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The Malfoys Summer Solstice ball would be held tomorrow and Livia and Severus were already at the Manor where they had decided to stay for a few days either side of the ball. They had wanted to spend some time with their friends and godson before they were both busy for the remsinder of the Summer.

Severus had officially finished his teaching contract with Hogwarts now that the summer term had ended and he had celebrated his new found freedom, mostly from Dumbledore's overbearing meddling, by releasing some article's he had written on his findings in Potions that lent themselves more towards 'Dark' magic or materials. The headmaster had heavily 'discouraged' his release of them citing his findings as being incompatible with his role at Hogwarts, young minds need not be sullied, it would be detrimental to his reputation etc. 

Livia was just glad not to have to endure Dumbledore's constant patronising, helpful, 'advice' and sad looks as she 'strayed' from the 'light', whatever that was supposed to mean. Post Grindlewald Britain, led primarily by Dumbledore, had become a country that was stifling its own people with endless laws on the use of 'Evil Dark Magic' and promoting 'Good Light Magic'. It had created more of a divide in the community than Grindelwald had managed during the war and the rhetoric was becoming just as destructive and was certainly more insidious in Livia's opinion than open warfare had been in Britain. The country had been a fairly balanced and moderate in its views on magic until Dumbledore began blaming Dark magic for the evil Grindlewald perpetrated, ridiculous in her view, people had the capacity to do 'evil' perhaps, but magic itself could not be blamed for a person's actions than any more than any other tool.

Livia and Narcissa were sat at breakfast attempting to coax a nearly two year old Draco to eat his meal, the men in the house long having made their excuses and left. Livia would be spending most of the day with Draco while Narcissa finalised the last minute details the ball and addressing any issues that may have occured.

A family house elf popped in with a tray that held a letter for Livia which she took and was surprised when she recognised the writing of Lord Slytherin. It had been nearly a week since their last encounter and she was still reeling from the shock, disappointment and anger she felt from it. She hadn't truly realised how much she had come to value their debates, she had some where along the way become quite fond of the man it seemed.

She frowned as she read it and turned to Narcissa and asked "What do these flowers mean? Do you know?", she held up a shrunken corsage of Arborvitae, Basil and Bittersweet that were tied with a ribbon around the letter, Thomas had made mention of the flowers in the book he gifted her and their having meaning in their argument.w

"Arborvitae; is unchanging friendship, Basil; is good wishes and Bittersweet; is Truth" Narcissa watched as her friends face looked more and more resigned, "Is the letter from Lord Slytherin?"

Livia nodded, "Well at least he is hoping that we can remain friends", she said a little sadly.

"What does it say Livy?" Narcissa asked gently.

"Lord Slytherin expressed his regret at the miscommunication that had obviously occured between us and asked if it would be possible for us to attempt to speak on the subject in a more rational frame of mind", Livia said quietly.

"It is for the best" Severus interjected as he entered the room "He was likely only looking for a political marriage anyway and we both know you would have been unhappy in a marriage of convenience", he firmly stated, he had intended to retrieve Narsissa's potions list she requested of him. He was not at all looking forward to the large quantity of hangover cures that she would likely desire for her guests that were staying after the ball.

A non-committal "Hmmm" was all Livia replied.

"Would you have said yes to the courtship Livy?" Narcissa asked her friend with concern, to see her friend look so down trodden hurt her heart.

Livia seemed to gather herself and said bracingly, "We will never know now. As Severus says, it is for the best. I will meet with him at some point and everything will return to normal", the smile gave not quite reaching her eyes as she stood up from the table.

"Excuse me I have a few letters to send out before I can take charge of my little Dragon for the rest of the day", with that said she left.

Narcissa rounded on Seveus and lightly tapped him on the arm, "She looked heartbroken, how could you just sit there and say it is for the best!", she all but hissed at him.

"How can she be heartbroken when she has insisted for months that she felt nothing for him. Besides, I warned her it would end this way", he answered glaring at her. "I love my sister dearly but this infatuation she has with the Dark Lord was always going to end badly", with a huff he moved to leave, but before he could go Narcissa stopped him, saying sharply "She wouldn't even let herself consider him as an option because you kept telling her he was too good for her! Now she knows he was within her grasp all this time and is likely feeling the loss of something she hadn't previously even allow herself to hope for".

"There was no hope Cissa. Don't you see that! She would be heartbroken no matter how far this went however, if she entered a loveless marriage, one of convenience with a man she has feelings for she would be completely destroyed! I watched it happen to my own mother and I refuse to watch history repeat itself with my sister." Severus responded frustration and annoyance colouring his tone.

"Why are you convinced that this would be a marriage of convenience and without love? He asked to court her first, surely that indicates he holds at least some affection for her. He could have just requested a betrothal contract and then completed the bare minimal for that instead", Narcissa insisted.

"I do not pretend to know the way our Lords mind works. As far as Livia is concerned she may have feelings for Thomas Slytherin, but she doesn't even know that he has an alias as the Dark Lord Voldemort.  That if nothing else should tell you what kind of marriage it would be, it certainly wouldn't be one of honesty would it! This is not one of your romantic novels Cissa, he has been honest in his search for a political  marriage, he has made no romantic overtures towards her. I would thank you to keep your overly sentimental opinions away from my sister and leave sleeping hippogriffs lie", he snarled before striding away, still without the list he had come for.

The Malfoys Summer Solstice celebration began as usual with an extended family dinner, which as usual included the Lestranges, Snapes and Blacks. This year however, they were also entertaining Lord Slytherin and so had invited the Notts, that was to say Abraxas had done so and not informed Narcissa until the last possible moment, leaving her fuming and in search of the house elves in charge of dinner.

The Malfoy Family stood impeccably attired  in the entrance hall waiting to greet their dinner guests. Draco had already been taken by his nanny elf to bed after everyone there had said good night to the little one, and thus they were free to enjoy the evening lest there be an emergency.

The first to arrive were Rambert Lestrange with his sons Rodolphus, who was married the Narcissa's sister Bellatrix, and Rabastan. Barty Crouch Jr. had accompanied them, this was hastily explained by Bella when she hugged her sister in greeting and whispered, "I'm sorry Cissa. Rabastan turned up just as we were leaving with Crouch in tow saying he'd invited him to the dinner and celebration". As she finished they heard Abraxas declare that he was sure a room could be made up to accommodate their guest. Lucius glimpsed his darling wife's smile coupled with eyes that promised a slow, painful death for his father and was hit anew at how very lucky he was that she had agreed to marry him, particularly after she had met said father.

They were followed shortly by Cygnus Black Narcissa's father and her Uncle Orion (who held the title of Lord Black), Aunt Walburger, his wife and cousin Regulus. Unsurprisingly, and gratefully, Sirius, the Black (don't snigger) sheep of the family had been excluded, he was probably out harassing poor shop owners somewhere Narcissa thought viciously. She hadn't wasted any time in informing Aunt Walburger of what the cretin had been up to lately with Moody.

Xander and Aletha Nott were arrived with Lord Slytherin just behind the, with the greetings given the Malfoys, minus Narcissa who went to arrange for yet another addition to her dining table and a room for said guest, walked the last of their guests through to the larger sitting room that was used for entertaining larger parties before dinner.

"I heard you that had created quite the stir in the Ministry with these wards of yours" Barty was saying to Livia.

"It would hardly classify as a stir" she answered, "I have been invited to explain them in the last session before the end of July or next September when the Wizengomot reconvene's. Before we left Hogwarts for the year Dumbledore was attempting to convince me that I wouldn't be taken seriously and that it would damage to my reputation and career", she told him earning the attention of a nearby Rambert who made his way towards the youngsters.

"I take it you will be ignoring the old fool?" he asked with a raised brow.

"But of course Lord Lestrange, I don't make a habit of listening to people who have no meaning in my life. I respect and trust few to have my best interests at heart".

"I'm glad to hear that Dumbledore has not deterred you" said a deep voice behind her, she turned and blushed at the sight of Thom...Lord Slytherin. Livia looked at him uncertainly, hardly believed he was speaking to her normally after how things had been left between them. It was all the more embarrassing for her as she had come to realise that she would have gladly been courted by the intelligent and handsome man stood before her, she had known she enjoyed his company but the withdrawal of his courtship offer had made her realise how much more she felt for him. To have the first occasion he spoke to her since the argument to be surrounded by people was making her uncomfortable and self-conscious.

Thankfully for Livia the gong rang to indicate dinner was ready to be served and Barty immediatly held his arm out to her to lead her through, not realising the ire that Lord Slytherin was feeling at the move.

Livia, as the odd numbered woman, found herself surrounded by Lestranges, seated between Rambert and Rabastan Lestrange and opposite Rodolphus,  she had met the two younger of the three on a few occasions over the years but didn't know them terribly well and Lord Lestrange only in passing this since she came back to Britain.

While Narcissa and Bellatrix did their best to entertain the Dark Lord over dinner and they both noticed how frequently he appeared to be splitting his attention between conversing with them and observing Livia as she conversed animatedly with Rambert and Rabastan.

Abraxas, though no longer Lord Malfoy in name hadn't entirely gotten used to his son taking the lead in the Manor and so lead the guests out to the ritual bonfire before Lucius had chance. Abraxas then requested that Lord Slytherin say a blessing for the Solstice as they each lit part of the bonfire and gave their offerings to the ritual fire that would be kept burning until dawn while the ball was in progress.

Once the ritual was complete the group entered the house for drinks and to relax and freshen up a little before the first guests of the ball were due to arrive.

"Lord Slytherin, It is good to see you again", Livia said politely, trampling down the feeling of embarrassed unease that made itself known as the man in question walked to stand before her.

"I thought we were well passed titles Livia, or  are you rescinding the invitation you extended to use your given name?" he asked, looking down at the dark eyed young woman, not giving his feelings away.

Livia glanced down, pursing her full lips, a faint blush across her cheeks and her hands clasped together in front of her body. When she looked up at Thomas her smile was small and brittle, it was not at all like the usually sunny ones she had gifted him with previously. Her answer was uncertain yet earnest, "I'm not however, I was unsure as to my reception despite your most recent letter". 

He gazed at her, disliking the sudden caution she was using when talking to him, the forced smile, the formality that she addressed him with, it was all so at odds with the woman he had come to know these passed months. He disliked the changes immensely.

"I would hope that we would still at least be friends, even if nothing more comes to pass between us" he said watching her closely as she looked up at him, he couldn't entirely fathom the emotions that flitted across her face. If she hopeful for more between them or would be content with friendship he couldnt determine, much to his frustration. Any other woman would make it obvious if she was interested he was sure, but then a different woman didn't interest him.

"Do you think we could speak tomorrow regarding the... misunderstanding that occurred between us? I will be staying here at the Manor after the ball and I had hoped that it would be an acceptable occasion for us to clear the air", he suggested carefully.

"Of course. Simply find me tomorrow or send a house elf when you are ready" she said without inflection, giving a slight bow of the head before moving away to the ball room where guests were beginning to arrive.

The ball was in full swing when Livia finally caught up with her brother again who was alone and scowling from a corner of the room as people laughed and danced. 

"I've been looking all over for you, why are you hiding?" she asked with a slightly chiding tone.

"I'm not hiding" he grouched to his sister who immediately raised to eyebrows in disbelief.

"Fine. You know how I despise these functions and my sudden title has meant that people with more impertinence than sense keep introducing themselves to me".

Livia gave him a sympathetic smile and said wryly "You're an eligible bachelor in the eyes of society now brother. Not that I personally think you weren't before your ascension to the upper echelons, via the acquisition of a shiny old title, the self important and greedy will seek you out now more than before". 

Severus smiled down at her and squeezed her hand, she hadn't been born into this nonsense either and disregarded it's importance in the grand scale that was life, she understood what it was to be surrounded by those that would have barely glanced in their direction this time last year now looked in their direcion with greed and avarice. As they spoke together a man in his 40's, well put together and relatively good looking, sauntered confidently up to the two of them.

"My dear Lady" he said with a slightly exagerated bow and oozing false charm, "Heir Brandt at your service. Would you do the kind honour of dancing with me" he asked clearly not expecting a refusal and giving a quick sharp glance towards Severus.

Livia looked to her brother who mearly stared blankly at the ridiculous looking fop. She rolled her eyes at him, 'no help coming from that quarter' she thought, but fixed a polite smile to her face and agreed to the dance, all the while knowing she would regret it.

"You look divine this evening my dear, sweet Lady", Livia looked up at the man who was standing a little to close to be proper in a ball such as this, "A jewel such as yourself should always be allowed to shine and sparkle as you do right now", his over the top compliments left a lot to be desired too. 

"I feel that I should warn you that your brother, Lord Prince, is dulling your shine. He has been damaging your chances of a good marriage. I fear that you may never find the husband you deserve whilst he has the ability to refuse every contract for your hand. I know that I have sent such an offer for your hand however, your brother dismissed it without just cause and I fear without even speaking with you" this was conveyed with shows of frustration and sadness. They spun apart for a brief moment before he bought her back into his arms, once again much closer than she felt comfortable with. She attempted to gain a little space from the man, who clearly either didn't understand personal space or disregarded it. Either way it did little to endear him to her.

"Should you be unhappy with his refusing a match, there would be nothing to stop you from bypassing your brother and accepting, elope even, and then you would have someone that can, advise you on investments, property and vault upkeep. Take care of you the way you deserve. He wouldn't dare disown you, the scandal it would bring alone would ensure that", the absurd man continued, he couldn't have been more obvious with his machinations if he tried Livia thought to herself. A little inward smirk crept in smirks, this Heir Brandt clearly didn't know who he was speaking of, the titles and wealth being his primary incentive to seek her out obviously. He clearly hadn't recognised Severus, most people avoided him, unfairly in her opinion, because of his sharp tongue to name but one reason.

Livia does the only thing she can in a circumstance such as she has found herself and feins stupidity.

"I haven't spent a lot of time in society such as this and I rely heavily on my brothers judgement. I have never believed he would lead me wrong" tells him, her eyes wide and vacant filled with worry.

"Perhaps I am in need of a different protector, I had not believed my brother would damage my chances at a good marriage as you say. Should the right man be interested he would need to be able to stand up to my brother for me" she looked away with and exaggerated sigh, and added wistfully "I know I never could..."

Brandt appeared to take this as a confirmation that his overtures had been accepted and as the dance ends he kissed her hand, a little sloppily. He is sure that he can make the young and inexperienced Lord Prince come to heal. He could probably negotiate a substantial dowry for the sister, while he was at it, it was well known that the Prince's had galleons to spare.

"Fear not sweet lady, I will stand as your protector" he declared a little theatrically with a low bow, her hand again given a wet kiss and turned on his heel to search for Lord Prince, confident that now that his sister has agreed, that the new Lord would be forced to agree to his request.

Livia grinned wickedly as she watched the idiotic Brandt take his leave and spelled her hand clean surreptitiously to stop her from trying to wipe it repeatedly. She believed her brother would enjoy the upcoming confrontation, he had been working on some new spells to act as deterrents for some of their more ardent suitors, she just hoped she would get to see them in action this time.

Across the room Lord Slytherin had been watching Livia as she practically threw herself at the man whose arms she danced in, standing so close to each other it was almost indecent. He watched as she smiled and simpered up into his face, drawing him in, as the man bowed low, kissing her hand and immediately went to Severus who gestured politely for him to step out of the room. Most likely the man would offer for Livia before he even had a chance to put things right between them he thought sourly. If that was what she looked like when flirting he was certain she had never flirted with him, maybe she would have refused his courting offer regardless. Perhaps there was no point in meeting with her tomorrow afterall.

Across the ball room Xander Nott addressed Rambert who he was stood with, "He is scowling again", he nodded once towards their friend. 

"I know. Every time she dances with someone he glares at her." acknowledged Lestrange who watched as a plain looking, heavy set woman, supported by friends, appeared to be confronting the young Prince woman.

"Severus is back to stalking the room again.
 I wonder what he did to Heir Brandt that Ms Snape sent his way, he looks awfully self satisfied" Rambert went on to observe.

"How can you tell?" Xander asked mystified.

"He had that slight smirk he wears after he had done something particularly vicious". Lestrange having seen the look quite a few times over the years, Severus was friends with his sons after all, though not as close as he was with the Malfoys of course, so he had had some contact with the boy.

"I fear old age is making it's mark upon me, I can no longer see as clearly as I once could. Perhaps it is time I visited the healer for a check up", Xander considered, he almost felt sorry for anyone who earned the young Potions Masters' wrath, almost. They were both aware that the Young Potions Master not only could potentially kill without evidence pointing to him thanks to his Potion abilities, but it was also well known in the inner circle that their Lord had personally mentored him early on in duelling and the dark arts and as such he was a formidable opponent, that was not including his spellcrafting capabilities which were oftentimes malicious and brutal with a counter curse only he would know. Over the few short years he had been a Death Eater the young man had garnered a great deal of respect despite is half blood status and long before his Lordship had been accepted.

"It was Heir Brandt, you say?" Xander continued, a thoughtful look upon his face. "Lord Brandt cut him off financially, the boy has amassed a great deal of debt gambling from what I understand. He probably offered marriage in hopes of getting the dowry for Ms Snape"

"That would explain the vicious little smirk I saw the girl send his way when he reached her brother I imagine. Neither Lord Prince nor his sister are likely to be taken in by a charlatan", Rambert said before watching with concern as his youngest son appoached Ms Snape.

Lord Lestrange looking towards his Lord and friend to gauge his reaction to this but the man was being fawned over by a mother and father who were desperately trying gain his interested in their, admittedly stunning, but intelligently dull daughter. Thankfully he was facing away from young Ms Snape that he was clearly smitten with, whilst she engaged in, what appeared to be from their stance, a rather intimate conversation.

Rabastan Lestrange had been standing close enough to overhear the end of a conversation between a group of young women, who apparently had been making snide and cruel jibes towards his friends, Severus', sister. It appeared that some of them were unaware of the familial relation between the two Snapes' and believed that she was vying for the new young Lords attention, those that did were there to enjoy the fall of their rivals and so when they had left he took the opportunity to speak with her.

"You would do well to ignore the gibes of such women. They seek to elevate themselves in the eyes of those around them  by tearing someone else down. The one that was speaking, one Ms Bulstrode, I believe was rather bluntly turned down by Severus recently, which may have contributed to her unseemly diatribe this evening" Rabastan said quietly.

"I wasn't aware she had been turned down by  my brother" she said, turning to face Rabastan fully, a happy grin upon her face, "I look forward to teasing him with that little tid bit of Information", more especially since she had noticed the sly looks Rabastan and her brother had darted towards the other over dinner when they thought they were unobserved, she had yet to raise it with Severus.

"I take it then that you have not taken what they said to heart?" he asked keeping his tone quiet, not wishing others to be listening in should she have been upset by it, in crowds such as this it didn't do to have your weaknesses on display.

Livia raised an eyebrow at him with a wryly amused look upon her face.

"It is kind of you to attempt to bolster what you perhaps believed would be my flagging self-confidence, despite it being unnecessary" she smiled up at him, "however, my attendance at Beuxbaton Academy was such that I was surrounded by beautiful and wealthy people. There is a large proportion of students who attend that have some form of creature blood, most notably Veela. I'm sure you will agree it is universally acknowledged that they tend to be amongst the most beautiful and most vicious. I am not as naive as you might believe to the methods employed by such people in social situations and I am used to such behaviour being directed toward myself being neither beautiful, nor wealthy, nor with notable family connections" she said with a self-depreciating half smile.

He gave her an appraising look before saying "You suprise me, many women would be upset by such a confrontation, whether they showed it or not. It seems my efforts to console you have all been in vain", Rabastan finished playfully.

"Not at all. I'm sure my brother will be most grateful when he hears of the support you have so thoughtfully rendered me this evening", she gave him a grin and a knowing wink before she moved on to Narcissa who had subtly motioned for her to join the group she was speaking with.

Rabastan stared after her for a moment before recollecting himself. Whilst it was true that he had always been somewhat enamored with the Potions Master, since school in fact where the dark haired, brooding man had been a year a head of himself. Nobody, not even his closest friends and family were aware of this, apparently he had given himself away and would have to be extra cautious from now on. Previously his father wouldn't have allowed the match as Severus was a half blood, untitled and a man (and as such no heir would be born of blood between them) and he wasn't sure that even the title of Lord Prince would sway him to agree to a betrothal. Even if Severus was interested, which was highly unlikely given it was widely known he harboured feelings for the red head that married the Potter heir, Rasbastan was sure that Sev wouldn't appreciate his showing what would appear to be a sudden interest now that he was an eligible bachelor, at least by his fathers standards.  It would make him no different to the others who continued to throw themselves at him for a newly gained title and wealth.