The Bookstore

Lord Thomas Slytherin had invited his three oldest friends to remain for dinner following the weekly advisory meeting that they usually attended, he had not included the two young men who had more recently joined them. It wasn't very pften he had the pleasure of a meal at home, as a Lord in the Wizengamot and as The Dark Lord he was never short of dinner invitations that he was obligated to attend.

"I noticed Severus and Lucius are still uncomfortable around you. Though Severus looked more displeased as opposed to discomforted", Rambert observed wryly as they took their seats.

"As the Lord to House Prince it's only proper that the boy should feel concern for his sister and current heir. Her behaviour reflects upon him at the end of the day", Abraxas said blithely, "Particularly in the matters of courting, what with her being young and naive as she undoubtedly is, she will need his guidance all the more. Thinking upon it I will ensure Lucius keeps an eye on both of them, neither the young Prince Lord nor his sister were trained for their current position and that lack of training could reflect badly upon my family. It is well known that the boy is my grandsons godfather after all", Abraxas finished with some concern.

Rambert had to fight a snort of laughter at Abraxas constant inference that the firl was some young innocent with no idea of the world, the girl was a little viper from what little he had overheard of her argument with Tom, but it wouldn't do to let Tom know he had heard. As they tucked into their starter Xander asked, "Did Ms Snape finally agree to your courting of her my friend? Is that the reason for the awkwardness?"

"I had forgotten that you had left earlier than intended the day of the... incident" Rambert said while he looked pointedly at Thomas, who had hoped the subject wouldn't be raised.

Xander looked curiously at his friends "Incident? I have missed something important I take it? Did you speak with her as you intended?" He directed the last towards Thomas whose posture had stiffened considerably at Ramberts words.

Rambert took it upon himself to inform Xander of what had taken place the afternoon following the ball, ensuring he stuck the version Tom had informed him of.

"Before I left that evening Livia spoke to me and expressed her desire for us to move on from... the incident", Thomas explained, "She then went on to say she hopes we can return to being 'friendly acquaintances' and that in her opinion a courtship contract would never be agreed upon between us".

"So straight to a marriage contract then? Ambitious, then women always are when on the hunt for a husband in my experience. Not the done thing though". The three men looked at Abraxas, two silently wondering at his inability to read a situation and the other seriously concerned that his old friends mental faculties were deteriorating, perhaps a conversation with Lucius was in order.

"She is certainly ambitious, but only so far as academics go", Thomas said a little tersely, Livia was not like the society women Abraxas had been raised around and had eventually married.

"What will you do now Thomas? Will you still look to marry?" Xander asked, mentally thinking through the multitude of people that had already been rejected by his friend.

"This unfortunate situation has led me to realise that no other women will suit. Livia is incredibly well read, yet she doesn't allow the knowledge she gains to go unused like so many do! She is creative in how she applies that knowlege to her projects that will, I believe, improve the wizarding world immensely. She has interesting views on how to deal with politics because she isn't at all interested in it, she applies academic thinking and rationale to the political problems we have faced and her solutions work. She is cheerful and well spoken, she is personable and has a charm about her that draws people in. She has a wicked little vindictive streak hidden under that pleasant and friendly exterior that know one would ever guess at", he was smirking by the end before he stopped abruptly realising that perhaps he had shared too much. "I intend to marry her, it's just a matter of getting her to agree".

"Well I think it's safe to say you hold her in some affection" said Rambert repressively, not at all comfortable with his friend all but gushing over a woman. He was however, the only one in the room who felt Thomas had been overly sentimental, to Xander at least he had appeared moderate in his praise of her, all he had described was an accurate representation of the girl, only the fondness of his tone and smirk gave away the depth of his feelings for the young woman.

"I think we can work with this, providing you refrain from making any further inflammatory  statements when you're in her presence"  Rambert said, all business now that he understood that his, now offended looking,  friend wouldn't settle for a different woman. Normally he wouldn't care for his friends romantic liaisons however, it truly would help Thomas' image if he wed soon. They were gaining some small traction in the political sphere but they would need to keep the pressure on their opponents, as well as the positive 'Dark' news stories in the public consciousness, if they had any hope of enacting any real change. He hoped the changes in the law would come to fruition before Thomas decided to wage a full scale war, of which there was a very high possibility. They would follow him of course, their way of life was being erroded and magic was stagnating, particularly in the medical field where the restrictions in magic were most keenly felt.

"Perhaps an informal courting, the French don't often bother with courting contracts any longer, or so Aletha tells me, and Ms Snape did attend Beuxbaton" Xander offered with caution.

"I think the flowers that you sent need to be revised my friend. They are a little too practical, women like romantic grand gestures, big bouquets, expensive flowers", Abraxas added sagely, "Also jewellery and chocolates! Or maybe an expensive pet? I have some Abraxan foals due in a month, from impeccable stud of course, I may be willing to part with one if it helps the cause", he finished enthusiastically.

"I think perhaps a courtship by letter for the time being might be advisable, then perhaps a casual meeting or two", Rambert suggested,  ignoring Abraxas' offering to the conversation.

"Maybe even meet as part of a group, It could prevent the risk of these little blow ups the two seem to be prone too" Xander added with enthusiasm.

"We had never had  'little blow ups' as you call them until I attempted to court her, we got on very well up until that point", Thomas said indignantly. "Perhaps we should by pass courting all together and I should just propose marriage instead?" He murmured to himself, he looked around the suddenly quiet room to three aghast faces.

"That would not be a good idea Tom. It wouldn't go down at all well, there would be speculation as to the hurry." Rambert said pensively.

"You were the one encouraging me not to bow down to societal pressures just a week ago when the contract was in play", Thomas replied testily.

"But now that a contract isn't and won't be play you will have to ensure that you are both seen together in public so that it can be seen that an informal courtship is taking place", Xander said firmly.

Three days later at Prince Manor Livia and Severus were enjoying a quiet breakfast together, heads stuck in the periodicals in their chosen fields of study, and given Severus' inclination towards crabbiness in a morning all was silent between them, at least until the mail arrived.

Livia opened the top most letter addressed to her, she recognised the handwriting well, " Master Vega has written to confirm that I have been awarded my Warding mastery!" She exclaimed happily to Severus.

"Congratulations Livy. You worked long and hard for it. You should be proud". Severus told her, a rare smile gracing his face.

Her next letter was addressed from the Wizengomot requesting that she set up a sort of show room for them so that they could get a better understanding of the workings of her wards. A small ministry owned building near to the ministry itself was suggested and a request made that she give a tour of the wards for those that are not familiar with their workings. Livia gave a sigh, it would take time do do such a thing and she really didn't want to have to try and explain its process to a bunch of laymen. Perhaps a conversation with Lucius would be beneficial, he would have greater knowledge about her target audience as it were. Yes she would do that.

She had a few letters from friends and lastly was a letter from Tom... Lord Slytherin. After how things had ended between them the last time she was a little nervous to open it and sat looking at it for a moment, a moment too long it turned out as Severus' eagle eyes picked up on her lack of movement.

"Livia, are you ok?" he asked concerned, before recognising the writing and seal.

Her face showed how apprehensive she was at receiving the letter, she hadn't told him what was said between them when he had left them alone back at Malfoy Manor but she had indicated that he would no longer be paying his addresses to her in future.

He watched as seemingly braced herself and opened the letter. Her face had a peculiar mix  of resignation and a sad sort of smile.

Realising that Severus was observing her closely she explained, "He writes that his letter is accordance with my wishes and as he agreed he would no longer persue a courtship with me, that he wishes to return to the easy discourse that existed between us previously. He then asks if my mastery has yet been confirmed and about thr progress of project I had discussed with him", she she looked at her brother and attempted a brighter smile, "Do not fear big brother, I am not foolish enough to believe he regards me as anything other than a useful tool in his plans to revolutionise the wizarding community in Britain. Now if you will excuse me need to write a reply to the Wizengomots request that I make this ward 'showroom' for them to visit" she finished with a roll of her eyes.

Severus nodded watching his sister go and released a small sigh, he had seen her reaction to the Dark Lords letter and worried for her. Livia had struggled to trust many in her life so far, being both a witness and victim of their father's abuse had left her wary of men in particular and yet somehow Lord Slytherin had become trusted by her. He  didn't really understand how given who he was but she had become very attached to the man. Slytherin frequently showed his undoubtedly charming and charismatic political Lord persona around his sister but the man was also the Dark Lord Voldemort who was known in certain circles to be uncompromising and ruthless in his less than legal dealings. Severus fervently hoped that his sister would get over her infatuation with the man and that the man in question would leave his sister out of his schemes.

A week later in the late afternoon, a harassed looking Lucius flooed in the Prince Manor in search of Livia and was promptly ushered into a seat and plied with tea by the two siblings

"Livia, you will be in reciept shortly of an invitation to join an emergency session of the Wizengomot for tomorrow. Dumbledore has been pushing to have your wards outlawed as quickly as possible and before any of the peers can observe them working in the building were you set the example up", Lucius said, glad of the tea after the long hours he had had to spend in the Ministry that day.

Livia nodded in acknowledgment as Severus asked, "Why is Dumbledore pushing so hard against them Lucius, surely this isn't all about the wards"

"In part it's because he is unaware that Livia has her Warding Mastery now and believes that he can discredit her more easily if she hasn't. He also doesn't want the laws that regulate warding to be altered to accommodate 'Dark' elements that Livia would use in the wards for Azkaban. In addition to this he has gotten wind of the petition from the Hogwarts students and is likely hoping that if he can use the 'Dark Wards' as a distraction from the school", Lucius took another sip of his tea, "Lord Slytherin has arranged for the petition to be bought to the Wizengomot tomorrow at the meeting, he hopes that if asked you will be willing to speak about your time at the school Livia?"

"Yes. He warned me in one of his letters that he would take the opportunity to raise it if Dumbledore succeeded in pushing his agenda. Don't worry Lucius I'm well prepared for the meeting", Livia told him.

Lucius glanced to Severus and said carefully, "I was unaware that you were both still in correspondence with one another after the Solstice".

All he recieved was a nod and small hum and he determined that he would need to speak to Severus alone to try and find out more. He would have thought after their argument that they would no longer be on speaking terms.

"Really there no need to accompany me Sev, It will be a short question and answer session and then it's done. Besides Lucius will be there too", Livia said exasperatedly.

"I know he will, but I'm your brother and I will support you and make sure they don't give you a hard time. I may have asked Lucius to be my proxy in voting but I am still Lord Prince and therefore have a right to be there, that it will reinforce in their minds that you are under the banner of one of their peers and the current heiress to House Prince is just a convenient happenstance", Severus told Livia in no uncertain terms, he would not leave his little sister to walk into the den of wolves alone.

She laughed and hugged her him "I really couldn't have asked for a better brother you know, but you're going to regret the wasted hours that you could have been in the lab listening to the old windbags debate instead!" ahe answered with a grin.

"I am sure Lucius will be delighted that you hold such a high opinion of his work with the other 'old windbags'" Severus teased in amusement.

"Agh, Don't you dare tell him! He will give me another lecture on the importance of political debate and I haven't recovered from the last one yet", Livia said with an exaggerated groan and smirked "Come on, lets go and see if we can puncture a few over inflated egos shall we?", she said looking absurd with an impish grin and waggling eyebrows.

Lucius met them as they flooed into the Ministry of Magic, "Are you ready?" He asked Livia quietly, taking her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm "Some of Dumbledore's side may try to push the point that your ward and therefore you are dark leaning and so inherently bad. Our faction will try to deflect what they can to avoid you being overwhelmed and allowing you to stay on topic and Myself and Lord Slytherin will try to raise any points tgat others may miss or intepret as we discussed yesterday".

He led her into an ante chamber and sat her down "I must go in now before the session starts, you know your topic well. Stick with facts. Don't allow yourself to show anger or frustration. Dont get drawn into to pointless light/dark arguments" he gave a quick nod as she rolled her eyes at his concern. "Severus, you may want to go and take your seat ready, Livia will be called in once it gets started" Lucius stated before giving a quick jod and leaving.

What felt like an eternity later, but was in fact barely twenty minutes later Livia was called forward by a member of staff and directed into the Wizengamot chamber.

The Wizengamot was almost at full capacity which was a rare occurrence, particularly for something as mundane as a debate on warding. The more neutral parties in the session had been at first amused by the vehemence of Dumbledore's argument for this emergency session and had watched with amazement as he used his substantial political clout to ensure his allies were there in force for a possible vote. That Lord Slytherin had done the same had many scratching their heads in realisation that this was about more than just wards as the clear battlelines were drawn between the two sides.

Chief Warlock Dumbledore called the session to order as Livia entered.

"In accordance with my esteemed colleagues request, Apprentice Snape has been asked to present to the Wizengomot her clearly unstable wards that had held captive four Aurors at Prince Manor, as we have previously discussed" Dumbledore intoned gravely.

"Ms Snape, would you care to come forward and present your case" Dumbledore said, giving her a disappointed look over his half moon spectacles.

"That would be Heiress Prince or Master Snape Chief Warlock, which ever you prefer" Livia informed him, smiling engagingly as she confidently strode forward to the centre of the room, giving no indication that she was uncomfortable in the least. Noting that she was not even being offered the courtesy of a seat for the duration of this meeting, regardless of how long it was likely to last.

"Master Snape? Are we to understand that you are no longer an apprentice Heiress Prince? Lord Bones asked, very aware that his sister-in-law, Amelia Bones, was very enthusiastic about these wards.

"I currently hold Masteries in Rituals, Runes and Warding" she answered succinctly.

A murmur of surprise went around the room, three masteries at such a young age was unusual, but then they remembered that Severus Snape was the currently the youngest Potions Mastery and that Princes in general had been a rather intelligent family.

Lord Doge blustered "Well apparently the French have lowered there standards substantially. Masteries used to be held to a higher standard in my day and still should be or they mean nothing! At least we know Hogwarts holds it's pupils and alumni to a higher standard. That is why the education there is second to non!"

"Well said Lord Doge, we at Hogwarts do try to ensure the very best education for the next generation", Dumbledore said benevolently.

"With all due respect Lord Doge, was is?,  Beauxbatons is ranked 2nd in the magical world where as Hogwarts is currently ranked 11th according to recent ICW reports, as a result I don't feel that you have any reason to deride my schooling", Livia said staring him directly in the eye before looking around the room.

"Incidentally that specific report not only takes into account the overall grades of the pupils but also the employment and apprenticeship rates post school age education for those that are interested", Livia added with a kindly smile as she looked about the room, briefly catching a sly smile from Lord Slytherin.

There was an increase in muttering following her statement, many discussing the petition that had arrived from students concerned that their education was subpar. When Livia heard this she had to resist smiling, no doubt their petition had being disclosed prior to her interrogation by the layman in this room, Dumbledore would regret trying to  manipulate and intimidate her into not attending this meeting.

"Order! Lords and Ladies, we are here to debate the much needed law to ensure that dangerous dark wards are not allowed to be installed into the homes of unsuspecting home owners".

"I had thought we were here to hear more on these innovative wards my sister-in-law has been raving about. Sadly due to the undue rush to have your wards debated today", this was said with a stern look towards the Cheir Warlock, "Many of us have been unable to visit the site where Master Snape has constructed an example of this warding system. Would you be so kind as to explain its function to this esteemed body please" Lord Bones ended with his request dorected at Livia, he had been hoping to see them before this ridiculous debate was bought forward.

"Of course..." Livia launched into a description of her wards and how they worked as simply as she could and with the aid of Lucius and Lord Slytherin's questioning on certain points they knew the Wizengamot were likely to get stuck on, it seemed that her explaination had been well recieved by most.

"My sister-in-law has informed me that other countries have already expressed an interest in your wards being implemented in their countries, is that correct?" Lord Bones inquired, looking for confirmation of the fact.

"That is correct. Whilst still an apprentice Warding Master Vega was responsible for the initial negotiations that were opened by China, Brunei and Denmark. At the time my wards were still in the experimental phase of production. Each country wishes  to implement the wards I've designed into their prisons", Livia answered, ensuring that the usage in prisons was mentioned knowing Lucius and Thomas were hoping to raise it if possible.

Albus Dumbledore was not happy with the meeting thus far, the members of the Wizengamot were not addressing the dragon in the room. It looked like he would once again have to help them understand the dangers this young woman's work opened their country too. Yes it was blood use in warding now but how long before another Grindelwald arose, his poor dear misguided Gellert had been led down a dark path and it had led to war.

"My dear girl, you must be mistaken or grievously misinformed", Dumbledore said as kindly as he could, though the young womsn seemed set on this path of corruption. "Though the laws in China and Brunei can be unscrupulous enough to allow the use of dark and dangerous magics, are accepting of it even. The likes of Denmark are not do lenient, indeed having worked within the ICW (International Confederation of Wizard) these last few years I am well aware that they do not in fact allow the use of blood magic in their country. In fact many of Europes laws coincide with our own tough stance on all forms of Dark magic usage". Albus looked around the room with a satisfied look upon his face, wishing to convey that the matter of these wards was clearly at a close.

"This is all very true", Livia answered his unasked question amicably, "Or it was at least", here Livia had to pause due to the up surge of muttering at her statement.

"Perhaps we could all allow Master Snape to expand upon her statement" Lord Greengrass called out loudly to his peers, giving an unimpressed glare at a few of the louder, older members who sat in Dumbledores pocket for voting.

"I thank you. As I was about to say, Master Vega was rather suprised at Denmarks initial interest due to their laws", she nodded towards Dumbledore in acknowledgment. "However, after many lengthy debates across their Ministry departments they have since chosen to amend their current laws. Denmark has decided to allow aspects of Blood Magic to be used where a qualified Master of their craft is overseeing its usage in certain areas. Thus far for example they now allow blood in potions providing it is willingly given or it is the patients own, signed contracts are required, and vetting to ensure no coercion magical or other wise", here she paused again as the hubbub in the room grew louder.

"Are you claiming that Denmark has changed it's laws to suit you? Preposterous!", called out Lord Doge, unable to contain himself.

"Really? How are we to believe anything that comes out of the girls mouth after that statement?" the witch near him responded just as loudly.

Discontented muttering continued around the chamber and Dumbledore allowed it room to breath and swell.

Lord Slytherin was incensed but not suprised at the rude and boisterous behaviour being exhibited by some of his peers, Livia had so far comported herself with the grace and composure he had come to expect from her, but still gave as good as she got when those questioning thought she could be easily cowed.

He watched avidly as the slight figure of Livia looked around the room with small look of disgust look upon her face and who turned to her brother, but not in request of support as he initially imagined, but with her hand held out. A little show of wandless magic and in her hands she held several files,  another and a small table appeared before her so that she could the files down. She stood straight and stern, her eyebrow raised as she watched and waited with the distict air of a disgruntled teacher waiting for her class to quiet, and quieten the room did as people took notice of her actions. Thomas heard a small snort come from the direction of Lucius and imagined that he too saw the distinct similarity between Livia and her brother in that moment.

"I would like thank the Chief Warlock for bringing you all to order... however, that would be an erroneous statement as it appears he has little control of this meeting, if his behaviour thus far is anything to judge by." She shot Dumbledore a look of supreme dissatisfaction. A small murmer erupted from the mans supporters and were just as quickly silence at a glare from the petite young woman in the middle of the room.

Thomas wanted to declare his intention to marry her there and then, she truly was the most magnificent creature he had ever met, she would make him a wonderful wife, standing there with such confidence and delivering such a scathing put down upon Dumbledore. He gazed at her with something bordering upon reverence in that moment (and recieved a small stinging hex from Rambert with a pointed look). Now he had only to convince Livia of his sincerity, after his last two attempts at courtship had ended with quarrels and confusion on both their parts he had every intention of following his friends directives going forward. It had been pointed out by them that despite his brilliance in every other area of life that he should gracefully accept that he required assistance in this one small area, and as a result he and Livia were at least back on friendly terms again, even if only by letter.

"My dear girl, I can assure you that I have excellent control over the meeting, It is only that I chose to allow my peers the opportunity to voice their concerns as is required of me" Dumblefore said addressing the room more than Livia, "I admit that I have some concerns that your inexperience puts you at a disadvantage here today. You're limited understanding of the dangers of the Dark magic you use, likely perpetuated by your Masters by design, has left you woefully underprepared for todays meeting".

"Really?" Livia said with a sharks grin, "I look forward to informing Masters Vega, Hak Ji - Hoon and Abbas of your low opinion of their abilities, teaching and morals", she knew full well that Saima Abbas and Hak Ji - Hoon both were well known and had strong ties and dealings with both the ICW and the their own ministries. There would be several of the Lords and Ladies present who would recognise that fact.

"As there are those of you who would declared me a liar", upon hearing Dumbledore interject "Nobody called you a liar my dear", she added with a glare at the man, "misinformed, led astray, unprepared.... allow me to correct your assumptions by providing paperwork, signed, with the official seals of state and seal of authenticity from Gringotts Bank, to prove my statements regarding Denmark's changes in law aling with several other points in favour of the use of my wards."

Livia handed the official paperwork to the Wizengamot Secretary who in turn copied and distributed the documents for all to see.

"You will notice that I have taken the liberty of including Denmarks hospital reports on the successful healing of several long term, previously incurable, patients who have been since been aided by previously outlawed Blood Magic Potions. Warding and Curse Breaking, the Auror Corps and Child Blood Adoption were amongst the main areas that have been revised by the country", Livia pointed out while waiting for them to glance over the documentation.

Rambert and Xander were both mightily impressed by the young woman, they knew of course that she had been working a little with Lucius in preparation for this meeting but they had no idea that she had intended to try and turn their laws on their heads all under the guise of 'explaining' how her warding worked, Lucius had done an excellent job with her.

The debate moved on to the other countries who were also wanting to implement the wards in their prisons and why, when many of those countries also used Dementors in their prisons which were immensely effective. The question was put forward and Livia was happy to answer.

"The short answer is in fact a question to you all, Torture is illegal in Britain, So why is it acceptable in Britain to use Dementors to torture prisoners ALL day EVERY day?"

Before the noise could reach a peak Livia pushed on.

"The more involved answer is that Denmark is a light and liberal country who has looked closely at the changes to recent muggle laws. It is becoming more widely believed, in the muggle world, that prison should have a reforming affect upon the character incarcerated. Upon completion of the prison sentence those convicted should be healthy of body and mind, be ready to reintergrate and positively contribure back to society", she paused and looked to Dumbledore "Given a second chance, as it were", she watched his eye twitch, knowing that that barb at least hit home. A man who preaches so ardently for the second chances for light orientated wizards should do so for the dark. She disliked hypocrites immensely.

"Denmark has produced studies, again available via the ICW, please see your file, that show the damage and fracturing done to the minds of those exposed to Dementors, including the long term effects they have on the staff as well as the inmates.

In the case of inmates exposure to a Dementor daily for as little as a year can cause long term issues that then become a further drain on the countries legal and medical systems. The people who leave a  Dementor run prison require long term hospitalisation and frequently go on to have memory retention issues, mood irregularities and physical health complaints; this leads them to being unable to acquire or maintain emplyment when they join society again, which in turn often leads to futher crime. Fertility issues also arise in those around constant exposure to Dementors, including the staff who work in these prisons, this information was not available when many accepted these jobs, this could open ministries like yourselves to lawsuits", a round of muttering began again only to cease quickly as Livia continued her presentation.

"This information is why more countries are coming forward with interest in my invention now. Denmark has already asked that I begin work in the middle of next year. It will be a long process and I will need to train other Masters in my approach before the work can start in earnest. Those with apprentices will be given preference of course as I anticipate that I will require the additional hands if the increased interest is anything to go by", Livia finished, she collected her paperwork, banished the table and waited demurly, patiently to be dismissed as if she hadn't just turned all of their thinking upside down.

The Wizengamot was uncharacteristically quiet as they all shuffled the paper work infront of them looking for the report mentioned.

"There are reports here from several countries and some years old that have never been presented to this body. Why not?" Lord Slytherin asked in a quiet voice that carried around the room.

"Chief Warlock, you are our representative at the ICW, have they not shared this information with you?" asked Lady Longbottom.

"I can't say that I recall these particular reports... Perhaps we should allow Master Snape to take her leave, if everyone is satisfied with her answers", Dumbledore suggested knowing he was about to be bombarded by questions about his role with the ICW and his effacacy as Chief Warlock if such reports were failing to be bought before them. They hadn't even touched on the Students Petition for a grester tange of subjects yet, he only hoped some of his friends would help field the questions and that reminding them of the damage Gellert wrought, a Dark wizard who used Dark magic, on their people. He couldn't allow Dark magic to be allowed in Britain again.

Lord Slytherin watched as Livia took her leave, a feeling of smug delight infused his being, even if he didn't deign to show it. This had not gone how Dumbledore had hoped at all.

Livia was nursing a strong coffee and waiting for Severus in the ministry cafe, he would have to wait for the break in the meeting before he could make his excuses and leave. Finally she saw members of the Wizengomot entering and watched impatiently for her brother. She was mildly suprised when several members she had impressed approached to congratulate her for a thoroughly thought provoking presentation.

The youngest brother of Lord Flint, who held the proxy for the Flint seat had been rather taken with Heiress Prince that morning during the session. Upon seeing her sat alone he made a beeline for her, hoping that that his work as a Runes Master would give them a common point of interest at the very least.

Lucius, Severus and Thomas arrived some 15 minutes later as Flint was bent kissing Livias' hand, for much longer than necessary two of the men thought through narrowed eyes, and smiling warmly at her.

"Wonderful, I will meet you at Mumbles at 7.30pm tonight".

He turned and gave a nod to the congregated gentlemen and passed by Lucius, and both a  seething Lord Slytherin and Lord Prince, though both for very different reasons.

Livia looked up at the three men and gave a smile, not quite looking at Lord Slytherin, still not sure where they stood again when in person, things were so much easier by letter.

"You were in fine form this morning Ms Snape, congratulations on an argument well presented", Thomas offered smiling down at her with affection.

"You were marvellous Livy, I can wait to show Father and Cissa Dumbledore's face when you told him he had no control of the room. I nearly lost all composure when you said that", Lucius said with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.

"Thank you both", she said sincerely and with an impish look at her brother added, "Sev... I think I hear the lab calling you, lets go home? I've had enough of politicking to last a life time!"