Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, as always. Thanks to 'anonymous' who wrote such nice things about my work. Wow! As to the length of the chapters: I have been combining chapters as I originally wrote them to make them into longer ones for the purposes of posting on FFN. I am - sob- almost at the end of the story. I can't combine any now or it will ruin the suspense. I also don't want to end this journey any faster than I have to. I have had so much fun with this, it's obscene!

Chapter 47

It was the first day of spring. The sky was a vibrant blue and there was nary a cloud to be seen on the horizon. There was only the slightest hint of a chill in the air. It seemed that the winter had been never ending, so such a day lifted the spirits of teacher and student alike.

Jolicia sat staring out the window. It was ajar, letting in a refreshing, sweet breeze. To say that she was fed up was a gross understatement of the truth. A mere two weeks remained in her pregnancy, but it felt as if it was two years. When she had first discovered that she was pregnant, she had been terrified. It had given her some comfort to know that it was a long time before the birth. The further away it was, the better. Now, having endured the sore back, the swollen ankles, the mood swings, the weight gain, the inactivity, she was ready to give birth, right that second if she could. She wanted to be able to say to someone, all right, let's get this show on the road and over with. Unfortunately, no one could do that for her. Jo had even attempted to get Poppy to give her a potion to induce labor. Poppy had naturally declined.

"Come back and ask me again, after your due date, my girl," Poppy replied. "I know you're just joking, Jolicia."

Jo had been deadly serious.

"This is ridiculous," she said, hoisting herself up with great difficulty. "I gotta get out of here, even if it's only for an hour."

As fate would have it, she crossed paths with Severus.

"Where are you going, Jo?" he inquired.

"It is so nice out, I'm going for a walk into Hogsmeade."

"No, I don't think so," he said sternly.

She shot him one of her 'killer' looks and said, "YES, I am. I'll see you later." She walked away.

Realizing that he was fighting a losing battle, he said, "At least wait until my class is over and we'll go together."

"No, I am going now."

"Jolicia, PLEASE!"

She just waved bye-bye to him.

Severus strode to his class, muttering, "Bloody infernal woman! Won't listen to sense. Damned pig - headed…"

"Is something wrong, sir?" asked Harry, after Snape almost knocked him down.

"My wife, my stubborn wife, insists on going into Hogsmeade alone. She refuses to wait for me."

"I'm finished for the day. Would you like me to go with her, sir?"

Severus looked at Harry with surprise, "You wouldn't mind? I don't want her to be alone."

"My pleasure! I better go catch up with her."

"Thanks…Harry," called Severus.

Jolicia's waddling gait slowed her down considerably so Harry met her easily.

"Want some company, Jo?"

She smirked, "He sent you, didn't he?"  Harry nodded. "You sure you want to be seen with me?"

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked honestly.

"Okay then, if you're sure."

She hooked her arm through his and off they set. They stopped at the bench under the oak tree for a little rest.

"Are you sure you're able to walk all the way there, Jo?"

"Yes I am," she snapped.

Suddenly aware of how she had answered him she said, "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bite your head off. I'm just so tired of everyone mollycoddling me. I'm bored, fed up and tired. Do you forgive me for being such a bitch?"

Harry gave her a hug and said, "Of course I do. I think you are entitled to be a little bitchy. I think I would be too, if I was carrying around not one but two babies inside of me."

Jo smiled and said, "You are going to make one hell of a husband one day, Mr. Potter."

Suddenly clutching her side, she said, "Ow, there they go again. I swear they're playing Quidditch in there and both of them are Beaters."

She took Harry's hand and pressed it to her abdomen. He had felt the babies move many times before, but it never ceased to amaze him.  The kicks were stronger than he had ever felt.

"I think they want out Jo," laughed Harry.

"Believe me, I would love to oblige them!"

After she recovered, they strolled leisurely into Hogsmeade. They talked about many things, including Harry's future. He had not made his final decision yet, but he was leaning very heavily towards being an Auror. He had worked very, very hard to bring up his grades so that it could be possible, if he so chose. Time was running out, so the decision would have to come very soon.

Jo squeezed his hand and said, "Look into your heart, Harry; it will tell you which path to take. Do what is going to make you happy. Anyway, whatever you choose, I know you're going to be brilliant!"

Harry was grateful for her love and support. Not having any real family of his own, Harry had built himself one out of the friends he most cherished – Dumbledore, Ron and all the Weasleys, Hermione. Jolicia had been added to the list. She was like a beloved aunt or perhaps an older sister. Severus had told him that Jo wanted him in her life even after he left school. The feeling was mutual.

They ambled their way down the main street of Hogsmeade, stopping to look in the brightly decorated shop windows. Honeydukes was Harry's first stop. He loaded up on his favorite goodies, not forgetting his friends back at school. He even bought some Ice Mice for Draco. He was really trying to accept the Slytherin as Hermione's boyfriend.

Jo suggested they stop for tea at Madam Puddifoot's. Harry agreed, although he would have preferred they go elsewhere. The tiny tea room held some unpleasant memories and therefore was not his favorite place, but for an hour or so, he was willing to endure the frilly décor to please Jo. Harry held the door open and then followed her in, sitting himself down opposite her at a small table by the window.

Neither Jo nor Harry had seen him. He had been following closely behind them, but not so close as to be caught. He stood in the doorway of a shop across the street from Madam Puddifoot's and watched them briefly – they were ordering. Good. He had time. The cloaked figure made his way behind the store and after ensuring there was no one to observe his actions, he disapparated with a loud bang.

He arrived at a large mansion. It was unkempt and dilapidated, as if it had been uninhabited for many years. He stood at the doorway and recited many spells and incantations. Finally, all of the wards and charms lifted briefly to allow him access. The door sealed tightly immediately after the visitor crossed the threshold. He was swiftly escorted to the innermost chamber.

Dropping to his knees and averting his gaze he spoke, "I have good news, Lord. The day has arrived. Snape's sow is in Hogsmeade at this very moment."

"You left her there?" growled Voldemort.

"Yes, Lord. Do not fear, she is occupied and will be so for some time. She is having tea with a young friend."

The Dark Lord's anger rose and he spat, "Why do you bother me with such details? I care not what she does."

The figure cowered and replied with a shaky voice, "That is the best part, my Lord. The young friend I mentioned – it is Harry Potter."

Voldemort's temper abated. He began to laugh, a bone - chilling evil laugh. It sent shivers down the spine of the spy.

Clapping his hands together in glee, he cried, "This is delicious! Not only will I have Snape's bitch, but I will have Potter as well. How kind the hand of fate is to us today. You have done well Kingsford. Take Smithson and go. You know what to do."

"Thank you, my Lord. I am honored to serve any way I can."  Kingsford backed out of the room, scraping and bowing as he went.