The Bookstore

The other three men hummed non-committedly, each thinking that she didn't seem the social climbing sort, but didn't bother to disabuse Abraxas of his notions. Lord Slytherin walked quickly to intercept Severus before he left the Lestrange home where they had just finished their meeting to discuss the suspension and formal investigation into Alastair Moody.

"Severus, would you mind if I accompanied you to your manor? I wish to speak with Livia if she is available", Lord Slytherin politely asked, though phrased as a question Severus knew is wasn't and responded in the affirmative. He was a little concerned as to why the Dark Lord wished to speak with Livia but surmised it was regarding something she was working on.

He threw some floo powder into the fire and stepped forwards saying clearly "Prince Manor, Receiving Room" and in a swirl of green flame he was gone.

Severus arrived in his home, stepping away from the floo and called Birch the house elf "Can you tell Livia that she has a guest whom wishes to speak with her", Birch nodded, "Yes Master Prince" and popped away.

Lord Slytherin came through the floo a moment later and removed the soot from his robes. "Would you come through to the sitting room My Lord or would you prefer the study?" asked Severus, unsure how long Lord Slytherin intended to stay or the reason for his visit.

"The sitting room should be adequate Severus, I don't intend to remain long".

They moved to the sitting room and a tray of tea, a bottle of fire whiskey and glasses appeared on the low coffee table. Severus had just handed the Dark Lord a drink when Livia entered and Thomas considered her as she greeted him. She looked as demure as normal, her manners polite and she greeted him with her usual cheerfully engaging manner. All in all there was no hint that gave away her feelings towards him or if she would even consider a courtship should he offer.

Severus put an end to his thoughts when he cleared his throat "If neither of you have any need of me, I have some potions that need my attention" he said giving a slight bow and leaving. Once out of their hearing he summoned Birch again and instructed the house elf to keep his sister safe, discreetly.

Livia had no idea what Lord Slytherin could want with her, unless of course he wanted to discuss her attendance to a Wizengomot meeting to discuss her wards as they had discussed, so she sat down and waited.

"I would like to invite you to go to dinner with me", Lord Slytherin decided that being direct would be the easiest way to deal with the uncertainty he was feeling.

'Well, that was unexpected' she thought, 'Ah, unless...'

"Which dinner is it you require a plus-one for? It may be that I am already attending any way or have a different dinner to attend that night, we move in very similar circles after all", she answered giving him a small half smile and hoping he wouldn't be offended by not having a direct answer.

That wasn't what he intended, how to clear up the misconception without adding any weight to the invitation. He didn't intend to give her a false impression of dinner together being more than it was but he also didn't want her to think it was a business meeting. He didn't want to get her hopes up but he did want an opportunity to spend additional time with her to, hopefully, determine if a courtship with her would be worth pursuing, he hadn't had a further opportunity since she had visited his home a few weeks ago.

'Life is so much easier when you can just order people to do your bidding', he internally lamented.

"It is not a dinner party per say, it would be you and I sharing dinner and having conversations about a range of topics." not entirely sure that she understood the circumstances he added "I highly value your intellect and on several occasions your insights have been invaluable. I have had the opportunity to speak with you on several occasions and wish to do so for a more extended length of time", there that should clear the situation up nicely he thought to himself.

Livia thought through what he had said carefully before she answered him, not fully understanding the formal manner in which he was asking. He had been much more straight forward when he invited her to see his library so she didn't see why dinner would be different to the lunch they shared.

"I would be glad to, Just send me the date, time and meeting place and I will make room in my schedule". It wouldn't hurt to accommodate the man, he clearly had some sort of project that he was requiring input on and she enjoyed spending time in his company, it didn't hurt that he was nice to look at.

Thomas stood, bowed and left so suddenly that she was still sat on the chair as he exited the room. Livia called Birch and asked where she would find Severus, despite his excuse of potion making she knew he had none being brewed at present so wasn't at all surprised to find him in the Library.

"Are you okay? What did Lord Slytherin wish to speak with you about Livy?" he asked, worry clearing from his face and sitting straighter as she entered.

"To ask me to dinner apparently?" she said with a slightly questioning lilt to her voice.

"...Dinner...?" Severus repeated back to her "A dinner party?"

"no, just the two of us having conversation he said"

"he said that...?" Severus looked perplexed, like he was trying to make a potion with only half the ingredients.

"Yes, that was what he said"  she confirmed "The look on your face is telling me that you don't understand his reasoning any more than I do but I assume its to do with the Wizengomot, Wards or some project he is interested in. Well, I'm going to get some work done before dinner, I will see you then" and with that she stepped out of the room, leaving a thoroughly confused and concerned Severus. Once she was gone he flooed to Malfoy Manor, perhaps Lucius could offer some insight.

Lucius sat opposite his friend both had a glass of fire whisky by this point, both were sat in silence trying to understand the motivations of their Lord, everything he did had a motive and was to further their cause though Livia’s thought it was about the Wizengomot had merit, they couldn't understand the need for her to go to dinner with him, a private one apparently, he could meet with her at anytime after all.

Narcissa entered the room with the intention of asking Severus to brew some more first aid salves and potions to replace those used, Draco was at an age where falling down was a semi-frequent event, when she noticed the intense brooding silence of the to men.

"Is everything ok?" she asked tentatively both men were startled out of their thoughts, she walked over to her husband and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"There is nothing to be concerned about my dear, Severus and I are simply trying to understand the Dark Lords motivations on a recent...meeting"

"Perhaps I can offer a different viewpoint?" she said, her curiosity peaked.

Severus explained about the Dark Lord wishing to speak with Livia and how it culminated in his asking her to dinner, for conversation.

Narcissa wanted to laugh at their perplexed faces. "He could just be asking her on a date or wanting some companionship” she said, watching their faces take on a look of horror.

"He is the Dark Lord" spluttered Lucius as if that made the point valid, "He does nothing without motivation, he is calculating and cunning. This will have some greater purpose I've no doubt", unable to believe his wife suggested such a thing as mundane as a 'date'. The man may be looking for a suitable wife but it was likely to be a political match and he certainly wouldn't need to go on a 'date', he is the Dark Lord for goodness sake!

"He is still a man and a human. I think you are both overthinking this, you both know he is looking for a wife so this shouldn't be surprising to either of you. Severus would you mind replenishing our potions and salves when you get an opportunity, I will send you a list" and with that she left the two befuddled men to their silly worries and ridiculous conspiracy theories.

                ______________________

Two days later found the Dark Lord looking through his wardrobe, just as he had been for the last 20 minutes, he didn't know why he was struggling to find a suitable outfit. Everything he owned was of exquisite quality and looked good on him, he had made sure of that so he was feeling unaccountably frustrated with his wardrobe. He strode over to his floo and called Malfoy Manor, "Abraxas, is Narcissa there? I have need of her", he said without preamble.

"Yes my friend, I will send for her at once", he answered thoroughly unperturbed by the demand, he did notice that Thomas looked a little stressed though if the tightening around his eyes and mouth were any indication.

"Good, send her through would you", and with that curt statement he ended the floo call.

Narcissa stepped through the floo to Slytherin manor just a minute later with no idea what to expect however, she remained serene in her countenance, even as her nervous husband would likely be wearing a hole through the floor until she returned home.

"Narcissa, I require your expertise", the Dark Lord began, "Would you be so kind as to help me find suitable robes for a restaurant meeting", he felt foolish for not being able to dress himself.

Narcissa had to fight the urge to smirk at the thoroughly frustrated and slightly flustered Dark Lord.

"Is it a meeting of business?" she hedged knowing that he had likely planned on taking Livia to dinner tonight.

"No, not as such" he said, his brow furrowed trying to determine how much to say.

"Ah, pleasure then" she said lightly as she was led to his wardrobe by a helpful house elf.

"No!" he said quickly correcting her before her imagination could run wild. She turned and looked like she was going to ask another question so he headed her off hoping to clarify the situation and to avoid her further scrutiny. Narcissa was close friends with the Snape siblings and he didn’t want her planning his supposed wedding with the girl before he had even determined whether she would be a suitable option.

"It is neither business, nor pleasure...Though I can't imagine it will be an arduous meeting, nor that business will be strictly prohibited, though it isn't the whole focus for of the meeting. It will be conversation and possibly some idea sharing, but in a restaurant", he concluded, 'there that explains it', he thought and gave a decisive nod.

Narcissa wanted to laugh at his explanation, but she was a pureblood raised woman with iron control of herself. She would wait until later when she was home and laugh to her hearts content, perhaps she would make use of a pensive to really enjoy the memory!

"May I inquire which restaurant you have selected My Lord?" Narcissa asked, knowing that some of the higher class restaurants had quite specific dress codes that patrons were expected to adhere to.

"La Luna Nuova" he answered, with a nonchalance that Narcissa couldn't help but think was a little disingenuous, it was a very exclusive and very romantic venue for this 'not business' meeting.

Narcissa turned abruptly back to the wardrobe and selected a tailored dark green silk and linen mix robe with fine silver Celtic embroidered trim, black cotton and trousers and a crisp cotton black shirt and shoes.

"This should be suitable my lord" she declared.

"You have my thanks Narcissa, you may return home now", the Dark Lord said, abruptly dismissing her.

As soon as Narcissa stepped out of the floo she turned and put her head back in to call Prince Manor. Narcissa ignored her husband's impatient questioning to know what urgent matter his Lord had that had required his wife’s assistance, not his, much to his chagrin.

"Severus, Is Livy out this evening?" she asked.

"She will be, shall I fetch her for you. Our Lord should be arriving to collect her in 20 minutes?", he answered with a small frown.

"No, does she know he has made reservations at La Luna Nuova?".

"I don't think so, Birch! Tell Livia that the restaurant is La Luna Nuova." he hoped his sister would heed the warning and dress appropriately, it was very exclusive and expensive restaurant.

He turned but Narcissa had already left, he went to the sitting room to await the arrival of Lord Slytherin and considering the choice of venue for this meeting. His Lord arrived a little early leaving the two men to attempt to make light conversation, not an easy task for two such taciturn men. When Livia entered the room Thomas abruptly stood and moved towards her, she was dressed in a mint coloured, silk robe with a fitted emerald shift dress underneath.

He took her hand and gave a small bow over it in silent greeting, noticing idly that the heels she wore made her a few inches taller, not that it made much difference give how petite she was.

"Shall we leave? We have reservations booked for 8 o'clock" said Thomas feeling unaccountably awkward, he shook it off and offering his arm, 'that was appropriate for this kind of meeting wasn't it?' he mused, 'never mind, good manners always help get what one wants, not that he wanted anything, this was just a trial run of sorts to see if she would be tolerable as a spouse', he finished his thought and concentrated on the present.

Livia took the proffered arm and bid goodbye to her brother who looked both confused and worried.

Severus strode to the floo once he was sure they were gone and moments later was in search of Narcissa in Malfoy Manor.

"Severus", she greeted, I thought you might visit this evening".

"Cissa, what made you think that they were going to La Luna Nuova? It's not the most likely of places for a meeting", he asked her.

Narcissa gave in to the urge to roll her eyes at him and looked to her husband knowing that he had been waiting for answers since she came home, she had known however, that Severus would visit as soon as the couple left and had no desire to repeat herself. Besides, she was a Slytherin and a Black, they don't give away information for nothing and she had ensured husbands attendance to two very dull but respectable parties that she had to attend in the near future and carte blanche to choose where their next two holiday's would be and when.

"This evening the Dark Lord requested my aid on a matter of some urgency" she began, enjoying watching how their minds were trying to figure out what the 'matter' could be. She took a slow sip of tea, smiling to herself, "Upon my arrival I found our Lord in a state of some agitation", here she paused again for effect, savouring the telling of a tale which would surely leave her with some pensive worthy reactions.

"The Dark Lord required my 'expertise' on a particularly difficult deliberation. I, of course, aided him to the best of my ability and we were successful in the joint endeavour", she sat back as if she had shared all there was to know and resumed drinking her tea with all the appearance of quiet satisfaction of a job well done. She was truly enjoying dragging this out.

The two men, after waiting a few short moments, realised that this was all she was going to say on the matter.

"My dear, what was the urgent matter and what does this have to do with La Luna Nuova?" asked Lucius, now desperate to know what mission or task his darling wife had been pulled into.

Narcissa regarded them both with the utmost seriousness, "Our Lord required my aid in choosing an outfit befitting his not business, not date but, not, not business and not, not date meeting, that is being held this evening at La Luna Nuova", she said. She watched as each of them turned her statement over in their minds, their faces becoming increasingly incredulous as it sunk in.

They both gaped like fish and she burst out  laughing as she had wished to all evening.

The Maître di Sala of the La Luna Nuova rushed forwards to greet Lord Slytherin.

"Lord Slytherin, we have your table ready. Please follow me, I do hope we manage to meet your expectations this evening."

The man ignored Livia completely and was positioning himself next to Thomas, clearly trying to ingratiate himself with the man. Livia felt nothing but amusement at his actions, as she observed the young, short thin man with his slicked back hair attempted to flirt with Thomas and only began to feel annoyance when he began to push her out of the way.

Lord Slytherin stopped walking and turn to Livia and held out his arm to her with a raised eyebrow indicating that she should be walking beside him, not this obsequious little man, of whom he gifted a dark look.

The man gave an involuntary shiver at the look he received and decided then and there that Lord Slytherin was a man best left alone.

Once they were seated they engaged in the typical conversation about the food and wine and placed their orders with the waiter assigned to their table. An awkward silence descended and Thomas decided to check the silencing charms around their table until Livia decided to speak.

"Thomas, was the a specific topic that you wished to discuss with me?" she asked, not understanding his reluctance to have what ever conversation he felt she could assist with. She was still a little surprised at the choice of venue, she had expected a more casual venue, not this more intimate setting.

"There was no specific subject I wished to discuss", he answered, pausing whilst they were served their starter of soup. "Severus tells me that you are working together to find a way to regulate magical output so that it can be safely used in potions. How are you intending to achieve that?", he asked, his interest apparent.

"Severus and I have discussed it at length and my intention currently is to use runes as a base with a weave of spell work around them. Our hope is that if we achieve this he will be able to work  to enhance or change properties of various potion ingredients it would also help to create a heating plate that would allow greater control over the heating of a potion", Livia answered pleasantly, apparently he didn't want to get to the point of this meeting straight away and that was fine.

"How will you harness the magic to be released in a steady and quantifiable stream? Are you intending to use something similar to the 'batteries' you are using in you cells?" asked Thomas sitting forward, interested in the project and the possible ramifications it could have for the potion making community.

A waiter appeared to remove the used plates and to serve the main course and change the wine to suite their meal.

"The magic will be held in a stone, much like a muggle battery and the quartz I have used in my previous wards. Tell me, how familiar are you with muggle technology?" she asked starting to relax now they were on her current work for her mastery.

"I keep up to date with their advances whenever I can, after all we have to ensure that the statute of secrecy is adhered too. We can't do that if we remain unaware of their capabilities" he responded seriously.

"You're familiar with electricity then, I take it?" she paused only long enough for him to nod "Excellent! Consider the application and use of magical batteries as it were, stones that harness an amount of magic that would then be focused through a magical 'circuit board' of sort that utilises runes and warding. It is this that will allow for the magic to be regulated. I’m currently working on the Arithmantic equations that should allow the measure the magic output to be quantified. I'm experimenting with a device that measures a wizards strength of spell in the hopes that I can use it as a more specific measuring tool..."

Their conversation flowed throughout the meal, they went through a variety of topic changes some serious, some less so. The Dark Lord was considering all the possibilities that this advance in magic could mean, granted Livia was focused on the potions aspect, as would be expected as this was a joint effort between Severus and herself, but the idea of being able to regulate magical output in the way described opened up so many possibilities.

They decided to stay for coffee after dinner and continued debating various points now on British Politics, with him offering up his opinions on what would improve things and obscure laws that were preventing progress, she offering her opinions based on what she had experienced in Britain and aboard in recent years.

The evening drew to a close and Thomas paid the bill, then they walked arm in arm to the floo still chatting amicably.

"Thank you for dinner Thomas and good night" she said giving a small bow, she turned to grab a handful of floo power when she was halted by his rich deep voice.

"I think it was a satisfactory evening. If you are agreeable we could do this again?" he asked half questioning, half demanding "I have many other theories that your input on would be invaluable" he added, feeling the sudden need to justify his request.

She looked momentarily stunned and blushed lightly, with a warm smile she answered, "That would be lovely, I enjoy talking with you too and would gladly join you on another occasion", at that he took her had and kissed the back of it before she flooed home not entirely understanding what the purpose of the evening had been, but feeling that she had enjoyed herself immensely. She promised herself that tomorrow she would look at it with a critical eye but tonight she just wanted to enjoy the warm feeling that being the recipient of his whole attention had elicited in her.

Severus was waiting for his sisters return, hoping that no harm had befallen her at the hands of the Dark Lord. She had been gone for nearly three and a half hours, surely such a lengthy dinner wasn't normal, should he contact the restaurant in case something had happened? He was just making a plan to hunt his sister down when he heard the floo, he went to intercept and interrogate her now she was home and safe.

Upon arriving home Lord Slytherin had reflected on what he felt was a very successful evening. Livia would make an excellent wife, polite and good natured, intelligent and witty, a spine of steel and a playfully vindictive streak that amused him so. She wouldn't be the wife many would expect him to choose, most believed he would be seeking a political alliance but Xander's encouragement to find someone whom he had the potential to at least be friends with had rather struck him all those months ago.

He would send her a courting request and he already had the perfect gift to accompany it in mind.

Early the next morning Thomas was informed by his house elf that he had guests awaiting him in the dining room. He was unsurprised when he entered to find Xander, Ram and Abraxas sitting there already with coffee. They were the only people that his house elves would ever allow to enter his home without him present, let alone seat them at his table for breakfast. He groaned internally when he realised that they must have heard something about last night and be here to question him.

"Good Morning gentlemen, what brings you to visit me here at such an early hour?", he asked without rancour.

"Abraxas informed us that last night you called for assistance from Narcissa, she wasn't very forth coming with information however, we hear you had some wardrobe difficulties?" Xander explained, smirking slightly.

"What he means to ask is who were you attempting to impress last night?" Abraxas stated boldly. The men gave a collective groan at the question.

"How were you ever sorted into Slytherin?" exclaimed an exasperated Xander.

At the same time Thomas was muttering "Thank magic that his son has taken over his seat".

"So?" Rambert pressed Thomas, a smirk gracing his face and chose his breakfast of Eggs Benedict.

Lestrange had his suspicions but wanted his friend to tell them.

"I simply had a meeting to attend and my wardrobe is due an overhaul so I requested some assistance in finding a suitable outfit", he stated as if it was of no importance.

"I thought you told Cissy you were meeting at La Luna Nuova? Odd place for a business meeting", Abraxas commented while tucking into his full English breakfast.

"Oh ho! Have you finally decided who you will pursue Tom? Not that your likely to be doing much chasing the way they flock after you", said an amused Rambert.

"Have you asked for a formal Courtship or a Betrothal?" asked a smiling Xander, glad that their friend was finally taking their advice seriously.

"You are all too premature. It was simply a meeting so that I could determine if we would be compatible or not", he answered, taking a large sip of his coffee.

"Who did you take on this date?" asked Xander with all the verve that they had believed only existed in his gossip loving wife.

"It wasn't a date, it was a meeting" Lord Slytherin stated firmly, only to be met with two disbelieving faces and one oblivious all waiting for an answer.

"It was Ms Livia Snape", he answered succinctly.

Rambert held his hand out to Xander and waited for a small bag of galleons to be deposited into it.

"You bet on who I took to dinner?!" said an incensed Lord Slytherin.

"It wasn't much of a bet really, the way you are around her makes it obvious enough" seeing his friends murderous look Rambert added hastily "to us, that know you well".

"Never mind that, did you go with betrothal or courting?" Xander asked wanting an answer.

"Neither yet. My intention is to court her, I don't believe that she has considered me in the light of a suitor at this time and think she would prefer time to consider my proposition".

"Well I’m sure she will come around old friend, she certainly seems to enjoy talking to you so that's a positive" Xander said nodding to himself.

"She will be marrying up, I don't see why there is any doubt she will accept" Abraxas said gruffly, putting his cutlery down while he took a drink of his tea.          

The other three men hummed non-committedly, each thinking that she didn't seem the social climbing sort, but didn't bother to disabuse Abraxas of his notions.