The Bookstore

On the day that Livia had collected the old Potions Master from the ministry there had been a reporter skulking around in the hopes of finding a story. It just so happened that Livia was introducing Master Metaxas to Lord Slytherin when said reporter happened upon then and thus two days later the Daily Prophet ran the story declared that Livia had been 'Introducing Lord Slytherin to man who was like a father to her'. The photograph that accompanied the article showed the three of them greeting each other in the Ministry, the picture had been the only truthful thing in the entire article that was intent on portraying Livia as a scheming social climber of the worst sort. 

Upon reading it Lord Slytherin decided that he was long overdue a visit to the Daily Prophet offices, it was time for him to give an interview in order to try and direct the narrative into a more favourable one, particularly following the meeting he had had with Severus. He summoned his cloak and apparated to Diagon Alley intent on reaching the Prophet's offices as soon as they opened that morning.

The high glass, double doors to the offices swung open as Lord Slytherin strode purposefully into the small lobby that held a singular small reception desk.

"Good Morning! How may I help you today sir?", greeted the vapid, overly made up, young woman.

"Lord Slytherin to meet with Editor in Chief Blishwick", he answered curtly.

The young woman asked him to please take a seat whilst she ensured the Editor was available, not that she thought he would refuse such a high ranking guest.

Blishwick was a slim, balding man with glasses and a ruddy complexion that was the result of his tendency to over indulge in alcohol to relieve himself of stress. He had come forward to greet Lord Slytherin when the man had entered his office and offered him a seat.

"This is an unexpected visit, how may I be of service Lord Slytherin?" Blishwich asked, racking his brains for a likely reason for the intimidating mans presence.

"Mr Blishwick, I haven't been ignorant of the articles speculating on my supposed love life that your paper frequently prints and until now I have seen no harm in it however, recently your establishment has taken to slandering the sister of a dear friend of mine. I believe that a short interview with myself will ensure that is no longer the case. Do we understand one another?", Lord Slytherin maintained a pleasant tone but it held a note of steel at its core.

Bishwick understood all too well what the man wished for, he was made EC for a reason, he nodded and confirmed, "If i am understanding you correctly you are willing to exchange an interview providing speculation ceases about Ms Snape?", she was after all the only person consistently linked to Lord Slytherin and as the man could easily bankrupt the paper it was an easy compromise. 

Lord Slytherin gave a curt nod and handed over a prewritten contract, which was taken and read thoughly by Mr Blishwick before being signed. 

"I hope you don't mind if I set up an 'Verbatim Quotes Quill'?" When cknfirmation was given he began his interview. 

"Very well Lord Slytherin. Perhaps you would like to begin by telling our readers the truth behind the claims that you have finally embarked upon a contracted courtship?"

"I am not currently, nor is it likely that I will ever, engage in a formal courtship. That is not to say that I won't bond with an appropriate partner at some point, only that I have discovered that the typical route of a contracted courtship is not for me"

"Then how do you intend to find a spouse Lord Slytherin if not through traditional means?", Blishwick asked with a small frown, checking once to see that the quill was working correctly.

"I am currently engaging in a more informal courtship process such as the French have more recently adopted. I have been relentlessly pursued by would be spouses since I first claimed my inheritance at 17 years old and It became abundantly clear that few were or are interested in anything more than my bloodline, my title, or my vaults. Formal contracts can offer some level of protection to the signatories I know however, they can also be quite stifling, particularly when meeting your potential partner only happens a limited number of times. Can you really know someone well from only a handful of predominantly chaperoned meetings? I fear not", Slytherin answered with the air of exasperated by the doings of the haute monde.

"Would you be willing to give the name or names of the persons you are 'informally courting'?" Blishwick asked, this interview would certainly put a kneezle amongst the snigets of the older crowd, he though to himself.

"Not at this time, I have seen the unnecessary vitriol Heiress Prince has recieved as a result of your articles and do not wish it to be inflicted upon the person in question".

"There is no truth to the statement surrounding Heiress Prince and the relationship between you?", the editor questioned, she was the only female that had been attached to the Lords name for quite sometime now.

"I assure you that many of the comments directed at our 'relationship', as you call it, are merely the embittered ramblings from families and suitors alike who have been turned down by myself in the past. I find myself saddened that they have chosen to concentrate their discontent on an innocent young woman of excellent character".

"Many have come forward with the opinion that the young woman in question, who has so recently found herself with the attention of newspapers and the Wizengamot alike upon her, has little to offer a partnership with a political , are you saying that they are wrong in their assumptions?"

"Most certainly I am. Liv... Heiress Prince is a woman of character and from a family of excellent standing, her brother, Lord Prince, of course being a world renowned Potions Master in his own right and up until a month ago was employed as a respected Professor at Hogwarts. She is an intelligent, charming and vivacious young woman and I firmly believe that she and her brother will revolutionise magical Britain with the imaginative solutions and advancements that they produce, sometimes to problems we are unaware even existed", Slytherin added, wanting people to know that magic need not stagnate the way it has done.

"Are you perhaps referring to the recent Wizengamot session when you say that? No need to look suprised Lord Slytherin, though no official statements from the Wizengamot have been forthcoming there have been many rumours of a presentation given by Heiress Prince and the impact it had on certain quarters", Blishwick prodded, there were rumours that supposedly 'Dark' magic was being legalised in Britain again, he had no feeling either way on the types of magic used but he cared very much for the sales figures of the paper and gaining confirmation of what happened would be a boon.

"I can not divulge what has taken place within the Wizengamot of course however, I will say state that having the privilege of hearing Heiress Prince speak, particularly of her work, is an occurance that afforded me great pleasure and I hope that many more will have the benefit of hearing her wisdom", Lord Slytherin answered, hoping to wrap up this meeting now that he had thrown them off the scent of Livia. "I do hope that will suffice Mr Blishwick, I have another appointment to attend in 15 minutes and I really must be on my way"

Blishwick stood as the other man did, "Of course Lord Slytherin, It was a pleasure to meet you and hope that you will feel I have done the interview justice when you read it."

When Slytherin had left, Blishwick read over his notes, adding thoughts and observations as he went. One thing was absolutely certain in his mind by the end of the interview, Lord Slytherin was most definitely courting Livia Snape, he hadqq heard a great deal about her meeting in the Wizengamot, he just couldn't print any of it yet. He wondered idly if her attending Beuxbaton had influenced the mans decision to go this more informal French route of courtship. He was certainly trying to keep her reputation intact regardless and had spoken of her warmly, he certainly wouldn't go to such lengths for a mere fling.

Severus read Lord Slytherin's interview and was in two minds about it, so decided to visit Lucius at Malfoy Manor to find out his opinion on the matter. He was waiting in the study while Lucius finished breakfast, having already eaten himself he had no desire to join the family as he would often do. Livia had seemed a little quiet after reading the article, no doubt wondering at it's purpose. He disliked that anyone reading the interview would easily deduce that the man never denied that he was courting Livia, that in conjunction with his praise of her would leave most in no doubt of his intentions however, if it helped stop the bad press towards his sister he resolved not to care.

"Severus, sorry to keep you waiting. Draco me to play with his new stuffed Dragon, you know the one that you bought for his birthday and well... you know how he is" Lucius said with obvious love for his son. Severus gave a quick smile at the thought his now two year old godson had liked his birthday gift but it fell from his face again when he thought of why he was there.

"I'm guessing that you have read our Lords interview in the Prophet?", Severus asked him.

"I did though I'm not sure what possessed him, it certainly wasn't something we have discussed at the meetings", Lucius said pensively, the article made no sense to him at all from a political standpoint.

"I may have an answer to that. Lord Slytherin paid me a visit the morning after we dined here with Master Metaxas, and he informed me that I was becoming an 'obstruction' in his pursuit of Livia and that he intended to convince her to bond with him regardless of my feeling on the matter, or hers to some extent. I disagreed with his being seen with her when there is no courting contract which, as you know, has left Livia open to false criticisms in the newspaper. He informed me that it would no longer be an issue. I believe the article is his answer to negate the negative press she has recieved, I imagine that he has also made some sort of deal with the paper though I do not know for certain", Severus told his friend, managing to take some small amusement at the astonishment that his friend was so clearly showing.

Lucius sat quietly, digesting all Severus had told him. "He truly declared his intent to marry her? Does she know?"

"He did and she doesn't", Severus answered.

"I must say you surprise me. Just between you and I, I had believed he would want nothing more to do with her after that argument they had and was shocked that they appeared on good enough terms again to spend any time together at all", Lucius confided.

Severus nodded in understanding, "He made it clear to me that she should NOT be informed of the conversation. It leaves me in a rather difficult situation and I find that I cannot think clearly on this situation at all. Which is why I am here Lucius, I'm confident that I can rely on you to give me your unbiased opinion on the matter", Severus sat and waited whilst his oldest friend organised his thoughts and took a fresh cup of coffee from the tray the house elf had sent up for them.

"Ok the facts as I see them are as follows. He has money, influence and intelligence and therefore would be able to support Livia as a spouse should; He and Livia are clearly compatible in terms of personality and intelligence; Neither are experienced in emotional relationships and therefore they have had misunderstandings; He would and has valued Livia's opinions and work; Livia and her work would benefit from his connections as he would and has benefitted from the advancements she pursues; they both have a similar work ethic... Anything else you can think of Sev?" Lucius asked, thinking through the times he had seen them together and what he knew of each.

"No, that is all good and accurate as I can see, but what of love and affection? Children? His violent tendencies towards those that wrong him?" Severus questioned, his agitation leaking though.

Lucius looked at his friend more closely, he knew, of course, some of the abuse that the two siblings had endured at the hands of their muggle father and recalled how Severus had once descibed how powerless he had been and felt in his youth to stop it. A realisation hit him. Severus was fearful that history would repeat itself, that he would once again be forced to watch as one he love is abused whilst he is powerless to prevent it, just as it had been for his sister and mother.

"Severus did our Lord say anything to you about the nature of his feelings toward Livia?", Lucius asked pensively, considering his most recent of revelations.

"He said he cared or something equally as banal", Severus said dismissively with a small flick of his hand.

"You are correct in that he can be a violent man however, we have never witnessed nor heard of an occasion where it was against an innocent. Quite frankly though, if he didn't strike at her during that dressing down she gave him here after the Solstice then I think it unlikely he ever would! I belive he must have some affection for Livia given the lengths that he is going to to secure her affections", Lucius said with some deliberation, "He has women and men throwing themselves, or their family members, at him regularly, from abroad as well as in Britain. I think it is safe to say that if this was merely a political union he could have chosen an easier and more influential target. We have both seen enough of them together to be certain that they are at least drawn together and enjoy each others company", as an afterthought he added a little glumly, "Narcissa will be unbearablely smug you know, she told us months ago that the Dark Lord was interested in Livia", seeing his friends put out disposition he added lightly, "Besides, you were never going to like your in-law Severus, there is no one in your eyes who would do your sister justice. As for your other concerns, provisions can be made for her treatment and that of any children they have in the Bonding contract, I will even help you plug up the loop holes on the clauses regarding his expected behaviour".

"You really think this will go that far. That she would agree to bond with him? That he will ask?", Severus questioned pensively, a deep furrow showing on his brow.

"Yes, knowing what I now do. Even my father is taking notice of Livia when she visits now and you know how oblivious he is to anything that isn't one of his prized creatures. Narcissa has also spoken to me of Livias affection for the man and having seen them together so often it is hard not to notice how they seek each other out nor how animated the two become in each others presence".

Severus grunted, glaring at the cup in his hands, he didn't like the answers he had gotten but couldn't deny the truth in them. Now he would have to give Slytherin permission to take Livia to the Musical performance Master Metaxas had suggested Slytherin accompany her too, if neither had made other plans that was, the performance was tomorrow evening after all, 'with a bit of luck the Dark Lord might be busy and unable to attend', Severus thought hopefully.

Lord Slytherin was waiting a little impatiently in the Prince reception hall for his date to appear. Severus had already joined Rabastan Lestrange, who was apparently his date for the St Mungos Gala. His reaction to learning of the pairing had only been seen by Livia thankfully, who had mentioned it to him on one of their many outings, she had laughed at him for his ill concealed shock. He hadn't imagined that a man as laid back and personable as Rabastan would be interested in someone who was as stiff and buttoned up as Severus, but to each their own. He had been glad to receive Lord Princes' missive regarding there excursion to the Musical Performance, curt and barely civil as it had been, and much to Severus' consternation he and Livia had enjoyed it immensely. That had led to many more luches, dinners and outings, which had resulted in Thomas feeling optimistic about his chances for a favourable reaction to the declaration he would soon make to Livia. Though the Daily Prophet had remarked on some of the outings, he had been pleased to see that they had never again slandered Livia nor sid they print negative comments made. Rambert, Xander and Abraxas, mostly the two former, had not led him wrong as of yet in this courtship and he sincerely hoped that that state of affairs would continue.

Livia finally entered the room, looking resplendent in a fitted plum, high necked halter neck gown with a high split, it showcased her slender shoulders and toned legs to perfection. 

Thomas, felt immensely satisfied as he took his time to look over the divine creature infront of him before he stepped forward, took her hand with a bow and placed a kiss upon it and looking deep into her eyes and with complete sincerity said, "You look beautiful Livia, I will be the envy of every man in attendance this evening. I bought these for you", he handed her a large bunch of mixed roses that smelled divine and small fonds of fern were dispersed throughout the bouquet.

Livia smiled up a him, "Thank you, you look very handsome yourself. Birch?", she called for their house elf, "Put these in water for me for when I return please", Birch popped away again to do as bid. 

"Good Evening Rabastan", she greeted cheerfully, "Well Gentlemen I think it's time we left, are we leaving by floo or apparition Severus?", she asked.

"Floo, Livy. Come or we will risk Narcissa's wrath if we are late", Severus stated, not showing any of his inner turmoil in that moment. He was not entirely sure how to navigate travel with his date, though they had met once or twice for drinks and known each other for years and as such had travelled together mant times previously however, it had never been on a date. As such he still wasn't sure if he should offer an arm, take an arm, walk side by side? Holding hands seemed juvenile so that was out. He was roused from his internal debate by Rabastan taking his arm and leading him towards the floo. Livia threw a grin Rabastan's way, knowing that her brother was likely uncomfortable being on a date, he wasn't very experienced in such matters.

Livia took the offered arm of Thomas and hoped to have an opportunity to badger Narcissa about the flower meanings, if there were any, as soon as possible. She remembered that the Fern had been something to do with Magic and Facination, it seemed rather practical but he had previously sent fern with that first request to court her, they weren't courting now of course she reminded herself so maybe the flowers had no meaning at all. His interview with the Prophet had made reference to him informally courting someone, though he hadn't said who. She had expected him to bow out of attending the Gala with her given this circumstance and had felt rather bad for enjoying his company so frequently over the last few weeks knowing there was someone else he should be with, she hated to think what they must feel about the erroneous newspaper articles and only the idea that it was likely a political match stopped her from wallowing in guilt at the thought.

Thomas led her from the floo and handed their tickets over to an usher who directed them to one of the large round tables that seated twelve and they took their places with Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Narcissa, Lucius, Severus, Rabastan, Xander and Aletha Nott and Regulus Black and Evelyn Rosier. A table over held Regulus' parents, the Rosiers, Rambert and Abraxas who were each accompanied by widows of their aquaintance, the Parkinsons and the Travers. 

Bellatrix eyes her younger cousins date with distaste, she could already see the young woman eyeing up the Slytherin and Prince Lords in a way most unbecoming.

She leaned over and whispered to her husband, "I wonder why my darling little cousin bought such an obviously avaricious date. I'm positive he could have picked better even at short notice. He would have had people clamouring to be his date".

"You are right my love but I think that the answer lies with your aunt", he nodded in the direction of where her aunt was talking animatedly talking to Evelyn Rosiers parents.

Bella rolled her eyes at her aunts obvious machinations and gave the young woman sat at her cousins side a glare.

Livia was sat between Xander and Thomas and just a little too far away to politely speak to Narcissa and made a note to compliment her friend on the elegant table arrangements later when she had an opportunity.

Xander turned to Livia as the starters appeared on the table and asked, "Heiress Prince, I must say that your performance in front of the Wizengamot was most compelling. I have been encouraging my friend Thomas to try and talk you into a political career but he insists that you are a scholar at heart and would flatly refuse. Is he correct?" 

Livia grinned at the man, "Please call me Livia. As for politics, as much as I enjoyed aspects of that day, Thomas is correct that I would refuse, I think it remarkable that nobody is bored to tears in those sessions".

"Dare I ask which of those aspects it was you enjoyed the most?" Xander asked, his eyes dancing with merriment as he remembered that day.

"I would Imagine that It was the same one's Lucius and Abraxas viewed repeatedly in the pensive", Thomas interjected dryly, making Livia laugh. 

"Indeed, Abraxas told me he was looking for a spell to pause and capture images in a pensive. I think it was the first time I have ever seen him disappointed to not have been able to attend a Wizengamot session in all the years I've known him", Xander said with a smirk.

Their attention was caught by an overly fake titter from across the table, "Sev, you are hilarious!" Evelyn Rosier was saying, reaching over Rabastan and clutching at Severus' arm in a most undignified manner. 

"I haven't given you leave to use my name and Madam will you please unhand me". Severus could be heard uttering to the now red faced woman. Rabastan was glaring daggers at her, he couldn't believe her audacity, imagine flirting with someone elses date, badly at that, and infront of your own. Livia did not miss the looks Narcissa and Bellatrix shared, they were rather protective of their family. Livia snickered quietly while keeping her face down pretending to eat.

Thomas leaned close and whispered into her ear, "How unkind you are Livia, laughing at your brothers misfortunes", his rich voice and the warmth he radiated making goosebumps erupt all over her body and making her face flush with embarrassment at her reaction.

"It is the normal reaction of a sibling I can assure you besides, he is a big boy who can take care of himself", she returned quietly when she found her voice.

Still leaning close she glanced Severus' way and caught the dark look he was shooting their way now, "I believe that it is only you who finds her siblings misfortune humorous Livia, you brother does not look at all amused as he glares our way".

Livia glanced up and caught Severus' dark look before he looked away to Rabastan.

"Never mind him, he is probably worrying needlessly about my virtue again or some such rot, he knows by now your no threat to it. I love my brother dearly but he forgets that I am a grown woman regularly", Livia said exasperatedly at her brothers overprotective insticts, her understanding of them didn't make them any easier to bare. 

Lord Slytherin made a non-committal sound in response and moved back into his own space. He observed from his periphery as the Rosier girl eyed him baldly from across the table even as she clutched tightly to Regulus' arm.

The meal passed on with polite chatter, Slytherin took every opportunity to invade Livias space if for no other reason that to watch a blush suffuse her face. The only blight thus far in a very pleasant evening was the Rosier girl who seemed to have no sense of decorum whatsoever.

The desserts were replaced by coffee, biscuits and cheese and it was announced that the auction would begin in fifteen minutes. Thomas had been pleased to note in the brochure that a private tour of the famous Great Library at Alexandria, thought by muggles to be long lost, were included in the evenings auction. It would make a perfect date for himself and Livia and so bid long and hard as soon as the bidding opened for it and was triumphant when he secured the tour and immediately turned to ask Livia if she would care to accompany him on the tour.

It was this action that led Livia to reassess the situation between them, because the action of spending a small fortune on a tour, given the charity the funds would go towards, was understandable but asking her so quickly to accompany him was not. She had thought that they had agreed to friendship, that he was courting someone else. Perhaps he was courting more than one person? The article had certainly implied it was a possibility. Could he be attempting this 'Informal French Courting', known to them as mearly 'dating' with her as well as another? She didn't know and it made her feel uncomfortably aware of her continued attraction to the man.

When the final item was auctioned music began playing and the tables and the guests sitting at them were magically moved to the edges of the room allowing space for dancing. Regulus' date, Evelyn decided to make use of his brief absence to the bathroom and approached Lord Slytherin. 

"Lord Slytherin, It is so good to see you. It has been an age since you last visited my parents", Evelyn gushed at the man.

"Yes, it has been. They are in good health I hope? I have not yet had the opportunityto speak with them this evening", Slytherin enquired politely, they were political allies after all as well as her father being a marked follower of his.

"They are well, thank you for asking. I would be happy to get you all caught up on our news, perhaps as we dance?", Evelyn smiled and batted her eyes coquettishly, inserting herself between Livia and Thomas.

"I think not, your date will surely miss you and I have already promised this dance to my own", he answered wishing he wasn't in public and didn't have to be polite to the girl. "Livia, shall we?, he asked holding his hand out to her and brushing past the golddigging little doxy carelessly.

Once they made it to the dance floor Livia let loose her hidden mirth.

"What, pray tell is so funny now?", Thomas asked, eyebrow raised but eyes dancing at the merriment he saw in Livias beautiful face. 

"I'm simply amused at your expense, do not concern yourself overly Thomas", she said happily as he twirled her around the dance floor.

"Oh really? Earlier you denied being unkind in you laughter at poor Severus' expense, claiming it to be a natural reaction as a sibling. What excuse will you attempt now, I wonder, for your callous disregard for my own misfortune?", he asked her with a wicked smirk.

Livia bit the inside of her lip in an effort not to laugh again, "I have no defence to offer you for my appalling behaviour my good sir. I will note that my short stature oftentimes leaves me overlooked however, even I am amazed at how frequently I seem to end up looking at someone elses back whilst they try to seduce you in my presence. I ask therefore that you forgive my mirthfulness at your expense", she said not contrite in the least as she baited him further.

Thomas pulled her in closer as they spun slower, more lazily to the changing music, "You, my little hellion, are impertinence personified. Perhaps you should set that sharp wit of yours upon those who who are so cruel as to try and come between us. Perhaps I find myself in need of a protector, as you once claimed of me for yourself?", his voice was low and intimate, his gaze never wavering. 

Heat flared through Livia, for once she had no smart remark or glib answer to return, all she wanted to do was kiss the man infront of her.

A long nailed hand on her shoulder roused her from their, whatever this was.

"Excuse me, can we cut in?", Evelyn Rosier stood there with an awkward and furious Regulus.

Lord Slytherin stood a little straighter but didn't allow Livia to pull back, his eyes never left her face but he raised a haughty eyebrow in challenge, his dates way.

Livia looked at Regulus and said seriously, "Heir Black, I am deeply offended on your behalf for the poor conduct your date has exhibited this evening. Rest assured that the heads of the Rosier and Black familys will be informed of her indiscretions throughout the evening from all parties affected. No blame can be attributed to your good self this evening". Livia turned to a fuming Evelyn Rosier and gave a curt, "No", even as she was was spun away from the girl.

"Where you aware that her parents were dancing so near us?", he questioned.

"Of course! Why do you think I said it yhere and then rather than just arranging for the letters to be sent tomorrow. I doubt very much that she will be seeing another party this year at least if the looks her father was giving her were anything to go by and once Lord and Lady Black hear of her disregard for their heir they will hopefully look for someone else for poor Regulus". Thomas gave a deep rumbling laughed at his devious little witch and looked forward to a long night of dancing with only her.

In the early hours of the morning Thomas escorted Livia home by floo, they stood in the dimly lit reception room and Thomas resolved to take a gamble, one that would confirm if his regard was reciprocated as he hoped. 

"Thank you for escorting me home and for a lovely evening", Livia said feeling unaccountably awkward at their being alone.

Thomas moved closer and took one of her hands and pressed his lips to it slowly, "I enjoyed this evening also and hope for many more evenings such as this in your company", holding her gaze he moved closer.

"May I kiss you Livia", his eyes darting towards her plump kissable lips that he had waited so long to claim. She could only nod before she was pulled into his arms, his large hand cradling her neck as his mouth covered her's in a searing kiss, his tongue darting out to tease her lips open, wanting desperately to taste her mouth more thoroughly. He altered his angle and deepend the kiss and he groaned at the sweet taste of her mouth, at how her warm pliant body leaned up into his, moulding itself to him and the kiss became more urgent as the two of them lost themselves to this outlet of all the sexual tension that had been building between them for so long, the marked difference in their heights was urging Thomas to lift Livia into his arms, to press her up against a wall, to ravish every inch of her... but he pulled away and rested his head against hers, breathing heavily. 

He kissed her forehead before pulling further away. "You are temptation itself Livia, forgive me for becoming carried away", he said his eyes swimming with desire, his lips swollen and his hair disheveled. Livia looked up at him feeling pleasantly dazed and aroused.

"There is nothing to forgive, unless you regret your actions", she answered him, not meeting his eyes now, worry coursing through her, maybe he had too much to drink and now regretted it, or got caught up in the moment, doubts crowded her mind and surprisingly they sounded remarkably like her brother.

"I could never regret you", he said seriously, kissing her fingers, "I should however, leave before your brother returns despite my not wishing too", he gave her another soft lingering kiss before he said, "Goodnight Livia".

Livia watched as he spun away via floo, amazed at the turn of events this evening. She smiled as she thought of that kiss, and what a kiss it had been! She walked slowly towards the stairs to head to bed, half way up she heard the floo flare, no doubt it was Severus finally arriving home, she turned to say good night only to find him and Rabastan in quite a passionate clinch. She grinned, she would tease him in the morning about that, as she quietly made her way up the last of the stairs she wondered idly if she would be seeing Rabastan at breakfast the following morning.