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The next day Livia and Severus joined the Malfoys for breakfast at Narcissa's insistence.

"Congratulations Livia", Lucius said after greeting the siblings, "The Wizengamot declared your wards to be legal. It has been agreed that the Wizengamot will request a quote for the implementation of the wards at Azkaban. So expect the letter in the next week." Lucius told her, the decision regarding the wards had been reached more quickly than anyone had expected but he had been unable to tell Livia about it as the Wizengamot had been in session until late evening discussing other issues that had arisen since their last meeting.

"Excellent! I will have to visit Mr Lewis to let him know, he has been eager to find out the result", Livia smiled happily, her wards could be used, her arguments for them had been successful. Her Masters would be pleased to hear of her success, if they hadn't already heard of course.

"That is good news Livia! I am glad the blustering old fools in the Wizengamot listened to sense", at her husband's indignant huff at that sentiment, Narcissa patted his arm and said absently, "Not you, of course my Love, you are not old".

"Notice she didn't deny the blustering fool aspect", Severus murmured, smirking slyly at his long time friend.

"What I'm more interested in is how your date last night with Miles Flint went?", Narcissa asked ignoring the quiet bickering between her husband and Severus.

"It was pleasant enough", Livia offered with a small shrug and wrinkle of her nose.

Narcissa deflated a little "Oh? No spark? No attraction? No good night kiss?", she asked the last hopefully.

"No, No and Yes" Livia answered succinctly.

"So there was a kiss? But no spark? Was he at least a good kisser?", Cissa clarified much to Severus' displeasure.

"He was fine enough I suppose, but no spark. Friendly aquaintance is the most we will be I think", Livia said, gaining the interest of Abraxas for the first time as he recognised that this may have some bearings on his friends plans for the girl. 

"That's a shame. He could have been your date to the Gala". Upon noticing her friends blank stare she added sternly, "I do hope neither of you has forgotten that you're attending the St Mungo's Gala at the end of the month and you that you each require a date?", she watched as Severus' gave a panicked look first towards Livia and then Lucius. "The fundraising committee, that I sit on, has worked very hard to ensure it will be a perfect evening. The money raised will go towards the remodeling of the long-term illness ward at St Mungo's".

The two Snapes gave each other a despairing look, they only had a month to find dates for Merlins sake and though Livia was sociable enough she didn't know many people in Britain and though Severus knew people, he didn't like most of them, and wasn't sociable in the least.

"If you stuggle to find dates, I'm sure i could find some for you", Narcissa threatened.

The siblings knew she would follow through on that threat and privately vowed to find someone to ask.

Dumbledore was sat in his office processing the last 24 hours. He couldn't believe how badly the Wizengamot session had gone the day previously. The Wizengamot was questioning if he had too much on his plate being Chief Warlock and Headmaster, an investigation was being lead into his running of the school, the classes being offered and his quality of teachers, all because of a few complaints from the pupils. Children aren't old enough to truly understand that some of the courses they want to be implemented could be disastrous for their moral well being. 

Now Livia Snape's dark ward's would be implemented in Azkaban unless her coild convince his peers otherwise, at least he had time to try and male them see the grave mistake they making.

Livia Snape had been a negative influence in his school and the pupils would pay for it if he couldn't get the parents and the Board of Governor's to see how detrimental certain subject's would be to young impressionable minds. Thinking of young and impressionable youth's made him think on poor Severus, he had had so much potential before his sister had arrived, he was heartily glad that she wouldn't be returning in the new school year.  

There was a perfunctory knock at his door and his good friend Alastor Moody barged straight in and sat down heavily on the chair in front of him, he was a man who would never be seduced by the dark arts he knew, the man had spent his entire life fighting against it.

"The inquiry into me and some of my Aurors has gone bad. They said I either quit the job or get pushed", Alastors gruff voice was filled with rage "After all I've given to the corps! They says I've been abusin' my power as an Auror just because I made sure the bad 'uns 'av been put away like they should be. Ungrateful little fools the lot of them!" He was shouting by the end.

"I'm so sorry Alastor, I did all in my power to speak up for you my friend. I believe they will come around though, they are just blinded by the machinations of those who seek to bring the shadows into our light. What of the other Aurors?", Dumbledore asked sadness etched into his face for his old friend.

"Several of my like minded trainees have been warned that any further infractions will certainly end in not only bein' given the boot, but bein' charged and maybe getting a  fine or time in Azkaban. Young Potter and Black are among those who were warned, damn shameful putting somethin' like tha' on their records, both good Aurors, trained 'em myself. How did the Wizengamot session go yesterday anyway?" 

Albus explained all that had happened and the ramifications of what was discussed and agreed upon. 

"You know Albus, everythin' tha's happenin' seems to have started with this young Snape chit. I'm wonderin' if there's more she's up to we don't know about yet. She's causing trouble everywhere as far as I can see and is clearly working for the Dark and probably for this Dark Lord Voldemort we've been keep hearing rumours about", Moody said nodding to himself.

"She is certainly Dark, Alastor, but wether or not she works directly for the Dark Faction I know not for sure, though I have my suspicions about her involvement with Lord Slytherin and she has strong ties to the Malfoys all of whom are well known Dark advocates", Albus offered, thinking on Alastors' opinion.

"Somethin' needs to be done about her before she can cause more mischief Albus, she's no good", Moody growled lowly.

"Give it some time Alastor, she will become unstuck all on her own if she continues on the path she is on. We will find some evidence of wrong doing on her part or she will offer an opinion that will show her for what she is."

"Perhaps a little shove off the path is what she needs! Maybe it'll be what she gets too", Moody stated with grim determination, he got up to leave.

"Don't do anything rash my friend, mark my words, she will come unstuck all of her own accord", Albus advised, looking worriedly after his friend as Moody headed for the floo, with astonishing speed and nimbleness for a man with a wooden leg.

Lord Slytherin was meeting with his advisors, the Wizengamot session had leaned heavily in their favour for once, something he put solely down to Livia, that wonderfully maddening creature that had taken to haunting his every other thought.

"We need to push forward with this momentum we have gathered. We have seen success in three major areas that we have been working on reform for; Schooling; Blood Magic; Azkaban. As you will be aware there is an upcoming Gala for Mungo's on the calendar, there the Head of St Mungos willl be pushing forward the plight of the long term patients that can't be treated due to the current laws in Britain since blood magic has been banned in all forms. The information that Ms Snape provided at the last session has been invaluable and it is my intention that we highlight the benefit of following Denmark's example in at least allowing blood to be used in certain specialised magics to start with", Lord Slytherin said, giving brief overview of the current situation.

"I must say, I was most impressed your work on Ms Snapes political acumen for the session Lucius. You did an excellent job concidering you had so short a time to work on her", Rambert praised the younger man and recieved three dark looks for his trouble.

"I would thank you but it was mostly her own doing, the information and data she had already. I only advised on what to expect of the session and the tactics that sone members were likely to employ to attempt to set her to a disadvantage"

"I thought she had no political training?" Xander asked, curiosity plain to see.

Seveus bristled, she had done much for their cause and it was like they believed she was simply a mouthpiece for someone else, "She doesn't", he answered with a sneer, "however, she has a brilliant, sharp mind and has always had a mature head on her shoulders. It hardly a great leap for her to prepare as she did given what she knows of Britains laws, particularly those that impact the work she pursues"

"Indeed. She has a fresh perspective that we would all be wise to pay attention too" Thomas added repressively, "Has there been anything else of note that we should be aware of?"

"Yes. Moody has been forced to retire and several Aurors are on probation as a result of the investigation into their practices, it is likely to be in the Prophet tomorrow" Xander, informed them almost absently, still concidering the positive impact that Ms Snape had inadvertently bought for their cause.

Once they had discussed further ideas to make use of the most recent success the formal meeting was called to a close and the two younger men left, the four elder relaxed around each other in a way born of sharing a dorm for severn years and a deep friendship that had endured many years, (even if Thomas was still reticent of the notion he had 'friends').

"I can understand your pursuit of Ms Snape a little better having seeing her in action, she truely does have a remarkable mind. How goes your efforts in that quarter?", Rambert enquired.

"The youngest Flint asked her out to dinner after the Wizengamot session and she accepted. So things are not going well", Thomas said with some ire.

"Well at least it wasn't successful" Abraxas piped up. "She was only telling Narcissa this morning that the boy kissed her and she felt nothing", the temperature plummeted in the room as Tom seethed at the thought Livia had kissed another man, then reminded himself that she wasn't his, yet. In an attempt to placate his friend Abraxas added "She said that they would be no more than 'friendly acquaintances', so she clearly has no interest in Flint", apparently forgetting that Livia had used that exact term for what she and Thomas would be.

"Well, I think we should move this informal courting up a notch" said Xander with false cheer, seeing the dark look on Thomas' face following Abraxas' proclamation.

"I agree", said Rambert, "Perhaps a tea shop for a chat or a casual lunch somewhere would be a good start".

"You should invite her to the Gala, she doesn't have a date yet but if your not quick you might miss the chance, Narcissa was threatening to find dates for both of them and you know how she is", Abraxas, the ever helpful added.

"Perhaps it would be beneficial if you were to encourage Narcissa to invite Livia to dinner tonight", Thomas suggested silkily.

"I can do that. Any particular reason?",  Abraxas asked agreeably, "I don't suppose you've had any further thoughts on giving a foal as a courting gift have you?"

Rambert pursed his lips before saying testily, "Brax! Tom is informally courting the girl so there will be no courting gifts. You should have Narcissa invite Ms Snape AND Tom to dinner tonight so that he has an opportunity to speak to the girl". Xander shook his head at his friend, he was sure he wasn't so clueless when they were younger.

When Severus and Lucius returned from their meeting later that morning Cissa had insisted that both of the Snape siblings required new outfits for the Gala and had been attempting to talk both of them into a shopping trip. Severus however, had steadfastly refuses, even the threat of Severus having to wear glittery brightly coloured robes hadn't swayed the dour man, he had simply called Cissa's bluff, informing her that he knew good and well she would never dress him in something hideous as she was well known for her exquisite taste and would never jeopardise such a reputation. He had then made his escape before she could restart her lecture on how hard she had worked to ensure that the night would be memorable and that the least they could do was be presentable for it. Livia compromised with her friend and agreed to a shopping trip later in the week.

The Lestranges had been invited to dinner at Malfoy Manor that same night and as Livia had never left she invited herself and Severus to join them, primarily because it would give her brother the opportunity to possibly approach Rabastan about being his date to the Gala, though Severus insisted he only saw him as a friend, Livia knew better.

Narsissa had been relieved when Livia had asked to stay as Abraxas had approached her just after lunch to ensure Livy attended dinner with them that night and then informed her that the Dark Lord would be attending also, her father-in-law had all the subtlety of a filibuster firework .

At dinner that night she reminds her guests again that she expects that her friends and family will be there to support the St Mungos Charity Committees endeavour and more importantly to part with their galleons for the remodeling and finishes her statement with a pointed look at Livia and Severus and a hissed "Dates", it was still several weeks until the Gala but Narcissa was nothing if not organised.

During the meal Rabastan, who was sat convieniently next to Severus, made a decision, he leaned in towards Severus and asked quietly, "Would you be my date to the Gala Severus? I think It would be more enjoyable with you at my side for the evening".

Severus glanced at him before focusing back on his meal, a light blush across his cheeks and the hint of a smile upon his lips, "Yes. I suppose we could go together", Rabastan smirked happily down at his dinner.

Lord Slytherin with the help of Narcissa's  contrivance had been placed next to Livia,  this had been the first prolonged interaction that they had had with one another and though it started out slightly strained the perseverance of both of them ensured that they had managed to get regain some of the old rhythm that had characterised their converations previously. When the meal was over they all adjourned to the after dinner sitting room for coffee and nightcaps, Lord Slytherin led Livia to a small loveseat in the bay window of the room,

"As we are friends once again, I hope that you will agree to accompany me the St Mungo's Gala. I always enjoy your company and believe you will make the event just a little less tedious if you say yes?", he said.

"Only a little less tedious you say?", she said, arching a dark eyebrow as she glanced at him grinning, before she turning back to watch Severus and Rabastan talking quietly to each other and said, a little more wistfully than she would have liked, "Hm, Perhaps you should be seeking to ask someone who will make even the most dull of evenings fly by".

Thomas leaned forward to catch her eye and said in a hushed tone, "It would still be you that I asked", he said, her breath caught in her throat for a moment before she felt her face heat with a blush and she turned her head away, berating herself for reacting so obviously. 'Friends, only Friends' she repeated to herself, making herself remember that they wanted different things in a partner, the courting contract he had presented had been very specific in that regard.

Silence reined between them a few minutes as Thomas could see that his attempt at lightly flirting had made Livia pull away. "Will you attend with me?" Thomas asked again hoping he hadn't ruined his chances yet again.

"OK", she answered quietly, still not looking at him yet.

He allowed himself small smile and attempted to turn the conversation in a direction he knew she wouldn't be able to resist. "An aquaintance of mine, Lady Jaques, has agreed to allow me access to a rare Ancient Roman Scroll on what appears to be the original Sol et vita ritual. She would have no objection if you wished to accompany me when I visit, In fact I would greatly welcome your thoughts on it"

"The Sun and Life ritual? Was it's purpose to increase the growing seasons as many have reported?"

"I am unsure, It was the late Lord Jaques, the current Lady's father, who had studied it, his journals indicated that there were discrepancies he couldn't account for. Would interested in seeing it yourself?", he asked again feeling positive of the answer he would recieve.

She grinned up at him and said excitedly, "You know I am! How could I turn such an offer down? Have you already set a date for the visit?"

"I'm glad, I was intending on visiting in two days time if your available, if we go early morning we could perhaps take lunch together afterwards to discuss what we find in more depth?"

"Ok then. Owl me the details please" Livia answered with a smile, glad that they were finally back to to being friends.

In the outdoor seating area of a charming little café just off Diagon Ally Livia was animatedly speaking with Thomas about the scroll they had seen that morning.

"Thank you again for Inviting me, It was really a facinating find", she enthused happily.

"It was my absolute pleasure", he said sincerely, "You know, Gringotts is holding an auction this weekend. The catalogue shows an Egyptian papyrus on some hieroglyphs used in an ancient ward on offer, amongst other things of course. I don't suppose you would care to join me to see what they have on offer, there is an hour before the auction begins where were we would be free to look over the items", Thomas asked despite being advised to go slowly in his most recent pursuit of the young woman opposite him, but he couldn't bring himself to pass up the opportunity when he knew she was sure to be interested.

"Oh, that does sounds interesting, I would love to see that. I wonder if it's a previously translated one or not?", she mused aloud.

"Excellent, the Auction opens at 4pm and set to finish around 8pm so I shall meet you at Prince Manor at a quarter to four. Perhaps we could have dinner afterwards, shall I book us a table?" 

Livia agreed to the plans and was looking forward to the auction. The next morning over coffee Livia was regaling Severus with details of the scroll she had seen the day previous and trying very hard not to mention Thomas after the first time she had and her brother scowled at the mention of him. When the morning mail arrived at table Severus reached for the Daily Prophet and Livia the mail, as was their routine.

Severus unrolled the paper to a photograph of his sister and Lord Slytherin leaning over a table engaged in what seemed to be a very intimate discussion. The paper was rife with speculation that Lord Slytherin had finally decided to court someone, that it was Livia seemed to surprise them. Though the article itself wasn't inflammatory, the comments made by the Purebloods interviewed and were unhappy with his choice, were.

"You didn't mention having lunch with Lord Slytherin yesterday after visiting the scroll" Severus, held the paper out for her to see.

"I... we did. But not like they are speculating in here!", she said defensively, Severus had made himself abundantly clear on his opinion of her feelings for the man.

"I take it that you haven't agreed to an ill advised courtship with Lord Slytherin then? There won't be more reasons for the Prophet to photograph you together for the front page?" he said crisply.

"No I haven't as you well know!", she resonded angrily and a little hurt. "I am however, attending an auction with him this Sunday evening though I highly doubt the Prophet will be worried about covering it", she said trying with all her might to sound nonchalant, with anyone else it may have worked but not with Severus. "We will also be attending the Gala together as friends", Livia was feeling a little piqued at her brothers attitude about this, granted she would prefer that the newspaper not speculate on her love life, or lack thereof, but she also knew that Thomas was a popular subject for them and she really wanted to attend the two events with him.

"So you will be attending the auction only, this weekend?", Severus pressed, there was nothing he could do about the Gala they had already agreed to attend, but at least there was a large party of them going so Livia wouldn't be alone with the man.

"Well... no. He asked if I would like dinner afterwards and as it finishes a little late, I agreed", Livia answered him, worried now that she had upset Severus again if the vein throbbing at his temple was anything to go by.

"Really Livia!", he burst out, "Are you trying to give this damn paper reasons to go after you? This article, though mostly speculation, has the Purebloods he has previously refused up in arms. This could ruin your reputation if your not careful!" 

Livia scoffed "Really brother, it's little better than a tabloid and less than accurate. I doubt that having a meal with a man, even Slytherin, is going to 'ruin' my reputation as you seem to think. I would think that he should be the one concerned".

Livia was proven wrong of course when a second article was published, this time two photographs were used, one from the auction that showed Slytherin draping his arm across the back of her chair and leaning in to her, ("It was only while he adjusted in his seat Severus!"), and another of him taking her hand as he led her to a seat at a table in a high end restaurant, ("It was just common courtesy!"). The speculation in this article was a little less benign and one of the spurned women had suggested that Lord Slytherin should be checked for potions,  afterall Ms Snape was nothing extraordinary on the marriage mart, her brother was a renowned potions master and she a Master in Rituals, well known for her Dark magic use.

This article had incensed Severus enough to visit Lucius to discuss legal action that should be taken and had promised Livia that they would speak on it later. Speculation was one thing, defamation was quite another as far as he was concerned, this had crossed the line and had mared his reputation as well as Livia's.

That was how a severely down cast Livia had come to be visiting Cissa and Draco, who had run up to her shouting "Liby!" at the top of his lungs, still not quite able to pronounce the 'v' in her name correctly.

"I'm sure Severus is just upset about the article and not at you specifically Liv" Narcissa tried to reassure her friend.

"No, it's definitely me. He has told me to decline any futher 'outings' with Lord Slytherin and is furious that they have called his honour and mine into question" Livia said dejectedly.

"You don't want to decline his invitations though do you?", Narcissa stated while she swung Draco on his tree swing in the garden.

There was a long pause before she answered honestly, "No. I should, knowing as I do that it will go nowhere but I really enjoy spending time with him. I just hope that these articles in the paper don't make him cross at me too".

"Well, he obviously likes spending time with you aswell and he is no shrinking violet, if he has a problem with what the Prophet is printing he will deal with them and not hold it against you Livia" Narcissa said assuredly before asking with more care, "Will you decline him if he should ask you out again?"

Livia chewed her bottom lip and stared out across the grounds, "I don't know yet. I need to consider things a little more rationally I think".

It was several days after the Prophet had reported on the auction and dinner date and Lord Slytherin was in a foul mood as he walked through the Ministry for Magic. Livia had declined his last few invitations to dinner citing the reports and speculation in the Prophet as to why. She was suddenly overly concerned for their reputations, something she hadn't been previously and had obviously parroted the sentiment from her over protective brother, he really wanted to curse Severus for his interference but couldn't, even a decent threat risked getting back to Livia who would be unhappy with him for it.

His mood took an abrupt upswing as he spotted Livia chatting away animatedly with an elderly gentleman he didn't recognise making their way slowly from the International floo terminals. He moved to intercept them, "Good Morning Livia, seeing you here is an unexpected but welcome pleasure", he said with a smile, they were thankfully on good enough terms to be familiar with one another again.

"Thomas!", Livia said with some surprise, "Please meet Potions Master Ural Metaxas. Ural will be staying at Prince Manor, though I haven't told Severus yet, so if you should see him I would be grateful if you didn't mention seeing us. Ural, this Is Lord Thomas Slytherin", she introduced the two men feeling both happy and awkward once again in Thomas' presence.

"A pleasure to meet you. I have heard much of you from my young friend here" Ural greeted cheerfully in his soft Greek accent, a nod of greeting given to the younger man.

"All good things I hope?", Thomas replied charmingly.

"Mostly...", old potions Master answered ruefully.

Thomas gave a chuckle, "I find myself unaccountably reassured at your answer. Had you replied 'yes', I should have assumed Livia had never mentioned me at all!"

Ural laughed heartily at that, "He is certainly as handsome and charming as you described dear Livia" he teased in a stage whisper to his companion who by than had a rosy blush

"Ural! Don't encourage him. His ego is quite large enough as it is", Livia admonished playfully.

"I'm sorry to say that I must be on my way. It has been a pleasure to meet you Master Metaxas", Thomas replied with a smug grin at the knowledge that Livia spoke of him in favourable terms to others, "I do hope that we will have the opportunity to speak longer whilst you are in the country".

"It is my hope also" Ural replied and having said goodbye they parted, but not before Thomas overheard Livia informing the old man that they were to dine at the Malfoys that evening so he could visit with Narcissa.

Severus had been pleasantly surprised by the arrival of his guest, though they had exchanged a few letters over the months since Livia had met the man, they had yet to meet in person and he was already enjoying having another Potions Master to speak with, especially one that had been spoken of with great respect and fondness by his own Master Goldhorn who had taught him all he knew.

What had suprised Severus was how sociable  the the little Potions Master was, he had only been with them for only a few hours and was already planning for various entertainment's he would like to partake in and he was looking forward to dinner with the Malfoys, having already met Narcissa.

That evening they left a little earlier than they ordinarily would so that Ural would have the opportunity to meet all of the Malfoys, including young Draco, before the little one was put to bed. Upon entering the drawing room Severus spotted Lord Slytherin sat talking to Abraxas and abruptly pulled Livia back out into the hall way.

"Is he the reason why you wanted to leave earlier this evening?" Severus whispered harshly at his sister. "I thought you had gotten over your childish infatuation with the man, but clearly you haven't. I'm severely disappointed in you Livia". He stalked back into the room, Livia following meekly behind, she hadn't disappointed Severus before, but he was wrong, she hadn't known Thomas would be there and try as she might she couldn't help how she felt for the man. Severus had never been as harsh with her as he was being over her friendship with Thomas, she had realised that perhaps it was to do with the mans alter ego of Lord Voldemort. Since her argument with the man noone had bought up the fact she let slip she knew.

The atmosphere was strained around the two siblings that evening and Livia barely said a word to Lord Slytherin who suspected that her current avoidance of him was down to Severus' interference yet again, he hadn't been blind to the younger mans dragging her out when he was spotted. It was later confirmed when, following Ural's suggestion that Livia invite him to a Musical Performance in place of Severus, that she had received tickets for as a 'thank you'. Severus had declined to attend the performance himself but when he heard Ural's suggestion he told both Livia and Lord Slytherin in no uncertain terms that it would be inappropriate for them to attend together and alone.

●●●

Early the next morning, following the awkward dinner at the Malfoys', Lord Slytherin decided to make a visit to Lord Prince, where Severus had greeted him cooly and ushered him to his study with some haste. Thomas was piqued at the blatant display of hostility being shown by his young follower, it was customary to invite early morning guests to share in breakfast as a show of welcome.

"Lord Prince, I believe that you and I are long overdue a discussion regarding your sister Livia", Lord Slytherin said directly, addressing him by his formal title as was proper for this discussion.

"Really, Lord Slytherin? I would have believed it to be the contrary and that there would be nothing of note to discuss at all", Severus reponded, hinting lightly at the lack of a courtship or marriage contract in play.

"That would be where you are mistaken. Livia has made It quite plain to me that a Courtship Contract would be out of the question given past disagreements between us and as a result of them", he held up his hand to quell the young Lord's imminent interruption,"It is however, my intention to bond with your sister if I can convince her to accept", Severus sat straighter at this proclamation, his eyes tightening imperceptibly, "My inability to induce Livia into accepting a formal contract thus far has only resulted in my attempting to informally court her. I have been reliably informed by Lord Nott that this is what the more modern French are doing these days and before I ask her to bond with me it has been my intention to court her in this manner. You however, are becoming an obstacle that I don't appreciate", Severus felt in his bones the threat that the last sentence carried, but he wouldn't be cowed when his sister's happiness and health were at stake.

"If she has declared no interest in courting you and I am an obstacle surely it would be more productive to concentrate your attentions else where", he answered blandly.

"It would be, without a doubt, except I have determined that only your sister will do as my wife. No other compares to her and regardless of how our conversation ends here today I will continue to pursue her", was the implacable answer.

"So you have no real care for her then, you care only for what you will gain", Severus nodded to himself as if this confimed his suspicion.

"I have a great care for her which is why I would continue to pursue her" Slytherin refuted.

"And yet it is not your reputation being torn asunder by scorned mistresses and rejected suitors. It is Livia who will suffer if you continue this 'Informal Courtship'. There is no contract between you to protect her and she doesn't deserve to be draged through the mud and humiliated by those that are jealous of your waning attentions to them. She deserve better than marriage to a man who only wants what she can offer his career and whose interest will wane when she is no longer of use", Severus said angrily, his fist balling up in anger. "She deserves the chance of a happy and loving marriage, to someone who will cherish her NOT whatever it is that you are thinking to offer her".

"What if I were to clarify my stance publicly in such a way that would diminish the threat to your sister's good name? I doubt that you will take any declaration that I make of my admiration and care for your sister seriously, despite it being true, so I will not lower myself to make them at this time", Slytherin sat back, a thoughtful look in his eye as he considered what Severus had divulged in that heated statement.

"Clarify your 'stance' if you choose, should it work I will not stand in your way. But know that if she rejects you, you will accept it. Dark Lord or no, My Lord or no, I will protect my sister with all that I am, even against you", Severus declared seriously.

Deciding that this was as close to an agreement as they would come to at that time Slytherin countered, "This conversation will not reach Livia's ears. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Severus pursed his lips for a moment, determining the correct course of action but nodded in acquiesce when he realised it would make little difference to the overall situation at that time.

Lord Slytherin stood and left silently. He was filled with both fury and reluctant respect for the young man, to all but threaten him, he who had the magical power to squash the boy without thought, whose words in the right ears could destroy his reputation. Yet knowing that, he had stood against him for the sake of his sister, unnecessary most certainly but understandable and showed a strength of character that was sorely missing these days.