Chapter 62

Another Narrow Escape

Lily and I had due dates only a week apart; we joked about arranging to give birth together. This thought made us laugh, bringing back memories of when we were little girls, chatting and giggling non-stop.

We also found out that Alice Longbottom was expecting, and Molly was five months along, expecting another boy. We gathered together, shared gossip, and talked about our pregnancy experiences.

Being a mother again felt surreal. Last time, I was in Lily's shoes, excited and anxious, and now I was expecting my third child.

At three months, we went for a check-up together and found out I was having a boy. I was content, holding little Roy, thinking she would soon have a baby brother. Roy laughed with me, flailing her arms and legs. Seeing her giggle with drool all over her face, I thought, My little angel!

Life with Severus was peaceful. He occasionally went out to get supplies or visit Dumbledore's place, but I hardly left home, preferring the more stable Floo travel over the dangerous Apparition, especially as my belly grew.

I spent my days reading, playing with the kids, and chatting with Lily through the mirror. Such tranquility felt unreal during wartime.

But reality proved that Merlin wouldn't let us stay so calm.

Molly's sixth son was just born, and I was planning to visit her. With my six-month pregnant belly, I put the twins down for their nap, instructed Tito to watch them, and slowly headed downstairs. Just then, the fireplace flared green, and Severus came home carrying his potion supplies.

"Let's visit the Weasleys. I want to wish her a daughter next time." I hung up my heavy cloak. Severus always tidied his potion supplies first to avoid exposing me to any toxic ingredients. I also suspected he didn't want me to ruin any precious materials.

"Alright, let's rest a bit and then go." Severus helped me sit, carefully checking me and my belly. This was his routine every time he came home.

I enjoyed the feeling of being cared for.

The peaceful moment was shattered by several popping sounds outside—someone Apparating. I wondered who could be visiting, knowing that only a few people from the Order knew our location.

Instead of the doorbell, a loud blasting curse alerted us that something was wrong. Our defenses weren't just for show and should hold for a while, but the attackers were relentlessly trying to break through.

I quickly summoned Tito to take the twins to headquarters and call for help. With wands always at hand, Severus and I readied ourselves to face the intruders. He protectively shielded me as we moved toward the fireplace, keeping our backs to the wall.

I barely managed to grab some Floo powder when the defenses fell, shaking the entire house. I clutched my belly, trying to stay steady.

The door burst open, and several dark figures rushed in, a strong light beam aimed at us. Severus shielded me, but the fireplace behind us shattered.

A flurry of spells made it hard for Severus to protect me while dodging. I held my wand in one hand, protecting my belly with the other, casting defensive spells from behind Severus.

Our attackers were familiar faces—Katherine and her husband, Antonin Dolohov. Another figure chilled us—their leader, leisurely strolling to the center of the room, mocking our plight.

"Oh, your poor baby might die in your belly today!" Katherine laughed sadistically. I could tell she was jealous; pure-blood families often had low fertility, except for the Weasleys. She cursed my child, knowing she might never have her own.

"What a pity! Babies are precious in the wizarding world!" Dolohov jeered, then sneered, "But hybrids like yours are just mongrels. Their deaths mean nothing."

Rage flared within me, but I remained outwardly calm. I trusted Severus felt the same and would retaliate fiercely.

The popping sound from outside signaled our backup. Moody, Lupin, Frank Longbottom, and Edgar Bones rushed in, seeing the chaos and the Dark Lord. Moody, Lupin, and Frank immediately engaged Voldemort, while Edgar came to our aid.

A chaotic battle ensued.

In the confined space, Voldemort struggled against three opponents. He was furious, fighting them while glaring at Severus and me with eyes redder than last time. He then bellowed, "Avada Kedavra!"

As the green light streaked toward us, Severus couldn't dodge with me behind him. I tackled him to the side, casting a cushioning charm just in time, though my belly still felt uncomfortable. Brushing death left me trembling.

Severus rolled us behind a toppled sofa. "Go to the guest room, find a way to escape! Protect yourself!" He darted out, drawing attention away from me.

I needed to slip away using the guest room's fireplace. Under the Disillusionment Charm, I crept out, aiming to disarm Katherine.

Hiding by the wall, I prepared to curse Katherine's hand when I heard Severus grunt. He'd been hit by a slashing curse on his left leg, losing his balance.

Simultaneously, "Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort's curse aimed at Severus. How could he dodge mid-air?

Instinctively, I cast "Obstructo" at Katherine, pushing her into the curse's path.

Two bodies hit the floor. I froze until Severus, dragging his injured leg, stood up to fight back, and I regained my breath.

"Katherine!" Dolohov screamed at her lifeless body.

"Finite Incantatem." My curse had revealed my position. Voldemort's rage was palpable.

"You killed my loyal servant!" Voldemort hissed. I trembled, unsure if I feared him or the truth in his words.

"Go, find Dumbledore!" Edgar fought Dolohov, forcing him to redirect his attention.

Edgar was strong and could handle Dolohov. The others, though injured, kept Voldemort occupied. But if he summoned more Death Eaters, we'd be doomed.

As we prepared to leave, Voldemort, seething with rage, barked, "Go!" and Disapparated. Dolohov, carrying Katherine's body, glared at me before leaving. I flinched at his malevolence.

Back at headquarters, I was still in shock. The baby and I were fine, but Severus's leg was hurt. I shakily healed his wound, and he sent me to bed to rest.

Severus dealt with the aftermath, talking to Dumbledore for a long time.

Lying in the same room where I had once stayed during pregnancy, I couldn't sleep. Only the twins' gentle breathing and occasional murmurs filled the room. The thought that haunted me—I had killed someone.

Death in war was common, and I was mentally prepared. But I was a healer, saving lives, not taking them. Yet, I had felt murderous intent towards Katherine and indirectly caused her death.

My conscience screamed against my actions, accusing me of becoming cold-hearted. But my rational side knew I'd do it again to protect Severus and our children.

In the quiet room, a soft cry broke the silence—Joanna, followed by Roy. I sighed, "Tito."

"Yes, Mistress Sawyer!" Tito appeared by the crib, clearly on watch.

"Bring the babies to me."

Holding my two soft bundles, I pressed my forehead against their cheeks, finding strength in their warmth.

Severus returned, just as the girls were fussing for their father. Seeing him, they wobbled towards him, abandoning me.

"Daddy, Roy wants a hug!" Roy reached Severus first. He picked up both girls, kissing them as they played with their toys on the bed.

Sitting beside me, Severus pulled me into his arms. This position made us feel secure.

"It seems there's a traitor in the Order. Our location was leaked."