The Bookstore

8- Spring Equinox

Severus was waiting impatiently for his sister to finish dressing as there were only ten minutes left before the port key to the Spring Equinox gathering being held at the Nott' would be activated.

Narcissa had arrived at Hogwarts earlier that day, when neither of them were in Severus' rooms, selected their outfits and left them hanging in their rooms and both were grudgingly grateful for this as it was the first time either had been invited to the Nott’s having never been of the appropriate social standing.

Severus had been left one of his new tailored robes that were a midnight blue with a high collar and a military cut to his knee, which accentuated his tall lean figure. The cloth was a mixture of silk and linen, the hems had been embroidered with delicate golden Alder leaves in honour of the season and had small brass buttons reaching from the base of his throat to the just below his navel. Severus decided, with black dress trousers and shirt underneath it, that he didn't hate it, even though he typically preferred clothing with no embellishments and was glad that there would be few occasions where he would have to dress in this manner.

When Livia finally stepped out of her room she looked embarrassed and uncomfortable in her ensemble. The floor length gown she wore was a few shades lighter than her brothers ensemble, its off the shoulder design showed off her slim shoulders and long sleeves but it was the plunging neckline to her sternum and how fitted the gown was to her knees before it flared out that had her feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed. The delicate lace was embroidered with gold coloured, finely worked branches, alder leaves, and catkins and she wore a set of dainty aquamarine jewellery that Severus had, after being instructed by Narcissa, looked for and retrieved from the Prince vaults.

Her long straight hair had been half braided, leaving the rest to flow straight down to the tops of her thighs, small blue pearls and thin golden strands were woven throughout the braids. Severus turned acknowledging to himself that his little sister made a beautiful picture, at least until she spoke.

"Well I feel utterly ridiculous in this" she complained with a scowl, trying desperately to adjust the dress to cover a little more of her already covered body.

"You look beautiful" Severus said with a rare show of sincerity. He moved towards her and grasped her hands preventing her from tugging at the gown and leaned forward to kiss her on the head.

She smiled bashfully at him and stepped back to have a proper look at his outfit.

"You look very handsome my brother, your hair looks good tied back from your face" she said softly, brushing invisible lint off his shoulder, "I have a feeling your going to be attracting much attention tonight" she added with an impish grin.

Severus pursed his lips at her "Unlikely. I just hope I don't have to spend the whole night battling your suitors for you honour" he finished with a smirk at his now glowering sister. He cast a quick Tempus time charm and gestured for her to come closer with the invitation he held, "The port key will be activating in two minutes, come and take hold of it".

Livia reluctantly stepped up to him and held the proffered invitation with her finger and thumb. She looked at him and said "We could still stay home you...", they were whisked away before she could finish.

Nott Manor was a stately looking building in dark stone, the interior was dark, dark woods, dark marble, dark wall colourings, rich dark tapestries and portraits with heavy gilt frames. It was a stark contrast to the equinox decorations, which were primarily bright and pastel spring flowers. Daffodils, Narcissus, Crocus and Bluebells were all arranged in bouquets and swags that offered bursts of colour amongst the soft green foliage and jewelled and stone eggs.

"Greetings on this equinox and welcome to Nott Manor", greeted Lord Xander Nott, "Lord Prince may I introduce you to my wife Lady Aletha Nott Née Selwyn"

"Greetings to you and yours on this Equinox, we thank you for your kind invitation to share it with you. Please allow me to introduce you both to my sister Livia Snape, Heiress Prince", Severus responded formally.

Following the greetings of their hosts they moved away so that others could take their place and entered the ball room. Severus glanced around to see who had already arrived when a young sandy haired man strode up to them smiling widely in greeting.

"Thank goodness a familiar face has arrived. I was beginning to regret coming here at all, do you know who else is coming this evening, of our group that is?" all of this was said in a hurried half whisper directed at Severus.

"Malfoy, Black, Lestrange, Avery, Rowle and Rosier I believe." Severus answered, reeling off the list Lucius had informed him of a few days ago.

Barty Jr wrinkled his nose at some of the names before seeming to realise that his friend had a woman accompanying him, an unheard of occurrence. His whole demeanour changed as he smilingly asked "Are you not going to introduce me to your lovely companion, Severus?"

"Bartemius Crouch Jr allow me to introduce Livia Snape, my younger sister. Livia this is a friend of mine, Barty" the small hesitation before the word friend was barely perceptible but Livia heard it all the same, her brother only really classed the Malfoys as friends, people he trusted, he considered all others to be merely acquaintances though he had learnt long ago that it was impolitic to state as such.

Barty looked surprised for a moment before he sauntered closer to Livia and smiled winningly at her took her hand to bowing over in greeting, without releasing her hand he said, "I knew Severus had a sister, of course, in an abstract sort of way, so it is a sincere pleasure to finally meet you". He gave her, what he thought was, a roguish grin but looked to be more of a childlike grin and added "May I take this opportunity to say you look ravishing this evening", his poor attempt at flirting was interrupted by a cleared throat and an unimpressed glare from Severus.

"How remiss of me!" Barty said as he turned and directed that grin at the taller man "You are also looking mightily fetching this evening Severus", as he said this he attempted to take Severus' hand to bow over however, used to Barty's antics the hand was promptly moved.

Livia laughed as her brother rolled his eyes skyward, the man's playful and cheerful nature made her feel a little more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment. While they were conversing with Barty Jr most of the guests had arrived, several making their way over to greet Severus or to introduce themselves to the new Lord Prince and his sister.

Livia was a little surprised by the change of atmosphere that occurred in the room when Lord Slytherin arrived, it was almost palpable as a distinct ripple of interest went around the room and seemed to follow him as he circulated the room politely conversing with everyone.

Upon noticing Livia and Severus Snape he had begun to move in their direction, all the while appearing as if he were heading with no particular destination in mind, greeting and chatting with people along the way as he continued to move closer. When he could hear snippets of their conversation he cast a wandless eavesdropping spell on them and pretended to be interested in what the florid self-important buffoon in front of him had to say about his business ventures.

"... go on and mingle, you really have no need to stay with me the entire evening and people want to meet the new Lord Prince", at his withering look she continued more quietly "You know that socialising with other people of influence is an important aspect of the Lordship, so stop babysitting me and go. You don't have to like them but try to keep your snark to a minimum", she needlessly reminded him, "besides you might find someone to make a suitable in-law for me and grant my wish of many little nieces and nephews" she teased him trying to lighten the tension between them.

He ignored her statement and insisted "There are those that would seek to take advantage of someone as young as you, I can't in good conscience leave you alone to fend of the advances of unscrupulous men" Severus said with a tone finality.

Livia chuckled at him, "Severus you are speaking nonsense! No 'unscrupulous men' are going to make any kind of advances towards me, not when there are so many very beautiful women here tonight who, I might add, are also wealthy, pure-blooded and titled".

"You are young and frankly have never seen yourself clearly. Though you have common sense and an excellent mind you are entirely too innocent in some aspects of life", he said seriously, once again, she reflected sadly, he sounded more like she imagined a father would rather than a brother only three years older than herself.

Severus was aware that Livia didn't believe that there were men here tonight who would court her attentions and not all of them with honourable intentions either. Regardless of her opinion on the matter she was in fact currently the heiress to an Ancient and Nobel house of considerable wealth, in addition to that she was pretty, pleasant company and intelligent.

"I am only a few years younger than you, remember? Besides, I will never have an opportunity to become less 'innocent' to those aspects of life if you continue to glower at everyone who attempts to introduce themselves to me" she teased lightly, but feeling more and more piqued as the conversation progressed.

"Do you wish for the attentions of these people?" He asked, a slight frown on his face the only indication of his concern and confusion over the matter.

"Not specifically, but the circumstance of people approaching me in such a manner is unfamiliar to me and I need to learn how to navigate these situations for myself. What better opportunity than when my big brother is near to rescue me" she gave a half smile that didn't reach her eyes when she finished.

Lord Slytherin took this opportunity to greet them, "Lord Prince, Ms Snape a pleasure to see you both" he said with a nod of his head.

They responded in kind and he continued "I would be glad to speak with Livia further on the progress of her masteries. If you wish to make your rounds while I do so you are more than welcome too Severus" then remembering to make it sound more like a polite request he added "If Ms Snape has no objection to my company of course".

Livia sent a small tight smile his way, just moments ago she would have been glad to have the opportunity to further some of the debates she had shared with Thomas over their few meetings. Now, she felt stifled and resented feeling like she was simply replacing one babysitter for another.

Livia's small smile moved to her brother, whose overprotective nature she normally found endearing, or at the very least served to amuse her. Tonight however, he was behaving as if they were attempting to navigate through a den of iniquity rather than an equinox celebration being held by a Lord and for the upper echelons of their society no less. She knew it would amuse her later when she reflected upon the evening but not at that moment and she said tersely. "There you are brother, you may do your duty in circulating and remain at ease. I am quite sure Lord Slytherin is well up to the task of fending off the hordes of invisible suitors, should they ever make an appearance, thereby ensuring my virtue remains in tact", as she finished in a biting tone that hinted at the frustration she felt.

Lord Slytherin was more glad than he could express in that moment that he had excellent control over his emotions. He didn't know whether to laugh at the image the, oh so dry, statement had conjured in his mind or be concerned that he of all people would be charged with keeping her virtue in tact. He would admit that the dress she was wearing highlighted her delicate and petite frame in a beautiful and enticing way, rather than swamping it as so many of her clothes seemed to, thus making the statement all the more amusing to him, he was no angel after all and could appreciate beauty when he saw it in all forms.

"Indeed" he said sharply at his sister "I will take my leave and 'circulate' then" he bit out and turned to stride away feeling aggravated at how obstinate Livy was being. He paused before he left, touching her arm as if to say something but the raised eyebrow she levelled at him made him purse his lips and leave.

"I had never imagined that Severus would be a mother hen until seeing it this moment" Thomas said hoping to lighten Livia’s mood, he found that he preferred her usual more buoyant disposition.

A short laugh burst from her even as she tried to suppress it her eyes gleaming in mirth looking up at him.

"I apologise that you got pulled into our sibling spat", she said and continued ruefully, "I was feeling frustrated and I should have held my tongue better in company".

"It is of no consequence, though I will admit to some surprise at being suddenly thrust into the role of 'protector of your virtue'" he teased, smirking broadly when he saw her blush and look away with chagrin. He continued on as if discussing the weather, "I suppose it is a good thing that I have kept up my duelling practice over the years. Should the hoards truly be invisible I'm positive that I have a spell to counter it in my considerable arsenal" when he finished she peaked up at him to ensure he was still teasing her and when she saw him repressing a smile her shoulders relaxed slightly.

She groaned, "You are a wicked man Lord Slytherin, taking such delight in my mortification"

He gave a low rich chuckle, "I, for one, hope you never learn to 'hold your tongue' in company, It would make our meetings much less amusing for me".

"I'm starting to think that you may be one of these 'unscrupulous' sorts my brother continually warns me of" she said grinning.

"I have never pretended otherwise" he answered smugly, his eyebrow raised.

"Have you finished installing the trial run od your wards yet?" he said changing the subject, he had realised that how he had been speaking could have been interpreted as flirtatious and he had no intention of leading the young woman on.

While Livia explained some of the challenges she was facing while attempting to incorporate her wards into an already established ward, Lord Slytherin became aware of a woman’s voice, one who clearly wished to be heard, loudly deriding Livia's appearance and outfit to her friends. Upon hearing the start of this Thomas cast a subtle spell to prevent Livia from hearing any more without stopping to consider why. The woman continued throwing looks of disdain at Livia and loudly proclaiming how shamefully the young woman was behaving by hanging all over poor Lord Slytherin and how it was obviously in the hopes of ensnaring the powerful Lord with her shameless flirting. The woman’s friends joined in with complaints that the poor man having to put up with the boring prattle of a half blood nobody who had neither looks, name, nor money.

When she had finished giving him an update on her work she had glanced around and noticed a few furious looks she was receiving and said with a sheepish look, "I'm sorry, I didn't intend to monopolise your time, you clearly have many other people who would appreciate your time this evening. I will leave you to be getting on, thank you for taking the time to speak with me", she smiled and went to move away.

Before she could take more than a step he took her hand and placed it on his arm with an admonition of "Not so hasty Ms Snape" and began leading her towards the buffet. "You forget I have been trusted with your care and that includes the taking of refreshments", she looked at him curiously wondering why he was insisting on the charade.

"You really needn't do so, I saw how many people were waiting to speak with you and I will go find Severus to take your place if that's what concerns you".

"You truly are an innocent" he murmured, realising that it was likely she hadn't realised how much jealousy she was generating from the people around her. He looking down at her and said "Let us go and find some refreshments, I have a question that I would like to hear your thoughts on".

She looked up at him shrewdly and asked "Personal or General?"

"Would it make a difference?"

"Of course! It could be argued that a personal question typically has more value than a general one. Therefore before agreeing to answer your question it would be wise for me to know which it is. Besides, should my answer have a value, it would behove me to negotiate for terms of exchange", this was said with mischievous grin.

Surprise lit his eyes as her observed her steadily "Just when I believe you to be the most naive creature I've ever met, you go and say something like that".

"Severus taught me well" she laughed "he said a Slytherin never gives where an exchange can be made, apparently it keeps people honest, though how I have no idea".

" I think it very likely is to do with the upfront nature of an exchange. There is no feeling of being indebted to someone who may use it against you later, as you know Slytherins in general are very ambitious, so the idea that someone could demand an open favour in return at a later date is not one they would wish to entertain".

They each collected a small plate of food and glass of wine and Lord Slytherin wandlessly directed them to a free table where he politely pulled a chair out for her to be seated.

"Well..." she said "I suppose the least I could do is hear the question you have for me, you should be rewarded for your assistance at keeping the hoards at bay, despite it not being required", she said with a seriousness that was only diminished by the playfulness her eyes held.

"You have my gratitude" he said dryly. "Tell me of your opinion on Hogwarts' curriculum" .

She was surprised by the question but answered readily.

"My opinions are much the same as my brothers and Lord Malfoys'. The curriculum is limited by it inclusion of only so called 'light' and 'neutral' magic’s, though many that are termed 'dark' here are not so on the continent. Pupils are being failed by not being given the life skills nor the knowledge or education that they will require in order to seek employment. In short there is much to be improved there" she said bringing her answer to a close before she began an unseemly rant about the British educational system as she had with her brother and the Malfoys, after a few weeks of staying at the school with her brother.

"Lucius mentioned that your being there had put a basilisk amongst the acromantula, so to speak. I wish to exploit the current unrest of the parents and students alike and push through some changes to the curriculum. Already we have already ensured that the Daily Profit writes an article using the ICW (International Confederation of Wizards) Data on Employment and Education and aim to bring it before the next school board meeting. The issue we find is that in the current climate of fear of the dark arts it is difficult to sway people to our way of thinking. How would you go about it?"

She considered all of the information she had learned about politics in Britain over the years, though admittedly it was little and heavily biased by international views due to her travelling and not being in the country for much of her life, then she considered all that she had witnessed at Hogwarts.

"I would focus on the parents who hold political and social influence who have expressed concerns in the first instance, encourage them to speak about it with friends and family to increase the conversations about it. It is the children themselves who have raised the concern therefore they should be the ones requesting change. They have already been contacting their parents to ensure that their concerns are being heard. If the children from all differently politically allied families were to join together to, as an example, compile a list of changes they wished to see and to sign a petition of sorts and send copies to the school board, the Wizengomot to be read out in session and most importantly the newspaper it would be difficult to ignore the issue"

"Your idea has merit" he said after a long draw out silence "How would you foresee countering Dumbledore’s influence? He holds much sway over the British Wizarding populace, the international one too in some instances" he looked at her intensely.

"He is not the only man of influence out there. You are thinking to much like a politician and not enough like the academic you are." She said a little exasperated "How would you attempt introduce a new magical theory that contradicts a well established one that the magical community has held in high esteem?" She counter questioned.

"You're saying that I should gather evidence? I have done so already but they refuse to hear it", he frowned.

"Then don't use 'your' voice. Use the voices of the other academics out there that have researched dark magic and light magic. Look at the correlation between dark magic being lawfully allowed vs abolished across the world. Who has the rising dark lords? Who has the highest rates of dark magic addiction? Who has the highest rates of crime using Light magic?" She added at the end as a joke

Thomas gave a short incredulous laugh and took her hand and kissed it, not missing the surprise and deep blush that suffused her cheeks.

"Thank you. I am grateful for your insights this evening and I offer you unreservedly the use of my private Library at Slytherin Castle. In the mean time I must leave you, I have friends to find and meetings to plan. Would you allow me to accompany you to find your friends first?", he stood and when she stood he placed her arm in his and escorted to her towards Narcissa before giving her a bow above her hand and leaving.

She looked after the man, who she was certain also called himself Lord Voldemort amongst his followers, and for the first time since meeting him truly considered what she knew of him. As she attempted to join in with the mindless prattle around her. He intrigued her, she hadn't been entirely honest during his first visit to Prince manor. She had heard quite a few tales of the charming, affluent and handsome Lord Slytherin before she had even met him, he had acquaintance’s far and wide after all and was quite a popular subject to be spoken of. She had also heard tales of he was ruthless, merciless and on occasion had violent outbursts towards those he perceived as of wronging him. Yet  he had spoken with her as you would any other scholar and she had found that she enjoyed his insightful and sometimes controversial opinions on a wide range of subjects, he was funny and teasing and had the most delightful chuckle... she bought herself up short and with determination refocused on the conversation going on around her.

Xander, Abraxas and Rambert had been surreptitiously observing their friend. They had each noticed earlier when Thomas had engaged Ms Snape in a conversation and had gathered together to discuss it. When it appeared the conversation would be over they were surprised by his escorting her towards the buffet and a table instead, where they seemed to be involved in a rather intense and lively conversation, though upon reflection most of their conversations could be described in such a way.

They watched as he bestowed looks of interest, fondness and amusement upon the girl and were completely gobsmacked when he laughed at something she said and kissed her hand. He escorted her around the room again, this time to Narcissa and made his way in search of them.

His behaviour towards her was certainly not   usual and he clearly enjoyed her company if his seeking her out so frequently was any indication, but whether she was more than a passing amusement for him they weren't sure.

"Gentlemen, I'm glad I found you. Livia has just put forward an idea that I hope to get your opinion on..." a privacy bubble was cast and he explained what they had discussed.