he loved her with all his heart. He still couldn't believe that she jumped in front of the curse like that. Despite all that Merlin taught them, he couldn't take away that pain she was feeling right now. He felt it spike a little and then receded again. Harry took a couple of deep breaths before standing to head back inside. Hermione was right, he still need to speak with Amelia and Susan Bones tonight. He had to convince them that Susan was indeed the heir of Hufflepuff. Harry was so absorbed with his thoughts that he didn't realize that a large grim came trotting up in front of him. Padfoot decided jump on Harry just to get his attention, and quickly set his plan in motion.

"Oaffff" said Harry as he was scrambling to get the grim off of him and back to his feet. Harry flicked the grim's nose and said, "Bad dog. No treats for you." Padfoot gave him a little whimper and went into a play bow before he parked. "You know Padfoot, if you want to talk, you need to be in your human form right?"

Padfoot gave him another bark before changing back into Sirius. "What's on your mind pup?" Sirius motioned for them to walk back to the gazebo. "As I asked before Pup, what's on your mind?"

"So much has changed Sirius. Dumbledore tried to kill me and has been stealing from me. Meeting the Weasley's was staged, as well as my friendship with Ron, which both of them are stealing from me as well. I am one of the richest wizards in Great Britain, not to mention I am married to the brightest witch of the age. I have a mad man still trying to kill me, well make that two, and come to find out my nemesis is actually turning into one of my closest friend." He felt another ripple of pain come through the bond so forcefully, he instantly jumped to his feet.

Sirius creased his brow and asked, "What is it?"

Harry fell back onto the bench and replied, "Hermione is still in a lot of pain. I think she tried turn over. It turns out the Cruciatus curse she stepped in front of was modified a version. It draws off a person core. The more magic you use, the worse the pain is, and there is nothing I can do about it."

Sirius saw the heart break on Harry's face and said, "Why don't you slip her something a little stronger. Perhaps we should reach out to a healer. Maybe if we put her in stasis for 24 hours, that will." Harry loved his God Father, but never in all his life did he ever want to smack someone than right now.

Sirius started staring off into space, an unfortunate side effect curtsey of his long stay on the island. "Sirius." Called Harry. "Sirius!" causing him to fall of his chair as Harry pushed him.

"Huh? Oh, sorry pup. Where were we?"

"I'm not putting my wife in stasis. I think when we use magic, it makes it worse." Harry jumped to his feet and said, "That's it! Sirius, you're a genius! Well, sort of anyway." Harry ducked as he ran past Sirius to avoid the hand that was swinging for his head.

Ottery St Catchpole-

Luna Lovegood was cleaning up the kitchen as her father was sitting at his desk working on the next copy of the Quibbler. Ever since Luna's mother passed away, Luna has been trying to help her father around the house. Everyone at Hogwarts thought she was crazy. If they only knew the truth. Luna was not loony at all; she was a seer. The only down side to the visions was they came without warning, and it always looked like she was staring off into space. Xeno heard the plate crash to the floor and he jumped up to go and check on his daughter. "Luna?" he called as he walked into the eccentric kitchen. He found her standing next to the sink, broken plate at her feet, with her head tilted to the side. "Moon bean?" He put his hand on her arm. As fast as the vision began, it was over. Xeno quietly asked, "What did you see?"

Luna blinked a couple of times and said, "Hermione is seriously injured. I have to go to her." Luna started for the door, but was stopped before she was even out of the kitchen.

"We can do that my little moon bean, but do you even know how to find her?"

Luna looked at her father like he had three heads. "We call for an elf silly. Dobby!"

In the middle of door way popped the house elf who said, "You called me? Who be you?"

"My name is Luna. I'm friends with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Hermione is very sick right now and I have to get to her. Can you take me to her sir?"

Xeno had a huge smile on his face, and Dobby's ears perked up at the sir part. "Both of you?" Dobby waited for an answer.

Xeno looked at Luna before saying, "Just Luna. I have a feeling it is only supposed to be you." He walked over and gave Luna a kiss on the head before returning to his desk.

Luna smiled down at the elf and said, "I'm ready when you are sir." Dobby grabbed her hand and off they went.

Back at the Manor-

Harry came running in through the French doors from the terrace so fast it made everyone jump. "What the?" asked Draco as he was jumping to his feet. Harry took the steps two at a time and burst through the bedroom door just in time to see Narcissa and Andy standing over Hermione with their wands drawn. "STOP!" he screamed as he came running into the room.

They were so startled that they almost dropped their wands. "Harry? What is the meaning of this?" asked Narcissa.

Harry ran to Hermione's side. "Magic makes it worse." He replied in between trying to catch his breath. "The healer said that this curse feeds off magic. The pain gets worse when you use magic. I just figured it out. That is why nothing is working."

As Andy was going to ask how did he know this, Dobby popped in with Luna. "Dobby? Luna? What are you doing here?" asked Harry, trying hard not to looked shocked at their sudden appearance.

Luna calmly walked over and gave Harry a hug before saying, "I know what to do for Hermione. You are right, about the way that spell works. Is it ok with you if I fix her?"

She started making her way over to Hermione but was stopped as Harry stepped in front of her to shield Hermione. "How did you know this Luna?" How do you know what is happening?" Harry felt a little tingle in the back of his mind, Keep the child of the moon close.

"I think you already know the answer to that Lord Pendragon." Harry's jaw dropped to the floor. "Now, do you mind if I see to Hermione, I can tell you that she is in agony right now. Which I am sure you are feeling through your bond as well." Luna moved passed Harry before he even picked his jaw up off the floor. She walked up Hermione's head and tapped her finger on her lips. She quickly started pressing Hermione's pressure points, starting from the head and slowly working her way towards her feet. Once she was done with that, she turned to the nightstand and quickly transfigured the matches to acupuncture needles and turned back to Harry who still had his mouth hanging open and asked, "Can you turn her over? I need to place these needles in her back." Luna saw that Harry hadn't moved a muscle, so she calmly walked over to him and slapped him. "Harry, help me turn her over. This will help, trust me. Have I ever lied to you?" That seemed to do the trick. Harry quickly followed Luna and helped her. Just like before, pain came through the bond, but it wasn't as bad as before. Harry looked at Luna with wide eyes, making her chuckle. "Didn't Merlin tell you not to question me?" Harry's jaw hit the floor for the second time within the last few minutes. This time though, Luna reached over and helped him shut it. Once Luna placed all the needles she stepped back and stretched. "Harry," she asked, "could you please find out how she is doing?" Harry just stared at her. "Harry, what do you feel from your bond?"

"She seems more relaxed. There is still some pain, but it's not as intense as it was before." 'Maya?' He called out to her.

'Harry.' She replied in a faint voice.

Harry ran over to her side and grabbed her hand, taking extra care not to move her. 'How are you feeling love?'

'Like shite. The pain is somewhat better. It's slowly fading. How though? Nothing we did worked.' Hermione asked.

'It was Luna. I can only assume that she had a vision. She called Dobby and asked him to take her here.' Harry felt the bond becoming a little hazy. 'Get some sleep love.'

'Tell Luna I said thank you.' thought Hermione as she started to drift off to sleep.

Harry kissed the top of her head and turned to Luna and said, "Hermione says thank you. The pain is still there, but the intensity is a lot less than before."

"You two are welcome. I need to keep the needles in for a little longer. Why don't you go and send for Amelia and Susan Bones. You need to keep those dinner plans."

Harry knew better than to try and argue with Luna, so instead he walked over and gave her a huge bear hug and lifted her off the floor and spun her around. "Thank you so much Luna!"

She playfully slapped at his shoulders and said, "Put me down Harry. Go write that letter. Everything will work out tonight. While you're at it, send one to Neville as well. He needs to be a part of this too. Now shoo, I'm going to explain the needles to Andy and Narcissa."

He put her down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Come on Draco, let's leave them to it. Besides, I believe we still need to discuss who is going to win the world cup this year." Harry walked over and slapped Draco on the back as he tried to push him out of the room.

Sirius looked at Remus and asked, "What just happened? And why does Hermione have those needles in her back?"

Emma walked over to Luna and gave her a hug. "Thank you for helping my little humming bird."

"Your welcome Mrs. Granger. Just so you know, everything will work out. You can trust Ms. Black, even with your heart. Daniel said all he ever wanted was for you to be happy and to be loved. He approves."

Emma paled at the mention of Daniel and tears started to form in her eyes. "What did you say? How?"

Narcissa came over and said, "Luna has a gift Emma. She is a seer. Ms. Lovegood, does this mean that Daniel came to you during one of your visions?"

Luna looked at them with a tilt in her head, "He did. That is how I knew Hermione needed my help. Did I say something wrong? I'm dreadfully sorry if I did."

Emma grabbed Luna and held her with all her might. "No Luna, you didn't say anything wrong. Thank you. For helping my daughter and for bringing me peace. Please, call me Emma. After what you just said, you could call me mum for all I care." Emma wanted to tell her that what this little girl just said helped healed her heart.

"Em, Luna needs to breathe." Replied Narcissa as she tried to pull Emma back a little bit. "Why don't I show you to your room and help you get settled. Then we can head down to the terrace. How does that sound?"

Narcissa managed to get Emma to pull back just enough that Luna managed to say, "That sounds like a lovely idea. Hermione will be sleeping for quite some time, but don't you fear. She will be as good as new when she wakes." Emma wiped the tears away and gave Luna a smile before Narcissa started to steer her by the elbow out of the room.

As they reached the door Luna said, "Oh, and congratulations on having a boy."

Emma just looked at her in wonder. Who is this young lady? How does she know these things?

Narcissa was helping guide Emma down to the other end of the hall when Emma asked, "Can I stay with you? I am afraid to stay alone."

Narcissa was jumping for joy on the inside, but on the outside she looked cool as a cucumber. "If that is what you would like. You know I could never say no to you. My room is on the other side of the manor. Would you like to head down to the terrace first? We could sit out there and have our tea. We are having some beautiful weather."

Emma relaxed her shoulders and said, "That would be lovely." They turned and headed for the stairs, and managed to get out to the terrace without incident.

Emma stopped and placed her hand on Narcissa's arm just as she opened the doors to head outside. Narcissa turned to look at her and saw a look of determination in her eyes. "Let's head outside. We can talk out there."

Narcissa tried to get Emma to take a seat, but Emma grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes and said, "Is that young lady right Cissa? Can I trust you with my heart?"

Narcissa looked deep into Emma's eyes and saw that Emma was opening herself up. She was showing her everything right now. Her fear, her broken heart. Emma's soul was on display and it was only for Narcissa to see. Narcissa saw a woman who had her heart ripped out one moment, only to have to slowly pieced back together again. "Em, you can trust me with your heart and more. I have already told you that no matter what happens, I will always be there for you." Emma leaned in as Narcissa was pulling her close and gave her a passionate kiss. As they pulled back Narcissa said, "I don't know if this is too soon, but I have to tell you something Em." Emma's jumped a little at this and she started to panic. Narcissa saw this and quickly went on to say, "I think I am falling in love with you again."

"Again? Did I hear that right?" A shocked Emma asked.

Narcissa softened her voiced and replied, "Yes, again. I fell in love with you all those years ago while in France."

Narcissa pulled Emma into her arms and held her close as Emma quietly said, "I think I am falling in love with you as well. I'm so afraid Cissa."

"You have nothing to be afraid of dear. I won't let anything happen to you or your child. Whatever the Gods have in store for us, we will get through it. Together."

Edited 7/5/17

a/n: Yes, I know Harry was being a little harsh with Hermione, but it must be. No, I do not hate women. As a matter of fact, I love them- I'm pretty sure my wife would be pretty pissed off at me if I didn't. Although, a few of my ex-boyfriends may be very happy about the possibility of switching teams.

Amelia has been bending over backwards to help the Granger's and it certainly doesn't help with Hermione going through all those changes and suffering at the same time. I can personally speak from experience as someone who tends to get a little bitchy when in a crap tone of pain.