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: Wow! Thanks for your amazing comments. I feel very humble.

To NorikuKitsune – your praise was way too much. I don't deserve it, but I'll take it anyway…grins…

As to where I came up with the idea for Jolicia – I knew that if I was going to create a love interest for dear old Sev, she would have to be one tough lady in order to be able to stand up to him. How many women do you think could endure one of his glaring looks and not melt away from fear? (I know if it were me, I'd not only melt, I'd evaporate.) Hence, one kick-ass character by the name of Jolicia Medwin. I gave her my curiosity and I guess I have to admit my stubbornness too. The rest is all her. Maybe she is the woman I wish I was, especially if I could have Snape to boot! Oh well, so much for my fantasies…

Harry and Draco were so calm during the birth because they had to be for Jo's sake. They are pretty good at rising to the occasion, no matter what. Which do you think was worse for them – killing Voldemort or delivering the babies? I'm not too sure! LOL.

Chapter 56

Harry decided to explore the house for himself. Perhaps he would be able to find a way out, one that Draco had overlooked. He stood up and gazed upon his friends. Jo was fast asleep; her two tiny babies snuggled close by her side. She was exhausted after her long ordeal. She deserved some rest. Draco had dozed off as well, his head lolling to one side and his long legs propped up on a table. He had really come through for them. Any doubts that Harry had had about the Slytherin were gone. Draco had proved himself a loyal and true friend by turning against his father and Voldemort. If it hadn't been for him…Harry shuddered; he didn't want to think of the possibilities.

Harry made a thorough tour, looking in every nook and cranny for something that could be of assistance, testing every door and window and any other possible exit. He used every spell he could think of, but nothing seemed to work. They were well and truly trapped. He had even tried Fire-Talking but that attempt was a miserable failure, just as all the others had been. Whoever had erected the wards knew what he was doing. The only good thing that had come out of his investigation was that he had discovered his and Jo's wands hidden in a drawer. Harry stashed Voldemort's wand in the pocket of his robes. Dejected, Harry threw himself down in an easy chair and was immediately enveloped in a cloud of dust.

"This place is a pig sty," he thought, coughing loudly. "How the bloody hell are we going to get out of here? Don't even know where we are. We could be half way around the world. If only Malfoy would talk."

"Yuck, GROSS!" he said aloud. Harry saw a large rat scurry across the room.

"This place is worse than I thought." He stared at the animal in disgust, unable to look away. Something was flashing in the candle light as it moved.

"That's bizarre, what is that? Holy shit! " Harry withdrew his wand and cried, "Stupefy!" The rat froze in its tracks.

He arose and went to the fireplace and inspected the stunned beast, all the while keeping his wand pointed in its direction. Harry quickly saw that his instincts had been right, it was him. The rat's right front paw was gleaming silver! It was Wormtail!

Indeed, it was no ordinary rat. It was the Animagus Peter Pettigrew, the servant of Voldemort; the betrayer of Lily and James Potter.

"I've got you now, you little bastard!" said. "It's just like you isn't it, Wormtail – too cowardly to run away with the others. Let's go."

Harry levitated the rat/man and returned to the room where his friends lay sleeping. He hated to wake them, but this was important. It might even be their way out.

"Explain this to me again," said Draco rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"This rat isn't a rat but a man –I use that word loosely. His real name is Peter Pettigrew and he is an unregistered Animagus. He used to be friends with my father, Sirius, and Remus. He was my parents' Secret-Keeper but he betrayed them to Voldemort. It is because of him that my parents died. He was the one who helped Voldemort come back to life after the Triwizard Tournament by cutting off his right hand."

Draco grimaced. "D'ya think he could get us out of here?"

"That's what I'm hoping."

Jolicia said, "I think three wands might be able to convince him. Whenever you're ready, Harry."

"Finite Incantatum." The rat began to scurry once again.

"I wouldn't if I were you," yelled Harry. "Show yourself, Pettigrew, or I'll kill you right here and now, just like I killed Voldemort." Harry wanted to make sure that the man knew he was deadly serious.

The rat stopped in its tracks and turned to face Harry. All of a sudden it began to grow larger. It was a most curious sight; seeing the form of a man sprout from such a tiny body. Before they knew it, Pettigrew stood before them, cowering in the corner.

"P-please, d-don't hurt me," he begged.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't," growled Harry.

He did not answer, but asked a question of his own. "Did you really kill my Lord?"

"Yes. You mean you didn't know?"

"No. I was on a mission and when I returned, I found only you here." He sunk to the floor, a look of bewilderment crossing his face. "So it's true." He looked lost.

"Yes, and I think it's time for you to join your Lord. It's only fitting since you were his faithful servant. Now comes the time for you to pay for what you did to my parents. Avad…"

Pettigrew threw himself to the floor and prostrated himself before Harry. "Mercy! I beg of you, have mercy. Harry, dear boy, have pity on an old friend." Seeing that he was making no progress, he turned his attentions to Jo and Draco. "Please, kind Madam, have pity, have pity on a poor misguided soul. Surely young Master can see that I mean no harm." He had groveled his way to Draco's feet.

Draco pushed him away with his foot. "Get away from me, vermin!" he spat. Harry raised his wand once again.

"Wait!" cried Jo. "Perhaps he could be of some use to us."

"Oh yes, Madam. I could be of great use! It would be an honor to serve you all." He crawled on his knees to the side of the bed and begged. "Please spare me. Let me be your servant."

Harry smirked to himself, "Good, he bought our act."

"PETTIGREW!" yelled Harry. The man flew to his feet. "How do I know we can trust you?"

"Oh, you can, Master Harry. Anything, I'll do anything for you."

"If I spare your life, will you get us out of this house?"

"Yes, yes, anytime you like," Pettigrew said quickly with a deep bow.

"No tricks, remember there are three of us ready to kill you at the first sign of trouble. Just until we're ready to go, Petrificus Totalus." The small man fell to the floor, hard as stone.

"Well played, Harry," exclaimed Jo. "I can't believe it, we are getting out of this horrid place. Help me up."

"Are you able to walk Jo?" asked Draco, grabbing onto her other arm.

"Hell yes! I'm getting out of here even if I have to crawl. Draco, will you take one of the babies? I think we should have our wands drawn at all times."

She handed her daughter to Draco. "Shhh, little baby, don't cry," he said rocking the tiny infant until she quieted.

Taking up her son, Jo said, "Ready? Let's go!"

Harry levitated Pettigrew and Draco did the same for his father. When they reached the door, Harry released Pettigrew and said, "Keep your promise. Open the door."

With three wands aimed at his back, he began to recite the complicated spells and incantations he knew would open the door, just as Harry had demanded. After what seemed to be an eternity, the door finally sprang open, admitting a welcome rush of fresh, sweet air. Freedom at last! They made their way quickly outside and the door sealed itself immediately once the last person had crossed the threshold.

"You see Master Harry, just as I promised. You see, I am reliable," offered Pettigrew. He bowed deeply and began slowly backing away.

"Going somewhere?" asked Draco. By the time the question had crossed his lips, Pettigrew was tightly bound by ropes. Draco held tightly onto the free end so that no escape was possible.

"N-no sir! I was…was just moving out of the way. The ropes are not necessary," answered Pettigrew meekly. "I thought we agreed I could go free once I helped you get out of the house."

"Nice try, but we made no such bargain. I agreed not to kill you; I never said anything about letting you go. Sorry, but you're coming back to Hogwarts with us," said Harry. "Petrificus Totalus!"

Jo sat down on the stone wall in front of the house. What little strength she had recovered by her nap was gone. It was all she could do to hold onto the baby.

"Look for something we can use as a Portkey. I can't stand much longer lads," whispered Jolicia.

Harry searched under the bushes and found an old, rusty watering can. "Will this do, Jo?"

"Perfect. Bring it here and gather round." She pointed her wand at the can and said, "Portus!" It emitted a deep blue glow and seemed to shiver for a brief moment before resuming its original appearance.

Harry took hold of the ropes binding Lucius and Pettigrew, while Draco and Jo tightly held the babies. Each had one hand free to grab onto the Portkey at the right moment.

Jo exclaimed, "Are we ready? Here goes – Dumbledore's office – Hogwarts!"

……

"Albus, I'm going out for a walk and a little fresh air. I need to clear my head," said Severus.

The old man looked at him questioningly and replied, "All right my son. You won't do anything foolish now, will you?"

"I wish I could think of something foolish to do, Albus. At least it would feel like I was doing something. I'll be back shortly." Dumbledore nodded.

Severus walked quickly out into the cool evening air. He had said that he wanted to clear his head, but that was impossible. His mind was filled with the most terrifying images, ones that nothing short of a memory charm would erase. He knew first hand what horrors Voldemort and his followers were capable of. He had participated in many such scenarios himself. The thought of Jo at their mercy made him shudder. What had happened to her? Had the Dark Lord been successful before he met his demise? Too many questions that had no answers!

Severus was almost to the edge of the lake when it happened. It took his breath away and made him shiver. He dropped to his knees on the damp earth and hugged himself tightly, drinking in the sensation. He drew a ragged breath and turned his face to the sky.

He cried, "I can feel her! Thank Merlin! I…CAN…FEEL…HER!" He rose up and began running back to the school so fast that his feet barely touched the ground.

Jolicia too had felt it; the very second she stepped foot outside the door, Severus was once again with her. She closed her eyes and gave silent thanks. She whispered to herself, "I'm coming home, my love. I'm coming home!"

Severus burst into Dumbledore's office, "She's alive, Albus! Everyone, she's alive!"

Albus, Minerva, Ron and Hermione were crowded around the sofa in the sitting area. Albus turned to look at Severus, the others soon following suit. They slowly stepped away from the sofa to reveal what they had been looking at – it was Jolicia! There she was, sitting with her back propped up by pillows, covered by a fuzzy purple blanket.

Severus stood there, not moving, not saying a word, his mouth hung open.

Jo extended her arms toward him and cried, "Severus!"

He moved to the sofa and knelt down. He reached for her but hesitated, afraid it was only a dream and that she would disappear if he touched her.

"It's really me, love," she whispered.

He took her hand and then fell into her arms, kissing her desperately. He saw that her face was bruised and swollen.

"Are you all right, Jo? D…did they…hurt you?"

"I'll be fine now that I'm home." She began to cry, "I thought I'd never see you again."

"And I you, love. Shh, don't cry. It's over. You're safe. Shh." He cradled her in his arms, and held her as his own tears fell. There were tears in the eyes of all present as well. After a few moments, Harry came forward.

"There's someone here who would like to meet you, sir," said Harry.

Severus looked questioningly at Jo and then turned to face Harry. Severus' jaw dropped – he was holding…he was holding…

"Your son wants to meet you, sir," said Harry, gently placing the babe in his father's arms.

He looked down into the tiny face and then looked at Jo and all he managed to say was, "My son?" She wiped away her tears, beamed at him and nodded.

Draco approached and said, "Your daughter would like to see you as well, Severus."

Severus handed his boy to Jolicia and then took his little girl from the smiling Draco. It was one of the few times that the Potions Master was utterly and completely speechless.

Draco stood back and basked in the joy he could feel emanating from his godfather. Hermione came to his side and he slipped an arm around her waist. He kissed her on the forehead and then gazed deeply into her eyes. He wanted to feel the same joy with her. She was everything to him. It had never been clearer to him than it was at that moment. He kissed her deeply.

"I love you, Babe."

"I love you too, Draco."