The Bookstore

When Lord Slytherin had agreed to consider marriage and had opened himself up to his friends suggestions, he had not envisaged that it would lead him to be stuck in his own personal hell. Apparently word of his searching for a wife had spread amongst his followers or more accurately their wives, who had then banded together to arrange a little soiree for him to meet those persons who were deemed suitable to become his spouse. Unsurprisingly the prospective spouses were all relatives of theirs in some way or another.
 
He had left the 'soiree' at the Parkinson’s that had been held in order for him to meet the, supposed, options that were available. He had left feeling frustrated, instead of finding a potential partner he was now convinced that there was no-one in Britain that would be suitable for the role. As a result he had flooed directly to Lord Nott’s home to complain to his friend and have a much needed drink.
 
"So not one of them was suitable? Surely there must have been a few that were at least...more suitable than the others?" Xander said a little exasperated at his friend, who upon his arrival had sat down in his library and helped himself to some brandy, all the while complaining about the lack of intelligent conversation, the impertinence of the forward young woman and men and how he wished he could have cursed simpering sycophants. 
 
"Haven't you been listening to a word I've said in the last half an hour?" he said in reply. "The entire afternoon was a parade of some of the most well bred, yet brainless young chits I've ever had the misfortune to meet. When one or two did have some passing knowledge on a topic of interest they would inevitably agree with my point of view, no argument required, even if it contradicted their own and then they subjected me to, what I presume was meant to be, flirting!", he drained his glass in remembered horror of fluttering eyelashes and coy touches to his arm. He looked to his friend, "Do you really believe that this is a necessary step? Is there not some other way that I could go about this. I could adopt a child for example?" he said almost desperately.
 
Xander raised his eyebrow and teased "I never thought I would see the day that you failed to rise to a challenge my old friend".
 
It was Rambert, who had been called through the floo by Xander for 'moral support', who asked "Wasn't the Snape girl there, you normally end up arguing with her over some bit theory if the last few times I've seen you together are anything to go by?"
 
His friend glowered at his drink and muttered to himself quietly however, Rambert who was sat closest to him heard, "It wouldn't have been such a waste of an afternoon if she had been", he continued on louder, "Apparently they 'forgot' to send her an invite due to her 'recent elevation in society'". 'A pity' he thought to himself, 'at least she was entertaining, ridiculous well read and not to mention creative. Then she had shown that she had a slightly vindictive streak hidden under that pleasant and friendly exterior'.
 
Xander raised his eyebrows, he was both surprised and yet not by the slight, the jealousy he had already seen towards the young woman was quite vicious, but the ladies of pureblood society rarely ignored fundamental rules of etiquette.
 
"Pity, you seem to get on well with her and she certainly has a novel way of viewing things, her thoughts on bringing experts into the Wizengomot is a good one when dealing with legislation" Xander said, observing his friend closely while they talked.
 
He had noticed a subtle difference in the way his friend sounded when he spoke of the girl versus others he had mentioned during the visit so far. He definitely respected her, admired her intellect certainly and clearly enjoyed her company. He was beginning to suspect that his friend was taking more of an interest in Ms Snape than even he himself realised. There was a forty year age gap, which was little when a wizard could easily live to be a 160. At the age of 60 Tom hadn’t even reached middle age yet and still looked 40 at most however, at 19 Ms Snape was still very young.
 
"Besides, once your married there will be no need to spend time with your wife if you do not wish too. Her matching your intelligence shouldn't be too much of an issue. I don't know why you don't just make a list of the available ones, along side pros and cons and pick the best of the lot" Rambert's opinion on marriage had never altered, he had had an arranged marriage and had come to care for his wife in a manner of speaking before her death. He saw nothing remiss in a marriage where neither partner was interested in the other providing they both understood the situation. "Unless of course you have already found someone suitable?" he added slyly, knowing his friends interest in Livia Snape and if Xander’s calculating looks were anything to go by he had recognised it too.
 
Thomas didn't answer but looked dissatisfied with his friends opinion on the matter and accepted another top up of his drink.
 
"Ram, perhaps he would prefer to have a spouse that he might at least come to, if not love, hold affection for", said Xander, eyeing Thomas' reaction, he knew Rambert had had an arranged marriage and that he himself had been incredibly luckily with his darling wife, whom he had come to love dearly.
 
The two friends, when recognising Thomas' need for reflection, sat and talked idly of Thomas' afternoon and the solution for a suitable marriage partner, eventually moving on to other topics, neither mention Ms Snape again. 
 
Tom was reflecting on the young women he had met and realised after a while that he was comparing them all to Livia. By the end of the evening he had convinced himself that it was a completely normal and natural thing to do when one values intelligence as highly as he did himself, if intelligence hadn't been the only virtue of Livias' that he had reflected on favourably, it was barely acknowledged by him.
 
 
                               

 
Severus and Livia were visiting Diagon alley, Severus with a list of plants and potions ingredients, excited to be able to purchase some of the rarer ingredients to experiment with, he wanted to order from the various stores and Livia with a list of books. They split up once they entered the Alley and agreed to meet at Mr Lewis' Bookstore in three hours.
 
Livia had been chatting to Mr Lewis while he collected the books he had in stock and that were on her list. She had decided to search for books of interest that may have been forgotten and so not added to the list, Severus had been very clear that he wanted the Prince Library to be well stocked and she was determined that she would help him in his endeavour.
 
The bell by the door signalled that other customers had entered the store but Livia paid little attention until she heard a harsh rough voice speaking.
 
"What have we here, a dark artefact sat right out in the open where anyone might see it". Livia looked around the bookshelf confused at the statement, knowing Mr Lewis had no such thing in his store. She saw a scarred man with a magical eye and a wooden leg who could only be the Auror Moody who had been in the paper so often recently and a younger man who had a vague resemblance to Narcissa and Bellatrix.
 
Mr Lewis was stood stiffly behind his counter watching the pair warily and Livia understood what was happening.
 
"I bet if we conduct a thorough search of the property we will find some illegal books too" said the younger with a nasty sneer on his face, leaning over the counter, his wand in hand.
 
"Good point Black! We should have a good look around. Lets start with you shall we!" He said abruptly turning to Livia.
 
"Wand where I can see in girly. Put the books your carrying here where I can see them." Moody barked.
 
Bert went to move to try and protect Livia from their scrutiny and found the wand held by the young man in front of him was now digging into the base of his throat and he swallowed loudly, anger and fear simmering within him. He had heard too many stories of   what the Aurors had done to others in Knockturn and it was much worse than what was commonly known and the papers were reporting.
 
Livia met Moody's eye and walked forward cautiously, her back straight and her chin up, she would not be cowed by this bully of a man regardless of the power he thought he held, she had made a promise to herself when she finally escaped her father.
 
"Name and address?" The old Auror demanded, a customary questions to identify a person in case their 'assistance' was required at a later point during their investigation.
 
Livia drew herself up, "Heiress Prince, My home is Prince Manor however, my current abode is  Hogwarts".
 
Moody glowered at her but Black looked over with interest, he had heard that the Prince Lordship had been taken by Snivellus Snape his old school nemesis but he hadn't heard about an heiress and was sure snivelly hadn’t married. She was only a little younger than he was so maybe she was a cousin of Snape’s, he thought to himself.
 
"A child shouldn't be wandering around in term time, s'pecially in Knockturn Alley. You will be returning to school and the headmaster can deal with you and your parents. Go, stand in the corner over there out of the way!", Moody barked rudely.
 
Livia raised her eyebrow, thoroughly unimpressed with how she was being addressed and she channelled her inner Malfoy, "I think you will find that as an of age witch, who's parents are deceased, that you have issued an ineffectual threat. In addition to that I am currently assisting Professor Babbling with her Owl and Newt Runes students, you will notice that many of the books that I was holding were in fact books associated with Runes and not illegal in the least".
 
Moody let out a low growl at the young upstart and eyed the books she mentioned.
 
"That doesn't account for the books on rituals, should you be found to be conducting rituals of an illegal nature it would mean a lengthy stay in Azkaban, heiress or no. Warding I see here too? Seems to me that you might be messing with things you don't understand, who knows what damage you could cause in a school full of innocent children, perhaps I should let Albus know my concerns about having such a person assisting in their education" he said nastily.
 
"Perhaps It would benefit you to be referred my Rituals Master Hak, Warding Master Vega and Runes Master Abbas for confirmation on my competency in those subjects. I can also refer you to Professor Babbling who can verify my competency in Runes specifically and the teaching thereof" she paused eyeing the man who was looking more angry by the moment.
 
Black was half watching the Heiress Prince who was facing off against Mad-Eye Moody, he hoped the man would keep his temper, he really didn't want to arrest the pretty and feisty young woman.
 
"I think that perhaps it would be wise for me to request my legal counsel to be here, in the event of your choosing to continue questioning me in such a fashion, not to mention the accusations against my character. Lord Malfoy is a good friend and I am sure I could convince him to also represent the owner of this fine establishment to save you time. I understand that the Head of the DMLE has declared it to be stretched thin these days".
 
He growled again at the young woman "Come on Black. We don't have the time to waste in here". He picked up the dark artefact that he had bought in with him, glowered at the shopkeeper and stormed out, his wooden leg thumping down on the wooden floor as he went. Black nodded to Livia with a smile on his face, "I do hope we meet again. Perhaps the Leaky Cauldron at 5, my shift finishes then" he winked. 
 
"Does that ever work for you?" She stared incredulously.
 
With a grin he shrugged his shoulders "more often than not".
 
"Black! Where are you!" Moody shouted back into the store.
 
"See you around" he said to Livia as he sauntered away.
 
Livia moved across to a very pale Mr Lewis as soon as both Aurors had left the shop. She conjured a chair for him and eased him down into it. She flicked her wand so the door sign flicked to 'Closed' and proceeded to organise a tea tray and placed it upon the counter.
 
Handing an over sweet cup of tea she asked "Are you feeling ok Mr Lewis? Severus is due here soon and will likely have a calming draught if you require one" as if she had called for him Severus stepped through the shop door at that moment, ignoring the 'closed' sign completely.
 
He surveyed the scene in front of him and moved closer to inspect Mr Lewis who was breathing heavily and very pale, "What has happened? When I heard in the Apothecary that Moody was in here I came straight away" he pulled a calming draught out of his first aid kit and handed it to the clearly shaken man who drank it without complaint.
 
"Moody and Black came in. It looked like they were trying to frame Mr Lewis with some dark artefact and then Moody noticed me. He wanted to know why a student was here unsupervised" she rolled her eyes.
 
Bert looked up sharply at Livia "Livia Snape what were you thinking talking to Moody that way, you near gave me a heart attack! The man is a loose cannon, you could have been hurt or arrested! They have done far worse than you have seen in the paper young lady!" he ranted himself into a fair state before Severus could force another calming draught upon the man.
 
Severus looked at her seriously "What did you do Livia?" 
 
"I didn't do..." she began.
 
"Do! She baited Mad-Eye is what she did!" Bert took a deep breath and described the confrontation to an increasingly worried and angry looking Severus.
 
"You are grounded Livia Snape, for one month", Bert said sternly
 
Livia, much to Severus' amusement, looked chastised as he had never seen her before, she normally defaulted to defiant or placidly understanding.
 
"Mr Lewis, I can't really be grounded while I live at Hogwarts and Prince Manor" she said almost apologetically.
 
"That is where you are wrong young Lady, you are grounded from coming into the store to read or purchase books for the next month, effective immediately".
 
"Does that mean I can't visit you either Mr Lewis" she said, her eyes filling with tears. She had never had the kindly old man angry at her before and there was a part of her that was worried he wouldn't want her around anymore.
 
He sighed heavily "You and Severus have always been welcome to visit here as you well know, that isn't going to change just because of this incident. I do think it would be wise for you to stay out of Knockturn for a time though in case the Auror's decide to make more trouble".
 
"I will do as you ask but please let me look over your warding first?" she pleaded, she wouldn't leave the man undefended even if she agreed to abide by his wishes.
 
"Very well. Off you go, the sooner you start the sooner you can get home".
 
She rushed off to begin work, leaving behind Severus and Bert by the counter where they had been sitting.
 
"You will need to keep an eye on her Severus, she attracted Moody and Black's attention, though both for very different reasons".
 
Severus looked at him and nodded "I will. She seems to be attracting much attention at the moment one way or another" this was said with a small smile and he told the old bookshop owner about her influence over the students of Hogwarts and how much the staff liked her, the courtship requests that arrived from idiots who didn't deserve his sister and how worried he was becoming at the Dark Lords interest in her. That he wasn't the only who noticed and didn't know how to protect her from him. Bert sat listening carefully and offering advice where he could before asking Severus about his own life.
 
"Ok Mr Lewis, I'm done". Livia’s voice carried into the store some three hours later.
 
She handed him a piece of parchment and a quartz globe and explained, "The parchment will record who enters the store, push a little magic into this rune and it will transcribe conversations taking place in store and will record spells that are used." She pointed to a rune at the top of the small globe "Do the same with this rune but to set a password to activate the globe. Make sure it is one that can be easily slipped into conversation but that you are unlikely to say often as the globe is charmed to record visual and audio in the store. I have reconfigured the wards to prevent dark artefacts from being bought in unless you allow them specifically and should there are two additionally warded areas set up as 'safe zones' for you. The first is around your counter and the second is your store room".
 
Mr Lewis stared at her in disbelief, "Livia my child, how on earth have you managed all of that in the time you have been here?" 
 
She looked sheepishly "You know all of those times I asked if I could examine your wards for educational purposes?" she glanced at him, unsure if he would be cross with her again. "Well, I've sort of been upgrading them as I went along ".
 
Severus snorted, it was just like Livia to do something like that without telling anyone, she always did what she could to keep family safe and Mr Lewis was like family to them.
 
 
                                 

 
Severus and Livia took a trip to Malfoy Manor so that Livia could talk through the legal implications of the incident with Moody and Black to see if they could press any charges against them though it was unlikely. She also wanted to consult him regarding whether or not the evidence provided by her transcription/recording device would be admissible in the Wizengomot.
 
Narcissa had every intention of taking advantage of this unexpected time alone with Severus and decided to broach the subject of Livia, "While we were in Lille, Livy mentioned that you had spoken to her about her apparent feelings for the Dark Lord" she sipped her tea.
 
"She admitted it to you then? When I spoke to her she denied it", he answered pensively.
 
"Oh no, she denied it to me also but the chemistry between them is obvious," Cissa told him, "What is it that has you so concerned?"
 
"Chemistry between them?" he raised an eyebrow and with a huff of incredulity he said "I believe that Livy has feelings for the Dark Lord, he is charming and he has paid her some attention when he sees her, likely because of the wards she has designed, but she is reading more into it than is there I think. We both know that his assignations are fleeting at best and she will have her heartbroken, I don't want that for her." 
 
"You must have heard of his plans to wed, do you not think that perhaps he is viewing Livia as a candidate?" she asked tentatively, he seemed to be completely ignoring the fact it is the Dark Lord who seeks her out, who smiles with her, who looks so engaged when she’s speaking.
 
"Livia is a 19 year old half-blood, even if she carries the title of Heiress Prince and has access to a reasonable dowry now. There are many others who would be immeasurably more suited to the role, it's likely to be a political match so affection won't come into it and he will want a properly raised pureblood who knows the social and political niceties", he answered with a shrug.
 
Cissa tilted her head in acknowledgment, she couldn't deny that his thoughts on the matter made perfect sense, but at the same time there was something there between them, some little spark that seemed to light up in each in response to the other.
 
Livia walked in at that moment with Lucius in tow.
 
Not satisfied with Severus' response but without clear evidence to back up her suspicion she considered that it was perhaps time to have a break from reading romance novels and instead enquired of the two who had entered, "Finished already?".
 
"Hmm. I will be raising the issue of testimony  from Livia’s' wards being used as evidence on future cases. I am not sure if the Wizengomot will embrace it as an additional form of evidence in court cases or if they will reject it given how many of those cases seem to be revolving around the Auror division at present" Lucius explained as he took a seat next to his wife.
 
"What of Moody and Black?" asked Severus when Livia had taken a seat.
 
"I think it is unlikely that it would go to court.  No spells were fired and it would all be circumstantial at best".
 
The four conversed a little while longer before the siblings left to return to Hogwarts before the evening meal began.
 
 
Livia felt like she had had a productive week thus far, she continued enlightening the pupils of Hogwarts who, in turn, had been speaking to their parents and older siblings about courses and their future options. She was rewarded for her candour when a few of the muggleborn students began explaining about how strike action, sit ins and petitions in the muggle world worked. The students raised in the magical world were dubious about the efficacy of such methods and explained some of the finer points of how politics in the Wizarding world worked. 
 
Once they had discussed how they should go about presenting their thoughts and to whom, they began their petition complete with covering statement. It was accomplished without the aid or knowledge of the staff, except Livia of course who they had run the idea by, she wasn't really staff they reasoned and she would be on their side. 
 
Livia had of course told Severus what the children were doing, she felt proud of them for wanting to fight for a better and more rounded education, one that would enable them to be gainfully employed in the future. 
 
Severus of course told Lucius, who in turn told his father and the Dark Lord at their next meeting. The children were working surprisingly well together, the Slytherins had suggested that the Headmaster, Board of Governors, Department of Education, Wizengomot, Daily Prophet and last but not least the ICW should all be contacted, some of the pupils thought this was overkill, but agreed once the arguments for doing so were put forward.
 
That the Dark Lord had requested that his followers encourage their children in their endeavour and instruct them to contact as many agencies as possible, so that the request would have to be heard, was a minor thing. He felt pleased by how things were progressing, he could see how Livia's idea was coming to fruition and marvelled at how quickly it had done so.
 
 
 
Livia and Professor Babbling entered the Great Hall discussing the differing approaches each had used to aid students with various aspects of they were struggling with as they made their way the head table for lunch. 
 
Dumbledore leaned forward slightly in his chair and looked a few seats down to where Livia was sat.
 
"Livia my girl, I was wondering if you might join me for a chat in my office after lunch?" he asked, looking over his half-moon spectacles at her.
 
"Of course Headmaster, was it in relation to anything specific?", she answered pleasantly.
 
"Just some little rumours about your visiting Knockturn Alley. I'm sure we can come to an understanding on the issue".
 
"What would be the Issue if you don't mind my asking" Livia asked with feigned ignorance, she had a hunch where this was going.
 
"I'm aware that you have spent little time in Britain over these last years however, I would have thought you would have been cautioned about how unseemly it is for a person of good character to be seen frequenting Knockturn Alley" he replied in a mildly scolding yet grandfatherly way before continuing, 
 
"There are many unsavoury, often criminal elements to be found there and I'm positive that you wouldn't wish for people to get the wrong idea by being found there again", he finished as if he fully expected her agreement.
 
Livia took a deep and calming breath, she could not believe the gall of this man, who was he to dictate where she could and couldn't go?
 
"With all due respect Headmaster the only person who appears to have the 'wrong idea' appears to be you. Whilst in Knockturn Alley I was visiting a dear friend of mine, he is a good, kind man, who has been selling books in that store for over 100 years. Knockturn was quite as popular Diagon apparently when he first moved there and despite the recent changes has remained where he is". 
 
Severus had come sat down towards the end of her statement, wandering what he had missed.
 
"That may well have been my girl, but it is sadly no longer the case. Many who practice the dark arts now reside there not to mention dark creatures, it can be a dangerous place, especially for one as young and innocent as yourself" he said patronisingly.
 
"I would have assumed that a gentleman as magnanimous as yourself would be championing the people on the fringes of British society, who are being discarded and discriminated against, after all not all of the residents of Knockturn Alley will be unsavoury, just as not all residing in Diagon will be virtuous.
 
A man of your experience and influence would be wise in refraining from making such sweeping generalisations regarding whole sections of society. Prejudice comes in many forms and it is not only the purview of 'Dark Lords', as the recent news articles will attest to. I am of the opinion that it is time for more people to stand up for those wronged, even if by those in positions of power and who harass innocent people, as we have recently seen".
 
"Whilst I agree with you in principle I must recommend caution when reading the news. It is not always accurate and In this instance I believe that the cases against the DMLE has been maligned by those that would rather see a decrease in their success rates", Dumbledore countered gravely.
 
Livia raised and unimpressed eyebrow at him, finished her lunch and left the hall. There was surprised muttering from the staff and the students who had been close enough to hear the exchange were rapidly telling their neighbour’s an embellished version as it spread throughout the hall in record time.
 
The days following Dumbledore continued to talk to Livia and spoke frequently of supporting the actions of the Aurors. He repeatedly expressed his concern to and about that 'poor Livia', in her naivety might become a victim of dark wizarding influences. The only reprieve Livia received from his well meaning advice was when he was mysteriously inflicted with a bout of explosive diarrhoea (must have been something that disagreed with him in the stew), his robes were all charmed to be the unattractive shades of brown (children will be children, we can all appreciate a good jape now and again!) and most perplexingly neither he nor his visitors seemed able to consume lemon drops when in his office or private rooms.
 
Severus had recognised his sisters handiwork when he saw it, particularly with the excessive laxative use and was highly impressed by her ward construction in particular, how she had managed to devise a ward to specifically prevent lemon drop consumption he had no idea. The clothing charmed 'poo' brown in his wardrobe was definitely one of the spells of his own creation, taught to Livy, of course using spells and wards of their own invention meant that there was no easy fix for the Headmaster.