Disclaimer: I own nothing.

AN: It's my birthday tomorrow so give me a present and review! Sorry I took so long to update, my other fics distracted me.

Chapter 2: Back to Hell

I stood in the entrance hall of my mansion and I couldn't see the beauty in it anymore, no matter how hard I looked. It seemed too big and airy. Too empty. I knew Narcissa would be upstairs and I'd suddenly rather walk ten miles across hot coals to get to Sev than walk ten metres up the marble steps to get to her. I love her, but in the way that I know of love my for her, rather than the way I feel my love for Severus. I must love her, otherwise I wouldn't be standing in Hell with marble at my feet and statues all around.

Draco stepped into the hall and started to see me there. He smiled and raised a pale hand, and that's when I knew why I stayed here to suffocate rather than go to Sev and breathe air sweeter than life itself. I tried to smile back at him but my mouth just wouldn't move. Draco chewed at his lower lip and glanced upstairs. Children are intuitive. He knew about the barrier separating his mother and I. If I left Narcissa, would I lose him too? I couldn't lose him. I finally managed to smile.

"Hi. It's a lovely night Draco. Why don't you go out? Knock on a few of you friends?" I knew what I had to do, but Draco wouldn't be around to witness it.

"Sure. Maybe I'll go see Harry." He stopped halfway to the door, a mixed look of horror and surprise on his face. I smiled at him again. If the boy makes him happy, who am I to complain? He laughed sheepishly and rushed to the door.

I turn again to the stairs. Narcissa's waiting up there. I close my eyes and breathe deeply before starting the ascent, which I already knew would be endless. Just as I get to the bottom step Draco pushes his head back through the door.

"Dad?" I glance back at him. "Don't keep Snape waiting."

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and if you want another chapter please review again!