Prince Manor
It was the weekend following the notice recieved of the former Lord Princes death. Severus entered Gringotts Bank and walked swiftly to a free Goblin, he wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible. He gave a shallow bow to the Goblin "I have an appointment with Pickaxe", he kept conversation short and to the point, Goblins appreciated brevity.
The Goblin touched a small stone that gave off a pale yellow glow and and spoke into it, a few moments later Pickaxe arrived.
"Heir Prince, follow me" he said curtly and led Severus down a long stone lined corridor to his office. The room was built with simple function in mind and not in the least welcoming with its bare walls, stone foor and basic wooden desk, Pickaxe took his seat and gestured for Severus to take to one opposite.
Pickaxe eyed the man in front of him, "Heir Prince, you are here to claim the Prince Lordship, correct?" he got straight to business, time was gold.
"I have" Severus replied, perched on the uncomfortable wooden chair opposite the Goblin.
PIickaxe pushed forward a small box "This is Prince Lordship ring, please put it on to be accepted by the family magic".
While Severus placed the ring on the little finger of his left hand, feeling the comforting magic of generations of Prince Lords that it.
Pickaxe gathered and organised the parchment before him into neat piles before pushing a set in front of Severus.
"This first document is confirmation of your acceptance of the Prince Lordship and all it entails, it requires your signature and seal at the bottom of the last page".
Severus reached for the parchment, reading it thoroughly before he signed and placed the family seal upon the wax provided as instructed.
Pickaxe took the document and inspected it before thrusting another document across the desk "This to gain access to the Prince accounts, a drop of blood is also required in addition to your signature and seal. The blood allows for the additional protections on the vaults to be transferred to yourself".
It took a further thirty minutes of reading, signing, sealing and bleeding on various documents before his Lordship and inheritance was fully claimed in accordance with both Goblin and Wizarding Laws. He found himself feeling exhusted despite the lack of physical activity, he had no idea that claiming an inheritance would include more paperwork than he experienced daily as a professor.
"This is your property and investment portfolio that you keep. The former Lord Prince was very active in making changes and imprisonment to the portfolio up until two years ago when his health began to fail. He added considerably to the Prince wealth over the years and the accounts and properties should be in reasonably good condition as a result".
Severus nodded in understanding and took the portfolio asking as he did so, "Will I be able to inform you of changes by owl or must I come here in person?"
"It is possible to make changes via Owl providing a signature, blood and the Prince seal has been used. Any major changes, for example electing an heir, altering your will or granting access to the Prince accounts and properties to others will always require you to visit in person. If at any time your health is such that you are unable to to visit in person, it is possible to have a Goblin visit. It is also possible for a proxy to be appointed temporarily should you be unable to care for your estate"
Severus gave a nod in understanding asking "Is it possible to nominate a proxy who would only become active if I were to be incapacitated for a time?"
Pickaxe gave a sharp nod.
"I would like to ensure that my sister Livia Snape has full access to all Prince vaults and properties. A vault in her name with 2000 Galleons placed in it initially and a further 200 gallons to be deposited monthly. A further trust vault in the name of Heir Draconis Lucius Malfoy with a deposits of 20 monthly" Severus paused for a moment whilst Pickaxe made notes.
"I would like to make Livia Snape my heir and she will be named my proxy in the event that I should be Incapacitated for a period exceeding five days and be unable to communicate my wishes. Livia Snape will be the sole person to make health care decisions for me in the event I am unable to make those decisions myself. If for any reason she is unable to fulfil that role it will pass to Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and Narcissa Minette Malfoy née Black" Severus finished.
"Very well Lord Prince, it shall be done", Pickaxe pressed another of the small globes that sat on his desk, and spoke gobbledegook to it. "The keys for the additional vaults and Ms Snapes keys to the family vault will be here momentarily. While we wait you may sign these documemts to confirm the deposits to be made into the two trust vaults," he passed over yet more parchment to be signed, "these are to confirm the details of your heir, living will amd proxy nominations".
As Severus took the additional documents he needed to sigh another Goblin entered the room and handed three small pouches to Pickaxe and left again without a word. When Pickaxe took the last of the returned documents and confirmed everything was in order he have Severus the three pounches and directed his attention to each in turn,
"This holds the Key to Heir Malfoys trust account. This, the key to Ms Sapes trust and this is a set of Prince account keys for Ms Snape, property access information should be provided in the paperwork." Upin Severus acceptance of the pouches he enquired "Do you require any further assistance today?"
"No that is all. You have my thanks Pickaxe"
Severus stood and gave a short bow before leaving Gringotts bank as swiftly as he had entered. He walked to the main apparation area in Diagon Alley and returned to the gates of Hogwarts and began the walk across the grounds, back to the castle, he could have flooed in from the Leaky Cauldron but he wanted time to digest the visit to Gringotts. He fervently hoped his sister would help in assessing all of this paperwork, it was the least she could do after pushing him to claim the damn Lordship, not to mention he would have to do some reading about his responsiblities as a Lord and he didn't have any idea where to start with investments - perhaps a floocall to Lucius would be beneficial.
A day later Severus and Livia found themselves standing outside a neat set of iron gates, the Prince coat of arms proudly displayed. Severus moved forward to place a drop of his blood upon it, he placed his hand flat against yhe coat of arms and when his ring came into contact with it he felt himself being welcomed by the Prince wards. Itq took him a moment to adjust to the feeling of the Ancient family magic layered upon the building and grounds. When done he held his sisters hand up and pricked her finger with a small transfigured needle and smeared the small drop of her blood onto the coat of arms, telling her to push a little of her magic into it so she would be recognised in the future by them as family.
They stepped through the gates onto a path, paved with neat little grey bricks, that was just wide enough for two people to walk comfortably side by side and looked over the well tended but almost wild looking garden either side of the path. Severus recognised it for what it was immediately, a Potions Garden, one that up until today he had thought would only ever exisist in his most fervent dreams, he couldn't wait to explore and find out what was here.
They walked towards the beautiful, light grey stone building with a large windows and a double oak door, it wasn't overly large or ornate they were both glad to note. The building had an understated elegance which, they soon discovered, was a continued throughout the interior which held light oak floors and woodwork with delicate and unobtrusive decoration on the ceilings and plaster work. The walls of the reception were a pale sage green welcoming anx calming, it was a home built by people that clearly prefered simple elegant practicality over pointless ostentatious shows of wealth.
A house elf popped in front of them and bowed and said "Welcome Lord Prince, I be's Birch, the head house elf for Prince Manor. What can I be's doing for you?" She stood straight and proud in her neat tunic uniform, of chocolate brown which had the family coat of arms stitched over the right breast.
"We would like a short tour of the property and a list of improvements or repairs that are needing to be made please" Severus stated.
Severus' duties at Hogwarts kept him busy during the school year so he had little time to spend at the house outside of the summer holidays. Knowing this he and Livia had decided on a plan of action prior to their visit to the property that day so that they could prioritise what would need to be done. Livia would then oversee any alterations or work needed at the property on behalf of Severus who rather hoped it would be completed by the end of the school year.
Several hours later found the siblings sitting in the family dining room enjoying a light lunch prepared by the house elves.
"Admit it! When you saw the Library and then the Potion labs you instantly forgave me for encouraging you to take the Lordship!" Livia teased, delighted that her brother seemed to be warming up to the idea of making the property his primary residence.
"Perhaps" he answered dryly, though he was sure the awe and delight he had felt at the sight of the line potions labs had been clear as day upon his face. He was looking forward to the end of the school year and the summer holidays with more impatience and enthusiasm than he had in a long time. Then he could really make the Potions labs and store rooms his own.
It had been somewhat sobering when he realised that the way the potion store was organised was like his own, it was the way his mother had taught him and had obviously been taught herself as a child. He couldn't imagine his mother as a young girl, carefree and learning about potions in this very house. Each time he tried to, an image of her downtrodden visage intruded upon his thoughts souring his feelings for the place slightly.
"The bedrooms and main living areas need refreshing, it doesn't look like they have been redecorated since the turn of the century but the furniture is in excellent condition" Livia reported from the notes she had made on the tour "Given that neither of us has an interest in interior decorating perhaps we should ask Narcissa to do it?"
Severus looked pained by the suggestion, he didn't want this nice simple home, for manor anyway, turned into Malfoy Manor with it's foreign marbles, gilt edges and albino peacocks. He really didn't want to deal with it himself though, he smirked as a solution presented itself to him.
"That would be acceptable however, you will be the one to reign in her exuberance and spending. I will give you a list of colours that I will not permit in this house and an idea for the colours for my own room".
Livia gaped at him for several seconds in horror, she loved Narcissa, she was a wonderful friend, but she was well known to become excitable in the extreme over home refurbishment and event planning.
"Fine! Be glad I love you my brother and that your continued well being is of importance to me. If I wasn't I may have just abandoned you to her and left you to fend for yourself" she said finishing of her little tirade with a sniff and her nose tilted in the air.
"You have my eternal thanks for your great sacrifice" Severus sarcastically replied adding a roll of his eyes for good measure. It felt strangly comforting tobe able to engage his sister in these silly little arguments.
"I need to return to Hogwarts soon, I
have some detentions to oversee tonight and therefore lots of cauldrons that need scrubbing. Are you returning with me or staying?" Severus asked as placed his knife and fork down and sat back in his seat.
"Neither. I will head over to see Narcissa and meet you back at your rooms later" she said, finishing her own meal.
Livia stepped out of the floo at Malfoy Manor where she was met by a house elf she hadn't previously met, upon a polite inquiry as to her business at the manor, she was led to a small but airy parlour where Narcissa was playing with Draco.
"No, don't stand Cissa. I will come down to you!" she exclaimed happily as Narcissa made to stand and greet her.
Livia knelt, kissed each of her friends cheeks and then sat near her and Draco who were playing with coloured blocks on a soft rug.
Draco stood on wobbly legs and walked over to his godmother who lifted him and placed little kisses all over his face and then tummy as he giggled and then wriggled to get down to go play with his blocks again.
"He is growing so fast" Livia said amazed at the change in him in only a weeks, she'd had had little opportunity to spend time with Draco since his birth and appreciated every moment she got.
"He is" smiled Narcissa "how are you Livvy? Did you are Severus manage to visit the Manor today as you planned?"
"I'm well thank you. Our visit to the Manor is actually part of the reason for my impromptu visit" Livia grinned cheekily "Sev and I were rather hoping that you would agree to redecorating several rooms there that are in desperate need of a revamp. You have impeccable taste and know more about where and how to shop for manor than either of us do" she said with a shrug.
Narcissa sat up, excited to have a project to occupy some of her time with. She looked at her friend with a smile and said "I'm assuming that Severus has already given you a list of colours he won't tolerate?", she held he hand out for the list she knew the siblings would have compiled on their visit.
Livia shook her head and, amused at how well Cissa knew them both, handed over the list of rooms that were to be decorated and Severus' list of colours and some materials that he had declared had 'no place' in his future home.
While Livia played and enjoyed time with a slowly tiring Draco, Narcissa read through the list and summoning a side table and began making notes on a separate piece of parchment of people to contact and suitable stores and artisans.
When Draco looked ready to sleep Narcissa requested that a Dotty took him to his room for a short nap. She stood and with flick of her wand she tidied up his toys and then sat down elegantly upon one of the rooms overstuffed chairs as tea appeared on the coffee table in front of her.
"Tea?" She asked Livia, already pouring and preparing her friends beverage to her liking.
"Thank you"
"Will you be able to take me to visit the house so I can see what we have to work with? I will be able to help you decide which room you wish to be Dracos for when he visits with you both, I noticed you hadn't specified on the list of room but I dare say you will want him near one or the other of you" she jotted down a few more notes.
"I will, we could go Wednesday afternoon, Friday Morning or at the weekend depending on your availability?" Livia answered "How are yourself and Lucius? Has Abraxas agreed to let him take on the Lordship yet?"
" Wednesday it is then. Lucius and I are both well and Lucius is feeling confident that his father will step down as Lord in the next few months. The man has no love of politics so I'm unsure of why he has been so reticent to let Lucius take up the reins" Narcissa looked thoughtful for a moment and added "It is my belief that the Dark Lord also wishes for the Lordship to change hands"
Narcissa was aware that caution was required when speaking of the Dark Lord and Lord Slytherin to her friend, not being a follower she was unaware that they were the same people and as such it was imperative that they be spoken of as different people.
"I thought he and your father in law were friends?"
"They are, but the Dark Lord knows Abraxas has no interest or skill in politics and he needs politically minded people to be active if he wishes for change to happen. I am under the impression that if a significant change hasn't occurred soon that the Dark Lord will lead us into war and force the changes to be made" Narcissa said this in a matter of fact tone the concern could be seen in the slight furrow of her brow and down turn of her lips.
Livia nodded thoughtfully and grabbed a biscuit off the plate in front of her and said "I think political maneuvering will suit Lucius very well, the Wizengamot won't know what's hit them!" she said smiling at her friend, Lucius was a loving family man and friend but was ruthless in law and politics.
"He already has a pile of reforms he intends to push though" Narcissa laughed while refilling their cups with tea.
"Lord Slytherin was visiting Abraxas last week and stayed to dinner, he mentioned meeting you. What was your opinion of him?"
"I didn't speak with him long enough to make an opinion. I was visiting Mr Lewis and purchasing a book, Lord Slytherin happened to be there and introduced himself, mentioned knowing Severus and left", Livia answered with a careless shrug and nibbled on her biscuit.
"There was nothing about the meeting hat stood out?" Cissa gently pried.
"No. The books he purchased were of good quality and eclectic but that was about it".
Narcissa realising that that was all the response she was going to recieve about their meeting, 'Only Livvy could meet an intelligent and handsome Lord and only pay attention to the books he was carrying' she thought with amusement.
As their conversation flowed Narcissa couldn't help but continue to wonder what had peaked their Lords interest in her friend, he had made an illusion to the unintentional secrecy that had surrounded her that had made both Lucius and herself nervous.
Once Livia left Narcissa considering why the Dark Lord had never met or been made aware of Livias existence, it certainly hadn't been as the result of a conscious effort.
When Lucius and two years later, Severus left school and joined the Dark Lord, Livia was still attending Beauxbatons which was immediately followed by her beginning her apprenticeship with a Belgian Warding Master. She had attended many gatherings at Malfoy Manor over the years but for a variety of reasons she had managed to evade the Dark Lords notice, probably due to her young age and lack of societal and political influence. for this they were all thankful.
Livia had gained a scholarship at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic when she was 11 years old which was fortunate as, the then, Lord Prince would only pay the tuition for Severus to attend Hogwarts, and the Snape family certainly wouldn't have had the funds to pay for Livia to attend. During their school years Severus and Livia would write regularly throughout the year and see each other during the summer, the shared misery of their childhood meant that they remained close despite the distance between them.
Severus had been badly injured due to a poorly thought out prank played by Cissa's cousin Sirius Black who, along with his three friends, seemed to take particular pleasure in making tormenting Severus. The result of this prank on Severus had been severely burnt hands, he had been forced to stay in the infirmary for an extended period of time to ensure that he would stay infection free and not delay his healing. Lucius and Narcissa were already betrothed at that time and were good friends with Severus so had written to his sister to inform her of what had occured.
Their friendship with Severus naturally, and enthusiastically, extended to his younger sister when she sent chocolates and sweets filled with muggle laxatives to her brother's tormentors. Since Livia hadn't used magical means to tamper with the sweets so it had been undetectable by magic, this had led to nearly a full week of smelly and embarrassing accidents for the bullying quartet with all of Griffindor, as well as most of the school, giving them a wide birth. They had checked their food and drinks for tampering never to find the cause and the symptoms had ended only when non of Livia's treats remained in their grasp, even to this day Narcissa couldn't understand why they had never suspected the gifts.
The memories of that week still had the ability to cheer Severus, there had been a very real concern for several days while he was in the hospital wing that long term damage had been done to his hands. Thankfully that hadn't been the case or he wouldn't have been able to continue brewing potions and it would have truly devastated him to never brew a potion again.
Livia had been staying at Prince Manor while Narcissa, followed by a small army of house elves, flitted from room to room with paint, wallpaper and fabric swatches directing them as to the improvements she wished to make and where furniture was to be rearranged.
On the first day, Narcissa had arrived with Draco, his house elf Dotty and what appeared to be everything everything he owned. Livia had panicked for the entire day while she was left in charge of her tiny godson, scared she would somehow damage him for life if she didn't do everything perfectly.
Even with Dotty's supervision and assistance she felt completely lost for the first three days, particularly when Draco managed a bout of accidental magic which had manifested as his nappy removing itself repeated wether used or not for a full half an hour, he had found his hilarious, Livia not so much at the time.
By day four she and Draco had found a routine for while he visited and she had managed a whole day with very little house elf help and she felt ridiculously pleased with her new found babysitting abilities but was equally glad that they wouldn't be required for too much longer.