Updated**


Landing forcefully on the ground he released Granger from his tight grip. Lying on the dusty floor Snape couldn't believe how idiotic he had been. He never made mistakes. Angrily he thumped his head onto the ground. How could he have been so stupid to have kept Yaxley's wand within his robes pocket, no wonder Lucius was able to track them down so easily. Yet, that did not account for how they had so swiftly discovered that Yaxley- Granger was a fake. However, before Snape could ponder the matter further heard a cry of pain coming from his side. "Granger" he spoke to the empty room. Springing into action Snape noticed the open wound on Grangers side. Carefully placing his hands on the wound he began to mutter various incantations in an attempt to prevent the bleeding.

Another fault of his, the only reason she had gotten splinched was down to him. After Snape had realised Lucius had followed them he only had two things on his mind, to get rid of Yaxley's wand and get himself and Granger to safety. As it all happened so fast he wasn't able to concentrate properly when disapperating .

Snape took his bloody hands away from her side, the bleeding had stopped but she was still left with a gaping wound. Putrting his hands into his pocket he pulled out a small vial of a potion. Carefully Snape poured the potion onto Grangers open wound. She winced in pain.

"Professor..." she pleaded weakly.

Snape looked down at her, she looked so weak, so venerable. Without a single though Snape brought his hand slowly up to her face and began to gently stroke her cheek. She closed her eyes.

"You always have to cause me trouble don't you Granger" he muttered to the unconscious girl, but his remark held non of his usual spite and sarcasm.

Snape pulled out his wand once more and summoned some bandages, he then carefully wrapped them over her wound which with a little help from his potion had already began the healing process. Snape placed his wand back into the depths of his robes and scooped the girl into his arms and took her through to his grandparents old bedroom. Carefully he pulled a blanket over her limp body and left the room.

Stepping outside into the fresh air, Snape took a deep breath. It had been many years since he had been back to Primrose cottage. This place had always been his escape as a child. His grandparents were wonderful people and had shown Snape the love that his parents could not. Whenever their was trouble at home he was always welcome. Yet when they passed away in his final year at Hogwarts and he had gone on to join the death eaters, Snape had not revisited the cottage. Looking out over the cotswolds he still was unsure as to why he had chosen to apparate here, he simply guess it must have been because no-one knew about the lonely little cottage buried within the hills.

Snape withdrew his wand from the depths of his pockets and began to cast protective charms to keep muggles and wizards alike away. Satisfied with his handy work Snape walked back to the cottage. He felt tired, weak and angry. Snape began to rummage through the kitchen cupboards when he finally came across his grandfathers hidden bottle of scotch. Not his preferred drink of choice, but seeing as he had no means of accessing fire whisky it would have to do. Taking the bottle and glass Snape walked through the the lounge. He slumped down into this grandfathers old arm chair and pointed his wand at the fire place. Swiftly bright orange flames soon erupted. Pouring himself a large glass of scotch Snape sunk further into the depths of the chair and began to watch the dancing flames intently.