All the way II: And Even Further

The next day, Lucius accompanied Annie to the Hospital wing for a check up. It was Saturday and he was glad he didn't have classes.

He just couldn't shake off the guilt of knowing he had played a part in all of this. He couldn't help blaming himself, even though Hermione had told him not to. It was a simple fact that if he had stayed in school, the guard in the prison wouldn't have dropped his fag, the building wouldn't have gone up in flames, Hermione wouldn't have come after him and Annie wouldn't have been hurt.

Merlin, he loved Annie. She was wonderful, beautiful, caring, and funny. There were so many perfect words to describe her. He shouldn't have put her in danger like that. She was scared of fire. He should have known that. But then again, she was a Gryffindor, with stupid pride and courage. Still, he should have kept her safe. She should hate him. She should be angry at him. She should be leaving him.

Lucius sighed; he knew what he had to do.

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Severus went straight over to Hermiones bed when he entered the ward after lunch. He kissed her quickly and then sat at the chair beside her bed.

"Where's Eileen?" She asked.

"With Remus," Severus smiled, "She's so happy that you're alright."

"I'm so glad that we aren't muggles." Hermione sighed, "I would hate it if she had to see me with all tubes and machines and stuff. When I was six, my Uncle was very ill. My mum, his sister, was so close to him that we were in the hospital nearly every day. He had so many wires that I was scared of hospitals for years after he died. I'm so glad Eileen doesn't have to see that."

Severus shook his head, "You underestimate her. She is stronger than you think. And you should realize that, above every one else, because she gets it from you."

Hermione smiled and changed the subject, "Poppy says I can leave in two days, all being well and everything."

Severus gave her a suspicious look, "Are you sure, Hermione? I don't trust you on matters like this. I know how much you want to leave, but you have to have to be completely healthy first."

She laughed, "You idiot! How on earth could I lie to get out of here? Don't you think Poppy might notice if one of her patients went missing?"

Severus rolled his eyes, "I'm just checking that you aren't trying to run away before you can cope."

"Well, I’ve got you to look after me, so it doesn't matter if I still need lay in bed for a couple of days, because you can run around for me, instead of poor Poppy." Hermione smirked.

"I don't mind you laying in bed for a couple of days... If I’m with you, that is."

"We do have a daughter, you know." Hermione reminded him mildly, "And we can't keep leaving her with other people."

"She doesn't mind. I don't mind." Severus said in a low voice, a slow smirk crawling on to his face, "You're the only one objecting."

"And I have good reason to," Hermione said slyly, "With you prowling around me when ever Eileen’s away."

"Do I prowl?" Severus said innocently, leaning closer.

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While Snape and Hermione were making a very icky display of love at the other end of the room, Annie swung her legs over the side of the bed, waiting for Madam Pomfrey to come back with a potion from her office.

"I'm really sorry, you know." Lucius said again, from the chair by the bed.

"I know," Annie smiled, "But honestly, it's not your fault. You were angry and upset, it seems even Snape can understand that, so I certainly can."

He sighed, "And... I’m sorry about the fire thing."

Annie chuckled, "You didn't know I was scared of fire and, as far as I know, you don't smoke."

"I might," he smirked.

"But you don't." She answered.

"But I might."

"But you don't."

Madam Pomfrey poked her head out of her office, interrupting them, "Just wait a second, dear. I can't find what I’m looking for."

Annie nodded and the woman returned to her searching. Lucius moved to sit beside Annie, putting his arm around her.

"I love you loads, you know that?" He whispered.

"I know, "She smiled, "And I love you."

"Then would you consider something for me?" He asked, his hand already drifting towards the pocket of his robes.